Crafty Squirrel

Simply Stampin' Challenge

2012-01-30T14:10:00.004Z

Simply Stampin' Challenge 44

After my first go at a challenge at Simply Stampin' I thought I would have a go at the next one.

It is a colour challengeSo this is my attempt using these colours.

The stamp set is My Friend and I used the large oval and large scallop punches and a couple of rhinestones.

The link to the challenge blog is above. Thanks for looking.

A Mental Block Moment.

2012-01-30T11:32:00.004Z

I had to laugh at myself, so stupid. At the beginning of January it was my great great niece Sofia's birthday. Sofia lives in Dubai and was only staying with her grandmother (my niece Jackie) over the Christmas period so I thought let's get her birthday card sent so that it is there for the day.

Really organised I was, got the confirmation of how old Sofia was going to be (which was 2 years old) and went ahead and made the card with, as you can see below, a 3 on it and forgot to photograph it. I know, I know, definitely lost the plot.

Yesterday my dear niece photographed the card and sent it to me so here it is.

Whilst the image is not a current SU stamp set (a retired one which I have had for sometime) everything else is current. The alphabet is a current die from the catalogue as is the flourish and scalloped circle.

The card stock is shimmery white. I really love this card as it lends it self to be so elegant and is also quite good for using the blender pen and markers.

Another Valentine Moment

2012-01-30T11:23:00.002Z

Must have love on the brain???

I purchased the red glitter paper from the mini catalogue and thought I really must do something with it.

The small hearts hearts are punched from the small heart punch and the large from the large heart punch.

I randomly placed the hearts on the background very vanilla card and put it through the polka dots embossing folder. Wound round a piece of very vanilla satin ribbon, used the piercing template and match for the outside of the larger vanilla card mat. Punched out some very vanilla hearts as a type of shadow and finished with some pearls and tag from the Tiny Tags stamp set and matching punch set.

Under The Big Top

2012-01-30T11:15:00.005Z

To make this card I used the same method as I did for the squared template using the 1 3/4" round punch.

The stamp set is Under The Big Top and the colours are pacific point, real red and whisper white.

Once i had punched out the circles on the real red card I first marked on the whisper white card where I needed to stamp the images and then put the red card through the stripes embossing folder. It is a bit fiddly as the folder is not as long as the DL card but with a little bit of messing about I managed to put it through twice.

The images are coloured with the marker pens and a blending pen. The canopy is punched with the border trim edge punch. The sentiment is from Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set coloured with marker pens.

Love Cards?

2012-01-26T14:09:00.002Z

These are two DL cards, one using the You Are Loved stampset and the other Simply Soft, one of the hostess benefits stamp set.

Cherry cobbler, regal rose and whisper white cardstock, markers and inks are the colours for the one on the right and elegant eggplant, wisteria wonder, blushing bride and whisper white for the one on the left.

Cherrby cobbler and whisper white are also the coloursl for this card. The scallop is the Scallop Circle die and the bow is made with the cherry cobbler seam binding.

That's it for the moment, thanks for looking.

Ann

Everything Eleanor

2012-01-26T14:00:00.005Z

This is also a vague case of a card from the catalogue using the Top Note die. In the catalogue the Autumn Days stamp set was used, I used Everything Eleanor.

The colours are baja breeze, cajun craze and whisper white. The petals are from the five petal flower punch (a really versatile punch). I coloured the flowers with markers and a blender pen and finished with pearls for the centre. The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (an absolutely brilliant stamp set as it fits the word window and modern label punches so well) on this occasion I stamped it on to the twill tape. The background scallop is the new 2 3/8" punch in the mini catalogue.

2012-01-26T13:51:00.006Z

Although I have been a demonstrator for some time and been in possession of all the catalogues I don't think I have used it as an ideas book. Yesterday I sat and really looked and found there are really some brilliant ideas in the catalogue (now I know why it is called and Ideas Book and Catalogue!) and thought I would case some of the cards, putting my own slant on them.

I managed to make a template for these cards, one using the 1 1/4" square punch, the other using the 1 3/8" punch.

These two cards above have been entered into a challenge blog at Simply Stampin Challenge. I have to say this is the first time I have ever taken part in a sketch challenge so I hope I have done it correctly.

Stripes & Heart

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000Z

This one below took some working out as only a few of stripes from the striped embossing folder are used down the centre.

I really like this effect and now must find the time to find different variations.

SALE-A-BRATION IS HERE

2012-01-24T15:48:00.004Z

Click picture to go to the brochure

Today's Effort

2012-01-18T20:05:00.005Z

Once before I made a double dutch fold card, I quite liked it so I thought I would play some more with this particular fold.

For the first card I used the stamp set Creative Elements and used the colours night of navy, pink pirouette and whisper white.

I also used the top note die and the square lattice embossing folder. The sentiment is from the Stamp Set Teeny Tiny Wishes punched out with the small oval layered onto the large scallop oval. I sprayed the whole card with the champagne shimmer mist.

This view is the inside when opened up.

Paisley Petals is the stamp set for the this card together with the matching designer papers.

The colours I used are not quite navy, whisper white and so saffron. The sentiments are from the Happiest Birthday Wishes set, a hostess gift in the current catalogue.

Thanks for looking.

A Valentine Moment

2012-01-17T13:51:00.005Z

As the next big card date is 14 February I decided to have a go at making some heart cards, not that I personally send Valentine cards, I just wanted to play with hearts. These are some of what I made.

Apart from the last card they are made using the stamp set You Are Loved from the current mini catalogue.

Chocolate chip, crumb cake and very vanilla are the colours for this card. I punch out the centre of the very vanilla and then punch around the circle with the heart punch.

These next three cards I embossed the heart stamp from the set in gold, mounted the mat and then put it through the Big Shot with the square lattice embossing folder.

For the next two I cut the hearts into pieces and mounted them before I put them through the Big Shot. The backgrounds are made by punching out several small hearts inking them up, placing them randomly on the mat and embossing them with the square lattice through the Big Shot.

Finally the card below is made using the Circles die and punches, I used the Versamark pen and gold embossed the edges.

A Few Hearts & Cupcakes

2012-01-15T14:16:00.003Z

I played some more with the cupcake punch and stamp set. They are really colourful so you may need sunglasses.

They are both a multitude of colours but they were really fun to make.

This one is a tower so I will have to remember to take from the bottom and not the top (I know, can't be sane all the time).

This card was inspired by a card I saw in my craft magazine. When I look in the magazines I usually think, how can I utilise my SU stash to achieve the look.

I used the three heart punch and lots of now retired real red designer papers. The postage punch is absolutely brilliant.

I used the same principal as above for this card, using the three heart punch once again together with the bo ho blossoms punch.

A Little bit of Distressed Gold

2012-01-12T18:28:00.006Z

I have had a great time today, looking through blogs, Utube etc to get inspiration which I have been sadly lacking in of late.

This card was fun, took a little bit of time but I enjoyed it, kept me out of mischief.

Before I put the card through the vintage wallpaper embossing folder if covered it in Versamark ink and embossed with gold embossing powder and let it cool. I then, with one of our sanding blocks, lightly sanded the embossed part of the image. The scalloped frame was punched out using our new larger 2 3/8" scallop punch, it fits the image from Everything Eleanor beautifully.

The colours are early espresso, very vanilla and crumb cake, lots of gold embossing powder and pearls.

Framed in Silver

2012-01-12T18:19:00.003Z

For this card I used the Textured Impressions Embossing set from the catalogue. This is the the oval and there is also a square. I was able to cut the centre of the oval out using the wide oval punch, really useful.

The decorative piece behind the oval is made using the Flourish die. I saw this technique used on U Tube and had to fiddle a bit to enable me to use our Flourish die. It looks like the whisper white ribbon is threaded through the metal. The colours are night of navy, whisper white, brushed silver and night of navy designer series papers from the regals paper stack. The image is from the stamp set Charming, a new one from the mini catalogue. I used my marker pens to colour the stamp.

Dry Embossing

2012-01-12T18:12:00.004Z

These two cards use the technique of brayering the negative side of an embossing folder with a colour. You need to put lots of ink so that you get a really good colour when you put the folder through the Big Shot.

The embossing folder is the Elegant Bouquet from the current catalogue.

