Hello Tall Tales and Animal Stories Cards and Bag

On ordering the Carousel Notes, my lovely upline, Helen, said to me "what on earth do you do with Chocolate Chip envelopes?" - was that a challenge?





I know what you are thinking "So where are the Chocolate Chip envelopes?"





In here.......





I used the envelopes to create 'pockets' for the cards and white envelopes to fit in!! I made four recess cards using the Animal Stories stamp set and the Tall Tales DSP along with Chocolate Chip ribbon in various forms and Funky Forest standard wheel makes an appearance too, oh, and Pocket Silhouette.

Trying to do four recess cards was a bit of a nightmare, but I think they turned out OKish.

Merry Moments Stocking

I apologise for the lack of posts recently, but we have entered silly season in the Austin household. Husband's birthday on the fourth, he then went away on business and left me with an over-excited five year old, family for big lunch, pressies to sort out, decorations to put up, oh and new kitchen, bathroom and downstairs loo flooring to sort out!!!! I kept walking past my craft room and gazing longingly at everything but just did not have time to sit and play. Then when I eventually had some time to craft I got crafter's block! Phew, anyway......

Sorry, I just couldn't resist. After making the wreath I had some holly-ish leaves left and didn't know what to do with them. As I do not have a christmas stocking, (and no chance of anyone actually buying me one!!) I thought I would make my own! Unfortunately it is only a front so Santa couldn't actually fit David Boreanaz in it.... maybe next year, Santa, please......

I love this red baubley Merry Moments DSP and teamed it with Very Vanilla. I sponged Creamy Caramel around the edges for the 'aged' look and added some of my left-over holly-ish leaves and berries. I added faux stitching around the Very Vanilla to finish it off.

Merry Moments wreath

It has taken me a very long time to get my head around this. I found a foam wreath ring at the NEC and have sat looking at it since then. I finally plucked up courage to start it, the hardest part was deciding 'Do I punch out scallop ovals and hope they look hollyish?' or 'Do I draw out all the leaves and cut them out with scissors?'.

The first thing I had to do was cover the whole ring with thin strips of Garden Green CS using PVA - never again!!! I used the Scallop Oval punch (!) to punch out Garden Green and Merry Moments leaves which I scored down the centre and then sponged with Creamy Caramel ink around the edges. The poinsettia-style flowers were punched with two of the 5 Petal Punch and layered with flowers from the Flower Fusion and they were all joined using brads. A bow of 5/8 Real Red grosgrain finished it off.

Would I make another one - not a chance!! Well, ask me next year ........

Tree Trimmings card and envelope set

This set was inspired by one I saw on the internet - of course!!

I used Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Basic Grey for both cardstock and inks. Tree Trimmings, which is probably my favourite Christmas stamp set, was stamped lots of times and cut out. The baubles on the main image were decoupaged using dimensionals. The Merry Christmas sentiment is from my stash.

Super easy!!!

Merry Moments noel houses

My wonderful upline, Helen, at All Things Stampy, gave me the inspiration for these houses. I saw Helen's version which reminded me of a house template I have had for a long time - so out it came and this is the result.

I used the Merry Moments DSP, Sparkly and Bright stamps and some chipboard letters from my stash.

These little houses scream 'beach huts' to me, so watch this space ..........

Sunny Days basket scallop bag

I bought a new die for my die cutting machine that makes these gorgeous little bags.

As the sun was trying to come out from behind all the clouds this morning, I decided to give it a helping hand!! Sunny Days Simply Scrappin' kit was hauled out yet again - will I ever get to the end of it, it goes on for ever!! Excellent value for money.

Julie's Circle Circus Birthday

You may have gathered by now that I love Jenny Moore's classes. I decided to use one as the inspiration for a birthday gift for my wonderful friend, Julie.

Where Jenny used Earth Elements, I used Soft Subtles and Night of Navy. I loved making this set so much I ended up making two (one to keep).

The colours used were Perfect Plum, Night of Navy, Sage Shadow and Barely Banana, both cardstock and ink.

First Workshop

I was really flattered to be asked by a lovely lady, Angie, if I would do a workshop with the craft group she goes to. I was really nervous as it was my first 'Official' Stampin' Up party away from the comfort of my craft room!!

It all went really well and lots of ladies kindly placed orders. Angie got a hostess set and benefits from the catalogue - she was really pleased!!

As it was my first time, I kept the demos really simple. The first was a Fresh Cuts Notelet and the Fresh Cuts stamp set (because it is part of the Christmas Extravaganza). I used the poppin' pastel technique which the ladies loved.

I then went on to make a sour cream container with the Sunny Days Simply Scrappin' kit (also part of the Christmas Extravaganza). Got lots of 'oooooohs' for that. Unfortunately it suffered a fatal accident on the way home, so I cannot take a photograph of it.

