Posts Tagged ‘designer series papers’

Welcome to the ESAD Christmas in July Blog hop!!

I do hope you’ve come prepared for a wonderful ‘Christmas’ journey so if you havent got your cuppa and some biscuits you’d better go get some now … I’ll wait till you get back to continue.

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. There is also the online chat networking that is available whenever youre online.

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.

You should have come here from Clare’s blog but if you havent dont worry … just keep hopping until you get back to me.

Now, like all good bloggers, we all LOVE comments so please be sure to leave us a comment as we just thrive on them!

I have had one of these Simply Scrappin’ “I Wish” kits for eons – maybe even last Christmas and I hadnt pulled it out to use so I thought I’d better take this opportunity and use it before its retired.

Here is what I created ….

We have ….

• A Christmas planner
• A Gift box with toffees inside
• A Gift Bag
• 6 Christmas Cards with matching Envelopes
• 8 Christmas Tags

Now all of these things I made with just half of one of the kits – oh and I had quite a bit left over that I didnt use including adhesive die cuts, cardstock and patterned paper.

So I could still make a bundle more cards, tags and even a scrapbook layout if I wanted to – or I might even dress up a canvas for the Grannies for Christmas.  So just imagine how much you could make with a full kit!

The Christmas Planner

I love the idea of these planners so when I was making projects for this blog hop I thought I’d love to make one of these so I went looking online for ideas and maybe a tutorial.

After spending half a day (I kid you not!) of looking and not really finding what I wanted I sat down and decided to design one myself!  So I did and I love how it turned out!

The Planner takes one sheet of 12×12 cardstock to create then I’ve just added pieces of the Designer Series Paper and adhesive die cuts from the kit to decorate it.  Easy!

Here are a couple of shots inside the planner ….

Then we have the cards ….

These cards were actually made using the Stampin’ Up!® Notecards.  Using the Notecards made them so quick and easy to put together and they come with envelopes so I just stamped some snowflakes from the Snow Swirled Stamp Set and I was done! Easy!

A Box for the special someone with the sweet tooth!

How cute is this box?  These Acetate boxes are so easy to make and you can put anything in them from toffees to candles!  Oh if you are buying someone a gift card you could pop that inside and then fill it up with toffees or Werther’s Caramel Chocolates – now I did buy a bag of those but they umm disappeared … well one does have to do quality control do they not?? I do know that hubby took two of them – the hide of some people!

A Gift bag …..

How nice is this little bag?  Now you could put just about anything in here too … a CD, stamp set, punch, set of car keys, toy car even (being a replica of the new one in the drive-way maybe? please Santa???)

Not forgetting … the gift tags ….

Now these were fun to make and I will probably make a few more – but how cute is that Penguin??  I do so love Penguins   I’ve been eyeing off this Punch Pals set for a couple of years now and thought why not?? My customers need new stamps for their Christmas Stamp A Stacks!

Wow .. .I apologise this post is so long!  I didnt mean for it to be so if you’ve got this far I thank you from the bottom of my Christmas heart!  It does happen to be my favourite holiday and its a shame its all over so quickly.

Now before I go I do have to tell you that if you do happen to see those Werther’s Caramels to grab one bag for you and one bag for me cos they are D-I-V-I-N-E!

Now that you have got this far its time to hop onto the next ESAD Blogger in the Blog hop being the gorgeous Gardenia Pepworth

Now dont forget to leave everyone a comment

With my business I like to have a Financial year diary each year so its easier to file with my Taxation records. Now being a crafter I like my ‘tools’  to be nice and bright and cheery.

If you have ever looked for a Financial Year diary have you ever noticed just how drab and boring they are? Well I suppose there is such a big choice – you can have black, black or umm black!

I always go to Big W and look there first as they are just so affordable and looking at the ones they had last week we worked out (yes I was shopping with hubby) that we could remove the insert and I could then undo the binding, make a new cover and then re-do the binding.

Once I pulled the diary out it I wondered if our spiral punch would fit the binding.

Lo and behold it did!!

So now instead of having to undo the binding, make a new cover and then redoing the binding all I have done is cut a piece of Designer Series Paper the size of the pages in the diary and use the spiral punch down one side.

