Gem's Gems

This Challenge was Made for Me!!

2011-02-06T15:30:00.001+08:00

I have come the the realization that I am a Clean and Simple stamper/card maker – and that there is really nothing wrong with that (I have finally come to accept this!!). The cards I have the most success with are those that are simple. If I try to include too many layers, patterns or colours they cards never work. So while blog surfing I came across a new challenge site called Less is More which launched its first challenge this week.

Now I am the first to admit that pink really isn’t my colour but I thought I would have a go at this weeks challenge – which was to use the colours Pink, Black and White. I also used the sketch from the Stamping 411 site. Their sketch was:

And here is my card:

Card Details:

Cardstock: Rose Red, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Rose Red, Basic Black

Accessories: Blushing Bride Ribbon, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers

Greenhouse Gala meets Sketch Challenge

2011-02-03T21:00:00.001+08:00

When I saw last weeks Just Add Ink Challenge the Greenhouse Gala paper was the first one to jump to mind…..however I ran out of time and never got to think much past this initial thought. So then today I pulled it out when I wanted to make something for the Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #55.

This is the sketch:

And then here is my card:

I am actually really happy with how the card turned out. I have found since the beginning of the new year I have very much lost my mojo and any creations that are coming off my desk just don’t seem to ‘cut’ it!!

Card Supplies:

Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie & Whisper White

Ink: Pumpkin Pie & Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Peach Parfait Ribbon, Large Oval Punch, Small Oval Punch and Word Window Punch

Cheers

A New Challenge….

2011-02-03T13:23:00.001+08:00

Through blog surfing (some days I ~~think~~ know I do too much of it!!) I found a new challenge site…..Rainbows by Robyn led me to this site. Anyway this week they have a sketch challenge so I thought I would have a go…..here is the sketch:

And then here is my entry………………..

I used my Colour Coach to pick a colour scheme (of Sahara Sand, Perfect Plum and Blushing Bride) and went from there. I also tried a new technique called the Baby Swipe Technique (had to improvise with colours here – used Blush Blossom (retired) and Regal Rose). The stamp is from (another retired set) Warmest Regards and I have added a piece of Organza Ribbon.

Would love to know what you think.

Cheers

Christmas Cards I Received

2011-01-30T21:24:00.000+08:00

Thought before it got too far from Christmas (not sure how far is too far!!) that I would share the lovely handmade cards I received……..some from my Stampin Up! friends and some from other friends.

Til Next Time

More Secret Sister Gifts

2011-01-28T14:36:00.000+08:00

Late last year I decided to partake in the Stampin Up in Oz (an online group for demonstrators and non demonstrators to share Stampin Up projects) Secret Sister swap. In hindsight it made the last few months very busy as I was also participating in the ESAD Secret Sister Swap and while I loved getting my gifts in the mail it was at times very stressful getting my cards and gifts made and sent on time.

Anyway I have already shared all of my cards and gifts received from the ESAD swap so have also scheduled a few posts to share with you the wonderful cards and gifts I received for this swap. Here is the first card I received for October and my gift for that month:

The gift included a box filled with tea sachets, a box (containing a yummy box of chocolate) and a cute little sticky note pad and pen.

Check back in a few days to see the gorgeous gifts and cards I received for November.

Til Next Time

Gemma

Using up Bits & Pieces

2011-01-26T14:27:00.000+08:00

Like many of you (I am hoping I am not alone here!!) I seem to have accumulated a lot of stamping stuff!! All (well most) has been used once or twice but as new products come out the older stuff/products seems to find its way to the bottom of a drawer or the back of the shelf. This was certainly the case with the pack of Dots & Designs Rub-Ons I bought from last years Summer Mini Catalogue.

Anyway while cleaning up yesterday I found the opened packet and decided to use a few…..and these are the cards I came up with:

They were both really quick and easy to make and look very effective.

Card Supplies:

Card Stock: Whisper White, Ruby Red (retired), Chocolate Chip

Stamp Set: Great Friend (second card)

Accessories: Dots & Designs Rub Ons

Til Next Time

Gemma

First Inkspirations 4U Project

2011-01-24T21:49:00.000+08:00

I was extremely lucky to win a free pass to the latest Inkspirations 4U from the very talented Andrea Lowcock. It is a wonderful site which offers tutorials from some very clever designers and also a host of different challenges. The first challenge put up was a colour challenge with the colours being:

Now I am not usually a pink person but I really enjoyed playing with this colours and I came up with the following cards:

If you want to know any of the details of the cards them drop me an email.

Til Next Time

Gemma

What a Day!!!

2011-01-22T16:51:00.000+08:00

What a day it has been. I thought I would spend today stamping and going through the many tutorials I have from Inkspirations 4U and U Stamp (End of Year Blowout). Anyway I did manage to spend the day stamping, however not very successfully.....I needed a present and card for a 60th Birthday we are going to tonight and I thought there were a number of tutorials on both sites that would be appropriate.

So (to cut a long story short) I decided on a photo album designed by Sonia Garbutt for the latest Inkspirations 4U......great.....not so. After lots of cutting glueing (and not reading the tutorial right the way through before starting) my album was less than impressive.

So I started again (on a different project). This time I chose a project from U Stamp which I had already tried before.....here is my first attempt:

I thought this project would make a really cute photo album (or Grandma's Brag book) to put photos of a new baby.

Then today I increased the size (to be 6" x 6") and made this album:

I was really happy how it came out (especially since I had a few near disasters along the way!!)

Supplies:
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke, Purely Pomegranate (so sad that colour didn't make it back!!)
DSP: Holiday Harmony
Stamp Set: Just Believe, Afterthoughts
Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon

So then I needed a card to match and I found this one that I really liked by Judy May so I cased it - just changing the colours.

So after a not so successful day those are my creations. I have half cleaned my desk (well have one clear spot to start stamping on!!) so maybe I will have more luck tomorrow.

Til Next Time

Gemma

The Big Reveal.....

2011-01-09T22:31:00.001+08:00

After many months of starting to post about my ESAD Secret Sister I have finally made it to the end (did you wonder at times whether you would ever see all of the cards and gifts??).

So here was the first card I received in October:

And then this was my final card and gift:

The gorgeous bag on the left contained a razor and cute holder (with a suction cap to put on the shower wall). The middle desk box contained two SU markers (Early Expresso and Cherry Cobbler - my new favourite SU! colour!!) A block of dark chocolate (yummy!!) and a Happiness Shared stamp set (from my wish list). The final box (on the right) was a Stationery Box - open it looked like this

My wonderful, talented Secret Sister was Kerri Donsky. THANK YOU so much Kerri for all of the cards and gifts you sent over the three months - I loved each and every one of them!!

Til Next Time
Gemma

My September Gift

2011-01-07T20:48:00.001+08:00

I thought it was about time I posted what my ESAD Secret Sister sent me way back in September....so here is my second September card and gift.

First the card.......

And then the gifts.......

A gorgeous Pacific Point box (which contained a Pacific Point SU! Marker)

Then a fold out box (not sure if it has a more technical name!!) Which contained........

Some hot chocolate sachets and a block of dark chocolate (my absolute favourite!!!)

Boy was I spoilt!! Check back to see my final cards and gifts (and of course to find out who my Secret Sister was)>

Til Next Time

Gemma

One of the Things I Love....

2011-01-05T22:12:00.001+08:00

Is receiving beautiful handmade cards in the mail. This one.....

came from the very talented Kathryn Mangelsdorf. Kathryn held a Girl's Night in a few months back (sorry can't remember the exact date) and she put out a call for any cards that she could sell to raise further funds to go towards breast cancer research. Now I was lucky enough to win a free pass to U Stamp with Dawn from Kathryn so I was more than happy to send off some cards.

And this is the lovely card Kathryn sent to thank me!!

Til Next Time

Gemma

Something a Different

2011-01-03T22:12:00.000+08:00

I have spent the large part of tonight cleaning up my desk - for the first time in (I don't know how long!) I can actually see my desk and have room to create!!! (I wonder how long it will last??)

