Stampin-Time

Our Creative Corner - Sketch Challenge

2012-01-28T21:19:00.003+10:00

Welcome back .... it's that time again for a fun challenge at Our Creative Corner and this week we have a sketch challenge being hosted by Lori Rider.

I hope this challenge gets your mojo flowing so that you can join in the fun with us.

I can't wait to see what you come up with, but in the meantime head on over to Our Creative Corner and check out what the Design Team have for your inspiration pleasure!

Freshly Made Sketches with Jen

2012-01-26T00:26:00.004+10:00

It's a new sketch week at Freshly Made Sketches and this week the lovely Jen Mitchell is our hostess. To get your creative mojo started, this is what Jen has to say:

"I thought it would be fun to incorporate a bunch of different elements on the sketch. Even though you may see scallops, rectangles, and circles feel free to substitute any shape! I've made the sketch square because I love square cards, but you can make whatever size and shape card you'd like. Have fun!"

I had no plan or even an inkling of where I was going with my card, but this is what I ended up with:

And, here is the sketch:

I can't wait to see what you come up with, but in the meantime head on over to Freshly Made Sketches and be inspired by the fabulous Design Team!

Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by!

Freshly Made Sketches with Linda

2012-01-17T23:53:00.004+10:00

Happy Wednesday, and happy sketch challenge day at Freshly Made Sketches!

This week our hostess is the lovely Linda ... and I think you are gonna love this sketch.I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Have a great week and happy stamping!

Paper Piecing at Our Creative Corner

2012-01-14T21:00:00.001+10:00

A huge big "thank you" to everyone who stopped by my blog in the past few days and left such heart-warming comments ... my heart swells with gratitude and I appreciate each and every one of you! Thank so very much!!!

Onto our new challenge at Our Creative Corner, this week Vicki Burdick is our lovely hostess and we are also delighted to have Sabrina Radeck of Aspiring to Creativity as our Guest Designer this week. Sabrina has got some serious talent, so be sure to pop by and say "Hi".

This is Vicki's challenge for us:

Paper Piecing, Use some kind of paper piecing on your card or project this week. Stamp something and use some Designer Paper to piece an element of the stamp or paper piece you Background.

I was excited to have a go at this challenge, cos I had never done paper piecing before, so I scrambled through my stamps and came up with this card:

After I had paper pieced Winter Marci's outfit, I felt that she looked kinda flat .... so as you can see, I used my copics and added some shading to her coat and hat.

I thought that I'd keep this card fairly simple and I used the sketch from Freshly Made Sketches, cos it's a great sketch this week!

I hope that you'll join in the paper piecing fun this week at Our Creative Corner, I would love to see what you come up with ... but in the meantime, pop by and check out some inspiration from our fabulous Design Team.

Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by!

... Exciting News ...

2012-01-12T18:08:00.004+10:00

I have received some exciting news that I wanted to share with you ....

Over the Christmas period Stampin Up! (Aust/NZ) put out a competition to create a a wedding invitation. The winner of the competition would then get published in a wedding-themed article for Scrapbook Creations magazine.

So, why not .... I gave it a go and created a couple of ensembles:

This black and white set contains an invite, placecard, pillowbox favor and lined envelope. I used whisper white and basic black cardstock, Mocha Morning Specialty DSP, rhinestones and black ribbon. The only stamping here is on the tiny tag in the favor.

A very simple, yet classic and timeless set.

With that, I thought that maybe I had better create something with a little more stamping.

So I created this set:

This second photo shows the backside of the placecard - a quote from the same stamp set

This set is created with the Happiness Shared stamp set, which uses every stamp in the set. I wanted to create a soft black and white with a pop of colour.

All the images were inked with Basic black ink, stamped off first and then stamped to achieve a soft black/grey toning. The typed text was also lighter shades of black, in fact I did try for a grey colour but the black proved to be more even. I coloured the flowers with a blender pen and pink pirouette ink - leaving the rest uncoloured, a small rhinestone completed the look.

Cardstock was pink pirouette and whisper white.

Out of the two, this pink one is my favourite!!!

So, by now I am sure you can gather the rest ... yep, I received a phone call from Stampin Up to say that I had won! I was over the moon, shocked and a little stunned, cos there were so many BEAUTIFUL submissions and each one equally deserving to win and definitely worth credit.

So on that note a little shout out to all the my fellow SU demos that I have received emails, text messages and congrats from on Stampinconnection .... "THANK YOU for your congratulations, love and best wishes, I am truly honoured and infinitely grateful. And, I look forward to this opportunity".

The win also includes some not released SU goodies, which have been put in the post and should be arriving tomorrow. My assignment now is to create 4 wedding themed items using these products.

The only unfortunate thing is that I cannot share with you what the products are until they are released in Aust/NZ and I cannot share my project with you until the magazine is published in May.

Thank you for allowing me to share my excitement and my gratitude to my fellow SU demos, and THANK YOU my creative and talented blog readers.

Have a wonderful rest of the week and happy stamping!

Freshly Made Sketches with Rita

2012-01-11T23:11:00.006+10:00

Hi y'all, and thanks for popping back - it's another sketch challenge over at Freshly Made Sketches ... and wow ... what a great turnout we had too, so many beautiful entries and so many more ideas for my CASE files ... "thank you"!

This week our hostess with the mostess is the fabulous Rita, hailing from Texas. Rita has got some serious talent and a great sketch for the week.

And here is what I created ... an oldy, but still a favourite!

I coloured the tree with copics, added the woodgrain background to the frame, some espresso twine and a sentiment .... done!

Now that you've seen mine, you really need to on over to Freshly Made Sketches and check out some real inspiration for our DT! Hope to see your creation in the gallery!

I have some really exciting news to share with you tomorrow .... check back in then, I can't wait to tell ya!

Have a great day!

Late Posting - Our Creative Corner

2012-01-08T11:46:00.004+10:00

A bit of a late posting for me at Our Creative Corner, I have been busy with a few little projects and meeting deadlines ... I'll show you in my next posting.

But onto the new challenge at Our Creative Corner, this week our lovely hostess is Vicki Burdick and she has a fabulous challenge this week ... this is what Vicki has to say:

"Show us your Shapes" - Shaped cards. Anything but a square or rectangle, you can find so many cute templates on the internet or use a die or cut file and your imagination and show us your shapes!!

This template I am sure you have seen around the internet for years .... of which I have had saved in my "To Do" file .... for years ... so now I have gotten around to creating, this is what I have come up with:

Isn't it the cutest .... why not have a go yourself, I got the template from here, and while you are there Deneen has some major creativity, check her out!

And if you are really in the creative mode, have a look at Anne Marie's super gorgeous little girls outfit!

Now, because there are some major stripes going on here, I thought that I'd enter this into Jen's new challenge blog ... Runway Inspired! If you love fashion and you love challenges, then you really need to stop by and check them out .... you'll love it!!!

Well, thanks for stopping by .... I would love to see your "Shapes" at Our Creative Corner, and if you are still with me .... pop by and be totally inspired by our fabulous Design Team!

Welcome Back to Freshly Made Sketches

2012-01-04T22:44:00.004+10:00

Yay ... Freshly Made Sketches is back after a short break over the festive season, and I tell ya, it is so good to get back to normal again. The Christmas decorations are packed up, Tony and I are back at work and Ayden is at uni doing a summer semester. As much as I enjoyed/loved the break I am happy to have some normalcy back .... well for the time being anyway!!!

Onto the challenge, but before I do I would like to welcome our January Guest Designers, Nina Forsyth and Jen Sannes ... "Welcome to the team Nina and Jen".

This week I am proud to be hosting the sketch at Freshly Made Sketches and the sketch that I have for you is very simple, with many possibilities and loads of fun!

I created a "Love Card", after so many Christmas cards it was a refreshing change. I had a bit of fun with this card, I was at a loss as to where to put the sentiment without losing the heart theme, but as you can see it worked out fine!

My white centre panel is the Labels Two nestabilities die with the top and bottoms cut off just above the centre section.

If you get a chance, head on over to Freshly Made Sketches and I am sure you will be highly inspired to join in the fun with us!

Until then, thank you for stopping by and have an inspirational day!

Happy New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T23:43:00.006+10:00

Well, it is the eve before 1 January 2012 and what a magical and special time it is. I love this day to reflect and on all that has been over the past year and bless it into the past.

And, to end this year I have created a small set of notecards for this weeks challenge at Our Creative Corner. This week our hostess is the lovely Anne Marie and she has a Bright and Happy Celebration, and this is what she has to say:

It's time to ring in 2012! Create a card for a celebration using these colours - so many celebrations - birthdays, New Year's etc.

This is my set of whimsy cards using these colours

And finally, packaged together with twine

Thank you for stopping by, if you get a chance to play along with us, I can't wait to see your creation!

I'm also popping this into the Simon Say's .... Anything Goes! challenge.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T23:39:00.005+10:00

A quick posting and final Christmas card for 2011.

I have a very simple card and tag that I made for this weeks challenge at Our Creative Corner, which is being hosted by Sharon Wheet. She is challenging us to create a project inspired from a scene in our home eg, tree, ornaments, wreath etc.

As you can see, my inspiration came from my wreath on our front door and of course, our hanging stockings!

I love this card, so simple so CAS .... I wish I had made this card at the beginning of the season!!!

If you manage to find some spare time over the coming week, why not create something simple or elaborate and join in the fun with us at Our Creative Corner!

And, so on that note .... I would like to thank each and every one of you for stopping by my blog this past year and for leaving your beautiful and heartwarming comments, I love each and every one of them and I appreciate you my readers!

May this season bring you joy, peace and happiness with your family, friends and loved ones and a safe, healthy and magical 2012!!!

With much love and appreciation

xxx

Holiday Colour Combo - Our Creative Corner

2011-12-18T12:09:00.004+10:00

Welcome back to another challenge from Our Creative Corner. This week our lovely hostess is the fabulous Anne Marie Hile from Stampin' Anne.

Her challenge for us this week is:

Holiday Color Combo

Create a holiday card using Light Pink, Light Blue, Red and White

*PLUS a touch of holiday SPARKLE, just for fun!*

You can also use the photo for some inspiration!

