A few cards and last week for joining special

I have been so slack lately with my blog. Time just seems to slip away from me with all the things I need to fit into a day. But, since its school holidays and I don't have quite as much running around to do, I thought I would take some time to show some of the cards I have been making in the last month. All pretty simple and things you could easily case if you are stuck for ideas of your own.

It doesn't get much simpler than this. But with that beautiful font and pretty doily paper, I think you don't need much.

A great card for any young man. Simple and very bright.

I cased these next cards from the catalogue. Such a great source of inspiration. They are all made using the button buddies stamp set. I just love that little piggy.

Don't forget there is only one week left of the joining special. You can either purchase a mini kit at $169 or get 20% off the normal kit. The inside back cover of the catalogue has a picture of a few of the items you get, but remember you can customise your kit to include the stamps sets and ink colours you like. There has never been a better time to join than now. It has never been offered at such a great price.

Thanks for stopping by.

Introducing Pool Party and Island Indigo

Don't those names sound cool together? And both are just lovely colours. This is a simple little box I made with them with the Box No2 die. Also uses the new lace ribbon punch.

I still have room on Wednesday for my christmas card class if any one is interested. Just email me, so I can make a kit up for you.
And don't forget about the terrific joining special this month. You can get the normal kit at 20% discount OR you can get a smaller kit for just $169. Both are fantastic value as you get sooooo many lovely supplies in them, and they can be both fully customised to suit your style and need. And if you join this week, ( before September 25) there is an added bonus, but you will have to contact me to find out about that.
Cheers for now.

Christmas Cards Class

It's that time again. Time to start planning your christmas cards. If you would like some ideas, why not come along to this weeks class where I have some easy quick cards, and a more detailed one for those special people.

This card uses the new stamp set Merry & Type, and the beautiful new seam binding ribbon to create a traditional coloured xmas card. Some multi coloured stamping and layering, as well as lots of sponging, give this card interest. This card was inspired by one made by Betsy Veldman.

Notice that glitter. Its the new glass glitter that actually tarnishes in time for a lovely soft vintage look. I can see myself using this loads!

Okay, now I've shown you the harder card, here are the quick simple ones. First up, one featuring the new in colour, pool party. I love this colour, especially teamed up with some cherry cobbler ribbon. It was my first time using the triple layer doily punch too. All I can say is - wow. You have to try it!

Notice that frayed ribbon....just one of the little tricks I was shown at Regionals last week. A fantastic, full on day of tricks, techniques and ideas. Oh the things I have to show you...

Now back to our cards, I thought a matching gift card would be perfect, incorporating a hand made tassell. I used to love making these when I was a child, and making them as an adult is just as much fun. I have made this flat without embellishments so the recipient could use it afterwards as a book mark.

I have always wanted to make a button card in the classes, but its hard, and not to mention expensive to use too many buttons at once, but... with these handmade paper buttons its sooo easy and cheap. I am completely smitten with that lovely greeting from Contempo Christmas. How I wish I could write like that.

Notice that beautiful new paper, Mocha Morning Specialty. It has gold metallic ink on it. Yum! There is some sparkle on this card with some glitter, but its completely disappeared in the photo.

And last but not least, a very modern card, where I have incorporated another cute trick I learnt at Regionals, embossing satin ribbon. This card was inspired by one I saw made by Stampin Up.
I am holding this class on Saturday 17th at 10.30am and Wednesday 21st at 10am if you would like to attend. Class cost is $25 and is all inclusive. All welcome, but please email me if you would like to attend so I can prepare at kit for you.
Thanks for stopping by.

I just love the new Pennant Parade stamp set and its matching punch. Makes these little flags so quick and easy to make. They would be just perfect at a kids party.

Introducing Wisteria Wonder

Let me introduce you to one of the newest colours available, Wisteria Wonder. Its a beautiful purple colour with a hint of grey in it, making a very sophisticated shade. Perfect for ladies. I am so happy to have another purple, we needed it.

