Sara Stamper - Main Page

I've moved! Please come see my new website!

2011-07-27T17:40:00.004+01:00

I've moved into my new virtual space now, but of course I'm really not very far away at all, just a click away over at:

Please come and join me over there!

Sara xx

A nautical coloured sailboat card for a man

2011-07-25T17:10:00.006+01:00

With MIL and FIL staying over at the weekend for dogsitting duties, we also managed to squeeze in a little crafting too (hey, I'm sure it must be compulsory whenever you get two crafters in the same room, lol). Masculine cards were very much the order of the day and so I turned to Sail Away which I think is just ideal for this. I opted for a nautical colour scheme to go with it.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Sail Away, Plane and Simple (sentiment)

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Real Red, Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Watercolor Paper

Ink: Black Stazon, Night of Navy, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Real Red Marker

DSP: Regals Patterns Stack

Punches: Modern Label, Word Window

Bigz Die: Top Note

Other: Metallic Brads, Metallic Eyelets, Linen Thread

Tools: Big Shot, Crop-a-dile, Aquapainter, Sponge Daubers, Mat Pack

The card base is an A6 portrait of Night of Navy. Top Notes were die cut from Real Red card and Watercolor Paper and the Watercolor Paper one was then hand cut along the perforated design. The boat was stamped in Black Stazon onto the Watercolor Top Note and again onto a scrap of Whisper White card. Aquapainters were used with Watercolor Wonder crayons to colour the sky and the sea and once the paper was dry the boat was coloured with the Real Red marker (to give it a more intense "pop"). The Whisper White version of the boat was used to cut out the sails and adhere them over the sails of the Watercolor version so that they look bright white. The edges of the layer were sponged with Night of Navy ink before adhering direct to the Real Red Top Note and adding Antique Brass Brads at each corner. The sentiment was stamped in Night of Navy ink onto Very Vanilla card and punched out with the Word Window. It was adhered direct to a Modern Label punched from Night of Navy card and Antique Brass Eyelets were set into either end with the Crop-a-dile. Linen Thread was threaded through the eyelets and knotted before popping up the labels on dimensionals and adhering the Linen Thread behind a mat of striped Night of Navy DSP. This mat was adhered direct to the card front and the sailboat image was popped up on dimensionals.

Recipe (Inside)

Stamp sets: Sail Away, Sincere Salutations (sentiment)

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

Ink: Night of Navy

For the inside the sailboat stamp was inked with Night of Navy and then stamped off once onto scrap paper before stamping again onto the Very Vanilla insert. The sentiment was stamped directly with more Night of Navy ink.

And a little bit of news! ... I'm hoping to move in the next day or so. No, not house (way too much work involved there!)

I'm just moving virtually, to what I hope will eventually be a bigger and better website. It's nearly ready, so next time you stop by here, you may find a link directing you to the new site. I really hope that you'll follow me over there (I hate being a Billy No Mates, lol).

Sara xx

A shabby chic thank you card for our dogsitters

2011-07-23T11:59:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, hubby and I went to the races at York, followed by a concert by Blondie at the racecourse. Despite poor hubby still being unwell and despite the fact that we didn't win a sausage the whole evening, we still had good fun ;-)

It wasn't the best concert we've been to, the accoustics were pretty strange with the way the noise bounces off the stands, but I've got to say I think Debbie Harry did a good job and put on a fair show for someone of her age.

As we were going to be out for a longer time than our little Bess can plait her legs for, we arranged for my MIL and FIL to come and stay over to dogsit. This is the card I've made to thank them for helping out.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Simply Said, Strength and Hope

Plain Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pear Pizzazz, So Saffron

Textured Cardstock: Baja Breeze

Ink: Basic Gray, Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Pear Pizzazz

Seam Binding Ribbon: Baja Breeze

Punches: Decorative Label, Itty Bitty Shapes

Bigz Dies: Top Note, Beautiful Butterflies

Embossing Folder: Vintage Wallpaper

Other: Basic Pearls

Tools: Big Shot, Sponge Daubers, Crop-a-dile

The card base is an A6 landscape of Very Vanilla. All layers throughout were sponged with Crumb Cake ink before assembling. Top Notes were die cut from Pear Pizzazz and Very Vanilla card and the Vanilla one was then cut out along the perforated border before embossing with the Vintage Wallpaper folder. The textured Top Note layer was sponged with So Saffron ink. The two Top Notes were matted together, punched with the Crop-a-dile and threaded with Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon before adhering first to the Textured Baja Breeze card mat and then to the card front. A bow was tied around the ribbon over to the left of the card. The thank you sentiment was stamped in Basic Gray ink onto Very Vanilla card and punched out with the Decorative Label. The dotty flowers were stamped off to the side of the sentiment in Pear Pizzazz ink and tiny Basic Pearls added to the centres of the flowers. Two more Decorative Labels were punched from So Saffron card, cut in half and adhered behind the sentiment before popping up on dimensionals on the card front. A small butterfly was die cut from Vary Vanilla card and stamped on one side with text in Basic Gray ink and on the other with the butterfly in So Saffron ink, both stamps from the Strength and Hope set. A small flower was punched from So Saffron card and adhered to the centre of the butterfly with a glue dot and finished with a large Basic Pearl. The butterfly was then added to the card front with glue dots.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xx

Easel card using the scallop circle die

2011-07-20T16:28:00.003+01:00

Readers from earlier this week will know that it was hubby's birthday on Saturday. Poor lamb, he's been proper poorly the last couple of days but luckily he's on the mend, just in time for tonight's treat of a spa visit. Sauna, steam, turkish bath ... and a lovely relaxation area with soothing teas and coffees. Is it wrong to buy him a present I get to share in? Heehee.

As I haven't had time to create a new card for today's post I thought I'd share one that I've been demonstrating at my workshops recently.

The Bigz dies are excellent for creating shaped easel cards.

And if an easel card creates something of a Wow factor then the shaped easels are a double Wow. I just love them and having sent one or two of these to friends recently for birthdays I know they are appreciated.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Sincere Salutations, Four Frames, Perfect Punches

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Daffodil Delight

Punches: Decorative Label, 2" x 1-3/8" Oval

Bigz Dies: Scallop Circle, Flower Daisies 2

Originals Die: Leaves 2

Non-SU: Large Circle (drawn around a saucer and cut out or use an alternative die)

Tools: Big Shot

To make the Scallop Circle Easel card, a folded piece of Chocolate Chip card was positioned a little way down the die (eg. so that around four scallops are showing) and run through the Big Shot. A horizontal fold line was scored approximately halfway down the front of the shaped card. A full Scallop Circle was cut from Chocolate Chip card, using the Big Shot again and adhered to the bottom folded area of the shaped card. Two Large Circles of Very Vanilla were cut out. One was stamped with the sentiment (Sincere Salutations) in Chocolate Chip ink and adhered to the card front and one was adhered direct to the inside of the card. Three large and three small daisies were die cut from Daffodil Delight card and the edges sponged with matching ink before offsetting the petals and adhering them together. A Chocolate Chip flower centre was die cut and adhered to the flower. Two leaves were die cut from Pear Pizzazz card, then one was flipped over before sponging them with Old Olive ink. The leaves were adhered direct to the card front and then the flower was popped up on dimensionals. A spotty frame was stamped in Chocolate Chip ink onto Very Vanilla card and punched out with the Decorative Label. The inside sentiment (Perfect Punches) was stamped in Chocolate Chip ink onto Daffodil Delight card and punched out with the 2" x 1-3/8" Oval. These layers were popped up on dimensionals on the inside of the card to prop the card front at the right angle.

Now off to meet hubby for a bit of rest and relaxation ...

Sara xx

Learn new techniques using Crystal Effects

2011-07-18T17:41:00.003+01:00

At our next technique class on Saturday 13 August we'll be covering:

the Caught in Crystal technique; and
the faux button technique (two ways)

to make these cards ...

... and a couple of other projects besides.

If you'd like to join us for this class which will take place at St Saviour's Church Hall, High Green, then please book your place(s) using the Paypal button on the right, no later than Saturday 6 July.

You can find more details here or you can email me if you have any queries.

Please note that these projects will need to be left to dry overnight before assembling, so it's best to bring a small box with you to keep them clean and flat on the way home.

Hope to see you there.

Sara xx

Some sweet hearts for my sweethearts birthday

2011-07-16T18:10:00.002+01:00

Hope you're having a good weekend.

Today is my hubby's birthday, I won't say how old, heehee. We had planned to go out to Bakewell with his Mum and Dad for the day but unfortunately that got rained off. Never mind, we've had a good day anyway and I've got a few treats in store for him later this week.

For now, here's the card I made for him. Lovehearts are currently his favourite sweets and so I decided to design his card around them:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Sweetheart, I {Heart} Hearts, Party This Way

Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Basic Grey, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Grey, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red

Punches: Full Heart, Heart to Heart, Modern Label, Word Window, Heart Small, Round Tab

Embossing Folder: Square Lattice

Tools: Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig

The card base is an A6 landscape of Riding Hood Red. An aperture was punched in the lower right corner using the Full Heart punch. This was used to mark in pencil where the heart needed to be placed on the Whisper White and Basic Grey mat layers. The heart frame from the Sweetheart set was stamped in Basic Grey ink around the Whisper White pencilled heart using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement. Various large hearts were stamped in More Mustard and Basic Grey inks direct to the Whisper White layer. The trio of hearts were also stamped out separately in both More Mustard and Basic Grey inks onto Whisper White card and punched out with the Heart to Heart punch. These were adhered direct to the Whisper White layer and any overhang was trimmed flush to the edge of the card. The Whisper White layer was then run through the Square Lattice embossing folder and the pencilled hearts were punched from both the Whisper White and Basic Grey layers before adhering them together with the Treat Cup sandwiched between. A Round Tab punched from Riding Hood Red card was adhered around a small panel of matching card. This was used to work out the placement of Sticky Strip on the reverse of the layers before adhering them to the card front so that the tabbed card can be used to access the sweets:

The birthday sentiment was stamped in More Mustard ink onto Whisper White card and punched out with the Word Window. This was then adhered direct to a Modern Label punched from Basic Grey card and then popped up on dimensionals on the card front. Finally the small heart was stamped in Riding Hood Red ink onto Whisper White card and punched out with the Small Heart and popped up on a sliver of dimensional overlapping the sentiment.

And here's the inside:

Recipe (inside)

Stamp sets: I {Heart} Hearts, Something Sweet (sentiments)

Cardstock: Whisper White

Ink: Basic Grey, Riding Hood Red

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xx

July batch of thank yous for my customers

2011-07-14T16:27:00.000+01:00

Here's my batch of thank yous for my customers this month:

This is a simple design to show off the gold embossing of the sentiment. The fine grade embossing powder allows even small text to be read clearly.

Recipe

Stamp set: So Many Thanks

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Ink: Versamark

3mm Taffeta Ribbon: Early Espresso

Other: Gold EP

Tools: Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy

The card base is a small square of Crumb Cake. A smaller square of Very Vanilla card was cleaned with an Embossing Buddy then stamped with So Many Thanks in Versamark and heat embossed with Gold EP. This layer was matted onto a square of Early Espresso card. A small piece of Early Espresso ribbon was wrapped around the top left corner and secured on the reverse. A dinky bow of the same ribbon was added with a glue dot. The layered image was popped up on dimensionals on the card front.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

A matching Springtime Vintage bag complete with gift

2011-07-12T16:04:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I shared with you the card that I'd made to welcome a new member of our Stampin' Up! team. And I'm back now as promised to share the little gift bag that I made to go with it.

This is the little bag that I sent to Hazel:

Recipe

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze

Ink: Stampin' Pastels

DSP: Springtime Vintage

Punches: Eyelet Border, Round Tab

Seam Binding Ribbon: Baja Breeze

Bigz L Die: Fun Flowers

Embosslits Die: Sweet Buttons

Other: Crystal Effects

The bag design is the same one as in my Greenhouse Garden tutorial here. To trim it up, I made the flower in the same way as for the matching card.

Inside I'd popped some 6" x 6" Springtime Vintage DSP together with a pack of matching ribbons:

Fancy joining my team? Ask me how.

Sara xx

Welcoming another team member with a card

2011-07-11T16:12:00.000+01:00

My clever downline Jan recently added another member to our merry little Stampin' Up! team and so I made a card and gift to welcome her.

They're exactly the same as I made for Chrissi here but I altered the colour scheme for this one. Here's the card:

Recipe

Stamp set: Something to Celebrate

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

Ink: Very Vanilla, Stampin' Pastels

DSP: Springtime Vintage

Punches: Eyelet Border, Modern Label

Seam Binding Ribbon: Baja Breeze

Bigz L Die: Fun Flowers

Embosslits Die: Sweet Buttons

Other: Crystal Effects, Basic Pearls

The card blank is an A6 landscape of Baja Breeze. A mat of Very Vanilla was punched along the very bottom with the Eyelet Border and covered with strips of Springtime Vintage DSP. Sticky strip was laid all along the join at the middle and Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon gathered and pleated along it for an easy ruffled ribbon. These layers were adhered direct to the card front. Using the Fun Flowers Die I cut the large and small flowers from Very Vanilla card and the middle one from Springtime Vintage DSP. The edges of the card flowers were dusted with the Baja Breeze chalk. The sentiment was stamped in Baja Breeze ink onto Very Vanilla card, punched out with the Modern Label, dusted again with chalk and adhered directly behind the smallest flower. The petal layers were adhered direct to each other and then dimensionals were used to pop the flower on the front of the card. A faux button was made and added to the centre of the flower (join our August technique class to learn how to make these!). Finally a little pearl was added to the end of the label.

I'll share the gift with you tomorrow.

Want to join my team? I need to catch up with Jan now, she's beating me in growing her team :D

Not that I'm competitive at all!

Join direct with me and you'll get a whole range of goodies. Just email me for more information or give me a call on 0775 1133886.

Sara xx

Xmas Stamp a Stack - Saturday 6 August

2011-07-10T14:42:00.003+01:00

Come and join me on Saturday 6 August to get a head start on your Christmas cards.

What is a Stamp a Stack?

A Stamp a Stack is an event where we make multiple copies of the same card so that you end up with a "stack" of cards. In this case we'll be making a total of 12 cards - 3 of each of the designs shown above.

Where and when?

12:30-15:30

Saturday 6 August

at Tankersley Welfare Hall

How much:

For your entrance fee of £21 you'll get:

All materials needed to make 12 cards (with envelopes)

A pack of Basic Rhinestones

4 individual projects with demonstration and emailed instruction sheets

Refreshments

and a little Christmas cheer come early ...

Do I need to bring anything?

You certainly don't need to bring anything at all however you might want to bring your preferred adhesives, scissors and/or paper cutter if you are more comfortable using particular items. We will be using the following stamp sets:

Serene Snowflakes

Dasher

Delightful Decorations

Comtempo Christmas

Sparkly & Bright

These stamps will be provided to use on the day but if you already own any of them you may want to bring your own set or you can order them now and I'll bring them to the Stamp a Stack.

How do I book?

Please email me or use the Paypal button on the right hand side menu to book. Bookings close on Saturday 30 July.

If you have any other questions then please get in touch.

Elegant monotone card using the Simply Said stamp set

2011-07-07T16:37:00.001+01:00

Here's a card that I'll be demonstrating at a workshop tonight. I want to show the difference in results between stamping with the Craft White ink on it's own and using the Craft White or Versamark with White Embossing Powder. I'll also be showing how well the Signo White Gel Pen works with White heat embossing. It's the perfect finishing touch for adding a little "colouring in" that makes an image really pop!

