Silver Dotted Vellum from our New Occasions Catalogue :-)

I spent some time in Wollongong recently with my lovely friend Vanessa Webb and there was a card she had made that I just loved! This one is actually a CASE of that one... but instead of the colours that she did I made mine in Silver and white... adding in a Silver glimmer spiral flower to set it off.  It came up so lovely. Thanks Ness for the inspiration, and hope you like what I've done with your card :-)

These items are all from either the new Occasions Catalogue or the SaleABration catalogue... so many gorgeous new things to play with... if you would like to have a play with these products for yourself you can:

• Order your own products by clicking on the "SHOP NOW" button on this page. 
• Come along to any of my February events and classes... check over on the Right hand side of this blog for the class schedule. 

and Enjoy the card... here's a close up of the flower for you....

Video Tutorial: How to use the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch

Im so excited to be able to show you lots of gorgeous products that we have in our new Occasions catalogue that has just been released in the past 2 days.  So many awesome new things to play with!  I made this cute tag last week with a combination of the Scalloped Tag Topper punch and the Spiral Flower die... how cute is it??  Today's video show you how easy it is to use the punch... and I'll be back to show you more new videos over the coming weeks. 

To order your own Tag topper punch or anything else from our new catalogue, use the "SHOP NOW" button right here on my blog. You'll be taken to my online store to check out whats new. Or I can send you a catalogue if you request one... just email your request by clicking HERE.  There is no charge to receive a catalogue of course. 

Enjoy the video!

New Stamp Club opportunities for 2014

As many of you know I have a good balance of clubs, classes and workshops (parties) in my Stampin'Up business. I've now been doing this awesome job for the past 7 and a half years, and everyday I am blessed by the awesome people that I come into contact with. There is something very special about creative people... we share a connection, and its difficult to explain to anyone who is "on the outside".. if you know what I mean?

Part of the life-blood of my business is Stamp Clubs. I run several clubs at any time, and due to some changes for both myself and my awesome customers, I find that I have some openings in the various club groups. Plus a couple of new clubs that I am offering.  Here is the list of what's available right now: (all clubs are bi-monthly, unless anyone is interested in a monthly club)

Saturday Stamp Club - various projects for us to make.  I have one spot left in this one.

Evening Scrapbooking Club - for those girls that want to do create a beautiful Scrapbook page each time.. 2 or 3 spots available

Evening Stamp Club - new club forming, various projects.

If you have a group of 5 or more people that you would like to form your own club, then this is also possible.  I am happy to have clubs at my home (so you don't need to even clean the house!) or if you prefer I can come to you. Each club member gets a turn at being the hostess over the course of the year.  When joining, you are committing to being part of the club for 1 full year.. so that's 6 club events over the course of a year. There is no charge to attend.. you just need to purchase a minimum of $50 at each club event.

For more information, or to express interest, please contact me by clicking HERE. All these clubs will start within the next 6 weeks, so end of February, or early March.

Oh.. and I am loving the SAB free paper pack... its called "Sweet Sorbet" and is free with any order over $90.  I have used it to create the Scrapbook page above.. such lovely soft colours :-)

Enjoy the project.. I'm off to create this week's video tutorial :-)

Happy Watercolor Cards

I've been playing around with the new Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper from Stampin'Up in our latest Occasions catalogue.. how beautiful is it?? We are going to be creating some gorgeous projects in my upcoming Watercolour Class... so if Watercoloring is a technique you would like to know more about, please come along! Here are the details:

Dates: Tuesday 11th February, 7.30pm

or

Wednesday 12th February, 11am

Where: On the NSW Central Coast.. address details given at time of booking

Cost: $20

Details: You will make 3 lovely projects.  All materials and refreshments provided.

To book in click HERE.

Enjoy the card..

It's Started! Sale-A-Bration 2014 is HERE! And our gorgeous new Occasions catalogue. :-)

I love this time of year! Stampin'Up Australia may have a slightly different schedule to other markets, but the timing of Sale-A-Bration (SAB) and our new Occasions catalogue is perfect for us. You see, school goes back today.. the same day that SAB begins.  For the past 6 or 7 weeks, we have all been enjoying time with the family, the kids home from school and lots of Summer activity.. beaches, ice cream, swimming, cricket, tennis and various other Summer pastimes.

