Nicole Stalker

Stamp Camp & Black Magic…..

Nikki Stalker — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:47:27 +0000

Last weekend was our Team Stamp Camp organised by my wonderful upline, Marelle Taylor. This was my first time attending a stamp camp and now I know why others can’t stop talking about them and why they attend at least 1 a year. Marelle organised the whole weekend wonderfully with some help from fellow team mates.

So what did the weekend consist of.

We had demonstrations, shoebox swaps, challenges, lots of laughs, great food, wonderful company all with no cooking or cleaning….. You couldn’t ask for more. We also had a Gift Fairy which I honestly thought was Marelle but I’m not too sure now after her post about the camp. I wonder who it was.

These are what I received from the Gift Fairy.

This was sitting on my table after lunch or maybe it was after dinner on Saturday.

Isn’t it fantastic. The Gift Fairy even found water bottles with black lids to fit the whole ‘Black & White’ theme for Stampin’ Up!.

I was eager to eat that Freddo but I was good and it’s still there as I’ve only taken the photo today. Maybe I’ll eat it tonight……

On Sunday morning this was on my desk complete with an opening to remove the lollies without damaging the work of art.

Thank you Gift Fairy. I sure wish you’d own up to it so I could thank you properly. I’m sure I’ll find out sooner or later……lol

I was one of the demonstrators who did a demonstration at the camp and mine was on a technique. The technique that was decided upon, after discussing ideas with Marelle, was the Black Magic technique. I’d been meaning to try this out for ages but never got around to it. Once I’d committed to demonstrating I had no excuses as I needed to come up with something.

Here is the card I demonstrated on the day.

I really enjoyed making this card as my sample and ended up making a set of 3 card using the same colour combination with different layouts.

I haven’t been a big fan of Pacific Point but I think it looks fabulous with Black & White……

Black Magic will be one of the techniques I’ll be teaching at my Technique Class next month on 18th August. Check my class schedule in the left sidebar for more information.

Supplies:
Stamp set: Upsy Daisy
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White, Pacific Point, Pacific Point Patterns DSP
Ink: Whisper White, Stazon Black
Accessories: Circle Scissor Plus, Eyelet Border, Scallop Oval, Large Oval & Horizontal Slot punches, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Watercolour Pencils, snail adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

I mentioned earlier that we had Shoebox swaps. Marelle had received quite a few new stamp sets from the upcoming Idea Book & Catalogue released on 1st September at Convention back in May and had given these to some of her team to create Shoebox swaps with. Of course the stamps were only on loan……hahaha. They came up with some fabulous creations which we were all able to make over the weekend. Unfortunately we can’t show these to you all just yet. If some of the sets make it into our pre-order then I can share those in August otherwise you will have to wait until September.

Along with making the 10 shoebox swap cards I also made another 9 cards. Some have already been given to people but those that I have left I will be sharing with you over the next week or so. I had limited supplies with me and even though Marelle had heaps of stuff there for us to use if needed I tried to stick to what I took as much as possible.

Till next time…..

Inkspiration Colour Challenge #32

Nikki Stalker — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:00 +0000

I am so thrilled to be a Guest Designer for Makeesha’s Colour Challenge this week.

We had some of my favourite colours to work with which made it less of a ‘challenge’ I suppose although so far, being that it’s school holidays, I’ve still only managed 1 card for the Challenge. Hopefully I’ll get to make a few more.

When I first saw the colours I immediately was drawn to the Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set.

Here are the gorgeous colours we got to play with and now you can too. Just create a card or project using the colours in the challenge, pop on over to Makeesha’s site, scroll down till you find the InLinkz “Add Your Link’ button and add your details. Maybe you’ll have the opportunity of being a Guest Designer next……..

And here is my full creation. Unfortunately the colours on the cupcakes don’t show up as well in this photograph but you can see it better in the close up above.

Regal Rose would have to be my all time favourite Pink to date and So Saffron my all time favourite Yellow however I am holding out to see the new Daffodil Delight when it’s released here in Australia on 1st September. Maybe with the new colour changes my all time favourites might change too…..lol

I’ve kept the card fairly simply and used the Saturday Sketch Challenge 158 from Stamping 411. I’ve added one of Teneale Williams Perfect Faux Bows and you can’t really tell on this full card but on the snippet above you might be able to see that I’ve added some Crystal Effects to the cherries……

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Crazy for Cupcakes
Card: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
Ink: Stazon Black, So Saffron, Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Regal Rose 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon, So Saffron button (Button Latte), Hemp Twine, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Blender Pen, Mini Glue Dots, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Till next time…..

Secret Sister June

Nikki Stalker — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Over on Stampin’ Up in Oz we’ve started another round of Secret Sister. This round goes from June to August. In case you were wondering Stampin’ Up in Oz is not a demonstrator only group its a group for anyone who loves Stampin’ Up and lives in Australia.

