Christmas Bonus Catalogue Supplement starts TODAY!

There's never too much of a good thing - especially when we're talking about stamps and goodies for Christmas crafting.  Stampin' Up! have released a special supplement catalogue with extra products, available from 20th October.

Click the cover image to download your own PDF from my Mediafire Library, or visit my online store to shop - link here ONLINE SHOP

There are kits and gift ideas, as well as stamps and cute packaging solutions - time to get creating :-)

New catalogues and fantastic freebies!

NOW is a great time to do some crafty shopping with Stampin' Up!  There is a lovely, luscious new Occasions Catalogue with all kinds of new goodies.  And, to sweeten the deal even more, it is Sale-a-bration time as well!  You can select from a range of products including stamp sets, punches, embossing folders, DSP, fun kits and more.  Click on the Cover image at the right hand side, or download the PDF by clicking the SAB cover in this post to view.  This year, you earn a free choice with each $90 spent on any current catalogue.  It's also a great time to join me and my team, with extra value in the Starter Kit.

The photo in the middle of the post shows what can be made with one of the free products on offer, the Good As Gold card kit.  Very quick, so easy, and a great gift - either assembled or left as a craft kit.  Everybody needs Thank You cards, birthday cards etc, and this fits the bill in a most shiny, spotty way!

Where has all the Christmas gone?

If you have been browsing the new 2013-14 Annual Catalogue, you might have noticed a distinct absence of all things Christmas-themed.  Never fear!  There are a range of stamps still available to order from the Autumn-Winter Catalogue (with the amazing ornament on the cover).  If you click on the image above, you will be taken to my Mediafire PDF page, just click the 'view' button, or choose 'download' to save to your computer for printing etc.  These will tide you over until we get our new Holiday Catalogue, which starts on August 29th, right in time for cranking up Christmas card production!

 There are two reasons for this move - firstly to make room in our main catalogue for a greater range of stamps and accessories for year round use, and secondly, to offer a wider selection of seasonal and holiday themed items in a separate catalogue.

There's more Halloween goodies inside, as we now have exactly the same selection as the USA.  Love it, or hate it, Halloween is growing in popularity here in Australia.  And, if you would rather make some cute treats hand-stamped with love rather than contribute to plastic commercialism and mass sugar overload, well now you can!  Hate it passionately?  No problem - many of the products make great masculine cards and gifts with a bit of a twist, which is always a good thing.

There's also a range of Thanksgiving-themed items.  I do wish that this tradition of being grateful for what we have, and gathering with friends and family to enjoy each others company WOULD take off in Australia!  It's a unifying occasion, something our multicultural society would benefit from.  We're also an agricultural nation, and would give us all an occasion to recognise the efforts of Australian farmers in providing us with such a bounty.  We're a lucky country, and a dedicated day to express our gratitude ahead of the avalanche of consumerism that Christmas has become would be welcome, in my opinion.  I also like the idea that Thanksgiving gifts, to friends, neighbours, volunteers etc are traditionally home-made, crafts of all kinds and baking.  I think we could all benefit from more of this!  Perhaps you'll join me, starting this year, in expressing our gratitude to those that fill our lives with happiness of all kinds.  Tell me what you think - I welcome your comments and observations below.

Thanksgiving is the great American unifier of holidays because unlike Christmas or Easter, it is something everyone can appreciate and participate in, precisely because it is not faith-based. It is also a holiday that has its roots in the acceptance of those with different religious views, as the settlers used the help of the non-Christian Native Americans in learning to work and harvest the land in this new country.  - See more at: http://secular.org/blogs/Lauren%20Youngblood?page=2#sthash.J2rOV9u5.dpuf

Thanksgiving is the great American unifier of holidays because unlike Christmas or Easter, it is something everyone can appreciate and participate in, precisely because it is not faith-based. It is also a holiday that has its roots in the acceptance of those with different religious views, as the settlers used the help of the non-Christian Native Americans in learning to work and harvest the land in this new country.  - See more at: http://secular.org/blogs/Lauren%20Youngblood?page=2#sthash.J2rOV9u5.dpuf

Here it is - Sparkly new 2013-14 Annual Catalogue, time to Grab Your Greetings at 25% off and more!