For this one I used melon mambo ink and layer whith elegant eggplant and whispere white. The ribbon is elegant eggplant scalloped ribbon from the catalogue.

The colours here are island indigo and pool party (two of the In Colours). After I embossed the card I then used the brayer with the lighter colour, pool party, across the embossed image. The ribbon is pool party ruffled ribbon, rather nice I think.

Both sentiments were from the stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes punched out with the word window and mounted on to the modern label punch.

Something Different

2012-01-12T18:08:00.003Z

Whilst the image on this card is not Stampin' Up! the card stock, rhinestones and punches are. I have had these stamps in my stash for a long time, pre SU and never really used them, they came to light as I was doing some sorting out.

The card uses basic black and whisper white but I did used a different ink pad to achieve the type of image I was looking for.

Engagement Card

2012-01-11T16:03:00.004Z

Another of my nieces got engaged at Christmas so I had to put my thinking cap on and get going. I found this six fold card on SCS and this is my interpretation of the card.

I used the colours pear pizzazz, pear pizzazz designer papers, so saffron and whisper white and a multitude of stamps etc,

The card is pictured in its various stages of opening.

Thanks for looking.

New Baby

2012-01-11T15:45:00.003Z

If you have been following my blog you may remember that I spoke about my niece expecting her first baby, well the baby came on 8 January and both mother and baby Ella are doing well.

This is a picture I downloaded off FB, it is taken with a mobile phone so the quality is not brilliant. I would also, at this moment, like to congratulate my niece and her partner on the birth of their new baby and also my sister and her husband on becoming a grandparents for the second time.

Candles and Birds

2012-01-11T15:34:00.003Z

We went to Ikea a while ago and I found some little glass tea light holders. When I got home I made some boxes for the glass holder and tea light to fit. I decorated the top of the candle with a punch from the doily punch. Made the hole a bit bigger in the centre and popped it over the wick. I used melon mambo and chocolate chip card stock.

The flower on this card is from the stamp set Charming, new in the current Mini Catalogue.
The stamped border is Borderlines, also from the mini and the sentiment is from Perfect Punches in the current catalogue punched out with the wide oval punch. The bird is made using the bird punch.

The colours I used are riding hood red, so saffron and whisper white. The leaves are punched out from old olive.

2012-01-06T15:23:00.004Z

I seem to be in the neutrals mood of late, the browns and golds. Perhaps because it is winter and is a change from the Christmas colours.

I used our wonderful top note die for this card, cutting out the brushed gold card stock and Mocha Morning designer papers. I then put it through the Big Shot with the polka dot embossing folder.

The colours are soft suede. The flowers is from the You Are Loved stamp set (from the mini), stamped with Versamark, heat embossed with gold detail embossing powder and cut out.

Double Dutch Fold Baby Card

2012-01-06T15:10:00.004Z

One of my nieces is due to have a baby next week via C Section. Due to quite serious injuries she received horse riding a couple of years ago, she is unable to give birth naturally as her pelvis has been pinned together so, obviously, she could not deliver naturally. Just before Christmas she found out that the baby was going to be a girl so she has named her Ella May, I think I may of mentioned this in an earlier post, so forgive me for repeating myself (getting old).

This image on this card was inspired from a card I saw on ILWS, I have had this stamp set for a long time but I have to say I do not make the most of it and seeing it used as a baby card jolted my memory.

My niece Jackie, sent me the folds for this card so, with both ideas I produced this.

The colours I used are to match a banner I made recently to go above the baby's cot. Riding Hood Red, Naturals Ivory and Very Vanilla. The stamps sets are a mixture of All in the Family, Bundle of Joy and Little Additions. I coloured the images with the markers and a blender pen.

It is an unusual shape card (which I love to do) so thanks Jackie for introducing it to me. This is one of the wonderful things about the crafting world, people will always share their ideas.

Perfect Postage

2012-01-04T21:52:00.004Z

I was getting a bit worried lately as I seemed to have lost my mojo, I really do think it was probably focusing so much on Christmas. I have some new stamps which I really was struggling with. I have had to do some blog hopping to regain my motivation.

At last, today, I think I found my missing mojo and I have designed my class for my lovely ladies in February and here are a couple of cards I made this evening.

I used calypso coral and lucky limeade with a whisper white. This idea was inspired by Dawn Griffith, Dawn used bakers twine but we do not have it in our catalogue so I used our linen thread. The card was cut using the square die and the scallops were made using the scallop trim border and scallop trim corner punches. The sentiment is from the stamp set Petite Pairs.

Not really into making Valentine cards but I could resist this. I used the stamp set Perfect Postage together with the matching punch (really love this punch). The sentiment in the centre is from the stamp set You are Loved, one of the new sets in the Mini punched out with the decorative label punch. The colours are real red, basic black and whisper white. Again the scallop trim border and scallop trim corner punches were used.

You Are Loved

2012-01-02T19:30:00.000Z

Well Christmas is over for this year, just the new year to start, so I wish all in blogger land A Very HAPPY NEW YEAR.

I have been messing about the last couple of days playing with anything but a Christmas set, think I have now had Christmas cards, don't want to see another one until next year.

As you are probably we have a new Spring Mini Catalogue launching in January which will continue until the Summer Mini later in the year.

Here are a few sneaky peaks of a couple of the stamps sets in the Mini to wet your appetites

This is a pop up card using so saffron, early espresso and very vanilla card stock. The stamp set is, wait for it, "Create a Cupcake" and to match is the ........ "Build a Cupcake Punch". The ribbon is the chocolate chip scallop ribbon in the current catalogue.

For this card I used a rather unusual colour combo for me, night of navy and pear pizazz card stock. I also used the oval embossing folder from the current catalogue, our wide oval punch punches out the centre brilliantly The sentiment is the decorative label punch, punched twice and the whisper white is cut in half and each half trimmed to fit just behind the main label, finished off with the curly label punch, some pearls and the delicious wide ribbon in night of navy.

This card is an unusal fold card I learned from Suzie, a very talented crafter, so thanks Suzie, I made this one quite a bit bigger. I used our shimmery white card stock, for the base card, poppy parade and brushed silver for the contrast. I also used silver embossing powder, and the vintage wallpaper embossing folder to emboss the hearts.

Banner

2011-12-23T09:34:00.004Z

My daughter Lynda in Australia (also an SU Demo) posted three wonderful banners that she had made for her three boys using the SU Perfect Pennants Sizzix die. One of my nieces, there are oh so many, is having her first baby in January, saw the banners that Lynda made and really wanted one for her new baby. So, using Lynda's basic idea I have made her one. I know there are several uses for this banner and it is always difficult to take credit for these ideas.

Anyway, here is the banner.

My niece knows the sex of her baby and has already found a lovely name, Ella May, the May is in honour of my mother, her grandmother.

I was asked for a warm red as she had used natural colours for the baby's area, so I used naturals ivory and riding hood red card stock, with very vanilla ribbon.

Just a sideways closeup.

A5 Calendar

2011-12-22T15:51:00.006Z

Having made a few of the little desk calendars in the little cases I thought I would have a go at making an A5 (just under) just to see if I could. I designed the calendar part on the computer leaving space at the top to make the pictures.

This is a view of the calendar from the side.

Not sure how clear the images will be when I publish the post but I think you will get the idea.

Looks like I am showing off with how many stamp sets I possess (promise I am not).

I didn't try to hard to create the seasons too much because I would find that difficult and it spoils the fun if I try to get too serious.

Thanks for looking - don't know why this is underlining, did not ask for it.

A Few Bits

2011-12-13T19:25:00.007Z

What a wild and windy start to the real winter, still at least we are not all snowed in.

Well, as promised here are a few of the cards and items I have been working on lately. It is only some, there has been things made that I have forgotten to photograph.

The following few cards were made using the resist technique with the brayer. This is achieved by stamping the background image with Versamark and then brayer directly over the whole card and then wiping with a tissue. It is quite an old technique so I don't want to be telling anyone to suck eggs. The sentiment has been embossed with gold embossing powder.

This one is made using the stamp set Pines and Poinsettias.

The stamp set for this one is using the Beautiful Season stamp set. For all these that are brayer I used glossy white card from the SU Catalogue.

I used the single Dasher stamp for this card and used different blues to achieve the effect. You can just see the the Lovely as a Tree and Hopeful Thoughts stamp sets in the background. I still have a lot to learn using the brayer.

