Welcome back to another CASEing The Catty Sunday blog hop and challenge. With only a few days remaining for the 2017-2018 Annual Catalogue, we are farewelling our favourite retiring project.

This is a great opportunity to have one last look at all the ideas and gorgeous samples that have inspired us over the past year.

I can’t go past a cute little bag or box, so this little gem on page 52 jumped out at me.

 

And this is where it took me:

 

This started off as 5 ½ ” x 8″ panel of Naturally Eclectic designer series paper, scored on the long side at 2″, 4″, 6″ and 8″. The short side was scored at 3 1/5″. I have really loved this paper, and will be sad that it’s not available after the end of May. Better stock up now!

 

The card on page 52 featured the cute Message in a Bottle stamp set, which is also retiring in just a few days (along with hundreds of other products -> check them out here. But in my version today I paired the paper with a brand new stamp set, called Pick a Pennant. I got this set early, but you’ll be able to order yours from 1st June 2018. This set includes lots of letters that can be used to create personalised pennants and banners. I used just three of those letters to spell out the name ZOE. The two piece flowers and other elements make this an incredibly versatile stamp set… not just your average mini alphabet set.

The papers inspired me to finish the set with a little card (Whisper White Narrow Note Cards & Envelopes, page 19 of the Occasions Catalogue or check them out here).

The bird is another two-step image from the same Pick a Pennant stamp set. So cute!

I adhered matching paper to the envelope flap, to finish off the ensemble.

 

So there you go! I hope you enjoy our last look at some of the retiring projects in this week’s CASEing the Catty hop. Continue along to the amazing Bron to check out what she has in store for us this week.

 

 

Want to join the fun?

We have an awesome Facebook Challenge group where you can share your projects and see what others have made. No need to have your own blog or website; all you do is create and upload a photo to the group. Click the image below to visit and/or join the group.

 

Happy stamping,

Read all about the NEW Colours here.

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One of the fun projects we created in clubs and classes this month, was an interlocking gate fold card.

To create the interlocking gate fold front, you will need two layering dies. Circles, ovals, hearts or – as we’ve used in this card – even squares all work brilliantly. As long as you have two dies that nest (a larger and smaller one in the same shape), then it will work perfectly.

 

Myths & Magic

 

I used the Myths and Magic suite of products to decorate the card. There are fabulous goodies in this range, including stamps and dies and paper and more, but I only used the patterned paper with just a little fussy cutting. So quick and easy!

Sadly the whole range of products are retiring in less than a week – eek! Unless of course they sell out earlier. I just checked now and they are still available so don’t delay if you want to get any of it. You can check out the suite of products here.

<How to Order>

 

 

Interlocking Gate Fold Instructions

 

1. Cut Dapper Denim cardstock to 14.8cm x 21cm. Score long side at 5 1/4 cm. Rotate and score the other side at 5 1/4 cm. Note: if you’re using the metric plate in the Stampin Up Simply Scored card scoring board, then you can use the awesome 5 ¼ cm groove that is etched right into the board – also known as the ‘gate fold line’.
2. Adhere 4.9cm x 14.5cm DSP panels on to the card: Two for the gate panels on the front of the card, and two for the reverse side which will be visible when you open the card.
3. To create the interlocking front, you will need two layering dies. Cut out a frame by placing both layering dies over the cardstock at the same time and then running them through the Big Shot. You may choose for the two pieces to be contrasting colours, in which case you’ll need to cut a second inner shape. For this card we are using the largest scallop die from the Layering Frames framelits, and a smaller square die. We used the retiring Dapper Denim and thick white cardstock.
4. Apply adhesive to the LEFT side of the outer frame, then adhere it to the left flap (as shown below). Apply adhesive to the RIGHT side of the white solid square, then adhere it to the right flap. IMPORTANT: Make sure the insert panel nests perfectly within the frame. It should be a tight fit or the card won’t open and close easily.
5. Embellish as desired with fussy cut images from the Myths and Magic specialty designer series paper, or stamp and die cut images from the Magical Day stamp and die bundle.

Handy Hint: Be careful when adhering embellishments to the frame and solid square, to make sure that you don’t interfere with the interlocking gate fold elements. Always test the opening & closing before permanently adhering anything to the card front.

 

 

 

Myths & Magic Inspiration

 

The Myths and Magic specialty paper is amazing. Iridescent glittered designs on one side, colourful all-occasions imagery on the other.

 

 

 

Here are some other projects featuring the Myths and Magic suite, as seen in the Stampin’ Up! Occasions Catalogue.

 

 

 

 

So fun! I hope you enjoy trying an interlocking gate fold card of your own.

For more info about the products used and to grab your supplies before they are GONE for good, click here. Remember, you only have until May 31!

