Last month we held a Stampin’ Up! Team Day and invited all the members in my group, the EurekaStampers, to come along for some fun.

It was a fabulous day! A great opportunity to catch up with old and new friends, and share our passion for papercrafting.

First up, we watched technique presentations put on by fellow team members. Our MC, Tracy, did an amazing job keeping us entertained as she introduced each of the presenters. Topics included: paper flowers and different ways to use the new Spiral Flower Die; working with vellum; effective uses for offcuts and die cut negatives; tags; how to use different tools; and many more inspirational techniques.

There were plenty of opportunities to learn.

We had a tool table set up where our newer members could try their hand at the envelope punch board, die cutting, the Stamp-a-ma-jig and more. Experienced demonstrators were there to offer a helping hand.

Our resident MDS/My Digital Studio guru, Jessica Williams, hosted an optional class on digital design, which was hugely popular.

The venue was the Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport, so it was very handy for our interstate team members who flew in for the day. We are spread out all over Australia, so it’s not always easy to meet up in person, although the team forum and other wonders of technology certainly keep us connected.

A few months earlier we had invited the Stampin’ Up! Regional Business Manager to come along and were thrilled when Aaron said yes. We are so grateful that the day fitted in with his busy schedule, and that he could spend some time with us.

Lunch was a help-yourself buffet supplied by the venue, and after that we spent the afternoon crafting. The make & take kits were in the bag that everyone received at registration – all cut and ready to go – and included a card using the Sale-a-bration Good As Gold kit, a sweet Watercolor Wonder 12×12 scrapbook page and an amazing 3D Card/Box project designed by Maureen. Love it!

One of the highlights for me was the amazing Show & Share display tables.

All attendees were encouraged to bring along a project or two, and the displays were… well, it’s hard to even put it in words. So many amazing, jaw-dropping, incredible creations. It was a feast for the eyes. And soooo inspiring! This day was just the thing many of us needed to get the mojo back, and I know quite a few of us have been creating up a storm since the Team Day. 

We finished off the day with more prizes, final lucky ticket giveaways and a Q&A session before we packed up and headed home. Counting down the days until our big annual 2014 Stampin’ Up! Convention which is in May.

Tip: Click here to learn about how YOU can become part of Stampin’ Up!
and this gorgeous group of like-minded Australian crafters.

Check back later this week when I’ll be sharing some of the cards and swaps that were shared on the day. A-mazing.

Happy stamping,

Tags: 2014 Team Day

Hi friends, thanks for visiting. My little creative corner has been crazy busy lately. We had our BIG team day on Saturday, so I was kind of off the grid for a while getting ready. It was a GREAT day! I have loads of photos from the event to share – they’ll be up soon. 

For today, I have a cute little project to keep you busy on a quiet weekend.

HOW TO MAKE THE ‘SPRINGTIME HELLO’ FRAME

1. Find an old wooden picture frame. Remove glass and paint or whitewash the frame.

TIP: Visit Op Shops or garage sales to pick up a cheap frame. I got mine for $1 from the Barwon Heads All Saints op shop while we were camping nearby over the summer. 

2. Paint the backing board OR replace it with burlap as I did on the one below.

My burlap came from one of the bags we got on last year’s Incentive Trip. You can see it in the third collage on this page, but you can pick up burlap fairly easily these days.

I used a staple gun to attach the burlap to the back of the frame. Pull it nice and tight. Check that the staples won’t show through.

3. Use the Springtime Hello Simply Created kit to make an awesome garland! Everything you need is in the kit, and at only AU$15.95 I don’t think there could possibly be a simpler and more inexpensive way of putting together a garland.

The kit includes:

• 3 metres of Natural Linen Thread
• 5x mini clothespins
  (sooo cute)
• 5 natural designer buttons
• loads of adhesive-backed, pre-scored printed stickers to create your garland.

You can pin photos or other special items along the thread as you wish, and mix up the display whenever you want.

I had enough leftover stickers to make up about half a dozen cards.

Order your Springtime Hello Simply Created Garland Kit here (delivered to Australian addresses).

So tell me, are you into the framed art or framed chalkboard look? Have you made anything like this, or is it still on your To Do list?

Leave a comment below. <3

Happy stamping,

Welcome back! Today is the last day of school holidays, and the end of a busy summer of camping, surfing, swimming, melting in the 45 C degree heat, playing with the kids, and getting a new puppy…. Phew. Definitely time to get back to normality and, well, I can’t wait to get back to business too!

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We’re kicking it off with THREE HUGE announcements today.

1. NEW PRODUCT: Texture Boutique

A brand new embossing machine is available from today. It’s smaller than the Big Shot, and its sole job is to emboss your beautiful projects! No die cutting through this one. And it’s only $49.95!

Check out the video below to see it in action….

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2. SALE-A-BRATION IS HERE

Yes it’s that time of year, our annual Sale-a-bration event. But this time it’s even better because you get free products with every $90 purchase (not $100, like last year!). It’s a great time to join up or host a party too. You can download the SAB catalogue HERE.

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3. NEW OCCASIONS CATALOGUE

And if Sale-a-bration isn’t exciting enough, we also have a new 40-page catalogue to inspire, delight and shop from!

Love the new tools and punches and gold sequin ribbon and… well, pretty much all of it.

If you prefer to flick through pages of a real catalogue, just ask and I’ll pop one in the post for you (Australia only).

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HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF SALE-A-BRATION & THE CATALOGUE.

* Purchases from this new catalogue and/or the annual catalogue ALL go towards you earning FREE product the Sale-a-bration bonus. Just spend $90 from any catalogue (or combination of current catalogues) and choose a free item.

*Ask your friends if they need to stock up on craft supplies, or are looking for hot new products – we can pool the orders to earn you more hostess dollars!

WHAT YOU WILL GET:

• * Spend (or gather orders of) $90 from any catalogue/s
  and choose 1 FREE Sale-a-bration item.
• * Spend (or gather orders of) $180 from any catalogue/s
  and choose 2 FREE Sale-a-bration items & handmade gift from me.
• * Spend (or gather orders of) $270 from any catalogue/s
  and choose 3 FREE Sale-a-bration items & handmade gift from me.
• * Spend (or gather orders of) $300 from any catalogue/s
  and choose 3 FREE Sale-a-bration items
  PLUS $50 in products of your choice FREE & handmade gift from me.
• * Spend (or gather orders of) $400 from any catalogue/s
  and choose 4 FREE Sale-a-bration items
  PLUS $60 in products of your choice FREE & handmade gift from me.

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BEST VALUE OF ALL:

• *Spend (or gather orders of) $500 and choose
  5 FREE Sale-a-bration items
  PLUS $130 in products of your choice FREE.Wow wow wow wow. Definitely time to stock up on cardstock, adhesives and envelopes, digital downloads, plus a wish list full of fun new products. You’ll all join my elite shopper/hostess club and will receive handmade gifts and more during February and March 2014.

Ok well that’s a lot to take in for one day, isn’t it? Nothing like hitting the ground running. 🙂

CLASS SCHEDULE UPDATE: For those who’ve asked, I am still working on a class schedule, and have tentatively booked Saturday 22nd Feb for the first class. It will be an all occasions card making class. Cost $15. Please email me to express interest, and choose between a morning and afternoon session. Or you can leave a comment on my Facebook page and I’ll let you know how we’re going. Classes limited to 5 participants.

Have a fabulous day!

Tags: 2014 Occasions Catalogue, Sale-a-bration

Stampin’ Up! Sweet Sayings Card & Envelope desktop calendar

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As promised, I’m back today to share a sweet little desktop calendar project. This is one of the projects we’re making in my January parties and clubs, and they are heaps of fun to make. Practical, too!

Got any spare mini calendars lying around? If so, you can whip up one of these in under 10 minutes. You can also print out your own mini calendars – there are many options available online.

**I have a few spare kits left over. Read on to find out how you can get one of these ready-to-create kits – including the calendar – for FREE!**

This project uses the card base and envelope from the Sweet Sayings Card & Envelope pack that I shared earlier this week. It even has a pocket at the back for storing all those odds & ends that accumulate on our desks. 😉  Or is it just mine?

Ok, so how do we do it?

Let’s start the clock.

1. First up, embellish the card front. It’s much easier to do this now, before we turn it into a stand-up calendar.

I used Stampin’ Up!’s Bright Blossom stamp set on mine, with flowers punched from the Itty Bitty Punch Pack. I also added a Pool Party mat behind my calendar and attached bakers twine before hanging it from a mini silver brad.

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2. Cut white cardstock to 12.7cm (5 inches) x 6 cm. Score at 1cm, 3cm and 5cm, creating a concertina fold.

Adhere flaps to the inside front and inside back of the card using Sticky Strip, to create a base. This will prevent the card from ‘walking’ (ie. when the front and back move apart). We don’t want our calendar to collapse on us over time!

Adding this base makes the calendar stand up, nice and sturdy. And you can even pop a pen in there!

Here you go, this picture might make it a bit clearer…

3. Ok, now for the pocket.

Choose one of the envelopes that come in the Sweet Sayings Card & Envelope pack.

Remove the flap. We won’t be needing it. 🙂

Now score the remaining three sides at 1cm. Be gentle! Don’t tear the paper.

Put your hand inside the envelope and carefully flatten the sides. Add glue dots to secure the bottom corners underneath.

Now you can attach the pocket to the back of your calendar!

Would you like one of these ready-to-assemble kits?

I’ll pop one in the post for FREE, along with your thank you card, to the first six people who make a $30+ purchase from my Stampin’ Up! online shop this month. (Australian orders only)

Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to leave me a comment <3!

Happy stamping,

Tags: Sweet Sayings Card & Envelopes, tutorial

Happy New Year! So excited to welcome in 2014. It’s going to be a beauty!!!

Today I’m sharing a card I made for my December online store customers. It uses the new Stampin’ Up! Sweet Sayings Card & Envelope pack, which is available until January 27 only or while supplies last!

The cards have a good weight and a lovely printed border, but the rest of the front is plain –  ready for dressing up. And they are only $9.95 for a 12 pack – sweet!

Tip: Check back on the weekend for a free tutorial on using these Sweet Sayings cards to make a standing desk calendar. You’ll love it!

But for now, here is the ‘pictorial tutorial’ for our Happy New Year card so you can follow along. 🙂

 Happy stamping,

Wishing my gorgeous stamping friends & customers, team members, blog readers and all – a very Merry Christmas.

I hope your day is sparkling & fun, surrounded by those who are important to you.

Thank you for your ongoing support and friendship during 2013. xxx

Happy stamping,