Stampin' Crop Days are moving.... To SUNDAYS

Thanks to Sarah at The Handmade Card Blog for her pretty 'Moving House' card http://thehandmadecardblog.com/about

After much deliberation, and attempts to juggle things about, I have decided that the only way to continue with a monthly craft day would be to move it from Saturdays to Sundays.

I am hoping that this doesn't preclude anyone from coming, and indeed I hoped it might make it easier for those who work some Saturdays.  It will also make it easier for me to manage my Rural Fire Service commitments which are heating up with the weather.

Thus, the next dates are:

Sunday 12th October

Sunday 9th November

Sunday 14th December.

Please let me know if you are able to attend, a quick SMS in the days leading up to each event is appreciated for catering and setup purposes. 

Thanks again for your endless patience with the schedule!

Michelle
0403 175 790

APOLOGIES - Stampin' Crop for May CANCELLED

 *STAMPIN' CROP DAY CANCELLED FOR THIS SATURDAY 10th MAY*

My poor neglected blog, my poor neglected stamps!  I'd love nothing more than to immerse myself in a bit of crafting this weekend, but there are a few factors that make it a bad idea :-(
Firstly, it's Mother's Day weekend and several regulars are unable to attend.
Secondly, with about 10 days before Convention, I have a mountain of school work to complete before I can escape, as I didn't realise that reports are due this week, next week, and the week I am at Convention.  Too much stress!
Apologies for those inconvenienced, but I hope you'll understand.

I've had a dig through my photos to see if I can show you something I've made recently, thank goodness for events like bridal showers that force me to squeeze in some crafty therapy.  This one was made using the Watercolour Wonder Designer Notecard set, and was a fast and easy way to create something nice.  I used the "Pomp and Circumstance" set with a little masking to put the brain under the trencher cap.

Watercolor Wonder Designer Note Cards & Envelopes can be found in the Seasonal Catalogue, code 133362.  Contact me to order, or use the 'shop now' button at top right.

Price: $22.95 for ■ 20 printed cards on watercolor paper: 4 ea. of 5 designs ■ 20 Ivory envelopes ■ Card size: 3-1/2" x 5"

Stampin' Crop Day - This Saturday 14th August

Want to come and have a play with a wide selection of new goodies?  Enjoy some like-minded crafty company?  If that sounds like fun to you, give me a call 0403 175 790 or email me to book your spot.

The cost for the day is $15, and this includes use of my stamps, punches, tools and more, informal tuition, bottomless tea and coffee, and a snack-style lunch.  Places are limited, so RSVP's are very helpful for my planning.  The dates are set as the 4th Saturday of the month unless otherwise advised.

Time:  Saturday 24th August 10am  - 5pm - come and go as you need
Place:  Cherrybrook, North West Sydney (details provided on booking)
Bring:  Any projects you have on the go - cards, scrapping, off the page, basic tools if you have them, adhesives (also available for purchase on the day).

Brayering tips with Forever Young, Stampin' Crop dates and don't miss SALEABRATION!

I haven't brayered for ages!  It's a fun technique, but it can be a bit tricky to get the results you would like.  And very clever people like Michelle Zindorf have a habit of making it look a bit too easy!!
I made this card to demonstrate to one of my lovely stamping ladies, who had found a brayered card she wanted to CASE.  She was all set to give up and sponge instead, after having no luck on her first couple of test pieces so I showed her a couple of tricks.  I'm not pretending this is a proper tutorial, you can follow the link to another Michelle above for that!  But - here are my top tips:

1.  Use Glossy White cardstock - it has a surface that takes in ink a little bit more slowly than Whisper White, which seems to give a more even result. Find it on p160, 106555, $9.95 for 25 sheets (see, cheap too!)

2.  Make sure the surface is very, very flat.  No tiny bits of cardstock or ribbon snippets, no paper edges under your cardstock, just flat smoothness. 

3.  Choose your colours, lighter is better than darker, you can get a darker result by layering and building the colour gradually.  Two colours will blend in the intersection to create a gradient.

