Bec's Stampin' Ground

Vintage feel....

2011-05-15T21:55:00.007+10:00

Hello, Well it has been some time since i've created or blogged anything so thought I might join Stampin' Royalty for inspiration & JAI for the sketch for the first challenge I've been a part of in ages. I just received a new order from the new autumn/winter mini & couldn't wait to ink it all up. So, here it is...

Might have a look around at a few other challenges...see what I can be inspired by!

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Clearly for You

Paper: Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler & Very Vanilla C/S &

Botanical Gazette DSP

Ink: Early Espresso, Marina Mist, Old Olive Marker & Ruby Red Marker

Acc: Dimentionals, Sponge Daubers, Ribbon, Shimmer Paint, Small Oval Punch & Pearls

Anniversary Cards

2010-12-21T14:43:00.005+11:00

Has it really been that long?? Really doesn't feel like it!!

I've been pretty busy at the moment making heaps of cards for - well, everyone it seems! We've had a couple of anniversary's - one coming up this wkend, an engagement & a whole heap of babies!

I won't show them all today 'cause some of them I haven't given & I dont want them seeing their cards on here!

One I can show off is for the 40th Wedding Anniversary we're going to on the weekend (they're not online so im safe!). The couple are very low key, so it didn't feel right to put too much bling or fuss on it. Im happy with how it turned out but not sure if it might look more like a wedding card...what do you think?

Im not sure what about it makes it look like a wedding card to me, but it's such a nice card i'll still give it to them. Its a really big size too because I was requested to make a group sized card for everyone to write in....hopefully it's big enough - I'll tell everyone to write small!! LOL

Here's the inside;

So what do you think? NO DSP! Can you believe it? I've actually been making monochromatic cards lately, no idea why, thats just how they are coming out lately.

That applies to the next card i've got to show. An anniversary card for my beautiful friends Kylie & Bruno. It was their anniversary last month & another friend of ours, Mark, couldn't find a card he liked so commissioned me to make one for him - was quite the challenge cause even though it was for K & B, the card I made had to have a masculine feel cause it was being given to them from Mark....have I confused you yet?? Anyway, he was stoked with the result & surprised me with a MASSIVE box of chockies - talking the language of Bec! ;) lol

So thats the one they got -actually...did I even end up making one from us?? eeek, think I forgot! lol Might get you next year KJ! xxx

Anyway, I do have more to show & certainly more to be made so hopefully I will start blogging again!!

Card Recipe, 40th Anniversary card:

Paper: Shimmery White & Basic Black C/S

Stamps: En Francais, Sweetheart, Baroque Motif & Well Scripted

Ink: Black Stazon & Versamark

Acc: Silver Emboss Powder, Heat Gun, Stampamajig, Dimentionals, Black Satin Ribbon

Card Recipe, KJ & B's Anniversary Card:

Paper: Brushed Silver Metalic, Black, White C/S, Black Patterned DSP

Stamps: Frames with A Flourish, Happy Anniversary (non SU)

Ink: Black Stazon

Acc: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Rhinestones, Black Satin Ribbon

See you next time XX

Mojo#162

2010-10-26T22:33:00.007+11:00

I promise this is my last one for today!! lol I think it's safe to say, I have had THE most productive day....ever! I only just finished this one, it's a Mojo Monday sketch & I decided straight away I would use the Play Date DSP for the first time. I LOVE how it's turned out -

How cute is that little monkey hanging there?! I thought since so many of my friends are pregnant right now I might make a baby card & hope one of them pops out a boy! I have stacks of baby girl cards but boy cards I'm limited on. So you can all go ahead & have your babies girls cause now I'm ready! ;) LOL

Here is the decorated inside...

Simple but cute! Well, I may or may not be back here tomorrow with some more, I have completely neglected my house today & it is ganging up on me! But needless to say, I am completely remojoenised...is that a passable new phrase?

Card Recipe:

Stamps: I {love} love Jumbo, Fox & Friends & Curly Cute

Paper: Crumb, Old Olive, Choc Chip, Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze & Whisper White C/S & Play Date DSP

Acc: Stampamajig, Circle Scissors, Rhinestones & Dimentionals

Makeesha's Sketch #45

2010-10-26T12:37:00.010+11:00

Well, can you believe it? I'm posting again! Well, it had to be done, I've been busily working on this sketch from Makeesha's Inkspirations Sketch Challenge #45 & it's a beauty -

So here is what it inspired....

I'm really happy with how it's turned out. Its a bit different from my usual cards & I love it!

As you can see I am still completely obsessed with the Satin Flowers I was rabbiting on about in a previous post - & I think I may have gotten it this time! woo hoo! I'll include another close up....

I am on a roll & I really don't want to stop! I've had a quick look around for another sketch & found one from the Sweetest Thing blog. Will run & pick up my darling one from kinda & might just get straight into it...ohhh isn't it just so exciting??!

Be back soon X

JAI40 Thinking of Friends

2010-10-26T10:45:00.005+11:00

Hi there, I've got another card hot off my table to share with you. It's for the Just Add Ink challenge & I must admit, it did take me a little while to get these colours to come together.

Here is my card...

I have a few of these thinking of you cards to make lately, a couple of my friends are going through a tough time at the moment so I'm hoping a nice card in the mail might cheer them up.

I am already halfway through another one which hopefully I'll finish off before kinda pickup! Better get cracking!

See you soon XX

Stampin' Royalty #42 - Ribbon's

2010-10-25T00:17:00.011+11:00

Well, today I've had the best day! I got to try a new challenge & new technique! Stampin' Royalty have a challenge going at the moment to use RIBBONS! Am loving ribbon at the moment & thought I might have a go at a technique I saw on YouTube, a flower made with Satin ribbon. It is amazing & while it did take me a bit of practice & it doesn't look exactly how hers did - it's good enough for me!

So here is my entry -

I haven't made a card for my Sweet Husband for ages & I just got the I {love} Love Roller in my last order & thought I'd put it to good use! I even made him a fancy inner...

What a fun roller it is! I found it easier to use once I pulled it off the roller & cut it up into individual stamps, I found a website that sells EZ Mount cling adhesive which basically means they become exactly like the clear stamps - the only thing you miss is the picture of your stamp on the back, nothing a stampamajig can't fix! Im going to get heaps more use out of those sentiments now.

Also, as I said before, the flower on the front is made from satin ribbon that's cut at fairly even intervals, then trimmed & melted slightly with the heat gun. It curls the ribbon up making them look like petals. I'm a visual learner, so the YouTube demo was fantastic, dead easy to follow, I encourage you all to watch it & make some flowers! Here's a close up -

There are a few other challenges i've seen in my latest travels through blogland, so hopefully this wont be my last post for too long....fingers crossed! lol

Till next time, talk soon XX

Card Recipe:

Stamp: I {love} Love Roller, Baroque Motifs, Frames with a Flourish

Paper: Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Blushing Bride & W. White C/S & Greenhouse Gala & Blushing Bride DSP

Ink: Black Stazon, Versamark, Real Red Marker

Acc: Real Red Satin Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Dimentionals, Stampamajig, Scallop Punch & Basic Rhinestones

Just Add Ink #39

2010-10-18T13:13:00.005+11:00

I made this card last night & have been busting to get some time to post it! It's for the J.A.I challenge, which was to add blue to a card in recognition of Anxiety & Depression month for beyondblue, click to read more.

I have to admit I haven't made a card in ages....in fact the post below is probably the last one I sat down & made. I really enjoyed thinking about colours again & putting it all together, I hope its the start of something, I might even make one now before I pick Jack up from school!!

Im also going to write & post this one off to a special someone before it joins my rather large collection of "made for someone but never left my house" box! (wont say who in case they see it before they get it!)

Till next time X

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Curly Cute

Paper: Not Quite Navy & W. White C/S, Not Quite Navy DSP & Sahara Sand DSP

Acc: Big shot, Top Note, Ribbon (spotlight) & Dimentionals

Pretty & Sweet

2010-09-15T09:27:00.007+10:00

Hi there, well after a slightly extended hiatus, I've been inspired by a brand new box of goodies that arrived at my door 2 days ago! It's so exciting to have new colours & DSP to match all the cardstock...it's almost overwhelming! lol

So the layout of this card I got from Makeesha's challenge#39, I just turned it on it's side.

The stamp set is from the new catalogue called Because I Care & is a level 1 hostess gift, all I did to it was stamp it on watercolour paper with Stazon Ink & use a Ruby Red & Old Olive Marker & an Aqua Painter to spread it out - love how it looks almost 3 dimentional.

Anyway, had heaps of fun playing with all my new toys, hope to have some more to show in the next couple of days.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Because I Care (level 1 Hostess)

Paper: Watercolour Paper, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Ruby Red & Whisper White C/S & Pear Pizzazz & Blushing Bride DSP

Ink: Black Stazon, Pear Pizzazz & Blushing Bride (sponged edges)

Acc: Scallop Punch, Sponge Daubers, Markers, Aqua Painter, Circle Scissors, Certainly Celery Ribbon, Basic Pearls & Dimentionals.

Im back with more!!

2010-06-10T14:23:00.007+10:00

Hello, well hasn't it been cold this week!! Perfect weather for cardmaking I say!

I have a couple to show you, the first was a cross my fingers & hope it works card. (I think you all know what I mean by that! lol)
My inspiration came from a short video I saw of autumn leaves on trees, some of the shots were looking up through the red & orange & into the blue sky & white clouds, the colours were spectacular so I thought it might translate well on a card. I really like how it looks.

The second card is for my friend who's getting married next month & her bridal shower is this wkend. The card was CASEd from Chrisine Blaine - she makes the most beautiful cards & when I saw this one I had to give it a go! I just changed the colours & its ready to go.

I looove Rich Razzleberry!

That's all for now, i'll be back here with some more in the next few days!

XX

My Bro's 9th Wedding Anniversary Card

2010-06-01T20:17:00.003+10:00

Hello! Still with me?? lol.

What a fun card I've been playing...ah hem...I mean working on!! No really, this colour challenge from Just Add Ink was HEAPS of fun for me. I didn't think Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo & Tempting Turquoise could look so good together!! I decided it would be a great Wedding Anniversary card for my Brother & Sister-in-law (more my SIL cause she LOVES cards!!) for their 9th Anniversary, boy time flies!

Isn't she pretty? I've used Crystal Effects on the Flower & on the strip of flowers down the side there to give it a bit of a lift, & since I don't have any Elegant Eggplant Ribbon I used a strip of paper & broke down the fibres with scissors to make it look less like paper & more like fabric...was fun to play around with different techniques.

Well I better end the post & upload it to the challenge or I just might miss out on the deadline eeek!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments & Vintage Vogue - Both from Winter Mini
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise & Whisper White
Ink: Elegant Eggplant & Tempting Turquoise, Versamark
Acc: Big Shot & Little Leaves & Top Note Dies, Curly Label Punch, Crystal Effects

Aisan Inspired Thankyou

2010-05-29T21:41:00.004+10:00

Well, well, look who decided to blog?? LOL. YES...I've made a card! My first one in AGES & Im really proud of it. I got my inspiration from an address book I bought from Officeworks...actually I should photograph it & upload it too cause its just as gorgeous as the card!

Here it is...

So as you can see, quite an inspiration piece! I didn't have any DSP in anything like those colours so made up my own with my trusty Stampamajig & I have to say I really like the way it's turned out! I have a few more cards I've been working on which I'll upload now & hopefully post while I'm here....

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Circle Circus, Curly Label Punch Bundle & Kindred Spirits (thanks for the lend Sharni)
Paper: Kraft, W. White & Basic Black C/S
Ink: Black Stazon & Real Red
Acc: Real Red Ribbon, Curly Label Punch, Rhinestone Brad & my Stampamajig

See you next time
xx

True Friends

2010-03-31T15:10:00.008+11:00

As you all know by now, I like a challenge...whether it be layout, inspiration or colour challenges, I like to try something I haven't tried before. So when I saw a challenge on Just Add Ink I had to give it a go!
So the colour challenge was, Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom & Kraft, niiiice. Here's how it turned out...

I've had the Bella Bleu DSP for ages but very rarely used it, finally, I found the card for it! I was also very lucky to have found ribbon from spotlight that almost perfectly matched the Cameo Coral...that was during an obsession I had with that colour back when Ginger Blossom DSP was in. Ahh happy days...

I also tried for the first time the spotlighting technique on the inscription & I LOVE it! Will be trying that more often I think. Here's a close up of it...

For some reason it photographed really dark...almost Choc Chipish, in real life its much softer. The layout takes it's inspiration from this weeks Mojo Monday #132.

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Friendly Words Wheel & Cottage Garden
Paper: Kraft, Close to Coccoa, Cameo Coral & Blush Blossom C/S, Bella Bleu DSP & Pink Flamingo DSP
Ink: Close to Coccoa, Cameo Coral & Versamark
Acc: Crystal Effects,Dazzling Diamonds, Circle Scissors, Pretties Kit, Circle Punch & Stampamajig

Till next time
XX

Glitter!

2010-03-27T17:44:00.009+11:00

Yay, I can post my pictures! I got halfway through uploading my pics onto the computer when the battery died in the camera & I had to wait a few hours while it charged back up!

Anyway, I'm back with a card that I just can't stop looking at. I made it last night at Sue Madex's house where we all got to have a play with most of the things in the new autumn/winter mini, including THE BIG SHOT! What fun! It was SO exciting to see the difference it makes to a plain old piece of paper. Since it might be a while till I can get mine, I took a pile of cardstock & die cut some different shapes & sizes to play with until then. One of the embossing folders is taken from one of my fave sets, Fifth Avenue Floral.

So what I did to it was sponge it with Rich Razzleberry ink to bring it out from the background. It looked nice but once home I thought, "it needs more"....ahhhh GLITTER!

I LOVE how it looks! Will definately be using it more often.

So last night was really great fun, we were all in a celebratory mood because just before we arrived Sue found out she had enough sales to make it to the incentive trip (CONGRATS again Sue!) & I had only just signed up a recruit that afternoon! What great timing! It was also really fun to meet some of the upline team, Claire, Christine, Sam & Rachel, I've read their blogs for ages (& cased everything!!) & it was nice to be in the same room creating with them!