I created a few cards with this combo with a fairly standard design:

And here they are individually:

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you can join us this week at Our Creative Corner and play along this week with the colours. Please stop by and see what the rest of the lovely ladies on the Design Team have created too!

Have a fabulous day and thanks for stopping by!

Freshly Made Sketches with Cindy

2011-12-14T21:11:00.005+10:00

Hi all and thank you for stopping by! This week we have a lovely sketch for you over at Freshly Made Sketches, our hostess is the fabulous Cindy Hall. She has a gorgeous sample card that you are gonna wanna check out!

Here is the sketch:

And, here is my card:

I'm not sure if you noticed ..... but I changed the colour of the butterfly from Vanilla (as displayed on Freshly Made Sketches) to Red - I felt that the red had a bit more boldness to it, the vanilla looked too washed out!

Anyway, I hope that you'll join in the fun with us this week, but in the meantime head on over to Freshly Made Sketches and see what the DT have in store for!

Have a great and fabulous week, and thanks for stopping by!

Freshly Made Sketches - by Jennifer Timko

2011-12-08T21:39:00.004+10:00

Hi there, and welcome back to a very late post from me ... our latest challenge at Freshly Made Sketches went live yesterday, and I am only posting my card today ...

Anyway, this week our hostess is the lovely Jennifer Timko, it's a great sketch and I hope you can join in the fun with us.

For my card I created this daisy with the SU's Blossom Party and the Little Leaves sizzlet dies. I have used Wild Wasabi, Kraft, the yellow is a super bright yellow from my stash and the sentiment is from Well Scripted.

Hope you have a great week, and pop on over to Freshly Made Sketches and check out what the team have for your inspiration pleasure!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Christmas @ Our Creative Corner

2011-12-03T20:00:00.000+10:00

Welcome back to another challenge from Our Creative Corner.

This week we are very privileged to have the talented Iwona Palamountain joining us as our Guest Designer, and I am sure you will love what she has created for your viewing pleasure!

Just for a bit of a change, we have a sketch challenge for you this week, a sketch that is fun and one that you can use a multitude of times for a multitude of occasions.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Thank You - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-11-30T22:15:00.005+10:00

Welcome back to another sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches!

This week our hostess is the fabulous Lesley ... founder and creator of Freshly Made Sketches. A great sketch with lots of fun possibilities.

Have a great week, and don't forget to pop on by Freshly Made Sketches and check out what the DT have in store for you!

Christmas Tree - Our Creative Corner

2011-11-26T20:00:00.002+10:00

Just a very quick post from me today - it's Saturday once again and that means it's challenge time at Our Creative Corner.

We are delighted to have Heike Kohnen joining us as our Guest Designer. Heike is a fabulous stamper and a great designer ... "Welcome Heike and thank you for sharing your talent with us".

This week our hostess is the lovely Wendy Jansen, and this is what Wendy has to say:

O Christmas Tree Challenge. This is the weekend I like to put up my Christmas tree and decorations. The challenge is to make a project with a Christmas tree (or pine tree if you would rather) on it.

I made a very quick card, one that is easy to reproduce and uses up a few scraps:

While I was at it, I whipped up a couple more:

Hope you can join in the fun at Our Creative Corner!

Have a great weekend and a Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends!

Thank You - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-11-23T19:51:00.005+10:00

Hello

Welcome back, and thanks for stopping by ... it's time for another sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches and this week our hostess is the lovely Jen Mitchell.

It's a great sketch this week, one I am sure that I will turn to time and time again:

I thank goodness that it was a very clean and limited sketch, cos I have had such a chaotic and hectic week that when I finally got around to creating my card I was mentally fatigued as to what to do .... nothing was working, time was passing ....

As a last resort, I started flicking through my stash of cards .... and voila .... I found this card and my card for this week became a CASE!

I hope that you can join us at Freshly Made Sketches this week ... maybe you will be our next Queen of Clean!!!

Have a fabulous week and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Think Big Favourites #2 (PTI)
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Vellum, Book page
Ink: Versamark
Other: Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die (SU), Circle Nestabilities, Music Impression Plate (PTI), Smooch spritz, Scor Pal (background scoring), Pearls

Gratitude - Our Creative Corner

2011-11-19T21:00:00.003+10:00

Hi all

Welcome back to another Saturday at Our Creative Corner!

This week we are joined by the very talented Audhild as our Guest Designer - she has got some serious talent. And, for our challenge we have an inspiration picture, which is being hosted by the lovely Holly Kean, and this is what Holly has to say:

"This beautifully unique Thanksgiving table is far and away more fancy than ours will likely be for Thanksgiving but isn't it just gorgeous? Find some inspiration in it and create a Thanksgiving, Holiday or New Year's card or other paper project based on that inspiration"

We don't celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia - but I wanted to create a "Gratitude" card for a very dear friend, whom I am thankful and very grateful to have as a friend, confidant and an inspiration ... in my life!

My inspiration was from the tablecloth design and the orange flowers. And, finally I used the sketch from Clean and Simple Stamping for the card design - a sort of loose interpretation!

I thought that I would also pop this into the Simon Says Stamp Challenge:

Simon Says ... Thanks/Thanksgiving

I hope you have a fabulous week, and to all those that celebrate Thanksgiving - "Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families".

Head on over to Our Creative Corner and enjoy the feast of inspiration from the Design Team!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive Ink: Black craft ink, Stamps: Bold Botanicals (My Time Made Easy) Other: Pearls, Clear embossing powder, Little Leaves Die (SU), Rolled Flower Die (MFT)???

Joy - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-11-16T18:43:00.007+10:00

Hi All

Welcome back and thank you for popping by! It's time for another sketch from Freshly Made Sketches, but before I do, just a little "Thank You" to everyone who played along and supported us, what a great response we had ... so without further ado, this week our hostess is the lovely Linda Callahan.

Feel free to personalize the sketch and make it your own! That's what makes it "Freshly Made!"

Here is the card that I have come up with:

This is my felt flower attempt, which I learnt at the Jennifer McGuire Holiday Boot Card Camp, so simple - petals cut freehand and stuck together with glue ... easy peasy, and very effective, I love it!!!

And, just to use up the small scrap pieces, I made a little gift tag:

When I made the card, I liked the petals curving out and up, but when I put the tag together I liked them curving under - which way do you like?

Pop on over to Freshly Made Sketches and check out what the DT have come up with for your inspiration pleasure!

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Real Red, striped paper from stash Ink: Glorious Green (retired), Choc Chip, Versamark Stamps: Sentiment from Stamp It Aust, Holly Leaf from Hero Arts Other: Red and Green Felt, Red Rhinestones, Clear EP, Red Ribbon, White Cotton Thread

Our Creative Corner - Pumpkin Pie

2011-11-13T11:13:00.009+10:00

Hi there,

Welcome back .... I am a bit late with my posting for Our Creative Corner this week, which went live yesterday!

This week, we are very honoured to welcome Silke Ledlow, as our Guest Designer for this week's challenge. Silke is a previous Design Team member for Our Creative Corner and she is a fabulous designer and wonderful creator. "Welcome Silke"

Now, to keep things short and to the point, the challenge this week is being hosted by the lovely Wendy Jansen, and this is what Wendy has to say:

"Who doesn't look forward to pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving?! Well Thanksgiving is soon approaching and with the anticipation of pumpkin pie, the challenge this week is to create a project using pumpkins or the color pumpkin pie as the focal point or main color of your project!"

So this is what I came up with:

I have taken the Pumpkin Pie colour and used that as my theme - the stamp set I have used is called Bold Botanicals from My Time Made Easy.

I hope that you will join in the fun with us at Our Creative Corner.

I am entering this into the Lily Pad - Texture Challeng e, and;

I am also entering this into CAS-ual Fridays as their theme is:

Late edit: I am also going to sneak this into the Play Date Cafe challenge, which is Black and White with a splash of Orange .... my card has a rather LARGE splash of orange, but fingers crossed that it's okay!

Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by!

Supplies: Stamps: Bold Botanicals (My Time Made Easy) Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla (SU) Ink: Basic Black, Versamark Other: Black EP (SU), Music Impression Plate, Bookplate Die (PTI), Black Twine,Ribbon, Pearls, Perfect Pearls Mist, Pages from an old book, Crimper

Freshly Made Sketches - Happy Birthday

2011-11-09T21:25:00.009+10:00

Happy Wednesday everyone,

Thank you for stopping by ... it is sketch challenge week again at Freshly Made Sketches and I am so delighted with the fantastic response we had last week ... what a fabulous array of inspiration there was, so thank you for your support and your creativity!

This week our hostess is the lovely Rita Wright and she has a great sketch, which I love and I am sure you will too, cos it has the potential for so many possibilities - check it out:

And this is my card that I have created for my nephew's birthday:

So, upon completion of this card and having wrapped the gift (yep, left it to the last minute, had no gift wrapping paper so had to use what I had .... Kraft ...gah!!!)

Anyway with a bit of twine and a tag, this is what I got:

But now the card looks to white, too bright and .... not boyish ....

So, I replaced the white base for a Kraft base:

Much better ... and the final picture:

Oh, just thought I'd show you a close up of that star:

A new little 3d star I learnt at Jennifer McGuire's - Holiday Card Boot Camp. It doesn't get squished either cos it has a small pile of dimensionals underneath, and glossy accents on the feet ... brilliant!

Have a great week everyone and I hope you can get some time to play with us at Freshly Made Sketches .... pop on by and check out the inspiration from the fabulous Design Team!

Thought to that I'd also pop this card into Jay Gees challeng e:

Bye for now ...

Supplies:
Cardstock: Pool Party, Crumbcake, Whisper White, Riding Hood Red
Ink: White Craft Ink, Basic Black, Versamark
Stamps: Snow Swirled (SU), Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)
Other: Twine, PTI circle die, SU star punch, crimper, black floss

A Masculine Challenge at Our Creative Corner

2011-11-05T22:47:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone

Welcome back and thanks for stopping by. This week at Our Creative Corner I am delighted to be hosting the challenge again .... and what I tend to find challenging time and time again is Masculine cards. So the challenge this week is to: create a masculine card or project!

