21 Today!

Ryan with his Mates

I don't often share non-crafty stuff on my blog but I couldn't help myself because our son is 21 today! Where have those years gone?

(The end result was definitely worth it but I can recall a very long hot summer, insomnia, a 36 hour labour, an 'emergency' caesarean, the 10lb 14oz baby I produced ... what the?, the 11 days I spent in hospital with Ryan in intensive care fighting AB/O incompatibility jaundice, tubes down his throat, a bit of post-natal depression and not being able to breastfeed. I'd do it all again in a heartbeat!!)

Enough 'reminiscing' ... Ryan recently shared a party with his friend, Jess, who celebrated her 18th and it was all organised so capably by another friend, Ebony. She did a great job and Ryan enjoyed catching up with some of his mates.

That's our daughter, Laura, in the background and she'll celebrate her 18th this year!!

I'll be back with some papercraft stuff in the form of a JAI challenge on Friday. Until then, happy crafting!

Bright Owls - Just Add Ink #53

Bright Owls

At Just Add Ink this week the challenge is to add a 'burst of colour' to your papercraft project. I went with the Bright Colour Palette of Melon Mambo, Tempting Torquoise and Daffodil Delight which I took directly off the Colour Coach!

I also wanted to highlight one of the new Sale-a-bration Sets called, Punch Bunch. I love the cute little owl image.

Make sure you wear some 'sunnies' when you blog surf the entries this week!

Here's the Inspiration Picture for the Challenge

I hope you have fun with it!

Friends and Make 'n' Takes

Friends, stamping, chatting, Thai food, Zero Coke, red wine and chocolate ... it doesn't get much better than that!

Tania, Mae, Rochelle and I got together last night for some stamping fun. Mae came all the way from Hobart to join us and stay at Tania's place. Just as well she didn't have to travel back as it was a pretty late night/early morning!

It was great to catch up around a table rather than behind a computer screen!

I really enjoyed the night and learnt some new hints and tips. It was a very productive session. Thanks ladies for a fun evening.

The Make 'n' Takes

Mae demonstrating the 'Shadow Technique' using a wheel stamp.

Here's my attempt at the Shadow Technique. I found it 'wheely' tricky. Mine looks like a long evening shadow but the other girls managed to do it with much more success ... and that was before we had the red wine!

Mae chose a lovely colour combo of Wild Wasabi, Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip! Yum!

Can you guess that this is the card that I chose for my Make 'n' Take? I'm hooked on this sketch and the SAB stamp set, Bliss at the moment and can't seem to stray away from Early Espresso!

I chose the colour combo of Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Early Espresso and Perfect Plum. My friends learnt how to attach the antique brad to the striped grosgrain ribbon by just wrapping the prongs around the gathered ribbon in the middle.

Tania demonstrated this great little gift card holder which was inspired by our SWAP from Patrice.

It was good to do a project suitable for a 'guy' especially since my son's 21st birthday is only 8 days away!

I love the Verve sentiment on the belly band.

Rochelle showed me how to make a rose from the Fancy Flower Punch and gave us a great design for a card which I'll CASE very soon. So that's my 'wrap-up' of the evening. Hope you've gained some inspiration.


Thanks for stopping by,

Bliss Note Card - JAI #52

Bliss Note Card

I just realised as I uploaded this photo that this little note card has ...

... something old,
something new,
nothing borrowed
something blue!

For this week's sketch at Just Add Ink, I wanted to use Baja Breeze and went in search of some DSP to match and came across a few scraps of Parisian Breeze - 'Sigh!' It still is my absolute favourite pick of all the DSPs past and present.

I think the sketch for Challenge #52 is absolutely A1 gorgeous and I hope many of you will be able to join in this week. Sketch challenges are great because you can use any colours or stamp sets that you like and the layout is all worked out for you!! I've used the upcoming Sale-a-bration stamp set called 'Bliss' (again) as I think it's totally gorgeous!

