French foliage birthday

Card: early expresso, crumb cake, very vanilla
Ink: early expresso, cajin craze, more mustard
Stamp set(s): french foliage, so happy for you
Accessories: clear block, very vanilla seam binding, library clip

After yesterday's fun, I decided to CASE another card of Dawn's - just because I love this stamp set, and I love Dawn's designs!  Of course, I've put my spin on this project, and I have added some stamping inside, which I love on this card...  I've used a clear block to add some colour and texture, and the seam binding and very cute library clip add that little bit of 'wow'!

Blossom punched turned butterfly!

Card: calypso coral, pool party, whisper white
DSP: everyday encantment (SAB)
Ink: calypso coral, pool party, black staz on
Stamp set(s): mixed bunch, well scripted
Accessories: blossom punch, everyday enchantment brad (SAB), calyps coral ruffled ribbon

I love Dawn's work, and I just had to CASE this one today!  Here, the blossom punch has been turned into a butterfly - and the rock-n-roll technique on the butterfly always creates a wonderful effect.  This card is a little surprising as it opens on the whisper white rather than on the calypso coral.  It has soooo much potential, so thank you for the inspirationDawn!

Creative challenge

Card: baja breeze, blushing bride, whisper white, confetti white
Ink: baja breeze, blushing bride, island indigo, calypso coral, pear pizzazz
Stamp set: apothecary art
Accessories: blending pen, blossom punch, perfect polk dots embossing folder, adorning accents embossing folder, big shot

Today, I enjoyed a day out with other demonstrators in the Wellington region, and during the day we were invited to participate in a creative challenge.  We could only use certain things to create something within a certain timeframe.  I came up with this card that showcases lots of new products from the new mini catalogue.  It was difficult without any ribbon or pearls or rhinstones, but I was pleased with how this come out and actually enjoyed playing with my blending pen to colour the stamped image for extra colour.

Rich razzleberry meets island indigo...

Card: crumb cake, island indigo, rich razzleberry, very vanilla
Ink: rich razzleberry, island indigo
Stamp set(s): just believe, well scripted
Accessories: vellum, beautiful wings embosslit, big shot, sponges, pearls, very vanilla seam binding, piecing tool

I was looking online and found this and I just had to CASE it!!  I was also keen to try rich razzleberry and island indigo for a different colour combo...  What do you think?  I wasn't sure at first, but it's growing on me - definitely have to try this combo again soon!  I love the vellum butterfly - I keep forgetting about vellum, but it's so cool to use, especially when it's embossed.  And I've used my piecing tool to create some distressing around the image, which I'm keen to keep practicing with to use in more projects.  So many things buzzing around the inspiration bank, but so little time to get them out into projects...!

Thanks - easel card

Card: crumb cake, chocolate chip, very vanilla
Ink: cajin craze, chocolate chip
Stamp set(s): french foliage, so happy for you
Accessories: very vanilla seam binding, clear block

I wanted to make something a little different today, so out came the easel card...  I wasn't too sure where this one was heading in my mind, so I just let it evolve and by the time I stamped and added the seam binding, it was done!  It just came together, and that was cool :-)  Love days when my crafting just flows...

Here, I have used a clear block to stamp the centre image/background - I need to practice this more as it's such a cool technique to use in your projects and depending on how you use your clear block, you can create lots of different effects.  Oh, the possibilities!

ANZAC Day tribute

Card: poppy parade, basic black, whisper white
DSP: poppy parade DSP
Ink: poppy parade, basic black
Stamp set: awash with flowers
Accessories: brayer, poppy parade stitched-poly ribbon

Here in New Zealand, it is a public holiday today called ANZAC day (Australia New Zealand Army Corps), to remember those that fought for our country in Turkey - now called ANZAC Cove, 97 years ago.  Today, I decided to pay tribute to the ANZACs and created this special card with the only stamp resembling a poppy that I had...  I had to use poppy parade, of course, and I inked up my brayer to resemble a sea of poppies.  In case we forget... We will remember them.

