Book now for Sale-a-bration - lots of goodies to earn - here's how it works:

I'm taking bookings NOW for the Sale-a-bration period, starting January 24th through to March 31st 2012.

You can always get great benefits for free, just by being a hostess, but during Sale-a-bration, you will be showered with goodies galore! It's wonderful for your workshop guests too, and there are great benefits to joining up as a demonstrator in my team as well.


Here's a summary of the goodness on offer:

*Spend $100 and choose a FREE stamp set from a choice of four, OR

*Spend $100 and choose a Designer Series Paper pack "Everyday Enchantment" - love this! OR...

*Spend $100 and choose a pack of organdy ribbon and printed brads that co-ordinate with one of the stamp sets and the paper pack!

*It's the first time here in Australia we've had accessories as well as stamp sets to choose from, and you'll probably have a hard time choosing what you like best - I know I have...  The gorgeous card above is not mine, it was made by the talented Krista Fenton, and has been borrowed, with thanks and appreciation until I get a chance to make some goodies with my preordered sets.  Krista has used the Everyday Enchantment paper with the matching brads and stamp set - just gorgeous!

*There's no limit, and the benefits are on top of the usual Hostess Benefits, which you receive starting with a $300 order, even without hosting a workshop.  For example, place a $400 order and choose *4* Sale-a-bration treats, AND choose $60 worth of products from the catalogue for FREE!  Place a $600 order, and choose *6* Sale-a-bration items, AND $100 to spend in the catalogue AND choose one item for HALF PRICE!  It's a great way to make that Christmas cash go very, very far! 

*Want to be a hostess?  It's easy, you just need a few friends, 4 or 5 is plenty.  There is no charge, and I travel to you (within approx 1hr from Cherrybrook, Sydney).  You and your guests will make a stamped project to take home, and see some great products demonstrated. When your workshop orders reach an easy $300, you receive benefits of $50 to spend, either from the specially priced Hostess Section, or from anywhere in the catalogue.  You and your guests also get to choose a Sale-a-bration item for each $100 you personally spend.  Reach $600 in workshop sales for $100 to spend, one catalogue item for 50% off, and an extra Sale-a-bration item for free for being a hostess reaching $600 in sales.

*Join my friendly and supportive StampInkPaper team for just $249 that's ~ 15% off, and receive an ADDITIONAL stamp set of any value FREE! The kit is very customisable, and worth $610, the free stamp set adds up to another $77.95 in value. There's nothing to lose, and plenty to gain, from friendship, business skills to a great supplementary income.  I'd be happy to chat with you, or check out the "Become a Demonstrator" page tab for some more reading before giving me a call to discuss the benefits for you.

*Dates  - I can organise weekend and weekday dates, both daytime and in the evening, so put the word out amongst your friends and give me a call to pick a convenient date to be spoiled!

A few days left to save! December Frenzy ends soon...

Hello everybody!  I hope all my readers have enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing Christmas Day, and are enduring the school holidays with ease and grace?  It's been unbelievably busy here, mainly due to me hosting the family Christmas.  I have NO idea how my grandmother managed to make it all look so effortless well into her old age, wish she was still around so I could ask her!! 

The kids are leaping on any chance to go for a swim, and it's lucky we've had a few days of warmer, less wet weather.  Or, perhaps I should make that ONE child is keen to don cossies, the other one was home from the last day of school for about 10 minutes before he broke his little finger!  It's all strapped up and splinted, but he's still managed to get it wet a few times, so I've had plenty of practice re-bandaging.  It's put a dent in his holiday style though!  Lucky he's pretty tough, and it should heal fine as long as he doesn't do more damage before it heals.  He's off to the doc again in a day or two for a repeat xray to see how it's healing, and a swimmable fibreglass cast if I get my way!

Onto more crafty matters:
The December Frenzy sale runs until 31st December,  and there are still plenty of bargains to be had.  Only the Every Moment set and the Ornate Blossom set have returned to normal catalogue price, as of today, but I'd still recommend not leaving it too late in case other items are also low in stock.

The pic above just shows the Christmas treats we made for the kid's classmates - Hershey's Nuggets, Red and Green M&Ms, and Maltesers, with Santa Owl toppers, apparently they went down well, making 60+ did take a wee while though!!

And, congratulations to Joan from Ulladulla NSW for being the winner of my pre-Christmas prize draw, I hope you enjoy your stamp set and goodies.

Happy relaxing everyone!

December Frenzy - Gift Vouchers - Wish List Service

My bad, my bad bad BAD!!
I was supposed to put this up days ago, but I'm afraid it has been overlooked in the pre-xmas chaos.  Which is a shame, really, as there are some fabbo treats on this flyer at great prices, and I really wouldn't like any of my readers to miss out!  I'm going to grab a couple for myself, there are some sets there I've been lusting after for a while!

There's still time to have delivery before Christmas, but orders should be in by December 15th at the latest, earlier if you are on the West Coast in Wait-Awhile land.  Time is limited for the specials on the flyer, and once stocks are depleted, they will be removed from the promotion, so please don't wait if something catches your eye.

Suggested items -  (just a couple, click through to the flyer via the banner image above to see the full list)
Welcome Christmas, from $19.98 (clear) - an excellent Christmas set, 50% off!
Awash with Flowers - gorgeous abstract 2-step stampin set with stylised blooms, just $43.17 - 50% off!
Friends Never Fade and co-ordinating Ornate Blossoms single stamp - from $11.97
and lots more, ribbon, scissors, distressing ink kit, brads, wheels etc.

Christmas Wish List Service and Gift Vouchers available - 

Depending on the level of organisation of your significant others, there are a few options to arrive at gifts you really want for Christmas!
Want a surprise?  Simply pass on my contact details to your gifter, and I will order, gift wrap and present your gift with a hand-made card (for people able to collect from Cherrybrook)  or have it delivered with a handmade card sent by separate mail if you're further away.  Here's a link you'll be able to forward to your friends and family -  Michelle Dyson Stampin' Up! Website -   there's links to catalogues and a contact point, easy peasy

Not keen on leaving the selection up to chance??

Click HERE for a printable wishlist page you can fill in and hand over -  the link is direct to the PDF document hosted on "mediafire"

Left it waaaaayyyy too late?

I can send a gift voucher to the amount of the gifter's choice, by either email or by snail mail with a handmade card, and you can choose for yourself!



I look forward to helping hapless hubbies with their gift-giving dilemmas!

