Big on Spring

Tags

Bali Breeze DSP, Big on Spring, Flower Fusion, Scallop Edge Punch, Spotlight technique

Big on Spring from the Summer Mini!

I just love how cute this new stamp set is!! And there are so many ways you can use it! And such a great price!

This first card I cased directly from the Summer Mini Catalogue. You can see that I have stamped the “Love” onto the Soft Sky Card & then cut around the edge of the letters. Isn’t this gorgeous! And … took just minutes to create! The little hearts were from the “Short & Sweet” set … and the ribbon is also Soft Sky. The other two colours are Purely Pomegranate & Groovy Guava. I am sooooo going to miss the lovely “In Colours” when they disappear in April!

Here is another of the cute stamps … and I have used a “Spotlight” technique on this card, too! We learnt how to do this at Stamp Club last month! What fun! Don’t forget I have a VERY SPECIAL STAMP CLUB PROMO running at the moment! Don’t miss out on the fantastic GIFT pack if you sign up a group for Stamp Club! Check out the details here -> Stamp Club Promo.

This card was created using some pretty DSP from a old mini catty plus Whisper White, Pixie Pink & Tempting Turquoise card. The “Cute” was stamped with Tempting Turquoise and then I stamped it a second time on a scrap of white with Pixie Pink & punched it out with the 1 ¼” circle punch. I also punched a Pixie Pink frame with the 1 ⅜” circle punch and then watercoloured inside the “T” baby romper (being careful not to paint too close to the stamped image lines). The scallops were punched with the AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL Scallop Edge Punch that was also released in this FAB Summer Mini Catalogue!

Here is another way to use this stamp set. I have painted each of the letters with a different colour marker (to match the DSP). If you look closely (you might need to click on the photo to enlarge it) you can see that I have also stamped the flowers a second time and cut around them & mounted them onto the original bouquet with some dimensionals. The DSP is the very pretty Bali Breeze. Yes … you are right … there is no Pomegranate marker … but I find that “Rose Red” is close enough to look almost perfect! So … the colours for this card are Taken with Teal, Purely Pomegranate, Pumpkin Pie & Old Olive.

The ribbon is also Pumpkin Pie & I have finished off the card with some of the BRAND NEW Flower Fusion felt flowers. These have also been released in the Summer Mini Catalogue. These match perfectly with the Bali Breeze papers. I do seem to say “perfect” a lot when I describe coordinating SU! products!!! Don’t I !!?? I guess that is one of the things I just LOVE about SU!

Oh … another idea … this is a GREAT STAMP SET … for Watercolouring. Just stamp with some Basic Black or Stazon Black ink … and then use a blender pen or aqua painter to add some colour with your stamp pads / pastels / crayons. You can see an example of this in the Summer Mini Catalogue.

ALSO — CHECK OUT MY BRAND NEW “BIG ON SPRING” BUNDLE — such a pretty bundle! You will find it hard to resist!

This stamp set is only available until March 31 … so don’t miss out! Email me now with your orders!

Shane’s 21st Card

Tags

21st Birthday Card, Afternoon Tea DSP, Designer Series Papers, In the Stars, Male Card, Say it with Scallops, Scallop Square Punch, Short Order Numbers, Starstruck

Hello … I have so much to update … having been away … I have some NEW BUNDLES … and a NEW RECRUIT super offer (I will post these as soon as I get a free minute!)  … but I thought I would start with a card! I figured you might be hanging for some more “inspiration” … although there are plenty of amazing blogs out there in cyberstampingland … if you are ever stuck for ideas!!!

I actually made two cards for Shane’s Birthday ‘cos his dad wasn’t that impressed with my original attempt! It was a gel aquarium type card … and I thought it was cool … so I will show you that one another time! But … here is the 2^nd attempt … and I must admit I do like this one!

I have used one of the sets from the SUMMER MINI catalogue. This is a set I am sure I will use over & over … some sets are just so versatile … and so easy to use. I decided to buy the two star punches when I bought this set because I knew that putting a card together would be so quick & easy with the stamp set combined with the punches! And … it REALLY was! You can even use the punches on some of the “uneven” stars if you like –eg: “happy” star on river rock card stamped with wasabi – top left of card  Or … you can cut them out by hand if you want to stay true to the shape – eg: Green spotty star -  top of card & largest stars! So … you can see I have used a combination of punched & hand cut.