I have one more exciting thing to tell you (boy I'm chatty today!) I've registered for Stampin' Up's CONVENTION! yay! I'm going with Ange, Carolina & my sister Jess & I cannot wait! Sydney here we come! I'll make sure to take lots of photos, especially of all the 'celebrities'...Makeesha, Marelle, Teneale oh my! LOL

Better get off before I think of something else to tell you about!
Till next time
XX

2 Challenges - 1 Card!

2010-03-23T17:07:00.005+11:00

Hello, quick one today cause Im dashing out the door to pick up the husband from work! This card I made today with the minimum of fuss for Makeesha's Inkspiration Challenge & Mojo Monday #131
Im really enjoying making the inside's of my cards look nice too.

I've just put in an order from the new Autumn/Winter mini catalogue & cant wait to dive into that box! There are so many new goodies for us to play with.

Well, till next time XX

Mojo #130

2010-03-20T16:55:00.008+11:00

Hello! If I dont make any sudden movements maybe no-one will notice how long its been...too late!!

Yes, I have been a little M.I.A lately, everyone got sick...& then I got lazy! Anyway, I'm back & raring to go, the new autumn/winter catalogue is almost ready to go live & i've made my first order from it...I cant wait for you all to get it, its the BEST catalogue & I'm SO excited about it! (can you tell??)

Ok, card time, I have 2 sources of inspiration, the layout is Mojo Monday & the colours are from Ange's team challenge.

Thought I'd do a nice inside job too...

Well after so long away, I must admit it did take me a while to get it together...once you get started it seems to get easier to keep going. Well, I hope I keep going!

In Gomez news, we just celebrated our 11th Wedding Anniversary on the 6th of March, let me tell you time just flies when you're having fun!

Till next time
XX

Makeesha & Mojo#123

2010-01-28T13:17:00.010+11:00

Hello, I am on such a roll at the moment, & having an absolute ball doing it!
I've been searching for challenges to do to keep me on my toes & found 2 that I love. I've combined the latest mojo monday with Makeesha's colour challenge. I know I've already posted a card made with the mojo monday sketch, but I really needed the practice with the circle scissors!! Plus it's SO much fun to make something different! Here are the challenges...

& here is what happens when you combine mojo & Makeesha...

I wasn't too sure when I saw the colour combination in the challenge, but it actually goes together really nicely!
Here's the inside...

How cute is that stamp xoxoxoxo. Its from the Occasionally set that I got from the inventory sale, it's the first time I've used it but it certainly won't be the last cause its gorgeous!!

Here in Gomez land we're counting down the days till school starts, I'm picking up Jack's bookpack tomorrow morning & so starts labelling EVERYTHING with his name....lucky its easy to write a short name on things, my friend & my sis-in-law have very long last names, I dont envy that job!! lol

Caleb starts kinda this year & I bought him an awesome Thomas backpack...it's so good he wears it all day, only taking it off when he goes to the loo. SO funny! Will have to take a pic on our first day back & post it, they are growing much too quickly for my liking!

Well, I have more ideas in my head, so better get cracking before they disappear!!
Till next time XX

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Occasionally, Sincere Salutations
Paper: So Saffron, Very Vanilla & Choc Chip C/S & Pink Flamingo & So Saffron DSP
Ink: Choc Chip, Cameo Coral, So Saffron
Acc: Brads, Choc Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Scissors, Scallop Edge Punch & my trusty Stampamajig.

Stampin' Royalty Challenge #3

2010-01-26T17:56:00.006+11:00

Hi again, had so much fun doing Kylie's challenge I thought I'd keep on going. This challenge is from Stampin' Royalty & it's a cracker...a single layer card! I thought it wouldn't be too hard but as it turned out it was quite the thinker! (Love my layers!!)

Here is the finished product...

What I did was punch out a hole in the front & frame it with frames with a flourish, then i made a mask with paper, over the square stamp & stamped the roses around the frame...does that make sense? So that way the roses don't go over my frame. Its very simple, this challenge certainly got me outside my box that's for sure! Think I'll be playing along more often!

Here is the inside..

The sentiment looked a little lonely there by itself so I gave it another frame, you can see it a bit through the front & I quite like the effect. Brilliant challenge girls, cant wait for the next one!

Card Recipes:
Stamps: Frames with a flourish, Rose is a Rose, Best Yet
Paper: Very Vanilla
Ink: Ridinghood Red, Black Stazon & Old Olive
Accessories:Stampamajig & Square Punch

Kylie-Jo's Soft Subtles Challenge!

2010-01-26T12:11:00.006+11:00

Hello, I'm very excited to show you the card I just made for Kylie-Jo's Soft Subtles challenge. I used the mojo monday sketch which was something SO different! A circle card!

Here it is...

I'm excited too cause I only JUST got my circle cutter on sunday night,(thanks KJ) so this is my first go at using it...I have to admit it does take a little getting used to, if you press too hard with the blade I found the whole thing would shift, the trick is a light touch...but not too light, you'll work it out!!!

I also had to work out the way it would open, I ended up using my score-pal to make a fold at the top of the back card & using really strong double sided tape to secure it together. Here is the inside...

Heaps of fun, thanks for the challenge Kylie! I have to be honest I struggled at first....its hard to come across Soft Subtles DSP (you know how much I LOVE DSP!) but I found some from the Level 2 hostess gift, the patterned paper pack! Oh what joy! I used a colour I'd never really noticed before, Apricot Appeal, I even had to open the seal of the ink pad in my Stampin Spots!! lol
Here is the Card Recipe:
Stamps: Three Little Words
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla & Apricot Appeal C/S & Apricot Appeal DSP (Level 2 Hostess Gift)
Ink: Black Stazon
Acc: Stampamajig, Pretty's Kit, 1,1/4" Circle Punch, Scallop Punch & Circle Cutter

Till next time,
Happy Stampin XX

Its a HOT one today!

2010-01-11T19:41:00.010+11:00

Hello, ultra fast one today cause my precious stamping/computer room has no airconditioning & it is a STINKER today! 43.1C (110F) & even though its almost 8pm its still really hot outside. Didn't do much, although I did use the day to wash towels & doona's but had to remember to slip on my shoes when hanging them on the line cause the brick ground was burning hot! The positive is, I got it ALL done & dried super fast!!

OK, card time. I pulled out an old Mojo Monday sketch the other day & made a quick one, this is the sketch...
& here is what it inspired...

I like the colour combo on this one, a little simpler than usual but I enjoyed using my punches!

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs & Thankyou Kindly
Paper: Choc Chip, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette & Rose Red C/S & Hand Drawn DSP (hostess gift)
Ink: Versamark & Choc Chip
Acc: Dimentionals, Choc Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Half Pearls, 1& 1/4" & 1 & 1/8" Circle Punch's

Now before I go, I HAVE to show you this card I completely cased from Ange (upline) The second I saw it on her blog I just had to make it & have it in my house I loved it that much!!

Isn't it stunning?? If you want to know the card details on this one head over to Ange cause I'm sweating it in here & it is a total copy of hers LOL

See you next time XX

A little bit masculine!

2010-01-07T22:51:00.006+11:00

Well, look who decided to blog....

yes its meeee! I've enjoyed some time away, but now its time to get back on & chat!!

I've been spending a whole lot of time at the beach & the odd day at the pool so far these holidays...I know, shocking! Those of you who know me personally will know i'm not usually an outdoorsy girl during summer (cause my skin is the fairest known to mankind) but now they are no longer babies, they want to go outside more & i'm finding if I want to spend anytime with my boys (including my big one) I am just going to have to buy a massive hat & slap on that sunscreen! Also, another positive is they are totally cactus afterward & go to bed nice & early! Its working so far...actually, its almost growing on me gasp!

Ok, card time. I made this a few days ago & it came together with the greatest of ease...helped of course by the DSP! I love this paper for the more masculine feel it has. As most of us know, a male card is sometimes hard to put together, even the sentiment can be hard to choose, but I've found 'the simpler the better' works for the boys.

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: Frames with a Flourish
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red & Very Vanilla C/S & Holiday Treasures DSP
Ink: Choc Chip
Acc: Choc Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimentionals, Mat Pack & Stampamajig

I do have more to come, already made & photographed, just have to find some blog time...I'm off to the beach again tomorrow....

More Thankyou's

2009-12-31T14:39:00.006+11:00

Hello, well its been a little while hasn't it? Since the school holidays have started I just relaxed straight into it! We've been busy with the boys, taking them to see their friends or having them here, its been great. Dont worry, i've had PLENTY of time to make cards & I actually have quite a few to share!

Here's my first one....

As you can see, I'm still deep in my Thankyou card mission, more to come too!
I haven't used my Rasberry Tart paper in ages, so thought it was high time I pulled it out & used some & I must say, I think it turned out very nicely.
I hear you all commenting on my lovely bow...well thats courtesy of my new Bow Easy! I love it & it makes bow's turn out perfect everytime! note: you'll be seeing a lot more bows from now on...lol.
The pearl on top of the bow is a build-a-brad with a half pearl from the pretties kit glued on, I saw that somewhere & now forgotten where but someone out there is BRILLIANT! (more of that coming too!)

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Three Little Words
Paper: Rose Red, Whisper White, Regal Rose & Kiwi Kiss C/S & Rasberry Tart DSP
Ink: Black Stazon
Acc: Corner Rounder, Wide Punch, Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Build-a-brad, Pretties Kit, Earth Elements Markers (for inside stamp) & my trusy old Stampamajig.

Ok, enough cards cause I have a gorgeous shot of my 2 little monkeys to show off, I'm actually thinking of scrapping this pic & the others I took that day cause they were in pose mode & I captured HEAPS. If I end up accomplishing it I'll post it.

So on the left is Jack, he just turned 6 a couple of weeks ago & a week later lost his tooth, he looks so much older now (boohoo) & Caleb is 4 and a half. I must go back to that park because there are massive oak trees there & even on hot days its so cool under there...also makes for GREAT shots! See you next time XX

Need more Thankyou cards...

2009-12-17T10:03:00.007+11:00

Hello, well I've had a few friends pop over desperately looking for thankyou cards...& as it turns out, I haven't got too many!

So my mission yesterday, while escaping the heat, was to make lots of thankyou cards...& I did!

Here is the first one I finished,

So as you can see, I literally can not fit another layer on this card!! Its a mojo monday sketch from last month that I missed, #113 & it was SO much fun to play with.

I made a couple more but blogger is giving me trouble at the moment so will post later when its more cooperative!
Till next time XX

Card recipe:
Stamps: En Francais, Frames with a Flourish & Elegant Thankyou
Paper: Ridinghood Red, Choc Chip, Kiwi Kiss & Whisper White C/S & Holiday Treasures & Urban Oasis DSP
Ink: Choc Chip & Distress Ink (tim holtz)
Accessories: Stampamajig, Dimentionals, Pretties Kit, Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle punches.

Mojo #117

2009-12-15T23:48:00.011+11:00

Hello, how exciting we're only days away from the start of school holidays! Yay! I LOVE them, no more having to get up early to make lunch, the drive to school hoopla...its just SO wonderful. Plus I find I get more cards made when we have holidays, dont ask how this is possible cause I just dont know how having more boys home doesn't distract me...

Anyway, I made a couple of cards today, one of which was for Mojo Monday #117. I haven't played along in AGES & this was a good one...kinda like the ones I just showed in my last post so that was easy!

Here's the sketch...

& here is what it inspired...

I have to say I LOVE this DSP, its one of my old favourites! Any card I make with it turns out lovely (my opinion of course) I've also started decorating the insides & this is how it looks....

Tomorrow Allison is coming over with my gorgeous nephew Benjamin, we're hiding out from the heat...39 degrees for tomorrow apparently!! Im sure in that time we might knock up a few cards!

Well, I better go off to bedfordshire....once again its WAY past the blogging hour!See you tomorrow!

Card recipe:
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral (thanks for the lend Jess), Best Yet & One of a Kind
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Basic Grey & Whisper White C/S & Urban Oasis DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze & Sahara Sand Ink
Acc: Eyelet Punch, Old Olive Ribbon, Crimper, Dimentionals

Baby Cards

2009-12-09T20:53:00.007+11:00

Hello! How funny, I post my new inspiring stamping space & then I dont make any inspiring cards!!LOL Actually I have been card making but haven't made anything worth posting...until now.

While in blog hiatus I still took the time to look around everyone else's blogs & found some cards that really got my creative engine humming again. I found a great card on Teneale's blog that deserved a CASE...& case I did!!

Here is my baby boy card...

Im so happy with how this turned out, kinda looks like a sheriff's badge & that was entirely by accident! I also decorated the inside...once you start, you want all your cards to have decorated inside!

Card Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Nursery Necessities, Friends 24-7
Paper: Basic Black, Whisper White & Bashful Blue C/S & Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Ink: Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Basic Black & Versamark
Accessories: Stampamajig, Crimper, Scallop Punch, Black Ribbon (non SU) Small Oval Punch, Large Square Punch, Dimensionals

Here is my matching girl card...

Its so pretty in pink! Here are a few tips to help you recreate this card heaps easier! The scallop oval is actually a thin strip of black cardstock punched along one edge with the scallop punch then run through the crimper, then you just slowly stick it down to the back of the white oval...doesn't it look like a big punch??

Also, the two points of the DSP are made by using a large Square Punch! How easy is that? How long did I try cutting it out with scissors only to find it crocked or not 'right'.

Card Recipe:
Stamp Set: Butterfly Prints, Friends 24-7, Nursery Necessities
Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White & Basic Black C/S & Rasberry Tart DSP
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Basic Black & Versamark
Accessories: Stampamajig, Crimper, Scallop Punch, Black Ribbon (non SU) Large Square Punch, Dimentionals

Im going over to Werribee market on Sat with Kylie, Carolina & a few other crafty girls, to sell some of our cards, candles & papercrafts we've all made. If your in the area come & say hello, we're in stall no. 222, hopefully we'll be under my sun hut which is bright yellow! See you there! XX

My Stamping Space...FINALLY DONE!

