Catch Up

I have lots to show you today as I have finally found some time to take photos this morning. The last few weeks have been fairly busy and the calendar is almost full for the next couple of months also. Everyone I speak to seems to be just as busy if not busier!!

Anyway first of all I would like to say a big Thank You to everyone who supported my Pink Ribbon Breakfast. We had a great Pink evening on Monday and so far I have raised approx $220 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. I hope everyone who attended on Monday night had a fun time for this worth while cause. I would like to say a big Thanks to those who were unable to make it, but donated on line. You are able to donate on line until the end of the month, just click here for more details.

Now for the projects.

We made two pink projects on Monday night.

This is a box in a bag.

Stamp set: Great Friend (Spring Mini)

Ink: Pink Pirouette

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White and Pink Pirouette Prints DSP

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Round Tab Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brads and Pink Pirouette Striped Ribbon

This is a joy fold card (below you can see how it opens)

Stamp Set: Pocket Silhouettes

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Rose Red and Pretty In Pink

Cardstock: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White and Raspberry Tart DSP

Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Trio Flower Punch, Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon and Jumbo Brads (Spring Mini).

The flower is made from 2 scallop circles (which I saw at a demo at our recent regionals)

Next I have a male 6oth Birthday card I made for my Aunty's husband.
Stamp sets: Unchartered Territory (Spring Mini) and Best Friend Numbers (retired)

Ink: Versamark

Cardstock: Kraft, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip and Parisian Breeze SDSP (Spring Mini)

Accessories: Silver embossing powder, Curly Label Punch, Large Oval Punch and Jumbo Brads (Spring Mini).

Finally I have some Christmas cards from the last Stamp-a-Stack I held earlier this month.

The first 2 are different versions of the same card.

Stamp sets: Tree Timmings (Spring Mini) Best Yet (Level 1 hostess set) and Baroque Motifs.

Ink: Real Red, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White Craft Ink.

Cardstock: Real Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White and Ski Slope DSP (Spring Mini)

Accessories: Scallop Oval Punch (Spring Mini), Large Oval Punch, Scallop Edge Punch and Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon.

Stamp Set: Good Cheer (Spring Mini)

Ink: Always Artichoke

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke and Sahara Sand

Accessories: Stampin Pastels and Riding Hood Red 1 1/4" Striped Riding Hood Red Ribbon.

Hopefully that gets me up to date.

Remember the Spring Mini finishes on the 30th November so if there is anything on your wish list you only have a month left to order.

Check back over the coming weeks as I just received the Summer Mini in the mail yesterday and all I am going to say is my wish list is very long and I can't wait to show you some sneak peaks.

Breast Cancer Awarness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 26th is Pink Ribbon Day.

This year I am hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast (in the evening). It will be a pink workshop where people are asked to wear something pink and we will make pink projects.

Date: Monday 26th October 2009

Time: 7:30pm

Place: Lara

Cost: $5 (which will be donated to National Breast Cancer Foundation).

So if you would like to come along for a fun night stamping while supporting a worthy cause please contact me

If you are unable to come to the Pink Ribbon Breakfast, but would like to make a donation please visit my personal Pink Ribbon Breakfast web page here.

Kids workshops

This week has been lots of fun. On Wednesday and Thursday I held kids workshops. The kids were very creative and really enjoyed making the projects.

Each child made 3 things each. A bookmark, a pencil holder and a card. I am still working on the photos of the finished projects, but here is a photo of work in progress and then the 2 groups of wonderful children with their creations.

Thanks to all who came along and helped make these 2 workshops so successful and so much fun.

What I love about craft

Anyone who is involved in any type of craft will understand.

Last night I did a workshop for a friend. She sent out invitations and then almost cancelled as she hadn't had much response. Then at the last minute a couple more people decided to come along. It was a lovely group of 6 ladies. Out of the 6, 2 had been to previous workshops, 1 was a regular card maker and 3 were new to it all.

Well the thing I love about craft: the joy, excitement and sense of pride you see on peoples faces when they create something themselves.

Below are the 3 cards we made at the workshop.

Stamp set: Simply Said

Cardstock: Basic Gray, Old Olive, Urban Garden DSP

Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Scallop punch, 13/8 circle punch, Baja Breeze ribbon

Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, Short and Sweet

Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Kraft, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise

Ink: Versamark, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Circle punches, Certainly Celery ribbon, Rhinestone brads and jumbo brads

Stamp Sets: Cheep talk, Best yet

Cardstock: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Good Morning Sunshine DSP

Ink: Chocolate Chip and Old Olive markers, Pacific Point

Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware.

