Simply sending off Simple Delights

I looked at my blog yesterday and realised that it is just a mass of lists! What happened to the crafty stuff?!

I have been really busy preparing for CraftFest 2009 but I wanted to post one of the cards that I made using my favourite Simply Sent kit: Simple Delights. Most of the supplies can be found in the kit excepting the wide satin Chocolate Chip that can be found in Theatre Ribbon Originals and the buckle which is from a tin of Antique Brass Hodgepodge. All three items are retiring *pout* but the good news is that you can save 25% off Simple Delights while it is in stock (now $59.96). Farewell Simple Delights - you were simply delightful.

Anyway, must run to finish a few things including a lucky door prize that will be presented at CraftFest.

Embossing's a beach!

I've been doing a bucket load of embossing recently as I've been preparing for various embossing technique classes including Cracked Glass and Faux Metal. Until Stampin' Up! Australia introduces Glassy Glaze, I have to stick with its clear embossing powder (EP) for demonstrating the Cracked Glass technique - which means six to eight layers of embossing to achieve the same thickness as a couple of layers of UTEE.

This really isn't a problem - after all, it is kinda fun applying the powder and watching in wonder when it melts under the roar of my heat tool. After the novelty of the first four embosses though, one's mind starts to wander. *apply VersaMark* What should I have for lunch today? *pour EP over project* Had leftovers yesterday...got leftovers today... *tap tap off excess EP* *return excess to container* *fire up heat tool* When this is done, shall I play drums or guitar on Guitar Hero World Tour? This t-shirt I'm wearing REALLY needs washing! Hmmm...wonder what's on TV? Is this the fifth or the sixth layer? *apply heat to project* Oooooh! Shiny! Gah! Hot! Quick! *point heat tool away while simultaneously pouring EP on project* And so it goes...and goes. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz...

Until the moment that I get completely complacent (or comatose - not sure which comes first) and forget to point the heat tool away while attempting to cover the project with a new layer of EP. An instantaneous cloud of EP billows over my workspace, transforming it into a sandy paper beach - even my right arm is encrusted with EP like I had been spending the afternoon making EPcastles. *sigh*

So, the moral of the story is ... nope ... there's none to be had. Bring on Glassy Glaze, Stampin' Up! Australia!

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Brown
VersaMark

Stamp sets:
For Father

Cardstock:
Naturals Ivory
Not Quite Navy
Old Olive Textured

Accessories:
Aquapainter
Clear Embossing Powder
Gold Embossing Powder
Heat Tool
Hodgepodge Hardware in Antique Brass
Mat Pack
Theatre Ribbon Originals
Watercolor Wonder Crayons in Earth Elements, Neutrals

In gratitude and guilt

In Australia, we've had a compelling lesson in the fragility of existence. The bushfires in Victoria have claimed many lives, 173 people confirmed dead so far, and many homes. I am sure that those who survive the ordeal will eventually recover because, even though our time here is arbitrary, our ability to endure is immense.

As witnesses to scenes of grief and ruin, we have asked each other how we could help and have acted in concert with the response. It is heartening to know that we will still look out for each other in tough economic times.

As someone who is well removed from the flames and those affected by them, I'm stuck strangely between gratitude and guilt. Feeling gratitude for all that I have and guilty that I haven't lost it all. It seems to be the only homage that I can make to those who have lost everything.

I've got no projects that would be appropriate to post but this page features my nephew Shi Wei - I am so grateful that he is still around. Stay safe.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Black
Pretty in Pink
Wild Wasabi

Stamps:
Jumbo Outline Alpha

Paper:
Afternoon Tea DSP
Ginger Blossom DSP
Pumpkin Pie Prints DSP
Vellum CS
Whisper White CS
Wild Wasabi Textured CS

Accessories:
Anchored Rub-Ons
Flower Fusion
On Board Blossoms & Basics
Paper Snips
Photo Corners Punch
Rhinestone Circle Brads in Ice
Round Tab Punch
Sanding Block
Scallop Edge Punch
Silver Brads
Simply Scrappin' Kit Winter Bright
Stampin' Write Journaller
Styled Silver Hodgepodge
White Gel Pen

Embellishmenthoarderism

My name is Lin Mei and I am an embellishmenthoarderholic.