4.  Use a Speedball Brayer (102395, $21.95 - p179 of the catalogue) - and store it roller side up (or hang it) - this will help prevent a flat spot or dent from developing on the roller.

5. Use a nice juicy inkpad, reink beforehand if necessary.  Use a flicking wrist motion to ink up the roller, sort of spinning it between passes, to build up a layer of ink without obvious lines.

6.  Using a piece of grid paper underneath, start brayering completely off the piece of glossy cardstock, and super quickly and firmly begin rolling back and forth over the piece, keep going, keep going, more, more - moving down bit by bit.  Reink the roller, repeat!

7.  Don't discard the piece even if you think it is a dodgy one, sometimes the colours will mellow as they dry and what looks shocking will turn out just fine!  Also, you can always over stamp in places where you're not happy, and the final card will look amaaaaaaazzzzinggg!  (promise!)

8. Practice!  It always seems to take a bit of re-learning each time I do it, remember it's only paper, and you can use scrap white paper to 'get your eye' back in to begin with.

On the card above, I have stamped the tree from Forever Young (p116, from $35.95), using Stazon Black ink.  A length of (retired) Pear Pizzazz seam binding went across a dodgy bit (see, you'd never know!), and I finished it with a bottle cap.

WOT!??  A bottle cap??  Yes, they're baaaaacccckkkkkk!! They come in two sizes, and are a lovely chrome finish, $6.95 on p24 of the Anniversary Seasonal Catalogue.  I even used my old trick of smooshing it a bit flatter on my ancient red sizzix machine.  Inside it I have used the co-ordinating Collage Curios set (from $28.95, p24 ), and a sentiment from Itty Bitty Banners (from $21.95, p134 Annual Catty)  All done!  Hope this inspires you to dig out your brayer, and if you don't have a nice one, give me a call to place your order!

In other news, Sale-a-bration is nearly over!  (Gee, that has gone FAST!)  It ends BEFORE the end of March this year, due to Easter being early.  LAST DAY 22nd March.  Don't miss your chance to select from a great range of free stuff.  I also want at least one more person to join me and my StampInkPaper team - it's so much fun, and there is so much extra value packed into the kit at this special time of the year - choose $294 worth of goodies, pay just $169, and get a business supplies kit worth about $80 as well!  Just give me a call to discuss, 0403 175 790.

And, I have gotten myself quite organised, and planned the next batch of Stampin' Crop dates:
Saturday 9th March  (yep, this Saturday coming)
Saturday 20th April
Saturday 18th May
Saturday 15th June
Saturday 20th July

I'll post them up on the Google calendar soon, better get to bed in case I get a call to teach again tomorrow :)  I've also got a fun Off the Page class coming up, stay tuned!

Blooming with Kindness, Thanks, and Warm Wishes

I made these cards using a modified "rock n roll" technique, where I inked up the stamp first all over with "Pool Party".  I then used "Island Indigo" to add a darker colour around the rim of the stamp.  To create depth, I used a sponge dauber to put more Island Indigo on parts of the flower.  And isn't it a beautiful flower!  It belongs to a set from the Annual Catalogue, "Blooming with Kindness"  (just $39.95 in wood).  The set has a wide variety of useful and elegant sentiments, including for hope, thank you, kindness and birthday.  I've actually used some very special stamps on these, from a set given to Convention attendees last year in Canberra, called "Workshop Words".  I inked up the stems with Lucky Limeade.  Very quick, very easy, and lots of fun. 

In other news, Stampin' Crop! is next Saturday 23rd February, and there are just a couple of spots free.  Call me 0403 175 790 to get more information, or check the entry in the Google Calendar at the right sidebar.

It's BACK to SCHOOL time!