So now its time to knuckle down again... send the kids back to school with a smile (even they are excited to begin another year) and get stuck into my business again. And I am hitting the ground running with lots of classes, parties and clubs planned.  I am working hard to achieve this year's Incentive trip to the Caribbean - qualification finishes at the end of March, and I can see the end goal in sight, so I am not going to give up now!!

So I've been making lots of projects to show you, and have lots scheduled. You can see what's on by viewing the schedule on the right hand side of this blog.. just scroll down a little. To book into any classes or events, please email me by clicking HERE. 

I am so excited to show you what's new.. like the sampler frame I have made for an upcoming class I have planned next week.  You can see it above... Im using the Sale-A-Bration Designer Series paper pack.. which is free with any order of $90 or more.  To see the new catalogues.. click HERE.

Spiral Flower Die... loving this!

Here is another card I've made with the very gorgeous Spiral Flower Die.   Simple and quick.. and yet so lovely. I like the soft colours and the flowers themselves are so easy to make :-)

If you love this, I am running two classes in the coming week which will interest you. The first is Wednesday 29th January.. the Fancy flowers class. You will learn lots of different way to make and use beautiful flowers in your projects. This class is $25, and includes all materials and lunch.

Then on Sunday 2nd February at 2pm I have my new Occasions Catalogue Launch! So many lovely things to play with.. come along and see what's new! The cost of this class is $15.

To book in to these classes or any others, contact me by clicking HERE.  All my classes feature Stampin'up products and are held on the Central Coast.. although if you are further away, I can come to you :-)

oh.. and it's ONE MORE DAY.. until Sale-a-Bration!!!!

Here's another pic of today's card for you....

Ampersands and Silver Foil...

Ampersands and Foil?  That surely is a very weird combination! But yep... today's card is the soon-to-be-released Ampersand embossing folder embossed onto Silver Foil paper. And I love it! Super easy, super quick. I used some of the new Retro Fresh Washi tape to give it a bit more life too.

Dont forget that we will be making 3 awesome projects with BRAND NEW STUFF at next week's Occasions Catalogue Launch party.  There will be lots of new stuff to play with, prizes, refreshments and just lots of FUN. Come and enjoy a creative afternoon to get away from the madness for a few hours. :-)

Where: Narara, Central Coast, address supplied on booking

When: Sunday 2nd February, 2pm

Cost: $15 which includes all materials and refreshments, and some great launch-only specials.

At time of writing there is still a few spots left. To book your spot, contact me by clicking HERE.

Watercolour Wonder Spiral Flower card

Two of my new favourite things from our new Occasions catalogue (being released NEXT WEEK!) are the very beautiful Watercolour wonder Designer series papers, and the new Spiral Flower die. I will be featuring the Spiral Flower die at my Fancy Flowers class next week.  Loving all the different cute types of flowers you can make with it. (If you watch my Facebook business page you will already have seen some of the things I have been making with it...)  If you haven't "liked" my Facebook business page head over there and like it today so you can see the daily updates that I put up there.  You can click HERE to be taken to the page. 

How beautiful are these colours in this gorgeous paper?  The whole pack is just divine and you'll be seeing lots of it over the coming weeks. :-) 

Below is a close up of the flower for you.  Dont forget to book into the Fancy Flowers class if you would like to learn how to use the spiral die.  Enjoy!

Fancy Flowers and Beautiful Blooms..

Want to make your own gorgeous flowers?  I am running a class next Wednesday (29th January 2014) to show you just some of the many different ways to make flowers. You will make little ones, big ones and we will be using a variety of mediums to do it too. The ones you see my daughter holding in the pictures on this page are just some of them... these are actually the ones I made last year for the Penrith Craft show, and I've been asked how I made them... so this class idea was born :-)  We also have a brand new BigShot die coming out that makes beautiful flowers, and I busting to show you how to use it!

