Caroline's stamp pad

My cards for the Year!

2012-01-05T23:24:00.000-08:00

Hey!

Well, I've kicked off the year by making a start on a few cards for birthdays this month & February, which is all very well but I still have to post them & two need to get to the UK in time....no consideration for others these people having January birthdays when the rest of us are still trying to get over Christmas!

I've CASED the butterfly card on page 94 of the Australian SU! catalogue & used my sewing machine.

So without further ado, here's something I made earlier:

Take care!

Caroline x

UStamp Up on The Roof Blog Hop

2011-11-30T16:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Up On The Roof Top 2011 World Showcase Holiday Blog Hop.

If you are just joining the Blog Hop, no problem, as you can start at any point. All the Designer's Blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the FABULOUS projects we have for you.

If you have been following the Blog Hop from the beginning, you have just been wowed by Kirsten Brown's fabulous stocking banner.

My project is a Festive Pop Up owl card. It's very cute & easy to reproduce. The pop up template can also be used with any other Christmas stamps and punches:

As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!!

Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a great goodie bag of current Stampin' Up! products. I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Tuesday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient!

AND there's MORE...LOTS MORE!!

You have the opportunity to get the downloadable PDF Tutorial for my project FREE!! It's a GIFT from UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! Woohoo!! See the blinkie below to access the FREE Blog Hop Website.

In the Spirit of the Holiday Season, you have the opportunity to get in on "Special Holiday Pricing" for the upcoming UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! SCORE!! Event. The Stampin' Up! Simply Scored Tool is HOT STUFF and SCORE!! will feature 40+ projects, all created using the Simply Scored Tool. SCORE!! is a MUST NOT MISS Event!! See the blinkie below to join and get in on the Early Bird savings.

And now for the most exciting giveaway of the season...

Everyone that joins the new and exciting upcoming event - SCORE!! - with "Special Holiday Pricing" will be entered into a Drawing to win 1 of 3 FREE Passes for an ENTIRE YEAR of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

YES!!

You read that right!!

YOU could win a whole year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events FREE!!

***Special Holiday Pricing of just $19.99 ends Dec 8th***

Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec 9th.

Click the Blinkie below to join SCORE!! with Special Holiday Pricing

and a chance to win a FREE Year of UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! events!!

Click the blinkie below and you will be taken to

THE UP ON THE ROOFTOP BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!

Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and

there you will find the tutorials for ALL the blog hop projects,

PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!

You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!

Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and

join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

AND last but certainly not least, it's time to hop on over to the next Designer's Roof Top, so please click below for NEXT BLOG, where you will find TWILA ready to share a delightful Holiday project with you..

If you would like to hop back to Kirsten's blog, please click below.

Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Holidays to YOU!!

Caroline :)

UStamp FREE pass winner!

2011-06-14T03:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of your kind comments! I hope you had fun with the blog hop & tutorials. My FREE pass random winner is comment 54. Catherine Dean!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Bye for now,
Caroline :)
ETA: To Cath, my free pass winner: I'm haven't been able to make contact with you!!! Please contact me by Monday 20th June. I will choose another winner on Tuesday if I don't hear from Catherine by Mon :)

UStamp blog hop - cute cupcakes pop up!

2011-06-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! World Showcase Blog Hop.

If you have been following the Blog Hop from the beginning, you have just been wowed by Tanya's stunning diaper cake set. How amazing?!

If you are just joining the Blog Hop, no problem as you can start at any point. All the Designer's Blogs are linked together so you will be able to see ALL the great projects we have for you.

For my project I chose a cupcake theme. I can't get enough of those cupcakes - and at least the paper ones are better for my waistline! This stamp set is in the current Australian Autumn-Winter mini catalogue and has also made it into the NEW US one...yay!

And of course this project works well in many other themes and with many other stamp sets!

For all details PLUS a PDF tutorial for this & all the other blog hop projects keep on reading below.....

As a Special Thank You for stopping by my blog I am giving away BLOG CANDY!! Please leave a comment about my project to be entered for a chance to win a FREE PASS to the next UStamp with Dawn and Friends!! session - I ♥ the Holidays!! I will randomly select a winner to be announced on Monday, so please check back to see if you are the lucky recipient. If you have already joined I ♥ the Holidays!! for the Special Party Pricing and you are selected as the winner, you will get a FREE Pass to the NEXT event after I ♥ the Holidays!! which will launch in the Fall.

AND now for the really cool part!! You will NOT want to miss out in THIS!!

By clicking this really cute blinkie...yeah...go ahead and click it!!...

you will be taken to

THE WORLD SHOWCASE BLOG HOP WEBSITE!!

Of course it's ***FREE*** to join and there you will find the tutorials for all the blog hop projects,

PLUS live chats, challenges and more prizes!!

You will even have an opportunity to be considered for a spot as a Guest Designer!!

Yes!! It is all FREE, so tell all your friends and join the fun with UStamp with Dawn and Friends!!

AND last but certainly not least, please hop on over to NEXT BLOG where you will find Jessica with a really pretty project.

Thanks again for stopping by!

Caroline x

Pretty Butterfly Birthday card

2011-06-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Hi
Here's a quick post to show my scalloped easel card in the pretty colour combo (crumb cake, pear pizzazz, blushing bride) that I was inspired to use after seeing Sarah Gough's beautiful card here.

And, I'm so happy to have found a great use for the SU! hostess level 1 patterned in-colour paper pack!

Coming up next....very soon.....the UStamp blog hop....stay tuned!

Caroline x

Card Concertina

2011-04-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

Well hello!

I have been busy making projects for UStamp, and blogging has taken a back seat. So, before I give you the low down on the next UStamp round here is something I have made for myself & for show & tell for my stamping friend Genevra as this was on our project must do list. I just love the new dsp 'sweet stitches' from the new SU! Autumn/Winter mini catalogue - it's so cool. Any project you use it for will just look fab!

Here's some photos of my concertina card file box:

Now just to let you know, I got my instructions for this concertina card file from here. The trickiest bit for me was with the centre dividers to get them the correct size for fitting in the middle without bowing...so just be prepared for a bit of a fiddle with that bit :)

And now for UStamp....you MUST (that was a bit bossy....sorry!) join this round for Classes, Clubs & Camps because there are some great designers, particularly Karen Burniston who is the actual designer of some of the sizzix dies and her tutorials are worth the cost on their own...& there is so much more. Christine Blain won my free pass for this round for being so inspiring, so I hope she loves it!!
Thanks for stopping by (if anyone did!?!)
Caroline x

Black & White Wedding

2011-02-24T02:51:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Well, it's taken me a while to get blogging this year!
Anyway, I was asked to make a card for a guest going to a wedding this Saturday where the bride likes black & white.

So, here's my card using the Always stamp set (which hasn't been out of it's case for a while!), well scripted,black satin ribbon & some pearls.

Take care,

Caroline x

Brrr it's cold outside

2010-12-17T09:30:00.000-08:00

Just a quick hello from the UK where the temperature is the total opposite to my Australia hometown....very invigorating! The first time for many years that I haven't been able to feel my toes!

Anyway, I don't have any craft stuff with me & there's not a stamp in sight, so no creating for me for a few weeks. However, I did make menus & favour boxes for a wedding before I left home & I do have a pic of the table setting for you to see. I used very vanilla, cherry cobbler, fifth avenue floral embossing folder & fifth avenuue floral stamp set...oh & a rhinestone.

If you look closely you will see the snow outside the windows too....aaah so picturesque!

All the Best!
Caroline

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #45

2010-10-27T02:05:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

I haven't posted a card in a while, so I 'm pleased to be here with a card inspired by the latest Inkspirations Sketch Challenge. I used my new colour coach for the colour combo - such a great tool to get you trying out something new. The colours I've used are elegant eggplant, melon mambo & old olive. So, here's the sketch:

And here's my card:
Before I go, congrats to Bronwyn who won my free UStamp pass from my previous post!

Happy Wednesday!
Caroline x

UStamp Jump on your Jingle FREE pass

2010-10-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I'm back with the opportunity for you to win a FREE pass to the Christmas projects round of UStamp. Please leave a comment here by 24th October for your chance to win. I will email the winner by 25th October!
Caroline x

UStamp Cool Moves

2010-09-29T00:42:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon!

Hope you're enjoying the school hols if you are in Western Australia!

Just popping in to post a sneak peek at my project for this round of UStamp Cool Moves. If you would like to see more great cards that move, spin, pop up, slide & lots more, just click on the 'Cool Moves' designer box link on the right side bar of this blog so you can sign up join the fun!

Here's a peek at my card:

Thanks for stopping by!

Caroline x

UStamp FREE pass winner!

2010-09-19T07:32:00.001-07:00

Hi
Just about off to bed when I remembered I hadn't drawn the free UStamp pass, so with no further ado...CONGRATULATIONS..........................

Venessa! I will be emailing you now!
Thanks to all for leaving comments & please call back before the end of the Cool Moves round as I may have more passes to give away for the next round!
Have a good week!
Caroline x

UStamp FREE pass

2010-09-05T01:55:00.001-07:00

As a designer for the next round of UStamp I have a FREE pass to give away. This will be a great round to be involved in as it's all about cards with 'Cool' moves. So this will include all types of pop ups, slider cards, spinner cards, waterfall cards and MANY more - all with great colour combo ideas too. Click on blinkie on right hand side for more info. SO if you would like a FREE pass let me know by leaving a comment here on my blog by 18th of September. Check back on the 19th as I will have randomly drawn a WINNER!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Caroline x

UStamp Early Fall 2010 Edition

2010-08-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

Hi all!
The next round of UStamp has started today!!! It's all about cards this time & I have been asked to design a set for this round!! I have added the link to my side bar if you would like to join in the fun!
The card below is one I made for a colour challenge for the last round of UStamp & it's for the twin brother of the little girl I made the card for in my previous post.

