How to use the Expressions Thinlits - this week's video

I had a lovely few days this past week visiting my gorgeous friend Vanessa Webb.. who is also a Stampin'Up demonstrator here in Australia. We stamped and created our bottoms off... and then created some more. Which is awesome, because I now have a wonderful stash of projects to show you!

Today's card was made with the Expressions Thinlits dies ($42.95)which are in our latest Holiday catalogue. I wasnt completely sold on these when I first got them, because I found them tricky to use.. I had trouble getting them out of the die after cutting. But when you know the trick... well not so hard at all.. in fact EASY PEASY!!!

This is a short video to show you how.. and this time I had a collaborator on the video too! Enjoy!



Oh.. and don't forget that as today is the 30th September.. it is your LAST DAY TO ORDER THE BUTTERFLY BUNDLE.  Use the SHOP NOW button on this blog, or contact me to place an order.

Here is a closeup of today's card.

Almost out of time to get your Butterfly Bundle

Today's card is Vintage inspired... and I've used the Butterfly Bundle (our current special this month) to  create the cute butterflies both in the background and on the vellum. The background colour is Crisp Cantalope, and I used the Core'dinations card stock, and sanded it back a little. The DSP is from the Soho Subway pack, and matches perfectly (of course!).  I used the Papillion Potpourri larger butterflies in the background, also stamped in Crisp Cantalope ink.. and then inked over the edge of a paper doily, which acts as a mask. I stamped the small butterflies from the set in Early Espresso ink onto vellum, and punched them out with the bitty butterfly punch. I've used our Victoria lace trim and tied a bow with a piece of frayed edge from some burlap ribbon.

So what's the bundle?

You get the Papillion Potpourri set, plus the Bitty Butterfly punch, together as a bundle... and buying them together saves you 15% off the retail price. In clear, the bundle is $45.82, and in wood it is $51.77.  Please  note this is not normally a bundle... so after 30th September it will revert to its normal price. If you would like one whilst the special is still on, you can either use the SHOP NOW button on this page, or you can CONTACT ME to order. Products are shipped directly to you, anywhere in Australia for a low postage cost. 

I hope you enjoy today's card :-)

Dreaming of a White Christmas

Another day.. another stamp set! This is one that I was given as a freebie from Stampin'Up, and I wanted to show you a few things you can do with it.  Today I wanted to do a completely white card... and apart from a little silver here and there, I think I achieved my goal! This is the new "Joyful Christmas" stamp set from our new Holiday Catalogue... and I have been quite impressed as to different types of cards you can make.  But I do have a "thing" for white cards.. yes I've embossed the vellum again with white embossing powder.  The leaf is made with a small piece of our new silver foil.  And the sentiment is stamped and embossed with our pewter embossing powder.

I enjoyed making this project today.. and because today has been set aside for creative pursuits.. I have created lots of things to show you over the coming weeks. I love that there is so much to play with right now! Come by my blog again and see whats new :-)

If you wish to place a product order, or would like a copy of our catalogue for yourself, please contact me. Also check out my class schedule... hope to see you soon.

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas....

I showed a part of this card last week as a "sneak peek".... here is the whole thing. Cute and simple and QUICK! Love the chalkboard technique cause its so effective but easy. And how gorgeous is that Cherry Cobbler ribbon???

If you would like to learn to do chalkboard, or would like to order any of the products to make a card like this one please contact me!  I am loving our current Holiday catalogue bursting with ideas.. if you want one let me know!

Festive Flurry Decoration

One of the things that my customers are loving from the new 2013 Holiday Catalogue are the Festive Flurry snowflakes.  On Saturday night at one of my launch events we decorated these cute little gift bags.. these decorations are hanging from the bag handle, and I thought they turned out beautifully. What do you think?  The colours are Pool Party, Bermuda Bay and white, and I used the silver foil ($6.95) from the new catalogue, as well as the Winter Frost Speciality paper (the stripy stuff at the back - $21.95).  And right there in the middle is one of the new Frosted Finishes Embellishments ($11.95)... how gorgeous are these little embellishments?? Love them! And they look soooo much better in real life than in the photos!

