Scissors Paper Card

A 21st Birthday Card

2012-03-14T06:00:00.000+10:30

Hi!

One of my nieces turned 21 late last year. I haven't shown you the card I made for her yet!

What girl doesn't like a bit of bling, so I teamed the retired stamp set Cheers To You with some of the Silver Glitter paper.

I used some Crystal Effects on the cocktail glasses to make it look like there was a cocktail in the glass.

I used some more of the Hostess DSP Cheerful Treat on the inside.

Stamps: Cheers To You (retired), Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Melon Mambo
DSP/Cardstock: Cheerful Treat (hostess), Silver Glitter Paper, Melon Mambo, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Crystal Effects, Dimensionals, Organza Ribbon

Bye for now,

Tina

February Customer Thank You Cards

2012-03-12T06:00:00.000+10:30

Hi!

A quick post today of the little gift cards I made to thank my wonderful customers who ordered from me in the month.

I used some of the gorgeous Sale-A-Bration DSP, Everyday Enchantment. I simply punched a heart, drew the little stitching lines around it with my white gel pen and the popped it up on some Dimensionals over the top of the base card which had been stamped using a stamp from the Fresh Vintage Sale-A-Bration stamp set.

You can see in the photo above how it's popped up with Dimensionals.

I used the punchie from the front to decotate the inside. I also used some faux stitching on the punchie.

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB), Trendy Trees
Ink: Lucky Limeade, White Signo Gel Pen
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP, Very Vanilla, Lucky Limeade
Other: Full Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Dimensionals

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI 108: Just Add A Colour Combination

2012-03-09T00:01:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I love the colour challenge weeks at Just Add Ink, and this week I'm in luck, because it's a fantastic combination.

I had so much fun playing with this colour combination. I decided I wanted to make a masculine card as I don't have many of those in my stash. I also decided to pull out some old favourite stamp sets that hadn't seen much ink lately.

Even though there are quite a few layers on the card, I love the Clean and Simple feel of the card. I was itching to add some ribbon or something else to pretty it up a bit, but that's not really 'right' on a male card now is it?

I kept the inside fairly clean and simple too.

I hope you can find time to play along this week at Just Add Ink.

Stamps: Lovely As A Tree, Fifth Avenue Floral, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Early Espresso, Island Indigo
DSP/Cardstock: Pool Party In Colour Patterns DSP, Island Indigo, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Other: Dimensionals

Bye for now,

Tina

A 3D Project

2012-03-07T10:59:00.000+10:30

Hi!

When I applied to become a member of the JAI Design Team I decided to apply for both the card making team and the scrapping team. Part of the application process for the card making team was to design a 3D, off the page item. I decided to alter a shadow box photo frame I bought from Ikea. I"d originally bought it to do something for my daughter's room, but it took on a life of it's own and ended up very differently to what I'd planned.

I love how it turned out, and I think it would look great in a little boy's room. Now I just need someone to have a baby boy so I can give it to them!

I also made a card to match the frame.

Like the frame, I fussy cut one of the balloons from the DSP and popped it up on Dimensionals.

I used the hostess set Ain't Love Grand for the inside. Here's the two projects together.

Overall, I was very pleased with how they turned out, even if they were nothing like what I had originally planned!

Stamps: Ain't Love Grand (hostess), Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red
DSP/Cardstock: Big Top Birthday DSP, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alpha Dies, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Scalloped Ribbon Border Punch, Blender Pen

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI Scrapbooking Challenge #3: Just Add Altered Art

2012-03-04T00:01:00.001+10:30

Hi!
Welcome back to the latest Just Add Ink Scrapbook Challenge. The challenge requires you to Just Add Altered Art. I must admit I had to go looking for the definition of altered art, and I found that it means turning an ordinary, everyday object into a work of art. I decided to turn a bunch of Stampin' Up!'s now retired mini lunch sacks into a mini smash album.

For those of you who aren't sure what a smash album is, it's simply a book that you smash things into. In this case Rob and I are going to Paris, so I intend to smash things like tickets, maps, postcards, postage stamps, etc into the album. I will also journal in the album so it will be a travel journal.

I trimmed the bottom of the sacks to make little pockets, for which I made a pull-out section to write on or smash something onto. The main part of each sack also has a pull-out insert for the same purpose.

This smash album was a real labour of love, and I can't wait to fill it with beautiful memories of our trip to the city of love! I'll post some more photos when I get back and it's full.

I used a lot of different materials on this album, but the main ones are the mini lunch sacks, Beau Chateau DSP and Creative Elements Stamp Set.

I hope you can play along this month with us at Just Add Ink.

Bye for now,

Tina

Festive Friday #8

2012-03-02T08:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Here we are - up to the eighth Festive Friday Challenge. Wow! Today I have a very Clean and Simple card for you. It was inspired by this card.

This was an easy card to make. I just used Post-It notes to mask off the section I didn't want to stamp and sponge in, and then away I went! Once again the inside was done to complement the outside.

Stamps: Tree Trimmings, Snow Swirled, En Francais, Season Of Joy
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Sahara Sand
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Other: Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Corner Rounder Punch, Sponge Dauber, Post-It Notes

Don't forget to pop on over to Festive Friday Challenges to see what the rest of the Design Team have in store for you.

Bye for now,

Tina

Trendy Trees Birthday Card

2012-02-29T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Today I have a masculine card for you. They are usually some of the hardest cards to make. This one was made using some of the Frightful Sight DSP, and it was sent to Rob's mate for his birthday.

Here's a closer look at the focal panel on the card. Most of the card was made using scraps I had on my craft desk after making a layout.

It's been a while since I used the Trendy Trees stamp set. I don;t know why - it's such a cute set.

I really love the Happiest Birthday Wishes hostess stamp set. I can almost always find a sentiment that's suitable for the card I'm making among the many in the set.

Stamps: Trendy Trees, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess), It's Your Day
Ink: Old Olive, Early Espresso
DSP/Cardstock: Frightful Sight DSP, Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: Corner Rounder Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Circle Cutter, Stamp Positioner, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Bye for now,

Tina

Gift Certificate Holder

2012-02-27T06:00:00.000+10:30

Hi!

It was my father in law's birthday recently so I needed to make something for him to hold his gift. We bought him a gift certificate for a driving range, and I immediately thought of the money holders Nicole Derendorf made before Christmas. You can find her original post here. I just made my template up as I went along, based on the pictures on Nicole's blog.

I love the Well Worn DSP on men's projects!

I made a belly band to hold mine shut using the Hostess Stamp Set Happiest Birthday Wishes.

The gift voucher fit nicely inside.

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Not Quite Navy
DSP/Cardstock: Well Worn DSP, More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Other: Scallop Circle Punches, 1 3/4" Circle Punch

Bye for now,

Tina

Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop

2012-02-25T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!
Welcome back to another blog hop. This time my friends and I are focussing on the fantastic Sale-A-Bration products you can earn free! The blog before mine was the very talented Christine Blain, but it doesn't really matter where you start, just keep hopping 'til you get back to where you started.

I decided to do a layout using some of the gorgeous Everyday Enchantment DSP.

These are some of the photos I took of my veggie garden that I took a few weeks after I planted it. I selected the placement of the photos with thoughts of turning this into a double page layout in the future using photos of the produce we collected from the garden.

To soften the straight lines of the layout I decided to round the corners of the photo panels.

A stamp from the Fresh Vintage stamp set really sets off the jounalling section in the bottom panel of photos.

The next photo shows you how close to the line I flew with this layout. Thankfully I have a photo tent and some daylight lamps, so it didn't matter that I didn't finish my layout 'til 10pm last night.

I hope you've found some inspiration here on my stop in the blog hop. Next you're off to see what the very clever Di Dunk has created for you.

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB), Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Dies, Corner Rounder Punch

Bye for now,

Tina

Stops on the hop in case the links aren't working:
Di Dunk http://www.stampartbydi.typepad.com
Kathryn Ruddick http://www.katlodesigns.com
Sue Madex http://www.madexcreations.com
Ros Davidson http://www.rosdavidson.typepad.com
Nikki Sadler http://www.inkyart.com.au
Christine Blain http://www.christineblain.blogspot.com

JAI # 106: Just Add A Sketch

2012-02-24T00:01:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Wow, aren't the weeks just flying by? It's hard to believe it's almost the end of February already. But it's Friday, which means it's time for the new Just Add Ink Challenge. It's a cute sketch this week, which I had a lot of fun playing with.

Here's my take on the sketch. I changed the shape to a square card - I'm a bit into square cards lately!

Here's a closer look at my embellishment cluster in the corner. I had a few bits and pieces sitting on my desk that I hadn't put away from another project. They worked beautifully on this card I think. I had my sewing machine out altering some leggings for my daughter's ballet class, so I decided to add real stitching to the card while I had the chance.

Hmmmm, I think the tension needed adjusting on my machine!

A bit of stamping and another piece of DSP on the inside and I was done. This card should be in the hands of a friend who had life altering surgery a couple of days ago. I hope she loves it!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Thoughts and Prayers
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pretty In Pink
DSP/Cardstock: Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Petal Cone Die, Paper Daisy, Rhinestone Brad, White Brads, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired)

I hope the sketch inspires you to play along with us at Just Add Ink this week.

Bye for now,

Tina

Some Retired Products

2012-02-22T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!
I showed a card in my last post that I'd made almost a year ago as a sample for a group that I do card making with once or twice a term. Today's card was made at the same time for the same group. Even though most of the products on it a retired I thought I'd show it to you anyway.

I loved the Motorcycle stamp and was sad when it retired, however the Need For Speed set filled the gap it left behind rather nicely, so I wasn't sad for long. I loved the paper too, it was perfect for male cards!

Stamps: Motorcycle (retired)

Ink: Night of Navy

DSP/Cardstock: Travel Journal DSP (retired), Night of Navy, Crumb Cake, Whisper White

Other: Dimensionals

Bye for now,

Tina

PacMan Punch Art

2012-02-20T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

A quick card for you today. It's actually one I made almost a year ago as a sample for a group I was doing some cardmaking with. I know the card is a CASE, but I can't for the life of me remember where I got the inspiration from. Please let me know if you have seen it around so I can acknowledge the creator.

This was a lovely, simple card for the group to make, but it looks really effective. Rob gave it to a mate of his who is right into the retro games and he loved it.

Stamps: It's Your Day
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
Cardstock: Temnpting Turquoise, Basic Black, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Whisper White
Other: Word Window Punch, Owl Builder Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Paper Snips

Bye for now,

Tina

Festive Friday #6

2012-02-17T08:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

I'm back with another Design Team card for Nicole Derendorf's Festive Friday Challenge #6. We're still on the Christmas cards. I'm loving getting my Christmas cards done one by one like this - I can spend more time on each and it won't be a mad rush to churn out the cards at the end of the year. Here's my card for this week's challenge:

Here's a closer look at the front. I used the new Postage Stamp punch, layered with our square punches. The fussy-cut ornament was popped up on Dimensionals and adorned with some Rhinestones.

And of course the inside, done to match the outside.

I hope you can find time to play along at Festive Friday Challenges this week. I can't wait to see your Christmas card.

Stamps: Snow Swirled, Tree Trimmings
Ink: Old Olive, Early Espresso
DSP/Cardstock: First Edition Specialty DSP, Letters To Santa DSP, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Petal Cone Die, Postage Stamp Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch, 1" Square Punch, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired)

Bye for now,

Tina

Jamuary Thank You Cards

2012-02-12T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Today I have for you the cards I made as a thank you to the customers who ordered from me in January. Lots of Sale-A Bration products have been earned for free, so I decided to use some and provide a little bit of inspiration for my customers.

I used some of the DSP, Brads and Ribbon to create cute little square cards.

On the inside I used one of the stamp sets you can earn for free during Sale-A-Bration.

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB), Artistic Etchings
Ink: Peach Parfait
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB), Lucky Limeade, Peach Parfait, Very Vanilla
Other: Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad (SAB), Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI #104: Just Add Back To School

2012-02-10T00:01:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I'm still pinching myself that I am on the JAI Design Team! The first of the cardmaking challenges that I'm creating for has a back to school theme. I'm pretty sure all school aged children are back at school by now - mine have been back for 2 weeks! The first thing I thought of when I saw the theme of this challenge was the parents. I recently heard the term "Cheers and Tears", that refers to parents either celebrating or crying over their children starting school. Which camp did you fall into?

