Finishing Touches

Makeover Monday 12#

2012-02-05T12:09:00.003+13:00

living in a Uni town and younger cousins graduating I always need a supply of graduation cards on hand, when I saw the card to makeover at paper crafters library I knew straight away what stamp set to use UP, Up and Away.I just got this stamp set this week and it has become a new fave. I keep to the same layout as Dawn's card but changed the hearts to balloons and instead of the ribbon tab at the top I added another balloon.

I also love the polka dot heart and repeated it in one of the balloon's.

Anyway off to get some photo's printed so I can do some scrapbooking.

see ya later

take care

Megan.

I am in love with DSP

2012-02-03T12:11:00.004+13:00

As the title of post today says I am in love with Designer Paper, the DSP that you can earn free with S.A.B at the moment has to be my all time favourite. I am looking at the catalogue at the moment trying to work out what I must have now so I can earn some more free.

I didn't want to much on this card so you were able to see a lot of the paper so went for the largest circle in the circle die SU sells. the little girl and words are from a retired stamp set Kimono Kids. As you may not notice I have paper pieced her with paper from the same pack. A great way to use up scraps.

If you would love to get your self free DSP or stamps then please let me know you have till the end of march.

take care ( by the way loving kids back at school time to make cards again )

Megan

I cant believe it I made two cards today!

2012-01-17T15:22:00.004+13:00

Got some free time today with the kids happily playing knights and lego so I thought I would check out JAI and it turned out to be there 100 challenge, so I had to give that a go. This week you have to add a crown in honor of the queen sending letters to people who turn 100. My oldest friend from high school was down recently from wellington I only see her now at Xmas, so I was thinking since I make cards why not send her one every month. Better then getting bills each month.

I have had this idea floating in my head all week so I finally sat down and gave it a go. If you are wondering where can you get this paper it is the new S.A.B paper which you can earn free from 24 Jan. I have add two crowns to this card one lightly stamped behind the dress dumbing and on one of the tags.

The next card is a very simple card that I like to have around for those last minute times when you need a card quick.....like for all those birthdays I forget.

At Paper Crafters this week Monday make over is a lovely card from card maker Jessica Witty.

My Version..
What I have taken from the card to use in my version is firstly the over all layout, the embossed back ground and buttons. I haven't added any words as it is going in my general pile I always leave black so I can quickly add a saying later.

Instead of adding the buttons to the end of the saying I have added them to the centre of the flower.

Anyway off to cook dinner....can't spend all day card making.

Megan

The Dreaded Male Card.

2012-01-07T10:58:00.002+13:00

Yes I had to make the dreaded male card today for my father-in-law, I don't mind just making general male cards I don't find them to hard but when it comes to someone special you want it to suit them. Last year I used extreme so couldn't use again, so brought out my mum's lovely as a tree.
I didn't want to add to much to it so have stuck to very earthy colors which are all personal faves of mine--- Always Artichoke, Early Espresso, Soft Suede, Choc Chip and Basic Black. I like how the embossed bottom turned out and the Always Artichoke ribbon is brilliant, it really blended in.

Any way going now kids away for 1hr so better do something.

BYE

Makeover Monday

2011-12-20T11:13:00.003+13:00

Merry Christmas to all.

I had to make this morning a gift card holder for one of my lovely ladies so I was looking at my emails and there was one from Paper Crafters, so I thought instead of doing what I should do I would put it off. I am glad that I did.

I took the basic layout of the card and turn it into a gift voucher holder instead. Instead of the ribbon I have made a belly band so it can all stay closed. A very simple layout and design but very cute.

Oh and yes I do know the oval is wonky, but what are you to do when the kids want to help..

Have a great Holiday I will be blogging over hoildays so keep checking back.

Take care

megan

Non Christmas Stamp Christmas Card

2011-11-26T12:37:00.002+13:00

Over at Just Add Ink this week the challenge is Christmas Cards made with non Christmas stamps, I love the idea of this. I have used the solid leaf image from the new stamp set Fabulous Florets, which is in the new summer mini. I stamped the image in garden green. The poinsettia has been made from the wing of the two step bird punch, I have sponged the edges with Cherry Cobbler the same colour I punched them out of.

Also notice the twine it is bakers twine from the new mini. The twine is great you get around 23 mt for $6.25 how cheep is that.

take care

Megan

JAI 91

2011-11-01T08:05:00.003+13:00

At Just Add Ink this week it is a colour challenge, and I love these colours together. I personally haven't used blushing bride a lot, but it is a very pretty colour.
I have done a very simple idea, My neutral is basic black.
How I have done the colour panel I have first use Tim Holtz applicator to cover with blushing bride then changed ink to cherry cobbler and only brush around the sides. After that I used basic black and did just the edge. layered it onto basic black card.
The flower is from hostess stamp set simply soft this has been embosses with black embossing powder, same as the words at the bottom.
The frame around is done with a ruler and cherry cobbler marker pen.
I just love the finishing touches of this card, the black gems and I am in love with the brad holding the tags, it is from the trinkets.

Take Care
Megan

JAI 90

2011-10-22T19:24:00.002+13:00

I was in the garden today doing the weeding and thinking about JAI challenge when this idea for my card popped into my head. I have seen card with a panel popped up and I loved the idea.

So i have switched JAI sketch around so the edge layer is the grass.

The stamps are Autumn ? and Kindness matters, I love these butterflies they are so life like. The middle one reminds me of white butterflies.

Where Have I been

2011-10-11T08:26:00.003+13:00

Hello everyone been a very long time since I added a post here, but life just got in the way and I had to stop doing something so I decided to take a break from blogging. I didn't mean for it to be so long but I keeped thinking I do a post tomorrow then get busy again.

SO what has happened in last few mths.

Both boys had birthdays

youngest started school

Hubby had birthday

Dad leg got better till they did a scan the other day and found out the hip joint had a lack of blood flow so has died, which means he will be having a fake hip joint put in.

A lot of fundraising for preschool. we are having a cooking demonstration with Judith Cullen on the 8th of November if anyone wants tickets just contact me

But I have still be making cards Below is just a few, wont add card info as will take to long but if you need any info just ask. The first card is a CASE of My creations blog.

2011-07-29T09:43:00.003+12:00

Hello everyone, I haven't disappeared just hibernating.

First thank you for all the people how sent lovely word for my dad he is doing well now has had 3 op's one taking 12hrs but all went well. He is now back in Palmerston North Hospital for the next 4 to 6 weeks so a long way to recovery.

I haven't made many cards lately with all the things going on but these two are my favourite.

The first one the Pirate I wanted this stamp set for a very long time since I saw it in the USA catty so I thought I would get it now In case I miss out on getting it later.

the second card is my try at vintage style don't think it is really my type of card making but its good to try different things.

got to go three kids here today so have to keep a very close eye on them.

take care

megan

I hate hit and runners

2011-07-03T13:38:00.003+12:00

The title of this post basically sums up how I am feeling this week, my dad was biking on the way to work this weeks was hit by a moving size truck. He has suffered a broken hip and wrist thankfully no head damage. But to add insult to it the driver of the truck who hit him, decided to leave the scene before the police could talk to him. So it has been a very stressful week in the McDonald household. He is doing well and due to have two more op's next week in middlemore. So I had to make him a card, I love the new hostess stamp set in America which has lettering behind a image and I thought I could do this just combining two stamps. The letters are from my most well used stamp set ever French Foliage, and the pear from a retired stamp set all natural.

I have keep the colours very natural since it is going to a man bravo burgundy, river rock, crumb cake. I have also keep the layout simple to appeal more to dad.

I just love how this card has turned out, simple but very elegant.

Sorry about the photo was taken very early in the morning quickly as I push kids out the door for school, had to send straight away. Not that I am very good at taking photos at the best of times.

Celebrate 500 follower JAI

2011-06-28T11:40:00.003+12:00

At Just Add Ink this week they are celebrating their 500th follower beside a great sketch they are having some prizes so you should head on over and have a look. http://www.just-add-ink.blogspot.com/.I wasnt going to do any card making this week till I sorted and clean out my very small space, when you are stacking on top of a already stacked apond area you really need to sort it out. it was becoming a safe and hazard zone, need a hard hat to get around in case something feel on top of you.

I was planning on make a book with all my stamps in it so I don't have to pull out all my stamps to find the right say or image. I have been meaning to make one for ages, so I bargain with my self since I have new SU stuff coming if I don't get it cleaned up then no playing with new stuff.

The sketch was perfect for the cover of the stamp catalogue notebook. i love this designer paper, it is in the new mini and was saving the paper for something large that I could show it off.

All I did was use the new multipurpose adhesive sheets that are also in the mini. These sheets are fantastic, I am always using them. I place some on the back of the DSP so it would have a smooth finish. I have also used the sheets while making the letters, no more glue everywhere with such small fine letters just put a bit on the back of the card stock run it though the big shot then just peel the back and place where you want it.
The Ribbon hanging down is a book mark so I can mark pages as I search. Again another piece of the Designer paper, this time I have use the adhesive sheet to back the card stock with thing cork to give it more strength. I love the brad it is one of the vintage brads and if you notice it matches in with the DSP again.

I didn't want to add a lot to the cover as I know this book will be well loved and didnt want things to start looking tatty after hard use.

take care

Megan

Another CASE of butterflies.

2011-06-08T11:45:00.003+12:00

At CASE study this week they have the most lovely card, I just love the colours.
I had a hard time thinking of a idea this week, so I thought I would tell you how I came up with the idea first of I made a list of all the elements.