Stamp set: Fox & Friends, party hearty. family phrases Ink/card: Old olive, tempting turquoise & real red.

Have fun!

Caroline x

Magical Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #31

2010-07-11T01:27:00.000-07:00

Back again!
I've been busy with challenges today! (Life is tough!!) This was fun as I've used the sketch to make a card for a sweet little soon-to-be-3 girl!
So, here's Makeesha's sketch:
And this is my card - such a cute stamp set for the girls!
Stamps: Pony Party Ink: So saffron, pretty in pink, bashful blue Card: Celery, pretty in pink, bashful blue, so saffron Other: celery grosgrain ribbon, scallop edge punch, polka dot embossing folder, nestabilities dies
Now I have to go and make a card for her 3 year old twin brother!
Cheers!
Caroline x

Just Add Ink #25

2010-07-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hiya!

Here's the colour combo for this week's Just Add Ink challenge:

I did find it rather tricky to combine these colours, mainly the eggplant & rose red, however, I did finally make a card and ended up liking the way the colours went together!

Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, On your birthday Ink/card: As for challenge plus watercolour card & versamark Other: Vanilla grosgrain & button, stampin' dimensionals, little leaves die, polka dot embossing folder, embossing powder, aqua painter.

PS: I have since sharpened my scissors & trimmed off the straggly ribbon bits! (not that anyone noticed, of course!!) ETA: I have just changed the photo of my card after redoing the ribbon - as it was bugging me!

Thanks for stopping by! Love Caroline - from blustery Perth, WA!

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #30

2010-07-04T02:29:00.000-07:00

Back again!

This time I have my card for the Inkspirations colour challenge, which is to use the following colours:

I'm planning my Christmas in July class, so on that theme and with the above colours, this is my creation:

Stamps: Occasionally (soon to be retired I'm assuming!), short and sweet Ink/card: As for the challenge other: Razzleberry polka dot ribbon, scallop border and scallop circle punch, 11/4" & 13/8" circle punches, button latte

Cheers!

Caroline x

Just Add Ink #24

2010-07-04T00:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday to you!

This weeks Just Add Ink challenge is a sketch, which was really fun to do as it's this clear and simple design:

I've recently seen some lovely cards using the 'All A Flutter' butterfly, so I finally broke mine out of it's case and got to work!

So, here's my card:

And here's a close up of some detail, the butterflies are covered in crystal effects & mounted with dimensionals:

Stamps: All A Flutter, butterfly prints (sentiment - which is in the US catalogue, so hopefully will be in ours in September?!) Card/ink: Whisper white, taken with teal, brilliant blue (both retiring very soon!) Other: crystal effects, stampin' dimensionals, sewing machine - which is more a toy sewing machine really, hence the dodgy stitching!
Keep warm!
Caroline x

Blog Award

2010-06-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

Well, how lovely of Liam to send on this award to me! Just follow this link back to Liam's blog to browse all of her wonderful projects!

And to pass on this award I would now like to nominate:

Bronwyn Eastley - for her beautiful creations!

As for 10 things about me...well I'm only going to mention one recent stressful event which was the near death of our gorgeous (& a wee bit scatty!) red setter X retriever, Rosie, from rodent poisoning. However, she is back on form now (after plasma transfusions & mega Vit K doses), barking to wake us up early for her breakfast & generally bossing us around!! I'm just glad she is still with us!

And as this is really about cards rather than pets, here's a card too:

Stamp set: Owl together now card: basic grey, pretty in pink, orchid opulence, tempting turquoise.
Bye
Caroline x

Gift Bag

2010-06-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

Hi
Just before I settle down to watch England V Germany in the World Cup soccer I thought I'd post a project that I did for an Unconvention challenge back in May. I do have a tutorial and template, so please email me (address on side) if you would like a copy and leave a comment so I make sure to check the emails!
It's a good sized bag & only uses 2 sheets of A4 card and some dsp depending on how you'd like to decorate it. The gift bag pocket is the perfect size for a Stampin' Up! love note card.

This is a close up of the gift card:

Stamps: Flight of the butterfly, vintage vogue

Card & Ink: Rich razzleberry, pale plum, white stazon, kraft dsp: Cottage wall

Other: Jumbo eyelets, rich razzleberry polka dot ribbon, love note & envelope

Caroline x

SU! Unconvention

2010-05-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Whilst many SU! demonstrators were living it up in Sydney for Convention 2010, those of us who stayed behind took part in "Unconvention." This was set up as part of ESAD (a demonstrator on line forum) and this weekend consisted of three days of fab challenges. Thanks to this I was more creative over the weekend than I have been for ages & so have several cards/projects to post tonight.

This first card was for a sketch challenge:

Stamps: Pony party Ink/card: melon mambo, so saffron, tempting turquoise

This next card was for a clean & simple limited supplies challenge. It was to use only 2 inks, 1 layer of card and 1 stamp set & that's it! So this is what I came up with:Stamps: Flight of the butterfly Ink: melon mambo, kiwi kiss

And this is the same card "jazzed up" a little:

This next card was made for another sketch challenge using a Z fold card. A quick & fun style of card: Stamps: medallion, short & sweet Ink/card: melon mambo, white craft, sahara sand.

And finally, for now, we had a colour challenge using colours that suited a masculine card, so I made a card for father's day next month for my Dad in the UK:

Stamps: occasionally Ink/card: rich razzleberry, old olive, more mustard, choc chip.

Thanks so much for looking - it's about time I had something to show isn't it?!

Caroline x

Blog candy

2010-05-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

Good evening!

I'm just popping in to show you some blog candy I've found here......but don't go there as I want to win!!! (only joking!)

Bye for now!

Caroline

Inkspirations Inspiration # 21

2010-05-03T04:03:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

Kirsty is hosting this weeks inkspirations challenge & has posted this photo as the inspiration:

So with Mother's Day in mind & this as inspiration, I made this card:

Stamps: vintage vogue, occasional greetings, tiny tags Ink: pink pirouette, regal rose, rose red, melon mambo, certainly celery Other: top note die, big shot, tiny tag punch, clear rhinestones, regal rose ribbon, silver cord (retired), polka dot embossing folder (non SU!)

Okay - time to go & get the little people to bed!

Caroline x

Stamp with Us birthday card challenge

2010-05-02T01:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of cards I have made for the Stamp with Us birthday theme challenge and for a couple of little girls whose birthdays are approaching. This Pony Party stamp set is just lovely! It's also the first time I've used melon mambo & love how it goes with certainly celery, unfortunately the photo hasn't brought out the colours very well though.

Anyway, both cards are the same but in different colour combos:

Stamps: Pony party Ink & card: Melon mambo, rich razzleberry, so saffron, orchid opulence, regal rose, certainly celery Other: melon mambo & rich razzleberry polka dot ribbon, dazzling diamonds
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Caroline x

Simple male card for Makeesha's challenge

2010-04-22T01:51:00.000-07:00

Hello!
That would be a simple card, not simple male....! (boom boom ;)) This is for my brother's birthday next month and I CASED the idea from this lovely creation here...isn't the bunting cool?! The layout is inspired by Makeesha's sketch challenge here.....so all in all I've just used everyone elses ideas!

Here's my card:
I've used all SU! supplies. The colours are so saffron, tangerine tango, pacific point and riding hood red. The numbers are from the Timeless Type sizzlits dies - fabulous for cards and scrapping.
Please let me know if you make any bunting inspired cards as I'd love to see them - the monkey from Fox and Friends would look cute hanging from bunting don't you think?
Thanks for visiting!
Caroline x

Stamp with Us Sketch Challenge

2010-04-17T07:27:00.000-07:00

Good evening!

Stamp with Us have this sketch challenge for this fortnight:

So this is my sketch inspired card:

Stamps: Vintage vogue (can't believe I almost didn't get this set...what was I thinking?!), on your birthday Ink & card: so saffron, rich razzleberry (yipee they're staying in the new catalogue!), orchid opulence, whisper white Other: square punches, razzleberry polka dot ribbon, filigree brads, clear rhinestone, silver brads.

Well, I'm off to have a cuppa & put my feet up now! I played hockey today (first time for nearly a year) & my back & legs are already feeling sore!....I should just stick to stamping...

Anyway have a good w/e - it's apparently very peaceful today where my family are in the UK with no planes overhead....but of course not good for those with travel plans....

Caroline x

Stamp with Us Colour Challenge

2010-04-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

Happy long weekend!

I had a quiet child free day today which meant that I could indulge myself in the world of stamping without interuptions, such a treat!

I've been meaning to make an easel card for ages, so decided to get on and do it (following Beate's video tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers). I used this as the basis of my card for this fortnights Stamp with Us colour challenge. I used all bold brights, which actually made a nice change & isn't that what challenges are all about?

Here's my card:

Stamps: Upsy Daisy, Heard from the Heart, Polka dot background Ink & card: pink passion, green galore, only orange, whisper white Other: button latte, ribbon originals dress up, polka dot embossing folder

Thanks for stopping by!

