Thanks Pam Cregeen and Val McGunnigle (former members of my Challenge Team and dear friends) for the lovely cards I got in the mail today!
Funny, they look like a matching set. :) Fun and bright - they made me smile.
Enjoy!
xoxoxo
Male Approved
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
{Movers and Shakers - Young Masculine}
Have you seen the Movers and Shakers Die(s) in the Winter Mini? I know it's hard to tell what they actually are from the book, so here's a sample of a simple way to use them:
The large portion of the die is what cuts the size of your card and also creases it in half. Half of the die is just a blank magnetic plate. The small window that gets cut out is detached from the large die and can be moved around on the magnetic plate so you can position that window wherever you want it.
The second pack of Movers and Shakers dies are another set of window cut outs so you have four more shapes to make. Or use three or four at once!
The Curly Label Punch nests nicely with this die as well.
The cute image here is from Lots O Bots - a set that I decided was pretty cute after all. LOL. My girls like it, too.
The tag is one of the metal frames from the HodgePodge Kit with one of the little side bits cut off. You do need a garage tool for this - the scissors won't hack it.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Supples Used:
Stamps: Lots O Bots set of five $29.95
Colours: Tempting Turquoise, Old Olive, Pink Passion, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Grey
Other: Hodge Podge Kit, Old Olive ribbon, Curly Label Punch, Blender Pens
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
{A Michelle Zindorff Inspiration}
I took this project off of Michelle Zindorff's blog - such a talented lady! I've become quite taken with the sponging, layering, and brayering techniques.
The card also features the reflection technique.
When making this card, it really looks awful until the very end . . . just trust yourself and keep going!
Fabulous male or sympathy project! To learn how to make yours, book in here or request this for next class.
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Le Jardin Boutanique
Colours: Going Grey, Basic Black, Bordering Blue
Other: Whisper White Taffeta, Vintage Brads, sponges, acetate
Friday, March 26, 2010
{Sweet Animal Stories}
This is my take on a fabulous project designed by Bronwyn Heslop. I just changed a couple things to suit the class I was teaching and their requests.
I loved her use of the very cute Animal Stories set and the Sweet Treat Cups. This is the kind of project you need to do step by step and in order to make sure it's all "secure", but really quite easy once you see it done.
The water is held in by a very firm piece of acetate and the very sticky glue that comes on the back of the sweet treat cups. Such a cute way to use them.
The waves are made not with the Scallop Edge punch, but with the Scallop Square punch - just used in "reverse".
Bron is a navy mum, so this card was just a perfect creation from her. Thanks, Bron, for the inspiration!
The Animal Stories stamp set, the Tall Tales Paper, and the Welcome Baby stamp are all being retired next week (march 31), so please place your orders today!
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Animal Stories set of four $28.95, Sweetness Unlimited $13.95
Colours: Brilliant Blue, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron
Other: Tall Tales DSP, Sweet Treat Cups, Scallop Square Punch, So Saffron Striped ribbon, Whisper White ink, sponges, acetate
Friday, February 12, 2010
{Owl Together Now}
This is my take on the Scallop Notes Challenge:
I've used the Owl Together Now stamp set, one that I think is darn cute! As you can see, the scallop edge is punched with the 1/16th hole punch and then folded back to add a little interest.
The Stamp-A-Ma-Jig is just the tool to get the owls sitting right on the branch. I've then coloured them in using Blender Pens and the ink pads.
On both cards, I've used the Real Red Gingham ribbon. However, because the ribbon is red and white and the cardstock here is Very Vanilla, I used a sponge and the Close to Cocoa ink to make the ribbon a little less "white".
The Baja Breeze card is a simple punched hole and the ribbon run through. The Pink Pirouette version uses a homemade heart paperclip - a neat little trick using a simple, standard paperclip.
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Owl Together Now set of fourteen $62.95, weathered $39.95
Colours: Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip, various colours for colouring
Other: Real Red Gingham ribbon, 1/16th hole punch, Blender Pens, Crystal Effects, paperclip, Word Window Punch. Scallop Notes set of 30 incl envelopes $28.95
And here is the Kristina Werner video on how to make the paperclip hearts:
Friday, January 29, 2010
{A Masculine Valentine Idea}
Oh, the oh-so-challenging Masculine Project!