However, if you would like to step up the heat a bit ... create the masculine card using non-traditional masculine colours and add some neutrals.

This is what I came up with - using non-traditional masculine colours (orange, red, yellow) and a neutral (kraft):

Come and have a go ... I would love to see your creation in our gallery! In the meantime, head on over the Our Creative Corner for some creative inspiration!!!

I am also entering this one into the Case Study challenge, where the muse this week is Kryssi Ng. Great inspiration over there too!

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, 9 November 2011 ....I am so so happy - look what I got!!!

A much appreciated "Thank you" to Case Study and the Design Team!

Freshly Made Sketches

2011-11-02T20:35:00.006+10:00

Hi everyone,

Thanks for stopping by .... it's Wednesday again, and that means it's time for a new sketch challenge at Freshly Made Sketches.

I am delighted to be hosting this week and I have a great sketch for you, one that will hold many possibilities.

I am also happy to announce that for the month of November we are being joined by the the fabulous Christy Q and Laurie Ingram as our Guest Designers. Both Christy and Laurie are great stampers and fabulous designers, so a big "Hi" and "Welcome, Christy and Laurie".

Now, here is the sketch for this weeks challenge:

And, this is the card I made:

The wreath on the front panel of the card was actually from some Christmas gift wrap that I picked up the other day - which I thought held great potential for some quick and simple Christmas cards this year - this card was about 15 minutes in the making, the longest part was creating the bow, which has been stuck onto a strip of Very Vanilla cardstock.

I also made a 3x3 card, which could also double as a tag:

Then I made another set:

And then I gift wrapped a present:

Well, this is my intention for the upcoming few weeks ... I'll keep you posted to see how well I follow through!!!

I hope that you can join in the fun at Freshly Made Sketches and in the meantime check out the fabulous inspiration from the Design Team .... your gonna love what they have created for you!!!

Thanks for looking and have a great week!!!

Fancy Folds - Creative Corner

2011-10-29T19:00:00.003+10:00

Happy Saturday everyone,

Well, it's challenge time at Our Creative Corner again, and this week I am hosting the challenge. I have chosen the “Fancy Folds” theme for the week. There are so many different types of fancy folds out there, a lot of which I have seen, loved and even saved to do on a rainy day … but never gotten around to doing! So, here is my chance to challenge myself and you too .... to have a go at a Fancy Fold card.

Now, to help you out along the way, the Design Team have provided the links or tutorials they have used for their creations!

This is my version of a birthday fun Tri-Fold Card:

Card half open:
Card open flat:
I had a lot of fun creating this card, and you will too .... here is the link ..... give it a go!!!

It is Anything Goes at Simon Says Stamp Challenge, so I thought that I'd enter this card there too!

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-10-26T17:07:00.006+10:00

Happy Wednesday

Welcome back to another sketch challenge week at Freshly Made Sketches. Thank you to everyone that participated last week and to all of you lovely bloggers that stopped by my blog and left some lovely comments .... "Thank You"!

This week we have the lovely Holly Endress joining us as our Featured Designer, her creations are fabulous and she is a style genius!

Onto my card for this weeks sketch:

Here is the sketch:

I am also entering this into Annabelle Stamps Colour Challenge - I love this colour combination:

I hope that you can play along this week, I would love to see your creations. In the meantime pop on over to Freshly Made Sketches and see what the DT has for your inspiration!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Crumbcake, Whisper White, Choc Chip
Ink: Crumbcake, Lucky Limeade, Versamark, White Gel Pen
Stamps: Snow Swirled, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Other: White EP, Pink Jewels, White Cotton

Fabulous Faces - Our Creative Corner

2011-10-22T23:13:00.004+10:00

Hi All

Back again with a Fabulous Faces challenge at Our Creative Corner. The lovely Marjie is hosting this week, and she is challenging us to feature "Faces" in our creations. Also, we are honoured to have the talented Carla Suto Guest Designing with us this week!

Such a fun theme this week ... I had a few options that I wanted to play with, but in the end I decided on a simple birthday card.

I have used the Party Animals paper pad and stamps by Kaisercraft!

I hope that you can play along this week, it's a fun challenge and one that I am sure you'll enjoy! In the meantime head on over to Our Creative Corner and check out some inspiration from the Design Team!

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Amour - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-10-19T17:14:00.004+10:00

Hi All

Happy sketch challenge day at Freshly Made Sketches. This week we have Sandra Azzopardi joining us as our Featured Designer - if you get a chance pop on by her blog and check out her creations, she has a beautiful clean style!

Here is my card for this week - I took the short and wide version of the sketch:

And this is the sketch for the week:

I hope you get some time to join in the fun this week, but in the meantime head on over to Freshly Made Sketches and be inspired by the DT!

Have a great week, and thanks for popping by!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Crumbcake, Basic Black, Newsprint DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Crumbcake
Stamps: Artistic Etchings
Other: Vintage Wallpaper EF, Pearls, Full Heart & Heart to Heart Punches

Totally Transparent - Our Creative Corner

2011-10-16T15:32:00.004+10:00

Hi everyone,

Sorry for my late post .... it is another creative challenge over at Our Creative Corner, and this week we have Marjie Kemper hosting. Marjie is a fabulous crafter and she has a super fun challenge for us ... it is "Totally Transparent", and this is what Marjie has to say:

"Transparencies come in all sizes, from tiny tags to full 12X12 scrapbook overlays. They can be written on, stamped, inked, painted, misted… the sky’s the limit. You can also use your clear packaging material… recycling is always a good thing!"

So for my card I tried embossing - and it worked really great:

And, this is the inside:

Yep ... very plain and simple.

I hope you join us over at Our Creative Corner this week - but in the meantime, check out how the Design Team have used transparencies in their creations this week!

Have a great week, and thanks for stopping by!

Thank You - Freshly Made Sketches - 6

2011-10-12T17:35:00.004+10:00

Happy Wednesday

Welcome to sketch challenge week at Freshly Made Sketches. Thank you to everyone who played along with us, and "Thank You" to everyone who popped by my blog and left some comment love!!!

This week our Featured Designer is Lauri Ingram, a fabulous crafter and terrrifc designer! "Glad to have you with us Lauri, and thank you for sharing your talent with us!"

This is my card for the week:

Boy, did I struggle with the mojo this week ... it took so long for this card to come together - but I managed to get it complete in the nick of time.

I have used the Bella Toile stamp in the background and also on the butterfly and the Baroque Motifs stamp on the white panel.

Here is the sketch:

I hope you can play along and I look forward to seeing what you come up with this week. Check out what the DT has for your inspiration pleasure at Freshly Made Sketches!

Colour Challenge - Our Creative Corner

2011-10-08T23:27:00.004+10:00

Happy Saturday,

Thank you for stopping by ... Our Creative Corner has a Fall Colour challenge for you this week, hosted by the lovely Lori Rider.

I thought that I would use these colours to create a Christmas card:

And these are the colours:

Stop on by Our Creative Corner and check out with the Design Team has for your inspiration pleasure!

Have a great week!!!

Seasons Greetings - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-10-05T16:19:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone

Thank you for popping by ... it's sketch day once again at Freshly Made Sketches, and this week we are joined by the fabulous Anne Marie Hile who hails from Texas. Her creations are beautiful clean and oh so stylish ... so why not pop by her blog to and say "howdy"!

Also adding to our Design Team, I would like to welcome our two newest Design Team members, Cindy Hall and Jennifer Timko ... I am very honoured to be crafting alongside these ladies, they are extremely talented and you too will be inspired by their cool, clean designs!

So without further ado ... here is my clean card for this week:

I have used Pool Party - what a fabulous colour, I think it is now my new best friend! I used the Polka Dot EF and coloured the dots with my white gel pen (not so accurately as you can see...) The stamps are from Snow Swirled and the twine from my stash. I have rotated the sketch, but you will see that I had little room for the sentiment - don't you just hate it when a card comes together so quickly, and then it sits for 2 days because that darn sentiment just doesn't look right ... so .... I settled for the obvious!!!

Check out the sketch:

I hope that you get some inspiration from our sketch this week and join in on the fun. Thank you to everyone too who joined in last week, I certainly enjoyed seeing your creations and visiting your blogs!

Why not head on over to Freshly Made Sketches and see out what our talented DT have come up with for your inspiration pleasure!

Have a great week, and thanks for popping in!

Congratulations - Our Creative Corner

2011-10-01T22:03:00.000+10:00

Happy Saturday ...

And, happy challenge day at Our Creative Corner ... I hope that you had a great week and are off to an even greater weekend.

This week at OCC, the lovely Lori Rider is our Challenge Hostess, and in celebration of World Cardmaking Day today ... Lori is challenging us to create a card that takes its main inspiration from a country other than your own.

My inspiration - the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan

I have used this gorgeous Japanese cherry blossom paper for my card this week ... isn't it beautiful. I have kept my card very simple, allowing the paper to steal the show and take centre stage, yeah I know the ribbon bow is pretty big and out there, but I think this enhances the attractiveness of the paper and draws you into the serenity of the the beautiful blossoms!

Thanks for stopping by .... I hope that you can join in the fun with us this week at Our Creative Corner, but in the meantime stop by and check out the Design Team for more inspiring works of art!

Have a great week!

Thank You - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-09-28T19:54:00.005+10:00

Hi All

Welcome back to Wednesday challenges at Freshly Made Sketches. I hope you are having a fantastic week and are now ready to have a play along with our new sketch.

Here is my card:

And, this is the sketch:

It's a great sketch this week and one that can hold many possibilities. Remember, be creative and substitute if you wish, just as long as the the general sketch design is there.

My card I have used the new stamp set called Paisley Petals from SU, I have embossed with black EP on my substitute tag - I love black on kraft! I have also used the Decorative Label punch for the fancy top border added a vintage tag and satin ribbon. For the black side borders I used the top edge of the Fancy Favour die, and finally the Thank You is from Just Because!

Head on over to Freshly Made Sketches and be dazzled by the brilliance of our Design Team.

