Kate's Krafts

Happy Birthday Emma

2012-02-14T10:49:00.001Z

Today, as well as being Valentines Day, it's the 30th birthday of my niece (who is also my God-daughter) Emma.
We will be spending the day with her and having a meal out together tonight with the family.
I decided that I would do this card (again) - thanks Sharon!! - as I just love it in these colours. Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Chocolate Chip.
Have a great day Emma!!
xxx

Vintage Vogue

2012-02-13T10:53:00.004Z

Here's a card that I made at Chris's (sis-in-law) a few weeks ago when she was demonstrating SU products to a potential new customer who likes the distressed, vintage style card.
So we made this card that Chris designed, using the Vintage Vogue stampset with Pink Pirouette, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla CS. Tiny Tags were stamped and punched, then fastened on the card with linen thread, which sadly is no longer available - what will I use when this runs out? The flowers were inked using the rock n roll technique and brads were used for the flower centres. Beau Chateau DSP complements the colour combo perfectly.

Another Cupcake card

2012-02-12T10:58:00.000Z

This is a somewhat simpler cupcake card that was made (once again cased from my SU mummy Julie - see her blog here) which my lovely crafting ladies loved making once again.
You can see the large 2.3/8" scallop circle has been used here - isn't it a really useful size.

My friend

2012-02-11T11:05:00.001Z

I have a confession to make.
Chris, our new friend Lyn and I, each made a card using the hello sentiment from the My Friend stampset along with the Charming stamp set last Friday.
I was going to post the card that I made , but I noticed that I had smudged my butterfly - so until I get the chance to redo it, you will just have to look at Chris's. (If you are a Facebook fan you may have seen Lyn's already as she really loved it.)
It was cased from the internet, but I am not sure whose blog it came from - if it's yours, please let me know so that I can credit you with it's design.

A pyramid of Cupcakes

2012-02-10T10:50:00.001Z

Hi everyone - today its quite self explanatory. After seeing Julie's pyramid of cupcakes on her blog here - I had to case it for myself. Yummy!!

Happy Birthday Gemma

2012-02-09T10:36:00.003Z

Today is the birthday of Gemma, who, up to last month, was part of our Julies' Jems Team. So just to let her know that we haven't forgotten her, I made her this card. I used a colour combo of Calypso Coral and Very Vanilla teamed up with the fabulous (and free) Sale-a-bration DSP. I cut out Gemma's name using the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Dies and the sentiment is from Sincere Salutations, punched with the Oval Punch and layered onto a punched Calypso Coral Decorative Label. Two faux ribbons were punched in Calypso Coral using the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, and finishing touches of Basic Pearls.
Have a great day Gemma!

Sympathy Cards

2012-02-08T11:19:00.000Z

Last week my cousin died, at the age of 57. He has two younger brothers and his mum is still with us, so I wanted to make them each a sympathy card to let them know that we are thinking of them at this very sad time.
I know that none of us enjoy making sympathy cards, but the stamp-set which I turn to when I have to do them is Hopeful Thoughts.
I decided to keep the cards very plain and just ink-dusted the circles using an acetate template that I made, then I stamped the tree and sentiment in the same colour. The colours that I used were Bravo Burgundy, Night of Navy and Basic Black ( the Black was ink-dusted on Basic Grey).
I highlighted the centre of the flowers with the White uni-ball Signo Gel Pen.

Diamond Crimped Background

2012-02-07T10:16:00.000Z

I was speaking to my new found friend Lyn on the phone last night and she sent me a link to a tutorial showing you how to make a diamond shaped crimped background for a card - then dared me to make a card and blog it today - so here it is!!!
Yes Lyn - when you hung up, I watched the video and set about having a go at it. It didn't take long, and it's by no means perfect, but I do like it.
As you can see - and you must be getting bored with it by now - yawn- I used my new found favourite rose stamp from You are Loved for the diamond shaped panel in the middle.
Colour Combo is really Red, Very vanilla and Basic Black.
Can't wait to have another go at this one!! Perhaps using a different stamp next time?
What do you think Lyn?

the link to the tutorial is here

Playing with Vellum

2012-02-06T12:07:00.004Z

The biggest problem of using vellum when card-making is fixing the vellum to the card.
The problem that I had with this one, was that I wanted clean lines, so on one side of the card there was no way of disguising any adhesive.
The solution in this case was to use brads to fasten the bottom right hand corner of the scallop circle to the card.
The card stock was Pink Pirouette, the vellum was cut using the Scallop Circle die which was then stamped in Versamark and embossed with white EP using the rose from the (by now current favourite) You are Loved stamp-set.
Flowers are cut in vellum using the Bigz L die Fun Flowers, with an Itty Bitty punched flower and a white brad in the centre.
(This is how all the flowers were attached to the card - thus fastening the vellum securely to the card without any adhesive, which would show through the white vellum.)

You may have to zoom in on this photo to see the detail.

When is a cupcake not a cupcake?

2012-02-05T13:42:00.004Z

When it's a handbag of course!!
Here's the fabulous handbag card that we made at our All Day Training Event in January with Julie.
Can you spot where the cupcake is?
I am sure that you don't need the recipe for this but just in case.....
Colour Combo Real Red, Basic Black and Whisper White, with just a touch of Red Glimmer Paper and a few Rhinestones. The Create a cupcake stampset and the Build a Cupcake, Extra Large Oval, 1/2" and 3/4" Circle and Decorative Label punches - and last but not least the Vintage Wallpaper Textured Expressions Embossing Folder.
Mmmmmm - good enough to eat (appropriately!).

If you'd like to make this card but don't have any of the items needed - just get in touch with me and I'll be pleased to order them for you - or why not host a workshop and get the items free!! Email or give me a call - whichever you like.