To give it a little more protection I added a sheet of Acetate over the piece of Designer Series Paper again by cutting it to the size of the pages of the diary and using the Spiral punch and slotting it into the binding.

Now since uploading this post I’ve found out about the latest Challenge over at Just Add Ink. Just Add Ink is a blog run by a couple of fellow Aussie demonstrators with a new challenge each week and this week’s challenge is to ‘Just Add Patterned Paper’ and think my diary fits the challenge.

Now when I need a change or the Designer Series paper becomes a little tatty or retired I can just slot in a new piece of DSP and its just like having a new diary!

Its Saturday so its time for another Utah Diva’s Sketch Challenge from the lovely Carol.

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!

Its a chilly Wednesday Morning here but I have this week’s deal to warm you up!!

From today 9th June to Tuesday 15th June you can purchase select Designer Series Paper at 30% or more off the regular price!  How sweet is that??

Here are the papers for this deal ….

So whats the difference between our Designer Series Papers and the Specialty Designer Series Paper? Well apart from the price The Sweet Slumber Specialty Designer Series paper is printed on textured, cover weight card stock. You’ll just love the look and feel of this paper on your projects.

So what are you waiting for??

Go grab the phone and ring me with your order or click here to email me!

Now while these Deals of the Week are happening we still have the special on our Starter Kit. You can purchase the starter kit and become a demonstrator for just $259 which is a huge saving of 20%!  So while you’re contacting me with your order why not ask for your free no obligation information pack about becoming a demonstrator.

Thanks for stoppin by

I hope you’ve been enjoying the bits from Convention I’ve been posting. Today I’m taking a break as its another Sketchy Saturday – Utah Divas Sketchy Saturday that is

This is this weeks sketch …

Now I thought to myself that I hadnt really changed anything on Carol’s lovely sketches for a while so it was time to alter it in some way so I rotated it.  Sorry Carol couldnt help myself once I realised!!

I have to say I loved making this card!  As soon as I saw my lovely friend Lisa making her Convention swap card I knew I had to make one with a grassy theme.  I knew what I wanted to do once I saw the sketch and rotated it – I just had to find a saying to go with it. So after searching the Idea Book & Catalogue I found one that I think fits.

Here is my card ….

I’ve used the wonderful Autumn Days stamp set. Now when I first saw this set I thought  “oooooo I like that” but then thinking about it wondered if I’d use it much but I’m happy to say that yes I do use it a bit. Its an awesome set for those man type cards and also ones for doing landscape stamping too. The Pheasant that comes with it is rather nice too!

The sentiment I used is from the Dreams du Jour stamp set – another I wondered if I’d use much which I have!

The patterned paper comes from the Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper pack.

This is a very simple card to make and I’d really love to show you just how easy it is so ring me or email me to book your demonstration in! June and July are already filling up so you’ll need to be quick! Or why not sign up and become part of my Stamp A Latte Team and I’ll help you with your launch demonstration and you get to keep the sales and the bookings!

Now its time to skip along to the very lovely Max’s blog to see what she’s made. You can also check out all those on the Sketch Design Team over at the Utah Divas International Blog.

One of the joys and highlights of Convention is swapping.  Its amazing to watch – and the chatter … wow! There’s nothing quite like making a swap and then realising that you’ve been talking to this person online for the last 12 months or so!

Here are the cards I made for my Convention Swaps …

This is one of my favourite cards and its been a hit with my customers too!

I actually made this card for my ESAD-SU Secret Sister back in March so havent been able to show it until now and the tulips are made using the very lovely Extra Large 2-step Bird punch available in the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue.

Recipe
Stamps: Cottage Garden
Paper: Cottage Wall DSP, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Old Olive, Lavender Lace, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum, Lavender Lace, Pretty in Pink, Apricot Appeal
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note die, Little Leaves sizzlits die, Polka Dot Impressions folder, Scalloped Oval Punch, Extra Large 2-step bird punch

This is my second card and its done using Pocket Silhouettes stamp set. This has to be one of the best value stamp sets and can literally be used for anything!

Recipe
Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes
Paper: Not Quite Navy, More Mustard, Whisper White
Inks: Sahara Sand, Tangerine Tango, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive
Accessories: Stampin Write Markers, Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon

I’ve used the masking & sponging techniques on this card. I cut a rectangle out of a scrap piece of paper to create the ‘window’ then sponged it in Sahara Sand. I then stamped the leafy image in the same Sahara sand ink. It gives a dimensional look dont you think?