World Card Making Day

World Card Making Day is officially on 3rd October. Throughout the month of October there are special events to celebrate.

My WCM Day event is a Christmas Stamp-A-Stack

Date: Monday 5th October

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $15 for 10 cards.

Place: Lara

Below is a sneak peak at the special offer available from Stampin' Up! during October.

When you purchase a simply sent card elements set you can get 20% off the matching stamp set. (page 140-141 2009/2010 Catalogue).

If you are interested in attending my WCM day event please contact me

Excuses Excuses!!!!

Wow what has happened to the last couple of months.
August just flew by and I always knew September was going to be busy, but I can't believe it has been so long since my last post on here.

I did try to do a quick post about 3 or 4 weeks ago, but my excuse is my husband changed web browsers (because the old one kept dropping out or freezing or something) and I just could not navigate the new browser in the limited time I had so I gave up hence no post.

Then September started and between my in laws 4oth Wedding Anniversary, a trip to Sydney for work and then my mother in laws 6oth Birthday there really hasn't been a lot of spare time.

But excuses aside I have had some breathing space this week, so it is time to catch up.

There are 2 cards here we made at the August workshop for Masculine Cards

Stamp Set: Uncharted Territory (Spring Mini) and Occasional Greetings
Cardstock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla and Vellum Cardstock.
Ink: Going Grey, Baja Breeze and Night of Navy
Accessories: Brayer, Twill tape, white gel pen and markers
Stamp Sets: Sense of Time (Spring Mini) and Occasional Greetings
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very vanilla and Sahara Sand
Ink: Chocolate Chip and Saraha Sand
Accessories: Circle punch, brad, Double Stitched Chocolate Chip ribbon


The next two were for an in house workshop I did in August.

Stamp Sets: Cheep Talk and Short and Sweet
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery and Pink Flamingo DSP
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip and Cameo Coral Stampin write markers
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Chocolate Chip 5/8 ribbon

Stamp Set: Just Beachy (Spring Mini)
Cardstock: So Saffron, Pacific Point
Ink: Basic Grey, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango and Pacific Point.
Accessories: Metal Edge Tag and So Saffron Striped ribbon.

We also had our first Calendar workshop at the end of August. It was great fun and I am really looking forward to seeing the finished products in a couple of months.

There is lots more to come really soon so I will do my best to keep on top of things. My next post will be details of the up coming World Card Making Day.

Spring Mini

The wonderful Spring Mini Catalogue starts today!!!
It is full of great new stamp sets and accessories that are only available for a limited time.
You can view the catalogue on line or if you would like a free copy contact me and I will send one to you.

August workshop - Spring Mini Catalogue Launch.

Date: Monday 10th August 2009

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $5

We will be making three cards using new products. Two of the cards will be masculine cards, which would be great for Father's Day (which is coming up soon).

I thought I would share a couple of Christmas Cards with you. A hostess chose to do a Christmas stamp - a - stack workshop last month and these are the 2 designs they made (5 of each).

Both of these were designed from inspiration I got with the Christmas Swap I participated in recently.
Stamps: So Swirly wheel, Circle Circus and Many Merry Messages
Cardstock: Kraft, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla
Ink: Rising Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss and Old Olive
Accessories: Circle scallop punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, brads, very vanilla ribbon.

Stamps: Snow swirled
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red
Ink: White Craft ink, Real Red
Accessories: Spritzer with Going Grey marker, 1/2" circle punch and brads.

Catching up with Friends

Last night I went out for a wonderful dinner with four friends. We all did our nursing training together and have remained good friends. We had planned to have a dinner catch up every three months, but over the years the space between dinner dates has kept getting longer and it is actually over 12 months since our last. So there was lots of catching up to be done. It is amazing how good friends never change and we seemed to just take off from last time as though it was last week.
As it had been so long between drinks (so to speak) I took a little gift for each of them. I had bought them an envirosax (designer reusable bags) each and wanted to put them in something nice. Therefore I came up with these little purses. I was really pleased with how they turned out and really simple to make.
Judging by the comments the girls really liked them too.




The tags were the same as some Christmas ones I made last year and I just love how simple they are.
My next workshop is Stamping on Candles and we will also make these tags to match. It would make a really lovely gift so if you haven't booked in yet contact me for details.

And yes I have changed the look, needed a change from the green what do you think?

Kids Cards

Last night I held a kids card workshop. We made 4 cards (2 girl and 2 boy).