Summer Mini and December Frenzy Deals

Whoa!  I've got stacks to tell you about, since it's been so long since I was able to make a proper post.

Probably the most important is the launch of the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini catalogue, that runs from December 1st to March 31st.  It's crammed with lots of interesting goodies, some of which have been long awaited!

 I lusted after the "Simply Adorned" range as soon as I saw it introduced in the US catty a year or two back.  It's a range of customisable jewellery, chains in bracelet and necklace lengths, hanging baubles and pearls, the Trinket Keys and Crowns co-ordinate with it, and there are small and large charm lockets as well. This pic shows my first effort, and uses the matching "Charming" stamp set, also from the Summer Mini. The images are nicely sized for the inside of the lockets, the larger styles have beautiful bevelled glass on the front side, and there's flat glass on the back side for a photo or alternate image.  I've woven seam binding ribbon through the chain, and tied on short lengths of Chantilly and Victoria lace trims.  The colours used in the locket panel are Soft Suede, River Rock, Early Espresso etc.  The base layer is a little rectangle of the pretty Soft Suede and Gold printed paper from the Mocha Morning Specialty paper.  On the flat back side, I used another piece of this paper, a Soft Suede flocked with black.  mmmm, yum! 

Want to have a peek inside the catalogue?  Just click on the cover image above.  If you'd like to receive a paper copy in the post, please use this link to join my mailing list, and pop a note in the comments box about the mini catalogue.

More to come, pop back soon!

More Stampin' Up! stamp sets for sale... Cheap Prices, Great Quality, Grab 'em quick!

TAKE THREE $10   Wood mount set of  6 stamps in excellent condition, with plastic clamshell box.  Versatile rows of images with sentiments.  Original catalogue price $33.95, now just $10!

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT $15 New and unmounted, this set is great for everything from scrap pages to Christmas cards!  Original catalogue price $53.95, now just $15!

I've also been keeping the list in the post below up to date with items as they are sold, and I'm of course happy to combine postage to give you the best value on these bargains.    Give me a call, 0403 175 790 or send me an email to arrange purchase any of these goodies.

Some more goodies for sale... Pastels and Stamp Sets

FOR SALE - STAMPIN' PASTELS $25-  a brand-new, still in shrink-wrap plastic set of Stampin' Up! Stampin Pastels in the pre-colour renovation colours.  Great selection, including plenty of colours that match the new families.  The second image shows what the set  would look like open.  All of the cakes are intact, no cracks or breaks visible from the base of the box.  With pastels, you can add colour accents to stamped images, with blender pen or aqua painter, or you can use them for fun techniques like "Poppin Pastels" by dabbing colour over Versamark ink.  It's a convenient way to have all the colours at your fingertips.  Original price $48.95 + p/h, now just $25!

PICTURE THIS - $10 - Wood Mount Hostess set only available from a recent mini, so this is a rare set!  Cute set of greetings with mini images.  Use together or separately by inking with markers.  New, unmounted, in clam shell box

More to come...

Massive Sale! Stampin' Up! Bargain Wood Mounted stamps

Cupboards have been emptied, and quite a number of wood mounted stamp sets have hit the pile for re-homing.  Some are well used, a few are new and unmounted.  All are bargain-priced!  Some might be stained on the rubber or wood block, but this has no effect on stamping performance.  All stamps are in great condition.  UPDATED 3RD MAY 2012 - I just need to check the box of unsold ebay items

Postage is available via satchel, with up to 500g costing $9 and over 500g costing $15.  If you'd like several sets, I can combine into a large satchel.  Pick up from Cherrybrook is also available by arrangement.

This would be one very large post if I made pictures for all of the sets, but since Stampin' Up! stamps are so widely admired,a simple google images search will pull up lots of ideas about the sets and what you can make with them!  Where I have easy reference I have included the 6 digit item code.

Stamps A la Carte - single stamps in clamshell boxes  $7.00 each

Sweetness Unlimited - 117721 (Welcome Baby Sweetness Unlimited sentiment)

Stamp Sets in clamshell boxes- $12.00 each

Bella's Bloom (new, unmounted) 116330


Stamp Sets in clamshell boxes- $15.00 each


Birthday Bakery (new, unmounted hostess set) 121452
Good Neighbours (new unmounted) 118780
Good Neigbours (new, unmounted) 118780
Sweet Summer 123286 (mounted, unstained)
Yummy (new, mounted) 115243
Sweet Little Sentiments (mounted, lightly used) 115736
Botanical Blooms (new, mounted) 115237
Bliss (new, unmounted) 123282
Bliss (new unmounted) 123282
Congrats (new, unmounted) 115239
Picture This (new unmounted, rare hostess set) 119157


Stamp Sets in clamshell boxes - $20 each


In the Spotlight - Hostess set, for many occasions, including Christmas
Rustic Rooster (new unmounted) 115744


Stamp sets in clamshell boxes - $25 each

Friends 24-7 115808 - one of my favourites..
Greetings Eight (new unmounted) 115792
Echoes of Kindness (new, unmounted) 115940


Stamp sets in clamshell boxes - $30 each

Asian Artistry - 119159 - Hostess  set from a mini, rare!

Stamp sets in clamshell boxes - $35 each

Occasionally - (new, unmounted set of 28 icon stamps) 112372


To purchase, please leave a reply here in the comments, and send me an email - michelle.dyson@bigpond.com  with your list and contact details.  Happy shopping, I'll cross them off as they find new homes :)

Some Elebration Fun for Miss Em

I do recall my only older cousin having a very cute stuffed elephant toy when I was little.  I think he may have been a pale blue, possibly pink? - He was a talking Elephant by the name of Horton, for those of you who know the Dr Seuss story.  Anyway, when I saw the A La Carte stamp "Elebration" in the new catty, you can probably guess where abouts it sat on my wish list!!

Here is it's maiden outing, to make a 2nd birthday card for a sweet little girl Miss Em.  It was easy to colour with a few swipes of Watercolor Wonder crayons, and I teamed it with the very pretty "Cheerful Treat" DSP from the Hostess Gallery section of the catalogue - it's probably my fave of all the patterned papers this year!  The colours are Marina Mist, Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Pink Pirouette, Concord Crush and Bashful Blue with crisp Whisper White and there is a great assortment of playful patterns to choose from, including this stripe.  I sponged the edges with Melon Mambo, and added a border using the lovely new Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch $30.95, half tucked behind the left side edge.  A few Basics Pearls and a banner greeting using a stamp from another great Hostess Gallery set,  "Happiest Birthday Wishes" and it was all done.    I'm looking forward to making a little boy version soon, this card was so much fun!

