Welcome to the INKsomniacs Team Blog Hop - Sharing what we Love!

Welcome to our latest team Blog Hop!  My team of Stampin'Up demonstrators are called the "INKsomniacs"... and this month a group of us are showcasing some brand new products for you to check out!  Fun!  You may have come here via Jo Hooper's blog or directly to mine, but no matter how you arrived, I hope you will hop along with us and check out all the cool projects that the team have made.  Click the "Next" button below to visit the next blog on the list.

Here is my project for the blog hop today:



Its the very last day of April.... and although the new Annual Catalogue is coming your way on the 1st June, Stampin'Up have given us an Early Release in May!  It is the gorgeous "Share what you Love" suite of products and you are going to love them!  Already I just love the Doilies and the Dynamic embossing folder, and the co-ordinating stamp set. But you know what my favourite item in the suite is?  The Designer Series Paper pack!  You can see just a little of it in the pics here... but they dont do it justice.  Its a DOUBLE pack of paper.... and one side has a shine to some of the images.  You can see just a little of it in the second picture below.

Incidentally, this is also one of the cards from my class this week.  I have a Stamp-A-Stack on both Tuesday night (1st May) and during the day on Wednesday (2nd May)... you can read more about these classes HERE..... or click HERE to let me know you are coming along!

This card is made with products from the "Share what you Love" suite.... our EARLY RELEASE suite of products!  This means that you can play with these products now and can even purchase them early.  There are 3 bundles available, depending on your budget, and there are free items included in each bundle too.  You can read more about them by clicking HERE.... or head over to the online store from tomorrow to check them out there too.

Stampin'Up have also released a video to show you all the new items in the Suite... so if you would like another way to learn more about these products, here is the video:

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today.  Please click the "Next" button below to visit Courtenay Heuston's blog and see her awesome projects!  Thanks for stopping by!

Linda D x

Stamp-a-Stacks are coming up this week....

This is the first week of a new month... which means that my Stamp-A-Stacks happen this week. I run two classes most weeks - one in the evening (Tuesday) and one in the daytime (Wednesday).  Stamp-a-Stacks are an opportunity to get ahead with your cardmaking because we make SIX CARDS.  Thats 3 each of two different designs, and the cards are suitable for beginners as well as for more advanced crafters.  I hold them the first week of each month.  Classes are held in my home studio on the Central Coast NSW, and I am happy to supply the address when you book.

If you would like to join us I have one spot left for the Wednesday daytime class (2nd)!  But I have more room in the evening class (1st).... just click HERE to book in.  Cost is $20 and includes all materials and refreshments.

If you've never been to a class with me before, you will really enjoy it. I hope you can make it!

Linda D

PS If you love the Petal Passion bundle (that I have used here on this card) then you will love my step-by-step tutorial this month in the All Stars Tutorial bundle.  You can purchase the tutorial bundle by clicking HERE , or anyone who places orders of $50 or more with me this month will receive one for free.  The last day to order and receive the tutorial for free is tomorrow, April 30th.

Video Tutorial: Coffee and Tea Pouches with the Coffee Cafe bundle

Some of you may already know that recently Stampin'Up held their latest Onstage event in Sydney.  Onstage is an awesome training event for demonstrators (you can read more about it HERE). This time though because it was local to us (Sydney is only 90 minutes drive away) it meant that more of my team could attend.  We had almost 50 girls in my team attending!  Which was so awesome!

One of the things I like to do is create a small gift for my team of demonstrators.  This year I made coffee and tea pouches... using our Lots to Love box die.  I thought you might like to see how I made these so I've made a video to show you.  You can watch it by clicking on the video below.

I hope you enjoy it, and I'll be back with more for you soon!

Linda D

Share what you Love.... coming your way next week!

Today I wanted to show you another project I have created with the "Share What you Love" suite of products (out next week as a special "pre-release"!).  I simply love these products.... and my favourite item in the whole suite???  The Speciality DSP!  It is just so beautiful!  It is a thicker weight paper, and rather than 2 of each design (which is what you would expect in a usual pack of DSP) in this gorgeous pack there are 4 of each! So that means you get double the amount.... for a total of 24 sheets in a pack!  I've already showed a couple of them previously, but today I wanted to show another one... this gorgeous Rich Razzleberry striped paper.  