Anyway after I finished cleaning I though I would pull out two of the "do at home kits" I purchased from the local scrapbooking/card making shop here in Dowerin (hi Kendy!!). The kits I chose to do tonight where both Christmas Card kits (getting a head start on the cards for next Christmas!!!) Each kit had four cards will an exceptional set of instructions......and here are the finished samples......

KIT ONE

KIT TWO

I really enjoyed making both lots of cards - especially since all the thinking, planning and cutting had been done for me!!

Hope you have enjoyed these cards - a little different from my usual ones - no (or very little) stamping!! I look forward to hearing what you think.

Til Next Time

Gemma

Kris Kringle Gift

2010-12-21T14:02:00.000+08:00

One of the things I really enjoy about the online stamping community is that there are always the opportunities to participate in different swaps. Recently I signed up with my Team (Stamping Creations - headed by the wonderful Yvonne Campbell) for a Kris Kringle swap. Now most teams probably have a Kris Kringle swap at this time of year - the "thing" with my team is that I have never met any of them as they are all located in Victoria and I am in Western Australia. Maybe one day I will make it over there for a team day or at the very least get to the annual Stampin Up! Conference to meet some of them.

Anyway enough of all that here is the gift I received from my Kris Kringle (Karen Thomas):

The bungle of goodies Karen sent had some stationery items, a very yummy (strawberry) smelling soap and a handmade Christmas card.

Anyway must run.

Til Next Time

Gemma

I'm Late!!

2010-12-19T15:02:00.000+08:00

It is less than a week before Christmas and I am only just beginning to write and send my cards (some of them I have only made this morning). I am not sure where the time has gone - but I am usually not this unorganised. Anyway I started making these cards......

which I made initiall for a sketch challenge (can't remember which one!!) and never uploaded. However due to lack of time I then changed to making these cards:

They are very simple, however quiet effective (well I think they are anyway!!)

Here's a close up of each one:

I think my favourite is the Cherry Cobbler one, however the Purely Pomegranate comes in at a close second (I was secretly wishing that Purely Pomegranate made a come back with the colour renovation!!)

Would love to hear which ones are your favourite!!

Til Next Time
Gemma

The Next Installment......

2010-11-29T20:48:00.000+08:00

Thought I would continue on with the theme of showing you the wonderful cards and gifts I received from my ESAD Secret Sister. So here was the first card I received for September:

As you can see it uses the Just Believe stamp set which is at the top of my wish list!! Anyway be sure to keep checking back to see the lovely gift I received for September and also to find out who my SS was....

Til Next Time

August Gift - Thank You Secret Sister!!

2010-11-18T00:30:00.002+08:00

As promised (and not so long between posts) here is the gift I received at the end of August (not September as I wrote in the last post!)

A cute little box which contained two coffee sachets inside!

A desk top note pad holder.

A chocolate slider box - inside a Kit Kat (in dark chocolate - YUMMY!!!)

A picture of all the gifts and the card (which featured in the last post).

I was very spoilt! Be sure to keep checking back to see the cards and gifts I received for September and October.

Til Next Time

Where Does Time Go??

2010-11-16T14:30:00.000+08:00

The million dollar question - where does time got?? It doesn't seem that long since I blogged, however the date on the last post suggests otherwise (24th Sept). Has anyone missed me??

Anyway I have lots to share -mostly cards and gift received as part of a couple of Secret Sister Swaps I am part of. So I will endevour to get back here a little more often to share them.

So here is the second card I received in September from my ESAD (Extra Special Australiasian Demonstrators) Secret Sister.

As you can see the card was done with the Medallion Stamp (my favourite at the time - that was before the new catalogue came out!!).

Anyway I will be back soon with pictures of the gift I received at the end of September!

Til Next Time

Another RAK to Share

2010-09-24T14:32:00.000+08:00

This RAK was sent to my not long after I joined Stampin Up In Oz by the very talented Linda Craven.

I love the scoring on the card to give it a tiled effect! Very clever!!! Check out more of Linda's creations over at her website (click on Linda's name above to take you there!).

Anyway keep checking back because I have lots of things to share - my swaps from Regionals in Perth a few weeks ago, the lovely swaps I received in return and some other RAKS that I have received.

Til Next Time

A RRAK for Me!!

2010-09-20T21:30:00.002+08:00

Just a quick post today to show you a RRAK (Return Random Act of Kindness) I received from Theresa Kamp.

Theresa and I are both part of a group known as Stampin Up in Oz. This is a relatively small group of ladies who all enjoy stamping (both demonstrators and non-demonstrators). Everyone is lovely and the happy mail that comes (like the card above) is fantastic!!

Til Next Time

Look What I Made!

2010-09-17T20:25:00.002+08:00

During the Helping Hudson fundraiser (by the way have you bought your tutorials yet? If not you had better get in quick - you only have until the end of September to purchase them! And let me tell you they are well worth the money).

Anyway back to my original story.....during the HH fundraiser I was lucky enough to win one of the daiily prizes!! (I NEVER win anything!) And part of my prize was a free pass to the latest U Stamp which is all about cards!! (The free pass was donated by Kathryn Mangelsdorf - so THANK YOU Kathryn!!) and here is one of the cards I made:

This card has already been sent - as a RRAK (Return Random Act of Jenny Adams) - actually that reminds me I will take a photo of the card I received from Jenny and post it here soon. All supplies for the above card are Stampin Up! feel free to contact me of you want to know any specific details.

Til Next Time

ESAD Secret Sister - My First Card

2010-09-15T20:12:00.001+08:00

I am again participating in the Secret Sister Swap over at ESAD (Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators). I loved this swap last time - whoe doesn't like getting mail that is not a bill?? Anyway because life has been super busy lately I haven't shown you the first card I received so here it is......

Anyway have to run and make a start on the card I am going to send to my Secret Sister!

Til Next Time

SALE SALE SALE.....

2010-09-13T20:12:00.000+08:00

I have been having a spring clean and have the following stamp sets for sale. Prices DO NOT include postage. To reserve a set please email me at gemmacoumbe@westnet.com.au and I will let you know cost of postage. You will then have 5 working days to transfer money/pay for the stamp set(s). If no payment has been received within this time frame stamp set(s) will become available again.

So here is the list.........

Stamp Set Cost

Spring Pictograms $10

Starring You $15

Botanical Blooms $15

Merci $15

Birthday Whimsy $15

Sprinkles $10

Polka Dot Punches $10

Friendship Blooms $10

Reason to Smile $15

All Wrapped Up $15

Watch out for more items being put up for sale as I work my way through my craft room!!

Til Next Time

Happy New Catty Blog Hop

2010-09-01T06:00:00.002+08:00

Finally the 1st September is upon us - which means the long awaited arrival of Stampin Ups! new Ideas Book & Catalogue. And what better way to celebrate than with a blog hop?! And that's just what the team at ESAD have organised!

Firstly I hear you ask......WHAT IS ESAD?

ESAD stands for Extra Special Australiasian Demonstrators and it is on online group just for Australian and New Zealand demonstrators for Stampin Up! We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends and wonderful blog visitors but we share our love for waht we do with each other as Demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know how and cyberstamps and we are always there to help and support each other when it is needed.

So if you are a Stampin Up! Demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

Now you may have arrived here from Pauline's blog or you may be starting from my blog - either is fine!! And just in case you have lost your way I have included a full list of blogs from the blog hop at the end of this post!

Ok so with all that here are the projects I have created with a new stamp set (Friends Never Fade) from this wonderful new catalogue.........

A gift box and matching card.

The Cards

The (any occasion) Gift Boxes

These gift boxes are really easy make and are a very simple way of dressing up gift. I have used them in the past as a baby gift containing a bib or romper suit. A relatively cheap gift which looks amazing when 'wrapped' in this "any occasion" box!!