Recipe

Stamp Set: Simply Said

Cardstock: Concord Crush, Whisper White

Ink: Craft White, Versamark, Versamarker, Signo White gel pen

Punches: Corners, Word Window, Modern Label

Other: White EP

Tools: Heat Tool, Embossing Buddy

The card base is an A6 portrait of Concord Crush, matted with Whisper White. Another mat of Concord Crush was stamped randomly (and off the card) with one of the large fill flowers from the Simply Said set and then in between with the dinky flower, both using Craft White ink. This was set aside to dry before adhering direct to the card front (Craft White is a similar ink to Versamark and needs a little longer to dry or you can use a heat tool if you're in a hurry). The dotty flowers were stamped onto a panel of Concord Crush card with Craft White/Versamark ink and then heat embossed with White EP. The flowers were then coloured in with the White Signo Gel Pen (using a light pressure so that the inks flows). This image was matted onto Whisper White card and Whisper White punched Corners were popped up on dimensionals on opposite corners. The whole layer was then popped up on dimensionals on the card front. The sentiment is longer than this but only the "thank you" was inked, using a Versamarker to allow more precision, and then heat embossed with White EP. This was punched out with the Word Window and then adhered direct to a Modern Label punched from Concord Crush before popping up on dimensionals below the main image.

The embossing really stands out colourwise and texturally in comparison to the muted, almost distressed effect of the Craft White ink. Both excellent effects in their own way.

Recipe (inside)

Stamp set: Simply Said

Cardstock: Whisper White

Ink: Concord Crush

The insert was quick and easy to create with this same set. The sentiment was stamped with Concord Crush ink and then the flowers were stamped repeatedly off the bottom of the page.

If you'd like to order this set, or any other SU! products then please email me.

Off now to the workshop!

Sara xx

Double embossing technique for a poppy card

2011-07-05T12:24:00.003+01:00

Here's another technique to try with your Big Shot embossing folders - double embossing.

The background paper has been dry embossed in the Big Shot and then heat embossed with Black Embossing Powder.

Recipe

Stamp set: Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Poppy Parade, Basic Black, Certainly Celery

Ink: Versamark

DSP: Sunny Garden

Punches: Fancy Flower, 1-3/4" Circle, 1" Circle

Satin Ribbon: Basic Black

Embossing Folder: Vintage Wallpaper

Other: Black EP

Tools: Big Shot, Crimper, Brayer

The card base is an A6 portrait of Poppy Parade which was matted with a layer of Basic Black card. The Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder was brayered with Versamark ink on one side and a large mat of Sunny Garden DSP was inserted about halfway into the folder and run through the Big Shot. Black EP was applied over the Versamark and then heat embossed to create the double embossed effect. The sentiment was stamped in the top right corner with Versamark and also heat embossed with Black EP. Sticky Strip was applied across the centre and Basic Black Satin ribbon ruffled along it. This was then adhered direct to the front of the card. Three Fancy Flowers were punched from Poppy Parade card, spritzed with water and crumpled then left to dry. The leaves were made by punching two 1-3/4" Circles of Certainly Celery then reinserting them in the punch and punching a crescent moon from one side of each to create a leaf shape. They were folded in half and run through the Crimper for extra texture. The three flowers were layered together directly, offsetting the petals, then the leaves were adhered behind and a 1" Circle of Basic Black adhered to the centre. The whole flower was popped up on dimensionals on the card front.

A little more involved than straightforward embossing of either kind but worth the effort I think.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Summer sale! Saturday 9 July

2011-07-04T16:03:00.001+01:00

A quick announcement to let you know that I'll be having a summer sale of retired stamps, card, papers and accessories:

Saturday 9 July

11am-1pm

St Saviour's Church Hall (map/directions are here).

Please drop in and take a look if you're in the area.

Sara xx

A top layout for showcasing pretty papers

2011-07-03T10:21:00.001+01:00

Today's card is a great design for showcasing your prettiest papers. Just select five papers that work well together, a card colour that contrasts with them and a couple of matching ribbons. I've used one of Stampin' Up!'s Specialty DSPs (Designer Series Paper) here, which although you can't really see it in the pic, has wonderful textures, making it a fun, touchy-feely card too.

Recipe

Stamp set: Because I Care (sentiment) (Level 1 Hostess)

Cardstock: Old Olive

Ink: Rose Red

DSP: Sweet and Sour Specialty

Punch: 1" Circle

Satin Ribbon: Old Olive

3mm Taffeta Ribbon: Pumpkin Pie

The card base is an A6 portrait of Old Olive. Four of the papers were cut into 1" strips and adhered behind a panel of Old Olive card. A plainer paper was kept for the right hand edge so that the sentiment would be visible). 1" Circles were punched from the same papers and adhered behind the base of the Old Olive panel, with just half the circle revealed and mixing the papers up. A strip of a different paper was adhered horizontally across the Old Olive panel and Old Olive and Pumpkin Pie ribbons were wrapped around it before adhering all the layers to the front of the card. The sentiment was stamped in the upper right corner with Rose Red ink and a dinky bow of Pumpkin Pie was added on a glue dot to finish.

Why not try this with some of those papers you've been saving up. It doesn't take too much of each one to create a great card - go on, you really can spare a sliver of each, honest! Lol. Please let me know how you get on with it by leaving me a comment.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xx

Colour coach blog hop

2011-07-01T10:00:00.006+01:00

Hi and welcome to our Colour Coach blog hop. A bunch of us from over at the In Love With Stamping Forum have joined together to put on a major hop for you today. A big thanks to Anthea for organising this.

If you've joined me from my friend Teri's blog then thank you for stopping by (I love that bright and cheery combo and the handbag is on my CASE list now). If you're starting here then you'll be able to work your way around this loop of 11 blogs until you get back here and then you can skip to the other loop if you like (the links are at the end of this post). If you get here early then we may possibly have a few glitches with the links but please persevere or pop back later, it will be well worth it and we do get them all ironed out as quickly as we can.

Now if you haven't come across the Colour Coach before, I should just explain that it's an easy to use tool that helps you create great colour combos. You can find it on page 81 of the main catalogue.

I used the one of the suggested combinations:

Sahara Sand
Bravo Burgundy; and
Pink Pirouette

to create this card and gift basket duo:

Here's the card in more detail:

Recipe

Stamp set: Because I Care (sentiment)

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy

Punches: Corner Rounder, Boho Blossoms, Itty Bitty Shapes

Bigz L Die: Fun Flowers

Embossing Folder: Square Lattice, Perfect Polka Dots

Other: Basic Rhinestones

The card is cut just 0.5cm short of an A6 landscape. It was cut short so that the embossing covers the full width. The top half of the card front was run through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder and then the right hand side corners were punched with the Corner Rounder and the sentiment was stamped in Bravo Burgundy ink. For the middle panel, one side of the Square Lattice embossing folder was covered with Bravo Burgundy ink using a brayer then a panel of Sahara Sand card was inserted and the sandwich was run through the Big Shot to get the coloured texture. Both the embossed panel and a mat of Bravo Burgundy were punched with the Corner Rounder on the right hand side before adhering them to the front of the card. The large and small flowers on the Fun Flowers die were cut from Pink Pirouette card and sponged around the edges with Sahara Sand ink. Sahara Sand card was used for the medium flower on the Fun Flowers die and this was sponged with Bravo Burgundy ink. These were adhered direct to each other and popped up on dimensionals on the card front. The largest of the Boho Blossoms was punched from Sahara Sand card and sponged with Bravo Burgundy ink. This was layered with the smallest Boho Blossoms flower punched from Bravo Burgundy card and the teeny many petaled flower from the Itty Bitty Shapes punched from Pink Pirouette card. These were adhered to each other and then popped up on another dimensional in the centre of the large flower. Finally a rhinestone was added to the centre of the flower.

Recipe

Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Bravo Burgundy, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Bravo Burgundy

DSP: Subtles Patterns Stack, Regals Patterns Stack

Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Boho Blossoms, Itty Bitty Shapes

Bigz Die: Scallop Envelope

Sizzlits Die: Little Leaves

Embossing Folder: Square Lattice

Other: Basic Rhinestones, Clear Rhinestone Brads

For the basket, four Scallop Envelopes were cut from Sahara Sand and coloured and textured as for the panel on the thank you card. The scallop flap was cut again four times from Bravo Burgundy DSP and adhered behind the basket flaps in line with the perforated decoration. The envelopes were assembled into a basket shape and a square of Sahara Sand card was placed in the bottom to cover the small (approx 3-4mm square) hole that remains. A strip of Bravo Burgundy card was punched on each side with the Scallop Trim Border and then matted with strips of Pink Pirouette and Bravo Burgundy DSP. Two small flowers were created using the smallest Boho Blossom punched from Bravo Burgundy card and the many petaled flower in the Itty Bitty Shapes punched from Pink Pirouette card. These were secured through either side of the basket and the handle with Rhinestone Brads. Little Leaves were die cut from Bravo Burdgundy card and adhered direct to the front of the basket and more matching flowers (this time finished with Basic Rhinestones instead of brads), were added with glue dots.

Well I hope that you've enjoyed my creations and I'll pass you on to the next stop in the hop which is Sarah and she has some gorgeous butterflies waiting for you.

And if you'd like to take a look at the other loop then you can start here at Anthea's blog.

Have a great weekend.

Sara xx

Happy Birthday card using Timeless Type alphabet die set

2011-06-30T16:11:00.002+01:00

Well I got a chance to use my new Timeless Type alphabet dies for a clean and simple birthday card this week.

Bright, cheery colours and an equally cheery sentiment - hopefully it will be enough to brighten anyone's birthday, no matter the weather.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Curly Cute, On a Pedestal

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Ink: Melon Mambo, Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink

DSP: Subtles Patterns Stack

Punches: Fancy Flower, Modern Label, 2" x 1-3/8" Oval, 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval, 1-3/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle

Medium Sizzlits Die: Timeless Type Junior Alphabet

Other: Basic Rhinestones

Tools: Big Shot

The card base is an A6 landscape of Pretty in Pink, matted with Melon Mambo card and Pretty in Pink DSP. "Happy" letters were die cut from Melon Mambo card and adhered direct to the card front. The smaller Oval was used to punch more Pretty in Pink DSP which was then matted onto a larger Oval punched from Melon Mambo card and the layers popped op ont the card front. Using the Melon Mambo marker direct to the Curly Cute Birthday stamp, it was stamped onto Whisper White card and punched with the Modern Label before adding Basic Rhinestones and popping up on dimensionals onto the Ovals. Crumb Cake and Pretty in Pink markers were used direct to the cake stamp from the On a Pedestal set and stamped out onto Whisper White card. The cherry on top was stamped using Melon Mambo ink and the complete image punched with the 1-3/8" Circle. This was matted direct to a 1-3/4" Circle punched from Melon Mambo then popped up on dimensionals onto two Fancy Flowers punched from Daffodil Delight and offset slightly. The whole flower was then popped up on dimensionals onto the card front.

Loving this Timeless Type alpha and I can see it's going to be great for personalising cards.

Please stop by again tomorrow for our Colour Coach blog hop. We'll have lots of fantastic colour inspiration for you.

Sara xx

A rising star on my team and my card for her

2011-06-28T16:11:00.001+01:00

I made this card last week but didn't want to share it until I knew that it had been received. My super talented downline Jan recently added another member to her Stampin' Up! team and I wanted to congratulate her on her success.

I'm showing customers the inlaid embossing technique at my workshops at the moment and so decided to use the same technique for this card. And as Jan's favourite colour is orange, I also incorporated that into her card ... just a little, heehee.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Business Basics

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango, Very Vanilla

Ink: Pumpkin Pie

Punches: Star, 1" Circle, 1-1/4" Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, Corner Rounder

Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots

The card base is an A6 portrait of Pumpkin Pie, matted with a layer of Very Vanilla. Panels of Peach Parfait, Pumpkin Pie and Tangerine Tango were punched with the Corner Rounder on all corners and lined up on grid paper. Stars punched from Very Vanilla card were adhered onto the panels, covering the joins and once dry the panels were cut apart again and then run through the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder to get the inlaid embossed effect. To keep the layers down (for sending through the mail) the panels were adhered direct to the front of the card, keeping them evenly spaced. The sentiment was stamped in Pumpkin Pie ink onto Very Vanilla card and punched with the 1" Circle. It was matted onto a 1-1/4" Circle of Pumpkin Pie and then a 1-3/8" Circle of Very Vanilla before popping it up on dimensionals on the card front.

Recipe

Stamp set: Perfect Punches

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

Ink: Pumpkin Pie

For the inside the sentiment was simply stamped onto a Very Vanilla card insert with Pumpkin Pie ink.

If you'd like to join my team and have your successes celebrated or if you'd like to hostess a workshop and see the inlaid embossing in real life, then please get in touch.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

July Technique class - bookings close on Saturday

2011-06-27T17:01:00.001+01:00

Just a quick reminder that bookings for this class close on Saturday.

At the next technique class on Saturday 9 July we'll be covering:

the glitter window technique; and
the faux metal technique

to make these Christmas cards ...

... and a couple of other projects besides.

You can find more details here or you can email me if you have any queries.

Hope to see you there.

Sara xx

Faux leather technique for some girlie bags

2011-06-26T10:23:00.000+01:00

Well MIL and I had a great afternoon crafting yesterday. She came along to my last technique class where we covered the faux leather technique to make a man's wallet gift card holder. Yesterday we applied the same technique to a more girlie creation.

I'd seen a few pictures of this little bag out here in blogland and worked out some dimensions for my own version:

Recipe

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry

Ink: Versamark

6mm Grosgrain Ribbon: Rich Razzleberry

Bigz Die: Top Note

Other: Filigree Brad, Circle Fire Brad

Tools: Heat Tool, Bone Folder, Crop-a-dile

Non-SU: Velcro spot

The base for the bag is an open top box and three top note die cuts. The faux leather technique is applied to all the top notes. Two of the top notes are then trimmed along the long edge and adhered to the front and back of the box. The third top note is scored and folded and the narrow edge adhered to the back of the bag. Brads and a velcro dot are attached for the closure and some ribbon threaded for the wristlet/handle.

Here's another one done in Real Red:

And my MIL's version in Tempting Turquoise:

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Sara xx

Blog hop on Friday 1st July

2011-06-25T11:34:00.004+01:00

Hi folks, hope you're having a good weekend. I've been busy crafting but I'm not sure that the recipient will have got the card yet, so I don't want to spoil any surprise.

My MIL's coming over this afternoon though, so we'll be doing some more crafting, that I should be able to share tomorrow!

Meanwhile, I just thought I'd give a bit of advance notice that I'm joining some of the other In Love With Stamping forum members this coming Friday, for one of our mammoth blog hops. We've got 25 blogs participating, split into two groups. This hop is built around the colour coach.

This is a fantastic tool for coming up with colour combos that work. The coach gives a Dynamic Duo, (for a stunning monochromatic look eg. Old Olive and Certainly Celery) and then gives a couple of Colour Combos for every single SU colour. In addition to that, you can just swivel the cards around to test out your own combinations. Please email me if you'd like to order one.

For the blog hop we'll each be picking a colour combo from the coach, to use for our project(s).

So please make a note in your diary to pop by on Friday for some colour combo inspiration (of course I'd love to have your company in between as well, lol).

Sara xx

New toys to play with

2011-06-24T15:14:00.000+01:00

Err, I mean new tools to work with ... lol!

I just had to share what Mr UPS man brought me today. This was my birthday present to myself, aided and abetted by SU!

You can find this die set on page 8 of the Mini Catalogue but the product info doesn't do it justice IMHO:

What you don't get from the catalogue (though it is there in brackets under he price), is that the set of dies come housed in their own little box so that you can keep them together and make sure that none of the letters get lost. And at the back of the box is a cardboard insert:

Remove that and you can pop your other sizzlit dies in for safekeeping (even though they're not long enough to fill the space entirely).

Now I've got all the letters in upper and lower case, all the numbers and a few extra shapes too. Can't wait to play with these now!