I thought this would be a great gift idea for anyone with a child starting school. I made a wine bottle tag with a little box for an extra surprise at the bottom.

There's plenty of room on the tag to write a message to the recipient. And in the box there's some Hershey's Kisses Chocolates.

Why don't you pop on over to the Just Add Ink blog and see what the other Design Team members have come up with for this week's challenge? I'm sure you'll find something to inspire you.

Stamps: Fresh Vintage (SAB), Topsy-Turvey Celebration
Ink: Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB), Poppy Parade, Whisper White
Other: 1 3/4", 1 1/4" and 1" Circle Punches, Basic Jewel Rhinestones

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI Scrapbooking Challenge #2: Just Add Holiday Photos

2012-02-04T23:33:00.000+10:30

Hi!

How exciting - it's my first post as a member of the Just Add Ink Scrapbook Design Team! February's challenge is to add holiday photos to your layout. They layout I have for you today was actually part of my application for the JAI team and I was delighted to find out that it fit into the new challenge, so I was able to start my DT work right away.

I took the photo of my daughter Ada when we were on holidays in October 2011. Yes October - and my crazy children decide to go swimming at the beach! It was a lovely day, but not warm enough to tempt me to go into the ocean.

I used the Creative Elements stamp set on my layout. One of my favourite things to do with this set is to colour the flourish stamp. It's time consuming, but the end result is worth it.

The scallops at the bottom were made using the Round Tab punch. I like the flatter scallops it creates. I just covered the joins with Basic Jewel Rhinestones.

I hope you can find the time to play along with us at Just Add Ink this month. What a great opportunity to scrap some school holiday photos while the memories are still fresh. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Stamps: Creative Elements
Ink: Melon Mambo, Concord Crush
DSP/Cardstock: Cheerful Treat DSP (hostess), Melon Mambo, Concord Crush, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alpha Dies, Paper Snips, Colour Spritzer, Round Tab Punch, Basic Jewel Rhinestones

Bye for now,

Tina

Some Exciting News!

2012-02-04T09:00:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I received the most wonderful news yesterday, and felt like I was walking around with a ray of sunshine beaming down, just for me, all day. You see, I had applied to join the team at Just Add Ink and found out that I was successful in my application! I will now be joining the team at Just Add Ink as the newest member of their Scrapbooking Team. How exciting!

So, on the first Sunday of the month I will be posting a new layout that will hopefully inspire you to get scrapping! You can enter the challenges even if you don't have a blog. Just email me a photo of your layout and I will make sure it gets entered into the challenge.

You can see the announcement of the full new design team on the Just Add Ink blog. I am so thrilled to be joining the team!

Bye for now,

Tina

Teacher's Gifts from Christmas 2011

2012-01-30T20:49:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I was looking through my 'To Blog' folder and realised I hadn't shown you the teacher's gifts I made for my kids to give to their teachers. I think I made 15 in all! I have 3 to show you today, all made using Flirtatious SDSP. The others were made using retired DSP and by the time I made the other 12 I was totally over them, so I didn't take any more photos. lol

I got the idea for them off another demonstrator on a Demonstrator only forum. Aren't they cute little boxes? I filled them with chocolates for the teachers.

DSP: Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Wisteria Wonder, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo
Other: Big Shot, Petal Cone Bigz Die, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon (retired)

Bye for now,

Tina

Summer Mini Catalogue Blog Hop

2012-01-28T06:00:00.045+10:30

Hi!

Welcome to another casual little blog hop. A group of my fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators and I like to do a monthly blog hop to help our readers with some inspiration. Di Dunk's blog was the stop before mine, but you can hop on and off wherever you'd like. There are 7 blogs to look at - can you think of a better way to start a Saturday morning?
I have two cards for you today, both made with the Marry Me stamp set, which you can find on page 21 of the Summer Mini Catalogue. I call the first one the 'City Wedding Card', as I think it has a very urban feel, especially compared to my second card.

I had to hold this one closed to photograph it due to the odd shape of the front. The card is only a half card on the front, with the overlapping image. The inside of the card shows through to the front when it is closed flat. This was my first play with the Mocha Morning Specialty DSP. I love all the neutrals in it and thought it would look quite classy on a wedding card.

I stamped off the En Francais stamp once before stamping on the cardstock. The full strength Crumb Cake ink competed too much with the DSP on the front so it needed to be toned down a little. It was a bit tricky lining up the inside parts so the 'right' bits showed at the front, but the effort was worth it.

My second card I call my 'Country Wedding Card'. It's such a contrast to the other card! I used the lovely Beau Chateau DSP on this one. The Marina Mist blue with the Very Vanilla remind me of milk jugs and cream pots.

The main image was a little stark stamped on the Very Vanilla, so I spritzed over the top with my Colour Spritzer and Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker. Looking at it now though, I probably should add a pearl to the little butterfly tucked in above the sentiment.

The inside was finished off to match the outside. I used the gorgeous Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon on both the inside and outside of the card. It is so soft and smooth and adds a lovely texture to the card. You can find the ribbon on page 11 of the Summer Mini Catalogue.

City Card
Stamps: Marry Me, En Francais
Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black
DSP/Cardstock: Mocha Morning Specialty DSP, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Other: Lace Ribbon Border Punch

Country Card
Stamps: Marry Me
Ink: Marina Mist, Crumb Cake
DSP/Cardstock: Beau Chateau DSP, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon, Basic Jewels Pearls, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Sponge Dauber, Colour Spritzer, Circle Cutter, Dimensionals

If you'd like to continue the Blog Hop and see some more amazing projects, then please hop on over to Nikki Sadler's blog. Please take a minute to leave a comment before you go. It's easy to do, and I'd love to know what you think of my cards.

Bye for now,

Tina

Blog Hop Participants:
Nikki Sadler
Kathryn Mangelsdorf
Sue Madex
Alisha Watson
Kathryn Ruddick
Di Dunk

Just Add Kathy Tanner!

2012-01-27T17:02:00.001+10:30

Hi!
I decided to spend the last official day of the school holidays at my craft desk and my first stop for a challenge was Just Add Ink. Their new challenge is a CASE challenge, this time it's Kathy Tanner. So off I went to her blog and after quite a bit of scrolling through her gorgeous cards I selected this card to CASE.

So as you can see my card turned out just a smidgeon differently to Kathy's card! I started off with the round main panel, just like she did. I brayered Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder and Lucky Limeade onto the cardstock and then heat embossed the Eiffel Tower and sentiment over the top. I matted the panel on a larger Basic Black circle and then decided to matt it again on a larger shape, like Kathy's. I chose a different shape though.

I tried the ribbon at the top of the card as Kathy had placed hers there but it just didn't work so along the bottom it went! Kathy also stamped her sentiment at the bottom of her large matt but I chose to stamp the stamp to match the DSP there instead. It fits into the shape of the large matt perfectly!

The inside used mostly the same elements as the outside. And what do you do when you stuff up the stamping? You use your blender pen and some Lucky Limeade ink to create some shrubs around the bottom of the Eiffel Tower!

EDITED: Seems I stuffed up when I made the card and used Not Quite Navy cardstock instead of Island Indigo! Just goes to show that you should tidy up your craft space in between projects!

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, A Word For You
Ink: Basic Black, Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade
DSP/Cardstock: In Colour Patterns DSP, Island Indigo, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Labels Die (non SU), Basic Black Satin Ribbon, White Baker's Twine, Black Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Blender Pen, Circle Cutter
Bye for now,

Tina

Festive Friday Challenge #3

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Welcome to the third of Nicole Derendorf's Festive Friday Challenges. This week is our first round of Christmas Cards. I'm so pleased to be on the Design Team because it gives me a kick start on my Christmas cards for the year. No more mad rush in November (or December!). If you play along too you could get a good head start on the task.

I love it when you can make a card and let the DSP to all the 'talking'. Some days I just can't be bothered getting out my stamps and ink pads, and so cards like today's are perfect for such occasions.

In the end I did get out one stamp and one inkpad for the inside!

Stamps: Curly Cute
Ink: Old Olive
DSP/Cardstock: Letters to Santa, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Whisper White, Red Glimmer Paper
Other: Ornament Punch, Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine, Dimensionals

Why don't you pop on over to Nicole's blog and see what the rest of the Design Team have made to inspire you. I hope you can play along with us.

Bye for now,

Tina

Sale-A-Bration is here!

2012-01-25T12:02:00.000+10:30

Yipee!

My favourite time of the Stampin' Up! year has begun - Sale-A-Bration!

Click on the image of the catalogue to take you to the Stampin' Up! information page, and also to download a copy of the catalogue.

The best things about Sale-A-Bration in a nutshell are:

You get FREE stamps for every $100 you spend on our fabulous products.
For the first time in Australia you can choose a DSP pack or a ribbons and brads pack instead of a stamp set - absolutely FREE with a $100 spend.
There's no limits! If you spend $300 you get to choose three FREE SAB items, AND you also qualify for hostess benefits. That's another $50 to spend on FREE products from the IB&C.
If you host a workshop during SAB you can also earn FREE SAB products depending on your workshop sales.
If you choose to join my team during SAB you can choose a FREE stamp set from any current catalogue. The starter kit has been reduced to $249 during SAB. The kit is worth approximately $610. Bargain!

If you'd like to find out more or place an order and earn some gorgeous FREE products, please email me on happy.mum@hotmail.com. I'd love to hear from you.

I"ll leave you with a card I made using the gorgeous Everyday Enchantment DSP, one of your choices during SAB.

The central medallion was made by trimming the Pool Party Decorative Label punchie and layering it on two Soft Suede Punchies. The image was fussy cut from a sheet of the DSP.

I used two of the brads from the ribbon and brad pack on the card. I love the cute little designs that coordinate perfectly with the DSP and stamp sets.

Stamps: Well Scripted (retired)
Ink: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB), Pool Party, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Other: Decorative Label Punch, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Everyday Enchantment Brads (SAB), Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Bye for now,

Tina

Domestic Goddess

2012-01-23T15:51:00.000+10:30

Hi!
Sadly I am not the Domestic Goddess of this blog post, rather it is some DSP from Stampin' Up! I used it on a card to enter in the latest challenge at Just Add Ink. It's a cute little sketch, which was perfect for a cute little card.

This card actually started with the flower, and I built the rest of the card around it. Instead of using water to wet the cardstock I used Shimmer Paint mixed with Isocol which works just as well and has the added bonus of producing a shimmery flower.

I took a few liberties with the sketch and added a cute little bow in some absolutely sunshiny-fabulous Daffodil Delight Satin ribbon. There's nothing like a bright yellow bow to bring a smile to your face!

A piece of matching DSP on the inside, and a bit more Daffodil Delight ribbon (1/8" Taffeta this time!) and it's done.

Stamps: It's Your Day

Ink: Pool Party

DSP/Cardstock: Domestic Goddess DSP, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party

Other: Big Shot, Scallop Squares Duo Die, Fancy Flower Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon (retired), 1/8" Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, In Colour Designer Printed Brad, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint/Isocol mix

Bye for now,

Tina

A Simple Birthday Card

2012-01-21T13:40:00.000+10:30

Hi!

The card I have for you today was made on commission for a female adult birthday. I made it a little while ago, when I first discovered Joanne Leddy's flower tutorial.

Hmm, the pink is showing up quite dark in this photo, it is actually Blushing Bride!

Aren't those flowers gorgeous? With a statement embellishment like it on a card you don't need too much else on the front. A Glimmer Brad adds a little touch of bling.

A nice simple inside to finish off the card.

Stamps: Marry Me, Just Believe, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Blushing Bride
DSP/Cardstock: Blushing Bride Patterns DSP, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla
Other: Fancy Flower Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Decorative Label Punch, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Blushing Bride Glimmer Brad, Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber, Mini Mister bottle (non-SU)

Bye for now,

Tina

Blossom Bouquet Birthday Card

2012-01-18T20:20:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Today I have a card for you that I made quite a while ago. I made it for my Mother-In-Law's birthday in November! I was looking through my 'To Blog' folder and realised I hadn't blogged it way back then, so here it is now.