 

Yes, I know it's been a week or so now, but it's a busy time of year so I didn't post earlier.  Both my kids are happy back at school, Year 5 and Year 3 (oh no, it's DOUBLE NAPLAN this year)

I have also cleaned off lots of SD cards from my camera, and uploaded some pics - here's a couple of the "Teacher's Survival Kit" gift I made for one of my kids' teachers at the end of last year:

I 'upcycled' an old cricut cartridge box and used some mixed media type tricks to paint and alter it with patterned papers, paper napkins, shimmer sprays and more (Lou Nelson and Kate Mason would be proud of me I hope!)  It had a magnetic closure already, but by the time I added linings and layers of paper napkin, it wasn't working too well anymore!  So, I turbo charged it using a pair of incredibly small, incredibly STRONG magnets designed for holding corsages in place on clothing or glass vases.  I hid the one on the outside, using a Filigree designer brad (sadly retired now), and the partner was hidden away on the inside.

For the box contents, I drew upon my experience as a student teachers, and added the following:

Bandaids

Panadol

Vapordrops

Merit stickers

Erasable pens

Whiteboard markers

Opaque Marker for drawing on glass, desks, whiteboards etc  (removes with water!)

Rubber merit stamp

Stampin' Spot for inking up the stamp.

I also made a matching ornament using the same colours and papers:

 And the teacher in question liked it all :)  I guess it makes a nice change from mugs and chocolates?

Hope you like it!

In other news, I have set the date for the next Stampin' Crop - Saturday 23rd February from 10am-5pm.  Call 9484 9447 or text me 0403 175 790 to book your spot.

Happy New Year!

Today is a GREAT day to be inside in the cool, stamping away!  Sydney's forecasted temperature maximum today is a crispy 43degC, with low humidity and high winds.  My kids have spent the morning in the pool, basted with sunscreen, rashies and extra shade shelter and are now enjoying a movie with their lunch over the 'heat of the day' (or the worst of it, in any case!).  I'm really hoping for no fires or incidents, and I hope everyone stays safe!

I am pottering about working on partially completed projects, and thought my somewhat neglected blog was due for an update or two.

Firstly, the final installment of the Clearance Rack Promotion starts this Thursday night at midnight.  Over the last three batches, I have been mostly successful in ordering the bargain products for my lovely stampin' ladies, by staying up late with orders in hand ready for quick data entry.  For this to work, I need to have your wish lists by Thursday evening, 10th January.  You can view the final list of products here:

My picks?  Hostess stamp sets have never been available after the end of catalogues before, so if you missed your chance to earn one, now's your chance!  Of the sets in last year's catalogue, the ones I used the most were Array of Sunshine, now $15 in woodmount and Happiest Birthday Wishes, now $21 in woodmount.  This must-have set would have been $65+ if it was in the main part of the catalogue, so at 50% off the special low Hostess price, it definitely deserves a place on your stamp shelf!

Another must-have is Short and Sweet - a bargain at $15 and full of versatile and good-sized sentiments in a great goes-with-everything font.  This was a set that I would take away with me to retreats as it was compact and had something for most occasions.  This was also a set that I recommended to new stampers, and it would make a fantastic gift for anyone starting out!

For alphabets, Calendar Alphabet and Numbers ($18) is a great small set ideal for names and scrapping, while Just Perfect Alphabet ($18) is just that!

In accessories, take the opportunity to get the current In Color pads (Wisteria, Limeade, Pool Party, Island indigo etc) and selected 2010-12 colours (Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, Blushing Bride), in the felt style for a teeny tiny $3.75 each.  Remember re-inkers are still current for the current In Colors, so it would be a good idea to add those to your order to ensure you don't miss out at the end of this catalogue.  A4 Cardstock is available in Concord Crush and Pear Pizzazz, and I know several customers who have been in search of these!  At $5.25 a pack they will whizz off the shelves.  There's also a stack of brads in various styles, from bling to glimmer to jumbo.

To view the products, check out this online version of the catalogue, and you can browse by page order from the PDF list above.

First Stampin' Crop day for the year is scheduled for Saturday 19th January, in great timing to collect your new Seasonal Catalogue and Sale-a-bration brochure.  Bookings are essential, so please RSVP via txt to 0403 175 790 so I can keep track of spaces more easily.  You can view more details on the Google calendar at the side, or look at the word cloud index to read previous posts about these monthly events.