The cost of this class is $25, and will be on at 11am on Wednesday.  So if you have a free day, or have perhaps finally got those kiddies back to school... come along and have some fun. All materials and refreshments are provided.

To book your spot, contact me by clicking HERE.

New Catalogue Launch! Come and see what's new!

Yep, I'm doing it again! Stampin'Up are releasing their gorgeous new Occasions Catalogue on the 28th January, and so it is only fitting to have a launch to show off lots of the gorgeous new products that are heading our way!  I would love you to come and get your hands on these lovely items... and a launch is the perfect place to do just that!

Here are the details:

Date:  Sunday 2nd February

Time: 2pm

Where: My place at Narara on the Central Coast... address supplied at time of booking

What: You'll make 3 projects

Cost: $15 which includes all supplies and refreshments.  Where possible, prepayment is preferred.

There will be specials and prizes on the day.

I have already had several people book into this launch, so be quick so you get yourself a spot as numbers are limited.  If that date doesn't work for you, consider having your own party focusing on new catalogue products - I'll come to you and let yourself and your friends have lots of chances to play with all the new stuff. I am currently taking bookings for the second half of February and March.  Contact me today!

My Craft Studio - before and after

So Im not quite done yet organizing my craft space. I started last weekend, whilst the kids were away for the weekend at their Dad's, and spent an entire day going through year's worth of STUFF, under the desk, on top of the desk, around the desk. etc etc. But I thought you might like to see my space.

This is what it looked like as I was working on it.. i forgot to take a proper "before" photo.  Pretty messy huh?  The big box in the lower left is all paper rubbish to recycle. Then the blue and white plastic bag is full of plastic rubbish.

It's always a bigger job than you expect. But the previous day I had needed the table for a team event, and so I (you might say stupidly) decided to unceremoniously dump everything ON the tables onto the floor as I was short on time. And so, there it all sat, challenging me, and so the need to clean and organize my craft studio from one end to the other began.

But I havent quite got there yet. There is still one largish cupboard that I need to tackle. And the bottom shelf of my display cabinet needs work too. But I am pleased with the progress so far.. because right now I FEEL organized, and have a pretty good idea of where everything is.  Plus I have set some items aside for a charity group that I know can use them. And I have a box of retired stuff to sell too.

Im a bit limited as to what I can do with my studio as I live in a rental property and so I cant modify the space much. Its actually the garage that has been carpeted in and gyprocked, but it works pretty well for me.  I can sit about 8 people comfortably at the tables, 10 if I SQUEEZE them in! But I usually cap classes at 8 for comforts sake.

So I have my first stamp club of the year tomorrow, and am feeling on top of things, and pretty organized. Its a good feeling. Right now, I even feel motivated to keep it organised... wonder how long that will last.......??

Here are my stamps in the bookcase...

And this is the display cabinet that I use for storage at the other end of the room.

I hope you enjoyed my studio snaps today, back with more projects to show you soon. :-)

Why am I showing you this card???

Yes yes, its another Christmas card, and yes, I know its not Christmas anymore. But the gorgeous "Festive Flurry" stamp set and framelits are in our current Holiday catalogue, and its going to be retiring at the end of this month (January 2014). I want you to make sure you have everything you need out of this one before these items are gone.  There are some lovely things that I think people will be sad they missed out on if they don't make sure.   Like the "Frosted Finishes" embellishments, and the "Winter Frost" speciality papers. And lots of other stuff. Make sure you go through your catalogue!  You can click HERE to see an online version, and you can use the "Shop Now" button on this page to visit the store and see the catalogue. One of the only things I dislike about my job is having to say "No, I am sorry, they are gone" to customers who try to purchase things after they have been discontinued. (And this has happened many many times!)

As a tip.. after the 28th January there will be a slight overlap (a couple of days) when you can order from BOTH the Holiday catalogue AND the new Occasions catalogue AND also qualify for free SAB items! So make the most of this rare opportunity!