I received some lovely cards and gifts from my Secret Sister last month which I’m going to share with you now.

This is the first card and an extra gift I received. This gift was over what was required this month anyway but it was mentioned in the card that this wasn’t my months gift it was something extra as it was my birthday earlier in June as you may have read on a post a few weeks back.

Isn’t this just gorgeous. I so love the colour combination used on this card, the layout and of course the stamp set. I haven’t used this set, Embrace Life, in ages but must pull it out real soon. I also now have my own ‘special’ pair of snips that no one will be able to mistake as theirs……. This is a great way to use up some of those full glass beads and pearls from the Pretties Kit that I know I tend to always have left over.

So what did I receive from my 2nd card and actual June Gift???

All this…..

Wasn’t I spoilt?

I received a gorgeous card, chocolate slider, pillow box filled with some Antique Brass hodgepodge (retired) and a card wallet containing 3 cards complete with decorated envelopes.

Aren’t they lovely. I love Rich Razzleberry and am so happy that it will be a permanent colour after September 1st along with Soft Suede, also used in this ensemble.

Thank you again Secret Sister.

Of course I’ve also made some goodies to send to my Secret Sister but I can’t show you those until September after the reveal has been done.

Till next time……

I’m flabbergasted…….

Nikki Stalker — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:28:43 +0000

Would you like to know why??

Well I’ve just got home from Swim Clinic with my 3 younger girls to have received an email from the lovely Kirsty Brown notifying me that………..(drum roll please…….)

I won Makeesha’s Colour Challenge #30 and get this I now get to be a Guest Designer for next week.

I’m so in shock. I didn’t even realise at first which card had won as I had 2 entries. I’d only just started checking emails and hadn’t done any blog surfing yet, but now I know it was this one.

It’s been so long since I’ve participated in any challenges that I hadn’t even realised that the winner got to be a guest designer. How cool is that? You’ll notice the Guest Designer badge over on my right sidebar but just in case you are reading this in Google Reader here it is here too.

You can probably gather I’m rather ecstatic about this.

Till next time…..

CPS #174 & Inkspiration Colour Challenge #30

Nikki Stalker — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 05:30:00 +0000

I love the colours in Makeesha’s Colour Challenge #30 so have combined it with another Sketch for a second card. This time the Sketch is from Card Positioning Systems and is Sketch #174.

Here is the sketch provided along with those gorgeous colours again.

For my creations this time I’ve used the Cottage Garden Stamp set which is another in this month two-step into fabulous promotion.

Another ‘different’ card for me but a sketch I’m going to play with a bit more. As I was playing along with the colour challenge also I was a little limited on embellishments/accents I could use but I’m still happy with the outcome.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Cottage Garden
Card: Kraft, Whisper White, Old Olive
Inks: Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: 1 1/4” & 1” Circle Punches, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Rhinestone Brads – Ice, Paper Piercing template & tool.

Till next time…..

MTSC81

Nikki Stalker — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 03:45:39 +0000

Yes it’s another challenge card. This time I’ve used Mercy Tuesday’s Sketch Challenge #81 combined with Playful Petals stamp set.

Here’s the challenge sketch.

And here’s my creation.

I’m still a little unsure about this card. I’m wondering if I should have stamped the sentiment on the bottom of the oval piece and put something else in the lower left corner. I tried a few things before actually sticking things down but nothing seemed to look any better.

Any suggestions???

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Playful Petals, Best Yet (Hostess Level 1)
Card: So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper, Tea Party DSP
Inks: Stazon Black, Almost Amethyst inkpads, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery & Almost Amethyst Stampin’ Write Markers.
Accessories: So Saffron brad (Rich Regals), Aqua Painter, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Oval cutter (non-SU)

Till next time……

JAI #24 & Inkspiration Colour Challenge #30

Nikki Stalker — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:53:51 +0000

It has been such a long time since I have participated in any Challenges but today I managed to get a few done. I’ll be sharing them over the next few days but I have to get this one up straight away as the deadline is 11.59pm tonight for JAI #24…… Talk about last minute.

I’ve teamed the JAI #24 Challenge with Makeesha’s Colour Challenge #30.

This is the Sketch we got to work with……. and here is the Colour Challenge……..

And here is my card I created……

I’ve used the lovely Playful Petals that’s on special for this month and will also be retiring at the end of August. You can purchase this set at a 20% discount through the month of July. Email me or phone on H: 02 9620 9092 or M: 0418 218 467 to place an order. Orders can be shipped anywhere in Australia.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Playful Petals, Thank You Kindly
Card: Kraft, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper
Inks: Stazon Black, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Paper Piercing template & tool, Crystal Effects.

Till next time…..