French Foliage and some Rock n Roll

Well, not exactly rock n roll for the recipient, he's just turned 80, but I did use the technique on the card here to achieve a multicoloured autumnal effect on the leaves.  I started by pulling out the Cajun Craze, More Mustard, and every shade of brown in the caddy from Sahara Sand to Early Espresso.  Starting with the palest colours of each, I then daubered or rolled the stamps onto the other colours to add highlights.  The base is Crumb Cake with the fantastically useful water splodge stamp, followed by a Confetti Cream layer stamped with the script background.  This is shredded a bit with the Cutter Kit distressing tool.  Next after that there is a scrunched up and shimmer-misted piece of Early Espresso and then a layer of Very Vanilla for the stamped panel.  A bit of hemp twine and Early Espresso grosgrain finish it off, along with a sentiment from Teeny Tiny Sentiments on a Modern Label punchie.  Some layers of the stamped panel have been popped up as a second layer with Stampin' Dimensionals and I have also added some drips of Crystal Effects on the leaves to give the effect of water droplets but these are a bit hard to see!

Off to find the other SD card with more pics on it - why do they have to make those things so gosh-darn small !  It's on my desk, somewhere!  I do need to declutter away the research papers on dyslexia and metamemory, having submitted the last of my assignments for the year (woohoo!) - just 2 exams to go and then from the beginning of next year I'll be on prac placement (watch out kids!) so maybe I'll uncover it shortly...

As I have a little time a little free-er than usual, I am hosting a "Get Ready for Christmas" Stamp-a-Stack event at my house on Saturday 22nd October.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM  (AET)

 Mega Christmas Preparation Event!
A great opportunity to get started on your stash of Christmas cards for the year with much of the hard work done for you. You'll make 12 cards, 6 each in two different designs, and a set of 12 gift tags.
Everything is provided for you - pre-cut cardstock, all materials and embellishments, adhesive and envelopes for the cards.
The class will be set up so you can construct the cards in an assembly-line format, with full instructions to create more later if you wish.
The class runs for the whole day, so you can choose to come in the morning or the afternoon, or stay all day and make more Christmas projects of your choice.
The cost of the class is $25 and places are limited to ensure individual attention. Please give me a call if you'd like to book a seat, on 9484 9447 or 0403 175 790, or email me.

There are one or two spots free, please  ASAP call if you'd like to nab one!

Hair ties with Fun Flowers and Flower Folds Dies + Flirtatious!

These were so much fun to make!!  Another project using our beautiful new fabrics, this time the "Flirtatious" collection that goes with the Delicate Doilies stamp set and Flirtatious specialty Designer Series Paper.  I've used the new Fun Flowers die for the flower in the top photo, simply layering several of the different shapes on the die, cut from each of the three fabrics in the pack.  I've stitched through a Melon Mambo button and onto a thick, snagless hair elastic, so they should last quite well.  I've given them a spray with a fabric stiffener to ensure they don't fray.  Miss 6 and a bit is coveting these, so I'm not sure they'll be mine for long!  The one in the bottom photo was made with the Flower Folds Bigz XL die, in exactly the same way. There are several sizes of flower on this die, and I used the smaller ones - you could make a dramatic race-day statement with the largest if you wanted!  I hope you are inspired to get out your Bigshot dies and discover their versatility.

More motorbikes - Father's Day Card

Another motorbike stamp, another one just retired!!  I hope all of you who liked it managed to order one before the end of the Autumn/Winter mini, because I'll not be parting with mine!

This is a card I made for my dad, who enjoys rebuilding and riding vintage motorcycles.  His favoured bikes are a bit more European in style than this one, but we can make do! His favourite colour is green, so I've used Wild Wasabi as the card base, stamped with the Woodgrain background.  Getting inspiration from the colour combination in the Just add cake DSP, I've paired it with Baja Breeze, So Saffron and Pumpkin Pie.  These panels have been run through my crimping tool several times, in both horizontal and vertical directions to get a waffle look, and then torn and the layers separated.  You can see the waffle texture best in the Baja Breeze strip at the bottom, where I have highlighted the bumps with a skimming of ink from a sponge block.

The main image was stamped in Stazon Black, and coloured with markers and some silver Shimmer Paint applied with a Blender Pen.  The halo-like splodgy background was made by scribbling patches of colour onto a damp acetate sheet, masking off the final stamped image, then pressing the acetate over the top to transfer the ink.  I secured the panels with the mini library clips, because they are both cute and blokey!  The sentiment is from the JUST GOTTA HAVE IT set, Teeny Tiny Sentiments  (I use this set so often I've considered setting up a keyboard shortcut :p )

Hope you like - back to assignments! 

On that note, if there is anyone out there with a diagnosis of dyslexia who would like to give me a sentence or comment about what it meant to them as a child at school (or as an adult), I'd love to receive them via email at michelle.dyson@bigpond.com  

You won't be identified, but your quote might make it to my mini movie about Inclusive Education practices.

Thanks!

My sweet boy is.... TEN! (and a little bit)

Another card I made at INKlings team weekend, this one for my firstborn, who turned 10 during September. Yep, he was born September 2001 - a few days after "9/11" and 2 weeks early quite possibly due to the emotionally overwhelming nature of those events - this anniversary is going to follow his every milestone birthday for the rest of his life.  Certainly his birthday newspapers aren't filled with anything much else!  Hard to believe it has been 10 years, but there you have it...

He simply loves orange, always has - and it is a colour I have slowly adapted to using.  Peach Parfait is one of the In Colors that will be leaving us at the end of the current catalogue, so don't forget to add it to your collection if you're a fan.  As oranges go, it's a good one - quite easy to work with.  It's not pastel, or too earthy, or too bright.  Here it's paired with the 'Just add Cake'  DSPs, and the other colours that feature in it  - Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi (and there's even a smidge of Blushing Bride if you are looking for it).

One of the things he was most looking forward to about turning 10, was getting his very own motorcycle helmet (instead of pinching mine!) and being taught to ride my old Honda XR80 trailbike at Grandma and Grandpa's farm.  Hence the card feature stamp!  It's actually one that I borrowed, and was  never released here.  It belonged to the "Extreme" series - we had the surfboard and guitarist, and I'd hoped we'd get the dirtbike and skateboarder this year, but all were unfortunately retired.  I've also used a Spritzing tool and the splodge stamp from French Foliage for some authentic looking mud spray, and a crimper and torn Confetti cardstock to try and give it an edgy look.  The numbers are from the "On Board Merry Medley" set, and I sponged them with ink and coated them with Crystal Effects.  The circles are punched from the Just Add Cake paper to ground the design.  Or make it too fussy.  Whatever you decide, he liked it very much!