I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting!

Happy Birthday - Our Creative Corner

2011-09-24T21:00:00.001+10:00

Happy Saturday,

And happy challenge day at Our Creative Corner! Sharon Wheet is our lovely hostess again this week and her challenge to us is to "Numbers" in our papercraft item - be creative and have fun!

Isn't this the cutest little stamp set? It is called "Hanging Out" from PTI and I have used it with the number 5 from Timeless Type Alphabet Junior Sizzlets from SU.

This was a fun challenge and I enjoyed creating this cute fun card .... why not have a play with our challenge this week and get creative with "Numbers". Don't forget to head on over to Our Creative Corner and check out some number inspiration from the Design Team!

Have a fabulous week and thanks for stopping by!

Faith - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-09-21T20:07:00.004+10:00

Hi all,

Happy Wednesday and welcome back to another Freshly Made Sketch challenge for you. We had a fabulous response to our challenge last week and we were totally "wowed" by each one of your submissions .... Thank you!

So without further ado, here is our sketch for this week and I hope you get a chance to join in the fun with the team!

Here is my card:

For my card I have used two of the SU hostess sets - Simply Soft and Faith in Nature.

Simply Soft: the flower image has been stamped in the main panel in Elegant Eggplant and Daffodil Delight, the stem and leaves have been coloured with a blender pen and Old Olive ink. The card base (So Saffron) has been stamped with the same flower image in So Saffron ink.

Faith in Nature: the quote has been stamped in Basic Black

The main panel has sponged edges with Old Olive and Daffodil Delight

And finally, my border is Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive and Very Vanilla

Thank you for stopping by and please pop by at Freshly Made Sketches, our Guest Designer this week is the fabulous Nance Leedy of Canopy Crafts ... head on over and be wowed what the Design Team have for your inspirational pleasure!

Have a fabulous day!

Congratulations - Our Creative Corner

2011-09-17T22:37:00.004+10:00

Hi all,

Welcome back, it's Saturday and that means its .... the weekend, yay ... and it also means that it's challenge time at Our Creative Corner.

This week our hostess is the lovely Sharon Wheet and Sharon's challenge to us is to create:

A blue card/project, with a splash of pink
Add some texture - ribbon, fabric etc
Add a metal piece - brads, charms etc

My card this week is based on the Case Study Challenge and Julie Lacey's card.

I have used:

Baja Breeze - cardstock, ink, ribbon
Pink rhinestones
Ribbon and twine
A tiny jump ring used to hold the twine to the birdcage

I hope that you can join us this week, but in the meantime head on over to Our Creative Corner and be inspired by the fabulous Design Team.

Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by!

Thank You - Freshly Made Sketches

2011-09-14T18:07:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone and welcome back to a new week with a brand new sketch from our new challenge site "Freshly Made Sketches". Thank you to everyone that joined in the fun with us last week, we had a fabulous turn out and I am so glad that you played along.

And now for the sketch:
And, my card based on the sketch:

Whilst I was cleaning out my cupboards of retired product, I came across this stamp set "Just Because", so I thought I'd ink it up for old times sake ... this hydrangea has been stamped with Black Stazon and then coloured with SU's retired Bold Brights watercolour crayons (I used the purples and pinks), the stem and leaves were coloured with Old Olive ink and a blender pen, and finally I added some white centres with a white gel pen. The edges are sponged with Amethyst (retired) and then layered on a piece of whisper white embossed with the Tulips EF. I have also stamped the hydrangea flower in Amethyst ink on the Amethyst cardstock for the background and then tied a Pretty in Pink satin bow added some tags and finally layered the whole card on a 5" x 5" whisper white card base.

Whew .... I hope that you can join us this week at Freshly Made Sketches, but in the meantime check out the fabulous cards created by the Design Team, you will surely be inspired!

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Christmas Window - Our Creative Corner

2011-09-10T20:15:00.003+10:00

Hi everyone,

It's Saturday again and that means its challenge day at Our Creative Corner, with our lovely hostess Holly. Holly is challenging us to make a project that uses a window as its focal point.

I have created a window cutout and used the image from Welcome Christmas which has been stamped on SU's DSP and lightly sponged with Soft Suede. The sentiment is stamped with Cherry Cobbler and Basic Black and have been cut individually and popped up with dimensionals. I have also used some red rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler seam binding ribbon and the background is a snowflake embossing folder.

I hope that you can have a play with us this week, but in the meantime be inspired by what the Design Team have come up with.

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!

Freshly Made Sketeches - It's Here!!!

2011-09-07T23:08:00.004+10:00

Hi everyone,

Welcome to Day One, Challenge One of the brand spanking new sketch challenge site "Freshly Made Sketches" created by Lesley Croghan.

Freshly Made Sketches is a challenge blog designed to use the sketch provided and to create a "clean" card, meaning: clean-lined creations, lots of details, layers and embellishments but maintaining a "clean" look and feel to your card.

So here is this weeks sketch:

And here is my card:

As I am often in need of masculine cards, and never have any on hand, I decided to go with that theme in mind.

I feel masculine cards need texture, so one of my go to stamps is the Woodgrain Background which I have used not only on the card base background but also in the background of the negative Little Leaves die cut, to this I added the Lattice EF for the Soft Suede panel and the final piece of texture is in the crimped Very Vanilla piece. Of course a few brads in the corner and some twine to tie it all together!

Thank you for popping by today and in the meantime why not head over to Freshly Made Sketches and check out the inspiration from the Design Team to really get your creativity fired up. I would love to have you join us in our debut challenge!

A New Challenge Site

2011-09-04T15:19:00.004+10:00

Hi all

Just a very quick post here to let you know that there is a brand new Challenge site about to start up. Yep, Lesley Croghan the founder and creator of Paper Players is starting a brand spanking new Sketch Challenge site for challenge junkies like me.

And guess what ... she has invited me ... to join her Design Team. Oh, I am soo excited and so honoured to have been invited to be a part of a founding team of designers for a new challenge.

The new site is called Freshly Made Sketches and I would love for you to join us for our very first challenge commencing this week on Wednesday, 7 September 2011.

Thanks for stopping by and I can't wait to see you there!

Wish Big - Our Creative Corner

2011-09-03T17:58:00.009+10:00

Hi all,

Thanks for stopping by ... well, it is challenge time again at Our Creative Corner and this week our hostess is the lovely Holly Keen. Holly is challenging us to create the main focal image by stamping directly onto patterned paper.

So without further ado, here is what I came up with:

I have used the Kraft patterned paper from SU's Neutrals Paper pack and stamped the medallion in the corner with Espresso ink, white embossed the sentiment and created a central focal point in the middle of the medallion.

I really liked the end result and consequently it became my brothers birthday card.

And, because it fit the sketch for Moxie Fab World I have entered it into their challenge too!

Thank you for stopping by, and if you get the chance why not join in the fun and have a play with us this week!

Wishing you all the Best - Our Creative Corner

2011-08-28T09:56:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone,

Welcome to another fun challenge at Our Creative Corner. The hostess this week is the lovely Vicki and her challenge for us is: Neutrals with a POP Colour using this colour palette:

Here is what I came up with:

My card this week is actually a CASE from one of our fabulous DT members, Jennifer Rzasa with this card. I really loved it the first time I saw it and knew that I wanted to CASE it!

I stamped my main image in versamark, white embossed it, then outlined it with a marker pen. The sentiment was white embossed on vellum and scored an upper and lower line with a bone folder, and finally I stamped the flower image three times with black ink and layered it together.

A very simple card with a great design and a glorious "pop" of colour!

So, why not head on over and be inspired by all the fabulous creations from the DT at Our Creative Corner. I hope that you can get a chance to play along this week!

Have great week and thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Sweet Peas (PTI)

Baby Boy - Our Creative Corner

2011-08-19T22:02:00.007+10:00

Hi there and thank you for stopping by!

Another week and another challenge at Our Creative Corner. This week our hostess is the lovely Vicki and she is challenging us with a sketch.
I was very much in need of a Baby Boy card (when I say in need ... the baby is now 2 months old, oops!).
My background is stamped with the Argyle set from PTI, firstly with Bashful Blue ink, then I added the dotted white embossing. I colour blocked the three shapes added faux stitching and created the little sail boat with my circle and square punches, which were then cut to shape. To finish off I added some silver eyelets, twine bow and little tags using the Tiny Tags set from SU.

I hope that you can have a bit of a play with the sketch this week!

And, be sure to pop by and check out the fabulous creations from the Design Team at Our Creative Corner!

Best wishes and have a great day!

Birthday Wishes - CAS-ual Fridays

2011-08-14T12:01:00.004+10:00

Good Morning

It has been a while since I played along with Cas-ual Fridays and this week is an extra special week there as they have teamed up with Clean and Simple Stamping, another fabulous CAS challenge site.

The challenge this week is a sketch:

And the card I came up with:

Wishing you all a fabulous day ... and thank you for popping by!

Pssst .... I made the VIP list ...

Fun with Fruit - Our Creative Corner

2011-08-13T20:37:00.006+10:00

Hi All,

Thank you for stopping by ... it's another creative fun week at Our Creative Corner, and the lovely Kristen is our Challenge Hostess with a gorgeous inspiration picture of the delectable fruit she encountered whilst on holiday in Copenhagen.

So, the challenge this week is to use fruit in your project!

A note of Thanks:

I gained my inspiration from the cherries in the picture (not to mention the fact that this cherry stamp is the only fruit stamp I have ...), as I was putting it together, the red matting behind the cherry image reminded me of a pie dish, and of course for presentation sake, a pie looks fabulous sitting on top of a doily mat! Now, doesn't this combined with the red and white checked paper remind you of a picnic setting on a beautiful summers day?

For more inspiration, pop on by to Our Creative Corner and check out the creations from the rest of the team!

If you get the chance to join with us, I would love to see your interpretation of the inspiration

Wishing you a fabulous day!

Happy Birthday Lesley

2011-08-08T19:00:00.002+10:00

Surprise .... and Happy Birthday Lesley!