Rusty Petals

Nikki Stalker — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:21:36 +0000

Today’s card is using the Playful Petals stamp set. I haven’t watercoloured using markers in ages and really enjoyed playing with this technique again. Normally when I watercolour I just use the inkpads and an Aqua Painter. Making this card also reminded me how much I like this set even though I haven’t used it a lot and that I will miss it when it gone. I’ll be sharing a few creations using this set throughout the month.

So here’s today’s card.

I’ve actually CASED the card from page 86 of the IB&C but changed the colours and used one of the smaller flowers in the set. Notice the ruffled ribbon? It’s the first time I’ve done this and it’s so easy and very effective.

I’ve used some more retiring colours and a few that are staying on this card. I’ve used a Bashful Blue brad here but remember that all the brads will also be changed with the next IB&C in September as some of the colours in the currents sets will no longer be with us. If they are something else you like don’t forget to order as it will be while stocks last for anything that currently comes with/in a colour that will be leaving.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Playful Petals, Life Definitions, Thank You Kindly
Card: Really Rust, Night of Navy, Bordering Blue, Watercolour Paper
Inks: Stazon Black, Night of Navy, Bordering Blue, Stampin’ Write Markers in Bashful Blue, Really Rust, Bordering Blue & Night of Navy
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Paper Piercing Template & Tool, Bashful Blue Taffeta Ribbon, Bashful Blue Brad (Soft Subtles) Slit Punch, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots.

Till next time…..

Lilac Rose Thanks

Nikki Stalker — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:24:48 +0000

Finally I’m finding a little bit of time to edit my card photos and post to my blog. You’d think School Holidays would give you more time but not around here and we’re only on day 2. I have a couple of cards and posts ready for the next few days and hopefully by then I would have found some time to create a little more.

As Stampin’ Up! are having their ‘two-step into fabulous’ July Promotion I’ve decided to create and share cards using some of these stamp sets. I actually have all the sets that are on special (I’m sure that doesn’t surprise some that know me….lol) but we’ll see how I go with time as to whether or not I can create something to share with each of them.

Seeing how the ‘Color Renovation’ is just around the corner I’m also going to use some retiring colours in these cards too. Make sure if there are any colours that are leaving us that you need to stock up then do so sooner rather than later as we have already run out of Close To Cocoa cardstock as well as Sweet Slumber Speciality DSP. There are many others on backorder already too but backorders can only be filled with stock that is already manufactured and is just needing to be shipped from the US to Australia.

I’ve used the ‘A Rose Is A Rose’ stamp set for this card from the July Promotion. The colours I’ve used for the Roses are Almost Amethyst and Lovely Lilac which are both leaving us and I’ve teamed them with Certainly Celery and Old Olive for the leaves, both of which are staying.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: A Rose Is A Rose, Sincere Salutations, Watercolor Vine Jumbo Wheel
Card: Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla
Inks: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Certainly Celery, Old Olive
Accessories: Very Vanilla 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbin, 1/2 Backed Very Vanilla Pearls, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Till next time….

July Promotion

Nikki Stalker — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 04:15:10 +0000

Stampin’ Up! have a fantastic offer on a select range of 2-Step Stampin’ sets for July. During July you can purchase any of these selected sets listed below in the table for 20% off their regular price. What a bargain! Please not the information under the table, especially pointing out those stamp sets that are retiring.

If I can assist you in purchasing any of these stamps sets at these fantastic prices please email me or phone on H:02 9620 9092 or M: 0418 218 467. Orders can be shipped directly to you anywhere in Australia. Payments can be made by Credit Card or Direct Credit to my bank account.

I’ll be sharing some creations over the next few weeks using these stamp sets so don’t forget to come back and check them out.

Till next time…..

Final June Deal of the Week #4

Nikki Stalker — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:16:55 +0000

This week sees the final June Deal of the Week and it’s a fantastic offer.

If you like Rhinestone Brads (and seriously, who doesn’t?) and ribbon then here’s your chance to receive up to 40% off a selection.

This deal is only available from now till Wednesday 30th June (yes that’s 1 extra day this week). I’ll place my last order at 9pm Wednesday 30th (but will take orders prior to that too of course), so if you are interested in this fabulous deal below then give me a call on H: 02 9620 9092 or M: 0418 218 467 or email me and I’d be happy to help you. Orders can be shipped directly to you anywhere in Australia and payment can be made by Credit Card, Cash or Direct Deposit to my bank account. Funds needs to hit my account in time to order before 9pm Wednesday 30th June.

Now to the offer:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
109113	149	Square Ice Rhinestone Brads	$19.95	$11.97
109111	149	Circle Ice Rhinestone Brads	$19.95	$11.97
109112	149	Square Fire Rhinestone Brads	$19.95	$11.97
111848	150	Bashful Blue 1” double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$19.95	$10.97
109050	151	Certainly Celery 5/8” grosgrain ribbon	$14.95	$8.97

Don’t miss out. Contact me now.

