Stamp-a-Stack Class Thursday 11th December

Next date for this class is Thursday 11th December at 7pm, at my home in Cherrybrook. 

 Complete a batch of special cards just in time for posting. 

 Class duration will be approximately 3 hours, so please have a bite to eat before arriving.  Coffee and cake supper will be served during the evening.

 Please call Michelle on 0403175790 to book your seat.

Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack

 

 I have planned the first in a series of Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack classes for the year, to be held on the evening of... VERY SOON!  It's a fantastic 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 special cards, 4 each in three different designs.  Each of the designs features elegant stamping and embossing, with lots of layers and detail, the sneak peek above should give you an inkling.  Everything is provided for you - pre-cut cardstock, all materials and embellishments, adhesive and beautiful Stampin' Up! envelopes to match. 

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 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 me to discuss dates.  Get a group together of four or more, and I can come to you for an evening of your choice (subject to availability)

Available for purchase - MDS Christmas Class - Learn and Create at the same time!

 The three cards shown here are all made with Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio Software, and were designed by me to include a range of different techniques, exploring the functionality of the program.  The cards use only the stamp sets and contents of the standard installation of the MDS software.  The class includes full written instructions to create each of these cards step by step, along with instructions for printing them to create an A4 page of each containing 4 card fronts.

You'll learn to use the program as you create, and will soon be zooming off to customise and modify, making new projects of your own.

The cost of the tutorial is just $15, and you'll be sent a file with the instructions after your payment has been received.    If you don't already own the software, are located within Australia and purchase it via my online store at this link HERE , I will post you a package of cardstock and envelopes to complete two of each card (six cards in total), with instructions for embellishing the cards for a handmade touch.

Payment can be made via Paypal with the address michelle.dyson@bigpond.com

Any questions?  Just email me at the same address!

Date Keeper Class - THIS SUNDAY 28th APRIL SPACES AVAILABLE!

Come and make a Date Keeper!
What is it?  It's an altered and decorated small clipboard.  It's designed to be on display, unlike a birthday book tucked away in the 'everything drawer', so it should serve as an omnipresent reminder of the next date of significance.

The class uses the "Fan Fair" DSP, matching cardstocks, paints and inks, and is embellished with framelits shapes and a flower using a new product - so you'll pick up a couple of new techniques at the same time as creating the Date Keeper to organise your life!

Cost:  $30, including all materials for making the project, tuition and afternoon tea
Where:  Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney
Date: Sunday 28th April (last Sunday of the school holidays) 2pm - approx 5pm
How to book:  Payment is required in advance of the class, and in the event of cancellation, you will receive the kit and instructions to complete the project yourself or at a future Stampin' Crop day.  Please register your interest by email, and if there are sufficient numbers I may be able to schedule an alternate date.

escape 2 create creativity continued...

This year, there were three highly regarded and talented teachers with a class each to wow us with:  (L-R)
Ebony van der Starre, Kim Jeffress, and Sharmaine Kruijver.   Ebony is a current "Scrapbooking Memories Master", and is on the guest design team for Bella Blvd.  Kim is an Aussie scrapping superstar, on the design teams for Heidi Swapp, Basic Grey, Bella Blvd, Pebbles, Greatest View as well as having been a past Scrapbooking Memories Master.  Sharmaine is on the Cocoa Daisy, Scrapmatts, X-pressIT, FabScraps, D-lish scraps and is also an official blogger for Target.  I decided to do all three classes this year, to create some new pages for my wall frames (most of which still contain pages scrapped when I was last on a design team, some years back now!).  All three ladies were lovely, down to earth and friendly.  Sharmaine and I kept feeling we knew each other from somewhere  (but still can't think how or where, so perhaps it's a kindred spirits thing)

Anyway, here are the projects:

This was created in Ebony's class, and I loved making it.  Lots of masks, mists, strips, tape, and gesso texture. as well as doodling.  I love it, and the colour theme suits my boy's favourite colour - ORANGE!