Here is my last swap card ….

Dont you just love the Tote-ally Tess set ??  For this card I’ve renamed it Totally Onie as it has all of my favourites on this card – Rich Razzleberry cardstock & ribbon, Cottage Wall DSP, Stamps and of course – coffee!

Recipe
Stamps: Tote-ally Onie Tess , Sip by Sip
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Cottage Wall DSP, Whisper White
Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Jet Black Stazon, Orchid Opulence, Chocolate chip reinker, Going Gray
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon, Aqua Painter, Stamp-a-majig, Stampin Dimensionals

I’ve used the Paper Piecing technique for the Tote and used my Ink pads to watercolour with the aqua painter. I must say Tess was rather popular with the swappers.

Now here is a picture of all the swaps I received …

Now I did come home with some swaps of mine so if you would like one of my swaps then send me an email with your address and I’ll pop one in the post to you.

This weekend is a special Utah Divas International Sketch as it also happens to be our lovely Sketch Queen Carol’s birthday!

So Carol wishing you a doubly blessed birthday for today and may you be blessed with lots of love, presents and cake! Make sure you have an extra piece on my behalf!

Now as I’ll be at the Stampin’ Up!® Convention in Sydney next weekend and Miss E has her best friend’s birthday party to go to I thought I’d make this card for Alanis now.  Means I wont stress on Wednesday night when I’ve realised I haven’t done it!

Now Miss E and her friend are going through a ‘not pink’ phase so this is why we’ve gone with orange and red which are Alanis’ favourite colours.

Recipe
Stamps: Party Hearty, Sweet Little Sentiments
Inks: So Saffron, Real Red, Only Orange, Pixie Pink, Summer Sun
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Washington Apple
Accessories: Real Red Brad, stampin dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercing tool, circle scissor plus, snail adhesive.

I do hope you like the card. I quite like it even though these are colours I wouldnt normally use but I do like the Washington Apple DSP and should really use it more – its suitable for both male and female cards and projects.

I still have lots to get done before Thursday and am really excited to be meeting alot of lovely demonstrator friends I’ve made through the ESAD-SU group and some I’ll be meeting for the first time this year.

Thursday night is the Manager’s Reception – this is for all demonstrators of Manager level (me) and above to meet the staff from Head Offices in Australia and New Zealand as well as Shelli Gardner (CEO and Co-Founder) and the team from the Home Office in Utah.

Then Convention kicks off early Friday morning and finishes on Saturday night with the awards dinner.

Its all very exciting and really not sure I can wait another 5 sleeps!

Now its time to skip onto the lovely Max’s blog - Max is actually the lady who started Utah Divas group many moons ago and is very blessed as she works at the Stampin Up! Home Office in Utah, USA.

Good Morning all!

Its another busy day for me but that’s OK because I love what I do! Being a Stampin Up Demonstrator I get to go to people’s houses and share with them my love of card making, stamping and papercraft – and I earn money when I do this so to me there is no better job – well except for being a mum!

How many of us have a job we are passionate about and just love doing? If you are a stamper or crafter and would like more information about becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator then please do not hesitate to contact me – even if it is just to get your stamping products and accessories at a discount.

Its Saturday again (where does the week go?) and therefore that means another Utah Divas International Sketch

Another sketch from the hands of the lovely Carol and again a sketch that has so many opportunities.

Now I have a demonstration this afternoon and the hostess has asked for cards that are girly and funky so I hope she feels this card fits the funky bill.

So here’s my card … what do you think? is it funky?

My 10yo told me its definitely funky as she helped me design the card. I have left the bottom strip off as Miss 10 said that if I put ribbon on the card there it would not be funky any more so what’s a mum to do??

Recipe

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Inks: Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Whisper White, Orchid Opulence, Cottage Wall DSP
Accessories: Stampamajig, Butterfly Punch, Stampin Dimensionals.

I just love the Cottage Wall Designer Series Papers – they are so fresh and lovely … and maybe funky?? I am also glad we will have them for 5 months instead of the regular 3 months a mini catalogue runs for.