BTW although this is one of our most expensive items, I got £'s discount off (in addition to my normal demo discount) as a birthday present from Stampin' Up! How fabulous a company is this to work with - love it!

If you'd like to know more about the birthday discount offer and other ways that you can save on big ticket items by becoming a demo, then please get in touch.

Back soon.

Sara xx

How to use the Baby Blossoms for larger pieces of art

2011-06-23T16:23:00.001+01:00

The Baby Blossoms set is ideal for small single flowers to adorn a topper, but it's also fantastic for creating a major piece of background paper artwork.

I'm always in need of little gift boxes for my hostess treats and door prizes and this is one that I made recently when my MIL asked for a recap of this little box design. The random pattern of small flowers easily fills this larger space.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Baby Blossoms, Afterthoughts (sentiment)

Cardstock: Confetti White, Marina Mist

Ink: Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight

Punches: Scallop Trim Border, 2" x 1-3/8" Oval

6mm Grosgrain Ribbon: Marina Mist

Tools: Crop-a-dile, Stamp-a-ma-jig

The box is the 2-5-7-10 box from the tutorial over on Splitcoaststampers here. I wanted a pale colour to use as the base for the box for the flowers but wanted a more substantial card weight than Whisper White or Very Vanilla and so opted for Confetti White which is quite a thick card. After cutting and scoring the box base from the Confetti White, I stamped it all over with a mixture of the small flowers and leaves. I used Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue and So Saffron inks with the most "filled in/complete" flowers (which are the base images). Leaves were added in between these using Pear Pizzazz ink. Then, using a stamp-a-ma-jig I went over the original flowers and added the "detail" images with Regal Rose (stamped off once to get a paler shade), Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight inks. The box lid was punched with the Scallop Trim Border and a further Scallop Trim Border of Marina Mist was added behind it before the box was assembled. Marina Mist was threaded into the box lid closure holes made by the Crop-a-dile. The frame from the Baby Blossoms set was stamped onto Marina Mist and Confetti White card using Marina Mist ink. The sentiment and the flower were added to the inside of the Confetti White frame using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement. After hand-cutting the Marina Mist frame and popping up on the box front with dimensionals, the sentiment was punched out with the 2" x 1-3/8" Oval and also popped up on dimensionals.

Here you can see a little more of the flowers:

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Three top tips for finding time to stamp over the busy summer period

2011-06-21T17:14:00.001+01:00

As today is the first day of summer and our longest day I thought it would be a good time to share a few tips for fitting in more crafting time over the busy summer period. Many of my friends and customers find it difficult to find time to craft over summer. I notice that class size often dips and so I asked a few of them what the main reasons were. These were the top ones:

The kids (or grandkids) are around for much longer and need to be entertained;
We're going away on holiday;
It's too nice to be indoors and (often as an add-on), I want to get together with friends

So how can we turn these around to get more crafting time?

Why not try out these ideas:

Top tip 1

Involve the kids in your crafting - get them creating with you.

Younger ones can punch shapes out for you and even scrunch up your flowers for that distressed look. Older ones can design their own cards and projects. Whilst older boys may not be very interested in making flowery cards, you may be able to tempt them to try "engineered" cards (eg. spinner and slider cards) or boxes.

Cold, wet days are perfect for making a start on Christmas cards and gifts (have you started yet, it'll be here before you know it!). Add to the wintery feel by having hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows. When the sun comes back out, you'll appreciate it all the more.

Top tip 2

Pack a small craft kit into your holiday luggage - you don't need

to take everything you own, honest. Stamp some images out beforehand using Black Stazon on either Whisper White/Very Vanilla card or Watercolour Paper, depending on what you prefer to colour with (leaving a bit of space around each image). Then pack a selection of markers (in your go-to colours) and maybe an aquapainter (no mess and if you travel with it empty, no problem with airport security). A small pair of scissors can go in the hold luggage if you're flying. When you're all walked out from sightseeing, you can rest up and do a bit of colouring and cutting out. Then when you get back home you can mat and layer your masterpieces onto full size cards.

Top tip 3

Craft outdoors! Who says you have to stay inside? Make sure that your card and paper are weighted down so that they don't blow away in a sudden gust of wind. I find my crop-a-dile makes a great paperweight :-) Make the most of the sun and have the bonus of great light for your crafting. Better still - invite your friends over and make a morning (or an afternoon or an evening) of it. Best of all - book a workshop with me, I'll come over and entertain you and your friends with some crafting projects and you get the chance to earn free hostess goodies. Email me to book your summer workshop.

If you have your own favourite tips to add, then please leave me a comment.

Now I'm off to do some crafting in the garden while the light is good ;-)

Sara xx

His n hers Fathers Day cards

2011-06-19T10:30:00.000+01:00

How do these high days and holidays still manage to sneak up on me? I don't know how it happens, lol. Even though I was all set for Father's Day in my classes weeks ago, it wasn't until yesterday that I actually made my Dad's card and DH joined me to make one for his Dad too.

Here's mine:

Recipe

Stamp set: Plane and Simple

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake

Embossing Folder: Square Lattice

Other: Neutrals Brads, Crystal Effects, Linen Thread

Tools: Big Shot, Brayer

The card blank is Chocolate Chip cut and folded to create a side stair step card. A panel of Very Vanilla was put through the Square Lattice embossing folder after one side of it had been brayered with Chocolate Chip ink. This was adhered to the main side panel on the front of the card. A thin panel of Very Vanilla was stamped with the sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink and Soft Suede Brads added at either end before popping up on dimensionals on the bottom "step". A medium Panel of Very Vanilla was stamped with the border design in Chocolate Chip ink and then adhered direct to the middle "step". The plane was stamped at the top of a large panel of Very Vanilla and then the border design was stamped again, the other way up beneath it. The top of the fold was marked in pencil on the panel and then the area around the plane, up to that mark was cut away, before adhering the bottom of the panel to the top "step". The compass was stamped three times in Chocolate Chip ink onto Very Vanilla card. The "glass" area was covered with Crystal Effects and left to dry before cutting out the compasses. After colouring the rings with a Soft Suede marker they were threaded with Linen Thread and popped up on the card front with dimensionals.

DH wanted a clean and simple card for his design:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Sail Away, Plane and Simple (sentiment)

Cardstock: Concord Crush, Marina Mist

Ink: Concord Crush

Tools: Stamp-a-ma-jig

The card base is an A6 portrait of Concord Crush. The sailboat and sentiment were stamped onto Marina Mist card with Concord Crush ink using a Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement. This layer was adhered direct to the card front.

Hope you have a lovely Father's Day. We're off now to a family reunion. Who knows, I may even get some material for scrapbooking today :-)

Sara xx

Learn new techniques for standout christmas cards

2011-06-18T16:26:00.003+01:00

At our next technique class on Saturday 9 July we'll be covering:

the glitter window technique; and
the faux metal technique

to make these Christmas cards ...

... and a couple of other projects besides.

You can find more details here or you can email me if you have any queries.

Hope to see you there.

Sara xx

A gift certificate wallet and my belated birthday cards

2011-06-17T17:00:00.001+01:00

At last night's workshop, my hostess used the gift certificate that a thoughtful family member bought from me, for her and it reminded me that I hadn't shared with you, the gift wallet I made to present it in.

I usually mention these gift certificates on my blog on the lead up to Christmas but they're available from me all year round if you want to drop a hint to friends and family. All they need to do is email me and let me know how much they want the certificate to be for and I'll arrange the rest.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Vintage Vogue, Something to Celebrate

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Ink: Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Early Espresso, Old Olive

Punches: Scallop Edge Border, 3/4" Circle, 1/2" Circle

3mm Taffeta Ribbon: Pumpkin Pie

Other: Neutrals Brads, Filigree Designer Brad

Non-SU: Velcro spot

The wallet base is Cajun Craze card. Using the Scallop Edge Border, a strip of Early Espresso was punched, folded and adhered behind the edge of the wallet flap. A shaped mat of Very Vanilla card was stamped with the leafy frond from the Vintage Vogue set in Old Olive ink and then matted onto Pumpkin Pie card, before adhering to the wallet flap. The large flower from the same set was stamped using the rock 'n' roll technique with Pumpkin Pie and Cajun Craze inks. This was then cut out and a 1/2" Circle punched from Cajun Craze card was secured to the centre with a Very Vanilla Brad before it was popped up on a dimensional on the wallet flap. A large Filigree Designer Brad was backed with a 3/4" Circle punched from Early Espresso card and a small piece of Pumpkin Pie 3mm Taffeta Ribbon was trapped in place behind it before securing the brad through the wallet flap. A velcro spot provided the closure and covered the back of the brad on the inside. Finally the sentiment from the Something to Celebrate set was stamped on the right lower corner of the wallet in Early Espresso ink.

And now a quick thank you to a couple for friends for their lovely belated birthday cards.

From Dawn ...

And from Emma! ...

(edited because I'd credited the wrong person - so sorry Emma I'm suffering from a bad head cold this week and my brain's obviously fried)

Thanks so much ladies, what a lovely surprise from each of you.

Have a great weekend all.

Sara xx

June batch of thank yous for my customers

2011-06-15T16:11:00.000+01:00

And back to my usual style of post, complete with recipe. This is my thank you card for all my customers this month and it's a slight variation on a card I first shared a few months ago here, but a bit brighter and snazzier. As for all my monthly thank you's, this is an easy one to make up quite quickly as a batch.

Recipe

Stamp set: Elegant Thank You

Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Tempting Turquoise

DSP: Play Date

Punches: Two-step Owl, Designer Label

Other: Basic Rhinestones

The card blank is a 10cm square of Tempting Turquoise, matted with a square of So Saffron card with opposite corners further matted with Play Date DSP. The owl body and the middle size eyes were punched from Chocolate Chip card, the large eyes from Whisper White card and the little waistcoat from more Play Date DSP. The smallest eyes weren't punched at all but added as Basic Rhinestones. After adhering all the layers of the owl together it was popped up on dimensionals on the card front. The sentiment was stamped with Tempting Turquoise ink onto Whisper White card and punched with the Designer Label. Another Designer Label of Tempting Turquoise card was cut in two horizontally and adhered behind the sentiment top and bottom before popping up on dimensionals also.

And here's the batch. Just working on another lot now, ready for tomorrow night's customers.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

More pix from Saturday's technique class

2011-06-13T16:03:00.001+01:00

Saturday was our technique class and we were using the faux leather technique and the waterspot stamping technique. My previous post here shows the Father's Day wallet and the notelet card that we made.

And these are the other two cards that we squeezed in. Another male card using strips of faux leather (you can see the effect better in the pic at the top of the post) to frame the main image ...

And a more feminine card using more "shabby chic" butterflies (or are they moths) ...

Actually by the time we did the class I'd swapped out the Marina Mist for More Mustard which gives a much warmer feel to the finished card.

Everyone got great results. The waterspot stamping is never the same twice but we got some stunning butterflies. Just loved how they were all different.

Our next technique class on Saturday 9 July will be using the:

faux metal technique; and
the glitter window technique

More information about it soon (or email me if you can't wait).

Now that my exams are over I'm busy with a major overhaul of my blog. You'll see the results in a few weeks time hopefully but for now it's the same old, same old and it'll be back to the full card recipes and instructions for my next post.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Card share celebrating my birthday

2011-06-12T11:42:00.005+01:00

Hope you're having as good a weekend as I am.

It was my birthday on Friday and the celebrations are running through the weekend, heehee.

Just taking a few minutes today to share with you some of the handcrafted cards I've received:

From my DH ...

From my MIL and FIL (the little box is attached to the card and had a cheque inside - fab idea) ...

From my downline Jan (full details are on her blog here), this card is beautifully textured too, you just have to touch ...

And she made a little bagalope so that the card wouldn't be crushed ...

And from my upline Joanne, it's difficult to pick up but there's a beautiful shimmer to this in the sunlight ...

And the choccies came in matching packaging. Hmm maybe I should have taken the pic before I ripped into them, lol.

Off now to enjoy more of my birthday weekend.

I'll pop back tomorrow with more pix from yesterday's technique class.

Sara xx

Bess is scrapbooked again

2011-06-08T16:06:00.001+01:00

Now this is a photo of Bess that I've used before when scrapbooking, but it's a favourite, so I don't apologise for using it again. This was a page that I prepared as a gift for my MIL when she visited at the weekend. She adores Bess (we know that she visits more to see Bess than us, lol) so I was sure that it would be appreciated and it was.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Cottage Garden, P is for Paw

Textured Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise

Plain Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Old Olive

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Tempting Turquoise, So Saffron

DSP: Playdate

Punches: Scallop Edge Border

Bigz Dies: Beautiful Butterflies, Top Note

Embossing Folder: Vintage Wallpaper

Other: Designer Buttons (Brights), Basic Pearls

Tools: Big Shot, Color Spritzer

The layout was a challenge from the SUDSOL demo forum that I'm a member of and I trimmed the 12 x 12 textured cardstock to fit the A4 (approx) layout that they were after. A large mat of Whisper White was wheeled with the P is for Paw stamp in Crumb Cake and then Chocolate Chip and Crumb Cake inks were spritzed over the top and also onto a Top Note cut from Whisper White card. A Scallop Edge Border trim was added behind the top and bottom of the White mat before adhering it to the page. The photo of Bess was matted onto Old Olive card and adhered next to the pawprints. Using Chocolate Chip ink the Cottage Garden sentiment was stamped onto the Top Note die cut. A butterfly was added in Tempting Turquoise (stamped off once to tone down the intensity of colour) and flowers in So Saffron ink. So Saffron was also used to sponge the edges of the die cut to define it before adhering to the page. Strips of Play Date DSP in differing lengths and widths were added above and below the photo. Small strips of Tempting Turquoise card were journalled and secured to the top of the photo with a small button, using glue dots. Large buttons were added to either end of the Play Date paper strip, also using glue dots. Using the Beautiful Butterflies die, a medium and a small butterfly were cut from Temting Turquoise card and Play Date DSP respectively and the larger one was embossed before joining them and adding them both the the page. The page was finished by adding Basic Pearls to the butterfly bodies and the flower centres.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Casing myself with a classy colour combo

2011-06-06T15:43:00.001+01:00

Hope you had a good weekend. MIL and FIL came over to visit on Saturday and so I took a break from studying so that MIL and I could have a good crafting session. My MIL wanted to have a go at making this card from a few weeks back and so we decided to keep the stamps and the layout the same but alter the colour combo. So today I'm mainly casing myself, lol.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Baby Blossoms, Something to Celebrate

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Craft Whisper White, Versamark

DSP: Neutrals Patterns

Seam Binding Ribbon: Crumb Cake

Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots

Other: Beveled Windowpanes, Brads (Neutrals), Gold EP, Black EP

The instructions are as for the other other card here, with the exception of the image behind the pane. I wanted to stamp onto Black but knew that the only thing that would really show up would be the Craft Whisper White, so I stamped the base rose in that ink and left it to dry. After a quick blast with the Heat Tool to ensure that it was truly dry, I then stamped the rose detail with Versamark (using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for position) and heat embossed with Gold EP. The sentiment was also stamped in Versamark and heat embossed with Black EP.

Here's the detail:

And this is my MIL's version using Basic Black, Whisper White and Melon Mambo. She used Silver EP for the detail on her flowers.

Back to the books again now for tomorrow's exam!

Sara xx

Reminder and preview for Crop and Class next Saturday 11 June

2011-06-04T17:42:00.000+01:00

Just a quick stop by to remind you that my regular Crop 'n' Class is next Saturday 11 June.

The "Crop" (just a name for our crafting get together, doesn't have to be scrapbooking or even cardmaking just anything crafty) is 11am - 4pm, drop by for the whole day or just a few hours. Refreshments are provided but please bring your own lunch.