2009-11-13T11:12:00.010+11:00

Hey there, well, it's FINALLY time to share my space with you!! Now i've been around blogland over the last few months to see how everyone else is doing it & I must admit, i'm totally jealous of all you lucky girls who have a WHOLE ROOM for your stuff! I, however, do not...I was allocated a small corner in our office & I really had to plan the layout of my craft table & how I would store it all... it was all very tricky! So for those of you who are like me & have to squeeze what you can where you can, this post is for you!!!

So, this is the view of the stamping space from the hallway going up into the room...boy I love that view...so inviting..

So, the first thing I got was the table & matching bookcase from Ikea...I LOVE THAT PLACE!! I could curl up & die happy there! If you haven't got much space they are Kings of storage solutions. I also got the railings for my punches & the hanging baskets for the ribbons from there & they were only $3.50 each, how cheap!

Do you notice that the rails are not actually screwed into the wall but a separate wall panel? I did that because I didn't want heaps of holes in the walls & I knew at some stage i'd probably change my mind about where I wanted everything, so I bought a panel of wood already covered with white from Bunnings for $30 & it goes right to the roof. So now im free to nail & screw whatever I want, without wrecking the walls. YAY me!

Oh, I also got my gorgeous red chair from there too, was a little unessesary but how cute is it??

I love being able to have my computer right at my desk too, before I had to move to our computer table to access my blog...& everyone else lol, but now all I have to do is grab the keyboard & off I go! I almost never have to move again! (I see trouble ahead...LOL)

There's my beautiful new lamp which just arrived yesterday...I only ordered it on Mon, dont you love it when you order something & you dont have to wait long?? I do! The lamp came from an online lighting shop. They have SO many to choose from & they are all really cool, different to what i've seen in shops i've walked into. Make sure you check them out!

Now for the storage solutions...I love the colours all together, I bought the green a little while ago from Officeworks, but when I went back to get more they had sold out & moved onto red, I thought 'ok, red works too' & it really does! Inside them I store my catalouges, spare paper, rub-ons, DSP, forms...anything really.

My stamp sets fit beautifully in the top right basket there, I clearly have 3 more to get...just got one to start with to make sure it was right & haven't had time to go back. They are from officeworks too. This is my lovely red clock from Big W, I bought it to even out the green things, & it matches my red chair!

Well, I think that just about covers it...My Stamping Space! I hope you enjoyed having a look & maybe got some ideas for your own space. I'd love to see what you've been working on!

Till next time XX

Stationary Box

2009-11-09T22:50:00.010+11:00

Hello! Sorry its been so long between posts....I've been a very slack little blogger! Thanks for your messages, both subtle & rather less than subtle, Kylie! LOL

I've been a busy little beaver getting my stamping space organised & im excited to tell you its NEARLY finished! I'll post pics as soon as the last piece arrives which is a lovely lamp I ordered from an awesome online lighting shop, they have HEAPS of really modern lamps & uplights, it was almost impossible to choose which one to order! Get a sneak peek of the one i chose...I cant wait till it gets here!

Well, I thought I'd better have something extra nice to show you since its been such a long wait, so I made a Stationary Box! Its got everything you need to write a card, or tag a present, all in the one box! Would make a nice handmade gift too! The idea for this box I got from Jackie Topa, in fact all I did was change the colours! Her tutorial is here

Here it is open, love the place for the stamps!

Actually there is a little handy space for everything!

& here it is all spread out, I really like how the colours all turned out together...I made one before this, but its still unfinished because the colours were not nearly as nice.

The little note cards..

& the gift tags

SO...what do you think? Fabulous no? lol Give it a try, its a whole lot of fun to put together!

Well, its WAY past blog o'clock & I better be off, will post again sooner this time!

Recipe:

Stamps: Cheep Talk, Best Yet & Sweet Little Sentiments

Paper: So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Ruby Red & Very Vanilla C/S, Urban Garden, Ridinghood Red, So Saffron & Sweet Slumber DSP

Ink: Black

Acc: So Saffron Ribbon, Rhinestone Brads, Stampamajig Sticky Strip, Dimentionals, Square Punches (both), Oval Punches (Sml, Large & Extra Large) & Pen

Something fun...

2009-10-24T14:20:00.010+11:00

I have something really fun to share with you today.

Lately a few people have said that they would love to get into card making & candle decorating but they are not 'naturally crafty'. Well I told those people that I didn't start off naturally crafty either, in fact, I wasn't particularly interested in papercrafts when I went to my first Stampin' Up party. It was something that came with practice. They didn't believe me, so I promised to show them my very first card I ever made all by myself! LOL...here it is!

LOL, look at the pink card behind thats EXACTLY the same as the one photographed...I wasn't particularly crafty AT ALL!

So anyway, it's a very simple card, as first cards usually are, but the difference between this card & some I made just a month later are dramatic. It really doesn't take long to get the hang of it. I used to find cards I liked on splitcoaststampers & print them off & CASE them (its called case but back then, I just plain copied them!! lol) It really gave me an idea of colours & layouts, punches & techniques that I would NEVER have worked out by myself. It was that practice that got me 'on my feet' creatively. Still now, every now & then, when I find myself sitting like veal at my stamping table, I still jump on SCS & get inspired by colour combinations or techniques I haven't seen before, it always gets my mojo flowing. Hope you enjoyed this overshare! lol

Happy stamping!

Oh before I go, I've started up a profile on Facebook. I thought it might be fun to have a forum thats a little more interactive than just the blog...bit more fun! Feel free to 'add me as friend'. See you there!

Decorating Candles Tutorial...ITS EASY!

2009-10-19T19:37:00.013+11:00

Hands up who thinks this is GORGEOUS!...Well my hand is in the air even if no-one elses is! I love this! It was easier to create this than it should be, what I mean by that is, for years i've bought decorated candles (& paid good money for them) thinking it had to be done when the candle was first made or something & now that i've done it myself with so few steps I see what a simple process it is.

Thought for fun I would photograph my efforts & show how simple it actually is. This is all from memory after seeing Simone Bartrum's presentation at Melbourne Regionals, have I mentioned I enjoyed it??

Ok, Step 1.
Stamp images & patterns on tissue paper in the way you'd like it to look on your candle. Note. you can emboss, add glitter, use markers, use any technique you like at this stage that the tissue paper can take...not sure how you'd go watercolouring...but you get the idea!

Step 2. Cut around the images & position it on your candle.

Step 3. Wrap the tissue paper pattern & your candle together with non-stick baking paper & hold tightly at the back.

Step 4. Get out your Heat Gun & warm up the paper over your image, you know your getting somewhere when you see the image go slightly darker, you can kinda see the top layer of candle melting slightly & spreading over the image. What you want is the tissue paper to 'disappear' on the candle, you can see it starting to happen on one edge here...

Step 5. Once your done with the Heat Gun you can gently peel off the baking paper & hopefully its stuck down all over the image..if not, you know what to do! Get out that Heat Gun & give it another going over!

Step 6. This is the fun bit...adding all your embellishments! Go CRAZY!

I made this set using my practice candle up the top, just changed the sentiment to make them a nice set. You'll notice the image has been reversed on the second candle to make them 'go together', I did that by flipping the tissue paper over, its so thin it looks the same on the back so is very easy to reverse. How simple is that?! The best bit is my hands smell like Jasmine after handling the candles so much, mmmm love that smell.

Ok, everyone go & have fun recreating that!!

Details:

Stamps: Great Friend, Friends 24-7

Ink: Ridinghood Red, Choc Chip, Old Olive

Acc: Candles, Tissue Paper, Baking Paper, Heat Gun, Choc Chip Ribbon, Bella Rose DSP, Stampamajig, Diamonties, Rhinestone Brads, Dimentionals, Dazzling Diamonds

Swaps I received...

2009-10-18T23:17:00.019+11:00

Hello...again! Well I thought while I was in such a chatty mood I'd take the opportunity to show you the gorgeous swaps I got back for my swaps.

So here they are, all lined up and gorgeous..

couldn't fit them all in, so here's the rest..

All those clever bunnies out there will notice there's only 33, that because I left one of my 35 on the stampin' up table at the regionals & the other one I accidently left at my sisters house when we were comparing swaps.

Thanks to everyone who swapped with me, I love all my cards & have looked at them so many times since I recieved them sat. Cant wait to try some of these new ideas i've found!!

Talk soon

Love Bec x

Melbourne Regionals

2009-10-18T21:01:00.020+11:00

OK, I uploaded the pics & surprisingly I have less than I thought I did! I realised I took HEAPS of pics on Ange's camera which is almost exactly the same as mine & my sis had my camera! lol

Anyway, i'll show you what I have!

So the day started early so we could get in & settled without too much fuss & before we knew it we were in & swapping all our cards, so much fun, all the flurry & excitement in seeing what everyone else had created...I have my fave's which i'll photograph & post up cause they are just gorgeous!

Once it got started we were treated to Aaron Scott showing us how to make a 'graffiti card' which was very cool & very 'manly' as my husband would put it lol. Here is a shot of him holding his creation...

Clearly my sister had the camera for this shot because i'm way too shy to ask a stranger for a photo op! lol. I really liked his presentation, he was interesting & showed how he'd started into card making with his fonts styled cards...very funny! Anyway, am glad to have something to show the husband...men do make cards!!!! LOL

I cant remember the order the presentations were in but one that I particularly enjoyed was Simone Bartrum's showing how easy it is to decorate candles. I think I gasped the whole way through & this afternoon I went & bought the materials to do it myself! I'll see if I can do a tutorial for you, so you can see how she did it too! Here is a pic of the finished product...

Isn't that candle GORGEOUS...& that happened right before my eyes! Im SO doing that!!

The rest of the day went VERY quickly, we were given projects to work on, but I was too distracted to do them, I was just so excited to be with everyone. I did start the box but couldn't concentrate! Might do them & show you the finished product...

Something else VERY exciting that happened was I won the door prize!! Its a new set from the yet to be released summer mini & its gorgeous! Its all about butterflies...thats the only clue i'll give you till the mini's out lol. You'll see it soon...

Here's the rest of the photos!

This is a pic of our team Ink Culture...

There are a couple of very welcome blow-ins lol, namely my sister Jess & my beautiful friend Tasharni, but this is our team (starting from the left) Me, Tasharni, Jess, Carolina (at the back) Angela, Kylie, Ange & Sue.

Above is Carolina & Kylie, they are such a blast to be with!

Here is the Very Sweet Kylie-Jo (or KJ as we call her! lol) Was SO much fun spending the day with her, she's awesome!

Me & 'the upline' lol Ange! I think we laughed the entire day! Next time they will have to sit us separately!! lol I love our team, we all get along so well & our team meetings are SO much fun I cant wait to hear the next date so I can look forward to it all month! I feel very lucky!

Here's a shot of Sue Madex & Ange getting ready for their presentations. Ange went first & showed us how to make paper flowers & she did an EXCELLENT job! Next went Sue & her presentation was how to do faux silk on your projects...we all had a 'gasp' moment when after VERY carefully stamping her images she then scrunched it up! So funny, cause we all know it was a part of the process but took us a second to process it LOL. She did a great job of that presentation!

All in all, it was a fantastic day! I even plucked up the courage to say hello to Marelle Taylor, I have followed her blog since the beginning & was very excited to see her there! I went home & pretty much described every minute to my poor husband who still cant run away with those crutches he's on LOL Ah I like to have my fun! LOL.

I've asked the other girls to send me the pics, so if they do i'll post some of those too!

Thanks for reading, i'll be back shortly with my efforts of candle decorating!

Bec x

Swaps for Regionals

2009-10-17T22:48:00.004+11:00

Hello, well what a day I've had today! The day started actually from the night before because I couldn't get myself organised to finish my swaps & ended up staying up till almost 2am cutting tiny flowers & affixing them to my cards. So here it is, the finished product...

& here is the pile I made to give out at Regionals, intended to make 50 but settled for 35 when my hand could cut no more...

I had THE BEST day today, I have HEAPS of things to share, including pics, swaps & stories from our day spent at Crown! Will save it for tomorrow's post as I have quite a few things to sort through...see you tomorrow X

Card Details:
Stamps: Trendy Trees, Frames with a Flourish, Pocket Sillhouettes
Paper: Baja Breeze, Real Red & Whisper White C/S, Ski Slope & Baja Breeze DSP
Ink: Black Stazon, Old Olive Marker & Real Red Marker
Acc: Dimentionals & Stampamajig

Fabulous Friend for Mojo#107

2009-10-07T23:14:00.005+11:00

Hello, I finally finished the card I was working on yesterday & I cant wait to show you. Its for the Mojo Monday challenge & what a good one it was to work with!

So here is Mojo#107...

& here is what it inspired...

Think i've played with these colours before, but I love how they complement each other! I've also used a new set I just got, Eastern Influences, I LOVE it! Like pretty much everyone else, I felt the need to watercolour the images & I was pleasantly surprised by how great the colours came out. Might see a lot more watercolouring from now on...although I did say that about brayering & I dont think i've used it since LOL.

Card Details:

Stamps: Eastern Influences & Oval All

Paper: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss & Whisper White CS, Urban Garden & Ridinghood Red DSP & Watercolour Paper

Ink: Ruby Red, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Ridinghood Red & Black Stazon

Acc: Earth Elements Markers, Aqua Pen, Pretties Kit, Crystal Effects, Sponge Daubers, Stampamajig & Dimentionals

Have found some more Challenges over on Splitcoast I'm eager to give a go, so will have some more to show soon. X

Crazy for Challenges! #C4C4

2009-10-06T13:26:00.010+11:00

Hi, as promised I have been very busy making some new eye candy! I've been checking out some new challenges here & there to give me some ideas & i've found some really good ones...like this one called Crazy for Challenges! How good is that? All challenges All the time! My kinda blog! So here is one of their challenges...

& here is my entry..

'Sigh' isn't she pretty? Im really stoaked with how this turned out because I am trying to use colours that I dont usually use...I think you can see by now I like strong, bright colours, Soft Subtles dont usually grab my attention, so that was my challenge for yesterday. Admittedly I didn't LOVE this card till I added my lovely red flower & the fern frond, made it a little less boring.