I’ve used the Flight of the Butterfly Stamp set with this card as my hostess wanted to see the butterfly punch in action. Now I did make another card using the butterfly punch but you’ll have to wait till tomorrow for that one!

Again you can see all the lovely creations the ladies have made following the links at the Utah Divas International Blog and if you skip along to the lovely Tiffany’s  blog you can see what she’s made and then just keep following the rest of the links to see them individually.

I do hope the ladies like this card this afternoon .. now I’d best be off and finish packing my trolley.

Hello and I do hope youre having a great week!

Its a busy one here so I wanted to get this post in before I get stuck into the kits and demonstration preparations for the two demonstrations I have this weekend.

A few weeks back in my Technique Challenge over at Soul Scrappers I ran a challenge for the ladies to create their own Designer Papers using their stamps and inks. Sometimes we spend hours or even days looking for that perfect patterned paper for our layouts when we have all the tools we need to make our own original papers. This layout – yes I did do some scrapping – was inspired by the sample in our current Autumn-Winter mini catalogue and as my sister and I both love purple well I just had to change the colours!

Due to me creating this layout on a 12×12 piece of whisper white it became very hard to photograph so if you’d like a closer view just click on the photo and it will enlarge in a separate window for you. This photo was taken in December when we had the whole family together – and this only happens every 20 years or so – it takes us all that long to recover!  Just kidding – its hard to get everyone together these days as some of us have grown up children and we are all busy in what we do – it doesnt help that we are spread across three states of Australia.

Here is a close up of the layered flower on the main photo/layer.

I’ve just stamped the two sized flowers in different inks – Rich Razzleberry (love this colour!) and Pale Plum.  I’ve then layered them and popped a half pearl from the pretties kit in the centre.

You may notice the ribbon is also ‘gathered’ which is a neat trick using sticky strip and I’d be happy to show you if you’d like to know how.

I did add a couple of extra flowers to my layout and the sentiment as well which was done using Wonderful favourites.

Its funny how close you become to your sister when you move out of home and get married yet while you were in the same house you hated each other so there is hope for my girls yet!!

I do hope you like this layout. It is very plain but I think too that it is enough

Good Morning!

I thought today I’d share with you my ‘re-vamped’ craft nook which is where I create and work and do my blog posts

Its not a new area but I do have a very new Ink Pad Storage unit that my lovely Brother In Law made for me!  I’ve seen these online for a few years and have often wished I had one and now I do!

Here is the unit empty & sitting on my sofa waiting for me to clear the space on my desk to fit it in.

How cool is it?? It will hold 60 ink pads, ink refills and Stampin Write Markers. So now I have all my colours in the one place!

Mind you getting this wonderful new unit it meant I had to remove the shelf I already had there and rearrange where I kept things. Now if you are a crafter you will know just what havoc all this rearranging does to ones ‘neatness’  and if you know me at all you’ll know I dont have that gene – my sister got my share (and some) of that!

Now here is my lovely unit all filled – well except for one spot and after transferring all my goodies over I’ve realised two things ….

1. I dont really need 3 Chocolate Chip reinkers!
2. I need reinkers for all my ink pads!

It looks pretty sweet hey??  If you would like to purchase one of these units then please email me for price and postage details – Australia only (sorry) Dimensions are 805mm W, 125mm D and 330mm H.

Hubby did suggest it needs to be painted and when I suggested he was welcome to do that any time he then decided the ink pad shelves wouldnt then slide in and out easily! Typical!!

Now as for my work area I have a corner (nook) of the living room and have an L shaped desk with a hutch. So this is my area to the right…

You can see here that my computer is there and I have my Ribbons,  Designer Series Papers and cardstock on the shelf above.

They are stored in the Cropper Hopper Vertical Storage. I do have those lying on their sides though so its easy to just stretch and grab whatever cardstock I need and it also comes in handy when I am ordering so I know at a glance what cardstock I’m low on.

I also have my drawers to the right of my computer which house all my scraps and off cuts. I have a drawer for each colour family and then if I need a smaller piece its easy to find.  When I get to a stage when the drawers are so full they wont close I just make up ‘collage’ bags and give them to customers with their orders and they love it!

Now here’s the view on the left of my table featuring my new storage unit

I now have all my inks and markers right in front of me and I love it!

My desk sure does look good when its this tidy!!

I am thinkin its time to do some more creating