I love the cute floral design using the Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer punch. I saw this card on Jenny Hayward's blog and used it as inspiration for mine. Here's a closer look at the punched flowers:

I used another punchie on the inside.

I used a negative of the punchie, with a punchie in the middle. Doesn't it add a cute touch to the inside?

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Versamark
DSP/Cardstock: In Colour Patterns Stack DSP, Wisteria Wonder, Lucky Limeade, Very Vanilla
Other: Blossom Bouquet Triple Layer Punch, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Very Vanilla Brads, Very Vanilla Flower Brad, Silver Embossing Powder

Bye for now,

Tina

A Distressing Need For Speed

2012-01-16T17:49:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I have been playing a lot with my new Distressing Essentials kit lately. This card was made for a male friend, so I paired the Mahogany Distressing ink with Well Worn DSP to create a card.

I love how I managed to get the distressing on the stamped image to match the distressing on the DSP.

I used a few scraps of Denim Ribbon and DSP from the front of the card to create a little feature on the inside.

Stamps: Need For Speed, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess)
Ink: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Mahogany Distressing Ink
DSP/Cardstock: Well Worn DSP, Early Espresso, More Mustard, Whisper White
Other: Artichoke Denim Ribbon, Paper Snips, Blender Pen, Dimensionals, Distressing Essentials Kit, Sponge Dauber

Bye for now,

Tina

Festive Friday Challenge #1

2012-01-13T08:00:00.012+10:30

Hi!

I'm so excited to be a part of a brand new Design Team! Nicole Derendorf has started a new Festive Friday Challenge on her blog and I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of the Design Team. The focus of the Challenges is going to be Festive cards, hence the title of the Challenges! Most of the year we will concentrate on Christmas cards, but occasionally there will be a different theme. We are starting off with Valentine's Day cards.

I'm not one for elaborate Valentine's Day celebrations, so I kept my card quite simple. I love that I can make a simple card, but that the Shimmer Paper makes it something quite special.

To emphasise the heart and the sentiment I scored 2 lines above and below them at 1/8" apart. It's a small touch, but it helps to keep the eye on the main elements of the card rather than wandering around in all that white space.

The inside is quite simple too. Lots of space to write a heartfelt message of love!

Stamps: Clearly For You, Marry Me
Ink: Real Red
Cardstock: Silver Shimmer Paper, Red Shimmer Paper, Confetti White
Other: Heart to Heart Punch, Dimensionals, Scoring Tool

I can't wait to see what you come up with for the very first Festive Friday Challenge. Are you a clean and simple cardmaker like me? Or do you go for the other end of the scale and go all out? Either way, I'm sure it will be fabulous and I'm going to love checking out all the creations. Head on over to Nicole's blog to see what the other Design Team members have made and to link up your card.

Bye for now,

Tina

An Enchanting Birthday

2012-01-11T22:59:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I'm back with another look at the soon to be available Sale-A-Bration DSP, Everyday Enchantment.

Are you drooling over those papers as much as I am? They are so pretty!

The very clever Kirsty Brown demonstrated these double butterflies for us at Stampin' Up!'s annual Convention in Melbourne last year. This was my first go at trying one. They aren't too difficult, it's all in the positioning.

A nice, simple inside to finish the card off.

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Crumb Cake, Versamark
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment (SAB), Very Vanilla, Peach Parfait, Pool Party
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, White Embossing Powder, Everyday Enchantment Calypso Coral Organdy Ribbon (SAB), Sponge Dauber, Heat Tool

I hope you can pop back on Friday. I was invited to be a part of the Design Team for a new challenge called Festive Friday and run by Nicole Derendorf. The first ever Festive Friday Challenge and my first Design Team submission for the challenge will be posted. I'd love for you to take part in the challenges - it will be a good way to get a head start on your Christmas cards for 2012!

Bye for now,

Tina

December Thank You Tags

2012-01-09T09:32:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I always like to make a little thank you for my customers who place an order. Last month I decided to make a little tag using the Designer Frames Embossing Folders.

I trimmed the Island Indigo cardstock into a tag shape and then ran it through the Big Shot in the Embossing folder. I then cut an insert to size and attached the butterfly.

I didn't photograph the back as I'd already written on all the tags. I adhered a Decorative Label punchie with just a little bit of adhesive so that the customer could remove the punchie and reuse the tag.

Stamps: Trendy Trees
Ink: Island Indigo
DSP/Cardstock: In Colour Pattern Stack DSP, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight
Other: Big Shot, Designer Frames Embossing Folders, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, White Baker's Twine

Bye for now,

Tina

Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek

2012-01-06T15:49:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I'm entering another challenge today from the Sunny Challenges and Creations blog. The challenge is anything BUT Christmas. So I made a birthday card that is on it's way to a friend for her birthday.

I went a bit all out with my new Distressing Essentials Kit on this one! I stamped the Eiffel Tower in Early Espresso ink on Very Vanilla cardstock, then used the Tea Stain distressing ink over the top. I blended it a little with my Aqua painter and then scrunched the panel and went over the top again with more Tea Stain ink. When it had dried I distressed the edges with a file.

The crown and the key got a similar treatment, but no scrunching. I love the loopy bows that can be created with this super fine ribbon.

Some more Tea Stain Distressing ink on the inside!

Stamps: Artistic Etchings, Well Scripted
Ink: Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Tea Stain Distress Ink
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB), Very Vanilla, Early Espresso
Other: Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad (SAB), Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Distressing Essentials Kit, Sponge Dauber, Glitter Glue (non SU!)

Bye for now,

Tina

Distressed Doilies

2012-01-05T15:34:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I decided to kick start off the New Year with a few challenges. One of the ones I looked at was Unscripted Sketches. It's been a while since I've played along with them, life just gets too busy sometimes!

I quite liked the sketch this week, but I don't think I followed it completely. Instead of a solid block at the bottom I chose to stamp my sentiment on vellum and fold it around the layer to attach it to the card. For the stamped panel I took some Pink Pirouette, stamped it with the doilies in Soft Suede and then distressed the panel with Tea Stain ink from my new Distressing Essentials kit. I think I need a little more practice with the distressing, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

More distressing on the inside, but more of a halo around the edges so there is plenty of room to write my message to the recipient.

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Soft Suede, Tea Stain (from the Distressing Essentials kit)
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Vellum
Other: Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Jewels Pearls, Dimensionals, Distressing Ink Applicator, Paper Snips

Bye for now,

Tina

Some Digital Scrapping

2012-01-04T22:46:00.000+10:30

Hi!

If you're on FaceBook and like Stampin' Up! you may already know that when they got to 100 000 likers they decided to do something special. I was very excited to find out it was a FREE set of digital downloads. I was even more excited when I read that you can use them in any photo editing software. I downloaded them straight away. The set is called Day In The Life, and it's just gorgeous. 12 different Designer Series Papers, a heap of coordinating embellishments and a tonne of brushes. But you need to be quick, you only have a few days to download them before they are gone. I had a little play tonight and threw this layout together in Photoshop in about 45 minutes. I can't wait to play some more!

I'm very excited to be finally able to scrap digitally using some Stampin' Up! products. Here's hoping we get My Digital Studio very soon!

If you aren't sure how to use these products and you live locally to me in Adelaide, go and download them before time runs out and then let's set up a time for me to show you how to use them. I'd love to share my excitement.

Bye for now,

Tina

Just Add Ink Scrapbook Challenge #1

2012-01-03T21:20:00.000+10:30

Hi!

After my sprint to the finish of 100 layouts in 2011 I was expecting to have a bit of a rest from scrapbooking for a couple of weeks at least. Then JAI started doing scrapbooking challenges! The first challenge is to scrap about firsts, so I chose a photo of my eldest son's first Christmas.

The photo is very green, so I decided to go very neutral for the layout with just a few little splashes of colour. I chose Sahara Sand and stamped in the same ink to keep it subtle.

The flowers are paper ones I had in my stash from before I was a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. I used a Basics Glimmer Brad for each of the centres.

The title is a combination of a few different rub on packs I had in my stash, also from my pre-demo days.

Stamps: Snow Swirled
Ink: Sahara Sand
DSP/Cardstock: Beau Chateau DSP, Letters To Santa DSP, Sahara Sand
Other: Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Basics Glimmer Brads, Sponge Dauber, Rub-Ons (non SU) and Paper Flowers (non SU)

Bye for now,

Tina

Just Add Ink 99: Just Add Fancy Packaging

2012-01-02T14:36:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year. I love the New Year - the new beginnings and new opportunities that await are endless! I thought I'd start off the New Year by entering the latest challenge at Just Add Ink, which is to Just Add Fancy Packaging.

I decided to sew a project tote, which at the moment is the fancy packaging for my unfinished projects. When I no longer have any UFO's (yeah right!) this will become the home for my mini albums. Here's a look at the inside.

I have already made one of these totes, which you can see the post for here. You'll find the link for the pattern in the previous post. In that post I mentioned I wanted to try doubling the measurements, which I did for this newest tote. Here's the two together for a comparison in size.

I'll be making some more of these when I have some time. They are so cute and so very useful!

Bye for now,

Tina

Layout 100: play

2011-12-31T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Or maybe I should be saying Woo Hoo! I made it to 100 layouts! Here it is:

It's a bit different to what I'd normally do, but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. I don't like the Paisley Petals DSP at all, but I think they suited this double layout well.

The photos are of Hudson and are a sequence I took in October. I didn't think much of the photos until I laid them out in order and realised they reflected his personality so much. I wrote about it in the journalling:

I love how this sequence of photos of you playing in the surf at Lady Bay so perfectly capture your personality. You may need a little help getting to where you want to go, but once you're there you live life to the fullest. You may get knocked over, but you just pick yourself up and get on with things. And when bigger waves come, you know we're there for you. I love your joy and your determination Hudson.

You can see all the expressions in his face - the uncertainty, the joy, the fear and finally, the determination. He's one special little man!

Ink: Always Artichoke
DSP/Cardstock: Paisley Petals DSP, River Rock, Always Artichoke, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alpha Dies, White Baker's Twine, 1/16" Circle Punch

Thanks so much for following my little blog in 2011. I hope you've enjoyed my cards and my scrapping and found a little bit of inspiration somewhere along the way. I wish you all a happy and creative 2012 and look forward to reading your comments and visiting your blogs in 2012.

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 99: Up On Daddy's Shoulders

2011-12-30T06:30:00.001+10:30

Hi!

I wanted to scrap some gorgeous photos of Rob and Hudson on the beach. We'd taken the kids for a walk on the beach a couple of weeks ago. We thought it was too cold for a swim, but the kids had other ideas! Rob had Hudson up on his shoulders while we walked. The beach is no place for a stroller! I had been taking photos of the kids in the water, and then just happened to turn around and snap a few of Rob and Hudson. They are some of my favourite photos from that walk on the beach.

Isn't that an awesome quote to go with the photos? I did a quick google search for daddy's shoulders quotes and found this one. It's actually the title of a children's book by Matt Berry. It took me forever to cut out, but the end result was worth the effort.

I love that look of sheer happiness on Hudson's face!

Ink: Real Red and Pacific Point Stampin' Write Markers
DSP/Cardstock: First Edition Specialty DSP, Real Red, Pacific Point, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Large Star Punch (retired)

Tomorrow I have my 100th layout for 2011 to show you. I'm thrilled that I met my target for the year, and I actually made it a few days early, as I completed the layout on the 27th. Hmmm, I wonder what goals I should set for myself in 2012?

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 98: At The Beach

2011-12-30T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Oops, this layout published early - I hit the wrong button! It just means the numbers are out of order. I'll have layout 99 on the 30th and 100 on the 31st.

I realised recently that I don't take as many photos of Alex as I do of Hudson and Ada. They tend to play up to the camera, but Alex's autism means he doesn't like looking at the camera. I have a heap of photos of him looking off to the side, but very few of him looking directly at the camera. This means I usually have to catch him by surprise to get him looking. The photos I scrapped on this layout were ones I caught using this method. I love them - they are the best I have taken of Alex for ages.

Once again I am using the Everyday Enchantment DSP that will be one of the Sale-A Bration offerings. I love that even though the DSP is quite pretty and girly, it doesn't look out of place on a masculine, beachy layout.