Card details:

• Stamp Sets:
  • In the Stars (Summer Mini) – large & medium stars & “may all your dreams come true”
  • Say it with Scallops (Summer Mini) – “congrats”
  • Starstruck (IB&C) – small stars
  • Short Order Numbers – (IB&C) – “21”
• Card & Papers:
  • Soft Sky – A5 + scraps for stars & scallop square
  • Designer Series Paper – “Afternoon Tea” (Summer Mini)
  • Wild Wasabi card scraps for stamping & punching stars
  • River Rock card scraps for stamping & punching stars
• Inks:
  • River Rock
  • Wild Wasabi
  • Soft Sky
• Punches:
  • Scallop Square – “Congrats”
  • Large Star
  • Star
• Accents:
  • River Rock ribbon (Ribbon Originals – IB&C)
  • Dazzling Diamonds glued with 2 way glue pen – “congrats” & “21”
  • Stampin’ Dimensionals – used to lift some stars off the card

The “Short Order Numbers” Stamp Set is a great one for birthdays & anniversaries as you can create ANY number combination for your card! It also has “th”, “nd”, “rd” etc as well as “happy”, “months”, “years old” etc . Very handy! If you would like to order one … the price is only $48.95 for set of 24 stamps! Check here for details about how to order -> Order details.

You might like to check out a BRAND NEW BUNDLE that I have included on my Bundles Page. It is called “Starry Sky” Bundle & is a punch & stamp set bundle!

Click on this link to check out the details -> Starry Sky.

Back sometime soon with some more new Bundle offers!!!

C Ya Then!

Back from Hols!

Tags

Holidays

Hi everyone! I am back! As you can imagine there are a million and one things to do! And … with school starting on Monday … I MUST go shopping or Sandy will be going barefoot to school!!! Oh … and February stamp clubs start on Tuesday … I guess I better work out what I am demo-ing!!! Will post as soon as I get some free time! C U soon! Stampin’ Hugs, Andrea xxoo

PS I have one entry for my Holiday Challenge x5! Get your photos in ASAP to be in the draw for the blog candy!

Burleigh Heads Break!

Tags

Casting Crowns, Esplanade Beachside Apartments, Gold Coast, Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Surfing

Hi everyone! I have internet access again … so thought I would just touch base! Since leaving Toowoomba last Friday we have had a lovely time! A bonus for our holiday was the chance to see “Casting Crowns” (my favourite band) in concert in Brisbane. (Hey Leonie … I managed to get the merchandise you missed out on in Sydney … will phone you when I get home to fix up delivery!) I hadn’t been to a concert in a long while … but was so glad to have the opportunity! It was awesome! (Such a kid word … but it does describe them so well! )

We then spent 3 days (just north of Brisbane) with a very special friend … while 2 of our kids were off at a Q’ld youth camp. Now … I have to admit to feeling almost overwhelmed with the heat + humidity & no airconditioning! I have no idea how you would do any work in humidity like that! (I was trying to imagine stamping with such sticky, sweaty fingers!!!) But … thankfully … we were on hols so could just enjoy the lifestyle of sitting around in our swimmers … jumping into the pool over & over to cool off … and spending the whole day sitting in the (almost) cool of the verandah … it was a little piece of paradise – even if VERY hot!!! We even managed to get up to the Sunshine Coast – Caloundra … where Robyn’s son, Justin taught Skye how to surf! She had a blast! And … Sandy had fun reminding himself how to do it too!!! I didn’t bring my camera/computer cord … so will have to add some photos later!

And now … we are having a couple of days just as a family before we travel home on Thursday. Wow! I am sooooo spoilt … check out the gorgeous apartment we are staying in at Burleigh Heads on Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast! These apartments are called “Esplanade Beachside Apartments” … we are on the 22nd floor … and the thing I am enjoying the most is the beautiful breeze! After all the heat & humidity of Brisbane it is so lovely! And … I have spent time sitting on my balcony watching the surf & the activity on the beach as well as the storms rolling across the headlands this morning. Sooooo beautiful. We only have 2 days … not enough … but I am thankful for a little time to ourselves!

