Creations by Miriam

Well it is time for another Scrapbooking Challenge on the Stampamemory Blog.  This month Sue is offering the prize for the lucky winner of her challenge.  This challenge focuses on what we are grateful for.  For full details of the challenge and how you can enter please be sure to visit the stampamemory blog.  You will also be able to find the links to the other lovely creations by the other design team members.

http://www.stampamemory.com

Here is my contribution to this challenge

The patterned papers used for this layout are from the “Tall Tales Designer Series Paper Pack“.  The colours in this pack are “Chocolate Chip”, So Saffron Old Olive, Brilliant Blue and Rose Red”   There are lots of “fun” images in this pack of patterned paper which would suit layouts and cards for young children.  I love the hot air balloon images in this pack of patterned paper but by far my favourite sheets in the pack are the ‘tree’ images I have used for my layout.  It is sad to think that in less than three weeks this pack of paper will no longer be available.  (If you haven’t got yourself a pack yet- please be sure to get in touch!)

Instead of using Brilliant Blue I have coated the chipboard letters in “Night of Navy” and also used “Night of Navy Cardstock so that it works nicely with the colours in the photo. 

I have used my Circle Scissors plus to create the feature on the bottom right hand corner.  What a neat tool!  You’ve got to get yourself one!  I also used a beautiful filagree designer brad on my page.  It is the first time I have used these beautiful brads and I can’t understand why I haven’t opened the container before now. 

For anyone who may be curious..Here is the journalling….

The journey to fall pregnant with you wasn’t an easy one.   I vividly recall the day I rang Concept to speak with the nurses to find out the blood test results.

I had been anxious all day knowing that I needed to make the call and I was anxious about someone walking in on me.  With sweaty hands and butterflies in my tummy I dialed the number.

I was glad I found a quiet room because the news wasn’t good.  The nurse told me that the cycle had been unsuccessful.  She then went on to explain that they had detected a very small amount of hCG (pregnancy hormone) but the levels weren’t high enough for it to be considered a viable pregnancy.  I was told that despite taking progesterone supplements that my progesterone levels at a mere 8 weren’t high enough to sustain a pregnancy.  The nurse told me to cease all treatment and we could look at doing another IVF cycle in the future.

I hung up the phone and felt completely numb.  It certainly wasn’t the first time I had heard bad news but it was still upsetting to have someone say that the cycle had been unsuccessful.  I got off the phone and rang your Dad in tears to let him know the details.  At first he didn’t understand what I was saying.   He couldn’t get past the fact that they had detected hCG yet they were saying I wasn’t pregnant.  He insisted that I ring Concept back to check if there was something more we could do.  Again they explained that my progesterone levels weren’t high enough to support a pregnancy. I’m sure they just thought I was in denial.    I suggested that I try intramuscular injections of Progesterone.  Due to the expense involved- the nurse didn’t think it was a good idea but I insisted that it was worth a try.    She was clearly convinced that there was no hope but I wasn’t going to give up and I held on to that glimmer of hope.  A few more phone calls were made and the Doctor agreed for me to commence injections. 

The next issue was getting the injections to me.  By a pure stroke of luck Linda was in Perth and was able to collect some Proluton injections for me and bring them home to Kalgoorlie.   I commenced with three injections per day and had another blood test on the Monday.   

The day I was to call for my blood test results just happened to be our Wedding Anniversary. It was certainly a day for celebration as Dad and I were overjoyed to hear that there had been an increase in the pregnancy hormone and also the progesterone level had increased.  It wasn’t all smooth sailing from there but we count this as the day that we found out I was pregnant with you.

Now I look at this photo taken of you and can’t believe all that we went through.     You weren’t quite 4 years old in the photo and when I look at the photo and see your beautiful smiling face and I am overcome with emotion thinking about how differently things would have turned out if I had taken the original advice.  I’m so glad we didn’t give up on you.  I am so grateful for you- my little miracle!