I used some of the Blue Denim Jean Ribbon and some Linen Thread to keep the layout masculine.

Ink: Crumb Cake
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB), Crumb Cake 12 x 12 Textured, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letter Alpha Dies, Blue Denim Jean Ribbon, Linen Thread, Sponge Dauber, Alpha Rub Ons (non SU!)

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 97: Tooth Fairy

2011-12-29T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Wow, only 3 more layouts after this one 'til I hit 100! Today's layout shows my daughter Ada and her first two missing teeth.

It's been a while since I used any of the Flirtatious Specialty DSP, so I decided to take a break from the Sale-A-Bration DSP and use some of it for Ada's layout. She loves the pretty patterned paper.

Ink: Melon Mambo Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Daffodil Delight, Pretty In Pink
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Daffodil Delight Brads, Daffodil Delight 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (retired), Whisper White 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon (retired), White Baker's Twine, Tag Punch (non SU!)

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 96: baby face

2011-12-28T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

I love the photo of Hudson on today's layout. I took it in October, about a month after he turned 4. The photo also makes me a little sad. He has such a chubby, baby face in the photo that seems to have disappeared ever since. It was his last 'baby face' photo, and a reminder that he's becoming a little boy. My baby is growing up!

I wanted to keep the photo as the focal part of the layout, so I went very minimal with everything else.

I used more of the DSP and a brad that is a part of the Sale-A-Bration offerings. I used the DSP to cover some chipboard swirls from my stash. It took a while to do, but I love the end result!

Ink: Soft Suede, Versamark
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP, Poppy Parade Textured 12 x 12, Poppy Parade
Other: Everyday Enchantment Brad, Chipboard Swirls and Alphabet (from my stash), White Embossing Powder, Distressing Essentials Kit Files, Sanding Block, Sponge Dauber, Tombow Adhesive

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 95: woteva

2011-12-27T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Today I have a little sneak peek of some of the upcoming Sale-A-Bration products. This year Stampin' Up! are offering a choice of not only 4 stamp sets, but also a DSP pack and a brads and ribbon pack. My layout features the papers and embellishments.

Aren't those papers gorgeous!

In the photo above you can see a bit of one of the ribbons and a brad from the embellishment pack you can choose with a purchase of $100.

I used some more of the ribbon to create a body and antennae of the butterfly.

I used more of the ribbon to create a multi looped bow for the layout.

Ink: Soft Suede, Poppy Parade, Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spray
Stamps: Artistic Etchings
DSP/Cardstock: Everyday Enchantment DSP (SAB), Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alpha Dies, Beautiful Butterflies Die, Scallop Circle Punches, Circle Punches, Everyday Enchantment Ribbon and Brad (SAB), Mini Glue Dots, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Sponge Dauber, Paper Snips

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 94: November

2011-12-26T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

I'm edging ever closer to 100 layouts! Here's a look at November's monthly double.

In Adelaide it is traditional to put the Christmas tree up on Pageant weekend, which is mid November, hence all the Christmas photos. November was a busy month for us, so it was hard to cull all the photos!

Ink: Concord Crush Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Cheerful Treat DSP (hostess), Concord Crush, Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Circle Punches

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 93: October

2011-12-25T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Merry Christmas! I hope you are all having a wonderful day with your nearest and dearest. I've scheduled this post so I can keep up with my goal of 100 layouts by the end of the year without having to blog on Christmas Day. Today I have my October summary layout for you.

Look - there's my favourite photo again! lol

I have quite liked doing these monthly summary layouts and I'm going to continue them into 2012. They are much more manageable than the weekly 8x8 layouts I did in 2010!

Ink: Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Berry Blossoms DSP, In Colour Patterns Stack DSP, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 92: run run run!

2011-12-24T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Are you liking the scrapbooking? I'm still racing to meet my 100 layouts deadline, but I think I can do it! Today I have a layout using the Frightful Sight DSP for a non-Halloween project.

You've already seen this photo a few times - it's one of my favourite family photos from this year. This layout tells the story behind the photo. We were in the middle of nowhere and decided to take a photo using the timer on our camera. We set up at one picnic table and I took the camera to the other table, which was far away. I had just enough time to run back to the family before the timer ran out. I didn't find out 'til later that Rob was taking pictures of me running back! Let's just say I'm not much of a runner!

I used the brads to cover up a tear on the circle journalling spot. What's the saying - there's no mistakes, just creative opportunities!

Ink: Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Frightful Sight DSP, Cherry Cobbler 12 x 12 Textured, Old Olive, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alpha Dies, Simple Letters Dies, Corner Rounder Punch, Flower Brads, Sanding Block, Circle Cutter

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 91: Fun at the beach

2011-12-23T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Today's layout is the final of my digital layouts (for now!), but the second one I made. This one was made completely from scratch. I wanted to have a really good play around with some of the features of the software.

I had lots of fun with digital stamps, punches, brads and drop shadows. I hope Stampin' Up! bring My Digital Studio to Australia soon!

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 90: So Happy Together

2011-12-22T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Today I have the first of the My Digital Studio layouts I completed. I chose to make a predesigned layout so I could get a bit of a feel for the program. All I had to do was drop the photo in place and add my journalling. Easy!

All the hard work was done for me. Remember, My Digital Studio is not avaliable in Australia, so if you want to get it here you need to let Stampin' Up! know about it!

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 88 and 89: Calendar Front Pages

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

I was lucky enough recently to go and visit a fellow demonstrator who has the digital software from Stampin' Up called My Digital Studio. It isn't available in Australia (yet!) unfortunately. I had a play around and made 4 different layouts. The two I am showing you today were actually the last two I made, they are both the same, just the colour and the year changed. They are going to be used as the title pages for my monthly layout album - one for 2011 and the second for 2012.

They were quite easy to make, and once I'd done the first I just cut and paste to make the second!

If you're keen to get access to My Digital Studio you need to email Stampin' Up! and let them know just how much you'd love to have it. I certainly will be!

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 87: Naughty or Nice

2011-12-20T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

I was very organised this year and made my Santa photo layout before I had the Santa photo. You can see the layout here. Well, I guess karma decided to have a bit of a laugh because when we went to have the photo taken, we couldn't get it done at our usual place. So off we went to the next place and had the photo taken. It wasn't until later that I realised I'd scrapped for a portrait oriented photo and I had a landscape oriented photo in my hands. Sigh. It just shows that some things are best left 'til the last minute!

I used the Letters To Santa DSP on my layout. I cut out a heap of words and phrases and then couldn't decide on how to include them on my layout. I eventually noticed that they were all different lengths and so I arranged them in a Christmas tree shape.

Look at those children - butter wouldn't melt in their mouths!

Ink: Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Letters To Santa DSP, Old Olive 12 x 12 textured, Red Glimmer Paper
Other: Postage Stamp Punch, Small Star Punch (retired), Paper Snips, Paper Doily (non SU!)

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 86: tag!

2011-12-19T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

My eldest son Alex went to a birthday party way back in April at a laser tag centre. I've had these photos sitting on my desk since then, waiting for inspiration to hit me. Finally it did, so I was able to scrap them.

Would you believe my inspiration was bubble wrap? I used some of it to stamp the background!

I simply used my brayer and some Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint to 'ink' the bubble wrap, and then stamped the cardstock. So easy, and yet so effective! I like the rough look of it - not every bubble stamped perfectly.

Don't adjust your screens! The above photo is meant to be sideways so you can see the journalling. I was stuck on how to add the journalling because I didn't want it to stand out too much. In the end I decided to try more of the Shimmer Paint with my blender pen. It was a bit tedious having to reink the pen so often, but I think the effort was worth it, as I got the look I was after! You can see I sanded the edges of the photos to give them a border.

Stamps: Bubble Wrap
Ink: Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint
Cardstock: Basic Black
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alphabet Dies, Brayer, Sanding Block, Blender Pen

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 85: September

2011-12-18T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Today I have the last (for now) in my monthly double layouts. I haven't yet printed the photos for October, November or December, but I think I will need to do that before Christmas so I can try to finish my 100 layouts.

This layout uses some of my favourite papers from the Big Top Birthday pack. It's so bright and cheerful!

Ink: Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Big Top Birthday DSP, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alphabet Dies, Bird Builder Punch

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 84: August

2011-12-17T00:18:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Here's yet another of my monthly double layouts. August is a busy month, as both Rob and I have our birthdays in August. We also took a trip back home for a wedding and to see my family. My wonderful family looked after the children for the weekend so that Rob and I could attend the wedding.

The kids also had Grandparent's Day at school and a few playdates.

I made this layout after I'd made a few boxes using the Petal Cone Die. The flags around the title are some of the leftover pieces from the die cuts. I just wound some Baker's Twine around them and tied a bow.

Ink: Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Just Add Cake DSP, Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Tasteful Trims Die, Petal Cone Die, White Baker's Twine

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 83: July

2011-12-16T08:34:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Here's another of my monthly double layouts. This one is for July, which is Ada's birthday month.

I replicated the circular theme in the DSP on my layout by cutting four large circles and placing them on the pages.

I used my white signo gel pen to create faux stitching around the whole layout. It didn't look quite finished until I added the stitching. I also drew around the letters in the title - my hand was a little wobbly that day!

I broke the faux stitching lines to include a bit of journalling about each of the photos.

Ink: White Signo Gel Pen
DSP/Cardstock: Berry Blossoms DSP, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alphabet Dies, Circle Cutter

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 82: Fire Station Visit

2011-12-15T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Today I have some digital scrapping for you. I haven't done much digital scrapping, but I found these free templates on the Creating Keepsakes site and I had to have a go. They are pretty easy to use if you have a bit of an understanding of PhotoShop.

Hudson's playgroup went to visit a firestation, and these are some of the photos from the morning. The layout took me all of 10 minutes to do. I think I like the digital, but it will never replace traditional scrapping for me!

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 81: June

2011-12-14T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Here's another double layout in my monthly summary series. It's June, which was a bit of a quiet month for us.

I used a sheet of the Well Worn DSP and matching More Mustard cardstock. I just trimmed the DSP by hand along the zig zag created by the pattern in the paper.

The title was cut using the Timeless Type Alphabet dies, I just cut off the serifs for a different look. I also covered the letters in a layer of Crystal Effects.

While I had the Crystal Effects out I also placed a small dot at the intersection of each of the lines in the DSP. You might be able to see it in the photo above.

Ink: Not Quite Navy, More Mustard
DSP/Cardstock: Well Worn DSP, More Mustard, Cajun Craze
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Paper Snips, Sponge Daubers, Crystal Effects

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 80: May

2011-12-13T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

One of the tasks I set for my scrapbooking this year was to create a double layout for each month, just a snippet of the things that we did that month. This layout is the one I created for May.

Each month I choose a favourite photo and print that full sized, and the rest I print at quarter size. The white blobs are erased faces for privacy.

After I die cut the word May I ran it through the Big Shot again in the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder. I thought it suited the papers I chose for the layout, just a little bit playful. You may be able to see the embossing in the photo above.

Ink: Lucky Limeade Stampin' Write Marker
DSP/Cardstock: Cheerful Treat (Hostess), Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alpha Dies, Petal Cone Die, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Itty Bitty Punch, Circle Punch

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 79: The Boy In The Box

2011-12-12T13:17:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Waaaaaayyyyy back in January I challenged myself to complete 100 layouts in 2011. I was going really well until November got swallowed into a black hole of sickness. So here I am, mid way through December, and I'm up to layout 79. Not too bad considering, but I still want to complete my challenge. You're going to be seeing a lot of layouts before the end of the year!

This layout has been floating around on my desk half finished for about 2 months. I had the DSP and the photos stick down, but I just couldn't finish it. I think I was stuck on a title. I eventually settled on The Boy In The Box for the title and then the rest of the layout was easy to finish. It's so frustrating getting stuck on one little detail like that!

I got out an old favourite stamp set for this layout - Baroque Motifs. It was one of the very first stamp sets I purchased, but it hasn't seen much ink lately. I love the way the textured cardstock has an effect on the image. I was after this rough kind of look and it worked perfectly!