I should also mention that I decided to use one of my note cards from my stash. They're often overlooked in the catalogue but they're just the right size to add to a gift. You can find them on page 123 of the Australian/NZ IB & C in a pack of 20 with matching envelopes for only $9.50.

JAI Sketch for Challenge #52

I'm looking forward to tonight because Tania, Mae and I are getting together for some crafting fun and on another note, it's only 4 months until a few more of the JAI Team will meet up for Convention in Melbourne! Yay! Can't wait.


Happy crafting,

Swap Around the World

Rachel's UStamp Swap

Nature Walk

I received a beautiful SWAP in the mail this week all the way from the USA. Isn't it gorgeous? It was created by Rachel Yurkanin for the latest UStamp with Dawn and Friends 'Swap Around the World'.

This beautiful card uses the lovely stamp set called 'Nature Walk' that is available in the current US Occasions Mini Catalogue, along with the new Tulip Border Embossing Folder.

Thanks Rachel. You are so talented.

You can view the swap I sent Rachel, HERE.

I'll be back tomorrow with my DT submission for Just Add Ink. Thanks for stopping by.

Color Throwdown #124

Color Throwdown #124

This is the first time I have played along with the Color Throwdown. I was initially attracted to the beautiful colour combo especially because I could get to use some retired Soft Sky and matching DSP from my stash (It was my favourite in-colour when I joined SU). It also had Early Espresso (my current favourite colour) and the beautiful Melon Mambo! I couldn't resist.

Then I read on to discover that this week's challenge was for such a lovely cause. In addition to entering the colour challenge, participants have the wonderful opportunity to send their entry off to a fellow stamping enthusiast named Katie. Katie is undergoing treatment for stage 4 gastric cancer and could do with a bit of cheering up. So this card will soon be winging its way to the USA to hopefully help put a smile on Katie's face while she undergoes treatment.

The Lovely Colour Palette

Stamp Set: Bliss (SAB)

PS: Thanks so much to the Color Throwdown Team for choosng this card as a 'Real Stand Out'. I LOVED playing around with the colour palette!

Thanks for stopping by,

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #53

Happy Birthday Jenna

Yay! I finally had the time to join in with an Inkspirations Challenge. I'm enjoying playing around with Basic Black and Very Vanilla this week as well as the gorgeous silhouette image of the girl from the Easter Blossoms Set.

As this card will be heading off to Devonport for my niece's birthday, I covered over the eggs in the basket with Flower Soft and added a Perfect Plum Button to match. Jenna loves purple and I hope she loves this card for her 24th Birthday! (We moved into our house the day she was born so it's always easy to remember how long we've lived here!)

Inkspirations Sketch #53

Project Recipe:
Stamps: Easter Blossoms (Summer Mini)
Ink: Basic Black
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Accessories: Love Letter DSP, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Subtles Button, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals
Non-SU: Label Punch from EK Success, Flower Soft, Black Polka Dot Ribbon


PS: Thanks to the Inkspirations Challenge Site DT for choosing this card as a winner!

Thanks for stopping by,

Just Add Monochrome

Paris in the Spring

There's a challenge at Just Add Ink to Just Add Monochrome to your papercraft project this week.

According to Wikipedia, Monochrome describes paintings, drawings, design or photographs in one colour or shades of one colour. For an image, the term monochrome is usually taken to mean the same as black and white or, more likely, greyscale, but may also be used to refer to other combinations containing only tones of a single colour.

So with that definition in mind, the team at Just Add Ink would love to see you have some fun and join in with this week's theme!

I chose to use some new goodies that literally arrived the day I sat down to make this card. They're from the gorgeous Summer Mini Catalogue (link on my side bar). If you're a customer (or potential customer) and haven't got your own copy yet, please drop me an email and I'll pop one in the post ASAP.


