“Friends 24-7″ again!

Tags

Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel Stamp, Friends 24-7 Stamp Set

28/5: Another sheduled post – hope it arrives Sunday morning (AUS EST)

Mmmmmmmm … yes … I did have fun playing with this new set … and felt VERY satisfied with these (& yesterday’s) cards. And … I love being able to share them once again with you! (My new computer is FANTABULOUS … but still needs more “fine tuning”) I hope you like these two!!

I absolutely LOOOOOVE this colour combination and think that this is probably the nicest of the 4 cards I did with this set. (Oh … and I do plan to do more!!!! ) I was really happy with the whole design … and especially loved the way you can layer images with this set. You can see on the main card image I have added some soft flourishes (stamped off) in the kiwi kiss & baja breeze … run my Friendly words wheel across the bottom in choc chip & added the main flower image over it all … also in choc chip! (I did mask the words across the bottom before stamping the flowers with a post it note … so the flowers didn’t cover the words.)

I also re-stamped the flower image onto a scrap & coloured the flowers with ink & blender pen … cut these out individually … added a little “bling” and mounted with dimensionals. (I’m not sure if you can see this in the pic above?) But … I have included a close up … to show you!

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The phrase has been stamped twice to give a shadow effect – I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to make sure I positioned this perfectly! I also only stamped the “Friends” as the shadow by inking the stamp with ink & then wiping the ink from the other words with a baby wipe! (A Baja Breeze in-colour marker would have been easier … but … of course … is not available! Another way is to pick up some ink with a blender pen … and paint it onto the stamp where you want it!) Either way works well.

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Card Recipe:

• Stamp Sets: “Friends 42-7″ & “Friendly Words” Jumbo Wheel Stamp
• Cardstock & Papers: Baja Breeze Patterns DSP, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze & Whisper White Cardstock
• Inks: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
• Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon, Flower Brad, Dazzling Diamonds, 2-way glue pen, Eyelet Border Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Paper Piercer & Mat Pack.

So … here is my last sample (for now!) Even though this bird image is not really my cup of tea … I was determined to use it. And I actually was really pleased with how it turned out!  I kinda CASED the design from two different samples in the Idea Book & Catalogue! Again I have layered images! On the main image I have stamped some Bashful Blue flowers as a soft background image (I hope you can see that in the pic???) … and then added the bird on top in Riding Hood Red. The blue bird is stamped again on scrap & added with dimensionals.

I have used the flourish stamp as a soft background on the blue card and the Friendly Words Wheel stamp has been rolled across the RHR strip of card. The “Friends” phrase is punched with the Word Window punch … but … as it is a little longer than the punch … the secret is to stamp the image … and cut a strip just slightly narrower than the width of the punch … and feed ONE end through and punch just ONE end at a time! (Does that make sense??? )

Another clever hint from Convention: I have pulled the Rhinestone out of the Rhinestone Brad and stuck it directly to the RHR tiny flower. This is a great technique if you are wanting to add a brad to a small piece of card and you can’t hide the brad “wings”. All you need is to undo the tiny clips on the back … open up the wings completely and the rhinestone pops out! Simple! And … so effective!

Card Recipe:

• Stamp Sets: “Friends 24-7″ & “Friendly Words” jumbo wheel
• Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
• Inks: Bashful Blue, Riding Hood Red
• Marker: Always Artichoke (leaves & foot of bird)
• Accessories: Blue Rhinestone Brad, Bashful Blue Wide grosgrain ribbon, Trio Flower Punch, 5-petal flower punch, Sponge daubers, Word Window punch, Scallop Edge Punch

I really like this colour combination! I think the secret with some of the bolder new incolours is to find a soft colour that combines well. I love the way these two colours work so well  … with the white, too!

If you are feeling inspired after seeing these “Friends 24-7″ cards (I know I just fell in love with this set as soon as I watched Shelli demo it) … you can order this set from me at any time. I love receiving order emails!!! Just email me with your payment details … and I can have it shipped directly to your door within a few days! You might like to add the “Friendly Words” jumbo wheel … because it just fits so well with the stamp set. Don’t forget to add your p&h … all ordering information can be found on my “Orders” page.

It is so nice to be able to show you some of my cards, again! Don’t forget to leave me a comment! I love to hear from my blog friends!

