Another male birthday

This one is for my brother in law.  I had the use the watch to let him know that time is ticking on for him and he is getting OLD.  The background is embossed with a non-SU folder that has lots of gears, cogs and wheels on it, quite appropriate for the watch.  Tried to turn it into a pocket watch with a bit of chain and have added a few flags, which seem to be all the rage at the moment.  

I may not be able to post on Friday.  My big sister is coming for a visit and we should be too busy.  Back next week. 

Something a little different

I haven't done much scrapbooking lately, but thought you might like to see a page done for my daughter's album.  I have used the shimmer paint in a spray bottle with a touch of re-inker to tint the colour.  Some areas have been "shimmered" a little more than others to give the page some depth.  Have then stamped the butterfly and mofif from my favourite Bliss stamp set as embellishment.  Add a beautiful photo of my daughter and a little border edge and I think it looks pretty good.  

 

Teenage birthday

Why is it that just when you get in the mood to be creative someone wants to eat?  Get it yourself, I'm not hungry.  So had to be reasonably quick with this one.  Have just used a Darice brand embossing folder and the pinwheel die for a simple but bright birthday card.  And on the inside I have randomly stamped the pinwheel from the Sweets for the Sweet stamp.  Forgot to take photo of that though.  

 

2nd version

Now for the second attempt.  I wanted to stick with the black and white theme and found a pre-stamped version of the truck from Countryside in my stash.  Just kept it very simple, sponged up the edges and matted on black.  

So, apologies to the recipient - this slow old truck is not really your style, but it was all I had.  See I do need more stamps.  Happy Birthday anyway. 

 

Hearts a Flutter

I needed to make a couple of cards on the weekend for upcoming birthdays; one  male and one female.  

I don't really own any stamp sets suitable for 20ish males so had to fall back on non-SU stamps that I own.  This is a Penny Black stamp that I couldn't part with.  Originally I inked it up and just had a black and white version but it looked to bland.  So I used some of the dies from Hearts a Flutter in the latest catalogue, but still not right, so I watercoloured bits of the chickens.  I quite like the chickens, but wasn't happy with the flowery alphabet stamps I used, and nor did I think it really suitable for a male.  See what you think.

Hmmm!   Will show you the final card later this week.

Remember pinwheels?

I have made this card using the new Pinwheel Sizzlits Die from the latest Seasonal Catalogue.  It's a cute little thing, and I do mean little.  Have taken a photo of the die and finished pinwheel with my mobile phone for comparison.  It's very fiddly to make but so pretty when done.  

 

The embossing folder in the background is one of the Sale-a-bration specials - Vine Street.   I had gotten it for one of my sisters, but thought I would just try it out before they got it.  

Add a bit of ribbon, and a relatively easy and effective card to make.  Not sure how you would go posting it though.  This would have to be one of those cards that are hand delivered.   

And a little bit of bragging - I have had another card printed in the latest edition of Cardmaking Stamping & Papercraft magazine in the Reader's Section.  It's a card shown on here previously, a pink one with a parasol stamped on it.  I sent four cards in using the same stamp set and the one they chose wasn't one of my favourites.  Still I suppose everyone has different tastes.

This is another Postage Due card.  

Still a very girly card.  Can you see the beautiful embellishment on the card?  It's a Designer Builder Brad, something new from the latest catalogue.  You can add a tiny circle of patterned paper or stamped image in the centre and then pop on of the epoxy bubbles that come with them on top to personalise it.  I tried to get a close up picture, but camera didn't like to be that close, so blurred image it is. 

 

Postage Due

Sorry for my absence.  Have had a few other things going on.  My father is back home again, feeling very tired but pleased to be home.  He has had three stents inserted and all is well from a cardiac point of view.  Has had a few other things not quite right, but hopeully he will keep on improving.  

You may have seen on the right hand side the new holiday catalogue and sale-a-bration catalogue have been put up.  A lot of vintagey and romantic things for Valentine's Day, if you happen to celebrate it.  Not really my thing, but I am working on a few Valentine cards anyway. 

We have 10 birthdays in February for family and friends so I have been creating, but I just can't show you much yet.  I had planned to send this card for one of those birthday girls, but went with Plan B instead.  This uses a recent addition to my stash, Postage Due.  The older I get, the more I like the vintage look, perhaps cause it's from my era the kids would say.  I brought this for the men in my family, but it suits both sexes equally well I think.  

I love the look of the embossing folder on the left, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder.  And the cute little buttons too.  Another one on Wednesday.  