Any questions?  Please CONTACT ME.  I am on track to earn the next Grand Vacation this quarter, but only if I work hard - lots of classes and workshops! Every order and workshop will help me get there! So you can expect to see lots of action right here :-)

Magnificent Maple Masculine card

Another card made with the Magnificent Maple stamp from our current Holiday catalogue.  Some stamps are just really easy to use.. and this is one of them.  I stamped it with Early Espresso ink onto Very Vanilla cardstock and punched it out with the 2&1/2" circle punch. The blue paper behind is from the "Sweater Weather" DSP pack - also from the current catalogue. And I used some Burlap ribbon - cut it slightly narrower and frayed one edge.  These items are all in the about-to-retire Holiday catalogue. If you are looking for a great paper pack to make male cards, then I can recommend the "Sweater Weather" pack... I've created some lovely masculine projects with it.

Enjoy the card, and I'll be back soon :-)

Scary birthday card for little boys

Of late my 8 year-old has been invited to several of his little mate's birthday parties, so I have been on the hunt for cards to suit.  Here's the thing: little boys don't really care too much about the cards. I mean, they are very polite, and say thank you, and maybe even read the heartfelt notes written inside (Ben always wants to write in the cards himself). But really the main event is the present right?  And they really want to rip that wrapping paper off ASAP, while the card kinda gets forgotten in the process.

It's understandable, after all they are turning 8.

So if you are making cards for these kids, you wants something simple.. something that you didn't labour over for too long.  And today's card fits the bill. I used the "Witches Brew" Designer series paper from our current Holiday catalogue, and some of the "Witches Brew" washi tape splashed across it. Then an "8" cut from silver glimmer paper - I used the "Typeset Alphabet Bigz" dies with my BigShot for that.  Simple.. literally a 5 minute card... but this one still gets a "WOW" from 8 year old boys :-)

Dont forget that these items (the paper and tape) are coming to an end in our current Holiday catalogue.  Once they are gone, they are gone. So dont forget to check your Holiday catalogue and make sure you got everything you wanted before it ends. If you want to see it right now and check.. click the "Shop Now" button on this blog, and then click "Holiday Catalogue".

Have fun!

Simple Video Tutorial - Sponging colour onto your Stamps

Keeping it simple today... here's a quick tutorial to show you how I managed the multicoloured stamps on the card I blogged yesterday.. and HERE's the link to the card again below in case you missed yesterday's post.  I've used the "Magnificent Maple" stamp from Stampin'Up.. dont forget this stamp is in the current Holiday catalogue which is being retired at the end of this month. If you love it, and dont want to miss out, you can purchase it in my Online Store... just click on the "Shop Now" button.

Such a beautiful Saturday morning here on the Central Coast! I hope you enjoy your weekend, whatever you get up to!

Enjoy xx

Magnificent Maple Masculine Card

So many people tell me that they find Masculine Cards challenging. I think in fact they are pretty easy if you get a couple of basic elements right.  The first is colour - probably that is fairly obvious.. although you can probably choose more bright colours than you think.. its just a case of mixing them right.  There are actually lots of stamps that lend themselves to "Man-cards".. and Stampin'Up have lots of Designer Series Papers that lend themselves to man-ish themes as well.  The second element is texture... I believe that texture goes a long way on a male card.. even in small amounts. The card above has a textured background (the woodgrain) and that makes it work well for guys.

So today I am working with the "Magnificent Maple" stamp.. this features in our current Holiday catalogue.. and you know what that means right?  Yep, this stamp, and all the other beautiful items in the current catalogue will be retiring at the end of the month. Of course, we expect that some items will show up again in the next Annual Catalogue (due out in July 2014) but we have not way of telling which ones will return. So my advice is, if there is something that you truly love in the current Holiday catalogue, get it before its gone. Because you might be disappointed otherwise.  I've long since stopped predicting which things will return, and which will go... because Im so often dead wrong!

If you don't have one, and you need to see the Holiday catalogue again, please click HERE to be taken to the online version.... its an online flip book, so takes slightly longer to load than a normal page.

I'll be featuring some Masculine projects in an upcoming class, so stay tuned for that.