I'd join Embellishmenthoarderholics Anonymous but they are so anonymous that I can't locate them. Nope - not listed in the Yellow Pages, not hiding in the local Rotary Club, not even a single match returned by Google. I tried looking for them in craft forums but, to be honest, it's like looking for an AA meeting in a bar. After hearing about everyone's rave reviews of the happy hour jumbo eyelets and the amazing buzz you get from your fourth shot of Flower Fusion, it's enough to drive anyone to drink and submit that hundredth online order!

And then the waiting begins...all the items in my stash suddenly lose their lustre because something newer and shinier and eminently more desirable is heading my way. But I try to persevere with the next project to take the edge off. But that is when the real problem emerges. What can I use? Do I dare to use two out of the three 4 cm felt flowers that I have in Old Olive - what if I need two for a scrapbook page without which rhythm would be completely impossible? Should I dip into my collection of Rich Regal brads? I only have the 200 (and that is approximately!) in their unopened container - what if they are retired soon? Could I even imagine life without Rose Red round bits of metal? Aaaarrgghh!

Anyway, I came up with an idea to use some of my embellishments - I've altered my 2009 diary so that these embellishments can accompany me wherever I go. Also, most of the embellishments have been attached through brads ... which means that in a craft emergency, I always have the option of looting this diary! Ingenious, no?! Reusing the rub-on could prove tricky, however.

I was really happy that I got to use the boing¹ in the elasticized ribbon from my precious pack of Theatre Ribbon Originals. It holds my diary closed and can be used as a bookmark in a pinch.
Stampin' Supplies
Paper:
Bali Breeze DSP

Accessories:
Circle Rhinestone Brads in Fire, Ice
Eastern Elegance Rub-Ons
Flower Fusion
Scallop Edge Punch
Styled Silver Hodgepodge
Theatre Ribbon Originals
White Gel Pen

The second photo was supposed to be an arty shot of the cover but as you can see the focus was not quite at the front of the picture. I'd take another shot but I am waiting for the parcel guy and that requires my full attention...*runs off to check the front door in case the order has arrived*

---

1. boing: elasticity. Derived from the imagined sound of pulling something rubbery

First double layout ever

... but without a triple flip. Yes...I have to admit that I'm not much of an ice skater although this sultry heat in Sydney makes me imagine how great it would to be on ice...(with or without skates - I'm not fussy!).

I started this project as a single 6" X 6" page - being the page on the left. Even though the page looked complete to me, there was no space in which to write the few words that I had wanted to about Shi Wei and my sister. Also, I had more photos of little Shi Wei in the garden which were irresistible 'cos he is so darn cute! So I decided to add the page on the right - with the smaller photo, it was possible to add a strip of journalling and an extra word for a more expressive title. Who would have thought that it wasn't all planned from the beginning? *whistles nonchalantly while looking around* *wanders discreetly away*

Wei & Mei Tending

Stampin' Supplies

Ink: Ballet Blue VersaMark Stamp sets: Lovely Letters alphabet Short Order alphabet Cardstock: Ballet Blue Textured Wild Wasabi Textured

Accessories: Anchored Rub-Ons Bold Brights Buttons Clear Buttons Heat Tool Natural Twine Stampin' Write Journaller Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware White Embossing Powder White Gel Pen Wild Wasabi Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit

PS: No, my sister is NOT wearing her pyjamas - at least I think she's not...But I have to agree with you that those shorts look mightily like PJs.

Spring Mini bloom

On first impression, you're probably thinking: this is card on its side, isn't it?

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Black
Handsome Hunter
Rose Red

Stamp sets:
Bloomin' with Beauty
Floral background
Occasional Greetings

Cardstock:
Handsome Hunter
Rose Red
Whisper White

Accessories:
Aquapainters
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware
Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon
Watercolor Wonder Crayons in Neutrals
Watercolor Wonder Crayons in Rich Regals

Even though I made this card, when I was cropping this picture of it, I actually rotated it to make it portrait - and thought "Doh! That was completely unnecessary". It's probably because I have seen so many great cards made with the blossom standing up that this is almost...unnatural. Some of you may have cleverly based your frame of reference on the piece of Hodgepodge Hardware in which case I give you 100% *hands out gold star stickers*

Hubby is another case. When I handed this card to him, he held it such that the flower was upside down. That's just too lateral, Hubby! *stamps foot (no rubber stamps involved here btw)* *rotates card for Hubby* I suppose it is Karmic comeuppance for my previous naughtiness. *sigh*

Anyway, this is just a reminder that Bloomin' with Beauty and the luxe Purely Pomegranate Wide Satin Ribbon is in the Spring Mini and like all blooms, the Mini will be just a lovely memory too soon. So make sure that you finalise your wishlist from that mini catalogue and submit your orders before November 30 comes around.