 I have earned most of the fabulous SAB goodies as part of the special Demonstrator promo, so I will hopefully be posting some sneak peeks soon!  Sale-a-bration starts January 22nd, and the Seasonal Catalogue starts on February 1st.  There are lots of perks for everyone, especially new members to the Stampin' Up! family!  If you'd like more info on joining my team, don't hesitate to contact me :)

A simple and fast card to finish, this is one that involved no stamping at all, apart from the sentiment and background stamp on the yellow layer!  It uses the Storytime DSP, with 1" strips cut from selected papers to turn into little banner flags, and a section of a large scale print as the main layer on the front.  I forgot to photograph the inside, but I used the co-ordinating Storybook Friends stamp set (from $33.95 in clear) to add another little fox.  The background stamp is 'netting', $30.95.

Off to do some creating!

Stampin' Crop Day - the final one for 2012

Just a quick post to let you know the last Stampin' Crop Day will be held THIS SATURDAY 15th December
Time:  10am-5pm
Where:  My place @ Cherrybrook
Cost: $15 for the day including bottomless tea/coffee, grazing lunch, use of my stamps, tools and casual instruction.
What to bring:  A plate of Christmas goodies if you feel so inclined (optional!), your basic stampin tools such as trimmer, any projects you've got in progress

RSVP:  Essential!  Please call or text me at 0403 175 790 so I can prepare enough spaces and treats!

The rush of pics is the set of 5 cards we made in the last Card Class, simple and fast!  Don't you wish you came now??  LOL :D 
Also, the final pic is to remind me to tell you about my find at Aldi.  The gingerbread man mix they have there (I think it's a whopping $1.99) makes PERFECT Stampin Cookies, as per pack instructions.  I think there was one egg and a tablespoon of water, then mix into a dough.  The patterns came out sharply, and stayed after baking,  not to mention they tasted pretty yummo too!  Super fast and easy - and we can all do with some of that this time of year...

Stampin' Crop Days and a Christmas Quickies Class

There are three new events in the StampInkPaper calendar!
After almost two months without a formal Stampin' Crop due to pesky and time-consuming uni/teaching stuff, we're all set to go again for October and November.  I've also scheduled the first of my Christmas classes for the year. 

Details for Stampin' Crops are as usual -
Bring your own basic tools and projects to work on - anything you've got on the go.
Bring a plate to share if you like!  (optional of course)
Any time from 10am-5pm
Cost is $15 which includes use of my stamps, Bigshot, extensive selection of dies, punches, bottomless tea and coffee and casual instruction.

Final details such as design sneak peeks and cost are yet to come, but save the date for Thursday 1st November, 7.30 - 10pm.  We'll be making a big batch of cards using the Letters to Santa DSP and matching Quick Accents adhesive diecuts from the last catalogue, with Whisper White notecards and envelopes as a base.  Cost for the class will include tuition and all materials including adhesives.

Also, I'm planning a class showing you how to make the fabulous ornament from the front cover of the Holiday Mini - it works beautifully as that "more than a card, but not an all-out gift" occasion.  They can be used as a bottle tag, and then go onto the tree!   Please reply below if this sounds like something you'd like to do.

Finally, check out the looooongggg list of stamp sets for sale below, and also my stamped sugar cookies at the top!  This was my very first attempt at baking with the new Cookie Stamps - it was so easy, and so much fun!  There are a few tricks I can share about making them, so if you would like a copy of the recipe I used and a cheat sheet for great results, sign up to my newsletter on my DBWS and put "mmmm  cookie... nom nom" in the comments box!  Yes, Cookie Monster is my all-time favourite Sesame Street Character :)  The card below the edible cookies was made by my talented team member, Clare McIlhatton - so cute!

Change of Date - Stampin' Crop moved to 26th May

Aaarggghhh!  After carefully scheduling dates for my monthly Stampin' Crop days around uni assignment original due dates, Convention in Canberra and more, I am afraid I need to move the next day FROM this Sat 19th May to the FOLLOWING Sat 26th May.   Unfortunately, I will be head down, tail up trying not to be too late handing it in.  Sorry people, but maybe you will be consoled by the fact that I would much rather be stamping???

