Stampin' Up! Australia - Miriam Spiess Independent Demonstartor

I'm back!!!

2012-11-16T11:08:00.002+11:00

Yaaaay after a long absence I am finally getting back into the swing of things. First of all I want to say sorry for not responding to all of you who have messaged, emailed and been asking of me. I have had a few personal issues but I am back on track and hope to catch up all up on my creations. Over the next few weeks I will get my blog back up to date so stay tuned. By the way I am cheating and back dating my entries, shhhhh don’t tell anyone!

Scallop Circle Flowers - "My Miriamthiums"

2011-11-16T10:33:00.000+11:00

FINALLY!!! Here is my tutorial on my "Miriamthiums".

I want to dedicate this tutorial to two lovely ladies one is Renae Crosby, who when my mind was blank came to the rescue and named my flowers "Miriamthiums"! The second lovely lady is a fellow Demo in Southern California Maria Rodriguez. She has waited patiently for me to get my act together and put up this tutorial, personally I think she is my biggest fan......alright who am I kidding she’s probably my only fan heheheheheeee. This is what I love about Stampin' Up! I have made a friend with someone I have never met, who lives in a place I have never visited simply because we love what we do and share what we love. xxx

What you will need:

Some DSP or Card stock
Scallop Circle Punch (Any size you can even use different size scallop circle punches and use the smaller layers on top when you assemble, if you only have one size punch it still works)
Dimensionals (You can also just put a brad all the way through to hold your flower together but use glue dots to stop the layers spinning around as you want to alternate each layer.
Round File (If you don't have a round file use a bamboo skewer although the file is easier to use because it grips)
Vintage Brads or buttons
Paper snips (scissors)

NB to give extra wow factor to your flowers you can ink the edges of each scallop circle before you cut or curl the petals. You can also spray them with shimmer spray (shimmer paint mixed with Isocol)

Now that I you have seen my very first tutorial let me know what you think and leave me a comment! I would love for you to have a go at making a Miriamthium and if you do then why not send me a photo of it at thecreativefold@gmail.com. If you show my flowers on your blogs please remember to link back to my blog. Have fun creating!

Melbourne Stampin' Up! Regionals 2011 - Workshop Wow

2011-11-12T21:43:00.014+11:00

I had a fantastic time at the Stampin' Up! Melbourne Regional today. Friends, craft and chocolate what more could a girl want! Thanks to my gorgeous cheer squad Leanne, Kelly, Renae, Margaret, Jodie, Meg and Donalla. Your support for my Workshop Wow presentation helped me more than you'll ever know. Mwaaaaaa xxx

I want to thank Stampin' Up! for giving me the opportunity to be a presenter at this years Regional. To all the staff and fellow presenters you all had amazing truly inspirational creations, you are all seriously talented people. I am inspired and just itching to get to my craft desk and create.

I really want to thank guests and fellow demonstrators for the ooooo's, ahhh's, flashing cameras and making me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. You are all such lovely ladies and your compliments truly mean the world to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Here are some photos of my presentation today. I promise to put up some more detailed photos and give step by step instructions as soon as get a chance.

My Stampin Up Flowers - Gerbras

Orchid using Stampin' Up! cardstock and punches

My "Miriamthiums"

Stampin' Up! Ribbon and Lace flowers.

Big Shot Promotion

2011-11-02T11:53:00.007+11:00

A Sale to 'Die' For!

During November, get 10 percent off select Big Shot dies. Use these exclusive dies to create fabulous shapes, embossing, and more!

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	10% Off Price
156	117332	Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die	$21.95	$19.75
156	114515	Flower Burst Embosslits Die	$21.95	$19.75
157	114517	Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
157	116824	Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
157	119277	Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	$14.95	$13.45
158	113440	Buttons #5 Sizzlits® Die	$9.95	$8.95
159	113466	Pillow Box BigzT Die	$36.95	$33.25
159	114507	Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die	$39.95	$35.95
159	120903	Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die	$39.95	$35.95
160	115953	Mover & Shapers Punch Windows	$54.95	$49.45
160	120893	Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die	$69.95	$62.95
160	121810	Petal Cone Bigz L Die	$59.95	$53.95

Don't have a Big Shot? Get 10% off our exclusive Big Shot Bundle! The Big Shot Bundle (item 128944) includes the following:

Page	Description	Retail Value	10% Off Price	Item
155 .	Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
156 .	Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die	$186.85	$168.16	128944
157 .	Manhattan Flower Embossing Folder

If you would like to buy a Big Shot or place an order then give me a call on 0402 200 495.

