Magnolia Down Under Challenge #16

The lastest challenge for the Magnolia's is a colour challenge from Kellie's Magnolia Down Under Challenges There were a couple of colour combo's to choose from. I chose the Pinks/Browns/Whites/Creams.


I've started off with a base card in Cameo Coral, then added a layer of DP from Rasberry Tart. I've stamped the Magnolia image onto white and coloured with my inks and aqua painter. Then I've layered onto pieces of Cameo Coral and Close to Cocoa. I've nicely rounded off all the edges with the corner rounder punch.
Then I've added a piece of vintage lace and a cute button to one side of the card. I found these little treasures at a little op-shop in my local area.
I've finished off my card with a sentiment from 'Best Yet' (hostess set)


Here's a close-up of the very cute button. I could only find two of these - but I got heaps of other really cool ones as well. I'm sure I will use them soon as well.
Thanks for the fun challenge Kellie, can't wait for the next one!!

Inkspiration Sketch Challenge #7

Well this week is different from last week when I had something to show you nearly everyday. Whilst I have been creating, it's been for some upcoming classes and kits that I'm preparing. And I've had a great time doing this, so I will def. share it all sometime soon.
I'm just getting in on time for Makeesha's sketch challenge for this week. I LOVE the sketch that she has provided for us. Though I have to say that I was entirely happy with the first card I made, so I went on to make a second. I think it was how the colours came out! Anyway, here is the sketch we had to use:
This is my first creations. I've used 5th Ave Floral with the watercolour technique for the rose. You can view my previous post as to how I achieved this.
I've layered the pieces of cardstock and DP as per sketch using Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Very Vanilla & White along with DP from Candy Lane. I think it was the Vanilla that threw the colour out of balance, but this card actually looks better in real life. I've used a Flower Designer brad for the top of tag with some vanilla tafetta. I've also used another piece of vanilla tafetta down the bottom. The sentiment is from Best Yet hostess set and I've used the punches to layer it on the card.

Here's a close up of the rose. It's such a pretty technique and each time you do this technique, you end up with a different result!

My next card was a little bit more simple. I've used the Good Friend stamp set. The cardstock colours are Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White; which co-ordinate perfectly with the Rasberry Tart DP.

I've used my glue pen and glitter and a clear gem to make the flowers sparkle. I've also used the scallop edge punch, mat pack and some grosgrain pink ribbon.

And here's a close up of those sparkly flowers.

I will def. be saving this sketch to my favourites - it's a fun one to do. And I would love to use it for a scrapbook page! But I'll save that for next time....

Watercolour Rose

Today's card is using 5th Ave Floral and I've used the splash watercolour technique. There's lots of these cards on show at the moment and I really love the effect.
For my card I've used the Splitcoast Colours for this week: Baja Breeze, Ruby Red and Whisper White. I've stamped the rose in white ink onto some white cardstock. This cardstock is not Stampin'Up, but I use it for my watercoloured images because it doesn't soak up the water too quickly. I've sprinkled some white embossing powder over the image and then embossed with the heatgun.
Then I've sprayed a generous amount of water onto the cardstock, so you get pools of water on the rose petals. With my aqua painter, I've picked up colour from the ink pad lid and coloured in. Some people also use re-inkers, but seeing at I didn't have the right colours, I did it this way! Apply colour until you hare happy with the depth of colour. I also added some small touches of Pacific Point to high light.

Here's a close up of the rose - it's just gorgeous in real life and I love how the embossing give a shine to the rose.

I've finished off the card with a sentiment from Best Yet and used various punches to layer it.

