Jeez we are all busy busy aren’t we?  We are heading off to Adelaide for an early Christmas with Paul’s family on Friday for a week so I have to be super organised with pressies etc for here when we return and of course over there too.  Mmmm, best check my list again I think.

I have managed to try my hand at some clay Christmas decorations which I saw here and I’m quite pleased with them.  What do you think?

I’ve used Fimo soft clay and a cookie cutter then simply pressed my stamps into the clay and baked them in the oven.  Once they hardened and cooled I used the SU Shimmer Paint Champagne Mist on the image and sentiment.  The snowflake is from a retired SU set The Snowflake Spot and the sentiment is PTI Signature Christmas.

Here’s a close up.  The shimmer doesn’t show up much in the photo but it’s quite specky in real life.

I got better as I went along so I’m sure by the time I’ve finished making more they’ll be spot on.  I think they make a nice teachers gift but I might also hang some on our tree!

Thanks for stopping by.  Merry Christmas!

Well hello there!  Long time no see hey? I have had a lot going on this past little while and my creative motivation has come to a griding halt… but more on that in a minute.

Tonight I thought I’d share with you these roses I made some time ago now using the Fancy Flower punch.  My friend and fellow demonstrator Pat Carr (who needs a blog) taught us how to make these and whilst they are a little fiddly, once you’ve mastered one, they are quite easy to do and very effective.  They look great on top of a gift box too if you don’t want the single stem. 

Lovely aren’t they?

On a personal note, unfortunately I recently learned that my breast cancer has returned, this time in the form of enlarged lymph nodes in my chest and abdomen. My oncologist has acted really quickly and I’ve already had three sessions of chemotherapy.  I’ll be having ongoing weekly chemo which I imagine will go on for a long while but it’s treatable so we are going to fight hard and hopefully it’ll be third time lucky and we’ll nuke the little suckers once and for all.

I’m feeling remarkably well and positive although it’s extremely difficult to watch Paul, my family and the boys go through this again.  The boys are coping really well and I guess until I lose my hair and start to look sick, it’s not particularly real to them.  The chemo I’m on this time doesn’t seem to have the dreadful nausea and vomiting so I’m feeling ‘quite normal’ most days although I’m told the tiredness and aches will kick in the more treatment I have. 

Please know I am feeling quite good and we are trying to keep things as normal as possible here. We have an amazing support network through the school, my family and many many friends. 

Obviously my focus now will be putting my energies into getting well and so I’m pulling back on my Stampin’ Up! workshops and classes however I’ll still be happy to place orders and help with any queries you may have.  I hope to pop in here every now and then with the odd card or project when I get the urge to dabble in some stamping. 

Thanks for your support, prayers and understanding.  Happy stamping!

Stamp set:  Punch Bunch – Sale-A-Bration
Cardstock:  Soft Suede, Baja Breeze, Early Espresso, Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Big Shot, Scallop Square die, Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, Elegant Soiree DSP, Scallop Circle punch, 1 3/8″ circle punch, Stampin’ Write Markers 

I’ve used a basic pizza box design and attached a square scallop made with the Scallop Square Big Shot die on top and bottom and added a layer of Elegant Soiree DSP, some Early Espresso ribbon and the little scallop circle image from the Sale-A-Bration Punch Bunch stamp set.

Quick and easy and a cute little gift box for some gift cards or a few chocies for Easter! 

The Scallop Square die is only available in the Summer Mini which will finish this coming Thursday, 31 March.  Have another flick through the mini and make sure you don’t miss out on anything you’ve been thinking about for a while. 

Sale-A-Bration also ends on Thursday so be sure to email or call me before midday Thurs if you want to take advantage of this great promotion.

Have a great week and happy stamping!

Cheers

Hi all!

I’m super excited today to be part of the Inkspirations Christmas Gift blog hop.  I know you are just going to love all the Christmas gift ideas and gorgeous projects the girls have put together, so grab a cuppa (and a Christmas chocie perhaps) and sit back and enjoy the ride!

