Merry Christmas

Hello everyone,

Well, I'm back from the job hunt and am now employed again. I managed to score a finance position at my children's school which is very handy. What's even better, is I can have school holiday's off and I work predominantly within school hours.

Now that I'm somewhat settled again, I managed to find some time to stamp and scrapbook. I recently purchased some Nestabilities from my friend Marcia's online store, The Stamp Spot, and I love them. So, today I actually plucked up the courage to use one of the more intricate designs and use the emboss facility as well.

I hope you like today's card.

Supplies:
* Snow Swirled & Many Merry Messages Stamp Set.
* Old Olive, Whisper White & Real Red Cardstock.
* Old Olive & Real Red Ink.
* Old Olive Wide Grosgrain Ribbon. Stampin' Dimensionals & SAMJ.
* Kindy Glitz & Nestabilities.

Update

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to jump on quickly and let you all know that I haven't forgotten to create, I'm just very busy until the end of the week.

As my youngest starts school next year, I've been applying for a few jobs and the time it takes to prepare resumes and address selection criteria, as you can imagine is extensive.

Please keep your fingers crossed for me though, and I'll try to post again on the weekend.

A Quick Thank You

Above are some quick and easy thank you cards I recently made. I'm ashamed to say I didn't come up with this idea, I CASed it almost in it's entirety from a lady by the name of Debbie Petersen (no blog). I have changed the colour, ribbon, punch and sentiment however! The cards look great IRL due to their 3 Dimensional aspect.

Supplies:

* Fresh Cut Stamp Set.

* Kraft, Whisper White and Soft Sky Textured Cardstock.

* Large Oval Punch, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots & Soft Sky Ribbon.

Note: Soft Sky products are now retired.

A Different Gift Bag

Hello Readers.

Well, school holiday's have finished and I'm home again from a quick trip away with the kids (hubby's been away somewhere else for work). So, I finally have a chance to post this little gift bag I made using up some scrap cardstock and DSP I had.

This project took virtually no time at all to make up, and contains a cello bag full of goodies within. Another bonus is it's stable enough to stand of it's own accord...even with the fans on as fast as they will go. They'd be great for functions or weddings and could be done with any colour scheme.

Supplies:

* Baroque Motifs & Great Friend Stamp Sets.

* Mellow Moss Textured 12x12, Mellow Moss Cardstock, Very Vanilla Cardstock & Le Jardin DSP (retired).

* Scoring blade, Cello Bag, Scallop Circle Punch, Mini Glue Dots & Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon.

More Fifth Avenue Floral

I'm still playing with my Fifth Avenue Floral set, and today I have a card and gift I made recently for a friend of mine. This friend is a loving wife and Mother. She works full time and manages to run her household and get the kids to school on time. Anyway, I thought she could use a little something to brighten her day.

Above is the card which was inspired by a lady called Maureen (no blog), and below is the little gift box I made. Within the box is an Earl Grey Tea Bag (in a tea bag holder), a handmade Fruit Tingle candle and some chocolate eclairs. I hope she manages to take time out for herself to enjoy her gift.

Supplies:

* Fifth Avenue Floral & Best Yet Stamp Sets.

* Craft, Tangerine Tango & Whisper White Cardstock. Haiku DSP.

* Close to Cocoa, Tangerine Tango & More Mustard Stamp Pads and/or Markers.

* Mini Glue Dots, 1/1/4" & 1/3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Punch, Tangerine Tango Grosgrain Ribbon, Small & Large Cello Bags and Linen Thread.

Fifth Avenue Floral

As some of you will remember, after recieving a gift a few weeks ago which used the Fifth Avenue Floral set (thanks again Karen), I just had to rush out and buy it myself. Well, today I had a chance to play with it, and this is what I created. Again, it's another simple card, but I'm very happy with the way it turned out. As always, I hope you like this creation as well!

Supplies:

* Fifth Avenue Floral Set.

* Chocolate Chip & Very Vanilla Cardstock.

* Chocolate Chip & Baja Breeze Stamp Pads.

* SAMJ, Mask, Snail, Mini Glue Dots & 1/4" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon.

Free Standing Pop Up Card

Tonight I'd like to show you a free standing pop up card I demonstrated recently at an in home workshop. Prior to making this card, I'd never made anything like this before and I can guarantee it won't be the last time either...they were so much fun!

I obtained my inspiration from a lady called Sarah-Jane who has a lovely blog definitely worth checking out. I changed her traditional style card into the above and I love the way it turned out.

Supplies:

* Great Friend Stamp Set.