The "Class" (very informal, honest) is 1.30pm - 3.30pm and for June we'll be covering the Faux Leather technique to make a masculine gift card holder (we can change the sentiment inside from Father's Day to something else if you prefer).

And we'll be using the Waterspot stamping technique to make a card.

If time permits then we'll also make another couple of cards with the same techniques (can you spot a sneak peek of one of the others, lol)? If we run out of time then we'll stamp the images and you can take the materials with you to finish at home.

Regular members - please remember to bring your technique book, no other previous materials needed this time.

For more details about the Crop 'n' Class please click here.

Hope to see you next Saturday.

Sara xx

Craft stamper magazine single layer card - my take

2011-06-03T16:11:00.001+01:00

Finally I got around to having a go at this. The June edition of Craft Stamper featured a one layer card that used the masking technique (the July issue goes on sale today so sorry if you missed it). One of my lovely hostesses drew my attention to it when she showed me some gorgeous cards that she'd made using the same article for inspiration (thanks Emma).

And here's my version:

Recipe

Stamp set: Nature's Nest, Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Whisper White

Ink: Black Stazon, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery

Markers: Pacific Point, Garden Green

Tools: Sponge Daubers, Color Spritzer

The card blank is an A6 landscape of Whisper White. A portion the width of the dragonfly was masked off on the lower half of the card and the three upper dragonflies were stamped with Black Stazon. These were then stamped again onto sticky notes, cut out and used to mask the ones stamped on the card. Tempting Turquoise ink was sponged on with a dauber, building the intensity near to the masked off strip and fading it away further from. Certainly Celery ink was sponged over the top in the same manner but even more lightly. Using the Color Spritzer tool, Pacific Point and Garden Green inks were lightly spritzed over the top. After peeling away the masks the dragonfly was stamped again in the centre of the unmasked panel. The sentiment was inked with Tempting Turquoise and then a dauber was used to add a little Certainly Celery ink to the stamp before stamping direct to the front of the card.

And then because I just couldn't resist add some shimmer to the dragonfly wings (though I did hold back and confine it to the main one):

Recipe (additional)

Other: Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds

I covered the main dragonfly wings with Crystal Effects, sprinkled in some Dazzling Diamonds and left to dry.

Which version do you prefer? With glitz or without?

Have a great weekend.

Sara xx

A wedding acceptance in hot pink and black

2011-06-02T16:07:00.000+01:00

A friend at work is getting married soon and has kindly invited DH and I to the evening reception. This was our invitation:

And so I designed the Acceptance in a similar colour combo:

Recipe

Stamp set: Wedding Sweet

Cardstock: Basic Black, Melon Mambo

Ink: Versamark

Punch: Designer Label

Satin Ribbon: Basic Black

Other: Black Embossing Powder, Brads (Neutrals)

The card blank is an A6 landscape in Basic Black. A mat of Melon Mambo was stamped with the large flower from the Wedding Sweet set in Versamark and then heat embossed with Black EP. Basic Black Satin Ribbon was wrapped around the top corner and a faux bow secured over the top with a Black Brad before adhering the layer direct to the card front. The sentiment was stamped onto Melon Mambo card with Versamark and heat embossed again with Black EP before punching out with the Designer Label. Another Designer Label was punched from Basic Black card, cut in two and adhered behind the sentiment before popping up on dimensionals.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Earn extra hostess benefits when you have a workshop in June and July

2011-06-01T07:10:00.003+01:00

Click on this link to read the flyer.

Host a £250 workshop between 1 June–31 July 2011 and earn an EXTRA £20 in hostess rewards!

Yes that's in addition to the normal rewards that you can earn.

Live too far away? Don't want to open your house up to guests? Then why not have a virtual workshop? Share the catalogue with your friends (I'll send you a proper paper copy), collect up their orders and payment and add to your own, send them to me and you still get all the usual hostess benefits. And if the orders total more than £250 then you'll also get the extra £20 in rewards if you submit them in June or July.

Email me to book your your real or virtual workshop now.

A Spring card with lots of cake

2011-05-30T15:28:00.006+01:00

Hope that you've had a relaxing bank holiday.

I had a great time with Jan and Joanne yesterday, planning where we'll stay for the SU! convention. We've decided on the Sequoia Lodge and travelling there by train and Eurostar. There'll be a whole bunch of us demos on the Eurostar and there have already been some comparisons of it ending up like the train to Hogwarts. Heehee, I feel sorry for the non-demos that end up on the train with us, it's likely to be a giddy journey. Don't forget that there's still time for you to join us, just take a look at joining my team here.

Jan brought me an absolutely gorgeous distressed card when she stopped by. You can see it on her blog here. I must get my distressing tools out again soon.

But for now I've gone for a more clean and simple look using an old favourite card fold that I was reminded of when browsing the SUDSOL pattern library:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Itty Bitty Bits, Cute by the Inch, Cupcakes

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler

Punches: Petal Card, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, 1/2" Circle

The card blank is a 10" x 5" base of Crumb Cake, cut and folded into a Spring Card. The front was matted with So Saffron and Cherry Cobbler. Using Chocolate Chip ink, the cupcake image from the Cute by the Inch (level 2 hostess) set, was stamped onto Very Vanilla card, cut out and adhered to the centre of a Petal Card punched from Crumb Cake card. This was folded closed and adhered to the card front. The cuppa and the cupcake from the Itty Bitty Bits set were stamped onto Very Vanilla card using Cherry Cobbler and Chocolate Chip inks. These were all then punched with the Circle from the Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack. Cuppas were matted onto 1/2" Circles of So Saffron card and cupcakes were matted onto 1/2" Circles of Crumb Cake card and then all were adhered direct to the card front spacing them evenly around the edges. Small triangular mats of Very Vanilla card were stamped with the Cupcakes wheel using Chocolate Chip ink before adhering them to the base of the card front.

Here's the little Petal Card opened up:

And (because I got pulled up recently for not making inserts, lol) here's the "inside":

Recipe (inside)

Stamp sets: Itty Bitty Bits, Afterthoughts

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler

The sentiment was stamped in Chocolate Chip ink onto Very Vanilla card and then the cuppa and the cupcakes from the Itty Bitty Bits were stamped at the points of the diamond with Cherry Cobbler and Chocolate Chip inks.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday.

Sara xx

A calming card with lavender overtones

2011-05-28T10:13:00.002+01:00

Hope you're looking forward to the long weekend. I know I am. My team mates Jan and Joanne are coming round tomorrow morning for us to plan which hotel to stay at when we go to the Stampin' Up! Convention at Disneyland Paris in November! Woohoo!

It's not too late to join up and come along with us if you fancy a couple of days of crafty play at a great location. Just click here for more information about the benefits and goodies you get when you join my team or email me with any questions and I can either email back or give you a call and talk you through it all.

Now onto the crafting and for today's card I used a layout from the SUDSOL group that I'm a member of. They have an online chat and challenge twice a week and while I couldn't get online at the time for the chat, I just loved the layout they used for the challenge and so decided to play along after the event. Pocket Silhouettes was already out on my workspace and I remembered my MIL saying that this particular flower image from the set reminded her of lavender, which was how I got to my colour combo this time around :-)

Recipe

Stamp sets: Pocket Silhouettes, Curly Cute

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum

Punches: Scallop Oval, Large Oval, Scallop Edge Border

Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots

Other: Brads (Subtles)

The card blank is an A6 Portrait of Very Vanilla card and the Thinking of You sentiment from the Curly Cute set was stamped using Perfect Plum ink direct to the card. A mat of Wild Wasabi was cut short (to reveal the sentiment), punched with the Scallop Edge Border (retain the offcut strip) and run through the Perfect Polka Dots folder on the Big Shot before adhering direct to the card front. Using the Mat Pack and Paper Piercing Tool, the Brads were set evenly spaced onto a mat of Very Vanilla card. The offcut strip of Wild Wasabi card from the Scallop Edge Border punch was adhered above the Brads. This mat was adhered direct to the card front. Using Perfect Plum and Wild Wasabi Markers I coloured the flowers direct to stamp, huffed and stamped them onto Very Vanilla card three times, then punched out with the Large Oval. These were adhered direct to three Scallop Ovals punched from Perfect Plum card and popped up on dimensionals on the card front.

Have a relaxing bank holiday weekend.

Sara xx

A few pics from Sunday's Stamptacular

2011-05-25T18:33:00.003+01:00

As promised earlier in the week, I've got a few pix to share with you today from Sunday's Stamptacular.

We covered three full projects on the day ... plus a bonus project.

We started with the little purse portfolio (pictured below) in the morning, then after lunch Jan demonstrated a bunch of punch art animal toppers, sooo cute (there's a sneak peek on her blog here). This is everyone hard at work making them:

Then we moved on to a chocolate treat holder and matching card, before finishing with a real whirlwind demonstration of a mini brag book made from a single sheet of DSP.

This is the purse portfolio:

which opens up to reveal two inner liners filled with cards, sentiments and tags:

We made a small batch in blues:

And one in oranges:

... all using the resist and baby wipe techniques.

Back soon with another project (just as soon as I've got my breath back, heehee).

Sara xx

A birthday cake card for the Mojo Monday challenge

2011-05-23T16:16:00.000+01:00

Much as I love my new Big Shot and all the dies and embossing folders, it's nice to do some plain stamping now and again too. I hadn't actually planned it that way, it just sort of came together when I worked on the sketch for this week's Mojo Monday challenge:

Here's my take on it:

Recipe

Stamp sets: On a Pedestal, Afterthoughts

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Rose Red

Markers: Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie

DSP: Subtles Patterns Stack

Punches: Scallop Edge Border, Fancy Flower, 1-3/4" Circle, Jewelry Tag

Seam Binding Ribbon: Rose Red

Other: Subtles Brads

The card base is an A6 portrait of Perfect Plum. The birthday cake was built up by stamping the pedestal with Rose Red ink onto Whisper White card and then using markers direct to stamp together with the stamp-a-ma-jig to add the other elements. This image was matted onto Perfect Plum card and then adhered direct to mats of Pretty in Pink DSP and Whisper White card that had been punched with the Scallop Edge Border along the bottom. Rose Red ribbon was wrapped around the layers. The cherry was stamped onto Whisper White card and punched with the Jewelry Tag. A brad was used to secure a faux bow and the tag over the top of the wrapped ribbon. Two Fancy Flowers were punched from Pretty in Pink and Perfect Plum, adhered together and popped up on dimensionals on the card front. The sentiment from the Afterthoughts set was coloured with markers, stamped onto Whisper White card, punched with the 1-3/4" Circle and then popped up on dimensionals in the centre of the Fancy Flowers.

Hope you like it.

Sara xx

Quick and easy wedding invites

2011-05-22T18:49:00.005+01:00

Just chilling out now after a great day with a great bunch of ladies (my feet are killing me - didn't realise quite how long I was stood or walking around, lol). Had a really fun day at our Stamptacular today. As always, we tried to fit too much in and ended up rushing through the last few projects, but hope everyone was pleased with the value for money! Heehee.

I'll share some pix of the Stamptacular over the next few days, but in the meantime this is a quick wedding style invite that I shared at a workshop on Monday. It's quick and easy to produce in the large batches that you need for such an occasion.

Recipe

Stamp set: Four Frames, Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Early Espresso

Ink: Early Espresso

Punch: Decorative Label

Embossing Folder: Elegant Bouquet

The card blank is an A6 of Early Espresso. The mat of Very Vanilla was run through the Big Shot with the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder before adhering it direct to the front of the card. Using Early Espresso ink, the Four Frames flourish was stamped onto Very Vanilla. Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig, the sentiment was stamped in the centre in the same ink and the complete image was punched out with the Decorative Label. Another Decorative Label was punched from Early Espresso card, cut in half horizontally and matted behind the sentiment, before popping up on dimensionals on the card front.

Inside:

Stamp set: Cornelli Lace

Cardstock: Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso

The text of the invite was computer generated and printed onto Very Vanilla card. The Cornelli Lace jumbo wheel was stamped along the edge of the insert in Early Espresso ink before adhering to the inside of the card.

Hope you had a great weekend.

Sara xx

Stamptacular sneak peek and this months batch of thank yous

2011-05-19T16:07:00.000+01:00

The little glimpse above is just a sneak peek at one of the projects that we'll be making at Sunday's Stamptacular. In the card at the front you'll see that we're using the Fine Flourish background stamp. Everyone who attends the Stamptacular will get a goodie bag that includes this fabulous stamp along with another surprise item!

It's not too late to book but I do need to hear from you very soon, so that I can make sure that we cater for enough people. Just use the Paypal button on the right to book your place (£30 for a single ticket or 10% off when you bring a friend). More details about the day are here.

Now, on to today's card and this is my batch of thank yous that are going out with everyone's order this month. I loved the faux dry embossed technique so much, that I used it for these cards and just kept swapping which of the little flowers from the Pocket Silhouettes set I used on each one, so this is one of four designs:

Recipe

Stamp set: Pocket Silhouettes

Cardstock: Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz

Ink: Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz, Craft Whisper White

Punches: Modern Label, Word Window

The card blank is a Square of Basic Black. The chosen flower was stamped in the bottom right corner of a square of Pear Pizzazz using the faux dry embossed technique and then matted direct to the card front. The same flower was stamped in Basic Black ink onto Pear Pizzazz card, matted onto Basic Black card and then popped up on the left of the card front using dimensionals. Using Basic Black ink again, the sentiment was stamped onto Pear Pizzazz card and punched out with the Word Window. This was matted direct to a Modern Label punched from Basic Black card. The right side of the sentiment was popped up on a dimensional and the left side was adhered direct to the raised image.

If you'd like a demonstration of the faux dry embossed technique then please email me.

Here's the first batch that I made:

Hope to see you at the Stamptacular on Sunday.

Sara xx

Take a meander through our inspirational SUDSOL blog tour

2011-05-17T03:30:00.001+01:00

Hi and welcome.

I'm a Stampin' Up! demo based in the UK and I joined SUDSOL back in January for the 24/7 access to inspirational ideas, project instructions and templates that I can use to WOW my workshop guests and hostess. SUDSOL offers a free two week trial membership to SU! demos around the world, just click on the blinking SUDSOL icon on the right hand side menu or here to sign up.

If you're not a SU! demo then please still take a look at the projects on the tour for inspiration for your own creations, or why not book a workshop and see them first hand?

This first project is great fun, it's a faker shaker card and so easy to make - when you know how, lol. I found the idea in the Patterns and Templates area of SUDSOL's Creative Library.

Recipe

Stamp Set: Strength and Hope

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Rose Red, White Stazon

Taffeta Ribbon: Pretty in Pink

Punch: Small Heart

Sizzlits 4-Pack Die: Lots of Tags

Embosslits Die: Beautiful Wings

Embossing Folder: Square Lattice

Other: Cello Bag, Basic Pearls

The Cello Bag was stamped with the writing in White Stazon, then filled with dinky punched and die cut heart and butterfly shapes before folding over the bag top and sealing. Using Rose Red ink the scroll motif was stamped onto a square of Pink Pirouette card. One of the Lots of Tags sizzlits was used to die cut an aperture just above. This leaves an impression on the card of the full sizzlit plate and so the square was run through the Square Lattice to emboss the pattern over the top. The faker shaker was adhered behind the aperture then adhered to the card front with dimensionals. The butterfly was stamped in Rose Red ink onto Pink Pirouette card, cut out and popped up on a dimensional. Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon was shaped into a Ribbon of Hope, secured with a glue dot and a Pearl fixed over the dot.

Next up, I raided the library again for their all-occasion bag box pattern.