Supplies:

Stamp Set: Friends Never Fade

Cardstock: Pacific Point (Card 1 & Box 1) Brushed Silver, Soft Suede (Card 2 & Box 2), Melon Mambo & Whisper White (Both Cards & Boxes)

Ink: Pacfic Point (Box 1), Soft Suede & Versa Mark (Box 2)

Accessories: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder (Box 2 only), Dazzling Diamonds & Crystal Effects (both cards)

Now we all love reading your comments to hear what you thought of the projects that you have seen on each blog and as an added incentive we are offering some blog candy. To be eligible you need to:

1. Visit each blog on the blog hop and leave a comment (on each blog)

2. Once you have left a comment on everyone's blog then email the lovely Leonie and let her know that you

have commented on all 25 blogs.

3. SU Demonstrators are NOT eligible to enter - but please leave us your comments!!

4. Winners will be announced next Tuesday - 7th September

Now you are heading off to see Genelle Little's wonderful creations but just incase you have lost your way the full list of blogs are:

Gemma Coumbe - this is where you are now!!

Have fun hopping!!

Til Next Time

Where Does Time Go???

2010-08-23T13:50:00.000+08:00

Well I had all these great plans to play along with the many challenges set over at Helping Hudson and I did - for the first week. Then everything else seemed to have gotten in the way!! (As life does!).

Anyway I am just popping in quickly to let you know that you really should mark the following in your diary....

Come take the journey featuring new products from the ESAD Hoppers!

Join us 1st September

As you should already know the 1st if September marks the arrival of the new Stampin Up! Catalogue and to celebrate ESAD is holding a blog hop. So be sure to come back then and see all of the lovely creations by the many talented demonstrators!!

Til Next Time

PS. Also forgot to mention head on over the the Helping Hudson blog to see the final tally that they raised for Hudson. And if you haven't bought your tutourials you have until the 30th September to do so - they are certainly worth it!!!

A Host of Challenges.

2010-08-07T21:14:00.000+08:00

Have you checked out all the fun over at the Helping Hudson blog? They have some fantastic tutourials for sale and also a heap of challenges to play along with. Now because the cut off time is looming fast (and I still need to upload all of my photos) I am (hoepfully) going to post my entries for all challenges in this one post......so here goes.

SKETCH CHALLENGE: Here is the sketch we had to work with:

Now when I first saw this sketch I was excited - I knew what I wanted to do for this entry. However

after finishing my first attempt (which I really wasn't happy with..........)

I tried again

and then again.

I think I like the second one the best (what do you think?)

COLOUR CHALLENGE:

Next was a colour challenge and here are the colours:

Now I didn't have any Pretty in Pink so I used Pink Pirouette instead. Again I did more than one card for this challenge....

this second card needs a greeting - just wasn't sure what to put on there so have left it blank at this stage.

And then finally the last challenge:

ROCK 'N' ROLL TECHNIQUE:

Only one card this time.........

Anyway all materials are Stampin Up! Let me know if you want to know more specific details - need to get this posted and linked up to (hopefully) get them entered!!!!

Til Next Time

Gemma

Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch Challenge

2010-08-03T00:00:00.003+08:00

I often play along with Stamping 411 Saturday Sketch challenges - however have never uploaded on of my cards (until today!) - usually because it is weeks after the challenge that get back to looking at the sketch and actually make a card.

Anyway this weeks sketch was....................

and then here is my card

Then not being content with only one card I went on to create two more (just changing the sketch slightly...)

All products are from Stampin Up! except the embossing folder which is a Cuttlebug one. If you what any specific details about the cards then please contact me.

Til Next Time

Gemma

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #34

2010-08-01T13:05:00.000+08:00

Well I've had a busy few days. Have been madly making Father's Day cards in preparation for my stall next month and then also trying to change over computers. We bought a new laptop at the beginning of the week and I am slowly (would probably happen a lot quicker if I didn't get side tracked making cards!!) transferring all of my files and programs from the old laptop to the new one. So at the moment both computers are set up on my desk, in amongst all of my card making bits and pieces!!

Anyway when I saw the colour challenge over at Keesh's website it gave me another excuse to make some more Father's Day (and other) cards for my stall. Here are the colours:

And then here is the (first) card I created:

Now given the focus of my up and coming stall is Father's Day Cards I really wanted to add to my collection using this colour scheme.........anyway after a few false starts.....

I finally made this card......

Anyway if you want to know any specifics about the supplies used in any of the cards just let me know.

Til Next Time
Gemma (as you can see I haven't transferred my signature over from the old computer!! Must get on to that )

I Must Have Known!!

2010-07-30T13:09:00.000+08:00

I made these cards yesterday in preparation for a market stall I am having towards the end of August.

And funny enough when I checked the Just Add Ink site this morning to see what this weeks challenge is I found...................JUST ADD......A MAN CARD using the following colours

How well did I manage that?! Already having made cards for this challenge! But must confess since I love this colour combination soooo much don't be surprised if I manage a few more cards for my Father's Day pile of cards!!!

Card Supplies:

Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Baja Breeze, Whisper White

Ink: Baja Breeze

Stamp Sets: Weathered Background Stamp, Greetings Eight (Card One), Occassional Greetings (Card Two & Three)

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Stampin Write Marker, Parisian Breeze DSP (retired)

Til Next Time

Gemma

Sketch Challenge @ JAI

2010-07-26T13:24:00.000+08:00

I love sketch challenges - because I always seem to struggle with the layout on my cards. I know the colours I want to use, but the card never seems to come out the way I had planned. Anyway this week at Just Add Ink it was a sketch challenge and here is the sketch:

And then here are the two cards I made with this sketch - I really enjoyed working with this sketch!!

A close up of each card:

Card Supplies:

Card Stock: Whisper White

Ink: Rich Razzlberry, Pink Pirouette, Black Staz On

Stamp Sets: Always, On Your Birthday

Accessories: Pearls (from the Pretties Kit), Rich Razzleberry Ribbon, Glue Dots, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Card 2 Supplies:
Cardstock: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette, Black Staz On
Stamp Set: Always, On Your Birthday
Accessories: Cottage Wall DSP, Pearls (from the Pretties Kit), Glue Dots

I hope to find some more time in the next few days to make some other cards using this sketch - told you I really liked it!!

Til Then

Just Add Embossing

2010-07-21T20:18:00.001+08:00

I actually made this card a few days ago, but have had a sick little boy so haven't been able to find a few moments (well more than a few as my computer is so slow at the moment!) to upload it. Anyway here is my entry for the Just Add Ink challenge #26......... JUST ADD EMBOSSING

I am not sure if you can see it or not but as well as the flowers and vine being embossed in white, the 'Friends' stamp has been embossed in clear embossing powder.

Card Supplies:
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery & Very Vanilla
Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue
Ink: Versamark, Always Artichoke
Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder, Soft Subtles Brads (in Certainly Celery), Brocade Background DSP (retired)

Be sure to head over to JAI to check out the other entries this week!!

Til Next Time

Fond Farewell Swap

2010-07-14T00:00:00.002+08:00

Over at ESAD (Extra Special Australiasian Demonstrators) there have been a couple of swaps organised. I put my name down for both of them - love the different ideas you get back!!

Now as you would be aware at the end of next month a number of colours are retiring and there is a colour renovation going on! Anyway one of the swaps I signed up for was to use only colours that will retire......hmmm which one(s) to choose............

Apologies for the light in the photos it is raining here today and I managed to sneak outside and take this photo in a rare moment of sunshine!!

Supplies:

Cardstock: Sage Shadow (I will miss that one!!), Blush Blossom, Handsome Hunter, Ruby Red, Whisper White

Ink: Black StazOn

Stamp Sets: Pocket Silhouettes, All a Flutter

Accessories: Handsome Hunter & Ruby Red Markers, Big Shot, Sizzlits Lots of Tags, Dimensionals

Can't wait to get my swaps in the next few weeks to see the ideas that others have come up with!!

Til Next Time

Colour Challenge @ JAI & Inkspirations Sketch Challenge

2010-07-12T12:49:00.000+08:00

This weeks challenge at Just Add Ink is a colour challenge......and here are the colours........