The shape of the DSP came from a piece of paper I had in my stash. I just traced it onto the DSP and hand cut it out. I liked the curves in the paper and how they offset the angular photos and title.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Ink: Basic Black
DSP: First Edition Speciality DSP, Real Red Textured 12 x 12, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Real Red
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alpha Dies, Decorative Label Punch, Spiral Border Punch (retired), Small Alpha Stickers (non SU)

Catch you later,

Tina

Grand Big Top Birthday!

2011-12-10T16:05:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Do you have your sunnies on? No? Well, go get them then! Today's card is bright. Very bright!

I combined the Big Top Birthday DSP with the Hostess stamp set Ain't Love Grand for this card. It was made for my neighbour who recently celebrated a birthday.

I love the Big Top Birthday DSP. It's so bright and cheerful! I didn't have the Pacific Point star on the card to start with, but I felt like the Baker's Twine was getting a bit 'lost' in amongst all the stars on the DSP. The star punchie was a quick and easy way to give the twine a boost.

I stamped the marching man in Basic Black ink and then coloured him using my Blender Pen and coordinating ink colours.

For the inside I reached for the star punch again. This time I punched through the Whisper White layer so that you can see the Real Red layer through the hole made by the punch. Sadly, the star punches have been retired by Stampin' Up!, but you could just as easily use any of the punches we stock to get a similar effect.

Stamps: Ain't Love Grand (hostess), Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Basic Black, Real Red, Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight
DSP/Cardstock: Big Top Birthday DSP, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die, White Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, Blender Pen, Large Star Punch (retired)

Catch you later,

Tina

Meeting Shelli

2011-12-08T09:33:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Today I have a layout featured on Stamp A Memory. It records the evening when I met Shelli Gardner, the founder and CEO of Stampin' Up! at the annual Convention in May this year. Here's a little sneak peek:

I hope you can pop over and take a look at the whole layout. Click on the photo to take you there.

Catch you later,

Tina

Just Add Tania Gould!

2011-12-06T17:12:00.000+10:30

Hi!

The team at Just Add Ink have come up with a new challenge - to CASE a card from a selected Design Team member, in this case Tania Gould. So off I popped to look through her blog for inspiration, and boy did I find some! Tania is one very clever papercrafter. The card I finally settled on to CASE was this card. I loved the 3D flower she'd made, and since I wanted to have a go at a similar flower it was the perfect card to CASE. Here's my version.

I love these flowers, but a bit of forward planning is necessary to make them. You need to wet the cardstock, and so you have to wait for them to dry before you can use them on a project. You can find the tutorial for making them here on Joanne Leddy's blog.

A bit hard to see because it's stamped in Pink Pirouette, but the greeting is from Happiest Birthday Wishes.

Stamps: Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess), Perfect Punches
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Marina Mist
DSP/Cardstock: Beau Chateau DSP, Marina Mist, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Little Leaves Die, Lots Of Tags Die, Large Oval Punch, Fancy Flower Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Pink Circle Rhinestone Brad, Basic Jewels Pearl, Sponge Daubers

Catch you later,

Tina

Stamp A Memory December Challenge

2011-12-05T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Wow! I can't believe another month has flown by! I guess at this time of year time does seem to speed up and catch us out. The last month has certainly flown past in a blur for me.

Anyway, the challenge this month at Stamp A Memory is to scrap a layout that is inspired by this photo:

Can't you just imagine sitting down to Christmas lunch at a table like that? I took inspiration from a couple of different elements of the photo. Firstly, that's it Christmas, and secondly the colour scheme. Having said that though, I took a few liberties with the colours! Here's my layout:

I turned the colour scheme around. The inspiration photo is mostly white with a splash of green and gold. I changed this to be green with a splash of white and sliver. I'm much more of a silver person! The big white space is for this year's Santa photo. The plan was to have it done before now so that it could go on the layout but I have had a very sick household for the past month, so Santa photos just didn't happen yet. You'll just have to imagine one there for now!

The tree was inspired by a card made by the very clever Judy May. You can see her card here. It's a whole lot of circle punchies arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree and then popped up on Dimensionals. If you look closely you can see that some of the Glimmer circles are a little darker than the others. I coloured these punchies using my Lucky Limeade reinker. I saw this technique for colouring Sliver Glimmer paper on Mary Fish's blog. You can watch her video here.

The title of the layout was die cut out or more of the Silver Glimmer Paper. Can you tell how much I love this stuff? I'm almost half way through my first pack of it!

I hope you can find time to play along this month - take some time out from the craziness that is Christmas and find an hour or so to scrap a Christmas photo. You can find the challenge here, along with the rest of the design team entries.

Ink: Lucky Limeade reinker
Cardstock: Silver Glimmer Paper, Garden Green Textured 12 x 12, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alphabets Dies, White Baker's Twine, Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Sponge Dauber, Heat Tool, Circle Punches (Itty Bitty Circle, 1/2", 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8", 1 3/4"), Small Star Punch (retired)

Catch you later,

Tina

The Nicest Things Card

2011-12-04T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

I've been showing you a lot of male cards this week, so I thought I'd balance that out a bit by showing you a girly card I made for one of Ada's friends who was turning 6. She and Ada are very good friends, so I thought the main image from The Nicest Things stamp set would be perfect for the card.

I stamped it on some watercolour paper and coloured it using my inkpads and blender pen. It was a little while ago and I forgot to write down the colours at the time, so I can only guess at what I might have used.

I think that on the blonde girl I used So Saffron and More Mustard for her hair, Wisteria Wonder and So Saffron for her dress and Blushing Bride for the skin. On the Brunette I used More Mustard and Chocolate Chip for her hair, Lucky Limeade for her dress and More Mustard for her basket. The ground was Lucky Limeade and I think I used Rose Red for the apron and the flowers. It may be Melon Mambo though!

I wasn't entirely sure about the Lucky Limeade/So Saffron colour combo for the card, but in the end I like the softness of the colours.

Stamps: The Nicest Things, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Stazon, Versamark and the colours listed above
DSP/Cardstock: In Colour Lucky Limeade Patterns Stack, Lucky Limeade, So Saffron, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper
Other: Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Blender Pen, White Embossing Powder, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch, Sponge Dauber, Paper Snips

Tomorrow I have a new layout for you for the December Stamp A Memory challenge. I hope you can find a moment amongst the Christmas preparations to play along!

Catch you later,

Tina

Soccer Ball Birthday Card

2011-12-02T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Today's card is another male card, but this time for a 6 year old. The card was a commission and my brief was a birthday card for a six year old soccer mad boy. He is a big fan of the local Adelaide United team, so I was asked to include their colours.

I decided to make a soccer ball shaped card, and after a bit of googling to see how a soccer ball was constructed this is how it turned out. I used a hexagon punch to recreate the ball, which is not strictly accurate but it is the only way to flatten a soccer ball for a card. The word 'six' is popped up on some dimensionals.

I used the Adelaide United colours on the inside - white, red and blue. Their logo is a group of stars that are in a soccer ball shape, so I added the stars as the best approximation I could do!

Stamps: Curly Cute
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Not Quite Navy
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Small Star Punch (retired), Circle Cutter, Hexagon punch (non SU)

Catch you later,

Tina

Well Worn Need For Speed

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000+10:30

Hi!

In my last blog post I mentioned I'd made two cards using the Need For Speed stamp set while I had all my gear out. This is the second card, made for my brother in law. He has a little quad bike that the kids all have a fun time riding when we go to visit, so naturally the card had to use the quad bike stamp!

I stamped the quad bike, fussy cut around it and popped it up on dimensionals. I adhered it to a panel that I'd stamped with the Texture Jumbo wheel. I thought it looked a bit like the quad bike was hooning through some mud!

I kept the Texture theme going on the inside too.

Stamps: Need For Speed, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess), Texture Jumbo Wheel
Ink: More Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Versamark
DSP/Cardstock: Well Worn DSP, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, More Mustard
Other: Blue Denim Jean Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers

Catch you later,

Tina

Need For Speed Birthday Card

2011-11-28T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Today I have a card for you that I made for my Uncle's Birthday I decided to use the new stamp set, Need For Speed, which is perfect for adult male cards.

I kept the layout fairly simple to let the car be the star of the show!

Another car to finish off the inside too. I chose my colour combination based on the Well Worn DSP, as I already had it all out on my desk after making a birthday card for my brother in law. I'll post his card later in the week.

Stamps: Need For Speed, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess)
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze
DSP/Cardstock: First Edition Speciality DSP, Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze
Other: Blue Denim Jean Ribbon, Jumbo Eyelets (retired), Crop-a-Dile, Dimensionals

Catch you later,

Tina

Christmas Blog Hop

2011-11-26T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Welcome to our last blog hop of the year. We're doing a Christmas theme this month to give you some inspiration in the final charge into Christmas. Did you know there are only 29 days to go????

The blog before mine was Ros Davidson's, but you can start anywhere and just keep hopping 'til you get back to where you started. I'm sure you're going to see a heap of lovely ideas along the way.

I decided to do a scrapbook layout of the family putting up the Christmas tree. In Adelaide it seems to be the tradition that the tree goes up on Pageant Day (the second Saturday in November). Most families either go into the city to watch the parade and then come home to put up the tree, or they stay at home and watch the parade on TV while putting up the tree. The advantage of putting the tree up this early is that you have plenty of time to scrap the photos before the craziness that is December!

There are some sneak peeks on this layout of products coming out in the upcoming Summer Mini Catalogue. The postage stamp shaped layout was inspired by a new punch. I just used my 1" Circle punch to create the 'perforations' aroun d the edge of the layout.

I kept the postage stamp theme going with a fussy cut postage stamp image from the Letters To Santa DSP. The baubles were also fussy cut from the same DSP pack, and there's another peek - some gorgeous Baker's Twine from the Mini catalogue.

More fussy cut baubles and Baker's Twine to decorate the journalling spot. I decided to 'hang' one of the baubles from the letter 'e' in the title.

A little more Baker's Twine and another bauble to finish off the layout. Can you tell how much I love the twine?

Ink: Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
DSP: Letters To Santa DSP, First Edition Specialty DSP, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Dies, Top Note Die, 1" Circle Punch, Early Espresso Baker's Twine, Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Paper Snips, Dimensionals
Digital: PS5, Photo Booth Photo Frame

I'd love for you to hop off to Nikki Sadler's blog now to continue the Blog Hop.

Catch you later,

Tina

Blogs in the hop:

Nikki Sadler
http://www.inkyart.com.au/

Sue Madex
http://www.madexcreations.com/

Di Dunk
http://www.stampartbydi.typepad.com/

Judy May
http://www/judymay.typepad.com

Kathryn Mangelsdorf
http://klm55.blogspot.com/

Alisha Watson
http://www.ratherbstampin.typepad.com/

Christine Blain
http://www.christineblain.blogspot.com/

Ros Davidson
http://www.rosdavidson.typepad.com/

Sewing with Stampin' Up! Fabric

2011-11-20T09:08:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I got a chance on Friday to sit down and do some sewing. I had a particular project in mind that I've been wanting to sew for about 6 months. Can't believe it's taken that long for me to find the time to sew it up!

Isn't it a cute little bag? It's called a project tote, and I think it would look adorable on a craft desk with things like your snail, paper snips, bone folder, etc tucked away inside.

The button fabric is Stampin' Up!, but it is not available in Australia. You could make this tote with any of the fabrics we stock though. The tote is quite small, and if you make it as I have with the contrasting fabric you would be able to make 24 of these bags using one pack of fabric.

I popped the ribbons in to give you an idea of the size. I'm currently using mine to store ribbons, but I think I will use it for bits and pieces at my classes and workshops. I'm also going to try doubling the measurements to make myself a bigger bag. Hopefully it won't take another 6 months to find some more sewing time!

If you are a sewer and would like to have a go at this tote you can find the pattern here.

Catch you later,

Tina

Just Add Ink 94

2011-11-18T18:53:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I needed to make a wedding card today, so I decided to use the sketch at Just Add Ink. I love the sketch for the challenge, but it just wasn't quite working for me. I have tried to stay fairly true to the sketch, but I ended up changing it a little. I hope it's still OK for the challenge!

I changed the sketch from a circle to a square and flipped the elements of the sketch.

The rolled roses are so elegant on a wedding card. I knew the colour scheme of the wedding was red, black and white so I used those colours with a touch of silver.

The inside I left fairly plain so I could write a message to the bride and groom.