Here he is:

Looking pleased as punch with his very trendy trilby, courtesy of his clever Auntie Cherie, and his favourite wombat cake made by daddy.  Happy Birthday mate!

Wisteria Doilies and Butterflies

This card was made for a sketch challenge entry at the INKlings team weekend.  The inspiration card had a flower, but I have substituted a butterfly cut from a scrap of picture framing matboard using the Sizzix Big Shot Beautiful Butterflies die.  I love love LOVE how the steel-rule dies cut this material, it's got all the benefits of chipboard, but is acid free with a white (or coloured) core, which makes decorating a cinch.  I've stamped the butterfly with the Delicate Doilies stamp set in Melon Mambo, and also in Versamark, so I could add some Heat and Stick powder and a generous dose of Dazzling Diamonds glitter - hard to see in the photo, but it gave the butterfly a lovely texture and glimmer.
Behind the butterfly is a torn embossed panel of Melon Mambo, and a strip of Flirtatious Specialty DSP bordered with some Elegant Eggplant Scallop border trim.  The card base is another of the new In Colors for 2011-13, "Wisteria Wonder"  For those of you (and there were many!) who lamented the demise of the purples in the SU colour range, weep no more, this colour is just so pretty!  Finishing touches include some Organza Satin ribbon and a Triple Layer Doily punchie with a rhinestone.  Very girly :)

Christmas Events Galore!

It's a Christmas Countdown - Click on the image below if you dare!  (eeeekkkk!)

I'm determined to be ready this year - really, I am!!  (I think I say this every year but still somehow manage to have it sneak up on me - really, how DID it get to be October already??)

Here's the go - several events for your diaries, feel free to make one or all of them!

STAMPIN' CROP DAY



8 OCT 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (AET)

Great timing for Christmas Preparation - come along to my Stampin' Crop day NEXT Saturday, 8th October from 10am-5pm (or any time inbetween to suit you!)

Cost is $15 for a day of crafting with great company, lots of tools and stamps and inspiration galore. Includes bottomless tea, coffee and a light snack style lunch.

Pre-order your requirements now, or bring your projects you wish to work on!


 
CHRISTMAS PREPARATION STAMP-A-STACK #1



22 OCT 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (AET)

Mega Christmas Preparation Event!

A great opportunity to get started on your stash of Christmas cards for the year with much of the hard work done for you. You'll make 12 cards, 6 each in two different designs, and a set of 12 gift tags.

Everything is provided for you - pre-cut cardstock, all materials and embellishments, adhesive and envelopes for the cards.

The class will be set up so you can construct the cards in an assembly-line format, with full instructions to create more later if you wish.

The class runs for the whole day, so you can choose to come in the morning or the afternoon, or stay all day and make more Christmas projects of your choice.

The cost of the class is $25 and places are limited to ensure individual attention. Please give me a call if you'd like to book a seat
 
CHRISTMAS PREPARATION STAMP-A-STACK #2



12 NOV 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (AET)

Another Mega Christmas Preparation Event!  Come along for a DIFFERENT set of cards to make!

A great opportunity to make more Christmas cards for the year with much of the hard work done for you. You'll make 12 cards, 6 each in two different designs, and a set of 12 gift tags (different designs from last month's Stamp-a-Stack)

Everything is provided for you - pre-cut cardstock, all materials and embellishments, adhesive and envelopes for the cards.

The class will be set up so you can construct the cards in an assembly-line format, with full instructions to create more later if you wish.

The class runs for the whole day, so you can choose to come in the morning or the afternoon, or stay all day and make more Christmas projects of your choice.

The cost of the class is $25 and places are limited to ensure individual attention. Please give me a call if you'd like to book a seat, on

Free stamps and punch! Book your Christmas Prep workshop NOW!

What a great promotion, and what great timing!
Everyone wins with the latest treats from Stampin' Up!
Firstly, you can purchase the Stitched Stockings stamp set and the co-ordinating Stockin Tag punch, which will be appearing in the upcoming Summer Mini catalogue, EARLY!  Just in time for getting those Christmas cards made!  The Summer Mini doesn't start until December 1st, so don't miss the opportunity!  You can click on the image above to see the PDF of the offer, with prices and codes.  I've already seen quite a few other ideas for this punch, from sock puppets to Hobby Horses and reindeer, and it also makes the quickest and easiest Christmas Gift tags you can imagine!

Or - get the festive season off to a great start with you and your friends at your very own Get Ready for Christmas workshop - and earn the stamp set AND the punch, for FREE!  with workshop sales of just $450.  That's up to $92.30 worth of products, free, in addition to your usual Hostess Benefits of $60 to spend in the catalogue, in the Hostess Gallery or anywhere else you like.

When:  This promo runs from 1st October to 31st October
How:

• Call me to place your order for the punch, stamp set or both     OR

• Place a $450 oder to receive them free!
• Book your workshop to get yourself and your friends all sorted for Christmas
• Host a Catalogue Party by collecting orders from friends to the value of $450

I have selected dates and times available for special "Get Ready for Christmas" themed workshops, please give me a call to book, 

Perfectly Penned, Perfectly Pink

One of my favourite DSPs in the new catalogue is "Beau Chateau" - and it is another design that has a co-ordinating fabric collection.  The colours are shabby-vintage old pinks and browns, Pink Pirouette and Soft Suede, with soft Vanilla and Marina Mist.  The card base here is Soft Suede, then a layer of distressed Pink Pirouette.  Over this, I have placed a panel of Beau Chateau DSP with a stitched border, with linen thread for a rustic look.  The rosette in the centre is made from a simple strip of fabric, stitched into a circle and gathered on stitching thread.  Although retired, the felt Flower Fusion and large flat back pearl from the Pretties Kit called out to be added.  The sentiment is from another new set, Perfectly Penned, which is in a lovely script style, and has a great selection of oft-needed sentiments.  I've punched this out with the Designer Label punch, and used a layering trick with a second punch for a border. The plain reverse of Soft Suede polka dot grosgrain with a tie of Vanilla taffeta finishes it off.  I also made a set of other greetings from the set, so I can always switch out the sentiment as the occasion arises, for an instantly suitable card!