Simply Sent three shorts

I promised to post my Simply Sent Three Thoughts projects today and I only have half an hour until the deadline! So, I'll keep the post short and talk about the shots. I know you are thinking "Thank Goodness! No banter!"

Cards on the right - you can make six of each with a Simply Sent Three Thoughts kit, ironically without much thought since these come with instructions!

The card to the left was made using the kit and a few extra supplies from my stash. I used Stampin' Write Markers in Mellow Moss and More Mustard to make my life easier but I could probably have just used the Stampin' Spots in the kit. If you got it, flaunt it. [Hey! What happened to no banter?!] But I have all this white space to fill...

Additional Stampin' Supplies
Accessories:
1 1/4" Square Punch
Mat Pack
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware
Purely Pomegranate Double-Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
Stamp-A-Ma-Jig




Thirdly, I thought that I'd do something a little different so I used the kit to put together a scrap page. The photo was taken by Hubby when we were living in Melbourne last year. Whenever I look at it, it makes me nostalgic *sniffle*

Additional Stampin' Supplies
Cardstock:
More Mustard Textured

Stamps:
Carte Postale set
Defining Alphabet set
Totally Tabs set

Accessories:
Clear Buttons
Corner Rounder Punch
Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon
Round Tab Punch
Stampin' Write Journaller

Ooooh! Just made the deadline. Make sure you make the deadline to save 20% of Simply Sent kits as it ends tomorrow night.

Out of order

Such strange serendipity! I was entering the title of this post with just the hint of a smirk, when Fate slapped me down for being out of order. The original meaning that I had intended for this title was that I would be showing one of the challenges for the cyberstamp out of sequence...but when Blogger's Autosave feature activated, I was greeted with "Autosaved failed" and prompted with the standard suggestion of please try again...which I did. Hmmmm...did I try that again or did I imagine myself pressing the Save button? So I pressed it again. "Autosaved failed". Oh no! Blogger is out of order!

So, I trawled through the Blogger Help Forums, found no help there but lots of panicky people rearranging chairs. I then tinkered around with my settings and if you are experiencing the same problems, try clearing your browser cache and refreshing on each form before you use it (such as the list of posts and when you open up the edit post form). It worked for me [ETA: just long enough to get this posted] !

The third challenge for this month's INKlings Cyberstamp was the option of either a scrapbook layout or making a card using a themed stamp set so that the theme was not featured (eg. a Christmas stamp set for a birthday card) or vice versa (eg. a Valentine's day card from a non-themed flower stamp set). The scrapbook page is to use [WARNING: sample scrap page features a SNAKE] the following sketch.

I've posted this out of order so that my mum can see another layout of my nephew, Shi Wei! I've kept her waiting long enough...

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Chocolate Chip
Really Rust
Wild Wasabi

Stamps:
Defining Alphabet
Priceless set

Paper:
Apple Cider DSP
Naturals Ivory CS
River Rock Textured CS
Vellum CS

Accessories:
1/16" Circle Punch
Anchored Rub-ons
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
Black Hemp Twine
Corner Rounder Punch
Earth Elements Buttons

Postmarked cyberstamp

The monthly INKlings Cyberstamp came around again and this time I got to set the challenges. Needless to say, it was just another excuse for me to do something silly in the name of trying to be funny *grin*

For the first challenge, I chose a colour scheme. I really hope that Kristina Werner does not mind but I CASEd her color inspiration - for this one Cyberstamp only. Please don't sue me, Kristina!

As some of you may already have read, I love shoes! I use to collect them but, now, most of them sit in storage, waiting for their moment in the sun when they go for a jaunt down the red carpet. (What can I say? I'm a big disappointment to these shoes!) Anyway, after rummaging through the shoe stash that stays with me, I found this pair that screamed out "Wear me to somewhere grand!" - instead, I featured them as inspiration for a colour challenge...

