Stamp Happy

Sewing is my other Creative Outlet

I really enjoyed making my three daughters dresses for the wedding.  Okay . . . it was a big drama getting fabric ALL four of us liked and then another drama deciding on neckline shape, length, strap width, and on and on and on.

Finally, the bride and seamstress put her foot down and said she'd do what she wanted and expected them to be worn with a smile.

I used quilting cottons so I could get them all coordinating, but not identical.  Plus cotton is easy to work with - bonus!

I wanted to share a couple things.  First, notice the tulle along the bottom of the dresses.  This is so popular right now!  I've used the Crumb Cake Tulle by Stampin' Up! here.  A quick run through on the machine gathered it up quite nicely just using a long stitch.  Then it was just pinning it on along the hem and tacking it on.

All the girls are covering it up, but the ribbon on the bouquets is also Stampin' Up!.  Gerbera Daisies are one of my favorites, and I felt it quite appropriate for the mood and nature of our celebration.  Baby daisies for the girls were perfect.

In the end she agreed to wear the dress and carry the purse if I let her wear the shoes . . . .

My four kids feeling relieved the spotlight is off and happy to go play.  Or happy to have photos, their most favorite activity.

I feel very blessed.

 

A wedding Box of Love

I wanted to share this lovely box Ann Wills and her team made for Robert and myself as a wedding gift.   Ann has already put up a great post, but i wanted to share this as well.

She's used the Kraft Boxes (four for 5.95) and embellished it up quite nicely.  I beleive the outside panels are using the faux patina technique, one really cool technique I'd like to use on my next scrapbooking layout.  Hmmm, nice for wedding photos . .

First emboss with the Big Shot, then sponge on inks in various colours and intensities.  Last, lightly tap with Versamark and heat emboss. Ann has used Gold Embossing Powder here.  Looks great!

The birds are made with the Champagne Glimmer Paper, one I hope continues on after this Holiday Catalogue!  And the Crumb Cake Tulle, which is just yummy and also tied in perfectly with the bridesmaid dresses (pics coming tomorrow's post).

The box was filled with lovely little words, encouraging us to remember the love we share and the important things in life.  It doesn't really matter he wants to put a tall book case in front of my closet window . . . :-)  The window doesn't matter in the big picture.

Hope you've enjoyed!  Click on Ann's link to see the gorgeous matching card she made!

 

A Stampin' Up! Wedding Work of Art

This was a lovely surprise organized by my northern region demonstrators, Ria Kaire and her team, given as a gift during our marriage ceremony.  She had it couriered to our celebrant, Bron Heslop, a few days before the event.

EAch of the guests were invited to fingerpring and sign themselves on the tree, using Stampin' Up! inks and markers.

I heard from my new Aunt Cherie that they had asked a local artist to paint the tree - and what a wonderful job she did.  It's just beautiful.

We will hang this with pride somewhere prominent in our home.  Waiting for the man with the tools to get over his cold, but I think the entry way would be perfect.

Our deepest thanks for this heartfelt gift and all those who contributed.

A few Wedding Card Ideas

I apologize for being absent for about two weeks.  I had family here and as many of you know - I got married!  It's been a huge month - so much fun and very exciting!

I thought it would be fun to share some photos of the many wedding cards I received.  I might be safe to say that we were thoroughly spoiled in receiving so many hand made well wishes.  Of course all love sent is appreciated, but were were definately spoiled!

And a few close ups:

Aren't we spoiled?!

And a few shots of the wedding:

Tomorrow I'll put up the girls' dresses, which used Stampin' Up Product, as well as a special gift sent from some ladies on my team . . .

Have a wonderful day!

 

Vintage Layered Labels

This was a card on display from Stampin' Up!, and I absolutely loved it!  I did a quite remake and used these as swaps last team training a few weekends ago.  Using the new Layered Labels set, it pairs beautifully with the Beautiful Wings Embosslits and the First Edition Printed Papers.