Caroline x

Just Add Ink Colour Challenge #10

2010-03-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Here's my card for the Just Add Ink Colour Challenge this week. The inspiration colour pallet was close to cocoa, blush blossom, cameo coral and kraft...very nice! I've even snuck in an Autumn -Winter mini catalogue sneak peak with the sentiment from the new Heard from the Heart stamp set!!

Stamps: Embrace Life, Heard from the Heart Card & Ink: cameo coral, blush blossom, kraft, close to cocoa (textured) Other: kraft ribbon, clear rhinestones, scallop edged punch.

Unfortunately, with these colours and my basic photography skills, the colour does not show up the best on here. Must spend some time trying some of the great on line photo tutorials I have favourited.

Don't forget that tomorrow is the final day for SAB and Summer mini orders....

Goodnight!

Caroline x

Plastic Fantastic

2010-03-12T05:50:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Just a quick post to show you my Sarah Klass video inspired headband decoration. Just as Sarah did, I covered the 'plastic underneath bit' of a (former Australia day embellished) headband & now, of course, it looks far more stylish! Please head to Sarah's blog for the video instructions.

Here is the before shot:

And here is the stylish after shot!

Products used: So saffron and rose red grosgrain ribbon, felt fusion flowers and sticky strip.

I hope to have more posted soon, particulary as I'm having a great time trying out all my new Autumn mini catalogue pre order products - so much good stuff and so little time!

Caroline x

Just Add Ink Challenge #5

2010-02-21T00:39:00.000-08:00

Hi!
I made a card today as a thank you from my son's cricket team to their coach and decided to use the All in the Family stamp set and accessories. To add some dimension I used masking, dimensionals and crystal effects - nothing unique there, but I haven't used this set for a while and just by adding these techniques I was able to get just the effect I wanted - and was reminded of what a versatile set this is!

Here's my card (beware some yo yo yellow to follow...!)

And here's a close up of some dimensional detail:

Follow this link for the Just Add Ink Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!

Caroline x

Stamp with Us Colour Challenge

2010-02-14T03:19:00.000-08:00

Evening all!!
Stamp with Us posted a new inspiration photo colour challenge today, so, luckily, this afternoon Mr 3 went to sleep & whilst the other two watched Wall E (after arguing over who had already seen it the most!) I snuck away to my little craft santuary, and cleared a small area of desk to create on - would have been good if I'd cleared up yesterday, but organised? Me? Nope! Unfortunately.

Aaannnywway....here's the photo:

Isn't it just delightful? Love those cupcakes, so cute!

From the picture, I was 'inspired' to use the colours: sage, pretty in pink, pink pirouette, close to cocoa, pale plum & white and I incorporated them into my card (below), adding dazzling diamonds, crystal effects & pink tafetta ribbon to add some detail.

Stamp sets: Owl together now, crazy for cupcakes (used my stamp-a-ma-jig to get them to sit on the branch) happy moments (sentiment) polka dot background

Happy Sunday!

Caroline x

Stamp with Us theme challenge take 2!

2010-02-12T18:26:00.000-08:00

Good morning!

Thank you cards are probably the ones I most like to make & the ones I use the most, so this morning, I've made up a couple more for the Stamp with Us challenge this week.

As I need to dash off to do some shopping, without further ado here are my two cards:

The first one uses the current Sale-A-Bration sets happy moments & whimsical words & the 2nd card is flight of the butterfly plus the mini butterfly from butterfly prints in the current mini catalogue.

So now off to the shops I go...hi ho hi ho....

Have a good w/e! Caroline x

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #18 & Stamp with Us challenge

2010-02-10T23:48:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Just popping in to upload a thankyou card that I need to send. I've designed it using Makeesha's sketch challenge for this week here and also for the Stamp with Us theme challenge here. I do have another thank you card in mind for the Stamp with Us challenge - so hopefully will get that made & posted before Sunday.

I've used the felt fusion flowers on my card & just the thank you sentiment from the happy moments SAB stamp set that can currently be earnt for free!

Here it is:

The dsp is raspberry tart and the main colours are rose red and pretty in pink on kraft base card.

Bye for now

Caroline x

Colour Inspiration #57, Muffin box & I've been published!

2010-01-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday!

As I'm not a very regular blogger these days, I thought I'd better make the most of it while I'm here today, so I have several cards/projects to follow....here goes...!

The first is a card inspired by Kristina who has posted a one off colour challenge & judging by the number of links she has already I'm not the only one to jump at the opportunity to participate again!

Here's the card:

Stamps: Occasionally (holiday blitz - US, I think!), On your birthday, polka dot background Ink & card: riding hood red, baja breeze, so saffron, more mustard, cameo coral Other: riding hood red ribbon, scallop edge punch

And here is the challenge:

I have also taken part in Claire Daly's very kind offer of 2 muffin box downloads which also comes with the opportunity to receive 2 further tutorials free!! I haven't filled my boxes yet, but did think they would be great as Easter baskets/treat boxes...I'm sure the shops are already stocking the Easter treats for them now! I used raspberry tart dsp for mine & pretty in pink cardstock:

The box is a great size & the template & instructions were so clear & easy to follow. Thanks Claire!

The exciting card news for me to start the year was having some cards published for the first time!!!! They are in Vol 15 no 9 of Cardmaking, Stamping & Papercraft which is out now! Here's a couple of not very good photos of the pages:

The stamp set is the rather cute Owl Together Now.

And finally another baby card. This one is the boy version of the baby girl card in my previous post. I made it for my friend Tanya's little cutie boy who was born on Thursday!

And that's all from me for now!

All the best for the week ahead!

Caroline x

Sweet Sunday Baby Card

2009-12-30T02:12:00.000-08:00

Hello!

For my little baby girl card I've used the Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge for the layout and my new Animal Stories stamp set from the current SU! Summer mini catalogue.

Here is the layout:

And here is my card:

Stamps: Animal Stories, Cheep talk (heart & branch) warm words Ink & card: Close to cocoa, pink pirouette, certainly celery, caramel Other: Pink pirouette striped grosgrain, clear rhinestone brad, filigree brad, eyelet border punch, paper piercer, crystal effects (on the heart) stampin' dimensionals (for the pink elephant)

Must dash - visitors have arrived!!

Caroline

More Christmas Creations

2009-12-20T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hello HO HO !

Well, I had fun making more cards today, last minute of course but I think I just about have enough..... Good thing that Stamp with Us have a Chrissie theme as that gave me an extra nudge to keep the Christmas creating happening. So, I made one card & liked the colours together as an alternative to traditional colours, so I got on a roll & made a couple more! These are the first cards this year that I have made with the Season of Joy set (I made everything with it last year!) & I was reminded of what a lovely combination of stamps it offers....and that made me happy, as opposed to finding that my CDs had been stolen from my car sometime this week, which did not make me happy!! Quite what they are hoping to do with "Children's car travelling favourites" (or some similar jolly title!) a Wiggles CD, "Row Row the boat & other all time children's greats!" among others, is quite beyond me!!! In fact, only a couple taken are ones I will miss, so it's no big deal thank goodness...(Mr 3 is not happy at all about the Wiggles loss tho')...but just don't go into my car without asking!!!

Sorry about that...I feel better now! Moving on....Here's my Stamp with Us challenge card:

And here are the cards together:

Stamps: Season of Joy, Many Merry Messages Ink & card: Baja breeze, pretty in pink, not quite navy other: pink taffeta ribbon, paper piercer, bella rose dsp, scallop edge punch, dazzling diamonds.

Good luck with any last minute stuff!

Caroline x

T'was the week before Christmas....

2009-12-17T22:35:00.000-08:00

Hi!
Here's a quick selection of Chrissie cards that I've been making....still need some more, but I'm not sure that will happen, we'll see!
Anyway these first two cards are based on the Stamp with Us sketch challenge & use the Holiday Line up stamp set and the ski slope dsp (now retired, but great while it lasted!)
This next card is CASED from Sam Post here. She has some fabulous cards and photo tips too! And finally a simple, quick card made using an embossing folder, SU! real red & sahara sand cardstock & the funky red polka dot ribbon out now(!) in the current Summer mini catalogue. Have a fun weekend!
Caroline x

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #16 & a little house!

2009-11-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

In a bid to get some Christmas cards made I decided that I would need to make my Inkspiration Challenge card a Christmas one. This one is a great sketch & very flexible for all kinds of cards.... I will be using this sketch again.

Here's my card:

Stamps: Winter post Ink: Baja breeze, chocolate chip, black, basic grey Card: Riding hood red, choc chip, kraft, confetti white Other: Designer label punch, riding hood red striped grosgrain, cutter kit distressing tool, clear rhinestones, nestabilities circles (non SU!)

The little house mentioned in the title is a gift I made for a lovely friend who has recently moved house - I made it almost exactly as the instructions given by Monica from Stamp with Us in their on line classes earlier this year. The 'roof' lifts off, so that the inside can be filled with goodies!

Stamps: Cheep talk, sentiment is handwritten Card: chocolate chip, so saffron, real red, brocade blue Other: So saffron ribbon, scallop edge punch, metal edged tag, real red grosgrain.

Cheerio for now!

Caroline

Baby building blocks...anything but a card!

2009-10-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Well, the Stamp with Us Challenge this week is a fun one - anything but a card! I started with a Christmas themed plan, but have a friend who I'm about to help to make invites for her baby shower, so must have had that on my mind as my project evolved into a baby theme! I was quite pleased to finally use the tea bag box (thats been one of the things cluttering my desk for several months now) as a template (it's one of the twinings ones that hold 10 tea bags - I was trying to get healthy & drink green tea!) Anyway I thought I'd make 'building blocks' which would hold small gifts like choccies, baby socks....or even tea bags?!!

