Creations by Miriam

FEBRUARY CLASS
“By special request”

Book your spot and send me an E-mail or text with your special request (by 16th Feb)  I will try to accomodate your requests.  

When? TUESDAY 23rd FEBRUARY
 
Where? My place (Address provided when you book your spot)

Time?  7.15pm

Cost?  $15 (or order at least $90 worth of product on the night and I will waive the class free.  Spend $100 and you receive your choice of sale-a-bration stamp sets for FREE)

Bookings are essential as this allows me to ensure that I have enough seating space and materials for all participants.  Spots are already starting to fill so please be sure to get in touch as soon as possible.  Please secure your spot by Thursday 18th February

Cheers!

Miriam

miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

(08) 90917655

0419 947 047

Valentine’s Day isn’t far away- so I’ve been practising my ‘kissing tecnhnique’- No not the kind that involves your lips (I’m pretty good at that already)  I mean the stamping technique known as the ‘kissing technique’  It is quite simple really….

You need two stamps-

Generally a stamp with a flat/plain image (in this case I used one of the frames from “Framed with love”)

PLUS a high patterned stamp (I used the flourish from “Baroque Motifs”)

I inked up the frame in Going Grey ink and the flourish in Real Red.  I simply ‘kissed’ the stamps together.  I then stamped the frame stamp onto the cardstock.  What do you think?

This card has lots of fun elements including a Basic grey frame that has been pierced using a paper piercer and mat pack, a watercoloured skunk (from “Pun Fun”) as well as cute hearts stamped and punched from “I {heart} hearts” and the Heart to Heart Punch.  Those who know their Stampin’ Up Circle punches well would notice that I’ve used the largest circle punch (New in the summer mini)  It is too large for the scallop circle punch to be visible around the edges of the circle.  I created my own scallop edge using the scallop edge border.  (Contact me if you would like to know the ’secret’ for doing this!)

For a bit of added fun…. On the inside I included the ultra cute “Like-o-meter” stamp from the Summer Mini Catalogue.  I haven’t coloured it in yet- I might just have to see how I am feeling on the day! Just Kidding!

As you can see I used more heart shapes from I {heart} hearts on the inside.

Are you wondering what the piece is at the bottom?  I used a stamp from “Framed with love” so that I can include a token on the bottom.  It means that my Valentine can tear the token off the bottom of the card when he would like to redeem the offer.  Hmm- I’m not quite sure what I am going to offer on the token just yet!

HELP HAITI EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

One thing I have come to learn since becoming a demonstrator is that Stampin’ Up! is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. 

“On 12 January, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope. In the past, when terrorists attacked the Twin Towers, when a tsunami struck Indonesia, when a hurricane destroyed New Orleans, and when wildfires ravaged Australia, Stampin’ Up! demonstrators stepped forward and showed their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. This time is no different.”

In an effort to make a difference in the lives of those who continue to suffer from the effects of this devastating earthquake, Stampin’ Up would like to encourage to take part in their fundraising efforts  

For every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set that is purchased before the 28th February Stampin’ Up will donate $2 from every sale to the American 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.

Contact me to order your I {heart} hearts Stamp set for only $42.95

This stamp set is on page 6 of the Summer Mini Catalogue.  It is a set of eight stamps- two of which co-ordinate with Stampin’ Up!’s heart punches. 

I have used the heart stamp with the gorgeous flourishes for the following card.  I have also stamped and layered this on the heart image comprised of dots.    I think the Bella Bleu Designer series paper matched with Kraft Cardstock and Kraft ribbon makes for an elegant card.

Here is the inside of the card…….

To complete a project like this my list of suggested items would include

- I {heart} hearts Stamp set   $42.95

- Bella Bleu Designer Series paper (12 double-sided sheets) $16.95

- Kraft Cardstock 40 sheets for $13.50

- Kraft Taffeta Ribbon $12.95

- Eyelet Border Punch $30.95

- Stampin’ Pad- I inked around the edges in Sahara Sand, Bordering Blue and used Not quite navy to stamp the sentiment $11.95 each.

- Very Vanilla Cardstock  (40 sheets) $13.50

- Bordering Blue Cardstock (24 sheets) $10.50

- Heart to Heart Punch (for inside the card) $30.95

Add some Snail adhesive and dimensionals and sales reach a level where you would be able to earn TWO FREE Sale-a-bration stamp sets.  A sentiment from whimsical words would look perfect, don’t you think?

As promised- I am back with a couple of cards that I made that feature one of the Sale-a-bration stamp sets that you can select for FREE with every purchase of Stampin’ up! merchandise that reaches $100.

Here is the first card- a birthday card I made for one of my nephews (featuring the Good Morning Sunshine Designer series paper)

A bet you got a little distracted by that lovely cupcake.  Nope- that’s not the FREE Sale-a-bration stamp set- The cupcake stamp is “Simple Birthday Thanks” ($33.95 page 45 of the catalogue)  I simply stamped the image several times on different coloured patterned paper and then cut out the image and pieced them together.  Can you spot the stamped image from the Sale-a-bration stamp set?  Here let me help you find it……

The stamped image is the curly label style stamp with the “Happy Birthday” greeting stamped over the top.   I stamped on patterned paper and then used my curly label punch to punch out the image.  These stamps are from the set called “VINTAGE LABELS” (pictured below)

I also made another birthday card using this VINTAGE LABELS stamp set- this time for one of my brothers.  The colours in this card are Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss and Kraft (inspired by the colours in the Urban Oasis Designer Series paper)

As you can see I have stamped and punched 4 curly label images. On one of these images I included the best wishes greeting stamp from the set.

