Butterfly Basics – Resist Technique

By | 06/04/2017
0 Comment

I must admit that the Butterfly Basics stamp set was another one of those sets that didn’t float my boat when i first saw it.  However, I must also admit that it is now probably one of my most used stamp sets, whether it be the fern image, the greetings or the mesh background image or any of the other stamps.

One of my favourite uses/techniques for this set I found on Ruth Trice‘s website.  It requires a fairly detailed image which is stamped using Staz On ink onto Whisper White card stock.  The image is then carefully ‘coloured in’ using the Fine Tip Glue Pen and left to completely dry.  You can then stamp or sponge as you wish with any colour.  It does pay to wipe with a tissue to remove any residual ink on the dry glue.

The area covered with the Fine Tip Glue Pen resists the ink creating a black and white focal image.

I used this technique to for my monthly 3×3″ thank you cards that I enclose orders place with me.

As you can see I have made a range of colours, which one do you prefer? Melon Mambo, Tangerine Tango, Crushed Curry or Bermuda Bay?   I think mine is the Bermuda Bay.

Happy stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp set:  Butterfly Basics
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango, Bermuda Bay
Ink:  Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Tangerine Tango, Bermuda Bay
Miscellaneous:  Fine Tip Glue Pen, Multipurpose Liquid glue

So Very Much – Avant Garden

By | 15/03/2017
0 Comment

With only two weeks of Sale-a-bration left there is a rush to place qualifying order.  Please make sure you don’t miss out.

Last week, my daughter and I  attended her school camp.  To say it was a little damp would be an understatement.  Fortunately we didn’t have to be evacuated like other camps in the regional but some plans had to be changed.  And wouldn’t you know it, my daughter got a bee sting on the underside of her foot within two hours of arriving at the camp, but in true “get on with it” fashion, she didn’t let it stop her.

In saying that, she was very well looked after by the teachers and one in particular took extra care to make sure her wound was kept as clean and dry as possible under the circumstances.  So….. I thought I would send this teacher a card to let her know I really appreciated the help she gave my daughter.  Hence today’s card.

For this card I took inspiration from Linda Dalke and used two Sale-a-bration sets, So Very Much and Avant Garden.  I have stepped it up just a smidge with a little more stamping and adding a mat layer.

I have used Pacific Point and Wild Wasabai stamped onto Very Vanilla card stock.  To create the different tones of Pacific Point I have re-stamped without re-inking the stamp.  The greeting is heat embossed with Gold Embossing Powder just that wee touch of bling.  Don’t forget to use your Embossing Buddy to ensure that you don’t end up with random spots of embosing powder.

Happy stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp set:  Avant Garden, So Very Much
Card:  Very Vanilla, Pacific Point
Ink:  Pacific Point, Wild Wasabi, Versa Mark
Embellishments:  Gold Embossing Powder
Miscellaneous:  Multipurpose Liquid glue, Embossing Buddy

Dragonfly Dreams – Buzzy Bee

By | 12/03/2017
0 Comment

The Dragonfly Dreams stamp set is proving to be a very popular set, and for good reason.  It contains beautiful dragonfly images and the ability to create a water effect using stamps.  But did you notice the cute bee stamp?  The matching thinlits dies set also have a bee image.   I have a friend just loves bees and butterflies, and her favourite Stampin’ Up! colour is Daffodil Delight, hence my card today.

I have used Early Espresso to stamp the image randomly, (random is never quite that random but you know what I mean) onto Daffodil Delight card stock, layered with Early Espresso and then onto a Daffodil Delight card base.  The greeting is from the same set and is die cut using the Layer Ovals Framelits.  I have added a little Wink of Stella here but I think a layer of Fine Tip Glue Pen over the wings would add dimension and shine.

As per the description above, I very rarely use black ink.  I generally use Early Espresso instead.  Unless compared directly with something black it looks black without the harshness that black can sometimes present.

Happy stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp set:  Dragonfly Dreams
Thinlits/Framelits:  Detailed Dragonfly, Layering Ovals
Card:  Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso
Ink:  Early Espresso
Embellishments:  Wink of Stella Glimmer Pen
Miscellaneous:  Multipurpose Liquid glue, Big Shot.

Balloon Adventures

By | 09/03/2017
0 Comment

A number of my customer are mothers with young children.  One lovely lady in particular has five children and between them and their friends there is always a need for birthday cards for children.

This month for our regular card class I show cased the Balloon Adventures stamp set.  I demonstrated a couple of cards using the stamp set and making “Balloon Pop-Up” thinlit dies and hope to show you those in the future.  The third card we made used stamp set without the matching thinlits.

Generally I tend to use more subtle colour combinations but given as I was aiming to create cards for young children, vivid colour combinations seemed to be the order of the day.  