If you would like to have your own copy of this year's Holiday catalogue, please contact me and I will post one out to you.  Or to place an order you can either email me or use the "SHOP NOW" button on this page. Ordering online is easy... and your order can be delivered directly to you, anywhere in Australia, for a small postage fee.

This week's Video - How to Make an Acetate Window card

Those of you who have been following me for a while will know that I am a big fan of Window cards. In this week's video I have made one for you!  There's a few little tips in there too.. so watch it when you get time. :-)

Here's the video:



If you have any questions you would like me to answer please email me.  Or if anyone has suggestions for videos that you would like to see me do... comment below :-) Oh.. and if you want to see more videos as I make them, subscribe to my Youtube channel.

Here's the full card..... Have a great day. :-)

Updated Class Schedule for October and November

I've got lots coming up over the next couple of months... I've updated my class schedule up to early November.. there will be more to come. If you are ever looking for my schedule it updates over on the right hand sidebar of my blog, but I also do the occasional post to let you know.. like the one today :-)

To book into classes you can either message me on my FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE or you can CONTACT ME via email.  Also visit my Facebook Page and choose "Like" to see more updates and pictures of what is happening in my business.

CHRISTMAS STAMP-A-STACKS So... come along and get stuck into your Christmas Cards for this year. You will go home with 6 hand-made cards (3 each of 2 different designs). The cost is $20 and all materials and refreshments are provided. Book in early to reserve your spot as these classes fill quickly. Dates are Tuesday 8th October @ 7.30pm or Wednesday 9th October @ 11am or Tuesday 5th November @ 7.30pm or Wednesday 6th November @ 11am October Technique Classes Shaker Frames! Come along and learn how to use our awesome Shaker Frames, and go home with 3 cool creations. You will also receive a pack of Shaker Frames (valued at $8.95) when you attend the class - the cost of these in included in the class. Cost is $25 and includes all materials and refreshments. Dates are: Tuesday 15th October @ 7.30pm OR Wednesday 16th October @ 11am

Holiday Catalogue Launch!

Come along and not only see what's new but play with it! You'll go home with 3 awesome projects, new ideas, prizes, supper and having had an awesome time. Cost is $15 and includes your catalogue, prizes for all, lunch and all materials.

Wednesday 25th September @ 11am at Narara, NSW... address given when you book in.
Cost is $15 and prepayment where possible is required to hold your spot. Numbers are limited to 8 people for this event, so book early!
I would love to see you there!

October Project Class

Simply Created Banner!
Come along and make your own Christmas banner for the Holiday season. These are truly beautiful banners for your home, classroom, office.. anywhere that you would like to spread a little holiday cheer. You can attend the class and receive your materials to make the banner for a cost of $30. Or if you choose to buy your own full Banner kit (retail price $34.95) and the class is $40. Please let me know when you book as to whether you wish me to order a full kit for you.
Tuesday 29th October @ 7.30pm
or
Wednesday 30th October @ 11am
Really looking forward to making these with you... FUN!

I also have 1 daytime stamp club running that is 1 member short. Please contact me if you would like to be part of a group of ladies that meets bi-monthly to work on exciting new projects together.

Contact me to book your spot soon! Beginning and experienced crafters all welcome! 

Sneak peek for my Holiday catalogue launch

Just a little teaser for the launch.. think you'd like to see it and create one for yourself??  Here are the dates... at time of writing I have 2 spots left for the Saturday evening launch, and several spots for the Wednesday daytime launch.  Here are the details:

Saturday 21st September 2013 @ 7.30pm - at Narara Valley Baptist Church Hall, 127 Narara Valley Drive, Narara
OR
Wednesday 25th September @ 11am at my house.. address details given when you book your spot.
There will be prizes, supper and lots of creating! Cost is $15, and you will go home with three projects. Come and join us!

Please RSVP to me to secure your spot.  Looking forward to seeing you :-)

Festive Flurry Scrapbook Page

This week I was excited to head up to Port Stephens to spend some creative time with a lovely group of ladies.  They are scrapbookers and I head up there every couple of months to teach them how to create a Scrapbook page and show off new products and techniques. I really enjoyed making the page for this class, and thought you might like to see it too.

