It hasn't been forever ...

... since my last post. Surprised, huh? I know I am! Although, I suppose a week and a bit in blogland can seem like a long time.

I made the following card for a friend of mine in Canada. And it really has been like FOREVER since I sent her something to remind her that she is in my thoughts and heart. I was thinking how easy it has been for so much time to pass by in the whirligig of every day and, in that time, not reach out to those that I care about - especially those who may be far away. Definitely time for redress...

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Always Artichoke
Chocolate Chip
Old Olive
Soft Suede
VersaMark

Stamp sets:
Defining Alphabet
Vintage Vogue

Cardstock:
Always Artichoke
Naturals Ivory
Old Olive

Accessories:
Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon
Earth Elements Brads
Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon
Rich Regals Brads
Soft Suede Polka-dot Grosgrain Ribbon
Sponge Daubers
Stamp-A-Ma-Jig
Stampin' Dimensionals

Not A-Mused

I've really struggled for a few months to get back into papercrafting. As one of the sweet people who have visited my blog, you would have noticed that the frequency of my postings has declined drastically. Initially, after Christmas, I had attributed the lack of interest in things crafty to a little burnout ... and consoled myself with gaming in the hope that the passion for creating would build up like forest litter waiting for ignition by lightning or, possibly as a worst case, a passing firebug. But, alas, no such conflagaration has eventuated and the fire danger rating is sitting on "No Great Need to Worry".

It finally dawned on me, about a month ago, that my Muse must have absconded after I overworked and neglected her during that Christmas period. I've been imagining her flitting from country to country, enjoying the sights and sounds of novel surroundings while gifting the odd local with some inspiration to add a masterful new ingredient to an existing speciality or, perhaps, injecting new life into a tired artist's caricatures of willing tourists. I imagine her ending up in Tuscany, holed up with a poor yet talented writer - sharing cheese, olives, wine and ciabatta ... and exhorting him to finishing that one manuscript that will make his career! Of course, it would be published first in Italian and I would have to wait for the English translation to really appreciate the end result. *grin*

I think that she may have paid me a little visit when I made the following card as it took several hours to complete and I didn't notice the time passing by. I'm dedicating the card to my Muse and to Muses in all their forms ... for if you do love your Muse (like life), I expect that they will love you back.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Certainly Celery
Old Olive
Orchid Opulence
Rich Razzleberry
VersaMark

Stamp sets:
Cottage Garden

Paper:
Certainly Celery CS
Cottage Wall DSP
Old Olive CS
Orchid Opulence CS
Rich Razzleberry CS
Whisper White CS

Accessories:
1/16" Circle Punch
Eyelet Border Punch
Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
Sizzlits Buttons #5
Stampin' Dimensionals
White Embossing Powder

Calendar Class

This 2010 calendar is one of two calendars being made next Friday evening, December 11 at my calendar class. It uses the beautiful Sweet Nothings Simply Scrappin' Kit which is part of the Christmas Extravanganza promotion.

There are also products fresh from the new Summer Mini: the lovely Butterfly Print stamp set with co-ordinating Butterfly Punch and the Retro Mix Wheel.

We have room for a few more people to attend this class - the cost is $20 and is being held in Padstow at 7:30pm. Bookings are essential as the number of places are limited. All attendees will receive a copy of the new Summer Mini too!

Please contact me to hold a place for you.

Gift Card Card Tutorial

Here is a quick tutorial on how to create your own gift card card. The key to everything is really step 4. All the measurements beforehand are just a guide - I added the measurements because I like to have the borders relatively symmetrical but I realise that this isn't everyone's priority!

If you are really organised, you can design your gift card card to co-ordinate with your gift card...

1. Size up your gift card
By my reckoning, the average gift card is 86mm x 54mm [3 3/8" x 2 1/8"]. But you may have a special card to give that isn't even a gift card ... such a club membership card that was handprinted by the local club owner's 12-year-old daughter armed with a printer and a laminator. The main aim of this step is to get a general idea of the dimensions of what you are dealing with.
2. Determine the smallest size cardstock required
The great thing about this method is that you really don't have to measure anything but you just have to leave at least approximately 5mm [3/16"] between where the gift card finishes and three edges of your cardstock. The gift card should be flush against the opening which is why you don't have to add a margin to that edge.