Now this card will be very familiar to many of you. It's just one of the projects we completed at my launch last Saturday. It was a simple card that didnt take long to make, but l think many of you liked. It not only uses the beautiful new colour, but the most gorgeous stamp set, Delicate Doilies and its matching papers. And......my most favourite ribbon, seam binding. It is so thin, with a slight sheen and is so lovely to work with. I love the fact that it will still fit into an envelope without bulk, making it perfect to post.
If you would like to try this ribbon without purchasing a whole roll, I am making up packs of 1m of 7 colours for $9.90 with postage additional if required. This way you can see for yourself just how nice this ribbon is without breaking the bank.

It also used a new embossing folder too. Did you notice the embossing folders went down in price?


Now this card was one I designed for my wonderful group of downlines to make at a recent training. It uses a lovely new stamp set called Field Flowers. This stamp does look a little weird in the catalogue as it is designed for the stamps to be layered on top of each other creating a build up of different colours. Very clever and the results are stunning. I can see this set coming out alot.

New Catalogue launch on Saturday 3rd

Yeh, it's almost time for Stampin' Up's Brand new catalogue to reveal itself. And I must say I think they just get better every year.
If you would like to get your hands on one, I am giving them out this Saturday at the class. You will also get to make a variety of very simple projects, some cards, a gift holder or two using lots and lots of new product. Now the projects won't be the samples shown above, you will have to come to see those. I am not going to show you this time. Mean aren't I?
But if you do come, you will get a small gift, a special offer, some projects to make, a new catalogue of course (valued at $12.95), snacks and lots of inspiration. If you can not make it, and would still like a catalogue you are most welcome to purchase one, and I can post it out to you. I'll even throw in free postage.
Cost: $20
Time: Around 10.30am for approx 2-3 hours
Bring: Nothing

All welcome, but please rsvp so I can prepare kit for you.

Male Card Class - Sat 20th August

My latest class is all about the other sex - the male. Now I know loads of ladies who dread making the male card. But I'm sure you will find you will enjoy it just as much once you start exploring the lovely textures and colours you can incorporate into male cards.


The first card incorporates these oh so cute little shirts. They are so easy to make and if you are anything like me you will want to make a dozen of these to have on hand. They really are very easy.


Then we will move onto something that will take a little longer. This card is a little different from the usual. You can make one for 'dad' like me or 'Son' if you prefer or even a three letter name would work. I think this card would also work really well on a scrapbook page. Just add a black and white photo on a 12 x 12 and voila you are done. The sentiment can also be changed if you desire or even leave it off all together.



This card is filled with interesting texture, that is easy to achieve, and the background uses a retiring stamp set, Sense of Time.

I was really happy with how this card turned out. It is simple and elegant, but has interest in the sparkly stamped sentiment, that is packed with detail- Engraved Greetings. I love this stamp. This would make a great card for any man.

And then I thought we better make a quick card with some embossing, using some lovely blue shades.

And finally one for the teenagers with some layered stamping.
This class is offered on Saturday 20th only at 10.30am. Cost is $25 and includes all materials and tools. Please email me if you would like to attend so I can prepare a kit for you.
All most welcome.

Around the home Class Samples

The cards this week, are all ones I have been meaning to make for ages. You know, where you see an idea, or have a great thought, and think, yes I must make that....and days, weeks, months pass by and you never get around to it. Well, I managed to combine them all into one class, because they all have a "house" type theme to them.


This card, with a hand constructed blind is one I have always wanted to make. It's really easy and I'll give you a tip on punching the squares easily so they line up.


I saw a similar card to this one, on our Stampin Up site for demonstrators, made by Julie Leeper. I loved the vintage style dresser, so was excited to finally make one for myself. It includes a little watercolouring with markers.


I don't think I could cope with things falling out of my drawers like this, but it does make it more interesting!


Many months ago, while reading a magazine, I saw a card with a tablecloth and teapot on it, and filed it away in my head for future use. ....Finally, it came to being. The colour combo for this card came from the Colour Coach, a handy tool when you are stuck for a colour scheme to use.