After one or two attempts - which I won't show you I decided to use the sketch for this weeks Inkspirations Challenge on Keesh's blog.......here is the sketch:

and then here is my entry:

Supplies:

Cardstock: Soft Suede, Elegant Eggplant, Rose Red & Very Vanilla

Ink: Soft Suede & Black StazOn

Accessories: Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Rose Red Double Stitched Ribbon

Stamp Sets: Pocket Silhouettes, Weathered Background Stamp

Til Next Time

Clean & Simple

2010-07-10T00:00:00.002+08:00

The cards I have to share with you today are using a past Clean & Simple sketch. Now they are not the colours I would usually use - which is probably why I have so many sheets of these colours in my stash!! But since some of these colours will be retiring at the end of August I thought I should step out of the comfort zone and have a go.......

The funny this is that I don't use these colours ~~often~~ ever and then I make three cards (although all the same!!) The first two were just because I have cut the Pink Passion cardstock in half (so might as well use it up). Then the other card (the one in the middle) I wanted to try out my new toy......my paper crimper. So hence the reason for three cards.

Details:

Cardstock: Pink Passion, Yoyo Yellow, Whisper White

Ink: Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow, Brilliant Blue

Stamp Set: Circle Circus, Live Like You Mean It

Accessories: Paper Crimper

I challenge you all to use some of the colours that you rarely touch!! Would love to see what you come up with.

Til Next Time

Another RAK To Share.

2010-07-08T17:48:00.000+08:00

I have been loving the steady stream of RAK's (Random Acts of Kindness) that have been appearing in my mail box since joining the Stampin Up In Oz group. The latest one comes from Liz Latham

If you have any questions about the card please contact Liz directly (via her blog!)

Til Next Time

Printed Window Sheets

2010-07-05T12:00:00.000+08:00

When I did my pre-order for the Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue I bought the printed window sheets. Now this was one of those purchases that I think (in hind sight) I didn't really think a lot about - was too caught up in all of the wonderful products that this mini catty had on offer. Anyway these printed window sheets have sat unused for the last few months. Now I have on a number of occasions taken them out of the packet, but never actually put them to any use......that was until recently.

And here is what I made with them (or one of the sheets)

The funny thing was each of the cards are very simple and very easy to put together, put they look quite effective - don't you think?

Here is a close up of each of the cards:

Card Details:

Card Stock: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Black StazOn, Rich Razzleberry

Stamp Sets: On Your Birthday, Whimsical Words, Pendant Park, All a Flutter

Accessories: Printed Window Sheets, Gold Brads, Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon

Would love to hear what you think. Or better still would love to hear other stories of purchases that get forgotten or not used for sometime!!

Til Next Time

Another RAK

2010-07-03T12:00:00.000+08:00

Today I have another RAK (Random Act of Kindness) card to share with you. This one comes from one of my Stampin Up In Oz friends - Karen Gower.

If you have any questions about the products used in this card please visit Karen's blog and contact her directly.

Til Next Time

Thank You Sonia!!!

2010-06-29T12:00:00.001+08:00

If you are a regular visitor to my blog you will know that I recently joined an online group called Stampin Up! in Oz. One of the (many) great things about belonging to such a group are the many lovely cards/RAK's (Random Acts of Kindness) you receive in the mail.

Here is a picture of one I received recently from Sonia:

If you want to know any specifics about this card, visit Sonia's blog and email her directly.

Til Next Time

Challenge #23 for JAI

2010-06-27T15:25:00.000+08:00

Those challenges just keep coming over at JAI. This week it is "Just add DSP/Patterned Paper" - now the big problem was which paper to choose to make my card!! Don't now about you I seem to have acquired quite a stash of both current and retired DSP.

Anyway here is my card:

Card Details:

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White

Ink: Black StazOn

Accessories: Bella Rose DSP, Ages Copper Hodgepodge Hardware

Stamp Set: Occasional Greetings

Til Next Time

Challenge #22 @ JAI

2010-06-22T15:46:00.000+08:00

Over at Just Add Ink they challenge for this week was a colour challenge. Now when I first looked at the colours I must admit they didn't do much for me, but when I sat down this afternoon to have a go at using them they actually work well together!! (Duh! of course they do - otherwise they wouldn't have been put together for this challenge!!).

Anyway the colours were:

And then here is my entry..............

Supplies:
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Black StayzOn
Accessories: Bella Rose DSP
Stamp Sets: Pendant Park, Always

Would love to hear what you think - don't be shy leave me a comment.

Til Next Time

Just a Quick Post

2010-06-20T14:36:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post to show you two cards I received from fellow Stampin Up! In Oz members - a yahoo group I recently joined.

The first card is from Julie Price:

Then the next one I received is from Val West:

Aren't they lovely!!

Til Next Time

WOW!! Look What I Got!!!

2010-06-10T20:20:00.000+08:00

How surprised was I when I saw I had been awarded the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award from Olga Cooper. I am told that I now need to:

1. Put the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award on my blog. (DONE!)
2. Share 5 things about myself. (DONE - see below!)
3. Pass the award onto 5 other Bonny Blogs. (DONE - again see below)
4. Add links to my 5 chosen Bonny Blog Winners. (DONE - yep see below again)
5. Let them know they have been chosen to win the Swap Sisters Bonny Blog Award by leaving a comment on their blog. (DONE!!)

OK so five things about myself:
1. I have been married (nearly) five years.
2. I live in the Central Wheatbelt of Western Australia and love it!!
3. I am a Speech Pathologist.
4. I LOVE dark chocolate.
5. I spend waaaay too much time in my craft room. (and probably waaay too much money on my craft "stuff" - according to my husband).

I have passed the award onto:
1. Linda Craven - my Secret Sister from ESAD
2. Tracey Hanshaw - love the fact that she collects cards to send to the Aussie Troops - they are currently collecting Xmas Cards - so why not help them out.
3. Robyn - a great blog that I visit often
4. Danielle Daws - love her blog and the Just Add Ink blog and the weekly challenges (on JAI)
5. Gardenia Pepworth - love her work!! And she lives in WA like me!

So thanks Olga.

Til Next Time

I Was Right!!!!!!!!

2010-06-10T02:00:00.000+08:00

Do you remember these?

And do you remember that I said in a previous post that I thought it was a clue as to who my ESAD (Extra Special Australiasian Demonstrator) Secret Sister was? Well it turns out I was right. Here was the reason I thought it was a clue. I found this post on Linda Cravens blog while I was checking out a number of sites and looking for ideas. So there you have it my SS was the very talented Linda Craven - be sure to check out her blog to see more of her work.

And then here are the lovely gifts I received from Linda last week:

The Outside!

Look at all the goodies inside!!!

My box of pressies contained ribbon, some glitter, heat & stick powder, dazzling diamonds and some buttons and brads. Very lucky wasn't I? I am a little sad that it is all finished, but no doubt there will be another Secret Sister swap in the not too distant future.

Til Next time

Thank You!!

2010-06-07T20:55:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post to show you the thank you gift I sent to Tanya Kitto. Tanya was the FANTASTIC organiser of Unconvention over at ESAD. She had some helpers however she was the driving force. Not sure how she managed it with everything else going on, but she did (lucky for us!!) Anyway to show her how much I appreciated her work I sent her this:

I made the card during Unconvention for one of the challenges and then made the box (to hide a yummy box of chocolate!) to coordinate. If you have any questions about either of these things just send me and email.

Enjoy the chocolate Tanya - you deserve it for all of the hard work you put into Unconvention!

Til Next Time

Unconvention Swaps - So Many Talented Ladies!!!

2010-06-05T21:10:00.000+08:00

Another quick post to share the FANTASTIC swaps I received from Unconvention.

The only problem with receiving these beautiful swaps is now there are more (and more) products I have added to my wish list!

Does your wish list ever stop growing?

Til Next Time

Hmmm!!

2010-06-02T21:48:00.000+08:00

Thought it was about time I got back into the swing of entering a few challenges - to challenge to comfort zone so to speak. Well the colour challenge at JAI this week certainly did that!!! The colours were:

And then here is my entry - clean and simple!!

Apologies for the colouring in the photo - had to take the photo inside tonight so I could upload it!!