To add an element of fun I also included the cake image from the “Greetings Eight” Stamp set (pg 57) as well as the balloon image from the “Crazy for cupcakes” stamp set (pg 44)

Here is a close up of the slice of cake.  The candle light is the bling part of a rhinestone brad.  I simply opened up the brad and popped the rhinestone out.  It can be easily secured in place with some Tombow glue or glue dots.

If you are interested in receiving VINTAGE LABELS (and/ or one of the other sale-a-bration stamp sets) for FREE- please be sure to get in touch with me to place your $100 order

Cheers!

Miriam

It is one of the most exciting times on Stampin’ Up’s calendar!  Yes! It’s SALE-A-BRATION!

So what is Sale-a-bration all about?

FRIENDS, FRESH IDEAS AND FREE PRODUCT

Yep- that’s right! Gather a few FRIENDS together for a workshop during SALE-A-BRATION.  I will share some FRESH IDEAS with you and EVERYONE can receive some FREE PRODUCT!

When you host a workshop and sales reach $600 then YOU as the HOSTESS will receive your choice of one of the limited edition SALE-A-BRATION STAMPS SETS ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!!!  (On top of your normal Hostess rewards)

But don’t forget EVERYONE is eligible for FREEBIES……..

FOR EVERY $100 that is spent on STAMPIN’ UP! merchandise, customers can select a FREE  SALE-A- BRATION Stamp Set.

You don’t have to attend a workshop- You can simply phone or E-mail your $100 order through to me and make your selection from the following sets. 

You might decide on HAPPY MOMENTS- A lovely set of 7 stamps perfect for numerous occasions

You might find VINTAGE LABELS hard to resist with it’s beautiful frame stamps

The set of 10 stamps fun stamps in GOOD NEIGHBOURS might be more your style

OR you might find yourself drawn to the lovely sentiments from the WHIMSICAL WORDS set

If you’re like me- You might want to get your hands on ALL FOUR Sets- and that’s possible too! For every $100 that you spend you can choose one of these lovely stamp set for FREE.  That means that when you spend $200- you can select TWO and so on!

You can spread out your spending over a period of time and select a free SALE-A-BRATION set for each order that reaches $100 (or you could even spend $400 all at once and receive  ALL FOUR sale-a-bration sets, your choice of a Level 1 Hostess set PLUS $40 worth of FREE merchandise of your choice) 

There is NO LIMIT on the number of FREE sets you can earn.  The only ‘limit’ is a TIME LIMIT.  These stamp sets will only be available until the end of March.

If you would like to earn from FREE stamp sets- then please get in touch with me to book your workshop OR place a customer order directly through me!

THAT’S NOT ALL!

If you join Stampin’ Up! during Sale-a-bration- you can choose a FREE stamp set from the Idea Book and Catalogue- Valued up to $79.95.  For more information about joining my team of lovely demonstrators- please click on the “Become a Demonstrator” page on the top or click here……… http://www.creationsbymiriam.com/?page_id=368

I have created a couple of cards- using one of the FREE Sale-a-bration stamp sets.  Please be sure to check back soon

Cheers!

Miriam

(08) 90917655

0419 947 047

miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

Thanks to those who entered SAM Creative Challenge #2.  I really loved the variety of ways people interpreted the challenge- from beaches, swimming pools to outdoor play on the trampoline and even French Country lanes.

I loved the cluster of fun accents and also the fresh summer colours against the Kraft cardstock on Elise’s layout.  I was drawn to the use of patterned paper and journalling on Kathryns’ layout.  I loved the bright fresh colours and use of ribbon and buttons on Tina’s layouts.  On Nicole’s layout I loved the seashells and torn effect near the title.  In the end I couldn’t make a decision so I popped names in a hat. 

The Winner of SAM Creative Challenge #2 is………Nicole .  Below is a sneak preview of her layout. Check out Nicole’s blog for the full image.

SAM Creative Challenge #3 has already been announced.  Head on over to http://www.stampamemory.com to check out the details of the next fun scrapbooking challenge.

Again- I have the pleasure of awarding the prize for the SAM Creative Challenge on the Stampamemory Blog 

Take part in this challenge and you will be in the running to receive a roll of real red polka dot ribbon and playground designer buttons from the Summer Mini.  Entering is easy!  For full details on the Challenge please go to http://www.stampamemory.com

You will have until Friday 29th January, midnight to get your entries in and I will be thrilled to announce the winner on Sunday 31st January

As per the challenge requirements I used lots of bold bright colours! The background piece for this layout is a sheet of REAL RED cardstock.  I have picked out sheets of brightly coloured paper from three different designer series paper packs.  The Summer sun flowery paper and real red flowery paper are both from the PINK FLAMINGO DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PACK (Just as a sidenote- this pack is available at the discounted price of $12.71 -normally $16.95 until the 24th of January)

The old olive patterned paper (with the leaves) is from the PETAL PARTY Simply Scrappin Kit and the remaining sheet of patterned paper come from the URBAN GARDEN DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PACK.

