Day 3–Spotlight on Mini–Marry Me

Hi Everyone  - By the time you read this I will be in London attending a Study Day for work, so I have my fingers crossed that the weather will be milder than it has been as I really do not fancy sitting all day in a stuffy room when the sun is shining outside.
Today I am continuing with my spotlight on the stamp set Marry Me.
I promised I would show you a way of using this lovely set other than for wedding/Engagement cards & here is what I came up with:

I have added a couple of stamps from some other sets – the words & the foliage at the top of the card are from the set called Charming, which you can also find in the mini & I have also added some extra foliage beneath the poppies from the stamp set called Pocket Silhouettes which you can find in the main catalogue.  Let me know what you think.
Supplies
Stamps: Marry Me (c122003, w121929), Pocket Silhouettes (111672), Charming (w116519, c125829)
Card: Whisper White, More Mustard
Inks: Pool Party, Tempting Turquoise, Sahara Sand, Crumb Cake, So Saffron, Basic Gray

Day 2 Mini Spotlight–Marry Me

Hi Everyone hope you are all keeping well.
I am loving the weather so much at the moment & guess who is on holiday this week? YIPEE.
So because today was so glorious, instead of staying in doors & doing my blog post I’m afraid I made the most of it & spent the day pootling in the garden so I hope you can forgive me.
Today I will continue my spotlight on the mini catalogue & concentrate this weeks posts to the stamp set called Marry Me (w121929 c122003) a beautiful set consisting of 6 lovely stamps that are perfect for weddings but can also be used at other times as I will show you in the next couple of days.

When I first saw this set I pictured this card in my head & I’m so pleased with how it has turned out. I used Whisper White to stamp on but prior to stamping the happy couple I made the arch out of scrap paper & then used my ink pads to add the colour of the church to the card before using Daffodil Delight & More Mustard to make the archway the couple are standing in.

I wanted the couple to stand out even more so I used Black embossing powder to give them a wonderful sheen & some Dazzling Diamond added to the veil added that all important bling.

I wanted the greeting to appear in a heart but unfortunately  I could not get one to fit, so I used one of the hearts out of the Timeless type junior alphabet die as a template & then just increased its size slightly when I came to cut it around the words – Perfect.

Supplies

Stamps: Marry Me, Sanded (Retired)
Card: So Saffron, Basic Black, Whisper White
Misc. : Timeless Junior Alphabet die, Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Showcasing the Mini - My Friend

Hi everyone I thought it was about time that I concentrated my efforts on the mini catalogue as you only have until the end of April to order all the goodies that we have on offer in it & if you are really quick you could still get your hands the free goodies from Sale-a-brations but this will end on the 31st March.
The other day as I was tidy up my craft room (a VERY rare event as those who have been brave enough to venture in will tell you) I came across my old sketch book in which I will sketch card layouts that I happen to come across. In it I found one for a set called My Friend which happens to be in the Mini.

As we have only just got this set I’m thinking it must have been somewhere in the USA whilst on holiday there last year that I saw this card but unfortunately I cannot tell you where so if you did design it then please let me know so I can give you the credit you deserve.
From my rough sketch this is what I came up with :

The butterfly is made using a embosslit die called Beautiful Wings but prior to cutting it I used one of the stamps from the set to add to extra details. I have also added a bit of bling to the extra stamping I did on the side of the card by using my Quickie glue pen & some Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I’m not sure how much it shows up on the photos but in real life it really adds that extra bit of twinkle.

Here is another version this time using Wisteria Wonder & Crumb Cake.

I have also used my favourite wheel - Love blossom to add the extra stamping on the designer paper this time.
Supplies
Stamps: My Friend (w122585 c122587), Love Blossom wheel (123839)
Card/Ink: Marina Mist/Crumb cake or Wisteria Wonder/Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Misc.: Embosslit die Beautiful Wings (118138), Crumb Cake 1/2” Seam Binding ribbon (122332), Jewels – Rhinestones & Pearls, White Embossing powder (109132), Dazzling Diamonds glitter (102023)

Sail away

Hi everyone sorry for the lateness of this post but I’ve been so busy prepping for classes that I forgot all about uploading this post until just now.
Today I thought I would show a use for one of the single A La Carte stamps that is great for the men in our lifes. The stamp is called Sail Away & it costs £8.95.