There are lots of fresh, fun products tucked inside, along with your favourite must-have essentials.
Just click on the image above to go direct to my online store, where you can browse, search, sort and shop 24/7.  You can add a hard copy of the catalogue to your order for just $7.  The catalogue is a great new layout style this year, with mini tutorials and project ideas sprinkled throughout to inspire you.

There are also some great offers running at present, such as the "Grab your Greetings" promotion.  Selected greeting sets are 25% off from now until 31st July. 

How excitement!! New catalogue available tomorrow midday!

It's very nearly time to say Hello!!
The new 2013-2014 Annual Catalogue goes live from 12 noon tomorrow, 2nd July.

These gorgeous card samples were from Convention held in May this year, and were a bit of a sneak peek of some of the yumminess on offer.  Yay hexagons, YAY Bermuda Bay, and YAY YAY Coredinations cardstock in Stampin' Up! colours!

You can shop online via the Shop Now button at top right, and if you'd like a hard copy of the catalogue to browse at your leisure, you can add one to any online order for just $7.00 (+ applicable postage/handling).  The catalogue order code is 133261 - happy browsing!

Last days to order from Holiday Catalogue - ends Thursday 31st January

There are some really great products from the Holiday Catalogue that may never be available again after the 31st January (next Thursday), so I thought it would be timely to mention a few of my favourites.
Firstly, the Snow Flurry Bigz die - #127813  $37.95 - cuts through everything from tulle to glimmer paper to thin cork, to chipboard and more.  I have used it in several of the projects above, and it was probably my favourite of all items in this catalogue.  You won't regret adding it to your collection!

Secondly - Champagne Glimmer Paper.  It's not gold gold, it's not copper - it's an inbetween silver/gold colour that looks great with all kinds of other colours.  Of the three colours currently available (red, silver and champagne), it's the one I like best. I've used it (and the Snow Flurry snowflake die) in all the projects above.  It's $8.95 for two, 12x12 sheets of shimmery sparkly goodness - #127885.  Stock up!

Other products I will miss - tulle ribbon!   A major feature in the myriad of ornaments I made, and I'm hoping it will rejoin us in more colours come the new catalogue later this year.   
Coredinations cardstock in Early Espresso, Gumball Green, and Cherry Cobbler.
Googlies - self-adhesive googly eyes - just $4.50 a packet  - well worth it for the convenience of peel and stick!

So, take a look, and contact me soon with your order!  Remember you get an extra bite at the cherry with Sale-a-bration - with every $100 spend from the Holiday and Annual Catalogues, you can choose a freebie from the SAB brochure!  If you've been considering joining as a demonstrator, it's simply the BEST time of the year - there are so many extras and bonuses that I'd probably forget one if I tried to list them here - give me a call or email me for a no obligation chat about what Stampin' Up! can offer you.  There is plenty of information via the "Become a Demonstrator" tab above,  or click the image below for a taster.  You can even join online right now, via my Demonstrator Business Website!

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!

Tastes of Spring!

(images and text from Glenorie/Galston Community News, August 2012)


I'd love to see you out at the Spring Fair, last year's event was so much fun!  There are ride wristbands for $30 each giving the kids unlimited rides ALL DAY on almost all the attractions, including Gladiator Duel, shown at the top.  Last year's mini jeeps and giant slide were a huge hit for my kids.  There was delicious food, cakes, coffee, chocolate fountain, fairy floss and lots more.

The fair is the major fundraiser for Northholm Grammar School, and this year the funds raised are earmarked for an outdoor barbeque area.  One of the nice things the school does is involve the dads in running a monthly bbq lunch, instead of the usual canteen.  The kids just love it, all the way from Yr 3 -12, and it's a nice break for the usual canteen mums.  This facility will benefit all the kids AND the dads too!

Stampin' Up! have donated a MASSIVE box of wonderful (retired) products, that I have packed into multiple bundles of goodness each valued at well over $300.  There will be one on my stall and four more around the event for different fundraisers. I'll also have my red bushfire brigade hat money box to collect a gold coin donation for Dural Bush Fire Brigade  - take a card from the donation box, pop your coin in the hat.  You get a bargain card, the Brigade gets much needed funds for the volunteers to put towards their great work for the community.