Till next time…..

Asian Artistry CASE

Nikki Stalker — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:31:00 +0000

The card I’m showing you today is actually a CASE from the swap card I received from Kerri Donsky at Convention last month. I needed something for my second Stamp-A-Stack card for last week as with Convention and then my party I’d left it very last minute. Mind you that’s the whole purpose of swap cards to me. To give inspiration and ideas to others. I hope someone likes my swap card enough that they put it to use too.

So here is the other card we made.

The only thing I have changed from Kerri’s card is the sentiment on this one. However Kerri did use another sentiment from the same stamp set, Upsy Daisy. Again you could use any of the sentiments from the Upsy Daisy stamp set or other stamp set for this card. It’s even a nice card for a male and if you thought the eyelet border on the card was a bit too girly you could change it out for the scallop edge instead or even leave it plain. Rather than ribbon Kerri used a thin strip of Bashful Blue card stock which she crimped. I loved that idea as it gives the card a bit more texture.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Asian Artistry (Level 2 Hostess Autumn/Winter Mini), Upsy Daisy, Sanded
Card: Kraft, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Inks: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Crimper, Eyelet Border Punch, Blender Pen.

Till next time…..

Thoughts & Prayers

Nikki Stalker — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:32:00 +0000

The Thoughts & Prayers stamp set can be used for more than just sympathy cards. Like any stamp set it’s all about the colours, layout and of course the sentiment you choose to use.

I originally made this card as one of my Convention swaps for 2009 but recently remade it for a Stamp-A-Stack class. Some of the ladies wanted Sympathy cards but not all and I thought the card was versatile enough to add whatever sentiment you wanted.

As you can see on this one I’ve stamped ‘Thanks So Much’ from the very useful set, Sincere Salutations. Some of ladies used ‘Thinking of You’ which is quite appropriate for a Sympathy card but could also be given or sent to someone you haven’t seen in a while. ‘Birthday Wishes’ was also heavily used.

When creating my Stamp-A-Stack cards, even though I usually keep the layout the same, I try to make sure you can alter the sentiment. After all who wants just Birthday cards all the time…..

My next Stamp-A-Stack class is being held on Tuesday 13th July at either 9:30am or 7:30pm. It is the second week of the school holidays and I don’t mind if you wish to come along and need to bring children as my 4 girls will all be here and love entertaining. Spaces are limited though so you will need to reserve your seat. You can do this by email or phone H: 02 9620 9092 or M: 0418 218 467 Cost of the class is $20 all inclusive or $15 if you bring your own adhesive.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Thoughts & Prayers, Polka Dots, Sincere Salutations
Card: Real Red, Kraft, Bashful Blue, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Inks: Bashful Blue, Real Red & Kiwi Kiss* Stampin’ Write Markers (*Kiwi Kiss Marker made by removing colour from a marker and refilling with Kiwi Kiss reinker)
Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots.

Till next time…..

Deal of the Week #3

Nikki Stalker — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:57:49 +0000

This weeks deals are on Stamp sets and what a savings they are.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
114263	34	A Happy Heart Stamp Set	$41.95	$20.98
115792	57	Greetings Eight Stamp set	$49.95	$24.98
116330	78	Bella’s Bloom Stamp Set	$24.95	$14.97
113009	97	Enjoy Every Moment	$53.95	$26.98
114283	105	All Scallops Stamp Set	$55.95	$27.98

This deal is only available till Tuesday 22nd June. I will take orders up till 9pm. You can email your order through to me or phone on H: 02 9620 9092 or M: 0418 218 467

Till next time….

Cottage Wall DSP Gift Boxes

Nikki Stalker — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:01:00 +0000

Back in this post I shared an Easter Gift box I had made for my March Secret Sister Gift. Well today I’m going to share with you that same box remade using the lovely Cottage Wall DSP that is available in the current Autumn/Winter mini catalogue.

This first one I also made for Easter eggs for me just in case no one else in the family remembered me……lol

In case your were wondering, yes I did receive easter eggs and this box is still as is in the picture complete with eggs still inside. Must change that soon……

A friend of mine saw this one and wanted a class on it. She made hers like this one but I made a different colour combination for the same pack of DSP and this is how that one looks.

I really liked both of these combinations.

As I mentioned in the Easter post the divided insert is loose so you could remove it and package a different gift inside.

I ended up making a Pillow Box to match both boxes.

I’ve used some of the Flower Fantasy Printed Window Sheets to add a window. The Rich Razzleberry Pillow Box has some Old Olive and Rich Razzleberry Ribbon inside. These are so quick to whip up using your Big Shot of course.

Till next time…..