Crafter from the Creek

New web address

2013-03-09T11:07:00.001-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

I just wanted to post here to ask you to update any bookmarks you currently have to my blog.

You can now find me at www.crafterfromthecreek.ca

You'll find everything at the new place, but things will look different.

Have fun getting inky

Paper Pumpkin reminder

2013-02-24T12:48:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Soooooo much has been going on recently and I don't want you miss out on this great monthly kit so I'm doing a recap post.

If you are already a fan of Stampin' Up!^®then you are probably already excited about getting new products to play with every month, but if you are new to Stampin' Up! then Paper Pumpkin is a great way to start.

Each month you'll get all of the pieces needed to make an amazing project including any ink and stamps (all you'll need is your own adhesive). The projects can be cards, 3D items etc, but each can be completed in about 30 mins so just like a work out you can fit it into your schedule.

Not sure you'll be able to find the time? If you are a hockey mum, a soccer mum or in my case a fencing mum you are bound to spend time sitting watching practice so why not use the time to create something. Who knows maybe one of the projects will make a great thank you for the coaches.

My previous post on Paper Pumpkin gives all the details about getting started and if you want the first kit make sure you register by March 10th as they begin sending out the first kits on the 15th March.

Please don't forget to select me (Melanie Chandler, Mississauga, Ontario) as your demonstrator during the registration process. If you do select me as your demonstrator I'll send you a handmade card as a thank you for your first Paper Pumpkin order. Each month while you are a Paper Pumpkin subscriber and I'm your demo I'll send you a card (various sentiments) so you know I appreciate your support.

Have fun getting inky with the Paper Pumpkin projects.

Woo woo

2013-02-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

I just noticed we reached a milestone of 1000 page views on the Crafter from the Creek blog. I hope all my visitors are enjoying the site as much as I'm enjoying creating the cards and writing the posts to share.

Have fun getting inky

Thanks for voting

2013-02-22T14:52:00.005-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Just a quick post to say thanks for voting on the Paper Craft Crew Challenge #29 as you helped me get the most votes this week.

If you are a card maker sketches are a good place to start, even if you don't plan on entering the challenge having a layout to work with can give lots of inspiration.

I have a board on Pinterest where I pin lots of sketches so maybe if you are a 'pinner' you could check out my card sketches board - just use the link on the left to follow me.

Have fun getting inky

Paper Craft Crew Challenge #29

2013-02-19T21:39:00.004-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

It's funny how having an extra day of this week threw me off and I've just realised I've not blogged my card this week and the Paper Craft Crew challenge #29 ends in a few hours (eeek).

My interpretation of the challenge this week needed a few tweaks as I don't have all of the shapes on the sketch (see below). Apologies again this time the flash seems to have washed out the vibrant colours. I must remember to take these challenge pictures in better light.

I based my colours around the Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper from the 2013 Spring Catalogue and it just went from there. I absolutely love the roses (from the Oh, Hello Stamp Set) in Cajun Craze and I've not really used it much before.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Parker's Patterns, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze and Whisper White

Stamps: Oh, Hello, Teeny Tiny Wishes and Itty Bitty Bits

Punches/Die Cuts: Oval Collection Framelits, Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Itty Bitty Shapes (circle), 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 1/4" Circle and 1" Circle

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Cajun Craze

Accessories: Whisper white Baker's Twine and Designer Builder Brads

The sketch for the challenge #29

I hope you like it, as I think it is one of my favourite cards I've made.

Have fun getting inky

More and more love

2013-02-19T21:15:00.003-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Valentine's has now passed and as usual with any number of cards to do I struggled to get finished!

My son needed 23 for the children in his class and a different type for his teacher so I made them the weekend before, but as I used the retired Poppy Parade Card Stock I haven't photographed them.

His teachers card gave me a chance to crack open my new ribbon and use the beautiful flower from the Oh, Hello Stamp Set (rapidly becoming my favourite especially the oval background).

This card was so simple to make, but the ribbon brings it alive as it has such a nice sheen.

