Monthly Archives: September 2008

Are you interested in starting scrapbooking?

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I must be honest and say that my love of scrapbooking comes before cardmaking and after a recent enquiry about getting started with Scrapbooking I thought I would offer my own “Scrapbooking Starter Kit” using Stampin’ Up! Products-  Scrapbooking is so much fun and I love the fact that it is a great way of recording special memories for my kids.  Just the other day Jared wandered into my room in the morning after getting out of bed. His face was beaming and he said to me “I saw the scrapbook page you finished last night and I read what you wrote about me”  He seemed so happy I thought he would cry and it is moments like that- that  make scrapbooking worthwhile.

The choice can be overwhelming so I have created a list of my recommended products to get you starting with scrapbooking.

My ”Scrapbooking Starter Pack” Includes:

PAPER CUTTER

 

Page 149

PAPER SNIPS (Scissors)

 

Page 149

SNAIL ADHESIVE

 

Page 148

2 WAY GLUE PEN

 

Page 148

STAMPIN’ WRITE JOURNALLER (Black)

 

Page 150

UNI BALL SIGNO GEL PEN (White)

 

Page 150

1x Simply Scrappin Kit (of your choice)

 

Select 1 Pack from page 137-139

1x Designer series paper (of your choice)

 

Select 1 pack from page 134-136

1 x 12×12 Textured cardstock (colour pack of your choice)

 

Select 1 colour family pack from pages 130-131

PRETTIES KIT

 

Page 144

HODGEPODGE HARDWARE

 

Page 144

RUB ONs (includes 2 large sheets 1 black/ 1 white)

 

Select 1 from the 3 options on page 141

RIBBON ORIGINALS (pack of your choice)

 

Select 1 pack from page 147

ALPHABET STAMP SET

 

Select 1 from the 4 choices on page 124

2 x INK PADS(Colours of your choice)

 

Select 2 colours from page 130-131

The cost for this ‘pack’ comes to $420.10 (plus 5% postage) and can be sent directly to you from Stampin’Up! As a special thank-you from me if you order before the 31st of October- I would like to pay for half of your postage for you so the total cost to you would be only $430. 

The best thing about it is that you get to choose ONE level 1 Hostess Stamp set (from pages 17-19 of the catalogue) and you can select an additional $40 worth of products from the catalogue for FREE!  If you would like to purchase this selection of products- please contact me via E-mail: miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

10 sleeps to go!

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YES 10 sleeps to go! I sound like a kid counting down the sleeps until Christmas or my birthday……

But….. NO- it is NOT 10 sleeps until Christmas!!!! (Thank goodness!!!)

and it is not my birthday either! 

It is 10 sleeps until I place my very first order as in Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

AND there is a birthday!

Although Stampin’ Up! haven’t been in  Australia for that long, Stampin’ Up is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary in October and there is a fantastic special.  Anyone who spends $20 on regular catalogue merchandise qualifies to purchase any preselected birthday/celebration stamp sets at 20 percent off.

Item Page # Description  Regular Price 20% Off Price
112594  37 Big Bold Birthday  $53.95 $43.16 
108894  38 Pretty Princess  $45.95 $36.76 
108753  51 Birthday Best  $25.95 $20.76
110246  55 Crab & Company  $52.95 $42.36 
112318  118 Short & Sweet  $29.95 $23.96 

What is great is that once you have spent $20 on regular merchandise there is NO LIMIT to the number of preselected stamp sets you can get at 20% off.

I’m excited about the PERFECT timing as not only can you take advantage of the 20th Birthday Promotion, my first order will also take place during World Card-making week, where it is possible to purchase the Simply Sent Card Sets at 20% off too! (Please see the previous entry for further details)

If you would like to take advantage of either of these specials (or even BOTH of these specials) OR you would like to purchase some supplies for Christmas card making OR any other Stampin’ Up! Supplies for that matter- I would really love to hear from you within the next TEN days.  Please contact me via E-mail miriamthomas@westnet.com.au.   Please check out the “Place an order” page for more information on ordering or drop me a line- I am only to happy to help you out!