Recipe

Stamp set: Strength and Hope

Cardstock: Rose Red, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink

DSP: Lap of Luxury

Punches: Extra-large Tag, 1-1/4" Square

Embossing Folder: Square Lattice

After following the cutting and folding instructions in the pattern, the front of the box was decorated with a piece of Lap of Luxury DSP that had been stamped with the butterfly in Pretty in Pink and Rose Red inks. The butterfly was stamped again with Rose Red ink onto Pink Pirouette card, cut out and popped up on a dimensional over the one stamped on the DSP. Using Rose Red ink, the Hope sentiment was stamped onto Pink Pirouette card, punched out with the 1-1/4" Square and run through the Square Lattice embossing folder. This was adhered direct to a Large Tag punched from Rose Red card and then tied to the bag closure with Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon.

Finally, I have a masculine card to share. It took inspiration from the samples gallery to create this.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Sail Away, Plane and Simple (sentiment)

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Basic Gray, Cherry Cobbler, Watercolor Paper, Very Vanilla

Ink: Black Stazon, Pacific Point, Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler

Seam Binding Ribbon: Baja Breeze

Bigz Die: Top Note

Other: Pewter Jumbo Eyelets

Watercolor paper was die cut using the Top Note, the left edge trimmed off and the rest of the shape cut to the perforated line before stamping the Sail Away image with Black Stazon. An aquapainter was used to pick up ink and paint the image, leaving the sails unpainted. This was then matted onto another Top Note, die cut from Cherry Cobbler card and a Pewter Jumbo Eyelet was added using the Crop-a-dile. Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon was wrapped around a mat of Basic Gray card, threaded and tied through the main image which was popped up on dimensionals. The sentiment from the Plane and Simple set was stamped onto Very Vanilla card with Cherry Cobbler ink. This was then cut into a flag shape, sponged along the edges with more Cherry Cobbler and popped up on slivers of dimensionals on the card front.

I hope that these projects have inspired you. If you're a demo and would like access to all these patterns, templates and more, then be sure to sign up for your free trial. After you activate your membership you'll also be able to view my gallery.

If you're not a demo then why not email me to book your own workshop and I can demonstrate one of these projects for you in person.

Sara xx

Edited - sorry all the blog links are now gone. Please watch out for our next blog tour.

Last few places on the Stamptacular and a class card

2011-05-16T16:03:00.000+01:00

Here is another card from Saturday's technique class. We has a great afternoon and I think it's safe to say that the faux dry embossing technique was the big success of the day. Everyone loved the results they got with it. They soon got the hang of the Stamp-a-ma-jig and seemed surprised at how easily they got such a professional look.

The ruffled ribbon technique was a little more of a challenge. We had a few broken threads and threads that pulled all the way out, but by the time everyone had practised it a few times we were getting there and again they loved the finished result.

If you missed out on the technique class, there's still a chance to snag one of the last few places at our Stamptacular on Sunday. A goodie bag, 3 full projects, light lunch, refreshments, bonus project and free prize draw, all for £30 or £27 if you bring a friend! Please email me straight away to guarantee your place or use the Paypal button on the right for immediate, secure payment.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Sincere Salutations, Fine Flourish

Cardstock: Rose Red, Regal Rose, River Rock, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla

Ink: Rose Red, Not Quite Navy

Seam Binding Ribbon: Rose Red

Bigz Dies: Top Note, Beautiful Butterflies

Embossing Folder: Vintage Wallpaper

Other: Clear Rhinestones (or Basic Pearls, lol)

The card blank is an A6 landscape of Regal Rose, matted with Rose Red card. Very Vanilla and River Rock card were cut with the Top Note die and the sentiment stamped in the top right of the Vanilla layer with Rose Red ink. The River Rock layer was cut to a little less than half and run through the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder before adhering to the Very Vanilla layer. Ruffled Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon was wrapped around the join and secured at the back before popping these layers up on dimensionals on the card front. Two butterflies were die cut from Very Vanilla and Baja Breeze card using the Beautiful Butterflies die. They were both stamped with the Fine Flourish using Not Quite Navy ink. A Clear Rhinestone was used to secure them to each other before popping up on the card front with dimensionals.

Admission - I forgot to pack the Clear Rhinestones on Saturday, so we improvised with Basic Pearls (I always have the Basic Pearls or Rhinestones with me because they're perfect for every project) and used a glue dot to secure the two butterflies together.

Please remember to pop back tomorrow for the SUDSOL blog tour:

See you then.

Sara xx

Reminder - SUDSOL Blog Tour May 17

2011-05-15T09:40:00.002+01:00

Just a quick reminder that I'll be taking part in the SUDSOL Blog Tour on May 17 and I hope that you'll pop back to join me.

The Blog Tour is being organised by SUDSOL (Simply Unique Demonstrators Sharing OnLine) an online community of Stampin' Up! demonstrators dedicated to providing creative and professional information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of location (ie. it covers demos from the US, Canada, Australia and NZ and now Europe too). SUDSOL provides me with access to hundreds of project ideas together with instructions, a gallery with more projects and inspiration, business ideas, forms and files and a regular email loop of ongoing inspiration.

I'm currently using it to gather ideas for wedding stationery and browsing through the online gallery to see past creations. I'm not planning on casing them completely, but I've gathered a whole bunch of ideas that will provide a brilliant starting point and that I'll tweak and alter to make my own.

If you're a Stampin' Up! demonstrator you can get two weeks free membership straight away by clicking on the blinky SUDSOL box in the right hand column of this blog or click here to Join me on SUDSOL - Your 24/7 Upline!.

Not an SU demonstrator? Not a problem, the blog tour will have tons of ideas and inspiration to share with you for free but ...

... why not join my team as a demo? You can sign up just to get a great discount on the starter kit (more than £230 of products for just £119), for ongoing discount for yourself and maybe a few friends or, you can start to build your own business (with coaching from me) with hours to suit you and your family. Click here for more details or email me at sarastamper123@gmail.com to learn more.

Please call by on the 17th for the tour and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xx

A sneak peek of todays technique class

2011-05-14T08:24:00.007+01:00

Unfortunately blogger has been playing up over the last few days and every time I had chance to blog, I couldn't and then whenever it was working, I didn't have time to post. Figures!

So it's a quick post this morning and then off to pack for class. Here's a sneak peek of the one of the cards we'll be making today and I'll pop back after class to share the recipe.

Edited: I've added the recipe and updated this post now ;-)

If you'd like to come along to the next Crop and/or Class on Saturday 11 June then see here for details. The more the merrier, we'd love to have your company.

Recipe

Stamp set: Just Believe

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla

Ink: Rose Red, Craft Whisper White, Baja Breeze

Seam Binding Ribbon: Rose Red

Punches: Modern Label, Word Window

Embosslits Die: Beautiful Wings

Other: Basic Pearls

The base card is an A6 portrait of Baja Breeze. Ruffled Rose Red ribbon was wrapped around a layer of Elegant Eggplant card and adhered direct to the card front. The largest image from the Just Believe set was stamped onto Baja Breeze card using the faux dry embossing technique. This was then matted onto Rose Red card and popped up on dimensionals on the card front. Using Rose Red ink, the sentiment was stamped onto Very Vanilla card and then punched out with the Word Window. This was matted direct onto a Modern Label punched from Rose Red card and popped up on dimensionals on the card front. Teeny pearls were added to the sentiment and the card was finished with a die cut butterfly popped up on a dimensional.

Want a demonstration of the ruffled ribbon or faux dry embossing techniques? Just email me to book a workshop or a class.

Have a great weekend.

Sara xx

A beveled windowpane to frame a miniature masterpiece

2011-05-11T16:11:00.001+01:00

These Beveled Windowpanes are one of those gorgeous accessories that I buy and then can't bring myself to use, lol. Do I really love anyone that much? Well, I'm determined to get using mine after all ... so that I'll have the perfect excuse to buy some more, heehee.

They add a real touch of luxury to any card.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Baby Blossoms, Something to Celebrate

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla

Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz, Garden Green

DSP: Springtime Vintage

Seam Binding Ribbon: Baja Breeze

Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots

Other: Beveled Windowpanes, Brads (Subtles)

The card is a 5" Square of Baja Breeze, matted with Pear Pizzazz card and then a layer of Very Vanilla card that was first run through the Big Shot with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. A panel of Springtime Vintage DSP was stamped with the sentiment using Garden Green ink. This was then matted onto Pear Pizzazz and then Baja Breeze cardstock. Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig for placement, the Baby Blossoms were stamped onto Very vanilla card using a combination of Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Pear Pizzazz and Garden Green inks. This was trimmed to the same size as the medium Windowpane and Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon was threaded through the Windowpane to hold the image in place before securing the ribbon behind the DSP matted panel. A brad was used to secure a faux bow in place before popping the panel up on the card front with dimensionals.

Here's a close up of the windowpane:

What have you got tucked away in your stash box that's too yummy to use?

Sara xx

A glitzy name card for my SIL

2011-05-09T16:08:00.001+01:00

Oh what a disappointment this morning when I had to get up and go to work. I could really get used to those bank holiday mondays, lol!

It was my SIL's birthday yesterday and this is the card I made for her. Before you all write in and correct me - that is actually how she spells her name, with the umlauts on the "E" not the "O". Unusual isn't it?

Recipe

Stamp sets: Perfect Punches, Something to Celebrate, Thanks for Caring

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla

Ink: Early Espresso, Blushing Bride, Craft White

DSP: Elegant Soiree

Punches: 2" x 1-3/8" Oval, Scallop Oval

Bigz Die: Beautiful Butterflies

Embosslits Die: Beautiful Wings

Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots

Other: On Board Alphabet Soup, Baja Breeze Glass Glitter, Basic Rhinestones

The base card is tri-shutter cut from a 12" x 12" sheet of Baja Breeze card. This was matted with different pieces of Elegant Soiree DSP, all sponged around the edges with Early Espresso ink. For the name I sponged the letters from the On Board Alphabet Soup with Craft White ink (in case any showed through the chunky glitter) then covered with Baja Breeze Glass Glitter. The sentiment on the front was stamped in Early Espresso ink onto Very Vanilla card, punched with the 2" x 1-3/8" Oval and sponged around the edges as for the DSP. A Scallop Oval of Blushing Bride card was cut in two lengthways, the edges trimmed and adhered directly behind the sentiment before popping up on the top of the card front with dimensionals. Beautiful Wings butterflies were die cut from Blushing Bride card and the largest was popped up on dimensionals on the bottom of the card front.

The inside writing area was created by matting and layering Very Vanilla card, sponged around the edges, onto Early Espresso card then adhering direct to the central area. Using Early Espresso ink, the sentiment from the Something to Celebrate set was stamped in the middle of the panel and the flower and butterfly from the Thanks for Caring set were stamped either side in Blushing Bride ink. To decorate the back panel, one of the large Beautiful Butterflies was die cut from Blushing Bride card and run through the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. The smaller Beautiful Butterfly was die cut from DSP and sponged before adding to the centre of the large one and a strip of Basic Rhinestones run down the middle to finish. This was popped up on dimensionals on the back panel. A couple more small butterflies left over from cutting with the Embosslits for the front, were also popped up on dimensionals.

Hope she likes it.

Sara xx

Another purse and upcoming event reminders

2011-05-07T11:38:00.003+01:00

Hope that you're having a great weekend. As promised, I'm back again with the other version of the purse I shared yesterday ... but first a couple of event reminders:

Crop and class

Next Saturday - 14 May - is the next monthly Crop and Class at St Saviour's Church Hall, High Green, Sheffield

Crop - Drop in any time 11am - 4pm and stay as long as you like. Bring along your own project and materials (can be cardmaking, scrapbooking or anything else crafty) and join us to share in some inspiration and good company. Cost is £4 towards room hire and refreshments, with any profits donated to Cavendish Cancer Care.

Class - runs 1.30pm - 3.30pm and all materials are provided. Learn new techniques (this month is ruffled ribbon and faux dry embossing), build your technique notebook and practice on a couple of projects. Cost is £12 for full class kit (including a product to take home), room hire and refreshments.

Crop and class - come along for both and the combined cost is just £15.

More details including directions to the venue are here.

Spring Stamptacular

This full day (10:30am - 3.30pm) crafting smorgasbord takes place a week on Sunday - 22 May - also at St Saviour's Church Hall, High Green, Sheffield.

Booking is essential for this event, so that we are able to guarantee you a goodie bag on arrival. The cost is £30 or ... bring a friend and get 10% off, making it just £27 each. Cost includes your goodie bag, projects (including all materials) throughout the day, light lunch, refreshments, free entry into the prize draw and more! Use the Paypal button on the right hand menu to book. More details are here or please email me if you have any questions.

Now, back to the crafting:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Baby Blossoms, Baroque Border

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Whisper White

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Pear Pizzazz

Punches: Word Window, Scallop Circle, 1-3/8" Circle, 1-1/4" Circle

Bigz Die: Scallop Envelope

Seam Binding Ribbon: Rose Red

Two scallop envelopes were die cut from Pretty in Pink card and the Baroque Border wheeled across the centre in Regal Rose ink. The handle was punched from each using the Word Window punch and the bottom flap cut to match the width of the side flaps (see yesterday's post for details). Using the stamp-a-ma-jig for placement the full rose and the leaves from the Baby Blossoms set were stamped onto Whisper White card with Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose and Pear Pizzazz inks. The Rose was punched out with the 1-1/4" Circle and matted onto a 1-3/8" Circle punched from Daffodil Delight card. These circles were popped up on a couple of dimensionals onto a Scallop Circle punched from Regal Rose card and then with more dimensionals onto the purse front. The two envelopes were assembled with Sticky Strip, a mini choccie bar added inside and Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon tied around the handle and trimmed.

This side view shows the width of the purse - just big enough for that mini choccie bar.

Now I'm off to finish a birthday card for my SIL ready for tomorrow - who says I'm a last minute crafter, lol!

Sara xx

A little purse for my lovely ladies

2011-05-06T16:56:00.000+01:00

Wayhay! Two fantastic fun workshops over the last two nights. There may be a few of the new ladies that I met for the first time, stopping by my blog, so just want to say - Hello! Welcome! *waving*

What did we do? We had a great time making cards and purses and sharing ideas and laughs.

What didn't I do? Remember to photograph some of the projects that I demonstrated. Doh!

I always gift the demonstrated projects to the hostess and so I didn't get photos of the minibook from Wednesday night or the Scallop Circle Easel card from last night. Luckily I can share this sample that I prepared beforehand, that I did different versions of at both workshops:

Recipe

Stamp set: Vintage Vogue

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry

Punches: Word Window

Bigz Die: Scallop Envelope

Sizzlets Die: Little Leaves

Seam Binding Ribbon: Crumb Cake

Other: Basic Rhinestones

This little purse is made from two of the Scallop Envelopes with just a slice chopped off the bottom to make the flap about the same width as on each side:

The handle is created by punching in the centre top of one envelope with the Word Window punch, then putting the second envelope back to back with the first and using the aperture as a template for where to punch again. Little Leaves were die cut from Pear Pizzazz card and adhered direct to the front envelope. The large flower from Vintage Vogue was stamped using the rock and roll technique onto Very vanilla card with Crumb Cake and Rich Razzleberry ink. It was cut out by hand leaving a narrow margin, then popped up over the leaves with a dimensional and a rhinestone was added to the centre. To assemble, Sticky Strip was added to all three sides of the outside of the back envelope. These are then folded over (the purse top is left unfolded) and the purse front is adhered over the top of the back envelope. Finally a choccie was popped inside and Seam Binding ribbon tied around the handle and trimmed.

This version was made to match the card we made on Wednesday night. I'll share the second version tomorrow :-)

So that's a purse and a basket made from the Scallop Envelope. I guess I must try using it as an actual envelope some time soon, lol.

Have a great weekend.

