INKspirations 4U – Inkspiration Challenge #1

Tags

Big Shot, Bigz Die - Scallop Circle, Short & Sweet, Snow Flurries, Snow Swirled, Tags for All

Hi girls!

It is so lovely to be able to stamp for a little while! The kids have been occupied the last couple of days … Sandy has been staying with Shane who is house-sitting for friends (He is back now cos Shane is working for next 5 days!) … Skye has been at HSC “lock down” study camp (home at night) … and Sheree has been working & doing uni work. So … I have been able to indulge without feeling guilty! I have been having fun with the projects & challenges over at INKspirations 4U – Christmas Edition. This is a fabulous inspiration photo … and I had so much fun putting this one together!

You can see I chose a scallop circle card … because of the shape of the cake … I have added some snowmen & a Christmas tree (no penguins … I don’t have any stamps!) … and I have incorporated some of the icing colours into the clothes on the snowmen. Some of the stamps are retired … but … I don’t part with my Christmas sets too readily! I like to have variety!!!   All the details are on my card recipe below! Lotsa fun!!!   I am loving my new ribbons, too! This is the NEW 1/8″ taffeta (Basic Black). Gorgeous! Have a happy day! Stampin’ Hugs xxaxx

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INKspirations 4U – Colour Challenge #2

Tags

Always Elegant, Big Shot, Christmas Greetings, INKspirations 4U!, Textured Impressions - Elegant Lines

Hi guys!

Finally a day to STOP!!! But … I do have several stamping projects to do … so it isn’t really a “do nothing” day! I have completed 2 projects fot the INKspirations 4U Christmas Edition online stamping classes. I am kinda excited … cos there is so much happening over on this site! Apart from the 10 project tutorials that are available over 2 weeks … Madeline is also hosting some FAB challenges! You don’t need a blog to participate … as all challenge pics can be uploaded directly to the INKspirations 4U website! It’s not too late to join! Just click on my “Guest Designer” button to join in the fun! You won’t be disappointed! It is running similarly to one of my demonstrator forums … with a chat feature … and gallery … and plenty of activity!

So … here is my first project for the Colour Challenge #2. I love this colour combo … and will be using this for some of my Christmas Cards! (If ever I get around to making them!)

I am sooooo loving this NEW embossing folder … and I love that the Always Elegant stamp set, the Elegance wheel stamp & the Elegant Soiree DSP … all are designed to work perfectly together with this embossing folder! I am looking forward to doing some creating with all these products together! I had a FUN day at Leonie N’s yesterday! With no kids at home … it was the perfect opportunity to spend the day with my special stamping friend! We spent some time on the computer … so I could show her a few tips … and we did a little stamping including a joint cullusion on a wedding card for Leonie’s demo friend, Michelle, in NZ! We giggled … we shared family stuff … and we encouraged each other. It was such a lovely (if somewhat distracting) day! Well … off to do some more INKspirations 4 U Xmas projects! Lotsa fun! Hope you all have a nice day! Stampin’ Hugs xxx

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Distressed Card Class

Tags

Big Shot, Bigz Die - SU! Top Note, Distressing Essentials Kit, Elements of Style, Shimmer Paint, Textured Impressions - Elegant Bouquet

Hello everyone!

Well … first day of the holidays is tomorrow … and do you imagine that I am taking it easy??? NUP! Sheree is dragging me up to Sydney  (Miranda) to begin our Christmas Shopping! Yes! You did read that right … I am officially starting my Christmas Shopping! Sheree has this week off from uni … but has to work a couple of days … so TOMORROW is the day! Sssshhh! Just between you and me … I was hanging for a quiet day at home … BUT … Ree is such a great shopper that there was no way I was going to pass up on her offer of help! So … I thought I would pop by tonight … because I probably won’t make it tomorrow … and I did promise to show you the Distressed Card that we created at our last Twilight Stamp Club Class on Friday night! I actually am thrilled with this one … and the girls seemed pleased with the final result!

Funny story … two of my club girls … found it extremely hard to scrunch their top note card piece. I tried to explain that this is one of the distressing techniques that makes the card look “vintage” … but they just couldn’t bring themselves to scrunch that lovely stamped centre piece! Finally … Catherine felt a little brave and did a very slight scrunch … declaring … “My card is not distressed … it is just a little anxious!” We all thought that was such a hoot and had a good giggle! Maree just couldn’t scrunch … and went home with a pretty (but not totally distressed) neat card!

I’m not sure if you can see it in the photos … but the Top Note has some lovely layering of stamped images on it (Elements of Style – Flowers & Flourishes) … AND … the final step for this card is to sponge some of the GORGEOUSLY BEAUTIFUL Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint over the top of the card. This is such a pretty finishing touch to the card. It’s a shame you can’t see how sparkly this is in the photos!

