Goodbye & Hello

Yes, the Summer Mini and Sale-a-Bration catalogues are drawing to a close on 31 March so you need to get in quick before the deadline if anything has taken your fancy. I have made a couple of cards using supplies from both, but have also coordinated them with a couple of sneak peaks at the upcoming Winter Mini catalogue which starts on 1 April. So all is not lost!

This big red round thingy-ma-jig is called the Medallion stamp and it would have to be the biggest stamp I've ever seen! It's great for both backgrounds and focal points and all sorts of occasions.
Stamps: Medallion (Winter Mini), Vintage Labels (Sale-A-Bration)
Cardstock: Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black
Accessories: 3/4" Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (Summer Mini), Crimper, Scallop Circle Punch

This big shape is called the "Top Note" and I cut it out in about 5 seconds using my new Big Shot die-cutting machine. I created a quilt effect by punching out squares of designer paper, gluing them onto a piece of cardstock, then putting it through the Big Shot. I've seen lots of these cards made on Splitcoast Stampers and had been "dieing" (excuse the pun!) to make one. I have to say that my photos don't do it justice because in real life, it's quite stunning! I WILL be making more of these.Stamps: Whimsical Words (Sale-A-Bration)
Cardstock: Basic Black, Kraft, Patterns Pack II Designer Series Paper
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Big Shot (Winter Mini), Top Note Die (Winter Mini), 1 1/4" Square Punch, Small Tag Punch, Tag Punch, White Ribbon, Hemp Twine

100% Pure Boy Scrapbook Layout

I hope you don't mind seeing scrapbook layouts! I've got a bit of catching up to do so haven't been doing much else these days.

The little (big!) birdie from my Good Friend stamp set hasn't had an outing lately so I thought it was about time. Do you like where I stuck two of the brads? Children love been naked so I always have to cover up the family jewels! Also, I'm not a big fan of flowers on boy layouts but I decided that this was quite a 'manly' flower so stuck it on too ; ).
Stamps: Good Friend
Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Jersey Shore DSP (Retired)
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Ribbon Originals (Pigtails), Pumpkin Pie Brads (Retired)

Beautiful Dreamer Scrapbook Layout

My mojo is slowly coming back. I think making/having time to craft has alot to do with it, not just the feeling unwell bit. I've put in my big preorder for the Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue today so will soon have lots of new toys play with. I am hoping my mojo will arrive along with the box!

Todays scrapbook page incorporates two techniques which I have been wanting to try; A stamped title cut out as one word and printing journalling from the computer then slicing it up. I've seen Kelly Slattery do the title one and Delys Cram uses the journalling technique quite a bit. I think both are very interesting visually!
I didn't use the Stamp-a-ma-jig for the title (because I was feeling lazy!), so just followed along the bottom edge of the whisper white cardstock. Notice that the 't' in beautiful doesn't line up? It was very noticable before I cut the word out, but I was more than happy with the result when finished. Funny eh?

Stamps: Schoolbook Serif Alphabet, Lovely Letters Alphabet, Curly Label Punch Bundle
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Hoppy Memories Simply Scrappin' Kit
Ink: Basic Gray
Accessories: Curly Label Punch, Photo Corner Punch, Metal Photo Corners

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.

Sale-A-Bration!

Sale-a-bration happens but once a year and it is when Stampin' Up! release 4 unique stamp sets, that won't be sold again, that can be earned for FREE! Sale-a-bration has already started and lasts until 31 March 2010.

There are 3 easy ways to earn FREE stamps:

1. Spend $120 on any Stampin' Up! product out of either the summer mini catalogue or the Idea Book and Catalogue and you will get to choose 1 FREE sale-a-bration stamp set! Of course if you spend $240 you get to choose 2 FREE stamp sets. There are no limits on free stamp sets.

2. Host a workshop of at least $700 and earn 1 FREE sale-a-bration stamp set. On top of getting the free stamp sets you will also receive a level 2 hostess set + $70 to go shopping with in either the summer mini catalogue or the Idea Book and Catalogue. What a deal!

3. Sign up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator during the sale-a-bration time frame and you get to choose a free stamp set from the Idea Book and Catalogue (valued up to $93.95)

It is that simple to get a FREE stamp set!

Click here to see the brochure.

Haitian Disaster Relief Effort

Help make a difference in the lives of those who continue to suffer from the effects of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January. From now until 28 February, 2010, Stampin' Up!® will set aside $2 from the sale of every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set and donate it to the Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

The Mayonnaise Jar

I'm not big on forwarding emails, but every now & then, one comes along that's extra special.

The Mayonnaise Jar

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar & 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class & had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large & empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table & poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things that if everything else was lost & only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house & car. The sand is everything else - The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time & energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.'

'So...Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house & fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first --The things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand & inquired what the coffee represented... The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

'Please share this with other "Golf Balls". I just did......

Waterfall Album

My 93 year old Nana came to stay for Christmas and I thought I'd show you what I made for her. It is one of Delys Cram's Waterfall Albums. I filled it with favourite photos of my grandparents, many with me & my children in them. Needless to say, Nana was quite overcome with emotion when I gave it to her!
Stamps: Priceless
Cardstock: Cameo Coral, Rose Red, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Stampin' Write Journaler (Black), Rhinestone Brads, Hodgepodge Hardware (Large Brad), Round Tab Punch, Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Boho Blossoms Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch

Brithday Choo Choo

My elder son attended his first birthday sleepover a couple of weeks ago so I pulled out the newly retired Choo Choo stamp set and got to work. I made a card, matching envelope then even stamped on the manilla wrapping paper for a wonderful coordinated look. That set is one I won't be parting with just yet!Stamps: Choo Choo, Right on Track (wheel), Big Bold Birthday ("make a wish")
Cardstock: Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Yo Yo Yellow
Ink: Brilliant Blue, Real Red, Yo Yo Yellow, Basic Grey

Inventory Clearance Sale

Stampin’ Up! have a “Inventory Clearance Sale” going on right now! You can get great discounts on all sorts of stamp sets and accessories and the really awesome thing is that there is no minimum purchase to buy, and no limits as to how many you can buy! SAVE UP TO 50% ON SOME ITEMS!

At these prices, stocks will run out fast, so e-mail me your order today and don’t miss out on these amazing specials!!

Check out the flyer with all the details by clicking THIS LINK, but here are the items available at a big discount: