Butterfly Prints and Sweet Slumber are a great pair!

This card is one my guests made at the recent Summer Mini Launch. It has lots and lots of panels, but was still quite easy to make in mass production. The colour selection was as always, easy, by selecting the colours used in the DSP - Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, So Saffron and Very Vanilla. The heavy weight felty texture of the paper is also lovely to work with. And one of the patterns is fluffy blue clouds on a white polka dot background, so it just yelled out for using with Butterfly Prints. I also popped some Sahara Sand in there as a subtle background layer. The matching punch is so easy to use with the butterfly stamp, To finish I used some So Saffron ribbon from the Ribbon Bundle promotion a few months back. But! This pretty set, just $25.95, may not be around for much longer, so make sure to order in time - Summer Mini ends on March 31st...

Razzle Dazzle, Rock n Roll in a Mini Pizza Box

Here is one of the Make n Takes we made at our recent Summer Mini Launch. It uses the yummy Razzle Dazzle set, and it seems strange to see it in colours other than the current US In Colors, Razzleberry, Crushed Curry etc. But, I think it looks pretty good in Kraft and Riding Hood Red!

Here's how to make the Mini Pizza box:

1. Trim an A4 sheet of cardstock down to 6 x 11", or a 12x12 sheet down to two 6 x 11" pieces

2. Make vertical score lines down each of the long sides, at 1" in from the edges.

3. Rotate the cardstock 90 degrees and score at 1", 5", 6" and 10" in from the left short edge, you will now be able to see how the box is formed, with the folded hinge in the centre

4. Make short cuts along the horizontal score lines along both long edges, just in to the vertical 1" score lines (4 cuts per long side). At the centre spine, fold the flaps into the centre and glue down

5. Decorate the outside of the box now if you wish

6. Bend along the score lines to form the box, and use Sticky Strip on the end flaps to secure the corners. You can use ribbon across the top of the box or secured along the back hinge to hold the box neatly closed.

For the stamped panels on the lid, I used the wonderful Circle Scissor to cut a 2 3/4 circle from Whisper White and a 3" circle from Riding Hood Red. I inked up the large flower image from Razzle Dazzle with Sahara Sand ink and then used the Rock n Roll technique to add a 'halo' of Riding Hood Red ink around the edges. You can also use a sponge dauber to apply red ink if you don't like your wood blocks to look well used! I sponged around the edges of the RHR circle and mounted them together. I stamped the sentiment "It's good to dream" in Riding Hood red and punched it out with the Word Window punch. A second RHR Word Window is mounted offset it behind. To finish, a bow of Real Red Polka dot ribbon has been attached with a mini glue dot.

Now, what to put inside this little box?? Well, it would have to be a pretty special pizza, or you'd need lots of these little boxes to satisfy you. I have suggested on a number of occasions that it would be the perfect size for a gold pandora bracelet packed with gold charms, but that one has fallen on deaf ears as well. You could pack it with choccies, or make some notelets. Versatile and easy, why not have a go at making one yourself? Let me know if you need more instructions, and I might remember to make one with the camera nearby...

Summer Mini Make n Takes with Hello Again and Retro Remix

At the recent Stampin' Up! Regional Training day, we received the Summer Mini set "Hello Again" and the "Retro Remix" wheel as part of our registration. We used these stamps to create a number of projects in our Make n Takes for the day, and you can see the cute projects above.

At the left we have a card made from More Mustard cardstock, with a simple white stamped panel. This is set off by some stamping peeking from underneath the the panel, an extended mat of Old Olive, and a tie of the gorgeous Valet Ribbon Originals satin chocolate polka dot ribbon.

At right, we have a Certainly Celery trifold card, with a double window mat cut from Baja Breeze. Peeking out from the base is a row of Scallop edge Rose Red. Over the window are 4 1" punches, each stamped with a different coloured heart from the Hello Again set. It is finished off with a tie of Tangerine Tango striped grosgrain attached to a Hardware Clip.

At the front, behind a bit of sundapple shadow sorry! is a cute little box. This is the box that inspired the Pale Plum butterfly box a couple of posts down. It was so easy that I have no idea why I've never made one before! I have been asked to do a step-by-step tutorial on this little box, so hopefully I'll get to that this week. This particular box is made from Old Olive textured cardstock, and wheeled across with the Retro Remix wheel. It's wrapped with the fabulously retro orange ricrac from the Pigtails Ribbon Originals pack. A whisper white stamped panel finishes it off. It's a handy size for a few choccies, or a special gift (like that Pandora bracelet loaded up with gold charms perhaps?)