So here it is showing how the top opens:

Stamps: Nursery necesities, tart & tangy Ink & card: Sahara sand 12 x 12 (textured), riding hood red, so saffron, baja breeze DSP: sweet slumber Other: On board lots of letters, button bouquet designer buttons, hemp twine.

And my TV tip for next week is to tune in to 'Ashes to Ashes' series 2 on the ABC 9.30pm Monday....SO FAB!!! As for anyone in England I expect you all saw it a couple of years ago!!

See ya!

Caroline

Cards for Men and Boys!

2009-09-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I've enjoyed a lovely long weekend in Perth especially feeling the sun at last! I'm a bit of a slack blogger, but at least have two cards today. One was made for my daughter to take today to the birthday party of a young fellow in her school class and the other is for the Stamp with Us sketch challenge this week.
First, the sketch challenge card (which, I might say, I found quite tricky!)

Stamps: Just cricket, on your birthday, sanded background Card & ink: kiwi kiss, real red, night of navy, chocolate chip Other: bella rose dsp,bold bright brads, paper piercer, stampin' dimensionals.

And now the birthday card......just can't get enough of those elephants in party hats!!

Stamps: Party hearty, crazy for cupcakes (balloon) wild about you, think happy thoughts Card & ink: Pacific point, tangerine tango, white, black Other: Pacific point striped grosgrain ribbon, scallop edge punch, paper piercer, scallop circle punch, 1" circle punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch.

Happy stamping!

Caroline

Party Parade Colour & Inspiration Challenge!

2009-09-10T02:21:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

I'm just sneaking in at almost the last moment to post my card for Makeesha's Colour Challenge this week, which is to use real red, so saffron (couldn't live without it!!), regal rose and whisper white. I got the inspiration for my card from the new Spring mini (choo choo card), which fits with Marelle's spring mini springboard challenge this month too. Anyway, can't stay long as Mr 3 is trying to climb on me & randomly push the keyboard buttons (just had to re type 2 lines as I didn't notice it had all suddenly changed to CAPS lock!), so here's the card....

Front view:
side view:

The party hearty hats with the elephants is a fab idea that I CASED from Mary Fish!

Stamps:Wild about You, Party Hearty Ink & cardstock: so saffron, regal rose , real red Other: scallop circle and edge punch, paper piercer, stampin' dimensionals.

Thanks so much for looking.......and just before I go - CONGRATULATIONS to Leanne (blog to follow!!) for achieving her first 3 months Stampin' Start!!!! ;)

See you!

Caroline

Stamp with Us Sketch Challenge

2009-09-03T02:15:00.000-07:00

Hello there!

It's been a while but finally have got back to posting! I made a card for this weeks Stamp With Us sketch challenge and have just popped back to the site and realised that I turned the sketch upside down..oops! Oh well, it could easily be reversed and I guess these challenges are meant for individual inspiration!

I have used big bold birthday & the raspberry tart dsp. I also dug out a little of my purely pomegranate stash (from last years in-colours) as it seemed to match quite well.....anyway here 'tis....

Stamps: Big bold birthday ink: purely pomegranate, cameo coral card/paper: cameo coral, purely pomegranate, raspberry tart dsp other: rose red ribbon, clear rhinestones, silver brads.

I recently made a tri fold card too (they are all the rage at the mo!), for my cousin in the UK & used the raspberry tart dsp and other similar colours to above. I like these cards 'cos they're so simple but look a little tricky. I'd better get on to posting it now (as in sending it in the mail before I get so involved with planning and making the card that I don't actually get around to sending it!...sound familiar to anyone?!!)

Anyway must go, I'm off to walk the dogs before it gets too dark!

Caroline

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #11

2009-08-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

Hello there!
Just popping in with my attempt for Keesh's challenge this week, which is to use these colours:

This is the card I whipped up quickly in between various interuptions today, so it's quite simple!

Stamps: Petal pizzaz, great friend (sentiment) Ink & card: as above! (I'm being a lazy typist!) Other: washington apple dsp, flower fusion 1 Pumpkin (felt flower centre), pretties kit (vanilla pearls), certainly celery grosgrain, large oval punch, hemp twine.

Thanks Keesh - I enjoyed creating with these colours!

Have a good evening!

Caroline

Sketch Challenge and getting ready for Christmas...

2009-08-02T01:32:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

I'm starting to plan for a Christmas card workshop, so decided to use Makeesha's sketch challenge this week to help get me started with Christmas and to start using a new stamp set from the Spring mini catalogue.

Here's the sketch:

Here's my card!

Stamps: Season's Surfing (Spring mini), Best Yet (hostess level 1) Card & ink: Real red, baja breeze, real red, chocolate chip, black stazon Other: the yummy ski slope dsp! (Spring mini), scallop circle punch, choc chip grosgrain, baja breeze coudroy buttons (Spring mini), paper piercer.

Don't tell my children that Christmas is in the air though...they'll be wanting to count down the days already!

Have a lovely week!

Caroline

Mojo Monday #97 Sketch

2009-07-31T19:52:00.000-07:00

Happy 1 August!

I headed over to the Mojo Monday blog yesterday when I needed to make a birthday card for my daughter's little friend (for her party today). The sketches are fab...and incredibly popular, with several hundred card makers participating each week. I had a small window yesterday to make a card as I was poorly all day, but had a small timeslot where the panadol & cough potion(!) kicked in enough for me to drag myself up from the couch & make a card!!

Anyway, I've used the Great Friend stamp set, which is in the new Australian Spring mini catalogue starting today. If you don't have an SU! demonstrator & would like a copy, please email me (address on the right) & I would be happy to send one to you.

Anyway, here's my card:

Stamps: Great friend, baroque motifs, on your birthday (Happy o' Birthday with the o' cut off!)

Ink: Pale plum, so saffron, pretty in pink, celery card: whisper white, pretty in pink, lavendar lace Other: washington apple dsp, paper piercer, chipboard number (on board lots of letters), dazzling diamonds, so saffron striped grosgrain, oval scallop punch, nestabilities (non SU!), rhinestones (non SU!)

Have a good weekend!

Keep away from the bugs!

Caroline

Stamp with Us Colour Challenge

2009-07-22T23:50:00.000-07:00

Sitting here in my fleece & jeans it's a bit hard to imagine being back on the beach on a Summer's day (as in the Stamp with Us Colour Challenge photo this week). However, it was great to be out bushwalking here in WA this week seeing rivers overflowing and plenty of water racing over the rocks at Bell's rapids after the recent heavy rain we have had....

So, this is my card using the Just Surfing stamp set & the sweet slumber dsp for the cloud background - this is very similar to another Just Surfing card I made earlier this year. I have used riding hood red, so saffron & pacific point as the main colours - my current fave colour combo (well for this week anyway!)

Stamps: Just surfing, polka dot background, sanded background. Ink & card: So saffron, whisper white, pacific point, baja breeze, riding hood red Other: cutter kit (to distress circle edges) pacific point striped grosgrain, sweet slumber dsp, scallop edge punch, circle punches

This is the colour challenge photo: Well, we're off to see 'French & Saunders' tonight, so looking forward to a good laugh!

Thanks for popping in!

Caroline

Colour Inspiration #56

2009-07-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

Just a very quick post as I have to get out to do some food shopping...boo! Lovely bright colours for this week's Kristina Werner colour challenge! I cased one of my own card layouts here and used the cute owl together now stamp set.
Stamps: Owl together now, polka dot background, It's your birthday (retired) Card & Ink: So saffron (yes, it does look rather bright!), riding hood red, ballet blue, pumpkin pie, celery, whisper white Other: scallop circle punch, so saffron brads, so saffron striped grosgrain, paper piercer.
And here's the colour inspiration pic:

Have a great weekend!

Caroline

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #10

2009-07-16T00:26:00.000-07:00

So pleased I got this finished, particularly with it being school hols...but managed to get a few minutes to sneak off and stamp! I've used the Upsy Daisy stamp set for probably the first time and also (a sneak peek!) the butterfly and sentiment from one of the new Spring mini catalogue sets Great Friend. Ordering begins on 1 August and there's lots of good things to add to your wishlists!

Anyway here's my card:

Stamps: Great friend (Spring mini) Upsy Daisy Ink & card: Not quite navy, so saffron, baja breeze Other: scallop edge punch, silver hodge podge hardware, clear rhinestones, urban garden paper, friendly words stampin' around wheel, dazzling diamonds, paper piercer, nestabilities (non SU!)

And here's the link to Makeesha's blog and sketch for this week.

Have fun and keep warm (that's if you're experiencing winter in Australia!)

Thanks for looking!

Caroline

Stamp with Us Theme Challenge

2009-07-05T02:27:00.000-07:00

This weeks Stamp with Us challenge is to make a child's card. What a great theme! I'm always trying to make last minute cards as I should be about to head out with my children to a party! I've made a girly one for one of my 6 year old daughter's friend. I based the card layout on a sketch by Amy Rysavy here (she has some wonderful sketches). I used All in the Family which is a bit fiddly, but so cute!

Of course I couldn't go past using pink & lots of shiny dazzling diamonds & bling!

Stamps: All in the family,family favourites, family phrases Ink & card: So saffron, rose red & regal rose Other: pink flamingo dsp, word window punch, regal rose grosgrain ribbon, stamp-a-ma-jig. Non SU! -nestabilities & rhinestones.

Got to dash,

Have a good week!