Tearing

Butterflies x2

pearls

spritz

white embossing

edges sponged

layout

colours

words

Well i looked around my stash_ I am out of white and clear embossing powder ( better put that on My list to get)- I have no card this colour and only a retired taken with teal marker and refill. Since Beautiful Butterflies die was still out and I have a Colour Spritzer tool that I hardly use, this where I started making butterflies. I have used the background stamp Bella Toile in taken with teal, stamped onto Vellum card. Since Jill's card has two butterflies i though I would have two also. I love the butterflies so wanted it to really stand out so Have just placed it on a simple 4 1/4 card. I added brown pearls down the middle which matches in perfectly with the choc chip I spritz over them. I have sponged the edges of the whisper white with Choc chip the layered it onto a matt of choc chip. The word is from a level one hostess set Afterthoughts.So threes a bit of a insight into how my minds worked it only took 5 days to make one card.

JAI 70

2011-06-05T13:26:00.004+12:00

The first card today I made was for JAI I wanted to use a colour I hardly use and a stamp set that I had forgotten ( there is many in my collection that I don't use anymore but still love), I had just received some more concord crush card. I don't think I have yet used it as a main colour, just a little bit here and there. I took forever to decide on what other colours to sue trying different combo's each time it again became the accent colour not the main. So I simplified it and pick one other plus Whisper white, I decided on Old olive and I think they go great together. Once I had the colours the idea for the card came very quickly and I used two stamp sets I haven't touched in a long time, Vintage Vogue and oval all ( I think that's it name).The second card I love even my hubby said it was to nice to give away. It is a very simple idea using Sail Away stamp set the colours of the card are Baja Breeze, Marina Mist and Not Quite Navy. The Background is Crumb Cake which I have run Crumb Cake ink pad over then stamped a retired background stamp of a vintage map in Sahara sand. The words and image have embossed in Stampin Up Black embossing powder.

It is a very simple idea but looks great with this stamp set. My hubby is even using a image panel that I wast completely happy with as a book mark.

Take care

megan

JAI and more

2011-05-22T15:32:00.007+12:00

JAI this week is a colour challenge and I love it, brought together colours I haven't used together before but In will use again. A great combination.

I have used Vellum for the inside panel to give the image a soft look. The stamp set is in the new mini it is a level two hostess set. This is a very versatile set. over the next week i will bring you more cards made with it.

The rest of the cards are samples from then the new mini. This is a fantastic mini, so many lovely sets of stamps.
Take Care
Megan

Manhattan Rose

2011-05-15T10:38:00.004+12:00

I had the unfortunate duty of making a lot of sympathy cards for my preschool in the last month 4 in total the sadness been one of the lovely teachers mother sudden death. I didn't want again to make a somber card she is a bright and happy person so I tryed to make a card that would suit her.I have used vellum and Manhattan flower and retired paper the card is So saffron.
I love making one card so I ended up make 2 more.I also over the last week had to make a baby card, I saw this great card on Bronwyn Eastley blog (she is a great card maker and should check her out) I CASEd her just changing the colours.Some people have asked if I am feeling any better I am slightly but still feel like I am on a boat most of the time back to doctors next week to see what else they can do, so sorry for lack and small post the computer makes it feel worse..

Take Care
Megan

Glitter flower

2011-05-04T12:48:00.005+12:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter break, me and the family had a great holiday just taking in the local attractions. But its good for the kids to be back at school at least the house stays clean for a hr. I again have used CASE Study and JAI for my inspiration this week. I loved the glitter flower on the case study card and this week at JAI it is Just add a Flower so I couldn't be happier.

I love the flower in real life it really sparklers and shines.The colours I have used are Always Artichoke, Pacific Point, Whisper White, Pear pizzazz and the flower is Baja Breeze with Dazzling Diamonds on it.

Take Care ( I have to go and sit with youngest for a while as he watches his daily dose of Star Wars)

Megan

CASE of the Catty

2011-04-16T12:15:00.003+12:00

I had a friend around last night and we were making Thank You cards for all the people we need to thank but never get around to it. She has Funky Four that is a great cheep stamp set at $24.95 for clear mount. So I cased one of my favorite Cards in the catalogue on page 149, instead of the sewing I have use white gel pen for the frame. I like how the card has turned out with all the open space.The colours are Pear Pizzazz foe the card, inks are Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, and Marina Mist. The words are stamped in Pear Pizzazz. Take Care Megan

Finding my sea legs.

2011-03-30T14:02:00.002+13:00

The title of my post is referring to this medical condition that I am suffering from at the moment ( don't worry mum and dad nothing serious will ring one day soon just very tired), there is a problem with my middle ear at the moment that makes me feel like i am living on a ship, some days it is a carm Cruise then others like I have been caught in a storm of high waves. So posting over the next few mths might be a bit short as the computer makes me feel worse. But as I keep telling my hubby just buy me a CD of sea sounds some scented candles I will close my eyes and I will be on the cheapest cruise every, (must be the Scottish coming out in my).

Anyway you didn't come here for a medical update but to look at my last creation, this week at JAI the challenge was JUST ADD STAMPS no bling, dies, ribbon etc just plain old stamps. I really took to this challenge long time since I have done a "simple" card.

i have used Crumb Cake as the card base and the colours are Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke and Cajun Craze for the words. Around the edge of the card I have used my scorer and scored two lines all around to give a cross in the corners just to add that extra touch to the card.

Take Care

Megan

A couple of Challenges

2011-03-23T14:38:00.004+13:00

I combined CASE STUDY and JAI Challenges this week JAI colours of Rich Razzleberry, Old Olove, Whisper White and Crumb Cake plus used the layout from CASE STUDY, Sorry not much to say to day feeling really bad at the moment off to the doctors very soon so hopeful will be better in a few days.

I am Back with a Sneak Peek

2011-03-12T10:36:00.003+13:00

Well where has a month and a half gone, cant believe it has been that long. But the time has gone very quickly with kids things and the earth quake in Christchurch my mojo to make cards left for a while but now it's back.
I went to our local regional's at the end of Feb and one of the benefits is we got a new stamp set from the Autumn/ Winter mini, "create a cupcake" I love this stamp set very fun to use. It also has a matching punch.
The layout might look familiar to a few people out there I saw this great card on Renée Van Stralen blog and I love it so I CASED the layout.

It was good to make a very girly birthday card was a bit lacking in my supplies at the moment.

I have used Melon Mambo, Pick Pirouette, Choc Chip, Crumb Cake and whisper white. Do you notice the brad this is one of the new vintage brads in the main catty, go and have look they are great and so cheap.

take care

megan

Bye Bye Shelley

2011-01-31T16:22:00.003+13:00

As a Stampin Up Demo we have uplines who look after you give you advice help you out etc and my friend and upline Shelley is leave for a new life in Australia. So I made her a thank you card for all that she has done for me. I have used the inspirational image at JAI this week and CASE for Case study for the layout.I have made the flower from circle #2 that stampin up sells, this a very versatile die as you can use the circles on their own or with punches. after I cut them out I roughed them up so I could split the card to get the soft feel.'

The frame around the whisper white has been hand drawn with a stampin up journal pen.
The Words are from Curly Cute this is a great set of words, it is one thing you have to have in your set of stamps a versatile set of words.

So bye Shelley cant wait to see what you get up to over there.

Take care

Megan

JAI #52

2011-01-26T13:06:00.002+13:00

When I saw the sketch I wanted to do something just slightly different and I wanted to use Love Defined from the current mini. So I have flipped it so it is upside down and have made the two layers with the hills. I like how it has turned out and mayben will use for hubby's Valentine this year. Any way got to go oldest wants to play Scooby Doo on the computer.

Take Care

Megan

Please Help

2011-01-25T08:21:00.003+13:00

Hello everyone I know been a very long time, but I have just got back from Holiday at the parents place in Palmerston Nth, which was a great time. The boys loved it. But while we were there my lap top died and I lost everything on it. I was lucky and a friend of my dads was able to get off all the photo's off it but all else lost, it really fried it self. So I am asking for email address of all the people I Have (did) on record. If you could please just send it to megan76@ihug.co.nz it would be very helpful. I did do some crafting while I was away I have seen these card folders and wanted to give them a try they are very fun and easy to make. The flowers on it have come from Delys, she had a competition at the start of year and I was lucky to get one of the extra prizes, it was great. Thanks Delys I wasn't been rude with not thanking you I just couldn't.

Take care

megan

Merry Christmas

2010-12-22T08:57:00.002+13:00

I just want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. I will be have a lovely time with hubby and boys so posting might become even more spaced out then lately, but I will be back to posting weekly soon. This is fingers cross the last of my Christmas Cards after making I think about 50 I am over them. But I love the simple layout of this card the WOW factor is the paper.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Take Care and have a safe holiday.
Megan

Baby News

2010-12-14T15:25:00.003+13:00

Now I have your attention No I am not having a baby but one of my son's preschool teachers is, so I had to make a very special card for her.I have used a retired piece of DSP but loved the colours of it, the yellows, greens, blues and pinks since we don't know what bub will be then I thought it covered all the groups.

I love these butterflies how I have done them is using daubers rubbed inks over the back of Vellum then using the embosslit ran it though the big shot. they are so light to touch.

Again I have used the flourish from Ocean Commotion for the butterfly trail. I love this stamp set. Will one day use it with the fish.