I’ve used it with a brayed background & to do this successfully you need to use the glossy white card stock (106555) it just will not work so well on our whisper white card.
The sails I have stamped again & then layered up. The corners I made out 2 square punches & if you want me to show how then why not book your own party & I will demonstrate it for you.

Supplies

Stamps: Sail Away (123013)
Card:Tempting Turquoise, Pacific Point, Glossy White

Mother’s Day card

Hi Everyone I thought today I would show you my card I’ve made for my Mum for Mother’s day but I need  you to promise not to let her know that you have seen it before she gets it on Sunday…

Today colour scheme is Wild Wasabi, So Saffron & just a hint of Pool Party.
I’ve used the stamp set & coordinating punch called Build a Blossom to build the main flower & the bling comes courtesy of my beloved Rhinestones. I have to give credit to my very talented downliner Veronika to thank for getting me to use this stamp set again, as it was after seeing her beautiful cards using this set I knew it would be perfect to make this card with.

The Sentiment comes from the Teeny Tiny set.

Supplies

Card & Inks: Whisper White, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Pool Party
Stamps: Build a Blossom (w121923, c121994) Teeny Tiny Wishes (115370), Charming (w116519, c125829)
Punches: Blossom Petals Builder (121808), Scallop Oval (119856), Large Oval (119855), Scallop Square die (115950)
Misc.: Paper: Everyday Enchantment, Rhinestone Jewels (119246)

Newsprint Roses

Hi Everyone todays card has very little stamping on it which is quite a change for me but it just suited this card. My inspiration for this card came from one of my lovely ladies –Vicki Marshall who kindly demonstrated a card very similar to this one at the Hethersett Card group that I run (the original card can be found on my Craft club blog).

The roses were made using circles from the Circles # 2 die & the lovely First Edition Specialty paper.
The Greeting is from Perfect Pairs stamp set & is stamped onto a piece of Very Vanilla which was cut using the Decorative Label punch.
                                                              

Supplies

Stamps: Perfect Pairs (w122495, c 122497)
Card: Lucky Limeade, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: First Edition Specialty (121878)
Punches & Dies: Decorative Label (120907), Scallop Trim (118870), Scallop Trim Corner (118402), Circles #2 die (114526), Bird Builder (117191)
Ribbon: 1/2” Basic Black Scallop Dots

Bags, Bags & more Bags

Hi Everyone, I am soooooo excited about my latest creations that I could not possibly wait until Monday to let you see them.
Here is my first one:

And NO Stampin’ Up have not produced fabric to match the Sale-a-brations Designer papers Everyday Enchantment (Although that would be lovely HINT HINT Shelli). This bag is made totally from the papers in that pack & some added extras from the In Color collection pack. And before you ask YES it is totally waterproof & therefore VERY usable.
Here is a side on picture to show you the depth:

They came about thanks to an excellent book called Simply Sublime Bags by Jodi Kahn which I found whilst browsing in the library the other day. In the book Jodi had made a bag from wallpaper & that's what sparked me into making my own version using the Designer papers.
Here's the one I made for my lovely upliner Lisa (Lavender Stamper), this one has the same papers but using First Edition Specialty paper as the contrast papers.

I hope you all enjoy these & please do let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Day 16–Showcasing Sale-a-bration–Outlined Occasions

Hi Everyone, today I’m using 2 of the stamps from the set Outlined Occasions.

I’m sure you can spot the first stamp – the words – So Very Much but the 2nd stamp I’ve used may be more difficult ……….

Do you give up? ………Well for those of you that did not spot it, its the letters L O V E which are usually joined up together like so…

So I decided to cut them up as so…

A couple of tips if you want to do this yourself

1. Ensure your blade/scissors are exceptionally SHARP
2. Have lots of patience & a steady hand…..So no drinking wine when your about to do this.