I hope to feature a round-up of the INKlings wonderful creations using this colour scheme if they post them on their respective blogs. In the meanwhile, here is my attempt:

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Almost Amethyst
Chocolate Chip
Encore Silver

Stamps:
Simple Delights set
Priceless set

Paper:
Almost Amethyst
Basic Black
Chocolate Chip
Whisper White
Silver Metallic

Accessories:
Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon
Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon
Mat Pack
Square Ice Rhinestone
Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware
Silver Embossing Powder

Unfortunately, this card does not exist in this form any longer. After I snapped the first photo of it, the wind swept it up and dumped it on the grass that was left wet by the rain. So, it is a smudged remnant of its former self. Oh well! At least I have one photo - maybe I should scrap it up?

Dad-ication

My father's birthday and Father's Day are very close together - in fact, every seven or so years they fall on the same day. And I reckon that's kinda unfortunate for him. It is like having your birthday close to Christmas ... everyone gives you one card and one present and says they've combined the two events (but never mentions that it is with a 40% discount *wry grin*). But that's me completely projecting because my Dad really doesn't seem to mind.

Hence, this dedication to my Dad: a one of a kind father, who is incredibly generous and charming...and interesting! He was definitely there for me when I was growing up and I appreciate the time that he always makes for us whenever we need him. A heartfelt thank you, Dad.

The little boy in "Summer by the Sea" could be my nephew and I thought it was just the right image for Dad's card since my father derives so much joy from his grandson. I'm sure they'll have a great time at dinner, together, tonight!

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Black
Creamy Caramel

Stamps:
One of a Kind set
Sanded background
Summer by the Sea set
Wonderful Favourites set

Cardstock:
Creamy Caramel
Kraft
Naturals Ivory
Vellum

Accessories:
Aquapainter
Crop-A-Dile
Earth Elements brads
Hodgepodge Hardware in Antique Brass
Sponge Daubers
Watercolor Crayons in all colour families
Watercolor Pencils

To all the fathers and grandfathers out there reading my blog, I hope you have a lovely Father's Day. Or, more likely, I hope that your father and/or husband has/have a wonderful day with you. Happy Father's Day!

Early spring clean?

This poor blog is full of dust - I really have neglected it for too long. *attempt to dust corner* *choke* *cough* *comes out looking like a battered fish ready for the fryer* I have a litany of excuses to trot out but who has the time and inclination to read them all?

But I do feel the need to share the following. Three weeks ago, on greeting my family...like most adults, I got the raw end of the exchange with my little nephew: I gave him two Disney DVDs and he gave me a virus-laden kiss. So, after that, I spent most of my visit in Perth at my parents' and my sister's houses watching the Olympics, or watching my nephew, hoping that my cough would go so that I could have a coffee in good company in the sunshine. No such luck, though, as my chest only cleared on the day I boarded the plane back to Sydney *sigh* Nevermind - I, at least, have a few fun nephew stories to share in the next few posts.

One of the good things about the Perth visit was that I was just in time to wish my sister a happy birthday over Peking Duck. I thought long and hard about what card to make for her and ended up using my new favourite stamp set "Summer by the Sea":
Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Lovely Lilac
Passion Pink

Stamps:
Circle of Friendship set
French Flair (retired)
Summer by the Sea set

Cardstock:
Certainly Celery
Lovely Lilac

Accessories:
1" Circle Punch
Aquapainter
Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon
Cutter Kit
Pretties Kit
Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware
Watercolor Crayons in Bold Brights

This card makes me think of my sister's inner child and wishes that she would let her out a little bit more often. Sometimes there's just too much responsibility in being an adult! Speaking of which ... I'd better submit this and catch up with my backlog of mail and e-mails as a precursor to a Spring clean.

Buckle down

June has been very busy so far - perhaps a little too busy. But, as one of my English teachers used to say at the commencement of a test "Heads down, bums up!". Then, a little frisson of scandal would ripple through the class along with "Ah ma! Mrs. M. said "Bum!"". Now that I think about it, it was the worst position in which to complete an exam and I used to come out of them with a sore back. Really felt sorry for the girl behind me too... Oh yes! What I meant to write was that I've buckled down and completed a few things and life is looking a little easier.