I just love this set, Polar Party, I have made a lot of cards using this set but sadly, I forgot to photograph them before I sent them out.

This, again, is using the Beautiful Season stamp set. This time I coloured the image using marker pens and a blender pen.
Finally for this post this is some of the gifts I made for a craft fair, this was the second lot of goodies I made as I made some for a friend who was doing a charity stall and then found I had the opportunity of a stall at my local pub so had to get going and do it all over again.

Thanks for looking and I will try and get back into the habit of posting more regularly once the festive season is over.

Merry Christmas to you all and, just as a taster, we have a mini catalogue coming at the beginning of January and it looks great, I am sure you will all love it.

Class

2011-12-03T08:30:00.001Z

Wow, how bad am I? I have not posted for sometime so for that I apologise.

I have been really busy making items for craft fairs and getting ready for classes. I have also been making Christmas cards which I will post another day.

I have a class today and their will be eight of us (including me). This is a picture of my conservatory all ready for the motley crew.

In front of each member are little gifts from me, they consist of a little house with a flicking battery candle in, a little sewing kit made using two tags die cut and a little Christmas tree with a chocolate which was a swap I received at one of the Peterborough training days I went to. It was created by my niece Jackie, she really is so creative, so thanks Jackie for the inspiration.

I took the pictures last night so perhaps they are not very clear.

I love all the ladies that come to the class, we have such fun. They all bring their own lunch and we make a really good day of it.

Luscious Aviary in Gold

2011-11-10T19:59:00.005Z

Prior to making the Christmas cards for the class I was really busy for two days making a project as a Christmas present. Can't show it as the person in question might peak.

I have finally finished the Christmas Cards and wanted to play with the Aviary stamp set. I used the gorgeous Mocha Morning Speciality papers and the brushed gold card stock. I feel it gives a really luxurious finish with the gold embossed birdcage and the pearls.

The brad is from the new vintage brads in the catalogue and the bow is made from the very vanilla seam binding, also new in the catalogue.

I also used soft suede and very vanilla card stock and early espresso ink.

The paper has been rolled and the punches used are the new scallop ribbon punch, modern label and the scallop border.

Sweeties

2011-11-10T19:54:00.003Z

I cannot believe that I have not posted anything since October. In my defence I can only say that it has been a bit busy, husband's birthday, our anniversary, visitors to stay (which was great). I have been busy making Christmas cards for my class next Saturday.

My husband likes to nibble on sweets throughout the evening so I purchased some sweets in jars and made a gift so that he knows they are just for him.

Neutrals

2011-10-27T11:02:00.003+01:00

I made this card as a 7" x 5" card, just for a change. I used the gorgeous Mocha Morning designer series papers, soft suede and crumb cake card and inks. The images are stamped onto very vanilla card. I think it gives a softer look than white with the neutral colours.

In the corner is one of the stunning antique brads. The sentiment is from the stamp set Petite Pairs, punched with the oval scallop and large oval punches. The crumb cake strip is punched using the new scallop ribbon punch.

Timeless Portrait Hanging Bin

2011-10-25T13:14:00.003+01:00

Sometime ago one of my friends purchased something like this at the NEC. Her mother-in-law made several and they were sold in aid of the Air Ambulance. With the new material from SU, I thought I would have a go.

The fabric is Timeless Portrait. There are also papers and a stamp set in the same series.

I loved the bag I had before, but I have to say I like this one better. It really is useful, it keeps the floor and the table top clear so that I can make a mess with everything else.

Please don't ask me for a pattern, I haven't one. A bit like most of my projects I just do it, not very good at giving instructions.

Petal Cone Die Decoration

2011-10-25T10:27:00.004+01:00

Good morning all

This is something I made yesterday and completed this morning.

This die, like many others, is really versatile. I am sure I cannot lay claim to the idea because it seemed so obvious to me so I am sure that someone, somewhere has already done this.

It is quite time consuming as the glitter takes some time to dry so it has to be done in stages. The glitter is actually on the inside of the cone, that is why it takes sometime to dry as the glitter needs to come through when the glue is dry. I used Stazon ink as it sticks and dries on acetate well.

I used the stamp set Serene snowflakes, the glitter is all Stampin' Up! I found it quite difficult to photograph to achieve the best effect, the ribbon (1/8" taffeta ribbon) has thrown quite a shadow.

Dinoroar

2011-10-24T16:43:00.005+01:00

This is a fun card, fun to make, using the new stamp set Dinoroar. It took a while to make the masks but it certainly passed the time. The trees in the background are that ever faithful set, Lovely as a Tree, such versatile set.

The colours are cajun craze, old olive and old olive designer series papers.

The sentiment is not permanently fixed as I don't really know yet what to do with it.

Forthcoming Birthdays

2011-10-22T16:32:00.005+01:00

Hi again

I have a few birthdays coming up so I thought I would make a start. As neither of the following recipients have a computer I feel safe in showing these on the blog.

In the new catalogue we had some designer embossing frames. I was not aware that if you run them through the big shot on a smaller than a full card size piece, you can punch out the middle with the punches. How good is that? For the oval I used the wide oval punch and for the rectangle I used the large square punch. The square punch requires you to punch twice but it works.

This card is made in wisteria wonder, elegant eggplant and whisper white. The papers are from the paper stack of this years in colours. The three smaller butterflies are from the stampset Precious Butterflies and the larger from Creative Elements. The sentiments are from another one of the brand new stamp setes, For the Family.

Cherry Cobbler, brushed gold and pink pirouette and whisper white. Cherry cobbler seam binding. (no Lynda it is not yours).

Finally

2011-10-22T11:37:00.002+01:00

This is the last card for the moment, I want to play with some other sets today

I coloured the body with the cherry cobbler marker pen and the antlers with Versamark and embossed them with gold EMP. I punched two pieces from the doily punch, pushed them into the Versamark ink and embossed them also with gold EMP.

The gold mat is the new bushed gold card stock, new in the catalogue and the sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, it really has possibly all the greetings you would need and fit beautifully into the word window punch. I also used the paper piercer and mat around the edge of the cherry cobbler mat.

That is it for the moment, thanks for looking and I will post more soon.

Christmas Cards

2011-10-22T11:25:00.002+01:00

Yesterday myself and my husband made some Christmas cards, in fact last night, we put our little crafting tables in the lounge and had a really crafty evening. It was quite fun.

Anyway, these are what I created.

Stamp Sets: Pines and Poinsettias, Parlour Prints, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Cardstock: Cherry cobbler, whisper white and lucky limeade
Inks: Versamark, gold embossing poweder, cherrycobbler embossing powder
Accessories: Lucky limeade, soft suede, chocolate chip and cherry cobbler marker pens

Stamp Sets: Pennant Parade, Teeny Tiny Wishes (Holly from Pines and Poinsettias)
Cardstock: Lucky limeade, cherry cobbler, whisper white and designer papers
Inks: Lucky limeade, cherry cobbler
Accessories: Stampamajig, rhinestones, silver glitter, scallop trim border punch

Stamp Sets: Welcome Christmas, Petite Pairs, Winter Post, (stars from Serene Snowflakes)
Cardstock: Night of navy, old olive and whisper white
Inks: Basic black, night of navy, old olive
Accessories: Bauble punch to create mask to sponge the outline and stamp the images
rhinestones, scallop edge ribbon, paper piercer and piercing mat.

Christmas Cards 2

2011-10-22T11:22:00.005+01:00

Continuing on from my previous post, these card were are made using the stamp set Polar Party.

Stamp Sets: Polar Party
Card stock: Wisteria Wonder, cherry cobbler, whisper white
Inks: Marker pens and Stazon
Accessories: Cherry cobbler seam binding, polka dots embossing folder

Stamp Sets: Polar Party, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Card stock: Real red, lucky limeade and whisper white
Inks: Lucky limeade, daffodil delight, old olive, basic gray and cherry cobbler marker pens and blender pen
Accessories: scallop ribbon punch, word window punch

Stamp Sets: Polar Party, Pines and Poinsettias
Card stock: Cherry Cobbler, whisper white and old olive
Inks: Marker pens and blender pen
Accessories: Cherry cobbler seam binding, scallop edge punch

These card are what Reg made whilst we had our 'crafting together time'. I am a bit mean, don't let him have my precious card stock or inks, I know I am mean but, never mind he understands. He uses lots of my old stash, before SU.