So, come on out for a Saturday drive.  Northholm is at Arcadia, and can be reached from Old Northern Road through either Middle Dural (take the Wylds Rd turnoff towards Arcadia) or Galston Village (past Swane's Nursery on Galston Rd, and past Fagan Park on Arcadia Rd).  If you're on the north side of Sydney, you can drive the scenic Galston Gorge route from Hornsby.  It's also the very FIRST day of the new Annual Catalogue, and the gorgeous Holiday Catalogue (no longer a mini!), so you'll be able to get your copy and even place an order!

Still plenty to choose from, but some items are gone gone gone - don't delay!

Stampin' Scrub Replacement Pads
Peach Parfait ink refill
Dotto refill
Concord Crush ink refill
More Mustard Marker
3/16" Gold Brads
Pear Pizzazz ink refill
Poppy Parade ink refill
Stack & Store Containers
Circle cutter replacement blades
Christmas Greetings stamp
Confetti White CS A4
Blushing Bride ink refill
Blushing Bride CS
5-petal flower punch
Color Caddy Extender Kit
Stampin' Around Wheel Storage - Standard size

Super dooper bargains - Selected fabric packs - Candy Cane Christmas and Deck the Halls are just $4.99 each - save 75%!  Make a quilt, make pencil cases, make a twirly skirt for a little girl in your life!  Lots of fun projects out there - just like the stamp sets you can even google with the fabric name to get ideas galore - here are just a couple of ideas I found in a super quick look today.  Shh, supposed to be working right now, but given I was up until midnight making beautiful lesson plans, I think 5 minutes is warranted!!

List of Sold Out Items - updated Tuesday 7th August

UPDATE 7th August 2012 

I will endeavour to update this list every day or two, as soon as I hear about items being sold out:

so far:

Stampin' Scrub Replacement Pads
Peach Parfait ink refill
Dotto refill
Concord Crush ink refill
More Mustard Marker
3/16" Gold Brads
Pear Pizzazz ink refill
Poppy Parade ink refill
Stack & Store Containers
Circle cutter replacement blades
Christmas Greetings stamp
Confetti White CS A4
Highlights from the list:  Medallion background stamp, as used here:

 

Autumn Days, with the lovely pheasant here is also on the chopping block, can you rescue a set for your collection?  

Dasher - individual background stamp, an absolute staple in my stamp collection that I will never part with!  And he's reduced to an eensy weensy $11.21!  Here he is here, used beautifully by another demo, Ann Schach:

Hello Blossoms and Something for Christmas are two other single stamps that deserve a spot in your cupboard, and would also make great gifts for beginner stampers - so versatile with a couple of markers and a pack of note cards.

My apologies about the link from the image in the newsletter, it takes you to my contact page rather than to the lists themselves.  However, I have added pictorial links in the side bar of this blog for quick reference!

Retiring list - selling out as we speak. BE QUICK!

In the interest of speed and efficiency, I'm going to be brief!
Here is a link to the retiring list of stamps -

STAMPS RETIRING LIST

Things to note in particular - some must-have, all time favourites are on the chopping block:
Baroque Motifs
Loads of Love
Short and Sweet
Season of Joy
Medallion background (sniff :`( )
Wonderfully worn background
Dasher (double, two boxes of kleenex sniff)
Something for Christmas  - only been with us one year, made some fantastic easy Christmas cards with this last year.

+ lots, lots more - and selected stamps are on sale as well, in either wood or clear mount or both - you'll be able to see this in the list, with availability as well.

I will be placing orders regularly, but it would be a good idea to give me a back up item or two in case something you want is gone by the time the order is placed.  Some items from the accessories list are gone already, and I suspect some stamps will not be far behind.

Call me, email me, text me - thrust your overflowing wish list into my letterbox or nail it to my door.
Please don't leave it too late (or be at the mercy of eBay scalpers everywhere...)  If you're a bargain hunter, there are some gems to add to your trophy collection too!


Here is the Retiring list for accessories:

RETIRING ACCESSORIES

Of special note - In Color products - some are already gone (Peach Parfait refill, Concord Crush refill, Dotto Refill)
Again, there are some fabulous bargains, including selected fabric packs at a WHOPPING 75% off, just $4.99!  DSPs - all are retiring apart from First Edition Specialty, some are 40% off!  Ribbons - quite a few bargains!