Product used:

Stamps: 5th Ave Floral, Best Yet

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Ruby Red, White (non-SU) DP Urban Oasis

Ink: Ruby Red, Whisper White

Accessories: White embossing powder, Aqua painter, S U punches, grograin white ribbon

Convention Projects

I have to admit, I've had my Convention projects sitting by my stamping table, just begging to be finished. So that's just what I did over these past few days. We got these four projects at Convention, but there was just not enough time to stamp them all up. I think I got half-way thru one, but then had to go along to the next talk about Leadership which I really didn't want to miss. Anyway, I had lots of fun finishing them off at home, so here they are:

This first card uses Cicle Circus and is called Thinking of You Card. I love they way we had to make flowers from the stamps. A clever idea.

This card uses Trendy Trees and is called Trendy Trees Thanks Card. This is one of those stamp sets that does work best if you use the Stamp-a-ma-jig, especially is you want it all straigh and in the correct position. Although it takes a little bit longer to make a card using this tool, the end result is def. worth it. I love this card!

This next project is the Trendy Trees Card Pack. This is four small note cards and a bag to hold them. For the bag, we used a plastic sleeve and then slipped a piece of Designer Paper in, the same size as the bag. Using the window punch, you then punch thru all the layers and add the chocolate ribbon to tie it up.

Each small card uses one of the trees and the sentiment. This would make a great workshop project or gift.

Then we have the Fold Out Scrapbook Page. This is what I started at Convention, but only got half way. It's a really nice idea and only uses one sheet of 12x12 as the base. You can basically decorate it as you wish. I have kept mine simple and used the embellishments that we received. The blank square needs to be filled in with some journalling.

So these are the fabulous projects we got to make and take home from Convention. I'm so glad I've finished them off and can now include them in my displays.

Patterns Designer Series Paper Share

I'm holding a paper share for the Patterns Designer Series Paper. These double sided papers are shown on page 153 of the catalogue and come in 8 fabulous colours:

Chocolate Chip
Pink Pirouette
Riding Hood Red
Pacific Point
Baja Breeze
Kiwi Kiss
So Saffron
Tangerine Tango

You will receive 48 squares (6"x 6") giving you every colour and design. This is a fabulous way to have all these lovely papers. The total is: $18.00 including postage to anywhere in Australia.
For more details please send me an email chuizeng@bigpond.net.au

Scrapbook Sketch challenge

It is time for another sketch challenge over at the ESAD group for Stampin'Up demo's. Mandy Schiller has provided this sketch as the challenge from Page Maps. Thanks for another great sketch Mandy - this was fun.

Here's my take on the sketch. I've used some cute photo's of my boys and I noticed I used red AGAIN. Maybe it's because Caden is wearing that adorable knitted jacket AGAIN.

So the base is 12x12 Riding Hood Red. I've used the swirly image from Baroque Motifs along the top of the page. Then I've added my photo's as per the sketch, the scallop edge and some paper piercing. I've cut out two circles with my Creative Memories cutter and stamped the same swirl image onto the green. Then I've made a letter 'C' and covered with some DP and tied off with a ribbon. I've also added the word cherish from the same stamp set. 'C' is for cherish. Lastly I've added some rub-on words on the photo's and some images in the corners at the top.

Another page done for my family scrapbook for 2009. It's coming along nicely and sketch challenges like this one are certainly motivating me to keep it up to date.

Inkspiration Inspiration Challenge

Makeesha has her weekly challenge up and this one is an 'inspiration' challenge. I think I find these the most challenging and they certainly do make me think. I also find that I'm not always entirely pleased with the end result, but hey, it's all for fun and to see what you can create from a picture. So here is the inspiration picture - some gorgeous cushions.
And here is my creation. I didn't really plan this card before I started. I had seen these 'ribbon frames' (sorry, I cannot re-call exactly where I saw them) and knew I wanted to incorporate that into my card. But how? In the end I've tried to resemble a cushion!

I've started off with a Vanilla base for the card and then added some DP from Urban Garden. Then I've run a piece of Vanilla cardstock thru the Cuttlebug with the Leaves embossing folder.

For the cushion, I've cut a square of DP, then stamped the branch image from Cheep Talk in Whisper White ink and then embossed. I've made the ribbon frame from tafetta and pearls.

