Hello! Thanks for stopping by.

On my last post I showed you the lovely flower stamp from Asian Artistry which I'd been watercolouring with Baja Breeze, Close to Cocoa and Kiwi Kiss inks. Well, after playing around with the design for a couple of days I came up with this one…

Just a simple one, but I think it works. I used the Colour Spritzer tool on the card base, with Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip markers. The yummy eyelet is from the new Designer Hardware collection that you can find in the Autumn-Winter Mini catalogue – this one is from the Soho range which features exactly the colours of today's card! This eyelet was easily attached with the Cropadile, and instructions are on the pack explaining which settings to use so I didn't have to worry about mucking it up and wasting my precious hardware. LOL. 

To cover the back of the hardware and pretty-up the inside of the card, I lined it with some beautiful Designer Series Paper from the Urban Oasis collection.

Our two stamp clubs met yesterday and both groups were a pleasure to teach, as always. I love it when the girls bring in some of their cards or projects to share, and this week was no exception when Lisa brought in an amazing Kusudama flower ball (origami) that her daughter had made at school. Amazing!

The current rounds of Stamp Club are coming to an end and I'm now taking expressions of interest from new members. We meet on the 2nd Friday of each month, from 1pm to 3pm (just in time for school pickup if you live in Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford or surrounding areas). The evening group runs from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Well, actually a little later because we spend a lot of time chatting!

I'll be back soon to share with you some of the projects we make at stamp club, including pages from our Technique Journals. Oh and don't forget the fabulous BIG SHOT NIGHT CLASS will be on in about two weeks, on 28th May from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Cost is $20, with the cost refunded if you have purchased a Big Shot from me or purchase one on the night. I'll be showing you lots of things to do with the Big Shot, and just how versatile those dies are. Spaces are limited, so contact me for more details or to reserve your spot.

Happy stamping,

Cottage Garden Card Class -
Just in time for Mothers Day!

Sunday 2nd May 2010, 1pm – 3pm

• Make 4 cards with matching envelopes
  
• Make a Top Note Box, perfect for holding a small gift such as choccies or jewellery. 
• Class fee: $20 (all materials supplied)

Mothers Day is coming up! Cards and a gift box make a thoughtful present for a mother, grandmother, special friend – or even for yourself!

We'll be using the gorgeous Cottage Garden stamp set and Cottage Wall designer series paper, Big Shot, ribbons and rhinestone brads.
All materials and tuition supplied. 
Class suitable for all levels of experience.

Contact Simone to reserve your spot, or click the Pay Now button below.

Just a quick one today… I'm excited to let you know about a new time for the next gift-giving class:

Mothers Day Class
Sunday May 2nd
2pm – 4pm
Class Fee: $20 (all materials supplied)

We'll be making a beautiful gift made from the heart… something your mother, sister or special friend will treasure. Or keep it for yourself!

More details will follow, but as many of my regular attendees know these classes are very special and do tend to book out so I wanted to let you know this new date straight away.

Now I can't go without sharing a card, can I! Nooooooo!

Ok, well this card has a bit of a history. The rooster part was made at one of our team days last year (Tracy demonstrated how to apply More Mustard ink to glossy cardstock with the brayer)  and I just knew I'd use it! This one's for you Tracy

Happy stamping,

May 2nd Mothers Day Class booking request

The long-awaited Stampin’ Up! Pop-Up Cards Class is on this Sunday 28th February and I’m really looking forward to it – talk about FUN! The class is booked out, but I’d be happy to run it again if you have a group of friends who are interested. Next month’s "All Occasions" class is also booked out, but I’m looking to add some extra dates to the Class Schedule. Contact me if you’d like to be notified of extra classes.

I thought I’d share some of the projects we’ll be making. You know, pop-up cards can get pretty complicated – but they can also be really simple.

And the real magic happens when you open them up!

This spiral card might look a bit familiar to some of my stamping buddies, because the colours and layout are based on a swap I made for our Stampin’ Up! Convention last year in Canberra. The pop-up part is new though!

I’ve done LOADS of research into pop-up cards lately (and I call this work?? LOL) and I’m blown away with the amazing creations that some talented papercrafters have concocted!

I do like the Pop-up Slider though. I’ve made a few lately, but I like this one which was based on a Make & Take project we did at our Stampin’ Up! Regional Training Day last year.

I’ll share more Pop-up Slider Cards next week.

And of course we couldn’t miss out on a pop-up card with butterflies…. here’s a little sneak peek for now.

So there you go!

I’ve had some lovely emails this week from my stamping buddies asking why I wasn’t blogging (thanks guys xx). I had one of the lurgies going ’round but started feeling much better when my DD3 presented me with this card – made from my scraps and a glue stick! How creative  

To make life easier I’ve added a new tool to the top right sidebar, did you notice? You now have the option of subscribing to this blog so you can be notified when I’ve updated it or posted a new message. You have the choice of getting the notification by email, or straight to your feedreader. Cool, huh?

Happy stamping,

I’m having loads of fun getting ready for our upcoming Make It Manly class, especially with the classic Sense Of Time stamp set (p4 Spring Mini Catalogue). I must admit, this wasn’t the set I was most excited about when I first saw the mini, simply because I *thought* it wasn’t my style. Oooooh…. but I think it is now!!! LOL.