Flutterby Butterfly

2012-02-04T11:57:00.010Z

Chris (sis-in-law) came over yesterday for our weekly crafting get-together and we made 3 projects which I will show you over the next few days.
My favourite was this little butterfly, which was inspired by one that I saw on my SU Mummy Julie's blog

The butterflies are cut using the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die (which is exclusive to Stampin Up) and we ran them through the Elegant Bouquet Textured impressions Embossing folder (another SU exclusive).
Basic Pearls were used for the head and thorax and flower stamens were used as antennae.
I am very pleased with the results.

This is my butterfly

(I have entered this in the Cards Galore Butterflies challenge
http://cards--galore.blogspot.com/2012/02/cards-galore-february-challenge.html)

This was Christine's butterfly

Chris has posted on her blog today - the first time for a long time - maybe you could pop along and visit her blog here
and leave an encouraging comment - she's posted 4 cards that she has made recently.

You are loved again!

2012-02-03T10:31:00.002Z

This is a stampset that I wasn't sure about, but I find myself using it more and more. (Don't laugh but I have just had to go back on that sentence and put in all the "i"s, as there was a crumb stuck under the key so even though I was typing all the "i"s, there wasn't a single one there!!! (must make a mental note not to eat toast when using laptop!!)
One of my Thursday Craft Class ladies, Jan, liked the monocrome card that I made earlier in the week, but thought it was rather funereal, and wanted to try it out in bright cheerful colours. She used the markers to ink the roses with, in Old Olive and Real Red on Whisper White. This was then stuck onto a panel of Old Olive edged with the Scallop Trim Border Punch, then stuck onto a base card of Whisper White.
Result - beautiful! Well done Jan! Fancy becoming a demonstrator??

Retirement card

2012-02-02T11:17:00.005Z

My Aunty retired this week, but I have only just got around to making her a retirement card, so as it's now in the hands of the Royal mail, I can safely post it on my blog.
Once again a very clean and simple card - uses Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede and Chocolate Chip CS. The Lace Ribbon Border punch is used to make the ribbon and 1" circles are punched out of the contrasting CS. Blinged up with basic pearl and the Congratulations sentiment stamped in Chocolate Chip - a computer generated On your Retirement was printed directly onto the base card.
I am sure that Noreen will love it.

I have cased this from a birthday card that I received last year from fellow Jem - Sharon see Sharon's blog here

Lisa's birthday card

2012-02-01T10:28:00.000Z

Tomorrow is my friend Lisa's birthday - I can safely post this today as she hasn't time at the moment to blog watch!
This card uses Basic Black and Whisper White cardstock, Whisper White Craft ink and Basic Black ink, white embossing powder, You are loved stampset and the sentiment is from Sincere Salutations. Just perfect Alphabet stampset used for the rest of Lisa's name - the "L" was cut out of Whisper White and then I used the Love Blossoms wheel to decorate it.
As you will have noticed from recent posts - I am back in my monochrome mood!!

More Designer Frames cards

2012-01-31T11:48:00.002Z

I have to confess that the two Designer Frames embossing folders have made making my January thank you cards so much easier. The hardest part of course is coming up with the idea, but once you've got that sussed, you just keep on making.
Here are two more.

You are loved

2012-01-30T12:19:00.002Z

Here's a clean and simple card using just Very Vanilla and Basic Black CS and the You Are Loved stamp set plus the Scallop Trim Border Punch.
I do love monochrome!!

More Spice Cake and SAB

2012-01-29T16:17:00.003Z

Sorry to bore you with even more SAB and Spice cake DSP, but it's just so easy to carry on using these great papers once you come up with a design, so here's a couple more.

My Friend again

2012-01-28T10:03:00.000Z

I have seen a couple of different versions of this card -
one on Monica's blog
and one on Jo Dumbleton's blog
This is my version.
Basic Grey Cardstock inked with Basic Grey.
Drops coloured
a) with Versamark pen and then heat embossed with White Embossing Powder
b)with Stampin' Write Journalling pen , then a drop of Crystal effects on top
c)with 2 way Glue pen and Silver Fine Galaxy Glitter on top
d) with White Uni-Ball Signo gel Pen
Basic Rhinestones embellish the sentiment.

Sale-a-bration Thank you

2012-01-27T14:46:00.004Z

Here is another of my thank you cards, this time using the SAB DSP in the Designer Frame with a Calypso Coral background, Very Vanilla Frame and dotted scallop ribbon border, and a Calypso Coral spiral flower, leaves punched in Lucky Limeade, sentiment from Just believe.

Spice Cake flowers

2012-01-26T09:43:00.006Z

I make no apologies for using the fabulous Spice Cake DSP once again.

My crafting ladies wanted to make the Smiley Face Flowers card again, so whilst they made this one that I have posted before, I made the one above using Spice Cake DSP instead.

Spice Cake Thankyou

2012-01-25T17:37:00.004Z

I have started making my thank-you cards for my January customers.
Here's the first one - I have used Early Espresso in the Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Set, then cut around it. I then cut a piece of Spice Cake DSP to fit inside the frame. Itty Bitty Blossoms and a Boho Blossom punched out of Pool Party Cardstock and some hand cut tiny leaves finished it off. Thank you sentiment from Curly Cute. A Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border was cut in Early Espresso and voila!

Elementary Elegance

2012-01-24T12:12:00.006Z

If you are wondering what these Sale-a-bration stamps and papers look like made up, here are a couple of cards that we made at our Training Day earlier this month.
The SAB stamp set is Elementary Elegance, with a base card of Calypso Coral, a touch of Pool Party and Crumb Cake cardstock and of course the beautiful Calypso Coral Ruffled Ribbon. The second card also features the Everyday Enchantment DSP and a lovely Designer Printed Brad

Sale-a-Bration launches today!!