3. Clip the gift card to the cardstock
This step is completely optional but I think that it makes things a little easier. I'd recommend you test your clip doesn't leave an unsightly mark if you are not planning on layering something on top of the right side of your backing. Note that the backing is upside down - ie. the opening is on the bottom but will be on the top in the completed project.

4. Apply dimensionals
Cut dimensionals in half and apply them around the gift card as snugly as possible. A snug fit prevents the gift card from moving around. Place dimensionals to support the cardstock where the ones for holding the gift card are too far from the corners. Notice no dimensionals along the opening - obvious but if you follow instructions like me, it's a gotcha!
5. Decorate and punch a slot
I mounted my stamped and blinged image onto the backing that I prepared above. Then I used a 1" circle punch to create a semi-circle to make it easier for the recipient to grasp the card out of its holder.
6. Mount onto card
Remove the dimensionals backing and mount the gift card holder on your card. I also added my sentiment to my card at this stage.
7. Insert gift card and secure
This is actually an important step. Nothing holds your gift card in the pocket that you created - so it could slide out quite easily. In my original version of a gift card card, I used a ribbon to hold the card in place. In this more masculine one, I slotted in the gift card and inserted a Designer Brad at the spot shown to keep it secure. And that's it!

Reflection Technique Class

I had a most enjoyable class the other night with some of my terrific customers. We used the Reflection Technique for a Christmas card and a masculine card.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Black

Stamp set:
Season's Surfin'

Cardstock:
Gable Green
Kraft
Real Red
Whisper White

Accessories:
Aquapainter
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Write Markers in Brilliant Blue, Creamy Caramel, Gable Green, Green Galore, Mellow Moss, Real Red
Watercolor Wonder Crayons in Bold Brights, Earth Elements, Soft Subtles


It's really weird - I have been attracted to Season's Surfin' recently but couldn't really put my finger on why. The palm tree, in particular, was stirring something pleasing in me and I only realise why today. It reminds me of Queensland and the Whitsundays, where Hubby and I spent our honeymoon. Today is our sixth wedding anniversary and I think that, subliminally, Season' Surfin' was reminding me of the marvellous time that we had there and that our anniversary was coming up fast! To think, a moment's reflection would have revealed all of this beforehand...

The following card has acetate layered over the Baja Breeze cardstock. I thought it was an evocative allusion to the reflective surface of water and provided a nifty way of supporting the Thinking of You sentiment in StazOn Cotton White.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Baja Breeze
Chocolate Chip
Cotton White StazOn

Stamp sets:
Lovely as a Tree
More Thoughts Simply Sent

Cardstock:
Baja Breeze
Kiwi Kiss
Whisper White

Accessories:
Aquapainter
Crop-A-Dile
Jumbo Brads in Antique Brass
Sponge Dauber
Watercolor Wonder Crayons in Earth Elements

Stampin' Up! Australia's Spring Mini ends today and with it Season's Surfin' and the Cotton White Stazon.

Masculine card that's a breeze

One of my favourite sets from the Spring Mini is Uncharted Territory. It is a snap to make a card for men using it and I think it would be great for scrapbook pages featuring coastal destinations (especially those with lighthouses...was that a little obvious?).

Anyway, I love teaming it up with the gorgeous Parisian Breeze Specialty paper that is also only available until the end of November. The colour scheme is rugged and seaworthy and suits the images in the stamp set perfectly. The amazing thing about the Parisian Breeze paper is that every sheet has a side which is feminine with a masculine other side making it incredibly versatile.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Baja Breeze
Basic Gray
Chocolate Chip
Sahara Sand

Stamp sets:
Best Yet
Uncharted Territory

Paper:
Baja Breeze CS
Kraft CS
Parisian Breeze Specialty
Watercolour Paper
Whisper White CS

Accessories:
Aquapainter
Large Oval Punch
Small Oval Punch
Sponge Dauber

Gift card card

I'm posting a rather multi-function card today - firstly, it is multi-challenge card since it was made for this month's Elite sketch and colour challenges. And secondly, it hides a gift card under the Mellow Moss front panel...which makes the whole ensemble a gift card card! I've put a little tag as a hint to the recipient that there is something worth opening on Christmas Day.

