Scallop flower!!

Here's another decorated envelope for my card case. I wanted to show you the flower embellishment that I've made for the front of the envelope and how this can be made using the SU Scallop punch.

Here are the tools you will need:
* SU Scallop punch
* SU 3-flower punch
* snips
* pencil
* ruler
I've punched out from Rose Red cardstock, a scallop punch shape.

Next, with ruler and pencil, I've drawn lines as shown in the photo.
With my SU snips, I've cut along each line, but not quite to the middle. The photo will show you how each segment is seperate. From here you can punch some more flowers to adhere to this flower as I've done in my card, or you can decorate as you please. I've also secured the flowers with a brad and sponged the edges with the Rose Red ink pad. I'm sure it will work well with all kinds of paper; give it a go!!
All images Copyright Stampin'Up 2008

Decorated envelopes with matching card box

I'm excited to show you my next project, because I'm really pleased with how it turned out!!

It started off with a Confetti Cream SU envelope (retired). I've folded the flap inside the card. Then I've cut to size some DP cardstock so that it sits on the front of envelope (really the back). I've attached some ribbon and a stamped image. Easy as that. Inside the envelope is a note card which sits snug inside. The photo's give you a better idea. The first photo shows just the envelope with the note card in front.

This is how the decorated envelope will look with the note card inside.
Here's another one using the same DP. I've also made up a few more, with different stamped images, but same colours in DP and cardstock. These decorated envelopes will fit into a standard size C6 envelope so you can post them in the mail.
Then I needed a box for all these cards to go into, so I can use it as a gift. I found a tutorial on Paper Pleasing Ideas. It was just the perfect size for my cards and very easy to follow. Once again I've used the same colours in cardstock and DP to keep it all uniform. This case would quite easily fit five cards inside and would make the perfect Mother's Day gift.
Here is the link if you would like to give it a try. Check out the rest of Julie's blog - it's amazing and very inspiring.
http://paperpleasing.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/04/card-case-tutor.html




Details:

Stamps: Garden Whimsy, A little bit of happiness (Hostess stamp) Life's Definitions, Warm words
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, DP Prints Series - Rose Red, Watercolour paper
Ink: Stazon Black, Purely Pomegrante, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa, Rose Red
Accessories: Punches, Ribbon Brads, Hodgepodge hardware. envelopes

Note: I've used some retired Confetti Cream envelopes from Stampin'Up. They are now available in Whisper White and Very Vanilla. Different size envelopes can be used to suit your project.

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 2008

'Seaside' Samples

Here are some sample cards I've been doing the last few days, using the 'Seaside' stamp set, which has replaced 'Stipple Shells' from the previous catalogue. I've always loved shell images; must have something to do with my location. They are great for masculine cards, but also kids and in general alike. Some of the designs, you'll recognize from other posts. It's nice to have a great design and be able to use it for different stamp sets.



I'm still working on my kids albums from last year; 8x8 size album which I really love! These pictures were taken a year ago and now they are finally in an album. The 'Seaside' stamp set was perfect for this layout. I've also used the 'Big Deal' alphabet and 'Life's Definitions'. There's also some River Rock textured cardstock!!

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 2008

I haven't included any details with this post, but if you would like to know anything, just ask!!

Hope you are all having a blessed Sunday.

Three little fish!!

It's school holiday time, so we've been doing fun things together. Today I took the boys to the indoor heated pool for a swim, and so they could get rid of some energy. They had lots of fun, little fish that they are!!

Launch party cards

I wanted to share with you the cards I had available for my guests to make at my Catalogue Launch the other night. I also had a make'n'take card using the Garden Whimsy set. These cards I did as an extra for guests that wanted to have a play with new stamps sets and colours.

This card uses the Pick-a-Petal set; just gorgeous and I know I'm going to have alot of fun with this one. The petals have been stamped onto DP Berry Bliss and then arrange on the card. Colours are the new Purely Pomegrante and Groovy Guava, teamed with Very Vanilla, Choc Chip and Kraft. This card was inspired by a card I received from my friend Makeesha, have just change the colours and a few of the design elements. Everyone loved this one!!
This is one of my pocket cards. I've been making quite a few of these ones lately. This card uses punches and alphabet stamps. Also a new colour - Blue Bayou

This card uses a new stamp set, Fast & Fun notes; a great set for watercolouring which is what has been done on this card. Image has been stamped in the Stazon black, then outlined with SU markers and the colour blended with Aqua painter. It works very well on the SU watercolour paper. I've also used some more punches, the Photo Corner which has been attached with the coloured brad. I love my punches. They certainly do make it easier. Also used some new DP East Coast Prep and another new colour - Wild Wasabi.

Each card allowed the guests to try a technique and use a variety of tools available from SU. It was very much enjoyed by them and I got heaps of nice comments, which was good for me to hear. I enjoyed it too, even though at times it was really busy with approx. 30 guests. But it's always rewarding for me to see that everyone loves this craft as much as I do. So it was fun sharing!!