Sara xx

Rocking and rolling again with my favourite set

2011-05-04T17:23:00.001+01:00

I have a workshop in just a short while with a bunch of ladies who are new to Stampin' Up! Can't wait, as I just know they're going to love the quality and the colour matching and all the rest of it and they sound such a fun bunch before I even meet them. We're expecting a bit of a mix of crafting levels, from experienced to newbies, which always makes for a fun time sharing tips and helping each other out.

When I got together with my wonderful hostess to chat about what to include tonight, she fell in love with the Vintage Vogue set (ok so I may have influenced her a little - maybe the majority of my samples are made with this set, lol). She was also very taken with the rock and roll technique and so for our make and take tonight I designed the card below. I'm posting it now so that I can point everyone back to the blog after we're finished tonight, as a reminder of how we made it. And there'll be an option to leave off the text and stamp the flower in a single colour, as an easier version for those just starting out.

Recipe

Stamp set: Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla

Ink: Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Rich Razzleberry

Punches: Scallop Trim, 1" Circle, 1-1/4" Circle

Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon: Rich Razzleberry

Other: Basic Rhinestones

The card blank is an A6 landscape of Crumb Cake. The Very Vintage wheel was stamped along the top front of the card with Crumb Cake ink. Using Rich Razzleberry ink, the sentiment was stamped direct to the lower right front of the card. A strip of Very Vanilla card was stamped randomly with the leafy frond in Pear Pizzazz ink and adhered direct to a strip of Rich Razzleberry punched with the Scallop Trim. Using the rock 'n' roll technique the small flower was stamped with Crumb Cake and Rich Razzleberry inks onto Very Vanilla card and punched with the 1" Circle. This was popped up on a dimensional onto a 1-1/4" Circle of Crumb Cake. Rich Razzleberry ribbon was looped behind the circles before popping them up on another dimensional on the card front. A rhinestone was added to the centre of the flower to finish.

Now, time for tea and then off out to play! ...err, I mean work, ... play ... whichever - they're both the same ;-)

If you'd like to get paid for having fun, then just check out how to join my team or email me and we'll arrange a time for me to phone you and we can have a chat.

Sara xx

Spring Stamptacular - Sunday 22 May

2011-05-02T08:59:00.005+01:00

Spring Stamptacular!

Yes Jan and I are holding another Stamptacular event, a full day of crafting goodness, goodiness and maybe a little giddyness, heehee.

Where and when?

10:30 - 15:30

Sunday 22 May

at St Saviour’s Church Hall

(postcode S35 3HS but please note that it is next door to the Parish Council meeting rooms located at the junction of Mortomley Lane and Pack Horse Lane)

How much?

£30

Prices held! We have kept them at the same level as last year’s introductory offer:

Bring a friend and you both get 10% off, reducing the price to just £27 each!

Price includes:

Goodie bag

3 complete projects with full demonstration and printed instructions

All materials needed

Bonus project to complete on the day or take away

A light lunch (please advise of any dietary requirements)

Refreshments throughout the day

Prizes

... and more!

Booking Essential

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on receipt of payment. Bookings are

non-refundable but if after booking, you find cannot attend, we will send you

your goodie bag complete with all project materials.

How do I book?

Please email me or use the Paypal button on the right hand side menu to book. Please note that their are two options; single rate and reduced, Bring a Friend rate. To get the reduced, Bring a Friend rate you will need to purchase both tickets at the same time, using the drop down menu.

A matching patriotic bag complete with gift

2011-05-01T19:08:00.003+01:00

On Friday I shared with you the card that I'd made to welcome a new member of our Stampin' Up! team. And I'm back now as promised to share the little gift bag that I made to go with it.

I had a wonderful crafty time this morning with Jan and Chrissi. We had great fun trialling a project that Jan and I will be sharing at our upcoming Stamptacular on Sunday 22 May (we have some places spare still so check back soon for details or email me).

This is the little bag that I gave to Chrissi:

Recipe

Stamp set: Fine Flourish

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pacific Point

Ink: Real Red, Pacific Point

DSP: Blueberry Crisp, Play Date

Punches: Eyelet Border, Round Tab

Satin Ribbon: Whisper White

Bigz L Die: Fun Flowers

Originals Dies: Leaves 2

Other: Designer Buttons

The bag design is the same one as in my Greenhouse Garden tutorial here. To trim it up, I made the flower in the same way as for the matching card and added leaves stamped in Real Red ink with the Fine Flourish stamp.

Inside I'd popped some 6" x 6" Greenhouse Gala DSP together with a pack of matching ribbons:

Fancy coming along to our next team get-together? Ask me how.

Enjoy the rest of the long weekend.

Sara xx

Something patriotic to celebrate

2011-04-29T09:28:00.000+01:00

I get to meet a new member of our team on Sunday and so I wanted to make a card to welcome her. (If you'd like to join our team too then please click on the link at the top or here for more details).

Today's big event inspired my colour combo ;-)

I'm not sure whether Chrissi reads my blog so I hope I don't spoil any surprise for her. Then again, I'm making a little gift to match and I'll save blogging that until after we meet.

The little tag is actually a Welcome, Baby sentiment from the new Level 2 hostess set, Something to Celebrate (email me to find out how to get this set for free) but by justing inking the first word with a marker it became perfect for my card.

Recipe

Stamp set: Something to Celebrate

Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Pacific Point

Ink: Real Red, Pacific Point

DSP: Blueberry Crisp, Play Date

Punches: Eyelet Border, Modern Label

Satin Ribbon: Real Red

Bigz L Die: Fun Flowers

Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots

Other: Designer Buttons, Basic Pearls

The card blank is an A6 landscape of Real Red. A mat of Whisper White was punched along the very bottom with the Eyelet Border, embossed on the top half with the Perfect Polka Dots and covered with a strip of Blueberry Crisp DSP. Sticky strip was laid all along the join at the middle and Real Red Satin Ribbon gathered and pleated along it for an easy ruffled ribbon. These layers were adhered direct to the card front. Using the Fun Flowers Die I cut the large and small flowers from Blueberry Crisp and the middle one from Play Date. The edges of the flowers were sponged with the matching ink. The sentiment was stamped in Pacific Point ink onto Whisper White card, punched out with the Modern Label and adhered directly behind the smallest flower. Dimensionals were used between all of the petals layers and to pop the flower on the front of the card. A sliver of Pacific Point card was threaded through a Real Red button and the ends curled around the point of a paper piercer. Glue dots were used to adhere it to the centre of the flower. Finally a little pearl was added to the end of the label.

It's a bit grey and threatening here. Hope the weather picks up soon.

Have a great long weekend.

Sara xx

Super quick SAB cards and perfect punched cards with our two step owl

2011-04-27T16:12:00.001+01:00

I had a great afternoon crafting with my MIL when they visited at the weekend and we enjoyed using the new Two-step Owl (MILs ordered her own now!).

It prompted me to dig my Punch Bunch set out again. This stamp set was free with orders over £45 during Sale-a-bration. Although it's no longer available, I do have a set left to give as a hostess gift for the next person that books a workshop with me (please email me to book and be sure to mention the Punch Bunch offer so that I put it to one side for you).

The set is ideal to make very quick cards such as this one:

Recipe

Stamp set: Punch Bunch (retired)

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Tempting Turquoise

DSP: Play Date

Punches: Square Scallop, Two-step Owl

The card base is a 10cm square of Chocolate Chip matted with a square of So Saffron popped up on dimensionals. Smaller squares of Play Date DSP were adhered direct to opposite corners. The sentiment was stamped onto Whisper White card with Tempting Turquoise ink, punched out with the Square Scallop and popped up on dimensionals on the card front. The owl was stamped onto Whisper White card with Chocolate Chip ink, punched out with the Two-step Owl (aligning it as shown below) and also popped up on dimensionals. Done!

If you didn't grab this set while Sale-a-bration was on and you're too far away for a workshop with me, then you can still create a similar card but it will take a little longer. You can still order the punch from me if you live at a distance and I can get it posted to you (please email me to order yours).

Recipe

Stamp set: Party This Way (sentiment)

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White

Ink: Tempting Turquoise

DSP: Play Date

Punches: 1-1/4" Square, Square Scallop, Two-step Owl

The card base is the same again - a 10cm square of Chocolate Chip matted with a square of So Saffron popped up on dimensionals and smaller squares of Play Date DSP adhered direct to opposite corners. This time the sentiment was stamped a line at a time onto Whisper White card with Tempting Turquoise ink and punched out with the 1-1/4". This was matted onto a Scallop Square of tempting Turquoise and popped up on dimensionals on the card front. The owl body and the middle size eyes were punched from Chocolate Chip card, the vest was punched from Play Date DSP and the large and tiny eyes were punched from Whisper White card. The owl layers were assembled using Tombow and then popped up on dimensionals. Cutesy.

And this punch isn't just for owls! I'll be posting some alternative ideas over the coming weeks so please pop back soon.

Sara xx

A round scallop card for the Mojo Monday challenge

2011-04-25T18:33:00.004+01:00

I hope that you've had a great Easter. We had some treasured family time with both sets of parents and really enjoyed the good weather for a change. Here's hoping that it's just as sunny and warm next weekend.

And being a bank holiday I've also found time to play along with the Mojo Monday challenge, which this week is a choice of Round or Square:

I opted for Round, using my new Scallop Circle die with my Big Shot and going for a sepia look:

Recipe

Stamp set: Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla

Ink: Versamark, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Crumb Cake

DSP: Elegant Soiree

Punches: Scallop Edge, 1-3/4" Circle, Boho Blossoms

Seam Binding Ribbon: Crumb Cake

Bigz Die: Scallop Circle

Other: Gold EP, Gold Brad, Basic Pearls

Non-SU: Circle dies

The base card is two of the Scallop Circles die cut from Crumb Cake card and adhered at the top. A circle mat of Chocolate Chip was spritzed with Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint mixed with rubbing alcohol and once dry, adhered to the front of the card. A strip of Elegant Soiree DSP was wrapped with Crumb Cake ribbon and adhered to a strip of Crumb Cake card that had been punched with the Scallop Edge. A faux bow was secured over the ribbon with a Gold Brad and then a Pearl used to cover the brad. These layers were adhered to the card front. After stamping the sentiment onto Chocolate Chip card with Versamark it was heat embossed with Gold EP and punched out with the 1-3/4" Circle. This was then adhered direct to a circle mat of Very Vanilla and popped up on dimensionals on the card front. The flowers were punched with the Boho Blossoms from Crumb Cake and Chocolate Chip card. They were shaped, layered and finished in the centres with Pearls and added using glue dots. Finally three small pearls were added to complete the sketch.

Ah well, back to work tomorrow but at least it's just for three days :-)

Sara xx

Easter card using Forest Friends

2011-04-23T10:56:00.000+01:00

I had planned to use the Mini Milk Cartons for packaging the Dads' Easter gifts but the gifts are too big - I'd need way too many cartons and I think they'd get fed up of opening them, so I'm rethinking the packaging.

Meanwhile I figured that the last few projects I've posted have had no stamping and it's about time the rubber came out again, so I'm sharing a quick Easter card. Forest Friends is my go to set for Easter because I just love the cute little bunny.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Forest Friends, Something to Celebrate (sentiment)

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White

Ink: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Pear Pizzazz, Signo White Gel Pen, Stampin' Pastels

DSP: Sweet and Sour Specialty

Punches: Decorative Label, Itty Bitty Shapes, Scallop Circle

Other: Dazzling Diamonds

The card base is a 4" square of Crumb Cake, matted and layered with Rose Red cardstock and Sweet and Sour Specialty DSP. For the main image I coloured the tree direct to stamp with markers and stamped onto Whisper White card. The background was added with Stampin' Pastels (in Garden Green and Bashful Blue) using a Scallop Circle template to create the clouds. This was matted onto Rose Red card. The sentiment (from the Level 2 hostess set in the Mini Catalogue) was stamped in Rose Red ink onto Pretty in Pink card and punched with the Decorative Label punch. this was adhered behind the main image and all the layers were added direct to the card front. Little flowers were punched from Pretty in Pink and Pink Pirouette card using the four petal flower from the Itty Bitty Shapes Pack (a pack of 3 punches ideal for using up scraps). Each flower was shaped by rubbing the point of the bone folder in the centre, adhered direct to the main image and then Dazzling Diamonds added to the flower centres. The rabbit was stamped in Early Espresso ink onto Crumb Cake card and cut out. The little bobtail was coloured with the White Signo Gel Pen and then the rabbit popped up on dimensionals on the card front.

MIL and FIL are coming for lunch today so I'd better get back to finishing the housework, lol.

Bye for now.

Sara xx

SUDSOL Blog Tour May 17

2011-04-22T07:37:00.005+01:00

Hope you're having an eggstremely relaxing Easter break.

Just a quick post today to let you know about a Blog Tour that I'll be taking part in on Tuesday May 17. That seems like a long way off at the moment but I know that it will come around very quickly, especially as May is booking up to be a busy month for me already and we've still got over a week to go ;-)

I've used it most recently for inspiration for my last minute Easter gifts (I spotted the projects in emails from other SUDSOL members) but I also refer to it weekly for templates and techniques. There is a monthly membership fee, which is very reasonable (the exchange rate isn't too bad at the moment, it cost me £19.74 for six months membership when I signed up in January) but you can also earn membership free (I earned an additional free week for winning a Design challenge). In fact if you're a Stampin' Up! demonstrator you can get two weeks free membership straight away by clicking on the blinky SUDSOL box in the right hand column of this blog or click here to Join me on SUDSOL - Your 24/7 Upline!.

Not an SU demonstrator? Not a problem, the blog tour will have tons of ideas and inspiration to share with you for free but ...

Either way, please make a note of May 17 in your diary and join me and the other SUDSOL members for some crafty ideas.

Back tomorrow with another project. Bye for now.

Sara xx

Bunny baskets boys and girls

2011-04-21T16:06:00.002+01:00

OK so I've not got the Dad's Easter gifts covered yet - but I have got extras for the Mums and one for DH. I found these gorgeous bunny baskets and they were just so cute that I had to have a go.

Thanks to Wendy over at Got Rubber, Will Stamp, for her inspiration and instructions. She got the original design from Terri Ransom but I've not had any luck in tracking down Terri's version (please let me know if you spot it and I'll add a link).

My own changes/additions are the box base (because we don't have the Fancy Favor Die yet) and the teeth!

Recipe

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink/Bashful Blue, Basic Black

Ink: Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink/Bashful Blue, Soft Suede, White Signo Gel Pen

Punches: 2" x 1-3/8" Oval, 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval, 1-3/8" Circle, 1" Circle, 3/4" Circle, Heart to Heart, Two-step Owl, Boho Blossoms

Taffeta Ribbon: Pretty in Pink (I didn't add one for the boy bunny)

Bigz Die: Top Note

Other: Subtles Brads (Bashful Blue brads retired)

The box base is a 25cm x 8cm piece of Whisper White card. This is scored 1cm inwards from each long edge and 9cm inwards from each short edge. "V"s are cut from each short score line to reduce the bulk when folding and then Sticky Strip applied to the narrow margins:

The middle edge is adhered to the reverse of one Top Note in line with the bottom of the shape and then each long edge is folded in and adhered:

Repeat with the other Top Note die cut to form the basket. All the punched shapes are then sponged, highlighted and adhered to the basket front either directly or with dimensionals.

The teeth were hand cut and adhered behind the cheeks. A strip of Whisper White was secured to either side of the basket with brads and a little sponged tail popped up on a dimensional on the back:

And here are my girls and boy ready to be filled with little packets of treats.

Looking forward to a great weekend ... and I must get on with the Dad's gifts tomorrow.

Hope you all have an eggstra special Easter.

Sara xx

Easter bonnet with dinky easter eggs

2011-04-19T15:44:00.002+01:00

I've been blog hopping a little recently, gathering ideas for using my wonderful new Big Shot and accessories (see here for my Big Shot offers) and one of the great ideas I came across was a bonnet treat box.