I've used the "Festive Flurry" stamp set and matching framelits (Again!) as well as some silver glimmer paper, Winter Frost patterned paper and that gorgeous Silver Ribbon from our new Holiday catalogue.

Speaking of which... I have only a couple of spots left now for Saturday night's launch... so if you would like to come please contact me as soon as you can as I expect to be full on the night.  There is the choice of the evening launch or a daytime launch....Here are the details:

Saturday 21st September 2013 @ 7.30pm - at Narara Valley Baptist Church Hall, 127 Narara Valley Drive, Narara
OR
Wednesday 25th September @ 11am at my house.. address details given when you book your spot. 

There will be prizes, supper and lots of creating! Cost is $15, and you will go home with three projects. Come and join us!

Contact me to book your spot! 

Here is the scrapbook page I made with the girls this week..... I'm planning on adding a photo when I find the one i am looking for... anyone else have that problem?

Simply Created Accessory Kit for cards and more...

So I opened up my new Simply Created Accessory kit today.. I wanted to see what you get in it, and what you can do with it. Although it is really designed to work with the Simply Created Banners, it works for other projects too. Like this card I made (above).  So simple to do, and quick!  And how nice is that Coastal Cabana ribbon that you get in the pack??

So I made you a little video to show you some of the cool things you can do with it.. hope you like it :-)

Oh.. and if you would like to order anything you see either here or in our current catalogues, click over on to the "Shop Now" button, and have your credit card details handy. Products are shipped to anywhere in Australia for a reasonable postage charge.

Enjoy the video :-)

Evergreen Christmas card

One of the sets that we had in last year's Holiday catalogue was the lovely "Evergreen" stamp set.  It features 3 beautiful Christmas trees.  Although it was in last year's catalogue, it is still available as a carry-over item, and retails for $ 44.95 (wood mount) or $35.95 (clear mount). I made this little card on the weekend using Soft Suede ink for the tree, and the DSP is from the Season of Style paper stack ($11.95).

The gold piece that looks like beaten metal is some of our new Gold foil sheets, which I embossed with my Big Shot for this look.

Hope you like this quick little card today.  If you would like to order any of our lovely Christmas goodness, please visit my Online Store (click the Shop Now button) or you can Email your Order.

Festive Flurry card with Smoky Slate

I've discovered Smoky Slate! Its a new colour that was released in our latest Annual Catalogue in July 2013.  Kind of a light silvery grey.. and its one of the colours in our new Winer Frost Speciality paper. So it makes sense to use them together, and that's what I've done in this card. I stamped the Smoky Slate background with snowflakes in Smoky Slate ink. Then I used the Festive Flurry framelits to cut out the blue snowflakes (the colours are Bermuda Bay and Pool Party).  The sentiment is from the "Joy to the World" set and the ribbon is the new Silver ribbon from the Holiday Catalogue.

I've kept this card very simple on purpose... I'm creating it with a larger group of ladies this coming Monday.. and there is a matching 12X12 Scrapbook page too.. which I will show you in the next few days.  I thought the layout, although simple, was especially nice, so I am looking forward to showing it to you... but wanted to surprise my customers when I arrive on Monday.  So I'll show you after that :-)

I do hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. :-)

Do these look familiar? My US convention swaps revamped :-)

Do these look familar?  You might remember my swap cards from the US Convention back in July.  They were bright yellow and black. I decided to go with the same design for my August workshop cards when I got home.. but I changed the colour scheme to be our new Incolor range, and I added a paper doily to the background. So what do you think? I think they came up pretty :-) And I got to show off that beautiful Core'dinations cardstock and the Modern Medley patterned paper too.

Here are the original cards if you wanted to see the swap cards again:

It's All about the ribbons - a very Chevron Christmas

So here's another little Christmas card i made last week.  So simple.. its just a tag cut out the "Chalk Talk" framelits, and then I cut a snowflake from the "Festive Flurry" framelits, and then put a piece of gold glimmer paper behind it. So simple... but it really needed a ribbon to set it off, and I have used one of our gorgeous Chevron ribbons... this one is in Cherry Cobbler and I think it makes a great Christmas ribbon.

