My mum's birthday pressie

Well, this is the pressie I made for my mum's birthday. A decorated lunch pail filled with cards. I hope she loves it.

Well, it's goodbye from me and see you in two weeks. I can't wait to share with you all, our holiday adventures. Take care and God bless.

Another one sheet wonder...

Just another OSW. For this one I've used a combination of stamps to make my background paper:
* Stampin'Round Wheel - Watercolour Joy
* Small Plum flower - Simply Said
* Flower stem - Flowers Filled.
The three colours are Rose Red, Pale Plum and Mellow Moss.

I've combined lots of stamp sets and techniques to create this set of four cards. Let me know if you would like any info.




















Images Copyright Stampin'Up 1990-2007
Image Copyright Stamping Bella 2007

I will have one more post for you tommorow. I've been busy working on a special gift for my mum's 50th birthday. As she is leaving for Bali tommorow, I will wait until then to post; then I can be sure she won't see it. So make sure you come back for a little look.

Wow, two more sleeps, I can't wait. Suitcases are packed, my house is clean and we are all just about ready.

Kyle

As promised, here is a photo of Kyle, all ready for school this morning, complete with spiky hair. This is usually how he has his hair now. I can't believe in two months (1st Aug), he will be 8 years old. The years just go by so quickly and they grow up fast. He's a cute boy and always has a great smile and gives his mum lots of hugs and kisses. And I know this little boys is super excited about going on a special holiday!!

Another one sheet wonder...

A little while ago, I did a post on 'one sheet wonders'. Well today I'm posting another. They are so much fun and really inspiring, when making a bunch of cards.

So I've stamped up an A4 sheet of Whisper White cardstock from SU. I chose the Seeing Spots stamp set and four colours - Cranberry Crisp, Marigold Morning, Choc Chip and Creamy Caramel. It's like creating your own sheet of patterned paper.

From there, I've chosen a few other stamp sets to create these four cards. Some of the cardstock has been run thru the Cuttlebug and I've even used a Bella Stamp on one card. For any information, please ask me and I will be happy to share.

Some image Stampin'Up (Copyright 2007)

Stamping Bella (Copyright 2007)

Tyson & Liam's haircut

I gave the boys a buzz cut today, getting ready for holidays. Short hair is great - no combing and styling. Liam is in the green shirt and Tyson is in the grey shirt. Tyson didn't really want a photo but did comply after a while. He is looking a bit teary. Then they wanted a picture with the suitcases. They are so excited to be going on an aeroplane.

Before we go, I must post of photo of Kyle; as it's not often he's on here. Then you will see his latest hairstyle. He is into being creative with his hair. Sometimes I never know how it will look each morning when he gets ready for school.

Holiday time!!!!!

In one week, we will be leaving to go on a two week holiday, with the boys, to Bali. We are so excited!!!! We have had this planned for quite some time now, as we will be celebrating my mum's 50th birthday over there. We are staying at a beautiful hotel, which caters especially for children. The boys are looking forward to lots of swimming and going to the Waterbom park and of course going in an aeroplane. We hope to do some day tours as well, Elephant rides, Monkey Forest and lots of other things Bali has to offer. So I will definately be taking lots of pictures and sharing when we get back. It will be so nice going to a warm place as we are heading into Winter. I'm looking forward to relaxing and spending time with the boys.

To Stamping now: I've made three cards using the different Bella Stamps that I have. Aren't they just so cool? I love them. That's going to be me soon - the Beachabella!!! (well maybe I won't look that cool - but I will be wearing relaxing by the pool)

1. Cosmo Bella - Image has been water coloured using pencils. I've sparked her top using Dazzling Diamonds glitter. The Certain Celery has been run thru the Cuttlebug for added texture. I've finished off the card with some Prima's and a brad.
2. Beachabella - I've coloured in the image as per previous card. Then I've used the Be Happy stamp set from SU to make the tag embellishment. The Elegant Eggplant has been run thru the Cuttlebug using the swirl embossing folder.
3. Gardenbella - Coloured in the same way as other cards. The patterned paper is LILYKATE from Basic Grey and goes well with the flower theme. I've done paper piercing on top and bottom and stamped happiness sentiment from Warm Words Stamp set by SU.
I'm send these three cards to a stamping buddy of mine and I hope she will be pleased with them. I have to learn to mass produce my cards, as lately I'm giving them all away. I do have a photo copy so I guess I can go back to that. But the question is: Will I? Maybe after Bali.