Kim's class was for a Memory File - and it's not yet complete, as I intend making it an album to record the 2013 e2c retreat roadtrip.  I think I will have a bit of a play using some SU gear to create something similar - it's a fast and  easy way to get memories stuck down and safe.
Here are the progress pics - I've collected quite a few bits and bobs to stash in the pockets, and have plenty of photos.  I'll try and remember to post again when it's done.  And I'd better hurry up, since Kim is keen to show our creations to Heidi Swapp herself (!)

Sharmaine's class was perfect for my messy style, more sprays and paste and splats.  And Potty People!  I'd not heard the term before, but it was perfect for the little wooden male/female shapes we added.  There was resin, washi, twine and more.  Another frame-worthy creation.

As well as these three completed (well, almost!) layouts, I did a non-class layout of my own, first time in aaaaaaggggges, as a warm up before the classes started.  And 14 cards!!  I think that was a record level of output for me at a retreat, but staying up laaaattte is good for that ;-)

More later!!

Lots of fun with My Digital Studio - come and learn with me!

 

Gosh!  You can't help but tell that I am loving Island Indigo at the moment!  I've also been enjoying playing with My Digital Studio in an 'official' capacity, and being able to show off the finished projects as something my dear readers could make themselves!

This is a card I made for a team member, who had a major birthday yesterday (waves to Donna!).  I've also been working on projects and class notes for my upcoming My Digital Studio class.   The blog header I made a while ago, before I knew we were getting MDS so soon!  Tonight I whipped up a button to link to my Online Ordering site - you can see it at the top of the right sidebar.  So, between the header, cards and  buttons, using a variety of the techniques and effects available, I'm sure you can see the possibilities with this great, easy to use software!  Email me to express interest in attending a "Getting started with MDS class" - coming soon!

Date keeper Class - Sunday 28th April

I have planned a class for a  Date Keeper, and you can see a few sneak-peek style pics of the project above.  The class includes all materials to create an altered, decorated clipboard, with a set of plaques/tags that you can personalise yourself to keep track of all the important dates in your life - everything from birthdays to anniversaries and more - anything with a recurring date to remember.  It's expandable, and update-able, so you can use it for many years to come!

It's designed to be on display, unlike a birthday book tucked away in the 'everything drawer', so it should serve as an omnipresent reminder of the next date of significance. The class uses the "Fan Fair" DSP, matching cardstocks, paints and inks, and is embellished with framelits shapes and a flower using a new product - so you'll pick up a couple of new techniques at the same time as creating the Date Keeper to organise your life!

Cost:  $30, including all materials for making the project, tuition and afternoon tea
Where:  Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney
Date: Sunday 28th April (last Sunday of the school holidays) 2pm - approx 5pm
How to book:  Payment is required in advance of the class, and in the event of cancellation, you will receive the kit and instructions to complete the project yourself or at a future Stampin' Crop day.  Please register your interest by email, and if there are sufficient numbers I may be able to schedule an alternate date.

My Digital Studio - a whole craft room on your laptop, just $24.95!

It's here at last!!  I have had My Digital Studio software for a few years now, since my hubby saw it while in the US.  I've used it for blog headers (like this one above!), party invites, thank you cards, custom powerpoint presentations, and lots more, and I've barely scratched the surface.

I have to say, it is MUCH easier to use than any of the other major graphics programs, like Corel and Photoshop - I can't get my head around those at all! It's very intuitive, versatile, and works alongside all the products you already own.  There is also lots of videos and tutorials available if you need them, but sitting down for a bit of a play will have you creating pages and cards to be proud of in no time.

Best of all, the full version software download is just $24.95.  Not a typo!

Not convinced?  You can try it for FREE for 30 days!  Click the button below, and you'll be taken to my Demonstrator Business Website, where you can pop it in your cart.  Have a browse around in the Digital Downloads section while you are there, there are quite a few freebies to add to the content that comes with the free trial.