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 2008

I may be back a little later on today with some more cards. I'm working on samples for a new set: Seaside - similar to Stipple Shells. For now, I'm off with the boys - going to take them swimming at the indoor pools. You all have a great day!!

Post-it Note Holder

Some creative inspiration for this beautiful Monday. Over the weekend I got some wooden coasters, clips and Post-It notes to make up these holders. I think these would make really cute gifts!!

I've dressed up the coaster with some of the new Berry Bliss designer paper, sanded then sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa ink.

The little clip has been dressed up with the same DP, Close to Cocoa grosgrain ribbon and a flower from a SU punch with a brad to secure.

Recipe:

Cardstock: Berry Bliss DP, Purely Pomegranate card for flower punch outs.

Accessories: Coaster, Clip, Post-It note, Grosgrain ribbon, Pink brad, SU punch

This inspiration came from Angie at Chic-n-Scratch, a SU demo from the US. She has a blog full of great tutorials and idea's if you ever need inspiration, especially 3D items. So take a look:

http://www.chicnscratch.typepad.com/

This one will be on my display at my Catalogue Launch tonight, so I'm off to get set-up and organised!! Have a great day.

My creative space

On my screen saver for my computer I have all the photo's I have taken in the last few years. I happened to see some from when we first moved into this house, 15 months ago. Wow, I've certainly collected some goodies for my craft room. Thought I'd show you where I do my creating and how it looks now!

This is my table where I have access to my ink pads on the stamp caddy, punches, stamp sets, ribbon and accessories/tools I use lots.
This shelf holds my 12x12 papers. I also have a 'homemade' ribbon holder on the top of shelf, which holds my grosgrain ribbon.
These are my SU punches. I just got this wire basket the other week from Bunnings. It's purpose is for in the kitchen, but I find it's just the thing for my punches and I can see just which ones I need to use.
This shelf unit is on opposite wall and has all other bits and pieces that I don't always use! The bottom drawer of black filing cabinet, holds all my SU papers and paper work, sorted in seperate colours. Very organised!!
Here's a close up of my stamp sets. These are all sets in the current catalogue, are in easy reach for when I'm creating. I got these wooden boxes a long time ago, from Busselton, and I still use them now. Alot of my storage is cheap alternatives but it works for me and I'm happy with it. Oneday I will design a nice desk and storage shelf for Warren to build!!!



Here is the link for a previous post with photo's from when we first moved into this home. Warren has started renovating recently, so the red wall you see in the Living area will soon be gone, the walls a different colour and we will be putting in some new flooring. The front entry also had a planter box and a sep. doorway which has already all been removed. And he's rendered the face brick wall in the Living. So I'll be taking pictures as we go along and will post when all done. I can't wait, especially for the nice flooring.


http://chan3boys.blogspot.com/2007/02/some-pictures-of-our-home.html

Assorted baskets

Me and the boys are off to Perth today, to stay with my parents for a few days. I have a SU workshop, birthday parties and family and friends to catch up with. The boys are very excited and can't wait to see all their cousins again. Should be just great to get away for a bit!!

So I'm leaving you with this last post. The other week I made the little scallop basket. Since then, I've been having fun making up boxes and baskets. I found a template on the SU website (available to demonstrators) and made a few little changes to suit my idea's.

This little box is a little note card holder. The template has been printed onto Bravo Burgandy and the box has been assembled. I've used the Recollections DP from the previous catalogue to decorate as well as a chipboard letter. The little note cards are Very Vanilla cardstock; from an A4 sheet you can get four. So this would make a great little gift!!
These four baskets are the same box template, just a little smaller and I've added a handle. I've used a variety of stamp sets and styles, so they could be used for anything at all. The great thing about this template is it can be reduced or enlarged to suit the project you have in mind. I'm hoping to demonstrate one of these little boxes in my workshop tonight - should be fun.

You all have a wonderful week!!

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 2008

A good achievement for Kyle!

Kyle was very happy and proud as he hopped off the bus this afternoon. His school has been doing swimming lessons for the past two weeks and he passed Stage 4 & 5. So he was very happy and learnt alot. He says diving is his favourite and now he's put his name down for the diving competition for their Swimming Carnival which will be after school holidays. Way to go, Kyle.

Some more from 'All in the Family'

I'm really loving this stamp set. The images are sooo cute!! So I've made a few more cards for my samples albums.

This first card is a 'pocket card'.
I've started off with a standard size card, scored 1cm from each side and then scored in the middle as well. The edges are then folded in and the whole card folded up together with double-sided tape, to form the pocket. The photo's below give you a better idea of how it all comes together.

Colours are Night of Navy, Certain Celery and Buckaroo Blue. The sentiment is from 'Lots of Thoughts' which was from Sale-a-brations!! I've cut out a half circle using a circle punch from SU, which then reveals the Whisper White note card that goes inside the pocket, ready for your message.