Supplies

Stamps: Outlined Occasions (w126014, c126016)

Card: Whisper White, Poppy Parade, Marina Mist

Ink: Poppy Parade, Bashful Blue

Misc. : Timeless Type Junior Alphabet (115951) – to cut large hearts & letter U, Square Lattice Embossing folder (119976), Small Heart Punch (117193), 2 3/8” Scallop Circle punch (118874) – to make clouds

Day 15–Showcasing Outlined Occasions

Hi Everyone here I am again with the day 2 of using the Sale-a-bration set – Outlined Occasions.

I thought today I would get out my neglected Stampin Pastels (120962), I have not used these in such a long time but I don’t really know why. I wanted my card today to have a delicate hint of colour & they do the job so well.

I teamed them with the lovely embossing folder –Elegant Bouquet (115964) & I also used another embossing folder –Designer Frames (123130), which comes as a pack of 2 for only £7.95, to provide the perfect frame for my stamped image, in this case the words – Thanks.

Supplies

Stamps – SAB Outlined Occasions (w126014)

Card – Pool Party, Very Vanilla

Embossing Folders – Elegant Bouquet (115962), Designer Frames (123130)

Misc. – Stampin Pastels (120962), Extra large oval punch (119859)

Day 14–Showcasing Sale-a-bration–Outlined Occasions

Hi Everyone, this week will be the conclusion of me showcasing the different Sale-a-bration sets that can be yours for FREE when you place an order over £45.

The final stamp set is Outlined Expressions which consists of 6 sentiment stamps which can be used individually or in partnership with each other.

I hope to show you this week how invaluable this set will be in your collection. So lets get started……….

My first card uses the much overlooked Brushed Gold card stock as its base which I’ve teamed with the lovely Cherry Cobbler.

The Cherry Cobbler layer I have embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder (117335) & the main heart was made using VersaMark ink & the Love Blossoms wheel (123839) from the mini catalogue. I then embossed this with gold embossing powder (109129) & used the Full Heart punch to punch out a piece that I really liked before using Stampin Dimensionals to adhere this to another strip of Brushed Gold cardstock (124917).

The stamp I’ve used from the SAB set is normally just an outline of the word but I wanted a more solid look so after embossing it first with gold embossing powder I carefully filled in the letters using another overlooked product – a VersaMarker (100901) which is basically a pen filled with VersaMark ink & is great for doing just this sort of job. One tip though do be CAREFUL when embossing the image again as you can so easily “burn” the first embossing you have done causing it to become very flat & dull looking.

SUPPLIES

Stamps: Outlined Occasions (w126014, c126016) Love Blossoms wheel (123839)

Card: Cherry Cobbler, Brushed Gold

Misc.: Gold Embossing Powder, VersaMark ink, VersaMarker, Full Heart punch (119883)

I hope you enjoyed this card & don’t forget to come back soon to see what else I have done with this stamp set.

Day 13–Showcasing Everyday Enchantment papers

Hi Everyone for my last post this week I have gone all romantic, it must be all this talk of it being a leap year & us girls having the chance to ask the man of our dreams to marry us – not that I need to do that as I already have him…….Slushy or what.

I have seen versions of this card around & thought I would make one of my own. I cannot credit the inspiration to anyone person as I cannot remember where I saw it first so I thank you all.

The hearts come from either the Heart to Heart punch or from the Timeless type junior alphabet dies which not only includes the most invaluable alphabet but also really useful shapes such as 2 hearts. The large heart in the middle is made using the Scalloped Heart of Hearts die. The words on the card are from the set I will be showcasing next week – Outlined Occasions, which is the last Sale-a-brations stamp set you can get for FREE.

Supplies

Card: Poppy Parade

Paper: Everyday Enchantment (126154)

Stamps: Outlined Occasions (w126014, c126016)

Misc. : Heart to Heart punch (119881), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder(117335), Scalloped Heart of Hearts die (117332) Timeless Type Junior Alphabet die (1115951)

Day 12– Showcasing - Everyday Enchantment

Todays post is not a card but a decorated box. This started life like this:

A boring old Stampin up tub……..And with the added additions of some lovely papers & a few flowers this is what it can become:

Supplies

Papers: Everyday Enchantment (126154) Scrap piece of In Colors paper stack (122384)

Card: Pool Party, More Mustard, Peach Parfait

Misc. : Fun Flowers Die (121812), Antique Brads (117273) (& this was the empty pot I used)

Day 11–Showcasing Sale-a-bration –Everyday Enchantment papers

Hi Everyone, I really must be having a bad week this week as I got my posts ready for this week on Sunday & for some bizarre reason unbeknown to even myself instead of setting the dates for this month i.e. February I set them for next month – DUMB or what!!!!!!