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000Z

It's that time of year again folks - Sale-a-bration, free stampsets galore, plus this time there is beautiful DSP to choose from - you won't be able to choose, you'll want the lot!! Sale-a-bration runs from 24th January to 31st March.

Choose one free product for every £45 that you spend.
For the hostess there's a free product when sales total £300 or more.

Click on the photo in the sidebar to see what goodies are available.

New recruits - as well as the fabulous starter kit on offer for £119 (valued at more than £250) you receive ANY current stampset FOR FREE - so if you fancy becoming a Stampin Up Demonstrator, dont hesitate - contact me now for details. There's never been a better time to join!!

Happy Birthday Nicky

2012-01-23T10:14:00.000Z

Today is the birthday of fellow Jem - Nicky - here's the card I made for her - needs no explanation I am sure.

Happy Birthday Nicky!!

More Sally Jo Inspiration

2012-01-22T14:18:00.004Z

This is another card of Sally Jo's that we cased on Friday.
Once again we used Early Espresso and Very Vanilla cardstock, Early Espresso ink, Spice Cake DSP used to punch the Itty Bitty Flowers. Stampsets - Four Frames, Borderlines and Spiced Paisley, sentiment from It's your Day.

Sally Jo's Inspiration Station

2012-01-21T10:41:00.000Z

After seeing all Sally-Jo's creations last week at our All Day Training event (she had set up an inspiration station) it inspired Christine and me to have a go at making a man's card on a similar vein using French Foliage.
Colour Combo Vert Vanilla, Crumb Cake and Early Espresso.
The leaves were randomly stamped in Early Espresso onto the Early Espresso cardstock, then stamped again using Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint - you can't really tell from this photo - it was a miserable day yesterday and the light was bad (as is my photography!!)
Then the leaves were stamped again in Early Espresso onto Crumb Cake cardstock and cut out. I think the rest is self Explanatory

I think that I will try taking another photo later today if the sun shines at all and then re post this.

Sale-a-bration celebrations - Congratulations!

2012-01-20T10:02:00.000Z

Here is the Congratulations card that I have made for my downline (who also happens to be my sis-in-law) Chris, who has just been promoted to Bronze 3.
Well done Chris.
This card features the Sale-a-bration DSP and I have used the colour combo of Old Olive, Bashful Blue and Crumb Cake. Sentiment from Curly Cute and the Blossom Party die has been used to cut the flower.

Another Sale-a-bration sneak peek

2012-01-19T10:01:00.004Z

As promised, here's another sneak peek of a card using the SAB stampset Fresh Vintage. Come back tomorrow to see another sample using a different stampset that's available during Sale-a-bration.

Sale-a-bration Sneak Peeks

2012-01-18T11:05:00.003Z

Hi again - as promised here is a sneak peek of a S-A-B card that i have made using one of the stampsets - Fresh Vintage. I really love this set and have done a few cards which I will post over the next few days.

Countdown to Sale-a-bration

2012-01-17T12:02:00.004Z

Well folks - its only a week away to Sale-a-bration (starts 24th January) and I am sure that you are all wondering what goodies we can get when we spend £45 or when we are hostess to a workshop totalling £300.
As a SU Demonstrator, we are able to pre-order S-A-B stampsets AND this time there is also some Designer Series Paper to choose from - you won't be able to choose which ones to have - you'll want the lot!
Anyway - over the next week I'll give you a sneak preview of some samples made using SAB products just to give you a taster of what's in store.
You remember the little bag that I posted yesterday, well here is the little bag that we made at Training on Saturday using the S-A-B DSP.
Isn't it beautiful - love the colours!

Cheerful Treat Handbag

2012-01-16T15:46:00.007Z

At Training on Saturday Julie demonstrated another little bag which I fell in love with, so I had a go at making it using the Hostess DSP Cheerful Treat - it's pretty enough to persuade anyone to be a hostess for a workshop.
here is a link to the instructions for making it.
The flower is made using the Blossom Party Die from the Spring Mini in Bashful Blue and Concord Crush, the ribbon is Whisper White 1/2" grograin and the brads are the In Colour Designer Brads.

PAY IT FORWARD

When I went to our Team Training on Saturday I sat next to the lovely Alex and afterwards I browsed her blog.
I found this on there and thought it a good idea - not too much work involved and a bit of fun into the bargain.
Pay it forward
"Pay it forward 2012: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They in turn must post this and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2012."

So if you fancy this - leave me a comment.

Swaps Galore

2012-01-15T13:03:00.004Z

What a great time was had at yesterday's Training Day with Julie.
We made some fabulous projects, saw loads of beautiful projects of Julies' and on Sally-Jo's Inspiration Station, had a a great buffet lunch (with cupcakes of course!), met up with friends old and new, and last but not least, swapped!!

Here are the swaps that I received - enjoy!

Quarterly All Day training Swaps

2012-01-14T07:57:00.003Z

Today is our Team Quarterly training day and there will be 33 SU Demos getting together to craft and SWAP!!!
You have seen a couple of the attempts at my swap, but here are 3 of the finished samples - More Mustard, Soft Suede and River Rock a colour which I hardly ever use, but I have to admit that I like it!!
Got to get ready to go now so here's looking forward to a great day.

Wisteria Wonder

2012-01-13T10:17:00.002Z

I fancied making another card with a colour that I don't normally use much and decided to go with Wisteria Wonder and had another go at making a Medallion with the Flirtatious Speciality DSP. Sentiment from Curly Cute stamped in Wisteria Wonder and matching ruffled ribbon and finished off with a divine Antique brad.. Mmmmm.... am warming to this colour too.

Another Elizabeth

2012-01-12T10:02:00.002Z

At last nights Craft Class we made this card using the a la carte stamp Elizabeth - I think that I have fallen in love with this this stamp - it is so elegant.
Night of Navy and Whisper White colour combo. with Bashful Blue ribbon threaded through
the punched Lace Ribbon Border. Sentiment from Just Believe and embellished with Basic Pearls.
This is the card that Jan made.

