Procrastination Thoughts

While I was procrastinating today about finishing my assignment (which is now handed in - yay!!) I was thinking about how much I LOVE Makeesha's colour challenge combo of Elegant Eggplant, Pretty in Pink and Soft Sky. In the course of my thoughts I realised that I had used a similar colour combo earlier this year to make calendars for the family and thought I had to share it with you - Elegant Eggplant, Pixie Pink (of course it has to be for Luana!!) and Tempting Turquoise (well, the Petals and Paisley DSP).

This was only the second ever scrapbook project I had finished (I'm still yet to replicate it for myself though) and I was quite proud of it. I fell in love with the colours so much, that they are what I have used for all my SU! folders too! Who thought Elegant Eggplant could look so cool!?

20% Off Selected Stamp Sets & Makeesha's Colour Challenge

I just had to post this card I just made straight away because I am SO happy with how it turned out!! Also, it happens to serve 3 (yes, three!!) purposes - it will be sent to a beautiful little girl who is turning 1 next week, it was inspired by Makeesha's latest colour challenge and it uses one of the stamp sets in the current Stampin' Up! Birthday promotion. Apologies for the not so flash (...sorry!) photo, but fluoro light just doesn't quite cut it....

Makeesha's colour challenge was to use Elegant Eggplant, Pretty in Pink and Soft Sky and I adore this colour combo!!! Thanks Makeesha! I thought it would be just perfect for Miss Holly's birthday card too. As a bonus, Pretty Princess is one of the stamp sets available for 20% off with a $20 regular range order this month. If you would like to see some other examples of this set in action, check out my previous post for Luana's birthday.

• Stamps: Pretty Princess
• Card: Pretty in Pink, Sofy Sky, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
• Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Soft Sky, Pretty in Pink, and just a touch of Certainly Celery
• Other: Scallop Circle Punch, Soft Sky Double Stitched Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, Blender Pens, Sponge

Other stamps in the 20% off promotion are:

• Big Bold Birthday (pg 37)
• Birthday Best (pg 51)
• Crab & Company (pg 55)
• Short & Sweet (pg 118)

Also, all Simply Sent kits (pgs 12-14) are 20% off from 4-11 Oct. These are fabulous Christmas presents!

If you would like more information, or are interested in taking advantage of these fabulous offers, please e-mail me.

Lucy & Luana in Darwin

One of our recent trips to Darwin was to catch up with some friends of ours visiting from Melbourne. Paul hadn't ever met their daughter, and the girls were so little last time they saw each other, I'm sure they had no idea who the other was! Anyway, we had a great time together, especially at Leanyer Water Park. As we have a waterproof camera, we took a heap of photos (being from Melbourne, Lucy hasn't had many opportunities to swim outdoors!) and instead of just sending down a boring CD of the photos, I thought I'd make a Squash book of the day (from SCS) and make a CD cover for the disc (thanks Makeesha for your pattern - it was exactly what I've been searching for!).

The CD cover

The cover of the Squash Book

The Squash Book opened

I used the retired Party Pieces Simply Scrappin' set as I thought the circles were perfect for the water scenes and all the colours were pulled from the paper. I'm really happy with how these turned out (getting a bit more practice with the scrapbooking now!) and really hope our friends like them too. Knowing our postal service, I'm sure they'll get them in the next week.... or 2!

Mel's Farewell Demo Night

For those of you who read Mel's blog, you know she is about to embark on a new chapter in her life, so I organised a last get together for the demos in our area to have a bit of fun and say seeya (because hopefully we'll catch up at convention next year). We had a great night, and did not realise it was so late - the true sign of good company and a good night!

Here are the cards I made especially for the night:


I made this one just because I wanted to use the scallop circle punch with the large 'flower' from In the Spotlight (inspired by 2 entries in Mel's punch challenge -Karen and Leah (I think, sorry if I have it wrong), I really like the double panel look I've been seeing a lot lately (sorry, too many people to credit here) and I wanted to use colours I really haven't used much, but it actually ended up looking a bit Christmassy. I was quite happy with the effect, but Paul really doesn't like Cameo Coral... It's a bit hard to tell, but the 'flower' has been stamped on the bottom layer in Cameo Coral too, and the top 'flower' with petals has been layered off-center to it. Dimensionals also lift the diamond off the card.

