Sprinkled Postage

Now then, Valentine's is nearly upon us and usually I make just the one item for the event - y'see James is the one for me and always will be. However this year I may be tempted to make something for my boys and also I have a Valentine's craft fair coming up so I'd better get busy for that too! Anyhoo, for Hubby I have made a card and chocolate set:

I know my colour combo of Regal Rose, Tangerine Tango, Poppy Parade and Crumb Cake is a bit girlie for something created to give to Hubby, but it's me that's going to enjoy admiring it on the shelf in the living room more than him, so it needs to be eye candy for me too! Here's the card:

So, I've embossed the lower half of the card with the Stripes Embossing Folder and added a strip of Regal Rose DSP trimmed in Tangerine Tango which has been edged with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch. Now the image is a mix of stamps:

The sentiment is from the Sale-A-Bration set Sprinkled Expressions, inked up with Markers before stamping and the cute 'lil bunny is from Perfect Postage in the Spring Mini. Punched out with the Extra Large Oval Punch and mounted on a piece of Poppy Parade card that has been embossed with the Designer Frames Folder and ahem, carefully cut out by hand. I was worried I'd ruin it at this stage but I think my cutting out is OK!

Finally a plastic card box (not Stampin' Up!) crammed full of choccy bars (16 to be exact). Not my choc bar of choice by a long shot but for some reason Hubster likes it - me I'm more of a Hotel Chocolate kinda girl - just in case Hubster pops on for a visit! I made a coordinating insert and wrap.

The box insert has been embossed too but it doesn't show up on the photo. Take my word for it!

Now, my lovely friend Susie is closing her shop and also running the last challenge on her challenge blog Die Cut Dreams. Now I've been on the design team for Susie twice and loved it so I absolutley have to enter this last challenge which is to use pink, red and hearts. Thanks for the laughs along the way Susie - enjoy spending oodles more time with your family.

Hugs
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1 Sketch 3 Ways

Ooh it's been ages since I joined in with a challenge and temptation got the better of me when I saw this weeks sketch challenge over at Less is More. As soon as I saw the sketch an idea came into my head and I ended up making three cards:

I've used the Sale-A-Bration stamp set Sprinkled Expressions and whilst I was at it, had a play with heat embossing too! All cards use the same colour combination of Elegant Eggplant, Tempting Turquoise and Melon Mambo. Here's the first one I made and my favourite too:

I don't know what happened to my photos today, it's very dull and my pictures have come out a bit grainy. Maybe I'll try again later. Anyway, this is the Elegant Eggplant version. I've stamped the flower image with Versamark and then sprinkled the Tempting Turquoise and Melon Mambo embossing powders on. To stop the colours mixing, I stamped the images one at a time, added the powder and stamped again. then heat set. Next is the Melon Mambo version:

I've made this in the same way, except we don't have an Elegant Eggplant embossing powder. So to create the effect I inked up the heart stamp first with Versamark and then again with Elegant Eggplant ink. It doesn't damage your ink pads but it means the Versamark ink is on the top when you stamp it so you can then sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powder to achieve the same effect. I think on coloured card this works best with darker inks.

Finally the Tempting Turquoise card:

Created in the same way with Elegant Eggplant ink and Clear Embossing Powder. I've also used the Corner Punch on my cards to give them a rounded finish. Thanks Chrissie and Mandi for the inspiration.

It feels like Monday today as Hubby has gone in to work and was off on Friday. So I guess I must be a naughty Mummy as Zac isn't at pre-school, it's nearly 1pm and we're all still in our pyjamas and the lounge floor is a compilation of various bits of train track and lego. Something I have no intention of clearing up until oooh at least bedtime! 

Hugs
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Craft Box Party Gift

Ooh the weather is so bright and sunny today, a contrast to the last few days! I've been to a birthday party today with Zac. It was his little friend Darcy's 4th Birthday and I was really struggling to think of a gift to buy her. I am of course an expert when it comes to buying anything Star Wars or Lego related but figured Darcy is more of a fan of things pink and girlie. Hmm, then it came to me in a flash - I'm a Stampin' Up! demo, what better gift can I give.....

Than a personalised birthday card and a matching craft box filled with Stampin' Up! stash? The card measures 6" square and I loved making it as I got to play with the Little Princess stamp set I earnt at Convention last year.

I've used Crumb Cake card for the base and then the same combo I've used a few times recently, Pool Party, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose. The letters are die cut using the Simple Alphabet Big Shot dies (glad she doesn't have a long name!) and the princess is coloured with Markers to match:

I stamped the princess and cake in Stazon and coloured before cutting out and layering on a 1 3/4" circle and the new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch. The number is die cut from the Sizzlits set Timeless Type Junior Alphabet. Then I've added a strip of So Saffron Designer paper and layered on some Regal Rose card, edged with the Scallop Trim Border punch.

I found a box base in my cupboard but no lid, so made one using the stiff white card that comes in the paper packs. Then decorated it to match the card.