The next demo was also my 'Make and Take'. When I was playing around with this I couldn't decide whether to use Old Olive or Real Red as the card base - in the end I went for the Real Red. I used the stamp set Sparkly and Bright (which I was not all that keen on at first but now love it) and the co-ordinating jumbo Stampin' Around wheel 'Sparkling'.

The ladies had a great time making this card. Some had never stamped before and one lady had never even made a card before!!

Sunny Days On Board Journal

I know, another Sunny Days project ...... but isn't it cute?

I covered the On Board Journal with Tempting Turquoise and some of the designer paper from the kit. The lovely bird from the Good Friend stamp set was stamped in Pumpkin Pie, Pink Passion and Tempting Turquoise. I knotted a piece of Old Olive ribbon around the binding rings.

To hide the chipboard edges of the journal I ran my Tempting Turquoise ink pad around the edges.

Sunny Days card

Told you I was loving these colours!!

This simple card is so lovely. Pink Passion is used for the base card and the long flower sticker is from the Sunny Days Simply Scrappin' kit. I used Old Olive ribbon, this colour is becoming one of my favourites, around the centre. I stamped the sentiment and the butterfly, from Flight of the Butterfly, with Tempting Turquoise. Love using vellum as the top wings as it looks really pretty.

There is another project in these colours and there's lots of the kit left ..........

Sunny Days basket

I have resisted these bold, bright colours for so long - didn't really like them at first. Oh boy what a difference a free punch makes!! (All SU demos know what I mean!)

I found this idea on YouTube by Stampin' Up demo Monica Gale and thought it would be great in these Basic Bright colours. I used the Sunny Days Simply Scrappin' kit, the scallop edge punch and Pumpkin Pie ribbon. The only problem is I just do not know what else to add to it, it just does not look finished - maybe if I fill it with chocolate it might look better!

Trendy Trees recess card

This is just a simple card I made this evening as I am still recovering from going to the NEC on Friday!! I decided to use Chocolate Chip CS and Old Olive DSP as they are easy on the eyes - a change from the Sunny Days Simply Scrappin' kit!!!

The recess card has been a favourite of mine for a long time since I first saw it on the internet (on one of the many YouTube videos I watch!). I think the Trendy Trees stamp set goes really well as they are simple images. I stuck to Chocolate Chip and Old Olive when I stamped the trees, but added a splash of Ruby Red as a contrast. A knot of Chocolate Chip ribbon finished it off.

Sunny Days candle

I found these super-cheap tinned candles in a local pound shop and bought 10!

The Sunny Days Simply Scrappin' kit looks fab and I used the small butterfly stamp from Flight of the Butterfly set. To cover the top I just turned the lid upside down and traced round it.

I am really liking these colours, especially as it is so dull outside!!

Reindeer Easel Card

Yes, another easel card - just love 'em!

I used the usual Old Olive, Real Red and Chocolate Chip CS, with the snowflake paper from Merry Moments DSP.

The reindeer (stags?) were stamped in Chocolate Chip over Sandy Sprinkles rolled in Creamy Caramel. I used both the oval punches and the greeting from Occasional Greetings. Chocolate Chip grosgrain and the scallop edge punch were also used.

Reindeer wreath card

I saw this idea on the net (forgot where - I do a LOT of blog hopping - SORRY!) but stamped with the cone from Autumn Days. I thought I would have a go with Pocket Silhouettes and the stag from Winter Post. I really like it, I think.... Just sitting here looking at it reminds me of a catherine wheel!

Chocolate Chip CS was used at the base card, with Real Red as the accent. Pocket Silhouette foliage was stamped with Old Olive. The stag was stamped with Chocolate Chip.

I did not put a greeting on as I did not want to cover the wreath.

Touch of Nature Shutter Card

OOOHHH I really love this. Thank you to Jenny Moore (again) for this design.

The base card is Basic Black with Old Olive designer paper. The branch and fruit is stamped in Old Olive onto Old Olive cardstock. The leaves are stamped in Old Olive on Whisper White. I used Perfect Plum ink to stamp the butterflies and flower and watercoloured with Pale Plum and Barely Banana. The front panel was then matted and layered on Pale Plum and Perfect Plum.

Like it, like it!!!!

Fresh Cuts Picture

OK, please be gentle with me as this picture is very personal to me. I have been seeing this picture in my mind for a long time but was just waiting for the perfect frame. You know what it's like, you have something in your mind for such a long time and then, when you actually pluck up courage to have a go, the finished project always seems to disappoint in some way. Well this did not happen with this picture - it turned out exactly as I saw it in my mind. I am sooo pleased with it.

I used Kraft and Basic Black CS. Fresh Cuts was stamped in Basic Black. I stamped the image for a second time, cut out the large leaves on the bottom right and popped them up on dimensionals. I found the frame whilst walking through our local garden centre one day on my way to the cafe!!

Bella Bleu Silent Night easel card

I know, I know.... but I did warn you. Bella Bleu, Night of Navy and Kraft AGAIN!!!