Once again, you can pre-order your upcoming new catalogues now.. completely free. If you want a catalogue pack, please contact me by clicking HERE.  And everything you see on this card is available for purchase.. so use the "Shop Now" button to do your shopping online :-)

Have fun! Back soon :-)

SAB 2014 Banner Kit pieces... on a card

I have a confession to make. My name is Linda and I cant help myself... when I get a new kit that I am supposed to make up into something, I lay them all out on the table, and suddenly my brain starts combining the elements into lots of things I could do.. other than the purpose for which its designed. So I got out my brand new SAB banner kit (this will be a free SAB item, beginning January 28th), fully intending to make up the banner as it is shown.

But then.. off I go, on a tangent. and here you see the very first thing I did with it! I used the fabric heart and doilies from the kit, stamped the "I like you" from the "You're Lovely" set, and cut a banner from the new SAB DSP "Sweet Sorbet". The background is embossed with the new Embossing folder from the SAB brochure as well. So this card is almost all made with SAB stuff.. although I did add some Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon for a bit of romance, and some Champagne glimmer paper as well. Just for some added glamour :-)

I really like how it turned out. What do you think??

Super Simple Retro Fresh

You know how it is... you are about to leave for a birthday party or similar, and you have the gift, and right about then you think.... I forgot about the card!  If you had 10 minutes or even less to spend, you'd still have time to make this one! The secret is Washi Tape! I ripped a few strips of Retro Fresh washi tape straight off the roll, and laid it down horizontally. I stamped a sentiment from the new "Perfect Pennants " stamp set, and cut it out with our new Banner framelits. I added a strip of silver glimmer paper, sponged around the edges and THAT'S IT!

All these yummy goodies (the Washi tape, framelits and stamps) are about to be released in our upcoming Occasions catalogue which will start January 28th.  Not to mention free SAB products on that day as well. Want the new catalogues early?  Email me by clicking HERE and I will send them to  you.  Just make sure you contact me so you can be ready when it starts!

Here's a close up of the card for you:

So very Grateful tag on a card - from the new 2014 Occasions Catalogue

Another gorgeous set from the new Occasions catalogue that will begin on the 28th January 2014.  This is one that I saw and straightaway decided that I NEEDED... so so pretty, and easy to use. I made the tag on this card from the new Scalloped Tag punch (cant wait to show you that one!) and stamped on it with one of the "So Very Grateful" stamps, and then coloured them with blender pens (Pool Party,  Bermuda Bay and Pear Pizzaz)  The "Hello" is cut with the new Banner framelits, also new. This was a really quick card, but shows off a couple of great techniques.. thinking it might make a great workshop card for parties in February and March.

I am having so much fun creating with new catalogue products that it is going to be hard to choose with projects to do! :-)  But luckily, they are all lovely....

Retro Fresh Card with Petite Petals punch

So, some more Occasions Catalogue goodness for you today.  This card features the new "Retro Fresh" Washi tape, and the petite petals punch.... all available from the 28th January.   Like it? Book a Stampin'Up party with me (click HERE to contact me) between the end of January and the end of March and you will get to play with lots of our new stuff!  Enjoy today's card and I will be back tomorrow with something new for you. 

Stampin' Trimmer: Rotary Add-on vs Standard blades - and a special for you

So I've had a few customers purchase either the Stampin' Trimmer or the Rotary Add-on of late, and so I thought I'd share my observations on the two options. Both work well, but there are a few things you need to know.  Any questions, please ask me. You can contact me by clicking HERE



So how about a little special. This is my own special, and so not available through Stampin'Up... you will need to contact me (or order online via my online store) to receive it. Everyone who includes a Stampin' Trimmer on any order between now and the 27th January will receive a free set of replacement blades (your choice.. standard or rotary replacement blades) valued at $9.95.

I do hope you are all enjoying the beautiful Summer weather :-) I am looking forward to getting back into my craft studio today after some business kept me out of it for a while. So will have more projects to show you shortly :-)  Have a lovely weekend!