Stamps: In the Spotlight (Level 2 Hostess Set)

Card: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Whisper White

Ink: Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Old Olive

Other: Scallop Circle punch, Pretties Kit (rhinestone brad; thanks Kylie!!)

I made this card in response to Nerine's request to learn how to make the shirt - it really is so cute!! I ended up googling 'origami shirt' for printable instructions and found this link to have the clearest: http://members.tripod.com/cecilia_liu/shirt.htm although there are a few out there (including videos, but I am on dial up still...) and I know some blogs also have links. We used a 4" x 6" paper (more similar to the 1 dollar bill instructions I guess), and folded down the top approx 1cm/1/2" in Step 3. This card I photographed was actually my second attempt this time - I must have had beginners luck when I made the first one with Helene!! Can't really use this for Paul's birthday now as he's seen it though....

Stamps: Sanded, A Little Birthday Cheer

Card: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Sahara Sand

Ink: Versamark, Really Rust

Other: Spring Showers DSP (even though it's not in the current catalogue, it can be ordered)

My week as a lady of leisure has ended :-( and I am helping out at Paul's work this week, and start a new job the next - yay!! I also have a 300 word assignment due (which I've already requested an extension on), so I am not sure how much I'll be getting on here in the next few weeks. I still have a few things up my sleeve (including a Squash Book I did this week!!) so I'll see what I can work out!!

Good luck Mel! We'll miss you!!!

Stamping with Helene

Now that my very good friend Helene has moved, we don't get together regularly on Saturday nights for card making/scrap booking/catching up. We both really miss it, so last time we visited them, Helene and I blocked out the Saturday night, let the boys do their thing and after the kids were in bed, fell back into old form!!

Hopefully I'll have the scrapbook pages I started finished soon, but I was really happy with the cards I made.

Two of my wonderful downline were recently promoted to Senior Associate, so I thought this cute little fellow may be just the thing to say well done!! Very simple.

Stamp: Celebrate Everyday

Card: Taken with Teal, Chocolate Chip, River Rock, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal, River Rock, Close to Cocoa, Summer Sun (for the beak)

Other: Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Blender Pen

The main reason we were visiting was for Volkan's birthday, so I thought I had better make him a card. You all know the difficulty I have making masculine cards, but the more I look at this one, the more I like it (apologies for the dodgy photo).

Stamps: Eat Cake, Seeing Spots

Card: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Other: Apple Cider DSP, Wild Wasabi Double Stitched Ribbon, Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware

Thanks for a great night Helene! Miss you heaps xxx

Blog Hopping

As I am now a lady of leisure (for a week - we thought it would be a lot longer!!) I have been doing some blog hopping today - what better way to kill a bit of time while the washing is on?!
I came across a gorgeous blog by Beth, and bonus, she has blog candy on offer too.
Anyway, Beth has some VERY sweet cards featured on her blog, so check it out - www.mylittlecardblog.blogspot.com

Paper Piercing

Wow! 2 posts in 2 days! But, I am a lady of leisure this week, so lots of card making and scrap booking is planned - especially as I received my latest order this morning. Yay!!

My card list has reduced a lot, but there is always someone in my life celebrating a birthday, or another occasion happening that warrants a card. This morning I finished this card for my friend, and it just so happens it meet the requirements for Mel's latest paper piercing challenge.

This is a Joy fold card that Karen introduced me too, and I found the instructions on SCS. Very easy, VERY effective. I keep forgetting that the Spring Showers DSP is current stock as it's not in the catalogue, but it is such versatile paper. I got to try out my new paper snips (fabulous!!). I think the paper piercing is just a bit cute, and it's a bit hard to see in the photo, but I have also sponged behind the central flower.

Stamps: Bud Basics, True Friend

Card: Sahara Sand, Barely Banana

Ink: Bashful Blue, Barely Banana

Other: Spring Showers DSP, Hodgepodge Hardware Antique Brass

Must go and get this posted now!!

