Nicole Stalker

Secret Sister Gifts Part 3

Nikki Stalker — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:00:00 +0000

Here we are at August gifts. This month was the special month with 2 cards and a gift of SU items and remember I said it’s all about the packaging. That’s what I think anyway. Of course you need to meet the minimum requirements but you need to create the handmade part which is the packaging to send the items in.

August just flew by for me, not unlike the rest of the year to be honest. I had all good intentions of having my final gift to my partner no later than the beginning of the last week of August but it was only sent last Friday by Express Post and received earlier this week. However I was even happier with August than I was with July.

Seeing I was running late my partner received her 2 cards and gift all together. I did however mark the envelopes as Card 1 and Card 2 and only revealed who I was in Card 2.

The first card she should have opened was this one.

I’m not sure if you can see the glitter that I’ve added to the flower so here’s a close up for you.

I finished off the inside by adding a strip of the DSP I used on the front of the card.

This was the final part of the package.

I’ve used another one of Lauren Meader’s templates which is holding the SU items. Inside is the Ovals Die, Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, Sticky Strip, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Cutting Blades, a Glue Stick and 5 Mini Calendar Tabs for 2011.

I also made this Post-It Note holder which fits inside the box too.

Next up I created this little box which contains 3 varieties of Tea bags.

Then there’s the remainder of those ‘sugar free’ lollies I’d purchased just for my partner.

And lastly is the card.

I wanted the card to use the same DSP as the rest of the gifts and wasn’t sure what I was going to do at first. I ended up making a suspension card.

Here’s a view of the inside.

The sentiment is one from a new Hostess Level 3 set and reads “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. – Winston Churchill”

We have a month break through September before we start out next round from October – December. Stampin’ Up in Oz is not a ‘demo only’ group but is only for those who love Stampin’ Up and live in Australia. We have restricted the group to Australia only to keep postage costs down and fair for all who participate. The Secret Sister swap is not the only thing we do over there either so why not pop over and check it out.

Till next time….

Secret Sister Gifts Part 2

Nikki Stalker — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Today I’m sharing my July items with you that I made and sent to my Secret Sister partner.

For this month I sent my 1st card with the gift.

Again I’ve used the Urban Garden DSP and coordinating colours but have used the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set on my first items.

Inside the Tote bag was …..

Yes that is a little cello bag filled with some lollies. I couldn’t not send any but I did locate ‘sugar free’ ones which in small doses should be okay for her.

I was happy with last months gift packaging but I like this one even more. The Tote bag is one of Lauren Meader’s templates. After making this one up for my Secret Sister partner I ended up making the Tote Bag part of my August Project Class.

My 2nd and final card for July was kept to the colour them but I used the Vintage Vogue stamp set again.

and inside..

I’ve used the Rock ‘n’ Roll technique on the flowers.

Supplies:

Card 1 & Gift
Stamp sets: Fifth Avenue Floral, Best Yet (Hostess set), Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Watercolour Paper, Urban Garden DSP
Inks: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: Baja Breeze striped ribbon, 1 1/4” & 1 3/8” Circle punches, Scallop Circle punch, Word Window punch, Scallop Edge punch, Wide Oval punch, Clear Rhinestone brads, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Card 2
Stamp sets: Vintage Vogue, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Heard from the Heart
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Inks: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder, Pretties Kit, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Pop back tomorrow when I share the final months creations.

Till next time…..

Secret Sister gifts Part 1

Nikki Stalker — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:30:00 +0000

August was the reveal to our Secret Sister for the June – August Stampin’ Up in OZ Secret Sister Swap which means I can now share with you the items I created and sent to my partner. As you may have gathered by the title this post is Part 1 which is my June items and I will be sharing July & August in the next 2 days.

Just in case you aren’t aware how this swap runs, I’ll explain. The Secret Sister swap runs for 3 months. For month 1 and 2 you are required to send 2 cards each month and a handmade gift each month to the value of $8. This is a minimum requirement and if you wish to send above this that’s great but it is not expected. For month 3 you are required to send 2 cards and a gift including SU items to the value of $25. Again you can send more but the minimum is all that is required.