Going for good are:

Circle Scissors
Glass mats for these
Crop-a-dile
Confetti White and Cream cardstock (three boxes of kleenex here, and it's on SALE too!)
Selected punches including doily flower and triple flower

In addition, we are switching to a new type of foam pad in the inkpads - the current felt style is being replaced.  As a result, most (if not all) are being sold off at 25% discount, just $8.96.

SO, check out the list, zoom through, pay attention to the discounted products in case they can tempt you, and get back to me as above with your 'must haves'.

Not long now! Last order going in this Sunday evening

There's only a few days left to order from the Autumn/Winter Mini (official close date is Next Tuesday 31st July).
I'm back at uni on Monday until late, so in case I forget to put the order in, I'm playing it safe and placing my final order on Sunday night.  (Although of course if you ring me with a last minute $650 order to catch the end of the extra benefits promo, I won't be turning you away!)

Some items we are pretty sure will reappear, but others will be gone for good.  I know I need to get more of the luscious pleated satin ribbon, because of the retiring colours we know it won't be back :(

Let me know, and check your stocks of colours about to leave us - reinkers and markers especially
Have a wonderful weekend, I am planning on squeezing in a bit of relaxing before it all begins again for my FINAL semester at uni on Monday!

Wisteria Wonder and Forever Young with Happy Greetings

Another card I whipped up in the inspiring environment of Miss Clare's house:  I loved love love the tree stamp in the Forever Young set, and I am coming to like the clock and silhouette stamps too.  Check it out on page 45 of the main IBC, from $40.95 in clear mount (122572).  On this card, I have concentrated on using a 'dynamic duo' of Wisteria Wonder and Concord Crush (an In Color leaving us in September).  The background is wheeled with Very Vintage Jumbo wheel in Wisteria ink.  The top panel has a few layers, and I have used something a little different for the 'sky' layer - a piece of the delectable Flirtatious Specialty Paper, a delicate all-over doily pattern.  I used a scallop circle punchie to sponge over with Wisteria ink, moving the scallop around to sponge cloud-shapes, to create a thundery sky look.  The little 'hills' are made by tearing some lengths of cardstock and sticking them down over the DSP layer.  I stamped the tree last, in Concord Crush ink, and added the "Thanks for being a friend" greeting from the Summer Mini set, Happy Greetings -  125792, $35.95 in wood mount.  This set has a useful collection of greeting stamps in a selection of classic fonts.   The "Happiness Always" is my favourite wedding/engagement/anniversary stamp of all time, and it also includes a Congrats/Well done stamp, Take a look to see if it is a good addition to your collection before it's gone on March 31st - it would also make a good set for a beginning stamper because of the versatile sentiments.

You are Loved - Quick card with In Colors - have you ordered your reinkers etc?

I love Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz - and I am going to miss them terribly, along with Blushing Bride and Concord Crush.  I never quite came to like Poppy Parade, but I know others for whom it was their new favourite red!  There are a few short months left to purchase these colours, as they will rotate out of the In Color range as of August 31st.   That's right, after 2 years they leave us!  After then, you'll no longer be able to buy cardstock, markers, reinkers, inkpads or ribbon accessories for these colours.  I do like to give my lovely readers plenty of warning, so they can take inventory and stock up appropriately.  With a marker and reinker along with your inkpad and a pack or two of cardstock, you can create with these colours for years to come.  If you're thinking of an item or two from the current (but soon departing) Summer Mini, and need some ESSENTIAL filler items to make up a Sale-a-bration order of $100, these In Color products are just perfect.  