Coral Calypso

2012-01-11T12:57:00.003Z

This is a colour that I am not comfortable with at all, but I thought that I should try and use it (as I have a full pack of the stuff!)
Having played with it, I came up with a colour combo of Soft Suede, Coral Calypso and Very Vanilla. I had to cheat with the ribbon - its Early espresso, but it tones in really well. I have used DSP from the In Colour Paper Stack and Die cut Jane using the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet. I love the a la carte Elizabeth stamp and think that the Just for you sentiment from Just Believe fits really well.
Blinged up with a little Dazzling Diamonds and there you are - not bad really.

Day 33!!

2012-01-10T15:36:00.002Z

Did you wonder what day 33 was? Well - in case you hadn't noticed, I have managed to post something on my blog EVERY DAY for the last 33 days (including today) - and I think that this is a record for me, so I wanted to mark the occasion.
Unfortunately today I have been at the Golf Club all morning - training Rosemary on the Handicapping System. Then we went home and had lunch, just in time for my Tuesday afternoon Craft Class to start!
So I have not managed to make anything new to post - but did not want to disappointment my loyal blog readers, so here is a piccie of the beautiful notebook that Julie (my SU mummy) gave me for Christmas.
Colour Combo is Pool Party and Coral Calypso - with matching Coral calypso ruffled ribbon and can you see the Victoria Crochet Trim?
A lovely Designer Printed Brad (In Colour - Pool Party) used to fastern the tag and ribbon to the card. Stampset is Everything Eleanor.
What a useful gift and a beautiful sample to showcase so many items.
Thank you Julie!

More Spice Cake

2012-01-09T13:52:00.004Z

Like many other SU Demos I have really fallen in love with the Spice Cake DSP - you know who you are!! Here is another card that I have put together using this DSP, along with the Postage Stamp Punch and the Blossom Party Die Die in Pool Party and Soft Suede. Love it!! Hope that you do too.

Simply Adorned

2012-01-08T09:49:00.004Z

Hello folks.
I was very lucky to receive this beautiful Locket and Chain fron the Simply Adorned Jewellery range in the Spring Mini Catalogue.
I was lucky, because my sister Maggie asked me if there was anything in particular that I would like for Christmas, so I suggested that as this was on my wish list (and I ould pre-order in time for Christmas) it would be lovely.
The locket is really beautiful, it's really well made, it hinges open, and will take two pieces of artwork - but I have only had time to do one!
Here is my first attempt, and I hope to do several to match various outfits.
Thank you very much Maggie.

My Friend

2012-01-07T10:38:00.000Z

When we went to our monthly Training at Julies in December we were lucky enough to have a play with the "My Friend" stampset - one of the privileges of being an SU Demo is that you can pre-order these items before the actual launch of the catalogue.
Here is what we made - colour combo is Lucky Limeade with Concord Crush and Whisper white.

Charming Spice Cake

2012-01-06T09:19:00.003Z

I am still playing with these prototype swaps for next Saturday and haven't decided yet what to do next with them. here's something that I came up with yesterday. I used the Scallop trim Corner punch on the Pool Party Designer frame. Cut a strip of Spice cake DSP, then finished off with a box made with the beautiful Chantilly Crochet Trim.

What do you think of this version?

Playing with Quarterly Training Day swaps

2012-01-05T12:26:00.004Z

Really must get on with my swaps for the 14th, and the prototypes came in handy as I needed to make a quick 30th birthday card for Sarah who was 30 yesterday so I came up with this. I used a scallop Oval die (Non SU) after embossing the Designer frame oval and stuck this onto a mat of Spiced Cider (now retired) DSP. Made the sentiment border after printing on computer and using the Scallop Trim Border punch, then finished it off with the Chantilly Crochet Trim.

Guess which stampset.

2012-01-04T15:21:00.005Z

Well.......can you guess which stampset I used for these little cards?
It's quite easy really. If you give in - take a look at the Spring Mini and see if you can find it there - click on the picture in the side bar to view.
I have also used the Postage Stamp Punch for this and the Colour Combo is Cherry Cobbler and Always Artichokewith Whisper White.

Spring Mini Catalogue launched NOW!

2012-01-04T00:27:00.006Z

Well how about this for a start to the New Year?
The first Spring Mini Catalogue with loads of goodies just waiting for you to try.
Just click on the picture in the sidebar to view the catalogue online.

Come back later today and view another of my projects that I have made using products that are now available for you to buy.
It's sooooo exciting!
See you later

Belated Birthday!!

2012-01-03T09:27:00.000Z

New Years Day was our friend Patrick's birthday and despite being invited over to help him celebrate it, believe it or not, but Barry and I both forgot!
I know its unforgivable, but it happened.
Anyhow, to appease him, yesterday, I made him a belated birthday card using the "Aint Love Grand" Hostess stampset and stamped the border around it using the "Borderlines" stampset from the Spring Mini Catalogue and Barry hand delivered it with our apologies.
Luckily it was quite quick to make, once we realised that we had missed his special day!!
Come back tomorrow and you can see the Spring Mini for yourself.