I've also been playing lately with different flower shapes & how to make them look more real by layering them or by pressing on the back of them to make the petals round instead of flat. What I did with this flower was stamp it in Ruby Red with Organic Grace flower on Pretty in Pink CS then cut it out & sponged it with more Ruby Red, concentrating on the outer petal as well as colouring the flower. Then the tricky bit, I turned it over & with a embossing tool (you know the one with the small ball on the end??) & I gently rubbed each petal until it curled up a little on the edges. When I flipped it right side up I did the same thing to the middle to make each petal stand up a bit...does this make sense (it does in my head but that doesn't always translate lol) So the finished product will look like it had rounded petals & are slightly lifted off the page. If in doubt see the close up!! LOL

Card Details:
Stamps: Organic Grace, Frames with a Flourish & Friendly Words Wheel
Paper: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla & Old Olive CS
Ink: Perfect Plum, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Old Olive & Versamark
Acc: Old Olive Ribbon, Stampamajig, Emboss Tool thing with the ball lol, Eyelet Punch, Pretties Kit, Sponges, & Dimensionals

I've got a couple of hours till I have to get Jack so will finish off a card i've been working on... XX

Inspiration Challenge #13

2009-10-05T01:30:00.008+11:00

Hello, well, after the teeth pulling excercise that was the last card (see post below) this card was one that 'made itself'. I was really feeling this inspiration, the colours together are beautiful & crisp, Love your inspiration Keesh!
So here's the inspiration picture...

& here is what it inspired..

Think I may have gone a little OTT with the Baroque Motif & CLEARLY with the crystal effects, but once I started I just couldn't stop!! lol. Am loving these colours together...may even attempt another go at this one cause it was a whole lotta fun!

Oh PS. How nice does the sentiment look?? Well I stumbled upon the best idea I think I've ever seen! I have always loved the Friendly Wheel. From the very first time I saw it I wanted to use it for this exact purpose, but when I got it & tried to use just one sentiment I found it incredibly difficult...even using the markers to colour just the one I wanted didn't work cause I couldn't line it up properly. But then I saw a tutorial from Teneale Williams that is simply brilliant! CUT UP THE WHEEL! I had such a 'doh' moment when I saw it, of course cutting it up is the perfect soloution. Thanks Teneale for sharing that tutorial, my wheel is headed for such a workout since I cut it up!!

Card Details:
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Friendly Wheel
Paper: Whisper White, Sahara Sand & Real Red CS
Ink: Versamark, Black & Real Red
Acc: Real Red Ribbon, Stampamajig & Crystal Effects

Will keep busy & post again soon X

Mojo#106 & a box of new goodies...

2009-10-04T21:46:00.010+11:00

Hello! Well, it has been a little while between posts!! Any excuses?? Well...sortof. With the school holidays being on & a still on crutches husband, I haven't found myself creatively motivated of late. Even the arrival of a whole box full of goodies on Friday couldn't move me....I was soooo excited though, that I just sat & looked at it all for 2 days straight. lol

Well, enough of that! Time to make myself make SOMETHING! Of course first stop was Mojo Monday, love that blog for inspiration.

Here is this weeks sketch... & here is what I came up with...

This baby took me AGES to complete...the colours...weren't right to begin with, I eventually sorted that out, the size was a bit of a problem too, dont ask why, just couldn't get it to look 'just right'.
So after about 3 hours of pulling apart & sticking back together, I finally have a card to show! Sometimes a card just about makes itself....& then we have the days when a card is about as easy to make as pulling teeth. Yes, I had one of THOSE days...lol

Anyway, as you can see, it's not exactly like the sketch, I kept trying to add the square box on the right, then I tried adding a flower instead, but it felt like 'too much', like it was overdone or something. Im in a simple mood today. You cant tell from the pictures but I also mounted the saying on Dimentionals to lift it a bit, loved it even more once that was done!

Well, I had heaps of fun playing with all my new stamps, paper & embellishments, oh, & I have to show you my new stamping space. Yes! I got my own DESK...& a BOOKCASE!! Woohoo! Actually, that has also taken a lot of my time this past week too, probably should of mentioned it while I was making my excuses....anyway, we got it from IKEA on Tuesday & I've been having SO much fun putting everything in its new home. I still have a few more co-ordinating boxes to buy, to store it all & mount my railing for the punches (EVERYONES doing that nowadays & I didn't want to be the only one left behind LOL) so when its all done i'll take my pics & post it all! With school going back tomorrow I plan on churning out some more cards to post....lets see how I go hey?? X

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Frames with a Flourish & Three Little Words
Paper: Chocolate Chip & Very Vanilla CS & Ski Slopes DSP
Ink: Black Stazon
Acc: Choc Chip Ribbon, Stampamajig & Pretties Kit

Rockets Away...

2009-09-27T00:43:00.004+10:00

Hello, SUPER quick one today cause it is well & truely past my bedtime! Must also apologise for the picture quality...of course it was taken mere seconds ago & the care factor isn't high!! lol

First time my Pun Fun set has seen any ink & was LOTS of fun to colour in!

Am awaiting big new order of goodies so will have heaps to share soon!

Stamps: Pun Fun & Nursery Necessities
Paper: Basic Grey, Going Grey, Taken with Teal, Real Red & Whisper White C/S
Ink: Versamark, Real Red, Summer Sun, Tempting Turquoise & Pumpkin Pie
Acc: Bold Brights Markers

Till next time X

Sweet & Fresh

2009-09-19T22:37:00.005+10:00

Hello, im back with another card. This one is all about the stamp set, I borrowed it from my mum & sister since they are underusing their stash of stamp sets...this one had barely seen ink!!
Well, I love it! So much fun to work with. There's a lot happening in this one, what do you think?

I started out by stamping it in Black Stazon because I had an idea of colouring in the flowers with Red ink using the Aqua Pen...well I did & it was a little blah, so I restamped it again & coloured in the flowers with the Ruby Red Marker from Earth Elements set, MUCH better! So then I had the painful task of cutting out the main flower & putting it on top of the original flower using the Dimentionals...still following??

Well, anyway, it looked heaps better & a lot more interesting that way so I did them all! You can see in the close up picture how thin the colour was to start with but how strong the colour from the markers was. I thought about also colouring in & cutting out the swirly design but then thought against it...TOO MUCH WORK! lol It looks good enough in just the lighter colour!

Am really enjoying my crafting atm & will keep going...im trying to get good at making flowers. I've seen some awesome flowers in my travels around the blogworld & would love to perfect the art! Practice, practice, practice!

Card Recipe:

Stamp Set: Fresh Cuts

Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black & Ridinghood Red C/S & Ridinghood Red DSP

Ink: Black Stazon, Ruby Red, Garden Green, Eggplant & Ballet Blue Ink

Acc: Earth Elements Markers, Mat Pack, Ribbon Originals

Till next time XX

WINNER!!!

2009-09-19T22:22:00.003+10:00

YAY! I won something! How very exciting is that!?...well, VERY! I still feel like such a novice at cardmaking (papercrafts in general in fact) so to be a winner of something...anything really, is very cool.
The post below has the inspiration challenge & it was a good one! Thanks Makeesha for picking my card!
Thanks heaps for all the awesome comments! As my flashy blinky says I LOVE comments, so thanks to everyone who left me one!
Once I come down off my high, I'll post a card i've nearly finished, so watch this space!! XX

Inspiration Challenge #12

2009-09-16T23:53:00.003+10:00

Well, here I am again, burning the midnight hour, but I do have something hot off my table to share with you!
I've seen in my travels, many a card challenge, but this one from Makeesha's blog really made me sit up & pay attention...something about the pattern on the quilt interested me & I instantly thought of pulling out my circle circus set! Of course i've since checked out everybody else's card & it seems I wasn't alone in my brilliant discovery!! LOL Still it was alot of fun to play with & I enjoyed myself...which is really the most important thing hey?

The pattern turned out exactly how I thought it in my head, trust me, that doesn't happen very often! Of course I used my trusty Stampamajig to keep the whole thing centered & straight...things I dont assume anymore! Also the colours I found a bit of a challenge, the yellow I used was very strong, so I found the less of it I used the better balanced the card came out...& HEY, has anyone noticed I didn't use ANY DSP??? Thats gotta be a first?!

Anyway, that was fun! Cant wait for the next challenge now!

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Circle Circus & Inspired by Nature

Paper: Whisper White, Summer Sun, Baja Breeze & Pacific Blue C/S

Ink: Baja Breeze, Pacifi Blue & Summer Sun (bit of sponging)
Acc: Stampamajig - ALOT!!

Till next time X

Pretty Flowes & Pearls (Mojo 104)

2009-09-15T11:28:00.007+10:00

Hello, Wow...has it really been THAT long?? Boy, time passes quickly when you're having fun! Joe is still home with his knee injury & I must say its been great to have him here, he comes in most handy at school drop off & pick up time LOL. The only thing is, he is most distracting from card making & i'm only just getting back into making things as my table became the general dumping ground for letters, bills & newsletters! Well, all cleared up & I went searching for some inspiration...went past Ang's blog...nice flowers, might use that....Mojo Monday...Yep done! & here we are with thanks to the above 2 blogs LOL

I love the colour combination, not one I would ordinarily think of putting together but the Stampin' Up colour chart said these colours go & who am I to argue?? The flower is from the Urban Garden DSP, just cut it out a few times & layered it up a bit, then placed it on scallop punched out Ginger Blossom DSP, to bring out the blue a bit better.

Will try VERY hard to make some more cards & keep this creativity going...if not...well you know who's fault it is!!! LOL

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Best Yet

Paper: Basic Grey, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss & Ruby Red C/S, Urban Garden & Ginger Blossom DSP

Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss & Ruby Red (sponging) & Versamark
Acc: Pretties Kit, Eyelet Punch & Scollop Punch

Till next time X

Awesome Man Card!

2009-08-31T21:23:00.007+10:00

Hi everyone! Thought i'd share another of my 'finds' today. This one I have no idea how I stumbled upon it, but its really rather clever & was heaps of fun to make. Its called a shirt card & the tutorial I printed off came from here.

This card honestly took me about 20mins to make, its so easy! Give it a go & have fun!
Card recipe:
Stamps: Sincere Salutations
Paper: Not Quite Navy & Whisper White C/S & Urban Garden DSP
Ink: Black Ink
Acc: Scallop Punch & Wide Oval Punch

Wiper Card

2009-08-26T09:22:00.006+10:00

Hi there! Hope you all had a good weekend? How windy has it been?? I'll answer that...VERY!!

So it's been a while since my last post & thats because life in Gomezland has been hectic! I'll start with the husband...about 3 weeks ago Joe felt a twinge in his knee as he stepped off the truck at work on his way to a first aid call, he said he had to walk a while to get to them & by the time he made it, he went to kneel down next to the person but his knee was so swollen it wouldn't bend & was painful. Fast forward to now & he still cant bear any weight on it & is hobbling around on crutches. He saw a specialist yesterday who confirmed our fears that he has damaged cartilage in the knee & is going to need surgery to correct it. Surgery wont be for 2 more weeks & the recovery from that is ANOTHER 6 weeks! Poor thing, he's not used to being so dependant on someone else, I get a good laugh though, he can make himself brekkie & a coffee but has to call me to carry it for him to the table...SO funny!! It'll be nice having him home so much, he's got his rostered month off in Nov & as I see it, he just might not have to go back till Dec! How cool is that?? Yesterday Jack came home from school with an ear ache which kept me up some of last night, poor thing. Doc's appointment today! Hope it goes away cause i've got a full on weekend coming up!!

Ok, card time! As mentioned in a previous post, I've been trolling through different card techniques on splitcoast & here is one i've never seen before but thought i'd give it a go! Its called a wiper card...

So, above is how it looks closed...& below is when you open it up.

Cool huh? With my scor-pal it was so simple to make, as ususal, it was the decorating that took ages, the main image on the front of the card I started with Whisper White cardstock & stamped the Baroque Motif in Old Olive then got the little flower from the same set & randomly stamped it in Ridinghood Red & Pink Pirouette, then got out my Tim Holz Distress Ink & vintaged the whole square up. Then I used Crystal Effects on the flowers (didn't they jump out when I did that!!) stuck on my thankyou & the card was pretty much done! I'll post the link to the tutorial so you can all try it too...one day I might even do a tutorial on here & save you all leaving! lol.
Card Recipe:

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip & Ridinghood Red C/S & Bella Rose DSP

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Great Friends & Elegant Thankyou

Acc: Choc Chip Ribbon, Rhinestone Brads, Crystal Effects, Eyelet Punch, Scor-pal & Circle Punch

Wiper Card Tutorial

Might post again later today...X

Our Boy is here!!!

2009-08-23T19:20:00.005+10:00

Well I finally have some exciting news to share with you all! My gorgeously pregnant cousin Ali has given birth to my nephew & he is a whopper!

Benjamin Stephen was born on Thursday morning after an all night labour & tipped the scales at almost 10 pounds! (yikes) & was 58 cm's long!! When I had Caleb 4 years ago the midwives said he was very long at 53 cm's long...I'm wondering how he was tucked in there exactly. Im pretty sure my boys were a couple of months old before they got to be that long!

Anyway, he is absolutely beautiful & feeding really well. I cant wait to get to know him better...& you know what?...when I was talking to him, he opened his eyes! I knew we bonded in those last few months!

Here is my first hold of Big Ben!

P.S. I've made a few new cards too that i'll post soon so watch this space! XX

Backpack Card & Gift Bag

2009-08-19T00:14:00.006+10:00

Hello, hope you had a good day today! Today was another card day for me, with Ali, my STILL pregnant cousin. She's 5 days overdue now & ready to pop at any moment, in fact she's going to be induced tomorrow!!! Yay, our baby will soon be here (will definately post pics of the little fella!) Cant wait to finally meet him because we've already bonded through the belly, whenever I talk he kicks & moves around...must be my foghorn! lol. Hope he recognises me on the other side!
Anyway, back to the real reason you're visiting me....SO, what do you think of my backpack?? Im absolutely thrilled that this little baby came out so good! The idea was one of those I found the other day on splitcoast & I had hopes that it would be fairly staight forward to create & it really was! I'll include the link to the official tutorial & the templates for the backpack at the end of this post so you all can have a go!