September = busy!

September in our family is a little busier than the average month, with birthdays for our son, both father and father-in-law, sister in-law, + some friends as well, not to mention father's day.  I've not had much time to post on this here blog, but I have got quite a backlog of pics to show you.  I'm now supposed to be working on some uni assignments due after mid semester break, so we'll see just how many posts I can make over the next few days in the name of procrastination!  There's even quite a bit left over from August, when I attended the 4th Annual Inklings Team Weekend at Vision Valley.

What's up first..... it's almost like a lucky dip as I go a-browsin for images!

OK - here is one I made for a colour challenge at the Team Weekend, using the Timeless Portrait paper colours of Cherry Cobbler, Island Indigo (yummy new In Color!), River Rock, Basic Black and Very Vanilla.  And, what's that!! - ooooooh FABRIC!!  Yes!!  One of my most favourite new products in the new Idea Book and Catalogue are the fabulously fancy fat quarter fabrics!  They come as a pack of three extra wide fat quarters, in several designs to match some of the DSPs for this year,  for a very reasonable $18.95.  I've used a narrow 1" strip here to gather onto a thread, ruffling and pleating before sticking down.  The co-ordinating stamp set is "Forever Young", and features the gorgeous tree silhouette and the frame.  I've embossed the tree in black, and double stamped the frame and mounted a greeting over the top, from Teeny Tiny sentiments.  A bit of narrow black taffeta to finish, and my *17th* wedding anniversary card was done!    It's just as well this was the first card I made at the retreat, because our anniversary actually fell over that particular weekend.... (I have a very understanding and accommodating hubby!)   From this same fabric, I also started making a little purse, maybe I'll get to finish it soon to show you!

Fancy a Big Shot for $75? Read on to find out how!

It's true! You could even get one for $50 instead. Or, how about FREE, with an extra $10 or more in freebies on top? Stampin' Up! have introduced a fabulous new system of Hostess rewards to replace the previous Levels system. A hostess now earns 'Hostess Dollars' to spend on either specially priced Hostess merchandise, or she can use it towards ANYTHING in the catalogue instead! As before, Hostess Benefits start at an easily achievable $300 in workshop sales, where you receive $50 in hostess dollars. Under the previous system, you earned a choice of Level 1 stamp sets, and $30 to spend in the catty. The new system allows you to choose even the most expensive set in the Hostess section, and still have some left over. That's like getting a Level 3 stamp set! (earned with a $1000 workshop in the old catty) But wait, there's more (again)... When your workshop sales reach $600, you receive $100 to spend, AND your choice of 1 item at HALF PRICE! See, that's where the $49.95 or $75 Big Shots come in - the choice is yours how you spend your Hostess Dollars. Want your Big Shot FREE? Just host a workshop with sales of $1000, and Stampin' Up! will throw in another $10 to spend. Got a Big Shot already? Then you can add some of our fabulous exclusive dies to your collection instead, or the box of Many Marvellous Markers! Or, the ink Inkpad caddy - the choice is yours! A workshop is a great way to get an introduction to stamping, or to learn a new technique or two. It's lots of fun, and as the products sell themselves, there's no need for pushy tactics. Invite some friends around for a few hours of 'me time' and share what you love, with others. Not local to me? You can host a 'Party in a Box' from anywhere in Australia, collecting orders from family and friends by showing the catalogue around. Contact me to find out when you can schedule YOUR event, I look forward to helping you discover your creativity.

It's a great time to join us!

If you've been considering what it might be like to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, now's a great time.
Here's my reasons why:

*We are at the beginning of a new catalogue, crammed full of goodies both you and your potential customers want!
*We are part the way into a quarter, which began September 1st - therefore you have until 31st March 2012 (the end of your first FULL quarter) to meet the low, quarterly minimum sales of $550 (catalogue price)
*You have a good amount of time to get bookings, sales and workshops before Christmas, and the Stampin' Start Program could land you up to 15 free stamp sets to encourage you off to a quick start!
*There's a short time to rest a little (if you want!) after Christmas before Sale-a-bration, the biggest promotion of the Stampin' Up! year begins, and that encompasses the second 3 months period of your Stampin' Start - the timing doesn't get much better than that!

and....

If you're thinking, I have so much stuff already, now I have to buy a full starter kit???

but wait!  there's more!   (no, not steak knives, or an extra ahh-bra for dialling now...)

*Purchase a mini Starter Kit, for just $169! - during September only...

The kit contents are valued at over $310, and are highly customisable to your taste, and include Stamp sets, stamp pads, cardstock, Designer Series Paper, ribbon, note cards, clear block, blender pen, adhesives and business supplies including a box of catalogues.

Click on the image above to be taken to the SU website to see what it's all about.

If you're keen on the extra value in the usual starter kit, it's available at 20% off, again for September only. Choose this option to get an incredible $610 worth of products for $231.20,  pretty good investment, with nothing to lose.

Why choose me, and the StampInkPaper team to join?
I've been with Stampin' Up for 4 years now, and am a Manager of a small team.  We're diverse in terms of location and goals, yet are a cohesive and supportive group.  We're large enough to provide great resources and support, and small enough to be personal, helping you to develop the kind of business YOU want. There's no pressure or pushing, just all the assistance you need to enjoy yourself thoroughly.  I'd encourage you to contact any of my team members from the blog roll list at the right hand side, to get my downline's perspective.

There's more info available at the "Become a Demonstrator" tab at the top - or give me a call 0403 175 790 or email to be sent an obligation-free info pack.  I look forward to chatting with you soon :)

Last days for Last Chance! + win PRIZES!

There are just a few more days left for the current 2010-11 Idea Book and Catalogue, so it's time to take one last good look at the Retiring List to check for must-have stampin' goodness!

I tried to make another sorted list from the Excel file, without success, so I have included the link here to the PDF showing all the retired items and their availablility.  CLICK HERE for the list!  An "X" in the Availability column means the product has *Sold Out*, sorry!

If you're a visual person like myself, you probably know the sets more by their images rather than their names, so it might be a good idea to have your catalogue nearby and flick through it, crossing off retiring items as you go.  Yes, there is a lot of lovely stuff disappearing, don't miss them...  Don't forget there are two stamp sets on offer as prizes, you'll get a ticket for each $50 spent on any order that includes at least one retiring item.  Hurry, competition must close with last orders on August 31st!

Hopefully I'll be back in soon to show some of the creations I made at the INKlings Team Weekend last week - but first there is an assignment or two calling my name...!