For this card I have used Emerald Envy, Pacific Point, Watermelon Wonder and Crush Curry to stamp the balloons randomly over the Whisper White card stock.  The narrow strip is a piece of Party Animal Designer Series Paper (DSP) layer over a slightly wider strip of Emerald Envy.

Happy stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp set:  Balloon Adventures
Thinlits:  Layering Oval Framelits
Card:  Whisper White, Emerald Envy,  Crushed Curry
Ink:  Emerald Envy, Watermelon Wonder, Crushed Curry, Pacific Point
Miscellaneous:  Multipurpose Liquid glue, Dimensionals

Cake Crazy

By | 05/03/2017
0 Comment

I must admit I completely missed this stamp set in the catalogue, or at least it didn’t register with me in the first instance.  However, while in Brisbane in November for the Stampin’ Up! On Stage Live event this set was demonstrated by our very own Emma Parkin-Wilson, New Zealand Country Manager for Stampin’ Up!.  Emma is a fabulous presenter and had us laughing like you wouldn’t believe….. no change there then.

You may not realise but the various stamps in the set combine to make multicolour layer cakes.  Great for birthday days, weddings….. anything really.

For this card I have used Flirty Flamingo, Watermelon Wonder and Daffodil Delight cardstock and inkpads with a little Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the flames to add sparkle and dimension.

I also found it easier to stamp the cake image and then trim the cardstock to fit and layer accordingly rather than have the exact size cardstock and hoping that I stamped in the right place.

You also have the option to replace a cake layer with a selection of words and still maintain the cake shape.  This way you can personalise your project to suit you and the recipient.

In this instance I have used Pacific Point, Bermuda Bay and Daffodil Delight inkpads and cardstock.  Don’t you just love it when inkpads and cardstock match…. never a problem with Stampin’ Up!

Happy stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp set:  Balloon Adventures
Card:  Whisper White, Flirty Flamingo, Daffodil Delight, Pacifc Point, Bermuda Bay
Ink:  Flirty Flamingo, Daffodil Delight, Pacifc Point, Bermuda Bay
Embellishments:  Dazzling Diamonds Glitter
Miscellaneous:  Multipurpose Liquid glue

Nailed It

By | 28/02/2017
0 Comment

In February, my husband and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.  I must admit, I am not a mushy demonstrative person so cards for my husband particularly for Valentines and anniversaries can be a little challenging.

To be fair, masculine cards in general can be challenging but the new Nailed It stamp set really helps.

So, for an anniversary card, I came up with this.  I guess it could be used for birthday card, Fathers’ Day card…. really anything I guess depending on the message you choose to pop inside.

The circle has been die cut using the new Stitched Shapes Framelits.  These are not currently in a catalogue but can be ordered.  The set includes 4 different sizes of circles, ovals and squares and co-ordinate beautifully with the Layered Ovals, Circles and Squares which are available seperately.

For this card I have used the Nailed It stamp set and matching Build If Framelits (available as a bundle to save 10%) to create the tools and have used a little Fine Tipped Glue Pen to add glossy highlights on parts of the images to create a little texture.

You may also notice the texture on the top mat.  This has been done using the Hexagons Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder.  This is an extra thick embossing which really gives the image significant depth.

I hope hubby likes it.

Happy stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp set:  Nailed It
Thinlits:  Build It, Stitched Shapes
Card:  Delightful Dijon, Basic Grey, Silver Foil card
Ink:  Staz On (on the foil card), Momento Black
Embellishments:  Fine Tipped Glue Pen, Hexagons Dynamic Impressions Embossing Folder
Miscellaneous:  Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid glue, Big Shot.

2017 Stamp Camp Service Project

By | 25/02/2017
0 Comment

Recently I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Creative Inkers Stamp Camp in Rotorua.  Despite the torrential rain all weekend we had a fabulous time (as always) with lots of paper crafting, swaps and many, many laughs.

We also had a surprise visitor, Rich Jutkins from home office in Utah.  It was great that he was able to spend the day with us.  It’s a shame the weather didn’t play ball but given that we were inside papercrafting it didn’t cause too much a problem.

As part of this event and a number of others, demonstrators are encouraged to participate in a service project whereby we create cards to be donated and used by various individuals and/or organisations who do charitable work for the community.  Throughout the year Stampin’ Up! supports Ronald McDonald house by providing cards made by demonstrators and also supplies so that unwell children and the families can spend time creating projects.

For Stamp Camp this year we made cards in support of a lovely lady who makes gift packs and beautiful hand made bags for women going through treatment for breast cancer.  She sends out hundreds of these packs each year and includes an inspirational or encouraging handmade card with each.  In order to assist her in a small way we all got together to make a few cards.  I must say that the cards created by the Creative Inkers team were absolutely stunning.