I must admit to generally checking that my posts have appeared okay but having had a busy week so far I neglected to do that until now, hence the lateness of this post but here it is now & I’m now off to ensure the rest of the posts have the correct date on them as well.

Well hello everyone again & thanks for checking in on my Sale-a-bration showcase. This week I’m going to concentrate on the wonderful Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper Series (126154) which again can be yours for FREE when you place any order over £45.

I have used this paper a lot on my recent cards & thought I would try to make some cards that would highlight the paper to its best. So with that in mind I remember seeing a tutorial for making patchwork cards out of paper on Splitcoast Stampers. Me being Me could not make my first attempt the easy pattern they showed you so instead I dug up a real patchwork pattern that I liked & made this card instead:

One of my best friends Veronika, who also happens to be my downliner too, makes the most beautiful real patchwork & I know when she sees this she will tell me my “stitching” is not too straight but heigh- ho life was never meant to be straight.

The only extras I have added to the card is a part of the Lace ribbon border punch I used last week & 1 small pearl

Supplies

Everyday Enchantment papers – 126154

Lace Ribbon Border punch – 122362

Pearls - 119247

Day 10–Showcasing Sale-a-bration Elementary Elegance

As promised here is yesterdays card “Blinged” up.

For this version I added the new Lace Ribbon border punch (122362). This punch is just lovely & just so versatile. I have used in 2 different ways - as it should be under the main image & then cut in half & added as a border at the top & bottom edges of the card. The more I use this punch, the more ways I find to use it, so expect to see it quite a lot in the coming weeks. I also know that the ladies who attended Lisa & I’s recent all day event, just fell in love with too & several have gone on to order one for themselves.

I have also used the small Embosslit Beautiful Wings (118138) to cut out some small butterflies that fit perfectly over my original stamped images.

What I love about this die is when it cuts the butterflies it also embosses them – how cool is that?

And for my final touch of bling I had to turn to my trusted & oh so loved Rhinestone jewels (119246) – What did I do before Stampin’ Up introduced these little beauties to my life……….

SUPPLIES

Stamps: SAB Elementary Elegance (w125120, c 125122)

Card & Inks: Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Daffodil Delight, Basic Black

Papers: SAB Everyday Enchantment (126154)

Misc. : Rhinestone jewels (119246) Ribbon Lace Border punch (122362), Embosslit Beautiful Wings (118138)

Day 9–Showcasing Sale-a-bration–Elementary Elegance

Hi everyone here I am again with Day 2 of my week long showcase of the Sale-a-bration stamp set – Elementary Elegance.

If you get the clear mounted set for yourself, you will find a small piece like this in the middle of the frame stamp

I thought it was such an interesting shape that it would be a shame to throw it away so this is what I came up with:

I used it as a background stamp…..YIPEE.

I have left this card very plain & simple but if you check back over the next few days you will see how you can “Bling” up a card.

Supplies

Stamps: Elementary Elegance (w125120, c125122)

Card: Baja Breeze

Inks: Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral

Paper: SAB Everyday Enchantment (126154)

Day 8– Showcasing Sale-a-bration Set 3–Elementary Elegance

Hi Everyone hope you understand the lack of posts last week due to half term week but I promise normal service has now resumed.

This week I’m going to concentrate on the Sale-a-bration set called Elementary Elegance. At first I thought I might struggle with this set only because I thought it lent itself to primarily Scrapbooking but how wrong I could be.

You get 7 gorgeous images with this set & I’m loving all the little elements that are just so useful to add that “little something” to your projects.

Here is my first project made entirely with this set & the only thing I have added as an extra, is a piece of the gorgeous SAB paper, which the ladies at my card club will be pleased to hear I have now stopped stroking & I’m now on my 2nd packet of it as I just cannot stop using it.