Speaking of buckles, I made a formal invitation card with one, so here it is:

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Encore Gold

Stamps:
Itty Bitty Backgrounds set
Mostly Flowers set

Cardstock:
Basic Black
Real Red
Whisper White

Accessories:
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
Black Embossing Powder
Clear Embossing Powder
Heat Gun
Real Red Grosgrain


The buckle on the invitation was created using a Spellbinders Ladies Fashion Buckle die and the faux metal technique. The faux metal technique involves melting a few layers of metallic embossing powder onto a surface and a stamp primed with VersaMark is pressed into the molten surface to create an textured imprint. In the case of this buckle, I used black embossing powder (so it's not really faux metal as such) and when the buckle had cooled, I rubbed the surface lightly onto my Encore Gold pad to highlight the pattern. Followed up with lots of glossy fixative and it is done!

As for the sentiment, I used a Quickutz Party Theme Goosebumpz on Basic Black cardstock and pressed the imprint lightly in Encore Gold and set with matt fixative. Placed everything on top of Whisper White cardstock embossed with a Cuttlebug Diamonds in the Rough folder.

As to the purpose of this card, I'd like to say "You're Invited" to my eScape event! But, in the meantime, have a great weekend and "head up, bum down!". Oooh! I just said "Bum"! *blush* *giggle*

Capture some texture

There's nothing quite like the touch of texture to add interest to life and, more importantly, cards. Ok...so I've exaggerated my priorities a little *grin* I love the feel of clean flannel sheets during winter - the softness of the brushed fibres accompanied by its warm embrace as soon as I slide into bed. Aaahh! Instant comfort! ZZzzzzzz... *hubby nudges me to stop snoring* Doh! I'm awake again - probably a good thing since I haven't finished this post.

I've made the following card for the June INKlings Cybercrop, this time hosted by the Queen of Purple, Carol Dunstan. She posted a colour challenge first and it comprised Basic Black, Brocade Blue, Perfect Plum, Tempting Turquoise and Very Vanilla. I used some Stampin' Up! textured cardstock for the very first time and wonder why I waited so long to do so. Then I remember my tendency to hoard and try to forgive and kick myself simultaneously. It is a rather tricky combination to execute successfully, to be honest.


Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Black
Brocade Blue
Perfect Plum
Tempting Turquoise

Stamps:
Carte Postale set
Mostly Flowers set

Cardstock:
Basic Black
Brocade Blue
Perfect Plum Textured
Very Vanilla

Accessories:
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware
Very Vanilla Grosgrain


Don't you think the textured cardstock just adds that something extra? *pssst* Say yes.

What are the textures that you love most? Please share with us in the comments, if you are willing of course!

PS: Many thanks to Marcia for reminding me to indicate that it was a colour challenge! I do hope you get much better soon, Marcia.

OTT + UTEE + fer mi! = FREE! TOUT TIME

I love pale pink, perhaps not as passionately as purple, but pale pink is the colour of pretty, epitomises the sweet creaminess of strawberry ice-cream, and evokes the blush of youth and femininity. So, imagine my delight when my free OTT-lite arrived, only days after extending my subscription to Stamping and Papercraft, in PALE PINK. Too pretty and so useful ... no more nights cursing the orangey hue cast by our red fabric covered lamp on coloured cardstock and asking, "Is this Barely Banana or Apricot Appeal?" or actually believing that Pink Passion and Summer Sun make a lovely subdued combination in the light of day.

I suspect that the OTT in OTT-Lite really does mean "Over The Top". After all, how many mere mortals would be prepared to hand over $59 for a light bulb? Anyway, I only have to cross that bridge after 10,000 hours of use since did I mention that I got it FREE! If you are a fan of the magazine and considering a subscription, the lamp comes free along with two additional copies of the magazine if you act by June 9, 2008 [offer code: SP365b].*

To celebrate my OTT-lite, I made the following card using Pretty in Pink and UTEE (since it rhymes with free):

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Certainly Celery
Pretty in Pink

Stamps:
Artfully Asian set
Canvas background
Greetings Galore set

Paper:
Certainly Celery Prints DSP
Pretty in Pink CS
Whisper White CS

Accessories:
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
Certainly Celery Grosgrain
Scallop Punch
Whisper White Grosgrain


A Cuttlebug D'Vine Swirl folder was used for the embossed Whisper White.

I know the title of the post is a little obscure but the "fer mi" is supposed to sound like "for me" with the first half in a Scottish brogue and the second half in really bad Spanish - hey, it's difficult coming up with good blog entry titles! Especially anagram ones...

Stampin' Up! Australia is running out of stock of the Prints DSP sampler pads so put your orders in soon!

---

* No demonstrators were hurt or paid in the production of this blog entry.