Images copyright © Stampin’ Up! ® 1997—2009 Artwork by Andrea Lowcock

“Friends 24-7″

Tags

Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel Stamp, Friends 24-7 Stamp Set

Thu 28/5: I have scheduled this to arrive while I am away for the weekend! I hope works ok & it is posted Saturday morning (AUS EST)

Hello girls!

I promised I would show you some of the pretty cards I recently made with the “Friends 24-7″ stamp set. You will remember that I was really taken with Shelli’s demonstration … and rushed home from Convention to order this set! And … I was really thrilled that I had. I love how versatile this set is … so I have two cards to show you today … and will show you another two tomorrow!

The first is kind of inspired by Shelli’s demo … and I have used soft colours and pretty ribbon to give a “vintage” type look to the card.

Card Recipe:

• Stamps: Friends 24-7, Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel
• Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Apricot Appeal, Very Vanilla
• Inks used: Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal
• Markers: Close to Cocoa, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Pretty in Pink
• Accessories: Very Vanilla gathered ribbon (last year Ribbon originals) Square Rhinestone Brads, Dazzling Diamonds, 2-way glue pen, Sponge Daubers, Small oval punch, Large oval punch
• Details: Certainly Celery background card – stamped with Friendly Words wheel in certainly celery and sponged edges with Close to Cocoa. Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette & Apricot Appeal card – edges torn & sponged with Close to Cocoa ink. Apricot Appeal card – stamped with flourish from “Friends 24-7″ set with AA ink & sponged edge with Close to Cocoa. Vanilla card also sponged with Close to Cocoa on edges. Main image stamped with Close to Cocoa, coloured in with fine tip of markers. Dazzling Diamonds added to flowers with glue.

The second card is a totally different look. I wasn’t too sure about these colours … (you know how I feel about Pacific Point) … but I actually quite liked the result.

I think the secret is not to use tooooo much Pacific Point … so it is not too overbearing!

Card Recipe:

• Stamp Set: “Friends 24-7″
• Card & Papers: Pink Pirouette Patterns DSP (top half of card), Whisper White, Pink Pirouette & Pacific Point card
• Inks used: Pink Pirouette & Pacific Point
• Accessories: Pink Pirouette Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Blue Rhinestone Brads, Blue Chunky Sprinkles, Small oval punch, Large oval punch, Wide oval punch, 1/2″ circle punch, Sponge daubers, White Gel pen, Tombow Adhesive.
• Details: Bottom half of card is stamped with flower image in Pink Pirouette ink and also the flourish stamp is stamped with Pacific Point (stamped off first – to give softer colour). Main image stamped with Pacific Point and then sponged with Pink Pirouette. Chunky Sprinkles glued with Tombow Glue.

I think that the Chunky Sprinkles just add a little something that lifts the card! I love a bit of bling!

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Back tomorrow with two more cards using this set!!! You can see a sneak peek just below!!!

Images copyright © Stampin’ Up! ® 1997—2009 Artwork by Andrea Lowcock

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Mojo Monday #88

Tags

Mojo Monday #88, Mojo Monday Challenge, Sweet Always DSP, Sweet Sayings, Whiff of Joy, Whiff of Joy - Teenage Lizzie with box of chocolates

Hello! Another quick challenge post! I have so much stored up to share with you but do need to get the challenges posted before the deadlines! Hope you don’t mind! This is the latest Mojo Monday sketch Challenge – Week 88.

I really wanted to do a Whiff of Joy card … seeing I hadn’t used these stamps for a while … so I have worked my card around the main image! I also pulled out my BRAND NEW “Sweet Always” DSP – such pretty colours – and worked with these colours to create my card!

I just love the Elizabeth Bell designs … isn’t this girl just so sweet! She is called “Lizzie”.

Card Recipe:

• Stamp Sets: Whiff of Joy “Teenage  Lizzie with box of Chocolates”; Small Sayings
• Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (A5), Pumpkin Pie (13.9 x 9.9 cm) Pink Pirouette (14.5 x 3 cm – punch, crimp then trim to 13.9cm + 8 x 2 cm + 12.5 x 6 cm for main image backing), Regal Rose ( 2 x strips – 6.2 x 3.2 cm)
• DSP: Sweet Always ( top – 9.6 x 6 cm + bottom – 9.6 x 7.6 cm + 2 x strips – 6 x 3 cm)
• Watercolour Paper: 12.5 x 6 cm
• Accessories: Crimper, Eyelet Border Punch, Regal Rose Ribbon Originals (ret. SU!), Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, Orange Rhinestone Brads

Did I forget anything??? I always wonder when I do a card recipe if I have left something out! You might want to hop over to the Mojo Monday Blog to check out some other samples for this sketch challenge -> Mojo Monday #88. I always wonder why these samples look so professional compared to mine! There is some “X” factor missing in my cards … perhaps one day I will work out what it is!

