Waste Not Want Not

Firstly, a baby update: Nothing to report! Am now 6 days overdue which is a whole new experience for me as I've never gone overdue before!

Anyway, I'm still pottering around in my craft room getting up-to-date with my scrapbooking and decided to use some retiring products today.When the last catalogue started, Demonstrators were able to buy designer series paper sampler to show customers, which was basically a 3x3" piece of every DSP in the book. Because those papers are now retiring, I'm going to use them! This page also uses two retiring stamps sets, Life Definitions & Frames with a Flourish along with retiring colour Close to Cocoa.
Stamps: So Swirly, Life Definitions, Frames with a Flourish
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Candy Lane DSP, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Buttons #5 Sizzlits Dies, Lots of Tags Sizzlits Dies, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Dies (Hearts), Extra-Large Two-Step Bird Punch

6x6 Scrapbook Pages - Part 2

Here are a few more pages from Judy's album:
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Colours: Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant, Summer Sun
Accessories: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet DiesStamps: Yummy
Colours: Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Garden GreenStamps: Mini Alphabet from The Warehouse
Colours: Sahara Sand, Brilliant Blue, Real Red, YoYo Yellow
Accessories: Star Punch, Photo Corner Punch
Stamps: Schoolbook Serif Alphabet, Priceless
Colours: Sahara Sand, Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Summer Sun
Accessories: Big Shot, Top Note Die, Large Oval Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Square PunchStamps: Lovely Letters, Good Neighbors
Colours: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Old Olive
Accessories: Tag & Small Tag PunchesColours: Whisper White, Real Red, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies
Stamps: Live Like You Mean It
Colours: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Spring Showers DSP
Accessories: 5 Petal Flower Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Rhinestone Brad, Corner Rounder Punch
Stamps: Life Definitions, Frames with a Flourish
Colours: Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Spring Showers DSP
Accessories: Chocolate Chip & Whisper White Ribbon

6x6 Scrapbook Pages - Part 1

My friend Judy has been visiting recently for one-on-one craft sessions. She wanted to make an album for her nephew who is 5 but as a beginner scrapbooker, had no idea where to start. So she bought a 6x6 album from me and here's what we came up with! I will do my best to remember all the colours/stamps sets etc! Where photos/mats have been cut to ovals, circles etc, I have used my Creative Memories cutting system and used the Big Shot too of course. Sorry about the quality of some photos, I was in a hurry!Stamps: Good Friend, Frames with a Flourish, So Swirly
Colours: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Spritzer Tool
Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Colours: Cameo Coral, Raspberry Tart DSP
Accessories: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, White Ribbon, Boho Blossoms Punch, Rhinestone Brad
Stamps: A Holly Jolly Christmas, Punches Three, Big Bold Birthday
Colours: Real Red, Old Olive, Dashing DSP
Accessories: Gold Embossing Powder, Heat Tool
Stamps: Lovely Letters
Colours: Old Olive, More Mustart, Night of Navy, Ski Slope DSP
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Colours: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Washington Apple DSP
Accessories: Heat Tool, White Embossing Powder, Rhinestone Brads, Scallop Edge Punch
Stamps: Picture This, Sprinkles
Colours: Whisper White, Brocade Blue, Bravo Burgundy
Accessories: Brocade Blue & Whisper White Ribbons, Hodgepodge Hardware

Stamping Techniques on Scrapbook Pages

I taught a class for Stamping Techniques on Scrapbook Pages the other day at my friends house. The ladies who attended were seasoned scrapbookers so I had to make the pages fairly advanced, yet not overloaded with techniques! Here's what I came up with:

Stamps Good Friend, Schoolbook Serif Alphabet

Cardstock Whisper White, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Washington Apple Designer Paper

Ink Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue

Accessories Silver Brads, Hodgepodge Hardware, Pumpkin Pie ½” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Border Punch, Spritzer Tool, Cutter Kit, Mat Pack, Stamp-a-ma-jig (Optional)

Techniques 2-Step Stamping, Cut out Stamped Image, Stamping Off, Background Stamping, Spritzing, Alphabet Stamps, Distressing, Border Punching, Using Designer Paper

Stamps Priceless, So Swirly (Wheel), Frames with a Flourish

Cardstock Chocolate Chip, Lavender Lace, Very Vanilla, Rose Red, So Saffron

Ink Chocolate Chip, Lavender Lace Marker, So Saffron, Rose Red, Versamark

Accessories Scallop Circle Punch, 1 ¼” Circle Punch, Photo Corner Punch, Sponge/Daubers

Techniques Sponging, Punch Shapes, Punch Stamped Shape, Make Patterned Paper, Versamark Wheeling/Stamping, Inking Stamps with Marker, Versatility of Stamp Set, Colour Blocking

Last Week of May Scrapbooking - Day 3

These photos are old too! They are from 8 years ago when I was in The Pirates of Penzance and as you can see, I matched the layout to the colours of the beautiful dress I wore!
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Frames with a Flourish, Life Definitions
Cardstock: Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Tea Party DSP, Whisper White
Ink: Lovely Lilac, Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlits Dies, 1 3/8" Square Punch, Silver Brads

A Little Yummy for your Tummy Scrapbook Layout

Here's a cute little layout just using stamps as accents on the page. It also just happens to use four colours from the Bold Brights colour family which will be retiring at the end of August.

Stamps: Priceless, Frames with a Flourish, Yummy (Retired)
Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Gable Green, Green Galore, Lovely Lilac, Brilliant Blue
Accessories: White Gel Pen, Photo Corner Punch

O Where O Where Has My Mojo Gone?

Yes, it's MIA! I think it's still somewhere in 2009, but I'm not planning on going back there to find it! Anyway, at least I know WHY it's missing, I've been suffering with morning sickness since Christmas. Yes, #4 is on the way, due early August. Not feeling well can certainly take the wind out of anyones sails. I have had a cleanup in my craft room which has helped, and am very excited about all the wonderful new products that Stampin' Up are releasing on April 1 so that's going to help too! The Big Shot is coming. For those of you who don't know what the Big Shot is, it's a manual die-cutting/embossing machine similar to a cuttlebug or sissix. Clear-mount stamps are also coming, along with new slimmer punches, both of which will take up less storage space, which is always a good thing.

Well even though I'm not feeling too creative, I'll share with you some scrapbook pages I did complete over the last few weeks, and in the next few days some other projects too.

Stamps: Lovely Letters Alphabet, Sprinkles, Dream Big stamp from Hero Arts
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Gable Green, Apricot Appeal, Brilliant Blue, Whisper White, Patterns Pack II DSP
Ink: Billiant Blue (ink & marker), Gable Green, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Crimper, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Rhinestone Brads, Tag & Small Tag Punches, Curly Label Punch

Stamps: Big Bold Birthday, Frames with a Flourish
Carstock: Whisper White, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Tea Party DSP
Ink: So Saffron, Certainly Celery (ink & marker), Pretty in Pink
My Sister-in-Law gave me the Title/Flowers
Stamps: Big Bold Birthday
Cardstock: Whisper White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Basic Black Stampin' Write
Accessories: Hoppy Memories Simply Scrappin' Kit
See this post to know more about Simply Scrappin' Kits.

"Wish" Scrapbook Page

Yesterday I attended the Tauranga Christmas Extravaganza as a demonstrator for the first time. I had a whale of a time, meeting such lovely ladies, being part of the "demo" team, as well as sharing some of my creative knowledge. Here's the page I taught:
I cased the layout for this page from Sharlene Torres in New Plymouth.

I had to laugh though, not all the ladies were interested in scrapbooking. In fact there was at least 8 out the 50 that made cards with the supplies provided! Oh well, better luck next time!

Stamps: Frames with a Flourish, Lovely Letters Alphabet, Life Definitions, A Holly Jolly Christmas Cardstock: Basic Black, Real Red, Baja Breeze, Ski Slope DSP Ink: Real Red, Baja Breeze Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Scallop Circle/Square Punches (to cut the corners off the frame)

Tri-Shutter Card

I've seen lots of beautiful tri-shutter cards on other blogs and SCS and decided it was time I made my own. This card is really in the "fancy-fold" category, but having said that, it was really easy to make! I followed the tutorial in SCS to make the card, and another tuturial to make the fan-fold flower on the front.Stamps: Punches Three, Curvy Verses, Frames With A Flourish
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Raspberry Tart DSP
Ink: Whisper White Craft, Real Red, Cameo Coral
Accessories: Scallop Border Punch, Scallop Square Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Rhinestone Brads, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Window Frame Cards

There is a challenge going on our NZSU (NZ list of Stampin' Up! demonstrators) which anyone can enter, and it is to create a window frame card. I had a little play (OK maybe a big one) and came up with these 3 little beauties:This was my first ever try at heat embossing. Doesn't the little star just shine? Am loving that Baja Breeze colour at the moment too! If you are loving the Scallop Oval Punch, you only have until the end of November to order it, contact me if you would like one.
Stamps: A Holly, Jolly Christmas
Cardstock: Whisper White, Baja Breeze
Ink: Baja Breeze, Versamark
Accessories: Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool
I had fun making this one, but man did it take a while! And then I thought, "why have I put the curtains on the outside?" Oh well.
Stamps: A Holly, Jolly Christmas
Cardstock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Ski Slope DSP
Ink: Baja Breeze, Real Red, Old Olive, Yoyo Yellow
Accessories: 1 3/8" Square Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Dazzling Diamonds (on the star), Crimper
In my opinion, this one is just perfect simplicity (you'll have a different opinion I'm sure)! I'm hooked on this embossing thing now!
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Frames with a Flourish, Priceless
Cardstock: Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Versamark
Accessories: Hodgepodge Hardware, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, 1 3/8" Square Punch

Stamp-A-Stack Christmas Cards Class

It's not too late to register for my class this Saturday. Here's the cards we'll be making:
The Joy card is actually on a Chocolate Chip base which is why it looks invisible! Come along at 1.00pm and make cards for only $2 each and tags 5 for $2. All materials and afternoon tea provided.