A little M.I.A. Lately

2011-10-31T10:42:00.003+11:00

Hi all,

I just thought I would drop in and say hi as I have been a little MIA lately. I just could not shake a bug a had picked up and had to get away to have a much needed break. I had a lovely holiday in Surfers Paradise with my DH and two gorgeous boys. I also managed to drop in and surprise some friends who were on a Scrap Retreat. It was so much fun and wonderful to finally meet these friends that I have been chatting to for years.

I will be a little busy over the new two weeks preparing for the Melbourne Regional on the 12th of November and I am aiming to have my next workshop on the 18th of November. If you need anything please do not hesitate to call.

Cheers
Miriam

Simply Stockings Promotion

2011-10-03T18:06:00.002+11:00

During October, purchase this pair of coordinating Christmas products early--before the debut of the 2011 Summer Mini Catalogue:

Stitched Stocking Set
Stocking Tag Punch

It gets even better. Get them both for FREE when you host a $450 workshop!

If you are interested in holding a workshop they give me a call and I will be happy to arrange a time with you.

Thank you

2011-10-03T17:18:00.000+11:00

I want to thank everyone who helped by buying raffle tickets to help raise money for the B.C.N.A. The winners have all been notified. I want to thank Renae for her help on Sunday, she was also one of the winners and she has kindly offered to sell all items she won and donate all the money raised.

Thanks again for your contributions.

Miriam

Point Cook Market - Stampin Up Prizes

2011-09-26T16:37:00.007+10:00

Hi all,

Here are the fantastic Raffle prizes being raffled off at the Point Cook Market this weekend. Here is a link to my facebook page please "like it" and forward the link to anyone you think may be interested.
Bold Brights - Value $306.40
Included in this pack are: Stampin' spots, markers, watercolor crayons Orchid Opulance classic stamp pad and ink refill, coloured brads and A4 cardstock all in Bold Brights. Flower Power Card Elements pack. DSP Pink Flamingo, On board So Sweet, On Board Lots of letters.White grosgrain printed ribbon (not in photo) but included).

Earth Elements - Value $306.40
Included in this pack are: Stampin' spots, markers, Summer Sun classic stamp pad and ink refil, coloured brads, 12x12 Textured Cardstock and A4 cardstock all in Earth Elements. Simply Sent Card Elements and More Thanks x2. DSP Raspberry Tart, Dies cuts Blooms and Antique Brass Build a Brads. Accents and Elements Flower Fusion.

Rich Regalss - Valued $302.45
Included in this pack are: Stampin' spots, markers, 2 ink refills, coloured brads and A4 cardstock all in Rich Regals. Flower Power Card Elements pack. Simply Sent No One Like You card kit. DSP Urban Oasis. Designer Brads Star and Circles.

Soft Subtles - Value $304.55
Included in this pack are: Stampin' spots, 1 ink refill, coloured brads and A4 cardstock all in Soft Subtles. 2 x DSP Kaleidoscope & Tea Party. Love Sparkles Accessories, Simply Sent card kit - More Thoughts, Sweet Sticky cuts, Letter Sticky Cuts ans Chunky sprinkles.

I am trying to raise as much money as possible and would really appreciated your support for this cause.

Thank you so much.
Miriam

Point Cook Market

2011-09-19T00:28:00.003+10:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Point Cook Market.

Sadly I lost my wonderful mother to this this awful disease two days before Christmas last year, needless to say this one is close to the heart for me. I will be holding a raffle and also selling specially marked cards to raise money that will be donated to the BCNA in my mother's name.

Soon I will post a picture of the prize that will be raffled and some of the cards that I will be selling. Once I have put up pictures anyone who is interested in purchasing a ticket, cards or simply wants to make a donation will be able to contact me direct.

Thanks Miriam.

Flower Fest - For Mum ...........

2011-09-15T10:43:00.006+10:00

This is the hardest LO I have ever created, it was very emotional. I miss my Mum so much and it is wonderful to have a craft that allows me to express that. This photo was taken at my son's Baptism and we had the usual family "paparazzi" of photographers all calling out. All I said in a quiet voice was "Mum" and she looked straight at me and smiled that beautiful radiant smile. Mum never liked having her photo taken she was not photogenic or so she claimed but when I gave her this photo it was one of the few photos she kept in a frame of herself. I will always treasure that I had taken one of the few photos that she like of herself. The most valuable things that our loved ones leave behind for us is beautiful memories.