Off to Sydney today for our anniversary. Will be back sometime on Sunday afternoon but I have scheduled 2 posts for the next two days … I hope they arrive ok. I can’t wait for you to see my “Friends 24/7″ cards.

Having fun … hope you are too!

PS Oh … thanks for all my recent comments … no time now to reply & post … but will do that first thing on Monday! Please keep them coming!  I love it when my blog friends say hi! And don’t forget that Blog Candy!!!

Images copyright © Stampin’ Up! ® 1997—2009 Artwork by Andrea Lowcock

KWerner Colour Inspiration #53 + BLOG CANDY OFFER!

Tags

All Year Cheer II, Blog Candy, Circle Circus Stamp Set, KWerner Colour Challenge #53, KWernerdesign.com

Hi … here is another colour challenge! Phew! I sure am making up for lost time!!! This is Kristina’s latest Colour Inspiration … and I have to admit … I nearly didn’t do this one! I took one look at the colours … and said “YUCK”!!!!! These are definitely NOT my favourite colours … you all know how I feel about Pacific Point!!! But … I decided that this was after all a “CHALLENGE” … so I thought I should challenge myself and try this one out!!!

Just where to start??? Oh dear … this was going to be tricky! And … I wasn’t wrong!!! This card took AGES to create … I kept changing things that I wasn’t happy with. My Mojo had really done a runner with this one! So … I apologise in advance for this card. It really is an ‘UNFAVOURITE’ of mine!!!

I decided that the best thing was to use white as the main colour so as not to overwhelm with these other bold colours.  But try as I might … it still looked thrown together!

Card Recipe:

• Cardstock: Whisper White, Pacific Point, Real Red, Summer Sun, Basic Black
• Inks: Pacific Point, Real Red, Summer Sun, Basic Black stamp pads + Real Red, Summer Sun Markers
• Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, All Year Cheer II
• Punches: Scallop Edge, Scallop Circle, 1 1/4″ circle, 3/4″ circle
• Accessories: Black brads, Dazzling Diamonds, 2-way glue pen, Black gingham ribbon, Blue Rhinestone Brad, Crimper
• Details: Multi colour image was created using marker directly to rubber (Pacific Point was added using a blender pen & stamp pad)

Anyway, I decided that I do need some more inspiration for these BOLD COLOURS … and thought I might offer some Blog Candy for the best submission! So … here is what you have to do!

1. Create a card using the colours for this challenge
2. Email a picture of your card to: giggles08@three.com.au
3. Leave a COMMENT here on this blog post … to tell me about your card
4. OR … if you have your own blog … leave a comment on this post with a link to your card pic on your blog.

I am keen to have HEAPS of entries! So … get that mojo going now!!! So … I would like to contrast the “ugly” with the “lovely”. Here is some infinitely better inspiration to get you started. Now … this is just such a gorgeous card … and I think Tracey actually got it right … she DIDN’T use too much white! Perhaps that is where I went wrong???

You will find the details for this card at Tracey’s blog -> Tracey’s Colour Challenge #53. Thanks Tracey for allowing me to use this pic of your card!

Tracey wasn’t sure about the yellow … but I think she has done a fantastic job of combining the colours. I actually really like these colours on this card! And … isn’t the hat pin with the beads a lovely finish! (Must get mine out again!) Thanks Tracey for showing us how it is done!!!

And … if you need a little more inspiration … here is the link to Kristina’s blog with all the entries for her challenge! -> KWerner.

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I have a pack of 12″ x 12″  ’08 In-Colour Cardstock & a pack of “Spring Showers” DSP up for grabs!!! (The great thing about Spring Showers is that the colours in these papers are all from the regular colour families … so they are always current!!!)

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So … WIN SOME BLOG CANDY … start creating now … and make sure you follow the “what to do” instructions listed above!