I especially love how that little ‘seconds’ hand (within the main clock image) fits perfectly in Stampin’ Up!‘s 1" circle punch, so it can be raised or recessed for a bit of dimension.

I left the sentiment off this last card so it’s ready to use for whatever the occassion. I can always add the "Happy Birthday" or "Get Well" or "Happy Retirement" message later on.

These cards are super simple to make. The girls who are coming to Class next Sunday will enjoy making these, along with other ‘blokey’ cards.

Sorry, this class is booked out but email me to request priority notification of the next class schedule. Or book a workshop where you can try your hand at making these projects too.

I’ve also just finished decorating a journal with these stamps. I’ll share those soon.

Happy stamping!

Images © Stampin’ Up!

Sense of Time, Set of 4 stamps. $39.95 +p/h.

As promised, here are some more samples from our Chrismas In July class which will be on this Sunday in Creswick.

All these cards feature the Season of Joy stamp set (p31 Idea Book & Catalogue) and the very versatile Holiday Treasures designer series paper (p134). Don’t you love how the look of a card can be totally altered just be changing the orientation from portrait to landscape? (See cards above) Ahhh, it never ceases to amaze me!!!

(I’m easily amused, I know ;) ) 

To reserve the last spot in the Christmas In July class email me, and you’ll be able to join us for some festive fun (yep, 5 months early!)

Happy stamping,

"It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…." in my craft room, that is! Christmas is still a loooooong way away (thank goodness) but it’s never too early to make a start on this year’s Christmas cards.

I’m holding a class this Sunday on just that very topic, so I’m feeling kinda festive at the moment It’s a Stamp-a-Stack event so everyone will go home with plenty of cards and inspiration. And a few little surprises!

Here are some of the projects my special guests will be making…

The blue cards feature the Snow Swirled stamp set, and even though it doesn’t show up in these pics there is sparkling Dazzing Diamonds on the tips and centres of the snowflakes.

These cards below feature the very funny Holiday Lineup stamp set and not-so-common Christmas colours. Fun cards.

And a close up of these funny fella elves…

This class has been booked out for the past month BUT due to an unexpected cancellation there is a spot (possibly two) available. Contact me ASAP if you are interested. More details here.

Check back tomorrow for more samples!

Happy stamping,

Hi stampers!

I came home from Convention on a creative high and spent the past week or two making lots and lots of cards, boxes, cards, totes… and more cards! I didn’t even have time to blog. Ok, well, I did have to catch up on the washing and ironing, etc, but we don’t have to dwell on that. LOL.

I also got all our calendars in sync and have scheduled the next lot of Classes – they are going to be so much fun.

 Click here to download the NEW CLASS SCHEDULE

The first round (January – May) was a bit of a test, just to see if anyone would come. Well, every class was booked out! I have listened carefully to all the ideas that my lovely stamping friends gave me, and have come up with some very practical but enjoyable class topics. I hope you find something that grabs your interest. Contact me to reserve your spot.

Below is a super simple card made with the fabbo new Curly Label Punch Bundle (p153 IB&C) of stamps and punch. Oh, the possibilities with this one….!!  

 I love making a little peek-a-boo window and adhering the sentiment on the inside. It’s easy to line up too: just shut the card and attach the punch shape through the gap.

Happy stamping!

Here’s a little project I enjoyed making during the week, using the gorgeous Bella Rose Designer Series Paper.

It’s a handy dandy notepad, covered in Riding Hood Red cardstock and decorated with a few embellishments.

The Cropadile had no troubles punching through the entire thing to make a hole in the upper left-hand corner. A metal hinged ring was inserted through the hole, then Tafetta ribbon (in white and Riding Hood Red) was tied to the ring. 

An interesting technique was used to add dimension and feature to the rose, which was fussy cut from the Bella Rose DSP. I will be demonstrating this technique at my next Class, on Friday 8th of May (in Creswick, Vic).

Here’s a closer look…

At the class we’ll be making a gorgeous card compendium which you can personalise with different sentiments, and comes complete with FOUR cards and stamped envelopes. It’s a perfect gift for Mum (Mothers Day is on 10th of May!!), or that special friend who treasures your hand crafted projects.

Here is a sneak peek:

If you’d like to join us on Friday 8th May (7pm start) contact me to reserve your spot. It’ll be a fun night!

Have a great weekend,

The New Stampin’ Up! Idea Book & Catalogue is out!!!! 160 pages of fabulous new layouts and plenty of yummy new stamps and accessories.

Do you want one?

• If you are attending one of my new catalogue classes this weekend, or you are a stamp club member, you will be collecting your very own copy soon! Limited spots available for the Sunday afternoon class at the Creswick Fire Station. Contact me for more details.
• Book a workshop for your own free copy and the chance to clear some items off your wish list for FREE!
• Order your own copy for only $12.95 plus postage.

I’m so excited about the classes coming up this weekend. Here’s a little peek at one of the projects we’ll be making… an Easter gift using the new In Color "Pink Pirouette" and the Fresh Cuts stamp set (the Easter Wishes sentiment is from Occasional Greetings). And yes, of course, there is chocolate!!!

On Saturday morning I’m posting my first Pictorial Tutorial. The topic is punched frames which can be used as embellishments for cards or scrap pages. See you then!

Happy stamping,