I am loving the look of layering up inked images - creating the look of layers with minimal effort and supplies.   Here I've done the En Francais Background, Spritzing, and the labels stamp.  I coloured in the words on the label with Crumb Cake.

The focal point is a couple of butterflies layered with a tiny flower and a smidge of ribbon.

Well, I'm at a hotel and the connection won't let the second photo upload, so this will have to do. 

Please come see me at the Hamilton Quilt & Craft Show this weekend and have a shop through all my retired product!  Going fast!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Layered Labels

Colours: Crumb Cake, BAsic Black, Baja Breeze

Other: Colour Spritzer, Baja Seam Binding Ribbon, Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Basic Pearls, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Tiny Flower Punch

A personal Announcement to my Followers

Well, team, the day has finally arrived that my Robert has proposed!!  I am so very, very happy!

While we were away in the USA at my family reunion, everyone was gathered around one night chatting.  My older brother asked how we met.  Rob told our story, and then got down on one knee and asked me to be his forever!

Both of us have just been grinning ever since!  He is such a good man - faithful, loyal, kind, smart, and loving.

We intend to marry end of November; more details to follow.  We are opting for a fun afternoon with families and lots & lots of friends instead of a more formal event.

Thank you all for supporting me through all the ups and downs the last three or four years.  I hope you will celebrate with me during this super happy time!

 

Rue Des Fleurs by Shimmer Paint

Another project inspired by our amazing convention in Canberra this year!!  This card is strongly inspired by the lovely Vanessa Webb, a demonstrator in Australia who is beautiful inside and out.

I had very very poor photos of this, so I just did this up how it appeared to me, so likely a bit different than the original.

Custard in the background is an extra treat for you today.   ha ha! 

Shimmer paint is used on this one three different ways, so I loved teaching this for that reason. The background is stamped using shimmer paint directly on the stamp.  I also used it to sponge around the edges of the Soft Suede Framelits, using the die itself as a template.

We also used paint to colour over the flowers on the bodice, on top of watercolouring it with Watercolour Wonder Crayons.

I used the Riding Hood Red Ribbon, but the rest of the card is so neutral, you could use any of the other three colours in the pleated ribbon instead.  I liked how the Baker's Twine is layered over the pleated ribbon, adding interest, texture, and a different look to the ribbon altogether. 

if you don't have those Framelits dies yet, add them to your wish list!  I absolutely love them and am using them heaps and heaps and heaps. . .

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Rues Des Fleurs 51.95

Colours: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke

Other: Champagne Shimmer Paint, Framelits Dies, Bakers Twine, Watercolour Wonder Crayons in Regals, Black Staz On

Join us!

This Thursday, July 5th, Scrapbooking in Howick!  7:30 pm  Birthday Theme $15

Saturday, July 7th, Stamping Class in Dargaville 1pm  $15

Monday, July 9th, Stamping Class in Birkenhead 7:30 pm  $15  Make two kids cards!

Love & Laughter Wedding Card

As requested by my lovely group in Nelson, I made up this wedding card, inspired by one by Patty Bennett.  I loved this card - it uses a lot of our new products in the Autumn/Winter Mini. 

The stamp set is the wedding set is the Love & Laughter set in the mini - such a cute one!  The Nelson ladies gave me an excuse to buy this one.  Fingers crossed it ends up in the main catalogue in September, but just in case . . . best to buy before the mini ends next month!

The papers are the yummy Attic Boutique papers, also available just through July.  The edge across the top is made using the Edgelits dies and also the Edgelits Embossing Folders. 

We also used the Shimmer Paint (Frost White) and made our own shimmer spray.  Mix a bit of the paint with some Isopropyl Alcohol and water, and away you go.  Easy to start spritzing everything . . . .

Now there are just a few days left to recieve your Reason to Smile stamp set free with any order of $150~!!  Email me here to place your order or to have a catalogue sent to you.  (They are $10 and can be paid for with your order). 

Please join us for class or hostess your own class for free product!