I owe a big thanks to Tami for her inspiration, you can find her instructions and video for the bonnet here. Although I followed them fairly closely I still made a few extra changes to make the project my own.

Recipe

Cardstock: So Saffron

Ink: Crumb Cake

5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon: Real Red

Bigz Die: Scallop Circle

Embossing Folder: Square Lattice

Other: Empty button/brad container

Non-SU: Mini easter eggs

For the base of the bonnet I die-cut the Scallop Circle from So Saffron card and for the top of the bonnet I drew around the lid of my empty button container onto more So Saffron card with a pencil and cut it out. Both pieces were put through the Square Lattice embossing folder (one by one) and then swiped across with the Crumb Cake ink pad to highlight the texture. The empty container was attached with Sticky Strip. Real Red ribbon was adhered to the outside of the container and a long piece of ribbon was folded over and adhered to the join with a couple of glue dots. Tails were cut into the ends of the ribbon and a faux bow was added to finish.

And inside are the mini eggs.

That's the Mums taken care of this Sunday. Now to work on something for the Dads.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

April batch of thank yous for my customers

2011-04-17T11:06:00.003+01:00

Hope you're enjoying the roasting weather this weekend. It's certainly glorious here in Sheffield. Poor Bess can't decide whether to sun herself or cool herself off, she keeps mooching from the sunny to the shady spots and I'm starting to follow her, lol.

I've got a bunch of orders to deliver over the next few days and so of course I've made a batch of thank yous to go out with them:

The Baby Blossoms set is a great two step stampin' set but I kept it very simple for this card as I have a lot to make.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Baby Blossoms, Sincere Salutations (sentiment)

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery

Punch: 2" x 1-3/8" Oval

The card blank is a 4" square of Pretty in Pink. A square of Whisper White was stamped with the sentiment in the centre using Rich Razzleberry ink. The largest rose was stamped with Pretty in Pink ink along the top and bottom three times each. The duo of roses was stamped with the same ink on each side, rotating the stamp 180 degrees. This layer was adhered direct to the card front. Using Rich Razzleberry ink the main frame was stamped onto Pretty in Pink card. The centre was punched out with the 2" x 1-3/8" Oval and then the rest of the frame cut by hand before popping the frame up onto the card front on slivers of dimensionals.

Off now to make the most of the sun.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xx

Quick and easy invites using the Manhattan Flower embossing folder

2011-04-15T17:11:00.000+01:00

Edited: Sorry not sure why this didn't post last night, serves me right for not double checking.

When I went to regional training last month I saw a card very similar to this and was bowled over by how quick and easy it would be to make a batch of elegant wedding invites (or anniversary, than yous etc). The embossing folder does all the work for you.

Recipe

Stamp set: Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Shimmery White

Ink: Peach Parfait

Organza Ribbon: Whisper White

Embossing Folder: Manhattan Flower

Other: Basic Pearls

The card blank is an A6 portrait of Shimmery White card. The card blank was inserted as far as the fold line into the Manhattan Flower embossing folder and run through the Big Shot. Using a craft knife (or one blade of opened scissors) a slit the same width as the ribbon was cut close to the fold and Organza Ribbon threaded through and tied in a bow. The sentiment was stamped with Peach Parfait ink and a row of the Basic Pearls adhered below (if making a batch you could just attach various combinations of the different size pearls to make the sheet go further). Done! Told you it was quick and easy.

Have a great weekend.

Sara xx

Glossy paintwork for a red motorcycle

2011-04-13T16:02:00.001+01:00

I'm making the most of our fantastic new masculine images for my card today. If you're like me then masculine cards can be a bit of a challenge but I just love the new stamps we've got in the Mini Catalogue - they make it so easy.

The motorcycle works pretty well on it's own but I figured on another use for the border stamp in another great masculine set, the Plane and Simple:

Can you spot it at the bottom of my card? Details below:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Motorcycle, Plane and Simple

Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink: Black Stazon, Basic Black, Real Red

Punches: 1-1/4" Square, 1-3/8" Square

Other: Crystal Effects

The card blank is an A6 landscape of Real Red. Selectively inking the square dots border from the Plane and Simple set with Basic Black ink the image was repeat stamped across the lower portion of the card. Using the Stamp-a-ma-jig to get it just right I then turned the stamp the other way up and repeat stamped again to create the "tyre tread". The main image was stamped using Black Stazon onto Whisper White card. A Real Red marker was used to colour the paintwork and then Crystal Effects applied over the top to give the glossy effect (easier to see in the top photo). This was matted onto Basic Black card and popped up on dimensionals on the card front, overlapping the tyre tread. The sentiment from the Plane and Simple set was selectively inked with Basic Black and stamped onto Whisper White card, spreading it across two lines instead of a single one. This was then punched out with the 1-1/4" Square and matted onto a 1-3/8" Square of Basic Black before popping up on dimensionals overlapping the main image as shown.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Anniversary roses for a wonderful couple

2011-04-11T16:07:00.006+01:00

I couldn't believe the mistake I made last week. It was Jan's wedding anniversary. A biggie - she and Ian have been married for 25 years! And they're such a lovely couple - so good together and so supportive of one another. I hadn't forgotten their anniversary, in fact I especially made a card for them when I was creating samples using the new goodies ...

... and then I forgot to post it! Doh!

But she should finally have got it by now and so I'll share it with you.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Tiny Tags, Baby Blossoms

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Rich Razzleberry, Shimmery White

Ink: Blushing Bride, Rich Razzleberry

Punches: 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval, 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval

Embossing Folder: Manhattan Flower

Other: Basic Pearls

Blushing Bride card was run through the Manhattan Flower embossing folder and then the roses cut out close (about 1mm margin) to the outside embossed line and cut square. These were matted onto Shimmery White card (bought while on offer last month - snap up those bargains when you can), then Rich Razzleberry card and finally the card blank of Blushing Bride. The Mr & Mrs sentiment from the Tiny Tags set was stamped with Rich Razzleberry ink onto a scrap of Shimmery White card. Using Blushing Bride ink the largest rose (still very dinky) from the Baby Blossoms set was stamped alongside the sentiment before punching with the 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval. This was matted onto a 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval of Blushing Bride card and adhered to the top right of the card front. Finally two teeny Basic Pearls were used to finish the sentiment.

I'm so sorry I was late with your card Jan. I know that you and Ian had a very moving renewal of vows as part of a very special and wonderful anniversary and I wish you continued happiness together.

Sara xx

The Scallop Envelope die - not just for envelopes

2011-04-09T11:53:00.003+01:00

I've been travelling a lot this last week for work - the day job that is, not the fun one :-(

It meant long days, not getting back until late and feeling shattered so apologies for not blogging more regularly. OK, excuses over and on with the crafting.

Now I have to say that the Scallop Envelope wasn't my first choice of the new dies when I saw them all originally, but then I started to see the potential. And I'm converted. This is a real little workhorse of a die. I used it for the make and take at my recent hostess evening (I'll share that project soon) and I used it to make the little Mother's Day gift shown here.

The reason I'm sharing it now is that it will work so well as an Easter basket too.

Recipe

Cardstock: Rose Red

DSP: Sweet and Sour Specialty

Bigz Die: Scallop Envelope

Other: Flower Brads (Brights)

Four Scallop Envelopes were cut from Rose Red card. The main panel of each envelope was decorated with a piece of the Sweet and Sour Specialty DSP (this is easier to do before assembling. One side flap was cut away from each and discarded (to reduce the bulk when you assemble), then the side flap was adhered to the side of the next envelope and so on to adhere them all together into a square box. The bases all fold together to leave a small hole in the base less than 1cm square. A square of matching Rose Red card was adhered to the inside of the base to cover the hole. The perforated top edges were all folded forward over the DSP. A 1" strip of Rose Red card was cut from the length of an A4 sheet. A slightly narrower strip of the DSP was adhered to the centre of it and it was attached to the open box with Flower Brads to turn it into a basket. Each of the remaining folded over flaps were secured down over the DSP with a dimensional.

And here it is filled with large choccies:

Hope you like it and have a great weekend.

Sara xx

Matching glitzy gift packaging for jewellery

2011-04-05T16:11:00.000+01:00

For Mother's Day I bought my Mum another charm for her bracelet. Here's the gift packaging that I made to match the Mother's Day card I shared with you yesterday.

I used the new pillow box die:
And followed my previous colour scheme and theme:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Cottage Garden, Occasional Greetings (sentiment)

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla Tangerine Tango

Ink: Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango

DSP: Sunny Garden

3mm Taffeta Ribbon: Pumpkin Pie

Punches: Eyelet Border, Curly Label, Crop-a-dile

Bigz Dies: Pillow Box, Flower Daisies 2

Other: Champagne Glass Glitter

Non-SU: Charm

I cut the Pillow Box from Pumpkin Pie cardstock and assembled it using Sticky Strip. A strip of Sunny Garden DSP was punched along both long edges with the Eyelet Border and then those edges were sponged with Pumpkin Pie ink before adhering to the box. The sentiment was stamped in Cajun Craze ink onto Very Vanilla card and then punched with the Curly Label. Using Pumpkin Pie ink the little trio of flowers from the Cottage Garden set was stamped off the label around the sentiment. The label was popped up on dimensionals on the front of the box. Three of the smallest Daisies were die cut from Tangerine Tango, adhered together and sponged at the edges of the petals with matching ink. A large Daisy centre was adhered to the middle of the flower and covered with Champagne Glass Glitter. Once dry the flower was added to the label. A card of Pumpkin Pie was cut to fit inside the Pillow Box and punched each end with the Crop-a-dile. Pumpkin Pie ribbon was threaded through the holes and charm and tied at the back.

Much more personal don't you think?

Sara xx

Glitzy gerberas for my Mum

2011-04-04T16:24:00.000+01:00

I just loved being able to play with my new Big Shot and dies when I was creating this card for my Mum. Now I know that it's a bit late for you to use this for your own Mother's Day cards (at least for this year) but this would be just as suitable for a birthday card or get well card etc if you just change out the sentiment.

It was inspired by a great video for creating gerbera daisies by Noel.

Recipe

Stamp set: Cottage Garden, Occasional Greetings (sentiment)

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Peach Parfait, Very Vanilla

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango, Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze

DSP: Sunny Garden

Punch: Decorative Label

Bigz Die: Flower Daisies 2

Originals Die: Leaves 2

Other: Champagne Glass Glitter

This is a larger card for me than normal, it's an A5 portrait of Pear Pizzazz. This was matted with a layer of Pumpkin Pie card and a layer of Sunny Garden, sponged with Pumpkin Pie ink. The gerberas were made with Peach Parfait, Pumpkin Pie and Tangerine Tango card using the Daisies 2 die. Each flower has three layers of the largest petals and three layers of the smallest petals. All the petals were sponged with the corresponding ink before assembling. Champagne Glass Glitter was sprinkled into Tombow glue for the flower centres. The leaves were cut from Pear Pizzazz card with the Leaves 2 die and the veins were scored into the leaves before sponging the edges with Pear Pizzazz ink. Flowers were popped up on dimensionals and the leaves were adhered direct to the card front. For the sentiment, a Cajun Craze marker was used to selectively ink the words without the swirls, stamped onto Very Vanilla card and punched with the Decorative Label. This was overstamped with the trio of flowers from Cottage Garden in Peach Parfait ink. Two more Decorative Labels were punched from Tangerine Tango, cut in half and adhered behind the Vanilla label before popping up on dimensionals.

I'll definitely be making more of these pretty flowers in the future. Here's a close up:

To order these dies just email me or you can get the Daisies die in one of my bundle offers here (and if you need the leaves too you can tailor make a bundle by substituting).

Tomorrow I'll share the gift packaging I made to match.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

News from my hostess evening and Mini Launch Party

2011-04-03T18:52:00.003+01:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you mums out there. Just thought I'd post a quick share from this weekend's events. It's been really busy in the best possible way. Friday night I had a hostess party. This is a special event for everyone who has been a hostess for me, either holding a workshop in their home or a virtual hostess through my Stampers 6 club. All of my previous hostesses from the last few months got an invite package like the one above, containing an advance copy of the Mini catty, their invite (posted previously here) and a little wrapped choccie biccie.

When they arrived they found the table all set with little treats. Everyone got to ooh and aah over the lush new products, we all made a couple of projects (a card and a 3d item) and we had a good old chinwag (I found out I went to school with the husband of one of the ladies, small world isn't it?). So we went a bit over time ... again, heehee.

Some of my hostesses couldn't make it, due to sickness, other commitments or because they live too far away. I get their treats to them after the event to make sure that they don't miss out.

Would you like to come along to my next hostess party? Then email me to book your workshop date in my diary or join my Stampers 6 group (details here) and you too could be getting treats like these soon.

Yesterday was my Mini Launch Party and it was great to get together with existing friends and meet some new faces. Everyone got a flower lollipop and a goodie bag - a little like the invite bag above but containing the Mini catty, some card blanks, DSP samples, ribbon and a free stamp.

I had a brilliant time (still can't believe I get paid for doing this, lol), the ladies told me they'd loved it and we raised £27 for Cavendish Cancer Care. Thanks ladies!

I got DH to draw the door prize when I got home last night. If I'd thought on I could have asked little Katie to do it while we were still altogether but never mind. So drum roll please ....

... and the winners are ...

1st prize ...

Heather

2nd prize ...

Mavis

I'll put your prizes in with your orders ladies.

Today we've been visiting our Mums to let them know how much they mean to us both. I shared DH's card to his Mum here but please pop back tomorrow and I'll share the card I made for my Mum.

Sara xx

Three projects for our blog hop marathon

2011-04-02T10:00:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone. If you've joined me from Emily then welcome, didn't you just love what she did? Gorgeous! If you're starting here then don't worry, we'll pass you around the hop until you get back to Emily and then back to me. At that point you'll have the chance to hop over to another 3 groups! Truly a blog hop marathon today and so much inspiration that I'm sure we'll have your head spinning by the end of it ... and your wish list will be mighty long - we can help with that, lol.

Please email me when you're ready to place your order

;-)

My first project is a super quick and easy party treat. Great for kids parties and not sniffed at by the adults either. I gave one each to my hostesses last night and there'll be one for each guest at my Mini Launch Party today.

Recipe

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight

DSP: Greenhouse Gala

Bigz L Die: Fun Flowers

Non-SU: Lollipop

I used the Fun Flowers die in the Big Shot to crank out all the flowers. The largest and smallest were cut from Daffodil Delight card and the middle one was cut from Greenhouse Gala DSP. I found I could cut three layers of card and four of DSP in one go with no problem. They were layered up with a tiny spot of SNAIL between each to hold them in place, a hole punched through the middle and the lollipop pushed through.

Have a look at my Big Shot Bundles to see what I'm offering when you order the Big Shot and/or Accessories.

Next up I've used the new Windowpanes which come as a pack of 12; four each of three sizes.

I saw this project created originally by the very talented Jackie Topa using hearts. For mine, I've used the new Strength and Hope set. Stampin' Up! are donating £1 from each sale of this set to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I created mine to use at my Launch party today as I'm offering it as a free event but asking people for a donation to the Cavendish Cancer Care, our local charity helping breast cancer patients. It seemed appropriate.

Although this uses all four of your large Windowpanes you can easily change the ribbon and the backing sheets to fit any occasion or even dismantle and reuse the Windowpanes at any point (so not really as excessive as it first seems). Please use a battery operated tea light for safety.

Recipe

Stamp set: Strength & Hope

Cardstock: Vellum Card, Medium Window Sheet

Ink: Regal Rose

Taffeta Ribbon: Pretty in Pink

Bigz L Die: Mini Milk Carton

Other: Beveled Windowpanes

Non-SU: Battery operated tea light

I followed Jackie's instructions fully, using Window Sheet to create just the base of the Mini Milk Carton to wrap the panes around for stability. The Windowpanes were tied at each corner with Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon. Pieces of Vellum card were stamped with the Hope sentiment and inserted between the Mini Milk Carton and the Windowpane.