An apple for the teacher? Well, a cherry is close :)

Oh. My. Goodness. !!!
What a week!  During the intensive month of teaching methodology subject we were all placed at a random school for 8 days of "In School Orientation Program".  It's sort of a 'thrown in the deep end' approach, as after the first three days, you are teaching solo (while being observed, and rescued if needed).  I took a Year 8 science class, and a Year 10 class for the last 5  days.  Today, in our Year 10 class doing a genetics unit, every single bench successfully extracted great spool-able globs of gorgeous DNA from wheatgerm.  It was a prac usually done (with less success apparently) with Year 12 Biology, so it was sort of a 'proud mummy' moment watching them get great results.  I ventured outside into the playground with Year 8, looking at the effect of light on grass growth, and it was interesting to see their behaviour and engagement change over the days as they got to know me.
My conclusions:
1. I've never rushed from place to place so much in any job, I was totally whacked by the end of each day!
2. I've never had to cart so much paperwork and books from lab to staffroom and back again, and then to and from home
3. Lesson planning takes hours and hours!  Especially if you make the effort to make their lesson engaging and appealing.
4. It is hard to predict what is going to happen next - there's always something happening to throw a spanner into the lesson plan.  In the space of the 8 days I encountered Year 12 boys dressed in feather angel wings and red satin boxers delivering "Hug-a-grams" on Valentines Day, "mufti-madness", special assemblies, to motivational media presentations and more.
5. Seeing adolescents start to trust you and work for you is worth every bit of the above.  Bribing with lollies and stationery items helps here... ;-)

So, thank your kids teachers!  They sure deserve it.

I have one more week of intensive methodology, and then an exam, and then things will settle to a more 'leisurely' routine.  If you'd like to offer your group of friends for me to practice my newly polished teaching skills on, I'm totally itching to do some Stampin' Up! workshops for Sale-a-bration, I'll even bribe you with lollies!  First to book will get an extra prize from my stash!  Give me a call, 0403 175 790 or send an email and we can compare diaries to find a suitable day and time.

Above is a card I made with the "Button Buddies" stamp set, coloured with markers, and stamped onto a Whisper White panel.  I matted it with Pear Pizzazz, and then Whisper White again, and put it on a background of Riding Hood Red stamped with the sadly retired "Polka Dot" stamp. I used some of the extra wide striped grosgrain as a hanger, and played around with a bit of narrow taffeta Old Olive ribbon to secure a knot at the top.  A sentiment down the bottom from "Just Believe" and it was all done.  If you wanted to dress it up even more, you could add a couple of buttons over the cherries, for a 3D effect.

Have a good weekend everyone, also a reminder that the next Stampin' Crop day is Saturday 25th February, from 10-5, details as usual.  New people always welcome, just call or email as above for more info.

Stampin' Crop Day Saturday 28th January

Sorry for taking so long to set a date for this, the holidays have whizzed
by!  At times it seemed like I was never going to squeeze one into January, but I am determined, especially since I start an intensive full time uni subject
crammed into a solid month from 30th Jan!!

So, drumroll please!!!!!!

Saturday 28th January, 2012
Any time from 10am - 5pm
Bring - your basic personal tools and projects you wish to work on, if any.
Some lunch or plate to share - there will be the usual crusty bread and jam,
dips etc, and bottomless tea/coffee
Cost:  $15, includes use of my stamps and tools, refreshments and casual
instruction.

There's also another great reason to come along, as Sale-a-Bration will be
on!  I'll have the catalogues available, and there are 6 choices this year,
including some delicious designer series paper and brads, ribbon to match
one of the 4 stamp set choices.  So, take an inventory of your supplies,
adhesives, cardstock, and check your wish list for punches or stamps you've
been wanting to own.  Each order of $100 will earn you a choice of a
Sale-a-Bration item, free!  For attendees at my Stampin' Crop, I am also
offering FREE postage and handling for Orders placed on the day.