The first two we used All in the family for both a girl and a boy card. For the clothes on the little people we stamped onto Designer Series Paper and cut out the dress of the girl and the top and shorts of the boy.
Stamp Sets: All in the family, Short and Sweet
Cardstock: Whisper White, Going Grey, Tempting turquoise and Pink Flamingo DSP
Ink: Basic Grey and markers for colouring.
Accessories: Tag punches, circle punches, jumbo eyelets and Real Red striped ribbon

Stamp Sets: All in the family, Family accessories and Occasions for all.
Cardstock: So Saffron, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White and Washington Apple DSP
Ink: Basic Grey, markers for colouring

The second 2 cards we used Bugs and Kisses to make a boy and a girl card.
Stamp Set: Bugs and Kisses and Seeing Spots
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White and Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip and Summer Sun
Accessories: Build-A-Brad, silver brads, circle punches, sponge

Stamp Set: Bugs and Kisses
Cardstock: Pumpkin pie, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White and Sweet Always DSP
Ink: Regal Rose and Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: 2 way glue pen, dazzling diamonds, Flower Fusion, Rhinestone brad, Square punch and Spiral punch.

Also on the weekend was my niece's 7th Birthday so I thought while I was showing kids cards I could include this card I made for her. It was a fun card to make.
Stamp Set: Cheep Talk
Cardstock:Rose Red, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Good Morning Sunshine DSP and Bella Rose DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Rose Red and Versamark.
Accessories: On Board So Tweet and Timeless Type, Scallop Punch, Flower Designer Brads, Fine Supernova Glitter and Heat and Stick Powder

School Holidays

It is coming to the end of the school holidays here in Victoria. I always seem to have mixed feelings at this time as I am looking forward to getting back into routine, but at the same time have enjoyed spending time with the kids (without constantly nagging them to get ready for school).
This week we had a short break in Echuca. We were very lucky with the weather and enjoyed a lovely sunny day on the paddlesteamer and exploring the Echuca Port.










I also have a couple of cards to show you. These are the congratulations cards I made for Mum and Dad a couple of weeks ago. Since I was in Bendigo during the week I quickly snapped these photos (as I forgot to take photos before giving the cards). As I mentioned in an earlier post Mum and Dad received Paul Harris Fellow awards at Rotary and so I decided to make 2 cards the same only in different colours.

Stamp Sets: Trendy trees and Say it with Scallops.
The first one is using Washington Apple Designer Series Paper and co-ordinating colours.
The second one is using Urban Oasis and co-ordinating colours.



Also last week I received my pre order for the upcoming Spring Mini. So keep an eye out for some sneak peeks. The Spring Mini starts on 1st August.

First week down

Well the first week of the school holidays has flown by. I have managed to spend some time with the kids. We have been bowling, shopping and today we went into the city to Disney On Ice Princess Wishes. Both of them loved it, although I think Hamish may have enjoyed the train and tram ride just as much as the show.

Earlier this week I sent off my first swap. The picture below is the completed swaps ready to be sent. It has meant that each day I have been receiving a few cards in the letterbox in return and I have really enjoyed seeing what everyone else came up with (there are some very talented and creative demonstrators).
On Sunday it was a friend's birthday so I dropped this card in her letterbox. It is hard to see in the picture, but there is a little bit of dazzling diamonds on the dragonflies, which made them very pretty

StampSets: Organic Grace (level 1 hostess set), Sincere Salutations
Cardstock: Basic Grey, Baja Breeze, Whisper White and Hand Drawn DSP (from level 3 hostess set).
Ink: Basic Grey, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze and Old Olive
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Baja Breeze Ribbon, Designer Label Punch and Dazzling Diamonds.

July Workshops

Again there will be 2 workshops at my house in Lara this month.

Kids Cards (Make 4 kids cards 2 girl and 2 boy)

Date: Tuesday 14^th July

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $6

Stamping on Candles (Learn how to stamp on a candle and make a matching gift card)

Date: Thursday 30^th July

Time: 7:30pm

Cost: $6

Bookings are essential for both workshops

Also I know some people have tried to leave comments on my blog lately, but have been unable to. I am pleased to say I have found a setting that had mysteriously changed and I have now hopefully corrected it, so please feel free to leave a comment. If you are still experiencing problems please e-mail me so I can fix it.

Another 2 weeks....

Well so much for not leaving it so long between posts. It has been a busy 2 weeks, both at work and at home, but it is now school holidays (hooray!!!) and hopefully the next 2 weeks will involve some down time.

On Monday 22nd June I held a Christmas Stamp-a-stack. These are the 2 card designs and everyone made 5 of each.
The first one we used the glitter background technique. It was lots of fun and we ended up with glitter everywhere.