I used the flowers and sentiment from the "Love what you do" Stamp set (also part of the suite).  I love how you can "colour" in the flowers with the watercolour wash stamps too!  I also used an Aqua Painter to colour a little bit of blue sky background behind my flowers.... it makes the flowers "pop" I think!  There is also a bit of tulle ribbon that I have snuck onto this card... please note that this ribbon is NOT a part of the pre-release suite... but it will be coming your way on June 1st.. isn't it yummy?? 

If you want to get an even better look at the "Share what you Love" suite then make sure you come back and check out my blog on Monday 30th May... Im part of a Blog Hop with my awesome team of crafty ladies and we will be focusing on new products.  So make sure you join us for that!

Have an awesome day!

Linda D x

Remembering ANZAC Day today

Here in Australia April 25 is a National Holiday.  Other countries have their own days to remember the fallen soldiers who gave their lives in wartime (eg Memorial Day or Remembrance Day) but ANZAC day has particular significance to Australians and New Zealanders as it commemorates the day that Australian and New Zealand forces arrived on the beach at dawn in Gallipoli, Turkey on April 25 1915, and were slaughtered as they attempted to leave their boats.  Although there were many many other campaigns during the course of WW1, in various parts of Europe, the landing at Gallipoli has become a symbol of rememberance for us.

We use this same date to remember all soldiers who have fought for us in various wars since the first "Great War", and each year on Anzac Day remembrance services are held all over the country, both here and in New Zealand.  This morning I jumped out of bed at 4.30am and headed to Terrigal Beach (NSW) to attend the dawn service.  I've been to other services over the years, but have never attended the dawn service at Terrigal.  It seemed somehow even more poignant as several thousand people gathered on the beach to remember and show respect for our fallen soldiers.  I heard the waves and wondered whether it sounded similar to what the soldiers may have heard as they headed towards the shore.  A beach dawn ceremony will always be a powerful reminder of the original occasion.

I am always moved by the reading of the Ode, the bugle that plays the "Last Post" and the sounds of the bagpipes.  As a mother I cannot even begin to understand what the mothers of those boys would have felt as their sons headed off to war.  This year I was touched and amazed at the massive crowds that gathered on the beach.  Families, young and old, people of all ages, got up super early to show their respect and give honour to those that served and sacrificed.  I felt very proud to be an Australian today, and so grateful for this beautiful country that we live in.

The card I have made today was not my idea..... my friend Vanessa Webb posted a similar card using the same flower coloured as a poppy.  Mine if anything is even more simple.  I went looking for a sentiment that would work, and found the word "Courage"... which to me is what Anzac Day is really all about. (The sentiment is from the Ribbon of Courage stamp set, which is in our current Annual Catalogue)  The flowers are from the Love what you Do stamp set... this is a new stamp set that you will be able to purchase from next month, so look out for that!

However you choose to spend your day today, remember those that gave their lives so that we could have this wonderful life that we enjoy today.

Linda D x

Competition Time - Pick the retiring Products

On my Facebook Business Page I am running a little competition.  I've asked people to like my page as well as tell me exactly which retiring products have been used to create this cute little butterfly card.  The competition is open to Australian customers, and Im offering a pack of embellishments as the prize.
 The first person to guess all the retiring products will win.

Look closely... what retiring products can you see??

If you'd like to have a go at my little comp, head over to my Facebook page and tell me in the comments which products I have used that are retiring this year.  If no-one guesses it soon Im going to start giving some clues on my FB page.  But you do have to name ALL the retiring items used on the card to win the prize. What's the prize?  I have an awesome embellishment pack to give away - they were called "Urban Underground embellishments.  These are no longer available but they are fabulous to add to all kinds of cards (especially masculine cards!) and scrapbook pages.  They were really popular when we had them!  Here they are:

So hop on over to my FB page and good luck!

Linda D

Next week's Technique class on the Central Coast - Bokeh

Bokeh is one of those techniques that has been around for a long time... but every time you create with this lovely technique, it looks fresh and new.

Next week I have my monthly technique class and we are doing this beautiful Bokeh technique.  I've moved around the dates a bit this month (due to other commitments) and so the dates will be as follows:

Tuesday 24th April @ 7.30pm

or
Thursday 26th April @ 11.15am

Note there is no class on the Wednesday as that is Anzac Day. 