Please let me know by email if you'll be joining us :)

The set of three little cards in the image was one of the projects I whipped up while my kids ran themselves ragged at Lollipops Playland.  They use the latest batch of In Colors, Calypso Coral for the bases, and accents of Lucky Limeade and Island Indigo.  The stamp set is "Fresh Vintage", my absolute favourite from the Sale-a-bration selection this year.  The postage stamp stamp (??) co-ordinates with the new postage punch from the Summer Mini, and this set also co-ordinates with the Designer Series paper and ribbon/brad SAB choices.    Quick, easy, and versatile.  I've seen so many gorgeous ideas with this set alone, why not add it to your collection, FREE!!

Workshop dates for Sale-a-bration are available, I'd love to show you and your friends the great range of beautifully co-ordinated products, and make your crafting time productive and enjoyable.  Lots of bonuses on offer, especially for SAB, so give me a call to book your free workshop soon!

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

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!

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.

Stampin' Crop Day - some vacancies!

This Saturday, 19th March is the date for my monthly Stampin' Crop day.

It's a casual, social day, designed for you to bring along whatever projects you would like to work on - cards, scrapbooking, off the page, non papercraft even!  I provide my extensive collection of stamps, inks and tools, and my creative genius (splerk!*) is at your disposal for advice and ideas.

It starts at 10am, and runs till 5pm, and I provide a light snack style lunch, bottomless tea and coffee, nibbles and heaps of inspiration.  BYO basic tools and materials.  There are limited places available each month, but there are a few vacancies for this Saturday.

The cost for the day is just $15.00, so if the idea of good company and some quality crafting sounds good to you, give me a call on 9484 9447 to book a spot.  Beginners and new faces are always welcome!

Stampin' Crop Day - this Saturday 19th February

Stampin' Crop Day 10am -5pm  Come along for the day and work on whatever papercrafting projects you want. There is plenty of inspiration available, and a huge selection of stamps, inks and tools to play with.  A light snack-style lunch is provided, and bottomless tea and coffee.  Bring your own basic tools and projects to work on. Cost for the day is $15.00, and bookings are highly recommended as places are limited.  We're located in Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney.  Beginners are welcome, as are older children under the supervision of their accompanying adult.  I offer casual instruction and impromptu demos during the day, and it's a great social occasion.  To book, please call 9484 9447 or email me today!

Special masculine birthday card with Medallion

This one is a square card for a change, and I've been making a few of them lately and I've enjoyed the change in proportion.
I love, love LOVE the Medallion stamp, it can be used in so many ways for so many occasions.

Here it has a textured Very Vanilla base, 10" x 5" folded, followed by a Basic Black layer with distressed edges.  Tying the colours all together is a piece of the wonderfully useful "Newsprint" Designer Series Paper.  I've really ripped into this layer, tearing and rolling to give a distressed appearance.  The image layer is Confetti Cream, and I started the Medallion image by inking up with River Rock.  I then daubered a small amount of Basic Black ink  around the edges of the "branches" before stamping.  I repeated the image on a second piece of Confetti Cream, this time using Sahara Sand and Basic Black.  I trimmed the centre circular motif  and distressed the edges with the Cutter Kit distresser tool, mounting it over the base layer circle, with Stampin' Dimensionals for a bit of  'pop'  The finishing touch is a pewter "build-a-brad" with s 1/2" punched circle of Newsprint paper under the epoxy dome.  Now that I've shown you my little trick with the "Dog Bone" punch below, you'll know how I created the double layered Modern Label punch.  I used the "Party This Way" stamp set for the greeting, it's my current "go to" birthday sentiment.  All done, and the recipient was happy too :)  It's been CASE'd a few times by my regular crafting ladies, so I hope you like it too!

Classes and Crops and Cards

There's a lot happening around here this week!   On Friday night 16th July from 7.30pm you can come along to my home in Cherrybrook and learn all about heat embossing - there are currently two available spaces.