Happy stamping,

 

• Myths & Magic Specialty Designer Series Paper [145600]
• Magical Day Clear-Mount Bundle [145985]
• Dapper Denim A4 Cardstock [141419]
• Whisper White A4 Card Stock [106549]
• Layering Squares Framelits Dies [141708]

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A Message For All the Mums…

Wishing all the wonderful mothers a very happy Mothers Day. I hope you have a great day on Sunday and enjoy some pampering from your loved ones – and hopefully a little crafting time too. xxx

It’s been a big week here so a quiet day at home is planned for us on Sunday.

We had our Coffee & Cards event at Beechworth Bakery on Wednesday, a stamp club on Thursday, a local team event on Friday and another stamp club this morning. I’m so blessed to spend time with talented, friendly and fun crafters.

 

Create with us – An Invitation

If you live around the Ballarat/Creswick area and would like to learn how to make cards, or spend a couple of hours a month with like-minded people, please connect with me so we can find an event that will suit what you’re after.

 

 

Happy stamping… and Happy Mothers Day!

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An exciting announcement this week with the release of THREE exclusive bundles for the month of May.

The products will be available when the new annual Stampin’ Up! catalogue comes out next month, but these bundles – and the freebies that come with them – won’t be around. What a great way to get your hands on new products AND get free bonuses too! Love this.

All these products are part of the brand new Share What You Love suite of products which were designed to mark the 30th anniversary of Stampin’ Up!. Most of the products feature pearl accents. Get it? Pearl traditionally marks a 30th anniversary!

 

 

Getting Started Bundle

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$98.75 (total product value: $110)

The Just Getting Started Bundle is perfect for new crafters because it includes a lovely versatile stamp set (called Love What You Do), ink pads, cardstock and a clear acrylic block that will fit every stamp in the set. The bundle will get you off to a GREAT start.

 

 

 

A Little More, Please

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$159.75 (value $190.25)

In this bundle the cardstock pack and coordinating accessories offer a variety of colour combinations, and will help you add special touches to your projects. And those 40 FREE envelopes mean you can share your cards right away. The beautiful embellishment box is a treat.

 

For me, the absolute winner is this Make a Difference alphabet set. Let me just say… WOW. The letters go together individually to create any sentiment you want, and they look incredible together (you can see what I did with it on an envelope below)

 

 

Gotta Have It All

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$222.75 (value $274) OR *$169 when you join Stampin’ Up!*

This bundle is designed for the avid crafter. You’ll get the largest selection of items in this stunning suite. The specialty paper is amazing and has a pearlescent coating – I’ve never seen anything quite like it and found myself making many cards with it. With this bundle you’ll continue your creative journey with confidence that you can produce beautifully coordinated projects.

You can buy this large bundle for $222.75, but if you’ve ever thought about joining Stampin’ Up! then consider this option:

For only $169 you can choose up to $235 worth of products, so you could easily choose the ‘Gotta Have It All’ bundle and you’d still have $12.25 left. Dimensionals or adhesives perhaps? This is an incredible bargain, but the best part comes AFTER you join, because you’ll then get 20% off all your future purchases and the potential for much more.

Hmmm, now that’s something to think about! More info about joining here.

If you decide to join, simply add item code 149812 when you’re creating your starter kit and all these amazing products will be yours.

This bundle is extra special because it includes the very exclusive Statement of My Heart stamp. This was available for demonstrators to buy last month for AUD$22, but you get it free in this bundle, along with the other goodies. Amazing!

 

Oh my goodness so much to think about.

Want to see more? Check out this video.

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And if you can’t wait to get the new 2018-2020 In Colors then you can get those a little early too! Yep, you don’t have to wait until June 1st to order.

(Note: Remember that you’ll be getting the Grapefruit Grove ink pad if you choose one of the bundles above, so keep that in mind if you plan to order these ink pads or you may end up with 2 of them.)

 

So there you go! A lot to love. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Happy stamping,

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BIG news today with the release of the Retiring List and an exciting announcement about upcoming changes to Stampin’ Up!’s colour range. 

 

The Retiring List is Here

Select products from the 2018 occasions catalogue and 2017-2018 annual catalogue are retiring — and this is your last chance to get them! 

 

> CLICK HERE for Retiring List – Sortable Excel spreadsheet <

>CLICK HERE for Retiring List – Printable PDF <

 

What you need to know about the Retiring List: 

• Retiring items are only available while supplies last and will be discontinued after 31 May.
• Retiring items are eligible for Stampin’ Rewards with qualifying orders.
• Retiring host sets can only be purchased using Stampin’ Rewards from a qualifying party.
• You may see an unusually high number of ink pads and cardstock retiring. We have some wonderfully exciting changes coming your way including the long-awaited Colour Revamp (more info below), although you may just want to make note of the fine print at the bottom of the last page which indicates that some items will be ‘reconfigured’ (ie quantity or packaging may change). A symbol will show which items are being reconfigured.