It's all make-believe, however, since the hidden gift card is just an expired discount card, the card itself is a mere card front and, thankfully for the recipient, the card won't be given to anyone. The embossing, as difficult as it is to see in either of the pictures, is real though...truly it is...

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Always Artichoke
VersaMark

Stamp sets:
Season of Joy
Winter Post

Cardstock:
Always Artichoke
Mellow Moss
Riding Hood Red
Very Vanilla

Accessories:
1 1/4″ Circle Punch
Clear Embossing Powder
Designer Label Punch
Heat Tool
Linen Thread
Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain
Sponge
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Stampin’ Write Markers in Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Ruby Red

Jayne Mercer's Girls Night in Cyberstamp

My terrific upline, Jayne, is holding a Cyberstamp to raise funds for the very worthy cause of breast cancer research.

I thought I would pop in with a contribution to the evening but, as usual, I took a lot longer than anticipated to make this card! So I'm dashing off this post so that I can spend some time with my neglected Hubby. I'll post the supplies list tomorrow [ETA: posted now] but, if you do get the chance, please support Jayne's fundraising effort.

Jayne's first challenge was to CASE a layout from the Stampin' Up! 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue. Mine was based on the Spring Song card on page 79.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Regal Rose
Riding Hood Red

Stamp sets:
Boho Backgrounds
Fifth Avenue Floral

Paper:
Pink Pirouette CS
Pretty In Pink CS
Regal Rose CS
Whisper White CS

Accessories:
Double Stitched Grograin Ribbon in Rose Red
Flower Designer Brads
Flower Fusion Too
Paper Snips
Slot Punch
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Write Markers in Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose

Decompression chamber

The INKlings team weekend was tremendously enjoyable and really constructive! It started with a bit of a wobble since I only finished my Card-in-a-Box and swaps at 4:30am on the morning of the camp, began packing anything a couple of hours before I had to leave and the only navigational tools that Kylie and I had to get to Vision Valley was a powerless sat-nav and some printed directions local to a cafe 10 minutes away from our destination. The motorways got us through the first 75km and even though we contemplated exiting a couple of times, we were too giggly (read: slow) to do so and, thus, were saved from ourselves. Once we neared Galston, it seemed like all the roads intersected with each other several times over - which made missing a turn just a reminder of what to do at the next juncture. Now that I look back on it, I am so thoroughly impressed that those responsible for the roadworks had the foresight to invent the equivalent of a Möbius strip highway...you couldn't even choose to be on the wrong side (I'm sure we tested and affirmed that theory a couple of times).

We met up with Fiona at the Greenshades Cafe, amazingly at the designated time, for a hearty serving of lamb shanks on creamy mash and crispy toasted bread soaked in olive oil with basil and garlic. Great company, good food and a wonderful way to start off the team weekend. As for Cania, what's that again?

After finishing lots of everyone else's Card-in-a-Box, I had time to try one of the sketch challenges suggested by Carol. As I only packed a paltry amount of cardstock and ink, I imposed on Fiona, Ruth and Lis for Dimensionals, mat pack and piercer, white embossing powder and inspiration - the last one was completely gratuitous and attention seeking. Thank you for putting up with me, INKlings! Here's an arty shot of the completed card:

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Baja Breeze
Chocolate Chip
Sahara Sand

Stamp sets:
Always
Curvy Verses

Cardstock:
Baja Breeze
Chocolate Chip
Parisian Breeze Speciality
Whisper White

Accessories:
1/2″ Circle Punch
Heat Tool
Mat Pack
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Stampin’ Write Marker in Chocolate Chip
White Embossing Powder

The mug shot version is on the Elite Challenges blog ... my scanner has a penetrating brightness that seeps into all the indentations of the textured cardstock leaving it looking completely smooth - a bit like Hubby's head.

Many thanks to Jayne for a fabulous team weekend - I am very grateful to have her as my upline. Also, I'd really like to thank those of you who have been incredibly patient and dropped by even though my blog must have looked like time capsule - frozen in time with no hint of anything new, week after week!