What I thought I might do, is put something little, like small baby items or even chocolates in the box & I made a matching little card to fit in the front pocket...there really isn't anywhere else to write your sentiments &...its cute! I cant believe it's all made with paper & it feels really strong too, will hold its shape very well.

Backpack Recipe:
Paper: So Saffron, Old Olive & Tangerine Tango C/S & Haiku DSP
Acc: Crop-a-dile, Eyelets, Rhinestone Brads, Ribbon (not SU!) & Velcro Dots

Backpack Template
Backpack Pocket & Flap Template
Backpack Box Tutorial

Have fun making this project, will post again soon, hopefully with pics of my nephew...or niece...are those scans really 100%??lol we'll see tomorrow! X

Reverse Spotlighting

2009-08-16T22:11:00.004+10:00

Ok, so this is new! Have been searching for some inspiration on Splitcoast lately & have found myself trolling through the tutorials there & I've really found some good stuff! I have quite a few to make so watch this space over the next week or 2! This is one of those techniques called Reverse Spotlighting. Above is the close up & beneath is the whole card, what do you think??

I'm stoaked with how good it turned out, esp cause it took AGES & was very fiddly. I dont mind doing the occasional fiddly card if it's going to end up a 'wow' card & this did for me!

The construction is fairly straight forward, just stamp the butterflies on Whisper White cardstock, cut it out & stick it down on the DSP then grab the circle punch & punch out half of it. Ink up your butterfly in a contrasting ink & stamp on whisper white again, cut it out & place it behind the original butterfly & just make sure it lines up. Finally cover the holes behind with a coloured piece of cardstock & Bob's your uncle!

Will definately try another one, maybe with more contrasting colours next time...

Card Recipe:

Paper: Whisper White, So Saffron, Cameo Coral, Basic Grey & Going Grey C/S & Walk in the Park DSP

Ink: Cameo Coral, Baja Breeze & Black

Acc: Hodgepodge Hardware, Couple of Diamenties & Circle Punch

More coming so will talk soon X

Faux-Tile Card

2009-08-16T21:31:00.005+10:00

So?? What do you think? Made this card using my new Scorpal, its officially called the Grid Technique but I think faux-tile card is more descriptive cause it really looks like stamping on tiles....

Ok, comments please, cause i'm not sure what this card is missing, I keep looking at it & am not completely satisfied. But then, everyone i've shown thinks it's great so maybe i'm being too critical of my poor little bird...it's probably cause it's not bright enough! We all know how I like my cards bright! LOL

Anyway, was really easy to put together, just scored it at every half inch, then turned the square on its side & repeated to create the tile look then stamped away...easy as! Here's the Card Recipe:
Paper: Sage Shadow, Choc Chip, Close to Cocoa & Whisper White C/S (Shocking...NO DSP!!)

Ink: Versamark, Choc Chip & Pink Pirouette

Acc: Eyelet Punch, Blender Pens, Stampamajig, Brads & Choc Chip Ribbon

Ali Update: STILL no baby! Really thought we'd have one by the end of the weekend, so lost my bet with Gomez...but he lost too so all is still well with the world!!! lol

A Sweet Little Girls Card

2009-08-14T00:15:00.003+10:00

Isn't this card just a little bit adorable? I made it for a little girl who loves blue & it came out just right! I was worried it might look a little bit too male but the butterfly & red flowers made it perfect! Can you anyone recognise where I got my inspiration from?? hint: it was originally made with Pocket Silhouettes...

So how is everyone? I had another great day, the weather was PERFECT, really feel spring in the air now! Such an exciting time of the year I think, the plum trees in our area are all in full blossom & look stunning & you can hear the familiar buzz of bees around...I love it! I spent the whole day outside, not in the garden (although it does need the attention..) but out & about, down the street & at Jack's school for assembly, was nice for a change to not be weighed down under 4 layers of clothing as we Melbourne girls have to be!

Hey, I got something off ebay that i'm SO excited about!! I got a Scorpal!! I've wanted one for ages but couldn't justify the price...but then earlier this week I thought 'ah to heck with it, i'm sick of looking out for one'...& I got it, was very impulsive of me, but I have been keeping an eye on the prices & this was resonable at only $68 (most are $75ish) anyway, it just had to be done! I haven't used it mind you cause it only came today & as I mentioned was fliting about like a butterfly all day. Will certainly post my efforts as they come down the assembly line...

Ok, Card Recipe:
Paper: Baja Breeze, Whisper White & Not Quite Navy C/S & Urban Garden DSP
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Acc: Earth Elements Markers, Crystal Effects (love that), Brad & Scollop Punch
More on the way!
P.S. Ali hasn't gone into labour yet BUT has had constant cramping since this morning....maybe soon!

Fabulous Haiku DSP

2009-08-13T23:07:00.009+10:00

Hello, what a brilliant day it was today! Early this morning I got my Stampin' Up order...been hanging out for it! Lots of card stock & some more Bella Rose DSP, yes, i've almost run out already, lol, & I also got a crimper! Very excited about that purchase. Cant wait to show you something I learned at Ange's on Sat, it's really cool!

I also got my haircut this afternoon & it looks awesome!...if I do say so myself of course. Doesn't it feel good to get a good cut? Makes me feel so light & happy, when I was walking back to my car I was checking myself out in the reflection of the shop windows...got busted, how embarrasing, there's really no cover for that one...ah well.

I also got to spend today with Ali again which was great, obviously she didn't go into labour last night or today but I have a feeling it'll be this wkend (she's got heaps of energy but bubs seems quieter than usual..uh huh) Joe's called that she'll go into labour at 1am this morning...how random is that. Funny if she does, obviously i'll let you all know!

So I got an order from Stampin' Up this morning & inside was a brand new DSP for me to try!! Its called Haiku Designer Series Paper & I love how bright it is.

Here is a second entry to Mojo#99...I love that sketch!
Great paper hey? Didn't think I'd like olive & tangerine so much together but I really do! I think I may have overdone the sponging, Tangerine Tango is a very strong colour, wasn't expecting that! I was 100% inspired by a card Kylie-Jo made for our card swap at the team meeting on sat. It was very simple but the showed off the colours of the DSP beautifully, I haven't got it with me to post but hopefully KJ post's it on her blog & i'll add the link here when she does!

Update: She has it posted & here it is...
Card Recipe:
Stamps: Elegant Thankyou - Spring Mini (only $13.95)
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Old Olive & So Saffron C/S & Haiku DSP
Ink: Black, Old Olive, So Saffron & Tangerine Tango
Acc: Old Olive Ribbon, Dimentionals & Mat Pack
Talk Soon X

Mojo#99

2009-08-13T00:17:00.009+10:00

Hi there! I've had such a great day today, got to go shopping in the morning, then spent the afternoon with my VERY pregnant Cousin-in-law making thankyou cards & having a general play with paper. I took the opportunity to make a card for mojo #99 cause I haven't in ages & thought it'd been enough slacking off! I had heaps of fun with this sketch, took me a while to work out which colours & patterns go where, but once it came together it looked GOOD! Tell me what you think??

Cool colours together hey? Cant go wrong with DSP...has anyone else noticed how much I LOVE DSP? lol Hope this isn't something else i'm gonna have to cut myself off! Here's the recipe:
Stamps: Best Yet
Paper: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze & Basic Grey C/S & Urban Garden DSP
Ink: Black, Baja Breeze & Kiwi Kiss (sponging)
Acc: Brad, Dimentionals & Ribbon (not SU)

Ali's coming back again to play with me tomorrow, thats if she doesn't go into labour cause tomorrow is also her DUE DATE!!...yikes, hopefully tomorrow is not too eventful, don't let her hear me say that cause she is SO ready for him to come out!...I remember that feeling, & then I gave birth & woulda given anything to put him back in for a night of unbroken sleep!! LOL ah newborns...
I have another card I made today but will leave it till tomorrow! XX

Tri-Shutter Card...My very first one!

2009-08-11T00:51:00.005+10:00

Hi everyone, once again i'm burning the midnight hour posting! Well actually I have a lot to show you...obviously it's because i'm such a slack bunny when it comes to posting, kinda creates a backlog of cards to showcase! Might just do one tonight & the rest tomorrow, see how I go!

Been a busy weekend this weekend, had a great team meeting on Sat afternoon, enjoyed my first card swap (SO fun) the cards from the other girls were really cool, I forgot to photograph mine so I cant show you...actually I gave my sister one so might steal it back & take a few snaps. Am I rambling...I feel like i'm rambling...ok, lets go straight to the card shall we? lol

So, here is my very first go at a Tri-Shutter card! It looks REALLY complicated & difficult, I certainly put off trying to make one because of how it looks but it was SO easy! I'll include the link to where I got the info sheet from so you can all do it! Ok, so the above pic is how it looks closed, but check it out once you open it up....

How special is that! It opens up & is absolutely glorious! I am going to make these more often I think, in all the different colours of DSP I have! I love the effect of hiding the bright colours away when it's closed so that you really get the 'wow' pop when it opens up! I mean it, you all should totally try one, you feel very 'special' afterwards LOL

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Great Friends

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss & Whisper White C/S & Urban Oasis DSP

Ink: Black, Baja Breeze & Kiwi Kiss (sponging)

Acc: Flowers & Pearl from the Pretties Set

Will Post again tomorrow! X

P.S. Here's the link to the Tutorial on Splitcoast for Tri-Shutter Cards

The Man Cold

2009-08-08T00:52:00.004+10:00

I just HAD to share this with you cause its hilarious. I've watched it so many times & I still laugh...enjoy

True huh? My favourite bit is when he says "for goodness sakes, he's a man, he's got a man cold' hahaha Ah men, gotta love em!

Gate-Fold Dreams!

2009-08-05T18:47:00.004+10:00

Hello all. Once again, i'm the slackest little blogger on the block! Sorry I went missing there for a while...have had visitors all week & had to put away my stamps to give the appearence of tidiness! Therefore I haven't sat down & made a card to actually post, but visitors are gone & I have pulled it all out again & made a couple of cards, one of which I will showcase...the other is for a card swap we're doing at our team meeting on sat, so don't want to spoil my surprise!

I've used a set I got a little while ago but this is the first time its seen any ink (love that saying!) anyway, I love how it stamps up, especially when you colour in the little flowers, they are so cute! Im really happy with how this card turned out, you can probably tell its a gate-fold card (instructions on Splitcoast) every now & then I feel the need to make a card thats a little 'different' & this one filled the brief for me. Im slowly coming around to the Good morning Sunshine DSP too, still haven't found a use for the owl paper yet but just give me time! lol

Well, I have to get busy, 5 card swaps to work on!

Talk Soon X

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Dream's Du Jour

Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun, Pacific Point, Very Vanilla & Chocolate Chip C/S & Good Morning Sunshine DSP

Ink: Choc Chip & Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Antique Linen

Acc: Markers - Bold Brights & Old Olive Ribbon

More from the Spring Mini!

2009-07-23T20:57:00.007+10:00

Hello?!! 2 posts in the same day, I need my temperature taken! I was on a roll today & managed to make a couple of cards in the one night, so here's the first one I made using the new stamp set from the Spring Mini called Great Friend. Its SUCH a good set & I see myself using it heaps over the next few months!

I love how bright this card turned out!! I was inspired by the ribbon of all things! Its Real Red & I just wanted an excuse to use it. How nice does it go with the turquoise & grey colours?? The only thing im not sure about, is the butterfly, it changed colour when I clear embossed it...was supposed to be Real Red as well. Ah well, cant win them all!!

This weekend is going to be nice & easy compared to the last few weekends. Im really looking forward to chillaxing! (as my friend Sharni calls it lol)

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Good Friend

Paper: Black & Whisper White C/S, Pink Flamingo DSP & Urban Garden DSP

Ink: Black & Sahara Sand

Acc: Emboss Powder-clear, Real Red Ribbon & Crystal Effects

Talk soon X

Guess who got a Brayer???

2009-07-23T16:10:00.009+10:00

Hi everyone, hope this post finds you all fit & well..I finally am! So I've had a few days at home & have been surfing away on the net, looking for some new techniques & ideas to keep things interesting, when I stumbled across the brayering technique on splitcoast stampers. Considering how effective the results are, its really easy to do. Here's my first effort....

I am really happy with this card, especially cause it's the first time i've attempted it, but I know with a little practice I will really knock it out of the park!

So here's how I did this, first I tore a piece of paper to give it a rough edge & a shape other than a straight line, & i taped it down so it wouldn't move (on splitcoast they use post it notes..must buy some..) then grabbed out my brayer & inked it up really good with Bashful Blue Ink to make the water. Then I did the same again with Pacific Point ink just moving the torn edge down a little so some of the Bashful Blue is still showing. Then I got Night of Navy & used a sponge dauber to sponge the very bottom of the page.

Next I turned the page around & used So Saffron Ink & brayered in a yellow sky, then I did it again in Summer Sun, being careful to leave some of the lighter So Saffron showing. Then I got another Sponge Dauber out & sponged the top darker with Pumkin Pie. I then tore another piece of paper, this time with a little mountain shape to it & covered some of the So Saffron & down the bottom some of the Bashful Blue & I again inked up the Brayer with Old Olive this time & made some grass for in between the sky & water.

Then I got out my Forest Friends stamp set & stamped my Deer stamp in Sahara Sand & stamped him on Whisper White & the tree image, inked in Old Olive & trunk coloured in with Chocolate Chip Marker. I then cut them out & stuck them on the scenery & crystal effects them both to make them stand out a little (the background i wish I'd done with Kiwi Kiss cause its a little dark for my tree, oh well, next time!).

Lastly I stamped the Glad we're Friends stamp from the Best Yet Set in Black Ink & Im done! It did take a while to work out how I wanted it to look & how to make it look the way I saw it in my head but I think next time it wont take as long. I must say, once you start its really addictive, I have a feeling its going to take me a while to get this technique out of my system!
Card Recipe:
Stamps: Forest Friends & Best Yet
Paper: Whisper White, Black & Summer Sun C/S
Ink: Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Night of Navy, So Saffron, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Sahara Sand & Black
Acc: Choc Chip Marker, Brayer, Crystal Effects & Sponge Daubers

So...What do you think??

Your 1st Sneaky, Sneak Peek!