The Bella's

I'm back after a wonderful two days spending time with family and friends, back in Armadale. The boys and I had a great time and enjoyed seeing everyone again. Time always goes by very quickly when you're having fun. Thanks to all for your great company, nice chats and yummy food (thanks Craig). We surely did appreciate it. And thanks Makeesha for your Stampin' night; I certainly brought alot of new idea's back home with me. It was very inspirational.

To the stamping side of life; I've finally recieved my Bella stamps which I ordered from the US from Stamping Bella. I got three of these cool stamps and this is the first card I've made using the 'Cosmobella'.

I've stamped the image in Stazon black ink and coloured in using Watercolour pencils. Then matted onto Pretty in Pink cardstock and patterned paper by BasicGrey. The Elegant Eggplant cardstock has been run thru the Cuttlebug. The little tag is from 'Terrific Tag' set by SU and I've used the co-ordinating punch. It's been finished of with some brads and ribbon.

I was happy with the result and can't wait to make some more. I didn't get to keep this card as I made it for my sister-in-laws birthday and she loved it.

Card Recipe:

Stamp set: Cosmo Bella by Stamping Bella, Terrific Tag by Stampin'Up

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Elegant Eggplant, Pretty in Pink, Certain Celery,

Patterned paper by BasicGrey

Ink: Stazon, Certain Celery

Accessories: Brad, Ribbon, Water colour pencils.

Bugs & Kisses

These cards have been made using a delightful set from SU called Bugs & Kisses. It is sooo cute!! I've also limited myself to three colours: Elegant Eggplant, Certain Celery and Pretty in Pink. The neutral cardstock is Very Vanilla.
The reason I've used these colours is because I needed to design a card for the SU group I'm in, from my upline. So one of these cards is going to be for that challenge. I hope they will enjoy making it!!

The idea to use the 'X' and 'O' from Well Worn Alphabet was CASED (unfortunately I cannot remember where from). I thought it was just a great idea; especially going with the bugs and kisses sentiment. For further details, please let me know and I will be happy to share.




I will not be posting until the weekend. Tommorow I'm going to visit family for a few days. I'm taking Tyson & Liam so we are going to have a great time, catching up with our family and friends. I'm really looking forward to it!!

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 1990-2006

Spot the difference

AFTER
Can you spot the difference between these two pictures? The difference being a fixture in the house..... Yes, I have a new dishwasher. A Mothers Day pressie and early birthday pressie. Darling Husband (DH) spent the afternoon bashing a hole in the wall and making a total mess (as they do) so that he could fit it. There was no dishwasher recess allowed, so we had to find a good spot. We chose the wall, which used to be a doorway, but had been filled in by the previous owners. Behind that wall is a second kitchen with a bank of drawers backing onto the wall, which will house the new dishwasher. It just needs to have a surround to finish it off and plumbing and power run to it and then I won't be washing dishes no more!! How exciting is that. Well, I'm excited. Most of my family and friends have dishwashers; so now it's my turn. And I also got a new kettle, so I've been totally spoilt!!!



BEFORE



















On a different note: I've been doing lots of stampin' this week, just haven't been taking pictures. (sorry) I've been busy making cards for my sample box using the different stamp sets that I own. I have a SU demo for about 15 ladies on Monday night, so I've been preparing for that, deciding which cards to demo etc. Unfortunately today, I came down with an awful migraine, so after taking some pills, I've been feeling like a zombie all day, leaving me with no energy to stamp!! At least I'm half organised; the rest will happen on Monday, I hope.

Well, to the all the mothers out there, have a wonderful and special Mothers Day and enjoy being spoilt by your loved ones.