The cost for technique classes is $25... and you go home with 3 lovely projects that you made yourself! At the time of writing I still have spots in both classes.

Today is a little sneak peek at one of the class cards.... I am trying to use my favourite sets before they are gone... and the beautiful Butterfly Basics stamp set and matching framelits are on the retiring list.... so that means i need to use them NOW!  Both the butterfly framelit sets will be saying goodbye... so that's the Butterfly thinlits set AND the Bold Butterfly thinlits.  I for one will miss them... but Ive certainly had amazing mileage out of them!  Here they are:

Product List

Butterfly Basics Photopolymer Stamp Set [137154] $42.00

Bold Butterfly Framelits Dies [138135] $29.00

Butterflies Thinlits Dies [137360] $45.00

If you wish to purchase any of these before they retire you can click the images to be taken to the Online Store.  Or you can also click the SHOP NOW button above to see the full list of retiring products.  Whilst you are there don't forget to check out the clearance rack as they have added more bargain items in there this week! 

Enjoy my little card today, and if you are able to make it to class next week click HERE to email me and let me know! 

The Alaska Achievers Blog Hop - Onstage Inspiration!

Welcome to this month's Alaska Achievers Blog Hop... this month we are showing off lots of ideas, pictures and inspiration from our recent Onstage event.  Ours was held in Sydney, and I had the massive privilege of being a presenter at the event.  You can read more about this HERE.

Onstage events are the most awesome days of learning, fun and creativity.  Stampin'Up put them on twice a year, and there's no way I would miss one!  But the best bit is hanging out with 600 other demonstrators who love what you love! What a fantastic day we had together!

I had nearly 50 of my team attending this past Onstage.  Most of us were in Sydney, (one was also at the Perth event... hello Gail!) and one of the things I love to do at each Onstage is to give my ladies a team gift.  This time they were relatively simple, but I think they liked them!  Firstly I asked on our team facebook forum whether people preferred tea or coffee (or neither), and once I had an idea of numbers, I made up these cute little pouches.  The long ones were perfect for either coffee or hot chocolate, and the smaller ones were just right for the English Breakfast tea bags.  To make the pouches I used the Lots to Love box framelit dies in Crumb Cake and then decorated them with the Coffee Cafe DSP.  (And both of those things are retiring!)

I also added little critter-themed post it notes so that they could mark their brand new catalogues with their favourites! (Getting the new catalogues at these events is a big perk of going to Onstage... those who go get to see all the new stuff first!)

The bad news is that Onstage is only available for demonstrators.  The good news is that if you are a demonstrator, you are very welcome to attend!  The next Onstage will be in November and Im already making my plans to be there!  Onstage is such a perk of being a demonstrator.... its just a fantastic day out!  (And if you want to attend... now is a great time to join as a demonstrator so that you can come too!)

I hope you enjoy our blog hop today! (Click the name below mine to continue the hop)

Linda D x

Daisy Delight with a cute Bubble Wrap Brusho background!

Yesterday I did a class up in the Hunter for a lovely group of ladies.  These girls get together regularly for card making and sometimes they ask a "professional" (haha) like myself to come along and teach them something new.  I had a lovely afternoon with them and we made a couple of cute projects together.

The card you see above is one of them.  Bubble Wrap backgrounds are so fun to make.... and great for anyone from a beginner through to a more seasoned crafter.  You just need your cardstock (I used Shimmery White), Brusho,  Water spritzer and of course some bubble wrap!   A while back I made a video to show how this is done so Im popping the video again below so that you can check it out if you havent seen it:

For the Daisy I used the Daisy Delight bundle (stamps and punch) which is in our current Annual Catalogue.  Please note that although these two items will be available in the next catalogue, they will no longer be a bundle... which means you will have to purchase them as separate items.  So if you are after the bundle (which is a saving of 10%) then get it NOW, before the 31st May!  As of June 1st, the bundle price will no longer be available.

I think this bundle is great value!  Its only $54.75 for the stamps AND punch... and the punch is normally $31 just by itself! So that bundle represents excellent value!  No wonder it went onto backorder when it first came out last year!  Thankfully it is now back in stock and waiting to be ordered :-)

If you would like to place an order (OR just look at the retiring items!) then click HERE to visit the Online Store. Or you can click the SHOP NOW button above too.  I've also included a product list below for you.