Here's what I used for 'Paris in the Spring' -
Stamp Sets: Artisitic Etchings, Easter Blossoms (new)
Cardstock: Glossy White
Ink: Black StazOn, Basic Gray
Accessories: Basic Black DSP from Neutrals Patterns Stack, Newsprint DSP (for rolled rose), Presto Patterns Specialty DSP (new) - this was sponge daubed with Basic Gray ink to reveal the pattern), White Signo Gel Pen, Scallop Square Bigz Clear Die (new), Modern Label Punch, Vintage Trinket (new), Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon (retired)

Purse and Matching Card - a UStamp Year End Blowout Project

A Purse with ...

... Matching Card

... made using Newsprint DSP, Very Vanilla Card Stock,

Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder and Easter Blossoms' Stamp Set.


Hope you like! ~

This is the first project that I have made (apart from my own) for the latest UStamp Year End Blowout. I took inspiration from Danielle Daws' tutorial. You can visit Danielle's blog to see her lovely samples but if you want the instructions to this and 39+, brilliant, easy to follow tutorials, you'll just have to join this round of UStamp with Dawn and Friends.

I'm off to start another project!!

Thanks for taking a peek,

Oh My Word!! - a Free Pass Give Away

Don't miss a day of the LIVE FUN!!

Opening Day Invites go out February 11, 2011

Last Project posted March 3, 2011

*****

EARLY BIRDS ARE AWESOME!!

Early Birds SAVE $5

PLUS

a chance to win a

$100 Stampin' Up! Shopping Spree!!

Early Bird Pricing ends January 14th.

Join us now for only $19.99

Early Bird Shopping Spree Drawing:

Everyone that registers for Early Bird Pricing will be entered into a drawing to win 1 of 2 Stampin' Up! Shopping Sprees valued at $100 each!!

Winners will be announced Monday, January 17th.

Join us for UStamp with Dawn & Friends!! Oh My Word!! Edition 2011!! Every project will have something to say and you will want to be there to hear all about it!!

Dawn is especially excited to announce that for the very first time, UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! will be showcasing every single project with at least one word. Sometimes a single word says it all and sometimes several words are the right fit. Big words, little words and everything in between...come and be inspired by projects that speak to all of us and get your creativity soaring!!

The Occasions Mini Catalog, Sale-a-bration Brochure and IB&C Hostess Products as well as some other seasonal catalog favorites, take Center Stage for this event!! Talk about FUN!! This is going to be another CAN NOT MISS Event that everyone will be talking about!!

This is what Dawn has to say -

"Do I really need to say again how much Color Combo's ROCK??!! I know, you know!! Why change a REALLY GREAT thing, right??!! The Oh My Word!! Edition 2011 event will include a different Color Combo with every project and by the end of the event, ALL 40+ of the SU! colors will have been used in a project. 40+ different projects with at least one word, with 40+ coordinating cards & envelopes, with PDF's, in 20 days...you will be bursting with inspiration!! We are talkin' reving your Creative Mojo to the MAX!! Seriously??!! This is a tremendous value that you CAN'T pass up!!

Don't we all deserve a few minutes of fun to help us re-charge and enjoy what we love??!! Of course we do!! One of the many great things about UStamp with Dawn & Friends!! is that YOU create when YOU are ready. LOVE the projects, but don't have time to make them yourself right away?? No worries!! The website will remain open for many months, ready when you are to create so you won't miss out

Here is what you can expect when you join us...

* 40+ Projects...every single one with at least one word!!
* 40+ unique Color Combos...using every single SU! Color...no color gets left behind
* 40+ co-ordinating cards with co-ordinating stamped/embellished envelopes
* ALL 40+ Projects include downloadable PDF with Photo's
* Designer hosted chats with LOTS of prizes
* Open Chat Room 24x7
* Gallery to share your re-creations
* A totally cool blinkie for your website/blog"

On a personal note, I have been on the look out for a 'new friend' to give a free pass away to for the next round and am happy to announce that I have found Sandra Azzopardi at Sandra's Stamping Spot.