And finally from me - a masculine card. Yes, Stampin' Up! have listened to us and included some great masculine stamps in this Mini.

Recipe

Stamp set: Sail Away, Plane & Simple (sentiment)

Cardstock: Cajun Craze, Sahara Sand, Night of Navy, Whisper White

Ink: Night of Navy

Other: Pewter Jumbo Eyelet, Linen Thread

The card blank is an A6 portrait of Cajun Craze. A short panel of Sahara Sand was put through the Crimper leaving an uncrimped section top and bottom to make it easier to adhere to the card front. The sailboat was stamped in Night of Navy ink onto Whisper White card and matted onto Night of Navy card leaving more mat exposed at the bottom. A Pewter Jumbo Eyelet was added to this exposed piece using the Crop-a-dile and Linen Thread wrapped through a few times and tied in a knot. This was popped up on dimensionals on the card front. Using the sentiment from the Plane and Simple set I stamped with Night of Navy ink onto a narrow strip of Whisper White card and cut a horizontal "V" into the end to create the flag. This was matted onto Night of Navy card cut to match and popped on dimensionals.

I hope you've enjoyed my projects and I invite you to "follow me" so you don't miss any of the exciting ideas that I've got coming up.

For now I'll pass you on to the next person in our blog hop loop - Rita, who's got more creative ideas in store for you.

When you're ready to check out the other loops you can find the start of each of them here:

Loop 1 (and our blog hop organiser Erika)

Loop 2

Loop 4

Off now to my Launch Party!

See you soon.

Sara xx

The new Mini Catalogue and a reminder invitation

2011-04-01T06:54:00.008+01:00

Our new Mini Catalogue launches today and it's a real beaut! We're absolutely spoiled this time. We have the BIG SHOT! Yay! We got it! And it opens up a whole new world of crafting; textures, easy boxes and the chance to work with new materials just for starters.

But we've also got gorgeous new stamps sets, punches, papers, ribbons, buttons and more.

Grab a cuppa, get yourself settled and take a gander by clicking here.

Want to order? Everything? Lol. Maybe a little? Just email me.

While we're at it I thought I'd just remind you that tomorrow is my FREE Mini Launch Party and you're all invited - see here for details.

This is the spring pastel card that I sent out to my local mailing list:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Four Frames, Itty Bitty Bits, Sincere Salutations (sentiment)

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand, Baha Breeze, Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Rose Red

Punches: Decorative Label, Itty Bitty Shapes

Embossing Folder: Elegant Bouquet

Embosslits: Beautiful Wings

Sizzlits: Little Leaves

Other: Basic Rhinestones

The basic card is an A6 portrait of Pink Pirouette card. The Sahara Sand card front was run through the Big Shot with the Elegant Bouquet embossing Folder and adhered to the card. Using Bravo Burgundy ink, the frame was stamped onto Whisper White card and then the sentiment stamped in Rose Red ink in the centre, before punching out with the Decorative Label. A dinky flower from the Itty Bitty Shapes was stamped in Rose Red ink on Whisper White card and punched out with the flower from the Itty Bitty Shapes punch pack (a pack of three punches). The Little Leaves were die cut from Pear Pizzazz card and a single leaf cut off and adhered behind the flower (the die cut did me for 7 flowers - how's that for quick). A teeny rhinestone was added to the centre of the flower before it was adhered to the edge of the sentiment frame. The little butterflies were die cut from Baha Breeze card. I love these little embosslits, they emboss a texture and cut out at the same time and the butterflies are just gorgeous - one of my favourites. Just three of the five butterflies were used here. The teeni

est stuck on directly, the next one popped on a sliver of dimensional and the largest adhered along the body with a glue dot.

It was a doddle to do even this large batch with my new Big Shot, heehee.

And for my hostess evening tonight I made a similar batch in bright colours and using the Itty Bitty Buttons:

I've got so much to share with you I do hope that you'll pop back often over the next few days. Tomorrow we're kicking off with a real Mega Blog Hop with a bunch of friends over at In Love With Stamping so hope you get chance to stop by and take a look at that.

Have a great weekend and hope I see you tomorrow (whether virtually or IRL, lol).

Sara xx

Vintage scrapbooking in my favourite colours

2011-03-29T16:07:00.000+01:00

I think I may have mentioned that DH and I aren't really too keen on having our pic taken. So fodder for scrapbooking could have been a little light. But ... we both love taking travel photos wherever we go and so I've started to scrap some of our travel pix from previous years. Plenty of material, (as both families will agree when we face them with hundreds of holiday photos whenever we get back), lol!

Today's page is one that I started to put together at my last crop and I CASEd it totally from one in the current main catalogue:

Well I finally printed off the photo and put it together last night:

Recipe

Stamp sets: Vintage Vogue, Very Vintage

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, River Rock, Very Vanilla

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, River Rock

Satin Ribbon: Old Olive

Punch: Round Tab

Other: Brights Designer Buttons

The 6" x 6" page of Rich Razzleberry was stamped with the Very Vintage wheel in matching ink. A strip of River Rock was also wheeled with the same Very Vintage in River Rock ink. This strip was torn along both edges, sponged with more River rock and wrapped with Old Olive Satin Ribbon. The pic was matted onto Old Olive card. A Round Tab punched from River Rock card, was journalled and adhered behind the pic, before tucking the photo behind the ribbon. The flowers and leaves were stamped using the rock and roll technique with River Rock and Rich Razzleberry inks before being cut out and shaped. The button was threaded with a sliver of River Rock card then added to the centre of the larger flower on a glue dot.

The photo was taken at Versailles at the little farm (Hameau de la Reine) that was Marie Antoinette's rustic retreat.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Mini Catalogue Launch Party, Saturday 2 April - you're all invited!!

2011-03-26T10:11:00.001Z

Yay! The fantastic new Mini Catalogue will soon be here full of fantastic goodies including new stamp sets, new tools and new accessories.

To celebrate, I'm having a Launch Party a week today and you're all invited!

I'm covering all costs for the room hire, refreshments etc. but I'd welcome any donations for Cavendish Cancer Care.

When: anytime 11am - 3.30pm, Saturday 2 April

Where: St Saviour's Church Hall, Mortomley Lane, High Green (click here for more details on how to find it)

What:

a free goodie bag
demonstrations of new techniques
make 'n' take projects for you to test out the new goodies
samples for looking and touching
refreshments
prizes

Feel free to just drop in on the day but if you email me that you're coming along then I'll make sure there's a goodie bag set aside for you and that I don't run out.

Thinking of a friend

2011-03-24T16:08:00.001Z

Unfortunately I had another sad occasion for cardmaking recently. A friend lost her Mum and I though that the Thinking of You sentiment might be more appropriate and be a little less harsh than the usual sympathy sentiment.

The card is a variation of one that I originally made as a thank you.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Just Believe, Sincere Salutations

Cardstock: Concord Crush, Very Vanilla

Ink: Concord Crush

Other: Basic Pearls

The card base is an A6 portrait of Concord Crush. Using Concord Crush ink the main image was stamped onto Very Vanilla card. The sentiment was stamped in the top right corner in the same ink and the matching marker was used to draw a frame joining them both. This was matted onto the card front and teeny pearls added to the centres of the flowers.

Here's hoping that I don't have any more need of cards like this for quite a while now.

Sara xx

March thank you cards

2011-03-22T16:04:00.001Z

This card has been my thank you card for my customers this month and was inspired by a swap that I got at Regional training a few weeks ago. Sorry, but I've misplaced the original (it's under the swamp that used to be my craft table) so I'll have to update with name of the originator just as soon as I find it (or if you recognise it then please let me know and I'll credit accordingly).

Recipe

Stamp set: Just Believe

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz

Punches: Eyelet Border, Boho Blossoms

Other: Gold Brads

The base card is a square of Rich Razzleberry. A smaller square of Pear Pizzazz was used to mark the position of the corners and a stamp-a-ma-jig used to stamp the flower frame from the Just Believe set in Rich Razzleberry ink so that just the flowers show at each corner of the Very Vanilla mat. Leaves were stamped in Pear Pizzazz ink on a smaller square of Very Vanilla card and the small flower from the Boho Blossoms was punched from Rich Razzleberry card and secured with a gold brad. An Eyelet Border was punched from Pear Pizzazz card and stamped with the sentiment in Rich Razzleberry.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

A little pink bundle of love

2011-03-20T10:05:00.001Z

Hope you're having a restful and relaxing weekend. I've been enjoying a bit of family time with my Mum and Dad. Dad's recovering after a small op so it's been good to take time out with them and enjoy their company.

It was also nice to be able to do a small favour for my Mum. She needed a a baby card recently and so I whipped up this little creation. It's pretty quick to make but still has the cute factor I was going for.

Recipe

Stamp set: Bundle of Love

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Rose Red

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red, Black Stazon

DSP: Subtles Patterns Stack

Punch: Corner Rounder

1cm Taffeta Ribbon: Pretty in Pink

The card blank is an A6 landscape of Pretty in Pink. The background mat was created by bunching together a group of the dinky clear mount stamps from the set onto a single block and repeat stamping with Pretty in Pink ink onto Whisper White card - background paper, double quick time.

This was wrapped with Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon and adhered to the card front. The pram was stamped in Black Stazon onto Whisper White card and again onto DSP and then the baby's head and the bootees were stamped over the top of just the Whisper White version (no real need for the Stamp-a-ma-jig when using clear mount). The pram was cut out of the DSP and paper pieced over the Whisper White version. Using Pretty in Pink and Rose Red markers the bootees and the pram base were coloured in. The corners of the image were punched with the Corner Rounder and it was matted onto Rose Red card, also Corner Rounded. This was popped up on dimensionals on the card front. To finish a bow of Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon was attached with a glue dot.

As well as 5 other dinky, cute images not used here, this fab stamp set also comes with a verse, invitation and range of sentiments. I selected the verse and a sentiment for the inside of the card and just finished again with another baby image in the bottom corner.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xx

A bright and cheerful mothers day card

2011-03-18T15:58:00.000Z

Can you believe that it's only a little over two weeks until Mother's Day, next thing you know it'll be Easter, lol.

So I thought it was time to share a Mother's Day card with you and since I've been working with new goodies from the Mini Catalogue I can't post mine on my blog until 1 April. Today's card is therefore from a guest crafter - my DH, heehee. I think I might have got him hooked. He knows most of the colour names by now and loves embossing, though I got him to try the Crystal Effects this time round.

All his own work again. He decides the colour combo and the layout and then just asks me how he can achieve the effect he wants.

Just hope that MIL doesn't stop by this bit of cyberspace in the next few weeks.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Because I Care, Occasional Greetings (sentiment inside)

Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Pretty in Pink, Peach Parfait, Bashful Blue, Pear Pizzazz, Very Vanilla

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black

Punches: 1-3/8" Square, 1-1/4" Square

Other: Crystal Effects

Non-SU: Die cut letters

The card base is an A6 landscape of Daffodil Delight with the front right edge cut away to make the card front near enough square. He stamped the orange, green, blue and pink flowers using the darker ink onto the lighter card each time. Then with the 1-3/8" Square he punched a different but overlapping piece of the whole image. These were adhered direct to a square of Basic Black card, then matted onto Tempting Turquoise card before adhering to the card front. The flower was stamped again in Daffodil Delight ink onto Very vanilla card, punched with the 1/1-4" Square, matted onto a 1-3/8" Square of Daffodil Delight and popped up on dimensionals for the centre. The die-cut letters were covered with Crystal effects for a glossy look and once dry, adhered to a strip of Basic Black card on the back right edge of the inside of the card. The inside was finished with the sentiment.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Sara xx

A clean and simple sympathy card

2011-03-16T16:12:00.000Z

Today's card is one of those difficult ones. Unfortunately I recently needed a sympathy card for a friend who lost her husband. I always wait a while after the event before sharing these cards so as not to upset or offend but I also know that ideas for this type of card are much appreciated.

Recipe

Stamp sets: Fast and Fabulous, Sentiment - Close as a Memory (retired)

Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White

Ink: Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive

Punches: Extra-large Tag, Large Tag

The card blank is an A6 portrait of Perfect Plum. I used Old Olive and Elegant Eggplant markers direct to stamp for the outline flowers and stamped them onto Whisper White card. Using Perfect Plum ink I overstamped with the solid flower stamp. This layer was matted onto Elegant Eggplant card and popped up on dimensionals on the card front. The sentiment was stamped with Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant inks onto Whisper White card using the rock and roll technique. This was trimmed to fit into the Large Tag punch and punched at either end. It was then matted onto Elegant Eggplant card punched in the same way with the Extra-large Tag and popped up on dimensionals below the main image.

Sara xx

Red Nose pirate box

2011-03-14T16:03:00.000Z

When I saw the cute little pirate red nose that's around for Comic Relief this year, it immediately made me think about our Beware Pirates set and so I decided to make a little box to gift the red nose with.

Recipe

Stamp set: Beware Pirates

Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Real Red

Punch: 1" Circle

The box is a variation of the Mini Pizza box (instructions can be found here). My version is 25.5cm x 15cm cut from Basic Black card and scored at 4.5cm in from every edge and then again at 10.5cm inwards from each short edge. I find it's easier to decorate the box before you glue it together. The side panels are 5.5cm x 3cm and stamped with the Arrrrr! sentiment in Basic Black. These A square of 5.4cm Whisper White was stamped with the Skull and Cross Bones in Real Red. This was matted onto a 5.8cm square of Real Red card and popped up on dimensionals on the box lid. A semi-circle opening tab was punched from the front of the box with the 1" Circle. Finally it was glued together and the Red Nose popped inside.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sara xx

Technique class results for rolling with the punches and baby wipe technique

2011-03-13T09:08:00.006Z

I'm sorry I've been such a bad blogger over the last few days. We've had serious health problems in the family (multiple) that have quite rightly got in the way of my crafting. Family comes first for me and I hope that you'll all understand.

Some of the health issues are resolved now though and I'm even hoping to have a play with my new stash of goodies from the Mini Catalogue today, ready to share them with you from 1 April. I should be able to get back to my usual blogging routine from now on.

For now, I thought I'd share a few pix from our crop and class yesterday. We welcomed Heather to our crop this month. Hi Heather *waves*.

Our class techniques this month were:

Rolling with the punches

Baby Wipe

I put it to the vote and this time we didn't make scrapbook pages as the current class members would rather make extra cards instead. We're going to switch and change the projects a bit so next month it will be a card and a 3d item. With our "inkpads" from the baby wipe technique we had plenty left to stamp out sheets full if images and create some great background pages.

A fun time was had by all (even through a bad headache - hope that's gone by now Barbara) and I think we even rather enjoyed the mess and getting a bit inky (hope it's starting to wash off by now though ladies, lol). Included in their class fee this month, everyone got 3 reinkers in in-colours to take home with them, so that they can repeat the technique at home.

And everyone got stunning results. I did remember to grab a few pix on my phone this time to show you what fabulous crafters I get to play ... I mean work with, lol.

Aren't they gorgeous?

We'd love to have you join us next month for the crop, the class or both. Our venue has double booked on our regular day (a mix up because the caretaker was away) and so we're for one month only we're holding the next crop and class on the first Saturday, 2 April, usual time 11am-4pm, usual place St Saviours.

And as a special for the Mini Catalogue launch, I'm paying for the venue costs so that you can come along to the crop for free (though I would very much welcome any donations for the Cavendish Cancer Care charity) and get to see and play with the new goodies. There'll be demonstrations, make and takes and a few prizes too, so please make a date in your diary to join us.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Sara xx