Christmas Penguin

I found this cute penguin design on Splitcoast Stamper (I need to credit Megan with the design, but I dont know her surname.. so sorry!) I tweaked it a little to make him a bit Christmassy by adding the "Do not Open" stamp from the Winter Post set, and popped it up on Dimensionals so that I could add a candy cane. Sure it doesnt fit in a regular envelope for posting purposes, but there are times when a little extra postage is warranted don't you think??? This one is for extra special people!

I have never done much in the way of punch art, but I really enjoyed making him... in fact we made these at Stamp Club this week. (The last one of the year!) He is actually a combination of punch art and Big Shot art... I used the top note die for his main shape. Easy, and really effective!

Want a cute penguin like this for your own? Leave a comment on my blog this week and I will put all the entries in a draw and send a penguin card out to one lucky winner. You can be anywhere in the world to enter. Check back here after Sunday 19th December to see if you have won. (Dont forget that I am working on Australian time and date)

Hope everyone is enjoying the lead up to Christmas and you are remembering to take out some time for yourself!

Linda xx

Christmas Gift Class

Hello everyone...

I have just had a last minute cancellation for my Christmas Gift-making class. So if anyone would like to spend a fun afternoon creating Christmas goodies for friends tomorrow (Saturday 11th December at 2pm) please email me at lindastamps@bigpond.com to Cost is $30 and you will make 4 gorgeous gifts that will be perfect for friends, teachers or family members this Christmas. And the best part is that you can say "I made it myself". Gifts handmade with love are the very best kind. :-)

And here is a sneak-peek at just one of the things that we will be making... I have photographed this one on a wine bottle, but if you are not a drinker it could just as easily fit onto a water bottle or bottle of any kind really. Enjoy!

Linda

Playing with New Stuff

Those of you who attended my launch events recently will remember this card. I wanted to show off as much new product as possible at the launches of course, and this was the first card we created. It's actually a very simple card, but we had lots of fun putting it together.

Here is what we used on the card that's new from our Summer Mini catalogue:

Love Defined Stamp Set 121777 (Wood) $47.95 or 122066 (Clear) $37.95
Square Scallop Clear Die 115950 $42.95
Itty Bitty Bits Stamp Set 122072 (Wood) $20.95 or 120060 (Clear) $16.95
Bitty Buttons 118791 $7.95 (pack of 64)
Punch pack 118309 $30.95 (pack of three)

I love the Itty Bitty stamps and how they match the buttons and the punch pack. And here is a tip.. did you know that if you are buying them in wood rather than clear, you can fit the 3 punches into the same stamp storage case! How cool is that! I was wondering how I would store them but the problem is solved. (Thanks to my upline Georgina for making that great discovery!)

I also used the Teeny Tiny Sentiments for the words on the card - because they are one of the great items on special this month as part of our "December Frenzy" sale. Usually the wood-mounted stamps retail for a price of $62.95, but right now you can grab them for $31.48. Thats a great 50% saving! I love my set of these because it means you have a greeting for almost every occasion - there are 24 different greeting in the set. Let me know if you would like to order this or any items... we still have time to get our orders back in plenty of time before Christmas! To order just email me at lindastamps@bigpond.com

Here's hoping you enjoy the card, and are not too stressed in the lead up to the Christmas holiday season. Take a breath, relax, and maybe make a card! (That's what I do for stress relief!)
xx

What we are making tomorrow

Tomorrow I am running my very last Stamp-A-Stack of the year. As always we are making 6 cards (3 each of 2 different designs), and I wanted to show you one of the designs today. I made this one a few weeks back, but as it features the larger scallop punch I wanted to hold off showing you until now.

Such an easy card, but I am really happy with it. Hopefully the girls at tomorrow's class will be too!

Back with more soon. :-)

December Frenzy is here!!! Grab a great bargain!

And there are some FANTASTIC bargains to be had! Items are up to 50% off... click here to see the full list of discounted stamps and accessories!

To order just contact me at lindastamps@bigpond.com (yes my email is working again!) or you can phone your order through on my mobile (0412375552)

There are fantastic Christmas gifts there... and of course something for you too :-) Enjoy the specials!

"December Frenzy" is coming...

Hello everyone. Wow... it feels like Christmas is coming at an alarming rate!!! On the plus side though, once the next couple of busy weeks are over (Concerts, Presentation nights, appointments, Launches, club nights, etc etc) then things will quieten down and I get to have a lovely rest. Mind you, school holidays will then start, so not sure that's really resting, but at least we wont have to do the school-rushing-for-the-bus-thing every morning, and I am looking forward to that.

Christmas this year is likely to be a quiet affair, but I am having some time away with the kids in January. We are staying with another family with 3 kids, so it will be anything but quiet! But once the kids are asleep, then the Scrabble and the DVDs will come out and its OUR TIME. And yes, I hope to get some stamping in too... I love it when you can create with other people that love it too... and not just because you are working on something for business purposes. Dont get me wrong, I love creating for work too, but sometimes its nice to create with no agenda.