Have a fabulous Tuesday!

Linda D x


Product List

Daisy Delight Photopolymer Bundle [145361] $54.75	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [126983] $11.50	Calypso Coral A4 Card Stock [124392] $14.00	Shimmery White A4 Card Stock [121717] $14.00
Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies [145372] $50.00	Brusho Crystal Colour [144101] $52.00	Stampin' Spritzer [126185] $5.00	Clear Faceted Gems [144142] $8.75
Daffodil Delight Dark Stampin' Blends Marker [144585] $7.75	Birthday Blooms Clear-Mount Stamp Set [140658] $33.00

Sydney Onstage Event... Introducing my Presentation on Lilypad Lake!

I know it looks as though I have been very quiet over the past week or two.... I've certainly been posting less projects both here and on my Facebook Business Page and Instagram.  But the truth is that I was actually EXTRA busy.... getting ready for our Onstage training event in Sydney.  (and then recovering! lol)If you are a demonstrator and you've never been to Onstage... why not????   These are the most amazing days... and its a perk of being a demonstrator that we get to attend.  (If you are a customer and you think these days sound like fun... my suggestion is to join as a demonstrator so that you can go too!)

Onstage happens twice a year in lots of regions around the world. Here in what they call the "South Pacific" region (doesnt that sound exotic???) we had our Onstage Local event in Sydney this time.  They move them around so that everyone has a chance to go.  But I actually don't care where they are..... in almost 12 years I have never missed a Stampin'Up training event... they are THAT GOOD!  Last November I went to the Melbourne event (there was one at the Gold Coast as well, but I cant be everywhere at once or I would have gone there too).

What happens at an Onstage event?  Well the number one thing is FUN.  But Onstage is also where they release new products and catalogues, supply awesome training, give away lots of prizes and tell us about upcoming exciting stuff.  But the best part of Onstage in my opinion is meeting other demonstrators and lifelong friends!  There is something about sharing with others that love the same stuff as you that just makes it so special!  I laughed a lot and may have shed a tear or two during the day too!

Would you like to see a couple of my presentation samples? One is at the top of this page and here is another:

Don't worry.... there are more and I'm looking forward to sharing them over the coming weeks.

There is so much exciting NEW stuff coming your way!  And you don't have long to wait to find out ether.   The new Annual catalogue will be released to customers on the 1st June (demonstrators can start ordering some products earlier).

I was one of the presenters at Onstage last weekend!  Its been keeping me very busy over the past few weeks. I was given a brand new bundle of products, and had to create some cool projects with it, and use those projects to present it to our Onstage group (about 600 people!)  Its such an honour to be asked to present at these events..... so of course I said yes!  I had to zip my mouth shut before the event because it had to be a surprise!  My job was to show off the new bundle, and show some different techniques with it, and also talk about how I can use it in my business.  Here's a cool pic of me doing my 10 minute presentation on the stage.....

And up on the boards....

And for me, it was possibly even cooler that I got to see one of my own team members also present and she did an AMAZING job.  I felt like a proud mother hen!  Here is a pic of the awesome Johanna Hetherington doing her presentation....

Something else exciting?  Sara, the CEO of Stampin'Up (and Shelli's daughter) was our MC for this event.  We loved having her with us, and it was so good to be able to chat with her since the smaller local event is more suited to that (Sara usually attends the bigger LIVE events... these are like Onstage on steroids.... 3 days of all this and more!)  Here's a pic of myself, Sara and my team member Jo Hooper.... it was the end of the day and we were all tired, but we still fronted up for a quick photo!

The entire team who helped us put this event together were simply awesome! I LOVE this photo of them all in front of Luna Park (which is where the event was held.... this is the second time we have had Onstage at Luna Park... such a great venue)

Stampin'Up is celebrating its 30th year this year! So our event had an 80's flavour... lots of colour and all day they played 80's anthems.  What did they play when I walked out on stage?  Eye of the Tiger of course!  No, I didnt choose it.... but I guess it is fitting since I consider myself a Survivor!

We walked away from Saturday's event with our hearts full... and our new Stampin'Up bags full of free products!  But I am just so glad I was able to be part of this year's event.  All the presentations were amazing.... we have so much local talent.... and it was wonderful to see so many people and enjoy hugs, laugher and awesome conversations all day long.  Here's the bag we filled up with lots of goodies:

Its reversible so you can decide what colour bag you want that day....