I used the small elements to over stamp the paper & with the help of my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049) I have taken just the crown from the frame to add the border around the card

Supplies

Card: Very Vanilla

Inks: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Black, Basic Gray

Paper: SAB Everyday Enchantment (126154)

Stamps: SAB Elementary Elegance (w 125120, c 125122)

Misc. : Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

What a Great Day we had

A huge thank you to everyone that attended Lisa’s & my self's Stampin' Up Extravaganza event on Saturday. We're so glad that you braved the freezing Temperatures to join us.

We worked you hard & here is the evidence of it………



but we hope that you enjoyed the projects that we shared with you.

As promised here are the pictures of all the projects with the product Listings for easy reference.

We spent the morning making a birthday card box that started life as a cat food pouches box.



Then inside the box we made monthly dividers with a dated calendar on them, so you can add the birthdays for each month.



Product Details

1 cat food box, the type the food pouches come in.

Cardstock

124391 Pool Party £6.25

121693 Pear Pizzazz £6.25

106549 Whisper White £7.50

Ink

115657 Soft Suede £4.95

122938 Pool Party £4.95

119784 Pear Pizzazz £4.95

Stamps

115358 Just Perfect Alphabet £20.95

127155 (W) Spiced Paisley £20.95 ( Spring Mini )

125817 (C) Spiced Paisley £16.95 ( Spring Mini )

Designer Series Papers

124003 Spice Cake £9.95 ( Spring Mini )

Tools

119873 3/4” Circle Punch £9.75

119868 1” Circle Punch £9.75

115971 Blossom Party Die £16.50

119882 Scallop Edge Punch £14.25

119864 Round tab Punch £15.50

That took us most of the morning so after a short lunch break we were ready to start the first of the six cards that we made.



The inspiration for this card came from Monica & Bekka at a recent Stampin' Up Training event. Thank you for sharing Ladies.



Product Details

Cardstock

124391 Pool Party £6.25

108601 Pumpkin Pie £6.25

Designer Series papers

126154 Everyday Enchantment (Sale-A-Bration)

Ink

105216 Pumpkin Pie £4.95

Tools

122362 Lace Ribbon Border £18.25

119883 Full Heart Punch £15.50

Stamps

123777 You are Loved £28.95 (W) £22.95 (C)

Accessories

119247 Basic Pearls £4.50

118481 Crochet Trim ~ Victoria £6.25



Product Details

Ink

122939 Calypso Coral £4.95

Cardstock

124392 Calypso Coral £6.25

124391 Pool Party £6.25

106549 Whisper White £7.50

Designer Series papers

126154 Everyday Enchantment (Sale-A-Bration)

Stamps

Fresh Vintage 125115 (W) 125117 (C) (Sale-A-Bration)

Tools

119275 Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border £14.25

116631 Paper Piercing Tool £3.50

105826 mat Pack £8.50

Accessories

118481 Crochet Trim ~ Victoria £6.25

117273 Antique Brads £5.50





Product Details

Cardstock

Soft Suede 119982 £6.25

Very Vanilla 106550 £7.50

Pool Party 124391 £6.25

Ink

River Rock 109010 £4.95

Chocolate Chip 100908 £4.95

Accessories

Blossom Party Die 115971 £16.50

Boho Blossom Punch 119858 £15.50

Mini Silver Brads 122941 £2.95

Victoria Lace Trim 118481 £6.25

Stamps

Fruit & Flowers 122605 £18.95 (W) 122607 £14.95 (C)

( Spring Mini Catalogue)

Fresh Vintage 125115 Sale-a-Bration



Product Details

Cardstock

Soft Suede 119982 £6.25 Very Vanilla 106550 £7.50 Pool Party 124391 £6.25

Ink / Stampin’ Write Pens

Pumpkin Pie

Pear Pizzazz

Chocolate Chip

Designer Series Papers

Spice cake 124003 £9.95

Accessories

Designer Buttons - Spice cake 124113 £6.50

Basic Pearls 119247 £4.50 Victoria Lace Trim 118481 £6.25

Tools

1 1/4” Circle Punch

Blossom Party Sizzix Die 115971 £16.50

Stamps

Fresh Vintage Sale-A-Bration 125115 (W) 125117 (C)