Last month I did a couple of ribbon shares, and they were so popular that I have been asked if I would do them again. Here are the details of the share:

Chevron Ribbon Share - Get approximately 1.13m each of all of the 10 colours of the brand new Chevron Ribbons (page 173 in our new Catty).  The ribbons normally retail for $15.95, but this share gives you a chance to sample all the colours and see which one you love best.   Cost for the share is $25.

Ruffle Stretch Trim share - Get approximately 1.13cm of all of the 5 new colours available in the Ruffle Stretch Trim (page 173 in the new catty).  Great way to sample all 5 new In-colors. Cost for this share is $10.

Or you can do both shares for a cost of $30

Let me know if you would like to be part of the ribbon share. I have a few spaces left at the time of writing this.  

How to use the Magnetic Platform from Stampin'Up

Today I wanted to share a quick video with you to show you how to use the new Magnetic Platform with your  Big Shot.

As some of you may be aware, SU Australia sold out of the Magnetic Platform shortly after it was released here! Several months of inventory was gone in just a few weeks!  But the good news is that from tomorrow, 12th September, you will be able to purchase it again as it is back in stock.  But I want to get orders in for these quickly.. just in case it should sell out again.... so if you want one of these awesome tools please contact me.. or you can order it through the Online Store and have it sent directly to you.

In the meantime enjoy today's video... and I will be back to show you more very soon :-)

Holiday Catalogue Launch - come and see what's new!

Tag It for Christmas - raising money for an awesome cause

One of the cool things that they shared with us at this year's convention was the fact that Stampin'Up is now a global sponsor of Ronald MacDonald House. This is really exciting because it means that our efforts to help RMHC here in Australia raises money for the Australian arm of RMH.  Right down to a local level.. you might remember that just a few weeks ago my team of demonstrators here on the Central Coast got together to make cards and raise money for the Ronald MacDonald House room at our local hospital (Gosford).

But something you might not have noticed is that we can help out in another way.  On page 45 of our Annual Catalogue you will find the "Tag It" stamp set (Item code is 1130300 (w) or 130303 (c) ). It has 6 cute images that cover a range of occasions... including the Christmas Tag that is on this card. And $3 is donated to RMHC for every set sold! So we want to get this one out there, because it makes a difference.

I made this card very simply.. just some splatters from the "Gorgeous Grunge" stamp set, then a few strips of our new "Season of Style" Washi tape, plus the tag from the Tag It set, which I coloured with Markers to get the different colours.  I hope you like it, and check this one out for a great cause.

Bonus Video: Simple MDS Page of my Holiday in the US

Here's the layout I was playing with today:

I showed you some of my Convention photos yesterday... and I still have more US trip photos to show you.  So stay tuned. But today I wanted to show you how I made a MDS layout of one of the photos from the holiday part of my trip - with my Fiance's family in Michigan.

I am really enjoying scrapping with MDS... in fact not only am I creating more pages than ever, it has also rekindled my love of traditional scrapbooking.  I love how easy and quick it is to use.  I've had a lovely weekend creating and playing with my photos.





I hope you enjoy this video.. it shows you how to create a simple page from start to finish.  Any questions please feel free to contact me and just ASK.

Festive Flurry Christmas card - in Blue and Silver

I have shown you a few cards now that I've made with the "Festive Flurry" set from our new Holiday catalogue.  I'm really enjoying this one... so easy to use and works in lots of different colours.

I do have a thing for blues and silver together though.. and so I have created this particular card for this week's Stamp-a-Stack - if you are coming along to that, you will get to make three of this card, and three of different card.  If you would like to join me, just email me to RESERVE YOUR SPOT.

Here are the details:

Tuesday 10th September 2013 @ 7.30pm

OR

Wednesday 11th September 2013 @ 11am

OR

Thursday 12th September 2013 @ 11am (due to the popularity of this class I have added an additional date)

The cost to attend is $20 and you will go home with 6 Christmas cards to add to your Christmas card stash.  Cost includes all materials as well as refreshments.