I thought the matchbook style would suit a guy, you know the whole playing with fire thing. And chocolate is always a winner. For any gender and any age group.
I designed this up going for an antiqued look because of a blog challenge (which I never uploaded in time, but at least it got me thinking). I love these hearts! I love how they can look so sophisticated here, but can also look fun and bright, like here.
And even better, this is the set that Stampin' Up! has designated as with each purchase, they will donate $2 from the proceeds to the Red Cross Haitian Disaster Relief Fund. That's a great reason to order this one before February 28th!
Supplies Used:
Stamps: I {Heart} Hearts $49.95, Three Little Words $28.95
Colours: Riding Hood Red, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Creamy Caramel
Other: Heart to Heart Punch, Full Heart Punch, Curly Label Punch, Twill, Vintage Brads, Windsor Knot DSP, Riding Hood Red DSP, Small oval Punch
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
{Narelle Hoggard & Clearance Sale Update}
I know for a fact Narelle did a lot of trial and error to bring you this "snowglobe" card!
I believe the trick, in the end, was to have just the right amount of water and a good heavy acetate on the back.
The glitter inside settles back down, of course, but it remains semi-adhered to the acetate, so the gift inside still looks sparkely. Very cool, Narelle!
The second card was another challenge because Narelle didn't have any printed paper with Kiwi Kiss -so she made her own! I like this little origami shirt. And of course, the hardware is great for men's projects. My husband gave this the thumbs up, too.
Thanks for sharing!
Clearance Sale Update:
The Inventory Clearance Sale will be over Sunday night, so it's your last few days to take advantage of these deep discounts! My next order goes in noon Thursday. Email me to place your order. See the flyer here. The following item(s) are no longer available as part of the Inventory Clearance Sale:
Item Number
Item Name
116376
Jumbo Outline Alphabet stamp set*
111983
Just Riding stamp set*
112370
Wild West Alphabet Stamp Set
*Note: Stamp sets that are no longer available as part of the Inventory Clearance Sale are still available for purchase at the regular price, but customers who purchase them will receive them in the new die-cut configuration.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
{Top Ten For 2009}
Have a look and I hope you enjoy!
The flowers here are a beautiful gift from my friend and team member Karen Rogers. The lilies were so fragrant - wonderful to smell every time I walked past them. Thanks, karen!
My top ten favourite posts and projects for 2009:
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
{Before & After}
Even I had to laugh out loud when I saw these pictures side by side.
So now you all know what I've been doing for the last month. I'm only sorry I had to use a shovel in the first place.
Sooo, this was the state of my work area after a full year of non-stop activity as well as a three day blitz of getting Christmas gifts done for my team family. It was lots of fun and very exhilerating, but the aftermath merited closing the door on the mess for at least a couple of days.
Which you an now understand perhaps why afterwards I went to the pool and prompty fell asleep and burned my arms to a crisp (for which I still wear a resemblance to peppermint stripes).
A few days later, I cracked open the door and began working, one pile at a time. It was fun in a way, when done in small doses. But I enjoy organizing, even though it's not often apparent.
My team of demonstrators and I had a little discussion and we decided that there's nothing like a big clean up and out to find one's mojo. I found all kinds of treasures and two sewing projects I don't even recognize.
Suddenly, my entire family can actually stand in this room. AND I can fit the vacuum in.
Many, many hours later and quite a few bins worth of things culled out, I am very pleased with the end result. I enter and I smile and I create. Mojo found.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
{Choo-Choo Pull-Up Treat}
Now here's a cute little gift-y item for little (and big!) ones!
The Pull-Up Treat has been around for a long time and it works up really cute with the Choo-Choo set.
And it's a fun way to wrap up a small gift, like this sleeve of oreos, a chocolate bar, a meusli bar in a lunch, or a little treat as a thank you. One of my customers last year made up a number of these and hung them on the tree. I'm sure her grandchildren loved to see what surprises were held inside!
Plus, then you'd have little gifts ready to go for holiday visits. I'm liking this idea!!