Supplies:

Cardstock: Whisper White

Ink: Melon Mambo

Accessories: Elegant Eggplant Marker, Taken with Teal Marker and Melon Mambo Ribbon

Stamp Sets: Whimsical Words & All a Flutter

Til Next Time

Unconvention - Secret Sister Swap

2010-06-02T20:43:00.000+08:00

If you have been reading my posts recently you will know I participated in the ESAD (Extra Special Australiasian Demonstrators) Unconvention (for those of us not lucky enough to be able to attend the REAL Stampin Up Convention in Sydney). As part of the weekend I signed up to be part of a Secret Sister Swap. Our instructions were to send a card and handmade gift to our SS. My SS was Kylie O'Brien and here is the gift I sent her:

It was a set of four milk cartons in a cute little box (to carry them in). I used one of Becky Roberts wonderful (and very easy to use) templates. I filled the cartons with choccies, candles and some Jumbo Eyelets.

It was fortunate that Kylie took a photo and uploaded it to the ESAD site so that I could share this with you - I thought about taking a photo after it was all nicely sealed in the envelope ready to send!! Oops!

Til Next Time

A Clue....Or Not??

2010-05-31T20:39:00.000+08:00

When I received my April gift (which also contained a lovely gift for my birthday in early May) I forgot to include this in the photo:

And it gave me a little clue as to who my Secret Sister might be. I am not going to say....will wait to get my final gift (which hopefully will be here in the very near future) and then I will let you know who my SS is and whether or not my guess was right.

Til then

PS In case you are wondering the gift above is a lolly container (was...once upon a time) filled with M&M's. Great way to recycle your brad/button containers.

Oops Forgot This One!

2010-05-25T21:44:00.000+08:00

Looking through my old posts I realised I didn't post this card that I received from my Secret Sister at the beginning of April. At this time I hadn't bought the Medallion Stamp, however did add it to my wish list (and have since purchased it!!) after seeing this card. I still don't know who my Secret Sister is, however I have an inkling - just waiting to see if I am right. No doubt I will find out in the very near future!

Sorry about the strange angle this photo was taken at - trying to take it quickly as it started to rain.

I can't wait to find out who my Secret Sister is so I can thank her for all of the wonderful cards and gifts I have received over the last couple of months.

Til Next Time

Unconvention - Another Challenge!

2010-05-22T15:00:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post to show you the most recent challenge I have completed for Unconvention over at our ESAD (Extra Special Australiasian Demonstrators) Ning group. This was a sketch challenge, with the sketch being:

and then here is my entry:

You will have to excuse the light - it is raining outside at the moment so this photo is taken inside.

I just LOVE the Urban Garden DSP - it is certainly my favourite (at the moment!!) Anyway would love to hear your comments on this one, but must run, lots more challenges to enter.

Til Next Time

Unconvention - Limited Supplies Challenge.

2010-05-22T10:01:00.000+08:00

Boy was this a tough challenge. Our instructions were that we could use:

Whisper White or Very Vanilla Cardstock
One Stamp Set (our choice)
Two Ink Pads (our choice)

And that was all!!! Anyway here is what I came up with using the Level One Hostess set Organice Grace:

Ink: Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive.

Then we were allowed to add a little more to the card and 'jazz' it up, so here is the after shot:

To jazz it up I added three Fire Square Brads (in pink), scored an border around and then added a Birthday sentiment from the On Your Birthday set.

Anyway keep checking back to see the host of different challenges that we are being set at Unconvention.

Til Next Time

Unconvention - Surprise Challenge

2010-05-21T17:36:00.000+08:00

As some of you may be aware over the next few days many Stampin Up! Demonstrators have descended on Sydney for the annual Stampin Up! Conference. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend this year - but there's always next year! so instead I have been taking part in Unconvention on the ESAD (Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators for Stampin Up!). Over the weekend there will be a number of activities and challenges set by the organisers (lead by Tanya Kitto). So the first challenge that was posted last night was a surprise challenge and when is was posted our instructions were that we had to use:

Paper Piercing
Dimensionals
Very Vanilla Cardstock
Designer Series Paper

and then here is my entry:

Can you see the DSP? I almost forgot it!

So details of my card are........

Cardstock: Bravo Burgundy, Very Vanilla

Stamp Sets: Medallion (I love this stamp!), Occasional Greetings

Ink: VersaMark

Accessiories: White Embossing Powder, Dimensionals, Small and Large Oval Punches and Scalloped Oval Punch.

Check back over the weekend as I hope to upload pictures of each of the challenges I manage to complete.

Til Next Time

Second U Stamp Project

2010-05-21T11:38:00.000+08:00

Just thought I would pop in quickly and show you the cute little picnic basket I made as part of U Stamp (its not to late to join, click here to find out how). Some of the projects are so amazing....anyway enough of that here is my picnic basket:

This cute little basket is easy to make and would be great filled with a few goodies as a gift for someone special.

Til Next Time

Another Swap

2010-05-17T02:00:00.000+08:00

In the next few days or so hundreds of Australian and New Zealand Stampin Up! Demonstrators will be descending on Sydney for the annual Stampin Up! Conference. What a site - hundreds of excited demonstrators congreating together!!! While I wish I was there - I am not!! So instead I am taking part in Unconvention as part of ESAD-SU. One of the highlights of the annual Convention is participating in swaps and so we wouldn't feel left out Tanya Kitto offered to coordinate a swap for those not attending Convention - or attending Unconvention!! So here is my card:

I have used a technique called Emboss Resist. To achieve this result stamp your image with VeraMark and then cover it will clear embossing powder. Melt the embossing powder with your heat gun and then applied ink using sponge daubers. The ink will not stick to the embossing powder.

Card Details:
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Stamp Sets: Circle Circus, On Your Birthday
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Black StazOn, VersaMark
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Sponge Daubers, Pacific Point Ribbon

I am looking forward to seeing the different cards I get in return.

Til Next Time

Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue Swaps

2010-05-15T02:00:00.000+08:00

A while back I showed you the card I made using some of the new products available in the Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue. To see my card click here. With this swap I had to make six cards and I would receive six cards in return (five different ones and my own). So I thought I would show you the cards I received from the swap:

Created by Chris Parker-Barnes

Number Two, created by Julie Gislingham

Card three, created by Kerri Donsky

Card Four - created by Juliette Chapman

Card Five - created by Jossleen Crane

It was great getting these cards in the mail - they have provided me with some different ideas of how to use some of the products in the catalogue.

Til Next Time

U Stamp

2010-05-13T02:00:00.000+08:00

While checking out a number of different blogs I have seen some fantastic creations made by some very talened people who have signed up to a number of different U Stamps (click here to find out more information). So I thought I would sign up for the lastest U Stamp, which is all centred about using the Big Shot. Not really sure what to expect I have been watching the sight each day looking at the different projects posted - boy some of these people are so talented and come up with some excellent ways to use the Big Shot!!

Anyway one of the projects was a cute box and cards....and here is my attempt:

There is still time to sign up for U Stamp - from what I have seen so far it is well worth it! Can't wait to see what else they come up with.

Til Next Time

How Lucky Am I!!!

2010-05-11T14:18:00.000+08:00

If you have been following my blog you will know I belong to an online group called ESAD-SU (Extremely Special Australian Demonstrators - Stampin Up!!) and that I have been taking part in a Secret Sister Swap over the past few months. Anyway requirements are that you need to send two cards and a gift each month (the gifts for months one and two are small and then a larger gift at the end of the third month when you reveal who you are).

So a couple of weeks ago I received my second card for April, my April gift and also a birthday gift from my very talented Secret Sister. I know very little about my SS, other than she has a young daughter - who had been sick earlier in the month (I hope she is better now!!), so I couldn't even hazard a guess as to who my SS is - which will make it even more exciting for the big reveal at the end on May. Unfortunately I am not going to the annual Stampin Up Convention in Sydney, otherwise I would have been able to meet her in person.

Anyway enough of the rambling here is a picture of my gifts and cards:

The box on the left HAD (once upon a time!!) a block of dark chocolate in it (my all time favourtie chocolate!) and the box on the right (my birthday gift) contained a jar of moisturizer and three yummy hazlenut choccies.