Numbers are limited, so please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to attend.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

Better Late than Never - US Convention 2013 photos from Salt Lake City

Yes, I do realize I am way behind with putting up my trip photos this year. There are a few reasons why it has taken so long:

1. I have just not gotten around to it - very slack I know!
2. It's been a very busy time since I got back - new catalogue, catching up, extra blogging.... 
3. I've had my hands full with kids this month... book parade, migraines, projects
4. I uploaded my photos whilst on my trip to my Facebook Business page this year.. was instant so that people could see what I was up to at the time. If you want to see what I am up to more often do "Like" the business page... you'll get more up-to-date info, because the truth is that Facebook is easier and faster to do on-the-go. 

Without further fuss, I am going to post some of my favourite photos from the trip, more or less in order.  

At the airport, all excited:

thats Beth, Marelle, Ness, Cheryl and myself. :-)

How crazy is that?  5800 papercrafters all heading into the doors of the US convention in Salt Lake City. I made my escape up to the next level to take this photo :-)

This is the Salt Palace where the convention is held. A 5 minute walk from our hotel. Given how hot it was in SLC, I was very glad to be nice and close. That tall bit at the entrance is meant to resemble a Salt Shaker. 

Some of our group that we spent lots of time with: (from left) Denielle, Cheryl, Ness, myself and Julia. Denielle took her hubby as her guest, whereas I took Cheryl this year as mine. Ness had her sister Julia (who lives in Canada) come and join us for the Convention part of the trip. Then Simon (Ness' husband) came over for the Park City bit. How awesome is it that Stampin'Up paid for us all to be there? So so grateful!

My Convention swap cards.  There was a Caramello Koala on the back of each one, to give my US friends a little taste of Australia :-)

The displays were amazing. Unfortunately I am not allowed to show them all to you as there was lots of as-yet-unreleased products... but this is just to give you an idea.

A MDS layout I did of myself and Vanessa whilst we were there. 

Breakfast with the girls....

The Shopping is awesome in SLC! I was after some Pandora beads because they are soooo much cheaper than here.  Ness bought me one for my birthday (the pink glass bead), and I bought myself a clip too (the one with the sparkly heart).  A good memento of my trip. 

The thing we did the very most in SLC?  LAUGH!  This is my gorgeous friend and team member Denielle, having an "Alien Moment" whilst shopping at the planetarium. We laughed so hard at how this turned out.. she even looks green in that light!  Love you Denielle! xx

We had some fantastic food whilst in Salt Lake, but on our final night we decided to have a memorable meal... and went out for Fondue! It was seriously yummy!  I loved too that it doesnt get dark over there until well and truly after 9pm, so the city at "night" felt very safe, and very clean. 

On our final day in Salt Lake we went to the Marriot again for breakfast... I thought the service there was awesome, not to mention the food being excellent. I went for my old favourite - Eggs Benedict - and you can see Jules enjoying her Breakfast special. Very healthy and attractive! 

So thats a sampling of my SLC photos for the Convention part of our trip.  I loved every minute of being there!  I will be back sometime in the next few days to show you some of the Incentive Trip photos from Park City. Determined to get this DONE!  I hope you enjoyed these photos... and that you got a feeling for how spoiled we were! Thank you so much to StampinUp for providing the opportunity for us to go.. paying for our airfares and for the Convention fees.  I adore working for such an amazing and fun company and you guys seriously rock! xx

Come and be part of our Holiday Catalogue Launch

Our new Holiday Catalogue catalogue is out and I would love you to come and play with all the new goodies in it!  If you would like to take some time out to be creative this is a great way to do it!  You'll go home with 3 awesome projects, prizes for all, supper and all materials.  There are two events.. one in the day and an evening one.

Here are the details:

Saturday 21st September @ 7.30pm
Narara Valley Baptist Church Hall
127 Narara Valley Drive,
Narara

OR

Wednesday 25th September @ 11am
My place (address supplied on request)
Narara

Cost is $15 and prepayment (where possible) is required to hold your spot. Numbers are limited for these events so book early!

I would love to see you there so email me to RESERVE YOUR SPOT.

Decorative Window Gift Boxes for Christmas... or any time...