Double Whammy

This weekend we celebrated Luana's best little buddy's 2nd birthday and Christening. I knew the stamp set I wanted to use for his birthday card ages ago; pity it didn't have any trains in it though as he is train MAD at the moment. The Christening card posed a bit of a challenge as my husband is not religious, plus I really don't have any 'suitable' stamps, but I managed to pull it off I think.

Here they are - I think it's pretty clear which one is which!!

This By Land stamp set is SO cute and I can see it getting a lot of use - particularly the tractor for Dad. My tearing of the hills is a bit much to be desired this time, but I think the sponged clouds just finish it off. Of course the card was cast aside and the presents received all the attention!!

Stamp Sets: By Land, All Year Cheer II (retired)

Ink: Brilliant Blue, Basic Black, Basic Grey, Whisper White

Card: Bashful Blue, Basic Black, Whisper White, Green Galore, Gable Green, Yoyo Yellow

Other: Bold Brights Stampin' Write Markers, White Gel Pen, sponge

Once again, Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel to the rescue. I LOVE this wheel!! and I think the embossing and metallic adds the 'special' touch required for a Christening card, and the In Colours work so well together.

Stamp: Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel

Ink: Versamark

Card: Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Brushed Silver, Whisper White

Other: Silver embossing powder

A great day was had by all and my friend Kylie and her Mum made the most amazing cake to celebrate!!

Thanks for a fabulous day!!

It's Tayla's Turn

Finally, I have completed the last of this current run of baby cards. We finally met darling little Tayla on the weekend and Luana even cuddled her (with some help from Mum of course!). This is her card; I almost forgot to photograph it before we gave it to her!


I tried paper piecing on this one and was quite happy with the effect. The photo doesn't show it real well, but I also tried my hand at a bit of doodling on the inside of the punched circle - I just thought it needed 'something' in addition to the sponging. I think this ended up being a very sweet card for a VERY sweet little girl. It's hard to believe Luana was that small 2 years ago!

Stamps: Celebrate Everyday, Defining Alphabet

Card: Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac, Pretty in Pink

Other: Round Tab Punch (for circle), slit punch, crop-o-dile, Certainly Celery Prints DSP, Almost Amethyst Prints DSP (retired), Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon, Pretty in Pink Stampin' Write marker, Stampin' Pastels

Father's Day is around the corner

Father's Day is one of those events that always seems to creep up on me. I tried to keep on the ball this year, but still only managed to send my cards down South today. Dad and Grandad aren't very computer savvy, so I can post these with confidence.

My last trip to Darwin, my friend Helene (who, incidentally, needs a blog!) introduced me to these cute origami shirts. I am sure I saw a tutorial at one stage on Splitcoast, but couldn't for the life of me find it when we went looking for it, and I'm sorry but I can't remember the author of the blog she found the instructions on. We whipped up one each (Helene far quicker than me!) and have used them for our Father's Day cards. This one is for my Dad.

Stamp: All Year Cheer II (retired), Seeing Spots

Card: Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive

Other: So Saffron Prints DSP (retired), unknown buttons

I adore my Grandad and always try to do something just a bit special when I make cards for him. I'm not actually sure if he likes horses, but he used to work for RM Williams so I'm sure there's some connection there. I used the cracked glass technique for the main image (which hasn't come up brilliantly on the photo). This was my favourite of the cards I made for this year.

Stamps: All Year Cheer II (retired), Bareback

Card: Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Really Rust, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Versamark

Other: Apple Cider DSP, UTEE, Clear embossing powder

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!

Celebrate!

Welcome to Spring! Even though up here we really only have two seasons and it's been heating up for well over a week now... Bring on the rains I say!

As usual, life has been full on for our house hold, but I have been finding time for some card making. I think I've almost caught up in my list; but Christmas is around the corner...

Here are a couple of cards I made for friends using stamps from the current Mini Catalogue

I wanted to try this square spring card for my friend Danielle's 30th because she is so incredibly talented at anything she turns her hand to (cakes (making and decorating), papercraft, triathlons, anything really; sounds like another friend of mine - Karen!)and I wanted to try and impress her!! I think I downloaded the tutorial for this card from Splitcoast Stampers. I was quite chuffed with the end result and think it suits Danielle's style!