 

 

Another Christmas card

I completely forgot about this one when doing last week's posts. This was my 2011 card and like all the rest it was a last minute one.  I start thinking about the cards in November but they usually don't pull together until about halfway through December.  I remember being completely uninspired by everything I put together and then I received an email from an American Demonstrator, Sandi MacIver, who showed how this card was made.  This one was a hit with friends and relatives.

Lots of cutting, scoring and folding involved, but a very clever card.  Thanks Sandi.

Cards of Christmas Past 3

Last two Christmas cards to show you.  I still like both of these ones, but obviously I would do a few things different if I made them again. 

This was the first Stampin' Up set I ever bought - Crazy for Christmas, must have been back in 2008.  I remember I threw out a lot of cardstock cause I couldn't line the stamp up properly - obviously before I bought a stamp positioner.  Lots of colouring in here with a water pen and gel pen.  

  

This one uses Baroque Motifs, a set I have kept despite it being retired.  I just love the swirls.  I remember cutting out all those little blue flowers (madness!) to glue on and tracing the shape for the tag punch cause I didn't own it at that stage. 

Well that's all we have been able to find so far.  Maybe another couple will turn up soon after another clean out.  Hope you have enjoyed seeing them.  It's interesting looking back at how styles, techniques and tools have improved over the years.  Check out a few of your old cards too and see what you think.  

Cards of Christmas Past 2

Continuing on with previous Christmas cards, next up I am still happy with.  A little bare but getting there. 

These were a lot more involved as each stamp was embossed with black and then stamped onto four different coloured papers, which I actually think were post it notes from work.  They then all had to be cut out and stuck over the top.  

 

Now I know this is a Stampin' Up stamp.  Once again borrowed from a friend and stamped onto Bazzill cardstock.  Add a few stars stamped in white on the left and then layed silver and green stars on top and reasonably easy.  I think it actually had three stars on the front, but one has obviously gone missing over the years. 

  

The Cards of Christmas Past

First of all, apologies for lack of posts last week.  My Dad was taken by ambulance to Lismore Hospital with a heart attack.  He subsequently was transferred up to Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane for further tests and has had stents placed for a blockage.  They discharged him back to Lismore Hospital for a night and after he got home the next day he was re-admitted again for further pains.  All very worrying and frustrating. The good part was I got to see all my family again; sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and great niece and nephew.  Next time though I think we'll just organise a get together without the hospital part.

Before Christmas I found a few of my past Christmas cards while tidying up, and my sisters have found a few more for me. I definitely think my style  has improved over the years.  Hope you do too.  

This is the first one my family and I can find.  Not much going for it except the lovely shimmery cardstock.  Oh, and inside was a beautiful stamp that said "Wishing you a Wonderful Christmas" embossed with gold in a beautiful script with lots of loops.

For this one I remember my mum and dad had bought me back a few sheets of the red handmade paper from a factory in Tasmania from one of their holidays.  I tore the edges of the paper for the matt and borrowed Santa from a friends.  He was coloured in with normal pencils and his "furry bits" were KindyGlitzed for sparkle.  I remember thinking it needed something more, so I found some ribbon to pop behind Santa.   The insert was typed on the computer on red paper and cut out with fancy scizzors.  Better than the previous one, but not by much.

 

 

 

Final Christmas Cards

These two cards are from my friends who are both Stampin' Up demonstrators.

This card uses a lot of punches to make up Santa and his happy face.  I can see the Ornament, Bird Builder, Boho Blossoms and different sized oval punches, as well as the Top Note Die.  The edges of the Top Note have been glittered for a lovely sparkly effect. 

And the last card to show you uses the "First Christmas" stamp set from the Holiday catalogue.  I was told this card was a bit tricky to make as everything had to line up perfectly.  It came with a tea light to place behind the vellum window.  Looks pretty at night all lit up.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the cards we received.  Next week I will show you the cards I have made over the last few years. 

More Christmas Cards

Two more cards from ladies in my group.  

As you know I love squares, and this one really appeals to my sense of squares.  Lots of colouring in here.  

And this one has lots of cutting and embossing, and I must say no gold speckles that shouldn't be there.  I find gold and silver embossing difficult to do because of the bits that won't go away, so really appreciate the work that went into this card. 

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you all.  Hope your Christmas break was all you wanted it to be.  

We did the big drive up the coast to visit my family, almost all of them anyway.  Only got to see my Dad for a couple of hours, but was able to catch up with two of my sisters, one in Queensland and the other in Grafton.  Also had a bit of a holiday in an apartment near Currumbin Waters, which was great. 

