Discontinued Stamps still available - a few days left

A couple of weeks ago I posted a list of the retired stamp sets that I was selling from my own personal stash. Some have now gone, but I so have still quite a bit left and if you would like any of them they will be on sale until the end of this month. I am letting them go at great prices because I really just want them off my shelf. What I dont sell here I will find another way to get rid of them!

Here is the list again, newly updated to reflect those that have sold already.

Level 1 Hostess sets (All $20 each - brand new and unmounted)
A little bit of Happiness (2 available) - (1 left)
Oh So lovely (3 available)
So Many Sayings (1 available)
Party Punch (1 available)

Level 2 Hostess sets (All $35 each - brand new and unmounted)
In the Spotlight (1 available)(gone)
Infinite Goodness (2 available) (1 left)
Cause for Celebration (1 available)
Spring Solitude (including wheel - 1 available) (gone)
Also 1 slightly used (mounted) In the Spotlight is available

SAB - $15
Polka Dot Punches - 1 available, used, slight stains on the wood blocks

Other Stamp Sets:
It's all Good - $15, used, excellent condition (original price $24.95)
Sweet Sampler - $20, used, excellent condition (original price $29.95)
All I have seen - $20, used, excellent Condition (original price $29.95)
Finest Flourishes - $20 used, excellent Condition (original price $35.95)
Happiness (Background stamp) - $20, used, excellent condition (original price $33.95)
Little Pieces - $25, well loved, but in good condition (original price $33.95)
Polka Dots and Petals - $25, some stains to the wood blocks (original price $33.95)
Merry Merry (Christmas Set) - $30, excellent condition, small stains (was $45.95)
Crazy for Christmas - $30, some stains but good condition (original price $39.95)
Circle of Friendship - $30, brand new and unmounted (was $33.95)
Wishing You (Christmas set)- $35, some stains but good condition, ex-mini set
Big Blooms - $40, well loved and with stains, but in good condition (originally $
Greetings Galore - $40, good condition (original price $58.95) - ex-mini set
Petal Prints - $40, much loved, has stains, but will love you back :-) (was $53.95)
Bodacious Bouquet - $40, lots of stains from lots of use! But stamps great!(was $58.95) (matching jumbo wheel also available, see below)
Bold Butterfly - $40, used, excellent condition, (original price $57.95)(matching jumbo wheel also available, see below)
Everyday Flexible Phrases - $50, has stains but still has loads of use left in it - was orginally priced at $79.95.

Std Wheels
Gifts galore - $8 (gone)

Jumbo Wheels - all used but in great condition
Basic Outline - $10 (gone)
Rough Texture - $10
Flitting By - $10 (gone)
Bodacious - $10

To reserve any of these sets that remain just email me at higgiz@bigpond.com You can pay via Bank deposit or cash if you live close to me on the Central Coast.

Dont miss out if you've had your eye on any of these sets.

:-)

Echoes of Kindness - and your chance to win

Each month I send out an email newsletter to my customers on the Newsletter list. The information in the newsletter is separate to that here on the blog. Sometimes I run specials or competitions here on the blog and I do the same in my newsletters - but they are not necessarily the same. Each newsletter also highlights a technique or tool. I hear back from my customers that they really enjoy the newsletter, and I enjoy putting them together and offering that service. I would love to offer it to even more people.

To encourage my blog readers to join the newsletter list I would like to offer the first 5 people to sign up today a little pack of buttons and ribbons that I have made up for you. To sign up, use the sign up box over on the right-hand side of my blog - simply enter your email address. Easy huh? For those already on the email list, dont worry there are deals and specials for you too - see the April newsletter as an example, and there will of course be another newsletter coming up in May.

Please note that this "First Five" giveaway is only available to Australian residents.

I thought you would like to see a card I made up the other night - I used "Echoes of Kindness", which is my favourite of the Level 2 Hostess sets this year. I stamped the main image in Black Stazon onto Watercolour paper, and used my Inks applied with an aquapainter to colour it in. I've used Sahara Sand ink around the main image to make it "pop". The background paper is from the Urban Garden DSP - also my favourite so far. You cant see it, but the flowers are also covered with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. As for the ribbon, it is one of the Striped Grosgrain ribbons - this one in Baja Breeze. If you love this ribbon, think about the ribbon swap that I currently have going. Click here for more details. It's a great way to get a selection of the ribbons for a great price.