My son helped punch out ovals for his class cards and crank the Big Shot for most of what we needed. When everything was finished he was very pleased with all of his cards, but not so keen to have to write them all. I'm sure he'd love a stamp with his name on so he could just do that instead.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: More Amore (129309), Very Vanilla (101650) and Rose Red (102544)

Stamps: Oh, Hello (130733 - Clear-Mount and 130730 - Wood-Mount) and Pretty Petites (from the Sale-A-Bration selection)

Punches/Die Cuts: Hearts a Flutter (130159) and Petite Curly Label (from the Sale-A-Bration selection)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Rose Red (126954)

Markers: Wild Wasabi and Rose Red

Accessories: SNAIL adhesive (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Big Shot (113439), Pink Pirouette/Rose Red 1 1/4" Two-Tone Ribbon (129294) and Stampin' Dimensionals^®(104430)

While my lovey-dovey supplies were out I made another card for one of my boys.

The Pool Party heart (on the right hand side) is cut from the More Amore Designer Series Paper and is actually hiding a stamp error, I over inked and ended up catching the centre of the heart (grrr), but I think it looks OK and he'll never know.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: More Amore (129309) and Very Vanilla (101650)

Stamps: Hearts a Flutter (129252 - Clear-Mount and 129249 - Wood-Mount) and My Little Valentine's

Punches/Die Cuts: Hearts a Flutter (130159)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Real Red (126949) and Pool Party (126982)

Accessories:SNAIL adhesive (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Big Shot (113439) and Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430)

My final card for Valentine's was using a frame cutout idea from a YouTube movie I saw by Anna Keyes where she made a lovely New Baby card.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Crumb Cake (120953), Very Vanilla (101650), Real Red (102482), Pool Party (122924) and Primrose Petals (126841)

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (127802 - Clear-Mount and 115370 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Hearts a Flutter (130159), Oval Collection Framelits (129381) and Full Heart (119883)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Real Red (126949)

Accessories:SNAIL adhesive (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Big Shot (113439) and Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430)

Have fun getting inky

Paper Craft Crew Challenge #28

2013-02-12T21:48:00.002-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Wow how quickly time flies and even though we had an extra long weekend due to the snow on Friday things have crept up on me! I can't believe the Paper Craft Crew challenge #28 deadline is swiftly approaching, but hopefully I'll get my blog written and the link up in time.

This week was one of the double challenges as they gave us a sketch (see below) and a colour palette. I find those with a colour component a little more difficult as I don't have too many different sets of Designer Series Paper so then I get stuck for backgrounds.

My interpretation and I apologise for the lousy photo, but as I left it so late the lighting wasn't the best and I couldn't get the flash to go!

I tried to make my own background this week using the 'arrow' stamp from the Oh, Hello set and the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig and though it doesn't look much I was pleased with how it turned out.

The greeting on the banner is stamped with the Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Stampin' Pad^®. It was the first time I used it and in the right light it looks gorgeous. I loved it so much I used it on the embossing and with another of the Oh, Hello stamps.

The sketch I was inspired by is below and the challenge colours were So Saffron, Wild Wasabi and Perfect Plum.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White

Stamps: Oh Hello!, Itty Bitty Banners and Make a Cake

Punches/Die Cuts: Bitty Banners Framelits, Oval Collection Framelits, Buttons #5 Sizzlits and corner rounder

Accessories: Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Keep crafting

Love is in the air

2013-02-06T14:38:00.004-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Valentines is rapidly approaching and I've been busy trying out a few of my new products to create some cards to show our love and appreciation for those closest to us.

I've been making cards for my son to take to school, but he also wants one for his teacher and his Auntie J in the UK so red, pink and hearts have been highly visible over the last few days. Apart from those I have mine own to do for for my two lovely boys.

My first card, but not necessarily one I'll be giving away gave me the opportunity to use my first ever set of Framelits so that made it all the more fun.

I've finally managed to get a watermark on my photo to save me having to add the extra little text each time I use a stamp set.

Ingredients


Patio Party 126916	Primrose Petals 126841	Crumb Cake 120953	Primrose Petals 126858

Hearts a Flutter Stamp Set 129252	Hearts a Flutter Framelits 130159	Ovals Collection Framelits 129381	Artisan Embellishments Kit 129328

Textured Impressions Argle Embossing Folder 127750	Occassions Paper-Piercing Pack 129387

I'm trying out different ways to show what products I used to make the cards so if you have time and wanted to let me know what suits you best I'd love you to leave a comment.

So far I've been using a list broken into sections and quoting each of the catalogue numbers to make finding the products easier, this time round I'm using a set of thumbnail images which link directly to the relevant pages. If this is the way you prefer I'll investigate a quicker method to create the thumbnails/links etc.