Stamps: A Word For You, Well Scripted (retired)
Ink: Versamark, Real Red
Cardstock: Real Red, Basic Black, Whisper White, Brushed Silver, Old Olive
Other: Big Shot, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Paper Snips, Half Back Pearls (retired Pretties Kit), Dimensionals, Silver Embossing Powder

Catch you later,

Tina

Joy Fold Berry Blossoms

2011-11-17T19:27:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Today I have a Joy Fold card for you. I made it for a very good friend for her birthday. You can find a tutorial for making this type of card on SplitCoast Stampers. It's pretty easy - you just make a right side opening card with a half front and then make a smaller left opening card and stick them together!

I fussy cut some of the flowers for the front of the card and adhered them to some Basic Black cardstock. I wanted to use something a bit stronger to hold the card closed so I used my 5 Petal Flower and Boho Blossoms punches to create another flower. I also used a cute little Designer Printed Brad to finish it off.

Here's a look at the inside of the card. You can see how it opens up.

I used some more fussy cut flowers to liven up the inside panel.

Stamps: Delicate Doilies
Ink: Calypso Coral
DSP/Cardstock: Berry Blossoms DSP, Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Basic Black
Other: 5 Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Designer Printed Brad, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

I'm participating in another blog hop next Saturday (26th). It's a Christmas themed hop, so if you're stuck for inspiration you should definitely take a look!

Catch you later,

Tina

Just Add Ink #93

2011-11-14T13:00:00.000+10:30

Hi!

I managed to find some time over the weekend to have a go at the current Just Add Ink challenge. It's another colour combination this week: Pool Party, Certainly Celery, Whisper White and Melon Mambo.

I white embossed the flower stamp on the Pool Party DSP and then used my blender pen to lightly colour the flowers. It's a subtle effect, but quite pretty. I snuck a little Certainly Celery at the top and bottom of the card by using my Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch to create a subtle little scalloped border.

I also stamped the same flower on the inside of the card, along with the sentiment.

Stamps: Simply Soft (Hostess), Curly Cute, Happiest Birthday Wishes (Hostess)
Ink: Versamark, Pool Party
DSP/Cardstock: Pool Party Patterns Stack DSP, Pool Party, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Melon Mambo
Other: Big Shot, Stripes Embossing Folder, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Whisper White Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Blender Pen, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Catch you later,

Tina

Brayered Background Birthday Card

2011-11-13T10:52:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Wow - where did that week go? Actually I know where it went - at the doctors, chemist, laundry and washing line! Alex has been pretty sick all week with a very nasty virus so I have been very busy dealing with all that comes with a sick child. Just as I seemed to get to the end with Alex, Ada is showing signs of having the same virus. Sigh...

So today I have for you a card I made a month or more ago, as I just haven't had the energy for much crafting or blogging this week.

The background for the card is brayered using three of the newest in colours: Island Indigo, Pool Party and Lucky Limeade. I like the way that brayering gives an uneven layer of colour and also how you can achieve the graduated colours. I was going for a bit of a dusk feel to the background. The stars are hand drawn using my white signo gel pen.

The castle punch art is not my invention, but there are lots floating around the internet. It's not tricky to work out how to punch the castle, you just need the retired punches Spiral Border and Designer Label.

Stamps: A Word For You, It's Your Day
Ink: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Soft Suede, Basic Black Stampin' Write Marker, White Signo Gel Pen
Cardstock: Whisper White, Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade, Blushing Bride, Sahara Sand
Other: Word Window Punch, Spiral Border Punch (retired), Designer Label Punch (retired), Brayer, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals

Catch you later,

Tina

Stamp A Memory November Layout

2011-11-08T10:59:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Today is my day to have a layout featured over at Stamp A Memory. I hope you can pop on over there to take a look. While you're there, why don't you check out the current challenge - to scrap a double layout. Here's a little peek at my layout before you go.

You can see my layout by clicking here.

Catch you later,

Tina

Stamp A Memory November Challenge

2011-11-07T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

It feels like ages since I've done any scrapping, so I was pleased when it came time to do my submission for Stamp A Memory's November Challenge. This month we are challenging you to do a double layout. The subject of the layout can be anything you desire, but it must be a double page layout.

I chose to scrap about my family's recent trip to an event called "A Day Out With Thomas". Alex loves his Thomas trains, so off we went to the Railway Museum for the afternoon.

When I do a double layout I often like to overlap some elements over the join between the pages. In the photo above you can see I've used a photo, part of which is on each side of the layout. It helps the layout flow from one page to the next.

Bunting is quite fashionable on projects at the moment, so I decided to incorporate some into my layout. I hand cut the flags and used Crystal Effects to glue them to some twine. I wrapped each end of the twine around a brad and then glued the ends to the page using some more Crystal Effects. A tip I learned recently (but I can't remember where) was to run a little bead of glue along the twine with your finger and then press the twine to the layout. I curled the ends of my twine in a loop for a cute little effect.

I found this to be a great method on the twine as you can't see the glue.

I hope you can find time to take part in this month's challenge - I can't wait to see what you scrap!

Ink: White Signo Gel Pen
DSP/Cardstock: Big Top Birthday DSP, Pacific Point
Other: Whisper White Brads, Hemp Twine, Paper Snips, Glue Dots, Crystal Effects

Catch you later,

Tina

Chinese Whispers Stampin' Up! Style

2011-11-05T07:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Today I have a blog hop for you, but a bit of a different blog hop. A couple of months ago I was chopping up some DSP for a share and let my mind wander as I chopped. It wandered to Sarah Klass's blog where she had blogged about how a group of her friends had all created cards one after the other, each inspired by the card before them. She called it "Chinese Whispers of the Stampin' Up! kind".

So as my mind wandered I thought it sounded like a great idea and proposed a game of Chinese Whispers to a group of Stampin' Up! friends. They were keen to get on board and so I began the "whisper".

I made this card, and then emailed a photo to Kathryn Mangelsdorf. She then made a card based on mine and emailed her photo to the next person on the list, and so on. Each person only saw the card before theirs. When the "whisper" reached the last person on the list I was able to reveal all the cards. It was amazing to see how the "whisper" evolved as it went around the circle, and we wanted to share the fun and gorgeousness we all created. There are 15 cards to show you, so please join in and hop around the blogs to see how the "whisper" progressed.

Here are the other blogs on the hop. I recommend that you do the hop in order so that you can follow the evolution of the "whisper". Some blogs feature more than one card as not all of the ladies who participated have blogs.

Kathryn Mangelsdorf
Sue Madex
Christine Blain
Ros Davidson
Nikki Sadler
Kathryn Ruddick
Di Gill
Alisha Watson

Stamps: Just Believe, Curly Cute
Ink: Basic Black
DSP/Cardstock: First Edition Specialty, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Other: Basic Black Satin Ribbon, Modern Label Punch, Basic Jewels Pearls, Sponge Dauber

Happy Hopping! Now you're off to Kathryn Mangelsdorf's blog where you'll find both Kathryn's card and Christine Henderson's card. Don't forget to leave comments along the way - we'd love to know what you think of our game and our cards!

Catch you later,

Tina

Fireman Punch Art

2011-11-01T20:27:00.000+10:30

Hi!

At the end of last term Hudson and I went on a visit to the local fire station with our playgroup. Hudson had a fabulous time - he got to sit in the fire engine, he had a play with the hose and got to meet some of the firemen. Here's a picture of us on the trip.

The best part of the trip was when one of the fireman accidentally saturated himself while showing us the water canon on top of the engine! We decided that we wanted to thank the firemen so I offered to make a card for us all to sign to give to the station.

My punch art was based on a design by the very talented and generous Ellen Kemper. You can see her fireman on her blog Blinkin', Thinkin', & Inkin'. Here's a closer look.

There is so much detail in the fireman, so I kept the rest of the card simple so as to keep attention on the fireman.

I kept the inside of the card simple so that there was plenty of room for everyone to sign the card.

Stamps: A Word For You

Ink: Real Red, White Signo Gel Pen

Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Pacific Point, Blushing Bride

Other: Lots of punches! Ellen has the full list on her blog here.

Catch you later,

Tina

Creative Elements

2011-10-30T13:49:00.000+10:30

Hi!

When I took a look at this week's colour challenge at Just Add Ink my first thought was 'yuck'! Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride and a Neutral did not seem at all like a winning combination. I must give my hat to the girls though - it's now a colour combo I love!

I started off with a base of Blushing Bride DSP from the Nursery Nest pack and then overstamped it in Cherry Cobbler. In the photo below you can just see that I also stamped the edge stamp in Blushing Bride, just below the ribbon under the sentiment.

I kept the inside very much the same as the outside.

I think colour combinations like this, that at first seem to be a bit unappealing, are great as long as you follow the 60:30:10 rule. In this case 60% of my card was Blushing Bride, 30% was Cherry Cobbler and 10% was Whisper White.

Stamps: Creative Elements, Clearly For You, Happiest Birthday Wishes (hostess)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride
DSP/Cardstock: Nursery Nest DSP, Cherry Cobbler, Blushing Bride, Whisper White
Other: Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbbon, Paper Snips, Corner Rounder Punch

Catch you later,

Tina

Baby Tees in Blue

2011-10-28T20:35:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Today's card was one I was asked to make by a friend. She needed a card to give to parents who had just had a baby boy. I had just received my Baby Tee's Jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, so it was perfect timing all round!

I used the new Nursery Nest DSP for the card. The Marina Mist and Pear Pizzazz stripes are super cute for a baby boy card.

I stamped the Baby Tees image twice, and coloured and cut out the second image to pop on dimensionals over the first image.

I used a 'spare' baby tee to dress up the inside of the card.

Stamps: Baby Tees Jumbo Stampin' Around wheel, A Word For You
Ink: Marina Mist, So Saffron
DSP/Cardstock: Nursery Nest DSP, Marina Mist, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Marina Mist Satin Ribbon, Blender Pen, Paper Snips, Dimensionals

Catch you later,

Tina

A Very Cute CASE

2011-10-26T19:40:00.000+10:30

Hi!

In the papercraft world CASE stands for Copy And Share Everything. I love that papercrafters are so willing to share their wonderful creations - there are so many blogs out there with inspirational creations! Today's card is a CASE of a card I found one night while blog surfing and I was so inspired by the card I made two. One was for Hudson's birthday and the second was for one of Hudson's little friends who was also celebrating a birthday. You can see the original card over at Add Ink and Stamp.

Here is the card I made for Hudson:

A different angle!

And the matching card I made for his little mate.

Another look!

I stamped the insides of both cards the same.

Aren't they cute cards!

Stamps: Fox and Friends, It's Your Day, Curly Cute

Ink: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Early Espresso

DSP/Cardstock: Just Add Cake DSP, Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Whisper White, So Saffron

Other: Curly Label Punch, Circle Punches, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Dimensionals, White Brads

Catch you later,

Tina

Just Believe in Island Indigo

2011-10-24T18:03:00.000+10:30

Hi!

This week at Just Add Ink we were challenged to use a sketch to inspire our creations. I needed to make a get well card so I decided to use the sketch.

The oval panel was brayered using Island Indigo, Pool Party and Lucky Limeade inks. It was actually a leftover piece from another project but I thought it would work pretty well with the card I wanted to make.

The inside I made fairly simple.

And of course I didn't realise until AFTER I'd written on the card and sealed it that I hadn't stamped the greeting completely. That fact got discovered in the editing process. Oh well... it is hand stamped and unique I guess!

Stamps: Just Believe, Trendy Trees, Thoughts and Prayers

Ink: Island Indigo, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade, Basic Black

DSP/Cardstock: 2011-2013 In Colour Patterns DSP, Basic Black, Island Indigo, Whisper White

Other: In Colour Ruffled Ribbon, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Brayer, Oval Cutter (non SU)

Catch you later,

Tina

Big Shot Blog Hop

2011-10-22T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

Welcome to another little blog hop. Today the ladies that are participating all have projects they made using the Big Shot. The blog before mine was Ros Davidson's, but it's all a big loop so it doesn't matter where you start. Just keep hopping 'til you get to where you started!

I have a layout for you today that uses several accessories for the Big Shot.