Wednesday June 27th 7:30 pm in Takanini  $15

Saturday June 30th 9:15am-430pm All day Scrapbooking class in Nelson $55

Thursday July 5th 7:30 pm Scrapbooking Evening in Howick $15

 

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Love & Laughter set of eight $42.95

Colours: Soft Suede, Marina Mist

Other: Antique Brads, Ribbon Border Punch, Linen Thread, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Edgelits Dies & Embossing Folders, Basic Pearls, Baja Breeze Pleated Ribbon, Attic Boutique DSP, Wedding Words Wheel

Embossed Butterflies

A CASE off the net - Many thanks to the original artist Amy Risary.  I loved the simplicity of the butterflies and the cool use of DSP.  I've used the Paisley Petals DSP here:

AND I like how we've used a few of the butterflies from the Bigz Butterfly Die that I don't normally use. It comes with four, and I have tended to just use the one, so this was great.

A little white embossing on them gives them just that bit more interest and it's quick and easy to do.

This makes a nice Mother's Day card or a sympathy card or a birthday card - an easy design that's quick to adjust for the occasion. 

Now, I'm off to do some work for convention!  Just two weeks and a bit away before we leave!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Just Believe, Loving Thoughts

Colours: Calypso Coral, Soft Suede

Other: Paisley Petals DSP, Basic Pearls, White Embossing Powder, Taffeta and lace ribbon, Bigz Butterfly die

A Case of a Mother's Day or Beautiful Card

I saw this project of Debbie Lamb's up on Facebook and just had to make one!  Such a clean and elegant design - using the new dies that are so fantastic!

This one really isn't that hard to make once you've got all the pieces out.  It's a fair bit of die cutting and embossing, but such a lovely effect.

The flowers are from the Mini Catalogue Set, Bordering on Romance, and easily coloured in with an aqua pen and the ink pads.

So this is one that can be used for a special person's birthday or for Mother's Day.  I put the Mother's Day greeting inside as it's just quite small.  I will have to find someone to give this to on Sunday!  (My own mother lives in the USA so I posted hers out a week ago).

To order supplies to make this beauty, please contact me!

Stamps: Bordering on Romance, You're A Gem, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Colours: Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilly, Crumb Cake

Other: Aqua pen, Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, BAsic Pearls, Framelits Dies, Vintage Wallpaper emboss folder, Dots Emboss Folder, Oval Frame Emboss Folder, Large Oval Punch, Dazzling Diamonds

 

 

Wednesday May 9th Takanini Class Mother's Day/Beautiful Cards  7:30  $15

Friday May 11th Hamilton Flip Album 2.5 hour class 7pm  $20

Tuesday May 15th Afternoon and Evening Classes in Nelson!  1pm and 7 pm  $15


Or Book Your Own Class!

In Black & White

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a wedding, and look forward to another one next month.  That was my first NZ wedding, so it was a real treat!  Being wedding season, and given the new, beautiful wedding stamp set in the Summer Mini, I thought designing wedding project would be perfect for my first class of 2012.

I struggled with the colours of this one for a while, then just went back to the classic Black & White with a touch of silver.  LOVE the new glimmer paper!!  Just a little bit adds a real wow - so one pack of this product will go a very long long way.

Girls, I added that embossing after the class as I felt it just needed one more thing.  LIke it?  It's a bit better, I think. 

Any questions, orders, or to book into a class, please contact me!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Marry Me set of six $42.95

Other: Glimmer Paper silver, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder, Oval Frame Embossing Folder, White Satin Ribbon, Scallop Ribbon Border Punch

 

Vintage Layout - A Gift for Pascale

For the last eight months, we've had a lovely lady living with us, Pascale, from Switzerland.  Just before Easter, she went back to her original home.  (I say that because I'd like to think this is also her home now too).  The girls and I decided to each make her an album page as a going away gift.

(The girls all worked on 6x6 albums over the summer after having a fun photo shoot together, so these were to add to the existing album she had started).