Have fun getting inky

New Single Stamps

2013-02-04T15:16:00.001-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

I'm sure you remember that not so long ago Stampin' Up!^® had a promotion where you could purchase individual stamps. Some came from current sets and a few were brand new images, well they have decided to release some more individual stamp assortments. This time we are really lucky as they are all brand new images, but they are only available until 31^st March 2013.

Assortment 3


Basic Label Clear-Mount coordinates with Apothecary Accents Framelits	Boutique Blossom Clear-Mount	Hello, Hello Clear-Mount

Ears to You Clear-Mount	Hello, Foxy Clear-Mount

Assortment 4


Woo Hoo! Clear-Mount	Sunshine Clear-Mount	Towels for Two Clear-Mount

Oh, Baby Clear-Mount	Spec-tacular Clear-Mount

So much is going on I can hardly keep up so if you have any questions about what promotions are running and for how long please contact me.

Have fun being creative

January/February Best of Stamp Sets

2013-02-03T22:14:00.001-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Happy 25th anniversary to Stampin' Up!^®. To celebrate Stampin' Up! is creating a 'Best of' monthly stamp set during 2013. These sets are a collection of images from the last 25 years, but each set will include a brand new never seen before stamp.

Each 'Best of' set will be $17.95 and they are all available until 31^st March 2014 so if you miss one you'll still have a chance to get it.

January is kicking things off with the Best of Birthdays Stamp Set. Party on!

Images^© 2013 Stampin' Up!

February - what else would you expect from a February set than images that will help you make that perfect Valentine? Share the love with the Best of Love Stamp Set!

Images^© 2013 Stampin' Up!

As these are only available in Clear-Mount don't forget about blocks. B, C and D needed for this set.

Heart - Block D
Read my Lips - Block B
Olive You - Block B
Love You Much - Block B
Love You - Block C
Love - Block D

You can get more information about the Best of sets and how to earn a free set on my Best of Stamp Sets page.

Happy retro crafting with these sets

Exclusive Sent With Love

2013-02-03T21:19:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

I apologise for being a bit behind in letting everyone know about this special offer from Stampin' Up!^® I'm sure you'll love it especially those of you who like to travel and scrap about your vacation.

Images ^© 2013 Stampin' Up!

You can get an exclusive Stamp Set, Designer Series Paper or a bundle which also includes some Calypso Coral Baker's Twine. These papers and stamps are only available until 30th April 2013 so order them while you can.

Item	Description	Price
131847	Sent With Love Stamp Set (Clear-Mount, English only)	$21.95
132182	Sent With Love Designer Series Paper	$13.50
132851	Sent With Love Bundle Includes Sent With Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love Designer Series Paper and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	$31.50 (20% off retail value)

Images ^© 2013 Stampin' Up!

Sent With Love Stamp Set

Images ^© 2013 Stampin' Up!

Sent With Love Designer Series Paper

I wonder if I can use this set to justify going on a trip!

If you have any questions or would like to place an order please contact me or visit my online store as I'd love to become your Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Happy crafting

Paper Craft Crew Challenge 27

2013-02-03T17:05:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

I totally missed the challenge last week as I was a bit busy at the weekend so I didn't get chance to get to my craft stuff for a play.

Since I'm enjoying the challenges I've decided to set some time aside each week to do this one and depending on how time goes I may look at trying some others.

The Paper Craft Crew sketch #27 (see below) inspired me to create the following card

I was excited to see hearts as I had been looking at making Valentines recently so had some of my supplies already to hand (love it when that happens).

Though you can't see it too well in the photo I did a watercolour wash of Certainly Celery as a back drop for the trees.

I slightly altered things this week as if I'd kept the Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set as the rectangle it would have been too big for the card base I chose. I decided to crop it down (keeping the other 2 trees for a different project) so resulting in a square stamped area.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Pennant Parade and Pretty Petites

Punches/Die Cuts: Petite Curly Label, Full Heart and Hearts a Flutter Framelits

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon and Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents

Keep crafting

Sale-A-Bration

2013-01-22T15:11:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

I know you love your Stampin' Up!^® products, but I bet you'd love FREE products even more.

Stampin' Up! is having it's annual Sale-A-Bration where you get to choose a free product (see PDF for exclusive Sale-A-Bration items) for every $60 (before tax, shipping and handling) you spend. So if you spend $120 you'll be able to order 2 free items - Yeah!