You can see I used the Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, the Scribbles Swirls die and the Tasteful Trims Die. Did you notice the scalloped border around the layout? I'll show you how to make the border in one piece a bit further down, but first a few more closer shots of the layout.

The "she's a mini" part of the title was printed onto Whisper White cardstock and trimmed. I used RGB codes to change the colour of the font to Wild Wasabi to match the rest of the layout.

I used some Glimmer brads in the title and also as the centre of the flowers.

The flowers were brayered with Perfect Plum ink and then spritzed with Frost White Shimmer paint.

OK, so now on to how I made the border piece. Firstly I cut a 1" wide border. To do this you line your cardstock up at the 1" mark, put your blade at 1" and cut down to 11". Turn your cardstock 90 degrees and repeat for all 4 sides. You end up with a shape like this:

Now you need to fold the frame in half diagonally to get this shape:

After each fold burnish with a bone folder. The flatter the folds the easier it is to line up the piece on the die. You need to fold your frame diagonally again to end up with a shape like this:

Now you need to place the cardstock on the die. You shouldn't have any troubles cutting through all layers at once. It's very hard to see in the photo, but I lined the top edge up with the top cutting edge of the die and then centered the piece on the scallops at the bottom. You can see the shape of the corner pieces in the first photo. It's a bit of a flattened scallop. I haven't tried it yet, but I THINK if you want a more rounded scallop at the corners you would have to arrange your cardstock the other way. That is, line up the bottom edge of the cardstock on the scalloped edge so that the points of your cardstock extend the full length of the scallops. Your frame would end up a little narrower than mine. It's all just a matter of playing around with it to see what you like!

When you have cut it and unfolded it, this is what you end up with:

A continuous, scalloped frame! You will probably need to smooth out the folds at the corners with your bone folder. I reckon you could make almost any sized frames using my method, you'd just have to play with the measurements of the frame you cut. The rest of the steps would be the same. If you have any questions, just leave a comment and I will get back to you.

Ink: Perfect Plum

Cardstock: 12 x 12 Textured Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Big Shot: Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Tasteful Trims Die, Scribbles Swirls Die

Other: Silver Foil Smooch, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Paper Daisies, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Brayer, Glimmer Brads, Dimensionals, Letter Gothic Standard Font

Thanks for looking at my layout. You're off to Nikki Sadler's blog now, where I'm sure you're in for a real treat!

Catch you later,

Tina

Blogs in the hop:

Ros Davidson

http://www.rosdavidson.typepad.com/

Nikki Sadler
http://www.inkyart.com.au/

Sue Madex
http://www.madexcreations.com/

Kathryn Ruddick
http://www.katlodesigns.com/

Judy May
http://www.judymay.typepad.com/

Happy Birthday Shelli!

2011-10-20T14:27:00.000+10:30

Hi

Today's card was one I made for a very special lady. The founder of Stampin' Up!, Shelli Gardner, turned 50 this week. As a surprise for her we were all asked to make a birthday card to send to her that would be presented to her in a big box full of everyone's cards. I based my card on this card.

I had to keep it relatively flat for postage to the USA, so I didn't tie a bow in the ribbon and I only popped one layer up on Dimensionals.

I stamped the flower, colouring it with my markers to get a multi coloured effect. I then stamped the large image in the stamp set over the top in Versamark Ink and clear embossed it. You can see the shine from the embossing in the photo above.

I kept the inside fairly simple, just a sentiment and a little flower stamp to match the background I stamped on the front of the card.

Stamps: Clearly For You, A Word For You
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Versamark
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Other: Clear Embossing Powder, Whisper White Organza Ribbon, Dimensionals, Small Oval Punch (retired)

Don't forget Saturday's Big Shot Blog Hop!

Catch you later,

Tina

Well Scripted and Well Worn Birthday

2011-10-17T22:21:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Back again with another grungy male birthday card. I actually made this one before the other one, but forgot about blogging it until I looked through my 'To Blog' folder.

I CASED my card from Teneale Williams. You can find her original card here. Mine is a simplified version - Teneale adds such wonderful little detail that I just didn't have time to include.

I just carried the theme through to the inside, using the same ribbon and DSP as the front.

Stamps: Well Scripted (retired)

Ink: Cajun Craze, Early Espresso

DSP/Cardstock: Well Worn DSP, Cajun Craze, River Rock

Other: Artichoke Denim Ribbon, Sponge Daubers, Chipboard numbers (non SU)

Catch you later - don't forget the Big Shot Blog Hop on Saturday!

Tina

Timeless Portrait Birthday Card

2011-10-15T10:39:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Today's card was a commission from a friend to make a card for a 30th she was going to. I was asked to make the card extra special so I decided to make a side step card and use quite dramatic colours.

I went with the Timeless Portrait DSP and so used Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla and just a splash of Basic Black. I guess it's a pretty classic example of the 60:30:10 rule, where 60% of the card uses one colour, 30% is a second colour and 10% is a third colour. It keeps the card nicely balanced and easy on the eyes.

Just a view from the side showing how it sits. I liked making this card, so I think I'll try more in the future. I have to play with the measurements though, as this one was JUST too large for Stampin' Up!'s Medium Square envelopes. Luckily I was able to find an envelope to fit the card. There has to be some benefit from being an envelope hoarder!

I decided to go fairly simple on the inside, just a couple of strips of the DSP and a stamped greeting.

Stamps: Curly Cute, Great Friend (retired)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
DSP/Cardstock: Timeless Portrait DSP, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Large Scallop Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Circle Cutter, Stamp Positioner

I'm participating in a blog hop next Saturday that features the Big Shot. All projects on the Hop will be created using the Big Shot. Please join us for some fabulous inspiration!

Catch you later,

Tina

Grungy Birthday Card

2011-10-13T21:13:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Today's card was made for a workmate of Rob's. A male workmate. Which meant a male card. Sigh... They are soooo hard to make. Thankfully Stampin' Up! has released the Well Worn DSP, which makes male cards a lot easier. And when you have a great sketch to work with, like the current challenge at Unscripted Sketches, it's even easier!

I wanted to emphasise the grungy look of the DSP and continue it through onto the plain cardstock. To do this I used one of the 'filler' stamps from the Simply Soft stamp set as a background stamp. I never would have thought to do this - thanks to Nikki Sadler for the idea!

Just a different angle of the front of the card. The Motorcycle panel is popped up on Dimensionals.

And the inside of the card. I carried through the look from the front by using more DSP and stars.

Stamps: Simply Soft, Curly Cute, Motorcycle (retired)

Ink: Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy

DSP/Cardstock: Well Worn DSP, Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, River Rock

Other: Artichoke Denim Ribbon, Small Star Punch (retired), Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Catch you later,

Tina

Vintage Vogue Thank You Card

2011-10-12T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi!

I love the Vintage Vogue stamp set, but I haven't inked it up very much. I needed a Thank You card and the sentiment in this set "You raise kindness to an art" was just perfect.

The two smaller flowers were stamped directly onto the cardstock using the Rock 'n' Roll technique. I inked the stamp in Melon Mambo, stamped it off once, and then rolled the outside edges of the stamp in Melon Mambo again to give a two-toned flower. The larger flower was stamped the same way on a second piece of cardstock so I could raise it on dimensionals. I used Crystal Effects and Dazzling Diamonds were used to finish the centre of the flowers.

Rock 'n' Rolled and Dazzling Diamond-ed flowers on the inside to match the outside.

Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pear Pizzazz
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Basic Black Scallop Dots Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds

Catch you later,

Tina

More Swirls Scribbles Die

2011-10-10T06:00:00.002+10:30

Hi!

Did you believe me when I told you I loved this die and was using it on EVERYTHING??? I have one more post (for now!) to convince the last of the doubters! This is another simple card that uses the die cuts as an embellishment.

The die comes with little tear drop shaped sections that are great to use as little fillers between the swirls. Here's a closer look.

After I coloured the flower it was misted with a Champagne Mist Shimmer paint/Isocol mix to give a nice little shimmer. A few Rhinestones around a Rhinestone Brad completed the flower.

Stamps: Clearly For You
Ink: Basic Black, Wisteria Wonder
DSP/Cardstock: First Edition Specialty DSP, Brushed Silver, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit, Paper Daisy, Rhinestone Brad, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Word Window Punch, Silver Foil Smooch Spritz, Sponge Dauber, Brayer

Catch you later,

Tina

Stamp A Memory October Layout

2011-10-08T06:00:00.001+10:30

Hi

Today I have a layout featured at Stamp A Memory. I hope you can pop over and take a look. It uses my favourite product from the new Idea Book and Catalogue: the Scribbles Swirls Sizzlit. Here's a little sneak peek before you go:

Click here to see the full layout.

Catch you later,

Tina

Scribbles Swirls Sizzlit Die

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000+10:30

Hi!

A couple of days ago I promised I would show you how to use the Scribbles Swirls die to create Rhinestone swirls in your projects. You can see the swirl in this post. Here's a card I made using the technique.

Here's a closer look at the Rhinestone swirl.

When you run the die through the Big Shot you end up with two pieces of cardstock - the swirly bits that you use on your projects and the piece you would normally throw away. Don't throw it away! This is the template you use for your swirls.

I place the template on the card where I want the swirl to be and then start filling it with Rhinestones. I use a medium sized Rhinestone in the blobby bit at the end of the swirl and the smallest Rhinestones in the rest of the swirl.

In the above example I have used the individual Rhinestones and spaced them a little as I went. In the swirl here I have used the Rhinestone strips for a more decadent look.

Here's the inside of the card. I love that cute little ladybug stamp!

Stamps: Clearly For You, Well Scripted (retired)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black
Cardstock: Brushed Silver, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Scribbles Swirls Sizzlit, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Silver Foil Smooch Spritz, Blender Pen, Circle Punch, Black Paper flower (non SU)

I have a layout for you on Saturday that also uses the Scribbles Swirls Sizzlit. I am using this die on EVERYTHING right now! I hope you can come back for a look.

Catch you later,

Tina

Domestic Goddess using Delicate Doilies

2011-10-04T13:19:00.000+10:30

Hi!

Today I have a card for the latest challenge at Just Add Ink. They gave us a colour combination this week that I found quite tricky: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Whisper White and Crumb Cake. Hmmm... my first step with a colour challenge is to look through my DSP to see if any of them have the colours to match. In this case the Domestic Goddess DSP had all of the colours except Crumb Cake, so I decided to go with that.

I love the little floral patterned paper - it's so cute! Here's a closer look at the main panel.

I stamped the smallest doily in Calypso Coral and Pool Party on a piece of Whisper White, trimmed it into three sections, layered them on some Crumb Cake cardstock and trimmed around it. A couple of punchies for the greeting and some rhinestones and it's finished.

The card is actually an easel card, but I think I got a few of the dimensions wrong as it doesn't sit up enough. Back to the drawing board! Any hints or measurements gratefully accepted!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, It's Your Day, Curly Cute

Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake

DSP/Cardstock: Domestic Goddess DSP, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Crumb Cake

Other: Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon, Dimensionals, Sponge Daubers

Catch you later,

Tina

Stamp A Memory October Challenge: My Fears

2011-10-03T06:00:00.005+10:30

Hi!

Can you believe it's October already? Where does the time go? Sigh...

Today's layout is my sample for the latest Stamp A Memory Challenge. This month we are challenging you to scrap about your fears. Here's my layout. It's a CASE of one I saw in Australian Scrapbooking Memories Vol 13 No 11 page 64 by Karen Shady.

I've used the gorgeous new Beau Chateau DSP for the layout. I wasn;t that keen on the papers to start with but once I saw them I was rather taken with them. Here are some closer pictures of the top panels of the layout.

The rhinestone swirl was created using Stampin' Up!'s rhinestones and Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit. I'll post some instructions in a couple of days.

I got my sewing machine out for this layout. I stitched around the Vanilla Panel and I also stitched the lace pieces down.

I also sewed the Vanilla seam binding to the layout in gorgeous ruffles.

Lots of sponged edges on this layout too!

I hope you can find the time to enter the challenge at Stamp A Memory this month, it's a great one to get you thinking!

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Ink: Marina Mist, Soft Suede

DSP/Cardstock: Beau Chateau DSP, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla

Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alphabet Dies, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Scribble Swirls Sizzlit, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Decorative Label Punch, Paper Daisies, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Glimmer Brad, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Victoria Crochet Trim, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Sponge Daubers, Brayer, Sewing Machine

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 70: April

2011-09-30T15:53:00.001+09:30

Hi!