Then I've completed the card with a sentiment from Best Yet (hostess set) and used various punches to layer.

So there you have my creation. Thanks Keesh, for the challenge.

Product used:

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Best Yet

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, DP Urban Garden

Ink: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss

Accessories: Pearls, Ribbon, Punches, Embossing powder - white, Cuttlebug.

Scrapbooking with Designer paper

Scrapbooking with the beautiful Urban Oasis DP, made this layout lots of fun and easy to create. It especially worked well with this photo I took of the two 'silver eyes' who were sitting in my lemon tree. Aren't they just cute?

The base cardstock in 12x12 is Kiwi Kiss. I've inked up Sanded BG stamp in Kiwi Kiss and stamped randomly over the bottom half of cardstock. Then I've cut out the leaves from the DP and arranged onto the cardstock. Some have been raised using dimensionals. I've used some of the red Diecut Blooms and flower from the Pretties kit to add some interest to the arrangement. The above pictures shows you a better view! I've matted the photo onto DP from the same pack and then a piece of Basic Grey which has been torn along the bottom edge.

I've used a few stamps from Good Friend and Cheep Talk for the wording. I've also added some small peices of ribbon along the edge of photo and some brads near the journalling.

I'm really pleased with the effect of this layout. The most time consuming part was cutting out the leaves from the DP, but I think it was worth the effort.

Product used:

Stamps: Good Friend, Cheep Talk, Sanded BG

Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey textured, DP Urban Oasis, White copy paper

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey, Real Red

Accessories: Diecut Blooms, Pretties Kit, Brads, Ribbon, Dimensionals,

Pre-loved stamp sets for sale

I have the following stamp sets to sell. Some are retired and some are still current. Most are hardly used, in great condition and very little ink stains. Postage is $5.50 per item. For more than one item, I will advise of the postage costs.

Stamp sets:
Blossoms Abound: $20.00
Headline Alphabet: $50.00
Seaside: $25.00
Embrace Life: $25.00
Office Accoutrement: $30.00
Party Punch (hostess set): $15.00
Polka Dot Punches (saleabration set): $10.00
Yummy: (saleabration set): $10.00
Ocean Commotion: $15.00
Short and Sweet: $15.00
Big Bold Birthday: $27.00


SU Wheels:
Watercolour Joy: $5.00 (small)
Party Fun: $5.00

Water Colour Crayons - Earth Elements - $25.00
(both like new and hardly used)

Stampin' Round Wheel holders:
Small wheels - $5.00 (1)
Large wheels - $5.00 (1)

Colour Coach: $7.00


Please email me at chuizeng@bigpond.net.au if you are interested in any of these sets. 

Thank you

CASEing from the Catalogue.

At my workshops, I always try to promote the Idea Book and Catalogue. It really is such a useful tool and can be a great starting point for a card or scrapbook page.
The other day I was looking thru the catalogue as I quite often do, and I came across the card on the back of the cover page. I loved the layout, the ribbon that came across the card with a knot, and the button embellishment.
So I set about to create, using this card layout but different stamp sets.
The first card is bright and fun, using the Cheep Talk stamp set and Good Morning Sunshine DP. I've used the Stamp-a-ma-jig to line up the images together. The ribbon is Pacific Point and instead of the button, I've stamped the flower image onto White, punched with the circle punch and added a brad to the centre.

The next card uses the Upsy Daisy stamp set. The colours are Kraft, Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy. I've inked up the image in Navy and then stamped onto the Whisper White. Then I've moved the stamp just slightly and stamped again, to get a lighter colour flower.

I've used some tafetta ribbon and a flower designer brad.

These two cards did not take long at all to create because I already had the beautiful layout from the catalogue. I just had to decide on the stamp set and colours.

So pick up the catalogue and see what amazing creations you can come up with today!

Step it up!