The selection of products you have to choose from includes Stamp Sets, Designer Series Papers, ribbons and buttons and lots of other goodies. You can see the all of your choices by checking out this PDF.

So if you've been holding off on ordering then I'd say this is a great time to get shopping as Sale-A-Bration only runs until 22nd March.

I've been using a few items on my blog recently including the Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper, Feeling Sentimental Stamp Set, VintageVerses Stamp Set and the Petite Curly Label punch and I've just got some more so please keep checking back to my blog as I show other Sale-A-Bration projects.

If you really, really love free products then maybe you'd like to host a workshop then you'd get Sale-A-Bration and Hostess products. I'd be happy to be your demonstrator so please feel free to contact me by email.

You can visit my online store or email me to place an order/book a workshop.

Keep crafting and have fun getting inky.

Paper Craft Crew Challenges - sketch 25

2013-01-21T13:41:00.002-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

This weeks sketch has an additional challenge as it is combined with a colour palette selection. I was quite glad I actually had the colours in my stash.

Paper Craft Crew Challenges #25

The sketch and accompanying colours are

My interpretation

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Neutrals Collection Stack, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Old Olive and Basic Grey.

Stamps: Itty Bitty Bits and Little Additions

Punches/Die Cuts: Petite Curly Label and Itty Bitty Shapes

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Basic Grey and Old Olive

Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Whisper White Baker's Twine and Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents

Keep crafting

Catch up of my latest three cards

2013-01-21T13:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

I've been busy crafting, but not very busy blogging so this post is a catch up of my last few cards.

The first one is a follow up to my entry last week in the Paper Craft Crew Challenge. I tried my hand at the previous weeks challenge (twice) as I didn't get it quite right the first time.

The sketch #23

and my first version.

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

Ingredients

Designer Paper Series and Card Stock: Summer Starfruit (126839), Rich Razzleberry (115316), Whisper White (100730) and Sycamore Street (sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration).

Stamps: Blissful Bird (126472 - Wood-Mount) and Vintage Verses (sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration).

Punches/Die Cuts: Bird (117191), Scallop Border (119882) and Scallop Square (119884)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Summer Starfruit (126991) and Rich Razzleberry (126950)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889) and Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430)

I really liked the card, but I didn't think it met the sketch well enough so I did a take 2.

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

Ingredients

Designer Paper Series and Card Stock: Midnight Muse (126843), Crumb Cake (120953), Whisper White (100730) and Parker's Patterns (131021).

Stamps: Feeling Sentimental (sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration), Hearts a Flutter (129252 - Clear-Mount or 129249 Wood-Mount) and Teeny Tiny Wishes (127802 - Clear-Mount or 115370 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Decorative Label (120907) and Scallop Border (119882)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Crumb Cake (126975)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889) and Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430)

So apart from playing with sketches I was asked by hubby to make a new baby card. I wanted to try out a tall card rather than a standard 5 1/2" by 4 1/4". It wasn't until I finished I realised I don't have an envelope to fit! so I made one.

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

Ingredients

Designer Paper Series and Card Stock: Raspberry Ripple (126842), Primrose Petals (126841), Pink Pirouette (111351), Regal Rose (105130), Whisper White (100730) and Print Poetry (129312).

Stamps: Little Additions (121991 - Clear-Mount or 121921 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Full Heart (119883) and Bitty Banners

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Pink Pirouette (126956), Regal Rose (126947), Primrose Petals (126858) and Raspberry Ripple (126859)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889) and Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430), Big Shot (113439)

Have an inky day

Paper Craft Crew Challenges - sketch 24

2013-01-14T21:53:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

I'm very excited as this is my first ever sketch challenge and I hope you like it.

Paper Craft Crew Challenges #24

The sketch provided was

My interpretation

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

I've flipped the sketch to a portrait orientation (but that is allowed).

Ingredients

Designer Paper Series and Card Stock: Patio Party, Sycamore Street, Tangerine Tango, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Stamps: Mixed Bunch, Betsy's Blossoms and Blissful Bird

Punches/Die Cuts: Blossom and Bird

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Chocolate Chip and Island Indigo

Best wishes and keep crafting

Dude, You're Welcome!

2013-01-14T10:21:00.002-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Stampin' Up!^® has launched a new kit today called Dude, You're Welcome!

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

The kit is aimed at guys, but it doesn't mean ladies aren't allowed!