Caroline

One Sheet Wonder Workshop

2009-07-03T03:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I was a little busy preparing for my one sheet wonder workshop based on a project by Heather Summers for UStamp earlier this year (or could have been last year?). I even had hubby cutting templates for me to get it ready on time! Anyway, it was all worth it as we had a lovely afternoon on Sunday creating & chatting! So, I thought I'd post a few photos, including ones of the cards & gift box we made.

Below are the sample cards & box (the tangerine card was from a previous workshop):And this is one of the colour variations of baja breeze and pretty in pink (Jaana's cards):

And another using riding hood red, which I think looks quite striking with black & the bella rose riding hood red dsp:

So that was what we were up to on Sunday! If you would like more details please email me on the address on the right.

The other exciting news is that the first mini catalogue for this year will start on 1 August. As a demo I've been able to have a good browse & pre order products already! So stay tuned for more information later......

Have a great weekend - hope you get to do all the things you want to!

Caroline

Two in One!

2009-07-02T00:24:00.000-07:00

I've combined Keesh's Colour Inkspiration challenge #9 and this weeks Stamp with Us sketch challenge in one card. I've also taken Keesh's suggestion of making a male card and have used an old favourite set of mine - Voila!

Stamps: Voila, sanded background Ink & card: Ruby red, baja breeze & basic grey Other: Urban oasis & urban garden (hat) dsp, ruby red brads, nestabilities, paper piercer & mat pack.

Bye for now! Caroline

Stamp with Us recipe challenge & a new baby!

2009-06-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Hopefully I'm still in time for this week's stamp with us recipe challenge-I haven't tried a recipe challenge before, so it got my brain ticking working out what I needed to do! Meanwhile, a work colleague celebrated the arrival of her first grandchild on Monday - so I have made the card for this exciting occasion!

The challenge was to use only 2 cardstocks, 4 patterned papers & NO embellishments! The card I have made fits with this, BUT I can't promise I won't add some dazzling diamonds before giving it to the recipient!!

The stamp set is a new one in this years Australia/NZ catalogue...and I like the cute sentiment for a new born! The paper is actually retired berry bliss from the 08/09 catalogue. The colours are pretty in pink, so saffron (flowers), chocolate chip & black stazon.

Here it is:

Thanks for looking!

Caroline

Stamp with Us Colour Challenge

2009-06-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

The stamp with us colour challenge this week is based on this picture below:

Looking at it again, I would now choose SU! pink passion & real red BUT when I made my card yesterday I was inspired to use regal rose, rose red & sage shadow. If I get time (unlikely!) I will try & make another using the brighter pink & red.....meanwhile, here's what I came up with:

Stamps: embrace life, polka dot background Card & Ink: regal rose, rose red, sage shadow, black stazon Other: regal rose grosgrain, silver hodgepodge hardware, scallop punch, rose red dsp, nestabilities dies (non SU!)

Here's a close up of the layering on the flower (or rather, an excuse to try out the macro function on my new camera!!)

Why not pop over to Stamp with Us & join in?

Bye for now from a cold, blustery Perth!

Caroline

Colour Inspiration #54

2009-06-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!

Kristina sure knows how to pick colours - this weeks combination here is really striking. I haven't seen the other entries yet, but I bet they're going to be good! Anyway, this is my card. It involved a little bit of fiddly cutting, but I wanted to use this cheep talk set a bit differently to how I have before.

Stamps: Cheep talk,polka dot background Ink: Pumpkin pie, soft sky, green galore, taken with teal Card: As for ink, plus whisper white Other: Pumpkin pie grosgrain, silver hodgepodge brad, 1 1/4" square punch,scallop edge punch, button (retired).

Here's the inspiration pic:

Thanks for looking - I'm off to check the other entries out now,

Caroline

Stamp with Us Congratulations theme Challenge

2009-06-10T23:46:00.000-07:00

Hello from a rainy winter's day in Perth!
In fact it's good to get rain, especially as we know it won't be long before the sun's shining again.
Anyway, enough of the weather report and on to a card I have made for the Stamp with Us weekly challenge and for friends who are about to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

Here is my card: Stamps: SU! Cheer & wishes, Always ink: baja breeze, night of navy card: whisper white, urban garden dsp other: ribbon originals valet pg 150 of the Aus catalogue, eyelet border punch, pretties kit - rhinestone brad, non SU! polka dot cuttlebug embossing folder.
Thanks for looking..I'm off to make a nice hot cuppa!
Caroline

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #8

2009-06-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Keesh's colours for this challenge were pumpkin pie, pink passion (haven't used that for a long while!) and celery.

So I got to work with my new stamp set - petal pizzaz.....love it! and created 2 cards, one in the challenge colours & another in the sweet slumber dsp colours (I had seen this combination used very effectively on SCS).

This is my challenge card:

Stamps: Petal pizazz, polka dot background and on your birthday Other: earth elements brads, celery 5/8" grosgrain, silver hodgepodge brad, corner rounder punch, polka dot embossing folder (non SU!)

And this is the same layout but using the sweet slumber dsp colours of ruby red, so saffron and bali breeze. The ribbon is from the dress up ribbon originals on page 150 of the catalogue - it's actually riding hood red, but is a good match for the ruby red here. The card base is sahara sand.

Well, I hope you are enjoying your Sunday,

Cheers!

Caroline

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #8 & a 60th!

2009-06-02T23:44:00.000-07:00

Just posting my card for Keesh's challenge this week before the school pick up. I was also asked to make a 60th birthday card for someone who loves all things pink...so I combined the two. Here is the sketch challenge pic:

And here is my card using the fabulous fifth avenue floral stamp set:

The colours for the card & ink are pretty in pink, so saffron and rose red. The sentiment is a computer font.

Must dash...thanks so much for looking!

Caroline

Stamp with Us Sketch Challenge

2009-06-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

I'm back with a card I created for a sketch challenge which I found by going from Sam Post's blog here to Kate Lewis' blog here to Stamp with Us here! The sketch has circles, so I couldn't resist! Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

Stamps: Wild about you, family phrases, polka dot background Ink: So saffron, tangerine tango, old olive, more mustard, black Other: cirle punches 1 1/4", 1 3/8" & scallop circle punch, paper piercer, tangerine tango striped grossgrain ribbon.

Thanks for looking - have a good week - hope that UK sunshine continues!

Caroline

Inkspirations Inspiration #7

2009-05-28T03:27:00.000-07:00

Hiya!

Didn't think I'd fit this one in this week...but in the end I made sure I made time for Makeesha's challenge. Am on my way out to dinner, so without delay, here is my card:

I've used Garden Whimsy, which has been resting on my shelf for a while, and the new 'On Your Birthday' sentiment set - I love it, great fonts & has the things I like to say on a card! I've used riding hood red, pink pirouette and so saffron for the colours and the dsp is from bella rose. The buttons are SU! button bouquet & are just lovely!

Do pop over to Makeesha's to check her and her design team's cards....

Must dash!

Caroline

KWerner Colour Challenge #53

2009-05-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

Love Kristina's inspiration colours for this week! I was planning to make a birthday card for my soon-to-be 9 year old son, and Kristina's inspiration was perfect timing to get me inspired. So, with the colours sorted all I needed was Just Jawing (his fave) and off I went! And here it is in all it's bright glory!!This is the inspiration photo:

Thanks for looking - I'm now going back to my Skype call with my mum in the UK, except despite it being super easy to use, somehow no one factored in my mum as she disappeared and now can't get her video back on!!! Have a good week!

Caroline

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #7 take 2!

2009-05-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

No I'm not bursting with ideas for this weeks colour challenge but rather just popping back to post my card for Keesh's challenge using the right colours! So almost the same card, but with really rust instead of mustard!!

And I much prefer the rust too!

And just to make sure - here is Makeesha's butterfly colour swatch:

Have a good week!

Caroline

Colour Inspiration # 52

2009-05-17T01:53:00.000-07:00

I've had some creating time today so I'm pleased that Kristina posted her Colour Inspiration Challenge - the first one I've managed in a while & a beautiful mix of soft colours. The layout of my card is one that I've in fact cased from one of Kristina's cards in her virtual card club for March. Here's my card:

Stamps: Sanded background, Just Surfing, On your birthday Ink: Baja breeze, so saffron, more mustard Card: white, baja breeze, sweet slumber dsp (sky background) Other: Baja breeze striped grosgrain, linen thread, corner rounder, more mustard button (retired), 1 1/4 and 1 3/8 circle punches.

Here's the inspiration picture:

That's all for now!

Have a good week!

Caroline

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #7

2009-05-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

Happy sunny (Perth) Sunday!

I've just completed my card for Keesh's colour challenge for this week. The colours are sage shadow, very vanilla, choc chip (my most used card & ink colour!) and more mustard. I used the Friendly Words jumbo wheel for the first time - what a versatile stamp with great sentiments, ideal to coordinate with lots of other stamps and only $15.95!

Anyway here's my card:

Stamps: Friendly Words jumbo wheel, Echos of Kindness (hostess level 2), The Best Yet (hostess level 1) Ink: Chocolate chip, more mustard, sage shadow Other: Fire rhinestone brads, eyelet border punch, vanilla 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, nestabilities oval dies (non SU!)

Thanks for stopping by!

Caroline

ETA: Big oops! Just realised I used more mustard instead of really rust - better make another one!