Heat Embossing Class Friday 16th July 7.30pm-10pm

This is a technique class, where you will explore several uses for heat embossing, from resist to faux metal. You will make several pieces that you can turn into either cards or samples for your technique book, there's always lots of "WOW's" at this class, even for experienced cardmakers. You will also receive detailed written notes so you can go home and dig out those neglected heat tools and create some "WOW's" of your own.  All materials you need for the class are included and light supper will be provided. Cost for the class is $20, and you can reserve your place by calling me on 9484 9447 or by email at michelle.dyson@bigpond.com

 

Stampin' Crop Day - Saturday 17th July 10am - 5pm

Join myself and a lovely group of ladies for the day, and bring along whatever projects you are keen to work on, catch up on your scrapping,  get some cards made, cross-stitch even!  I provide morning and afternoon tea, impromptu demonstration and instruction, heaps of inspiration, and my extensive collection of tools, punches, die cutting machines and stamps for your use on the day. Come and go as you please, lunch can be BYO or grab a bite to eat from the bakery or cafe just 2 minute walk away.

Where? My home in Cherrybrook, ring 9484 9447 or 0403 175 790 to book your spot and get location details. New ladies are most welcome!

What to bring? Your basic papercrafting tools (trimmer, bone scorer), your projects to work on, a selection of adhesives, packed lunch if you wish.

Cost: $15 for the day, includes tea, coffee, nibbles, morning and afternoon tea and use of my equipment.

And now for something creative!
I was intending to make something else to go with this suite of cards, and submit for magazine publication, but they sat on the bookshelf for a while too long, and now the gorgeous Brocade Blue I used is scheduled for retirement...  Ah well, I'll just have to put my thinking cap back on and make something else :)

First up is a mini pizza box, filled with stamped notelets. I've posted instructions for making these cute little boxes before, look here for details. The base is Brocade Blue and I have stamped in Brocade Blue ink using the Baroque background stamp. The centre image is stamped onto Confetti White cardstock, using Night of Navy and Brocade Blue markers, with stamps from the Friends 24-7 set, and the Friendly Words wheel that I unmounted to use the sentiments separately.  I cut the nested shapes on my Bigshot and mounted them with Stampin' Dimensionals. To embellish, I added some Pretties Kit flowers and pearls, and layered white taffeta ribbon and Brocade Blue grosgrain ribbon, adhering around the edges.  The notelets were 3" square pieces of high quality copy paper, stamped in one corner with the damask stamp from Friends 24-7 and another quote from the unmounted "Friendly Words" wheel.  I hope you think they look like they belong in a stamping magazine!  They'll just have to settle for my little blog instead LOL!  Stay tuned, I should get a chance to post another item from the set tomorrow

Friday Night Classes and Saturday Stampin' Crop

This week I have two events for you:

Friday Night 14th May 7.30 - 10pm Punches Class:

Come along to learn how to get more out of your paper punches. I've got a long list of tips and tricks to share with you, from 'outside the square' applications to clever punch art ideas. There are limited places available, so please give me a call to book your seat. The class cost is $20 and includes comprehensive written notes and all materials needed to make a bunch of samples - turn them into cards or keep them in your techniques folder for future reference. Either way, you'll go home enthused and keen to create with these invaluable tools

Where? My home in Cherrybrook, please call me on 9484 9447 or 0403 175 790 to book and get location details.

What to bring? Your pleasant company for an enjoyable evening of learning and crafting - everything you need will be supplied!

Saturday 15th May 10am-5pm Stampin' Crop Day:

Join myself and a lovely group of ladies for the day, and bring whatever projects you are keen to work on. I provide morning and afternoon tea, casual demonstration and instruction, heaps of inspiration, and my extensive collection of tools, punches, die cutting machines and stamps for your use on the day. Come and go as you please, lunch can be BYO or grab a bite to eat from the bakery or cafe just 2 minute walk away.

Where? My home in Cherrybrook, ring 9484 9447 or 0403 175 790 to book your spot and get location details. New ladies are most welcome!

What to bring?: Your basic papercrafting tools (trimmer, bone scorer), your projects, a selection of adhesives.

Cost: $15 for the day, includes tea, coffee, nibbles, morning and afternoon tea and use of my equipment.