In celebration of Lesley's birthday, we have all got together for a celebratory blog hop. Lesley is the founder of Paper Players and she is a warm and gentle person. I had the pleasure of working with Lesley when she invited me to be the Guest Designer for the Paper Players ... and now I am proud to call her "friend".

So Lesley, Happy Birthday, have a fantastic day ... and may you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams.

When I was deciding on your card ... I knew that it had to be pretty special and beautiful ....

I cased this card on one created by Teneale Williams (here) .... but I also added this little extra, you may need to zoom in to see closer:

Please stop by Lesley's blog at Always Playing with Paper and leave her some birthday wishes!

If you would like to join in on the fun click here:

Anne Marie Hile - Stampin’ Anne
Carrie Gaskin - Artistic Avenger
Cindy Beach - Stamps, Paper and Ink
Jaydee - Stampin’ with Jaydee
Jen Mitchell - I Create
Joan Jeffery - JJ Creations
Lauri Ingram - Paperville
Laurie - Hiding in My Craft Room
LeAnne Pugliese - wee Inklings
Nance Leedy - Canopy Crafts
Rita Wright - Cards by Rita
Sandra Azzopardi - Sandra’s Stamping Spot
Tui Nathan - Stampin’ Time (you're here)

Happy Anniversary - Case Study

2011-08-08T18:16:00.005+10:00

Hi all,

Wow ... what a fabulous and fantastic blog hop happening over at Case Study ... it is their 1st Anniversary and there is soo much inspiration for your drooling pleasure.

The challenge this week is to create a project inspired by a Design Team member ... oh, such a difficult decision, but after much thought and deliberation, I have decided to case Teneale Williams ... she is one beautiful designer and I love her creations. Also, I am making this card for someone very special, and I thought she deserved to have a pretty special card (see below for more):

This is Teneale's beautiful card ....

And this is my card

And true to form, I completed the inside, a little more plainly ... but complete!

Head on over to Case Study and check out all the fabulous creations.

As I mentioned earlier, I have created this card for a very special person ... check it out here to find out who ....

Have a fabulous day

Oh the Flowers - Our Creative Corner

2011-08-06T22:00:00.002+10:00

Hi there,

Thank you for popping by my blog ... I am at present buzzing with excitement ...

I am very proud and incredibly honoured to be a part of the Design Team for the Our Creative Corner Challenges ... if you are looking for a challenge, then head on over - their challenges are designed to challenge you ... and don't we all need a "Challenge" every now and then ...

So, for my debut the lovely Kristen is hosting this weeks challenge - the challenge is:

Firstly, gain inspiration from the picture below;
Secondly and most importantly, create a project that "does not" use flowers!

I tell you what .... it got me thinking .... but this is what I came up with:

The Inspiration:
I was inspired by the colours of the roses in the top left of the picture, then the image directly below that conjured up feelings of tradition, classic and beauty.

The Creation:
To represent the traditional element, I white embossed the damask stamp from SU's Friends 24-7 stamp set;
To represent the classic element, I added the pearls;
And, finally I added the small butterfly for the element of beauty.

I hope that you can join in the fun with the team at Our Creative Corner, I would love to see your creation .... and for some further inspiration check out what the Design Team have come up with!

Have a fabulous day ... and I hope to see you soon!

Supplies:
Stamps: Friends 24/7 (SU), Think Big Favourites #2 (PTI)
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White (SU)
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Versamark (SU)
Other: White EP, Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon, Pearls, Beautiful Wings Embosslits (SU)

Happy Birthday - Case Study

2011-08-01T21:29:00.007+10:00

Hi there, and thank you for popping by!

I have a card for this weeks Case Study Challenge. It is the final week for muse Dawn Woleslagle, and I have loved her clean and elegant style.

For my card, I used these gorgeous poppies .... don't they make a lovely stamp!

This is my first challenge attempt at using copics. After much resistance and then a lot of research, I decided to join the bandwagon and invest in a few .... they really are lovely to use, but boy ... they do take quite a bit of practice and patience .... I have a lot of discarded projects but I am fairly happy with the outcome of this card.

Why don't you join in the fun over at the Case Study Challenge and see what amazing creations there are to behold.

Thanks for looking and I wish you a beautiful day!

Stamping Supplies:
Stamps: Delicate Blossoms (Hero Arts), Sentiment from Enjoy the Ride (PTI)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Peach Parfait (SU)
Inks: Basic Black (SU), Copics YR12, 16, 18, YG 17, W1, 3, blender pen, white pencil

Happy Birthday Wishes - PP #57

2011-07-31T21:21:00.004+10:00

Hi all,

Welcome back to another happy happy week over at Paper Players this week it is a sketch challenge hosted by the lovely Nance Leedy ...

This is my take on the sketch:

As per my norm, I have kept my card fairly simple .... now I say simple very loosely, the design and construction of the card is simple as you can see .... but the centre panel ... "happy, happy, happy x10) was ... oh ... awful .... next time, I will use the computer!!!

I used the "HAPPY" stamp from Basic Phrases ... but first I measured the length of the word, then gridded up a piece of cardstock allowing for a 1/8" margin and gap, then I went ahead and with my trusty stamp-a-ma-jig I stamped away ... now trusty is another word I use loosely, I think I attempted this 3 times, cos crooked still happens ... anyway, I got there in the end, and the result was okay.

Red was added for a pop of colour ... oh, and for my red rhinestones, they were my basic rhinestones coloured with a red sharpie!

In the meantime, why don't you check out what the Design Team has conjured up for your delight:

The Paper Players Design Team

This is my final week at the Paper Players as Guest Designer, and I have had a blast .... the entire DT totally rock and I am honoured to have been a part of the fabulous team. Thank you ladies for your kindness, your generosity and your friendship.

And thank you, for popping by .... have a "HAPPY" day!

SU Products:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Versamark
Stamps: Basic Phrases, Occassional Greetings
Other: Clear EP, Black Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Border Punch

Aussie Cards for Sale

2011-07-27T16:40:00.004+10:00

Just a quick post to give a shout out to anyone interested in selling their cards online ...

Aussie Cards For Sale is an an online space for crafters to sell and for consumers to buy hand-crafted cards. The site has been running for almost a year and sells about 100 cards a month.

They currently have about 20 designers and are looking to include some more designers to cater for the many card-makers who make lots and lots of cards and who would like to sell them online.

I thought that I would submit a few cards for consideration since I have a few on hand that are ready to go, take a peek:

So there you go ... what do you think?

Stop on by the website .... Aussie Cards for Sale and check out the fabulous Designers.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!!!

Thinking of You - Paper Players Challenge 56

2011-07-24T22:00:00.003+10:00

Hi All

Welcome back to another challenge over at the Paper Players. This week we are being challenged with a sketch by the lovely Anne-Marie, a simple sketch but one that can lead to many variations.

This is what I came up with:

I used the distress inks technique by Tim Holtz, with my SU ink - it is a fun technique and oh soo messy! To create the little water droplets - simply flick water directly onto your cardstock ... I got a bit carried away - less is more!!!

The image is embossed in black and the background mat is stamped with the woodgrain stamp and sponged on the edges with crumb cake.

Head on over to the Paper Players Challenge and check out what the fabulous Design Team have come up with .... you'll be inspired to create too!

The Paper Players Design Team

Thank you for stopping by and have a fantastic day!

Oh .... You can view the distress ink technique here.

Stampin Up Supplies:
Stamp Set: Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Woodgrain Background
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight, Versamark, Crumb Cake
Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake
Other: Satin Ribbon, Brights Designer Buttons, Black EP, SU Circle Punches

Hello Baby!

2011-07-24T20:38:00.004+10:00

The Stamp Spot has started a new monthly challenge, I thought that I would jump on board since it is their first one. The challenge is to create a project from the Inspiration Pic:

I was inspired by the colours ... and oh .... the pinwheel!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamp-A-Faire and Jay Gees Nook

2011-07-24T19:12:00.007+10:00

I have been watching all the Challenges that have been happening a Nichole Heady's blog, you see there is a Stamp-A-Faire happening in Cincinnati, and just to make everyone feel involved there are a few challenges. Check em out ...

I have created this card for:

Challenge 1: Create a project featuring patterned strips that are created with some of your favorite decorative elements

I have also managed to sneak this one into the Inspiration Challenge at Jay Gees Nook ... using the image of the Chevron Stripes.

Here is my card:

Thanks for popping by and have a great day!

Late Post - Copenhagen

2011-07-23T23:38:00.003+10:00

Hi there ...

I have a bit of a late post for the Copenhagen Challenge over at Our Creative Corner. I really wanted to make a card for this challenge, cos I have had a set of stamps that I bought from Spotlight a little while ago and have never inked up ...

Anyway, this is the Inspiration pic:

And, this is one of the stamps in the set ... I had so many plans for this little set, but "where oh where has the time gone" ....

Anyway, head on over to Our Creative Corner, there is a new challenge posted and it looks like a good one to play along with too!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Case Study

2011-07-19T14:43:00.004+10:00

Oh my ... have you checked out the latest challenge at Case Study? The July muse this month is Dawn Woleslagle and what a beautiful card to be inspired by - I was totally inspired ... check it out below!

Isn't it gorgeous .... well, I don't think that I did justice to Dawn's lovely card, but I kept with the neutrals and created a birthday card ...

Look at my little button embellishments .... I found that these mid size pearls fit straight over the centre, covered up the little holes and saved me from tying bits of twine through the button holes ...

Anyway, why don't you head on over to Case Study and be blown away by the amazing talent.

Have a fabulous day and thanks for stopping by!

Our Creative Corner - It's a White Party

2011-07-14T13:59:00.005+10:00

Hi all,

Our Creative Corner are having a White Party Challenge .... yep, it's a sort of white on white and I thought that I'd have a go .... This is the inspiration picture:

As you can see, I have kept it pretty simple, using the Woodgrain background stamp embossed with clear EP, with a heart punched out from the panel ... and for good measure I added a simple satin bow!

And just to complete the card ... created a simple panel inside.

Need some inspiration for some beautiful, subtle designs ... check out Our Creative Corner, you won't be disappointed!

Thank you for stopping by ... and have a great day!!!