The kit includes:

Four wood-mount stamps (double-mounted) with the perfect sentiment for every occasion
Twelve 4" x 6" postcards in four different colours
Twelve gray envelopes
A Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad
An instructional guide (help for a novice stamper)

You may want to look at this video as it shows some more about the kit.

If you want more information about the Dude, You're Welcome Kit or any other Stampin Up! products please contact me as I'd be pleased to help.

Don't forget you can shop online 24 - 7 or if you wanted to get a few friends together, have some fun and make a few projects and get free Stampin' Up! products I'd love to organise a workshop with you.

Have fun crafting and banish those Monday blues!

Paper Pumpkin - New monthly kit program

2013-01-12T17:23:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Just had to let you all know about this and I will give more details when I get them.

This week Stampin' Up!^® announced a new and exciting monthly kit program Paper Pumpkin that anyone can enjoy!

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .

I come to your door each month and I help you to escape with some paper fun.

I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside:

All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!

It's so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program starting Monday 14th January by visiting My Paper Pumpkin and click Subscribe.

Please don't forget to select me (Melanie Chandler) as your demonstrator during the registration process.

Then sit back, relax and wait as each month a new, surprise kit arrives on your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff and share every month!

I know it sounds good so you'll want to know more:

Each month we send a unique, surprise kit with a project - cards, journals, décor, and more! (We've even colour-coordinated, measured and cut everything for you)
Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper and all the accessories - everything you need but adhesive.
Each kit gives you a 30-minute creativity escape.
We will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.
You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month (for example if you sign up on 10th May, we'll send your first kit around 15th May. If you sign up on 11th May, we'll send your first kit around 15th June.)
Paper Pumpkin membership is $24.95 per month - shipping included!
There's no commitment so you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want.
Starting in early March, we'll offer a Try-It kit if you'd like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month.

Your first kit

The Welcome Kit is the very first Paper Pumpkin you will receive in your first month of membership and it includes a free gift - a clear acrylic block! so you'll be able to get creative straight away.

I can't wait for sign up on Monday and my first box to arrive.

Keep crafting and I'd love to see your finished Paper Pumpkin projects.

Valentine's promotion

2013-01-04T20:57:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

I've not even begun to think about Valentine's yet, I'm still recovering from the holidays!

Stampin' Up!^® have come to the rescue and have launched a special promotion.

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

There are two offers both running between 3rd and 21st January:

One to help you pretty up your treats

The Valentine Treat Bundle

Item number	Description	Value	Special price
132771	Exclusive Happy Valentine Heart Single Stamp and a package of 1" x 8" cellophane bags. The Single stamp coordinates with the Full Heart Punch (sold separately)	$9.20	$7.25

and one to let you make gorgeous cards.

My Little Valentine's Clear-Mount Stamp Set

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

This exclusive four-piece stamp set has every valentine sentiment you'd like to share. As an added bonus, you’ll get the Sealed with Love Simply Sent Kit (valued at $9.95) FREE when you purchase this stamp set.

The stamp set will pair beautifully with the More Amore Designer Series Paper and the Hearts a Flutter Clear-Mount Stamp Set and the Hearts a Flutter Framelits from the new 2013 Spring Catalogue.

Enjoy the weekend and make sure you cut, create and ink!

Holiday thank you cards - post 3

2013-01-04T16:19:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Yep I'm still here plugging away with the blog. I just hope you are liking some of my creations.

So we are down to the final 3 cards and then I'm up to date with my creations, but I have a Stampin' Up!^® promotion to post as well. I don't think I've done this much blogging in one day before phew.

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

This is my fave card of the bunch as I was pleased how simple it was to create yet it looks very cool.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Whisper White (100730), Primrose Petals (126841) and Basic Grey (121044)

Stamps: Perfectly Penned (122892 - Clear-Mount or 122890 - Wood-Mount) and Mixed Bunch (125537 - Clear-Mount or 125535 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Itty Bitty Shapes (118309)

Classic Stampin' Pads^®: Summer Starfruit (126991), Primrose Petals (126858) and Basic Grey (126981)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (123130) and the Big Shot (113439)

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Festival of Prints stack (2012 Holiday Catalogue), Whisper White (100730), Crumb Cake (129053) and Cherry Cobbler (119685)

Stamps: A Fitting Occasion (127049 - Clear-Mount or 127047 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Itty Bitty Banners (129267), 1 3/4" Scallop Circle (119854), 1 1/4" Circle (119861), 1" Circle (119868) and Itty Bitty Shapes (118309)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Crumb Cake (126975)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127749), Big Shot (113439) and Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents (119246)