I thought I would show you over the coming days the projects we will be making at my launches this month. We have a new Summer Mini Catalogue coming out tomorrow (December 1st) and I am running launches to show off some of the lovely new products. The box at the top of this post is one of the projects we are making at the launches. I used the new Specialty Designer Series paper from the mini, and sponged Rich Razzleberry ink over it. (Well actually I didnt sponge the one in the photo, Cheryl did when she was visiting me yesterday! Thanks Cheryl!) The box shape is cut on the Big Shot with the new clear Scallop Square die. Doesn't it look cool?!

Lastly I wanted to get you to stay tuned. Tomorrow will also see the beginning of the December Frenzy promotion... SU have discounted various selected products by up to 50% (for example, Teeny Tiny Sentiments (W) is marked down from $62.95 to $31.48! Pendant Park Set (C) is marked down from $27.95 to $13.98! Selected Markers are only $3.45!). So check out the Stampin'Up website tomorrow (1st December) for your first look at the promotion. I will also post the flyer here once I am able to do so.

In the meantime enjoy the little launch box - this was super fast and easy to make. Soooooo cute! xx

I'm without Email yet again...

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I am once again without email. I can still access the internet this time, but Telstra tells me that I am one of their customers affected by their current "outage". Frustrating. So if you have emailed me in the past couple of days I am afraid that I wont have received it. You can still comment here however. I have emails to send as well - particularly regarding the new Big Shot and Accessories clubs about to start up this week. Hopefully I will be back up and running soon.

In the meantime, enjoy this little project which is another sneak peek of some of our new product to be released on the 1st December.

xx

Mini Catalogue Launch dates... Come and See What's New!

Many of you would already know that we have a brand new Summer Mini Catalogue to be released on the 1st December. I am really excited to show you what's new and so have organized two dates to show off some of our lovely stuff.

This time around I am holding the launches at my home at Narara on the Central Coast and have decided to run one day launch, (on the 1st December @ 11am) and one evening one, (on the 29th November @ 7.30pm). The cost is $15 and all materials and light refreshments are provided. What happens at a launch? We will be making 3 projects, using lots of new catalogue product, and as always at launches there will be prizes and "Launch only" specials. Places are limited, and both dates are filling quickly so please email me at lindastamps@bigpond.com if you would like to join us. I can give you my address details when you book in.

I hope you can join us!

Big Shot Clubs about to start.. places are running out!

Whether you already own a Big Shot, or would like to... read on.. this could be for you!

One of my favourite things over the past few months has been the running of my first Big Shot Club. As the club is drawing to a close I have been asked to run another one for new prospective Big Shot owners - and yet another for those who already own a Die-cutting machine. If you are thinking you might like to get yourself a Big Shot but would like to spread the cost if it over a six month period.. then the Big Shot Club is just what you are looking for. And by being a member of the club you will receive so much more than just your Big Shot! There are tutorials every month for you to use with your Big Shot, and one month out of the six you also are the "hostess" - which means that you receive both free stamps and free product (at least $30 depending on the group spending that month).

There is no need to attend classes - in fact some of the members both past and present are not located near me at all.

How much does it cost? Each month you will pay $50 for the six months (unless you are located away from the Central Coast in which case the cost is $55 per month to cover additional postage). Each month you receive a die or embossing folder (you can choose which ones you want), and one month you will also receive a Big Shot machine. The Big Shot club is almost filled - I can squeeze in two more people and that's it. The value of what you will receive is considerably greater than what you will spend.

There is also a Big Shot Accessories Club for those who already have a die-cutting machine. This means that our dies and embossing folders are also compatible with other Die-cutting machines and so even if you have say, a Cuttlebug machine, you can still purchase the Stampin'Up dies, many of which are exclusive to us. The Accessories club operates in the same way as the Big Shot club... except that instead of the Big Shot you can choose some of the larger dies or accessories - for example the Timeless type Alphabet or Doctors Bag. Once again, I dont have a lot of spaces left in this either, so please be quick to secure your spot.

I hope to begin both clubs at the end of this month. For more information please contact me via email at lindastamps@bigpond.com and I can send you some information to answer your questions.

The card that I have included in this post is made with two different Big Shot dies... one of which wont be available until December 1st... and yes that means that we have more dies and embossing folders to come!

Enjoy!

Easy Thank you Card

Sometimes I find a nice simple design and they are so quick to make that I sit down and make a bunch of them. Thank you cards are always good to have on hand... there are so many people to thank! (And I am off to do a class teaching 16 8-year-olds today... eeeeek! Wish me luck!) So quick and simple cards are sometimes the only thing you have time for. Lucky that SU makes products that co-ordinate so well, so it takes the thinking time out of it.