Now … I do have to give FULL CREDIT for this card to Angie Kennedy Juda who has done a FAB video tutorial that was an inspiration to me. I loved this card as soon as I saw it and it was perfect to share with my club girls. I did use a different stamp set … as I didn’t have the one that Angie used … but it did work beautifully just the same! Angie has so many fantastic video projects … you just have to check out her website!   I have also included a step by step “how to” on the card recipe. I hope that is a help.  A BIG thank you, too, to Lynda who found this tutorial for me! – thanks for being a lifesaver, Lynda! I hope … if your kids are also on holidays … that you can also have a few days of de-stressing … and perhaps try a di-stressed card while you are at it!!! giggle! Aren’t I a hoot!!! Stampin’ Hugs xxx

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INKspirations 4 U Free Pass Winners

Tags

Guest Designer, INKspirations 4U!, Stamping on Candles

Hi girls!

Yes! I have drawn two winners (by random generator) … for the FREE PASSES to the next INKspirations 4 U Christmas Class. Drum Roll ….. congratulations to …

So … comments 2 & 1 … were Paula & Gabbi! Congrats girls … I do hope you enjoy your classes with INKspirations 4 U. I will pass on your email addresses to Madeline so she can send you the link to the website!

FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T WIN … IF YOU WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EXCITING CLASS … PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE TIME TODAY TO REGISTER. DEADLINE IS SEPT 25!!!

We had a fun night last night … at our LAST class for this session of Twilight Stamp Club. Stamp Club is usually a technique class with 2 Q&E layouts to showcase the techniques. We did a distressed card which took more than the usual time last night … this is because “Distressed” means … multiple steps. (I will show you this card on Monday!) So … I did want a really quick and easy project to team with the Distressed card … AND … some of my class members had requested to learn stamping on candles. This is the funky project that we did! (Sorry … the photo isn’t great!)

Well … just a quick post today! I need to get my orders in from last night and I have to get my tutorial finished for INKspirations 4 U … so I am going to toddle off and do that! I hope you all have a lovely day … and I hope you manage to find some time to stamp over the weekend! Stampin’ Hugs xxx

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Dad’s Tie Card

Tags

All Year Cheer II, Fathers Day Card, Tie Card

Hello everyone!

Well … I have been to school and back twice today … and have to pop down again soon to pick up the kids. Our small school actually has two campuses – one closer to the centre of Wollongong (Cordeaux) … and one out in the country – just down the road from us (Tongarra). The last day of term 3 is always a BIG sports day … CITY VS COUNTRY! Our two campuses play each other in various junior school and senior school events. Sandy was playing in the Senior Primary Boys Soccer game … and Skye went back to school to play in the Senior Secondary Girls Soccer game. Yayayayayayaya! They both had wins … and they both scored goals!!! It is a gorgeous day … and the first time that I have actually felt as if Spring is here. When I left to pop home … COUNTRY had won 4 of the 7 comps … and the Senior Secondary Boys Soccer was in progress. So … we just need a draw or a win … to beat CITY!!!! If they win the last match … then the comp will be a draw!

I thought I would share the last of the DAD cards … that we made at our last STAMPnGIGGLE. It seems so long ago now! I had found this card on Selene Kempton’s Blog … but I tweaked her design and made it more of a “tuxedo” suit & tie combination! If you would like to see a tutorial on how to tie a tie … check HERE! They have great pics to help!

Don’t forget to leave a comment … before tonight … to go into the draw for a FREE PASS to INKspirations 4 U Christmas Edition. I have been working on my project today … and feel pretty happy with it. I just have to do the picture tutorial now! I will be back tomorrow … with something new. Oh … and for those that might have been remotely interested. The Snr boys lost their soccer … so the day ended up a draw 4-4. What a fun way to finish the term. Stampin’ Hugs xxx

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To You From Me – Another Distressed Card

Tags

Andrea Buckland, Best Yet (Hostess Level 1), Big Shot, Cardstock Roses, Distressing Essentials Kit, French Filigree Background, Just Believe, Sizzlits Die - SU! Little Leaves, Textured Impressions - Elegant Bouquet

Hello lovelies!

Ok … so I am kinda excited to show you today’s card! I can tell you … I was determined (after my first lousy effort) … to create a distressed card that I was even just slightly happy with. Yesterday’s card was better … BUT … my third effort was much more satisfying!!! So … the excitement comes from a feeling of self satisfaction. I wouldn’t say I am the distressing queen … but I would say I am starting to get the knack! What do you think?

I have also just completed a card for my Twilight Stamp Club class tomorrow night … that I am thrilled with. So … girls …  it won’t be as fiddly and time consuming as this sample … BUT … we are doing distressing!!! Yay!!!