Thank you Stampin'Up for looking after us and being the BEST company to "work" for.....EVER!  Bring on the next 30 years!

Linda D

Scrapbooking Layout for this month's Scrapbooking class in the Hunter Valley

Every second month I run an all-day scrapbooking class in the Hunter Valley, at Pokolbin to be exact.  I travel up there (it's not that far really) and spend a wonderful day with some lovely ladies and we get creative together.  They bring their photos and I help to customise my designs to suit them.  I thought you might like to see one of the designs from this month's class.

Even though it's a relatively simple design, I love this one because it really helps to show off the photos.   I've used our Decorative Masks and embossing paste in the background to create the awesome texture on this layout.   Our large letter dies were the perfect size to create the ombre lettering (sponged with our Sponge Brayers)... I used Pool Party, Bermuda Bay and Island Indigo ink.   I also added some Myths and Magic Washi tape to the bottom of the page, which is so sparkly and fun!

Lastly I used the lace stamp from the Touches of Texture stamp set to add some soft detail around the edges of the page.  I love that stamp!!  The colour I used for this is Soft Suede.. which is perfect paired with the Crumb Cake cardstock.

Classes are held at the Taste of the County cafe in the Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin.  If you are interested please contact the cafe directly.  But numbers are limited and book quickly, so book in early to avoid disappointment.  Our next class will be June 14th. 

The 2018 Retiring list from Stampin'Up Australia is out TODAY

Yep... its here!  The big list of retiring products!

And it is a huge list of items this year.  In particular you will notice a huge exodus of inks and colours.... we are having a COLOUR REVAMP!  So they are saying goodbye to many colours, and on June 1st will have a host of new colours heading your way.  Dont worry... we get to keep many of our favourites... but I've seen all the new colours and they look AMAZING together!

One thing to note in the list is the ink pads... all of them are on the list! This doesn't mean that all the colours are retiring... but it DOES mean that the inkpad style will be changing, and so all the pads in their current form will be retiring.

PLEASE make sure you check out the list... and soon!  The easiest way to see it is to visit the ONLINE STORE..... all the items are listed there, broken down by stamps, bundles and "everything else".  You can also click the "SHOP NOW" button above for this option.  But if you prefer it in pdf list form you can post the links below into your browser:

Occasions Catalogue retiring list:
https://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/Promotions/SP/2018/Retiring%20List/OCC%20Retired%20List-SP.pdf

Annual Catalogue retiring list:
https://su-media.s3.amazonaws.com/media/Promotions/SP/2018/Retiring%20List/AC%20Retired%20List-SP.pdf

Yep.. the Daisy Delight Bundle is going! (Not the stamp set or punch but they will no longer be a bundle so get them together whilst they are 10% off!)  The colour Tempting Turquoise, and the DSP on this card are also retiring.

Any questions... please ASK!  That's what Im here for.   To email me click HERE.  I will check my emails as often as I can.  Just don't miss out on the items you love if they are on the list... as I expect many items to sell out quickly.  I will come back and give you updates as items begin to sell out.

Have a wonderful day!

Linda D

Beautiful Day Butterflies in Blues

Today I am showing off these cute but simple cards... Im actually doing them as part of a class this week in the Hunter Valley.  I love these Butterflies.... they come from this awesome stamp set called "Beautiful Day".  Here is the set:

I have found this to be such a great set for all kinds of techniques... various colouring techniques, embossing and for backgrounds too.  And the sentiments are lovely.  Its a great set!

This is actually one of my card designs at a class I am doing in the Hunter Valley this week.... its great for new stampers, and I hope they love it!

Product List

Beautiful Day Clear-Mount Stamp Set [145915] $37.00	Beautiful Day Wood-Mount Stamp Set [145912] $50.00	Pool Party A4 Card Stock [124391] $14.00	Shimmery White A4 Card Stock [121717] $14.00
Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad [126986] $11.50	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad [131171] $11.50	Sponge Daubers [133773] $9.00	Tutti-Frutti Adhesive-Backed Sequins [145609] $12.25
Banner Triple Punch [138292] $38.00	Silver Glimmer Paper [135314] $8.75	Clear Block E [118484] $20.00