Ain't nothing gonna break-a my str...uh, will do

Here I was hoping that June would be the month to get on top of things. I had Matthew Wilder's "Break My Stride" playing in my head:

What song would anyone want more to get the blood pumping and the body moving and to bolster's one's will? OK...The "Rocky" anthem "Eye of the Tiger" would be an exception but I reckon that this song is boppier and doesn't make me feel guilty for skipping the sprints up stairs.

And yet, this blog has been woefully neglected and my newsletter is still fighting with "Break My Stride" - ie for my attention, inside my head, constantly drowned out by synthesisers and a litany of "never met a girl like you...Have to say - Oh!"

Currently, I'm placing the blame on the fact that our TV went poof! and left me with nothing to ignore whilst trying to do some crafting. This coupled with the really cold weather that has me in Michelin-man attire, constantly running to warm myself in front of the fridge...and interruptions to do other things.

Anyway, there's nothing quite like a cyberstamp to give me a shove in the right direction. This month's INKlings set of challenges was hosted by the very lovely Fiona Brown. Her first was based on the sketch clean & simple stamping FTL 44. Not much stamping but lots of cramping cutting for my attempt. It also features one of my favourite things at the moment which is making glittery brads from Supernova glitter, mini glue dots and plain ol' brads. The wide grograin ribbon knot finally found its home on this card after sitting neglected (and in the way, at times!) since December last year when I first tied it into existence.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Tangerine Tango

Stamp sets:
More Thoughts Simply Sent Kit

Paper:
Haiku DSP
Old Olive CS
So Saffron CS
Tangerine Tango CS
Very Vanilla CS

Accessories:
Mini Glue Dots
Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon
Paper Snips
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Write Marker in Old Olive
Supernova Fine Glitter
Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon

How predictable am I?

Completely. Utterly. Depressingly so. *sigh*

A year ago, I took part in Jayne's Cyberstamp where one of the challenges was to select two numbers, put them together to make a page number in the Idea Book & Catalogue from which to case a card. IIRC I chose 7 and 8, giving me 78. Since page 78 featured a scrapbook layout, I reversed the numbers to give 87 and ended up with this card.

This year, Dani reissued the same challenge and what random numbers did I choose? Yep! 7 and 8! AGAIN! Didn't realise it until I thought about it days after the Cyberstamp - about the time I started writing up this blog entry for the new card. Just to reinforce the fact that I am a machine, it turns out that I used Orchid Opulence and Tempting Turquoise both times on a squarish card. Oh well! At least the Curly Label Punch is new... *slinks off*

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Gable Green
Glorious Green
Orchid Opulence
Tempting Turquoise

Stamp sets:
Petal Pizzaz
Polka Dot background
Say it with Scallops

Cardstock:
Gable Green
Tempting Turquoise
Whisper White

Accessories:
Curly Label Punch
Eyelet Edge Punch
Mat Pack
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Write Markers in Glorious Green, Lovely Lilac, Orchid Opulence, Tempting Turquoise
Styled Silver Hodgepodge
Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon
White Gel pen

Three punch for you

Happy New SU! Year!

Bye Summer 2008-2009 Mini! Bye old trusty 2008-2009 Idea Book & Catalogue! I can finally lay your rather tatty form to rest...a much deserved deliverance from a year of constant rifling and the odd tear *winces guiltily*

Welcome Stampin' Up! Australia 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue! What a gorgeous new range of stamps, ribbons, accessories and In Colors - all showcased in a beautiful catalogue brimming with wonderful crafty ideas. As for getting your own copy to rifle through - you know the drill! Book a workshop and you'll get one free. Otherwise, you can buy a copy from me for $12.95 when you see me next.

As for the title of this post, it is for the Stampin' Up! wonks who would recognise it as a little rearrangement of the now retired Three For You Punch Box. So, why three punches?

Well, I've been a little punch drunk from demonstrating workshops, teaching classes and tending to orders (and backorders). Not that I'm complaining since it has been terrific fun sharing crafts with lots of lovely ladies and it hasn't been bad for my business either! BUT it is my excuse for being amiss in updating this neglected blog...