Choo-Choo and the coordiating track wheel available until the end of the month.
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Choo Choo set of five $35.95, Right on Track wheel $13.95
Colours: Real Red, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Grey
Other: horizontal slot, crimper, Pumpkin Pie ribbon
Friday, October 09, 2009
{Bride and Groom Boxes}
Aren't these just fabulous?!
Made for me to use as a display by my good friend and fellow demonstrator, Janine Pearce. Is't she great!
And what a neat idea! Perfect for a gift or for table decor, these are easy enough to make out of an A4 sheet of cardstock.
The bride's dress has been stamped and embossed using the So Swirly wheel, one of the most products in the catalogue. An elegant clasp and a long display of taffeta ribbon down the back finishes her off beautifully.
Our handsome man is finished off using a little off cut from the dress, a few brads, and a simple knot for a bow tie.
These would be lovely filled with mints or white and dark chocolates.
For a consult on making these yourself or to have them custom made for you, email me today!
Supplies Used:
Stamps: So Swirly Wheel $18.95
Colours: Basic Black, Whisper White
Other: Versamark ink pad, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Clear embossing powder, 1/4 grosgrain black ribbon, Vintage brads, Hodge Podge Hardware, White Taffeta Ribbon
Friday, September 25, 2009
{Party Hearty Birthday Set}
Don't have the time to attend class? Prefer to work on your own? Live too far away? Make this Party Hearty Birthday Card Set
in your own time!
Kit includes all pieces for the card set, pre-cut for you, ribbons, brads, and envelopes.
Cardstock and envelopes alone: $22 including postage
Party Hearty bundle #1 includes: card kits, Party Hearty stamp set, and four stampin write markers $110 value for $99!
Party Hearty Bundle #2 includes: card kits, Party Hearty stamp set, four stampin write markers, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Two Way Glue pen, white gel pen, the Whisper White ink pad, and BONUS two rolls of exclusive ribbon - the Certainly Celery poly-twill and So Saffron 5/8 grograin (9.1m each) Approximately 193.50 value for only $139!
Monday, September 21, 2009
{Sense of Time}
This project is easy to whip together and uses very little supplies. The main feature, of coruse, is the big clock stamped on acetate with our Cotton White Staz-On ink. Love that effect! Acetate is one of my personal favourite mediums.
The gorgeous printed paper is the Parisian Breeze, also from the Spring mini catalogue. We won't see this beauty again after November, so be sure to order it before the mini catalogue expires.
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Sense of Time set of four $46.95
Colours: Kraft, Close to Cocoa, Baja Breeze
Other: cotton white staz-on, acetate, 3/16 brads, vintage brads, Parisian Breeze Speciality Cardstock, mat pack
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
{Starring You!}
A overlooked set in the catalogue, Starring You is an affordable collection perfect for boys. Change the colour scheme and could be used for girls, too. For $28.95, it's a versatile bargain!
This is a very quick little card I made up for a masculine project class using the Starring You set and the Windsor Knot papers. Love that colour combo!
The So Saffron ribbon (FREE during September!) is folded in half and just tucked under the stamped image. This is a great little way to not only use up little scraps of ribbon, but also to add texture to the project without a bow.
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Starring You set of four $28.95
Colours: So Saffron, Sage Shadow, Chocolate Chip
Other: So Saffron ribbon (FREE with purchase during September), large oval punch, small star punch, Designer Label punch, Vintage brads, Windsor Knot Designer Papers
Monday, September 07, 2009
{Inspired by Nature}
This card was inspired by two different swaps I received from two Australian Demonstrators, Robyn Lawton and Karen Robinson. I thought both were so clever! I don't have the surfboard stamp set and loved the bullrushes idea, so combined the two here.
This project is one that goes together quite quickly, which is always a bonus to a great design. The grassy stamp in the Inspired by Nature set is so well thought out; it's nearly impossible to stamp it crooked because the stems are going in several directions already.
The Baja Breeze ribbon might be questionable for some blokes, but several of my customers made this card up and used the wide twill - and it looked fantastic! Maybe even better.