This card uses the Gala Greenhouse DSP (patterned paper), Early Expresso Satin Ribbon, Beautiful Wings butterfly in Crumb Cake (with a basic pearl adhered in the middle), 1&3/4" circle, and the sentiment is from the "Short and Sweet" stamp set. I cut my A4 Whisper White paper into thirds so that I got 3 cards from one piece of paper. Quick and Simple. Gotta love that.

If you wish to order, book in to a class, or even just ask a question, please contact me at lindastamps@bigpond.com

Happy Stamping!

Shimmer Paint Techniques

Hello Blogworld!

Many times I photograph cards or projects to load here onto the blog, and I am often disappointed that they never look as good on the screen as they do in real life. I am really pleased with the cards that we are making at tonight's technique class, but they look sooo much better in real life. This time we are spotlighting Shimmer paints and some of the ways that you can use them. I am a huge fan of these paints.. and they add so much sparkle to your projects. Sparkle is great at any time of year.. but Christmas even more so dont you think??

The blue and white ATC is for your technique folder (I supply these for attendees), and uses the Platinum Shimmer paint. The "Life is Beautiful" card was actually my swap at Incentive Trip this year. And the Medallion card is a CASE of Andrea Walford's Shimmer Paint card. There are close-ups below.

I have one of these classes tonight, so if you wish to join us you will need to be quick! But I am also running a second class at 11am on the 24th November. Classes are held at my home on the Central Coast, and you will make the three projects that you see here (an ATC, and 2 cards) for a cost of $15, as well as learning about other cool things you can do with your Shimmer Paints.

I hope you like the projects.. the sparkle doesnt show as much here, but trust me, it's there!

Enjoy! xx

What we are making on Wednesday

I'm trying to get better at putting up photos of the different types of items that we make in upcoming classes. Today's project is my project class this month - I am running one day class and one evening class. It's the Mini Milk carton Class, and these really do make a wonderful gift. There are goodies inside too... or of course you can add your own if you prefer!

The day class is running this coming Wednesday, the 10th November, 2010, at 11am.

I have a couple of versions of this particular project, done in slightly different Christmas colours. The other one uses the brand new Christmas cocoa paper... I will be using that paper at my Christmas Stamp a Stacks this month too.

You can view my class schedule over on the right hand side of this blog. If you are receiving this message via email (Feedblitz) then you will need to click on the title at the top of the page, which will take you to the actual blog, and then just scroll down to view the schedule on the right hand side. If you would like to book in to any of the classes or get any information about the projects please feel free to contact me at lindastamps@bigpond.com

In the meantime, enjoy this project.. I really love them and think I just might be making a few for Christmas gifts this year.

Linda xx

Get your hands on some beautiful free Christmas Ribbon

We are fast heading towards the busy Christmas season, so SU have released some great Christmas bundles and with each one you receive a roll of Christmas ribbon at no extra cost. There are four different styles of Ribbons to choose from... so I am sure there will be something for everyone! My personal favourite ribbon ever - the Real Red Polka Dot grosgrain - is back, so I am mega excited about that! And I am always amazed at how much ribbon is actually on a roll. But the special only goes until the end of November, so please contact me at lindastamps@bigpond.com if you wish to place an order. I can have your order shipped to anywhere in Australia for a small postage charge. To read more about the bundles and the ribbon, just click here.




Here is a card that I made with the Delightful Decorations set, matching Ornament punch, and the Jolly Holiday paper. (Note that the Delightful Decorations stamp set, and Ornament punch are one of the available bundles - and then your ribbon is free!) Get in now with still plenty of time to make your Christmas cards.

Hope you enjoy the card... I've been making these at my October workshops and everyone loves them!


Linda H xx

Finally... Hamilton Island photos for your viewing pleasure...

Well here I am back at Maccas again... still no luck on the internet front at home. But I have brought my camera memory card and thought I would do a quick report and upload some photos for you to look at.

Just a reminder that I am unable to receive your emails unless I log in here, so best to call me directly if you need me on my mobile. I still have ribbons to give out from the recent ribbons swap... contact me if you are in a hurry for them. Otherwise I hope to have them out to everyone soon.

So I wanted to share with you some photos from the recent Stampin'Up incentive trip that I earned to Hamilton Island. It makes it all so very worthwhile - lucky for me I love my job anyway - but it's amazing to be rewarded like this. Thank you so much Stampin'Up - I would do this job even if not for all the perks, but I do love them so!

So here is a brief rundown on our trip....