Secondly, I decided to celebrate the cheer associated with the new year (oooh! that rhymed!) by making a card with a bunch of punch. The punch bowl isn't visible because the beverage has already been doled out. I thought I should add that in case some of you start making things difficult for me by asserting that the drinks are actually cocktails. *looks cross*

Lastly, the cocktail punch umbrella was made with a couple of Stampin' Up! punches.

Look at the time! It's even past midnight in Perth (if they had stuck with our daylight saving schedule)! *grin* Sleep tight! Although I'm sure for most of you it'll be day when you read this...

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Almost Amethyst
Basic Black

Stamp sets:
Cheer & Wishes
Cheers To You
Tart & Tangy

Cardstock:
Almost Amethyst
So Saffron
Whisper White

Accessories:
1 3/8" Square Punch
Dazzling Diamonds
Heat And Stick Powder
Heat Tool
Many Marvellous Markers
Scallop Square Punch
Stampin' Dimensionals

Aft Fest

CraftFest 2009 was great manic fun! We met lots of enthusiastic papercrafters and a few quilters who had their interest piqued on their way to the next fat quarter. We even had a few bead artisans drop by. Our visitors completed around 250 make and takes as mementos of their visit to our stand. Six lucky door prizes were drawn and given away...I mention this because of two serendipitous draws (one involved a little girl drawing her own name out of the bowl *claps excitedly* and another saw a lady bemoaning the fact that she never wins anything witness her name being drawn two minutes later *claps even more excitedly*). I hope that everyone enjoyed our technique demonstrations featuring the beautiful and versatile Embrace Life stamp set which is available until the end of this month through the current Stampin' Up! Australia Summer Mini.

The following card was displayed during my Crayon Resist demonstration so I thought why not post it with its supply list?

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Bashful Blue
Certainly Celery
Chocolate Chip
Tempting Turquoise

Stamp sets:
Embrace Life
En Français background

Cardstock:
Certainly Celery Textured
Glossy White
Whisper White

Accessories:
Chunky Glitter
Paper Snips
Sponge Daubers
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Write Marker in Old Olive
Tombow Liquid Adhesive
Word Window Punch

I'm now busily adding e-mail addresses to my mailing list to send out my next newsletter by the end of the week. If you visited us and didn't get a chance to fill out a lucky door prize form (or forgot to tick that you are interested in a monthly e-mail), just click on the Sign Me Up! link on the left to be added to my list.

A big wave to my lovely friends and customers for visiting me at the stand *WAVE*

What's all the Ocean Commotion?

Has there ever been a time when Australian and New Zealand demonstrators got access to a Stampin' Up! stamp set before every other country?

Like never!

OK...as far as I know - just once (which really is like never). Ocean Commotion was first released to the stellar AU/NZ 2008 Incentive Trip winners and now features in the current Australian Summer Mini.

In the last day, there's been a disproportionate number hits on my blog looking for this set and I wondered why this was so. *ponder* *mull* After an extensive investigation lasting 10 whole minutes, I found out that
<SPOILER ALERT>
someone just let it slip that Ocean Commotion will be in an upcoming Spring-Summer catalogue.
</SPOILER ALERT>

So, I thought that I should be as helpful as possible by posting another card made with this fabulous set. This card was created for an amazing friend of mine, Kris, who makes a real difference everyday in her vocation in Wildlife and Zoo Medicine. She's definitely a wonderful reason to celebrate and worth making a commotion about. Pity that she's not a Marine Biologist as this set would then be completely perfect for her but, then again, I wouldn't want her to change her job just to suit my stamp sets *sheepish grin*

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Garden Green
Taken with Teal

Stamps:
Cheer and Wishes set
Curvy Verses set
Ocean Commotion set

Paper:
Bali Breeze DSP
Whisper White Cardstock

Accessories:
Dazzling Diamonds
Embossing Powder in White
Heat and Stick Powder
Heat Tool
Paper Snips
Stampin' Dimensional
Stampin' Write Markers in Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red
Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon

Too cryptic...

...for a three-year-old, perhaps? I'm thinking of sending this to my nephew for his 3rd birthday but it's a bit cruel to torture the wee one with a puzzle for a card. I suspect it is even more cruel to require my sleep-deprived sister to explain it to him, along with the origins of the phrase. Ah well! If she ever visits my blog, she'll have a reference handy.