Sandra left a comment for my last UStamp entry so I went and had a 'snoop' at her blog and found this gorgeous card. I love butterflies, embossing on vellum, the En Francais Background Stamp, ruffled ribbon, pearls, stitching and the new colour, Early Espresso so of COURSE I loved her card. Congrats, Sandra! You're going to love having access to a variety of awesome tutorials.

Sandra's Gorgeous Card

Want to join in the fun for the next round? Click on the blinkie below to take you there!



I'm off to finish cleaning my craft room! It's been a 'mammoth' task so far and I'm not creating anything new until it's done!! I may show some pics one day even though it's nothing 'flash' but it's my little 'haven'!

Easter Blossoms

Easter Blossoms

Well ... the Easter Eggs are starting to appear in the shops already and I was dying to get this set all 'inky' as silhouettes are right 'up there' along with owls on my list of favourite stamps!!

Click HERE for a tutorial on how to make one of these Scallop Circle Easel Cards.



Here's the Project Recipe:
Stamp Set: Easter Blossoms
Ink: Early Espresso, (Blushing Bride and Sahara Sand for sponging)
Card Stock: Early Espresso, Blushing Bride, Sahara Sand, Whisper White
Accessories: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Scallop Circle Bigz Die, Large Oval and XL Scallop Oval Punches, Antique Brad, 3/8" White Taffeta Ribbon, Stamping Sponges, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals, Paper-Piercing Tool

This was made for an International Swap that is 'winging' its way to the USA.


Thanks for stopping by,

A Note for You - Just Add Ink Challenge #50

This week there is a colour challenge at Just Add Ink. Hope you can take some time out to join in the fun!

My PERSONAL CHALLENGE is to use all my owl stamps, dies, punches, paper, material etc. on some paper craft projects over the summer break! I can now tick off the owl from the Hostess L1 Set, Cute By the Inch!!

Cute By the Inch Sticky Note Holder

The Colour Combo

One of my most popular posts for 2010 was the Woodland Walk Owl Post-it-Note Holder so I thought I'd make another 'sticky note holder' (Aussie Lingo) to suit this week's colour challenge (different design of course).

Do you like the cute little square made from the Scallop Trim Corner Punch? I watched a hilarious video tutorial by the very funny, Bonnie Thurber, entitled, 'New Punches' (Border and Corner Punches). This scalloped square project works with a 2" square.

If you're a Stampin 'Up! Demonstrator in Australia or New Zealand, you can view the very entertaining tutorial on Stampin' Connection, HERE.

I have decided to post the metric measurements for the Post-it-note holder which I have converted from the original tutorial by Dawn Griffith.

Cut a piece of card stock 8cm X 19cm. Score along the long side at 8cm, 9cm and 10cm and then follow Dawn's tutorial instructions.



Project Recipe for Cute By the Inch Sticky Note Holder:
Stamp Sets: Cute by the Inch (Hostess L2), Sweet Little Sentiments (retired), Woodgrain
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Riding Hood Red, Elegant Eggplant
Card Stock: Pear Pizzazz, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Accessories: Subtles Button (So Saffron), 1 1/4" Square Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Dimensionals
Non-SU: Mini Gel Pens from the Post Office and a pack of Sticky Notes from Officeworks


Thanks again, Rochelle, for introducing me to this very cute project idea.

My UStamp with Dawn and Friends Project

My tutorial for the Year End Blow Out has been released so I'm excited to share with you some pictures of the project that I designed using the upcoming Sale-a-bration Set, Bliss.

Bliss Chocolate Heart Valentine Holders and Co-ordinating Card

Bliss Vintage Card

The Four Chocolate Holders

Inside View of one of the Chocolate Holders
(Complete with Tag)

A full tutorial on how to complete the project is available from the YEBO Edition of UStamp with Dawn and Friends. Click on the blinkie below to take you there.






Thanks for stopping by my blog,