Here's a button link to a flyer for you with some more info:

Class:  Introduction to Digital Creating with My Digital Studio

Because I am already familiar with this amazing software, I'm planning a class to introduce people to digital creating, which will be suitable for anyone with basic computer skills (operating Windows, and perhaps a word processing program or similar).  The class will include written notes, and several guided sample projects for you to practice your new skills on, including at least one digital-only project and at least one hybrid project (all materials for this supplied).  I'd like to get an idea of level of interest before I schedule some dates, but it will probably be a weekend afternoon 2-5pm

Cost:  A total of $40 - being $15 for class tuition, plus $24.95 for purchase of the full version software from my online store HERE  - this will need to be downloaded/installed on your laptop/netbook before the class.  Download might take several hours, and it is recommended that you temporarily alter your computer settings to prevent it going into 'sleep mode'

Where:  Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney

What to Bring: A laptop or similar with power cord, purchased MDS software downloaded, a notebook.

Please email me for more information, or to express your interest.

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...

Christmas Ornament Class - Tuesday 6th November

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The stunning ornament from the front cover of the current "Holiday Catalogue" is not difficult to make, when you are shown how!  Come along to my class next Tuesday 6th November and make one to take home.  These make a great 'more than a card' gift, and I'll show you how you can make it into a gift or bottle tag that can then go onto your lucky recipient's tree!

Class:  Tuesday 6th November, 7.30 -9.30pm

Cost:  $15 includes tuition and materials, and use of my tools and equiment to complete at least one large ornament.

Bring: yourself!

Ideally, eat dinner before you arrive, but I hope to find time to bake some Christmas themed yummies as well.

Places are limited, so please call me 0403 175 790 to book a spot.  For attendees of the class, I will have a special offer on the purchase of the Holiday Keepsakes bundle so you can go forth and make many gorgeous ornaments, wreaths, place markers, cards and more!

Christmas Quickies Card Class - tomorrow night

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We'll be making 20 cards with envelopes, using the Whisper White Notecards pack, half a pack of Letters to Santa Quick Accents adhesive diecuts, sections of Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper, and ribbon and cardstock for embellishment.  The cards are designed to complete quickly, for a clean and uncluttered look - just the ticket for the crafty but time-poor!

Class:  Thursday 1st November, 7.30pm - 10pm

Cost:  $30 includes tuition, all materials and adhesives

Bring: Your favourite trimmer if you have one 

(less frustrating than figuring out someone else's, but not essential - there are several here)

Ideally, eat dinner before you arrive, but there is sure to be snacky food on hand when the munchies strike!)

There are two places left available in the class, so call me 0403 175 790 to book if you are interested!  

 

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!

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!

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

Gift Box Class - Tuesday evening, 19th April

My upcoming class is for an elegant and useful box full of gift cards.  The class will be held on Tuesday evening, 19th April 7.30pm - approx 9.45pm.  This date is during school hols in NSW, so organise your other half to do some kid-wrangling and take a little break!  This box of cards is a useful item to have on hand, but would also make a thoughtful gift for lots of occasions.

The picture above shows the prototype, using some retired colours and papers.  During the class you will learn how to make the box and lid from your choice of  a range of cardstock and Designer Series papers.  Next, you'll make embossed 10 cards to fit inside, using paper and cardstock colours to match your box.  Instead of stamping sentiments and greetings directly onto the card, you'll stamp a broad selection of greetings which can be attached as needed, so you'll always have the 'right' card.

Class cost is $25, and includes all materials, instructions, coffee and cake.   Bookings and pre-payment are essential as spaces are limited and to allow for kit preparation and ordering of supplies. If you have to cancel for any reason I am happy to provide you with your kit so that the box and cards can be made at your leisure.  Please call 9484 9447, or email me , RSVP's appreciated by Sunday 17th April.  Location is North West Sydney, details provided on booking.