2009-07-19T11:54:00.004+10:00

Hands up who likes to see previews to things before anyone else? I LIVE for it, advance preview for a movie, VIP shopping previews....I get right into it!! So what I have for you to see today is a preview of the new Spring Mini Catalogue....

What do you think? Isn't it gorgeous? Its the new DS Paper Walk in the Park & the Oval All Stamp Set with the Scallop Oval Punch. The main image is Soft Summer which is a two step stamp set.

I love the new Spring Mini & cant wait to show you everything, it becomes available from the 1st Aug so not long to wait! I've got more cards to make with more stuff from the catalogue, so watch this space...

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Soft Summer & Oval All

Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Basic Grey & Regal Rose C/S & Walk in the Park DSP

Ink: Regal Rose, Black, Kiwi Kiss & Old Olive

Acc: Crystal Effects, Eyelet Punch, Stampamajig, Scallop Oval Punch, Oval Punch & Wide Oval Punch, Rhinestone Brad, Satin Ribbon (not SU) & Dimensionals

Have to run, we're taking boys to see Ice Age 3! XX

Ange's stunning 'Card for no Reason'

2009-07-16T16:25:00.018+10:00

So, let me set the scene. Im in bed, sick as a dog, when Joe comes in after picking up Jack from school & in his hand he has a heap of mail, but one of them has caught my attention...it looks handwritten (as opposed to the bill variety) & I just know it has my name on it....YES! it does!

Hey, hey! My first recieved 'card for no reason' came today from my upline Angela. Thanks Ange! It was such a surprise that came just at the right time, cause I feel so rubbish today...& I love the card SO much. Its very 'me' dont you think? I love bright cards...as you can tell & i'm loving the Rasberry Tart DS paper but what I love the most is how much it weighs! Its funny, but in my opinion, a heavy card is a well made card! & let me tell you, this card weighs a ton..im surprised they didn't charge more in postage Ange! LOL. Nah, im just kidding, all jokes aside, I was very touched to get a 'card handmade with love'.

Here's the inside, which has been photoshopped to within an inch of its life (sorry Ange, looks messy now but I didn't want everyone to read your sentiments) Have a look at all the effort that went into even the inside of this baby, there's layers & everything! The front of mine might look good but let me tell you..there is nothing going on inside it! lol Actually, thats inspired me to make the inside just as pretty on my cards, it makes a difference!

So, im busting to find out how you made it?? I tried to pry it open here & there but I cant work it out at all!!

The last pic here is of the bookmarks that were tucked into the front of the card, how clever. You know i've been meaning to make myself a bookmark, cause I do like to read a book or two but now, I dont have to! Cool.

So, BIG hug to Ange for this top effort, I hope you dont mind that i've showcased it on my blog but I really felt it was such a stunning card it should be photographed & shown for all to see!

Its awesome! Mmmmmwa

Love Bec

My Favourite Sister In Law

2009-07-15T15:10:00.007+10:00

Ooo...did anyone think I was starting something by saying I had a favourite Sister in Law?? Actually, I only have 1 sister in law so its allowed!! lol

Just a quick one cause im not feeling crash hot today, I just had to make this after I saw a glitter butterfly made on Amy Rysavy's blog & it looks awesome! I think my dragonfly looks pretty cool! Check out here the video tutorial about how it's made...its really cool!!
Ok, im back to bed...
Card Recipe:
Stamps: Wonderful Favourites & Bugs & Kisses
Paper: So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Ridinghood Red C/S & Washington Apple DSP
Ink: Pacific Point & Black Stazon
Acc: Acetate Paper, Crystal Effects, Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon & Glitter

A Man Card for my Husband & Mojo#95

2009-07-14T23:15:00.013+10:00

Hello, hope its been a good start to your week. Mine started off promising but last night I went to bed with the driest, sorest throat. All night it was bothering me & when I woke this morning I found I could hardly swallow! I've been downing fishermans friends all day (on advice from my good friend Pam) & surprisingly it works. I cannot stand them otherwise but I found it to be less foul than usual & actually numbed my throat for a good half hour. So there's a tip for free!

Anyway, on to my card. Every now & then I attempt a masculine card...& everytime I have, my husband disagrees & points out how its still a feminine card (stamp is too girly/flowery or the sentiment is too much) However, I seem to have struck a note with his 'very manly taste' & when he first saw my card on the table said 'wow, thats a nice masculine card, I like the colours, the green & browns & the dark blue, its very manly' lol....So what do you think?

Well i'm pleased to have pleased the husband! I should mention of course the layout gets it's inspiration from Mojo#95 & what a good layout to work with!! I also pulled out my Good Morning Sunshine DSP which I have looked at many times but have yet to use on a card. I like it, its just...I find it a bit specific...I dont have the trendy trees set or the cheap talk/good friend sets which seem to match it so well. Maybe the catalogue has me too well trained!!
Card Recipe:
Stamps: Best Yet, Pocket Sillhouettes & Wonderful Favourites
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White, Choc Chip, Pacific Point & Summer Sun C/S & Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Ink: Choc Chip, Pacific Point & Summer Sun
Acc: Eyelet Punch, Old Olive Ribbon & Stampamajig
Talk Soon X

Favourites Thread on Splitcoast!

2009-07-13T20:46:00.004+10:00

HEY! Just had to share with you something really exciting!! I was just on splitcoast checking out some comments left on the card below, & it's been mentioned on their favourites thread!! Im SO EXCITED!! Its such a compliment cause I still feel like a bit of a novice, so one of 'them' noticing me feels like such a privilege! Go & have a look at the Favourites Thread & scroll down to the 11th post by Stamp2u, I love her! (im calientebec)
Dont worry, I wont let it get to my head!...well maybe just a little bit...just for tonight...lol. Am having a card night in front of the T.V cause i just got my free stamps on the doorstep today! YAY, is it my day today or WHAT???

Love Bec

Embrace Life

2009-07-10T21:23:00.007+10:00

Hello, this is a quick one cause once again its almost 11 & I really need to get off to bedfordshire! I made this card a while ago but wasn't going to post it because i've used DSP you cant order anymore, but then i photographed it with my new camera & it turned out too nice not to post!

Im so excited about the camera because i've been campaigning for a few months now, for a digital SLR camera, so I can capture natural shots of the boys without having to be up in their face. I have so many 'cheese' shots its not funny & I really want to get into scrapbooking. So as you can see I really NEEDED the double lens! lol.
I have a lot of training to do on it, to work out how to use a 'proper' camera, so far its awesome! We went to the park yesterday & I pulled my baby out...I did feel a little weird when I attached the extra long lens, but after a while I didn't care! lol. I'll get better & start scrapping!!

OK, back to the card. Its Ginger Blossom DSP which is from the last mini we had & the stamp set used is Embrace Life, I don't use that set as much as I used to but might pull it out again soon, i've been inspired!

Stamps: Embrace Life
Paper: Sahara Sand, Black, Real Red & Whisper White C/S & Ginger Blossom DSP
Ink: Black & Real Red
Acc: Black Brads

Off to bed for me, See you all tomorrow X

Mojo#94 - Sunnies Please!!

2009-07-09T16:21:00.009+10:00

Hi again, hope you're having a good day! I know I have! Got to spend the day making things, some of my time I spent making baby shower gifts & the rest of it I spent on this little baby...

Its bright huh? Well, Pink Flamingo DSP certainly isn't for the faint hearted thats for sure. I made this card for Ange (send a card for no reason) & while I was at it I thought I might make it using the mojo monday layout#94.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Upsy Daisy & Its a Loop Thing

Paper: Cameo Coral, Tempting Turquoise, Summer Sun, Whisper White & Real Red C/S & Pink Flamingo DSP

Ink: Choc Chip & Black Stazon Ink

Acc: Eyelet Punch, Crafters Tool Kit, Vellum, Markers & Dimentionals

Free Stamps for ME!

2009-07-09T10:50:00.003+10:00

WooHoo! Great news to share with you all...I made the cut for the first level Stampin' Start!!

That means I sold over $3,000 in the first 3 months I have been a demonstrator & I got to order any 3 free stamp sets from the catalogue. I chose Petal Pizzazz, Pun Fun & Schoolbook Sefif Alphabet! How exciting is that!!

I would like to thank everyone who ordered from me in the first 3 months - Mum & Jess, Kylie, Ange, Nomiki, Lyndell & esp Tasharni (my recruit in training) Thanks you guys, I know some of you ordered especially to help me out, I REALLY appreciate it! Im over the moon WOOHOO

Team Meeting Card...

2009-07-08T22:55:00.003+10:00

Hey, hey! 2 posts in the one night is very unlike me I know!...will have to go & lay down in a dark room after. lol Just photographed the card I made at our team meeting last sat & thought since I have the time & the inclination I might as well go with it!

So what do you think? Im really happy with the colour combo, that pink is so striking! I was also playing around with the Damask stamp from Friends 24-7 set & love how it looks like wallpaper. On the close up pic above you can sorta tell that the sentiment has been double stamped, 1st with Regal Rose & then with Choc Chip, it turned out really cool (if i do say so myself of course)lol

It was also my very first time using stazon ink. That was really fun, then the markers to colour it in using some reverse technique that escapes me now - Ange...what was it again??

Anyway, very, VERY fun day! Got to meet Johanna, our newest team member (gorgeous) & her daughters who are both really great, cant wait for the next team meeting when we can all get together again & play!!

Card recipe:

Stamps: Friends 24-7 & Best Yet (hostess gift level 1)

Paper: Regal Rose, Whisper White, Glorious Green & So Saffron C/S & Vellum

Ink: Versamark, Choc Chip, Regal Rose & Black Stazon Ink

Acc: Eyelet Punch, Markers, Brads & Stampamajig

Send a card for no reason!

2009-07-08T22:29:00.010+10:00

Well, it's that time again - blog time! Must be 11 o'clock...Ah yep, it is!

The card Im showing off today was made by the lovely & gorgeous Ange Dickins! Ange has put it out there in blogland, that this month is "send a card for no reason" month & she's clearly leading by example. Isn't it a great card, LOVE the colour combo & actually Petal Pizzazz is on my wish list!

You know, it made me feel really happy to recieve a card when i wasn't expecting it, SO, this month im going to follow Ange's example & also send cards for no reason & would love to hear if you've done the same!

Thanks HEAPS Ange. Big Mwah X

Baby Shower Invites...Check!

2009-07-06T23:01:00.006+10:00

Hello, here I am again, posting at 11! Had a great day with Sharni & the boys today, no stamping but plenty of chatting...Loved it!

So here's what i've been meaning to post for the last couple of days, the baby shower invitations. I think they are absolutely gorgeous & turned out just how I wanted. Of course these designs are all over the internet at the moment but I have to give my credit to Lauren Meader, her tutorial was fantastic & helped me work out the dimentions of the invitations, basically each sheet of cardstock is split in half lengthways then in half again horizontally, the rest is just the circle punch & a pair of scissors to straighten it all up...easy as! I've whitened out the address & phone no's with photoshop, it looks like whiteout liquid doesn't it? In real life of course it's perfect!

I have my favourite colour combo's...which one's yours?

Im Still Here!

2009-07-05T23:26:00.002+10:00

Hi everyone, Its been a while hey? I've been flat out with the school holidays, catching up my friends with boys all over melb! It's been so much fun...& really exausting at the same time & Im only half way through! This week is shaping up just as busy as the last so thought i'd better post & let you all know im still here!!

I am managing to get some stamping done too in all this flurry, just haven't had the time to post it up! Ive also been staying up WAY too late making invitations & other paper goods for my cousin-in-law's baby shower. Im really excited about it & have gone crazy on the internet for ideas which i cant wait to share with you! Soon I promise!

The shower is in a couple of weeks, so will be busy creating till then. Will post soon with some pics! Love Bec XX

A Happy Heart

2009-06-30T20:50:00.011+10:00

Hello all, how are you since i've last been on? Us? We're all good, fully recovered from our mad weekend! I'll talk about the card first & then show a few pics from the weekend...

This set A Happy Heart I borrowed from my sister & I absolutely LOVE it! The set is so easy to create with, it gave me a casual vibe so went with it...

I started with Very Vanilla C/S & used Urban Oasis DSP for the background then stamped my images on Very Vanilla in Sahara Sand Ink. The noughts & crosses stamp I first inked up with Sahara Sand & then coloured in the hearts with Kiwi Kiss Ink & a Sponge Dauber...was a bit tricky but with patience it really came out nice, it looks like its done with a marker! Then overtop of the Kiwi Kiss I spread some Crystal Effects to make it nice & shiny, Same for the heart in the I heart you, used the sponge dauber & Ridinghood Red Ink to make it really pop & then lacqued it up with more Crystal Effects.

Oh, & the ribbon...doesn't it look like Baja Breeze? but no! Its actually Bashful Blue which i've sponged with Baja Breeze, It isn't perfect but it also isn't noticeable, I like how it almost perfectly matches the Scalloped Circle! Here is the 'recipe';

Stamps: A Happy Heart
Paper: Very Vanilla, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss & Basic Grey C/S & Urban Oasis DSP
Ink: Sahara Sand, Kiwi Kiss & Ridinghood Red
Acc: Bashful Blue Ribbon (sponged in Baja Breeze) Crystal Effects, Clear Emboss, Matt Pack & Scallop Punch

Here are a couple of pics from Sunday when we took the boys to Diamond Creek Miniature Railway in Eltham. The boys had the best time (still talking about it) & it was really inexpensive, only $3 a train ride! Lucky for us there were hardly any lines & we got to ride a few times. If you've never been & you live in Melb, its really worth a look!

Tyler, Ethan, Jack & Caleb
Caleb & Joe
"Who wants another ride"?

Talk soon, Love Bec

Sweet As!

2009-06-27T07:44:00.004+10:00

Hi all, just a really quick post today to show off a card I made last night! I've used the Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper, but what I really love is the flower, its just from some cheap white paper flowers I got from Big W & I coloured them in water & food colouring (cause I dont have any refill ink yet) then when they were dried I sponged them in Ridinghood Red Ink, layered them up & fixed them with a bright sparkly brad! I got it to look fuller by putting dimentionals under it to lift the petals off the page.

I haven't stamped it with any sentiments yet, but I think it might go to my cousin for her baby shower...actually, better get on that cause she's only got 6 weeks to go!!