Okay, lets step it up a little! No we are not exercising; still card making.
Marelle from thINK spot has a monthly challenge for June - to make a card then make another one and 'step it up'. Seeing as I had just made up a few cards for a recent workshop, I thought I'd share them here and show you one simple card and then follow with another card which has been 'jazzed' up a little.

So here is the first card using the Always stamp set. I've used the 'thumping' technique on the bird. This is where you first ink up your image, then with the Stampin'Up markers, you thump some colour onto the image. So I've used Pink Pirouette and then used the Regal Rose marker pen.

My second card uses the same technique, but I've added in the Sage Shadow marker pen for some more colour. I've also added a half pearl and some of the Pink Pirouette ribbon. By just adding a few more embellishments, you can change the look of the card and make it just that bit more special.

Here's a close up of the bird image. I find this bird image is perfect for the thumping technique and it's a great way to show another use for the marker pens.

Colour Challenge

The challenge for this week over at the ESAD Stampin'Up group was set by Alisa Tilsner. The colours are: Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Old Olive and Whisper White. I was a little unsure of how these colours could work together, especially the Plum. But after having a little play, I'm really happy with my card and loved using these colours together.
So I've started off with a base card in Rose Red, then added a layer of the Perfect Plum I've used the Friendly Words wheel in the same colour ink as cardstock. I've added a thin strip of Old Olive and used some of the half white pearls from the Pretties Kit. The wide grograin ribbon is also in Old Olive.
For the main image, I've first stamped the flower image in Perfect Plum. Then I've ink up the same image in Rose Red and using the Stamp-a-ma-jig I've aligned it so the rose flowers sit just in front of the plum flower, to create a shadow effect. Then I've inked up the same image in Versa-mark, used the Stamp-a-ma-jig again, to align with the Rose flower. Then sprinkled with clear embossing powder and heat set. The photo below picks up the shine of the embossing. I love this effect.
The 'birthday celebrations' sentiment is from the same set. I've used the oval punch and label punch to create this accent and finished off with another half pearl.
This card is for my mums birthday on the weekend. She said to me she loved this stamp set, so I hope she loves this card!


Product used:
Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Friendly Words wheel
Cardstock: Old Olive, Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Whisper White
Ink: Rose Red, Perfect Plum, Old Olive
Accessories: Clear embossing powder, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Olive grosgrain ribbon, Oval punch, Lable punch, Pretties Kit

Magnolia Challenges Down Under

It's certainly been a little while since I've coloured-in a Tilda for a Magnolia Challenge. So it was nice to be able to join in with this weeks challenge - Moving to the Country. I felt the theme was very broad, so I've picked out this cute Tilda who looks very 'country like' in her outift with hat and teamed it up with an image from Pocket Silhouttes.
I've started off with a base card in white, then added a layer of Lovely Lilac and Ballet Blue. On the Lilac I've used the Sanded BG stamp to add some texture. Then on the next layer of white, I've stamped up the image from Pocket Silhouttes in the Lilac and Sage Shadow, also stamping off some of the colour to create the darker and lighter images.
Tilda has been coloured in the an aqua painter and my watercolour crayons. I've cut her out and then adhered to the cardstock so she stands in front of the flowers.
I didn't have the right colour ribbon for the card, so I've used my sponge daubers and ink pad to create my own piece of Sage Shadow ribbon. Then I've finished off the card with some brads and added the wording from Whimsy Garden stamp set. This has been stamped in Whisper White ink, then I've added white embossing power and then heat set.
So here you have it, my country looking Magnolia!

Products used:
Stamps: Magnolia, Garden Whimsy, Sanded BG
Cardstock: White, Lovely Lilac, Ballet Blue
Ink: Lovely Lilac, Sage Shadow, Whisper White
Accessories: Aqua painter, Watercolour Crayons, Brads, Ribbon

June and July promotions.

Host a workshop during June and July and receive additonal hostess awards.
When your workshop totals $600, you will receive an additional $40.00 in hostess awards. To read more about this exciting time, click on the image above or contact me today for more information and to book a workshop!