If you have just popped in and this is your first time to a blog hop then you can simply start here and follow the links or go to Makeesha’s Inkspirations blog and start there and follow through but either way you’ll see some amazing ideas and no doubt there will be lots of  “oooh’s and ahhhh’s” along the way.

If you’ve already been following along then you’ve come from Penny Hanuszak and seen her beautiful goodies. 

Today I thought I’d share with you a couple of  last minute gift ideas which you should be able to put together with minimum fuss and little need for extra supplies.

I’ve used the Jolly Holiday DSP with coordinating Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive and Very Vanilla cardstock, inks and ribbons.  I’ve made a little box to hold four cherry scented tealight candles and lined the box with the DSP and a slip cover acetate.  I’ve finished it off with a tag from the Gifted stamp set.  Using my Big Shot and the pillow box die I’ve made a little pouch for the Christmas M & M’s and again the Gifted stamp set and wide oval punch.

 The gift bag is made cutting 2 of the largest circles of DSP with my Circle Scissors Plus, cutting a small section off the bottom and adhering a paper bag between them.  These are super cute and great for those homemade shortbreads or rocky road I like to make at this time of year.

 Here is a pic from the side angle so you can see a bit clearer.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my creations and now don’t forget to keep on hopping over to Charmaine Black’s blog to see her fantastic efforts.  She’s just a gorgeous giggling girl with amazing talents, so enjoy!

Thanks Keesh for the opportunity to share this fun blog hop with you and your design team! x

Merry Christmas!!

First off we have my male card which was very simple but I think showcased these wonderful Extreme Elements and Extreme Guitar stamp sets just perfectly. I also used the arrow from a fabulous set called Party This Way.

Next up is my Christmas gift voucher and giftcard holder which was a template I saw made by the fantastic Kirsty Brown during one of the UStamp sessions I did last year.  I just loved this concept and have used it a couple of times since. This was made using the Contempo Christmas stamp set and new slimline Ornament punch.

Next is this wonderful easel card created by the very bubbly and talented Charmaine!  Don’t you just love that Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder with that Artistic Etchings stamp set and Newsprint DSP?

The super whizz Keesh whipped up this cute mini milk carton showing off this wonderful new die, In-Colour papers and gorgeous stamp set Morning Cup.

Keesh also designed this fantastic fold out scrapbook wallet using the Wonderfully Worn background stamp, Greenhouse Gala papers and co-ordinating stamp set Friends Never Fade.

I’ll be back in the next few days with the other two projects because hubby is working at the 4WD Show this weekend and has taken off with the camera and although I’m sure I have taken pics I can’t seem to locate them.

I hope you like what you’ve seen so far.  Let me know if you have any questions about the projects or materials used and I’ll get back to you.

Have a great weekend!

We certainly had lots of laughs, swaps, projects and food and I just love getting together with those girls.  What a great bunch!

Here is a pic of us late Sat afternoon when a few had already left and we realised we didn’t get a photo.

There were over 35 of us this year and the theme was Christmas in July. On Friday night we met for dinner and then set about on our first project by Sue Joyce.  Hats off to Sue who had to put up with us all shouting out for her at once while working out the measurements.  It has a little battery operated flickering tealight in it which makes the embossed vellum very effective.

Next up we got underway with the swaps and then headed over to the rooms to find a bed, pj’s and slippers and settle in for some late night laughs!  On Saturday we were treated to this little meander book project from Jenny Chilton.

We also had the pleasure of making a gorgeous scrap album under the guidance of Pat Carr but unfortunately I haven’t finished decorating mine so no pics just yet.  It is certainly something I would like to do in a class format and look forward to trying it out again with the new scrapping kit albums we get in the new catalogue.  I promise to be back with pics real soon.

After lunch it was back to the swaps. Here is a pic of my bundle.  What a talented group we have!  Thanks to all the girls for their friendship, company and wonderful contribution to our swap files.