I am excited to share with you my NEW Tutorial and Product Bundle

Purchase the items on the ESSENTIALS List and you will receive full photo instructions and lots of helpful tips to complete a minimum of FIVE FUN LAYOUTS 

When you have completed your layouts you will have PLENTY of leftover items to complete additional layouts and cards

(NB: Substitutions are permitted if you already have the items on the Essentials list- but you must spend a minimum of $125 to receive the FREE instructions)

OPTION 1: SCRAPBOOKING KIT PRODUCT BUNDLE- ESSENTIALS

(ONLY $123.60)

You will receive…….

• HOPPY MEMORIES SIMPLY SCRAPPIN’ KIT ($36.95)
• BRIGHT DELIGHTS RUB-ONS ($21.95)
• PIGTAILS RIBBONS ($27.95)
• ON BOARD LOTS OF LETTERS ($23.95)
• BUTTON BOUQUET ($15.50)

PLUS

FULL PHOTO INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS FOR COMPLETING AT LEAST 5 LAYOUTS (FREE- with product bundle)

PLUS

Until the end of March you will also receive your choice of ONE FREE Sale-a-bration Stamp set.

TOTAL PRICE (including POSTAGE) $132.60

-

OPTION 2: SCRAPBOOKING KIT PRODUCT BUNDLE- ESSENTIALS AND EXTRAS

(ONLY $228.45)

You will receive…….

• HOPPY MEMORIES SIMPLY SCRAPPIN’ KIT ($36.95)
• BRIGHT DELIGHTS RUB-ONS ($21.95)
• PIGTAILS RIBBONS ($27.95)
• ON BOARD LOTS OF LETTERS ($23.95)
• BUTTON BOUQUET ($15.50)

PLUS

• Stampin’ Pads (Kiwi Kiss) ($11.95)
• SPIRAL PUNCH ($20.95)
• BUILD-A-BRAD (18.95)
• MAT PACK ($18.95)
• WHITE SIGNO GEL PEN ($7.50)
• CORNER ROUNDER PUNCH ($12.95)

PLUS

FREE STAMPIN’ PAD (Real Red- Valued at $11.95)

PLUS

FULL PHOTO INSTRUCTIONS AND TIPS FOR COMPLETING AT LEAST 5 LAYOUTS (FREE- with product bundle)

PLUS

Your choice of TWO FREE SALE-A-BRATION STAMP SETS (SAB sets Only available Until the end of March)

TOTAL PRICE (including POSTAGE) $228.45

 

-

OPTION 3: * INSTRUCTIONS ONLY (No products included)

(ONLY $17)

I am only able to supply products to Australian residents.  If you live outside of Australia (or you are also a Demonstrator) - you may prefer to purchase the instructions ONLY 

THE FOLLOWING TOOLS AND SUPPLIES ARE REQUIRED TO CREATE YOUR LAYOUTS:  You are welcome to contact me to order any of the items from the list

• Paper Cutter ($39.95)
• Snail adhesive ($12.95)
• Paper Snips ($18.95)
• Glue Dots ($9.50)
• Tombow Glue ($7.95)
• Basic Black Journalling Pen ($5.75)
• Sticky Strip ($12.95)

If you would prefer to contact me directly to arrange substitutions for your kit or add additional tools or supplies please be sure to get in touch with me

miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

(08) 90917655

I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!

I think Bereavement cards would have to be one of the hardest to create!

FEATURED STAMP SET- “Nature’s Nest”

OTHER STAMP SETS:

I {Heart} Hearts, Thoughts and Prayers

CARDSTOCK

Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Cardstock Vellum

PATTERNED PAPER:

Kaleidoscope

RIBBON

Always Artichoke (retired)

OTHER: Hat pin with items from the Pretties Kit, Fine Supernova Glitter

Here are some more Easel cards for you.

This time I started with a 10cm by 20cm piece of cardstock.  I then scored at 5cm and 10cm.  Just as I did for yesterday’s card I folded on the score lines to create a base and a triangle  I took a second piece of cardstock cut to 10cm by 10cm and this was adhered to the front. The card front was decorate with the GARDEN WHIMSY STAMP SET  I used a technique known as MASKING to create the butterfly image on the front.  (If you want to know more- please drop me a line at miriamthomas@westnet.com.au.  If you live locally this is something I could come and show you and your friends at a workshop!)