Hot new Trends.. Ampersands and Gold Washi Tape

More Occasions Mini stuff to show off today. Here's a super quick card I made up almost as soon as my box of new stuff arrived.... I am loving the new "Ampersand" Embossing folder.  In case you haven't noticed, Ampersands are trendy right now! And I've paired it on this card with some of our new Watercolor Wonder Washi Tape, in golds.  I finished it off with a gold embossed heart from the "Perfect Pennants"set.  Hope you like it.  :-)

Dont forget you cant purchase these new items just yet.. but once the 28th January rolls around you'll be able to get your hands on them!

Upcoming Project Class: SAB 2014 Sampler Frame

I am quite in love with this year's Sale-a-bration (SAB) offerings from Stampin'Up!  How beautiful do these colours work together?

I have a class coming up in a few weeks to make this Sampler Frame (and matching card) - a perfect gift or something lovely for yourself. I wanted a way to show you as many of the new Sale-A-Bration freebies as possible, and it dawned on me that this is a great way to show them off! You get to play with DSP, stamps, punches, embossing folders and more. And for those people curious about what SAB has to offer this year, its a great way to check them out.

The dates I am offering are Tuesday night, 4th February, (7.30pm) or Wednesday 5th February at 11am. The cost to make the frame and card (Frame included) is $30.  I will need to know if you are coming along at least a week before because I need to purchase the frames in advance. It is possible that frame styles may differ slightly, but if so, they will be very similar to this one.

So if you are able to come to classes on the Central Coast, I'd love to have you come along!

To book in for this class, please contact me by clicking HERE. Numbers are limited so you will need to be quick as I have a feeling that this one will book out. (I ran a similar frame class a couple of years ago and it was totally booked out!)

Here is another close up of the frame for you... enjoy :-)

Fresh Prints from the new Stampin'Up Occasions Catalogue 2014 - sneak peek :-)

If you've been reading here over the past few posts you would have read about my excitement yesterday when my GREAT BIG BOX OF BRAND NEW PRODUCTS arrived :-) Yep, Im just a little bit excited... nothing like new products arriving to spark your creativity!  I got lots of things in my Big Brown Box (otherwise known as BBB), and I am going to have a wonderful time over the coming weeks showing as many of them as I can to you.  

Starting with this one today... I LOVE these colours together! So fresh1 Which is probably why they named this paper the "Fresh Prints Designer Paper Stack".  You cant buy it until the release of the Occasions catalogue on the 28th January, but pop it on your wish list if you love bright, fresh colours. As with other Paper stack pads that we have had on offer, this one will be only $11.95 for a pad of 48 sheets in card size.. there are loads of different pattern designs in there, so I think it is excellent value for money. I have a feeling I will be going through a lot of these.  The colours are Coastal Cabana, Crumb Cake, Real Red and Whisper White. 

The "Thank You" on the card is also from a new stamp set - called "Simply Celebrate".  Its actually designed to match one of the kits in the catalogue.  Actually this catalogue has a lot of kits.. which will make it really easy for those starting out to choose what they want. There are card kits, album kits, banner kits and of course bundles to save you money too. 

I cut the banner shapes with some new framelit dies that we have in the new catalogue. I did add a couple of touches from existing products.. the red stitched ribbon, the flourish stamp and the Rhinestone. But I thought it all looked pretty nice together. 

I will have loads more for you soon, and am hoping to get into the studio today to create a new video for you, so stay tuned!

Linda xx

More SAB goodness

More playing with my Sale-A-Bration freebies. :-)  I am loving playing with these lovely soft colours. And I used the new Banner punch to cut the little flags.  The "True Love" sentiment is from our Valentines selection. You can visit the online store by clicking the "Shop Now" button on this page, and then you click "Valentines products" to see the selection. It's also worth clicking on "New Arrivals" to always keep in touch with what is new. There are some great single stamp selections in there too.

And GUESS WHAT! My Big Brown Box (BBB) of new products from our not-yet-released Occasions catalogue arrived at my door this morning! Yippee! So now I have LOTS of new stuff to play with!