Wisteria wonder blossom

Card: wisteria wonder, pear pizzaz, whisper white, confetti white

Ink: pear pizzaz

Stamp set: creative elements

Accessories: perfect polka dots embossing folder, big shot, blossom punch, circle punch, wisteria wonder ruffled ribbon, brad

I was playing with some scraps that have mounted up on my desk, and came up with this card.  I've used the negative of the blossom punch, stamped the image, added ribbon and a brad.  I've followed the  colour scheme inside to make it a generic card to use for any occasion.  I have alway loved green and purple, and this is no exception!  Simple, but cute and elegant - done!

Everyday enchantment envelope purse

Card: calypso coral, poppy parade, pool party, whisper white, lucky limeade
DSP: everyday enchantment dsp
Punches: scallop circle punch, circle punch, blossom punch, scallop trim border punch
Ribbon: calypso coral ruffled ribbon, everyday enchantment ribbon
Accessories: beautiful wings embosslit, petal cone die, big shot, everyday enchantment brad

I'm in love with this very cute purse, made from two 3"x3"white envelopes, seen online here!  I just had to give it a go, and I love the results.  It has two pockets that you can pull out, and you can add photos on the cardstock to build up a gorgeous memory book.  It was loads of fun to put together, and I'm thinking I could run a class on this one day...!  I'll probably make more of these for gifts and to sell -  hope you like this first attempt!

JAI challenge - Just Add Jodene Tripp

Card: cajin craze, marina mist, pumpkin pie, very vanilla
Ink: cajin craze, marina mist, pumpkin pie
Stamp set(s): delicate doilies, so happy for you
Accessories: scallop trip border punch, scallop circle punch, circle punch, clear button, linen thread

Over at Just Add Ink, the challenge this week is to just add one of the design team, Jodene Tripp, which meant deciding on one of her projects to CASE.  I decided on this one from her amazing blog and came up with this thank you card.

I've used my delicate doilies stamp set, but I've changed the sentiment and some of the colours - I don't have bashful blue or peach parfiat, but I think marina mist and pumpkin pie go just as well...  I've also added a clear button with a piece of linen thread to give some texture.  This was a fun project to CASE - thanks Jodene for the inspiration!

Happy Engagement!

Card: cherry cobbler, real red, whisper white
Ink: cherry cobbler, real red
Stamp set: well scripted
Accessories: beautiful wings embosslit, big shot, whisper white organza ribbon, pearls, bayer

A couple at church have just announced their engagement, and for their engagement party tonight, I created this card.  I dusted off my brayer to create the banner, and then stamped the sentiment.  A butterfly, pearls and ribbon finished off this project nicely.  I love how the two tones of red, and the brayered panel.  I added a real red and whisper white inside panel, but I had signed it before I had taken a pic, so haven't included it here.  Here's wishing the happy couple every blessing :-)

Faux suede flower fun

Card: night of navy, marina mist, regal rose, whisper white

Ink: marina mist, night of navy

Stamp set: delicate doilies

Accessories: white organza ribbon, clear rhinestone brad, brayer

At team training the other night, the lovely Julie taught us how to make amazing faux suede flowers.  Very cool to learn something new from someone in the team, passing on what they love.  The top photo here is not very good, and a little part of the top is cut off...sorry!  But I love the flower, and the brayering adds that  little bit of colour, detail and interest that doesn't detract from the flower.  I've added an inside panel with some images of the delicate doilies in the corner.  What do you think?  If you want to learn how to make these flower, you can book a workshop with me and see how!

Elegant bird

Card: cherry cobbler, riding hood red, blushing bride, whisper white
Ink: cherry cobbler, riding hood red
Stamp set: creative elements
Accessories: elegant bird die-cut, big shot, vintage wallpaper embossing folder, pearl, whisper white organza ribbon, sponges

I had a play with the new elegant bird die cut at stamp camp a few weeks back, and decided to use it on a project today.  I wasn't too sure about it (which was way I wanted to have a play with it) but I quite like it, and the wings are gorgeous!  They could be used as a pair of angels wings, you could use the bird body by itself in lots of different ways...the possibilities are endless!  Something new to add to your wish list from the new mini!

I've stamped the blushing bride with the main stamp from the creative elements stamp set, and added part of it to the bird.  I've used two different embossing folders to add some texture to the wings and background, and the pearl just gives the birds a lovely eye.  And, of course, I had to add an inside panel for a special message. Elegant and feminine = gorgeous!