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Inspired by Nature $49.95 set of four
Colours: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, and Chocolate Chip
Other: Jumbo eyelets, natural hemp, Baja Breeze ribbon, horizontal slot punch
Friday, September 04, 2009
{A Father's Day Tribute}
Now I know that Masculine Cards are the big draw card for my customers! We universally struggle with this one. Men are so simple . . . yet so hard to relate to when it comes to finding something they'd like.
Greens and browns are a good starting place. I used the Windsor Knot papers here. Actually, using a printed paper makes choosing the colours easy because it's already done for you! Twill tape is another really good choice for guys. You can ink it and rough it up so it looks even less like a cousin to ribbon.
The stamped image here is from Totally Tools - a cute set with some great sayings in it. I've coloured this in with Watercolour Wonder Crayons, giving it that neat mottled look so it looks "realistic" or at least dimensional.
Well, this card is totally inappropriate for the likes of my husband who struggles even to keep the lightbulbs up to date. I might make him an Excel spreadsheet one.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
{Forest Friends Photo Wallet for Father's Day}
I have just a couple of these kits left!
Make this Forest Friends Photo Wallet in your own time!
This is a great project for Father's Day, for a birthday, or for yourself! Not only for photos, you can put in extra stamping and personal notes.
You will receive all the cardstock pre-scored, brads, embellishments, and complete instructions.
I am also available via email or phone to answer any questions or provide help needed.
Kit fee: $17 including postage payable via internet xfer, bank deposit, cheque, or paypal (credit card) Order here.
You will need to have basic crafting tools, inks, and either the Forest Friends set or another set of similar size. Suggested supplies or use comparable: Forest Friends set of four $28.95 (optional also used Thoughts And Prayers $53.95, Weathered $39.95, and Three Little Words $28.95) Chocolate Chip ink $13.95 each Choclate chip, Real Red, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy Markers $6.75 each *Class on offer only while supplies (kits) last!
Friday, August 07, 2009
{Trendy Trees Masculine Layout}
This is one of my favourite layouts to date. At first, I laid out the colours and images on the floor (yes, I work on the floor), and really had a brain freeze. It took me well over a week to work this one out, but I like it. Not my usual style and not the typical roughed-up Man Page, but bright and fun.
I presented this page at a class at Senz, and everyone did extremely well with it! I was concerned going in, but the talent and skill out there is amazing! Well done, all of you.
Don't you just love the Trendy Trees set? I do. Such fun images both for little and big boys and girls alike.
The bottom tree is popped up using the Boho Blossoms punch - a clever idea in one of the earlier Impressions Leaflets, the "magazine" Stampin' Up! sends to the demonstrators.
Enjoy!
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Trendy Trees $37.95
Happy Everything $46.95
Colours: Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip
Other: Mat Pack, Boho Blossoms Punch, Pigtails rick rack, Round tab punch, spiral punch, ribbons, Photo Corner punch, cutter kit
Monday, June 15, 2009
{DIY Altered Tin Project}
Don't miss out on this one! I only have a few tins left, so when they are gone, I can't make up any more kits!
June's class offers a beautiful Altered Tin using the Urban Garden papers and the Upsy Daisy stamp set. You'll receive the tin, all the papers plus extra for making cards or items for inside the tin, brads, ribbons, templates, a pearl, a pen to alter to match, and complete directions with photos to complete your project.
The cost is $35 including postage. You will need either the Upsy Daisy stamp set at $39.95 OR another similar image of your choosing. Order your kit and start creating a beautiful gift or keepsake!
See more details here.
Friday, April 17, 2009
{Make Your Envelope into a Card!}
Another cute and quick child-proof project!
The card is actually one of our stamping envelopes with a notecard slid inside. My girls enjoy this little pattern for quick invites and for birthday cards to give to friends.
This is not my best stamping effort . . . However, you get the idea!
Supplies Used:
Stamps: Big Bold Birthday, Cheer and Wishes
Colours: Tangerine Tango, Taken with Teal, Rose Red, Summer Sun
Other: 1/4 grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter
Jacquelyn Williams
Independent Demonstrator of the Year 2010
Recent Comments