Did I mention that I love new stuff?  Cant wait to show it all to you!

Updated Class Schedule January/February 2014

Hello! It's time to put up my upcoming class schedule for the next 6 weeks or so.  With SAB and a new  Stampin'Up catalogue due out at the end of January there is lots to keep us all entertained... and there will be more events (new catalogue launch, for example) announced over the next few weeks.  I run classes on the Central Coast, NSW, so if you are wanting to get involved in a beautiful creative craft on the Coast, give my classes a go!

Here we go:

Team get together -  18th January  - for demonstrators in my team please visit the Inksomniacs group forum for more information

Technique Classes

Fancy Flowers class - come and learn how to make lovely paper flower creations to use on your projects.  We will make several different kinds of flowers that you can use on cards, scrapbook pages, and other 3d items. Refreshments and all materials are provided. Cost is $25

Tuesday 21st January, 7.30pm
or
Wednesday 29th January, 11am

Watercolouring Class - this is a technique that I do as a class periodically.. mainly because it is so popular. Watercolouring on your projects gives you a lovely soft effect, and is so effective. You will make 3 different projects to practice your new skills on (or even if you have done Watercolouring before... come and make something new!) All materials and refreshments provided. Cost is $25.

Tuesday 11th February, 7.30pm
or
Wednesday 12th February, 11am

Project Class

SAB Sampler Frame - we will be making a gorgeous frame to show off the various SAB products on offer this year. I did a similar frame a couple of years ago, and it was one of my most ever popular classes. Although doing a frame is not new, this one will be quite different, and I will be putting up a photo of it for you to see in the next couple of weeks, but I know you are going to love it. All materials and refreshments are provided, and the cost to make the frame is $30.

Tuesday 4th February, 7.30pm
or
Wednesday 5th February, 11am

Stamp Clubs

Wednesday daytime club - January 22nd

Tuesday Evening club - January 28th

New Catalogue Launch - date to be announced. 

I hope to have both an Evening date, and a daytime one.  More details to come. 

(By the way... today's card is part of a challenge I am doing over on my team forum this month. So if you are part of our group, get over there and check it out!)

To book into any of these classes, click HERE and let me know which ones you would like to attend. Class sizes are limited, so dont miss out!

Summer Challenge this month

Whilst one half of the world is having what I hear is a VERY cold Winter, those of us south of the equator are enjoying our Summer. So with that in mind, this month I challenged my team members on our private forum to come up with a Summery project. It could be a card or a layout, or anything really. I've given them a couple of examples and thought I'd show you too.

This is a simple scrap page that I created in MDS.  Turquoise and yellow says Summer to me :-)

I love creating lovely things in MDS, with the bonus being that there is no mess... in fact I did this one on the laptop whilst watching something on the telly.  Must print it out and add it to the album....

I'll be back with another project for you tomorrow. Might fire the video up today and make a tutorial :-)

Simple Stamping with Petal Parade (SAB 2014)

Sometimes I just want to stamp! Nothing fancy, just pick some stamps and inks and just stamp them out and see what happens. And thats what happened here. I pulled out the 2012-2014 Incolor inks, and used the upcoming SAB set "Petal Parade" to stamp them fairly randomly on Whisper White cardstock. I added a sentiment and a bit of ribbon and thats pretty much it. Quick and easy, just the way I like my cards.  :-)

Petal Parade will be available as a free choice for spending $90 when Sale-A-Bration starts on the 28th January. I have lots to show you over the coming weeks.

And dont forget too that the current Holiday catalogue is coming to a close this month.. so if there is anything in there that you dont want to miss out on... dont leave it too late. HERE is a link to the Holiday catalogue... make sure you look through and check that you have enough of all the products that will be retiring. Of course, some may make it into our next annual catalogue, but we have no idea which ones.