I am really quite proud of him, not just because I think he is good but because he has a go.

Creative Elements

2011-10-22T10:52:00.006+01:00

I am really beginning to love this stamp set Creative Elements, the elements (pardon the pun) are all really pretty.

The frame is made using a border stamp, it is only one stamp but I managed to get it to work in a square using the Stampamajig.
The colours are river rock, very vanilla and always artichoke card and inks. For the flower I used the rock and roll technique, stamped one image in the centre, two onto scrap card, cut them out and mounted them.

I will be back later with some Christmas cards made last night.

Peterborough Training Day

2011-10-19T19:17:00.007+01:00

As you would have seen from my previous post my niece, Jackie, and myself went to Monica and Bekka's training day at Peterborough. We had, as always, a superb day, lots of crafting, lots of swapping and lots of chatting.

I thought I would show a couple of the cards we made, and then my case that I did today.

Firstly, cards made using the Aviary stamp set, together with the leaves from Hopeful Thoughts.

This is the one we made at Peterborough using calypso coral, pool party and very vanilla card stock. The border is made using the new scallop ribbon punch, a wonderful vintage brad, also from the new catalogue and Victoria 5/8" crocheted ribbon. The sentiment is from the Petite Pairs stamp set. The little puched flower is made using the itty bitty punch set.

This is the one I made this afternoon using the same stamp sets but different colours, wisteria wonder, elegant eggplant and whisper white. Instead of the antique brad I used one of the brads from the new in colour glimmer brads. The green on both the cards is lucky limeade, one of the new in colours. I so loved the design of both these cards I wanted to recreate them.

This is the one we made at Peterborough using the new stamp set Everything Elenour using soft suede, crumb cake and very vanilla card stock and inks. Don't those brads just look stunning?

I have not yet got the Everything Eleanor so I recreated the sketch with the stamp set Creative Elements. The papers are from the Mocha Morning Speciality papers which are absolutely scrummy. The border of the paper is made using the scallop trim border punch.

So to Monica and Bekka, once again, thanks for a wonderful day.

Peterborough Swaps

2011-10-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

As promised earlier, here are my Peterborough Swaps. I used the stamp set Polar Party. Just one of the little penquins.

I embossed the paper vellum with the polka dots embossing folder, cut out the back mat from the perfects pennants die, the 2" circle from the circles die and the penquin is punched out with the 1 3/4" circle punch.

The colours are cherry cobbler, whisper white and lucky limeade. the sentiment is from teeny tiny wishes and then punched with the word window punch.

Christmas Cards

2011-10-12T16:17:00.005+01:00

Frightening is it not, Christmas is not too far away. I thought I would try and get a bit ready (lol) and put a few Christmas cards together.

Both these cards are made using, yep, you guessed it, Polar Party, my new favourite Christmas stamp set. The top one is a reflective image achieved with a brayer. I used, whisper white, real red and old olive and finished with the white satin ribbon. I also used the polka dot on the old olive and the heart. The sentiment is from the new stamp set Teeny Tiny Wishes.

For this card I masked the images at the front and stamped the Lovely As a Tree image for the background. I then glittered, using dazzling diamonds all the white bits on the animals and in the trees. Hence the sparkling effect that the flash on the camera has picked up. As before I used whisper white, real red and, for this card, certainly celery card stock.

Finally this card is made using the stamp set Beautiful Season, using cherry cobbler, whisper white and old olive card stock. The ribbon is the retired 1/8" taffeta ribbon and the brads are from my stash.

Simply Soft Again

2011-10-11T13:41:00.002+01:00

Forgot this one too..... Must be getting old!!

I seemed to have been on a embossing vellum kick at the moment. I must say I do love the effect. The colours I used are baja blue and basic gray. I used the Versamark pen on the petals of the flowers and embossed them with clear EMP then a little bit of dazzling diamonds on the stamens.

I am going now, find my brain, and come back later.

Autumn Forever Young

2011-10-11T13:28:00.003+01:00

I nearly forgot about this one too. I did a demonstration recently and this was the card I demonstrated.

I made it using the tree stamp from the Forever Young set.

I firstly cover the tree with the more mustard markers and then using a selection of autumn coloured markers sploged colour in different area and then finally used the chocolate chip marker to colour the trunk and the brances (and the swing). Not sure if you can actually see the effect of the colours in this photograph but it does look effective IRL. The ribbon is the new dotted scallop ribbon and the sentiment is punched out with the word window punch.

Oops Nearly Forgot These

2011-10-11T13:24:00.003+01:00

If I had a brain I would be dangerous. I love the new hostess set Simply Soft, in fact I love two step stamping. I was sitting down the other day and thought I would do something simple using the card stock vellum and the embossing folders. These four are what I came up with.

I used a different embossing folder on each card. I have not got the new stripes embossing folder just yet. Would you believe, I forgot to add it to my first order.

So Many new Products

2011-10-11T11:54:00.004+01:00

I love this new catalogue, so many new products but, would you believe, that each time a catalogue or a mini catalogue is launched I seem to go blank, so much to play with and I just get a bit overwhelmed.

I had to make 40 swaps for the training day I am going to next Sunday, done, how efficient is that. I will post a picture once the day is over. As the pressure of making 40 swaps is now over I had a little play this morning and here are the results.

The first is a little basket made with the Petal Cone Die, new in the catalogue. It is a Bigz die. The shape should be that of a cone (I know, obvious by its name). But by scoring the die at a lower point I made it into a basket. The handle is made using the new Dotted scallop ribbon edge border punch and the decoration on the side of the basket with the new doily layer punch.

The colours I used are Perfect Plum and Regal Rose, not colours I have put together before but I think it worked.

This is one of the new sets, Polar Party, I think this well may turn out to be one of my favourite sets for Christmas. The bear is gorgeous and the penguins, well, they are just too cute.

I stamped the images with Stazon and used the basic gray marker pen and the blender pen to give a little depth to the image. The colours are cherry cobbler (gorgeous colour for Christmas), whisper white and garden green.

I also used the new Dotted Scalloped Ribbon border punch on the front. I would think it would also look quite nice with jewels or pearls.

I (Heart) Hearts

2011-10-05T12:23:00.003+01:00

This is my take on a card in the new Catalogue. It shows all the new in colours for the coming year. I used the polka dot embossing folder on the whisper white. The heart border is punched using the small heart punch.

I finished with a the satin white ribbon behind the puched hearts and rhinestones. I like these colours together it makes the card look fresh.

Calendar Cases

2011-10-01T08:00:00.004+01:00

Over on ILWS we did a calendar case share as they are cheaper if purchased in bulk. I used the computer to make the calendar to fit and stamped the graphics.

I used a selection of stamp sets, one of them being Simply Soft from the new catalogue. It is really a beautiful set.
I also used various colours to stamp the cards as I wanted the calendar to be flowery.

Another Forever Young Sneak Peak

2011-09-30T08:30:00.001+01:00

This card is probably quite busy. There is so much great stuff to use that I almost want to use everything at once, so I probably should have gone for less is more.

Never mind, the colours are basic black and so saffron. The designer series paper is Just Eat Cake from the new catalogue, the sentiment is from Happiest Birthday Wishes and that brilliant lace ribbon border punch. Oh my goodness, there is also black satin ribbon, 1/8" taffeta ribbon, the Bevel Window pane and just to finish some pearls. Wow......

Forever Young Grunge

2011-09-30T08:10:00.001+01:00

I went for the grungy look when I did this card. I used the distressing kit over the background stamp En Francais. I used basic black and very vanilla card and basic black ink.

It is not obvious in this photograph but I first stamped in Versamark and used black embossing powder. I stamped the image again and embossed in the same way. I then, with the 1" punch punched out the clock centre and put acetate behind and then adhered with dimensionals so that the clock face looked like glass. It looks quite effective in real life. The black stripe on the side is actually the black satin ribbon. The sentiment is from the stamp set Happiest Birthday Wishes.

So Many Sneak Peaks

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

So many sneak peaks and you thought I was sitting about doing nothing eh...

I haven't made one of the Stationery Boxes by Jackie Topa for ages now, so I thought I would have a go. One of our demonstrators changed the measurements slightly to allow for British envelopes. USA have different paper sizes to us.