Here is the side view

I had so much fun making these- I made another few and added some FINE SUPERNOVA GLITTER using 2 way glue

I have seen plenty of examples of lovely EASEL CARDS online and wanted to make my own.  The idea would be quite neat for a calendar, a quote book or even a scrapbook page.  I like the way the main piece stands up so nicely.

To make these I cut a piece of A4 cardstock lenthwise. I took one half and scored this piece it at the A5 mark on the paper trimmer and scored again at approximately 7.5cm.  I then folded on the score lines to create a base with a triangle.  I then took the remaining piece of cardstock and cut it in half to create the card front.  The trick to these cards is to add an item such as a brad, button or raised cardstock to help hold the Easel in place

Here is the view from the side where it is easier to see the base and the triangle

I used the divine FIFTH AVENUE FLORAL STAMP SET as well as the matching URBAN OASIS Designer Series Paper

Here is a close up of the embossing on the flower and greeting

Check back tomorrow because I have more Easel cards to show you in a different size.

Before I sign off- don’t forget that only 4 weeks remain for your to receive your limited edition SALE-A-BRATION Stamps set for FREE with every $100 purchase.  I can’t wait to hear from you with your orders!

Here’s a quick card I whipped up for my nephew.  Can you guess his age?  I think the candles are probably a bit much but they matched the sentiment from Whimsical Words

Whimsical words is another stamp set available for FREE with every purchase of $100 from the catalogue

STAMP SETS: Party Hearty and Whimsical words

CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Taken with Teal, Very Vanilla

PATTERNED PAPER: Chocolate Chip Patterns

TOOLS: Spiral Punch, Corner Rounder Punch

OTHER: Metal edge tag, Chocolate Chip double stitched grosgrain ribbon, Hemp twine 

Here is a little gift I sent away.  Silly ol’ me created a box with lid.  The idea being that the box would close with a flap at the top.  I added the contents and the box wouldn’t close as I hadn’t made the box tall enough for the contents.  I simply tucked the flaps inside the box.  I have made use of another stamp from the choice of 4 SALE-A-BRATION STAMP SETS.  Remember that these are the stamp sets you can earn for FREE with every purchase of $100.

Here is an image of the “Happy Moments” stamp set that you could receive with any purchase of $100 from the main and/or mini catalogue.  The stamp set includes 4 images and three greetings.

Are you wondering what the patterned paper is in the background of the image of the box?  That piece of paper comes from the KALEIDOSCOPE designer series paper pack from the Summer Mini (only available until the end of March)  Let me know if you would like to order a pack for yourself

It is SAM Creative Challenge Time again!

The challenge that Claire has set this month is to create a layout that features black and White plus one other colour of your choice.  For this challenge you are allowed to include as many shades of the additional colour, but only black and white besides that.   Simply by partcipating in this challenge you have the opportunity to win the prize of ”Black and white pack” which includes - black stazon, white craft ink and  white gel pen.

Head over to http://www.stampamemory.com  for full details on how to enter the challenge and also to see the other creative entries by Claire, Ros and Nikki.

Here is my layout .  As you can see I have used Black and White as requested and my additional colour is REAL RED!!

If you are a regular on my blog you might actually think this page is vaguely familiar.  I actually completed a mini version using one the photos and the “Just Jawing” stamp set for Perth regionals.  The blog entry is here>>>> http://www.creationsbymiriam.com/?p=871  I was determined to complete a 12 x 12 page using more of these photos for Luke’s album.  When Claire set the challenge I wasn’t sure what page to create….and fortunately remembered that these photos would suit a page with black/white and one other colour.

Here is a close up of the simple journalling

STAMP SETS: Circle Circus, Just Jawing

TITLE: On Board Lots of Letters (Chipboard letters with a light coating of White Stazon Ink)

EMBELLISHMENTS: Clear Rhinstone Brads, Large black Grommets

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!