When you sign up to participate in this swap you are sent a questionnaire to complete and return to the swap coordinator who then passes the questionnaire on to your Secret Sister. The questionnaire is then used as a guide to help with your creations (colours, etc you like) and also some ideas on what to include in your gift.

Some of the things my partner listed in her questionnaire are that she likes lots of the stamp sets but Vintage Vogue was a current favourite, likes all colours, Urban Garden and Bella Bleu were 2 of her favourite DSP’s, she listed lots of ideas for her gifts, and then mentioned that even though she loves chocolate and lollies she is unable to eat them due to being a diabetic.

I found her questionnaire very easy to work with except for the ‘no chocolate or lollies’. Isn’t chocolate & lollies a given for stampers……..hahaha.

Using my partners questionnaire as a guide I created my June items using the colours and papers from the Urban Garden DSP along with the Vintage Vogue stamp set.

Here is the 1st card I sent to her.

and the inside

The second card for the month coordinated with the gift. Even though the gift has a minimum $8 requirement it’s not so much about the $ as it is about the packaging that it comes presented in.

I’ve made a little Top Note box to package my partners gift in.

The inside of the card was finished off again using the Top Note die and some Urban Garden DSP.

Supplies:

Card 1
Stamp Sets: Vintage Vogue
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Inks: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Paper Piercing Tool & Template, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Card 2 & Gift
Stamp sets: Vintage Vogue, Fresh Cuts, Curvy Verses
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Urban Garden DSP
Inks: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Accessories: Big Shot, Little Leaves Die, Top Not Die, Clear Rhinestone brads, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Magnetic closure (non-su)

Stop back tomorrow to see my July creations.

Till next time…..

Stampers Anonymous Blog Hop

Nikki Stalker — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to our Stampers Anonymous SU blog tour! Tonight we are delighted to show you projects using products that were available to us in our demo sneak peek from the 2011- 2011 Idea Book & Catalogue.

You may have just come from Michelle Marchant’s blog, but if you are starting here, don’t worry…. you can make the complete tour just by following the links at the end of each post. There are 14 stops along the way and we hope you will visit each one to see the wonderful creations we have to show you! Please feel free to leave some comment love along the way….

At the end of each post there will be a link to take you to the next stop on the tour.

So grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy!

My projects are all made using the wonderful new Greenhouse Gala DSP along with the coordinating stamp set ‘Friends Never Fade’.

I’m really loving this DSP and stamp set and can’t wait to get my hands on the 2 new colours that coordinate with it also.

Here’s a closer look at each of my projects.

and to finish off the inside…

Next up I made the Glass Photo Coaster set.

and to see the colours….

I’ve made a few of these Tote’s lately…

and a matching Post-It Note holder

Supplies:
Stamp set: Friends Never Fade, Occassional Quotes
Paper: Real Read, Baja Breeze, Whisper White, Greenhouse Gala DSP
Inks: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Wide Oval Punch.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my creations.

Now you’re off to enjoy the wonderful creations of Sally Williams. Thanks for stopping by!

If you happen to lose your way here’s a list of all participants.

Till next time….

August Stamp-A-Stack

Nikki Stalker — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:15:00 +0000

I was asked by one of my regular Stamp-A-Stack attendees to make a Black & White card with a touch of red for this month along with another Christmas Card. I don’t tend to use a lot of just ‘black and white’ and then recalled a card my upline, Marelle Taylor, had made a while back after a similar request. I changed the ribbon to Real Red and that’s what we made or will be making as my last group is on Monday.

Here’s a picture of both the ‘Black & White’ and the ‘Christmas’ card for this month.

Christmas Card Supplies:
Stamp sets: Holiday Lineup, Best Yet (hostess set)
Card: Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Inks:Stazon Jet Black
Accessories: Bashful Blue double-stitched ribbon(retiring), Scallop Oval & Large Oval punches, Polka Dot Textured Impressions Folder, Watercolor Pencils, Aqua Painter, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots.