Cards stock - Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait and Whisper White.
Inks - Pear Pizazz, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Peach Parfait.
Stamp Sets - Summer Solstice and Flower Fest.
Punches - Fancy Flower, Itty Bitty Shapes and Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border.
Dies- Sizzlits Floral Fusion and Blossom Party.
Embossing Folders - Petals-a-Plenty and Elegant Lines.
Embellishments - Designer Buttons, Brads and Basic Jewel Pearls.

September 30th 2011 Workshop Details

2011-09-10T23:38:00.006+10:00

My next workshop will be held on Friday the 30th of September.

This is class you can try your hand at Scrapbooking. For all of you who have asked me to hold a scrapbook LO class I finally caved to your demands and here it is.

We will go into more depth with our flower making techniques and also be using our flowers on the scrapbook LO. You will need to bring a 5x7 Portrait photo colour or Black and white.

The cost for this class is $15.00 which covers your kit and class and you get to choose the colours you want to work with. I am purchasing stock in for the kits so this class must be booked and paid for by Friday the 23rd of September.

The workshop will start at 7:30pm sharp as I want everyone to be able to complete their layouts.

R.S.V.P. by Friday 23rd of September I can not take late bookings on this class.
Click here for my contact details.

Samples of my Scrapbooking layouts will be up on my blog at the end of this week so stay tuned.

Now is the time to join Stampin' Up!

2011-09-01T10:47:00.010+10:00

I know there a few of you that have been hanging out for the right time to join Stampin' Up! Well you don't have to wait any longer! The deal you have been waiting for has arrived. How exciting is this????? During September, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $169! The limited-time mini Starter Kit-valued at over $310-comes with the high-quality products listed below:

$169 Mini Starter Kit

Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
A4 Smooth Card Stock Assortment
Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
Notes Cards (20)
Clear-Mount Block C
Blender Pen (1)
SNAIL Adhesive
Business supplies

*New to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue

Or, if you want the full Starter Kit, you can get it 20 percent off during September only! That's over $610 worth of premium Stampin' Up! products and business supplies for just $231.20! See what's included in the full Starter Kit here .

Yaaaaaaay!!!! :)

Shadow Box For A Special Friend

2011-08-31T10:23:00.016+10:00

There is something wonderful about crafty friends getting together to make something special for a dear friend. Here is a project I have recently worked on putting together a shadow box frame. This lovely lady adores butterflies and I thought having a collection of butterflies that represents all of her dear friends was the perfect gift. All I had to do was ask and they were all ready to jump straight in and help. Each crafty friend made a "Twinchie" 2"x2" square little work of art with butterflies to be mounted into the frame.

Here are my twinchies close up, I made two as we needed a few extra.

I also added a beautiful butterfly poem and note hidden inside an interactive centre twinchie.

The Shadow box is a 12x12 flat packed frame from Twiddley Bitz which is very simple to put together. I painted it with crackle paint and then painted the inside of the frame with a flat acrylic white.
I then added a sheet of Sunny Garden DSP to the back ground and inner sides.

Then it was time to add a little wow with some beautiful flowers. I made each flower with either a Stampin' Up Punch or Die. I embossed and curled the punch or die cuts shapes to bring them to life, then added a magical sparkle by spraying them with shimmer paint mixed with Isocol.
Here are some close up photos of my flowers.......

.......and finally the finished Framed Butterfly Twinchies

As you can see we have an extremely talented bunch of ladies in our group of friends.

Stampin' Up! Melbourne Regional Seminar

2011-08-30T14:23:00.006+10:00

Regional Seminar Information
Seminar Date: Saturday, 12 November
Time: 9.00 AM–3.30 PM
Check-in: Begins at 8.00 AM
Fee: $95
Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, 2 Clarendon St, South Wharf

Your $95 registration fee covers all seminar activities and includes:
• The Under the Big Top stamp set from the 2011–2012 Idea Book & Catalogue
• Business tips
• Paper-crafting and stamping techniques
• Swapping with fellow demonstrators
• Presentations by Stampin’ Up! staff and local demonstrators
• Lunch
• Make & Take projects
• Display samples for inspiration

Each demonstrator has a limited number of people they can take, registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Stampin’ Up! does not offer waiting lists for events. Regionals can fill up quickly and space is limited. If the allotted spaces are filled before the registration closing date, registration will end early.

