Monthly Archives: July 2009

Flight of the butterfly

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Today marks the last day of the school holidays.  Tomorrow my three big kids are back to school and Pre-Primary and we will be returning to our busy routine.  I’m sure Luke will really miss the company of his older siblings.  I think the kids are looking forward to going back to school but I secretly wish I had another week up my sleeve.

At the end of last term, Adam’s Education Assistant had her last day working as an EA.  This term will see her completing her final Professional Practicum before she completes her Teaching degree.  We wanted to wish her all the best so we bought a small gift and gave her the following card made with the “Flight of the Butterfly“ Stamp set.

Don’t you love the the colour combination of Perfect Plum, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss and Kraft? I also used the “Polka Dot Background” stamp and a stamp from “Fresh Cuts“.  I  liked the card so much I used the design for a recent cardmaking session.

Here are some shots of some of the participants enjoying themselves at the recent cardmaking sessions. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It looks like a lot of bustling fun, doesn’t it?!  Spots are filling up fast for the Christmas in July class.  Please get in touch to book your spot!

Build-a-brad and make your own paper flowers

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As promised here is the card I made that features the Build a Brad.  I just love how the “Build a brad” makes a great centre for a flower.  I love that you get to decide what the top of the brad looks like and the best thing is that you can make the centre match the rest of the card or layout.

In this case I used the 1/2 inch circle punch to punch out a circle from the “Sweet Always” patterned paper.  In this example you can see that the patterned paper is an exact match for the stamp from the “Always” stamp set I used on the Chocolate chip background.   (However, I could have just as easily used a stamped image for the build a brad instead)

This card opens up to reveal a pocket where you could slide a gift card or little note

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flower itself was made using the scallop circle punch.  I love a punch that is versatile- don’t you? I have made my own paper flowers like this before using different templates but haven’t made any in a while and was reminded of the technique after seeing it on Gayatri (one of my downlines) blog recently and thought I would give it a go on this card.  The scallop punch is great to use to create a flower.  You simply……

1. Punch out the scallop circle using the scallop circle punch (page 153 of the catalogue)

2. Cut slits into the scallop circle using your paper snips.

3. “Dry emboss” on the back of the scallop circle by pressing the cardstock using a bone folder on a stampin up push pad (from the mat pack)

I can see myself using these paper flowers a lot more.  How convenient to be able to use the scraps from a scrapbook layout and then turn them into paper flowers that are perfect match for your layout. 

Are you interested in ordering the materials to make these paper flowers?  You can order a scallop circle punch for only $30.95.  The build a brad is great for the centre of flowers and is only $18.95.  They come in antique brass pewter and include 24 brads and adhesive acrylic bubbles.    Please don’t forget that all orders over $100 made before the end of July go into the draw to win a scallop square punch.

A funny story to share…

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In a previous entry I wrote about where some of my ideas come from.  I am fascinated about how ideas come about for for scrapbook pages and cards…….so let me tell you a funny little story about a card I made recently.   

As I mentioned in my previous entry- sometimes I am inspired by other cards or scrapbook pages I see.  There might be an element of the card or scrapbook page that I really like and I then make changes, use different colours, add different elements, use different stamp sets or embellishments and I usually end up with a completely different card………….which often bears little or no resemblence to the original card or page that inspired me in the first place.  If you were to put the two cards side by side- sometimes it might be hard to tell what one card inspired the other…..

But there are times when it doesn’t always work out that way.  Let me a share a funny story………..

In this case I had seen a lovely card at the Stampin’ Up! Convention in Canberra that had been made for a card swap with other demonstrators.  I didn’t receive this particular card in a swap but saw it amongst some cards another demonstrator had received and was drawn to the layout of the card.   I’m not sure which demonstrator made the card so I unfortunately I can’t give credit to her…but I remember the card used the “Bloom Away” stamp set on page 88 of the catalogue. The Banksia, Gum blossom and Waratah stamps were stamped onto cardstock and were punched out using SU’s square punch.  If you have seen these stamp set you would know that the images don’t fit exactly within the square punch so it created quite a nice effect to just have sections of the main images visible.   I quite liked this and was determined to replicate it myself at some point.   Four of these squares were mounted on another colour of cardstock which was torn across the bottom.  Along the bottom of the main card base one of the images was stamped in either versamark or the same colour ink as the cardstock creating a watercolour effect.  A greeting was stamped towards the bottom right hand corner.  I don’t recall the greeting used nor even the colours that were used….it was the simplicity of the card layout that I really liked.