Anyway, this card was made during a visit to a playland during the summer hols, while my kids ran themselves ragged, not to mention hot and sweaty!  The base layer is Peach Parfait, and it has been stamped with the flower background from the SAB set "Fresh Vintage", free with your order of $100 before March 31st.  The band is Pear Pizzazz, punched with the Scallop Trim punch.    The greeting has been stamped using "You are Loved", $47.95 in clear mount, 123779, from the Summer Mini.  I used markers to ink the stamp, even including little bits of Poppy Parade and Blushing Bride, and stamped it onto the fabulous Glossy White cardstock.  This smooth coated white cardstock is a great choice for markers and solid stamps, as the surface absorbs ink beautifully, and leaves a crisp printed image.  And, it's a bargain at $9.50 for 25 sheets.  It's tucked up the back of the cardstock section with the other specialties, page 125, and the code for ordering is 106555.  This stamp set co-ordinates with both the Decorative Label (used here) and Large Oval punches.  The Decorative Label punch can be used with a neat trick to create a mat, simply by punching a second shape and cutting it neatly in half.  Spread it a smidge and trim off the tiny points, and you have a shadow layer that adds instant depth.  Twice the punch for the price, and it's a great size for larger greetings.  You can find it on page 150, #120907 ad $33.95.  The finishing touches for this card are some of the Pumpkin Pie narrow taffeta ribbon across the band, and I have used a handy technique with the wide stripe ribbon, taking advantage of the semi- twill weave of the ribbon to create a floral accent.  It is secured with a stitch or two and was attached with super dooper Sticky Strip tape. 

Enjoy your day everyone, I have 50 more words to finangle into a 500 word science teaching website critique, so best go, although I am pretty sure I'd rather be stamping!

Thinking about joining? It's a great time NOW!

Until the end of Sale-a-bration (SAB) on March 31st, there are extra great reasons to join my StampInkPaper team:

• The starter kit contains over $610 worth of products, and many of them can be selected by you to suit your personal tastes or mesh with what you might already own - ink and cardstock colours, stamp set, type of ribbon or adhesive, punch.
• The kit is usually priced at $289, a great deal in itself, but during SAB it costs just $249 - that's a very small investment for a no-risk business opportunity, or a bargain deal on supplies, no matter what you plan to do with your demo'ship.
• On top of that, during SAB, you get to select an additional stamp set of any value from any current catalogue (main or Summer Mini), FREE - so you can add up to another $77.95 to your $610 worth of goodies depending on which set you choose (mmm, $687.95 for $249? That's a whopping 64% discount!).
• The kit includes a great range of products that allow you to start creating right away, and includes business supplies such as a box of catalogues (and a pack of current minis) and order forms so you can start making an income the day you receive your kit.  There is no postage charge on the Starter Kit.
• You can even sign up online here , and you no longer need an ABN to start.  It's a good idea to have a printed set of forms so you can have everything ready, so just email me for a set to look at, no obligation. Or you can get more information and download them here.   I'm also happy to meet with you if you are local, or chat via Skype or phone if you're not - my small and friendly team extends from Sydney to South Australia and we have a private discussion forum to chat and support each other on.
• Not sure?  Like the products, but don't know if you want to sell to others?  You are free to run your business however you like within the terms of the Independent Demonstrator Agreement.  If you decide not to continue, you will simply drop as a demonstrator, there are no penalties, no charges, and nothing to return.  The image below shows the default kit contents - mmm, yum!

Have a think, and please feel free to contact me if you want more info, there is also quite a bit more listed under the "become a demonstrator" page tab under the header.

Off now to prepare for the Car Boot Sale I am participating in at Cherrybrook Public School, Saturday 24th March, 10am-3pm.  I'll have lots of retired stamp sets for sale, scrapbooking papers, hand-crafted cards and gifts, catalogue bonuses and more - if you're local why not drop in to say hi!?

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!

SUMMER MINI is here! Enter the Virtual Launch to win a great prize!

Woo hoo!  It's here!  And, it contains a number of the most requested items that didn't make it into our main Idea Book and Catalogue back in September.   Well, I guess Stampin' Up! had to keep something back to fill our mini with!

There's just too much else happening in everyone's lives this close to Christmas, so I won't be holding a formal launch like I usually do.    However, I'm having a Virtual Launch instead!  If you'd like me to send you a copy of the Mini catalogue, please use the "Contact Me" form on my Demonstrator Business Website to drop me a line.  Everyone who places an order of $20 or more from either the main IBC, December Frenzy promo or the Summer Mini  before December 29th will go into the draw to win a fabulous 'door prize' including stamps and accessories  (stay tuned for a pic of the prize goodies).  You'll get an entry ticket for each $20 you spend (excl p/h), so you could be getting an extra gift when you spend your Christmas money on some delicious Stampin' Goodies!  (yes, I changed it to a ticket per $20 spent in recognition of the expensive time of year - more chances to win!)

