I decided to use the retiring stamp set Pick a Petal as I wanted something fun with these colours and here is my card:

Stamp sets:  Pick a Petal, Upsy Daisy
Cardstock:  Peach Parfait, Whisper White
Inks:  Peach Parfait, Concord Crush
Accessories:  In Color DSP (hostess), Bright buttons, white satin ribbon, 1″ circle punch, pop up glue dots

As you know it’s almost time for a new SU! catalogue and that means a retiring list!  Don’t forget this year’s In-Color’s continue on for another year and we’ll also get five new In-Colors too.  There are some bargains to be had with this year’s stamp sets and accessories so jump onto the link below and check it out.

Some items are discounted by 25% to 40%.  Click here to go to the Retiring List.

I also wanted to let you know that sadly this year Makeesha, Charmaine and I have decided not to hold a Stamp-a-thon.  It’s been a difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly as we know it’s such a great cause and you all enjoy it so much.  As you know Keesh recently gave birth to little Josiah and is very busy adjusting to life as a mum of 5 as well as being bridesmaid for two extremely special weddings coming up in the very near future, one being in the US.  Unfortunately Charmaine’s mother was just diagnosed with inoperable cancer and she has headed off to the UK to be with her and we are unsure of when she’ll return.  As for me, well, I’m still battling on with chemo and will be for sometime so thank you for all your past support and we hope to be able to bring you another Stamp-a-thon sometime soon, whether its on a smaller scale or at a different time of year, we’d like to try, so fingers crossed.

Thanks for popping in today.  I’m off to duck the showers at school pick up.

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!

As you know Makeesha flew over from Cairns to once again head up the day for us.  It was so great to spend time with her again and we managed to have a wonderful dinner with great friends too which was pretty special and kept us laughing all night. 

This year we had a full house again of 96 ladies and with everyone wearing something pink and our balloons and streamers and gorgeous pink goody bags, it was a bright and cheery and exciting atmosphere all day long.

The guests moved along each table completing seven projects throughout the day, plus one table to enjoy a leisurely flick through the brand new catalogue and place their orders.  It certainly was exciting to see the buzz created by the new catty and products. 

Once again Keesh, Charmaine and I were in awe of the ladies who gave up their time and helped on the day.  To my ever supportive mum, Keesh’s mum and Grandma, my two team ladies Sarah and Lauren and Char’s downline Ann who worked non stop throughout the day to ensure everything went off without a hitch – a huge thank you!  We just couldn’t have done it without you.  Also behind the scenes, my friend Julie for helping me cut and bag all my projects, plus my ever faithful downline Vick, my sister Jule, Lee-Anne and Monnie who all stayed and helped us sort out and clean up at the end of the day. If I missed anyone else who helped us clean up – thank you!!!  A big thank you again this year to Lee-Anne Barry for her generous donation of another delicious basket of stamping goodies to help us raise funds.

A huge thank you to our hubbies Rod, Grant and Paul who put up with many long nights of cutting and bagging and organising and more than likely the odd whinge!  An extra thanks to Grant for his efforts at the hall with the setting up and cleaning up. 

It takes an awful lot of effort to put this day together but it’s such a wonderful feeling of ‘giving back’  for me, it’s all worth it.

Okay, so without further ado, the total raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation was $5,476.93!  This is an amazing effort and just over $1000 more than last year so for those of who participated in any way, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 

I’ll be back soon with some of the projects! 

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

Hudson is the 2 ½ year old son of a fellow Aussie Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, but unlike most children his age, he has had a tough little life!  Doctors realised he had an incomplete brain before he was born and as a newborn he was discovered to be legally blind.  Hudson has recently been diagnosed with both Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy.  His mobility has been hindered severely by his disabilities, however his family and friends wish nothing more than to give him the chance to get moving on his own. Hudson needs a special Wheelchair/Walker, called a Kid Walker. This device will help get him mobile, allow him to play with his brother and sister, interact with other children his own age and give him independence in his day to day life!

This is where the stamping world really comes into play! There is a HUGE online stamping event taking place, called Helping Hudson -A Wheely Great Cause!  The organisers have been working really hard, securing support, tutorials and donations to get this event underway. There are going to be three weeks of stamping fun for you to join in – it kicks off  today and will run right through until 22 August.  

Bundles of tutorials kindly donated by Stampin’ Up! demonstrators the world over, are available for purchase.  Each bundle has 10 fun-filled tutorials for just AU$10!  There are six themes to choose from: Bags & Boxes, Christmas, Kids’ Birthdays, Projects for Men & Boys, Punch Art & Scrapbooking. There’s even a FREE bonus bundle if you buy four or more. WOW how exciting! All proceeds go directly to help Hudson.

The Helping Hudson Crew will also be posting some awesome challenges throughout the three weeks. For a small donation you can join in and be in the running for some FANTASTIC Stampin’Up! Prize packs, kindly donated by Stampin’ Up! Australia (Aussie participants only).  Also keep your eyes peeled for challenges over at Just Add Ink and Stamp A Memory too.

And we would love you to help spread the word too. Check out the ‘Spreading The Word’ page at the site for all you need to know to get the word out to as many people as you can.

To check it all out click on this icon below. 

C’MON LETS GET HUDSON MOVING!!!!!

Thanks for your support.