Stamp: Celebrate Everyday

Card: Taken with Teal, Rose Red, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal, Rose Red, Close to Cocoa, Yoyo Yellow

Other: Loves Me DSP (retired), blender pens

I've been looking for an excuse to use the very cute Tart & Tangy stamps, and found it when I remembered my friends birthday coming up very soon. We haven't seen each other since early Jan 1996 and have recently made contact again via Facebook (love it for keeping in touch!!). I thought she would like this, so it's going across the oceans to Spain! I think I need to look for some Spanish stamps now.

Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Celebrate Everyday

Card: Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow, Pixie Pink, Lovely Lilac

Ink: Lovely Lilac

Other: Bold Brights Stampin' Write Markers, 1 1/4" round punch

Happy Birthday to you both!

Everything Happens in 3s

It was a little while ago now, but 3 very special people in my life had birthdays in 2 days at the end of July. Just another opportunity to make more cards!!

The funky fold of this card was inspired by Hannah Butcher's card in Australian Cardmaking, Stamping & Papercraft Vol 13 No 11.

Stamps: Time Well Spent, Eat Cake, Priceless

Card: Taken with Teal, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Taken with Teal

Other: Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, Petals & Paisleys DSP, Soft Subtles Stampin' Write Markers

Stamps: It's Beautiful Jumbo Wheel, Classic Backgrounds

Card: Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Glossy White

Ink: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Regal Rose

Other: Simon On Board Lower Chipboard, Clear embossing powder, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware

This card I made for one of Mel's colour challenges, and thought it would suit Dave too - love it when you can kill 2 birds with 1 stone!

Stamps: Eat Cake, Big Deal Alphabet

Card: Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow, Whisper White

Ink: Brilliant Blue, Green Galore

Better late than never posting these!! Have a great day!

Another Colour Challenge from Mel

Mel has set another colour challenge, and for once I'm not e-mailing my entry to her at the last, last minute. She used a frangipani photo as inspiration and challenged all to use the colours Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Pretty in Pink and Apricot Appeal, with either Whisper White or Very Vanilla. I received the lovely Infinite Goodness Level 2 hostess set in my order that arrived while I was in Darwin, so thought this would be a good excuse to use it. This is what I came up with:

Stamps: Infinite Goodness

Card: Garden Green, Chocolate Chip, Apricot Appeal, Very Vanilla

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green

Other: Stampin' Pastels, Chocolate Chip 3/8" wide grosgrain ribbon

I look forward to see what everyone else has come up with too.

I think I'm a bit spoiled!

Yesterday, I hopped in the car after work to be greeted by a parcel (as well as my husband, beautiful girl, Mum and Dad!). What a surprise!! And made even better was that it was from my friend and upline Karen! For those of you who read her blog, you may recall I was lucky enough to have my number picked out first for her blog candy a couple of weeks ago. For those of you who don't read it - you MUST! Check it out here.

So, this is the gorgeous bundle I received - I was absolutely chuffed! Thanks Kaz!! You have inspired me so much yet again!!

Where have the past 2 years gone?

One event that has contributed to my not posting for a while was my beautiful little girl's second birthday. I have no idea where the past 2 years have gone and am constantly amazed by what she can do and how quickly she picks things up. Last year, I chickened out and only made the invites for her birthday party and bought a card, but this year I made a 'suite' that I am quite proud of. However, due to me not being organised enough and Paul and I only deciding 2 days before her birthday what exactly to do, only family received an invite.

If you would like the details of these projects, please leave a comment or send me an e-mail.

Last but not least, as a dietitian, I cannot in good conscience send cake to childcare to celebrate Luana's special day, so here's the fruit platter I made this year - not really at all like I imagined (considering the supermarket did not have any yellow pears or honey dew, and I had a starfruit floating around in the fridge), but still pretty cool!! All the fruit was eaten (or at least tried in the case of the starfruit), so take that as a thumbs up from the kids!