During a recent card making session I decided that I would make a card that followed this card layout.  I don’t own the Bloom Away stamp set but thought that “Pocket Silhouettes” (page 72) would be an ideal choice for the card layout given that it has four different nature stamps in the set.  Prior to making this card I had made a card using the Upsy Daisy Stamp set and the Urban Oasis patterned paper pack and I still had scraps of these card stock colours on my work area so thought I would use Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Not quite navy and Whisper white to create my card.

As I set about putting the card together it struck me that the card I was trying to put together STRONGLY reminded me of another card I had seen elsewhere…..but I just couldn’t quite put my finger on it.    I wondered whether it was the sample card for Pocket Silhouettes from the Idea Book and Catalogue so I flicked through the pages …..but nope the sample card looked completely different.  I couldn’t shake off the feeling and just knew that I had seen a similar card ‘somewhere’ before.  I set about looking through some cards I had received from other demonstators and couldn’t help chuckling to myself when I came across a card a card by the lovely Sue Madex in Victoria (who is also a Demonstrator in the “Art with Heart Team”) 

I just couldn’t believe that in an effort to create my own card inspired by another demonstrators card- I came up with a card that was ‘almost’ identical to a card that I had already admired made by a demonstrator in the same team as me.   Hmm! I wonder if it was something in my subconscious mind affecting my stamp set choices and colours? Hmm! I don’t know……but either way I thought it was quite funny.  I really loved the way Sue had finished off her card and decided to use it for a recent card-making session I held at my place.  Thanks Sue! The participants really loved the card too!  Isn’t it funny how things work out sometimes!   At some point in the future I think I will try the card design with different colours and stamp sets and see what I can come up with!

Oh- here is the card in question

 

Here is the other card I made the same day using the same colours. It is hard to tell in the photo but I used crystal effects on top of the flower from the “Upsy Daisy” stamp set.   Oh- and I am just lovin’ the Build a brad from page 149 of the catalogue.  You can see in the photo that I used it as a feature on the corner.  I just love how you can add your own stamped image or circle of patterned paper so that it matches the rest of the card perfectly.

 

I have another card that I would like to show you that features the build-a-brad.  Stay tuned for my next entry!

Christmas in July

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I have heard people say on more than one occasion “Gee- If were to make my Christmas cards by hand I would have to start in July”……..Well what’s wrong with that?

Why not come along to my “Christmas in July” session at my place on the 31st of July and make a start on your Christmas cards?

WHAT? Christmas in July Cardmaking session

WHEN?  Friday 31st July

TIME? 7pm

LOCATION? My home

I will prepare the materials, all you need to bring is yourself and your class fee of $15.  I will supply tea,coffee and a few nibblies (Feel free to bring a few drinks if you are keen)

Due to popular demand I am also happy to offer the opportunity for people to order at least $90 worth of Stampin’ Up! products from me on the night and I will waive the class fee. 

As a special gift from me I will offer a 10% discount on all Christmas themed Stamp sets and/or Christmas patterned paper  that you order from me on the night.   What better excuse do you need to get started on those Christmas cards?

To allow for preparation of materials and to ensure that there is enough space for all participants- it is ESSENTIAL that you book your spot by Wednesday 29th July.

To get you in the Christmas spirit- here is a Christmas card I completed recently using the stamp set “Snow Swirled”  The moment I saw this stamp set in the catalogue I knew it was one I just had to have!

The cardstock base is Kraft and I have used some traditional Christmas colours that include Old Olive, Handsome Hunter, Garden green teamed with the lovely Real Red.  The Kraft base has a row of snowflakes embossed with clear embossing powder.  The Christmas tree has been embossed using black embossing powder and the sentiment and baubles have been embossed using gold embossing powder.   My versamark ink and heat tool definitely got a work out that day!