Last and by no means least

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Festival of Prints stack (2012 Holiday Catalogue), Whisper White (100730) and Crumb Cake (129053)

Stamps: Perfectly Penned (122892 - Clear-Mount or 122890 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Corner rounder and Decorative Label (120907)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Crumb Cake (126975)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889) and Occasions Paper-Piercing Pack (129387)

I hope you've enjoyed my parade of cards and if you have been tempted to try some of the great products from the new 2013 Spring Catalogue or the 2012-2013 Annual Catalogue then I'd be pleased to help you. You can order 24 - 7 from my online shop or email me and I can place an order on your behalf.

Have you started your Valentines yet? No (me neither) keep checking back as that's my plan over the next few days.

Keep crafting as it's a great way to unwind.

Holiday cards - post 2

2013-01-04T15:41:00.000-05:00

Hi again Crafty Pals,

As promised my second post showing my thank you cards. Following on from my promise to use up some Designer Series Paper I've been good and tried to use some on the following cards.

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

This telephone box reminds me of Doctor Who even though the TARDIS is a Police Box??

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Festival of Prints stack (2012 Holiday Catalogue), Whisper White (100730) and Crumb Cake (120953)

Stamps: Feeling Sentimental (sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration) and Vintage Verses (sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration)

Punches/Die Cuts: Corner rounder

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Island Indigo (126986)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332) and Stampin' Trimmer (126889)

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

On this card I've used products from the new 2013 Spring Catalogue and the 2012 Holiday one (ordering ended this week).

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Festival of Prints stack (2012 Holiday Catalogue), Whisper White (100730) and Crumb Cake (120953)

Stamps: Pennant Parade (122742 - Clear-Mount or 122740 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle (119854) and the 1 1/4" Circle (119861)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Crumb Cake (126975)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (129378) the Big Shot (113439)

As I look back at the final card for this post I can see things I'd change such as stamping the Thank You (Primrose Petals) on to scratch paper first so the colour on the card itself isn't so vivid.

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Snow Festival (2012 Holiday Catalogue), Sycamore Street (sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration), Whisper White (100730), Baja Breeze (111352) and Primrose Petals (126841)

Stamps: A Fitting Occasion (127049 - Clear-Mount or 127047 - Wood-Mount) and Perfectly Penned (122892 - Clear-Mount or 122890 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Extra Large Oval (119859) and 1" Circle (119868)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Baja Breeze (126960) and Primrose Petals (126858)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (123130) and the Big Shot (113439)

If you are thinking about shopping with Stampin' Up!^® I'd love to be your demonstrator. You can order directly through my online store or you can email me either way I'd be thrilled to hear from you.

Hope you are enjoying my thank you cards so far and I have one more post to do.

Take care and get inky soon.

Holiday thank you cards - post 1

2013-01-04T10:10:00.003-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Over the last couple of days I've been a busy beaver making holiday thank you cards to send out to everyone who sent my son a gift. He is always a very lucky boy as he is an only child and an only grandchild so he gets rather spoilt!

I normally try to do one design and then make as many as I need, but because my 2013 Spring Catalogue and Clearance Rack Stampin Up!^® orders arrived just before the holidays I decided to try out the different products so I came up with various different cards.

I decided to create 3 posts and show a few cards in each as a single post would be soooooooooooooo long.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Parker's Patterns (131021), Whisper White (100730), Marina Mist (119682), Daffodil Delight (119683)

Stamps: Perfectly Penned (122892 - Clear-Mount or 122890 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Scallop Border (119882)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Cajun Craze (126965)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889)

I made the one with the Marina Mist first, but realised because I was layering it onto a Marina Mist part of the Designer Series Paper it kind of disappeared hence my change of border colour.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Sycamore Street (sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration), Whisper White (100730), Tangerine Tango (111349), Summer Starfruit (126839)

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (127802 - Clear-Mount or 115370 - Wood-Mount) and Feeling Sentimental (sneak peek from Sale-A-Bration)

Punches/die cuts: Scallop Border (119882) and Top Note Stampin' Up! BigZ Die (113463)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Tangerine Tango (126946)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889)

Have a great day, keep crafting and look out for my other posts later.