This set did not really jump out at me from the Mini catalogue when I first saw it, but it's on my list now that I've had a play and seen it's versatility in action.

And, if you're a ribbon addict like me, check out the Christmas Extravaganza brochure, as the Ribbon Originals packs are all on there. Yummy!

And a great day was had by all - part II

I'm back with some more photos and tales from the Christmas Craft Day. My bestie and co-organiser (or is that co-conspirator??) Kim Tonnet has posted a lovely wrap up on her blog too. THANKS Kim! Certainly couldn't have done it without you either! The entire day was most definitely a team effort, with my husband Andrew, Kim's mum Robyne and our downlines Ryn and Clare all pitching in with abundant help.

From the top is a photo of one of the Make and Take projects, silly me forgot to photograph the fully assembled item, but you may be able to tell it is a calendar. The sample is still firmly buried in the piles of boxes in my studio, one day I may be able to find it again to give you ap proper look! I made it with some retired designer series papers, Afternoon Tea, and the matching (also retired) stamp set "live your dream" Sigh, I miss this set, especially the quote, very inspiring. At least I'll be looking at it all year stuck to the fridge!!

Next up we have the Wall of Inspiration. I am quite proud of my wall hanging displays. I was lucky to find some of the special "wall runner" fabric that velcro sticks to at a nearby Spotlight, and at a clearance price no less! My much under-utilised sewing machine roared into action. And the best thing is that I can roll them up and use them over and over again! We were lent a large selection of samples by Ryn, Clare and also Jayne Mercer, thanks to you all. There was also a large selection of cardmaking books and magazines to stir the creative juices of our guests.

Next we have the talented Ryn, who demonstrated some fab acetate cards using the new Stazon white ink in the Spring Mini catalogue. I will have to ask her to post some pics and instructions for it, it was very clever!

Lastly, we have our youngest guest, the adorably dribbly Miss Katie, with her mum Clare. Clare demonstrated a couple of cool embossing techniques, on ribbon and on Sticky Strip adhesive tape. Again, need to give her a gentle prod to post a step-by step on her blog with some piccies :)

That's it for now, Kim's turn again!

Ovals All Pillow Box Make n Take

This one was super dooper fast, great for a quick, easy table decoration or party favour. Or, you could suggest to your loved one that it's also the perfect size for a Pandora bead or 3?? Worth a try anyway, it's my 15th wedding anniversary in a few days time. I wish it was as easy to buy a gift for the blokes. Us girls, we're easy, some stamping goodies and a bead or two will keep us very happy indeed! Check out my Wish List and Gift Voucher Service if your dearest needs a little nudge in the right direction!

Onto the Make n Take...

Materials:

Old Olive Card Base

Walk in the Park DSP band

So Saffron card scrap

Very Vanilla cardstock scrap

Ovals All stamp set (from the Spring Mini)

Scallop Oval punch (from the Spring Mini)

Large Oval punch

Bella's Bloom stamp set

Versamark Inkpad

The shape was cut out using a Sizzix Pillow box die, but there are lots of free templates available online, that just need a quick snip with scissors instead.

Stamp the small flower from Bella's Bloom all over using Versamark.

Apply Sticky Strip adhesive to the closing edge and assemble the box

Whip the DSP strip around the box and seal. Stamp the oval stamp using ink of choice and punch out, then repeat with the Scallop oval. Mount these together and stick over the join on the DSP strip. DONE! Fill with goodies of choice...

Make n Take with Great Friend Stamps

Materials:

All from Stampin' Up!, all available through me.


Baja Breeze cardstock Base


Cameo Coral Cardstock strip


Very Vanilla cardstock for cut out of butterfly and label


Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon


Stampin Dimensional foam dots


Walk in the Park Designer Series Paper strip, 115123 p6 Spring MiniL


Great Friend stamp set 116889 p4 Spring Mini


Baja Breeze, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss and So Saffron Classic Inkpads

Here is one of the cards we made as a Make n Take at myself and Kim's Spring Mini Launch last Saturday. The cardstock base is stamped in Baja Breeze ink with the butterfly and stem stamps from the Great Friend set in the Spring Mini. I started the stems about 1cm above the bottom of the card, so they would be covered by the DSP and Cameo Coral strip.