Hi everyone!    I have some fantastic news for you!  Today I am super excited to announce details of the 4th annual Stamp-a-thon to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  

This year’s event will be held on  SATURDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER

Stamp-a-thon is a day of fun filled stamping activities where you will make 7 exciting projects and receive the brand new Ideas Book & Catalogue which launches on 1 Sept.  There will be loads of give aways, silent auctions, door prizes, etc and you will have the opportunity to be the first to see and play with some amazing new products from the long awaited new catalogue.  All proceeds from the day will go to the NBCF for breast cancer research.

I know those of you who attended last year, or missed out on a spot, are itching for the details, so help is at hand.  For those of you new to Stamp-a-thon, it was started three years ago by my gorgeous friend and fellow Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, the very talented Makeesha Byl, when I was diagnosed for a second time with breast cancer.  Keesh decided to do something proactive and embarked on raising money for breast cancer research by doing something that we all love – stamping! 

So,without further ado…

click here to view the details and obtain your registration form. 

Be quick because places are limited and fill extremely fast.  Come and join us in this great cause and have a fantastic day out doing something you love!

Each Stamp-a-thon event has grown tremendously and last year Keesh asked myself and fellow demonstrator Charmaine Black to assist her with the day, and of course we jumped at the chance!  This year, preparation will be a little different as Keesh is now living in Cairns but we are thrilled to say she’s coming home to head the show once again.  Woo hoo!  I can’t wait to see that girl and give her a big squeeze. 

You can read more about how Stamp-a-thon came about here and about last year’s event here.

We look foward to hearing from you soon and seeing you on the day!

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

I had a fantastic time at Regionals yesterday and just love getting together with my stamping friends and learning new ideas and techniques (and a few sneak peaks of products soon to come).  We made some gorgeous make and take projects with a new stamp set and wheel from the upcoming Summer Mini and enjoyed some great presentations from other local demonstrators, and staff from Sydney and the US.

I decided to do my presentation on vellum petals made with the oval punches.  Here are the samples of the cards I presented:

For this card I have used Riding Hood Red, Kraft, Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White cardstock with sentiment from Occasional Greetings and the So Swirly jumbo wheel.  I’ve also added dazzling diamonds, 1″ circle punch, chunky glitter and clear rhinestones for the centre of the flower.

For this card I have used the “petals” as buttlerfly wings.  Cardstock is Lavender Lace and Certainly Celery with Washington Apple DSP, wide Celery grosgrain ribbon, the oval scallop punch and the large oval punch with the sentiment from Best Yet, Level 1 hostess set. I have made the butterfly body with clear rhinestone and the head is from the Ice Circle Rhinestones.

For this card I have glued the ovals onto the Sweet Always DSP rather than vellum to give a completely different effect.  Also when I’ve punched the ovals I have made the petals wider at the end to give it a heavier look.  This card uses Regal Rose, Choc Chip, Pumpkin Pie cardstock, the distressing tool from the cutter kit, sentiment from Stem Sayings, wide Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon, choc chip grosgrain, and pumpkin grosgrain, 1″ and 3/4″ circle punches and a fire rhinestone brad.  For the leaves I have punched two ovals from Certainly Celery cardstock and run them through the crimper.

and finally, for my favourite of the lot, I have used the Scallop Oval Punch for this elegant effect on the petals.  I just love this card (if I do say so myself) with this gorgeous combination of Kraft, Choc Chip and Baja Breeze cardstock.   I have paper pierced the edge of the Kraft and also the stem of the flower and then gone over it with my white gel pen.  For the centre of the flower I have used the 1 1/4 ” circle punch of Parisian Breeze DSP and added a button from the Button Bouquet range.  I’ve also used the Curly Label punch and the stamp from the Cute & Curly set and added Baja Breeze striped grosgrain ribbon.

I’m hoping to make a tutorial on this technique over the next few days so don’t forget to come back and visit soon if you’d like to see how to make these.

Well, it’s time to get ready for another busy week!  Back soon.

Saturday morning I was first up teaching the ladies this beautiful Christmas Album.  I purchased the class tutorial from Andrea Walford and just fell in love with it.  I can’t wait to have some lovely Christmas pics to put in it!

The front cover

Inside front cover

Another fold

This pic shows the album fully unfolded however it doesn’t do the album justice as you can’t see all the backs of the pages.

It really is pretty spectacular and the colours and papers are just beautiful.  To make this album I have used the I Wish Simply Scrappin’ kit.  It uses only a half a kit so  you can make this whole album plus have enough papers and die cuts left over to make loads of Christmas cards or a second album for a gift. 

I am going to run a class in my home to make this album in mid November so watch this space to find out more details. 

After lunch we were treated to some more classes from the lovely Charmaine and Jan.  Charmaine showed a technique called smooshing which so simple and so effective and makes a terrific background.  It’s also a little bit of fun and so easy to do with just ink and water!  Char had asked us to bring in an old style photo to go with the page she planned and I’m pleased to say my page turned out beautifully.  For this page we used Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa and Choc Chip ink and the stamp set is Sense of Time from the Summer Mini Catalogue.

I really love how this page turned out!

Next up was a Fantasy Keepsake Box presented by Jan White.  We could choose our own papers and colours for this and it was wonderful to see all the different creations around the room.  This came together really easily once we got the hang of the box making and as I just love the Parisian Breeze DSP in the Summer Mini so am really pleased with it.  I have embellished the top some more of the DSP punched out and topped off with a button from the Button Boquet collection.

Last but not least, here is a pic of the Stamparoos!  What a fine looking bunch and what a great group of women.  Thanks ladies for another unforgettable stamping event!

Have a great week!