List is shrinking, day by day... + Stampin' Crop day THIS SATURDAY 13th August

Hello everyone,
Just a quick update to post a list of items that are now SOLD OUT and unavailable to order from the Retirement List:

Sanded  [wood-mount]

Full Calendar  [wood-mount]

Bashful Blue 12" x 12" Card Stock

Early Espresso 12" x 12" Card Stock

Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets

Metallic Eyelets

Pewter Jumbo Eyelets

Spiral Punch

1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punch

Photo Corners Punch

Star Punch

A bit of info about the 12x12 cardstock, you'll notice on the PDF or sortable Excel list that it is not strictly retiring, but will be reconfigured.  12x12 cardstock is returning to packs of 20 smooth (single colour) or 20 textured (color family pack, 2 sheets each of 10 colours).  The packs given in the list, aside from the Espresso and Bashful that are now sold out are 12 sheet packs, 6 sheets of smooth and 6 sheets of textured per pack in a single colour, for $13.95.  In future, to get 6 textured sheets in a single colour, you'll need to buy *3* colour family packs, an expensive and potentially wasteful prospect.  If you're a fan of Tempting Turquoise, don't miss the chance to nab some at 25% off, just $10.46 a pack.

So, I do recommend that if you have some favourite colours in textured, that you stock up now!   Similarly for ribbons, the styles are staying and the colours are current, but the colours in each style will be more mixed up.   Several of the ribbons are discounted, and if you are planning any large projects using ribbon, such as invites, make sure to stock up while you can!

I'm placing orders practically every day to give you the best chance of getting retirement items before they are gone.    Remember also that you'll get a ticket in the draw for the prize of the Level 2 Hostess Set, Fast and Fabulous, and I'm adding a second prize of your choice from selected Level 1 hostess sets.


In other news, Stampin' Crop Days have shifted to the SECOND Saturday of the month, making August's THIS COMING Saturday, 13th August.  These days are a casual social occasion where you can chat, stamp, soak up inspiration, learn a technique or two, or work on whatever you need to catch up on.  The cost for the day is $15, and includes a light lunch, use of my tools, stamps and equipment, and casual instruction.  Places are limited, so I'd appreciate it if you RSVP to me on 0403 175 790 or email me ahead of time.  Location is in Cherrybrook, time is 10-5pm, and new stampers are always welcome!

It's a RETIREMENT Party! Get 'em before they're gone... WIN Level 2 Hostess Set, "Fast and Fabulous"

The Retirement List is up - and there are some surprises!  Click on the banner image just above to be taken to the PDF of the Retiring items list,  which will be updated daily to reflect availability.  It's organised by category, and you can instantly pick out the extra special bargains, with some items reduced by 40%! 

Please dig out your wishlists and catalogue, grab a cuppa and a sweet treat, and browse through to make your choices while stocks last.  Some items will be limited in availability, so it would be advisable to have a reserve item or two in case your first choices are no longer available when your order is placed.

Stamp Highlights:  These are items I know have been popular, and on a few wishlists - but there's lots more, so be sure to check!

• Sanded, Bella Toile and Calendar Background stamps - these are verstatile and will be missed!  They are on page 87 of the current catalogue
• Occasional Greetings - full of the most used occasion sentiments, p 19
• Gifted - just in time for Christmas cards and quick tags, and a whopping 40% in both wood and clear mounts  (be super quick for this to avoid missing out) page 21
• Christmas Classics - (!)  A bit of a shock this one, jog your memory by looking at page 28
• Kimono Kids - sob!  page 42
• Cheep Talk - beautiful bird and branch set, page 50
• Beware Pirates - another shock, it's a must have set for those tricky older boys - and 25% off
• Just Cricket, Extreme Surfboard and Extreme Guitar - more great boy stamps - be quick I reckon!  Check out page 53
• Choo Choo, the matching track wheel and Forest Friends - pages 62/3
• Eastern Blooms and Scribble This!  p66/7
• Dreams du Jour - p81 and 25% off too... and Friends 24/7 on page 82!!
• Priceless and Fresh Cuts on pages 90/1

Wheels

• Most of the wheels that go with retiring matching stamps are going - typically rolling out the door.  Check the catalogue on pages 158/9 for the list, especially Neighbourhood, Stars, So Swirly, Scribble, Always in Bloom and Right on Track.

Punches

• Spiral Binding (#39), Large Star (#41), Designer Label (#7), Photo Corners (#22), Oval (#14)

There are plenty of other treasures tucked away in the accessories section, including some Big Shot dies, ribbons (current colours, retiring styles, some 25% off), ALL of the Designer Series Papers and Simply Scrappin Kits (some 40% off).  There are lots of cardstock items that will be reconfigured, so don't panic when you see those.

Go into the draw to win!

All retirement list orders of $50 or more will go into the draw for a brand new, unmounted Level 2 Hostess Set, "Fast and Fabulous" - this is a set earned with a $600 workshop, so it's a great opportunity to win!  You will receive one entry in the draw for each $50 spent (before postage/handling).  You can check out this great set on page 13, and click here to see the gallery on Splitcoast showing the gorgeous cards you could be making with it!

I'll be sending out a newsletter next, so please forward it to any stampin' friends who might like to have a look through.

Postage and Handling:

All orders that can be collected from me at Cherrybrook will pay the 5% postage and handling rate, and all orders being sent directly to you will pay the minimum charge of $5.95, or 5%, whichever is the greater amount.  I can have orders posted anywhere within Australia!

How to Place an order?

You can call me on (02) 9484 9447 or 0403 175 790 or email me at michelle.dyson@bigpond.com.  I can accept cash, cheque (subject to clearance), direct deposit, Mastercard and VISA payments. 

Happy Browsing, I do hope you can nab the retiring sets you've been wishing for during the year, they are mighty hard to get hold of when they're gone...

Welcome Christmas in Winter with the Inklings Blog Hop!

Welcome to the INKlings "Christmas in Winter" Blog Hop!

You may have arrived here from  Vanessa's blog or just be visiting my blog, whichever way once you’ve checked out my creations you can continue the hop through the link at the end of this post to the next team member.

How quick is this year going! Have you started to think about your Christmas cards and projects yet? The INKlings team has and we thought that this month was the perfect time to host a Christmas in July blog hop. You'll find lots of great ideas when you take a tour of the blogs of 15 of our crafty team members.