Next, the DSP/Cameo Coral strip was mounted on the card front with a piece of Vanilla Taffeta ribbon in place behind it.

Next, the Butterfly and frame label stamp were put onto Very Vanilla cardstock scraps and cut out, I used a Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the greeting inside the frame. These were popped up with Stampin Dimensionals, and the ribbon knot was tied.

This set is fantastic, and I do hope it makes the 2010/2011 Idea Book, but just in case, you'd better add it to your wishlist today! While you have the list out, make sure to add a pack of the Walk in the Park Designer Series paper which matches so beautifully with the stamp set. It's chock full of pretty spring colours, and there is also matching scrummy coloured rubons! (114620)

Spring Mini is GO!

It's now on! Orders can be placed from now until the 30th November.

You can now view the gorgeous Spring Mini Catalogue online:

HERE (click the link to be taken to the electronic PDF copy)

It's full of soft, pretty colours to inspire, some great Christmas stamp sets and masses of yummy accessories such as ribbon, corduroy buttons and rubons!

If you can make it along to our Spring Mini Launch Party this Saturday 8th August, you will have the opportunity to get up close and have a play with the new products. It is being hosted by Kim Tonnet and myself at my home in Cherrybrook, north western Sydney. The event runs from 2pm - 8pm to give you the opportunity to drop in when it suits you.

Cost is $5 per person, and includes champagne, nibbles, your own copy of the catalogue, make and take projects and chances to win prizes! The cost is fully redeemable against an order of $50 or more during the event. Please advise ASAP so we can prepare enough goodies to go around, by calling either Kim (02 9484 0117) or myself (02 9484 9447) to register your attendance. or send an email.

Spring Mini Catalogue - almost ready to be unveilled!

So, what is a mini catalogue? For those of you who are new(er) to Stampin' Up!, you are possibly wondering.... It's a special catalogue featuring stamp sets and accessories that might not be available ever again. Other times, stamp sets which debut in a mini catalogue will appear in an upcoming main Idea Book and Catalogue. But, given that our current IBC will be running until September 2010, you'll have a wait indeed if you miss out this time! And, we never will know which lucky stamp sets will win a place in the big book, and which will retire forever - there have been tears and tantrums before! My advice is, if you see something you love, make sure it's at the top of your wishlist NOW to avoid disappointment.

How do you get your hands on a copy of this pretty booklet? There are a couple of options:

Local-ish to Cherrybrook? Come along to our Spring Mini Catalogue Launch Party on Saturday 8th August, anywhere between 2pm and 8pm. There will be displays, demonstrations, lucky door prizes, Make n take projects, champagne and delicious treats to nibble (Andrew is standing by with his Chef's hat on) Kim Tonnet and I will be hosting, and you'll have a chance to order. Cost is $5.00, and includes your own copy of the mini. Cost is fully redeemable against an order of $50 or more at the event. Please email or call 9484 9447 to RSVP ASAP!

Not local or can't make it? Call or email me with your contact details and mailing address to be posted a copy. If you already have a demonstrator, I'm sure she'd be delighted to give you one.

Off to do some photography of cards I've made, to give you a sneak peek of the gorgeous products on offer, come back soon!

Fifth Avenue Floral - and more philosophy!

Here's another card I have made recently, and it was used for a couple of workshop Make n takes in May also, so quite a few people might think it looks familiar!! It uses the set "Fifth Avenue Floral", which didn't appeal to me instantly, until I saw what a few people were doing with it. It is very versatile, always a good thing with a stamp set, and is easy to work with because there is also matching Designer Series Paper to go with it - Urban Oasis. In fact, one of the designs in this pack was the inspiration for the colour scheme and design of this card. It is the large multi floral design on a white background, and I have used the same colours and the floral stamps to recreate the paper pattern on a smaller scale for the card panel. Colours used are: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey, Sahara Sand and Kraft. I have also used the "Sanded" background to add some depth to the card base. The scallop edge punch has been used for the Basic Gray panel edge. The sentiment is another valuable piece of philosophy that is appealing to me - "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough" - apparently by Mae West. I had one group say that the card would need to be "for an old person" - but I don't think so!! Live your Sunday and Holiday Monday to the fullest peeps!