Build A Blossom 121923 £24.95 (W) 121994 £19.95 (C)



Products

Cardstock

Very Vanilla 106550 £7.50

Pear Pizzazz 121693 £6.25

Ink / Stampin’ Write Pens

Pumpkin Pie ink pad 105216 £4.95

Stampin’ Write Pens

Pumpkin Pie

Pear Pizzazz

Chocolate Chip

Designer Series Papers

Spice cake 124003 £9.95

Accessories

Designer Buttons - Spice cake 124113 £6.50

Basic Pearls 119247 £4.50

Tools

Fun Flowers Die 121812 £28.95

Word Window Punch 119857 £14.25

Modern Label Punch 119849 £15.50

Stamps

Fresh Vintage Sale-A-Bration 125115 (W) 125117 (C)



Product Details

Cardstock

Island Indigo 124390 £6.25

Very Vanilla 106550 £7.50

Pool Party 124391 £6.25

Ink

Island Indigo 122937 £4.95

Tools

Lace Ribbon Border 122362 £18.25

Accessories

Ribbon Baja Breeze Seam Binding 122331 £6.25

Stamps

Fresh Vintage Sale-A-Bration 125115 (W) 125117 (C)

I really hope those of you that were able to share the day with Lisa, Abi, Paul & I had great fun, we value your feedback so please let us know your thoughts.
The next All day Stampin' Up Extravaganza is on Sunday 29th April booking for this event is now open.
Dont forget that Sale-A-Bration is now on & that means FREE stamp sets can be earned until 31st March 2012.
If you would like further information on events, Products or becoming a Stampin' Up demonstrator please contact me.

Day 7–Showcasing Sale-a-bration–Sprinkled Expressions

My last post this week again uses the Sale-a-bration set Sprinkled Expressions. The colour scheme was inspired by this months colour challenge on In Love with Stamping – Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz & Perfect Plum, this is a combination I have never used before but I’m sure I will use it again.

I used my marker pens to add colour to the sentiment stamp & to also add the extra stars out of the main image.

The photo corners were made by cutting up a Curly label punch as explained by the next photo, the dashed lines represent the cut lines.

 

Supplies

Stamps: Sprinkled Expressions

Card & Ink: Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Perfect Plum

Punches: Curly label (119851), Scallop oval (119856), Large Oval (119855)

Day 6 - Showcasing Sale-a-brations –Sprinkled Expressions

I know I should really have used one of the other stamps from this set for this post but I could not resist making my own version of this card http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2120613?&cat=22352

I used the small hearts from the top of the sentiment stamp, with the help of my trusted Stamp-a-ma-jig to make the border across the card. The Sentiment is from one of my old favourites Sincere Salutations.

Supplies

Stamps: Sprinkled Expressions (w125130, c125132), Sincere Salutations (105156)

Card & Ink: Garden Green, Lucky Limeade

Punches: Decorative Label (120907)

Day 5 - Showcasing Sale-a-brations –Sprinkled Expressions

I loved yesterdays layout so much that I’ve made another version of it. This time I’ve added some extra products – Red Glimmer paper (which is not a true description as its more like card than paper) & my favourite pearls.

I have to admit that this card did take longer to make as I wanted the glimmer card to appear through the heart which meant taking my scalpel & cutting out the heart. I made sure I also saved the smaller hearts that appear in the middle of the main image so I could stick them back on my glitter heart & using glue I added red glitter from the Fine Galaxy collection (114286) to the hearts tumbling out the bottom.

The other punched out hearts were made using the Small Heart punch (117193) with the ones made out of the glimmer paper being raised on Dimensionals (104430). These are the only 3D foam pads that I use now as they are the only ones I have found that do not discolour my card or fall off after a few months.

Supplies

Stamps: Sprinkled Expressions (w125130, c125132)

Card: Cherry Cobbler (121681) Whisper White (106549)

Ink: Cherry Cobbler (119669)

Punches: Scallop Trim Border (118402), Small Heart (117193)

Misc.: Glimmer paper (121790), Pearls (119247), Fine Galaxy Glitter collection (114286), Stampin’ Dimensionals (104430)