This card is rather appropriate for me, though, as I've made it using some Summer Picnic Designer Series Paper (from the Spring Mini that is due to end). While the weather hasn't been great for picnicking, we've had an influx of ants roaming in our study. Every so often I feel a tickle on my leg, slap it and come away with the harsh chemical smell of squashed ant. Even more often, I feel the brush of something, check my limbs, find no insects and wonder whether I'm going insane. I suppose actually mailing this card to my little nephew and expecting him to get it would be proof of that!

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Barely Banana

Stamp:
Tart & Tangy set

Paper:
Bashful Blue CS
Old Olive CS
Summer Picnic DSP
Whisper White CS

Accessories:
A Perfect Day Rub-Ons
Anchored Rub-Ons
Paper Snips
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Write Markers in Basic Black, Old Olive, Rose Red
Whisper White Grosgrain


Oh! The individual Stampin' Write Marker promotion was extended today - it will be ending on December 14. November 30 will still see the end of Spring Mini and the 20% off Rub-Ons promotion so remember to get your orders in by this Sunday.

A pinch and a punch...

...for missing a post for the first of the month. Yes! I missed posting properly yesterday due to duties at the Papercrafts Festival, which has been a whirlwind of preparation and activity. It has been great meeting so many crafty women over the past two days *big wave* - I can honestly say that I have yet to do a make and take with a man at the fair. Perhaps this is why women are called the fairer sex? Also, a special hello to belle for being so sweet to visit me at the stand.

Stampin' Up! promotions will be starting on the 10th this month - when you click on the Specials heading on the top of this blog, you'll see that markers will be offered for purchase as single items very soon! I'll update the blog with the promotions as soon as they are made public. Also, I'll be sending out my newsletter with all the details on that date too. So, please sign up if you are interested (check out the free subscriptions panel on the left right [don't know my left from my right!] of the page).

This is one of the cards that I have on display when I do my demonstration of the Poppin' Pastels technique at the fair. I can sneak this on now since some of you have seen it already.
Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
VersaMark

Stamps:
It's Beautiful wheel
Short & Sweet set

Cardstock:
Naturals Ivory

Accessories:
Mat Pack
Paper Piercer
Paper Snips
Sponge Daubers
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Pastels





Today is the last day of the Papercrafts Festival so poppin' I mean pop in if you can. We have an amazing array of papercraft samples (and I can say this because you should see everyone else's work) and you can even take a photo or two of your favourite pieces. There are also specials just for the show including a Pick-A-Prize for all bundles and if you are thinking of joining Stampin' Up!, you'd definitely want to ask us about it!

It's Beautiful - wheely!

What a tremendous INKling team weekend it was! My amazing upline Jayne did a magnificent job of organising the event, and on top of that, producing the loveliest papercraft treats for each and every one of us. Thank you so much, Jayne!

One of my favourite things about the weekend, apart from meeting lovely and talented INKlings, was the Card in a Box. This is where all the supplies to make a card are placed into a box. As 18 of us took part, I got to make 17 different and wonderful cards. Mine was made using a gorgeous wheel, very appropriately named It's Beautiful, that features in the new Spring Mini. To bring out the lovely flowers and swirls in the wheel, I used the Poppin' Pastels technique to add multiple colours to the image.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Lovely Lilac
VersaMark

Stamps:
It's Beautiful wheel
Sweet Serendipity set

Cardstock:
Naturals Ivory

Accessories:
Designer Label Punch
Glue Dots
Mat Pack
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Pastels
Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon




Hmmmmmm...I stopped editing this post to have dinner and watch TV and ended up sleeping on the couch! The weekend was bigger than I had realised!

A big wave to Jayne, Jo and Merryl - my gracious snore-free roomies! and Alana and Ryn - my clever quiz mates! Also, many thanks to Karen for kindly transporting me to the venue and back.

Let's do the citrus twist

Hubby loves lemons. In fact, he loves just about anything sour. So, when you start telling him "When life gives you lemons" you don't have to finish the saying since he does it for you with a "when are we expecting delivery already?". He also delights is sucking all the juice from lemon or lime slices used to adorn drinks or lemon wedges accompanying fish and chips - straight. Yeah...it makes me screw up my face just thinking about it.