Paper everywhere and the new Spring catalogue

2013-01-03T11:16:00.002-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Well I haven't really crafted much over the last few days I always find the rush to get everything done for the holidays leaves me uninspired. However, I did go down to my table to design my thank you cards and it looked like a paper takeover. I am so messy, but I also realised while tidying that I'm a Designer Series Paper hoarder.

In the run up to Christmas I bought the Snow Festival and Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper, but only used a sheet from both??? I also got the Festival of Prints stack and only used 4 sheets of that so I think I must have a problem.

I seem to buy paper, get it out, look at it and put it away again, so to help me do something with it and not just admire it I am challenging myself to use it up before I buy more holiday themed papers.

I might hoard paper, but I have virtually no embellishments so my other promise to myself is to invest in the pretties such as ribbon, buttons and bling. I think this may take my preferred style along a new path so over the next few weeks expect to see some hits and some misses as I stretch my creativity.

On a much more positive note the new Stampin' UP!^® 2013 Spring Catalogue is available from today so when you have a few minutes and you want to take some 'me time' check it out.

Images © 2013 Stampin’ Up!

Click on the image for the Flash version or you can download the PDF.

Happy Thursday and remember it's never too soon to start making cards for the people you love.

Last 2 holiday cards of 2012

2012-12-23T22:28:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

My last two holiday cards are for my lovely boys. We usually exchange cards on Christmas Eve, but as I wanted to put up the post today we did it a day early.

Images © 2012 Stampin’ Up!

For my little man (gingerbread men are my favourite holiday icon)

I love this flip card and I learnt the technique on a Frenchie Stamps video where she used the beautiful Ornament Keepsake Stamps and matching Framelits.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Snow Festival (126908), Whisper White (100730) and Gumball Green (126840)

Stamps: Scentsational Seasons (121190 - Clear-Mount or 121026 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Holiday Collection Framelits (127814) and 3/4" Circle (119873)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Early Espresso (126974) and Gumball Green (126861)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430), Whisper White Baker's Twine (124462) and Dazzling Details (124117)

Images © 2012 Stampin’ Up!

For my big man

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Festival of Prints stack (126904), Crumb Cake (120953), Baja Breeze (111352) and Riding Hood Red (111348)

Stamps: Bells and Boughs (121142) Hearts a Flutter (sneak peek from the 2013 Spring Catalogue)

Punches/Die Cuts: Holiday Collection Framelits (127814), Decorative Label (120907) and Hearts a Flutter Framelits (sneak peek from the 2013 Spring Catalogue)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Crumb Cake (126975)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430) and Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127749)

Don't forget to check out the Clearance Rack for some bargains and remember the last order date for the 2012 Holiday Catalogue is 2nd Jan so email me or visit my online store.

I hope you all have a great holiday season and get the opportunity to spend lots of time with family and friends.

Keep crafting as we'll be starting thank you cards next!

Gift tags

2012-12-23T21:43:00.000-05:00

Hi Crafty Pals,

Well I'm hopefully in the final furlong for holiday preparation and today my son wanted to make a gift tag for his daddy's present. I had quite a few to make apart from his so here is a selection

Images © 2012 Stampin’ Up!

All tags were simple to make and he'd seen some I made for other parcels. Punches and the Big Shot are great tools for children to use (with supervision of course) as the results always turn out looking professional so they feel proud of their projects.

Ingredients

Card Stock: Very Vanilla (101650), Whisper White (100730), Crumb Cake (120953) and Night of Navy (100867)

Stamps: Scentsational Seasons (Clear-Mount - 121190, Wood-Mount - 121026), Bold snowflake (132338) and Joyous Celebrations (Clear-Mount - 128069, Wood-Mount - 128066)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Midnight Muse (126860), Daffodil Delight (126944), Gumball Green (126861) and Early Espresso (126974)

Punches/Die Cuts: Blossom (125603), Mitten Builder (127824), Decorative Label (120907), Extra Large Oval (119859) and Holiday Collection Framelits (127814)

Accessories: SNAIL Adhesive^® (104332), Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430), Argyle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (127750) and Whisper White Baker's twine (124462)

If you are interested in any of these products or other items from the 2012-2013 Annual Catalogue or 2012 Holiday Catalogue please contact me or visit my online shop as I would love the opportunity to become your Stampin' Up!^® coach.

Just to remind you that the 2012 Holiday Catalogue finishes on 2nd January and the new 2013 Spring Catalogue starts on the 3rd January.

Happy crafting and have fun creating