Don't you hate it when you realise you're behind in a task??? At the start of the year I challenged myself to complete 100 layouts this year. As you can tell by the title, I'm about to show you my 70th layout. Not too bad, but considering it's the last day of September I should be up to around 75 layouts completed. Luckily it's school holidays as of tomorrow, so I should have more time for scrapping and hopefully I'll be able to catch up, or better yet, get ahead!

One of the main focus areas these holidays is catching up on my monthly layouts. Today's layout is April's - that's how far behind I am on that task! Oh well...

April was a busy month for us. Alex had his 8th birthday, Easter, lots of playdates, Little Athletics presentations.... the list goes on... I used the now retired Elegant Soiree DSP on this layout, mainly because I started it in May and the paper was still current then. *blushing*

I also used the Pinking Heart Border Punch at the top of the DSP section, but it's a little hard to see.

I decided this year I would try to get a Family photo on special occasions, so the feature photo this month was on Alex's birthday. Gotta love timers on cameras - even if you don't get the most flattering shot!

Ink: Soft Suede Stampin' Write Marker

DSP/Cardstock: Elegant Soiree DSP (retired), Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Whisper White

Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alphabet Dies, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Circle Punches, Soft Suede Taffeta Ribbon

Don't forget to come back on Monday for another layout. It's the first Monday of the month so it's a new Challenge at Stamp A Memory. I hope you can join in with the challenge.

Catch you later,

Tina

Just Believe Sympathy

2011-09-28T12:20:00.000+09:30

Hi!

I really don't like making sympathy cards. Thankfully I don't often have to make them for myself, but on occasion I am commissioned to make one. Today's card was one of the latter. I really like using Just Believe for sympathy cards. I think the large floral stamp has a very quiet, understated elegance, especially when stamped in Regal colours.

This is a favourite colour combination of mine: Very Vanilla, Garden Green and Concord Crush. I coloured the stamp with my markers and stamped it on Newsprint DSP (now retired). I then spritzed over the top with my Colour Spritzer and Crumb Cake marker.

A nice, simple inside to compliment the outside,

Stamps: Just Believe, Thoughts and Prayers
Ink: Concord Crush, Garden Green, Crumb Cake
DSP/Cardstock: Newsprint DSP (retired), Concord Crush, Garden Green, Very Vanilla
Other: Colour Spritzer, Stamp Positioner

Catch you later,

Tina

September Blog Hop: New Products!

2011-09-24T06:00:00.002+09:30

Hi!

Today I am very excited to be a part of a blog hop that showcases not only some very talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, but also some gorgeous NEW products from the recently released Idea Book and Catalogue. Another South Australian, Kathryn Mangelsdorf, was the blog before mine on the hop. Didn't she have some great stuff to show you!

There are a HEAP of new products, but today I have decided to focus on some of the smallest, but also one of those products that can add a big bang to your papercraft projects: brads.

My first card uses the new Glimmer Brads, found on page 143 of the catalogue. There are 4 different colour families you can purchase, and you get 40 brads in 5 different colours in each pack for just $9.95.

I used my Stampin' Write markers to colour the Hello Blossoms stamp and then used coordinating brads as the center of the flowers. It's such a simple card, but the Glimmer Brads give it a little bit of pizzazz. Did you also check out some of the new Wisteria Wonder ruffled ribbon? Gorgeous! You can find the ribbon on page 138.

The brads are so glittery! Perfect for a little girl's birthday card.

I just stamped one flower on the inside, and then used some Dazzling Diamonds for the center of the flower. I didn't use a brad as I didn't want to damage the front of the card.

The other brads I want to highlight are the Designer Printed Brads. They are also on page 143 of the catalogue, and for $14.95 you get 8 brads in each of the five 2011-2013 In Colours (40 total). They are sooooo cute with a little polka dot pattern printed on them. Here's my card, which is a CASE of this card.

This time I used the Funky Four stamp set, but as before I used the brads as the center of the flowers. (And some more of that gorgeous ribbon!) I also used some of the new Domestic Goddess DSP, which you can find on page 128.

Just a closer look at the brads. They are so sweet - I can see myself using a lot of these!

As with the inside of the previous card, I used Dazzling Diamonds on the flowers instead of brads.

Glimmer Brad Card:
Stamps: Hello Blossoms, It's Your Day, Curly Cute
Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Lucky Limeade, Marina Mist, Peach Parfait
Cardstock: Whisper White, Regal Rose
Other: Wisteria Wonder 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Glimmer Brads, Dazzling Diamonds, Crystal Effects, Stamp Positioner

Designer Printed Brad Card:
Stamps: Funky Four, A Word For You, It's Your Day
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party
DSP/Cardstock: Domestic Goddess DSP, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Wisteria Wonder, Pool Party, Whisper White
Other: Designer Printed Brads, Wisteria Wonder 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon, Corner Rounder Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Crystal Effects, Stamp Positioner, Dimensionals, Paper Snips

Thanks for stopping by, you're now off to see the wonderful creations of Ros Davidson.

Catch you later

Tina

Here are the other blogs in case a link is broken:

Ros Davidson http://www.rosdavidson.typepad.com/
Christine Blain http://www.christineblain.blogspot.com/
Alisha Watson http://www.ratherbstampin.typepad.com/
Di Dunk http://www.stampartbydi.typepad.com/
Nikki Sadler http://www.inkyart.com.au/
Judy May http://www.judymay.typepad.com/
Kathryn Ruddick http://www.katlodesigns.com/
Kathryn Mangelsdorf http://klm55.blogspot.com/

I'm back!

2011-09-22T16:59:00.000+09:30

Hi!

Well, I'm kind of back. My laptop is working sometimes, so while it is having a good moment I'm going to post a card and let you know I'll be participating in a blog hop on Saturday. If I open my monitor to exactly the right position, my screen is normal and not snowy like it has been. I am still looking into getting it fixed, but I am going to back my computer up first!

Today's card was a commission from a friend. She wanted a housewarming card for her brother who had recently bought a new home and was in the process of moving in. Here's what I came up with.

I decided to go fairly simple with the colour scheme and decoration, especially as the card was for a male. The house rub on is from Maya Road. It's such a cute pack and perfect for cards like these. The letters HOME are popped up on Dimensionals for a bit of interest.

The inside was also quite simple. Some more layering to match the front and some key rub ons from the same pack. Easy!

Stamps: Well Scripted (retired)
Ink: Basic Black
Cardstock: Brushed Sliver, Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Dimensionals, Stamp Positioner

Don't forget Saturday's blog hop. A small but talented group of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators will be showing you lots of NEW products from the new Idea Book and Catalogue. I can see my wish list getting longer by the second!

Catch you later,

Tina

Grrrr!

2011-09-16T13:02:00.000+09:30

Hi!

I just thought I'd pop in to let you know that I'm having a little break from blogging at the moment, but not by choice! I was on my laptop (which has EVERYTHING on it) when Hudson decided to give it a bit of a thump. He does this quite often, but usually I manage to catch his arm before he makes contact. Not this time! Now I have a screen that looks like it is snowing. Thankfully my hard drive wasn't affected, I just can't see the screen clearly. It's probably one of those things that will be cheaper to buy a new laptop than to get the screen fixed/replaced, but I need to look into all options. I'm using Rob's tiny little laptop, but I really need my own computer.

Hopefully I'll be back before too long!

Catch you later,

Tina

Simply Soft Card

2011-09-14T06:00:00.001+09:30

Hi!

Today I have a Thank You card, made using one of the brand new Hostess Sets called Simply Soft. It's a gorgeous two-step set that has three floral outline images and three more images for easy colouring of the flowers. It's called two-step because first you stamp the outline and then you stamp the solid image over the top which colours the flowers. And if you buy the clear mount option like I did, you don't need a stamp positioner to line the stamps up. How much easier can it be?

I used Blushing Bride and Pear Pizzazz to colour the flower. The leaves were coloured by hand using my inkpad and a Blender Pen. Here's a closer look at the flower image.

I also spritzed the panel with my Sahara Sand marker and my Colour Spritzer. Isn't the flower a lovely soft image?

I also completed the inside of my card using the same stamp as on the front. I stamped it in Blushing Bride, so it's little hard to see. Here's a closer look.

The hostess benefits system has changed with the new Idea Book and Catalogue. Now once your order or Workshop sales reaches $300 you receive $50 Hostess Dollars to spend on anything you'd like from the catalogue. There are specially priced sets just for Hostesses that you can spend your Hostess Dollars on, or you can buy your choice of items. I love the new system!

Stamps: Simply Soft, Curly Cute

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride, Sahara Sand, Basic Black

DSP/Cardstock: Hostess In Colour Patterns Stack (retired), First Edition, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride

Other: Big Shot, Circle Cutter, Blushing Bride Ribbon, Blender Pen, Sponge Dauber

Catch you later,

Tina

Big Top Birthday Cards

2011-09-12T14:15:00.000+09:30

Hi!

Today I have not one, but two cards for you! I surprised myself last night and managed to get both made. Given that I'd spent 5 hours doing some pretty heavy gardening during the day I was amazed that I even had the energy to create. I guess when the mojo strikes you just have to go with it!

I love how the DSP does all the work in this card. I just had to stamp a sentiment at the bottom!

The inside was just as easy! I fussy cut a second balloon from the DSP, mounted it on dimensionals and stamped a sentiment.

The front of this card took a little longer, but only because I used my stamp positioner to line up all the 'Happy' stamps.

A couple more strips of the DSP on the inside to finish it off. Easy!

Balloon Card:
Stamps: A Word For You, It's Your Day
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
DSP/Cardstock: Big Top Birthday, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Other: Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Stamp Positioner

Happy Card:
Stamps: Curly Cute
Ink: Real Red
DSP/Cardstock: Big Top Birthday, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Whisper White
Other: Stamp Positioner

Catch you later,

Tina

JAI 84: Just Add White and One

2011-09-10T23:32:00.000+09:30

Hi!

Today I have a card made for the current challenge at Just Add Ink. The challenge is to make a card using white and one other colour. I had been asked to make a card for a wedding, and so this challenge seemed perfect. White and one other colour is a classic, elegant look. When I think of elegant and classic I think of the work of Teneale Williams. I searched her blog and found this card to CASE. Here's my version:

I changed a few things, but essentially the card is the same. I used a different butterfly, and also En Francais Background stamp on the plain Blushing Bride panel, to name a few changes.

I liked the inside of Teneale's card I CASED that too!

Isn't it a great card? Teneale is so talented!

Stamps: Creative Elements, En Francais Background, A Word For You
Ink: Blushing Bride
DSP/Cardstock: Blushing Bride Patterns Stack DSP, Blushing Bride, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Tasteful Trims Die, Whisper White Satin Ribbon, Basic Jewel Pearls, Paper Snips, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Catch you later,

Tina

Just Eat Cake for Father's Day

2011-09-10T06:00:00.001+09:30

Hi!

I promised a little while ago that I would show you the card I made for Rob for Father's Day. I used the brand new Just Eat Cake DSP. It is so bright and cheerful!

Rob's a bit of a Mario fan, so I had to use the cute little mushrooms from the Funky Four Stamp set.

And the inside of the card had to be done as well. Just a couple of left over pieces of the DSP and a stamp and it's finished!

Stamps: Funky Four, Well Scripted (retired)
Ink: Poppy Parade
DSP/Cardstock: Just Add Cake DSP, Poppy Parade, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Other: 1/8" Early Espresso Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals

Catch you later,

Tina

Stamp A Memory September Layout

2011-09-08T06:00:00.002+09:30

Hi!

Today it's my turn to have a layout featured on the Stamp A Memory blog. I'm pretty excited as it's one of the first layouts I've completed using some of the brand new DSP from the new Idea Book and Catalogue. Here's a little peek at my layout, but to see the whole thing you'll need to jump on over to the Stamp A Memory blog. While you're there, why not take a look at the latest challenge, which is to scrap your Top Ten of anything. I scrapped my Top Ten reasons for Scrapping - what would your Top Ten be?

Click here to go see the rest of my layout.