* Kraft, Whisper White, Certainly Celery & Pink Pirouette Cardstock.

* Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette & Close to Cocoa Stamp Pads.

* 1/3/8 & 1/1/4 Circle Punch, Trimmer with scoring blade, Sticky Strip, Crop-a-dile, Pink Pirouette Grosgrain ribbon.

A Lovely Thank You Surprise

How lucky am I! Last week I received this lovely little 'Thank You' package from my upline Karen who was thanking me for all the hard work and creativity I put into my Stampin' Up! business. It was quite humbling because Karen is such an inspiration to me and I think I should be the one thanking her- not the other way around!

In the parcel was a beautiful card using the Fifth Avenue Stamp Set - which I've now had to order. There was also a lovely pack of boxed note papers and a chocolate (which I ate prior to photographing but belongs with the Fabulous Friend bag topper at the front of the picture).

Thank you for this lovely gift Karen, you made my day and made me feel very special.

Bauble Christmas Tag

I've been having so much fun lately now that I'm back stamping and doing workshops again. A big THANK YOU to all my hostesses, firstly for getting me back into the swing of things and secondly for reviving my love of stamping.

A recent hostess asked if we could make Christmas Tags...it is after all creeping up on that time of year again. Well, after some research and final inspiration from Laurie, I came up with this creation. Once again, there quick and easy to make...which I'm sure the ladies can attest too. I hope you like today's creation.

Supplies:

* Baroque Motifs Stamp Set.

* Kiwi Kiss & Riding Hood Red Cardstock.

* Encore Gold Stamp Pad.

* Round Tab Punch, Piercing tool, Gold Embossing Powder, Gold Brads, Crop-a-dile & Riding Hood Red Stripped Grosgrain Ribbon, Heat Tool & Sticky Strip.

* CM Circle Cutting System (Non SU product).

Thanks so Much

Today I've created a Thank You card using the layout from one of my favourite blogs "Clean & Simple" (check out my side bar for the link). I hope you like today's card.

Supplies:

* Trendy Tree's Stamp Set.

* Apricot Appeal, Whisper White & Ballet Blue Cardstock. Sarah DSP (retired).

* Chocolate Chip, Ballet Blue & Apricot Appeal Stamp Pads.

* SAMJ, Stampin' Dimensionals.

Thinking of You

I just have a very quick card for you today. No plan for this except that I wanted to use the paper crimper which I haven't had for very long. As for the colour scheme...I actually love Chocolate Chip and Kiwi Kiss together and find it hard to move away from when using my Trendy Tree's stamp set. I hope you like today's card.

Supplies:

* Trendy Tree's Stamp Set.

* Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White Cardstock. Urban Garden DSP.

* Kiwi Kiss & Chocolate Chip Stamp Pads.

* Paper Crimper, 1/3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Punch, Stampin Dimensionals, Mat Pack & SAMJ.

Another Christmas Card

Last night a small group of my friends got together socially to make some Christmas cards. Although invited I was very disappointed my husband was working and I couldn't attend. Afterall, someone had to look after my children :)

So, not wanting to be left out altogether, I decided to make some Christmas cards at home using up past workshop scrap's. The above is the first card I made using a new set I've recently purchased - Snow Swirled.

This card was super simple to make and took literally 10 minutes at the most. I know my friends love simple cards and I hope they like this one too.

Supplies:

* Snow Swirled Stamp Set.

* Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss & Very Vanilla Cardstock.

* Riding Hood Red & Kiwi Kiss Stamp Pad.

Fresh Cuts Christmas

Just over a week ago, I demonstrated a workshop for some lovely ladies...hello ladies! One of the cards we made was the above Christmas Card which was inspired by a similar card in the Stampin' Up! 09/10 Idea Book and Catalogue.

The card itself was just so easy to make and took no time at all. I can definitely see the advantages to using the Fresh Cut Notes for that extra WOW effect, and I know the ladies who attended loved them. I hope you do too!

Supplies:

* Fresh Cuts & Snow Swirled.

* Fresh Cut Notes, Real Red and Old Olive Cardstock.

* Real Red and Old Olive Cardstock.

* Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, SAMJ (which is a must for this project), Gold Brads, 5 Petal Punch & Sticky Strip.

Blog Candy

Hello readers,

One of my SBS27 sisters - Julie is giving away some amazing blog candy this week to celebrate her 'blogaversary'. Be sure to visit her blog HERE for your chance to win. Julie's willing to post anywhere so it's well worth stopping by for a visit. She's also an amazing artist so even if you don't win the candy, you'll reap rewards anyway...just of a different nature.

