StamperNelly

I’m a Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 13:05:00 +0000

For the first time ever I have won an award for a card posted on my Blog that I designed for a Card Challenge! Yay!

It was this Card

for this Challenge

and I won this badge!

I am thrilled to bits!!!

Happy Stamping

x Helen

Lots of Activity

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:51:00 +0000

Hello!

Well there is certainly a lot of activity at Stampin' Up! Not only do we have the lists of Retiring Stamp sets and other products but we also have new Stamp releases!

The first is the first of their 25th anniversary releases

And the second is the first release of single stamps - images not otherwise available

For more information and to order these just give me a call or email me!

Apologies for the poor quality images (I am having IT challenges today)

Happy stamping

x Helen

Retiring Products and a Special Offer from Me

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Fri, 31 May 2013 10:26:00 +0000

Stampin' Up! have released their lists of Retiring Stamp sets and other products

Click HERE to go to the website and download the Lists. Although you cannot order online (due to technical difficulties) give me a call or email me with you Order and I will process it ASAP and have the parcel sent direct to your door

****SPECIAL OFFER ****

Every Tenth Order placed with me will receive

their Order POST FREE! (a saving of £4.95)

Happy browsing!

x Helen

Sending Love Your Way

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Thu, 30 May 2013 14:48:00 +0000

Following on from yesterday’s post here is my entry for the Paper Players Challenge for this week

I stamped the image from the Hostess set - Ain't Love Grand - a couple of times onto the patterned paper and then fussy cut the segments for the Balloon adding some piercing to the background to suggest clouds

The papers all come from the lovely Poetry Print pack – only available until the end of June – such a versatile pad of pretty papers, I shall be sorry when it goes.

Just to remind you, this is the Challenge but if you want to enter you'll have to be quick, the closing time is tomorrow!

Happy Stamping

x Helen

Card Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:28:00 +0000

Have you ever tried a Card Challenge? You can have a go even if you don’t enter your card. The Paper Players posted this Challenge last Sunday

and once you have mastered the cuts has endless possibilities as you mix ‘n’ match pieces of stamped cardstock and Designer Papers.
A couple of weeks ago I did a similar layout which was CASE'd from Connie Stewart (I think via Pinterest I can't find the exact picture but if you go HERE you will find see what I mean!)

I used it in Class to demonstrate how you can make your own Collage stamp (look at the Bicycle section of the card). The Class stamped four pieces of Card (9.5 x 13.8cms) with different images and then cut a 3 x13.8cms strip off the side and then cut a 4 cms piece from it. Of the remaining piece of card (6.5 x 13.8cms they cut a 4cms strip. Does that make sense?! (Click on diagram to see it in detail)

By mixing and matching the pieces you can make four cards of similar style but each with a different arrangement of pieces. Sorry this post was supposed to explain how easy it all is but I am not sure that I have managed it too well!!!

Any way have a go for yourself and see how you get on.

Happy Stamping

x Helen

Established Elegance

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Tue, 28 May 2013 11:27:00 +0000

One Card two Challenges!

For the layout I am participating in the Mojo Monday Challenge

and for Colour inspiration the In{k}spire Me Challenge

The Antique Typewriter image is from the Established Elegance set. I stamped the pretty pink border is from a Sale-a-bration set last year as I didn’t have any (shock!horror!) More Mustard or Pretty in Pink Ribbon!

The pattern on the lower part of the card is the Belle Toile background stamp

The embellishment is also from the Established Elegance with a large Vintage Faceted button tied with Bakers twine – bit out of my comfort zone using such a large button but I think it works really well with the layout. I finished the card with a little piercing in the top corners

Whilst I really liked the look of both these Challenges coming up with a card was harder than I expected - Bank Holidays obviously don't help my brain cells - and it's taken me a while to get going today. I hope you had a lovely time wherever you were over the weekend....Did you have any time for crafting? Come back tomorrow for another Challenge card until then

Happy Stamping

x Helen

Bank Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Mon, 27 May 2013 14:16:00 +0000

No post today folks! It is Bank Holiday Monday and I am busy Spring Cleaning!!! I will be back tomorrow but in the mean time have a ponder on this………

See you tomorrow

x Helen

Baby Wipe Ink Pad Technique

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Sat, 25 May 2013 13:31:00 +0000

The second technique I demonstrated in Class this week was this. First fold a baby wipe into thirds then in half to make a pad 6 layers thick. Next, place it on plate then put 5-6 drops of ink from your refills (2 or 3 Colours) onto the pad, then use like a normal ink pad!

