Sketch Layout Challenge!

I am part of a small family of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators. I have some wonderful uplines & downlines. Recently we decided to start doing some challenges in our group for some fun, and to help stretch the imagination and creativity a little. I was the first person to select a Sketch Challenge for the group and here it is. 

Only a couple of members of our little group had time to put together a design, and I'd love to share them with you because I love them all! 

This first design was done by Debbie Williams (you can find her website here). She made her design using MDS and I absolutely love it. 

This design was created by the lovely Ingrid of Inky Ingrid (you can find her page here). I love the colour combo and that she has used some of the new burlap ribbon which I absolutely worship.

This card was designed by the talented Kristy Coromandel (her page can be found here). I love gold so much right now, so naturally I'm loving this card design!

This beautiful fresh design was made by the talented Rochelle of Lille Parti (her page can be found here). I really love the simplistic clean layout & colours she has chosen for her design.

I had so much trouble with my design and I am still not 100% happy with it but I still like it! Here is what I used to make it.

Cardstock: Whisper White (#106549), Soft Suede (#119982), Garden Green (#108605), Cherry Cobbler (#121681)

DSP: Seasons of Style DSP Stack (#132181)

Ink: Garden Green (#126973)

Ribbon: Soft Suede 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon (#122967)

Big Shot: Bitty Banners Framelits (#129267)

Other: Tea Lace Paper Doilies (#129399), Regals Designer Buttons (#130029), Neutrals Designer Buttons (#130031), Frosted Finishes Embellishments (#132150). 

It's the MOST wonderful time, of the year!

Last week I hosted our fabulous annual Christmas Stamp-a-Stack Class!! We had such a lovely time at both our Daytime & Evening events. We even had some lovely ladies participate in the class by mail. I'm not going to bore you with details, rather I'd love to share with you what we made!!! 

Baubles Card

Cardstock: Whisper White (#106549), Bermuda Bay (#131286), Smoky Slate (#131291)

DSP: Winter Frost DSP Stack (#132183)

Ink: Bermuda Bay (#131171), Smoky Slate (#131179)

Stamp Sets: Christmas Collectibles (#131775), Magical Season (#134777)

Punch: Christmas Ornament Punch (#132152)

Ribbon: Silver 1/8" Ribbon (#132137)

Other: Rhinestone Basic Jewels (#119246).

Mrs Clause Dress Card

Cardstock: Whisper White (#106549), Real Red (#126949), Basic Black (#121688)

DSP: Silver Glimmer Paper (#124005)

Ink: Real Red (#126949), Staz On Black (#101406)

Stamp Sets: Be Very Merry (#132815), Label Love (#130622)

Punch: Artisan Label Punch (#130920), 1" Circle Punch (#119868)

Big Shot: Dress Up Framelits (#130101), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (#117335).

Naughty or Nice List Card

Cardstock: Whisper White (#106549), Real Red (#126949), Basic Black (#121688), Crumb Cake (#121685)

Ink: Staz On Black (#101406)

Stampin' Write Markers: Real Red (#100052), Crumb Cake (#120967)

Stamp Sets: Santa's List (#131811)

Big Shot: Circles Collection Framelits (#130911), Pretty Print Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (#132175) 

TO ACHIEVE SANTA'S SKIN COLOUR: Crisp Cantaloupe (#131176), Blender Pens (#102845).

Mr Snowman Card

Cardstock: Coastal Cabana (#131302), Whisper White (#106549)

DSP: Seasons of Style DSP Stack (#132181)

Ink: Crumb Cake (#126975), Chocolate Chip (#126979), Coastal Cabana (#131175), Pumpkin Pie (#126945)

Stamp Sets: Snow Day (#131895)

Other: Linen Thread (#104199).

And just a little something extra... the card my 4 y.o. niece made during our Daytime Workshop while we were all busy making our cards.  Sweet, isn't it?

*NEW* Thinlit Card Dies

They've been called flip cards, flip flop cards, swing cards, and more - but they have always been a bit tricky to create. Not anymore! The amazing new Thinlit Card Dies cut and score to create a card that flips in just one simple step!