I look forward to hearing from you when you get in touch to book your spot!   Feel free to send an E-mail miriamthomas@westnet.com.au or call me on (08) 90917655 or call/sms me on 0419 947 047

My Team “Embrace Creations”

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I have such lovely people in my team.  Check out this lovely card made by a member of my team.  I always get such a buzz when someone else makes ME a handmade card.

Jill used two of my favourite Stampin’ Up! colours Old Olive and Chocolate Chip.  Jill has also used stamps, rub-ons and patterned paper from the Hand Drawn Bundle which is a Level 3 Hostess set that she earnt by hosting a workshop with me prior to signing up as a demonstrator herself.   

Thanks to ALL of the lovely members of my team who have helped me to Promote to Senior Supervisor. Our team is named “Embrace Creations”  Why “Embrace Creations”?  The “creations” part is probably quite obvious- but why the word “Embrace”

I must confess that the giggly brainstorming for a team name started after a few bottles of red wine and a few glasses jugs of Toblerone Cocktail but after initial joking I starting giving serious thought to it- When you look up the definition, here are some of the definitions….. 

em·brace (m-brs)

1. To clasp or hold close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection.

2.

a. To surround; enclose
b. To twine around:
c. the state of taking in or encircling;
3. To include as part of something broader.
4. To take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly
5. To avail oneself of:
6.  A close affectionate and protective acceptance
To join in an embrace.
 

1. An act of holding close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection; a hug.
2. An enclosure or encirclement:
3. Eager acceptance:

I think some of these definitions really sum up how I feel about creating cards and scrapbook pages and also about the acceptance of people in the team.  Are you interested in becoming a demonstator in my friendly team?  Some of my team members are interested in conducting workshops and building a business and others signed up to order products for themselves at a discount.   Do you think it might suit you too?   Click on the “Become a Demonstrator” link and/or get in touch with me if you would like more information

Belly Band Birthday cards

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Today I have some Belly Band Birthday cards to show you.  Belly Band Birthday cards you ask?   I’m not sure whether that would be the official “cardmaking term” for the technique I have used but that’s what we’ll call it today. :-)

Each of these cards has a band around the belly of the card.  One of the main reasons I included the band- aside from decoration purposes- was because each card also serves as a gift card holder.  I wanted to know that the belly band around each card would help to keep the card closed so that the gift card inside wouldn’t be lost by either the gift- giver nor the recipient.

The first belly band birthday card has been made using the Party Hearty Stamp set (page 43)

The front of the card has a piece of Pacific Point Cardstock attached to the real red cardstock.   The pacific point cardstock has been run through the paper crimper (page 155 of the catalogue)

TIP: My tip is to run the cardstock through the crimper TWICE.  I find that on the first go- no matter how hard you try to keep the cardstock straight-you don’t end up with nice horizontal lines.  When you feed the cardstock through a second time- you end up with a nice corrogated effect.   

The cupcake image has been stamped in real red, kiwi kiss and pacific point.  I stamped the icing part of the cupcake a second time, then cut it out using paper smips and attached it using dimensionals.  I then added a touch of Fine supernova glitter.  The stamped image has been mounted on Tangerine Tango cardstock.  Before attaching this piece to the belly band I added a real red circles (cut using the 1 inch circle punch and folded in half) and 1/2 inch pacific point circles with real red brads on the inside.  

TIP: Don’t use the end of the brad to pierce your cardstock- it often isn’t sharp enough to go right through the cardstock without putting pressure on the cardstock (sometimes causing it to buckle)  Instead I recommend that you use a mat pack push pad and a paper piercer to pierce a hold and then add the brad. 

As you can see in the next photo the stamped image is mounted on kiwi kiss cardstock that has been decorated using the row of party hats from the Party hearty Stamp set.  Most of this band is covered by the stamped image- but at least it adds a bit of decoration to the back of the band when it is removed from the card. 

The inside of the card has been folded and secured using sticky strip on three sides and then the Word Window Punch and the 1 inch circle punch have been used to create an area to hold the gift card in place.  As you can see there is still room on either side of the gift card holder to personalise the inside.