Stamping onto Glossy white card stock really gives it a wow factor. Do try different ink combo’s and see what you come up with, it is great fun!

Happy stamping

x Helen

Blown Ink Technique – By The Tide

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:40:00 +0000

This is the first technique I demonstrated at my Class this week. Using just two ink refills, 4-5 drops of each ink were dripped onto glossy card stock. The ink was then blown around using a drinking straw, and made this wonderful background.

The seaweed effect was perfect for the By The Tide stamp set which was stamped in Early Espresso. The colours were inspired by a Challenge I saw online but was unable to enter as I didn't want to post this card until the Classes were over (the colours are Sahara Sand, So Saffron and Soft Suede).

A fun card made with a fun technique! Why not have a go for yourself – just remember to take a breath every so often between puffs-down-the-straw or you get rather light-headed!

Happy stamping

x Helen

SUPPLIES
Ink Refills: So Saffron (105225) Bashful Blue (105221) £2.75 each
Glossy Cardstock (106555) £5.50
Stamps: By The Tide Wood (129117) £24.95 or Clear (129120) £19.95

Sizzlits Storage

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:56:00 +0000

Stampin’Up! make a range of beautiful boxes for Storage, so sturdy they feel as if they are made of wood. They are covered in a linen fabric and inside is covered in really pretty paper. The plastic insert fits snuggly into the box, strips of double sided tape are provided for permanent fixture but I haven’t used mine because it doesn’t seem necessary. This gives me the option of using the box for something else at a later date by removing the insert without damaging the interior.

These are really useful boxes and come in three sizes suitable for all your Die cut storage needs.

I am sure I shall be getting them for other things in my craft room too!
Tomorrow I will be showing you the first of the cards (and techniques) we made in Class this week. Have you signed up for your Classes yet? Just click on the tab at the top of the page for Dates and details – hope to see you soon

Until then Happy Stamping

x Helen

More Good News!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:53:00 +0000

As you will see from the post at the top of the page you can now order online from Stampin Up! and if you go to my NEW website you will see all my Class Information, my Blog AND the latest offers from Stampin' Up! How cool is that?! Did I mention my NEW Website then??? Yes! MY NEW WEBSITE is up and running! To visit just go to Helen Cronin and you will find everything there!
***Sorry!*** Was I shouting just then? It's just that I am sooo excited!!!

Do pay me a visit please. But don't forget to come back here as I will be continuing to post here too!

Happy stamping

x Helen

Boy’s Birthday Card

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:13:00 +0000

I loved playing with building bricks when I was very young, along with my siblings. We would playing play happily alongside one another until “they” had the brick I wanted!!! When I saw a card online recently that brought back happy memories and inspired me to make a card……

Each brick is cut from card with circular punched pieces just glued on top to resemble the studs.
The Birthday sentiment stamp was hand coloured with Stampin’ Markers, huffed on to re-moisten any dry ink and then stamped onto Whisper White card. (I used a 3/8" circle punch for the 'studs' but the Owl punch has some small circles very nearly that size if you have it - thanks for the tip Jackie G!)

Everyone had a smile on their face as they made this card in Class last week. Aaahhhh! Happy Days!

Happy Stamping

x Helen

S.C.A.M.P.E.R–Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:37:00 +0000

The Original layout was this………….

S for Substitute something………

C for combine it with something…….

A for Adapt something to it……….from this

……to this

M for Modify or Magnify………….

P for Put it to another use…………..

E for Eliminate something………

R for Reverse or Re-arrange……….