I think I was having a very bright moment when I did this card one night, but because it is all water coloured with crayons, you are welcome to colour your card in whatever colours you fancy on the day. Colour is so mood dependant, don't you think? I generally love subtle combo's, but it is lots of fun to play outside your comfort zone. The colouring method we are using on this card is so easy, even my kids have no trouble with it. Plus it is lots of fun.


And for our last card, an abstract house using the soon to retire corner punch. It's such a shame they have to retire punches. I never part with these prized possessions.


This card was actually inspired by one my mother made recently. Thanks mum.

This class will be held on Saturday 6th August at 10.30am and Wednesday 10th at 10am. Class cost is $25 and includes all materials and tools. You don't need to bring a thing. Beginners and experienced crafters alike are all welcome.
Please RSVP so I can prepare a kit for you.

Xmas in July class

I am once again determined to be organised for christmas early this year. And the only way that will happen, is if I start on my cards now..., hence this class. Plus, its always fun to make chrissy cards and gifts. In this class I have kept things pretty simple, so you will be able to whip through them all at a great speed......
The first card uses traditional colours and a bit of lace, with a marker stamped image and a hint of chalk.

Then I just had to include these oh soooo easy bags. They are a perfect size for so many things. They use a single sheet of paper with no cutting and minimal adhesive. I have already made half a dozen, they are so addictive. I will have lots of paper choices out for you, so you can make your bag in a colour of your choice. They really a good size so they will fit a reasonable size gift in them


This is the card my kids love. Cute little stocking hanging in a row.

This card uses not so traditional colours, but is pretty with loads of glitter and glam.

And lastly a more country style card, with selective embossing.
I am offering this class on Saturday 23rd at 10.30am and Wednesday 27th at 10am. Class cost is $25 and includes all materials and tools. If you would like to attend please email me so I can prepare a kit for you.

3D Card Class

I am going to start this post with saying something you have heard me say often. I'm no photographer. And photographing these 3D cards was particularly hard so please be a little forgiving with my efforts.
I love making 3D cards, and my kids love really playing with them. Their little eyes light up when they receive them and they are so pleased to open and shut them several times before there attention is taken up by the present. So I thought they would make a great class this week, and we could make some great adult interactive cards as well as one for the kids.

This first card suitable for all occasions associated with love, ie engagements, weddings, anniversaries is a slider pop up card. You simply pull the ribbon to reveal the hidden message. The flowers can be punched in what ever colours takes your fancy, blues, greens or purples would all be lovely.

Now this next card could be perfect for any boy, of any age. It includes a pop up surprise when you open the card.



And now one for the girls. This butterfly easel card is sooo easy to make and it includes a matching envelope so you will be ready to go straight after the class.


And last but not least is my favourite card a glittery flower garden which pops when you open the front panel. The design was based on a card my mum received for Mother's Day (store bought). The flowers are all made with die cuts, so its very easy to construct.


I am running this class on Wednesday the 6th at 10am and Saturday 9th July at 10.30am. Class cost is $25 and includes all materials and tools. Please email me if you would like to attend so I can prepare a kit for you. If you are interested in the Wednesday class please RSVP ASAP.

Class date changes

Sorry everyone for the changes in the class timetable. I have had an incredibly busy week with getting all my tax done for my office job, and have not had the time to put into creating a class I was proud of. I will have some samples to show you soon for the new dates for the interactive cards class. I think you will like them and it will be worth the wait.
See you soon.
Michelle

More peach!

After making the last peach parfait card for the class I decided to use the scraps on the desk to create another card. I often do this - I think I am going to make less mess by using up things on the desk, but I always seem to get out another dozen things that will need putting away later....do you relate?

This is the simple little card I made. Very straightforward, using lots of little punches and stamps for details to add interest.

The stamps are from Tiny Tags. A very well used stamp set in this house!

I still have some room in Wednesday's class if anyone is interested.