Charming

2012-01-02T10:06:00.000Z

I am looking forward to our All Day Team Training in Leeds on the 14th, and for this we are all making swaps with either Spring Mini Catalogue items or Sale-a-bration items.
I have decided to do mine using the Charming stampset from the Spring Mini, but am not too sure what to do next. Here is my progress up to now.
I have used the Designer Frames Textured Embossing Folder with cardstock in my favourite colours of the moment - River Rock, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz, Soft Suede and More mustard (inspired by the colours in the Spice Cake DSP). I have then coloured the flower spray stamp from the "Charming" stampset using Stampin Write Markers and stamped onto Very Vanilla. I then punched this out using the Extra-large Oval punch and stuch this in the middle of the frame.
I will update you on the progress of these swaps as they progress.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T13:47:00.005Z

Happy New Year to all my family, friends, relatives, Julie's Jems, fellow bloggers, followers, Craft Class Ladies, Stampers 8 and 10 ladies, everyone!
Here's wishing for a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year - and here's the card I have made for all of you.
It gives you a sneak peek at the new Spice Cake DSP in the Spring Mini Catalogue (not long to the launch now - Wednesday 4th January). I have punched the pennants using the Petite Pennants Builder Punch with the DSP for the foreground and for the background I have used cardstock in Soft Suede, More Mustard, River Rock, Pool Party and Pear Pizzazz. The base card is made in Naturals Ivory stamped in River Rock with the new Spiced Paisley stampset from the Spring Mini. Don't the colours go together excellently - love them!

Simon and Kerry's Wedding Anniversary.

2011-12-31T09:54:00.005Z

Today my son Simon and his wife Kerry have been married 11 years and of course I had to make them a card and here it is - a little Owl bride and groom.
I have used Cherry Cobbler for the base card and the letters are die cut using Brushed Silver cardstock with the Timeless type Junior Alphabet medium Sizzlit Dies.
Embellished with Basic Rhinestones (of course)
Happy Anniversary to you both.

And here's a close up of the Bride (think I went overboard a little with the mascara!)

Spring Mini Sneak Peek

2011-12-30T10:36:00.003Z

Here is a card that I made yesterday, using a new punch and a couple of new stamp-sets that you will find when the Spring mini Catalogue launches on the 4th of January.
The Colour Combo used is Pool Party and Early Espresso.
The colours have not come out as good as I would have hoped, but the light has not been too good for photos, as it rained all day yesterday.

Our Christmas card from Chris

2011-12-29T11:47:00.006Z

Couldn't miss showing you this beautiful Christmas card that Chris (sis-in-law) made for Barry and me - especially made to match the colours of our lounge!

Jan's Ladies Night Gifts

2011-12-28T10:05:00.000Z

At the end of November it was Jan's Ladies' Night (Jan's one of my Thursday Craft Class ladies.) It is quite difficult coming up with an idea for a Ladies Night Gift that no-one else has thought of and this is what we came up with between us.
It is a little handbag made of Mocha Morning DSP and Jan made over 70 of these.
And to make them extra special she handmade chocolates to gift wrap and put inside them - round about 400!!
Needless to say they went down a treat.

The last Christmas card

2011-12-28T10:02:00.000Z

This is the very last Christmas card that me ladies made this year - they wanted a quick card that they could have in reserve - just in case.
Once again its Polar Party that came to the rescue.

Our Wedding Anniversary

2011-12-27T10:51:00.005Z

Christmas Eve is our Wedding Anniversary and we have been married 43 years now - please remember that I was a child bride!

Here is the Anniversary card that I made for Barry using my favourite love themed set - I heart hearts.

And here is the card that Chris (sis-in-law) sent us.

Lavender Bag

2011-12-26T10:10:00.000Z

Just as a change from Christmas projects my Crafting Class ladies made a little Lavender bag.
The inspiration came from a swap that I received at convention.
I changed the design somewhat, and as soon as I can find the original, I will post a link to the lady who's little bag inspired me to have a go at this myself.

Merry Christmas to all my very special friends.

2011-12-25T08:30:00.002Z

Well it's here at last!
Merry Christmas to all you special people who come and visit my blog on a regular basis. I have made a great effort these last two weeks to post something every day so that you have a reason for visiting!
To thank you for your support I have made this special card just for you!
Enjoy!!

Candy Galore

2011-12-24T10:31:00.000Z

Hi there, well just one more sleep and then it's here!!
Here are some of the little candy boxes that I made to give to my Stampers 10 and and my Craft Class Ladies. They are made using the Candy wrapper Bigz L Die and I have used various peel offs to decorate them.

And here's a close up of one o them

.

Happy 60th Birthday Liz

2011-12-23T09:53:00.002Z

Today is one of my Wednesday Class ladies' 60th birthday and here is the card that I have made for her. Once again, the light is no good for piccies and my camera is not so clever (a poor workman blames his tools!!)
Anyhow .... Happy 60th Birthday Liz!!

Happy Anniversary Christine and David

2011-12-22T10:05:00.000Z

Today its Chris's (sis-in-law) Wedding Anniversay, so here is the card that I have made for them. The colour combo is Pool Party, Whisper White and Brushed Silver.
The flower is made using another NEW Originals Die that you will be able to purchase when the Spring Mini launches on the 4th of January - Blossom Party - it will here so soon - bet you can't wait to see it!!
Apologies for the poor quality photo, but the light is just terrible at this time of year.

More Textured Impressions

2011-12-21T09:55:00.000Z

I also made a series of these cards, as once I got started I found it difficult to stop!! I used the Holly Berry Bouquet Speciality papers and the Textured Impressions embossing folder

I even used the tiny scraps that were left over to make another card!!

Embossed Contemporary Christmas Wreaths

2011-12-20T09:37:00.000Z

This has been my main Christmas Card this year, a Pocket Silhouettes Wreath.
You can see it here in three different colourways.

Firstly - embossed in Silver and White

Secondly embossed in Melon Mambo and Silver

And thirdly, embossed in Silver and Gold

Petal Cone Santas

2011-12-19T09:32:00.004Z

I found the inspiration for this little Santa table favour whilst blog hopping on Kay's "Creations on paper"
I have improvised a little but am quite happy with the result.
My Tuesday Class made these and were thrilled to bits with them.