SAB 2014 Sweet Sorbet Banner

Over the past couple of weeks I have started to show you creations made with this year's Sale-A-Bration products from Stampin'Up.... in particular the "Sweet Sorbet" Designer Series Paper (DSP) which i am quite in love with.  Believe it or not, today's card is made with the same papers... except i have chosen to focus on the Pool Party and Crumb Cake tones, rather than the Crisp Cantelope I have shown you before.  There's a couple of little banner stamps on there too, punched with the new Banner punch, and a new embossing folder forms the background. These will be available as free items during the SAB period too. 

But guess what.. it still works! I love these colours together. I hope you do too... 

If you would like to get your hands on some freebies during Sale-A-Bration then its easy! Between 28th January, and the 31st March you can benefit in lots of ways.... every $90 order you place gets you a free item, and hostess a workshop during this time gets you even more free stuff too. I am currently booking my diary as full as I can... but there are some dates left, so contact me to find out more, or to book your own date. 

Here's a closer view of the card for you:

Wants some free products? New STAMP CLUBS for 2014!

A new year means that I start thinking about what works, and what doesn't.  I had a pretty good 2013, but want to make 2014 even better... and so I've started thinking about how I can serve my customers in new or different ways. Keep what works well, and introduce some new things to offer more.

I am launching a couple of brand new Stamp Clubs in early 2014.  Ideally I like to have 6 people to start a new club.  Here's how it works:  the group gets together at my house every second month to create something different.  There is no charge to attend.. the only requirement is that you commit to spending a minimum of $50 on Stampin'Up product at each club event.  Each member takes their turn to be the hostess during the year that the club is open.  Which means that when it is your turn to be hostess you get to take home the free products from that club order.  The minimum free product amount is $50, but it can be considerably more, depending on each event.  I'm on the Central Coast NSW, so if you are in this area or surrounding areas this is a great way to create new things, and get to know other papercrafters in this area.

Stamp Club means you get to build up your supplies at a pace to suit you, and learn techniques, and get inspired with awesome projects. In the past some of our projects have included Box and card sets, Mini Albums, Banners, Calendars, gifts.. the list is quite large. But always the Stamp club members enjoy what they make!

If you would like more information or to express your interest in Stamp Club, please contact me by clicking HERE.

In particular I am hoping to establish another daytime club, and am looking at starting a SATURDAY club... after being asked by a couple of my Sydney and Newcastle area customers whether I would do this. Another customer has expressed an interest in a nighttime club so I am considering a second nighttime club too. I am very happy to schedule them around whatever times work best for you guys!!

So.. who's interested????

By the way, Today's card is another with the Follow Your Heart stamp set and the Sweetheart treat bags.. simple and cute. :-)

Basic Watercolouring with Dye Inks

Hello! And welcome to this week's video tutorial.  Today I have gone back to basics and shown some very basic Watercolouring techniques.  Watercolouring is one of my favourite techniques... and its a while since I have put together a Watercolouring technique class.. but thats just what I plan to do in the coming weeks.. So watch this space for an updated schedule in the next day or two.

The card above is just a really simple foray into basic watercolouring.  I show how its done in the tutorial.

Here's the video. Let me know what you think!

Today's SAB effort - SAB 2014 with the Thinlits dies

So my love affair with the new Sale-A-Bration DSP continues. Here is a card I did today... a very simple card really. I used the Label Thinlits die to cut and score my card base, and then added some of the "Sweet Sorbet" DSP. The centre label is cut from Silver Glimmer paper, and then I punched two of the "Banner Blast" stamps with circle punches and added them to the centre, with just a little ruffled ribbon in Crisp Cantelope.  The sentiment is from the Apothocary Art stamp set, and I punched it with the Decorative Label punch. I tied a ribbon around it to hold it flat.

This card is going to be short listed for some of my SAB workshop cards i think.. it meets the criteria.. it uses new products, is very simple even for beginners, but is just that little bit different.

I hope you like it. To book your SAB workshop or party, please contact me so we can book a date...dates are going to book up quickly!  Click HERE to contact me.  SAB starts on the 28th January, and I am happy to come to you.  I cover the Central Coast, Hunter and Sydney metro areas, and would love to show you and your friends how to create something beautiful!! (And no, there is no charge)

Hope to see you soon!

Hello 2014!

From my little family to yours......