Take care

Megan

what to do with a brown paper bag

2010-11-28T10:37:00.002+13:00

I had some brown paper bags that I was to use for something else but they were a bit big, so have decorated them as gift bags. A very simple idea but I think they look quite nice, way better then store brought.
The flowers are made using the Blossom party die, I love this die is versatile. I will give instructions on how to make the flowers in a few weeks when my busy time for school and preschool eases up.

take care

Megan

baby gift

2010-11-26T12:08:00.003+13:00

I have always had a problem making baby cards, I have lovely stamps, lovely inks and lovely ideas to CASE but every time I try they don't turn out quite right. It seams to be by curse of card making. I am sure if we all think not to hard we will each be able to name a stamp set or style that for some unknown reason we cant make any thing with, mine is Baby bundle I love this stamp set and have seen wonderful cards made with it but when I try my brain and fingers fail. So I am not going to show you a Baby Bundle card ( I am trying and one day I will make a card that I thinks is worthy of going on my blog) but have used butterfly prints and extreme elements. I like the way this card has turned out not very baby but cute so I know the lady who is getting it will love it.The little bag is so easy to make I cant believe I haven't made one before inside it I have add some sheepskin booties. That is why in the photo the bag looks bumpy.

Any way got to go and pick up child from preschool.

Take Care

megan

JAI meets Inkspirations

2010-11-16T13:10:00.005+13:00

I know again I am saying sorry for not been around but I have been super busy with preschool and school it seems to be that time of year.
So I thought I would take a kick start and do two challenges this week, well one card a theme of Christmas from Just Add Ink and colour from Inkspirations that have a new blog for their challenges at http://www.inkspirations-challenges.blogspot.com/ the colours been.I have used for the background a technique I have seen on USA blogs lately I think they were shown it at the regional's. You take die cut images here I have used merry detail I love this little die have used it so many times. you place the cut images on to the back ground piece of card which if you wanted to have all ready stamp onto, I have used two way glue to attach. After this you need to run it though the big shot again with a heavy embossing detail folder, if that make sense. I have used Petal-A-Plenty. The die cut images blend into the card beautiful. At the bottom is my first example I thought it looked to busy with the many images and colours, so for the finally card I have only used the whisper white snowflake, in person it looks very crisp against the Crumb Cake (Kraft).

Take Care

megan

CASE STUDY 12

2010-10-31T12:29:00.003+13:00

I saw on case study at casestudychallenge.blogspot.com this week a great card to case so I thought why not. I have done a very simple birthday card. I am trying to stock up again on cards. I love this butterfly from beautiful wings I think it will be my new fave. I have cased the basic layout which is a very simple design but a great one. i have also used by scorer and scored two lines under the ribbon. Any way very shot post today , lovely and sunny outside so playtime with the boys.

Card I cased by Barbara

My card

Colour Challenge

2010-10-27T15:57:00.004+13:00

I found this colour challenge of Rich Razzleberry Pumpkin Pie, Certainly celery, Garden green, and whisper white. I wrote down the colours but for the life of me can not remember where I saw it, so if you know please let me know. I had trouble with this card I love all these colours and thought this will be easy but no took me ages to get it looking decent. And I still don't think I am completely happy. But its a card and I haven't made one all week, to many Nice sunny days out side with the boys.

Anyway back outside time again its 32 degrees inside and is cooler outside in the shade.

take care

meagn

Just Add blue again

2010-10-16T09:29:00.005+13:00

I am loving blue at the moment, it is really inspiring me to make some more male cards especially teenager ones. I have used the new stamp set Extreme Elements and extreme Guitar on pg 52 and 53. I love how this has turned out. the colours are pear pizazz, poppy parade, more mustard, crumb cake for the background and for the star panel Mariana mist and platinum shimmer paint. I have a confession to make I have owned this punch for about a year and it is the first time I have ever used it on a card. It really fits in with the youthful look I was going for so I think I will have to use it more often.

This second card use a new stamp set for me but was in last years catalogue Seaworthy I love this set from the moment I saw it but again another one I put off buying and was so glad it made it back in the catalogue. I have used for the blues, Not Quite Navy, Bashful Blue, Mariana Mist and Baja Breeze. I love the effect the splatter stamp from extreme elements has done in the back ground.

Take Care

Megan

Just add Blue and a wedding

2010-10-15T10:01:00.005+13:00

I said in my last post that I had done a wedding card, I love how this has turned out. Sorry to say that the stamp is retired but I will never get rid of it is a personal favourite. Love the ribbon effect it really softens up the card.

At Just add ink this week it is Add Blue for because in it is Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month, I believe in fate and the reason I got this card done so early was because I was up early this morning panicking about a meeting I have today. Anyone out there who has a special needs child knows how hard it is to get funding and the more capable the child is the less you get. my oldest has high functioning Autistic and get nothing at the moment. So fingers cross I will be able to get some today. The butterflies are done on watercolour paper, I washed the paper a few days ago, I wish I had taken a photo of what the paper looked like as it look awful and was about to do in the rubbish but I thought give it a go and see how it turns out and I think it turned out great. The rest of the card is very easy, just a simple layout as the butterflies are the show. Better go and ready myself for today. Wish me luck.

Stamp-A-Holics meet JAI

2010-10-13T16:57:00.004+13:00

this week Stamp-A-Holics has started their own blog to set and enter your challenges it is a great idea and a fantastic place. Please go and have a look http://stamp-a-holics.blogspot.com/ . This week challenge was a 2, 4, 6, 8 box. I made a very small one for a little girl I know and note pad for her to do some drawings. I also wanted to do JAI challenge of just add pink and bling. Sorry very small post today making diner at same time. Come back later this week and I have a wedding card that made last night.

Card a la Carte CASE

2010-10-08T16:11:00.005+13:00

I saw a card on Card a la Carte that I had to try and CASE. I am on a mission to make some more male cards as I had used all mine up. The one on the blog was a thanksgiving card but I loved the layout so I thought I could change it around a bit to suit what stamps I had (well borrowed from my mum). I love how it turned out except for one thing my white singo gel pen ran out so I had to dash, not that y0u can really dash down the street with two little boys walking but after a bit of bribery we got back with a new gel pen and two new toys. I am not very happy with this pen it doesn't compare to the one that stampin up sells but it will do till I order a new one.

Ingredients:

Crumb Cake, Confetti White

Craft White, white embossing powder

Cherry Cobbler, Pear Pizzaz, Soft Suede

Holidays and more Holidays

2010-10-05T15:15:00.005+13:00

As the title states I have been on holiday with my boys this is one of my favourite breaks as my oldest always celebrates his birthday in them. So I have been away from the blogging world just having fun with them. They grow so quickly and soon they wont want to hang out with mummy.

On Saturday night my husband had a try at card making, as he says I try his hobbies he should try mine. We made a very simple card that I saw on Andrea's blog. My one is the group of trees and his is the oak.

He even said he had fun and might do it another night.

The robot card is what I made for my son this year, he chooses the stamps and I put it all together. People who know him understand he doesn't like surprises so this I think will be a on going event in his life.

the last card is based on a sketch at splitcoast this week. I had a bit of time today with the boys playing with the new birthday Lego so I thought I would give it a go. The whole time I stared at it it reminded me of a wedding cake so I turned the whole sketch into a wedding cake. the flowers are boho punch that I got a few mths bake but hadn't even taken out of wrapper so I thought I better use them before I buy another punch.

TAKE CARE

Megan

Awash with Flowers

2010-09-22T09:42:00.004+12:00

Just want to show off my new stamp set that came yesterday. I finally got to have a play with it very late last night after my son's school production. So at 10pm I finally was able to sit down and made a card very quickly, this set lends itself to making cards quickly. don't look at the ribbon I tried to tie a bow but was not working so gave up and did a very simple knot.

The colours are Pear Pizzazz lovely soft green and Marina mist for the outlines and Baja breeze for the solid areas, I have also used my two way glue pen and add some dazzling diamonds to the popped up flower.

take care

Megan

Party of Flowers

2010-09-17T13:14:00.005+12:00

Before I show you what I made last night just thought I would let you know that From today onwards you can pay for your Stampin Up orders by credit card...................................YES.............YOU READ RIGHT ............................................CREDIT CARD.

So if you would like to take advantage of this just let me know I can ship anywhere in New Zealand for a flat rate of $9.95.

There is also at the moment a great promotion sign up as a demo for the low cost of $339 ( you will receive product value of $590) plus you will receive a new In Colour Pack which consist of Ink pads, Markers and Assorted Card stock to the Value of $100.90 for FREE you don't have to be in Dunedin to be my Down line I can help you anywhere in New Zealand as I work most from the computer anyway. This special is for a limited time.

But back to what you came to look at cards in my new stock I got this week I also got this new die from stampin up 'blossom party' $40.95 pg 153 in the catalouge. I have seen some lovely cards made with this die so last night I gave it a play. It is so easy to use and the flowers that are cut from it a great size for both card making and scrapbooking. I have a idea running though my head for a scrapbook page which I will do over the next few weeks that will use these flowers. The leaves are the die 'little leaves' a stable in anyone collection.The first card I have used all the flowers from the die you get 4 different flowers and the circle in the middle. The colours I have used are all the new in colours plus daffodil delight. The words are a combination of both hostess ward stamps.

The second is my favourite of them I love the daisy's and the button middle part of the flower ( if anyone can tell me what it is called please help as I am having mental block). The card to me isn't finished yet it needs some white stitching around it but my white gel pen finally died so I need to order a new one. The colours are Daffodil Delight and Pear Pizzazz the paper from the Greenhouse Gala DSP.

Take Care

Megan

Christmas is here

2010-09-16T08:04:00.004+12:00

Sorry I haven't blog for a while but I have had no time, my silly husband at training got a round house kick to the head that lead to 3 broken bones in his face. So he had to have emergency surgery and 3 plates attached to his bones to hold them together. This lead to him been home for a while and me looking after him.

but he is better now so I finally got to have a good play with the new catalogues items that I order a few weeks back. I ordered a lot of Xmas stuff because I keep say I WILL NOT be make cards on Dec the 24th.