Container challenge

Continuing on the INKlings May cyberstamp, the third challenge was a One Sheet Box by the inventive Beate Johns. Just to confuse things, I made this project second. Actually, the reason I left the first challenge for last is that I still have to find some photos for a scrapbook layout. Anyway, here's my attempt:
Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Close to Cocoa
Purely Pomegranate

Stamps:
Artfully Asian set
Boho Backgrounds set
Carte Postale set
En Français background

Cardstock:
Close to Cocoa
Purely Pomegranate
River Rock
Very Vanilla

Accessories:
Antique Brass Hodgepodge
Purely Pomegranate Double-Stitched Grosgrain
Scallop Punch
Very Vanilla Grosgrain

The real challenge, imho, is in coming up with an appropriate name for this container. I mean, is it a box or a bag? Since it seems to be a cross between the two, should it called a bax or a bog? Well, since bog is already taken, I bags¹ bax. But bax sounds like "backs" and could lead to confusing craft conversations such as -

Lin Mei: Hey, how did you make your bax?
Buffy: Huh? I only have one back and I certainly didn't make it.

Lin Mei: Excuse me, would you please pass my red bax from over there?
Miss Muffet: Are you nuts? I'm not touching any spiders², especially poisonous ones!

Lin Mei: Holy aadvark snacks, Batman! There are ants all over your bax!
Batman & Robin: *trying to look at backs whilst flicking off imagined insects* Wha...where?

Lin Mei: Oooh, girlfriend! Your bax side is just amazing.
Beyoncé: *slap* Stop that, you perv!

I think I'll just stick to calling it a container for the moment.

---

1. Bags - Australian and British slang for laying claim to something first.
2. Redbacks - Dangerous spiders native to Australia. Scary looking too! Although their colour combination is particularly striking...

Overcoming the tendency to hoard pretty paper

I don't know about you but I have an awful time using scrapbooking supplies. I mean, how ironic is it, that some of the most beautiful paper available to humankind is for "scrapping"?! OK...it is just a terminology thing...after all, what we scrap we are meant to keep. *boggle*

Anyway, I have a gorgeous collection of Basic Grey paper in storage because I know that I'll never use it - not because I don't want to, but because I can't bring myself to cut the paper up and not have the potential of using it for something else more worthy. I took to buying three sheets of everything, in all available colour combinations, so that the option of doing a two page colour co-ordinated layout and having a little extra for embellishments was always there. I now have a mountain of scrapping material ready for that momentous life changing event that requires two-and-a-half pieces of patterned paper that I have luckily already bought...the only problem is that I don't know which patterned paper that is and, so, I have to keep all of it unused and in pristine condition...just in case.

Thank goodness I've now discovered the freedom that comes with making my own patterned paper. I never have to worry about hoarding three copies of everything since I can make extra whenever the need arises. And, if it turns out that I need more for a matching tag, altered pencil tin and covered gift box...no problem! I'll whip out my stamps, ink, daubers and what-not and ... voilà! ... a perfect quantity of matching patterned paper. Needless to say, hubby must be ecstatic that he's no longer crowded out of the house by encroaching hordes of pretty paper. From now on, it will be just the odd incursion, since who can stop buying the stuff altogether?

This is the final post for my blog declared Patterned Paper Week. Funnily enough, it coincides with National Scrapbooking Day in the US (March 3) and it just so happens that my project for my last homemade piece of patterned cardstock is to cover a mini scrap journal.
Additional Stampin' Supplies
Stamps:
Greetings Galore set
Ink and Cardstock:
Ballet Blue
Accessories:
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
Bluebird Grosgrain ribbon
Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon
Crop-A-Dile
Moss Gingham Check ribbon
Red Gingham Check ribbon
Taupe Grosgrain ribbon
Very Vanilla Grosgrain ribbon

Happy National Scrapbooking Day to those readers popping in from the US!

Update 2:58pm
It seems that it was National Scrapbooking Day in Canada too! So, belated wishes to Canadian readers. Perhaps it should be called North American Scrapbooking Day instead OR, even better, International Scrapbooking Day, in which case all of us can join in. Oh, scrap that! Every day should be a card-making and scrapbooking day...

All made up

Yesterday, one A5 piece of cardstock was freehand stamped into homemade patterned paper and then, overnight, it has been magically transformed in three cards. OK...I'm not that lucky but one of the following cards was trivial to make and the other two stepped up a little.