Card: calypso coral, lucky limeade, whisper white
DSP: sweet shop DSP
Ink: calypso coral, soft suede
Stamp set: create a cupcake
Accessories: perfect polka dots embossing folder, big shot, pear pizzazz seam binding, sweet shop jelly bean brad

I had some scrap of the gorgeous new sweet shop DSP, so I decided to use it up for a cute, bright, whimsy birthday card.  I love the colours of the new DSP, and the create a cupcake stamp set goes really well here, even if I made an ice-cream cone instead of a cupcake!  Another taste of what's in the new mini!  Grab yours before it's too late!

French foliage frenzy!

Card: more mustard, cajin craze, old olive, whisper white
Ink: more mustard, cajin craze, old olive, marina mist, chocolate chip
Stamp set: french foliage
Accessories: linen thread, square lattice embossing folder, big shot

I decided to ink up my french foliage stamp set today as it hasn't seen in any ink in awhile...!  I went online to CASE a card using this stamp set, and found this one.  I've changed it up a little, but it is largely completely CASE'd.  I don't have baja breeze ink, but I used marina mist instead and I love the touch of blue here, which I hadn't thought to use with the earthy, regal tones.  I have used the 'rock n roll' technique to add splashes of colour, and I have fussy-cut two leaves to tie with linen thread.  Hope you like today's project!

Blossom with class

Card: basic black, riding hood red, whisper white
Ink: basic black, riding hood red
Stamp set(s): mixed bunch, so happy for you
Accessories: dazzling diamonds, riding hood red taffeta ribbon, blossom punch

I had the negative of the blossom punch sitting on my desk for awhile, so I decided to set myself a challenge and use it in a project today.  I quite like the classy look of this card with the black, red and white colour combo.  Loving the layers and the dazzle on the flower center that has dazzling diamonds.  Yay for some bling!

Welcome to our new neighbours!

Card: tempting turquoise, real red, whisper white
DSP: play date DSP
Ink: tempting turquoise, real red
Stamp set(s): just believe, mixed bunch, elementary elegance
Accessories: brayer, temp twine, blossom punch, scallop border punch, pearls

Yesterday, I made up a cute box bag and filled it with Easter eggs for our new neighbours who have just moved in behind us.  I was thinking about adding some baking, but time got away with me - the story of my life right now...!  But it was special to meet our new neighbours and offer them a "welcome to the neighbourhood" gift.

I have a number of the cute 'Hello' cards I had thought I would use as my swaps at Stamp Camp last month but didn't, so I dug up some co-ordinating DSP to make a box bag and I think they work really well together.  Again, my new blossom punch worked a treat to add an embellishment to the bag.  The neighbours were appreciative of the gift and hope they enjoyed the Easter eggs!

Calypso coral hello

Card: calypso coral, lucky limeade, whisper white
DSP: calypso coral patterned dsp
Ink (markers): calypso coral, pool party, wisteria wonder, lucky limeade, island indigo
Stamp set: hello blossoms
Accessories: pear pizzazz seam binding, petals-a-plenty embossing folder, big shot, clip, envelope

I attended another techniques class with Paula today, and we made this very cute, bright and cherry card.  We were learning how to use markers to stamp, and I love that you can use the Stampin up markers to add different colours to one stamp.  The hello blossoms stamp is perfect for this technique as you can colour up each flower with a different colour, and even leave out the sentiment if you didn't want to use it, like on the back of the envelope.  The seam binding and clip add all the detail that this card needs - perfect!

Wisteria sympathy

Card: wisteria wonder, pear pizzazz, whisper white

DSP: pear pizzazz patterned DSP
Ink: wisteria wonder, pear pizzazz
Stamp set(s): mixed bunch, so happy for you, creative elements
Accessories: blossom punch, wisteria wonder brad, wisteria wonder ruffled ribbon

I was playing around with my new stamp set and the blossom punch that goes with the stamp set (both in the new mini catalogue!!), and love how this project evolved into a sympathy card.  I added an inside panel with a sentiment and image, but the brad sets that blossom off nicely.  A simple but elegant card to say "I'm thinking of you".