Thanks Julie for your generosity and congrats on your anniversary!

To You From Me

Hello readers,

I promise in my absence, I have been stamping. Unfortunately with our new computer came several new programs that I've had difficulty navigating...especially for photo's. I'm also still struggling with a few issues such as watermarking the image with the Stampin' Up! copyright. However I do have a disclaimer on my blog, so I hope this will suffice for the time being.

Moving on, the above card I recently created for a friend who's celebrating a birthday. Although she hasn't seen it yet, I feel safe posting it for your enjoyment now as she doesn't check my blog. I've used a lovely DSP from our new Spring Mini catalogue. This DSP called Parisian Breeze is a specialty paper that is extra thick and textured. I love it!

Supplies:

* Baja Breeze & Whisper White Cardstock. Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP.

* Best Yet Stamp Set (Level 1 Hostess Set)

* Baja Breeze Stripped Grosgrain, 1/3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Mini Glue Dots & Stampin' Dimensionals.

I'm Back

Hello everyone,

Well, although I didn't publicise it, I'm now back from a lovely holiday to Kununurra, Broome, Port Headland, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia, Perth, Kalgoorlie, the Nullabor, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock and Alice Springs...some 12,000km of driving.

On top of this we received our new computer today so I can once again post on my blog once I've installed my camera software. I've a few creations to show you, so check back in a few days for some recent work I've done and some more regular posts. Before I go however, thank you all for your lovely comments and for being patient with my technological woes.

Nerine

Big Bold Birthday

Hi everyone,

I just thought I'd pop in quickly to post one of the cards I made recently. I've taken the colour scheme from a card made by Julie Davidson and I've used the Big Bold Birthday stamp set for the image. I hope you like this little (and quick) creation.

Soon school holidays will be over and I'll have my new computer to replace my current one (which is very temperamental and dodgy) which will allow me to post more consistently. So keep tuned, I will return with more creations when I can.

Supplies:
* Big Bold Birthday Stamp Set.
* Taken with Teal, So Saffron, Whisper White & Gable Green Cardstock.
* Taken with Teal & So Saffron Stamp Pads.
* Scallop Edge Punch.

Cheers to Fella

Wow, two posts in as many day's from me, it must be that Jas is away (and currently not a distraction :)) and I've decided to take some time out for myself instead of picking up and cleaning after everyone else. Either way, I've had a great day stamping and not cleaning ;)

Men's cards are particularly hard to make, but I have to admit, this one came together so easily and I'm really happy with the end result. I've paper-pieced my fella's shirt using the same decorative paper that I've used to back the image and sentiment. To colour my fella, I've used a blender pen with ink which gives a subtler effect than markers. My colours have been chosen because of their masculine qualities more than anything else.

Normally I'd list my supplies here, but I'd prefer to post today instead of getting into the nitty gritty of things. If you need more info just let me know and I'll get back to you, but the products I've used are from Bella Stamps, Stampin' Up! and Creative Memories. Don't they all just compliment each other so nicely!

Happy Tree's

Today I decided to alter a little hard covered index book I had. I really wanted to use up some scrap pieces of cardstock, and some retired DSP which I've had for a few years now. I also knew I wanted to make the 'grass' around the tree as 3D as I possibly could. To enhance this effect, I've then also faux embossed the main image. I hope you like today's creation which I've made for a friend.

Supplies:

* Trendy Trees & Warm Words Stamp Sets.

* Close to Cocoa, Mellow Moss and Brocade Blue Stamp Pads.

* Whisper White, Bashful Blue & Mellow Moss Cardstock. Pool Party DSP (retired).

* Bashful Blue Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

Trendy Trees

I know the 09/10 Idea Book and Catalogue has been out now for just over two months, but one of the sets I knew I had to have was Trendy Tree's. However, as I'm more of a hobby demo who does the occasional workshop, this set had to wait until my second order...sigh! I have it now though, which means I can post something that doesn't include Pocket Silhouettes!

To kick off my stamping with this set, I thought I'd start with a really simple card using natural colours. To add a little something, I've pierced the top and the bottom of the Kraft cardstock just to break up the layout a little.

Supplies:
* Trendy Trees Stamp Set.
* Kraft, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip and Kiwi Kiss Cardstock.
* Chocolate Chip & Kiwi Kiss Stamp Pads.
* Mat Pack & Piercing Tool.

Clean & Simple Layout

Hello Readers,

I always get so excited when I find a new blog that has, what I think is a similar stamping style to my own. Thanks to one of my SBS#27 sisters (Hello Heather) I have found the Clean & Simple Stamping blogspot. Above is my contribution to their FTL#41 Layout Challenge.