Finally here is my swap.  I tried to choose something that didn’t involve retiring DSP or colours however I never thought Spotlight in Christmas would be retiring so I was way off with that one. 

Stamp sets: Spotlight on Christmas, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Kraft, Real Red
Inks:  Real Red
Accessories:  Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder, Scallop circle punch, 1 3/8″ and 1 1/4″ circles punches, Word Window punch, paper piercer, mat pack, wide Real Red ribbon

Don’t forget to check out the Last Chance List. A lot of the items in this post are retiring so it’s a great time to grab a bargain.  You can see the full list here.

Also just a quick note to let you know that Stamp-a-thon is booking out quickly so make sure you get your registration form in soon.

I’m a bit under the weather with a head cold at the moment so I’m off for an early night and hope you have a great weekend.

Cheers

First up is a Top Note gift card holder which is really cute.  Excuse the pic – I took it at night which is a no no. It opens up to hold a gift voucher card inside.

Stamp sets:  Vintage Label (Sale-A-Bration)
Cardstock:  Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss
Inks:  Riding Hood Red, Choc Chip (sponging)
Accessories:  Big Shot, Top Note die, Bella Rose DSP, Curly Label punch, Cropadile, jumbo eyelets, Felt Fusion, Choc Chip taffeta ribbon

Next up was a 3D challenge to make this gorgeous gift bag with pocket and matching gift card.  I really like this and I will definitely be making more of these.  This is kinda masculine but will try a prettier one soon.

Stamp set:  Think Happy Thoughts
Cardstock:  Not Quite Navy, Choc Chip, Whisper White
Accessories:  Scallop Edge punch, Bella Rose DSP, Scallop Circle punch, clear rhinestone, Choc Chip ribbon, Cropadile, Jumbo eyelets, Old Olive ribbon

Last but not least, a scrap page!!  I know – don’t fall off your chair.  I actually had some beautiful photos of a wonderful day which made this challenge so much easier.

Stamp sets:  Medallion, Circle Circus
Cardstock:  Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Ink:  Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose
Accessories:  Scallop Edge punch, Scallop Circle punch, Curly Label punch, rhinestone brads, Regal Rose marker for thumping and journalling.

This was a sketch challenge and these pics are from our wonderful Mother’s Day we recently celebrated.  This is my gorgeous mum and her four lovely daughters!  Our family had decided to have a pink theme (if you hadn’t noticed) and we had to wear something pink, the whole setting was decorated in pink, our desserts were pink and even our champagne was pink!  Everyone donated to Breast Cancer research instead of buying pressies and we managed to send off a generous donation to the Cancer Council’s Mother’s Day Breast Cancer campaign. 

The whole day had a magic feel about and I’m so glad I made this page to remind me of it.  Behind the photo is a pull tag for with some journalling.

I do have a couple more projects to show you but it’s late now so I’m off to bed.  I’m off to Scitech on a school excursion with Matt and his Year 5 class tomorrow.  Should be fun!?  Somehow I’ve even been talked into going on the bus with them!

Cheers

Anyway I just thought I would quickly share this gorgeous little picnic basket with you.  I have joined UStamp for this round which is all about using the Big Shot.  This one uses the Top Note die to make the lid.  Pretty cute isn’t it?

I’ve used a few items from the Autum/Winter mini catagloue to create it.  Firstly, the gorgeous Cottage Wall designer papers and Rich Razzleberry cardstock.  I’ve embellished it with Silver Hodgepodge and wide Old Olive ribbon.  My flower is made with Rich Razzleberry, Perfect Plum and Pale Plum cardstock. 

I’m a little sad tonight as my stamping gals from Perth have all boarded the plane for Sydney heading to the Stampin’ Up! Convention.  This will be the first time I’ve missed Convention but with a few home renos and things that we plan around here I decided I would stay home this year and save the pennies.  I know they will be unpacking their bags and laughing till their sides ache tonight and that’s the part I’ll miss the most.  We always have such a wonderful fun time together!  Oh well, I have fantastic memories of my times at Convention and hope I get to go next year! 