This is the box closed and open (stating the obvious). I used cherry cobbler and pink pirouette. the design papers are from the subtles paper stack. I have actually used pretty in pink papers as they are more vibrant.

Above is the cards and envelopes I made to fill the spaces in the box. The card on the top right is a case of a card I have seen by Joanne Gelnar, the queen (I think) of paper flowers.

Stamp Sets: Simply Soft and Pennant Parade, both new sets in the 2011-2012 catalogue.
Punches: Petite Pennants Builder, Lace Ribbon Border, Large Scallop Oval, Large Oval, Round Tab.
Finally a beautiful circle die that is on the Bigz L die called Perfect Pennants.

The Simply Soft stamp set (which is one of the stamp sets you can earn from holding a workshop in your home) is a two step stamping set, I have to say this is one of my favourite ways of stamping. I loved the Fast Fabulous set we had in the last catalogue.

Sneaky Peaks

2011-09-29T09:00:00.001+01:00

As you have probably guessed by now we are due to launch the new catalogue on 1st October which is full of wonderful goodies to add to your stash. As a demonstrator we are allowed to pre-order some items so that we can prepare samples.

Below is a sample of one of the hostess benefits. It is a two step stamping set and it is really pretty. This is for my Mother in law who is in her early 90's. I was pleased to hear that she loved it .

The colours are concord crush, whisper white and peach parfait. As well as the new stamps notice the beautiful ribbon punch along the bottom of the card.

Forever Young Pastels

2011-09-29T08:15:00.000+01:00

I don't, very often, make cards in all pastels but I had the feeling that I wanted to try.

The colours are the new Wisteria Wonder, one of this years in-colours available 1 October, and pink pirouette.

I used the shadow technique, stamped the pink pirouette first and then I covered the stamp in Versamark and the into the wisteria wonder ink, covered with clear embossing powder and heat set. As I had somebody in mind for the card I stamped an 'A' using the Broadsheet Alphabet stamp set. For the inside I stamped a thank you using the Elegant Thank you stamp and decorated the bottom with the beautiful Lace Ribbon Border punch.

There will be some more tomorrow.

Forever Young on the Wrist

2011-09-29T07:00:00.000+01:00

Whilst punching out the face of the clock for another project I had an idea to make a wrist watch. I made a frame using the 1" and 1 1/4" in punch and glued it to a another 1 1/4" circle. With the Versamark pen is inked the frame and embossed with silver embossing powder and then glued the clock face and decorated with pearls.

The watch strap is made from baja blue seam binding. I used black card stock in the effort to make is look elegant.

Perfect Pennants die

2011-09-28T21:00:00.001+01:00

This card is made using some of the new products. This card is a 7" x 5" card using all the cuts from the Perfects Pennants die as well as the smaller two pennants which are from the Petitie Pennants builder punch, also there is the Lace Ribbon punch in there too. The sentiment in the centre is from the Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set, one of the great new hostess sets that are on offer.

The colours are elegant eggplant and wisteria wonder (one of the new in colours for 2011-2012)

Another Peak - Forever Young Miniatures

2011-09-28T09:40:00.001+01:00

I love this set, I think it will have lots of uses.

The ribbon down the centre of the card is the new scalloped ribbon. I used the bevelled frames, kept in place with the narrow whisper white taffeta ribbon.

The base colours are chocolate chip, whisper white and pink pirouette. The punches I used are the new lace ribbon punch, itty bitty punches, the 1 3/4" punch and the backing 2" circle is one of the new dies for the Big Shot. I centred the ribbon punch in the middle of the base of the card and punched. I then inserted a piece of pink pirouette card that I embossed with the polka dots embossing folder through.

Thanks for looking

First Sneak Peaks - 3 Days to Go

2011-09-28T08:50:00.001+01:00

Here are a couple of new stamps that are in the new catalogue launching on 1 October.

The first is Beautiful Season. A lovely set to colour in. I used the marker pens and blender pens to colour this image. The colours are cherry cobbler, lucky limeade and whisper white. The punch is the scallope trim border and the button is from the regals collection. I also used old olive 1/8" taffeta ribbon.

The card below is made using the sentiment from Something for Christmas and the Christmas trees are stamped using the Pennant Parade stamp set.

The colours are cherry cobbler, wild wasabi and whisper white.

Happiest Birthday Wishes

2011-09-28T08:40:00.000+01:00

This card shows the sentiment set Happiest Birthday Wishes.

The sentiment on this card is probably the largest in the set but it is a really great set with a lot of the words fitting into the punches.

The colours are poppy parade, lucky limeade, so saffron and whisper white. I also used the beautiful new lace ribbon border punch punch and the paper is from the Just Eat Cake DSP.

Growing Green

2011-09-27T19:18:00.004+01:00

I haven't used this set much so as I have had to empty my display board of the cards where the stamp set has retired, it left it quite empty.

Anyway, I used real red, shimmery white and wild wasabi card stock. I stamped onto the shimmery white card with Versamark and embossed with black embossing powder. Spritzed with water and used a reinker and an aqua brush to drop the colour in. I have also been busy using some of the new stamp sets due to launch on 1st October but I am going to keep you in suspense until nearer the date......

Star Box

2011-09-25T18:55:00.003+01:00

This is my take on a box I first saw made by Lindsey Mortimer, it took some working out but got there in the end.

You have here a sneak preview of one of the new Designer Series Papers that will be in the new catalogue launching on 1 October (Its getting exciting now).

The colours are blushing bride and wisteria wonder (another sneak peak of one of the new In colours for this year). The flower is made from the Large Flower die and the leaves from the Leaves 2 die, both available in the catalogue.

Comissioned Cards

2011-09-23T09:08:00.005+01:00

These are a couple of cards I was asked to make.

The colours I used are concord crush, pink pirouette, wisteria wonder and whisper white. The Happy Birthday is from the Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set. The age stamps are Stampin' Up! but a long retired set. The punches are the Lace Ribbon punch and the Border Trim punch and the dies are the Scallop Circle and The Timeless Type Junior Alphabet, all finished with a few rhinestones.

For this wedding card I used the White Shimmery Card from the catalogue with a little touch of wisteria wonder with the Lace Ribbon Punch. The hearts are made using the Scallop Heart of Hearts embosslit from the catalogue. I punched the bird using the bird punch and put the wings of the bird through the heart embosslit to match the hearts embossing. The name tags are made using the word window punch. The sentiment is from the retired stamp set Mr & Mrs. Finished with the pearls from the catalogue and 1/8" narrow taffeta ribbon in white threaded through the punched ribbon.

Thanks for looking and hopefully over the next few days I will post some sneak peaks from the new catalogue.

Pop Up Cards

2011-09-07T18:02:00.007+01:00

I was asked to make two birthday cards for the same person. The information that I was given was to make one card with mince pies popping up and the other with a barbecue and caravan. I have never made pop up cards before so it was quite a challenge. I tried to use punches as much as possible. In the past I had found punch art for a steak pie, so I slightly adapted and made mince pies dusted at the top with some dazzling diamonds. The barbecue was also some punch art I found and added some silver shimmer paint to create a chrome look.

The canopy was from a card we made at one of Monica's training days. It just goes to prove that these training days really do help with inspiration.

Obviously to the recipient it will mean something so I really hope they are successful.

Rich Razzleberry

2011-09-04T12:23:00.009+01:00

This is what my lovely ladies did at class yesterday. The class was based on rich razzleberry and so saffron colours using the stamp set Just Believe - this is one of my favourite stamp sets - and Perfect Puches.

We made good use of the Big Shot, the top note die, polka dot embossing folder and the swirls embosslit and punches.

The gift bag, top left, is in an earlier post, made using a 12" x 12" sheet of designer series papers from a tutorial by another demonstrator Angela. The tutorial is great, it makes a really decent size bag that could be suitable for any occasion. The card, bottom left is made using a shadow technique, stamping the image with sahara sand ink and then, using the stamp-a-majig, positioning and stamping in the darker colour slightly offset. The bottom right is using one of the acrylic blocks to stamp the background in the lighter colour, in this case so saffron, and then stamping the image in the darker colour. The card, top right, is similar to a card I posted before but just using a different colour way. All the cards are using the rich razzleberry striped wide ribbon which is retiring this month.