I'm going to add the Clean & Simple Stamping blogspot to my favourites list as well as my "other blogs I visit" section to the right of this post. Their creations are amazing and just like their name, everything is just so simple while still very eye catching.

Supplies:
* Garden Whimsy Stamp Set.
* Whisper White and Red Riding Hood Cardstock.
* Red Riding Hood Stamp Pad.
* 3/8" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon & SAMJ.

Friend to Friend

I recently participated in a card swap with some lovely Stampin' Up! demonstrators. The rules of the swap were:

1. Use at least 1 DSP

2. Use at least 1 In Colour

3. Use at least 1 Stamp Set that is new to the 09/10 IB&C.

The above is my contribution and again, I've used my favourite Pocket Silhouette's. I've steered clear of colours that I'd normally use and really stepped out of my comfort zone for this creation. I'm really happy with the way it turned out and my only regret is that I didn't have the eyelet boarder punch to use in lieu of the scallop boarder punch.

Supplies:

* Pocket Silhouette's Stamp Set.

* Night of Navy, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White Cardstock & Urban Garden DSP.

* Night of Navy & Pumpkin Pie Stamp Pads.

* Piercing Tool, Scallop Boarder Punch, SAMJ & SNAIL.

Friend to Friend & Late Tuesday Challenge.

Here's another of the cards I churned out on Sunday night when I was 'in the mood' to stamp. We all know I love single layer cards, and I have to say, I'm really happy with this. The scoring along the bottom of this card really finishes it off.

So, as I missed a layout challenge yesterday I thought I might challenge you all today to make a card using scoring as an embellishment. The layout can be what ever you want it to be, just so long as there's scoring on the card front somewhere. To score my card, I've used my fiskers trimmer with the scoring blade, however this effect can just as easily be created using a bone folder and ruler. Have fun!

Supplies:

* Pocket Silhouettes Stamp Set.

* Kiwi Kiss Stamp Pad.

* Whisper White Cardstock.

* Fiskers Trimmer & Scoring Blade.

The Spreader of Love Award

Thank you to Tabitha for this lovely award which she gave to me a while ago, but I missed it in my blog surfing (opps!). All I have to do for this award is pass it on to some lovely people who often leave comments on my blog. It's kinda a thank you for stopping by and letting me know your thoughts. So, here goes:

Marcia: Who often pops in to say hello and who's blog is absolutely awesome. Marcia's such an inspiration to me...thank you!

Chrissie: Who again often pops in to say hello and to see what I've been up too. Chrissie's work is amazing and I especially like all the little things she makes at Christmas and Easter time for all the children she teaches.

Natasha: My lovely sister demo who lives just down the road. I love Natasha's stamping style and she constantly amazes me with her wonderful creations.

Leah: Has a lovely blog and updates is regularly. I love seeing what she's done with all the challenges she participates in as her work is fantastic.

Thank you for all the lovely work you do ladies you all keep me inspired and trying to do my very best work. I hope you enjoy your award.

Because I Care

Hello readers,

I know I've been away for a while, and for those of you who check my blog daily - I'm sorry. I've been in a stamping slump for a while now and have not been enjoying the hobby half as much as I used too. So, I decided to take a break, read a few books and do some sewing instead.

I've also been experiencing what a friend of mine calls "the post holiday blues". I don't think I realised why I was so melancholy though until I was speaking with her at the Anzac Day March. Instead I just thought that I was down because of my environment - location, bat problem, the fact that I want to move closer to family etc.

Anyway, I've decided to help myself and my mood somewhat by stamping when I feel like it - not because I have too. I've also decided to partake in other crafts and amusements I used to enjoy before stamping so totally dominated my life.

Last night, I wanted to stamp. I've had new products to play with for almost two weeks and hadn't even mounted the stamps or played with the other items up until yesterday. I found myself stamping a lot with one of the new in colours - Kiwi Kiss, which I love more than Groovy Guava!

Today I have for you a Love Note which I've decorated simply by stamping and using a little satin ribbon. I hope you like today's basic card.

Supplies:

* Stem Silhouette's & Best Yet Stamp Sets.

* Kiwi Kiss & Chocolate Chip Stamp Pads.

* Very Vanilla Love Note & Envelope.

* SAMJ & Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon.

Something Yummy Made with Honey

This afternoon I decided to bake. It's been a while since I turned the oven on as we've been away on holiday, then on our return I discovered our dishwasher was broken. So naturally I've been trying to keep the hand washing to a minimum, which meant that 'cooking for leisure' was out...LOL!

