No, I’m not retiring. LOL

But there’s only a few days left before the official "Retiring List" is released by Stampin’ Up! (approx. March 1st). The List tells us which stamps and accessories won’t be making it to the new catalogue. From previous years’ experience  I can tell you that some of the items sell out almost as soon as the retirement list comes out… especially the In Colours (think ‘re-inkers’)!!!  Sooooo if you are planning on getting something let me know ASAP.

There are just a couple of spots left for next Friday’s Retirement Party class but I’d love to fit you in so contact me and I’ll put your name on the list. We’ll be making an assortment of projects using retiring stamps and accessories. Don’t forget the free grab bag that all attendees will get! Oohh who doesn’t love free stuff! 🙂  I’ll be back next week with photos of some of the projects we’ll be making (once the retiring list is out), but I CAN tell you that the 12×12 designer series papers will be replaced by a new assortment.

Until then, here is one of my fave card layouts using papers from the 2008-2009 Idea Book & Catalogue. What a simple yet effective way to put a card together. The only stamping on this card was the sentiment – the rest is part of the Le Jardin paper embellished with items from the Pretties Kit! Too easy.

Have a great day!

This card above might look familiar if you’ve attended one of my classes or workshops in the last week or so. Although the stamp set is different, I’ve used the same layout and colours. This is just another example of using one card as a springboard for a card to create a whole new look.

There’s a post on my old blog here with some more Bodacious Bouquet projects if you want to check them out.

Supplies Used: Bodacious Bouquet Stamp Set (Bushfire Appeal set), Not Quite Navy and Purely Pomegranate ink and cardstock, Bashful Blue textured cardstock, Whisper White cardstock, white taffeta ribbon, versamark and clear embossing powder.

Original Card (right): Polka Dot Punches (free Sale-a-bration stamp set)

So many of us have been affected by the tragic bushfires that hit Victoria this past week. We live in the middle of a state forest in Victoria, so bushfires are never far from our thoughts, but this is beyond anything that we could possibly imagine. 

We were incredibly lucky last weekend that our district was safe, but so many other small towns and communities – so similar to ours – weren’t as fortunate.

As a community of craft lovers, stampers and scrappers we can do something to help those who are trying to pick up the pieces by supporting Stampin’ Up! and the Red Cross in their generous fundraising efforts.  

Here are the details:

From now until 31 March 2009, Stampin’ Up! will donate 50 percent of the retail value of all sales from a select group of 10 stamp sets to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfires 2009 Appeal.  I will also donate my commission, adding another 20 percent to the donation.  

This means that 70% of the purchase price (not just the profit) of the stamp sets listed below will go directly to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfires 2009 Appeal.

Here is a list of the Bushfire Appeal sets:
 

*The sets in blue will appear on the upcoming list of retiring products, so they will only be available for the Bushfire Appeal while supplies last. These are expected to be very popular.

As a heartfelt thank you for supporting this appeal, I am looking forward to giving you a handmade gift along with your order.

Email me for more details or to place your order.

I’ll be back tomorrow to share some of the projects I’ve been working on lately.

Happy stamping,

Isn’t he cute? I love this little hedgehog fella from the Fun & Fast Notes stamp set (p41 IB&C). This is a Lip Balm Holder I made for my lovely hostess and fellow stamping addict (*wave* to Felicite and the Kyneton girls).

This is one of the projects you’ll be able to create yourself in a gift-making class I have planned for later in the year…

 Class?

Over the last few months, I’ve had more and more requests to hold regular classes. So here it is! The first class schedule is ready and I’m so excited to launch it. 

Click on the link below to open the document.

Download Class Schedule

I am keeping class sizes small so that you can have the time and space to enjoy the session.  If you are interested in booking a spot let me know ASAP as it really is a first in-best dressed situation.

These classes will all be held in Creswick, but as always if you and a group of friends would like to run your own classes we can set up one for you.

After the new catalogue is released in April (wooHoo – are you excited yet?) I’ll announce some more classes. You can always check my Workshops & Classes page for details.  Stay tuned.

 Happy stamping!

Today we have a card that features the Faux Mosaic technique which I learnt from watching a Stampin’ Up! DVD for demos called “Workshop Wows”. I just had to try it! You can’t tell from the photo, but in between the mosaic pieces is sparkling Dazzling Diamonds glitter – it really shimmers in the light.

The technique is created by first taking a piece of adhesive-backed paper (such as sticker paper). Peel off the backing paper, and carefully place your pieces of paper ’tiles’ – yes, this is a great one for using up all those tiny pieces of paper you’ve been saving!

Next, sprinkle gold or silver embossing powder over the sticker paper – it will adhere to the gaps between the tiles. Heat emboss for an amazing effect, then trim the piece as desired and use to embellish your cards or scrap projects. Or instead of embossing powder, use glitter as I have for this one.

It certainly is a Wow IRL (in real life).  I made this one for a very talented Stampin’ Up! demo and gorgeous lady…  Happy birthday Juliana!

I must have been a magpie in another life because I LOVE shiny things! I’ve always loved the superfine Dazzling Diamond glitter, So I guess it’s no suprise that I’ve fallen in love with Stampin’ Up!’s new chunky glitter and have been using it like mad lately. It’s in the Summer mini catalogue (p15) and comes in a pack of four colours. I was surprised how big the containers are – they should last a while.

I’m having a bit of trouble taking pics of my newest creations (think big stars with chunky blue glitter on white cardstock), but I’d love to share this chunky glitter card that Jenny Myerscough (demo in Rowville, VIC) made for me. Isn’t she talented?!