Both of these cards have had shimmer paint this new product that stampin up has brought out, I love it in person they really do shimmer in the light.

this first card has shimmer paint added to the new embossed folder back ground Petals-a-Plenty and looks beautiful.
the second card has had shimmer paint added to Dasher to give him a all over shimmer and the edges of the cards lightly sponged with it as well.

I love this new little embosslit "Merry" it makes the cutest little tags and the snow flake is from "Merry Details".

the Santa tag is from a new stamp set "Holiday Hoopla" I can see me and the kids having great fun with him making Xmas decorations.

got to go and do school run.

take care

Megan.

JAI Fabric take two

2010-09-01T07:59:00.004+12:00

I finally made a Birthday card for a very special little girl last night and wanted to do something different, so I thought I would make a fabric flower. This flower was the easiest thing to make I cut the circles of fabric out with my big shot and circles #2 die. These dies are great they can cut though Fabric, paper, cardboard and many more. And I cant wait till later today so I can order new ones that are in the new catty that launches today. I have also made the grass at the bottom from Old Olive Ribbon with I have just cut into points.I am also very happy that one of my favourite stamp sets has returned form a mini catalogue to the Main catalogue "Hello Again" which is on page 68 and at the LOW cost of $26.95. I have made many cards from it, it is a very useful set.

got to go and take kids to school.

take care

Megan

Ingredients

stamp Hello Again
Ink/card: Melon Mambo, tempting turquoise

New Embossing Folder Vintage Wallpaper

2010-08-28T13:10:00.004+12:00

I have had this new embossing folder for a few weeks now and not really had a proper play with it, so I brought it out last night to make a birthday card for my MIL.

AND I LOVE IT........
I have done a technique where the flat area is coloured and the raised area not, I have done this in pink Pirouette, in person it is stunning. So soft for a background. I wanted as much of it on show so I have done a simple layout of the flower and band. To fit into the JAI challenge this week of fabric I have also added a whisper white ribbon, which is over layered a Melon Mambo thin strip of card which shows up behind the ribbon . The words are from the New Level 3 hostess set and fitted inside the large oval punch perfectly, which then has been mounted on to a Lots of Tag die cut.

This second card I had to make a thank you for a lady who ordered a catalogue from me and I had out the Melon Mambo and Pick Pirouette so I ran with these colours and again very happy how it has turned out. The flowers are from Fast And Fabulous Level 2 set and the Thank you form level 3. You may notice that the white card doesn't look like Whisper White or Very Vanilla that is because it is Confetti White which is a sturdy white that I use for the base card. It is lovely to use and quite nice to stamp on gives a soft feel to the card.

Take Care

Megan

Get ready for fathers day

2010-08-21T13:17:00.006+12:00

Last night I look at the calender and noticed that fathers day is very close so I thought I better make so father day cards.

The first one I took the design form the new catalogue, for all the demos out there who have their early copy it is the card on pg 86 the card with the tree. This is what I love about the catalogues there is great card designs, you don't need to have the same stamp as the one in the picture, but use the layout of the card.
The second card was CASED from someone else, I am sorry but I have forgot who. It has been a idea floating in my head for the last few weeks.

I have tried to keep the layout and design simple for male cards, This is what my husband seems to like. So any male card I make has to get his approval first.

This last card was for card pattern sketch and use new designer paper, Greenhouse Gala and Friend's never fade.

Got to go and play scooby-doo with the boys outside.

take care

Megan

( Dont ask me what happened to the photo's I seem to be getting worse then better)

Wheels for Hudson

2010-08-18T13:55:00.003+12:00

At JAI this week there challenge is Wheels in Honour of a very brave little boy. I set a goal this week , beside the 4 Birthday cards that need in the next week, I was only going to make Christmas cards. I love Contempo Christmas from the new catalogue it is a very simple and easy stamp set to use, especially if you need to mass produce Christmas cards. I am want to keep the colours very traditional so I have used Garden Green and Riding Hood Red. I love the glitter edge as it gives the card a very easy bling and glitter is fun to play with.For the wheels I have used the snowflake form Punch Pals that has a circle around it. The first go I used the Soft Holly wheel but it made the card to busy and didn't fit, so after looking though all by stamps and wheels I settled on the snowflake, it fitted with the challenge and keeped the base card from distracting from the main panel.
take care
megan

More Sneak Peeks

2010-08-14T13:40:00.004+12:00

As my husband was away last night I sat down and had another play with Fast and Fabulous, which has taken over as my favourite flower stamp set. Formally it was echo of kindness which I still love and will never part with.I have used the Mojo sketch challenge this week. I have just used the outline single flower stamp and with a lot of masking I have created the flower patten behind the words. This was so easy and makes such a great image. The background I have used the solid flower stamp that is the partner to the outline. The black border around the panel is the curly label extra large punch.

The colours I have used are Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette and Basic Black.

The next card is for my pile of Xmas cards which bit by bit is getting larger. I have used the same techniques as in former card. The words are from Contempo Christmas, A great new Christmas stamp set that will become active on the 1st of Sept. I am so glad this one made it to New Zealand I saw it in the USA Catalogue and it went on my wish list. When it was one of the stamps I was allowed to preorder I was happy.
I have used Riding Hood Red, Garden Green and Gold Embossing powder. I think there is to much red and the solid background flowers needed to be garden green to break up all the red it even some of them.

Take care

Megan

Sneak Peek Of New Hostess Stamp

2010-08-11T19:14:00.004+12:00

Well time is nearly up for the current Catalogue and as a Demo I got to preorder two hostess stamp sets and I wasn't going to miss the chance so on day one that we were allowed to order I was in there. I am so glad I did I love this level 2 hostess stamp set called Fast and Fabulous and the words are from level 3 Occasional Quotes. I have for 2 days held off playing with them till I had caught up on some house work that got miss during my week of flu. It was hard to do but it did motivate me to get all the chores done before I started to play as I new as soon as I did house work would be again forgotten for a week.I wanted to do JAI colour challenge this weeks as it is colours I love, I have slightly changed it by the words been done in Soft Suede. Black and Gray didn't fit the feel of the card, only a few more weeks and crumb cake ( Kraft ) ink will be available and it will be one of my first colours I order. All the ingredients are the colours and card set in challenge so do need for a ingredients list.

take care

Megan

M. I. A

2010-08-05T13:43:00.002+12:00

I am sorry I have been missing in action I have been dealing with the flu, first of the kids then of course a few days later me and last but not least my husband. So it has not been a fun few weeks lately. I hope everyone out there doesn't get this flu going around my town it comes on quickly and left me in bed for 3 days. I am working on some Xmas cards so will update in the weekend.
want to leave you with a card from a favourite stamp set that is retiring Sip by Sip.

Brick Wall

2010-07-16T13:04:00.005+12:00

At Swap Sisters this weekend, they have a challenge of Mosaic, which is a technique of using your left over bits of your stamp. I changed this slightly and used my left over bits to make a brick wall. I saw this card a while back that used a brick embossing folder to create a background then graffiti images over the top. I loved it ( sorry can not remember who or where I saw it).Then when I was looking at JAI challenge this morning it was embossing and I thought I could combine the two. I like the way it has turned out, I am trying to make a few more teenager cards.My son made a card for his dad yesterday which He wanted me to put on here, He is very proud of it. So is mummy.

Ingredients

Card: RHR, Kraft, Black

Ink: versamark, RHR

Accessories: Embossing powder black and white.

Happy Bday Opa

2010-07-12T13:09:00.004+12:00

My husbands Opa had his 82nd Birthday this week so I had to make a card for him. I made two so my husband could choose this was the one he didn't pick. Forgot to take a picture of the one he chose but was of the lighthouse also.

I love this stamp set, just lends itself to water colouring which I love to do. I have keep it a very simple layout and no bling or ribbon Opa is a man who would like that type of things. So I have tried to keep it simple to fit his style.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OPA.

I have to go now and get the kids ready for a day out at a farm, they are looking forward to playing in the sun with the animals.

don't forget the promotions this mth, 20% off certain stamps and join for only $299 if you would like anymore info just contact me.

take care

Megan

I love the holidays

2010-07-05T11:19:00.004+12:00

Yes I love the holidays, time to spend with my boys with out having to always be looking at the clock. I even got to finish a card that I started in the weekend with my friend and upline Shelley. Great start to the holidays. I have been very busy lately helping out at my youngest preschool so haven't had time to do any card making. But since the boys are playing happy with Tonka Trucks and a pile of stones in my hallway (very cold and frosty outside) I thought I would finish my card and add something to my blog.

I have done the JAI Scketch Challenge this week and have used one of the stamp sets that are 20% off this month. A rose is a rose, it's a great stamp set so easy to use. I have used my new background stamp Tre's Chic as the background. This has very quickly become a fave among my stamps.

the Card is very simple layout but I want the focus to be on the rose's. I am very happy with the way it has turned out. I am sorry for the photo have weird light around the house and I couldn't wait to take the photo. Kids playing nicely doesn't last long.

This second card I like the layout but could have done with some matting behind the Very Vanilla, just to finish it off.
Join Stampin' Up!

I would also like to say at the moment Stampin Up is running a great promotion you can sign up as a demo for as Little as $299 and you will receive over $650 worth of product this is great, you don't have to remain as a active demo you can just sign up and take advantage this great deal. You have the choice of picking what stamp sets and colours you would like equal or below the value in the kits. I did this when I signed up I changed everything in the starter kit to what my style and colours are. As a upline I don't have to be in the same town as I run everything mostly from the computer now days, so it would be very easy to keep in touch and help you along the way. Have a think and if you would love to take advantage of this great deal you have till the 31st of July. Just email me and I will send you more info. I wish it was this cheep when I signed up think of how many more stamps I could have brought.