Product Showcase - Simply Scrappin' Kits

Is scrapbooking something you would love to try, but you are intimidated by all the screeds of scrapbooking papers, embellishments, tools and stickers available out there and it appears you need it all to complete the task? I've used quite a few kits from other stores, but none have come close in quality, quantity & creativity than Stampin' Up!'s Simply Scrappin' kits! Each kit provides 8 sheets of 12x12 cardstock, 6 sheets of double-sided patterned papers and 6 sheets (3 different designs) of self-adhesive die-cuts -many of which coordinate with matching stamp sets, punches and more! Each kit also comes with several terrific layout ideas, so to create the scrapbook pages, just cut, copy and add your own photos! You can finish whole albums using these kits, in just a few hours, and are really great for themed albums too.

Each kit can make at least 8-10 12x12 scrapbooking pages, and at $43.95 for the kit, that's less than $5 a page! You'll also have lots of leftover die cuts which can be used for cards, gift boxes, etc.

Planning on going away next holidays? Take one of these kits with you, along with a paper trimmer and some adhesive, and you're set to scrapbook on holiday!

If you have little boys, you'll love the Hoppy Memories kit:
Of course, there's nothing to stop you from using it for girls too! Check out the other kits on pages 136-138 of the Catalogue.

I haven't purchased any of this years kits yet, because I'm still using up the four I bought last year! Yesterday I made this page with my Crew Kids - Boy Kit:
And here's some other pages I made using supplies from the same kit:
Cute eh???

My First Handmade Album

This was actually my first attempt at making a handmade album, the album in my last post was my second attempt. This one had cardstock throughout without the 6x6 page protectors. I will continue to use the protectors in the future though as I think the pages may get a little grubby over time. I was very happy with this though as a first attempt!

I also want to say a big thank you to my upline, Tracee Jones (blog). Just one year ago, I couldn't ever have imagined making something as cute as this, and now, I want to make something for everyone! Being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator has certainly opened my eyes to how wonderful handmade gifts really are. Thanks Tracee!

And here's the quick and easy card to match:
Album
Stamps: Schoolbook Serif Alphabet, Big Blossom, Frames with a Flourish, Life Definitions.
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Tea Party Designer Series Paper, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Grey
Accessories: Lots of punches, Jumbo Eyelets, Ribbon/Fibre, Hodgepodge Hardware

Card
Stamps: For A Friend (Retired Hostess)
Cardstock: Whisper White, Tea Party Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Grey
Accessories: Scallop Square Punch, Scallop Edge Punch

A is for Always...

Another friend of mine, Cheryl, gave birth to a 10lb 8oz (cringe) boy recently so I created a handmade album for her to store his first photos in.

The overall size of the album is approx 7 1/2" x 6" and I used 6x6 page protectors inside. On the inside front and back covers I glued a mini envelope to store extra train and journalling embellishments.
Stamps: Choo Choo, Right on Track (wheel), Schoolbook Serif Alphabet, Life Definitions, Frames with a Flourish, Office Accoutrement (retired, on journalling tags)
Cardstock: Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turqoise, East Coast Prep Designer Series Paper (Retired), Whisper White
Ink: Black
Accessories: Lots of different Punches, Jumbo Eyelets, Ribbon/Fibres, 6x6 Page Protectors

And here's the card to match using colours from the Soft Subtles range. I made this card for my last workshop for the Spring Mini Catalogue launch.Stamps: Choo Choo, Right on Track (wheel), For A Friend (Retired Hostess), Trendy Trees
Cardstock: Whisper White, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana, Bashful Blue
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Perfect Plum, Basic Grey
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Scallop Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch

Double Trouble

My friend invited me to her twin girls 3 year birthday party which was held on Saturday. She said not to worry about presents but I didn't want to turn up empty handed. The waterfall card on it's side is a very cute way to use the Choo Choo stamp set (I got the idea from this blog). Who said girls don't like trains? I had also previously done a 6x6 scrapbook page for a class I held in May so I whipped up another to complement it so she had a pair. 6x6 pages are easy to turn into 12x12 layouts using the Progressive Page technique but as my friend doesn't scrapbook I suggested she could frame/photo album/display them. She was rapt.

Card
Stamps: Choo Choo, Right on Track (wheel), For A Friend (Retired Hostess)
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Patterns Pack II Designer Series Paper (Hostess)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Basic Grey Marker
Accessories: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Stapler, Brown Eyelets

6x6 Pages
Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Priceless, Frames with a Flourish
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Black, Cameo Coral, Real Red
Accessories: 5 Petal Flower Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Scallop Edge Punch, Real Red 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Buttons