Keeping in mind I still have no dishwasher I wanted to make something tasty, quick and something that used the least amount of dishes. So, I pulled out my old favourites cookbook and settled on Honey Joy's. At least that's what my Mother always called them. As a surprise for the kids and Jason tomorrow in their lunch boxes, I also decorated their packaging. I hope you like today's off the page idea.

Recipe:

4 Cups of Cornflakes

90 grams of butter

1 Tbsp of Honey

1/3 cup Caster Sugar.

Method:

Place butter, honey and sugar in a saucepan. Over low heat stir til the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Pour liquid over the cornflakes and mix well making sure all cornflakes are covered in honey mixture. Place in a 150 degree Celsius oven for approx 10 minutes or until golden and brown. Cool on wire rack.

Supplies:

* Yummy SAB Stamp Set.

* Pale Plum and Whisper White Cardstock.

* Basic Black Stamp Pad. Pale Plum Marker.

* Prima Flowers & Kindy Glitz.

Embrace a CASE (Copy and Share EVERYTHING)

Here we are at another Tuesday layout challenge and I'm rearing to go again now I'm refreshed from my break away from blogging and stamping.

In saying that, I had every good intention of making something today to show you all, but I was side-tracked playing with Master 3 up until he went to preschool this afternoon. So, as a result, I'm going to hi-jack a layout swap I participated in recently and post my contribution to same.

Lovely Marcia from The Stamp Spot recently invited me to participate in a 'layout' card swap. I just LOVE Marcia's work and couldn't resist taking the chance to be involved with this swap. Her layout was simple and easy to use. I've taken Marcia's layout for today's challenge and made one small alteration. For today's layout challenge please find the below sketch. You'll note that there's no sentiment as such and it's because I'd like you to decide where you'd like to put your sentiment. It can be anywhere on this layout, just so long as we can see it as well as the main 'focal' point of the design.

And here's my example, which is the card I made for Marcia's original layout swap - Incidentally Marcia, I pinched this photo off your blog :)

To see the great creations other participants contributed to this swap please click HERE. Alternatively, to see more of Marcia's great work, you can visit her blog by clicking any of the hyperlinks in this post, or I've got her in my list of blogs I visit on the right.

Supplies:

* Embrace Life Stamp Set (Available in the new 09/10 Idea Book & Catalogue)

* Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Elegant Eggplant Cardstock.

* Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive and Elegant Eggplant Stamp Pads.

* Word Window Punch.

Moving on to what you've all been up too in my absence. I've received a couple of emails from friends and readers showing me what you've been doing for the layouts I've shared while on holidays. so, in no particular order, here they all are:

Natasha:

Karen:

Kathryn:

Leah:

Trish:

Chook:

Sharon:

Thank you everyone for playing along while I've been away, you've all done some amazing things with the layouts I've created, and they all look so different. I can't wait to see what you come up with for this weeks challenge.

Back Again

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to pop in for a few minutes to let you all know that I'm back home from holiday's and of course, my sister's wedding. I wanted to share a quick photo (or two) with you. The first photo was taken at my parent's home on the morning of Bronwyn's wedding. The other bridesmaid in the photo is my sister Jillian. Mum specifically wanted this photo of her three girls together and I have to say, I think it's a beautie...not to mention the fact that my sisters look absolutely stunning!

And here's Jas and the kids dancing up a storm to the Nut-Bush at the reception.

I'll be back tomorrow with another layout challenge (I'm enjoying another day off today since it's a public holiday), so until then...

Tuesday Layout Challenge

Hi everyone,

Well, I thought while I was away helping with my sister's wedding, I'd have a chance to stamp something for today's layout challenge. Unfortunately, everything has been so hectic, not only have I not been able to raid my Mother's stamping supplies to create something, I've also got no ability to photograph something and download it on my parent's computer (they don't have a multi-drive reader).

So, today I've simply created a design for you all to play with over the next week, and here it is:

I've also published every one's comment's/creations from last week in last weeks post for you all to look at and admire.

So, until next week, have fun.

Away

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to jump in quickly to let you all know I won't be able to post as much as I usually do over the next two weeks. My sister is getting married so were all rather busy with last minute preparations.

I will still be posting the Tuesday Challenges however, and will try to jump on to show you all what everyone else has been up too. If I run out of time, I promise, I'll show you all every one's creations when things settle down.

So, cyber hugs to you all, and I look forward to checking in to see what you've done each Tuesday.

Nerine