3 layouts to share

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I finally got an opportunity to photograph my layouts this afternoon…. so I thought I would log in to share.  I have used non-Stampin’ up! products this time- although I used the heart stamp from the Always set on Erin’s layout (I think the Always set must be one of my favourite stamp sets at the moment)

People often ask me how I find the time to scrapbook with 4 children.  To be honest- the truth is that it IS tricky trying to find the time and I have an enormous pile of photos to get through but I really enjoy having the ‘me’ time- so I make it work! 

Consequently when I do have the time I try to make the most of the time.  On the whole my layouts are plain and simple and where possible I try NOT ‘re-invent’ the wheel every time I complete a layout.    Sometimes I will try to use the same sketch and complete 3 layouts about my 3 oldest children but just vary the papers or embellishments to suit each child. Each child will have their own collection of albums-so sometimes I scrap the same photo for each child if all three children appear in the photo.    That way there are no arguments from the kids when they wake up the next morning after I have been scrapbooking!

As I mentioned in a previous entry these layouts are from a session at the LSS.  Everyone who attended used the same sketch to complete their own layouts with their preferred products.  I am always amazed at how differently everyone ‘interprets’ the sketch and how unique each person’s page despite receiving ‘inspiration’ from the same source.  C- thank-you for the sketch inspiration for the following layouts.

So here is the first one includes some photos of Jared from nearly 4 years ago (I am trying to get some ‘old’ photos scrapped)

Here is a page for Erin’s Album- again the photos are from 2004

And here are the same photos scrapped for Adam’s Album but using more boyish colours.  You will notice that Erin and Adam’s sketches are reversed to suit the placement of photos.

 

I’m not sure how much scrapbooking and cardmaking I will get done over the next couple of weeks as our routine will change with the school holidays starting.  I am hoping that the school holidays will actually give me an opportunity to get a few pages done- as most of the kids’ regular activities stop during the holiday break.    Having said that- I’ll probably have to be out and about with the kids to keep them occupied.  I can see us making a few visits to the park.  Speaking of the park- G and J- had a lovely time at the park this afternoon- We should make it a regular ‘Friday thing’ (even if not EVERY Friday at least Friday fortnightly)

G- sorry to keep you waiting all day for this post:-)    You should give serious thought to trying to come along to the Thursday scrapbooking sessions next term! (and if anyone else wants details about the scrap sessions at the local scrapbooking store please be sure to let me know and I can pass on the contact details of someone who can give you more info)

I got my kit today

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Well I have just arrived home from a session of scrapbooking at my LSS- Yes- it is about 12.30AM but I was bursting to write something on my blog.   I told H and C that I would put up my pages from this evening- but I just need to add a few little ‘extras’ in the morning (yes it is technically morning- but I mean when the sun is up!)  and will obviously photograph my layouts when there is a bit of daylight.     I’m sorry to keep you up so late C- that handstitching was what made it SO late (and perhaps just a little bit of chatting)

Anyway- I just had to jump online because I just wanted to say……Yay! My Stampin’ Up kit arrived today

In it there is…..

  • 2cardstock packs (Whisper white and Earth Elements)
  • 5 stamps pads
  • A  set of stampin’ pastels
  • A set of craft and rubber scissors
  • Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin’ Mist (for cleaning the stamps after use)
  • Snail adhesive
  • Blender pens
  • Stampin’ around handle and cartridge

There was some degree of flexibility with the stamps sets.  Stampin’ Up suggests certain stamp sets but it is possible to substitute for a different set as long as it is the same price or less than the suggested set.  The stamp sets I chose were……

  • Baroque border
  • Enjoy every moment (from the Spring Mini Catalogue)
  • Big Pieces 
  • Be Happy
  • Spring pictograms
  • It’s all good

I also ordered the additional memories add on option which included

  • 12x 12 cardstock pack (Rich Regals)
  • A simply Scrappin’ Scrapbooking pack- I picked “Round Up”
  • The schoolbook serif alphabet set
  • A Black Stampin’ Write Journaller

I also received various ‘business supplies’ etc.  One of the best things was that I saved at least 40% off the total costs. 