I have had a picture of this card in my mind for a while so decided to pluck up courage and have a go. The gorgeous Silent Night was stamped in Bashful Blue on Whisper White then the sentiment was stamped in Night of Navy on vellum and attached over the church stamp using brads. Kraft CS was used for the base card and Bella Bleu DSP and Night of Navy used as accents. The scrumptious Kraft taffeta ribbon also found it's place!! The Merry Christmas sentiment is from Occasional Greetings.

I promise to try a different colour combination ....... honest!!

Tall Tales Notebook

I bought a job lot of recycled notebooks BSU (before Stampin' Up) and have never done anything with them, until now.......

This designer paper series is so cute, so when I was moving into my new craft room and stumbled upon these notebooks, I knew straight away they were a match made in heaven!! I tried my Funky Forest wheel for the first time too. Old Olive DSP and Chocolate Chip CS were added. The So Saffron ribbon is now retired but goes really well.

Bella Bleu Silent Night

I love this stamp set, so thanks to Janet for the loan!!

The base card is Night of Navy cardstock and the designer paper is Bella Bleu. I used the Eyelet border punch on a strip of Kraft.

I stamped the sentiment onto the base card in Night of Navy (although this does not show on the photo). The image is stamped in Night of Navy and a knot of Very Vanilla grosgrain finished it off.

This stamp set has now made it's way onto my wish list!!

Christmas thingy

Ok, not sure what this is, but I like it anyway!!

I used the Merry Moments DSP, tree from Sparkly and Bright, sentiment from Occasional Greetings, Round Tab punch, Totally Tabs, and Old Olive cardstock, ink and ribbon. PHEW....

I think next time I'll make it so it can hang on a Christmas tree, then maybe I'll know what it is!!

Bella Bleu note card

I said you would be seeing this combination again, didn't I?? Love it, love it, love it!!

Bella Bleu DSP was used for the background and Scallop circle, on a Kraft card base. I punched a 1 3/8" circle of Very Vanilla for the centre of the Scallop circle, and a Eyelet border punched edge. The little butterfly was from Flight of a Butterfly stamped in Brocade Blue.

I think these little notecards are so cute, in fact think I am going to make all the school Christmas cards in this size as it is so easy.

Friend Card

I really love the combination of these stamps and colours.

Perfect Plum was used as the base card and the Medallion background stamped in Perfect Plum. I layered up Kraft and Very Vanilla cardstock, tearing off the bottom of the Kraft. A knotted Very Vanilla ribbon finished it off. The lovely sentiment, from Occasional Greetings, was stamped using Perfect Plum.

I love this colour combination so much I might make up a class with it!!

Ladybird bag and card

Since I am now a Stampin' Up demonstrator I thought I would update an old favourite.

I used Basic Black, Real Red, Old Olive DSP and Whisper White. The ladybird was made from the Scallop circle punch and 1" circle punch. The handle was attached using silver star brads from the Hodge Podge kit.

This is a lovely project and I have taught it a couple of times.

Bella Bleu Tissue Box Cover

I can hear you all saying 'WHY?'. I don't know why I felt I had to do this, but here it is anyway! I sat at my craft table looking at a box of tissues thinking 'That box is awful - hmm, I wonder if I could cover it?'

I absolutely love these colours, Bella Bleu DSP, Kraft and Night of Navy cardstock and Night of Navy grosgrain ribbon. Had to used the Eyelet border punch again!! Think you might be seeing more of this combination!!

Easel Desk Calendar

Well it just had to be done! As soon as I saw Jenny Moore's desk calendar I had to have a go.

I love Night of Navy, Taken With Teal and Pumpkin Pie together - woweeee!! I used the fantastic Circle Circus stamp set and went a bit mad with the Mat Pack! I think the scallop edge punch goes well with the stamp set and found a brad from the Hodge Podge kit to match too.

After a while of looking at this combination you will need to go and have a lie down in a darkened room to recover!!

First Attempt

This card is my first for my Stampin' Up blog. I have used Certainly Celery for the base card, punched along the edge with the new Eyelet border punch, with a ripped piece of Pretty in Pink and a small scrap of Barely Banana. The same coloured inks were used with the Itty Bitty Blooms and Flight of the Butterfly.

I stamped the solid butterfly image onto Whisper White and then stamped the spotty outline butterfly onto vellum cardstock both using Pretty in Pink) and punched both out with the new Butterfly punch - couldn't be easier!! A piece of So Saffron striped ribbon finished it off.

I apologise for the poor photography, I am still learning so any tips will be very welcome.

Thanks for stopping by .......

New Stampin' Up! demonstrator!!!

WoooHooo!! My kit has finally arrived - the wait was awful! But once I opened that box ......... the wait was well worth it! Yummy stamp sets, gorgeous ink pads, etc, etc....

Anyway I'm off to play ....