Want to win some Blog Candy? Simply leave a comment on each blog and then email Clare and let her know you’ve done so and you’ll be in the running for a fantastic prize of 15 handmade items plus other goodies.

Sorry Blog Candy prize not available to SU! demonstrators but you're more than welcome to leave us a comment!

My projects use the delightful stamp set, "Welcome Christmas".  You can find it on page 26 of the Idea Book and Catalogue, 121584 $49.95 in woodmount, and 120597 $39.95 in clear mount.  It has a variety of images, so I find it quite versatile.  I've made three different cards with it, and some gift tags are under construction - you may have to come back another time to see those!  I've stuck to a simple palette of Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla, and have used our Basics Adhesive Pearls and 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon for embellishment on each of the three cards.

Card one is a 1/3 sheet card, so it's a good choice for a gift card, or if you have several squillion people on your Christmas card list.  It is quite suited to production en masse, and is the kind of card you could make while watching a DVD in the evenings.

The card base is Cherry Cobbler (oooh YUM!), and I have inked the edges and given it a good squirt with my DIY Shimmer Mist (you can click HERE for a tutorial I did earlier on this).  Next is a layer of Very Vanilla, cut just 1/4" smaller on each side for neat layering.  Then there is a layer of Early Espresso, my new favourite brown.  I've roughed up the edges with my trusty distressing tool from the Cutter Kit here.  (tip - you need this tool if your trimmer cuts tend towards the wonky, it masks a multitude of sins...)  More squirting with shimmer here too. 

Then, a Crumb Cake layer, sponged on the edges, and clear embossed using Versamark ink and the lovely silhouette style Christmas tree family stamp.  The label stamp is part of the set, and I have simply inked it with markers in Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Crumb Cake, and stamped onto Very Vanilla.  It looks fiddly and time consuming, but it's faster and easier than you'd think.

I've added some Basics Pearls and some Stampin Dimensionals behind this to give it some lift from the front of the card.  To finish, I have used some of the extra wide stripy Grosgrain ribbon in matching Early Espresso.  When I first saw this wide ribbon, I thought "what the!" , thinking it would take masses of ribbon to make something on the right scale.  I've since discovered that there are several ways to use this wide ribbon on a card, and with pretty small pieces too.  Here I have taken a short snip, approximately 8-10cm, and have folded in half-ish (deliberately not evenly).  The centre is secured with a short piece of Early Espresso narrow grosgrain, and it's attached with a mini glue dot (or two for good measure).  Ta da!  Done!

Card 2 is a standard landscape orientation A5 fold, and again I have used Cherry Cobbler as the card base.  Then, a layer of Early Espresso cut 1/2" smaller is layered on this (and I've used the edge distressing tool again)  Before I distressed and attached it, I ran it through the Big Shot using the Finial Press Embossing Folder, you can see a peek of this behind where the ribbon is tied. The squares are cut from Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, and Jolly Holiday DSP using the 1 1/4" square punch,  and inked the edges before attaching them to the Espresso panel.  Here's another way of using the wide ribbon, as a band across the centre, but tied at one point with matching narrow ribbon.  The "joy" sentiment is from the set, and I have stamped it twice, cutting a second layer of letters out for a dimensional effect.  I cut the oval using the Oval Big Shot Sizzix originals die, a great choice when you need more room than a punch.  It's dressed up with a few more pearls, and attached with Stampin' Dimensionals.



The final card in the trio is a Gate Fold A5 card.  The card base is Cherry Cobbler, and I have inked the edges and stamped with the gorgeous wreath stamp in matching ink all over the base.  The wreath was stamped again ont Very Vanilla after using markers in Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Crumb Cake to pick out the berries and open leaves for some colour variation.  I then trimmed around it carefully, but for speed and ease of production, you could simply leave it as a stamped panel.  The "bow" is not really a bow - yet another way of using a small bit of wide ribbon for maximum effect.  it's about 15cm, bunched into two loops and secured with a needle and thread around the middle to stop it from springing apart.  I used my lighter portable miniature flame throwing tool to seal the ends of the ribbon on all these projects.  Never was a smoker really, but I will be mighty annoyed if these end up on a banned list sometime in the future!  I wrapped more Early Espresso narrow grosgrain around the centre, and the tails can be seen peeking through from the back for extra effect.  On the trimmed out wreath, I used some dots of Crystal Effects dimensional gloss adhesive to highlight the berries, but perhaps I should have used glitter, you'd be able to see it better in the pic!  The wreath is attached to only the left side of the gatefold, so you can still open the card in the normal way.  The same effect is used for the greeting and band, in Crumb Cake, and edged with the Pinking Hearts punch.  This punch appeared in the Summer Mini, but it is thankfully still available, and I am liking it more and more! The sentiment label was made as above for Card 1, and attached with Stampin Dimensionals and some blingy pearls attached.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at my projects, please don't be shy in asking a question about how I have done something, I love questions!  I will be running some Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stacks between now and the end of the year, you can sign up for my newsletter or follow my blog to be kept informed.

Well that’s all from me. Next stop on the INKlings’ Team Blog Hop is the lovely
Ryn Gibbs. Have fun and don't forget to leave a comment on each blog to win some great Blog Candy.

If for any reason you find a missing link on the blog hop head back here to find links to all the members taking part.   After the blog hop is over, I'll pop back in here to convert these to permalinks to the actual Blog Hop posts, so you will be able to do it all over again for inspiration later on!

1. Clare http://www.crafty-cow.com
2. Janice http://www.janicespencer.blogspot.com
3. Christie http://www.christiescreativecorner.blogspot.com
4. Kari http://www.karigail.wordpress.com
5. Joanna http://www.joannawassens.com
6. Michelle http://stampinground.wordpress.com
7. Alana http://www.alanagalagher.blogspot.com
8. Carol http://www.inkantations-and-inkarnations.blogspot.com
9. Cath http://cathdeanpapercraft.blogspot.com
10. Amy http://amyandersonsblog.blogspot.com
11. Vanessa http://stampness.blogspot.com
12. Michelle D http://stampinkpaper.blogspot.com
13. Ryn http://rynscraps.blogspot.com
14. Fiona B http://fionajanestamping.blogspot.com
15. Liz Halbisch http://lizhalbisch.blogspot.com

Get Ready for the Inklings "Christmas in Winter" bloghop!

It's time to get your thinking caps on, and gather some inspiration for your Christmas Projects!

Starting Monday 25th July at noon, you can take a tour of blogs where Inklings team members have posted some gorgeous projects to inspire you!  There will be blog candy on offer, so make a note in your diary, snuggle up with a notepad and hot cocoa, and get into the spirit of Christmas in Winter!