Launch Party Winner and a Make and Take with "Friends Never Fade"

Congratulations to Vanessa J of Castle Hill for being the winner of the Lucky Door Prize at my New Catalogue Launch party a week or so back.  Vanessa has won a new stamp set, "Perfect Punches", a sampler pack of new colour cardstock, and some ribbon lengths.  The draw was based on attendance, but with a bonus ticket for each $50 in orders placed at the Launch Event.  Well done Vanessa, I hope you enjoy your new goodies and your prize!

Above is the card I designed for my Make and Take at the launch.  You can see the one designed by Carolyn Gibbs HERE, using "Morning Cup".  Carolyn Campbell-McLean had designed a cute 3D bauble using the "Delightful Decorations" set, I must ask her to post all the info!

My card uses the "Friends Never Fade" stamp set, one that jumped out at me from when I first laid eyes on it in the new US catalogue when it came out over there in July.  Thankfully, because of the catalogue realignnment, us downunder folks don't have to wait long at all!!  My review - it's a versatile set, with both bold and more delicate images.  The style is reminiscent of Art Nouveau, particularly the abstract flower. You can find it on page 71, and it's just $31.95 in wood mount!  It's shown in the catalogue in Peach Parfait orange, because it's one of the sets co-ordinating with the themed suite, "Graphic Botanical"  That means there is co-ordinating goodies and Designer Series Papers available, and it's a great way to theme an album or event.

I've based my card around the colours in one of the other Designer Series Papers, Elegant Soiree -  Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla and Basic Gray.  This sample card uses the standard scallop edge punch, as I was waiting for my Scallop Trim punch to arrive - taking this photo I realised that I didn't take a photo of the real deal!!   Then there is a strip of Elegant Soiree paper, that has all the colours in a fine stripe pattern.  The card base is Basic Gray, and I have stamped around the edges with the abstract flower in Basic Gray ink.  The panel is Crumb Cake, stamped with matching Crumb Cake ink  (Yay!!  No more 'making do' with Sahara Sand ink as a Kraft substitute!) with the flower branch design.  I think it might be a Honeysuckle, at least that's what it reminds me of!  The motif is stamped in Baja Breeze, with touches of Early Espresso ink added with the matching marker, then mounted onto a Scallop Circle of Early Espresso.  I then layered it onto a Fancy Flower punchout in Baja Breeze, and there is a Stampin' Dimensional or two in there for some lift.  The sentiment is from my favourite Level 1 Hostess set, "Afterthoughts", stamped in Early Espresso.  To finish there is a simple knot of Early Espresso narrow grosgrain ribbon, attached with a mini glue dot.  Tell me what you think!

Gosh, it's been all action around here!

Sorry, sorry!  It's been so long since I last posted here, I've been pretty flat out getting ready for the biggest party of the year!
Saturday was my Stampin' Up! New Catalogue Launch, and it was a great day.  Thanks SO much to my helpers Ryn and Caz, who made this busy day a big success.  There's lots more I have saved up to show you, so I hope to be back tomorrow with some more!  For now, here are some images from the goody bag treats and the action on the day!

Tons of New Product!

It's time!  We start the new Stampin' Up! year with a fresh, vibrant selection of wonderful new colours, and a huge array of new accessories!  As demonstrators, we've pleaded for many of the items tucked away inside, so I'm sure you will be equally excited as customers!

The Idea Book has been totally re-vamped to go along with the Colour Renovation, and I think the new layout looks great - easy to browse and easy to search.  There are a number of ways to get your hands on the catalogue, packed with samples and usage ideas, as well as lots of product information:
* Come along to my Launch Party on Saturday 18th September, and receive your copy along with a treat bag, make and takes, refreshments and lots more - Cost is $15.00 per person.
* View the catalogue online here and contact me with your order of $100 or more (excl. p/h) and you will receive a FREE catalogue in your order.
*Host a workshop!  Now is the perfect time to gather some friends together to drool ooh and ahh over the new goodies, and your Hostess Pack includes a FREE catalogue as well as everything else you need to host a successful event.
*Purchase a copy of the catalogue from me locally for $12.95, or have one delivered to you anywhere in Australia for $18 including postage and handling.

Back with more samples very soon!