Ingredients

Card : Kraft, Very Vanilla

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood red, Always Artichoke, whisper white

Accessories: white gel pen, white embossing powder

I borrowed my son's stamps

2010-06-23T09:09:00.004+12:00

Yes I had to borrow my son's stamps to do this card. My boys love making cards and they look though the mini's and IBC to pick out what stamps they would like and my oldest loved the robots so as a good mummy I brought them for him (so I could play with them too). And yes I have to ask permission to use them, they belong to him. I think they make very good choices so far between them they have Lot's of robots, ocean commotion, Choo Choo and bugs and kisses.For Just ad Ink this week was a colour challenge when I saw the colours I immediately thought of flowers to colour in or bold shape's like Petal Pizzazz, but i have been want to do more kids cards. I did wish I had got Pony Party, have a look at JAI entries their is a wonderful basket made with this stamp set. So I ask to use the Lot's of Bot's and I had fun making this card this little robot just lends himself to multi colours.

The hardest part of this card is the message "happy birthday human" I wasn't allowed to cut the words off separate from the image when I mounted it so I had to careful ink up only the words then using the stamp-a-ma-jig lined them all up in the right place. I don't think I could survive as a card maker now without this tool, I even used it to get the robot in line.

This is a card that my 5 yr old made I can see the talent in him.

Ingredients

Card: TT, RR, KK and water colour paper

Ink: TT, RR, KK and basic black

Accessories: stamp-a-ma-jig, aqua pen, tip not die , big shot.

Swap Sister Colour Challenge

2010-06-17T15:47:00.004+12:00

There has been so changes at Swap Sister and the first big Change is they are doing weekly challenges, this weeks one is a colour challenge I did this challenge twice not because I loved the colours so much ( I do love the colours they are personal favs) but because I cant read.I did my first card with elegant eggplant NOT perfect plum, so I had to redo the card. You may be thinking I know that design where have I seen it before at has been CASED from the Catty. Anne as I said in my previous post set a mini challenge of CASE the CATTY and I have always love the look of the card For The Bride stamp set.

This is the correct card. I don't have all the items that are used in the card so I have set about using what I have in my boxes.

The Background is Tre's Chic background stamp that I just got this week, I have clear embossed it. Now on the second card you may notice that the dress is cut out there is a reason for this as well I am a lady of excuse today. I only have Pretty in Pink in a marker and it ran out today it is my first marker to run out, so I will have to order a reinker and refill it, plus get a stamp pad. So I had to cut out the dress because the first panel got a ink mark on it. My first card with wrong colours.
bye for now

Megan

CASE the Catty

2010-06-16T11:53:00.003+12:00

At swap sister Anne just put out a little challenge of CASE something from the Catalouges, I thought I would play along what I CASED isn't a card but a treat bag, which I have turned into a card. I love it so much I am going to make more and a gift card holder to have ready as a gift for someone.the picture it comes from is page 79 in the Main Big Catalogue. I have my fingers crossed that this stamp set doesn't retire at the end of August ( as it has in USA) because I love it, it will be one that I will keep forever.I said earlier that I would tell you how I made my flowers, look so soft there really isn't any trick to it what I have done is punched out the scallop Circle punches, about 4 then, ran them though the crimper about 5 times flatting them every time. Then when I have done this taken both sides and made a wave one hand going up and the other going down. All this is to loosen the fibers of the paper. When you have done this then peal it apart so you have two pieces. After that just make the flower just the same. It really softens the flower.

Ingredients.

Card: choc chip, Kraft, bashful blue, water colour paper old olive

Ink; Old olive, bashful blue, choc chip and stazon black.

Place to put your cards.

2010-06-13T14:51:00.002+12:00

OK I could of came up with a more creative name but I am limited on time as the kids are happily playing at neighbours. I am a member of girls who are setting fortnightly challenges with each other to keep us motivate. The first one was doing what you love, colours style etc. I went back to my first love Earth Elements, I have created a card folder. i have taken ideas from a lot of different ones available and created one that I found sturdy and I felt like the cards would be safe in it. I will be in the near future running a card class including it as one of the projects.better go the noise from the neighborhood boys is getting very loud.

Stitch by stitch

2010-06-06T12:29:00.004+12:00

At JAI this week challenge is stitching, I love doing faux Stitching to a card so was really happy with this challenge. I have taken the basic design from the last card and added to it. This is a very special Birthday card for one of my ladies who has turned 85 this week but has had a rough time of it and has been in and out of hospital. The paper flower is basically the same type but done slightly different to make it softer feeling. I will give a tutorial on it later in week when I have more time. I will have to go now as I am off to visit her in hospital with the kids and don't want to be to late in the day, before she gets to tired. So I will add more and tutorial on how I did the card later.take care

Megan

My First Christmas card for the Year

2010-06-05T15:19:00.005+12:00

I was at a meeting in the week where we were deciding what to for some fundraising and one of the ideas was to have a ladies night near christmas time. I think I went into panic mood, Christmas Time thats only 7 mths away and only 4 till the market. So this year I am starting early this year with my christmas cards, I will not end up rushing at the end of the year like last year.I have done a very simple card, one that I can mass produce, I dont really like mass producing so I might make 3 of this design then I will be over it. I like the colours that I have used, they are not the tradtional red/green. I think it a very pretty card with a bit of style with flower. I think a lot of my cards will have flowers on them again, I remmbered how much I love making them.

Ingredients

Card: RHR, Pink Pirouette, Ver Vanilla

Ink: Pink Pirouette, Basic Gray

DSP: Holiday traditions.

Accesorries: Scallop circle punch.

I am back

2010-05-31T13:36:00.005+12:00

Hi everyone, its been a while since I have posted but I have been very tired. Tired in a good way, last week I was parent helper for a autistic boy at my sons pre-school due to his normal special needs support person been away. It was great fun but by the end of the day exhausted but like I said in a good way. So no card making this week. So i thought I would start with something easy a Just add colour challenge they are not my kind of colours but I think after the shock of brightness they go very well together so a pity that taken with teal will be gone soon. I have been after FOR THE BRIDE stamp set every since the catty came out last year but I never really had a need for it so it always got taken off my order for something else, but I thought I better get it as it may retire and I knew I would have regrets. As you may notice her dress is sparkly here is how I have done it.step one: ink the dress in versamark first then careful with Melon Mambo

Step two: used markers for the rest of the lady

Step three: sprinkled Heat n' Stick over her taped off the excess

Step Four: Using heat gun heated the dress till sticky ( can tell as it turns glossy)

Step Five: quickly ( have it already) sprinkle over dazzling diamonds over and tap off excess

Step Six: Heat set the dress with heat gun again.

You may also notice the ribbon at the bottom how it is Melon Mambo in colour and might be thinking where did that come from. I have made it myself, by taking whisper white taffeta ribbon and a piece of sponge
step one: held the ribbon over the ink pad holding one end

Step two: place sponge over top

Step three: Holding one end pull the ribbon while still holding the ribbon down onto the ink pad with the sponge ( only use the sponge to keep fingers clean)

Step four: do this till you get the colour you want, you may need to turn over the ribbon.

Step five: leave to dry it doesn't take to long.

Well that's all for today, don't really need to give a ingredients list as every thing is, Melon Mambo, Taken with teal and elegant eggplant.

take care

Megan

( just notice in photo marks on the car front these are just a shadow)

Mojo Mojo where for art thou

2010-05-21T11:43:00.003+12:00

I have lost my Mojo between lack of sleep and one very sick little boy. So when I lose my mojo I start casing as this gives me inspiration, So I grabbed one magazine and had to find a card in it that I like the style and sketch of it.
I found a card by Sarah Klass that used Embrace life stamp set.

I have used the Daisy from Fifth AVE and the DSP is Pink Flamingo I love this red paper.
sorry short post have to go and look after the sick. will be back later....

Great Gift Card

2010-05-18T13:41:00.004+12:00

This is a great gift card that we learnt to do at Sheri's Sunday class on swap sisters, I love it and can see me making a lot for Christmas, (I better start soon as I will be again making cards on DEC 24th again). The Tongue thing in the middle when You have it open is where you attach the gift card, I would have added one for the photo but hint to hubby I don't have one.I will be missing classes since most people on swap are heading to convention, but they will be in fine form ( maybe not the next day) when they get back with ideas.

Ingredients

Card stock: really rust, more mustard

DSP: Haiku

Ink: Really rust, more mustard

Accessories: clear embossing powder, twine, eyelet punch.

A Star Is Born

2010-05-16T12:43:00.004+12:00

This was a ATC for swap sisters this weeks, challenge was any shape to use as a template for background sponge or dauber and an ink pad for background colour A sentiment that has to be mixed from at least two sayings a paper embellishment 1 3D object. then Take the ATC and then make a full size cardNow I have used buttons no 5# as my template and sponged baja breeze over baja breeze card stock, the sentiment comes from both level ones hostess stamps PICTURE THIS and SWEET SENTIMENTS. The 3D item is the sweet treat cups with beads inside and finally the paper embellishments is the handle and tag.
On the Main card I have mounted the ATC onto Not Quite Nave then again the white gel pen doted around the edge to mirror the Handle, then I have mounted it onto BB which again has been sponged with BB ink and button template. then again mounted onto NQN with dots around. The silver thread match's some of the beads inside the sweet treat cup.

If you would still like to join Swap Sister then please email, and I can send out a invite.

Masking away winter

2010-05-14T11:11:00.004+12:00

At Just Add Ink this week they are having a blog hop and the challenge is do one of the techniques, that have tutorial's along the way. I have chosen to do Masking but to make it a bit more special I have also added the floating rose technique ( not sure of the correct name but that's what I call it). This ended up been a little bit harder then I thought, where I put the sticky note left enough sticky that the embossing powder stuck to it, but after I had finished I really like the effect. The colours that I have used are tangerine tango and summer sun , I love summer sun ink and will be sad to see it go. When I did the flower on top it was to pale so I have gone over it with my blender pen to make it bright and sunny. This was what I was tyring to make a very bright card ( well bright for me), it is a bit gloomy in Dunedin today. I have also use the little leaves die cut and Lots of tags, Lots of tags is the most used thing I have at the moment and well worth the price.