If you would like to learn more about becoming an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator yourself- I would be more than happy to help you with that and hopefully answer any questions you may have.  For some people it is a great opportunity to purchase Stampin’ Up products at  a discount for their own papercrafting and for others it is a great way to earn a little income.  

I’ll make another entry later with my pages…….

Exciting special- 20% off Simply Sent Card sets!!

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Have you heard about World Card Making Day?

World Card Making Day is a holiday for card makers around the world to celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family (see the World Card Making Day  page).

Celebrated the first Saturday in October, World Card Making Day endeavours to bring together card makers around the world at a time that is traditionally the busiest time of year for card- and gift-making.

Stampin’ Up! Celebrates World Card Making Day

Stampin’ Up! is excited to celebrate this holiday the week of 4-11 October. During this week, Stampin’ Up! are offering 20 percent off Simply Sent Card Kits.

You will find the  the Simply Sent Card Kits on pages 12-14 of the main catalogue.

If you’re new to Stampin’ Up! (or just a bit pressed for time) then these Simply Sent Card kits will be PERFECT for you!   There are 5 card kits to select from and they arrive in a gorgeous box containing all of the supplies to complete at least 10 cards (or more)

One of my favourite kits is the Simple Delights Set (on page 14) which contains

  • a 6 piece stamp set
  • Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin’ Spot
  • Soft Sky Classic Stampin’ Spot
  • River Rock classic Stampin’ Spot
  • An assortment of cardstock
  • twill tape
  • antique brass brads
  • Stampin’ dimensionals
  • Mini glue dots
  • 12 Very Vanilla envelopes

There is enough supplies in the kit to complete 10 cards- and of course you can simply order more cardstock supplies and make even more cards using the stamp set and inks.  This kit is normally $79.95 but the special price is $63.96

I will be placing an order on Monday 6th October to take advantage of this fantastic special- so if you are interested in ordering one of these Simply Sent Card sets at a 20% discount (or any other Stampin’ Up! supplies)  then please get in touch with me BEFORE Monday 6th October!  I will look forward to hearing from you!

Anniversary Day today

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Well today it is our ninth Wedding Anniversay and I woke to find a card placed on top of Luke’s blankets.  Jason left for work before we  were up and he figured that I wouldn’t miss it (when my little alarm clock woke me up this morning!) Thanks Jason Love you! Next year it will be a decade.  Here’s to another few decades of Wedded bliss!

Now here’s a pic of our Wedding Day nine years ago (today)

 

and a pic of us on our Honeymoon in Mauritius

It’s nearly October- are you starting to think about Christmas Cards?

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Recently, there have been a few people asking me about wanting to make Christmas cards.   J and B this post is especially for you!  :-)

If it is Christmas cards you’d like to make I’d like to make the whole ordering process easier for you!  Personally I would recommend looking at placing an order soon so that you can start your cards now and really enjoy the process rather than feeling the pressure of the Christmas rush!

  • First place to start is the Main Catalogue (Just click on the green catalogue on the left hand side)

 

  • Go  to pages 25- 31 for lots of great Christmas stamps sets (and there are also lovely ideas for how to use those stamp sets. (You are spoilt for choice with Stampin’ Up! as there are also Christmas stamps sets on pages 20-22 in the Spring Mini Catalogue)

 

  • Once you have decided on a stamp set you will need to select some cardstock and possibly some patterned paper.

 

  • If you were to use some patterned paper, the two ranges of patterned paper I would recommend for Christmas cards are “Dashing” on page 136 of the main catalogue and “Holiday Harmony” on page 19 of the Spring Mini Catalogue.

 

  • The patterned paper you select will help you to decide which cardstock colours and inks you can use.  You will find the ink and cardstock colours on pages 129- 131 of the main catalogue.