Each page we did reflected our personalities and tastes.  This is mine:

I've used quite a few stamp sets on this one - partly because I was just using scraps that were on my desk.  LOL

Two must have's for the vintage look - the Music Notes Wheel and the Beautiful Wings (butterflies) Embosslet.  Wow, I use those butterflies SO much.

I discovered the Champagne Shimmer Paint doing this up.  It's fantastic!  Can you see it on the edges of the vellum and the leaves?  Of course photos never do justice to glitters and shimmers, but it's beautiful.

Contact me to order any of these products or for any queries!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers, Elements of Style, Music Notes Wheel, Noteably Ornate

Colours: Cherry Cobbler, Certainly Celery, Soft Suede

Other: Champagne Shimmer Paint, Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, Crochet Trim Ribbon,Beautiful Wings Embosslets, Basic Pearls, Bird Punch, Vintage Brads, Vellum Cardstock, Linen Thread, Subtles Buttons, Heart to Heart Punch, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Trim Border, Cutter Kit, Elegant Lines Embossing Folder. Phew.  It was fun.

{Chrissie Patterson}

A big welcome back to Chrissie Patterson!  Chrissie has a beautiful, unique style - it's a pleasure to showcase you and the rest of the team on my blog.

This is the last sample for March using the Crochet ribbon, Basic Pearls, and the Vintage Trinkets. AND it's the last two days to order the crochet ribbon and the trinkets!!  The Summer Mini ends tomorrow evening - last orders going in tomorrow night.

Stunning!  Chrissie ruched or gathered the ribbon along a strip of Sticky Strip and visually anchored each end with a Pearl.  I LOVE the little tag detail with the Vintage Trinket Safety Pin.

The focal image is from the beautiful Set Easter Blossoms.  Not just for Easter!  And those words, Well Scripted. . . .I'm sad to see those ones go.  Didn't quite get my fill of those ones darn it.

The Ovals Die is more useful than it might intially appear - really great for a different shape and element to your projects.

Thank you Chrissie for another beautiful showcase!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Tiny Tags, Easter Blossoms, Well Scripted

Colours: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Early Espresso

Other: Top Note Die, Love Letter DSP, Ovals Die, Crochet Ribbon, Vintage Trinkets, Jewelery Tag Punch, Basic Pearls, Sticky Strip, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

Cheers to You 50th Birthday Invitation

Nearly back in action!  Sorry for the brief interlude - it's been a huge hassle on this end.  Hopefully things will be sorted by the end of the day or by tomorrow!

In the meantime, please enjoy this lovely 50th Birthday Invitation from my good friend, Denise. 

Several of us worked on these over the summer, in bits and pieces.  Many thanks to Lissa for her huge help on this project.

Now for the party!! 

This design would also make a very nice wedding invitation.

Happy Birthday Denise!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Cheers to You Set of five, Medallion set of one $39.95

Colours: Basic Black, Brush Metallic Silver, various for colouring in

Other: Large Scallop Circle Punch, White and Silver Embossing Powder, Blender Pens, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies

Elegant Wedding Project

 

This is a stunning swap made by the lovely Diane Bell-Robertson for one of our Stampin' Up! Creative Inkers Team trainings.  It's a beautiful design, whether used for weddings, funerals, birthday, or thinking of you's.

I just love this project and have shared it with my customers a few times now.  Last Monday I taught a wedding card class and wanted to do this one because it's simple, economical and very effective - all great criterium for wedding projects.

On top of that, when I did a wedding show a few months back, this was by far the most popular option I had on display.

However, at my class, I had some demos coming who had seen this swap.  So I re did it in white.

I love how this looks, too.  Now, I've kept the bird in the greys and silvers, but how easy would it be to whip a little colour in there to match the wedding theme?

Now, three gueses on where the eye came from . . . .

Thanks Diane for the lovely inspiration!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: It's Beautiful wheel  $18.95

Colours: Basic Black, Basic Grey, Whisper White, Silver

Other: Basic Grey Taffeta Ribbon, XL Bird Punch, Eyelet Border Punch, Clear Embossing Powder

{Val McGunnigle}

Val has treated us today with an stunning card - suitable for a wedding or Mother's Day.