And here's my little army of Santas all ready and waiting to decorate the Christmas Dinner table

Gold Medallion

2011-12-18T10:44:00.000Z

What will I do when Christmas is over and I have no more cards to make?? Apart from giving a huge sigh of relief! Why do I always leave it to the last minute to get my cards done and posted out?
Anyhow - I digress.
This is quite a simple card that uses the beautiful Medallion stamp, embossed with Versamark and Gold EP. The sentiment in the centre is from the Perfect Punches stampset in Real Red, and I have used the large tree from the Lovely as a Tree stampset for the foliage corners in Garden Green.

Textured Impressions - Designer Frames

2011-12-17T10:57:00.001Z

Spent a few hours playing with the Designer frames embossing folder and various papers and stamps. Here are two of the first ones that I came up with

This one uses the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder and the Contempo Christmas stampset. Sentiment from Season of Joy. Colour Combo Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive (although you wouldn't believe it from this picture - the light is not conducive to good photos!)

And this one uses the Holly Berry DSP punched out and layered onto an Extra-Large Oval punched in Early Espresso in the middle of the frame. Colour Combo Wild Wasabi and Cherry Cobbler.

Guarding the Christmas Tree!

2011-12-16T10:37:00.000Z

And here's our little soldier guarding the Christmas Tree!!
Notice what the flower pot is made of? It's fabulous Glimmer Paper - which will be available in the Spring mini catalogue which will be available on the 4th January...... watch this space!

Lovely as a Tree

2011-12-15T10:39:00.000Z

This card is made using the Lovely as a tree stampset, Old Olive ink on Very vanilla cardstock, this is then layered onton Early Espresso Scalloped Oval (non-SU) on top of a mat of Crumbcake that has been embossed in the Square lattice embossing folder. This is then distressed with Old Olive ink and a 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon bow.
Rhinestones coloured red with marker pen in Real Red. Sentiment from Four the Holidays (now retired)

Merry Mocha Morning Christmas

2011-12-14T10:18:00.000Z

Here are two cards that have been made using the fabulous Mocha Morning DSP - quite simple to make - just the Ornament Punch and the Scallop Trim Border Punch.
Very Vanilla and Early Espresso cardstock and the Delightful Decorations stampset. Crumb Cake Seam binding ribbon and a gold brad complete the bow.

Seasons Greetings Owl

2011-12-13T10:53:00.000Z

This owl may well look familiar but can you spot his waistcoat and hat are glimmering!!
This is the lovely new Glimmer Paper that you will find in the Spring Mini Catalogue, but as a privileged Demo I was able to pre-order some of these goodies so that I can make up samples to show you!!

Liz's Toy Soldier Owl

2011-12-12T10:54:00.000Z

This is a little Toy soldier made by one of my Tuesday Craft Class Ladies - Liz - isn't she just too clever!!. I told her that I would feature it on my blog.
Can you spot how she has used the Owl Punch?? (Along with other punches too)
The rifle she cut freehand.

Folded Stars

2011-12-11T11:30:00.000Z

This is one of the swaps that I received at Convention

I can't give credit to the lady who swapped, as there is no identification on it, but it was also demonstrated on the stage at Convention - and I can't remember who did that either.
Anyway...... Chris and I had a go at making this using the Holly Berry Bouquet DSP and here are the results

Happy Birthday Heather

2011-12-10T11:09:00.007Z

Today it is my niece Heather's birthday (Chris's daughter) and here is the special card that I have made for her.

Shazza's Doiley Punch Card

2011-12-09T15:06:00.006Z

Hi everyone - well I'm alive and feeling somewhat better than I have since I got back from Paris. Travelling on planes does me no good - I end up coming home coughing, sneezing and wheezing having picked up everyone else's germs on the plane!
Am a lot better than I was, and am actually going to show you what has been keeping me busy this past fortnight.

I have done a few Christmas cards, some inspired by fellow demo's swaps and others from Blogs and fellow Jem.
This card is one that Shazza let me take a photo of when we were at Julies for our December Training. I think that I have done it justice - although it took some time to fathom out how to make the medallion (I haven't done one of these cards before today, and I never thought to ask Shazza how to make it) Anyhow, Chris and I have crafted together today and both made this card. Here's my version

Chris did this - the only difference being that Chris put a button in the centre, whereas I used an Antique brad.

Convention 2011

2011-11-23T09:46:00.000Z

Hello everyone - well I am back safe and sound.
Had a great time in EuroDisney but am absolutely exhausted now. Haven't stopped since I came home. Had overnight visitors, unpacked, then Craft Class yesterday afternoon and Golf Club Ladies'meeting last night - so still no rest for the wicked!
Have quite a few cards to make this week, so will make a start on them tomorrow.
Will try and post some piccies tomorrow - meantime here is the group photo of all the Jems who went to Convention.

Convention Swaps

2011-11-18T10:15:00.000Z

Well I ended up making 150 swaps - I decided to do something that wouldn't take up too much room in my suitcase, so I made Flower shaped Fridge Magnets.
I used the Fancy Flower Punch with various colours of cardstock and used the NEW Coloured Embossing Powders - you can see I have used the Melon Mambo and Tempting Turquise (as well as the usual Black and White). I have used the Hostess stampset "Posy Punch" and used offcuts of green for the leaves which were punched using the Bird Builder Punch.
They turned out to be very labour intensive, so I just hope that the SU Demos that I swap with will like them.

Gifts for the Girls!

2011-11-17T13:12:00.001Z

Traditionally, our Team, Julie's Jems, make little Convention Gifts to commemorate the occasion and here's what I have made for them - little Lavender Bags. I die cut a little flower using the Flirtatious Designer Fabric and tucked it inside the organza bag before filling it with Provence Lavender, then punched a tag with the Decorative Label Bunch and added a die cut letter (from the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet die set)
using Wisteria Wonder cardstock and added a few basic rhinestones just to finish it off.
This is Yvonne's (in case you were wondering!) Think that everyone will be safely on their way by now and once we all get together we will exchange our gifts.