A good Sympathy Card (stamp set) is hard to find... Thanks for Caring

I always feel like I am tempting fate somehow by making a sympathy card without a specific recipient in mind, but I do then try and apply my sense of scientific judgement to overcome this! 

It is hard to find a nice, elegant stamp set suitable for sympathy occasions (and nigh-on IMPOSSIBLE to find a half-decent store-bought card at all!), but I think this lovely set from the Autumn/Winter mini fits the bill.  The set is called "Thanks for Caring", and you can see it on page 17 of the mini (123565, $39.95 in woodmount). It's not just for sympathy cards, the sentiment messages could be used for many card-giving occasions.  It's also the first set I can recall as having a stamp ideal for thanking people for their kind thoughts during difficult times, "Thanks for caring", much easier than handwriting lots and lots of notes.

This card I have made using a Designer Series Paper collection that I haven't used much.  I do like the colours and I love the patterns, so I'm not sure why it has been overlooked.  Perhaps it is the scale of the patterns as shown in the catalogue not doing it justice?  Anyway, it is beautifully elegant in real life -  "Lap of Luxury" (120436, p 126). The card base is Concord Crush, followed by a layer of Pretty in Pink, and a wider border of Basic Gray.  A square of Lap of Luxury paper sits over these, with a belly band of more Concord Crush.  The sentiment is inked with matching markers, and punched out with the extra large scallop circle punch.  The matting I have used is a little trick - layering two of the oval shape from the "Lots of Tags" Sizzlit set for the Bigshot (114508, p152) behind the scallop circle.  Some Basics Pearls, Concord Crush twill ribbon, and some Stampin' Dimensionals for lift and it was almost done.  I wanted to give it a pretty look, so I spritzed it with a squirt of DIY shimmer spray - my tutorial on this can be found here.

If you'd like this set, please don't delay, being a Mini Catalogue set it could well be available only until July 31st before disappearing all together.    Please contact me by email or phone 0403 175 790  to order any available Stampin' Up! products, or drop me a question ( I lurrrve technical questions!)

Free Ribbon and Button Bundle! Gift with $100 purchase

This is such a cute pack!  Great for bright, cheery cards.  You can get one FREE, a $31.95 value, with an order of $100 or more (limited to one pack per order)

It goes beautifully with the Sewing themed items from the Autumn/Winter Mini, as you can see from the image, where the "Hello Blossoms" individual stamp ( just $13.95) has been teamed with yellow flower buttons and pleated ribbon (left).  The pink card on the right uses the pink and blue buttons on the "Sew Suite" button card.  Most of us have a clever stitching person in our lives (I have several!), so these products will come in very handy.  Click the image to visit my Demonstrator Business Website to view more details on this promotion.  While you're there, why not sign up for my occasional newsletter - click "contact me" and follow the prompts.

Time for tea?

Here's another UFO - unfinished object.  All it really needs is a sentiment, so perhaps I'll leave it until the right moment appears to give it away?  I made this card while at the escape2create retreat a few months back, late, late one night (when I tend to do my best crafting)  I used the "Morning Cup" stamp set, and my crayons and markers to colour the images, stamped in Stazon.  I also used a mask to stamp the coffee cup several times as if there were a cluster of cups on the worktop.  There certainly was plenty of coffee consumed on these late nights, with grateful thanks to Meredith for her fabbo Nespresso machine and the #10 capsules with extra KICK!  They were so yum that I had to remind myself that I have a perfectly good coffee machine that makes great coffee, already sitting on my kitchen bench...  And that I don't *really* need a Nespresso.  Much.

Back to the card - it uses the fluffy delightfullness of Melon Mambo Pom Pom trim, get it before it's gone from the Autumn Winter Mini catalogue, available in Daffodil and Tangerine as well. The card base is Baja Breeze, and the patterned paper is Elegant Soiree.  There's a bit of lifting and popping with dimensionals, and a bit of tearing and shredding with the distressing tool from the cutter kit, and that's it.  Hope you like, off to make some cards for a swap!

Huge Retired Item Sale!

I have just finished listing some SEVENTY items on eBay!  You can check out the link to my listings here , or if that doesn't work, my eBay username is *stampinkpaper* - nice and easy to remember!

Of course I offer local pickup for anyone able to collect from me, and if not, I will always find the most economical postage method for multiple items.  Postage on multiple items will never be more than my actual cost to post, so please bid with confidence.

There are stamp sets, retired inkpads, markers, reinkers and cardstock, retired pastel colours and more.

Happy Shopping!

Stampin' Crop Day THIS SATURDAY 18th June

When:  10am - 5pm

Where:  Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney (location provided on booking

How much:  $15 for use of tools, stamps, inks, tea, coffee and light lunch, plus casual instruction

What to bring:  Your basic papercrafting tools and projects you want to work on

Beginners are welcome, and spaces are limited, so if you'd like to have a go at making cards with a lovely group of ladies, give me a call to book a spot, 0403 175 790

Like the card?  It was inspired by a technique shown at Convention with torn windows, and was made for my friend Nicky Adamson's birthday recently.  Nicky's fave colour is.... ORANGE!   The stamp set is "Friends never fade" and the colours are Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz and Peach Parfait.

And the winners are......

I have drawn the fundraising raffle, using an online random sequence generator. 

Winning ticket numbers are:

First Prize -  276    Brooke H of Silverwater NSW
Second Prize - 347 Joanne M of Miami QLD
Third Prize - 258 Kirri G of Indooroopilly QLD
Fourth Prize - 80 Veronica M of USA (with nominated Australian address)
Fifth Prize - 526 Michelle B of Wodonga VIC

Congratulations to all the winners, I'll be sending phoning you ASAP.  Congratulations to each and every one of you who bought  a ticket, together we sold 563 tickets, and raised very close to $1000, which goes most of the way to getting Ethan his much needed monitor.  MWAH! to you all!

Exciting news for Hostesses!

It's on again, but this time new and improved!

The 'Extra Extra' promotion offers an additional $70 in hostess dollars to spend when the workshop total reaches $450. That's on top of the usual benefits of at least $40 and an exclusive Hostess stamp set. And, the new improved bit is the fact that the $450 total is INCLUSIVE of the shipping and handling charges, making it even easier to attain!

It's on between now and June 30, and I have some dates available for YOUR workshop! Please give me a call to book 02 9484 9447