I require payment to be made in full prior to my registering you for this event and it is non-refundable. You must be present at the event to collect your stamp set no-one can collect it on your behalf. You need to let me know if you would prefer a wood or clear mount set. If you are interested in joining me at this years Stampin up Melbourne Regional please let me know as soon as you can.

Cheers
Miriam

Attending:
Miriam
Kelly
Renae
Jodie
Meg
Donalla
Margaret

Technique For August Workshop

2011-08-25T23:02:00.004+10:00

This month the technique I am demonstrating is how to make beautiful handmade flowers by bringing to life flat two dimensional punched out flower shapes and die cuts.

These flower samples will not be pasted into our journals as they are too bulky. However they will be used on a Scrapbooking layout at our next workshop in September. If you are unable to attend the next workshop these flowers can be used to decorate the front of your journal later on.

Card 1 for August Workshop

2011-08-25T21:20:00.005+10:00

Father's Day is around the corner and this workshop we will be making two blank male cards. A sentiment can be added for either Fathers Day or Birthday.

Card Stock - Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla and Always Artichoke
Stamp Sets - French Foliage, Lovely as a Tree and Teeny Tiny Sentiments.
Inks - Chocolate Chip and Always Artichoke
Papers - DSP Choc Chip
Ribbon - 3/8" Twill Tape and Hemp Twine
Punches - Jewelry Tag

Card 2 for August Workshop

2011-08-25T21:08:00.001+10:00

For the second card I have used the stamp set "Beware Pirates" which is one of my all time favourite stamp sets. Sadly it has been discontinued in the new 2011 - 2012 Idea Book and Catalogue. If you are interested in this set you have until the end of this month to purchase it before it is gone for good.

I plaited some hemp twine and tied it into a fisherman's knot.......it's not hard and look on the bright side it's not a bow!!!! Seriously I promise it is easy to tie.

Card Stock - Crumb Cake, Night of Navy and Very Vanilla
Inks - Crumb Cake and Night of Navy
Stamp Sets - Beware Pirates, Extreme Elements and French Foliage
Ribbon - Hemp Twine

Stock for Sale

2011-08-16T22:56:00.015+10:00

It is time for me to make room for new stock so I am selling more of my retired stock. It's a case of first in best dressed if you are interested send me an email or give me a call. Postage is as per Australia Post charges or you can pick up.

Retired Punches:

All punches are brand new and in their original packaging. They are all the retired old style punches.

Oval Large - Sale Price $15+ Postage or pick up. (Fits in the scallop oval) SOLDScallop Edge Border - Sale Price $20+ Postage or pick up. SOLD

Eyelet Border - Sale Price $20+ Postage or pick up. SOLD

Scallop Circle - Sale Price $20+ Postage or pick up. SOLD

1 1/4" Square Sale Price $20+ Postage or pick up. (Fits inside the scallop square) SOLD

Retired Stamp Sets:

Best yet - Hostess set
2009 - 2010 Idea & Book Catalogue
Already mounted and new.
Sale Price $18.00
+ Postage or pick up.

Botanical Bloom
2009 Sale~A~Bration Set
Already mounted and new.
Sale Price $15.00
+ Postage or pick up

Live like you mean it- Hostess set
2009 - 2010 Idea & Book Catalogue
Already mounted and new.
Sale Price $18.00
+ Postage or pick up.

Totally Tabs
2009 - 2010 Idea & Book Catalogue
Already mounted and new
Retail price $29.95
Sale price $20.00
+ Postage or pick up.

Boho Backgrounds
2009 - 2010 Idea & Book Catalogue
Already mounted and brand new
Retail price $29.95
Sale price $20.00
+ Postage or pick up.

Retired Wheel:

Illuminated
2009 - 2010 Idea & Book Catalogue SOLD
New
Retail price $11.95
Sale price $8.00
+ Postage or pick up

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR AUSTRALIAN DIGGERS/TROOPS 2011

2011-08-15T23:49:00.006+10:00

Our Annual Christmas cards for diggers campaign has started. Each year we have been collecting hand made Christmas cards to send overseas for our troops to write on and send home to their loved ones. Last Christmas wonderful card making friends from around Australia managed to make and send 4,200 Christmas cards to ALL the overseas regions that our diggers are serving in and this was a magnificent achievement for us all.

If you would like to get involved this year here are the details..............

1. Please have all your cards to me by the 25th of October so that I can send them to Tracey Handshaw in time before the final cut off date.