I was really pleased with this card. What do you guys think?

I love Baja Breeze.......

And in fact all the new InColor range which is growing on me more and more every day. I made this box at our New Catalogue launch last week, and it's made from Baja Breeze cardstock, and I've stamped it with the flourish from the "Friends 24-7" set in Versamark for a subtle effect. Then the belly band is made from the matching Urban Garden DSP (my favourite one so far this year - although that's bound to change Im sure!) layered onto Not Quite Navy cardstock. I stamped the flower on top from the Petals Pizzaz stamp set with Not Quite Navy ink and set a rhinestone brad in the centre from the Ice set. The ribbon is the white Taffeta ribbon. (If you love ribbons click here to see the ribbon swaps currently available)

This box was sooooooo easy! But doesnt it look cool?

Anyone interested in a Spot in the new Day Stamp Club??

I have a new stamp club starting up in a couple of weeks time here on the Central Coast of NSW, and I have 1 or 2 spots available. What's a stamp club? Well we get together once every 2 months to work together on a project (something a little more involved like a box with matching cards, card compendium or specialty cards) and at each club get together each member commits to spend $50 on SU product. That means that with a group of 6 people each time we meet we will have a minimum $300 workshop - and each club member gets to be the hostess once over the course of the course of the club. So that means that when it's your turn to be the hostess you will get some cash to spend (minimum $30) on SU product of your choice, as well as a free Hostess set of your choice from the 2009-10 Idea Book and Catalogue. It's a pretty good deal and is a great way of building up your supplies slowly over the course of a year.

I already have a lovely group of ladies doing an evening stamp club with me (and there is currently a vacant spot there too) but I have been asked to put together a day club. Currently we are looking at beginning in the first week of May, and the first get together will be a Wednesday.

If you are interested in joining a great group of girls, would like to build up your supplies and learn some new techniques and create some wonderful projects, then please contact me to join the club by emailing me at higgiz@bigpond.com .


Just a quick card today - this card uses the new "Fresh Cut Notes" (rrp $17.50)and I have teamed it up with Urban Garden Patterned paper (rrp $16.95) and a matching button from the Button Bouquet set (rrp $15.50). So simple you could make it in a few minutes, but it's cute isnt it?

First Ribbon Share from the New Catalogue

Hello guys,

I know how popular the Ribbon shares have been in the past and I thought I would get things rolling from the new catalogue by offering 2 ribbon shares. Here are the share options for you:

Ribbon Share Group 1 - $30
5/8" In Color Striped Grosgrain
You will receive 1/4 of each roll of the colours, which are Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point, Baha Breeze and Tangerine Tango. That's approximately 3.4m of each colour. That should keep you going for a while! The ribbon is the same as the one in this card:



(That's the Kiwi Kiss one)


Ribbon Share Group 2 - $20
1" Double Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon
You will receive 1/4 of each roll of the four colours which are: Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Bashful Blue and Baha Breeze. The total for all 4 colours is $20 (free shipping) and this means that you will receive approximately 2.25m of each colour. Here's a pic of what this ribbon looks like:



(You can also see some samples of this ribbon in my banner picture at the top of this blog.)

I will pay the shipping on both swaps.

OK, so if you like me are a ribbon addict, then you might want a share in both swaps... if you do, I will let you have both swaps for a total of $45, saving you both the shipping fee and an additional $5 off.

Let me know if you want to be in either or both shares by emailing me at higgiz@bigpond.com. First in, best dressed.

Enjoy!

Playing with the new In Colors - and a deal for you...

By now many of you will have seen the new In Color range that Stampin'Up have released with our New Idea Book and Catalogue. To be honest, I had such a love affair with last year's colours that I needed convincing that I would love this colour range as much. But to my absolute delight and surprise I am loving them. There are some gorgeous combinations, and this year's stunning range of Patterned papers coordinate beautifully with the colour range too. Of course, true to form, SU have also released matching buttons, ribbons and other accessories. Im truly loving the creations that I have been coming up with.