The Trivial One
Cut the A5 cardstock (landscape) into half. Adhere one of the halves to a card blank. Top off with a framed sentiment.

Additional Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Always Artichoke

Stamps:
Frames with a Flourish set
Warmest Regards set (retired)

Cardstock:
Whisper White



The Stepped Up a Tad Card
Cut a piece off remaining patterned cardstock. Mat that piece on some white copy paper (less bulk). Assemble with a piece of distressed contrasting cardstock and embellish with hardware. Write greeting.

Additional Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Always Artichoke

Stamps:
En Français

Cardstock:
Always Artichoke
Ruby Red

Accessories:
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware
White Gel Pen

The Stepped Up a Bit More Card
Use last scrap of patterned cardstock. I'm sure you can work out what to do if you are still reading this!
Additional Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Always Artichoke

Stamps:
Frames with a Flourish set
Warmest Regards set (retired)

Cardstock:
Always Artichoke

Accessories:
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
White Grosgrain ribbon
For those who can see the dry embossing on the last card - this was done using a Cuttlebug in conjunction with a Fiskars texture plate.

Update 8:05pm
I'm dedicating the Stepped Up a Tad card to Allison to say thank you for linking to my blog. This generous act of hers has generated more traffic than I'm likely to ever see again. I should rename the card "Stepped Up a Lot" as a result. Thank you, Allison!

Fridgey-ditch - the end of a cold relationship

Hot on the heels of my monitor going poof!, something short-circuited and tripped the safety switch during the recording of the last 10 minutes of a "Lost" episode (as if the show wasn't hard enough to follow as it is) . When we finally located the appliance causing the problem, it turned out to be our fridge. After serving for a faithful 36 years (a ridgey-didge fridge!), it had finally given up the ghost. RIP Westinghousey.

Being fickle creatures, we moved on by looking for a new fridge over the weekend. The new fridge arrived today - huzzah! but, as usual, there was a problem. The delivery person refused to remove our old fridge as it was a double-door model. He accused us of not telling him that this was the case. At this point, I just have to roll my eyes *roll eyes* It amazes me how it is always our fault for not doing someone else's job. I'm looking at you, refridgerator salesman!

Anyway, our old fridge is still with us even though we tried to get rid of it. And I thought I would post the following card that I am sure, when you squint and tilt your head, it looks just like a fridge - a double-door fridge just like Westinghousey.
Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Always Artichoke
Cameo Coral
Mellow Moss

Stamps:
Heartfelt Thanks set
Mostly Flowers set

Cardstock:
Always Artichoke
Cameo Coral
Mellow Moss
So Saffron
Very Vanilla

Accessories:
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware
Cream Grosgrain Ribbon
Moss Gingham Ribbon
Mat Pack

Thinking of SU!

I've always thought of myself as a night owl. When I worked in Corporate Australia, I would struggle to get into work at a respectable hour - and I was always the last one in (of course, I made up for it by working late *blush*). But, ever since becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I find it easy to get up in the mornings...never more so than today. Expecting that three Stampin' Up! parcels would land on my door as soon as dawn broke, I sprang out of bed before 7am. That is a record for me! And there they were ... compelling reasons for being a reformed sleep-in-errer. New stamp sets, new tools (always smile at a Crop-A-Dile) and new In Colors.

So, the following card using my new Frames with a Flourish set, is dedicated to new SU! stuff being in my thoughts and getting me up in the mornings. Sad, huh?!
Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Chocolate Chip
So Saffron

Stamps:
Frames with a Flourish set
Mostly Flowers set
Warmest Regards set (retired)

Cardstock:
Chocolate Chip
Very Vanilla

Accessories:
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
Stampin' Dimensionals
Very Vanilla Grosgrain

Non-SU!:
Cuttlebug Stylized Flowers Embossing Folder

Daylight Saving Leaves

Yep! It is that quirky time of year when we have Groundhog hour ... where we, in New South Wales, get to experience 2am till 2:59:59am twice in one day. This is the payout we get for surrendering the extra hour last year when daylight saving started. But I want to know where is the interest? Don't we get 10 minutes extra for saving these six months?

Here is a card full of leaves - in honour of daylight saving leaving:

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Brown

Stamps:
Artfully Asian set

Cardstock:
Barely Banana
More Mustard
Whisper White

Accessories:
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
Cream Grosgrain Ribbon
Stampin' Dimensionals
Watercolour Pencils