Birthday sparkles

Card: cherry cobbler, more mustard, baja breeze, confetti white
Ink: cherry cobbler, more mustard
Stamp set(s): creative elements, well scripted
Accessories: silver glimmer paper, vintage wallpaper embossing folder, big shot, blossom punch, fun flowers die cut, whisper white baker's twine, baja breeze designer button, sponge, whisper white organza ribbon

I still had some bits I played with at Stamp Camp, so I created this quick card to add to my stash...  The glimmer paper in silver is divine, and really makes this project pop.  I added a sentiment inside rather than on the front of card so it didn't distract from the flower detail.  I sponged everything in cherry cobbler, which added a subtle splash of colour, and created a little more depth in the flower.  I embossed the confetti white to add some texture, and added a button in the middle of the flower.  I used my colour coach to bring the colours together.  A quick card to make, but I like it!

Happiest birthday

Card: crumb cake, calypso coral, pear pizzazz, very vanilla
Ink: pear pizzazz, early expresso
Stamp set: apothecary art
Accessories: vintage wallpaper embossing folder, big shot, labels collection framelit, very vanilla velvet ribbon, beautiful wings embosslit, pearls

At Stamp Camp last month, I was playing with the new framelits and the stunning apothecary art stamp set - all in the new mini!  I had bits of this project ready to go, but I pulled this all together this morning...  I love the velvet ribbon and the framelits, and you can do all sorts of watercolour or blending with the stamp set.  This project has an elegant, antique feel which I'm loving.

Sweet shop birthday

Card: calypso coral, pear pizzazz, whisper white
DSP: sweet shop dsp
Ink: lucky limeade, wisteria wonder, calypso coral
Stamp set: so happy for you
Accessories: scallop trim border punch, pear pizzazz pleated satin ribbon, lucky limeade baker's twine, blushing bride (twitterpated range) button, beautiful wings embosslit, big shot, stamp-a-ma-jig

Today, I decided to use some new product from the new autumn-winter mini catalogue to give you a taste of what you might find in the new mini.  Here, I have used some samples that we were given at Stamp Camp a few weeks back, and I'm in love!!  There is so much in there you'll want to have to play with!  With the pleated ribbon, baker's twin, gorgeous dsp, and lots more, there's something there for everyone.  If you would like a copy of the new mini, contact me and I'll be happy to send you one.  Better yet, host a workshop with me, and you'll have the chance to play with some of this new product!

On this card, I have made the panel of dsp the feature, which I don't often do, but thought the patten suited a birthday card, so the only stamping here is the sentiment trio.  I've added a button and a snip of bakers twine on the butterfly, and then added some more bakers twin around the pleated ribbon.  The patterned dsp is double-sided, and I've added a strip of the other side of this pattern underneath the pleated ribbon - gorgeous hearts!  And I've just had a brain-wave (I get those every now and then, lol!),  you could add some dazzling diamonds to the icecream cones to give it some sparkle - just might do that before I bag this card up ready for my stash.

Birthday wishes

Card: pear pizzazz, cajun craze, more mustard, whisper white
Ink: pear pizzazz, cajun craze, more mustard
Stamp set(s): creative elements, so happy for you
Accessories: whisper white organza ribbon, rhinestones

Today, I've been hanging out with Ruth while she's recovering from surgery...  It's been beautiful weather, and having an extra-long weekend has made all the difference!  I've pulled this card together and I'm loving the colour combo and my new creative elements stamp set.  I think the colours are fresh and give a sense of spring for someone's birthday.  Enjoy!

Turquoise birthday

Card: whisper white, tempting turquoise

DSP: tempting turquoise patterned DSP

Ink: daffodil delight (marker), real red (marker)

Stamp set(s): creative elements, well scripted

Accessories: real red 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, pearl, beautiful wings embosslit, big shot

I've CASE'd this from the current Impressions magazine, which comes each month from Stampin' Up! when you sign on as a demonstrator. It has fantastic ideas and projects to use in workshops, and today when I was looking through the April magazine, I loved this design and wanted to re-create it with my own person touch. I have added a tempting turquoise panel inside to give the card a little more stability... This would be a simple project to use in a workshop or to re-create in batches. I've also used a technique that I have used before, which is to brush a marker across a stamped image, and highlight some areas of the stamp in a contrasting colour. Pretty cool!