Again the white gel pen has had a workout, I can not believe I am still on my first pen, I have had for over a year and still no look of running out. The saying is from Picture This a new level one Hostess set that is dose have a warning of limited stock so please if you are loving the sayings as much as me, then book a party quickly as they might run out.
well I better say bye, so I am not late picking up son from preschool.

Ingredients

card stock: really rust, TT, watercolour paper

Ink: TT, SS, Versamark

Accessories: Lots of Tags, little leaves, black and white embossing powder, white gel pen

DSP: haiku

I can not read calendars

2010-05-10T10:38:00.002+12:00

Just to let people know I have put the wrong dates for the card classes, they are as follow
17th Monday 7pm $15.00
24th Monday 10am $15.00.
very sorry about this, if problem please let me know.
Thank you Hilda for ringing and telling me.

book now for card classes

2010-05-08T09:09:00.005+12:00

I thought I would show what we will be learning in card classes this month.
For the evening class on the 17th at 7pm cost $15.00
We will be learning new techniques that can be used with the Manhattan flower embossing folders that is exclusive to Stampin Up. These techniques can also be used with other embossing folders.

The other class is a day time class on the 24th at 10am cost $15.00
We will be learning to make a gift box, gift tags and gift card.
Please book quickly if wanting to come as places are fulling up.

I would also like to thank a few people Paula for her acknowledgment that I am talented coming from her that is a great compliment, you really should go and look at her blog Paula's cards are just fantastic http://stampinantics.blogspot.com/

Also a thank you to Just Add Ink again for picking me as a top five pick. I love making this card it is one of my favorites very simple but when you see it in person it sparkles.

Dazzling Butterflys and Sheri Sunday

2010-05-04T09:13:00.006+12:00

This weeks Sketch Challenge at Just add Ink was a great one to get me thinking outside the square, I have used the flourish for Ocean Commotion and then add heat n' Stick then dazzling diamonds over to give tit its sparkle.
I love this flourish and have been wanting for ages and I thought I better get it now because soon a lot of stamps will be retiring and I don't want to miss out ones I have been putting off.

I love how this card has turned out as I said in last post the words need to be higher on the card the fit in better.

This second card is from a online class I did on Sunday with Sheri on Swap Sister ( still time to join for party time), this was so much fun to make and I will be making lots more.

At the start of class you have no idea what you are going to be making Sheri will give you a list of materials, then step by step talk you though it, if you get lost you just ask questions and you will be but back on track it is so much fun.I have used Urban Garden DSP for this card, I love this paper and may need to stock up before the end of August, when it will be retiring.

I am running my own promotion this mth, if you hold a workshop in May beside the great benefits that a hostess receives I will also be giving away to the hostess a FREE Classic Stamp Pad in any colour that you want.

So if you are wanting to take advantage of this great deal an are in the Dunedin/Mosgiel region then please contact me straight away so you don't miss out.

Take Care

Megan

I get worse as the night goes on

2010-05-03T11:33:00.004+12:00

Short note today i said in past post that I was to show you how I really should give up card making before I start losing my mind and don't know where it is going.

This was the First Card Love It

This Is Second Card Love it but need to tweak the message should be higher up will redo today.
And lastly we have the last Card.This is part of a ATC card as the front panel is the ATC and the challenge at Swap Sisters is to add to front of card. Don't know where I was going maybe I should blame it on James Bond Movie that hubby was watching, it distracted me with all the great one liners and how does he get all those women I will never know.I will be back later or tomorrow wit a great Card that was taught on swap Sisters which Is amazing, Sheri did a fantastic time teaching us and so patient when we got lost, getting us back and track. If you would love to join Swap Sister who will be having a online party soon to celebrate having 100 members then please email me so I can Invite you.

Take Care

Megan

Calling Christine

2010-05-02T09:11:00.003+12:00

Just a note for Christine, if you could please email me your email address then I can invite you to swap sisters, If anyone else would love to become a member of a wonderful group of ladies where we learn the amazing things and are always laughing . Just send me your email address so I can INVITE you.

I will be later with some cards I have made last night, You can see the progression of when I should go to bed, the last one is a sight I don't know what I was thinking.

take care
Megan

We need you to make 100

2010-04-30T23:25:00.005+12:00

Plea for help....I am a part of a fantastic online network called Swap Sisters....we are at 94 members and there is going to be prizes and a big party when we hit 100 members. Come on you clever crafting friends....contact me today for an INVITE!!!!

If you would love to join then please send me your email adress so I can send out a invite so you join. Should have stated before but I posted very late last night.

Blog Hop

2010-04-28T21:06:00.002+12:00

Good Morning everyone!
I hope you’re ready for the ESAD Blog Hop! Better go grab yourself a cuppa as you’ll be hopping for a while!
What is ESAD you say?
ESAD stands for Extra Special Australian (and New Zealand) Demonstrators and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand demonstrators for Stampin’ Up!
We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends and wonderful blog visitors but we share our love for what we do with each other as Demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know how and cyberstamps and we are always there to help and support each other when its needed.
So if you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

This is my first blog hop so lets keep all fingers and toes crossed to make sure this works. You have hopeful joined me from
Jan McAnulty at http://www.cardcaperswithjan.wordpress.com/ who has done some wonderful paper crafts, if not go back and see.

The theme for this blog hop is mothers day, I have seen a lot of cards made in the mothers day theme and most of them were in pinks and purples which are fantastic but not my colours so I have based my cards on what I would love to receive ( if hubby reading take note) so I have picked blues and earthy tones.
Then panic hit I don't have a mothers day stamp but lets not look at the negative I am sure there is a lot out there who don't to so I picked sayings I liked. With card making you really shouldn't stress out about not having all the right things because at the end of the day you have made something for someone and that person will love what ever you give.

so onto the cards I have three cards to show all using my new toy the BIG SHOT I have used three dies with it the TOP NOTE , LOTS OF TAGS and MANHATTAN FLOWER. They are all based on the same theme a quilt card but I wanted to show different ways of doing them.

First one traditional way a very simple design using Haiku Designer paper. I have given the Top Note a fake stitching around the edge using my white gel pen. The edges of the more mustard card has been sponged to soften the line. The ribbon is Old Olive just tied in a simple knot with a tag for LOTS OF TAGS which is a great set as there is five different tags to choose from.

Second Card I haven't done a Quilt card with DSP but with the Manhattan Flower embossing folder which I have cut out along the perforated lines and run another though in Really Rust to give a border, then I have mounted it on top of Haiku DSP again.You might be seeing a pattern of what my favourite paper is. Again I have used white gel pen to give a border but this time on the DSP. The words are framed again in a LOTS OF TAGS die which I sponged the edges to soften. The edges of the DSP has also been sponged.
Lastly this is my Favourite I am very sorry but cant remember the name of the DSP and my catties are in bed room with sleeping child, so will update that bit later. I have combine both of the cards above, I have done the traditional quilt card with DSP squares and then I have run it though again with the Manhattan Flower to give the panel texture. I know I go on about texture a lot but I love to feel the card, it gives it something special. The daisy was given to me by my youngest as I was taking photos so I have added because I thought it suited and he is so sweet.
Well I hope you love the blog hop now don't forget there is blog candy up for grabs all you have to do is leave a comment at each blog and when done so then leave a comment at
stampwithsharlene@hotmail.com telling her that you have.

Now to keep this blog going hop along to Narelle Hodges at http://www.stampwithnarelle.blogspot.com/.

If you would love to learn how to make any of these cards then please contact me to book a workshop or a card class as I will be running one in May focusing on the Manhattan Flower and different techniques you can do with it, these techniques can be transfered to your other embossing folders as well. So please feel free to contact me.

take care Megan

Just Add Vintage

2010-04-27T15:55:00.006+12:00

I really was having problems at this challenge VINTAGE what is VINTAGE it can be so many things so I had to google it and that made me even more confused. I didn't want to do the typical colours when you think of vintage because there is so much more to it, in the 1900's they loved colour just think of pansy flowers they loved them the deep purples and yellows.

Last night when I was doing Monday Night Madness on Swap Sisters we learnt a great technique of making paper flowers, Tia who did a fantastic job asked us to use to use purple and green, after that it all feel in place. I had been looking looking at this sketch at Carole'Anne Stamp a holic http://www.mirrorimage.typepad.com/ thinking want was I to do with it and nothing came to mind.So I have combined the purple of Pansy's for vintage, the flowers from SS and sketch from Stamp a Holic. For once all these ideas combine for a beautiful scrap page and I have made a matching card. So I hope I aren't breaking the rules for Just Add Ink if so please just remove I understand why. The hardest part after I had worked out the design of the scrap page was trying to get it done in the 10mins allowed, I could say I was able but it really took me 13 mins, then a extra couple the next day when I added the gems to the corner as I thought it need balance.

The photo is one of my favourites it is my mum and oldest son, it was a lovely day walking around the Dunedin Rhode Gardens. I didn't find a picture to fit I already had this one in my to do pile, I don't think you can notice but the flower in the top right hand side is a soft purple so it works perfectly.I have used the new level 2 hostess set Asian Artistry for the flower stamped in versa mark on the left hand side and the quote " wherever you go, go with all your hear'' Confucius, which I thought worked perfectly with it.

The title smile really is for me as every time I see this photo I smile.

The Card has used the other side DSP Cottage Garden which is in the current mini, I love this paper.