Day 1... arrive at airport bright and early for a 10am flight. (My guest this year was my dear friend Cheryl Andrews.. not only is she a great friend, but she was also my first ever recruit, and has a very successful SU business of her own.) We arrived to a balmy overcast day in Hamilton Island around lunch time. Afternoon at leisure and then we enjoyed a beautiful welcome dinner for everyone (I always end up taking photos of the food... wonder if that signifies anything? Cheryl threw hers on the floor - not on purpose... but it was funny!) Our pillow gift was a waterproof bag, with underwater cameras and snacks... okay we think we can work out where our mystery trip will take us...



View from the marina





Guests on our balcony




Welcome dinner dessert



Day 2... yummy breakfast and then met in the foyer to be taken to the marina to board our boat. I am soooo glad I elected to take seasickness tabs before we left. The 2m swell and 2 hour boat ride didn't suit everyone's stomach :-( We were all very glad to get to the outer reef pontoon. I chose to have a 1 hour massage which was heaven. Some went snorkelling, some just sat around and enjoyed the sun and good conversation. The trip back was better by far! :-)

That night I was lucky enough to have Simon, Ness and Cheryl to help me finish off my swaps! Yay for teamwork....



Busy sticking my swaps together... thanks guys!





Our Day 2 pillow gift full of new products from the next Mini!



Day 3... breakfast at Sails restaurant by the water. We had our Make and Take session and swapping between demonstrators. So many beautiful cards and ideas, and then we sat down to make ourselves 3 fantastic projects featuring items from the new Mini catalogue due out in December! In the afternoon we went shopping and just took it easy... and what a great place to do that. Apart from the day out on the reef I had a nanna nap every day! Hooray for that! After moving, it was very much needed! Dinner at a fantastic Italian restaurant with a great group of girls and hubbies.




View from our Breakfast table





View from the Hotel... doesn't that water look gorgeous!




Cheryl and Myself at dinner





Dessert! (Again)





Another Pillow gift (which matches our luggage tags!)



Day 4

Up bright and early to have a yummy breakfast at the wildlife park and then off for another boat trip (arent we brave?) to the gorgeous Whitehaven Beach. The boat trip was completely different this time - much more fun! Some went snorkelling at Chalkies Beach, and some just enjoyed the sun, but we all had such an awesome time. Marelle unceremoniously dragged me into the water, but I forgave her really fast 'cause the water was lovely.

We got back at lunchtime and as we headed back towards the hotel we heard someone call out to us.. it was Shelli and Sterling who invited myself and Cheryl to join them for pizza by the water. It's not an opportunity to miss when you can sit down and get to know your company boss one-on-one. I got to spend a lot more time with them this year, which was really lovely.

Another Nanna Nap in the afternoon (of course) and then we all had to meet in the Hotel foyer at 4.15pm to be taken to our mystery destination. It turned out to be a Golf-buggy scavenger hunt - with clues that took us all over the island (golf buggies are the main mode of transport on Hamilton Island). The final clue was back at the hotel... we were given a bag of alphabet stamps and we had to make the name of our evening destination out of the letters. I have to say that it wasnt hard (there's not all that many places to go!)... off we went by Golf buggy to the Yacht Club. What a beautiful location!

After a fantastic 3 course meal we ended up back at the hotel for cocktails and conversation. What a great way to end the day.





View of our hotel from the boat, heading out to Whitehaven Beach




Me on gorgeous Chalkies Beach - how white is that sand?




Beach Art ;-)




Cheryl soaking up some sun on Whitehaven





My feet in the softest whitest sand ever




Marelle and Dave




Claire and Miriam striking a pose




Myself and Shelli at the Yacht Club




I loved the table decorations





What a great group we had at our table! Cheryl, myself, Emma, Sean, Simone and Jason. I love getting to know both the staff and other demonstrators... its definitely the highlight of each trip for me.




Dessert! (Of course!)





Final night pillow gift... I love my new bag!

Day 5

I did today what I do every trip... I got up nice and early and went for a walk and took lots of photos. It was a wonderful trip all round.. and so wonderful to relax after the turmoil of the past few weeks. But as I mentioned the best bit of all is spending time with people that I love and that mean so much to me. Here's to a wonderful Incentive trip... and now I am inspired to get myself moving to make next year's trip to Fiji... lots to do!!!

To finish I wanted to share a few photos from that last morning walk. Enjoy!

Linda xx

Here I am at Maccas........

How frustrating is it to have no Internet??? I am not sure how long it will be before I can get online at home. In the meantime I am trying to catch up here and there by making coffee stops to MacDonalds and using their free WiFi.

So I have way more things to tell you than I can in the five minutes or so I have available here, but thought I would let you all know that I will be back on deck as soon as I can with news of the ultra-fabulous Hamilton Island Incentive Trip last week, and other stuff I have been up to. Our house move went well... I am up to my ears in unpacking of boxes, but we are settling in and as soon as I can get back online properly I will post upcoming classes for November and get it all happening again.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy the card, and I look forward to sharing lots more photos with you very soon!

Linda xx