I hope you all have a great weekend! Love Bec.

Paper: Pink Flamingo DSP, Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Black & Whisper White Cardstock

Accessories: Eyelet Punch, Rhinestone Brad, Black Brads, Dimentionals & Paper Flowers

Alway on my mind

2009-06-26T09:48:00.021+10:00

Hi there, hope you've all had a great week, we're almost at the weekend! Looks like it going to be a busy one too. On sat we have our team meeting with my gorgeous upline Ange & that's always a fun get together, i'm looking forward to meeting our newest team mate Johanna too! Then we're out to dinner with some friends of ours Sat night & Sunday we're gong over to Eltham to meet up with some other friends at a miniture train ride. We've been trying to organise it for ages & finally we've found a weekend we can all make it. Our boys are going to love it, just pray it doesn't rain..

So here is the fruits of my labor from yesterdays creative session with Anthea. It was an excellent day, as predicted we laughed & gabbed all day & I must say I was surprised we got anything done, especially as nice as this one turned out!

My fave card so far I think! I've been sponging the edges of the DS Paper with the matching ink colour & I really like how it softens the edges of the card, I think it gives it a vintage look. How lovely does the pink damask look? I've been using that stamp heaps lately because it is just SO versatile...& did you notice i've managed to sneak in another rose from my favourite set? lol, I know I promised you a break from that set, but how???
The layout idea is not mine I must confess but came from an old Mojo Monday week#72, I've downloaded the past layouts & I plan to give them all a go since they are all so good! If you've not heard of Mojo Monday check it out.
Here's how the card came together:
Stamps: Friends 24-7, Always & A Rose is a Rose
Paper:Ridinghood Red, Choc Chip & Old Olive C/S & Bella Rose DSP (my fave!)
Ink: Ridinghood Red, Choc Chip & Pink Pirouette
Acc:Old Olive Ribbon, Scallop Edge & Scallop Circle Punch, Stampamajig & Dimentionals

Im off to Jack's school for their final assembly this afternoon because Jack got awarded PUPIL OF THE WEEK! yay, high fives all round! It's announced in their school newsletter on thursdays so he found out last night & you should have seen the proud look on his face, so cute!
Actually speaking of Jack reminds me I promised to show off his holiday book, I'll upload them now...

how fast was that!!

We saw the penguins on the beach

This is me and my friend Kyan in the pool

I made a shape out of chocolate.

I love seeing his handwriting...even though i'm the only one who can read it. He's trying to sound each word out & hear the letters, I love how he heard the word 'out' - aot, it's funny cause if you say it slowly it really does sound like that. There were more pages but I chose the best ones.
Hope you liked it!

Will talk soon, I have 2 more cards to show you!! X

A little remodel..

2009-06-24T08:33:00.012+10:00

Hey, hope you've all had a good start to the week, how cold is it?? I've been keeping busy, finally unpacked the last suitcase today which is a good effort for me considering we haven't been back a week yet! lol, yes, im that lazy!!

This afternoon I had a parent teacher interview & it went really well, Jack's teacher is very nice & has some great tips on how to get a boy who hates writing to actually write stuff! I am raising such a typical boy! Will happily draw & colour-in, play board games & puzzles...but the minute I suggest we write a sentence about something he starts huffing and puffing, sighing & whinging...I tell you, these teachers dont get paid enough for the work they put in! Imaging a whole class of that...on second thought dont, its making me need to go lay down in a dark room!!!

Anyway, he's doing well, with a little attention he'll come around & most importantly he's happy, both with school & his teacher.

SO...the reason your here, something about cards? Well the card I've got today is one i've done a remodelling of, I wasn't happy with how it looked at first so i ripped that baby apart & had an idea in my head that it would look heaps better with a different background...but im not really convinced. It is better than how it started, just think the idea looked much more amazing in my head!

Clealy, there are some photographic issues going on here but you get the direction I was heading in with this card, it just wasn't looking right, like something was missing. The word I'm searching for is bland I think. So I thought that by pulling the front panel off & putting it on a white background it would look really good.

It looks better but still hasn't quite got it this one...better luck next time hey!

Actually tomorrow I'm card making, or at least that is the plan! My good friend Anthea is coming to play with me & it could really go either way. The creativity bug might bite & we'd get heaps of really great cards made, or...we could sit at the table & gab all day & accomplish nothing! Honestly, either way I'm a happy girl! She's good value that one, makes me laugh so much.

You know, looking at it, the thing I am really happy with, on this card, is the squares. I think they look really effective, I've double stamped each image on the dsp with the matching colour. I tried it first with versamark but it just wasn't dark enough, but the ink really made a nice shadow behind the white. One day I may give this one another go & see if I can improve it a little...

Stamps: Pocket Sillhouettes & Inspired by Nature
Paper: Whisper White, Ridinghood Red & Kiwi Kiss C/S, Urban Oasis, Ridinghood Red, So Saffron & Baja Breeze DSP
Ink:Kiwi Kiss, Ridinghood Red, So Saffron, Baja Breeze & White Craft ink
Accessories: Stampamajig, Emboss Powder - clear.

Will be on again soon as I STILL haven't showcased Jacks holiday book! X

Get Well Soon...One For the Blokes!

2009-06-22T10:53:00.009+10:00

lol, ah my blog title is the best i could do!! This card is my attempt at a masculine get well card...& by masculine of course, I mean its blue! lol

It came together really quickly which is why I love DSP so much, once you've got the paper combination sorted it just comes together.

I also double stamped the Pocket Silhouette image, first with Not Quite Navy & then slightly to the right with Baja Breeze using the Stampamajig. (Love that purchase!!)
The only thing about it I'm not so sure about is the 'G', it looked chopped (course thats because it was!) so I cut out the excess bit & stuck it on with a dimentional so it would look finished...but now im thinking it looks wrong...ah well, too late now...lol

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes & Sincere Salutations
Ink: Not Quite Navy & Baja Breeze
Paper:Not Quite Navy C/S & Urban Garden DSP
Accessories: Stampamajig, Dimentionals, Sml & Lg Oval Punches

Will upload more soon as you haven't yet seen ALL our holiday efforts & I also have to show you Jacks mini scrapbook he's been working on over our holiday for show & tell...SO CUTE!! See you soon X Bec

Phillip Island & Mojo#91

2009-06-19T22:51:00.018+10:00

WOW...two whole post's in the one day, I need to get my head checked!! Well, the holiday to Phillip Island was fantastic! 8 days of chatting, movies, laughing, card/scrapbooking...it just had it all!

& now...reality! lol. It really was just what the doctor ordered, some time away from the hum drum of life & go where it was freezing out but warm in. The hot chocolates flowed during the day & the red went down nicely at night! Our boys had the best time with their friends, they are both exactly the same age to within a few weeks of each other & just loved being together, they hardly fought at all, we were in heaven! & Tasharni & I got to 'play' almost all day, everyday making cards & I actually made a double page scrap page!!! I'll post it later, cant do 3 posts in the one day!! lol

So this here is where the 'magic' happened...& that pic was taken after we had tidied up LOL

& the card posted above is one of the cards I made for Sharn. I am so in love with the Rasberry Tart DS paper, but being surrounded by boys I hardly ever have an occasion to pull it out! But I thought a card for a girlfriend..well I don't need any further encouragement!!

The Card recipe for the above card is:

Stamps: Friendly wheel, Friends 24-7

Paper: Rose Red C/S, Whisper White C/S Pink Pirouette C/S & Kiwi Kiss C/S, Rasberry Tart DSP
Ink: Rose Red, Pink Pirouette, Choc Chip, Kiwi Kiss & Versmark

Accessories:Old Olive Ribbon, Crystal Effects!

Here is my 'little' boy Caleb, looking as gorgeous as ever, what a pose...& with very little direction I might add...

& here is my 'big' boy Jack...he stood there very cautiously for the photo then spun around to make sure none were coming to eat him LOL

& here are the only 2 girls of the families...me & Sharni!

Too COOL!

2009-06-19T16:49:00.015+10:00

Hey everyone! What a great surprise to come back from holiday to find on my doorstep...a blog award! My first too which is very cool. A HUGE thanks to Amy Schultz for finding me here THANKS! & awarding it to me...there are rules attached & they are:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.

3) Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

These are the bloggers I visit almost daily! Drum Roll.....

Kylie Jo
Carolina
Sue
Ange
Sue Maddex
Bruno
Sharni

Hope you all like your pressie!
I'll add more as I find them...its hard to do on the spot!! lol

Green Mojo

2009-06-10T21:41:00.013+10:00

mmmm...does this colour story look a little familiar?? Well if it does, raise your eyes about 3 inches north & you'll see my inspiration! Yes, my very own blog header! lol....I was having a colour block 'moment' & started looking around for ideas & my eyes fell upon this & I thought 'hey..why not?'
So here is the Mojo Sketch Challenge#90...
...& here is my entry...

What do you think?? Its my first upload to any blog apart from splitcoast so was fun to try & come up with something different but with the same layout...preeeety much just leaves us with colour changes lol!

Im loving the greens at the moment, I find it very agreeable to my eye & as soon as the baroque motif was embossed in black it looked even better!
Paper: Black, Glorious Green, Real Red & Whisper White C/S, Certainly Celery DSP
Ink: Black, Glorious Green & Real Red
Accesorise: Clear Emboss Powder

This will be my last post for a little while cause we are off to Phillip Island on Friday for 8 days! Im SO excited! We're meeting my good friend Sharni & her family down there for a hopefully relaxing time. I say hopefully cause there will be 6 boys inc husbands! LOL. So I'll be back end of next week & I really am hoping I might have had time to create....Im even thinking of attempting my first scrap page!!! yikes.

See you all soon X

Yellow Rose for Ann

2009-06-08T23:42:00.008+10:00

Ok, I think you can all guess which is my most favourite Stampin' Up set at the moment...It's really become a bit of an obsession, I keep wanting to make coloured roses, in every colour I have, & play with the strength of the colour or make it softer...I'll stop after this one...I think I can...LOL

I love how strong the colour is on these roses. I personally can't go past red roses, but one of my closest friends LOVES yellow roses, so in my obsession & with her in mind, I thought it might be nice to make a really strong yellow rose in among a group of lovely red ones (it suits her too cause she's 1 in a million that one!!) I had only 1 problem...I didn't have any summer sun paper & the Saffron DSP background looked really flat compared to the brightness of the Rose. Thats where Summer Sun Ink came in nice & handy! What I did was sponge it with the Summer Sun ink. Simple! Doesn't that yellow rose look so pretty there with all those red ones???

Stamps: Rose is a Rose
Ink: Summer Sun, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Choc Chip
Paper: So Saffron & Whisper White C/S, Old Olive DSP, So Saffron DSP & Bella Rose DSP
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Dimensions
Technique: Two Step Stamping & Sponging

Roses on a Vine

2009-06-07T10:47:00.007+10:00

Hey everyone, sorry it's been a while since my last update. Ive been flat out this week with 2 sick little boys, both with temperatures, headaches & sore throats (Jack informed me yesterday 'it hurts when i swallow my spit'...mmm...lovely! lol) but no other symptoms, no cough, mucus or anything. Not that i'm complaining mind you but its the oddest flu they've ever had. FYI...Ive been to the doc's, Its not THAT flu! LOL
Anyway, back to why your really visiting me, my new card. So I've been working on this baby for about 3 days (in between caring for very demanding, grumpy little boys) You could say it's been a work in progress. The baroque motive 'vine' took AGES to cut out...about 3 1/4 of the way through I had a thought 'Is this actually going to look any good?' Too late, im not stopping now! I actually did it twice, the first time in K.Kiss ink, but it didn't stand out at all, so I had to redo it in Old Olive. grrr

Doesn't matter anyway, Im happy with the result, I just love that rose set so much. I've been playing with roses of different colours, & even different amounts of ink on the stamp. I usually double stamp off the large rose (for the interior colour) but just lately i've tried only stamping off once & the colour is amazing! Really strong!
Well, the boys are arguing...again, will sign on soon X

Cute as a Bug!

2009-05-26T12:13:00.008+10:00

I LOVED making this card, my son Jack wanted to make a card & was the inspiration behind the idea! He wanted to use the 'bug' set & after stamping them all in different coloured ink on the white card (& after requesting I cut them all out!) he said "mum, I need grass for them to live in" I remembered the inspired by nature set & was really rather impressed by how he put it all together! Not to be outdone by my 5 year old, I had a go & love how it came out!...However credit must go to Jack! lol. He also made a couple of cards (so cute) so i'll include them down the bottom!!

How cute is it? I especially love the dragonfly, its done using Vellum Cardstock & overlayed on W.White cardstock both stamped in Riding Hood Red. Looks great even if I DO say so myself!! LOl

So Card Recipe: So Saffron, Ridinghood Red, Old Olive & W.White Card Stock

Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, Choc Chip, Black & Tangerine Tango Ink

Nothing else to it!!!

How CUTE are these two?

Made by Jack Gomez

Urban Garden DSP

2009-05-24T08:52:00.002+10:00

Two things I am loving at the moment got used for my latest little card creation...my new eyelet punch & DSP! I just love this card, it feels soothing for some reason, must be the colours...

Anyway, GREAT weekend, today Gomez is working all day, so I will sit myself down & see what else falls out of my brain, if all else fails i'll troll online for inspiration! lol

To break the creative coma i was in last week I case'd 2 cards, one from Claires blog & the other from Teneale, here they are, aren't they gorgeous!!!

Both these cards made my jaw drop when i saw them & it really busted me out of that freeze you sometimes get when you have the time, the materials & the desire to create something but you just sit like veal for ages trying to think of something! I find if i case something inspirational it gets the creativity moving!