So today's card has been made solely with InColours (and white of course) - and I love the happy and bright result. I used Petals Pizzaz (RRP $58.95 on page 98 of the new catalogue) on Whisper White Card, stamped with Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss and Pacific Point (each ink RRP $11.95). I used a Pacific Point mat and Tangerine Tango Cardstock Base, and stamped a sentiment (in this case from "Heartfelt Thanks") onto a piece of Vellum Cardstock, and attached it to the card with 2 silver brads. Like it? Very simple, but effective card.

If you love this set, and the colours, I have a deal for you:

Petal Pizzaz Stamp Set (rrp $58.95)
4 Incolor Inkpads of your choice (rrp $11.95 each)
1 pack of Assorted Cardstock (rrp $14.50)
Step-by-step instructions on how to make the card.

Normally these products would retail for $121.25 plus postage of $6.06, so that the total would be $127.31. Until the end of April I am offering this pack of products to you for $120 - so you get a little discount and your shipping is free. I can have them delivered to you anywhere in Australia and products are normally delivered within a week of placing your order. You can pay via Credit Card, Bank deposit or Cash, whichever works best for you. If you are local to me (Central Coast NSW) I can deliver to you personally, if you are elsewhere in Australia, I will ship the product to your door.

Just email me at higgiz@bigpond.com if you would like to place your order.

Hope you enjoy the card!

Retired SU Stamp sets for Sale - grab a bargain

Ok, it's that time of year again. When I finally get my act together and offer up my discontinued stamp sets for sale. Have a look through the list... you will notice that I am offering them all at quite reasonable prices - I am happy to just offload them to make room for all the lovely new stuff in the new Catalogue. I will offer them until the end of April (or until all sold) and after that I will find other avenues to sell them. Once an item has been sold I will update the blog here so that you know what is left. If you would like the item(s) mailed to you add $5.50 to the price (except for wheels which are cheaper to post) - I am happy to combine the postage if buying more than one item. If you wish to collect the item from my home on the Central Coast (NSW) then there is no additional charge. To grab one of these sets for yourself, simply email me at higgiz@bigpond.com

Here we go:

Level 1 Hostess sets (All $20 each - brand new and unmounted)
A little bit of Happiness (2 available)
Oh So lovely (3 available)
So Many Sayings (1 available)
Party Punch (1 available)

Level 2 Hostess sets (All $35 each - brand new and unmounted)
In the Spotlight (1 available)
Infinite Goodness (2 available)
Cause for Celebration (1 available)
Spring Solitude (including wheel - 1 available)
Also 1 slightly used (mounted) In the Spotlight is available

SAB - $15
Polka Dot Punches - 1 available, used, slight stains on the wood blocks

Other Stamp Sets:
It's all Good - $15, used, excellent condition (original price $24.95)
Sweet Sampler - $20, used, excellent condition (original price $29.95)
All I have seen - $20, used, excellent Condition (original price $29.95)
Finest Flourishes - $20 used, excellent Condition (original price $35.95)
Happiness (Background stamp) - $20, used, excellent condition (original price $33.95)
Little Pieces - $25, well loved, but in good condition (original price $33.95)
Polka Dots and Petals - $25, some stains to the wood blocks (original price $33.95)
Merry Merry (Christmas Set) - $30, excellent condition, small stains (was $45.95)
Crazy for Christmas - $30, some stains but good condition (original price $39.95)
Circle of Friendship - $30, brand new and unmounted (was $33.95)
Wishing You (Christmas set)- $35, some stains but good condition, ex-mini set
Big Blooms - $40, well loved and with stains, but in good condition (originally $
Greetings Galore - $40, good condition (original price $58.95) - ex-mini set
Petal Prints - $40, much loved, has stains, but will love you back :-) (was $53.95)
Bodacious Bouquet - $40, lots of stains from lots of use! But stamps great!(was $58.95) (matching jumbo wheel also available, see below)
Bold Butterfly - $40, used, excellent condition, (original price $57.95)(matching jumbo wheel also available, see below)
Everyday Flexible Phrases - $50, has stains but still has loads of use left in it - was orginally priced at $79.95.

Std Wheels
Gifts galore - $8

Jumbo Wheels
Basic Outline - $10
Rough Texture - $10
Flitting By - $10
Bodacious - $10

By the way, the card shown above uses the now discontinued "Wishing You" set - available on this list for $35. (And it uses the Rough Texture wheel as well).

I hope you can find something on this list that you've been looking for - Im just happy to clear out my shelves for all the new sets I have coming. :-) Enjoy!