There are two different types of Thinlit dies to choose from. On the left is the Label Card Thinlit Dies (#133479) and on the right is the Circle Card Thinlit Dies (#133480). These new card dies come with an extra die pieces that have versatile designs, so you can use them on other projects, not just flip cards. 

The Label Card Thinlit Dies come with a total of 9 dies and the Circle Card Thinlit Dies come with a total of 10 dies. With the number of dies you're getting, plus the die that creates the card itself, the price is such great value, at just $55.95.

Here is a great video Stampin' Up! released to teach us more about how these Thinlits work.

If you'd like to order your own set of Thinlit Card Dies, just send me an email or you can order them online here!

Best of Sale-a-bration

It's a new month, which means we have a new fabulous Best of stamp set. This month we have the Best of Sale-a-bration stamp set. 

Product code: #134393

There are 5 great images returning to this stamp set plus 1 brand new image just for fun. The stamps co-ordinate with the A, B & C clear blocks. The "for you" poppy stamp co-ordinates with the 1-3/4" scallop circle punch. 

Do you have a favourite stamp? I love the "BLISS" stamp and loved the stamp set it belonged to. I wish it had carried over somehow! It was such an amazing set.  

If you would like to purchase this stamp set (it is only available in clear mount) it costs just $25.95. You can order it here!

Introducing: Envelope Punch Board

Product code: #133774

I can't tell you how many times I have silently pleaded with Stampin' Up! to come up with an affordable, easy to use envelope making system. Well it turns out they have been hearing my telepathic begging, because the day I have been dreaming of has arrived. Introducing the brand new Envelope Punch Board.  Before I tell you all about it, I would recommend you learn the basics about it by watching this great video.

Mine arrived in the post today and I have just had my first fiddle and I am thoroughly impressed. I have plans to be making lots of envelopes to co-ordinate with all my Christmas cards! I love that it is an all-in-one system. You don't need to own any extra punches, you don't need a scoring board & extra scoring tools. Everything that you need is included and incorporated into the board. 

And the versatility in sizes it can create!! Oh my! Up to 66 different shapes and sizes, not mention a million different colour and pattern options depending on the paper you want to use! Even tried & true envelope sizes will only take you moment to create. As you saw in the video, it is super easy to use. Like most "tools" this may look a little intimidating but I assure you, using it is a breeze. 

One of the features I'm most impressed with is it is small and lightweight. This means it is easy to store as well as take with you to craft days, scrap camps, or to lend to a friend. 

Here's the part you've all been wondering about. How much does it cost? I was expecting it to be quite expensive when I first found out about it (because of how fantastic it was). I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was only $31.95. Isn't that a fantastic price? 

This tool will carry over into the new catalogue next year so it is here to stay. 

To order your very own Envelope Punch Board either contact me or order it online here.

Create some Pretty Christmas Packages for 20% off!

Are you a package and gift box person?? Do you love the way a neat and tidy beautiful gift box looks? I know I do! I am starting to use gift boxes more and more, and leaving the wrapping paper in the cupboard.

From 29 October through till 30 November 2013 Stampin' Up! is offering you 20% off their exclusive Tag It Bundles. As you can see in the above picture, there are two different kinds of boxes that come with the bundles. Let me tell you a little more about the differences in these specially designed bundles and what the kits include.

On the left: Decorative Window Gift Box Bundle
Included in this bundle is a pack of 6 Window Gift Boxes. These gift boxes are food safe and made from kraft cardstock, which means they are really sturdy. The boxes are 3.8 x 10.2 x 10.cm. The Stamp a Tag kit (which is pictured below) includes enough materials to make 24 gift tags!! So not only will you be able to use the kit to decorate your gift boxes, but other Christmas gifts also. You will receive the 2 stamps from the Stamp a Tag stamp set, Classic Ink Spots in Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive, Whisper White die-cut cardstock tags, and then a roll of Baker's Twine in both Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, you will also receive a roll of 1" Cherry Cobbler Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon (10 yards). 

If you were to buy these 3 products separately it would set you back $43.85. With this promotion the bundle is 20% off which brings the price down to just $34.95!