Black & White Card Supplies:
Stamp sets: Circle Circus, Think Happy Thoughts (retiring)
Card: Basic Black, Whisper White
Inks: Stazon Jet Black
Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch, Real Red 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Till next time….

Petal Pizzazz Birthday

Nikki Stalker — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:38:05 +0000

My good friends’ little girl turns 6 years old this Tuesday and yesterday afternoon we celebrated at Lollipops with her. Lollipops is a play centre for children up to 12 years old with lots of climbing equipment, slides, ball play, etc. Great for tiring out those active children….hahaha. Every fortnight they also hold a disco from 6pm which happened to fall on this same day. The party started at 4:30pm and the children had a blast playing on the equipment until they went into the party room at 5pm. They then ate the usual party food, played games, sung Happy Birthday and ate cake and finally they form a chain and follow the birthday girl around the main area of the play centre while she is pulled along in a special cart and at the end they scream out the final ‘Happy Birthday’. Just after the disco started. The disco is actually run by ‘Bop Till You Drop’ which you may recall is the company I hired to do my 3rd daughter, Lauren’s 10th birthday party at home back in May. Lauren loves to sing and dance so of course she made sure she got to sing before we left.

Anyway back to why you have stopped by and that is to see what I’ve created. Obviously with a birthday party to attend we needed a card and I also created matching wrapping paper.

I recently saw a new way (well new to me anyway) of making an opening for the sweet treat cups to remove the contents without damaging the card and wanted to try it out. The large flower from the Petal Pizzazz stamp set is perfect for the Sweet Treat cups so that’s what I’ve used. The colours are really not me as they are too bright, but for a 6 year old I’m sure they are fine.

I love how the wrapping paper turned out. Usually my gifts are too big to create my own paper so it wraps nicely. This gift was just the right size.

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Petal Pizzazz, On Your Birthday
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Inks: Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry, Summer Sun
Accessories: 1 3/4” Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Sweet Treat cup, sponge dauber, Melon Mambo Polka Dot ribbon.

In case you are wondering about the ‘new way’ I recently discovered of making an opening to remove the Sweet Treat cup contents without damaging the card here’s a photo to show you. I can’t remember the exact blog I saw this on and actually think I saw it in 2 places only days apart so this is by no means my idea just me trying it out.

I’ve cut a door in the back of the cardstock (only cut through 3 sides) and then made a catch using the word window punch which is held in place with a brad. Turn the catch and you can open the back and eat the yummy Skittles…..

This type of opening meant this card was finished in no time…..

Till next time….

Last Chance List update….

Nikki Stalker — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 04:56:49 +0000

The Last Chance List is only available till this coming Tuesday 31st August. Stampin’ Up! are clearing out lots of items and many with discounts to make room for all the new goodies coming. This past week they announced some more discounts off already leaving items. Remember that these items are only available ‘while stocks last’ so if there is something you still want don’t leave it to the very last minute or you might miss out.

Here’s a list of the newly discounted items

Stamp Sets:
116342 pg 42 Big Bold Birthday 50% off NOW $ 26.98
116408 pg 100 Seeing Spots 50% off $ 14.98
116344 pg 121 Big Deal Alphabet 50% off $ 38.98

Cardstock and DSP:
116208 pg 126 In Color card stock (A4) 50% off $ 7.25
112042 pg 132 Urban Garden Designer Series paper 50% off $ 8.48
112041 pg 134 Bella Rose Designer Series paper 50% off $ 8.48

Markers (page 127-128):
105538 Bold Brights Stampin’ Write markers 25% off $43.46
105537 Soft Subtles Stampin’ Write markers 25% off $43.46
105540 Rich Regals Stampin’ Write markers 25% off $43.46
105539 Earth Elements Stampin’ Write markers 25% off $43.46
105541 Many Marvelous Markers 25% off $175.46

Stampin’ Spots (page 128-129):
105550 Bold Brights Classic Stampin’ Spots 25% off $31.46
105551 Earth Elements Classic Stampin’ Spots 25% off $31.46
105552 Rich Regals Classic Stampin’ Spots 25% off $ 31.46