So … that is a little update … I will be home towards the end of this week … but have to get Sandy ready to start school on Monday. (He needs shoes / bag etc). Only 2 left at school … Skye into Year 11 & Sandy into Year 5 this year. Back to routines again next week! Back to the school newsletter (yep – I am the editor!) … back to school lunches & school run each morning & arvo! But … also back to my NICE CLEAN TIDY STAMPING SPACE!!! Yippee!!!

Will touch base again as soon as I can!

PS: Just noticed on Leonie’s blog that she had done a full review of the Casting Crowns concert … so for those who are interested … you can read more here -> Stamp A Latte. (I did want to do a full review … but … hey … I AM on holidays! – So Leonie has done it for me!) And … yes … standing room … with 2 rows of late comers sitting on the floor at the front! It was packed out in Brissy, too! Our support band was “Compliments of Gus”. Great band! And the lead guy was so funny! (and very talented!) And … I am with Leonie … FAB FAB FAB!!!

Quick Hello!

Tags

Holidays, Queensland, Toowoomba

Hi everyone! I am having a lovely time in the Sunshine State! (Although, Toowoomba has had some really hot days … and some really cool days!) It has been very relaxing … so nice not to have to think about meals or anything more than what birthday cake I should buy for Sheree! (Yes … Ree turned 19 yesterday!) I am, however having HUGE blog withdrawals! My sis’ internet connection is VERY unreliable … and so have only been able to log on VERY infrequently!!! My dh, Gav has spent hours trying to help them get it working better and is still working on it! (Seem to remember he did the same thing last time we were here!!! ) Anyway, just thought I would pop by to say hi! Off to the movies today … all the girls are seeing Bride Wars! The boys decided to pass! Haven’t done alot of reading … seem to spend most time chatting with my sis! It has been a while since we have had time to have a good talk! We are off to Brisbane on Friday … and staying with a friend who has ALMOST NO internet … so I will be MIA for another few days!!!

Hope you all are having a happy week, too!

HOLIDAY INFO

Tags

Holidays

I will be on holidays from Thursday 15th January to Thursday 29th January. I am planning to take my computer with me … but am not planning to be blogging or chasing emails! A very kind SU! friend suggested I have a total break … and I think that is a good idea!

Please feel free to email orders or any other requests during this time.  I will get back to you as soon as I return from hols.  I will look forward to hearing from you on my return. And … remember to take advantage of the great Sale-a-bration offers!

I have some great challenges to keep you going while I am away … read my latest post just below for all the details! C U when I return!

I will miss you!

Leaving tomorrow for holidays!

Tags

EnchantINK Challenge, Holiday Challenges, Holidays, Our Creative Corner Challenge

SUPER DOOPER CHALLENGES FOR YOU TO TRY …. KEEP READING ….

Hi everyone! I am so excited … We leave tomorrow for two weeks holidays! Yippee! Yay! High fives to everyone!

So … my DH has requested that I not take the computer with me!!! Yikes!!! Can I be without it? I think not!

And … even though I am going to take it with me   … I am really going to try hard not to spend too much time on it. Just the absolute bare necessities! (I think there is a song about that??!! ) So … I hope you won’t think I am deserting you all … but over the next couple of weeks you will probably see VERY LITTLE OF ME!!! (If at all!!!) I am going to indulge in some reading … something I love to do but I have hardly touched a book in months. I am also going to devote some special time to my sister who I haven’t seen in 12 months … and probably won’t see again for a while. I am going to pamper my dear friend Robbie, who lost her hubby to cancer early last year …  and I am going to spend some quality time with my family. All good!

We are off to Queensland tomorrow … 13 hour drive … but will be worth it! I am soooooo looking forward to getting away & having a lovely break. We are spending 8 days in Toowoomba with my sister & family … then 3 days with Robbie … and then 3 days at the gorgeous Gold Coast soaking up the sunshine!

Anyway … to keep you going for the next couple of weeks … I thought I would leave you with a couple of challenges! I am such a thoughtful blogger, don’t you think! I do look after my blog groupies!!! I hope you have some time to have a go … and PLEASE email your sample cards to me to see! I will post the best ones on my blog when I return!!! Don’t let me down … I want to see heaps of entries in my inbox!!!

HOLIDAY CHALLENGE NO. 1

• OUR CREATIVE CORNER – Check this link for ideas -> OCC Colour Challenge
  • This challenge is to use two shades of blue along with a neutral color.