Product code for this bundle: #135811

On the right: Extra Large Box Bundle

Included in this bundle is a pack of 3 Extra Large gift boxes. These boxes are also food safe and made from kraft cardstock, so they are able to hold a decent amount of weight and will hold their shape really well. The boxes are 11.1 x 15.2 x 15.2cm. The Stamp a Tag kit (which is pictured below) is again included into this bundle. So to refresh your memory, it includes the Stamp a Tag stamp set, Classic Ink Spots in Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive, Whisper White die-cut cardstock tags, and then a roll of Baker's Twine in both Cherry Cobbler & Old Olive. Also included is the roll of the beautiful Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon (10 yards).

If you were to buy these 3 products separately it would set you back $41.85. With this promotion the bundle is also 20% off which brings the price down to just $32.95!

Product code for this bundle: #135812

If you'd like to get yourself organised and order either one of these great bundles you can either get in contact with me or order for yourself online here.

Sewing Machine Storage

I love my sewing machine & overlocker. But oh boy, they take up a lot of room and can be so awkward to store. Unfortunately the only place my two machines will fit, is on top of my big 4x4 Expedit shelves.

 A few years ago I bought a big wooden tray in a op shop for no real reason other than I thought it could look cute it I repainted it and used it on display for something one day. As usual the restoration project never really happened and the tray was put in the cupboard. 

Then one day I needed to take my overlocker somewhere for a sewing day/evening and there is no carry handle or hard cover case on my machine. Then I saw my wooden tray in the cupboard, and thought oh that will be a great way to transport it for the occasion. I ended up keeping it in the tray once I returned home again because it was so much easier putting up and and pulling it down again off the high shelf. 

It didn't take me long to realise that I had stumbled across what I think is a fabulous idea. And as you can see above, I have found myself another wooden tray for my sewing machine too! I find it so handy having the trays with manoeuvring my machines around my house to use or to take somewhere to use. 

I even keep the machines inside the wooden trays while I'm using them. It makes no difference at all unless you want to take your sewing machine tray on and off. 

Now if I could just get around to painting them so they don't look so dorky, then we would have ourselves a "happily ever after" tale to tell...

25% off 25 Stamp Sets

Yes you read that right. This week only (22-28 October) there is 25% off 25 stamp sets. There is no time for talking, let me show you which ones are on sale.

I will list the stamp set name & sale price under each picture.

A Dozen Thoughts
Wood: $35.21
Clear: $27.71

Zoo Babies
Wood: $36.71
Clear: $29.21

Lots of Thanks
Wood: $29.96
Clear: $23.96

Happy Day
Wood: $28.46
Clear: $22.46

Gifts of Kindness
Wood: $33.71
Clear: $26.96

Hearts a Flutter
Wood: $33.71
Clear: $26.96

Hello, Lovely
Wood: $42.71
Clear: $34.46

Crazy, Mixed-Up Love
Wood: $26.21
Clear: $20.96

Bright Blossoms
Wood: $21.71
Clear: $17.21

Itty Bitty Banners
Wood: $20.96
Clear: $16.46

Yippee-Skippee
Wood: $24.71
Clear: $19.46
Code word: Cowabunga! 

Gorgeous Grunge
Wood: $32.21
Clear: $25.46

Ornament Keepsakes
Wood: $45.71
Clear: $36.71

Apothecary Art
Wood: $45.71
Clear: $36.71

Cuddles & Kisses
Wood: $33.71
Clear: $26.96

Oh, Hello
Wood: $33.71
Clear: $26.96

Label Love
Wood: $32.21
Clear: $25.46

Christmas Star
Clear: $12.71

A Gift For You
Clear: $6.71

Betsy's Blossoms
Wood: $37.46
Clear: $29.96

Morning Post Alphabet
Wood: $61.46
Clear: $49.46

Gently Falling
Wood: $52.46
Clear: $41.96

Snowflake Soiree
Wood: $38.96
Clear: $31.46

Jewish Celebrations
Wood: $33.71
Clear: $26.96

That's The Ticket
Wood: $29.96
Clear: $23.96

DO NOT HESITATE to contact me to order any of these sets. Don't forget, it is only 25% off until the 28th!!