So, when I saw the new Tart & Tangy stamp set in the upcoming Stampin' Up! Spring Mini catalogue, I immediately thought of Hubby. And what makes me think of Hubby, I have to buy. And hey! I'm not saying that I need constant reminders of him...or that I don't need constant reminders either. Gee, that was surprisingly tricky to manoeuvre. Hmmmm...let's just say that things reminding me of Hubby make me smile.

The following card uses the Rock 'n Roll technique to imbue the limes with a darker coloured rind. The limes in the background have been embossed for added interest. Unfortunately, the embossing is not that obvious in the first photo so I've posted a second picture from a different angle.

Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Basic Black
Gable Green
Glorious Green
VersaMark

Stamps:
Tart & Tangy set
Short & Sweet set

Cardstock:
Gable Green
Glorious Green
Whisper White
Accessories:
1 1/4" Circle Punch
Clear Embossing Powder
Corner Rounder
Heat and Stick Powder
Heat Tool
Mat Pack
Scallop Punch
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Glitter

Gettin' made

I had been putting the finishing touches on my workshop preparations (read: Aaarrgh! What am I going to demonstrate?! *panic*), when a stray sheet of striped So Saffron Prints Designer Series Paper Sampler strayed on to a stray sheet of Blue Bayou cardstock ... I know there's a lot of strays and straying going on but it's my euphemistic way of letting you know that my workspace is a little (read: a lot) chaotic. When I noticed this lovely harmony of light and dark and complementary colours, I thought "Ooooh! That's nice!" and resumed my workshop panicking planning. Or so I thought...

The idea of bringing these two sheets together in a card just niggled incessantly at me the whole time I was trying to create a couple more projects. I mean, in the midst of all that panicking and planning, for the niggle to register, it had to be pretty insistent! I tried chastising the cardstock with "Stop pestering me you...Blue Bayou..you!" Needless to say, it just looked at me dolefully (after all, it is always blue). I tried turning over the sheet of striped So Saffron DSP but it didn't help as it was double-sided! When I couldn't stand the distraction any longer, I decided a card just had to be made.

So, here it is, a marriage of Blue Bayou and So Saffron. May their bond last long and true - a testament to Stampin' Up! glue:
Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Glorious Green
Purely Pomegranate
So Saffron
Wild Wasabi

Stamps:
Heartfelt Thanks set
Paisley background

Paper:
Blue Bayou CS
So Saffron Prints DSP
Whisper White

Accessories:
Blue Bayou Double-Stitched Grosgrain
Mat Pack
Stampin' Dimensionals
Phew! Now I can get back to my panicking, undisturbed.

There's always a catch...

I was just sitting on the train platform with my loved ones doing what I imagine most people do on the platform, which is waiting for the train...when along came a trio of cute little children. Wide-eyed, fidgety, runny-nosed but endearing, nonetheless, they were accompanied by their harried mother, who would throw apologetic glances at us whenever one of them made their presence felt. Of course, one can't help but engage with them with an intermittent smile, funny face or gentle touch on a baby hand or foot. How sweet a way to pass the time!

A few days later, I found out what the catch was ... a cold! Yes, I caught more than just the train that day - I caught a cold and have now incubated that little something passed from the kiddies to me. Here's a card I made in honour of the experience:
Stampin' Supplies
Ink:
Purely Pomegranate
Stamps:
Boho Backgrounds set
So Many Sayings set
Paper:
Prints DSP Sampler
Very Vanilla CS
Accessories:
Mat Pack
Scallop Punch
Stampin' Dimensionals
Very Vanilla Grosgrain

This is a surprisingly tricky card to make, due to the precision required in cutting the rectangles of patterned paper such that the continuity of the swirls is preserved. Reaching for a tissue every 20 seconds increases the difficulty rating by a notch. A really good guillotine is a must. If all fails, embellish the joins!

For those of you interested in trying the Prints DSP Sampler, we are already mid-way through May...so please remember to put your orders in before the promotion ends.

UPDATE: 19 May 2008

Check out Marcia's lovely palette 'o prints interpretation. I love the layered middle which reminds me of the waistband on a Japanese kimono.