Over the next few days a group of demonstrators who haven’t been able to attend this year are holding Unconvention.  We will be having all sorts of fun over the next few days cyberstamping together so be sure to check back in now and then as I hope to participate in a few challenges along the way.

Cheers

It’s actually quite simple to make using the Top Note Die.

Here is the side view:

Here is another I made using the Perfect Polka Dot embossing folder instead of a layer of DSP and using the Scallop Circle Die as the lid. 

and here are a few more……

I somehow managed to put my hand up for helping out with a little ‘token’ for the Mum’s at our school Mother’s Day breakfast this morning.  My idea was a simple bookmark for each mum, however as soon as I let those girlfriends of mine loose in my craft room and they saw these handbags they had their hearts set on them!  I tried to explain they had no idea what was involved in making them in bulk but they twisted my arm (and the top off the champagne bottle)!  We managed to cut and prep 50 in one afternoon while the kids ran around together.  I have such a wonderful bunch of girlfriends from our little school and whilst it was a chore in itself, we had some fun putting these together.  Part way through we changed the handbag to a quicker little gift bag and after a few more get togethers we had finally completed our quota of 130!  

Here is a closer look at the gorgeous gift bags using the Top Note Die as a lid.  Super cute and the Mum’s loved them!  Aren’t these rosettes just so sweet?

Well I’m off for an early night as I’ve had some dental surgery this week and it’s finally catching up with me.  I’m exhausted.  Oh, and I guess I’ll have to get up tomorrow and make my Mum one of these little bags!! 

Happy Mother’s Day girls.

Cheers

Like what you see here?  Well this is a sneak peak at my final entry as Guest Designer with Keesh’s Inkspirations Challenges.  I have absolutely loved being involved with these challenges from the other side of the fence (so to speak) and it certainly has challenged me to look at my tools, stamp sets and colours with a new approach. 

This week’s challenge is an inpsiration pic:

 and here is my entry:

What do you think?  I have to say I am really happy with it.  When I first looked at the pic my thoughts jumped straight to Fifth Avennue Floral, Regal Rose and Pink Pirouette.  

I have recently begun making flowers out of all sorts of punches and DSP and so I knew I wanted to incorporate them on the front.  These are made by punching cardstock with the scallop circle punch and running them through the crimper (A LOT!) to break down the fibres and peel the cardstock into two layers. Then layer them together and pin with a brad and scrunch them up to your liking.  I ended up making several different colours and then used my smaller circle punches to make the smaller buds.  I loved making these so much I have a desk full of different colours – they are sooo purty!  You can also use tissue paper but it has be folded over and layered on cardstock to allow the punch to cut through.

Here is a view from the side and you can see a little peak of the Fifth Avenue Floral rose in there too.

Stamp set:  Occasional Greetings, Fifth Avenue Floral
Cardstock:  Rose Red, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Always Artichoke
Inks:  Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Big Shot Scallop Circle Die, Circle Scissors Plus, Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Sweet Always DSP, Clear Rhinestone brads, 5 Petal Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4″ circle punch, 1″ circle punch, glue dots.

Well as I said I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Challenge Team and I have so say what an amazingly talented bunch of girls Keesh and her Team are.  Thanks for the warm welcome and blog love girls!  I have soaked up their brilliance and hope to play more often!

Don’t forget to go and check out the other Design Team members creations.  Keesh is having technical dramas this week and hasn’t been able to load her item so Kirsty is hosting the challenge.  I’d love to see you have a go and upload your entry with Mr Linky on Kirsty’s blog.

I hope you get the chance to join in.

Makeesha
Kirsty
Chantelle
Teneale
Sarah-Jane
Renee
Cindy

Cheers