I have done fake stitching all around the edge to try and give it a (hopefully) Vintage look, I have made this card out of the left over Elegant Eggplant 12 by 12 I have used for the scrap page, which is a 8 by 8 size.

Take care

Megan

INGREDIENTS

card stock: orchid Opulence, Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive, WW, Cottage Garden

INK: versamark, Elegant Eggplant, Orchid O, Stazon Black

Stamps: Asian Artistry

Top Five Pick

2010-04-23T09:10:00.002+12:00

I would love to say thank you for the Ladies at Just add Ink for there top five pick for this card.This week challenge is JUST ADD VINTAGE this is going to take a lot of thinking about as vintage is really not my style, so if anyone out there has a idea for me then please let me know.

take care

Megan

Stampin away stress and ATC

2010-04-22T13:32:00.003+12:00

There is a new Design team in town At Stampin Stress Away which if I was any good at computers would add a link, I love this blog and check it out every day Carole Anne is a wonderful lady and card maker she had a 10 min colour card making challenge this week and I gave it a go. I have ended up making a very simple card but love it, the colours work brilliant together and will be used a lot more in the future. I did end up making this card within the 10Min's which surprised me as I am a very slow card maker.

I have done the flower in Rich Razzleberry and Always artichoke, since we don't have markers in Rich Razzleberry I have inked the flowers first using the corner of the stamp pad, and the a Marker for the steam and leaves.

The bottom has been crimped I love my crimper as people will know.

So please check the new design team out they even have a local lady Delys Cram who is a great card maker and you should see her scrapbook pages they amaze me, She is also a fantastic person.

I have also done a ATC last night while chatting on swap sister I had three goes to get the feel for what I had in my mind. The background is the vine from vintage vogue in craft white then heat set. The bird is from Spring Song and the words from a retired set Uncharted but I thought suited so perfectly with a humming bird. There was a extra challenge if you could then mount it on a card, mine is very simply mounted I had tried putting Some vines on the base but It always took away from the simple image so I have attached the ATC by giving it a border in Tempting Turquoise and foam mounting it and the using my white gel pen done a dash border around it, I already have in mind who this will be sent to.

Well have a great day

Take Care

Megan

INGREDIENTS

Card stock; Rich Razzleberry, Always Artichoke, Whisper white, Choc Chip, Tempting Turquoise, Kraft.

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Choc Chip, Always Artichoke, Tempting Turquoise, Summer Sun, White Craft

Stamps: Friends 24/7, Spring Song

Dribbler

2010-04-21T14:05:00.005+12:00

Again I have done a scrapbook page of my son, the sketch for this one again is Swap Sisters which is becoming a home away from home for me.When I saw the sketch I knew straight away what photo I wanted to do, it is my youngest son about 9mths, the reason why I knew straight away was the sketch is circle based and this photo is ball based so I thought they suited each other.

The colours that I have chosen is because in the shirt he is wearing it has a really rust plaid running though it, so I have based the main colour on this and in the carpet there is a more mustard colour in it and the final colour is the green of the ball, which is a brighter green in person but old olive fitted better.

I have also done a technique challenge of the accordion flowers, when we were doing them on Monday night at swap sisters I knew i could fit these in perfectly with the sketch.

he border on the right had side is crimped Old Olive card stock which mirrors the accordion flowers.

On the really rust 12/12 I have used a old background stamp called Crosshatch, which again mirrors the shirt.

You may be wondering why the title of this page is dribbling well It something my youngest does all the time he is nearly 4 and still dribbles every where any one who knows him can vouch for this. I have again blank out all the names and dates they are the lots of tags layered over the words.

Better go Got to be the fat controller ( any one out there with kids will know what I am talking about).

To a Perfect Pear

2010-04-20T11:32:00.005+12:00

I feel like I am always saying sorry lately for not posting, but beside been busy getting ready for next mth card class I am just about ready to throw this computer out the window. I know its not its fault but the Internet connection I am on at the moment, it is slower then dial up ( well it feels like it) , but that will be changing over the next few weeks.

But anyway rant over, when I saw the colour challenge on Just Add Ink, it was a real push out of comfort zone, not the choc chip ( all the people out there who know me will know by what clothes I buy) but yellow and green, and all together. I don't think I have every made a card in this colour combo.So I approached this from the base up. brown base yes I can handle that, yellow on top, not me so lets change it slightly I have sponge choc chip on the edges of the barley banana, still too yellow ( by the way on side note yellow is my favourite colour I just don't wear or use it just love looking at it) so I have stamped over it in Kiwi Kiss the words from Level two Echoes of Kindness.Liking this so far what for on top, I knew I was going to use my new toy the BIG SHOT what I am impressed with, I wasn't into the cuttlebug didn't even have one but this BIG SHOT, is so easy to use when I received it the kids were home so if I was to play then they had to join in and my 3 1/2 was able to use it perfectly, get the handle to turn cut out shapes they thought they were the kings for a day.

So I have used the Top Note die, I have used three, Choc chip for bottom, barley banana with edge cut off and the the bottom section of choc chip which has been over layered all of them.

The flowers are fro Echos of Kindness as well, stamped in Choc chip.

The Ribbon is Kiwi Kiss Satin which is a lovely ribbon to work with, I have done these folds that have been popping up on cards for a while, they give a lovely dimension to the card.

The tag again is a new die from Stampin Up call Lots of Tags which is exclusive to Stampin up. This set of tags are great I got out all my word stamps last night and 90% of them fitted onto at least one of the Tags there is 5 different shapes.

The words I have chosen are the new level one hostess set that's is available for the duration of the current mini or till stock runs out so if you are after them book a party now so You don't miss out.

To fit the colour challenge I thought the to a perfect pear fitted perfectly, the words in Choc Chip and the picture of the pear in Kiwi Kiss.

One finally point you may have not noticed the button again this is a die cut button that we sell, I have run it though 4 times then glued them on top of each other to give the feel of a real button, from now on I can colour coordinate buttons to what ever design I am doing.

thanks for reading this long post.

Take care

Megan

Ingredients

Card/ Ink: Barley Banana, Choc Chip, Kiwi Kiss

Accessories: BIG SHOT, Top Note, lots of Tags, Buttons #5, Kiwi Kiss Ribbon.

Stamps: Echos of Kindness, Picture This.

Cupcakes anyone

2010-04-14T16:36:00.003+12:00

Another week and lack of post but I have been having fun with the boys home for the holidays. A good friend of mine is having a birthday soon so I thought I better make her a card early so I don't forget closer to the time, she has been having a rough time lately so I thought bright happy card hopeful will make her smile.
When I saw the sketch at Just Add Ink this week I thought this will fit in perfect as I hadn't inked up the large cupcake from crazy for cupcakes yet which I love.The colours are So Saffron and Regal Rose which goes beautiful together, I have made a 5'' square card to give the image balance. You may notice that the cupcake has been paper with paper from the Washington apple DSP range. The ribbon is from a bundle special that we had earlier in the year and again those Clear rhinestone brads

I will be back later to add more just have get dinner ready for the boys.

RIBBON CONTAINER JUST ADD INK

2010-04-07T11:50:00.004+12:00

My dad made me this great ribbon holder which I will shown in a few weeks when I finish decorating it but I always cut off to munch ribbon and as I am part Scottish and married a Scottish Dutch man I cant throw them away so was just keeping them in a plastic bag, so when I saw these little clear containers at the warehouse I thought I can do some thing with it.

I have use Washington Apple DSP which I love and butterfly prints and punch which is still able to be order.

On Just Add Ink this week it make anything you want so this is what I am entering this week, you still have till midnight tonight so get busy.

Ingredients

ink; P Pie, bashful blue, riding hood red,

punch: butterfly

DSP Washington apple

Sweet Sunday Sketch

2010-04-05T19:01:00.003+12:00

Well I finally did it added a blinkie of Swap Sisters to the left hand side, it was a mission and finally had to ask my hubby to do it for me. I am so happy to say that the scrapbook page below won their Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge, This amazed me as there was so many great layouts done. Thank you so much Sue I am honoured.Here is this weeks one I will will be trying to do it but with the kids home for the hoidays time for crafting is limited.

So why dont you have a try at it.

Swap Sister Sunday Sketch Scrapbook

2010-03-31T09:24:00.004+13:00

I had a lovely girl call me last night Hi Ashley who asked me if I scrapbook so I thought I better show one now and then on my blog to let people know that I also do scrapbook. I don't do it as much as card making but its fun to do now and then. I mostly take the skills I have from card making and transfer them to scrapbooking which I have done here.

Before I start with a description a little side note, You may notice there is no writing on it that when I started blogging me and my husband agreed that I would not refer to the kids or him in name for there personal reasons and photos of the kids a big no no. I got away with this one as they are 5 days old and 22 mths so they have changed a lot since then, especially the youngest. So that is why if they are referred to they are called oldest, youngest and hubby people who know us will know who I am talking about.

So lets get started when I saw the sketch I knew what photos I want to do, I love these photos they have both sets of family in them and are a special time for us like I said the youngest was 5 days old, and were the first introducing of him to family.

You may be wondering why we are standing on the side of the road, we are watch Rigs for Kids a great event each year where disability children get to ride in big trucks for a parade.

I have used the simply scappin kit sweet nothings and vintage Vogue stamp set to make this page. The reason it is called delightful is when I was showing one of the Aunties the photos she referred to them as delightful and ones that you will keep. The word stuck with me so when I saw it in the kit it all fitted together.The flowers have have been rocked and rolled to get the mixed colours of pink pirouette and Riding hood red, the leaves are from the new two bird punch and are punched out of kiwi kiss. I am going to miss these colours when they disappear in 5 mths.