New Catalogue Launch Night 9th April 2009

Hello Girls,

I put the details for tomorrow night's launch in my newsletter last month, and even before I got around to posting it here on the blog I had filled my table! These nights are exceptional - and everybody wants to come!

BUT... even though my table is full at this event, there are a couple of other tables (being run by other demonstrators) that are not full as yet! If you would like to join us for a fantastic evening making gorgeous projects here on the Central Coast, and you are free tomorrow night, the 9th April, then please email me at higgiz@bigpond.com and we can still fit you in! For a cost of $15 you will make 3 projects, and also receive a brand new Idea Book and Catalogue (valued at $12.95 rrp!). This is awesome value! There will also be prizes, supper and lots of fun!

So if you would like to join us, it will be first in, best dressed! I can give you the address details when you book in. You dont need to bring anything except yourself! You can email me at higgiz@bigpond.com or you can call me on 0412 375 552 to book your place. Hope to hear from you soon!

Is this the world's Simplest Card??

Possibly!

I've done two different versions for you here. They both use the brand new Upsy Daisy Stamp set, and both cards are simply a piece of A4 vanilla Cardstock, cut in half. No adhesive or layers whatsoever. If you were in need of a quick card, five minutes before you rush out the door, then this is would be it!

I stamped the daisies in Old Olive on the first one, and then stamped the sentiment (from the same set) in Chocalate brown and tied a matching grosgain ribbon around the top. That's it.





The second one is my favourite though. This one uses the "Poppin' Pastels" technique - you stamp the daisies in Versamark ink (clear), and then, using a sponge dauber, you tap the pastels over the top - so that the chalk sticks to the Versamark. Even with the addition of this technique, it would still be a five minute card. It doesnt get much simpler!

Like it? Let me know what you think? Too simple???

Final Donation Amount for the Bushfire Appeal

You may remember that recently Stampin'Up held a bushfire appeal and donated 50% of the value of certain stamp sets sold from mid February to the end of March. Today I wanted to thank you all for helping in this cause and to let you know that together we all managed to raise $77,889.63!!!

What a wonderful effort! You all deserve a huge hug and a huge thanks from me. I know that the funds will be so appreciated.

Thank you all!

And so it begins....

Happy New Year to everyone out there in blog land!

Yes, I know it's not the real New Year's Day. But it feels even more like it to me, because today is the day that the Stampin'Up year begins. This means a range of things for demonstrators, but for all my customers and friends out there, the most exciting thing is that our Brand New Idea Book and Catalogue has been released today. It's lovely! Im so happy with it.

The feedback from just about everybody has been that this one is somehow even better than last year's. There are loads of new Stamp sets - including lots in the lower price bracket. The new InColor range is also fantastic, and I know you will love working with them. But I think my new favourite thing are the new Patterned papers - they are simply to die for!

So I thought you would like to see my first card made with new stuff. This one uses the new set "Bloom Away" which features 3 lovely stamps showing off some of our beautiful Australian Wildflowers. The colours I have used here are Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Mellow Moss, Vanilla and the brand new Pink Pirouette. I used the En Francais Background Stamp. The feature flowers are stamped in Chocolate Chip, and coloured with the Pastels and a blender pen to keep it soft. I've used the Colour Spritzer Tool to speckle the background behind the flower, and tied a Choc Chip Taffeta ribbon around the Mellow moss cardstock and threaded it through a Jumbo eyelet. It looks nicer in real life I think. I'll probably be doing this one a bit at workshops this month.

If you would like to get your hands on a new catalogue, then please contact me. They are available from me directly at the discounted price of $10 (normally $12.95) or you can have one posted to you anywhere in Australia for $15. Or you can host a workshop (where you all get to make stuff) and you will get one for free. Lastly, if you dont have time for a workshop, but would still like a free catalogue, you can always hold a "catalogue party" - just show the catty around to your friends and collect their orders. If you collect over $300 in product value, you will not only get the catalogue for free, but also a free hostess-only stamp set and a minimum of $30 to spend (sometimes much more, depending on the total amount of product ordered). And believe me, $300 is much more achievable than it sounds - as I am sure many of you have already found out!

Im excited about what's around the corner and really excited to see what everyone will create with the new stuff. Enjoy!