“Happy thoughts make happy days”

This is a special card I made for a special friend on a very significant day!   I haven’t given it to her yet…so I hope she doesn’t sneak a peek before I have given it to her.  I liked the sentiment because I think that although it can be interpreted in many ways- it holds a special significance for me today.  Even at sad times- focusing on the happy moments and happy memories is very important.

I have used a few NEW items from the catalogue and actually ‘cased’ the design for my card from the front of the BRAND NEW catalogue.   The flower and sentiment is from the “Apple Blossoms” Stamp set which is a Level 2 HOSTESS stamp set (available when workshop sales reach $600)  I stamped the flower several times and then held the layers together with a small brad.

I have used a small amount of the “Greenhouse gala” Designer Series paper and Kraft (oops) CRUMB CAKE Cardstock (”Kraft” is now known as ”crumbcake”  I  love the ever versatile “Top Note Die” and also used two of the embossing folders- “perfect polka dots” and “vintage wallpaper”

Here’s a card created with Stem Sayings and Vintage Vogue.  Vintage Vogue was one of those “must have” stamp sets from the Autumn/ Winter Mini Catalogue and I’m keen to get some more ink on this stamp set.  I know I will continue to get lots of use out of it! Just love it!

Stem Sayings  was a stamp set that I purchased only recently.  It is one that I have had my eyes on for such a long time but because it wasn’t ever on the the top of my list I never got around to purchasing it.  I ended up buying it recently because I am worried it is one that may retire and therefore not be available again.   I have also used ”Taken with Teal” on this card- a colour that will be retiring at the end of next month.   Do you have any items on your “must have” list that you have not yet purchased?  Do you have some items in mind that you would like to order before they are no longer available.  Don’t forget BOTH the Mini Catalogue and the main catalogue finish at the end of next month and there is no guarantee that your favourites will feature again. 

A little while ago I wanted to thank a couple of special people and these are the cards I made for them.  I used a selection of the Cottage wall designer series papers and the “Thank you” stamp from the “Fresh Cuts” stamp set.

The main feature in the centre is a die cut shape called “Sweetest Stems“   When you run this die through your bigshot, not only does it cut out the shape but it also embosses it.  You can even flip it over so that the image is ‘debossed’

STAMP SETS: Fresh Cuts

CARDSTOCK: Rich Razzleberry, Orchid Opulence, Old Olive Whisper White

PATTERNED PAPER: Cottage Wall

PUNCHES: Oval, Scallop Oval, Eyelet Border Punch

OTHER: Bigshot and “Sweetest Stem” Die

Today marks Day 7 of my making amends promise! I hope you’ve enjoyed popping in each day to see the projects. 

For today I have a favourite for you.  I was inspired by a few things I saw at Convention to help bring this card to life.  I saw a divine card (created using the MEDALLION stamp set) on one of the display boards at Convention.  Unfortunately I don’t know who made the card but I loved it.   Shelli Gardner (SU CEO) also shared a gorgeous little box/ bag during a presentation on stage and I took elements from that I loved.

I wanted to add my own little “spin” to the inspiration I drew from Convention and used a stamping technique known as “EMBOSS RESIST” to create my card.  Here it is…….

STAMP SETS: En Francais Background, Medallion

CARDSTOCK: Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirouette, Basic Grey,

INKS: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Grey

OTHER:  Half back pearl from pretties kit, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon,

TOOLS: Brayer, Crimper, Scallop circle punch, Bone folder

Yes It is Day 6 and I’m nearly there! I promised 7 days straight of blog entries and I’m nearly there! I can hear the round of applause from here! LOL!   I know you’re popping in to visit but please don’t forget to leave a comment or send me a message via E-mail :-)  miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

Today’s project is a fun and simple project inspired by one of Bonnie Thurber’s demonstrations at Convention.  We received the “Share a Cup” stamp at the Manager’s Reception and I couldn’t wait to get home to assemble and use it!  I loved the idea of creating a stack of cups using the MASKING TECHNIQUE.  I also created a cute little box using the scallop envelope die and my bigshot.  I have seen many variations of these boxes but thought this shape would be the perfect size for a little gift OR completing more of these little cards and popping them inside the box. 

When I first saw the Autumn/ Winter Mini Catalogue I just knew I had to get my hands on the “Pony Party” stamp set.  I thought it would be absolulely perfect for little girly projects for my daughter! I used it to create invitations for her birthday but have also had fun creating cards for other people using this stamp set.

For the following card the pony is completely covered in DAZZLING DIAMONDS glitter (although it is hard to tell in the image below!)  The little scene was created using the butterfly and flower stamp sets in the set and just a few squiggles with my markers!   I’m already onto my second roll of that divine Rich Razzleberry Ribbon and I expect I will probably order another roll (or more) before the end of August (when it will no longer be available)

When I created a gift card using the PONY PARTY stamp set I decided to create a unicorn instead of a ‘pony’.  I stamped the wings from the stamp set onto vellum and totally coated them in two way glue to attach the dazzling diamonds glitter.