The picture isn't the best (sorry!) but the card on the left is a dress, made using the Fun Heart Punch and some of the Cottage Wall DSP (from the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue) folded in a pleat formation to look like a skirt. The card on the right is made using the 5th Avenue Stamp Set and the coordinating DSP - Urban Oasis.

Til Next Time

Clean & Simple Challenge #86

2010-04-19T15:02:00.000+08:00

These challenges are always great to play along with (click here to visit the Clean & Simple site). As the name suggests they are 'clean and simple' yet always seems to look very effective!!

So here is the sketch:

And then here is my version:

Supplies:
Cardstock: Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White & Ski Slope DSP (retired)
Stamp Set: On Your Birthday
Ink: StazOn Black
Accessories: Variety of Circle Punches

I really enjoyed making this one and hope to get a chance to have a bit more of a play around to see what else I can come up with.

Til Then

Just Add Ink Challenge #13

2010-04-17T10:38:00.000+08:00

I am so pleased that the posts I scheduled to happen while I was away actually worked!! So what did you all think of the lovely gifts I have received from my ESAD-SU Secret Sister? I have loved them all and am waiting patiently to see the cards and gift I will receive this month (and more importantly I can't wait to find out who it is at the end of May!)

Anyway since returning from holidays life seems to have moved up a gear and become extra busy - so hence the lack of posts since we got home 10 days ago. So am making a special effort to enter a few challenges over the weekend - which will force me to post so I can enter them.

So here is the first (of many - hopefully!!)

The wonderful team at Just Add Ink this week have posted a colour challenge and the colours were:

I must say I don't think I have ever used barely banana and wasn't really sure about how my card would turn out. I have used one of the new sets from the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue called Autumn Days (its first inking!). Have I mentioned how much I like the clear mount stamps? These stamps are cheaper than the wood mounted ones, take up less room when storing them both of which mean I can buy more stamps!!! Can only be a good thing.

Anyway enough of all that here is my entry:

Supplies:

Stamp Sets: Autumn Days, Warmest Regards (Retired)

Cardstock: Barely Banana, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Whisper White

Accessories: Chocolate Chip and Old Olive Markers, Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware

I look forward to reading your comments regarding this creation.

Til Next Time

Secret Sister - March Gift

2010-04-04T21:30:00.000+08:00

How excited was I when a note appeared in my post box a week or two ago saying I had some registered mail!! This exciting mail was my March gift from my exceptionally talented Secret Sister from the ESAD-SU (Extra Special Australian Demonstrators - Stampin Up!) that I have become a member of. I love seeing the different creations that come from this very talented group of demonstrators.

Anyway are you waiting patiently to see my gift........?

Here it is.....

And then when I opened each gift up this is what was inside........

Some faces masks (I love pampering myself - something which doesn't happen as often as I would like now that I have my 9 month old son!) and a cookbook (another hobby/activity I enjoy doing!)

I loved these gifts and can't wait until the big reveal (still two months away) so I can thank my Secret Sister properly.

Til Next Time

Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue & Card Swap

2010-04-02T02:00:00.000+08:00

WOW!!! This is the best catalogue (although I probably say that about them all!!). When I did my pre-order I spent way too much money on "stuff" out of this catalogue - and I didn't even get everything I wanted!!! I loved it all - well certainly most of it anyway.

If you have read any of my past posts you would see I joined the Extra Special Australian Demonstrators (ESAD) Group earlier this year. This is a wonderful, very knowledgable group which I have enjoyed being apart of. One of the "things" I like is being able to see the wonderful work done by other demonstrators, so when they were calling for people to sign up for a card swap I put my name down. I really wanted to see the different cards that would be created by some of this group - however before this could happen I needed to make my card for the swap!! Talk about pressure - I view myself as a very amateur card maker in comparison to some of these talented ladies - so I was pushed out of the comfort zone in a bid to create my card.

And here is what I came up with:

Supplies:

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry (A new incolour in the Autumn-Winter Mini), Whisper White, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Rich Razzleberry (New in Autumn-Winter Mini), Black StazOn, VeraMark

Stamp Sets: Vintage Vogue (From Autumn-Winter Mini), Occasional Greetings

Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Dimensionals

In the new mini catalogue you have the option to purchase clear mount stamps. Now I wasn't sure about these so purchased a couple of sets in my pre-order to see how they would go. I have to say I LOVE them!!!!!!!! They are cheaper that the wood mounted stamps and come in a DVD type case, so are much smaller to store. Now I can buy more stamps (for the same price) and store more in the same amount of space! I will definately be converting to these as they become more widely available.

If you would like a copy of the new Autumn-Winter Mini catalogue please email me.

Hopefully when I get back from holidays I will have the card swaps I have received in return and I will take a photo and post.

Til Then

Bye

Secret Sister - Second Card

2010-03-28T21:30:00.000+08:00

If you are reading this blog then I have finally worked out how to schedule the posting of a post! I am currently away on holidays in Margaret River (southern part of Western Australia) and just about to move camp to Rockingham.

But thought I would schedule a few posts to continue sharing with you my lovely cards and gifts from my wonderfully talented Secret Sister. So here is the second card I received a week or two ago.

Like the first card my Secret Sister has used my favourite colours (well current favourites!!) Elegant Eggplant and Bravo Burgundy. The Whisper White card has been embossed using the Manhattan Flower textured plate and the Big Shot (both of which will be available for purchase from the 1st April when the new Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue comes out.) This new catalogue is (in my opinion) absolutley fantastic! If you would like a copy please email me and I will gladly post one out to you (Australia Residents only!)

Anyway would love to hear your thoughts on the cards that my SS has made (I think they are wonderful)!

Til Next Time

Just Add Ink Challenge #9

2010-03-22T15:00:00.000+08:00

It has been a few weeks since I managed to enter a challenge at JAI and this weeks challenge was a sketch (my favourite type of challenge).

Now apologies for the photo it's not the best, but here is my entry:

Supplies:

Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry (available 1st April with the release of the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue), Orchid Opulence, Whisper White

DSP: Cottage Wall (available from 1st April)

Ink: VersaMark

Stamp Sets: Occasional Greetings

Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Jumbo Eyelets (Antique Brass)

Anyway let me know what you think.

Til Next Time

Secret Sister - My First Card

2010-03-21T21:56:00.000+08:00

I have recently joined a group called ESAD-SU (Extra Special Australia Demonstrators-Stampin Up!) and as part of this group I signed up to the Secret Sister Swap. The swap runs for three months (March to May for this one) and involves sending (a minimum) of two cards per month and at the end of the first and second months a small gift and then a larger gift at the end of the third month (when all the Secret Sisters are revealled).

Anyway I have had a couple of lovely cards from my Secret Sister and also my March gift. Now I will post pictures of all cards and gifts (as soon as I get the chance to actually take the photos) but for now here is the first card I received.....

The card is done in my favourite (well current favourites!!) colours Elegant Eggplant and Bravo Burgundy and there is some Olive Olive in there as well. The stamp set used is Circle Circus - which I don't own but it is on my wish list (the ever growing one!) I have seen some absolutely fantastic cards made with it as I have jumped from blog to blog.

Anyway must go (and head off to bed). But promise to post pictures of the other card and gift and gift soon.

Til Next Time

Another Day, Another Challenge

2010-03-10T11:49:00.000+08:00

As promised my card made for Makeesha Byl's latest challenge. This time Keesh set a sketch challenge. I must admit these are my favourite challenges as the "thing" I struggle most with is the layout of my cards. So Keesh's sketch was:

And then here is my version:

Supplies:

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Going Grey

Ink: Versamark & Silver Encore

Accessories: Elegant Eggplant Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Embossing Powder (used on the butterfly), Pretties Kit, Eyelet Boarder Punch

Stamp Sets: Butterfly Prints, Warmest Regards (Retired)

Til Next Time

Fall to Layout #81

2010-03-09T15:45:00.000+08:00

Another day, another challenge (truth is I actually made this card yesterday and was going to post it last night - however as I was trying to upload the picture I managed to burn the vegies I was cooking for my Kaden (my 8 month old son) so thought it was best to organise dinner - without the added distraction).