The other two belly band birthday cards have been made the same way, however I have used different stamp sets.

One with the hippo from “Pun Fun” (page 41) and Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper

and the other using the Cupcake tier from the “Crazy for cupcakes” Stamp set (page 44) and Bella Rose Designer Series Paper

and the inside of each card- to show you how the gift cards sit inside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Would you like to learn how to make a gift card holder like this? Why not consider hosting a workshop in your home and I can come and show you how.  I have a special opportunity during the month of July where you could win a scallop square punch- simply by booking a workshop with me during July.  So as not to exclude customers who live outside of KALGOORLIE- (and therefore cannot book an in-home workshop with me) all orders I receive that are $100 or more will also go into the draw.  Anyone who spends $100 on Stampin’ Up! products with me during July will go into the draw.  Winner will be drawn on the 31st of July.

miriamthomas@westnet.com.au

(08) 90917655

We’re BACKKKK!

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Well- We’re back from our little get away.  We had a nice mix of relaxing times hanging out at the hotel- swimming in the indoor heated pool and staying indoors snuggled up watching movies on the cool days and out-and-about enjoying fun times, playgrounds and shopping on the warmer days. 

Here are our four little cherubs in the hotel room!   Boy oh boy it is so tough trying to get four little people looking at the camera AND smiling.  No-one (including me) had the patience to keep trying for ‘that perfect shot’ but here they are…… Aren’t they adorable?

While we were away, we also spent some time visiting some display homes for some ideas for the new home we will be building.   (We have our block- now we need to decide what we’re putting on it!) It was lovely to receive lots of compliments from the consultants on how well behaved the kids were while we browsed at the display homes.  Anyway, our heads are swimming with lots of great ideas- Keep your fingers crossed we can get our ideas down on paper so that they fit on the block and also within the budget! :-)   Let’s just say my creating room and a games room with enough space for my friends and customers are high on the list of priorities!   Exciting times!

We still have another week of school holidays here in WA- and I need to jump off my computer- but I will be back later on (when the kids are occupied OR asleep in bed) to add some more stuff.

What a June!

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Wow! What a June.  I blinked and now it is July…. but I must say I am happy to see the end of June and looking forward to a more pleasant July.   Sincere apologies for the lack of blog entries lately.   Thanks to those who have either rung or E-mailed me to check on me and let me know that they miss seeing stuff on here. 

For those I haven’t spoken to- If it hasn’t been one thing it has been another.  It all started with problems with  my internet connection.  Geez- you don’t realise how much you use the internet when you no longer have access! You would think someone had chopped my right arm off!

Following that I also had a few issues related to one of my sons that I won’t go into her on my blog but it has been a very frustrating, upsetting experience that I don’t feel has been sufficiently resolved.

Then to add to that I have had issues related to my blog itself.

And….things have just been very hectic in general.  Today marks the last day of Term 2 for my kids and I am very much looking forward to a break in the routine and an opportunity to have some nice “family time” during the school holidays.

We are off on a bit of a break tomorrow and I an likely to have limited access to my internet- so I thought I would pop in here to let you know all is well….. just in case I don’t get an opportunity to make any blog entries while I am away.

But….. I have lots to show you so please stay tuned.  I’d love to show you some of the cards we made at the recent cardmaking workshops plus photos of the ladies hard at work.    I would love to show some of the creations we made (Hint Hint to the ladies who attended.  Please E-mail me a photo of your cards so I can pop them up on my blog! C’mon- be brave!)

Although I will be away for a little while I am still able to collect orders so please give me a call (0419 947 047) or send an E-mail (miriamthomas@westnet.com.au) if there is anything you need.  All orders over $100 will go into a draw to win a scallop square punch from me.  Winner will be drawn on 31st July.  Everyone who books and holds a workshop in July will also be entered into the draw! 

Don’t forget that for all workshops held before the end of July that reach sales of $600, the hostess can receive an additional $40 worth of products on top of normal hostess benefits. My available dates are limited and it will be a case of first in best-dressed…so get in quick!

For those who are interested- my Christmas in July event is still going ahead- so please keep an eye on my blog for dates. (Will most likely be right at the end of July)