Honey Joys

For those that would like to know how to make these sweet treats, here is the recipe:

90gr butter/margarine
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon honey
4 cups cornflakes

Melt first three ingred. in saucepan until frothy. Pour over cornflakes and mix well. Spoon into patty cases and bake in slow oven 150 C for 10 mins.
Makes about 24.

Enjoy

Summer by the Sea

Well, I've been playing with a new stamp set and making lots of sample cards. It's called 'Summer by the Sea'. The stamped images are sketches and need to be coloured in. So I've used Watercolour Crayons, Watercolour Pencils, Ink pads with Aqua Painter and Stampin'Pastels. After colouring-in all the images I'm still not sure what would be my favourite way to do this. They all require time and patience and I've learnt it's best to work small areas at one time, as to avoid lines.
With the warmest wishes card, I've stamped the image onto Sarah paper and cut out the dress, then pasted onto the other stamped image to go on the card. It's a Paisley print paper, so I've complimented it by using the Paisley Print BG stamp.
On some of the cards, I've run the cardstock thru the Cuttlebug to add some texture. By using the Cuttlebug, I don't have to add much more to the card, as with the first card. I think the 'friend' embossing folder goes well with the above sketch. But by using BG stamps you can also add visual texture and interest to your cardstock.

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 1990-2007

I'd love to hear your favourite way to colour-in stamped images. Please do share!!

Kids in the kitchen

This was the boys at the breakfast bar this morning. They decided to have cornflakes but also wanted apples and carrots. So out came the apple peeler/slicer. Then we got side-tracked and decided to make Honey Joys with the left-over cornflakes. Then they wanted their cornflakes warmed up and topped with honey, coz that's how Honey Joys are made. Are you with me? It was all happening but the boys had lots of fun with food. And it was cute to watch!!!

Our week

Well this week has been quite busy and I haven't really been doing much involving SU. My parents came down to visit for a few days so we had a great time seeing them. On Wednesday night, we all went out for Chinese dinner at The Dynasty, the best in our town. The boys were very happy to see their Pop and Nana.

Today, Warren's parents are coming down here for the weekend. On Saturday we plan to go out for dinner.

So we will be seeing both of our parents in one week. How great is that!!

Delight in Life

I always like trying out new techniques. With this card I've used a few different stamps to make up the Mellow Moss background of the card. Using 'Delight in Life' stamp set, I've stamped in Always Artichoke & Mellow Moss using two of the stamps in this set. Then I've gone over the top with the Script BG stamp in Very Vanilla.

I've run the Barely Banana cardstock thru the Cuttlebug (swirl emboss). I've stamped flowers onto Vanilla cardstock and also mounted the large flower on top of the flowers to give it some depth. I've layered onto Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant cardstock. I think this set will always be a favourite of mine. Pity it was not in the new catty; would be a popular seller.

Some new products I've just got are Vanilla cardstock, which I've been using heaps and also the Mat Pack to do paper piercing. This would have to be one of my favourite things to jazz up cards. I just love it and I was so happy to see they made it a separate item in the new catty.

I've used CM oval cutters and stamped the sentiment using 'Warm Words'. Then finished of the card with some cream ribbon.

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 1990-2007

New cards

Well I found the cutest card design whilst blog browsing the other week and just had to give it a try. Credit for the design of these cards goes to Michelle of Mish Mash -: http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com

Go and have a look at her blog; she makes some really awesome cards.

For my cards, I've cut out Vanilla Cardstock to measure 10.5cm x 21cm and then folded to make the square. I've varied the top of the card using circles, squares and rectangles. To make sure it fits into a standard size envelope, I've laid the card over the envelope, with the topper in place to measure and then attached the 'topper'.

Stamp sets: Delight in Life, Bugs & Kisses, Lexicons of Love, Warm Words.

Cardstock: Certain Celery, Barely Banana, Buckaroo Blue, Bordering Blue, Marigold Morning

Patterned Paper: Sarah (so wonderful to work with and matches up nicely to the above colours) I had alot of fun making these cards and think they will be very cute for a gift; my reason for colour co-ordinating them altogether.

If there is anything you would like to know about these cards, I will be happy to share.