 

  • If you want to add that extra special touch there are some lovely ribbons and embellishments on pages 146-147 of the main catalogue!

I would be only to happy to help you pick out cardstock colours and ink colours.  Please send me an E-mail if you are interested in placing an order!

Ramblings about the passage of time

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Luke and I spent some time down at the Playgroup today.  It has been ages since we have been to the centre and it so great to see lots of lovely lawn down there!  There have been so many wonderful projects that have taken place at the centre- and the Committee members (a team of Mums who volunteer their time) have put so much hard work into the place.   It looks fantastic and just seems to be going from strength to strength-

I’m sure we’ll be able to make it along to a few of the sessions during the school holidays that start next week.  I’m sure Jared, Erin and Adam (who haven’t been to the centre since they attended a birthday party there) will love the new lawn! It will be such a great place for Luke to play when he is old enough to run around.  I’m sure it won’t be long before he is running around too- time seems to go way too quickly!

Speaking of time passing quickly……

Jason and I will be celebrating our NINTH Wedding Anniversay tomorrow.  Some days it seems like we have been married longer than that and yet other times it is hard to believe that our Wedding day was actually 9 years ago!  I’m not sure what we will be doing in the way of celebrating.  I’m trying to convince Jason to hold off on the celebrations until the weekend- perhaps we can get a babysitter and go out for dinner or something some time over the weekend.  You see, I am supposed  going to go the local scrapbooking shop for a Scrapbooking session.  Jason is mortified that I would actually consider going scrapbooking instead of celebrating our Anniversary :-) We’ll just have to see what happens ;-)  

I will have to look at making a card for Jason tommorrow.  I made a card last night that I had intended to make for Jason.  I wanted to use some of the lovely ribbon from the Theatre ribbon pack and the love heart stamp from the Always set.  I headed off in a different direction than I initially intended and I’m not sure it is the right card for him.

Hosting a workshop

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Before I became an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, I ‘hosted’ a catalogue workshop.  Fortunately some friends of mine also ordered some products and it helped my sales reach a level where I could receive FREE stamp sets as well as hostess awards that allowed me to select products from the catalogue for free.   

The FREE hostess stamps are not available for purchase by regular customers.  You need to be a host and sales need to reach a certain level.  The minimum sales to be eligible for the FREE HOSTESS sets is $300 and awards increase as the sales increase.   There are certain sets you can pick from and I selected “Party Punch”  I have used one of the stamps from the “Party Punch” set in the brightly coloured birthday card below

If you would like more information on being a host and getting extra goodies- please do not hesitate to get in touch with me!

Now speaking of birthdays…. I have some news to share about that soon! Stay tuned!

Making the most of your markers

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Although I started scrapbooking about 9 years ago, I am new to using Stampin’ Up! supplies.  When I placed my first order I was tempted by all of the gorgeous products and one of my problems was that I just couldn’t decide which ink pad colours to get.  I wasn’t sure which would be most used colours and obviously could not affort to buy every single colour.

I ended up deciding to buy a set of markers instead as they come in colour families and it gave me the opportunity  to sample the different colours.  I must admit that initially I was quite surprised by the price of $57.95 for a set of 12 pens and then later realised that the markers were actually a multi-purpose tool- and given the fact the markers could be used in so many different ways- the price wasn’t so bad after all. 

You see, each marker has two ends- one end has a fine point that can be used for writing or colouring and the other end has a thick tip.  I have been using the thick tip and colouring directly onto the rubber stamps rather than using an ink pad.   This is useful because if there are parts of the stamp that you don’t want to appear on the stamped image then you simply don’t ink up that part of the stamped image.  Think of stamps that may have an image and then writing underneath- you could simply colour the image and omit the writing (and perhaps even substitute the writing for a sentiment in another stamp set)

You can also use different colours on the one stamp as I have done in the following two cards.  On this Christmas card I have used mainly Purely Pomegranate ink but felt that it needed a contrasting colour to separate the writing from the images. 

I have used the same technique on this second card- so that the flower tips and stems can be different colours.