Thought you might like to see some of the handmade cards we received at Christmas from family and friends.  

This first one is from my sister who has only really started making cards in the last year but is learning fast.  She recently received a Big Shot for her birthday after dropping lots of hints to her family, and is having a great time with it.  The stamp set is "A flower for all seasons", one of the retired sets from SU.

This next one is from one of the ladies that comes to my house to learn from me.  I really feel sometimes that I should learn from her.  She is very talented, and also has lots of stuff which she is happy to share.  She made this card especially for me in non-traditional colours.  Aren't I spoilt?

This card is from another lady in my group who loves making cards and scrapbooking, but doesn't really enjoy stamping.  Lots of shading and cutting involved.

 Still have a few more to show.

Happy Christmas

As Christmas is imminent now is the time to thank you for your support and interest in my blog, and to wish you all a very happy Christmas, and a safe, healthy and happy new year.  I will be giving this blog a little rest for a while but will be back and hopefully able to show you some of my previous Christmas cards.  It's interesting to see how styles change and my style has improved, but until then here is this year's Christmas card to share.

It's in Cherry Cobbler, a lovely shade of red, embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper folder and embellished with the Snow Flurry die with Glimmer paper, Crumb Cake and Cherry Cobbler.  The greeting is the Heart of Christmas stamp we received at the Heartfelt Event.  Underneath the greeting I have stamped snowflakes from the Snow Swirled set in VersaMark, obviously not visible in the photograph. 

Enjoy your holiday break and enjoy the company of family and friends. 

 

A Haylee update

Apologies for lack of stamping but ...... I will get back to it shortly.

An update on my great niece (I am a great aunt!).  

Haylee went back to hospital on Monday for a check and to have the contacts removed, and the doctor is very pleased with her progress and says her vision has improved and healed well.  She will need to use eye drops for the next 6 weeks or so, but things are looking much better for her at the moment.  She is having a great time opening all the cards and packages that have been sent, some from people neither she nor her parents know.  If you were one that sent something, Thank you.  

Christmas wrapping

If you have ever received a package directly from Stampin' Up you will know that when they come everything is packed in a cardboard box with lots and LOTS of brown paper packaging inside to stop things moving around.  Usually this just gets thrown out, but in our house it is mostly kept and kept for  lining the tops and insides of cupboards and gift wrapping. 

 Add a touch of something special and it looks good. 

 

Stampin' Up Clearance Rack

 

Stampin' Up have temporarily taken over a hundred products out of retirement with discounts up to 70 percent off retail--only while supplies last! They have four different groups of products on sale between 14 December-21 January.  This week's sale items are listed below, or can be found here.

The first number is page from last year's catalogue, item no., description, retail price, sale price and the last two figures are NZ prices.  