Another Easter card

Card: crumb cake, chocolate chip, blushing bride, very vanilla

Ink: blushing bride, chocolate chip, crumb cake (marker)

Stamp set(s): mixed bunch, well scripted

Accessories: beautiful wings embosslit, big shot, blushing bride striped-poly ribbon, pearls

I wanted to make another Easter card today, seeing as it's Easter and all... I used this week's colour challenge from Just Add Ink as my inspiration. I don't have Pink Piroutte, so I've used blushing bride instead. I love the vintage, worn look of this card, and for me, the butterflies symbolise new life and transformation - the hope and joy of the Easter story.

Ruth is now home - the surgery went well, and hopefully we can have a quiet Easter break as she begins her recovery. Who would have thought that 1 second can change your life in so many different ways... It'll take about a year before her ankle is fully strong and functional again, but it only took a second to fall off her bike. But it's all good - we have been very impressed with her care, and the help of so many different people. Happy Easter!

Thinking of you, Ruth...

Card: cherry cobbler, whisper white, early expresso

Ink: cherry cobbler, early expresso, daffodil delight (marker)

Stamp set(s): pocket sillouttes, so many thanks

Accessories: cherry cobbler scallop dots ribbon, clear rhinestone brad

I found this design online here, and loved it, so decided to CASE it today to give to Ruth to let her know I'm thinking of her... Yes, she needs another card as she has just had surgery on her ankle this afternoon, poor thing. I think this will look great with a bunch of flowers in her hospital room to brighten it up.

I love the mix of colours here - I used my colour coach to help me work out which colours to use. And this design could be used for any occassion - just change the sentiment!

Happy Easter!

Card: confetti white, pear pizzazz, blushing bride, whisper white

Ink: pear pizzazz, blushing bride

Stamp set(s): mixed bunch, well scripted

Accessories: brayer, beautiful wings embosslit, big shot, pearls

Over at Hand Stamped Sentiments, their challenge last week (missed their deadline...doh!) was to create something to do with Easter. I decided to go with a pastel, whimsy look, and love how this little card evolved. I masked off the strip of colour at the side and brayered and stamped before taking away the post-it notes (love these for masking!), and then stamped the sentiment. I added the bufferflies and pearls and layered it on dimensionals. On the inside, I stamped a few images in one corner, leaving it largely raw and textured, with the confetti showing through. I'm thinking I might make a few more of these to give away this Easter!

Get well soon, Ruth!

Card: daffodil delight, night of navy, whisper white

Ink: daffodil delight (marker), night of navy, old olive

Stamp set(s): mixed bunch, creative elements

Accessories: sponge, whisper white organza ribbon, pearl, blossom punch

Well, my sister Ruth and I have been down south, cyclying the Otago Rail Trail for a week, but to cut a long story short, on the last day of the trail, my sister fell off her bike and broke her ankle! I wanted to cheer up her day today, as she's been having a bit of a rough time, so I made this card for her this evening. I thought I would go for something bright, and my colour coach (love it!) told me to put night of navy and old olive with daffodil delight, so that's what I've done. I kinda like this colour combo, and with some bright flowers and the gorgeous background stamp from the creative elements stamp set, this cheered her up!

Mixed bunch

Card: real red, whisper white

Ink: real red, early expresso

Stamp set(s): mixed bunch, curly cute

Accessories: blossom punch, pearl

I saw this design online and loved it's simplicity. A quick birthday card to add to my card stock for someone special! The blossom punch is one of the new punches in the new mini catalogue, and co-ordinates perfectly with the mixed bunch stamp set. I'm loving the blossom punch with the detail on the petals, and using it with the stamps from mixed bunch, it makes creating a breeze - gotta love that!

Chester layout

Card: crumb cake, soft suede, pool party, more mustard, very vanilla

DSP: spice cake dsp

Ink: soft suede, pool party, more mustard

Stamp set(s): creative elements, sweet shoppe alphabet lower

Accessories: blossom punch, beautiful wings embosslit, big shot, sweet buttons embosslit, pearls, hemp twine, scallop trim border punch, white organza ribbon, sponges

It was exciting to run a workshop yesterday for a friend to celebrate the end of SAB. The hostess wanted me to run the workshop with a scrapbook page. This was what I came up with, and everyone loved the colour combo but made their pages their own by changing the design and stamping etc. That's what creating is all about, after all - putting your own stamp on your projects! I loved the chance to create a scrapbook page and share my love of Stampin' Up! projects with others. I even got another workshop booking out of it - yay!