SU Convention 2011 - Disneyland Paris!!!

2011-11-16T11:57:00.000Z

I can't believe that tomorrow I will be in Disneyland Paris for the Annual Stampin' Up! Convention. Approximately 400 SU Demonstrators from the UK, France and Germany will get together and have two wonderful days (Friday and Saturday).
I am flying tomorrow, from Manchester, to CDG Airport Paris, with two of my SU buddies Lynda and Karen. The three of us are sharing a room together - that will be fun!!
Here's a piccie of the little gift that I will be giving to Lynda and Karen. Sorry I can't show you what's inside, but that would spoil the surprise for them! (Apart from which - I forgot to take a picture before I wrapped them up!! Duh!!)

Tomorrow, when we are safely on our way, I will post a piccie of the little gifts that I have made for the rest of our Team - Julies' Jems- there are 18 of us going to Convention, so we are in for a great time!

Come back on Friday and you can see what I made for swaps - at this moment in time I have made 125 of them!!

Monica's Christmas Card

2011-11-15T17:57:00.003Z

The Tuesday class today have made this beautiful Christmas card cased from Monica's blog here
Colour Combo is Baja Breeze and Cherry Cobbler with a touch of Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. Stampsets used :- Everything Eleanor, Broadsheet Alphabet and sentiment from Season of Joy. Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding and Champagne Glitter Glass.

Yvonne's Polar Party

2011-11-14T11:46:00.000Z

Here's a cased card that I was lucky enough to receive the original of, when we did swaps on our last training day at Pudsey.
It was made by Yvonne and I just had to case it straight away. I have made a few different cards using this stampset - Polar Party and will share them with you over the next few days.

Another Emboss Resist

2011-11-12T18:35:00.003Z

Recognise this card? It's cased from the latest SU Impressions magazine and it was the inspiration for trying out yesterdays Emboss resist card. For instructions, check out this months magazine.

Sponged Emboss Resist Snowflake

2011-11-10T15:21:00.002Z

Here is a technique that I was reminded of when I received my monthly SU Impressions magazine, which explains how to do it.
Here I have simply stamped the snowflake (from Serene Snowflakes) embossed with clear embossing powder and then sponged with Night of Navy. The sentiment is from Curly Cute.

Lexie's Birthday

2011-11-06T14:35:00.003Z

November is a busy month for birthdays. On the 9th it will be our Grand-daughter Lexie's 5th birthday and also my sister's birthday - but I won't tell you how old she is!
This is the card that I have made for Lexie (you wouldn't have guessed would you!)
I have used the lovely (although retired) Nursery Suite Speciality DSP, lots of lovely bling and have used the Just Perfect Alphabet stampset. The greeting is from the Happiest Birthday Wishes Hostess stampset.

Ellie's Birthday

2011-11-04T07:01:00.003Z

Today is our Grand-daughter Ellie's 18th birthday (OMG!) and I wanted to make her a card that wasn't too flowery - quite difficult for me!
Once again I turned to the Hostess DSP and a Colour Combo of Rose Red and Pretty in Pink and Everything Eleanor Stampset. The E is from the Broadsheet Alphabet and the ribbon is from my stash.
Happy Birthday Ellie- love you!!

Everything Eleanor

2011-11-02T15:00:00.009Z

Last week when Chris and I got together for our crafting day, we both made a different version of this card - each using the Hostess DSP Cheerful Treat and the Everything Eleanor Stampset flower. This is my version in Melon Mambo

And here is Chris's version in Wisteria Wonder

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T17:38:00.003Z

On Saturday I spent the morning at Swinton Library making Halloween cards with the children at the Mexborough Lions Halloween Coffee Morning.
These are some that we made using the Haunting Hill Jumbo wheel, the kids really enjoyed colouring this one in!

Joy

2011-10-28T15:42:00.003+01:00

On Wednesday Chris (s-i-l) and I got together for our weekly crafting get-together.
We made 4 cards - quite an achievement.
Here is one of the quickie Christmas cards that we made.
Colour Combo Cherry Cobbler, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla
Welcome Christmas stampset and the usual bling added!

Jeannette's Birthday

2011-10-27T13:12:00.004+01:00

Today is one of my fellow "Julie's Jems", Jeannette's birthday and here is the card that I made for her.
French Foliage stampset and good old Autumnal colour combo of More Mustard, Cajun Craze and Always Artichoke. The sentiment is from the new hostess stampset "Happiest Birthday Wishes"(It's the top of the belated sentiment if you were wondering!)
First Edition Speciality DSP is cut using the Top Note die and a border of Cajun Craze.
The ribbon is sadly retired, but I couldn't resist a little bow to pull everything together. Notice the punched ribbon - I seem to be using this punch quite a bit too!
Happy Birthday Jeannette - have a good day!

Merry Eleanor

2011-10-26T15:45:00.003+01:00

At our all day training earlier this month, I received a swap from Erika which I thought was beautiful. It used the Everything Eleanor stamp, Pines and Poinsettias, and a sentiment from Delightful Dozen.
Out of these I only have the Everything Eleanor stampset, so I compromised by using the wreath from Welcome Christmas, the Poinsettia from Season of Joy and the sentiment from Contempo Christmas.
Colour Combo - Real Red, Always Artichoke and Crumbcake with Very Vanilla.
Here's my version

Christmas is love

2011-10-25T20:26:00.002+01:00

Here's a really quick card made using the very minimum of supplies.
4 squares of DSP punched using the 1.3/8" square (Do you know that you can get 64 of these squares out of one 12x12 sheet of DSP. These are stuck onto a square of Very Vanilla which is matted onto a piece of Cheery Cobbler cardstock. The wreath from Welcome Christmas is stamped in Old Olive and the snowflake centre from Season of Joy is stamped in Cherry Cobbler in the centre of the wreath. The sentiment is from Contempo Christmas and punched using the Modern Label Punch.
Obligatory bling added to snowflake and voila - a card in minutes!!
Love it!! (and so do my Crafting Ladies)

Simply Soft

2011-10-24T16:02:00.003+01:00

This Hostess Set - Simply Soft is an absolute snip at only £12 (Hostess pounds)for the clear set.
I couldn't resist this myself and am really pleased with the results.
The colour combo is two of the new In-Colours - Lucky Limeade and Pool Party and who would guess that the ribbon trim is actually a punch.
Just can't decide who will be the lucky recipient of this card!