Did you notice those GORGEOUS roses??? I absolutely have to thank  Andrea Buckland for sharing a picture tutorial for these “little roses”. I added a little tweak to Andrea’s by rolling the edges of each of the “petals” before rolling the rose up … but … this was just a little extra. I am rather pleased with my first attempt at these sweet accents! Make sure you take a look at my card recipe for all the step by step details for creating this card. It is well worth the effort! Ok … back to prepping for my stamp club!

Oh! Just before I go … don’t forget the deadline for joining up for the INKspiration 4 U Christmas Class … and don’t forget to leave a comment on my post at the top of the page to go in the draw for a free pass to this class!

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INKspirations 4 U – Christmas Edition

Tags

Guest Designer, INKspirations 4U!

Please note: This is a sticky post and will remain at the top of the page for several days. Please scroll down for recent posts!

Hello everyone!

I am doing a little happy dance! And … I have an invitation to extend! I recently received an email asking if I would like to be a guest designer for the next edition of INKspiration4U!!! It is an understatement to say that I was totally surprised and very excited!!! I have never been asked to guest design before … so this was a huge thrill! (I do think a little birdie mentioned my name to Madeline!?- Thanks Sonia!)

You can find all the details about this exciting and fun class by clicking on the INKspirations 4 U banner (above) … here is a small excerpt to whet your appetite … …

You will have 10 projects with detailed full-color step-by-step instructions. Projects are easy to duplicate, practical, and functional. You will have fun making these projects and will be able to use them for your own personal use or to be given as gifts!

Unfortunately, the deadline has passed for the “early bird discount” for this class … BUT … I do have 2 FREE PASSES to give away to 2 special people who leave a comment on this post BY THE 24TH SEPT! I will draw the two winners early on Sept 25th. AND … even more exciting … there is also the opportunity to win a BIG SHOT if you are a PAYING class participant.

The class runs from 27th Sept to 8th October … and registration ends on Sept 25th. Yes! I know … that is very soon! So … check out the website today and make sure you register before the deadline! I hope a few of my blog fans will join me for this fun adventure!  And … I just hope I am able to live up to the expectations! I am a little nervous! You can pay by paypal … HERE -> INKspiration 4 U.

Vintage Christmas

Tags

Best Yet (Hostess Level 1), Big Shot, Dasher, Distressing Essentials Kit, Love Letters DSP (IB&C 10/11), Textured Impressions - Elegant Lines

Hi there again!

I am starting to sound like Leonie (N.)! I rang her this morning and these were my first words … “Wow! I have had a week and a half … and it is only half way through the week.” Giggle  …  Yesterday Sandy went to CIS (Combined Independent Schools) State Athletics to compete in the discus. This has got to be the longest discus comp in the history of athletics … Not only did they start 45 mins late … the comp ran for 1 1/2 hrs! The “officials” were not very efficient! But … Sandy had a great day out … he came 9th out of 27 … and threw a PB of 25.95m! Woo hoo!

Today was Skye’s Yr 12 graduation. I am feeling a little sad and nostalgic to see daughter no. 3 graduate from high school. (4 kids down … 1 to go!) And … that means that Sandy is now at school on his own! And … he will be alone for the next 6 years! But … I guess I have no one to blame except myself. Skye was one of the 3 chosen to do the speech for the class (no time today for singing – but she is writing a song for her formal dinner / graduation in November). The speech was really entertaining … and funny. We had a lovely lunch out after she finished at Shelly’s Cafe at Shellharbour Village (Skye’s favourite!) But … now we are home again and she is feeling pretty “flat” this afternoon. She is going to miss all her friends & teachers  sooooo much!

So … with Monday taken up with volunteering to help with Sandy’s class fundraiser (& the school newsletter prep) … Tues up to Sydney for CIS … Wed – Yr 12 graduation … is it any wonder that I have done nothing else all week! I do need to start prepping for my class on Friday night! (Particularly seeing I have to go back to school on Friday to watch Sandy play soccer against our other campus … and Skye is going back to play netball, as well!) This week really is a DOOZY! I wonder if I will ever catch up!???????? Ok … time for a card!  I was so disappointed with my distressed card, yesterday … that I was determined to do a better one!   But … I felt like I needed a little help … and I found it on Amy Celona’s website. (Make sure you check out the original!)

There are so many little details on this card … that make up some of the basics of a distressed card … crumpling & tearing & sponging. I used the Distressing Essential kit ink & flat stamp to add the ink to the embossed card piece and the crumpled DSP. (Love Letters DSP). You might have noticed the NEW Cherry Cobbler colour on this card. I REALLY like this new red … and it looks so FAB with the Night of Navy! I am much happier with this attempt than my previous one … and guess what … I did another that I am even happier with … but I will show you that one tomorrow! And … thanks to Lynda’s blurfing skills … I now have a sample idea for my class for Friday … so I had better stop procrastinating … and get that sample done! C U tomorrow! Stampin’ Hugs Andrea xxx

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