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #7

2009-05-12T02:35:00.000-07:00

I had fun with Makeesha's sketch challenge this week. I sat at my new Mother's day present craft table, twice the size of my old one & still managed to almost run out of room! Anyway here's the sketch:And this is my card:

Stamp sets: Cheep Talk and On Your Birthday (great sentiments in that set!) Ink: Chocolate Chip DSP: Good Morning Sunshine Card: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss Other: Tangerine 5/8" striped grosgrain, paper piercer and mat pack.

Must go...dinner's calling!

Caroline

Scrapbooking for a Change

2009-05-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

This is a page layout I created at the weekend from a sketch challenge by another SU! demo Tanya Kitto. I enjoyed trying out a scrapbook sketch instead of a card sketch for a change.

All supplies are by Stampin' Up! including the chipboard title, which I have covered with white craft ink and embossed with white embossing powder. The handwriting font on the journalling is CK Ali's (Edwards) handwriting. This is Ali Edwards' blog if you haven't already visited. She has the best scrapbooking style!

And if you like scrapbooking and would like to get a great deal from Stampin' Up! this month you can sign up as a demo for ONLY $150.00. This is THE best signing up offer we have had in Australia. Please contact me for more details (email address on side bar) - don't miss out, the offer only runs until May 31st.

Cheerio!

Caroline

Some Old and New!

2009-04-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

I'm so impressed by the blogs of people I visit who keep creating beautiful cards and blogging all the time. I love seeing new stuff almost every time I visit them...but, as much as I'd like to, I just don't seem to be able to do it myself! Hence it's mid April and only my first post for this fine month! However, I do have 2 cards. The first is a new one with the new Good Friend set. I have used a design shown to me by Carol, a friend of my MIL, from a class that she recently attended. It folds flat & then opens out to be displayed - I think it would adapt beautifully for a Christmas card - watch this space...maybe! The first pic shows the fold flat part & the 2nd shows it displayed open on my craft shelf.And now for the 2nd card which was completely inspired by my visit to Makeesha Byl's blog yesterday where she had made a plant pot card here as part of a splitcoast stampers challenge. I popped over to splitcoast, clicked on Monday 'try a new technique' challenge, and found the instructions. It was incredibly quick to make & with Mother's Day in mind I made this one:

I've used the die cut blooms 12 x 12 sheet, which I have to confess that, until I was looking for flowers for this card, I (incredibly unobservantly!) thought they had retired - am now, of course delighted they haven't! The flowers are attached to a card which slides in and out of the 'pot' and is designed as a place for your greeting. I also attached a stand to the back so that it stands up nicely - I did mean to take a photo, but sorry, I'm being slack! The only stamping is the greeting from the occasional greetings set. It's the first time I've used the felt fusion flowers (flower centres here) they are just lovely to work with and there's another set of colours in the new catalogue - another wish list definite! OK I'm off to bed now, Thanks for popping by, even if I'm not here nearly enough!

Caroline

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #6

2009-03-30T05:59:00.000-07:00

Hi!
I'm back with an attempt at Makeesha's Inkspiration colour challenge for this week. I really enjoy giving them a go! It was especially good to have a play with purely pomegranate before it's gone!
I have to be quick with this post as I'm supposed to be getting organised to go off to Melbourne tomorrow...but you know how it is...just need to fit in a challenge & some card making first!
So here's my creation which is a CASE of a card on the cover of the new catalogue...so exciting!
Check out Makeesha's blog for the colour details.......

Stamp sets: Eastern Blooms & Cheer & Wishes Other: Pretties kit, scallop punch, pomegranate double stitched ribbon, paper piercer & mat pack.

Have a good week...I'll be back after Melbourne!

Caroline

Too late for the challenge!

2009-03-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

Despite thinking I could roughly calculate the time difference between Western Australia & Kristina Werner's part of the world I clearly have no idea, as I have missed this week's Colour Inspiration #47 challenge. Not to worry - I loved the colour combination so am glad I gave it a go!

Here's my simple card:

The colours are chocolate chip, tangerine tango & so saffron. The stamp sets are short & sweet and Always.

I'm going to check on Makeesha's colour challenge closing date now & hope I'm on time for that!

Cheers! Caroline

Fresh Cuts sneak peak

2009-03-22T01:46:00.001-07:00

How great it is to be a SU! demonstrator and be able to pre order from a select group of new stamp sets that are going to be in the new catalogue. This card uses one of the new 2009 in colours, kiwi kiss, and the new Fresh Cuts stamp set. I CASED my card from two great cards - Beate Johns' card here - she has some of the best cards I have seen with this set, and also Claire Daly's beautiful card here.

Stamp set: Fresh Cuts Ink & Card: Kiwi kiss, chocolate chip and pink passion Other: choc chip grosgrain ribbon, rhinestone fire brads, paper piercer & mat, 3/4" & 1/2"circle punches. Non SU! oval & oval scallop nestabilities dies.

Thanks for looking!

Caroline

Inkspiratons Sketch Challenge #6

2009-03-22T01:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I have 2 posts for this afternoon and both include a new catalogue sneak peek!

This first post is to upload my card for Makeesha's Challenge here. It uses the new fun retro bird & flower stamp set 'Good Friend'. I just love the funky bird & owl designs that are everywhere at the moment - can't wait to get my hands on the new ones in the soon to be here SU! 2009 catalogue.

Here it is!

Stamp sets: Good Friend, Wonderful Favourites Card & Ink: So saffron, kiwi Kiss, pumpkin pie DSP: Pumpkin pie, good morning sunshine Other: Pumpkin pie grosgrain, earth elements button, corner rounder punch. Non SU! Nestabilities circle & scallop circle dies.

I'll be back soon!

Caroline

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #5

2009-03-07T23:09:00.000-08:00

Hello! I've just spent a lovely couple of hours making 2 cards for Makeesha's colour challenge for this week. The colours are the retiring blue bayou and soft sky along with real red and whisper white. A great combination that immediately made me want to get out Ahoy Matey, which is also retiring, although I will hang on to my set for a while as I've got a few years of little boy birthdays ahead of me. Although, I can't wait to see if SU! will be bringing out some cool new boy stuff on 1st April as part of the new sets,to replace the 'hundreds' that are retiring .....by the way, have I mentioned yet that the new catalogue is on it's way!?!

OK, on with the cards....I made 2 as I was having such a nice time and we have some birthdays coming up, so I thought I'd get prepared early for a change!

This is card #1

Card #2

And here they are together:

I also just had a look on Makeesha's blog at the other cards & there is another Ahoy Matey colour challenge card..so lots of ideas...shame it's retiring & in fact sold out already.

Anyway, I used the colours as mentioned above. I also used sanded background stamp, family phrases, It's your birthday (retiring), bold brights buttons (retiring, so I used a few to make the most of them!).

All the best for the week ahead & another week closer to the new catalogue!

Caroline

Kristina's Colour Challenge #44

2009-03-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

I expect there'll be some really beautiful cards with the colours this week as this is such a great colour combination. I've used the retiring set Spring Solitude before it's gone forever!! The SU! retiring products are selling unbelivably quickley this year, so you'll need to be quick if there's something you would like. It looks as if the stamp pads will be increasing in price by a couple of dollars in the new catalogue, so buy before March 31st to get them cheaper!!

Anyway, here's my card for Kristina's challenge this week:

And here's Kristina's inspiration photo:

Thanks for looking!
Have a great weekend!
Caroline

Sketch Challenge #5 Take 2!

2009-02-26T03:20:00.000-08:00

Couldn't resist another go at Makeesha's sketch challenge - I wanted to use colours other than pink, (which I just can't stop using lately!), and wanted to see if I could make something quite different from my first card here.

So, this is take 2:

Unfortunately, the angle of the photo is not great & it was taken at the wrong time of day for the light....but, oh well, it was the best I could manage.....

Stamps: Eastern blooms, short & sweet, linen background (can't see in this photo though) Ink & card: Taken with teal, apricot appeal, groovy guava, certainly celery, bali breeze dsp Other: Fire rhinestone brads, celery grosgrain, paper piercing tool & mat, sponges, nestabilities circle & scallop circle dies (non SU!).

Oooh, not long now until us demos get sneak previews from the new SU! catalogue - SO looking forward to seeing all the new stamps & stuff!

Have a good long WA weekend!

Caroline

Sketch Challenge #5

2009-02-24T22:57:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post of my attempt at Makeesha's Inkspirations challenge for this week, which you can see here. Sketches are such a great way to get started making a card as half of the 'work' is already done for you - so thanks Makeesha!

So here it is:

Stamps: Scribble (doodle) this, Cheer & wishes, polka dot background Ink & card:Rose red, cameo coral, pretty in pink, old olive. Other: dazzling diamonds, fire rhinestone brad, corner rounder, paper piercing tool & mat pack.

Thanks for looking...better go & get dinner organised now...

Caroline

UK Mother's Day

2009-02-22T00:14:00.000-08:00

Fortunately yesterday I was reminded that Mother's Day in England is, in fact, next month. So, unusually for me, I have been able to get organised early and have made this card.

Stamp sets: Boho backgrounds, occasional greetings Ink & card: Purely pomegranate, pretty in pink Other: white taffeta ribbon, fire rhinestones, berry bliss dsp, scallop edge punch, scallop circle punch, photo corners punch. The card layout was CASED from this one by Amy Celona.

Happy Sunday!

Caroline

Inkspirations Sketch challenge #4

2009-01-31T19:45:00.000-08:00

Hi... & a happy HOT Perth day to you!

Just before I hop into the pool I thought I'd post a card I have just finished making for Makeesha's sketch challenge. I love visiting Makeesha's blog, she is a constant source of great ideas & inspiration...almost every day she has something new...amazing!