Stamp Sets: Snow Swirled, So Swirly Jumbo Wheel
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Certainly Celery and Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Old Olive and Riding Hood Red.
Accessories: Heat and Stick Powder, Fine Glitter and Rhinestone Brads
The second one I designed for a demonstrator swap. The rules were non traditional Christmas either non traditional colours or a non Christmas stamp set or a combination of both.

Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, Many Merry Messages
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze and Whisper White
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Spritzer, Scallop Edge Punch, Circle Punch, Striped Ribbon (Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze and Riding Hood Red).

Below is a card I made for a 2 year old boy using the sketch challenge from Splitcoast Stampers
Stamp Sets: Wild About You, Occasional Greetings and Best Friends Numbers (retired)
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Ruby Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White and Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP.
Ink: Baja Breeze and Ruby Red
Accessories: Button Bouquet.

I actually made a few more cards over the past 2 weeks, one for Mum's Birthday and two congratulations cards for Mum and Dad. Wednesday 24th June was Mum's Birthday and also a special night for both Mum and Dad at their Rotary Changover. Mum received a Paul Harris Fellow and Dad received a Paul Harris Sapphire Pin. The awards were a suprise to both of them as was my sister, brother-in-law, Aunty and her husband, my husband and myself arriving at the dinner. But in the rush to get to Bendigo (2 hour drive) I forgot to take photos of the cards. I will try to remember to get photos of them next time I am in Bendigo and then I can post them here for you to see.

What's Happening in June

Where does the time go?? I am sorry I haven't been a very good blogger lately I really have no excuse except everyday life is taking priority (and right now I should be folding washing as my husband is cooking tea!!! - don't tell him where I am).

So what is happening in June.
Well I have held one workshop where we made these carousel note photo purses.
Also for June and July any hostess with sales over $600 will receive an extra $40 of free product. This is in addition to the other wonderful hostess benefits.
So if you were thinking of hosting a workshop for a few friends now is a great time so contact me to book a date.

The second workshop I am holding in June is a Christmas Stamp a Stack. Yes I know it is June, but every year I intend to start early with my Christmas cards and next thing I know it is December, so I decided if I am holding Christmas workshops it forces me to start my own Christmas cards. It must be a good idea as the workshop is booking out fast so if you are interested please contact me ASAP.

Date: Mon 22nd June
Time: 7:30pm
Location: My house Lara.
Class: 10 Christmas cards for $15

Be warned I have just designed the 2 cards and 1 of them is very non traditional. I joined a demonstrator swap this week for non traditional Christmas cards and as anyone who knows me well will appreciate what a challenge this is for me.

I will try to be a better blogger and not leave so long between posts next time.

Only a few more days

As it is almost the end of May it means you only have a few more days to take advantage of the wonderful May special. Buy 3 Designer Series Papers and receive a 4th one free.

Now I just have a few cards to show today.

The first one I made to play with the circle circus stamp set and then I gave it to my niece for her birthday.
Stamp Set: Circle Circus
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze and Kiwi Kiss
Card stock: Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze DSP.
Accessories: Baja Breeze striped ribbon

This second one was designed for a workshop and then given to Mum for Mother's Day.
Stamp Set: Pocket Silhouettes
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze and Urban Garden DSP
Accessories: Baja Breeze striped ribbon, scallop edge punch, earth elements brads

The last one I designed for a male birthday card.
Stamp Sets: Trendy Trees, Short and Sweet
Ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Black
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Urban Oasis DSP

I guess it is clear now that Baja Breeze has become a favourite colour. It wasn't until I was typing this that I realised I had used it in all three of these cards.

Hostess Appreciation Day

Yesterday I held my first hostess appreciation day. During my first 12 months as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I had 17 hostesses, with some of them having more than 1 workshop, so I wanted to thank them for kick starting my Stampin' Up! adventure.

We made 2 make and takes (I will post photos of them later), I had my retired stock for sale at bargain prices and we had a lovely relaxing afternoon stamping.

As a thank you each person who attended received a goodie bag pictured below. The stamp sets used are circle circus and pocket silhouettes.
I also had some door prizes with first prize including all you see below. It was my first attempt at stamping on a candle and I was thrilled with how easy it was, therefore I will be doing a workshop on it some time soon. The stamp set used on the candle is Embrace Life and on the book I have used A Flower for all Seasons.
This is a photo of the goodie bags grouped together.

The table was set up with all the bargains I had for sale.
After a busy morning cleaning the house this is me setting up.
Thanks again to all my wonderful hostesses. I had a great day and am planning to make it an annual event. So if you would like to be a part of it next time all you need to do is have a workshop with me over the coming 12 months.