Punches (page 152):
107305 Oval Large punch 50% off $ 15.48
113692 Eyelet border punch 50% off $ 15.48
109043 Scallop Circle punch 50% off $ 15.48
113694 Heart to Heart punch 50% off $ 15.48
112082 Wide Oval punch 50% off $ 15.48
112091 Scallop Edge punch 50% off $ 15.48
113693 Full Heart punch 50% off $ 15.48
112004 AW28* 1-3/4" Circle punch 50% off $ 15.48
116629 CO* Butterfly punch 50% off $ 15.48

Other:
104310 pg 155 Crafters’ Tool Kit 25% off $ 58.46

*CO=Carryover Flyer
*AW=Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue

If there is anything you need or want please email or call me on H: 02 9620 9092 or M: 0418 218 467 to place an order by 9pm Tuesday August 31st.

Till next time….

It’s almost that time again so…..

Nikki Stalker — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:14:58 +0000

We’re having another

We go live at 9pm August 31st and we’ll be showcasing items from the new Idea Book & Catalogue being released at 12noon on September 1st.

Mark it in your diaries so you don’t forget to pop back and check out the wonderful creations with new products.

P.S. What do you think of our new team blog logo??

Till next time….

Butterfly Kindness

Nikki Stalker — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 03:20:00 +0000

Here’s another card that I made at our Team Stamp Camp last month. This one was made for my lovely upline Marelle Taylor, to thank her for such a fabulous weekend.

I remembered to snap this one on my phone before giving it to Marelle so I only had to make one of these.

I’ve used the ‘All A Flutter’ stamp with the ‘Heard from the Heart’ sentiment set on this card. Both sets are from the Autumn/Winter mini which ends on the 31st August. The colours are Melon Mambo, Soft Suede and Whisper White. The butterfly was stamped onto Watercolour paper using Stazon and coloured using an aqua painter and inkpads. I’ve also added some Crystal Effects over the butterflies body but it doesn’t show up in the photo. This is a beautiful butterfly stamp and I really need to play some more with it.

Till next time…..

Some more Black Magic…..

Nikki Stalker — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 01:00:00 +0000

I’ve already showed you the Upsy Daisy Black Magic Technique sample cards I made for our Team Stamp Camp demonstration last month but I also made up a couple using another set. I’m not liking these as much as the Upsy Daisy ones in Pacific Point, Basic Black & Whisper White but I thought I’d show them to you anyway. Maybe it’s just me……

and

I’ve highlighted some pieces on these cards using the Signo Gel Pen. I’m not sure if that’s what I don’t like or if it’s just the colours.

What do you think? Do you prefer the other set better too.

Till next time….

It’s on again…..

Nikki Stalker — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:37:48 +0000

With the release of the new Idea Book & Catalogue 2010|2011 on 1st September our team will have lots of retired items to dispose of and what better way than to have our 3rd Annual

Giant Craft Sale

We have cleaned out our cupboards, and have lots of Craft Goodies that need to find new homes. There are retired stamps and scrapbooking supplies, ribbons, embellishments, plus handmade cards and gifts too (perfect for Christmas!), and lots lots more!

Everything will be priced to sell, so come along and grab a bargain! We’ll also have Lucky Door Prizes to be won.

When: Saturday 23rd October

Time: 9am – 1pm

Where: The Church Hall (Blacktown East Presbyterian Church)

Cnr Heffron Road & Gallop Grove, Lalor Park

So mark the date in your diaries or on your calendars and please spread the word to anyone who may be interested. I hope to see you there!

August Technique Class

Nikki Stalker — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:51:00 +0000

Last Wednesday was my scheduled Technique class but I’m holding another this Wednesday at 9:30am. I still have a few spots available if you’d like to come along, you just need to let me know no later than 7pm Tuesday evening by either emailing me or phone on 0418 218 467.

When you attend my Technique Classes you receive printed instructions on cardstock for both techniques (these fit nicely into the Art Journals), make a sample to include on your instruction sheets and then make a complete card with envelope. The class is $20 with all materials supplied.