2. Could you please provide an envelope for each card you make.

3. Please put your cards and envelopes into a Large glad lock lunch bag clearly marked with the quantity of cards on the front of the bag.

4. If you would like to put your name and address or business card with each card you are welcome too in case any diggers or card recipients would like to contact you to say thank you.

5. Please email me for details of where to send your donated cards too. You can also bring them with you to any of my workshops.

There are so many wonderful card makers out there that have been sending in and donating their wonderful hand made Christmas cards for our diggers and I would love it if you would all join us again this year.

Thanks Miriam.

August Challenge

2011-08-15T19:39:00.000+10:00

At our last workshop we focused on Heat Embossing, Embossing with Coloured Ink and Embossing with Heat & Stick Powder and this is the inspiration for this months challenge. To view the cards made at the last workshop click here.

The August Challenge is:
Make a Christmas Card using any of the heat embossing techniques listed above.
Here's a hint to get into my good books "DONT USE PINK" hehehehe just kidding.

Challenge 1 - July 2011

2011-08-13T01:02:00.011+10:00

The July Challenge was:
Make a card using either or even both of the tearing techniques.
Don't forget the inside of the card either, it will give you extra brownie points.

I had three lovely ladies participate and I think they all conspired to mess with me.......YOU KNOW I AM NOT A PINK PERSON!!!! So what colour did they all use........fess up you rang each other up didn't you!

Card by Donalla.........Faux Tearing technique

Card by Renae .......Faux Tearing technique

Card by Meg.......Tearing and Faux Tearing technique.

I am very thrilled that you took part in the challenge all three entries were brilliant even if you did use pink! heheheheheee

Who wants a new Stampin' Up! 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue?

2011-08-11T22:50:00.007+10:00

As a demonstrator's the most exciting time of year is August when we receive our new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue and get to see all of the fabulous new products. Then we wait until the first of September to share the excitement with our customers.

This year knowing that our customers are just as excited as we are about receiving their new Idea book & Catalogue, Stampin' Up have adjusted their policy so that we may sell or distribute catalogues to our customers as soon as we get them.

Well the great news is I have them in my hot little hands!!!!!! They are $12.95 to purchase or free for any Hostess with a qualifying Workshop ($300 in sales). They are also free with for any Hostess having a Catalogue Party (where you take orders from family and friends) that also reaches qualifying sales of $300.

Now I did mention I will not be placing a group order in August due to the retirement list orders being placed as they come in. However, I will be placing a group order on the 1st of September for anything out of the new 2011-2012 Ideas Book and Catalogue.

So who wants one????? Contact me on 0402-200-495 to arrange to get your copy.

August 26th 2011 Workshop Details

2011-08-11T20:04:00.002+10:00

My next workshop will be held on Friday the 26th of August.

We will be making Father's Day cards or Male Birthday cards.

Again we will create two cards and practise a technique. I will provide a technique description print out and you will all make a sample to paste into your technique journals. Don't forget to bring them along.

Cost per class...

$10 - To create two cards only (For those not staying to add a technique)

$15 - To create two cards and add a technique.

$30 - To create two cards, purchase a 5x5 Art Journal and add a technique.

***If you require a journal please contact me prior to the class***

The workshop will start at 7:30pm.

R.S.V.P. by Friday 19th of August.
Click here for my contact details.

It's Time to Say Goobye.......

2011-08-11T19:28:00.004+10:00

Yes it is that time of year when we say goodbye to Hundreds of products from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue.

Some of you have already jumped the gun and have kept me busy with orders since the list came out and before I could even update my blog.

Anyone wanting anything from the retired list please give me a call on 0402-200-495. There is no group order this month, I am ordering as people call to avoid anyone missing out on products that are retiring and that could sell out.

My next group order will be on the 1st of Sept but stay tuned for some exciting news on this!!!!

To view the Retired List please click here.

Christmas Card 1 for July Workshop

2011-07-27T22:01:00.002+10:00

It was Christmas in July at our last workshop and we focused on Heat embossing as our technique. The first card we Embossed with Versamark, ink (Cherry Cobbler) and clear embossing powder.

Card Stock - Cherry Cobbler and Vanilla.
Paper - DSP Jolly Holiday
Ink - Cherry Cobbler
Markers - Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichoke.
Stamp Set - Season of Joy
Ribbon - 5/8" Certainly Celery Grosgrain
Other - Basic Rhinestones
Embossing Folder - Petals-A-Plenty