The sticky cuts featured here have been used with the Dazzling Diamonds glitter over the Cottage Wall Designer Papers - I love how the paper design still shows through!

Val has also stamped with the Baroque wheel and then run the image through the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.

A beatuiful design with many visual layers -gorgeous work, Val!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Baroque (wheel), Best Yet (hostess)

Colours: Old Olive, Rose Red

Other: Sticky Cuts, Assorted Clips, Scallop Edge Punch, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

{Wedding Stationery Class & Samples}

I've scheduled a Wedding Theme Class for next Monday, May 3rd, in Birkenhead.  Come along and see how easy it is to make your own invitations, thank you cards, favourts, and table decor!

May 3rd  7:30pm

$15 for two projects

Please bring scissors and double sided tape and a tape runner

To book in, please email to secure your place!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Scribble This, Warm Words

Colours: Baja Breeze, Summer Sun, Whisper White

Other: Large Oval Punch, Aqua Painters

{Vintage Vogue Mother's Day Card}

It's been way too long since I was able to participate in a creative challenge, so it was fun to take part in this one!  I used it, actually, to make a scrapbooking layout, which I will post on Friday.  But the inspiration was this card and the Just Add Ink Vintage Challenge this week.

I taught this card in class a few weeks ago, and it's a perfect Mother's Day card.  How appropriate to say thank you to our mothers.  (I suppose I better get mine in the post today!)

Inspired by a card I saw online, I adapted to fit the supplies we have here in NZ.  The background is enbossed with our NEW Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.  I bought out the dots with a bit of ink - a very cool look if you love antique like I do.

Of course the images are from the ever-popular and oh-so-yummy Vintage Vogue stamp set.   The centre of the large flower is the 5/8 inch brad - yes they are still available for purchase.  (If you have not seen the carry over - write-in products- flyer, email me or ask your demonstrator).  These babies are just perfect for the centre of this flower.

The centres of the smaller flowers - take a guess!  All correct answers will be sent a little treat via email.  use the comments section below.

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue set of eight $48.95 wood mount, $38.95 clear mount, Tiny Tags set of seventeen $45.95 wood, $36.95 clear

Colours: Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Creamy Caramel

Other: Medium Jewelry Tag Punch, 5/8 Neutrals brads, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Distressing Tool, Linen Thread, 7/8 Chocolate Chip Stitched Ribbon, 1/16 hole punch, Crop-a-Dile

{A Wedding Favour}

Thank you to all who came by my stand at the Grand Wedding Show yesterday!  It was lovely to meet you and share in your enthusiasm for celebrating a big event in your lives.

I was thrilled to give a demonstration of three quick and affordable cards and projects for your consideration.  In case you missed it, here is the Easy No Template Triangle Box:

All you need here is a rectangle of cardstock or printed paper and a few embellishments for the front (use the same stamps for your invitations and guest book to stretch those dollars further and to give your wedding stationery continuity).  Add a bit of ribbon to tie and you're done!

This project works well with cardstock for extra sturdiness, but the printed paper has the double benefit of a splash of colour inside the box.  Love that!

 
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{Happiness Mini Album}

This is one of my favourite designs!  I just adore the Raspberry Tart papers, especially when paired up with Chocolate Chip. 

This is the same album I showcased here, but obviously with different colours and stamps.  Amazing how a shift in colour really makes a project look so different.  Which can be used to your advantage.  :)

Pick A Petal is such a versatile set!  Some of my ladies made lillies, some daisies, some butterflys, some dragonflys.  All looked really great.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Pick A Petal set of eleven  $62.95, Warm Words set of eight $46.95

Colours: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Cameo Coral

Other: Corduroy Brads (retired - Build a Brad is a perfect replacement), double Stitched Chocolate Chip ribbon, Raspberry Tart DSP, Eyelet Border Punch