Paper Players 55 - Colour Challenge

2011-07-10T22:00:00.006+10:00

Hi All,

Welcome back ... I hope that you have had a fantastic weekend!

Upcoming for this week at Paper Players we have a Colour Challenge by the lovely Lesley! So jump on the crafting wagon and come crafting with us!!!

These are the colours that you have got to play with ... can't wait to see your creation ...

And, here is what I came up with:

Note: I stamped Happy Birthday (masking "to you"), first in veramark, then inked it straight away in Poppy Parade, stamped straight onto my cardstock and added clear embossing powder.

Tip: I have added Dazzling Diamonds glitter to my clear embossing powder so that I get a clear, sparkly embossed image .... simple and the effect is lovely!!! (This has probably been around for years ... but I can be a little slow on the uptake!!!)

The stark white background (near the sentiment) was a bit too white and stark, so I added some Crystal Effects to some small circles to get a glossy ... "dot" ... and an extra bit of colour!!!

And the finished inside:

I used the Medium Sizzlets Dies to create the "2u", once again versamarked and clear embossed with dazzling diamonds!!!

Oh well .... I hope that you can pop by and see what the rest of the Paper Players Design Team have come up with ... you will surely be inspired!!!

The Paper Players Design Team

In the meantime, have a fabulous week and

Happy creating!!!

Fancy Fold Christmas

2011-07-05T15:17:00.006+10:00

If you haven't already checked out the challenge at Just Add Ink .... well, I think you ought too ... they are having a blog hop and the theme is Fancy Folds, and oh my, there are some beautiful eye candy to behold .... it also gets better than that .... each blog displaying their fancy folded card has got the tutorial .... Yep ... so you can get inspired and then create your own stunning beauty!

I have created a Joy Fold card by Chantell and am also joining in on the Christmas in July Challenge over at Our Creative Corner

I hope that you can get a chance to have a go at either a fancy folded card, if not why not get started on some Christmas cards .... it'll be here sooner than you think!

Thank you for popping by and have a happy day!!!

Paper Players Challenge #54 - Christmas in July

2011-07-04T08:06:00.002+10:00

Good Morning, welcome to my very first stint as Guest Designer for the Paper Players Challenge site for the month of July.

Jaydee has a great challenge for you this week - Christmas in July, so come and join us, whip up a card or two or three and you too will be prepared when Christmas approachs!!!

I really enjoyed making up this card for the challenge this week and now that I have a design to follow, I will be whipping up even more over the coming days and weeks.

My Stampin Up supplies I used were:
Stamps: Dasher, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake
Other: Versamark, Black EP, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon, Vintage Brad, Vintage Wallpaper EF and Decorative Label Punch for the Sentiment.

In the meantime, check out what the fabulously talented girls from the Paper Players team have got to inspire you with:

The Paper Players Design Team

Ann Schach
Anne Marie Hile

Jaydee

Lauri Ingram

LeAnne Pugliese
Lesley Croghan

Nance Leedy

Sandra Azzopardi

Tui Nathan (GD)

I hope that you have a wonderful day, I can't wait to see what you come up with and thank you for stopping by!

Our Creative Corner - Design Team Call

2011-07-03T19:25:00.006+10:00

Hi all, well .... I thought that I would "bite the bullet" and "take the plunge" ... Our Creative Corner has sent out a Design Team Call and I thought that I would submit a card and see how I go!!! OCC would like to see a card/project designed in your own personal style.

I guess my style or should I say, the style that I most particularly like to emulate is Clean and Simple ... I love open space with clean simple but bold statements/images/embellishments etc. I also really like elegant/classic, black and white .... and oh ... with a bit of red thrown into the mix.

My card is a traditional Black and White (the red was thrown into the background for the sake of the picture taking), I also love gingham .... and embossing ... I have embossed the background in white and the sentiment in black ... the Eiffel Tower has been stamped off (black ink) to give it a greyish toning.

Supplies (all Stampin Up unless noted):
Cardstock/Ink: Basic Black, Whisper White, Versamark
Stamps: Amour, En Francois, Merci by Papertrey Ink
Other: Scallop border punch, gingham ribbon (retired), embossing powder, black rhinestones (LSS)

Why don't you too submit a card for the challenge .... I would love to see your creations!!!

Guest Designer at Paper Players

2011-07-02T20:21:00.004+10:00

Hi all, I have some fabulous news to share ... I have been asked to be the Guest Designer for the month of July at the Paper Players Challenge site.

My first stint will be in the next upcoming challenge.

I am really looking forward to working with a fabulously and talented crew. This will be my first ever position where I will have my creations showcased (well .... sort of) so a lot of fun and a very exciting challenge for me.

So come on over and create with us at Paper Players and leave inspired!!!

Wonderful Mother

2011-06-03T21:20:00.007+10:00

Hi all, I have made a small gift set for my Mum ... I totally missed her birthday, but like all Mum's she was cool, didn't worry too much about it and took it all in her stride ...

So I thought that I'd share with you the small card and gift box. It just so happens that at Paper Players it is an Anything Goes challenge.

Gift box and card ....
Gift Box
The Card:
If you are interested in recreating the gift box .... I got the template from ... here ...

All supplies are SU - Going gray (retired), basic black, real red, kiwi kiss (retired), pearls, black ribbon, circle punch for the rolled flowers, Stamp sets - En Francais, Occasional Quotes, Well Scripted.

Thank you for stopping by ... and if you get a chance pop on over to Paper Players and have a look at some pretty awesome creations!!!

With Sympathy

2011-05-29T20:28:00.006+10:00

A very quick post before I head off to bed - I have a sympathy card to share for the Make it Monday challenge

A very simple and subtle card ... but a card that conveys its meaning to the recipient, made with care and thoughtfulness.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Sentiment (PTI), Baroque Motifs (SU)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Ink: Versamark, Old Olive
Other: Old Olive ribbon, White EP, Pearls

Thank you for stopping by!!!

Last Minute Challenge

2011-05-27T21:44:00.004+10:00

An end of an era .... I have just finished watching Oprah's final show ... I had no intention of watching it, but it captivated me and I ended up really enjoying it ... I found it quite emotional, uplifting and thought provoking ... and a little bit teary at the end!!!

Anyway, I finally managed to finsh my card, photograph and upload in the final remaining hours of the Paper Players sketch challenge ... I also combined it with the Colour Lab colour challenge .

Yeah, really simple card this one ... I embossed the motorcycle to help it pop a bit, then coloured it with CC and BB markers and added sponging to the edges. My very simple embellishments were just from my hole punch, cos I did not have any brads, buttons, eyelets etc in those colours, and the string was from the kitchen cupboard.

I hope you get to play along with the challenges, and if you get a chance pop over to the Paper Players blog and the Create Ink! blog.

And, in Oprahs final words .... Until we meet again ....

Have a great evening!

Just a Little Note ...

2011-05-18T21:33:00.004+10:00

Hi there, well it is a colour challenge over at the Paper Players blog ...

Feel like having a go .... this is the colour theme:

Here is my card:

Hope you all have a great day ... and thanks for stopping by ...

CAS-ual Friday - Just Because

2011-05-16T13:34:00.003+10:00

Hi there, well Friday has been and gone and I have managed to get a card done for this weeks challenge at CAS-ual Friday - the theme is for "Buttons and Twine" ... mmm, love twine!!!

And, here is my card:

All supplies are SU - except for the sentiment (PTI) and the twine (The Twinery).

I hope you get to check out some of the inspiring ways in which twine and buttons are being used at CAS-ual Fridays!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

CPS 217 & Colour Q

2011-05-14T09:50:00.004+10:00

Had a lot of fun creating this card for the Card Positioning System #217 Sketch Challenge this week, using the colour scheme from Colour Q.

The sponsor at CPS this week is Paper Smooches - a stamp company with loads of fun and quirky designs. I have only just come across them, and I really like their style.

Anyway, I have used the free digi from Paper Smooches to create my card:

The sketch and colours are based on these:

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day!

SU Only Challenge 18

2011-05-12T13:23:00.003+10:00

In Celebration of Butterflies ... is the challenge over at SUO Challenges ... and oh my, the Design Team have come up with some beautiful creations - all in order to get your creative juices flowing!

I have created a very quick card, one that I can turn to anytime and is also easy to mass produce!

I have used:
Stamps: Just Believe (sentiment)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Poppy Parade, In Colour DSP Pack
Accessories: Butterfly embosslits, Pearls, Poppy Parade ribbon, Perfect Polka Dots EF, Black Stampin' Write Marker.

I hope that you join in the fun too at SUO Challenges!
Edited to add - that I made the Top Three ... woo hoo!!!

Thank you for stopping by ...

Play Date Cafe - 80

2011-05-10T16:28:00.005+10:00

Yay ... I got another card finished, just in time ... for the Play Date Cafe, which is a great site to get your creative mind flowing ...

This is the challenge picture and clolour combination:

And here is my card:

Yeah ... I know ... it's simple ... but it works for me! I have lightly embossed the card base with a Polka dot embossing folder to match the polka dot DSP from SU. I drew a black frame on the white panel to add emphasis to the main focal image!

Please stop by the Play Date Cafe and be truly inspired by all the talented designers, not only in the DT but also the talent of each and every participant!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Friday Mashup - Number 5

2011-05-10T15:49:00.005+10:00

Hi All

I have a card here that I made for the Friday Mashup challenge for this week, which is Embossing Nature ... a really great combination/mashup.

Here is what I came up with:

I stamped a background of leaves with versamark and clear embossed, layered a strip of woodgrain stamped kraft cardstock, added the folded ribbon then applied the sentiment panel which was also clear embossed over the choc chip stamped sentiment.

Check out the Friday Mashup and even submit your own project!

Thank you for stopping by!

CAS-ual Fridays - New Challenge Site

2011-05-08T11:34:00.008+10:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful Mum's out there and a very special Happy Mother's Day to "My Mum" back in NZ.