Images copyright © Stampin’ Up! ® 1997—2009 Artwork by Andrea Lowcock & Tracey Old (Q’ld)

Colour Throwdown #43

Tags

Colour Throwdown #43, Colour Throwdown Challenge, Embossing, Friends 24-7 Stamp Set

Hello everyone! By the time I get this card posted … I will probably have missed the deadline for this challenge. But … I just loved the colours so much I wanted to try it!

This is a rather elegant combination … don’t you think? You might like to pop over to the “Colour Throwdown” blog to see some more lovely cards created using these scrummy colours. For some reason I was drawn again to my brand new “Friends 24/7″ stamp set. (Oh … you haven’t yet seen my other “Friends 24/7″ creations!!!  … I will show you them over the next few days!)

Card Recipe:

• Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace, Old Olive, Whisper White
• Stamp Set: “Friends 24/7″ – Flourish on Lavender background, Flower embossed onto Eggplant, Here for You phrase – markers to rubber
• Inks: Lavender Lace & Whisper White Craft stamp pads, Lavender Lace & Elegant Eggplant markers
• Accessories:
  • Punches:Eyelet Border Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, 2mm hand held circle punch
  • Embossing: Heat & Stick Powder, Green SuperNova Glitter, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Powder Pals
  • Accents: Lavender Rhinestone square brads, Certainly Celery Ribbon Originals (ret. SU!)

I was so taken with this combination that I decided I was going to do another … but didn’t quite get there. I will try it again sometime soon, though! Hope you’re having a great day! I am super busy setting up my new computer … and GOOD NEWS … my external hard drive also arrived today … so I am BACKING UP all my files! Oh! What a great idea!!!

Images copyright © Stampin’ Up! ® 1997—2009 Artwork by Andrea Lowcock

Inkspirations Inspiration Challenge #7

Tags

Eyelet Border Punch, Fresh Cuts Stamp Set, Heart to Heart Punch, Makeesha’s Inkspirations Challenges, Mojo Monday Challenge, Pocket Silhouettes, Pretties Kit

Wow! 3 posts today!!! I am excited aren’t I!!! This post was prepared a couple of days ago … and was just waiting for photos to be uploaded! I thought I was going to miss the deadlline … but … I just scraped in!!!

Hi girls!

While I have been waiting for my new computer to arrive I have had a bit of a chance to do a couple of challenges. I am just hoping that I will get my computer in time to upload photos … so I can post this challenge card before the deadline on Thurs!!! Wishful thinking I expect.

So … here is Keesh’s Inkspirations Inspiration Challenge for this week …

So many colours & themes! Gingham, flowers, butterflies, pretty pretty colours!!! Where do I start??? I cheated a little … and looked for a layout over at Mojo Monday. (It is not the current challenge … but it did take my fancy! )

And … here is what I came up with … combining the two challenges …

Sorry … I think there is a shadow on the photo … I hope you can see the soft images on each of the 3 panels. These were all “stamped off”. I will include a “zoom” below!

Card Recipe:

• Stamp Sets: Pocket Silhouettes, Fresh Cuts
• Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Gable Green & Cool Caribbean (07/08 in colour) – I wanted something a little softer than Tempting Turquoise!
• Papers: Bella Rose Designer Series Paper
• Inks: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Gable Green, Cool Caribbean
• Punches: Trio Flower, 5 petal flower, Heart to Heart (used to create butterflies), Eyelet Border
• Accents: Half pearls from SU! Pretties Kit – small, med & lge; Gold Cord (ret. SU!)
• Other accessories: Crimper, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive

My girls just loved this one. I guess that doona is a very girly look … so it would appeal to the girls! Thanks Keesh! Loved this challenge! Now I just have to hope I can submit it in time! Don’t forget to check out the other entries for this challenge at Keesh’s blog! And … you might also be interested in the gorgeous cards created for the Mojo Monday sketch!

Off to do more playing!

Images copyright © Stampin’ Up! ® 1997—2009 Artwork by Andrea Lowcock

My dilemma!

Tags

Computer

YIPPEE!!! WOO HOO!!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!! Doing a little celebration dance … Let’s throw a party … Can you guess why??? Yep! I am typing on my NEW COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!