And this is what I ended up with a beautifully co-ordinated group of Cards to give to someone, a Notebook,
and a lovely framed picture of my Mother…..

So next time you’re stuck for ideas why not have a go at the SCAMPER Challenge and see what you come up with, Start with a favourite card, work your way through S.C.A.M.P.E.R and you might have a wonderful surprise!!

Happy Scampering

x Helen

S.C.A.M.P.E.R - Part Seven

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:05:00 +0000

And so I have reached the final post of my S.C.A.M.P.E.R Challenge and for this, the letter 'R’ which stands for “Reverse or Re-arrange”

I have rearranged the layout by turning the base card to portrait, shifting the elements, and changing the sentiment (yet again). Have you seen what I did to one of the flowers?

I stamped a third flower onto scrap card and then punched it out with the Boho Blossoms punch adhering it with a Stamping Dimensional to give it a pop

Today was the first of my new Techniques Classes and the Girls loved being able to try out new ideas. It was great fun for all washed down with lashings of Tea/Coffee and home-made Date Loaf. Yum!

Tomorrow I am going to work for my husband but hopefully I shall have time to summarize SCAMPER for you, until then

Happy scampering

x Helen

S.C.A.M.P.E.R – Part Six

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

For the penultimate Challenge I am tackling the ‘E’ of “Eliminate something” !
I have decided to eliminate the large background piece of designer paper and reduce the card down to a nice 10.5 x 10.5 cm

This really simplified the whole layout. I eliminated one of the flowers and changed the sentiment and the matting for it too, making it a nice little card to jot a note to a friend.

The sentiment is from a Sale-a-bration set we received this year, which I cut out with the Ticket Punch and matted onto a piece of card that mirrored the shape.
An easy card and layout which lends itself to a variety of stamps, colours and sentiments….perhaps a SCAMPER Challenge for another time?!

And so tomorrow sees the final part of the SCAMPER Challenge using the letter 'R' of "Reverse or Re-arrange" Mmmmmm what shall I do? Be sure to pop back and see!

Happy scampering

x Helen

S.C.A.M.P.E.R - Part Five

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:13:00 +0000

The SCAMPER Challenge for today is to "Put the layout" I have been using "to another use". In my store cupboard I found a hardback notebook in just the right colour for Midnight Muse!
I stamped the cover with the Butterfly motif from the Summer Solstice Stamp set

And then stamped the other elements from the card to cut out and decorate the cover

It took me ages to settle on a layout as there were so many permutations that would have worked but I had to settle for one in the end and this is it

The finished Notebook is really pretty don’t you think?
The SCAMPER Challenge is nearing the end, tomorrow is the penultimate letter - E for “Eliminate something” and I have another card to show you so see you tomorrow!

Happy scampering

x Helen

S.C.A.M.P.E.R – Part Four

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:29:00 +0000

The M in S.C.A.M.P.E.R stands for Modify or Magnify so for today’s challenge I have taken the Card from Monday
and Modified it
so that it now looks like this

Can you see how I have used all the main elements of the original Card but re-arranged them?
I have reduced the Sentiment mat and changed the phrase, so that now the two round elements are represented by the flower from the Summer Solstice set, and I have also stamped the Butterfly from it. For the Gumball green panel I have stamped the leaf image from the set in Midnight Muse. The large background panel is from the Designer Paper pack “Print Poetry”. This paper has been soooo useful and I still have plenty of ideas for using it, so I shall be sorry when it retires at the end of June :(

I think this card looks even lighter and fresher than the previous version - what do you think? In some way I have got ahead of myself and you could say fufilled the Challenge of R for Re-arrange but have no fear I have other ideas for THAT one!

Tomorrow is the Challenge of 'P' of "Put it to some other use" and I already have an idea for what I shall do, so please visit again to see where the SCAMPER Challenge takes me next!

Until then Happy Scampering

x Helen

S.C.A.M.P.E.R – Part Three

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 +0000

A for “ADAPT something to it” So I took this

and turned it into this

Yes! I framed my Mum!!!

