04.30.08
Oh so lovely.
I’ve been flat out all week preparing for the Picture to Page show. I mean it’s not as if I just found out about it, when my upline asked me if I wanted to participate I jumped at the chance and promised myself I would be really organised. But you know what they say about us procrastinators “if it wasn’t for the last minute I’d never get anything done”. There aways seems to be something higher up the list that needs attention and before you know it time’s run out and your behind the eight ball. Well that was me this week. So when it occurred to me that I hadn’t prepared samples for this weeks Stamp-a-Stack I was looking for something that would come together quickly.
The new “Oh So Lovely” hostess set from the 2008-2009 Catalogue was perfect. The flowers are so simple yet elegant greatfor those long narrow cards. I coloured direct to the stamp with Regal Rose and Always Artichoke Stampin’ Up! markers and then stamped my image on Whisper White cardstock. The little berries (I think that’s what they are) were coloured using the markers and a blender pen. I used a base card of Soft Sky and then layered the image on Blue Bayou and Black. A bit of Soft Sky doubled stitched ribbon and a sentiment from the new Occassional Greetings set and Voila. One down and three to go.
Picture to Page
This Saturday I will be at the Picture to Page Scrapbook and Paper show in Burwood. This show is in it’s 8th year and features some of the local (and not so local) traders, many of which you will not see at the bigger shows. There will be lots of fun activities, products to browse and “show specials”, including the hourly prize draws by the show organiser.
The Stampin’ Up! stand will be running demonstrations both days as well as a hands on “make and take” table. So if you’re looking for some inspiration this weekend or just want to get out of the house drop on by and say hello. You may even win yourself one of the hand crafted card boxes in our two hourly draws.
04.28.08
More crayons
Another crayon resist. This one was inspired (lifted) from this ATC by Alana Gallagher. I really love the chocolate and pinktogether, it reminds me of cold winter nights with hot chocolate and marshmallows. I changed the orientation of the heart and the ribbon and used the “Happy Mother’s Day” sentiment from the Occassional Greetings set.
Can’t resist
I have been playing a lot lately with the crayon resist technique. It was the subject of a recent technique swap I was in and ever since I’ve had the bug. I found though that the end result relies somewhat on the “crayon” that you are using. I started by pinching one of the kids’ el-cheapo ones but it seemed to leave small indents on the glossy cardstock (probably had something to do with how long it had been hanging around in the pencil case). I bought a few others, even an expensive one from my local art shop, but I have to say that I eventually settled for a Crayola Twistable. It worked perfect and was very smooth on the cardstock as well as being easy to rub off.
This card was one of the samples for last weeks Technique class and features the Stipple Rose stamp which I have been using quite a bit lately. The inks are Pretty in Pink, Mellow Moss and a touch of Blush Blossom and the ribbon is the beautiful
taffeta from the new catty hmmmmmmm very nice. I have to thank my new friend Catherine for teaching me how to tie a bow properly. Her instructions have yet to fail me and now my bows are nice and straight rather than looking like somthing tied from straw. Thanks Catherine.
04.24.08
Back from Convention
Well I’m back from convention – yes I know it was nearly two weeks ago – but I have been so busy with classes, swaps and just life in general that I haven’t had time to post. Convention was an absolute blast, what a better way to spend the weekend than with a few hundred like minded women (and a couple of men too) doing the stuff that you love – stamping. I was blown away by the sheer enthusiasm and talent of so many of the girls and it was nice to meet people face to face that I had only previously known on-line.
As some of you know I was a little nervous about participating in swaps – would anyone want to swap with me, would my cards be good enough – but you know this was one of the highlights. It’s such a mad rush with everyone exchanging their cards and ooohing and ahhhing over the resulting stash. I swapped all of the 75 cards I made and came home with a booty of inspiration that will surely last me ages.
I have lots to share with everyone over the next few weeks. I learnt so much and was genuinely inspired and motivated to share my passion of stamping and Stampin’ Up! with as many people as I can. They are truly a wonderful company. The are also extremely generous, here are some of the goodies we received at registration on day one:
I also took a trip to Momento Mall and treated myself to some of the merchandise only available at Convention. I got a nifty little black bag – stamping equivalent of the “little black dress” which is a perfect size and has a window for your mini catalogues, a gorgeous polo shirt and the must have thermo mug to keep your coffee hot while you’re busy stamping. I don’t know about you but I throw away so many cups of coffee that have gone cold because I was too caught up in the creative process to remember to drink them.
04.01.08
Last of the Retireds
I’m posting the last of my card made with the retiring stamps. I can’t believe this beautiful background stamp didn’t make the cut especially since it co-ordinates perfectly with the Carte Postale. I’m sure going to miss it. I made the background for this card using the baby wipe swipe technique on Stampin’ Up’s glossy white cardstock. The reinkers are summer sun, tempting turquoise and certainly celery. I stamped the image using black Staz-on and then dotted all the swirls with a white gel pen. I saw this technique while trawling blogs and thought it was very effective. I would give them credit if I could remember who it was – sorry. The swallows have been cut out and adhered with a pop dot. Hope you like it.