The Techniques for August are both using the Whisper White Craft Inkpad stamped onto Basic Black cardstock but that’s all they have in common. The colouring techniques are using different products.

The techniques are Chalkboard and Black Magic.

I’ve used the Vintage Vogue stamp set along with Sincere Salutations on the Chalkboard technique card and the Upsy Daisy stamp set for the Black Magic technique card.

Till next time…..

July Stamp-A-Stack

Nikki Stalker — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 09:36:39 +0000

Starting from my July Stamp-A-Stack classes, one of the 2 sets of cards we make (you make 4 each of 2 different designs) is a Christmas card. In past years I’ve run separate Christmas Stamp-A-Stack classes but the ladies that currently attend are happy to make 1 Christmas and 1 other as this will give them enough Christmas Cards by November to send out while still making other occasion cards.

However, if you would like to make just Christmas Cards I’m happy to hold a Christmas Stamp-A-Stack class once a month in my home or if you have a minimum of 5 friends that would also like to make some Christmas cards then I’m happy to come to you. To arrange this you can either email me or call on 0418 218 467 to discuss dates. I am available for classes most days of the week during school hours or if you prefer an evening we can work that out too.

So what cards did we make in July?

The ‘Thinking of You’ card has been made using the Always stamp set and Sweet Always DSP along with coordinating colour inks and cardstock.

The Christmas card is using the ‘A Holly, Jolly Christmas’ stamp set and Holiday Treasures DSP, coordinating colour inks and cardstock. I’ve cut up the Christmas sentiment for something a little different and mounted onto the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals. I’ve also added some Dazzling Diamonds to the pom pom on Santa’s hat and also Santa’s jacket buttons to jazz it up a little. Unfortunately the ‘A Holly, Jolly Christmas’ stamp set is one on the Last Chance List so if it’s a set you like don’t delay, place an order today so you don’t miss out.

Till next time….

Cottage Garden

Nikki Stalker — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:15:00 +0000

I took along a print out of some Sketches & Colour Challenges to the Team Stamp Camp to play with but I can’t find where I’ve now put it and this card was using one of those Sketches. I’ll try and locate where the sketch was from to give credit and update when I find it. If the sketch in this card looks familiar and you know where it’s from please let me know.

I didn’t take a lot of DSP away with me but I did pack the Cottage Wall papers and of course my Cottage Garden stamp set came too along with the necessary inkpads and cardstock colours. So that’s what I decided to use on this card.

I don’t mind the card but every time I look at it I think something is missing. It’s inline with the Sketch (the one I need to find again…..lol) but I just don’t know.

Any suggestions??

Maybe some bling on the flower and the Rich Razzleberry strips?? Hmmm….. I think I’m either going to have to try something or send the card on so I don’t keep wondering.

Supplies:
Stamp set: Cottage Garden
Card: Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Cottage Wall DSP
Inks: Old Olive, Orchid Opulence, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig, Paper Piercing template & tool, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Till next time……

Embrace Life in Razzleberry…

Nikki Stalker — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 23:45:00 +0000

I’m back with another of the cards I made at the Team Stamp Camp. Remember I took limited supplies away with me so even though I think the cards are pretty basic I was still happy that I was able to create.

There’s a bit of a story behind this card. One of our fellow team members wasn’t able to attend the camp due to breaking her ankle and need surgery only a few days prior to the camp. Just to let her know we were all still thinking about her, quite a few of us made her a card which was delivered the Sunday afternoon by some of her good friends that still attended camp. I made my card, wrote in it, popped it in an envelope, sealed it, gave it to the lovely ladies for delivery and then realised that I didn’t snap a picture first.

Oh well, what do you do?

Make another…….lol

And so I did and this time I remembered to take a photo.

Supplies:
Stamp set: Embrace Life
Card: Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum, Old Olive, Watercolour Paper
Inks: Stazon Black, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Accessories: Old Olive 1/4” grosgrain ribbon, Polka Dot Textured Impressions Folder, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Aqua Painter, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots.

Till next time……