I did it by cutting two 12” panels from the sides of the box, then cut a 8x8” aperture in one of them. I glued a sheet of card stock across the face of the front panel, cutting diagonal lines across the aperture and turned the flaps inwards to cover the inside edge of the frame. I placed the Scrapbook page in a Polypocket page protector which I cut down to size

I adhered the front part of the frame to the back with Sticky Strip and then attached some decorative brads to finish. And Voila! A cardboard box adapts to a frame for my Page!

My only problem was photographing it, the reflection off the clear pocket in bright sunlight means you can't see the page but in the shade makes for a somewhat dull photo. Now the frame is up on the wall in the Craft room it looks great!

So how did you get on with your project today? and what are you planning for tomorrow? The Challenge is M for Modify or Magnify, now all I need to decide is do I continue to work with the Scrapbook page, the frame or the original Card, Come back tomorrow for the next installment!

Happy Scampering

x Helen

S.C.A.M.P.E.R – Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:51:00 +0000

And today I have been scampering ! I nearly forgot to post this…in fact, I nearly forgot to make it!!! However, this morning whilst looking for something I found this lovely photo of my Mother. I had already planned to use yesterday’s card as a Scrapbook layout for today as the letter we are challenged by today is C for "Combine it with something else". When I realised that I needed to get on with my SCAMPER project I remembered this photo and thought the colours went so well with those of the card layout that it would make a great layout......

All the elements of the card are here; the colours, Mixed Bunch stamp embellishment, ribbon, the patterned paper with punched edge and the sentiment, even the white pen work! But I have changed the arrangement and some of the proportions to combine the card layout elements with an 8” x 8” scrapbook page.

I changed the sentiment to another in the Feels Good set, and as it is larger than the previous one, I die cut it and the mat with the Labels Collection Framelits.

I added a little to the Flower by using a Paper Daisy and a brad in the centre,and placed another Blossom punch shape in Gumball Green behind it. This change helps balance the weight of the page as the sentiment is large and bold.

I am so pleased with the way it turned out! I haven't done any Scrapbooking for ages but this certainly whetted my appetite and was super quick to do too! S.C.A.M.P.E.R is certainly teaching me a thing or to, and I do hope that you are finding it helpful as well.

Tomorrow the Challenge is the letter A for "Adapt something to it". Hmmm....now there's something to think about when I can't sleep tonight.

Happy stamping

x Helen

S.C.A.M.P.E.R – Part one

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:04:00 +0000

This was the the Card I did for the challenges yesterday………

The S of SCAMPER is to substitute something, so for my Challenge today I chose to substitute that vertical strip. I used a different Designer Paper from the Stampin’ Up! Print Poetry pad which changed the balance and dominant colour of the card as it is Very Vanilla with Midnight Muse dots, and I replaced the ribbon with a lacy trim punched border. I also dropped one of the colours – Raspberry Ripple as it was all a bit too much for my liking. All of which left me with what I feel is a for more sophisticated card

Are you playing along with this progressive challenge? Have you selected a card to give the SCAMPER treatment to?
If you are, I would love to hear from you – and hopefully post your card changeovers here too, so do leave a comment or email me

Tomorrow is C = Combine it with something else…….what do you think I will do for tomorrow’s challenge?!

Happy stamping

x Helen

Three Challenges!

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:19:00 +0000

Hello! Yes! I am back from my Blogging holiday and raring to go ! So to start the week here is my offering for two Challenges to be found online.
The Butterfly is an image from the Mixed Bunch set stamped in Whisper White Craft ink and then punched out using the Elegant Butterfly punch

The flower is stamped in the same way but punched out with the Blossom punch. Have you noticed the felted card stock in the background? That is made by embossing the card with the Petals-a-Plenty embossing folder then flattening it out by rolling it through the Big Shot just sandwiched between the two acrylic plates

The two Challenges are Mojo Monday and The Paper Players

This week also sees the beginning of my S.C.A.M.P.E.R challenge. This card will be the basis for it, so come back tomorrow to see the changes I make using S for Substitute. (For more info about S.C.A.M.P.E.R see my Post HERE)