My title was created using the JUMBO OUTLINE ALPHABET SET.  This alphabet stamp set is a recent addition to my stamp set collection that I purchased for the amazing price of ONLY $38.98 (before demonstrator discount) Up until only a few days ago- this stamp set was available at a 50% discount as part of the Inventory Clearance sale.  Unfortuantely SU have sold out of the square cut sets so it is no longer available at the discounted price as part of the sale.  So you’re probably wondering why I am telling you this when the discount no longer applies.  I guess I just wanted to let you know that it is worthwhile getting in quick before these sorts of items sell out.    There are other items on the list- Click on image below for the list and let me know if there is anything you would like to order!

Anyway the JUMBO OUTLINE ALPHABET is still available but the price has returned to $77.95.  I still think it is excellent value at this price as there is SO much you can do with the set.  You can use it for your titles on your scrapbook layouts and also for your own wording on cards.   For my layout I stamped the outline letters in white craft ink onto the patterned paper.  I then sprinkled on white embossing power and used my heat gun to melt the embossing powder.  I then cut out each letter using my paper snips.  The embossed area forms a nice edge on each letter but still allows the patterned paper to show through.   Here is a close up of the title

You will notice in the bottom right hand corner I used a white jumbo grommet from the Summer Mini. (page 17) You don’t need any special tools to fix these in place.  You simply push the prongs into your patterned paper and fold the prongs back.  I placed a ”Build a Brad” in the centre of the grommet.  I don’t think I’ll ever tire of these “Build a brads”- I love how you can punch out a circle of patterned paper to match the rest of your layout or card!   

Anyway- be sure to check out the other inspirational ideas at http://www.stampamemory.com and make some time to create a layout for the challenge!

As promised I said I would be back to announce the winner of the SAM Creative Challenge.   I am thrilled that I have the special role of being able to select the winner of the first SAM Creative Challenge for 2010.  I love being able to give gifts and prizes! (I think it is one of the reaons I really love being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator) If only it were easy to make a decision about who receives the prize!……..

Firstly I would really like to thank everyone who participated.  I hope those who participated will join us again for the next challenge and I look forward to even more participants for the next challenge.  SAM Creative Challenge #2 will be announced tomorrow so be sure to head over to http://www.stampamemory.com for details of the challenge.  I will also be posting my challenge inspiration here on my personal blog too!

Now for my decision………   (Drumroll please)!

The Winner of the SAM CREATIVE CHALLENGE #1 is

>>>>>>>>

Elise

Here is a sneak preview of Elise’s layout.  You can check out the full image on her blog by clicking on the image below!

I like the way Elise added ‘interest’ to her layout with the special little features on her page such as the buttons and use of the round tab punch and interesting technique with the title.  In particular I liked the ‘crumpled/ distressed’ paper behind the button as well as her adaptation of the border on Beth’s layout.  Great layout Elise.  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!   Please get in touch with me so that I can make arrangements to have your prize posted to you!

Cheers!

Miriam

E: miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

Ph: (08) 90917655

M: 0419 947 047

As I am sure you can imagine- not every card or layout I ever create ends up on my blog.   Obviously there is the time issue but there are some things I like to keep to share with my loyal customers when I see them in person when they host workshops.

On the other hand- there are projects I plan to share on my blog and then I get busy and it slips my mind.  The following card is one of them!  I created this card some time ago.  Members of my team received variations of this card a few months ago  (By the way- For  more details about joining my team click on the “Become a demonstrator” link at the top of this page)    I really love how it turned out and photographed with the intention of sharing it with my blog readers.  I only just stumbled across it on my computer while I was looking for another photo.  Oops!

Better late then never- I guess!  

I used the FRIENDS 24-7 Stamp set

as well as the FRIENDLY WORDS WHEEL

STAMP SETS: Friendly Words Wheel (page 81) Friends 24-7 (page 81)

CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive

INK: Versamark, Creamy caramel, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Perfect Plum

OTHER: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon, White gel Pen

ADHESIVE- Snail and Dimensionals

TOOLS: Paper Trimmer, Paper snips, Cutter Kit (to distress the edges)

Don’t forget you can order all the items to create cards (or scrapbook layouts, or boxes) through me.  You can either order the products directly through me and I can have your order shipped to your anywhere in Australia.  You can also host a “workshop” or “catalogue party” and select from “hostesses only” stamp sets and select free merchandise of your choice (depending on sales)  Sound interesting?…. ask me for more information!

miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

(08) 90917655

0419 947 047

Just a quick update to let you know that entries for SAM CREATIVE CHALLENGE #1 have now closed!  You can check out the wonderful entries HERE Please be sure to check back tomorrow for the announcement of the winner!

Cheers!

Miriam