Anyway the layout was......

And here is my version:

Supplies:

Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive & Whisper White

Ink: Rose Red

Stamp Set: Occasional Greetings & Botanical Blooms (flowers have been shadow stamped)

Accessories: 1 3/8" punch, 1 1/4" punch

I have used Elegant Eggplant quite a bit lately in the cards I have been making. I actually have another card to upload for you which was for Makeesha Byl's latest challenge (which I will show you later) which is also made in Elegant Eggplant.

Til Next Time

Just Add Ink Challenge #7

2010-03-08T16:42:00.000+08:00

And what a challenge it was!! I am not a huge fan/user of the Bold Brights Colour Family and on top of that I would very very rarely (if ever) use pink. So this was one challenge that would take me right outside (actually far away) from my comfort zone.

The colour challenge from the team at JAI was.....

And can you believe I actually managed TWO cards (although both with very similar layouts)...

Cardstock: You know the colours, also a little whisper white

Ink: Versamark (not sure if you can see the images on either side of the butterflies??)

Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Brads (Green Galore (card on left) and Tempting Turquoise (card on right)

Stamp Sets: Butterfly Prints, Butterflies & Blossoms Standard Wheel (retired), Warmest Regards (retired) & Birthday Whimsy (retired)

Anyhow would love to hear what you think.

Til Next Time

Just Add Ink Challenge #6

2010-03-04T15:01:00.000+08:00

Have been busy over the last week or so making cards and gifts for my Secret Sister from the ESAD (Extremely Special Aussie Demonstrators) that I have recently joined. Now I have taken some photos of the cards and gift that I have created to date, however will have to post them at a later date - wouldn't want my SS seeing them and working out who I am too early now!!

Anyway what I can show you is my entry for the Just Add ink Challenge #6. I finished the card a day or so ago and thought about doing this post last night, however hadn't got around to taking a photo of my card and because the JAI Team mentioned in their photo tutorial that you are best to take photos in the natural light I thought I would wait until today to do so. Alas I am now too late to enter the challenge...Oops!

Even though my entry is too late to link to the Just Add Ink challenge I thought I would still post it. Anyway the challenge this time was a sketch......

So again wanting to try out some punch art - am loving this at the moment. I made up these cute frogs....

Cardstock: Night of Navy, Garden Green & Whisper White

Stamp: Not Stampin Up!

Accessories: Small Oval Punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, Word Window Punch, Spring Flower Bouquet Punch (Retired), Google Eyes (from local craft store), Gel Pen

Next time I will be more organised.

Til Then

Two Challenges in One.....Well Almost!!

2010-02-14T10:40:00.000+08:00

We all have those colours that we don't use a lot of and More Mustard is certainly one of mine. So when it appeared in the Just Add Ink Colour Challenge I thought I would push the comfort boundary and have a go. The challenge was to use:

I combined these colours with the Fall to Layout #78 - which was....

I also included a couple of ideas/techniques I have been wanting to try. The first is the 'half sheet wonder' technique which I was first introduced to on Claire Daly's blog. And then next I have been wanting to try some punch art as I have seen on Merryl Blacker's blog. So have included both on my card.

Now when finally completed my card (and was actually happy with it!) I realised there was a slight problem....can you pick it???? I hadn't used one of the challenge colours.....Kraft. Oops!!

Card Details:

Stamp Sets: Botanical Blooms, Warmest Regards

Card: Rose Red, Whisper White, Sage Shadow, More Mustard

Accessories: Punches - Heart, Small Oval, Window Word, 1/2" circle

Oh well. Next time I will pay more attention to the colours.

Til then

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #18

2010-02-07T14:30:00.000+08:00

Just a quick post (as I supposed to be getting ready to go to Tennis - but instead I am making cards and updating my blog, giving it a new look!!)

So here is the sketch Keesh put up for this challenge:

My first creation.......

And then I thought the sketch lent itself to a masculine card so this was my next creation......

Anyway must run, my desk is in a mess (as you can see in the background of the photos).

Til Then

Winter Wonderland Challenge

2010-01-31T09:55:00.000+08:00

I can't believe I am making Christmas cards in January!! Never before have I started getting my Xmas card "stash" ready this early. Before Xmas last year I saw a number of cards that were part of different Christmas Card challenges that ran all year. With my New's Years resolution to be a little more organised this year I thought maybe I should joy in some of these challenges and then (hopefully) there won't be the rush (and many late nights) to get all of those cards completed. So here is my first entry - hopefully the first of many.
The sketch and my entry/interpretation....

Products used:
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Gold Card (not Stampin Up)
DSP: Ski Slope (Spring Mini Catalogue)
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Black Stayz On
Stamp Set: Tree Trimmings, Seasons of Joy
Ribbon: Something that came off one of my Christmas Gifts!!

Til Next Time

Update - A Long Time Coming!

2010-01-06T13:14:00.000+08:00

WOW - I am not sure where the last six or seven months have gone! As you are aware we were expecting our first child mid last year and on the 18th June we welcomed Kaden......

then and now

And I guess since then life changed dramatically - to include dirty nappies, sleepless nights and lots of laughs, joy and pleasure.

As you can imagine not (as) much stamping and card making has taken place since Kaden's arrival. My first task was to make my thank-you cards.......

Which I cased from here. As the presents rolled in the 20 I had prepared (as far as I could - not knowing whether we were having a boy or a girl) were really only the start, as I ended up making 70 of these cards!!

And then I decided to attempt some scrapbooking (now that I had a the odd one or two (?) photos of our much treasured new arrival!!) So as Christmas presents for both sets of grandies I scrapped calendars (using the Days to Remember 12"x12" Wall Calendars that were available from Stampin Up (now retired). Unfortunately because they were only finished just in time for Xmas I don't have any photos to share with you of these. Although must say I was quite proud of my efforts - given I had never scrapbooked before!

So now as the new year begins I do plan to (somehow) find some time to make some cards and get back to stamping (and hopefully a little blogging as well).

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a happy and safe start to 2010.
Til Next Time

Inkspiration Colour Challenge # 7

2009-05-16T15:16:00.000+08:00

Well do you believe that I am actually back and putting up another post, only two days after the last one (rather than two months!!) Anyway I thought I would spend the day in my newly cleaned and organised study and do a touch of stamping. (It also helped that my husband has headed off to golf and I figure the housework will still be there tomorrow...Monday.....

So today I thought I would have a go at the Inkspirations Colour Challenge #7 and to assist with the layout use (my version) of the Mojo Monday #86 sketch

And then here is what I came up with......

I have used:
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Sage Shadow, Really Rust & Chocolate Chip
Stamp Sets: Eastern Blooms & Priceless
Accessories: DSP Outlaw (from last years Catalogue), Really Rust Marker (from the Earth Elements set) and Dazzling Diamonds.

And I must say (for once) I am actually happy with my entry to this challenge (but would love to know what you think).

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Cheers

Yes I am Still Here.

2009-05-14T16:42:00.000+08:00

Well so much for not leaving it as long between posts!! I am really not sure where the time goes. Since posting last time I have finished work and started my parental leave (12 months!!) YAY!!! Although very scary with only 7 weeks until our little bundle of joy arrives!!

I had thought that not having the work committment to honour each week that I would have more time for stamping. How wrong I have been, instead I seem to have spent the time cleaning and getting everything organised for the new arrival.

Today was spent cleaning out my study, come stamping space, which turned out being very beneficial. I spent some time going through my collection of stamps and found I number of sets I had forgotten I had bought.......(does this happen to anyone else??)

Anyway I have been meaning to make a birthday card for my husband (for his birthday on Saturday) and I had also wanted to get my act together and enter another one of Keesh's challenges and also add a post to my blog (to let you know that I am still here!!). So what better way than to use a stamp set (that I don't think has ever been inked up before) and combine all tasks into the one card...............And here it is:

Now not exactly like the sketch, I know, but it is similar!!