See you tomorrow until then

Happy Stamping

x Helen

Time to Organize

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Mon, 06 May 2013 09:42:00 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I know, I know! I am supposed to be on Holiday but I just can't resist telling you about three posts on other blogs that I think you will find helpful or a least thought provoking. In an age where we seem to live in a culture of stash and grab and that awful phrase "must have" (guaranteed to have me running in the opposite direction), it is a breath of fresh air to know that some people are looking to simplify their craft room supplies.I know it seems a bit weird for me as a Stampin' Up! Demo who should be convincing you to buy,buy, buy but in my heart I really believe we need use what we have and enjoy it to the max. Sorry if I sound preachy but it is so easy to get caught up in the latest trend and to lose sight (and time) of what we want to do. Having moved craft rooms recently and confronted the Stash Ogre I know the benefits of going through the process. It is very positive and creative, believe me! This is NOT about never buying again but about making choices.

So without further delay here are the three links:

The Scrapbook Diet - a very useful article
Organizing your Tools - a quiz to help you evaluate your Tools
Product Organization - another quiz which will help you look at your stash in a new light

I hope you enjoy these articles - do come back and let me know what you think

Happy holidays

x Helen

Around The Corner……

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:08:00 +0000

….you never know what is around the corner in Life….. Good or bad…….
For me it is good news! Last Wednesday we applied to adopt another puppy from Many Tears Animal Rescue as a playmate for InkyPaws, we were accepted and collected the Office Junior on Friday. With the weekend for all of us to get used to one another, it has been a busy time, hence no blogging. For the next couple of weeks I will be taking a Blogging holiday as I need time to train the Office Junior, prepare for the upcoming Classes and work on some projects for the Blog. So the SCAMPER project is on hold until I start blogging again but there are lots of new Classes in the pipe line so why not look at the Classes page on this Blog and book yourself some Crafty Me time, then you can meet the “staff” for yourself when you come!

I will be back but until then

Happy stamping from

Helen, InkyPaws and the Office junior

Lattice Strawberry Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:37:00 +0000

I would like to tell you that the summery weather yesterday was the inspiration for this little project but I actually made it last Saturday as a project for this week’s Classes!

This side view shows the Lattice die cut
shaped into a little basket

But the view from the top shows the strawberry off better

Made from Real Red card stock, embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder and punched out with the Heart punch. the little leafy bit at the top of the fruit is part of Boho Blossoms Punch. The big leaf is punched from |Garden Green card with the Blossom punch and some hand scored 'veins' in the leaf

InkyPaws said I would post something pretty today and I hope that you will agree with her that this is! If you would like to make projects like this, and the cards I post on this Blog why not book a Class and come along and learn how you can? Click on the Classes tab at the top of the page for dates then email me your booking. I hope to see you soon until then........

Happy stamping

x Helen

From the Desk of InkyPaws

noreply@blogger.com (Helen Cronin) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:48:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!

She is busy again and has asked me to hold the fort, so here I am talking to all my lovely Blog friends. You may have noticed that She posted on Sunday (not a day she usually posts on) with news of her plans for the week Blog-wise. Yesterday, Monday, should have been her Mojo Monday entry - didn’t happen! And today should have been the start of her SCAMPER week of posts – didn’t happen! So I am going to tell her that She has gotta knuckle down and post tomorrow 'cos you will all be missing her!!! She says She will have to postpone SCAMPER until next week but She will be back tomorrow with some thing pretty to look at.

Anyway BIG NEWS! The new Class list is OUT! The long awaited Techniques Class is starting in May so……..Click on the Tab somewhere above my ears and book those Classes right away. I am really looking forward to seeing you (You know I only pretend to sleep during Class – I am really there to keep an eye on you all!)
If you are on Her mailing list you will receive Her Newsletter through the snail mail, if You want to be on the Mailing list you need to send an email and I will make sure She adds your name to the List.

I'm off to eat my bone now.

Happy stamping

x InkyPaws