One of the things I love most about our new Holiday Catalogue is all the ideas for gift-giving and wrapping! And I am loving the new Decorative Window Gift Boxes (Item code 132146).  These awesome little boxes are on page 36 of the Holiday catalogue and for just $8.95 you get a pack of 6 boxes. They come pre-scored and fold together without the need for adhesive in less than a minute. Then you decorate them any way you choose. In the case of the one above I tied some of our new Cherry Cobbler Stitched Edge Grosgain ribbon (Item code 132135) which is SO soft to tie, and then I stamped one of our Christmas Collectables ornaments and punched it out with the matching punch. Less than 5 minutes work and looks like you went to LOTS of trouble lol.. The pretty scalloped design around the window on top is already on there too.. you don't even have to add that!

If you would like to see more ideas for Christmas or hold your own Christmas themed workshop please contact me.  I would love to show you how much fun it is (and easy) to put these together.  And not just for Christmas.. think teacher's gifts and thankyous... the list is endless :-)

Making a Washi Tape Background - Midweek Quick Tip video

You might remember this card that I posted a couple of months back. Today I made a video to show you how I made the cute background with Washi Tape.

Enjoy the video, and i'll be back with another quick tip for you soon. :-)

Festive Flurry for Christmas

Yes, I know, it's Summer at Christmas time. And I know it doesn't snow here. But snowflakes are just so beautiful who cares?

Our new Holiday Catalogue is now out and we have some gorgeous new Stamp sets and other Holiday products to play with! Today's card features the Festive Flurry stamp set (and matching die - they are available as a bundle if you want them both!) and I did it in one of our new colours, Smoky Slate, as well as some silver to make it a bit sparkly, and Crumb Cake.  The embellishment is one of our new "Frosted Finishes Embellishments" and to be truthful I dont think any photo does them justice. There is also some Silver 1/8" Ribbon on there and the sentiment is from the "Joy to the World" set, also in the new catalogue.

If you would like to see a catalogue click on the "Catalogues" tab at the top of this blog. Or send me an email and I will SEND YOU A NEW CATALOGUE to your address.

Dont forget too that I have upcoming Christmas classes where you can make a bunch of Christmas cards for your stash... the details are over on the right hand sidebar of this blog.

Enjoy xx

Cards for a Cause... making a difference!

One of the awesome things about being a Stampin'Up demonstrator is the opportunity to do things at a community level that really make a difference.  Our recent Convention theme this year was "Be the Difference", and we do this both at a personal level (by increasing confidence, and creative skills of individual demonstrators) and at a Community level (by taking part in community fundraisers and 'feel-good' initiatives).

Earlier this year I was able to help a group of girls as we contributed our efforts to help a local lady who is battling breast cancer. I am happy to report that after treatment she is officially in remission, and so this is a great result. The money we raised helped to pay for her treatment... and so many wonderful people contributed to that.

Then last week a group of my team contributed their time and creative skills to make cards for Ronald MacDonald house... altogether we contributed as a group 170 cards, and these will be sold in the new Ronald MacDonald house room at Gosford Hospital.  The funds help to raise money for the room, but also it means that people coming through there at a stressful time can use a card to perhaps thank a doctor or nurse, wish a loved one Happy Birthday, or welcome a new baby into the world.  We will be doing another of these in the next couple of months, and so if you are in my team reading this, look out for another announcement on both my Facebook Team Forum, and in the team newsletter.

I thought you might like to see some of the photos from our night:

And here is one of the cards we were working on:

Simple but cute :-)

I love being a demonstrator because we get to do what we love (create!) for lots of different reasons.   Have you ever thought about doing it for yourself?  This is a great time of year to join!  Christmas and Saleabration (our biggest annual sale) are just around the corner, we have our Brand new Holiday catalogue out this month, and there is so much new stuff to play with!  If you would like to be a part of Stampin'Up and all that it has to offer then click here to JOIN STAMPIN'UP, or email me to RECEIVE AN INFORMATION PACK and learn more about what we do.  No matter where you are in Australia, Stampin'Up demonstrators are needed in all areas!

I have been with Stampin'Up for 7 years this week! Can you believe it? And i have never once regretted my decision to join.. its truly been the most exciting and amazing ride!  You could be part of that too! If you've ever thought about it... now is a great time!