So … now comes the big set up …

Shane has managed to get my emails working … my internet functioning … and some programs loaded … BUT … I still have to find all my files and get them uploaded … all my pics / docs / email addresses / bookmarks / photos etc etc. This is STILL going to take some time … still lots to get right!!! But … I am just sooooooo happy to finally be able to start getting things back on track!!!!

Tomorrow is our anniversary (our 26th) – can you believe it is a year since I was telling you about our Brampton Island trip for our 25th anniversary??? I had just started blogging … and here I am still going a year later!!! Anyway, even though Gav is working tomorrow & has a meeting tomorrow night … he has organised for us to go to Sydney on Friday morning & stay for 2 nights in the Hilton Hotel!!! Are you jealous??? It is going to be a lovely relaxing luxury break … and we both need to have the time off.

So … my dilemma??? Should I take my NEW computer with me … so I can play with it and get it functioning properly??? Or should I escape totally for a few days??? If I escape … it is likely to be another 5 days before I finally catch up … because I will have home stuff to catch up on & the school newsletter to do … so I will just get further and further behind! Can you understand now … my dilemma??? What do you think???

At least I have tonight … and a little time tomorrow … so … I guess I could get my photos loaded … and schedule some posts … and at least you will get to see some of the “stuff” I have been working on over the last couple of weeks. HHHmmm … Good idea???

Will be back soon …. I hope you will be too!!!

Stampin’ Hugs, Andrea

PS … Just logged into Stampin’ Up! and realised I need to download Adobe Flash Player! This IS going to take me a little while to feel like I have everything just the way I want it!!!

Featured Blog – “The Creative Closet” – Cindy Lawrence

Tags

Cindy Lawrence, The Creative Closet

Hi there!

I was hoping and hoping that my computer might arrive today … I might find time to upload some photos … and I might be able to show you some of the cards I have made using my new stamp sets! But … “sigh” … I am still waiting! Apparently it is with the courier … but it could take 1 – 3 days still to get to me!!!

So … I am sorry … but I am going to share another favourite blog. I hope you are all enjoying our Blog Hopping … and are getting heaps of inspiration and ideas!

http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/stamping_inspirations_wit/2009/05/waddle-i-do-without-you.html

Isn’t this just adorable! What sweet colours Cindy has used! The papers are from SU! – the Basic Grey Wisteria DSP – not yet available here! See those little pearly looking accents … they are called Dew Drops … and I have managed to source an online supplier from US after seeing them on another blog! I can’t wait for them to arrive!

http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/stamping_inspirations_wit/2009/04/froggy-thanks.html

I was so taken with this card … I love these bright colours – some that I usually avoid (especially yellow) … but this is just lovely! Look at all the accents that Cindy has used. You would think it would be too busy with all those added bits & pieces … but it is just so balanced and gorgeous! I am always looking for new ways to use ribbon … Cindy has used hers in a really fun way!

http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/stamping_inspirations_wit/2009/03/fl.html

I just think this is such a pretty card! I wanted to show you this one … because I love the way Cindy has punched her papers with the lace border punch … it almost looks like a fabric lace with the two layers, doesn’t it! I love the shimmery paper … and the shimmery ribbon. Of course … these may not be SU! … but there are some gorgeous products around! Lotsa pearls here … I have decided that I am much too stingy with my accents! Note to self: Use more embellishments!!!

http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/stamping_inspirations_wit/2009/02/april-is-a-promise.html

Sometimes a card just inspires you instantly … don’t you think??? I just have to go and find a set similar to this … and try this idea! I love the way Cindy has so carefully cut around the entire image and has mounted it above the card with dimensionals. I have done this several times with small parts of a stamped image … but this is just wonderful with the whole image lifted off the card! MMMmmm … just delightful!

Well … I am off to try that idea … and also do a couple of challenges. I want to try and get some posts prepared so that when my computer finally arrives … I will still be able to post even though I will be busy setting up my computer. I just know that is going to take several hours to get it just how I like it! I will be itching to do some stamping! So … I have decided to have a bit of a play day today … before I am too occupied once again!!!

Thank you Cindy for your permission to use these gorgeous pics! It is so nice to be able to share your creations with my blog friends. Hope you all have a lovely day! It’s a sunshiny beautiful day here … and I am going to enjoy sitting at my desk looking at the green paddocks & the cows wandering by! And … stamping! What more could a girl want???