Here are the contents:

I filled it with things to match the card, a mini ink pad, a single heart stamp, lots of die cuts, ribbons and buttons. Underneath are A5 sheets of card and designer papers. I made some 3" square cards and added envelopes too. Finally a few stamped sentiments punched out for Darcy to stick on her projects. So easy to put together and agreat kids gift.

Oh, and here is Zac enjoying the party:

Have a fab weekend
Hugs

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Fresh Vintage with a Fresh Twist

Are you itching to know more about the FREEBIES you could earn this year during Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration promotion? Well today I'm going to share the Fresh Vintage set with you. I normally shy away a bit from vintage stuff as I think it's not me. But here's a hint as to what I did with it:

Not looking very vintage is it? Want to see the stamp set? Do ya? OK, here it is:

Fab set I think and it has a coordinating Postage Punch which you can find in the Spring Mini. Also it coordinates with the Triple Layer Doily Punch - bonus! To top that it has coordinating Designer Papers available in the Sale-A-Bration Menu too, Everyday Enchantment:

Both are very lovely, but my problem is that I look at them together and then I can only see that colour combination so I have to seek a colour combo elsewhere. Luckily (I think) for me, I have some bright colours in my home and this cute pink glass teamed up with this photo album worked their magic for me:

Excuse the reflection of a huge pile of outdoor toys - the conservatoire is the only place to get enough light to take photos and, as yet, I've not had chance to clear it out since we bundled everything away for the winter. So I've made another take out box using the Petal Cone Die and a matching card too. To give the Fresh Vintage stamps a different feel, I used Island Indigo card and stamped using Versamark Ink and heat embossed with Melon Mambo embossing powder.

The box is held closed with some matching Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon and a tag made using the Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch plus an In Colour coordinating printed brad. Its held on with a clip but you can't see it very well.

Hmm - going to have to look around the house more often to see what colour combos I can find!

Hugs
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Sale-A-Bration 2012 and a new career

Oooooooooooooh-eeeeeee, Sale-A-Bration is here!!!! We're later with it this year, but that's OK as it the promotion runs all the way through to 31st March 2012 - yipeee!!!!

I'll be sharing with you the fabulous stamp sets and papers you could earn for FREE over the next few days. They are so delish. So what does Sale-A-Bration mean for you?

Let's start with anyone who orders between now and 31st March - that includes members of my virtual clubs too. You can choose a FREE stamp set or set of Designer papers from the Sale-A-Bration menu for EVERY £45 you spend! There are NO LIMITS to the quantity of freebies you can get your mitts on - how amazing is that?

In addition to the offer for customers, hostesses of their own Stampin' Up! party (and the monthly hostesses in my virtual clubs) can cross their fingers and hope that the party guests spend £300 or more between them. Not only will this mean happy guests as they'll hopefully have a FREE stamp set for spending £45, but a very happy hostess too as she will get a FREE stamp set or packet of Designer Papers if the party order reaches £300.

Want to turn your hobby or love of craft into a career? When you join my wonderful team of Jelly Stampers during the Sale-A-Bration promotion, you get extras too! You can choose ANY stamp set to the value of £44.95 (that's any set by the way!) from the current Idea Book and Catalogue or Spring Mini for FREE!

I also reward all my new Jelly Stampers with a special business kit too:

I'll provide you with some key tools to kick start your own business including samples of patterned papers, card, inks and Markers. PLUS the first FIVE demonstrators to join my team during Sale-A-Bration will receive an exclusive Stampin' Up! Shopping bag. (picture includes an example of a free stamp set you could choose during the promotion).

As well as all that, everyone who joins my team will receive:

A selection of card samples to showcase a variety of techniques and products, a ribbon sampler and a worksheet to help you plan and run yoru very first home party. Of course you'll want something special to feel part of Team Jelly so I'll give you a gift of a handbag / keyring charm along with a Blue Jelly Charm Bead. Another important business tool I will provide you with are some marketing tools, including flyers, posters and letter templates for you to personalise to suit your business.

So if you would love to join our team of Jelly Stampers, please email me at bluejellystampin@sky.com or give me a call on 07748 707845 - you can always text if you're shy!

Hugs
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Spring Craft Day Event

I am pleased to announce I have a date for my next all day craft event and a gorgeous and bright new venue too. The day will have a very fresh, Spring feel to it and here are just some of the projects you'll get to make:

Here are the details:

Saturday 17th March 2012

Papplewick and Linby Village Hall

10.30 - 4.30

Cost £45

Your day will include:

• Your very own Cupcake Punch to take home
• All the products you need to make these and many more projects
• Buffet lunch with cakes included (!)
• Refreshments
• Fabulous Stampin' Up! raffle prizes
• Full photo instructions for all projects to help you on the day and to take home

So you can see from the photo there will be lots to keep you busy, including cards, bags and boxes and a decorated acrylic box too. Plus many more which will be a surprise on the day. There will also be lots of samples around to inspire you, good company and of course if you want to, you can place an order for Stampin' Up! goodies on the day too. For every £45 you spend on products on the day, you will receive a fabulous FREE stamp set or decorative paper pack - the choice is yours!

Places do need to be booked and paid for in full by Thursday 1st March please. You'll also need to bring your own basic tools kit including adhesives for use on the day. Not got one? Just ask me about ordering your basic kit when you book and it will be waiting for you on the day.