HOLIDAY CHALLENGE NO. 2

• OUR CREATIVE CORNER – Check this link for ideas -> Sketch Challenge
  • Use this sketch to create a card for Valentine’s Day

HOLIDAY CHALLENGE NO. 3

• OUR CREATIVE CORNER – Check this link for ideas -> Lovey Dovey Challenge
  • “Make either a love of a lifetime/anniversary card/project or just something for that special someone who makes you go all lovey dovey” (I thought this would be another great Valentine Challenge – even for those of us who have been married for eons … how about giving your hubby a treat this Valentine’s Day?)

HOLIDAY CHALLENGE NO. 4

• OUR CREATIVE CORNER – Check this link for ideas -> Bling on the Bling
  • Make a card using bling!!! Your bling can be ANYTHING shiny!!! This can be shiny paper, flowers, rhinestones, glitter, etc….

HOLIDAY CHALLENGE NO. 5

• OUR CREATIVE CORNER – Check this link for ideas -> Anything BUT Square
  • This challenge is anything but square. Just create a card that is ANY shape EXCEPT Square or Rectangle! Think you can do it??? Check the link above for some great ideas!

So … what do you think? I hope you will try all these challenges … I hope they inspire you to try something different & “outside the square”. I hope they help you to bravely attempt something you haven’t tried before. You have 5 challenges … and I am away for 15 days … so that is 3 days for each challenge!

BLOG CANDY ALERT!!!

If anyone attempts all five … and sends me an email with a pic of each one … I will do a draw for a pack of 8 gift cards in a gift box!

So … that should keep you going until I get home. If you are looking for more inspiration while I am away … take some time to check out the site where I got all these FAB challenges -> “Our Creative Corner“  for even more ideas … click on the links for each of the OCC designers. You will find hours of “blurfing” on their individual blogs! (blurfing = blog surfing!) These ladies are sooooo clever!

And … please come back here often … I would hate to lose all my regular blogger friends … just ‘cos I had a little holiday! C U all when I return!

Mojo #69 – Couldn’t resist!

Tags

Bundle of Joy, Mojo Monday Challenges, Watercolouring

Hi girls … bonus post … I am supposed to be doing Shane’s 21st birthday invitations … but saw the Mojo Monday and decided to give it a go! But … of course … one thing led to another. The biggest problem with a circle sketch … is HOW TO CUT THE PERFECT CIRCLE!! Yep … I don’t have any circle cutting tools … so mine was done with a glass & a pencil. That was fine … but then I needed to cut a slightly larger circle as a frame … and didn’t have a glass the right size. My attempt was ok … but you know me … I wasn’t happy that it wasn’t quite round. Trimmed a bit here and there … and a little happier … but not completely happy … SO … decided to hide the unround circle with a frame of pretty ribbon! I think that did the trick!!!

But … in the meantime … I got rather distracted surfing around looking for a circle cutter. You see … a template isn’t really enough … you have to have a steady hand and a good eye to keep cutting really evenly … and I figured there had to be something out in craft land that did this perfectly. I discovered a blog that gave the cutter I found a great rating … so went surfing then for a supplier! Yay! I found one in Australia … and just sent them an order! I know … a little implusive … but I have been very envious for a while of the gorgeous cards I see cut with circles or ovals & seemingly perfect! So … I have ordered the cutter … some circle & oval templates to use with the cutter & some spare blades. All set for my next circle challenge!!!   If you are looking for a supplier, yourself … try Art & Craft Supplies. They have a very easy ordering system … and payments by direct transfer or paypal.

So … here is my card. I had already done the watercolouring on this image … and was just waiting to mount it. So … it really didn’t take too long  to do! (apart from the circle cutting – please don’t look too closely!)

I really have to run … need to get those invitations done … especially now it took me a lot longer with the distractions to get this card finished. So … here are the quick details for this card …

• Stamp Set: Bundle of Joy – mask ( bear) used to stamp one image behind the other
• Colours: Gable Green, Lavender Lace, Barely Banana & SU! Watercolour card (vanilla)
• Inks: StazOn Black + GG, LL, BB marker & blender pen for watercolouring
• Ribbon: “Beachfront” Ribbon Originals
• Buttons: Bold Brights

Hope you enjoyed this one! Have a go yourself … if you are brave enough to attempt the circle!!!