2011-09-01T09:29:00.002+01:00

It is nearing the time for the launch of the 2011-2012 catalogue so SU have, today, released the list of the products that will be retiring at the end of this month. So, if there is something on the list you need, get in quick. Just click on the picture to find the retired list.

LAST CHANCE - RETIREMENT LIST

Thinking of You

2011-08-23T16:41:00.004+01:00

This is my last project for today.

It is a thinking of you card, no idea why but it just felt like that is what is ought to be.

I used cherry cobbler, whisper white and pink pirouette, one of my favourite combinations. There are two stamp sets used, one is Itty bitty together with the matching punches and the words from Hopeful Thoughts. The leaves are the Big Shot little leaves, the papers are from the Regals and Subtles paper stacks. I also used the border trim punch and the Big Shot lots of tags to mat the sentiment. The sentiment is made using the wide oval punch. Nearly forgot the jumbo eyelets, pink satin ribbon and the piercing tool and mat.

Grandson's 7th Birthday

2011-08-23T13:23:00.006+01:00

It is soon coming up for my youngest grandson's birthday. As he lives overseas I have to think in advance so that the postage period does not spoil him getting it on his birthday. For the older two boys I made them a photo albumn so, as not to let him down, I have made one for him.

I used a template that the very clever Caroline Skinner had on her blog. It is called a Shutter Card Albumn. I have blurred out his name for obvious reasons.

The colours I used are real red and tempting turquoise. The papers are from the brights paper stack.

What is a present without the birthday card. I thought I would follow the theme with the colours.

The stamp set is Cute as a Bug. This is a stamp set that I was given for my birthday, cute don't you think?

Printed Petals

2011-08-23T12:51:00.006+01:00

Going a bit flower mad at the moment, well it is summer (I think). I spent all day yesterday out in the garden cutting all the big shrubs back into shape. It was a lovely day, cannot believe that we are in the same country today.

I stamped the Bella Toile background stamp and then with Versamark and clear embossing powder stamped the image and then sponged around the clear image just to give it a bit of a boost.

I then stamped four images and cut them out and made the flower using the same technique as i have used previously. There are several tutorials on the Internet how to do this so it is very difficult to know who to give the credit to.

The accessories are the fancy flower for the Bigshot, the back of the flower and pierced it around the edge for texture, spiral border punch, round scallop punch white satin ribbon threaded through a piece from the silver hodge podge in the catalogue.

I have to say that it looks better in the flesh than my photograph. (me and cameras, not a good match)

Just Believe

2011-08-23T12:47:00.003+01:00

This centre column card is made using one of my favourite stamp sets, Just Believe. The colours are rich razzleberry, so saffron and old olive.

I used the stamp'n write markers to colour the image. I also used the flower brads from the brights set.

Hearts

2011-08-23T12:37:00.002+01:00

I was looking through our SU magazine and saw a card similar sketch to these two cards, so was inspired to play.

I made a mask using the small heart punch, had to measure them out so the mask fitted across the page, and then sponged the hearts with baha breeze ink. The layered it up with cajun craze and some baha breeze DSP. Stamped love and punched out with the heart punch and then used baha breeze seam binding to hold the bevelled frame in place. The top of the card is embossed with the Big Shot using the perfect polka dots embossing folder. The edge punch is the border trim.

This is the same idea using the mask, this time using marina mist card stock. I rolled the texture roller along the top with marina mist ink. The bevelled frame is held in place with the marina mist 1/8" taffeta ribbon. The edge is the scallop border punch.

Rich Razzleberry

2011-08-16T16:10:00.001+01:00

As you may be aware SU have a promotion running this month.

1-31 August, 2011

As if getting new Stampin’ Up! products wasn’t fun enough, when you place a £75 order, or host a £250 workshop, you’ll also receive a free gift from Stampin’ Up!

Your gift includes a beautiful, exclusively-designed cosmetic bag, along with Rich Razzleberry 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, and a 24-piece Clip Assortment

The ribbon is the wide striped ribbon which is gorgeous to work with so I tried to find a couple of way to use it today.

Here are my attempts.

The first is a basket using the Scallop Envelope die. I cut four envelopes and pieced them together. I got the idea whilst in Australia last year but we did not have the die in the UK at that time.

The colours are rich razzleberry and regal rose. The stamp set I used is Silhouette Sentiments, a level 1 hostess gift.

The cards are six very simple 3" x 3" note cards and envelopes.

The second is also made with the scallop envelope die. Only two this time . The colours are the same as previously but the stamp set is the little flower from the stamp set Funky Four.

The little sentiment is not in our current catalogue it is a set I obtained whilst overseas.

This box holds four, again very simple, 3" x 3" note cards.

I was looking at a blog hop this morning where the American demos were sharing new ideas with the products from their latest catalogue and was inspired to have a go at this. I stamped the En Francais background stamp first, then stamped the Medallion background stamp with Versamark and embossed using clear EMP. Sponged the edges of the medallion and then cleaned it off the clear image. I used naturals ivory, very vanilla and rich razzleberry card stock, the ribbon and very vanilla satin ribbon. The sentiment is from the stamp set Occasional Quotes.

Thanks so much for looking

2011-08-12T17:39:00.004+01:00

These are a couple of cards I made today.

The first is a 4" x 4" card using the stamp set French Foliage. I have only just got this set so I have not yet explored the different ways to use.

I used colours that I must admit I do not reach for straight away. Always artichoke and more mustard. I have to say that it isn't half bad.

This one is inspired by the brilliant Monica. Monica used different colours and a different style so it is not an exact case.

I used the stamp set Sew Lovely, twill tape, black and red DSP (designer series papers), the button is made with DSP and all put together with the brilliant Top Note Die. All finished with the itty bitty punches, jewellery tag, tiny tags stamp set and some rhinestones.

Various Projects

2011-08-11T11:00:00.000+01:00

This card is using the Bigz Flower Die and the leaves are from the punch build a blossom. The frame, as I mentioned in a previous post is made punching a frame with the curly label punch and sponging through the fame directly onto bashful blue card. Not sure if you can see that I then spritzed the flower using the champagne mist shimmer paint.

The sentiment is from the Curly Cute stamp set.

This was fun to make, I firstly put some card through the big shot using the square lattice embossing folder and then with a brayer, Versamark and melon mambo ink lightly rolled over the pattern, added clear embossing powder and heat set and finally cut out three circles with the circles die. The flowers are from the Pocket Silhouettes stamp set and the sentiment is from a set I obtained whilst abroad.

Lastly, these gift bags are made using one sheet of 12" x 12" designer series papers from a tutorial by another demonstrator Angela over at Sparkly Cards and Papercrafts. I think they are really cute.

2011-08-11T08:30:00.001+01:00

This card is my slant on a card that was in our SU monthly magazine.

It is made using the stamp set Itty Bitty, the colours are melon mambo, rich razzleberry and whisper white. The stamp set has a matching set of three punches that fit the stamps. I also used the tag punches and scallop trim punch.

Oh Dear

2011-08-10T14:23:00.009+01:00

Been away a long time, sorry about that.

The garden has been calling, there are quite a few shrubs and they really need to be kept under some sort of control.

I have been making a few craft items, some of which have already been distributed and did not get photographed.

So here are are a few bits I have been making.

We went away for a few days, firstly up to London to see my 91 year old Mother in Law, then on to see my lovely niece Jackie and finally, to Worthing to visit my husband's brother and his wife. We had a great time.

That is the only positive of no longer having a dog (I really mean the only). We miss our Border Collie a lot. Not sure if I said before but he was rescued when he was 2.5 years old. He had some issues which progressively got worse. He suffered from fear aggression which made him very unstable so, on the advice of the vet, we had to say our good byes.

Anyway let's soldier on, this is a box and four C6 cards I made as a gift for my husband's sister in law.

I chose the colours night of navy and pink pirouette. The flower is made from the bigz flower die.

I used the curly label punch to make a frame for the above card, sponged with night of navy onto pink pirouette and then cut it out leaving a small border. The butterfly is from the Strength and Hope stamp set.

This one used the top note die, decorative label punch, spots embossing folder, circles die and the stamp set Vintage Vogue.

Again I made a frame, this time from the top note die, sponged the pink pirouette and stamped the background stamp En Francais through the template.

Finally, again the top note die, Vintage Vogue stamp set and the lovely narrow ribbon.