So what are you waiting for?

Email me at bluejellystampin@sky.com or call me on 07748 707845 to book your place now!

Hugs
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Sale-A-Bration is coming

Oooh only two days until Stampin' Up! 2012 Sale-A-Bration promotion begins. Will tell you all about it then but for now I have a project for you made with some of the products from this years Sale-A-Bration. It's a direct case from the brochure:

Can't tell you anything about the stamps or papers yet but I did enjoy playing with the On Board Merry Medley chipboard! I've done some clear embossing on the butterfly and then highlighted some areas with a Whisper White re-inker and also the white gel pen.

If you'd like to find out more about the Sale-A-Bration promotion or if you'd like a leaflet posting out to you, please contact me at bluejellystampin@sky.com.

Also, I have just TWO places remaining on my scrapbook club on Tuesday 7th February - if you were thinking about booking, please be quick!

hugs
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Happy Birthday Dad

It's my Dad's Birthday today and now I know my card has arrived on time I can share it here:

I've used Lucky Limeade, Pool Party and Island Indigo for my colour combo using three of the gorgeous In Colours. The letters have been die cut from the Big Shot Simple Letters set. The square of DSP were simply punched using the larger square punch (you know me I like anything resembling a collage of squares!). The birthday sentiment is from the hostess set Happiest Birthday Wishes, coloured with Markers before stamping:

I even decorated the inside to match:

I think my Dad has now recovered from Zac singing a somewhat out of tune yet entertaining version of 'Happy Birthday' down the phone!

Keep warm!
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Berry Blossoms and a Class

Ooh 'twas so very nice to have some time in the room of craft yesterday afternoon. I've been determined to make a few scrap layouts and so finally I got the time:

Does it look familiar? It should - it's the same layout as the picture on the front of the new Spring Mini:

I think it shows the Berry Blossoms product suite off beautifully. Using the Berry Blossoms papers. Fruit and Flowers stamps and Blossom Party Big Shot die. Look at the detail:

I've made a coordinating 12x12 layout to go with this one but I'm not sharing it yet as I want class attendees to see it and make it first!

If you'd like to come along and make this fabulous layout along with a matching one, the class is on Tuesday 7th February at 7.30pm at my home in Arnold, Nottingham.

The cost of the class is £10 and you will get half a pack of the Berry Blossoms papers, a whole packet of self adhesive pearls and enough product in your goody bag to make these layouts and much more too. So that means you'll be able to make other projects to match at home!

Why not buy yourself a 12x12 linen album as part of the class? They cost £23.95 in the catalogue, but order it when you pay for your class and you can have the album and the class for just £30. You might even want to treat yourself to the gorgeous Fruit and Flowers stamp set:

The Wood Mount set is £18.95 and the Clear Mount set is just £14.95. Not bad for 9 stamps I'm sure you'll agree.

Places do need to be booked and paid for by Friday 27th January please. You can email at bluejellystampin@sky.com to book your place or just give me a call on 07748 707845. Hope you can make it.

Hugs
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Petal Cone Boxes

Yesterday I had a fab time at Jules' team training and went along with three lovely ladies from Team Jelly - Tracy, Louise and Shazza. As with all training we like to make swaps to get lots of ideas and inspiration and for once I made some 3D projects. I used the Big Shot Petal Cone die to create these take out style boxes:

I made 35 of them but did I remember to take a photo of them all together? Of course not. I've used Pool Party, So Saffron, Pretty in Pink and Regal Rose as my colour combination. I was inspired by this photo in the Idea Book and Catalogue:

Aren't they gorgeous colours and projects? I think I may have to case all three of these at some point. Often I get stuck for ideas of what to make and the Idea Book and Catalogue never fails to give my mojo a boost!

I stamped the boxes with a stamp from a set you'll be able to see more of later this month when it becomes available and then decorated with coordinating papers from the Designer Stacks and topped with a flower die cut from the new Blossom Party Die.

I've a lot to get done over the next couple of days, my new class schedule for one!  I have had quite a few weeks doing not so much as normal Stampin' Up! wise so I'm going to get my skates on and get cracking.

Hope you have a creative day.
Hugs
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Creating lots of cupcakes

My friends Hubby turns 40 this weekend and she asked me to make a card for him from her. She's not seen it yet so I hope she'll like it! I have used 40 candles and 40 cupcakes!!

It's one of the biggest cards I've made, each square is just shy of 6". I've used Night of Navy, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise and Pacific Point for the combo.

It wasn't easy to get a photo of this at all. On the front I've used Big Shot Simple Numbers dies teamed up with stamps from Create a Cupcake, Party this Way and For My Family.

I lurve these cupcake stamps and even more so as they come with a coordinating Cupcake Bulder Punch so no cutting out to do! The punch is so versatile and you can make so manyt hings with it - more about that another day though.

As it's so big I needed to make a box envelope to pop it in. The new 2 3/8" Scallop Circle punch is a great size for using as a tag.

Must go, I'm in the middle of making swaps for Jules' training tomorrow!
Hugs

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