Anyway here it is...There are some changes I would make but it's all stuck down now & I have to go & cool down, so it will have to do ...

Stamps: Big bold birthday, polka dot background, sending happy thoughts Ink & card: Purely pomegranate, pretty in pink, so saffron, whisper white Other: scallop circle punch, paper piercer/mat, purely pomegranate ribbon, rhinestone brad, dazzling diamonds, 3/4" circle punch, 1 1/4" & 1 3/8" circle punches.

All the best with back to school stuff next week!

Caroline

A CASE of Love!

2009-01-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

The reason I like this card I made today is not really about the card itself but more about making a card for a reason other than a challenge! It needed to be a 10th Wedding Anniversary card and it had to be a suitable design that a husband (ie mine!) would like! I actually CASED the layout from my own card a couple of posts back, so it was quick to create. I liked incorporating the chipboards bits & bobs. I have a whole drawer of all things chipboard & really need to get using it!

Here's the card:

Stamp sets: Define Your Life, Simply Said, Short & Sweet, Polka dot background. Ink & card: Pretty in pink, real red, choc chip, soft sky. Other: red grosgrain ribbon, scallop circle punch, chipboard, paper piercer (non SU!)

Thanks for looking!

Caroline

Diary dress up!

2009-01-18T05:34:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I gave my work diary a Stampin' Up! makeover, and as you can see in this before photo, it sure needed it!!

This is how it looked after the transformation.......Taa Daa......!

I had decided to use the Bali Breeze paper & then saw Jayne Mercer's card for Kristina's challenge this week & just had to CASE her Eastern Blooms flower design. I have also used Office Accoutrement and the chipboard numbers are SU too, coloured with tempting turquoise ink.

My desk at work will be so much brighter now with my 'new' diary on it!

Have a good week!

Caroline

Colour Inspiration #38

2009-01-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to pop up my card for Kristina's latest challenge before I miss the deadline. Have never used these colours together before & I love the way they go together.

Here's my card:

I did stamp the journalling lines from Live Your Dream (in Pretty in Pink) before stamping the sentiment - but as usual I've not been able to get the photo as sharp as I'd like so it can't be seen here. Oh well, that can be one of my goals for this year to update my camera, photography & editing skills! Any tips would be welcome!

Stamp sets: Cheer & Wishes, Live Your Dream Ink: Pretty in Pink (my current favourite!) Ruby red Other: Scallop circle punch (snipped to make petals) Pumpkin pie DSP, pumpkin pie grosgrain ribbon.

This is Kristina's inspiration photo:

Have just seen that Kristina's has over 200 entries!! I don't envy her the task of only choosing a selection.

Well, I have a day of stamping & scrapping planned so hope to be back before too long!

Thanks for visiting!

Caroline

Colour inspiration #37

2009-01-08T23:47:00.000-08:00

Being a new year I'd love to report that I'm raring to go, reinvigorated and enthused. This is not the case in general (perhaps the Perth heat is slowing me down!), except I am happy to say, with stamping & card making where I am enjoying a kind of new start after a Christmas break & in particular am enjoying Kristina's challenges again.

Here is my card for this week (using soft sky in place of baja breeze which hasn't arrived here yet):

Stamp sets: I used petal prints as a challenge to myself & in honour of what was my first favourite SU! stamp set when I joined over 2 years ago, and one that I now never use. I don't expect it to make the new catalogue, so decided to make the most of it in case it goes. The other sets are short & sweet (?? Kristina's writing, which I love) polka dot background and define your life. Card/ink: pumpkin pie, soft sky, chocolate chip, old olive, whisper white. Other: chocolate chip grosgrain, scallop punch, corner rounder punch, earth element buttons, paper piercer & mat pack, scallop circle punch.

And this is Kristina's colour inspiration photo:

Thanks for looking!

Caroline

Kristina's CI #36

2008-12-31T21:04:00.000-08:00

How good is it to start the New Year with a Kristina Colour challenge? The last time I participated was at #26, so I was determined to have a go this time...& what a joy to find that Kristina's inspiration colours were among my favourites!

So here's my first card for 2009 inspired by this card here.

Stamps: Eastern Blooms (current mini catalogue) Wonderful Favourites & Simply said (for the sentiment), linen background Card: Pretty in Pink, rose red, whisper white Ink:Rose red , pretty in pink, old olive, whisper white Other: Rose red DSP, hodgepodge hardware, paper piercer, pretties kit, Stampin' dimensionals

And here's Kristina's Colour Inspriation photo:

Thank you for looking,

Caroline

Cheers For Some Friends

2008-12-31T20:24:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Mum's stamp set gift which she bought & then brought for me from the UK on her recent visit, I was able to make these cards yesterday using the SU Cheers to You stamp set which isn't in our catalogue, but is in the UK (& the US) one. I hope it makes it to our next catalogue in April, as it's a good one for male cards too...

I have a few friends with birthdays in January (who don't mind a glass of wine...!) so with these fitting stamps, I set out to make sure I got their cards made on time this year. They're not card makers (too busy drinking wine I expect!!) so I don't have to worry about them seeing them here first (or for that matter, reading my comment above!!) I made four cards & may remake a couple as I feel more creative today than when I made them yesterday...but thought I'd post them here anyway...besides it might be February by the time I get around to redoing them........

Stamps: Cheers to you, polka dot background

Card and ink: Taken with Teal, Rose red, black stazon, watercolour card

Other: Bali Breeze DSP, dazzling diamonds, tempting turquoise grosgrain ribbon

Be back soon

Caroline

My Favourite Handmade Christmas Card

2008-12-31T19:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

I've finally made it back to my blog! Due to a couple of holidays, overseas visitors and all the usual stuff, I haven't posted anything since November, so I'm on a mission and have three postings planned for today. This first one is this card (inspired by Kristina Werner) made for me by my 'gorgeous' ;) friend & fellow Singstar Superstar (we're on our way!) Cheryl. What a great card AND she made LOADS of them...

Stamp set: Season of Joy Ink: Regal rose, purely pomegranate Card: Soft sky, regal rose, whisper white

Thanks Cheryl!

Caroline

Makeesha's challenge ...and other bits & bobs!

2008-11-09T04:44:00.000-08:00

I have 3 cards for this post. The first one is for Makeesha's challenge here which, this week, is to use the colours of regal rose, certainly celery, chocolate chip and very vanilla. I like this combination! Here's my card: Stamps: Live Your Dream (in the Summer mini catalogue from 1 December!), It's Your Birthday & Polka Dot background. Other: Versamark ink, chocolate chip 5/8" grosgrain, corner rounder punch (soon to be using the scallop edge punch available 1 December too!! Woohoo!) paper piercer

This next card is almost an exact CASE of a card I saw in the Dec 2007 US demonstrators Stampin' Success publication. I really loved the original, particularly the use of alternative Christmas colours & I have a thing for squares at the moment (well it takes all sorts!). I made another very different card using the same very versatile layout for one of Kristina Werner's Colour Inspirations in a previous post here.

Stamps: Season of Joy, Short and Sweet, Polka Dots and Paisley, Snow Flurries. Ink: Versamark, Bashful Blue, Old Olive. Card: Bashful Blue (looks good with Soft Sky too), Real Red, Whisper White, Old Olive. Other: White taffeta ribbon, white embossing powder, small star punch, bashful blue button.

And finally another Christmas card I made today, inspired by a Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge SC74 that I've had tucked away for ages. It's a double fold card, that may or may not be the correct name!...but you can always check on Splitcoast. My card differs from the sketch in that I have used circles for the front panel design where the original had a square. Just quietly(!)...I have used nestabilities for the circles, but other circle templates would work well and you can use the Stampin' Up! corner rounder punch to create a great scalloped edge as I have in this post here and here. The part of this card that is CASED is Marelle's Christmas collage design here. I have only used in colours for this as I want to make the most of them before they are gone forever at the end of March next year! Here's the card:

Stamps: Season of Joy. Ink: River Rock, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate. Card: As for ink plus Whisper White. Other: Holiday harmony DSP, dazzling diamonds, dimensionals.

Whew finally!... if my computer & blogger were quicker I would have finished this post over half an hour ago & would have had another close up pic, but it just wasn't happening!

Have a good week!

Caroline

Sketch Challenge by Makeesha

2008-11-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

I expect you already have, but if not and you are looking for an abundance of creativity check out Makeesha's blog where she always seems to be 'bursting' with great cards and ideas.

Anyway, she also sets weekly challenges and this week I have played along and had fun in the process! You can see her sketch challenge here. In fact it is such a versatile LO that I made two cards and have ideas for lots more...!

Stamp sets: Ahoy Matey, It's Your Birthday. Card: bashful blue, pumpkin pie, whisper white. Paper: Jersey shore DSP. Ink: Brilliant blue, black. Other: Bold brights brads, cutter kit, 1 1/4" circle punch.

And this is my other card:

Stamp sets: Voila!, Happy Everything. Card: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, More Mustard. Ink: Black stazon, real red, going grey, more mustard, tempting turquoise, wild wasabi. Paper: East Coast Prep. Other: Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, bold brights brads, wide oval punch, aquapainter.

Thanks for the inspiration Makeesha!

Caroline

Little Christmas gift box

2008-11-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

This is the gift box I made whilst on a roll making my gift bags in the previous post. It was a bonus project on UStamp. However, you can see the video, get full instructions & the template from Alisa as it was her creation. These would make a sweet Christmas table/place setting gift.