This could be a card for Mother's Day!! I've paper pieced her dress with the 'Loves Me' DP.
Colours are Choc Chip, Close to Cocoa and Regal Rose.

And a cute boys card - maybe twins or just buddies!! The background stamp on the Old Olive is a wheel stamp 'Spot On'.

Colours are Bordering Blue, Old Olive, Ruby Red and Night of Navy.

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 2008

Well, I've managed to sell quite a few of my stamps which was just great. It makes room for new stamps!! I've ordered some goodies from the new catalogue and they are on their way; so I can't wait for the postie to bring it to my door. So look out for some more creations very soon!

Stamp sets for Sale!!

I've been going thru my stamp sets and have decided I have too many and some just have to go!! All these sets are mounted, in good condition and some have hardly been used.

French Script: $15.00 (background stamp) RESERVED
Cheesecloth: $15.00 (background stamp) RESERVED
Stem Silhouttes: $30.00 RESERVED
Best Barcodes: $15.00 RESERVED
Shore Thing: $22.00 RESERVED
Blooming with Happiness: $15.00
Simple Sayings II: $15.00 RESERVED
Terrific Tulips: $20.00 RESERVED
All Year Cheeer I: $30.00 RESERVED
Dots & Daisies: $15.00 (background stamp) RESERVED
Do the Hula: $30.00 RESERVED
Holiday Print: $15.00 (background stamp) RESERVED


The above prices do not include postage. Please email if you are interested: chuizeng@bigpond.net.au

Scallop Punch treat bag

I found another great tutorial, this time for a little treat bag using the SU scallop. So after giving it a try, here is my attempt. Not quite as perfect at Karen's, but you get the idea. I have also used a different scallop punch (my SU one has been ordered and on it's way soon) Apart from that, the rest is much the same, just using different colours. Here is the link to the tutorial on Karen's blog: http://luvtostamp.blogspot.com/2008/04/scallop-punch-treat-bag-tutorial.html
While you are there, have a look at her work; it's beautiful!!

Recipe:
Stamp set: Bugs & Kisses
Cardstock: Tempting Turquiose, Green Galore, Whisper White
Ink: Green Galore, Basic Black
Accessories: Circle punches (SU), Scallop punch (non SU), Brad, Ribbon

All stamped images Copyright Stampin'Up 2008


I think I'm going to make a few more of these little treat bags. Would be a great idea for kids parties and little gifts.

Faux tearing

I love the look of torn cardstock. I found a great tutorial that tells how to achieve this look without the extra piece of cardstock - hence faux tearing. It's simple and fun and I'm glad I learnt how to do this technique. For details go to: http://michelegforce.googlepages.com/fauxtearing
Check out her blog while you are there, she has some really nice creations.
For my card I've used the Crab & Co stamp set which is in the new catalogue. Base colour is Bashful Blue. The crab image has been stamped onto Whisper White and I've coloured in using SU markers. I've put some clear dimensional accent on his eyes, so they pop out a bit. (hard to see on photo) I've also stamped the present image and attached to the crabs claws so he is holding it. Isn't he cute?? My boys love going to the beach looking for crabs in the water. Then the image has been matted onto Close to Cocoa and Night of Navy cardstock. I've finished off with some stitched ribbon.
And this card is complete with my newly perfected watermark. I got it all sorted. Thanks to everyone for their tips and helpful hints.

Recipe:
Stamps: Crab & Co, Canvas BG
Cardstock: Bashful blue, Whisper White, Close to Cocoa, Night of Navy
Ink: Buckaroo Blue, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy
Accessories: Ribbon (non-SU), SU markers, sponging, Dimensional accent

All images Copyright Stampin'Up 2008

And some more....

The beach was just perfect after school, well nearly perfect anyway. I'm sure you can imagine it: gentle breeze, warm sun shining on your face, the sounds of gentle waves........


Kyle took a picture of me! You can see my 'baby bump', certainly poping out now.
And a shot of me and Kyle.
And the three boys posing for me as well. Tyson and Liam had their day off from PreSchool today, so they got to pick there own clothes. (always makes for interesting combinations and they never dress alike, then)
Tyson running up the beach with the sun shining behind him. Love the glisten on the water!

Tyson!!

Tyson and Liam had my camera this morning and were having fun taking pictures of each other. Here's a funny one of Tyson!!

I have made a watermark to post with my pictures. Still trying to figure out a few things but I'm getting there. It's very time consuming. I'm using Paint for now. For now, the text is in black til I figure out how to get it in white, without the background showing!! Any tips are welcome as I'm still learning. (for those that don't know what a watermark is for: It's a digital mark customized by the author and prevents people being able to copy pictures without acknowledging the owner. So if they were to copy the picture somewhere, your name would still be on there)