Although must say with the exception of the stamp set (Birthday Whimsy), the little piece of Wild Wasabi (one of last years 'In Colour' Colours) and the strip of red ribbon the rest is non Stampin Up material!!

Anyway must run and finishing cleaning up this area (which now has a little more mess added to it since I finished making this card!!) But will definately be back again (soon!!).

Cheers

I'm Back....Briefly!

2009-03-15T15:11:00.001+09:00

Life has been rather hectic of late, so hence the first "thing" to go has been stamping and being able to enter any challenges.

Not really sure where the time has gone, but the last month has been busy with baby shopping, catching up with family and arranging new wedding and engagement rings (which I finally have by the way and I absolutely love them!!!)

Anyway one of my (many) goals for this weekend was to post again on my blog (albeit a short post!) Have therefore spent sometime this afternoon creating this card.....

To create this card I have used the layout for Mojo Monday Challenge (#77) and used the following:

Cardstock: River Rock, Bashful Blue, Always Artichoke & Very Vanilla
DSP: Le Jardin
Ink: Always Artichoke
Stamp: Not from Stampin Up
Accessories: Flower and Half White Pearls from Pretties Kit, Dazzling Diamonds (for the bling factor!!)

For a quick 'play around' I am quite happy with the result, although I must apologise for the photo. My camera has a flat battery so I scanned this one with my scanner/printer so not totally clear (but thought if I left it until the camera batteries were charged it maybe another month before I actually upload!!)

Anyway til next time (hopefully it won't be too long between posts this time).

Gemma

PS Have been meaning to say to everyone who has left a message since I first began posting - THANK YOU. Your comments have meant a lot.

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #4 Entry

2009-02-08T18:26:00.000+09:00

When I saw this colour challenge I thought - what better way to get challenge the boundaries of my comfort zone. These are definately colours I wouldn't usually use and then (just because that wasn't enough of a challenge) - I realised that I did not have an ink pad in any of the colours. Not letting this deter me I thought I would 'have a go' at this colour challenge.

I think I was a little heavy handed with the dazzling diamonds (must be the lasting influence of my upline(Yvonne Campbell) after taking part in her Xmas Club - all projects appeared to have an additional 'bling' step added for those who were keen!!)

Anyway will wait and see what you think.
Cheers
Gemma

Another Challenge - Another Entry

2009-02-07T14:32:00.000+09:00

The past week has been a little less dramatic - no lost wedding or engagement rings. However it seems lately that the only time I spend time stamping is when I see a challenge and think 'I'm going to have a go at that!'. Before I started entering challenges I would regularly surf the net and see the fantastic creations the very talented people out in cyberspace came up with and consequently enter into the numerous challenges.

Despite not having a blog to upload my attempts to I always found a reason not to participate - usually because I felt my creations were no match for the ones I would see. Then I read something on someone's blog (sorry can't remember where I read this!) that said competing in challenges makes us move out of our comfort zone; Using colours, techniques or stamp sets that we perhaps wouldn't use. I thought this was an excellent point and since then have tried to push myself out of my comfort zone and participate in more of these challenges.

Keeping this is mind today my entry is for the Mojo Monday #72 Challenge. This challenge was based around the sketch below and my attempt/entry.

To further push myself out of my comfort zone I also plan to participate in the Inkspirations Colour Challenge shown on Keesh's website. So will be back in the next day or so with my entry into this challenge.

Till Next Time.
Gemma

Events of the Past Week!!

2009-01-31T15:36:00.000+09:00

The last week has been busy with trips to Perth (for doctor's appointments/scans, shopping etc), work and general home "stuff". However one event we didn't account for was losing my wedding and engagement rings!! A few weeks ago my husband decided that we would look into having an eternity ring made, so we went and saw the same jeweller who made my wedding ring a few years ago. He then assisted us in designing a ring that would fit with the current arrangement.

Anyway to cut a long story short we headed back to Perth on Thursday to visit our Obstetrician (for our 20 week scan) and also pick up my engagement, wedding and (new)eternity ring. When my husband went to the jewellers they couldn't locate the rings (and were in a state of panic) anyway after much searching and reviewing of the video survelliance footage they managed to locate the rings (well sort of).......we have been told that they think our/my rings have been accidently thrown out in the rubbish and have ended up in landfill (somewhere)!!!!

Now I guess I should be upset (and don't get me wrong I am not pleased with the findings!), however both my husband and I have come to the conclusion that in the bigger picture this is a minor event. To clarify this......we have had a few difficulties in starting a family (4 miscarriages over the last 2 1/2 years), and on Thursday we were told that all is looking well with the current pregnancy. With that in mind we have decided that we won't get too stressed with the whole ring debacle and on the positive side I will now get three new rings free of charge (either in the same design as before or I can decide on a new design - not sure what I will do!!)

So as you can see the last few days have been interesting.

This morning I decided to spend sometime stamping and was pleased to see a new sketch challenge from Makeesha's website emailed through. I enjoy participating in the sketch challenges as I have to confess that coming up with layout for cards/scrapbooking pages is the "thing" I find most challenging when stamping.

The challenge sketch was.......

Anyway enjoyed this challenge and created three different cards this afternoon. My favourite being......

And the other two were:

Anyway I am now off to have a look at baby products on the web and perhaps also see if I can find a site or two that will give me some ideas of different ring designs.

Cheers
Gemma

Baby Cards

2009-01-25T11:33:00.000+09:00

Finally I make it back here to post again!! Since setting up my blog and posting for the first time (with grand plans to post regularly - ha ha!), I don't seem to have found the time to get back. We have had visitors for the Australia Day long weekend and they left this morning (rather early for a Sunday!) But on the up side I have then spent some time cleaning up my study, come stamping area and then also spent some time creating!

With my whole life at the moment being consumed with baby 'stuff' what else would one create but a baby (thank-you) card - thought I would have a play around with cards/designs etc so that when the baby arrives I will have some idea of the 'thank-you' cards I want to create/make and send out. I am sure this is good in theory not sure how it will work in practice, when I am sleep deprived and have a screaming baby. I guess only time will tell.

Anyway this is what I have come up with.

Boy's Card......

Stamp Set(s) - Favourite Teddy Bear, Thank-You Stamp is not

from Stampin Up
Cardstock - Brilliant Blue, Chocolate Chip

DSP - Dashing

We don't know whether we are having a boy or girl so have played around with cards for each.

Girl's Card......

Stamp Set(s) - A New Little Someone, Thank-You Stamp is not from Stampin Up

Cardstock - Purely Pomegranate, Pretty in Pink

DSP - Berry Bliss

The layout is based on one of the Christmas Card projects I completed as part of Yvonne Campbell's Christmas Club. I must say I am not entirely happy with them, but they are a start and a good excuse to spend some more time 'playing!'.

Til next time.

Gemma

2009-01-10T13:58:00.000+09:00

New Blog........And Challenge Entry!

Ever since becoming a Stampin Up Demonstrator in November last year, I had these grand plans of setting up a blog. Not long after signing up with Stamping Up, I found out I was pregnant (with our first child) and due to the dreaded morning sickness and always being tired these plans were very much put on hold.

Then this morning I needed to make a birthday card for a 40th birthday we are going to tonight. I had an idea (well sort of) of the card I wanted to make. The birthday boy is a Hawthorn (AFL) follower so I decided to make this the theme of my card. After creating the Hawk Emblem and the Happy Birthday motif I hit a dead end on assembling the card. Then I received an email regarding a new post on Makeesha Byl's website...I then used her sketch for the weekly challenge as the layout design for the card. Here is the sketch.......

And then here is my card/version of the sketch......

So then with card completed and a possible entry for Makeesha's challenge I thought why not enter it. Only one problem entry's need to be uploaded onto a blog or a public forum......so then why not finally attempt to set up my own blog (the housework will still be there tomorrow!). So here it is my first attempt at setting up a blog and adding my first post.

Hopefully this will motivate me to find more time to stamp and then share my creations.

Thanks for looking!
Gemma