Something for Christmas - monochrome.

2011-10-22T18:31:00.002+01:00

I do love monochrome cards (as though you hadn't noticed!)
Here's a really quick and easy Christmas card using the Something for Christmas stampset, Basic Black and Whisper White cardstock, White ink and White embossing powder and the super new Lace Ribbon Border Punch - not forgetting the obligatory bling - basic rhinestones!

Cased birthday card

2011-10-21T16:35:00.002+01:00

Do you remember that I said I couldn't wait to case a couple of the birthday cards that I received the other week - well here's my version of the handbag card.
I used some retired DSP that went together real well - and here's my version.

Posy Punch

2011-10-20T17:34:00.004+01:00

This card uses the new Hostess stampset Posy Punch which pairs up with the matching Fancy Flower punch quite beautifully.
The colour combo is Melon Mambo (CS) and Black (Embossing Powder)applied using Versamark.
The background is stamped in Melon Mambo ink and the background stamp is from Baroque Motifs.
Just perfect alphabet used to spell Jan, once again using Versamark and Black EP. Leaves are punched in Lucky Limeade using the leaf from the Bird Builder Punch.
Once again finished with the mandatory bling - Basic Rhinestones.

2011-10-19T17:51:00.002+01:00

This is a card that I have unashamedly cased from
Jo Press
The original colour combo was Not Quite Navy, Red Riding Hood Red and Crumbcake. It was this colour combo that took my eye, but I have used Pacific Point in place of the Not Quite Navy.

Birthday Cards

2011-10-18T18:07:00.004+01:00

I did promise to post piccies of the beautiful cards that I received for my birthday, so here are the Stampin Up ones that I received.

Something for Christmas

2011-10-17T08:55:00.005+01:00

Here's the very versatile "Something for Christmas" a la carte stamp and its exceptional value at only £8.95!
As you can see here I have inked up each line individually using different colours, similarly the baubles are inked individually using markers to match the colour combo.
Cardstock is Island Indigo and Pool Party. DSP is Just Add Cake. Ribbon is 1/2" stitched Poly Ribbon in Poppy Parade. Poppy Parade, Lucky Limeade and Pool Party Markers used.

For Julie - French Foliage swap

2011-10-16T18:56:00.002+01:00

Hi Julie (Paper Wishes and Ribbon Kisses)
Here's a piccie of the swap that I received from you - you said on your blog that you'd forgotten to photograph them, so feel free to use this piccie. Its a lovely swap!!
Nice seeing you again!

Team Training Day swaps

2011-10-15T08:27:00.019+01:00

Today, Julie's Jems are having an all day Training event at Pudsey, so we have all made swaps - 24 of them!! It will, I am sure, be a fantastic day, as we all look forward to getting together again and exchanging news and gossip as well as swaps! Today's training will be based around the new catalogue and updates on the various changes that are taking place with Stampin' Up..... and - there will be cupcakes!!
Anyhow - here are the swaps that I have made for the event.
Recipe:- Cardstock - Marina Mist and Basic Black, Ink - Basic Black, Stamp - Parlour Prints. DSP - Timeless Portrait cut using the Sizzlits 4-pack die - Lots of Tags. Embellishments - 1'4" Basic Black grosgrain ribbon and not forgetting the Basic Rhinestones.

Here's the litte girl

And here's the little boy

Here they are both together

And here are all 24 lined up and ready to go!

Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade

2011-10-11T18:43:00.002+01:00

Here's a card that I have made using a couple of the new In Colours - Calypso Coral and Lucky Limeade. The card base is LL and a Top Note Die Cut is used with the Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder and was inked with CC.
The bauble is from the new "Tags Til Christmas ", the sentiment from "Contempo Christmas" and Seam binding ribbon used with a brad to make the bow.
The background DSP is the new "Just add cake" selection. Yummy - good enough to eat!

Delicate Doilies - monochrome

2011-10-08T13:51:00.003+01:00

Delicate Doilies stampset - Craft White ink on Black cardstock for the background and then Basic Black ink on Whisper White for the layered motif at the front, cut out and dazzling diamonds glitter used to decorate. Greeting from Curly Cute Stampset.
Voila!!

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-10-07T16:12:00.004+01:00

Just a quick thank you to everyone who has sent me cards today. They are all fabulous - so much so that I have had to case a couple of them already.
I will post piccies of the originals and the cased versions later on - meantime - another of my samples of the new catalogue goodies.
This is a get well soon card for my friend and SU customer Ann, who is going in hospital on the 14th.
I wanted something cheerful, so I used my trusty Hopeful Thoughts stamp-set but used the new In Colours Lucky Limeade and Calypso Coral.
Notice that I only used part of the image? I think that this is quite effective and trust that this little card will let her know that I am thinking of her.

Jackie's birthday - Wisteria Wonder

2011-10-06T11:37:00.005+01:00

Here is the card that I made for my very good friend Jackie's birthday. Colour Combo is simply Wisteria Wonder and Whisper White.
I have used the swirl from the Season of Joy stamp-set. The initial is from the Broadsheet Alphabet and the flower is cut from the new Flirtatious DSP using the Fun Flowers Bigz Die. Finishing touch of Whisper White Satin ribbon and a touch of bling added and hey presto!