This morning I took part in the annual Mothers Day Classic Walk/Run (which is a fundraising event to raise funds for Breast Cancer research), I did the 8km walk (not yet at the running level - but working towards it). It was great such a huge turnout and it looked fantastic swarms of people dressed in 'Pink" ... I loved it ... and such a great way to begin a morning!!! I will look forward to next years event and will work towards running it!!!

On with the challenge ... there is a brand spanking new challenge up and running .... and it is called .... CAS-ual Fridays ... the emphasis being on CAS (of course) ... I love clean and simple.

The first challenge off the rank is .... Texting .... using text in your project.

Here is what I came up with:

I have 3 layers on this card all popped up with dimensionals, the first layer consists of the text, sentiment (clear embossed with glitter) and twine, the 2nd layer has a scored/embossed border (for added dimension) and the third layer is my little "Just Moved" VW beetle, paper pieced and smothered with crystal effects.

I hope you check out CAS-ual Fridays, there is one mighty talented DT, and while you there make a project and have a go yourself!!!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by...

Friday Mashup - 3

2011-04-26T16:49:00.003+10:00

One more to share .... this time I went visiting at the Friday Mashup challenge site .... their challenge for the week is Black and White .... now I just love Black and White - it conjures up elegance, classic and timeless ...

Now what went through my head and what came out is so opposite ... I was thinking of my nephew who is 16 today ... "Happy Birthday Isaac" ... so of course, 16 - male - teenage .... hmmm

This is what was produced ... got the black and white right, but forgot about the square ... oops

Supplies used:
Cardstock: Whisper white, basic black
Stamps: Woodgrain (background)
Other: Clear EP on woodgrain background, Crystal effects on lettering, SU Junior sizzlets - Timeless Type, silver studs

Thanks for stopping by ... and chekc into the Friday Mashup and have a go!!!

Case Study - 36

2011-04-26T16:23:00.004+10:00

Another first for me .... this time at the Case Study Challenge ... I have always surfed onto this site, oohed and aahed at all the fabulous creations, but never took part ...

Well, I finally jumped in and had a go ... the April Muse is the fabulous Silke Ledlow, oh my she has some serious talent .... anyway I went with the flow and "CASED" ...

This is my card - for the focal point, I used the negative cut from SU Little leaves Die and popped it up on dimensionals to give a sort of a 3d look:
And the fabulously talented: Silke Ledlow (see what I mean .....)
Supplies used:
Cardstock: Whisper white, Riding hood red, retired SU DSP and Kiwi kiss)
Other: Pearls, Little leaves die (SU), sentiment from Pokcet Silhouettes, Punch from Cristina Re
Ink: Kiwi kiss, Chocolate brown

Thank you for stopping by and pop by the Case Study Challenge and be inspired!!!

Play Date Cafe Challenge - 78

2011-04-26T16:07:00.007+10:00

I am so enjoying our Easter long break ... I have made so many cards and am loving every minute of it.

This is the first time I have played along at the Play Date Cafe Challenge - I fell in love with the colours, oh so pretty ...Supplies used:
Cardstock: Whisper white, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue
Ink: Night of Navy for sentiment from PTI buttons
Other: Red ribbon, red felt (yeah it's pretty bright huh), PTI die, SU butterfly die, twine.

Thank for stoppping by ... and pop by at check out The Play Date Cafe!!!

Edited to Add: I made the Fab 4 ...

A Late Mojo Monday

2011-04-25T11:20:00.005+10:00

I thought I'd have a go at the Mojo Monday Challenge this week, due to the Easter break and time on my hands ...

I think I am a bit late, but it doesn't matter - I've made a card and have had fun creating!

Supplies:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Tiny Tags (SU)
CardStock: Melon Mambo, Whisper White (SU), Princess Pritti (Other)
Ink: Melon Mambo, White EP
Other: Ribbon, Twine, PTI dies, SU buttons

There is some fabulous talent out there ... check out Mojo Monday and be inspired!!!

Thank you for visiting

Flower Inspiration - Pals Paper Arts

2011-04-18T21:07:00.011+10:00

It is a Flower Inspiration over at Pals Paper Arts this week - and for those of you living in the US, there is also some blog candy to be won ....

I have kept my card really clean and simple .... Supplies: Stamp set: Funky Four, Teeny Tiny Sentiments (SU) Inks/Cardstock: SU In Colours and Whisper White Other: Window Punch, Tulips EP (SU), twine

20 April 2011 - Edited to add:

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

An Easter Theme - Scrapbook Boutique Challenge

2011-04-18T20:44:00.012+10:00

Hi there .... well here is a new challenge that I am entering ... the Scrapbook Boutique challenge for this week is an Easter flavour theme ...

Now, since Easter is just around the corner I have been prepping these little easter treats, for the littlies ...

All of the baskets have matching cards, they came up pretty well and I am sure that they will be well received .... well hopefully ... okay, the contents will be well received!!!

If you are short on ideas, head on over to the Scrapbook Boutique and check out some of the wonderful designs. Thanks for stopping by!!!

26 April 2011 - Edited to Add
A big "Thank you" to Scrapbook Boutique for randomly drawing my entry in which I won a $40.00 gift certificate to their online store.

Just Add Ink - Inspiration Challenge

2011-04-12T15:27:00.007+10:00

Hi there, well .... what a challenge Just Add Ink is this week .... so bright and cheery ....

Unfortunately, I couldn't quite capture that with my card .... I inked up Extreme Elements and have tried using it for this challenge .... like I said .... it was a challenge ...

14 April 2011 - Edited to add:

Anyway, have a wonderful day, and thanks for stopping by!

Stamping Sketch Challenge 198

2011-04-12T15:11:00.003+10:00

Here is a sketch challenge from the Stamping 411 site.

I have inked up this Extreme stampset for the first time, and I am quite surprised with what came out. I needed to do a male birthday card and thought I'd use a simple sketch. Really happy with the result and love these colours too ...

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!

Some Special Mentions

2011-04-11T18:38:00.007+10:00

Well ... during my absence from the world of blogging and papercrafting .... I was honoured with some blog awards by some very special people ... and due to my absence and I have not yet made a mention to sincerely thank them for such honour.

I received this award from Melissa at Bee Divine Designs - a very talented and creative papercrafter .... check out her blog ... "Thank you Mel!"

And, then I had a double honour and received this blog award from the most talented Mae Collins of Mae's Cachet and then again from: The truly inspirational Shirley McAvoy of Stamping Elephants

Please stop by at these ladies blogs ... I can guarantee you that you will be pleasantly surprised, highly inspired and you won't be disappointed .... :-)

Now, know I had to do something with these awards, but can't remember what .... so I will go and find out what the criteria was for receiving them and pop it into another post.

Until then, happy surfing ...

Inkspirations Challenge #65

2011-04-11T13:34:00.003+10:00

How nice to create something again ... thought that I would try some colouring .... I am absolutely awestruck by all the stunning copic artists out there .... but cos I don't own any (yet) , I thought that I would have a go at pencils (no, not watercoloured pencils, just ordinary coloured ones) ... sorry, it ain't no master piece ... but hey .... I can only get better ....

This is the Inkspirations Challenge sketch for the week - so head on over be challenged!!!

All the best and have a great day!

OMG - Four Months !!!!

2011-04-09T13:46:00.009+10:00

Hi there .... well as you can see from the title of this post .... I have certainly been missing for quite a while .... FOUR months ..... OMG, where has the time gone!!!

Well, I am still here but just not as active as I have been in the past ... I do have an "update my blog" item on my "April To Do" list to and post a few of my projects that I have been doing - well the ones that I managed to take a picture of before they were given away!

Anyway ... if anyone is out there ... Stampin Up have got a new mini catalogue out ... so I thought that I would start my come back with that .... just to get me back onto the blogging thing again.Click on the link in the right side bar to view the catalogue online. In the meantime, have a wonderful Saturday afternoon.

Just Add .... Christmas

2010-11-17T13:59:00.005+10:00

Oh wow .... last weekend I spotted a fabulous paper wreath at a Craft Fair ... I loved everything about it and just knew that I too would be able to create something similar. Not only that, it just happended to coincide with the Just Add .... Christmas over at the Just Add Ink challenge site.

I am really happy with how it turned out .... and it was soooo easy!!!

I have it displayed at Sarbe Invitations and Paper shop (where I work part-time), their colours are purple (obviously) and it looks great on the purple coloured feature wall.

So, if you have old books that you no longer need - cos I tell you, you can't even give away old encyclopaedias anymore .... here is a creative and very satisfying way of recycling those books .... AND, the older the better ....

This is the fabulous tutorial I found ..... I hope you give it go .... and don't forget to head on over to the Just Add Ink challenge site for even more inspirational creativity.

Creative Sketches - A new challenge

2010-10-25T21:47:00.005+10:00

I have just come across a new challenge site Creative Sketches (probably about 3 weeks old now) created by a group of SU demonstrators, so in support I have created a card based on this weeks challenge which is Dry Embossing .... I have also combined this with the sketch challenge at Stamping 411.

The colours I selected were based on a Christmas colour scheme that I saw at Ikea yesterday which I really liked .... and, coincidentally these colours are in the SU colour coach ... I love how it has come together....
A close up of the centre panel .... I have added dazzling diamonds to my clear embossing powder and clear embossed this stamp .... it comes up really well, love the effect!!!This is the sketch at Stamping 411
Head on over for some inspiration at Creative Sketches and Stamping 411, I would love to see what you come up with...

Edited to Add:
The ribbon I have used here is a non SU product, but it is called Wafer - Natural. I love this ribbon and it will probably feature in my Christmas packaging this year!

Pals Paper Arts - Fall Inspiration

2010-10-18T21:45:00.004+10:00

Wow ... I love this weeks challenge at Pals Paper Arts .... it is a Fall Inspiration, and I was captivated by the colours. So with that in mind, I have created a simple birthday card for my hubby - I am sure he will like it ....

I have used the Lovely As a Tree and Sincere Sentiments stamp sets, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz and Very Vanilla card stock and ink. I have also clear embossed with dazzling diamonds botht the tree and sentiment - very lovely, but subtle enough for a man!

This is the picture that inspired the creation:

Well, I hope that this inspires you too ... if not head on over to Pals Paper Arts, there you will be inspired beyond words!!!