Stamp sets: Season of Joy and short & sweet.
Card: Purely pomegranate. Paper: Holiday Harmony DSP Ribbon: River rock double stitched. Ink: Purely pomegranate, chocolate chip

Back soon!

Caroline

Gift bags & boxes galore!

2008-10-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

I've got a thing for gift bags & boxes at the moment, although I'm sure I spend more time admiring them on other people's blogs & collecting templates than actually making them myself! Not good!.... However, I have joined UStamp & have found a particular gift bag that is soooo easy to make & can be so easily adapted for any occasion that my production line has been running hot!! You can find out more about this and many other projects by joining UStamp.

For the first gift bag I have used berry bliss DSP, coordinated with pretty in pink & close to cocoa cardstock and ink. The grosgrain ribbon is the 5/8" chocolate chip. I loved using my crop-a-dile to punch & set the jumbo eyelets.....so so so easy..a real joy to use!!! The stamp set is big bold birthday embellished with dazzling diamonds (you'll have to take my word for it!)

Below is another of the gift bags I have made for Christmas using the holiday harmony DSP...(be sure to stock up on this before it is no longer available when the Spring mini catalogue finishes at the end of November). The stamp set is Season of Joy and the ribbon is satin Purely Pomegranate (both also in the mini catalogue!)

I will post my other gift box creation tomorrow,

Thanks for looking!

Caroline

Regionals swap card

2008-10-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

Despite the Perth SU regional being held ages ago, I have been intending to post the swap card I made since then! I got some great ideas from some of the swaps I received. I only made 20 cards and of course wished I had made more once I was there..... must plan to make more to swap next time!

I used the Always set from the current mini, only available until the end of November & the colours are blue bayou, soft sky & pumpkin pie (card & DSP).

And that's all for now!

Caroline

Kristina's Colour Inspiration #26

2008-10-17T00:36:00.001-07:00

Back again with another card inspired by Kristina's Colour Inspiration. I've used the Big Bold Birthday set which is still on special at 20% OFF (after purchasing $20.00 worth of products)until the end of this month. The colours for this challenge look great together, particularly against the white. Anyway... here's my card:

And here is the Colour Inspiration design:Thanks for looking!

Caroline

Wild about Kristina's colour challenges!...#25

2008-10-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Hold everything....time for another of Kristina's colour inspiration challenges! I CASED this layout from a wonderful Christmas card I saw on the cover of the US demonstrators' Stampin' Success magazine for December 2007. I made an almost copy of the Christmas card itself, which I will post later and loved the layout so much decided to use it again!

Stamps: Wild About you, linen background

Ink: Ballet blue, so saffron, ruby red, certainly celery

Card: Ballet blue, so saffron, ruby red, certainly celery

Accessories: celery wide grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals, ruby red button

Here's Kristina's inspiration design:Cheers!

Caroline

20th Birthday Celebration!

2008-10-06T00:50:00.000-07:00

Spend $20 on regular catalogue merchandise and qualify to purchase any of the following preselected birthday/celebration stamp sets at a fabulous 20 percent off! for the month of October.
Big Bold Birthday pg 38
Regular price $53.95
20% off $43.16
Pretty Princess pg 51
Regular price $45.95
20% off $36.76
Birthday Best pg 55
Regular price $25.95
20% off $20.76
Crab & Company pg 118
Regular price $52.95
20% off $42.36
Short & Sweet pg 118
Regular price $29.95
20% off $23.96

Also, place an order from 4 - 11th October for any of the Simply Sent kits on pages 12 - 14 and get 20% off those too!! Woohoo!

And...here's a card I've made from the Big Bold Birthday set on special this month:

If you would like to place an order, please email me on ccaroline@y7mail.com and I will get your order posted to you anywhere in Australia.

Happy Birthday Stampin' Up!

Caroline

Kristina's Inspiration #24.....and a sneak peek!

2008-10-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post for Kristina's Colour Inspiration challenge #24.
Kristina's Inspiration comes from this design:
I've substituted old olive for kiwi kiss which we don't have over here yet - lovely colours together & probably the colours I most use. The stamps are a set called Live Your Dream and are sneak peek of what's coming up in our next mini catalogue. This was our free set from this year's regionals - I like it very much! Once again I've created the scalloped edge using the corner rounder punch - so versatile!
Must dash - school hols here, so lots of lively little people to get out of the house!!
Caroline

Happy Birthday Little Miss One!

2008-09-28T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a card I made recently using the 'All in the Family' set & the coordinating sentiment set 'Family Phrases'. The edge of the regal rose cardstock has been scalloped using none other than the humble corner rounder punch - very simple to do! The number One is from the 'Lots of Letters' chipboard pieces & I've used dazzling diamonds & the white gel pen to finish off.

Hope everyone in WA is enjoying their long w/e!
Cheers!
Caroline

Sam's Colour Challenge

2008-09-21T06:44:00.000-07:00

I needed to make a birthday card today, so decided to use Sam's challenge for the colour inspiration & challenged myself to use the Time Well Spent set which has been gathering dust on my shelf! I have to admit I found it difficult getting it all to work & nearly gave up, but eventually stuck to a very simple design & well, here it is!
Stamp sets: Time well spent, It's your Birthday, paisley background (on the plum cardstock - difficult to see in this pic) Cardstock: Textured soft sky, pretty in pink, perfect plum. Ink: Perfect plum, rose red, soft sky. Other: corner rounder punch, paper piercer, pretties kit, white taffeta ribbon.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Sam creates as she makes beautiful cards!

Have a good week!
Caroline

K Werner Inspiration #21

2008-09-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

I missed Kristina's last challenge but couldn't resist getting back on board for this one! I used the substitute colours of tempting turquoise and old olive as we don't yet have the new US 'in colours'. Altogether a striking combination against the white.

So, here's mine using the Always set:

and here's Kristina's Inspiration photo:

Cheers!

Caroline

Oh, Christmas Tree!

2008-09-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a card I prepared for 'Christmas in July'. It's a card with a difference in that it can be sent flat & then simply assembled to stand up making it easy to display. The template is from a handmade card I received last year from a male friend & the design is CASED from the US Fall/Winter catalogue last year.

Above is the back of the card with space to write a message. The sentiment is from the occasional greetings set, the other set used is snow flurries. For the front of the card, I stamped in versamark, clear embossed & punched out the snowflakes with the 3/4" circle punch.
Cheers!
Caroline

Thank You card

2008-08-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I'd just like to share a lovely card I've just received from a customer - it made my week! You do meet the loveliest people in this 'job'!

She has used the butterfly from the Priceless set and distressed the edge using the distressing tool from her cutter kit (the card maker's Swiss army knife!)

And in beautiful spring colours too!

Thanks Kerri!

Caroline

Kristina's Colour Inspiration #19

2008-08-22T05:23:00.000-07:00

Kristina's back with another challenge!!! The colours are black, basic gray, white, plus a hint of a colour of your choice. I would love to have used the new US kiwi kiss or the tangerine tango as my colour...but alas we don't have them here yet! And to be fair I do love the current in colours too....

Anyway, I went with regal rose, dusted off my office accoutrement set, used the paisley background for the 'kissing technique' on the large flower, used black stazon, versamark (for paisley background - not clear in pic!) and regal rose ink. I distressed some edges with my cutter kit and added a few dabs of crystal effects....& here it is!

Here's a close up to try & show the crystal effects and the kissing technique with the paisley stamp:

And here's Kristina's inspiration photo:

Have a wonderful weekend!

Caroline

Cute Card Bag

2008-08-17T01:28:00.000-07:00

Hey!

I had fun making Nicole Stalker's "Cute Little Card Bag". I gave the instructions alot of thought before ploughing into it!! I can be quite instructionally challenged at times!! I'm much better at having the finished 3D project in front of me & working it out that way. Anyway - I couldn't help but smile when it all came together as planned on my first attempt!!! So thanks to Nikki for a great tutorial!

I used the Holiday Harmony paper from the new Spring/Summer mini catalogue, beautiful paper for all year round not just for Christmas! The stamps are from Carte Postale. I've used the scallop & circle punches & the delicious (!) purely pomegranate satin ribbon also from the Spring/Summer mini & the rhinestones from the pretties kit.

And this is the view from the side showing how I attached the ribbon. I doubled the ribbon over & punched a hole with the hand held 1/16" circle punch which went through the ribbon easily so I could pop the brad through.

And now to make some cards to fill it!

Caroline

Card gift wallet

2008-08-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I have several people to credit for this card wallet I have made. The first one is the blog where I originally got the template when I made one for a gift last Christmas - I can't remember where, but will have a look around & link to this later. I have to thank Carol who gave me a look at the template and card holder she made at a class recently, which inspired me to make another one. I also loved Sara Klass' card compendium which inspired me to make one as a hostess gift too. Using brocade background DSP (designer series paper) with the Oh, So Lovely set & groovy guava ink comes from a card tutorial from Claire Daly. I made 2 cards to go in the wallet, as you can see in the following photos and matching envelopes which you can't see in the photos! It is a great project to try & I can't wait to get stuck in to making more as gifts soon!Here's the first card: And here's the 2nd! And this is the inside, but without the envelopes:
The other stamp sets used for the greetings are Simply Said and Sincere Salutations. I used chocolate chip, old olive & groovy guava ink.
I'll be back tomorrow with a Christmas card with a twist and am going to try making a card box from the tutorial on Nikki Stalker's blog here.
Cheers!
Caroline