I made several cards and this is one of them.  It is using the pre-cut and scored note cards with matching envelopes.  The background has been stamped using the Timeless Textures stamp set and Soft Sky ink.  The focal image stamped in Early Espresso (outline), Rose Red and Wild Wasabi is from the Host Rewards Set from the Annual Catalogue called Gift of Love.  This set is a beautiful 2 step stamp set that is only available for Hosts who hold a qualifying party either actual or virtual.

You may notice that there are no embellishments and no layers, just ink and a card base.  This could be considered single layer or a collage card,  You couldn’t get simpler could you!  If you wanted to, you could fussy cut the focal image and elevate it on dimensionals for that extra pop.  Maybe a little Wink of Stells Glitter pen would work too.  The choice is yours.

If you are interested in holding a virtual party and possibly earn the Gift of Love stamp set please contact me to discuss the details.

Happy stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp set:  Gift of Love, Timeless Textures
Card:  Whisper White Note Cards and Envelopes
Ink:  Soft Sky, Early Espresso, Rose Red, Wild Wasabi

Why not?

By | 23/02/2017
0 Comment

Have you ever wondered about joining the Stampin’ Up!?  After all, why would you?

Could it be products at a discount (minimum 20% before GST)?

Maybe a new circle of friends?

There may be a few other benefits such as:-

  • Early access to products
  • Opportunity to earn a little extra money, if you choose
  • Earn free product, incentive trips
  • Regular training events
  • Opportunity to attend the Creative Inkers Stamp Camp
  • Receive a free catalogue as they are released
  • Bi-monthly newsletter directly from Stampin’ Up!
  • Access to Team Facebook Pages
  • Opportunity to attend On Stage events both Local and Live
  • Fun & Laughter!

Cost – $189 and choose up to $285 worth of product from the current catalogues.  You will also receive $90 worth of business supplies which you can use if you wish.

And if that isn’t enough, during Sale-a-bration from now until 31 March 2017 you can choose two additional stamp set free of charge.  There is no better time than now!

Why not?

If you are even just  wondering about joining Stampin’ Up! please feel free to contact me and we can discuss any questions you may have.  You can contact me by clicking HERE.

Happy Stamping!

Christine

Dragonfly Dreams

By | 22/02/2017
0 Comment

I just love this set, it ‘spoke’ to me the minute I saw it in the catalogue.  The whimsical nature of the dragonfly and the bumblebee are suitable for all manner of cards.

For this card I have stamped the detailed dragonfly on a small piece of Whisper White cardstock using Dapper Denim and ‘coloured’ it with Soft Sky.  Then die cut using the matching thinlit die.

The top layer is in Whisper White but I have stamped around the edge with the backgroud stamp from the Dragonfly Dreams stampset and Timeless Textures.  The sentiment is also from Dragonfly Dreams set (Dapper Demin).

In the Dragonfly Dreams set there are detailed stamps as well as watercolour style stamps to colour the detail image.  These along with a background stamp and a number of sentiments mean that it is a very versatile set for many occasions.  Even better still you can also purchase the Detailed Dragonfly thinlits dies as part of a bundle and save 10%.

Happy stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp set:  Dragonfly Dreams, Timeless Textures
Thinlits:  Detailed Dragonfly
Card:  Whisper White, Soft Sky, Dapper Denim
Ink:  Soft Sky, Dapper Denim
Embellishments:  Wink of Stella Glimmer Pen
Miscellaneous:  Multipurpose Liquid glue, Big Shot.

Lift Me Up Birthday Card

By | 19/02/2017
2 Comments

I needed to make a birthday card for my husband’s lovely Uncle Dennis.  I’m not so confident with making cards for men and I gather I’m not the only one.  So thanks to inspiration from Leena Girsa, I came up with this card.

The hot air balloons and the sentiment are from a new stamp set in the 2017 Occasions Catalogue called Lift Me Up which also co-ordinates with the Up & Away Thinlits dies (available in a bundle to save 10%).  I have also stamped the background with various stamps from Timeless Textures and sponged the edges to give a slightly vintage feel.

I hope Uncle Dennis likes his card and has a fabulous birthday.

During Sale-a-bration you can also earn the free matching Carried Away Designer Series Paper which co-ordinates with the stamp set and matching dies.

Happy Stamping!

Christine

If you live in New Zealand all supplies used to create these projects can be purchased HERE.

Supplies used:-
Stamp sets:  Lift Me Up (Occasions Catalogue), Timeless Testures (Annual Catalogue)
Card:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla
Ink Pads:  Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Night of Navy
Thinlit/Framelit Dies:  Up & Away 
Miscellaneous:  Stampin’ Dimensionals, Multipurpose Liquid Glue, Big Shot with Magnetic Platform, Triple Banner Punch, Sponges.