Handy hints:

1. Go through your catalogue with a highlighter to mark all the retiring items (that’s what I’ll be doing!). 
2. Remember that items will sell out, so for up-to-the-minute accuracy your best bet is to use my online store. 
3. You can search the online store to see which retiring items are still available – discontinued products will be removed.
4. Check the RETIRING COLOURS listed below, and make sure you order any ink refills or cardstock that you need to stock up on.

 

Hurry, don’t miss out!

 

Colour Revamp

Retiring Colours

Don’t forget to stock up on retiring ink refills and cardstock before they sell out!

 

Retiring In-Colours

Happy stamping,

 

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Are you looking for Sale-a-bration Inspiration?

If you are a fan of high-quality Stampin’ Up! products, there’s a good chance you earned yourself some gorgeous free Sale-a-bration products over the past few months from a qualifying purchase.

[In Australia, we could choose a free Sale-a-bration gift for every $90 of Stampin’ Up! shopping (Edited: This promotion ended on March 31, 2018)]

Are you looking for ideas and inspiration on how to use your new goodies?

Well grab yourself a cuppa and read on, because I just may have what you’re looking for. In today’s post, I take a close look at FOUR of the current Sale-a-bration gifts on offer.

Feel free to scroll on to the item/s you picked, or watch all the videos. They may even give you ideas to help with your next project.

 

Heartfelt Blooms

Did you get the Heartfelt Blooms stamp set for free during Sale-a-bration 2018?

If so, you are in good company.

This popular stamp set was created using a patent-pending process. Watch the video below to learn more about how these distINKtive stamps were made, plus tips on how to get a clear impression, along with clever ways to use the set.

 

 

Here are some of the projects shown in the video.

 

 

 

Party Pandas

This one has been soooo popular with my customers! Those Party Pandas are cute and incredibly easy to use. Really all you need is black ink, so it’s perfect for beginners as well as those of us with a good collection of supplies.

See the coloured balloons?

This is an adaptation of the Paper Piecing technique, and all you need is black ink and a few different coloured scraps of cardstock to make it work.

Here’s how:

1. First, stamp the ‘balloon panda’ on white cardstock using black ink.
2. Then stamp the ballon part of the image on to three pieces of coloured cardstock – small pieces of scrap are ok. On this card (above, middle) the artist has used Lemon Lime Twist, Emerald Envy and Soft Sky.
3. Next, you’ll need to trim closely around the edge of each of the balloons to cut them out.
4. And finally, adhere the balloons over the top of the feature image on the white cardstock. Draw lines with a black marker to represent the extra strings, so it looks like they are held by the panda’s hand.

 

 

 

 

Bubbles & Fizz Designer Series Paper

Well this is a bit of fun. A very cute pack of 12×12 papers – and you get two each of the 6 double-side pages, a total of 12 sheets.

The colours are bright and bubbly (see what I did there?), and there are bottles and toppers that you can fussy cut if you like.

 

 

If fussy cutting is not your thing, you have a much more convenient option: If you have the Bubble Over photopolymer stamp & framelits bundle, the dies don’t just cut out images from the stamp set, but the designs on the paper too!

That’s such a clever concept, and it makes your cutting dies even more versatile.

 

Here’s the video which shows you this in more detail, along with some fabulous project ideas.

 

 

 

 

Springtime Foils

And saving the best (in my humble opinion) for last. Personally, I absolutely adore this paper and the different looks you can get with it. Twelve sheets of heavyweight card with silver, gold and rose-gold (copper) designs on it. Just wow.

 

This paper looks stunning on its own, but also lends itself to all kinds of colouring and resist techniques. To see this in person is tempting fate – trust me. If you see it, you will absolutely want it!

 

 

 

 

Ballarat CraftAlive Wrap Up

Over the past few days, I’ve been at the Ballarat CraftAlive expo sharing the wonderful hobby of cardmaking and stamping with crafters. It’s one of my favourite events on the craft show calendar – partly because the organisers do a great job but also because the venue is only 16 minutes from my home! I travel all over Victoria doing workshops and classes, and of course meet crafters from one side of Australia to the other via social media and my online store, but it’s still awesome to meet fellow local crafters right here in Ballarat.

Even after 10 years, I never get tired of seeing that look on someone’s face when they try their hand at stamping for the first time. They are always so impressed at the crisp and detailed images that our stamps produce. That kind of quality is so obvious when you see it in person.

So to all those who stopped by our Stampin’ Up! stand, a big Thank You! It was a joy to chat with you and stamp some pretty projects.

And a huge big welcome to those who joined our team after visiting us at the show. If you didn’t get the chance to visit and want to learn more about saving money on your craft supplies – or, even better, making money from your craft! – just visit this page. I’d love to welcome you to our group too.

 

 

Well that’s it from me today. Another chatty one, but hopefully it’s given you some new creative ideas too.

Happy stamping,

p.s. Don’t forget, only a few days left of Sale-a-bration!

 

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