If you have a little girl in your life who loves to create- You’ve got to get her this stamp set…..and even if you don’t have a little girl to give this to- why not buy it for yourself!? :-)   The stanp set is great value at only $34.95 for the wood mount set and $25.95 for the clear mount set.  If you host a workshop you could easily receive this stamp set for free (amongst other things) so please be sure to let me know if you would like to host your own workshop!

Well I’ve made it to the second day and I have kept my promise! Thanks for popping back to visit my blog.  Here are the invitations I made for my kids birthday party way back in April.   They had a fantastic time at a Rollerskating Party and were so thrilled to be able to share their party with family and also friends from school!

My twins, Erin and Adam are in the same class at school.  I made a combination of both “girly” and “more boyish” invitations.  In both cases I selected a stamp set and stamped the image onto coloured paper and then cut out the image (in a technique known as “Paper Piecing”)

Here is the “girly” version made with the PONY PARTY stamp set (pg 22 of the mini) and the Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper.

and here is the other version made with the SOCK MONKEY stamp set (from the main idea book and catalogue)  The patterned paper I used came from a Simply Scrappin’ Kit.

Here is the invitation I made for my older son Jared to give to his school friends.  For his invitation I used the LOTS OF BOTS Stamp set on page 23 of the August/ Winter Mini Catalogue.  I coloured the image using markers.

Now of course- I also made the lolly bags for the party so please check back tomorrow to see those!

As promised I said I would make amends (for being such a bad blogger recently) by making a blog entry EVERY DAY for at least a week!  Here’s Day 1.   I wanted to show you some of the lovely handmade cards I received for my birthday.  Yes! Yes! I know! My birthday was WAAAAY back in April but as they say……better late than never.

I love how each person managed to capture elements on their cards that they KNOW I LOVE yet each card is very different.

The first card features the ALWAYS stamp set.  I love the pattern on the love heart stamp.  How clever of “G” to use the heart punch to punch out the image! I also love baja breeze (which I am rapt to see become a regular colour in the new catalogue) as well as Kraft (soon to be  known as “crumb cake”)  That flower made with the twine and button must have been fiddley!  

The second card features one of the designers series papers that I really really love “Rasperry Tart”.  I love how when making a card you can really add that personal touch and I love how this card maker deliberately selected elements for her card that she knew were favourites!   “L” has also used one of my favourite punches- the butterfly punch.  I love the “build a brads” in the centre of each butterfly!

The third card I have to show you was made by a member of my team “Embrace Creations”.    ”J” tells me that she was inspired by a card that she saw in a publication that is only made available to demonstrators through Stampin’ Up! I love it! Such a striking design and again gotta love that Kraft.  I must confess that after receiving this card I placed an order for some of those clips as I really love the bow attached to the clip on the top of the card. 

Please be sure to check back tomorrow! We celebrated more birthdays after mine in April and I still have projects to share from that……

From now until the end of July you can order from a selection of TWO STEP stamp sets and receive a 20% discount

*From 2010 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue

**Retiring stamp sets!

One of the important things to note is that three of the stamp sets on the list will definitely be retiring at the end of August so I would strongly suggest you consider ordering if they happen to be stamp sets on your wish list.

Cottage Garden is one of the stamp sets on the list and you can find it in the Autumn/ Winter Catalogue.  It is designed to co-ordinate perfectly with the Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper.  If you scroll back a few blog entries you will also see a mini scrapbook page that I created for Convention using these supplies

I have used two images from the COTTAGE GARDEN stamp set on my card below.  In this case I didn’t use the two step stamping technique.  I used the outline flower on the background of the card and then used the solid image in the centre of the squares.  If using the two step stamping technique instead I may have chosen to stamp the solid image in a lighter colour and then added the outline image directly over the top.  It’s great to have options- isn’t it!?

I’m back! Did you miss me? Well actually I haven’t been anywhere special since my last blog entry- I have just been INSANELY busy! To be honest I’m feeling a bit stressed and overwhelmed by how hectic it has been lately with  more adventures ahead……but hopefully things will start to settle down soon.  I’m sure you can all relate to feeling like this from time to time. 

I’m really sorry but I simply haven’t had time in the past few weeks to keep my blog up-to-date nor run any classes in my home.   I have had the best of intentions I have just been really time poor.    I am very excited to be heading off to Sydney in a few days time for the STAMPIN’ UP Convention.   It is a great opportunity to liase with other demonstrators from all over Australia (and even New Zealand) It is all about- Training, friendships, swaps, new products and ideas and even an Awards Night/ Banquet thrown in for good measure!   I will have lots to share about that when I return.  At the moment I just need to try and get myself organised so I can start getting excited!  So much to do and so little time!

For those who have been eagerly waiting for my newsletter I promise I will attend to that shortly after I return from Sydney.

Today I just wanted to show you a quick Mother’s Day card I whipped up for my Mum last week.    I also recently met some lovely ladies who made a variation of this card at an in-home workshop.  I have used the gorgeous FIFTH AVENUE FLORAL stamp set as well as the practical “Occasional Greetings” stamp set.  The colours featured on the card are Taken with Teal, Melon Mambo Rich Razzleberry and Kraft

Please be sure to check back tomorrow.  The next Stampamemory scrapbooking challenge starts tomorrow and I have my project to share with you

Cheers!

Miriam