Just Add .... Blue

2010-10-18T21:12:00.005+10:00

Hi All, over at Just Add Ink they have a challenge in honour of Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month, - the challenge is to Add Blue ..... I have created a very very simple Thank you card for a very dear friend ...

Can't get much simpler than this .... anyway, I have used Night of Navy and Whisper White cardstock, some blue ribbon and some blue rhinestones. Sentiment from Sincere Salutations and Elegant Bouquet embossing folder.

I have been practising my bow tying, and they seem to be coming along well - I used to do the faux bows (you know the loops that are tied in the middle) .... well, Danielle Daws has been displaying some beautifully tied bows on her creations and thankfully .... she has on her blog the video by Kristina Werner showing you exactly how to create them .... check it out here

So on that note, head on over to Just Add Ink, create a blue card and send it to someone .....

JAI 38 and Stamping 411

2010-10-11T21:27:00.008+10:00

In order to commemorate the Cancer Council's Pink Ribbon Day, the Just add Ink team are having a Pink and Bling challenge this week .... I have combined this with a very clean and simple sketch from Stamping 411.I added some pink rhinestones and embossed the image with clear embossing powder mixed with dazzling diamonds ..... result .... Bling!!! The colours I used were Blushing Bride and Elegant Eggplant.

Oh, and this is the sketch:
If you feel like a bit of a challenge, head on over to Just Add Ink and Stamping 411 for sometime inspirational delight!!

Blog Award

2010-09-30T16:04:00.003+10:00

Oh wow ... I received this lovely Blog Award the other day from Cassandra at Paper Addiction, how honoured I feel to be blessed with this award.

Okay, so now I have to put this award on my blog and share the award onto five other blogs who inspire me - wow .... there are soo many blogs that inspire me and I love them all.

Check out these fabulous ladies blogs, they are all extremely talented and create absolutely beautiful work .... I am sure that you too will be inspired:

Petronela Hardy
Kerry Bunting
Tania Gould
Jodene Tripp
Danielle Daws
Christine Blain

Oops ... my five just turned into six!!!

JAI 35 - Sympathy

2010-09-22T17:05:00.004+10:00

I have a post to share in the Just Add Ink - Sympathy theme for this week. I hadn't really planned on it, but a very dear friend of mine passed away over the weekend, and well .... I needed a card. Here is my card for the family of Richard (Dick) Tuavera and for Just Add Ink this week:A very simple card ... but that is how Dick was ... what you see is what you get, a straight up kinda guy with a heart as big the sky .... this is for you Dick, may you rest in peace.

Head on over to Just Add Ink and check out all the fantastic entries, and that of the Design Team.

Brisbane Regionals

2010-09-20T14:22:00.006+10:00

Oh what a great weekend I had .... we had the Brisbane Regionals on Saturday and it was a terrific day. I met some old friends, some new friends, some blogging friends and even a celebrity friend ... not only that, but we got to learn some new techniques, got a new stamp set .... and completed some make n takes - I only got 2 done, too busy chatting!!!

Anyway, here is my swaps that I created ... I did a 4"x4" card front and a 3"x3" card front. These are the sample pics of my swaps that I have mounted onto a card base .... post ready!!!
Stamp Set: I mentioned sample because this card I used a retired sentiment stamp ...Oops ... however, for my swaps I used the Tiny Tags set and Solid Stripes (centre of flower)
CardStock: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Basic Black
Other: Floral Fusion and Little Leaves Sizzlets, 1/2" and 3/4" circle punches, Basic Black Marker, Ruler, Crystal Effects
Stamp Set: Funky Four, Tiny Tags
CardStock: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Concord Crush, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze
Other: 3/4" and 1" circle punches, 1 1/4" square punch, Basic Black Ink, Pear Pizzaz Ribbon

Here are some pics to keep you entertained:

Kirsty Brown (my celebrity friend!!!) ...

Kirsty was one of the presenters for the day and she made some pretty cute paper flowers, using the scallop punch and the circle punch. Check out here blog here cos she has posted some great pics of her projects.
This is Karen Barnes (upline to myself and Shelley Bierma
And, this is the very lovely Betty we were sitting at the same table .... and guess what .... she is a reader of my BLOG!!! OMG, I felt very very honoured, I just had to take a pic.

Well, that's about it for now .... I think I might go and finish my make n takes so that I can post them here. Have a great day!!!

Just Add Ink 33 - Sketch Challenge

2010-09-06T13:28:00.004+10:00

I have been asked to make a Congratulations card for a friend of a friend who likes Red (she has been accepted into Uni to study medicine) .... so I have gone with the sketch challenge at Just Add Ink (I didn't really have anything to fit that bill, so have kept it quite simple)

This is my card ... hope she likes it:

And, this is the Sketch:
I have used:
Stamps: For the Bride (Sentiment), Polka Dots (PTI)
Cardstock/Ink: Real Red, Whisper White
Other: Little Tags Die, Wide Oval Punch, Polka Dots E/F, Red Ribbon, Rhinestones

Head on over to the Just Add Ink site and check out the other entries and the Design Team.

The New Catalogue Is Here!!!

2010-09-01T12:47:00.005+10:00

Stampin' Up! has today released its new catalogue. Oh, my it is FULL of some great and exciting new products.

To view the catalogue online click here

If you would like to know more about Stampin' Up! and all it has to offer ..... contact me today!

INTERESTED in signing up ..... Click here! .... for a fabulous offer too good to miss!

Just Add Ink and Pals Paper Arts

2010-08-30T12:22:00.004+10:00

Double challenge for me this weekend .... loooove it ... Just Add Ink is having a Just Add Material theme and Pals Paper Arts is a sketch challenge.
For my card and the Add Material challenge - I have used a red velvet ribbon, gathered and sewn together. In the middle I have used a Very Vanilla Jumbo brad, stamped the image from Artistic Etchings, punched out with the 1/2" circle punch and applied with crystal effects. I did contemplate stamping straight onto the brad ... but uh uh .... chances are it would've been WAY out of line.

Oh, and as for the stripes, yes ... I cut and glued each stripe individually ... wanted to see if I really do need that new Stripey Background stamp in the new Catalogue .,.... I think I do!!!

And this is the sketch for the Pals Paper Arts Sketch Challenge.
Now, head on over to these challenge sites for some brilliant inspiration from some fantastic and talented designers.

Just Add Ink 31

2010-08-23T15:23:00.004+10:00

Well, I have been managing to get some crafting done of late, and have really been enjoying it. I have yet another medallion card from the Artisitic Etchings, which I have taken quite a liking to and using the same design in different colours ... don't have to think too hard!!!

Just Add Ink is a colour challenge - so here is the same card in the colours of the challenge:
Oh and these are the colours:
Hop on over to the Just Add Ink challenge site and be truly blown away by the incredible talent!!!

Helping Hudson - Challenge 9

2010-08-21T21:57:00.004+10:00

The final challenge for the Helping Hudson Fundraiser - keeping in line with my previous card, I thought that I would use the same design for the Colour challenge.

I have used Night of Navy, Bashful Blue and Whisper White as my neutral.

Thank you to the fabulous and talented team at Helping Hudson - even though I have participated very little, I have watched from afar and I hold deep admiration to you all, and your generous and supportive spirits. God bless you all!!!

Helping Hudson - Challenge 7

2010-08-21T21:28:00.005+10:00

Oh boy ... what a blast, have just arrived back from 2 weeks in Bali, had a fabulous time. My first time there and loved every minute.

So in the meantime, I had been watching the Helping Hudson fundraiser from afar, I did manage to complete the first sketch challenge before I left, took the pics, but didn't get time to upload anyway, I'll add the pic down below for your viewing pleasure ... and my ego!!!! .... lol ...

I have turned the sketch sideways and have used some new stamp sets to create a really simple card.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Cute by the Inch, For the Bride (sentiment)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black
Ink: Real Red, Basic Black
Other: Black/White Gingham Ribbon, Red Ribbon (generic), Red rhinestones (generic)

Please feel free to stop and help out this very worthy cause Helping Hudson

Edited to add: Oops, I forgot to add my other card

This was a fun card to make .... I made the baubles using the snowflake stamp from Season of Joy, punched it out with the 1" punch, punched a 1.25" circle in Real Red, used the word window punch as the hanger bit and added small rhinestones to complete the effect.

Just Add Ink 28

2010-08-02T16:21:00.005+10:00

It's been a little while since I have been crafting, let alone taking part in challenges ... anyway, this one got me going ....

A colour challenge and a man card .... love it ...

I have kept it simple .... just like the men in my life .... oops ....Supplies used:
Cardstock: Kraft, Choc Chip, Parisan Breeze DSP
Ink: Choc Chip classic ink and marker
Stamp set: PTI
Other: Star punch (large and small), single circle hand punch, crystal effects

Don't forget to go and check out all the other brillant and talented crafters at Just Add Ink.

Last Chance Stamp Sets and More!!!

2010-08-02T15:25:00.006+10:00

The new catalogue along with new colours, stamps and accessories will be live on 1 September.

So browse the list and if you would like anything, just send me a quick email by 31 August and I'll have it to you in no time!!!

Click here to view the Last Chance PDF

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #26 - Clean and Simple

2010-06-07T21:41:00.008+10:00

It's a colour challenge this time round at Keesh's Inkspirations - come and give it a go, your gonna love these colours together.

And, I also thought that I would give the Clean and Simple Stamping a bit of a go too .... I love these clean and simple designs. Check em out ... you'll love em too!!!

I did a simple birthday card:

This is the colour combo:

And, this is the sketch design:

Items Used:
Stampset: Polka Dots (Papertrey Ink), Happy Birthday SU
Cardstock and Ink: Real Red, Basic Grey, Kraft, Whisper White
Other: Polka Dot EF, Balloon Carl Punch, Small Star Punch, Red/White Gingham Ribbon, Grey/Black buttons, Black marker pen, White Gel pen

Hope you can join in the fun .... don't forget to check the Inkspirations site for some fun and inspiring creations! And, Clean and Simple Stamping for some deliciously stunning designs!!!