Anyway, will get busy & see if i can post later today...X

Wild About You & Nursery Neccessities

2009-05-22T15:57:00.001+10:00

Hello again, well i couldn't wait any longer to upload the next card i've been working on!! Well, actually, i couldn't decide which colours I preferred so I made the same card twice but with the colours swapped, yes i know, tricky!! lol

So the recipe is Barely Banana, Bashful Blue & Choc Chip C.Stock. The Giraffe in both are embossed, the yellow one in clear embossing & the Blue card is done with White emboss powder. Then i coloured in the spots with a marker. Really easy & fun to make these ones, & will come in handy as my friend just had a baby boy yesterday!! His name is Eli & I'll probably give him the yellow one cause i think its my favourite! lol Talk soon XX

Upsy Daisy

2009-05-22T13:49:00.001+10:00

Here is my newest creation...isn't she lovely..! It took me ages to work out what i wanted to do on this card & I made a few errors which i tried unsuccessfully to hide..like the cut in the middle of my daisy's but all in all I think its ok, in real life its not as noticeable as when you zoom in on it with a camera!!
So when i started i knew i wanted to use these colours but at first i tried to make it the other way (vertical) but then you lost the gorgeous eyelet effect on the DSP...thats why i cut the daisy's, trying to make it fit!! So once i turned it horizontally it finally came together!

The recipe is: Riding Hood Red & So Saffron DSP, So Saffron, Kiwi Kiss & Choc Chip C.Stock & Choc Chip ink with fine glitter in brown sprinkled on top...LOVE that!! Will post again as there is more!! X

Rose is a Rose

2009-05-21T19:06:00.001+10:00

I've had the most awesomest day ever!! I got a whole day to just create & play without any interruption, & don't worry, i put it to good use! Once i got started I just couldn't stop. Here's one of the cards i got done...

Isn't it just gorgeous? I love it, the colours just went & that was that! Don't you love it when when that happens? So i started with Pink Pirouette cs & used Bella Rose DSP, I finally got to use my eyelet punch...love the effect of that! Then Choc Chip with more Bella Rose & made some gorgeous roses and here you go!!! Im so proud, it's like my child...i just keep looking at it!..at least it doesn't answer me back like my actual children are doing! LOL

I've made quite a few other cards & if i can contain myself i'll upload them over the next couple days. See you all soon X

Playful Petals

2009-05-21T10:02:00.001+10:00

Well, well, well, look who made a card!...

So my order arrived & as predicted i ripped that baby open & got busy! I was VERY inspired by all my gorgeous DSP & rasberry tart was the first one i wanted to try out, & here's what i did with it...

I haven't really known what to do with my Playful Petals since it came with my kit, its given me a challenge thats for sure, but i really like it layered! I've used Rose Red, Regal Rose & Pretty in Pink for the layers & sponged them each in Regal Rose. The leaves are stamped on W. White in Old Olive & then sponged in the same ink.
Im pretty happy with this effort, especially since i've been so slack of late, it felt great to actually produce something!! I've made a couple more but i'll save them for another post. Love Bec X

This is not a typo...I've blogged!!

2009-05-18T11:30:00.000+10:00

Ok,
Hands up if you've been the slackest little blogger on the block!.....I see...just me! Yes, yes, i know, long time no update! I've been completely underwhelmed with my latest creations & need some serious inspiration!....must..get...inspired...

Hey on other news, my first demonstrators order is on the move so am eagerly expecting it later this week, again, if it takes longer than that, will need to seek help! Am hoping that is the inspiration i've been seeking. So hopefully before long i'll have some really great cards to show you all, i've ordered heaps of DSP & stamp sets so CANT WAIT to rip it open & make some magic! Am even thinking i might attemp scrapbooking which i've never done in my life!! we'll see...Love Bec

Ange's Party Cards..

2009-04-25T22:31:00.001+10:00

What a fantastic day i've had today! Got to go to Carolina's Stampin' up party & made 2 GORGEOUS cards which i love & cant stop looking at...well done Ange!! Such a great party, we were all chatting & laughing & having so much fun its a wonder we even got 1 card complete!! So anyway i thought you'd all like to see the fruits of our afternoon...

This is SO pretty, i like how its small & cute & all dressed up with its special little brad...so cute!This one i LOVE! i really enjoyed making it & i think the finished product is just stunning! Ange you've really hit this one out of the park as far as im concerned!! its a shame its night when i photographed it because it hasn't caught how vibrant it is in person..might replace these in the morning! Talk soon X

more N.N cards, somebody stop me!!

2009-04-24T09:15:00.001+10:00

Ah...nursery necessities...its SO good! How cute this one turned out!!
Stamps: Nursery Necessities, & a set of 4 bought on ebay with no name...will see if i can find it..
Paper: Barely Banana, W.White, RH Red, Jersey Shore DSP, Le Jardin DSP
Ink: RH Red, Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi, More Mustard

Nursery necessities...my favourites!

2009-04-23T09:31:00.001+10:00

I'm making heaps of baby boy cards at the moment because my cousin-in-law & a friend of mine are due to have boys this year..& later on this year im hosting a baby shower so will be all about baby all of the time!
I am so pleased with this card! I cant stop looking at it!! I cased it off splitcoast stampers...love that site (here is the original, didn't change much:http://lordhavemercy-mercykerin.blogspot.com/2009/01/color-inspired-mojo.html )

Stamps: Nursery Necessities

Card: Black, W.White, Le Jardin DSP, Ginger Blossom DSP

Ink: RH Red, Garden Green, More Mustard, Versamark & White emboss

A Rose is a Rose..

2009-04-22T12:54:00.001+10:00

Look at this gorgeous rose! I was a little intimidated by this set i must admit, especially because it requires two step stamping & i didn't think i'd be able to line it up without the stampamajig...but its actually quite easy! The design lends itself to not having to have it exactly perfect.

I started with W.White cardstock then old olive DSP, a strip of Ridinghood Red stamped with branch thingy from embrace life then mounted on w.white card. Then i got a lager strip of Le Jardin DSP & sponged it with mustard ink. The rose is stamped in RH Red on W.White card by first stamping off the ink twice on scrap then the faded ink onto the card, then the outline was stamped straight on top! Same goes for the leaves. It turned out so nice, will have to make another one cause this one is too special to give to anyone!! LOL

Will keep playing...X

Another oldie but a goodie!

2009-04-21T21:18:00.001+10:00

So this card started out as a wedding card using white & silver with just a little black, but after playing around with the layout & the colours i actually prefer it like this!
It is very simple but really elegant.
Receipe:
Stamps: En Francois, Always & Baroque Motifs
Cardstock: Black, White & Sahara Sand
Ink: Versamark, Silver & White emboss powder

First play!

2009-04-20T01:37:00.001+10:00

So, my gorgeous kit arrived.....& my close friends son had to have surgery that very night so meant i haven't had as much time to play as i really need!!!!

Actually...in all honesty, i still sneak some time in! This card literally took about 30mins to throw together! I totally cased it from someone elses blog but i couldn't remember for the life of me which one! Anyway, i had SO much fun with this, i originally stamped the boat in pacific point ink but it was a bit heavy so i stamped it again in ridinghood red & tangerine tango & wa lah...the finished product! Im really happy with how it turned out & im so proud everytime i visit the hospital there it is!! What i really need now is a personalised stamp to put on the back!!!

Am so loving stampin up!!!

Hey ange, thanks for your write up on your blog...how cute are you! Im so glad im your first downline, i feel very special!

Well, now schools officially back in only a matter of hours, hopefully i can get in a whole lot more stamping in!

Talk again soon
XXX

ITS HERE!!!!

2009-04-16T17:36:00.000+10:00

Well, I think the pic's speak for themselves hehehehe. I'll see you all in a week!!! Talk soon XX

Tuesday, must be close..

2009-04-14T21:14:00.001+10:00

So, its Tuesday & my wonderful kit is STILL not here....so i'm here, just hanging out....waiting... In the meantime, here is another card i've done that i'd like to showoff! Its a wedding card using the bloomin with happiness set. Ive used unusal colours but i think it really works well together. Its regal rose & real red with the white cardstock. Was fun but very fiddly with all the colouring in. I used the aqua pen to fill in the colour, just watering it down for the background.

Stamps: Bloomin with happiness

Cardstock: whisper white, Real Red & Regal Rose

Ink: Real Red, Basic Black & Rose Red

Hopefully my kit will be here soon!!!!!

Weekend waiting..

2009-04-11T09:20:00.002+10:00

This card is a crowd fave & yet its dead easy! I cased this one from one i saw on splitcoaststampers (seriously ppl, if your stuck for inspiration get on!) Ive started with sahara sand card then double stamped it, first with choc chip, then carefully lined it up with versamark so it looks like a shadow. The flowers are stamped on w.white card then popped up on the little square things. I also sponged around the edge of the whole card just to make it a little more interesting. Try it its really easy!!
Will talk soon X

1st using glitter...

2009-04-10T12:27:00.001+10:00

Here's my card for today, I love it, its my first one using glitter & i have O'd on the crystal effects, which i used cause at the time i didn't have any heat & stick!

So its really simple, sahara sand card, sponged around the edge in s.sand ink, then smaller piece stamped with baroque then embossed in white. The butterflies are stamped onto vellum cardstock,cut out then glittered to within an inch of their lives! Then that whole piece was obviously mounted on to white card to make it pop a bit more! So much fun & dead easy to make! Im might make some more of this one actually, maybe play with colours...if i do, i'll post them. Well, better go, will jump on later if i have some time!! XX

Filling in more time...

2009-04-07T10:13:00.001+10:00

Ok, so its still not here...not surprising since i only sent it off yesterday...but still, like to keep you updated!! So ive posted up some more of my old cards!

The first one i found on splitcoast (again) & I just had to give it a go. Its using the paisley background stamp & its stamped using Royal Rose ink. Then i got out my markers & coloured in the flowers & designs, as much or as little as you like...more looks better to me! & thats it, really fairly easy to make just time consuming thats all! Looks a little christmassy but i think i've just gotten away with it!! lol
Card Recipe: stamps: Paisley Background, Some old Tag stamps from a punch tag box bought on ebay!
Paper: Royal Rose, Real Red, Glorious Green & W. White
Ink: Royal Rose
Markers: Real Red, Glorious Green

This next one i love but still not sure if it fits in with the set box i made it for. Anyway, its very vanilla paper stamped with en francis in versamark (love how that looks) then stamped over the top with a flower from fab flowers set in really rust ink & then leaves stamped in botanical blooms in old olive. I love how the ink doesn't set over the versamark so it kinda shows through the colours, gives it texture i think! Then used the blue side of fall flowers DS paper, its different but it think it lifts it from turning into a heavy card. The happily ever after is stamped in rust as well on vv paper then mounted on soft sky?? not sure of which blue it is but whichever one matches the blue dp! The pearls finish it off.

Stamps: Greetings Galore, Fabulous Flowers, Botanical Blooms.

Paper: Very Vanilla, Sky Blue & Fall Flowers DSP

Ink: Really Rust, Choc Chip, Old Olive & Versamark

This is another from the same set, its fairly self explanitory, fab flowers stamped 3 times then cut out & layer on top of each other, then some glitter on it to brighten it up! the background paper is fall flowers. I love this card!! Ink is Really Rust, Paper is W.W & Really Rust.

This is a copy of one i'd done ages ago (see if i can post a small pic of it) & I loved it so much i wanted to try to make another to match this box. So its all Fall Flowers DSP layered on real rust, old olive & sahara sand card & then toped with thinking of you from glorious greetings! Easy as! The card also opens from the middle so i kinda like that little surprise!

& this is the finished box set! I LOVE IT!!
Talk Soon
Love Bec

While im waiting...

2009-04-06T08:16:00.001+10:00

So thought i'd post some of my babies...im mean cards that i've made. Lately ive gotten right into designer series paper to change the look of my cards, its SO easy & i like being able to use different designs but from the same colour story to make the cards look like a family but different from each other.

I'll try not to load up too many....actually, this is the first time i've tried to upload photos so will be happy if it loads up even 1!!! lol X

Ok so this one i LOVE, it was really fun to make & turned out so pretty. I got the idea from splitcoaststampers, love that website, so many great cards to get inspiration from...

Its lots of layering using the dress & sentiments from blooming with happiness (an ebay purchase cause its retired!) stamped in choc chip & coloured in using aqua pen & ink: old olive & purely pom. The outside of all the paper is sponged to make it look more vintage. The background is vanilla paper stamped with en francais in creamy caramel, then stamped over with branch from always in choc chip, botanical blooms in old olive & star from baroque motifs in purely pom.

Card Recipe: Stamps set used: Bloomin with happiness, En francais, always, baroque motifs, botanical blooms
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Choc Chip, Purely Pomegranite
Ink: Choc Chip, Purely Pom, Old Olive
Techniques: Sponging, water paining using aqua pen.

------

This one is similar but ive used ds paper for the background, so its ginger blossom ds paper
sponged around the edges in choc chip to make it vintage look, then stamped in caramel with en
francais. The next piece is a coordinating page from ginger b. paper layered on choc chip card then tied a choc chip ribbon around it. The top piece is white card stamped with en francais (again) in creamy caramel then stamped over top with branch from embrace life in handsome hunter ink. The flowers were stamped in choc chip ink onto groovy guava card then painted in ink using aqua pen in ruby red. Then i cut them out & stuck them onto branch.
Another really fun layout to play with!
Card Recipe:
Stamps: En Francais, Embrace Life
CardStock: Choc Chip, Ruby Red, Whisper White & Ginger Blossom Designer Series Paper.
Extras: Cheap coloured pearls from spotlight ($2)

Well, i'll post some more cards later, they'll all be using retired stamps, card & ink since i'll be waiting for new stuff at least a week!! Kids are going mad, must go...
Love Bec x

My very first blog!!

2009-04-05T13:39:00.000+10:00

hey, isnt this exciting! my first blog! Well, i've filled out the paperwork & its ready to be sent off to stampin up first thing tomorrow!! What are you sending off you ask??? Well, at Ange's catalogue launch i signed up to get the DEMONSTRATER'S KIT!!!...cant WAIT to get all my stuff!!
Its something ive been interested in doing for only about a month now but was helped along with my decision by my darling husband who said (& i quote!) 'Im sick of you always being at your mums house making cards, why dont you stay home & make your cards...how much is it for the kit?' '$325' i innocently reply 'well, ive done some extra work last week so use that money to get it' ....um....OK!!!
Isn't he a darling?!
So, I'll definately be posting pics once my package arrives (oh i hope it doesn't take long) wish i'd signed up earlier now just to cut the waiting time!
Talk soon
Love Bec