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.