These are two boxes that contain four little cards and four envelopes, the envelopes are made from the Scalloped Envelope Sizzix die.

Unfortunately I did not photograph the cards etc. They were my slant on a tutorial from the clever Jenny Moors.

The flower on the navy box is made using the Printed Petals stamp set, cut about to achieve the shape,. The other is the wonderful Sizzix daises die.

Excuses and Daisies

2011-06-24T15:16:00.008+01:00

I have not been about for a while as last Tuesday the contractor who cuts the grass verges managed to cut through the cable at the base of the telegraph pole. There were about 9 of us that were cut off. BT made very little effort to get it repaired so I had no phone and no internet.

One of the 9 people is a 95 year old gentleman who relies on the telephone line for his alarm if he is in trouble (suffers with angina). Anyway the family had to stay with him in shifts as it was not safe to leave him. They are such a lovely family. His daughter got on to our local councillor who took up the challenge and had many rows with BT on our behalf. He threatened them with the newspapers if it did not get sorted very quickly as some of the other people are also elderly and need the phone. Well, it took eight days before it was fixed and sure enough it was repaired and it was also reported in our local Evening Telegraph. Shame on BT.....

I have been playing withe various flower tutorials that have been around recently so, when my class meets next month, we will be flowery.

Colours: Marina mist, baja breeze, whisper white, cajun craze.
Accessories:

Large oval punch
Daisies 2 die
Springtime Vintage Designer papers

Triple Slider Card

2011-06-24T15:11:00.004+01:00

Another slider card. The slider cards are a little confusing at first but you soon get the idea and they can be fun. As always the colours and design always takes the longest.

The colours are night of navy and whisper white. The accessories are as follows

Modern label punch
Fancy flower punch
Border trim punch
Round tab punch
Circles die
Little leaves die
Top Note die

Wedding Card

2011-06-24T15:04:00.003+01:00

A while ago I posted some wedding invitations I had made. Well the wedding is almost happening so I have made this wedding card. I have seen various cards with the two owls as bride and groom and this three tier slider is my interpretation.

The colours are crumb cake, cajun craze, marina mist and very vanilla card stock. The accessories are:

Round tab punch
Decorative label punch
Top Note die
Wide oval punch
Modern label punch
Little leaves die
Little tags die
Seam binding
Designer Series Papers

Centre Step Cards

2011-06-09T10:31:00.002+01:00

Well, here we go again, another couple of these centre step cards. I love the shape of these cards and I know I am going to do it to death. Jackie has made some of these and they are absolutely stunning, pop over and have a look here.

This one used the stamp set Nature Walk. the colours are so saffron and pear pizzazz. The papers are Botanical Gazette and the leaves are the Big Shot die Little Leaves.

The colours for this card are pink pirouette and chocolate chip. The vase is the ornament punch embossed with the square lattice folder. The little flowers are puched from the itty bitty punch set. I also used the bo ho blossoms punch, scallop trim border and the decorative label punch. The leaves again are the Little Leaves die.

Baby Boy and Girl

2011-06-08T12:31:00.007+01:00

For no reason whatsoever I felt like making a couple of baby cards and here are the results.

I made one for a girl and one for a boy. I have seen the chest of drawers method on several cards over the years and alway promised myself I would have a go. Lots of cutting out but fun and aching fingers.
The colours, are pink pirouette and melon mambo. For the boy bashful blue and night of navy.
The stamp set is Bundle of Joy.

Growing Green

2011-06-07T18:10:00.010+01:00

Finally today, Growing Green. The colours are real red, whisper white and garden green. The butterflies are the beautiful wings embosslits for the Big Shot.

It really is fun having the Big Shot available to us in the UK, It opens up so many options and takes everything to another level. In fact too many, I seem to have so much to play with that I stand there thinking more than I do doing.

Petal Die

2011-06-07T18:02:00.003+01:00

The flower in the centre has been cut using the petal die for the Big Shot. The butterfly is from the stamp set Nature Walk. I also cut out an acetate layer from the flower and heated is slightly to make it curl, an idea I saw in my craft magazine.

The random stamping in the background is stamped with the Itty Bitty Bits stamp set. I also used the bo ho blossoms punch for the centre flower. Dazzling diamonds and crystal effects make the centre The sentiment is from the Flight of the Butterfly stampset and I used the Lots of Tags for the Big Shot and the wide oval punch.

Sew Lovely

2011-06-07T17:59:00.004+01:00

The card is made using the stamp set Sew Lovely.

The colours are real red and marina mist. The centre circle is cut using the circles die for the Big Shot. I used crystal effects to try and define the sewing machine. The buttons are from the subtles collection ad the sentiment is from the Curly Words stamp set.

Every Moment

2011-06-07T17:51:00.002+01:00

These two cards are made using the Every Moment Stamp set.

The colours are marina mist, whisper white and cajun craze. The gorgeous butterfly is from the Strength and Hope set. I pierced two opposite corners and round the other two.

These colours are real red, whisper white, tangerine tango and old olive. The old olive backing has been put through the Big Shot using the embossing folder vintage wallpaper. I also used old olive satin ribbon and the button is made using one of the stamps from Circle Circus.

Centre Step Card

2011-06-07T17:46:00.002+01:00

I really love this set of stamps, Just Believe, it always seems to look so pretty. The card is a centre step card, a template from SCS. I used pink pirouette, whisper white and elegant eggplant card stock. The panels are using the regals designer paper stack. The ric-rac effect is achieved using the scallop edge punch.

The sentiment is made using the decorative label punch and the modern label punch. I added a few rhinestones, I meant to put a butterfly in the right hand corner but I forgot.

Quilting Effect with Big Shot

2011-06-05T16:04:00.007+01:00

The following cards are all made using the same technique. Punching squares from designer papers and gluing them on (as straight as possible) then cutting the shape with a Big Shot die and then putting them through the machine again with the Square Lattice embossing folder. It gives an amazing effect.

It also looks effective if you do faux cross stitching on the joins. I did it on one of the cards but my free hand can be somewhat unsteady and I am never sure whether to push my luck or not on a card that has taken a while to create.

The card above had been created using the round scallop die, exclusive to SU. I used one of the bevelled window frames with a little flower showing under secured by pear pizzazz seam binding ribbon. These little frames are beautiful, they have little slits on each side to enable you to thread ribbon through.

After punching out the squares using the Springtime Vintage DSP I cut out with the Big Shot using the exclusive to SU, Top Note Die. I also put the bottom layer pear pizzazz card stock through the Big Shot with the Polka Dot embossing folder. The sentiment is stamped on one of the Lots of Tags dies and the backed by the decorative label punch.

This card was my trial run The papers are from stock that has now retired but the colours are crumb cake and cajun craze.

Triple Slider Card

2011-06-05T15:55:00.004+01:00

These two cards are triple slider cards. I have had the tutorial for a while and not had the chance to have a go. Jacqueline had made a few and they were stunning so I thought I really must try.

Card One:
Stamp set: Baby Blossoms
Card stock: Baja Breeze, whisper white and rich razzleberry
Ink: Baja Breeze and rich razzleberry
Accessories: Designer Series Papers, wide oval to cut the centre of the frame, Stampamajig and the beautiful seam binding in baja breeze.

Card Two:
Stamp set: Sew Lovely and Button Button
Card stock: Tangerine tango, whisper white and tempting turquoise
Ink: Tangerine tango,
Accessories: Designer series papers, twill tape, marker pens, 1" punch

Son's Birthday

2011-06-05T15:44:00.003+01:00

It is my son's birthday in a week and this is the card that I made for him. He doesn't follow my blog as crafting is definitely not his scene (too girlie). If it was full of fast motorbikes etc it would be different.

I am sure he will not appreciate the work involved in making this card, but I hope he appreciates that I remembered.

The style of the card was one I did with Jacqueline the other weekend but the one Jackie had for her class was a girlie card so I just used different colours and distressed it somewhat.

Recipe:
Stamp set: Plane and Simple and Button Button, Broadsheet Alphabet
Card stock: Basic black and very vanilla
Ink: Black
Accessories: Distressing kit, designer series papers, wide oval punch, round tab punch, white embossing powder and linen thread.
Big Shot dies: 'Sizzlits four pack - Lots of Tags

2011-05-29T20:40:00.003+01:00

I went to Jacqueline's (my niece) last weekend so I thought I would take her this butterfly easel card. I have seen several easel cards made with the smaller butterfly from this die but I had a go using the biggest. I needed to fold the card stock into four and had to make sure I had all the folds in the correct place, it worked, the Big Shot cut through all four layers. The J is stamped using the Broadsheet Alphabet stamp set and the butterflies are all cut from the Bigz Beautiful Butterflies die, exclusive to SU.