11 124938 Tagtastic Stamp Set [w] $26.00 $16.00 $31.00 $20.00
11 122747 Tagtastic Stamp Set [c] $21.00 $14.50 $25.00 $18.00
15 121592 Dasher Stamp [w] $14.95 $8.00 $18.50 $10.00
15 125050 Elebration Stamp [w] $19.95 $9.95 $23.95 $12.50
15 125042 Something for Christmas Stamp [w] $19.95 $7.50 $23.95 $9.50
19 115902 Winter Post Stamp Set [w] $47.95 $24.00 $57.95 $30.00
21 121492 Christmas Greetings Stamp Set [w] $19.95 $10.00 $24.95 $12.50
21 116893 Tree Trimmings Stamp Set [w] $24.95 $12.50 $29.95 $15.75
22 121584 Welcome Christmas Stamp Set [w] $49.95 $18.75 $59.95 $23.50
22 120597 Welcome Christmas Stamp Set [c] $39.95 $17.25 $47.95 $21.50
23 125024 Tidings of Joy Stamp Set [w] $36.95 $18.75 $44.95 $23.50
23 122687 Tidings of Joy Stamp Set [c] $29.95 $17.25 $35.95 $21.50
25 121498 Contempo Christmas Stamp Set [w] $26.95 $13.75 $31.95 $17.50
25 120594 Contempo Christmas Stamp Set [c] $21.95 $12.25 $25.95 $15.50
25 113023 Season of Joy Stamp Set [w] $51.95 $19.75 $61.95 $24.75
27 115918 Happy Christmas, Mate Stamp Set [w] $37.95 $19.00 $45.95 $23.75
27 115820 Holiday Lineup Stamp Set [w] $38.95 $19.50 $46.95 $24.50
108 115930 Many Merry Messages Stamp Set [w] $64.95 $32.50 $77.95 $40.75
120 124338 In Color 2010-2012 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock $18.95 $9.50 $22.95 $11.95
120 121701 In Color 2010-2012 A4 Smooth Card Stock $13.95 $7.00 $17.50 $8.75
120 124386 In Color 2011-2013 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock $22.95 $15.00 $27.95 $18.75
121 102277 Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
121 103133 Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
121 105211 Regal Rose Classic Stampin' Pad $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
121 124291 Regal Rose 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
121 105108 Regal Rose Stampin' Write Marker $5.75 $2.95 $6.95 $3.75
122 101778 Rose Red Classic Stampin' Pad $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
122 124303 Wild Wasabi 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
123 119669 Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
123 105210 Elegant Eggplant Classic Stampin' Pa $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
123 111836 Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Pad $11.95 $4.50 $14.25 $5.75
123 124278 Garden Green 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock $11.95 $6.00 $14.25 $7.50
123 124293 Riding Hood Red 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock $11.95 $6.00 $14.25 $7.50
123 105110 Elegant Eggplant Stampin' Write Marker $5.75 $2.95 $6.95 $3.75
123 100080 Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker $5.75 $2.95 $6.95 $3.75
123 120971 Riding Hood Red Stampin' Write Marker $5.75 $2.95 $6.95 $3.75
124 120966 Basic Gray Stampin' Write Marker $5.75 $2.95 $6.95 $3.75
129 122357 Beau Château Designer Series Paper $18.95 $7.50 $22.95 $9.50
130 122349 Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper $18.95 $7.50 $22.95 $9.50
131 122369 Letters to Santa Quick Accents $18.95 $7.50 $22.95 $9.50
134 122468 Château Designer Printed 6" x 6" Ring Album $19.95 $9.95 $23.95 $12.50
134 103687 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) Post Album Page Protectors $10.95 $5.50 $22.95 $6.95
134 104521 6" x 6" (15.2 x 15.2 cm) Ring Album Page Protectors $10.95 $5.50 $22.95 $6.95
139 125059 Wild Wasabi 1-1/4" (3.2 cm) Striped Grosgrain Ribbon $19.95 $7.50 $24.50 $9.50
139 117288 Certainly Celery 5/8" (1.6 cm) Satin Ribbon $16.95 $6.50 $20.50 $8.25
139 125056
Cherry Cobbler 1-1/4" (3.2 cm) Striped Grosgrain
Ribbon $19.95 $9.95 $24.50 $12.50
139 117286 Real Red 5/8" (1.6 cm) Satin Ribbon $16.95 $8.50 $20.50 $10.95
139 111368 Old Olive 1/4" (6.4 mm) Grosgrain Ribbon $10.95 $5.50 $24.50 $6.95
139 109034 Real Red 1/4" (6.4 mm) Grosgrain Ribbon $10.95 $5.50 $24.50 $6.95
139 124322 Rose Red 1/4" (6.4 mm) Grosgrain Ribbon $10.95 $5.50 $24.50 $6.95
139 109026 Very Vanilla 1/4" (6.4 mm) Grosgrain Ribbon $10.95 $5.50 $24.50 $6.95
143 104337 3/16" Gold Brads $12.95 $6.50 $16.50 $8.50
147 119921 Log Cabin Smooch Spritz $7.95 $4.50 $9.75 $5.75
150 119876 Large Tag Punch $30.95 $15.50 $36.95 $19.50
160 116821 Holiday Windows Movers & Shapers Dies $54.95 $27.50 $67.50 $34.50
164 112968 Soft Holly Standard Stampin' Around Wheel $11.95 $6.00 $14.50 $7.50
w = wood-mount
c = clear-mount

They only went on sale this morning, but already some things have sold out such as: 

If there is anything you need, want or desire please let me know by Sunday afternoon 4.oo pm so I can order for you.  

You can check out the clearance items for the next three weeks too.  Here is the list for 21st December to 3rd January, This  is the link for 4-10th January and finally  11-21st January.  Orders for each week cannot go in until beginning of each date, but if you want to get in early send me the email so I can place the order on the first day of each weekly list.  If the links don't work head to Stampin' Up website. 

Quick Christmas cards

Here are a couple of very quick Christmas cards made recently using a borrowed Snow Swirled set and some leftovers from the Ornament Keepsakes set.                        

The greeting stamp is the Heart of Christmas stamp which we received as our Christmas present when we attended the Heartfelt Stamping Event recently.