Intensive Beginner's All Day Class - Saturday 13th November

Saturday 13th November, 2010
Cherrybrook, North Western Sydney
10am - 4pm Intensive Cardmaking and Stamping Class

If you've dabbled around the edges of cardmaking, or are a scrapper at heart who'd like to branch out, then this class is for you!


We'll be starting from scratch, and covering all the essential information and techniques you'll need to start creating your own professional-looking cards.

There is no prior knowledge assumed, but even if you've been making cards for a while, I PROMISE you'll learn lots of tips to make your cards look even better.  I can pretty much guarantee you'll be saying "I didn't know that!" and/or "ahhh, so THAT's how it works!" throughout the day!

We'll be starting with the material I cover in my usual 2 hour beginner's class, and add as many more techniques as we can fit into a 10am -4pm day. You'll go home with a selection of finished projects and technique samples, and all the confidence you need to dive into this most rewarding craft.

To ensure individual attention, the class is for a maximum of FOUR students, and I have ONE space available for the upcoming date. I'm happy to take names and organise future dates for this class, so don't hesitate to get in touch.

Class Cost: $50.00 per person, includes all materials, comprehensive notes, coffee and cake. Lunch is available at local shops a few minutes walk away, or BYO.

Things to bring: Bone folder and paper trimmer (if you have them). A selection of adhesives including a SNAIL or similar tape runner, double sided tape and foam dimensionals.

To book, please call me on (02) 9484 9447 or 0403 175790, or contact me via email at michelle.dyson@bigpond.com

Sneak Peek... FAST Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack THIS FRIDAY

Three card designs, five of each.  One class.  THIS FRIDAY evening OCTOBER 15th.  Doors open 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.  $25 class cost, including Stampin' Up! envelopes and all materials provided, just come along, stamp and assemble!  Limited seats available, call 0403 175 790 or email to book...

Quick, Clean and Simple Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack FRIDAY OCTOBER 15th

Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack - Quick, Clean and Simple
Friday 15th October, 7.30pm till around 10.30pm



The next Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack is all about making cards suitable for fast, easy construction, but maintaining a hand-crafted and elegant style.  Just what you need when you have a long list of friends and family and are short on time (isn't that everyone?)
It will be held on the evening of Friday 15th October. It's a fantastic 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 15 cards, 5 each in three different designs. Stay tuned for some sneak peeks when I've finalised the samples. Everything is provided for you - pre-cut cardstock, all materials and embellishments, adhesive and beautiful Stampin' Up! envelopes to match. 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 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.

Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack Class - fully booked!

Thanks everyone for the overwhelming interest in my upcoming Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack featuring Elegant Embossing.  You can click here to see the details or scroll down a little.  The class is now fully booked, but I already have 2 or 3 people keen to attend a repeat session.  I am also considering running some clases during the week, to make it easier on those of us who have hectic weekends, and would like to get your valuable opinion on running Wednesday evening classes. Just leave a comment here, or email me to let me know your thoughts, or to add your name to the waiting list.  If you've requested a spot for the Friday 13th August evening class, please feel free to confirm your availability.

I'll leave you with another glimpse of Christmas, some 'suspension' cards I made for a recent swap amongst my fellow demos.  Hope you like it!

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack - Elegant Embossing

Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack

Elegant Embossed Cards - Friday 13th August 7.30pm - 10pm

I have planned the first in a series of Christmas Card Stamp-a-Stack classes for the year, to be held on the evening of Friday 13th August.  It's a fantastic 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 special cards, 4 each in three different designs.  Each of the designs features elegant stamping and embossing, with lots of layers and detail, the sneak peek above should give you an inkling.  Everything is provided for you - pre-cut cardstock, all materials and embellishments, adhesive and beautiful Stampin' Up! envelopes to match. 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 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.