18th Birthday

2011-05-29T20:30:00.003+01:00

One of my nieces has her 18th Birthday this week so I got my head together this afternoon and made her a card.

I used early espresso and pink pirouette for the colours. The name is cut using the alphsbet die exclusive to SU. The owl is punched with the fabulous owl punch (have you not seen a pink owl before?). The roof has been run through the crimper to give it some texture.

Fun Cards

2011-05-29T20:08:00.007+01:00

Yesterday, whilst out shopping, I found a three plastic templates for the cards I made below. I thought they looked quite fun so here are my results. I am pretty sure that I have seen these style cards somewhere before.

This is made using chocolate chip and so saffron card stock. I embossed little dots from the Confetti back ground set with white EMP and then used some dazzling diamonds to finish. The sentiment is from Party This Way and the Frame is from the Four Frames stamp set. I does actually open so you can write inside the top lifts up and the cake case comes down. I used the crimper to get the effect on the cake case.

This, according the the template is a Tunnel Card. I am sure I have made something similar in the past called a Diorama Card. Anyway, it is quite fun. The stamp set is Hope and Strength, the colours are marina mist, whisper white and cajun craze.

Finally, a little box card. I have definitely done something similar this before. It really is quite cute. I used our large flower punch for the aperture, the itty bitty punch for the little flowers and the butterfly embosslits Beautiful Wings for the centre.

Milk Carton

2011-05-19T18:23:00.004+01:00

Don't you think this is so cute? It is the Milk Carton Die from SU for use with the Big Shot machine and, I believe I am correct in saying, that this die is exclusive to SU.

It is really dinky. I used pear pizzazz card stock, the very vintage wheel and pear pizzazz ink. I punched out the front and sides with the small oval punch. The bow is made with rose red seam binding. I really am addicted to the seam binding, as well as matching the colours it is very versatile. It takes two of those scrummy little chocolates, you know the round ones from FR. The little clip holding the top is from the clips assortment in the catalogue.

I also used the word window punch for the sentiment.

Australian Mothers Day

2011-05-11T10:07:00.004+01:00

Finally today, look at these beautiful flowers that Lynda had sent to me. The box also had the vase and a box of Belgian chocolates.

It was Mothers' day in Australia last Sunday and it is, therefore, easier for her to use that day than to know when it is happening in the UK.

They smell absolutely gorgeous. So thank you Lynda and the boys very much.

Strength and Hope

2011-05-11T10:06:00.005+01:00

Both these cards are made using the Strength and Hope stamp set. For each of this set sold SU will donate £1.00 to Cancer Research.

The set can have many uses, basically it is to emphasise the strength and hope for people going through hard times, but like all the sets, the use can be whatever you want it to be.

I used marina mist, cajun craze and whisper white for the card above, the faux ribbon is made with marina mist card put through the crimper, an idea from Jacqueline.

The background of both card is made using the technique of inking the embossing folder with Versamark and sprinking with embossing powder and heat setting. For the one just above I used heat and stick and dazzling diamonds glitter.

Comissioned Cards

2011-05-11T10:05:00.007+01:00

These are a couplel of comissioned cards I was asked to make. Really hope the recipricant of this card is not offended but this is exactly what I was asked to do. I used the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet dies from the mini catalogue. I love this set as the letters are not too big but very plain and easy to read.

The candles are from the Party This Way stampset. The colours are pacific blue, whisper white and poppy parade.

This second card is for a young boy reaching the grand old age of 4. The colours are daffodil yellow and real red.

The basic idea and the seal were from the Papercraft Inspirations magazine.

Butterflies and Owls

2011-05-11T10:04:00.006+01:00

When I went to Peterborough training one of our demonstrators, Val Moody, had made butterflies on sticks. They looked so effective that I just had to have a go. I then wondered if it would work with the punched owl.

The butterfly die is Beautiful Butterflies an exclusive die to Stampin' Up! Like the daisy die in previous posts they really do look effective, as Jackie said, how wonderful they would look as a centre piece if you were giving a dinner party or at a wedding if they were more colour co-ordinated in the vase than I have made them.

May Class

2011-05-11T09:59:00.003+01:00

I had a class here last week and we concentrated on making some cards for men. The new stamps in the mini catalogue were just brilliant for this.

We made a wallet and four cards using the new Owl Punch, Sailing Away, Motor Bike and Plane and Simple stamp sets.

I have to say that the motorbike card and owl card were from a training day I attended with the wonderful Monica.

I based the colours on basic black, pear pizzazz and whisper white.

When I have a class I try and make the ladies a little gift. Jackie (my niece) is making something similar to these as wedding favours, so I changed the size slightly to match the chocolates I had and then decorated them with the Owl Punch, using bashful blue and night of navy card stock.

Watering Can

2011-04-27T17:01:00.006+01:00

I have been playing again today. The watering can template is from SCS and the daisey tutorial is from the clever Jo Dumbleton (link on my sidebar).

It is made using the Daises 2 Bigshot die from the new mini catalogue.

I used a mixture of elegant eggplant, concord crush and pink pirouette. The butterflies are from the Beautiful Wings embosslits die.

I had a bit of trouble with the sunlight taking this picture but I think you get the idea.

Nature Walk

2011-04-25T19:07:00.004+01:00

Hasn't the weather been wonderful? I have to say that I have been spending time in the garden. I love the Spring with the colour it brings to the garden. We have blackbirds nesting about ten feet from the conservatory and we are hoping the blue tits will come and nest in the box. We usually have the blue tits but you never know.

Anyway, being in the garden means not so much crafting but today I thought I would have a go at a card shape from Jenny Moors, Jenny calls it the double diamond fold card.

I used the stamp set Nature Walk from the new mini catalogue.

The colours are so saffron and chocolate chip. The papers are from the Neutrals paper stack and the sentiment is made using the modern label punch with the backing from the Little Tags set, also in the mini catalogue. The back mat is made using the scallop trim corner and scallop trim border punches.

Other things I have been doing

2011-04-16T19:15:00.008+01:00

We used to have a fishpond in our garden but I was fining it hard work and very time consuming to give the pond and the fish the time. We found a home for the fish and at the end of last year we filled the pond in. The neighbour was having her drive done and there was a lot of earth going begging so the pond was filled in. We did not take out the liner as it was a hard liner and if it was taken out there was a chance that the patio would move. So with the good weather we have had during the last weeks I have planted it and here are the results.

Big Shot Dies

2011-04-16T19:06:00.003+01:00

I think I must have told you by now that we got the Big Shot in our new Mini Catalogue, if I haven't, well we do have the Big Shot in our mini catalogue.

I have been playing a bit and with some of my own ideas and ideas cased from some other demos, here is what I have achieved.

With the Big Shot you can cut through many materials, so, with the Top Note die I cut it out useusing some metal foil I found amongst my old stash. I then embossed it using one of the emobssing folders, also from the mini.

I have seen several of these scalloped circle easel cards so I thought I would have a go. The scalloped circle is also one of the big shot dies and I cut out again, from the metal foil, the Emboslits Beautiful Wings die.

This gorgeous flower is cut using the Daises die. This actual flower on a stem was from a tutorial by one of our demonstrators. This was my first effort and I will have a go at some more when I have time.

Finally, an idea from Val Moodly, another one of our demonstrators, the die is cut from the Beautiful Wings die and made into a small easel card. Val has done some beautiful ones.

Male Triple Easel

2011-04-06T11:55:00.005+01:00

My wonderfu niece and downline Jackie posted these gorgeous triple easel cards on her blog HERE. I thought they were so cute that I would like to have a go. I made this one slightly larger than Jackies and used the stamp set Plane and Simple.

The colours I used are very vanilla, early espresso and crumb cake (like I have said before, the names of the colours are amazing, I feel like I should be drinking coffee and eating cake). I used the scallop edge punch, the dots embossing folder, the distressing kit and the giant eyelets. The paper is from the Neutrals stack.