I have stamped on the bottom left corner and on top of the Designer paper the vine from vintage Vogue in choc chip. The designer paper at the top has been roughed up and curled to give it a vintage feel.

At the bottom I have used the eyelet punch then just above the brown strip is a border strip from the kit, just to break up the DSP.

The writing will go on the top right corner with date and time, and the bottom right corner with a brief description of why we are there in black ink.

Ingredients

Card stock: 12 by 12 choc chip

Ink: PP, RHR

Stamps; Vintage Vogue

Simply scrappin: Sweet Nothings

Two step bird workshop

2010-03-30T10:56:00.005+13:00

I had a workshop with a bunch a lovely ladies last night, it was so much fun a lot of laughing. They were lucky enough got to play with some of the new products due out on the 1st April with the launch of the new mini. They tried the new style punch of the two step bird and they found it so easy even the ladies with limited had strength, be able to push down with the flat of your hand helps so much. This is the card that we made a very simple but beautiful card. This version is in rose red but we made it in Rich Razzberry ( I cant find my version so so one lucky lady out there will have two when she got home just keep mine and send it on to someone).This was another card I quickly made just before I left the house, and the ladies love it so I thought I would show you. It again has used the Vintage Vogue stamp set in Rich Razzyberry and Soft Suede. The Words are from Occasional Greetings and are a favourite (thank you Shelley).Husband home for lunch so have to say bye till later.

Ingredients.

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Occasional Greetings

Ink: rich Razzberry, Soft Suede

Accessories: Two step bird punch.

Flower pot posy

2010-03-24T09:46:00.005+13:00

I saw Sarah's flower pot card last night and it inspired me, I had made a lot down to refill my selling cards but I thought I haven't made a 3D version. The flowers are made out of Vellum which has been stamped with the flourish from Baroque Motifs in Rich Razzberry, Pink Pirouette and Cameo Coral the punched out with the scallop circle.There is four scallops per flower. In the middle I have used a clear Rhinestone brad. The leaves are from Petal Pizzazz and again are in the Vellum. In person it looks very delicate. The flower pot has had Polka Dots embossed in white on the bottom section.

Ingredients

Card stock: Pink P pirouette, VV, Vellum

Ink: PP, Rich Razzberry, Cameo Coral

Stamps: Polka Dots, Baroque Motifs, Petal Pizzazz

Accessories: Whit embossing powder, Clear Rhinestone, Pretty in pink Ribbon.

Ghosting Tutorial

2010-03-23T14:13:00.004+13:00

Before I start this Tutorial my friend Shelley asked me why did I title it Ghosting the kids for my last post. I wrote out the whole reason why on Swap Sisters but forgot to here, it really was one of those days. I got the idea for the card as I was tyring to distract my mind as my 3 1/2 yr old had the biggest screaming fit in a supermarket. So that's how made it around the supermarket thinking up card ideas.

I will only show how the ghosting technique works as I am pushed for time today.

You will be stamping onto Glossy white card stock which stampin' up! stocks look on pg 130 and is $10.95 for 25 sheets this is very good value, you will also need a brayer which is in the tool section pg 156 $28.50.

Step 1: I have masked off the area where the middle section will be and have applied ditto to the back so it do sent move. The reason I have layered this section down is so I can eyeball where the ghost image will be going. This is a great reason to get the clear mount stamps when they come out in April. I have used the frame edge on form the new Vintage Vogue stamp set.

Step 2: stamp the image in Versamark ( when I first saw this I thought there must be something else done and looked for ages on the net but this is all you do no embossing, if I was smart I would have just tried it instead of google it).Step 3: Brayer over the image and card stock in the colour you want. I have used the new Rich Razzberry. Tip here I have brayed one end first then did step 4 then repeated for the other end.

Step 4: Use a old cloth and wipe over the brayer, the area that you have used the versamark most of it will brush off. Which will give it a soft background look. If you had embossed it it would have been a Sharp white image.
That is all to it a very simple but effective technique, looks great in vintage look cards.

Take care
Megan

Ghosting my kids

2010-03-19T18:12:00.003+13:00

On swap sister this week we have a challenge of Ghosting which is a great technique I will give a tutorial on this hopeful Monday or Tuesday after the Go Otago Show this weekend.I have combined it with Just Add Ink Sketch Challenge this week, which if you haven't done Is a great one to start with so many possibility's I may have to do more before the end of the week.

Ingredients

Card stock: Rich Razzberry ( available 1 April), basic black, very vanilla, glossy card

Ink: RR and Soft Suede (available 1 April), basic black

Accessories: clear brads

Stamps: great friend (retired), Vintage Vogue ( available 1 April)

Happy Easter Just Add Ink

2010-03-17T08:57:00.006+13:00

Sorry that I haven't written or done a tutorial lately but I am getting ready for the GO Otago Show. I have made a very simple 2, 5, 7, 10 box they are so simple and easy to make last night I made five and matching gift tags while watching trashy reality TV showI love the simple elegant of this box and tag, the colours match perfectly. The Easter bunny is from the summer mini and will be gone soon so if you don't have you better get in quick. This matches in with Just Add Ink challenge this week of Easter, I did make others for birthdays and baby's. You might not notice but the Kraft has been stamped in versamark with the "Hello Again" flower stamp which is also in the summer mini and is a favourite of mine, I will not be getting rid of this one for a very long time I use it all the time and for only $25.95 I think the best value stamp set that stampin' Up has brought out for a long time, it is great as a focal point stamp with the flower or used as a background.well take care I will be back after Sunday with a tutorial and those lovely ladies who ask me for a tutorial I will be send soon just got to get over this weekend card making and will get straight onto it.

Ingredients

Card stock: Kraft, CC, WW

Stamps: Hello Again, Choc Bunny

Ink; Choc Chip, basic gray

Mistake turned Good

2010-03-09T13:54:00.004+13:00

I was making a very simple square card design when I made a mistake and made the squares to large, that teaches me from trying to make cards and be the fat controller form Thomas the tank engine at the same time. But it is a mistake that I turned into a child's card that I like. I find with kids cards they like bright colours and dimension making it stand off the page for them. I have used Choo Choo from last spring mini which I did ask permission from my boys to use, since I did buy it for them to make cards with. The boys love having their own stamps to play with when I make a card and they are about they always come and join in and go and get their own stamps.
Ingredients

Stamps: Choo Choo, Stem sayings

Ink: Bashful blue, Pumpkin Pie, Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray, Basic black

DSP: Washington Apple

Card stock: RHR, PP,BB,So Saffron

Fancy Fold Card Class

2010-03-08T19:30:00.004+13:00

I thought I would give you a tease of a up coming class I am doing Its not till April but with weddings and a craft show I am pushed for time over March so I thought for once that I would get ahead and plan early.If you would love to learn 3 different card folds then let me know and I can book you in, I will finalize date/time/cost over the next week and let you know.

Take care

Megan

Easter Baskets Just add ink

2010-03-07T15:01:00.008+13:00

Sorry that I haven't written much lately but my parents have been staying with us but are safely home now. So hello mum and Dad.

I saw this last week on splitcoast and it got me thinking I need to get ready for the craft show that I am doing on the 21st March the Go Otago. I thought I would make up so baskets to sell. They are very simple to make but give handing over an eater egg to your child just that little bit more special. I wont give a tutorial on them as splitcoast has a great one here is the link www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/easterbasket When I saw Just Add Ink colour challenge I thought the colours are perfect to go with it bright and cheerful.

Now you may think that I am the most prepared early buyer of eggs for the kids, but sadly no. I am just one very forgetful mum, these eggs are from last year I was having a clear out of on top of the closet and long and behold there they were. Thankful the kids didn't know how many they got as they got heaps so I put some away and dished they out over time. But I better go and remove them from sight before they come inside.
Ingredients

Stamps: hello again,

Cardstock: whisper white, tempting turquoise, so saffron

DSP: pink Flamingo

Ink: Pink passion, tempting turquoise, green galore, so saffron

Accessories: large oval punch, scallop oval punch

Swap Sister ATC Card

2010-03-04T19:28:00.004+13:00

At Swap Sister which I hope to load a blinkie to soon after I ask my hubby how to do it, have had a challenge this week of doing a ATC ( artist trading card) they are small pieces of art. I thought why not and had a go, what harm can it do. I found out a lot I loved the idea of them I loved doing it but I hate the finished product it didn't go where I wanted. But you get no where if you don't try. Well I wont say hate as there are parts I like the masking of the image in front of the text, and the stamp she is one I don't get to play with very often. But I will do more they are very fun to try.

Thank you Just Add Ink + Explosive Box

2010-02-27T09:16:00.007+13:00

Before I show you my new 3D project I will thank the ladies from JUST ADD INK for picking me as a top 5 again. I really cant believe that I was a top pick again as I went though every ones item and I must say there was fantastic entries this week, I didn't think I had a chance. So thank you ladies.This is my first ( well second first time the top didn't fit at all) for a explosion box I have used the instructions from splitcoast resource pages. I don't know if their instructions are wrong or I was doing something wrong but I could not get the lid to fit so made it slightly bigger. If anyone out there has done it and had the same problem please tell me.
I have used the Fifth Ave stamp set I love these stamps they are so versatile to use in different ways. The flowers inside are made to float by acetate and have micro glass beads in the centers.

I must say I love making the explosive box and will have to make more. I think this would have looked better if I had stamped the inside instead of outside.So I better go family in town and have a Army Parade to attend.

Card stock: Kraft, bashful blue,

Ink:really rust, bashful blue, sage shadow, choc chip

accessories: glass beads, acetate

real red butterfly

2010-02-23T19:24:00.006+13:00

At just add ink this week their challenge is DIMENSION anything 3D so I thought I would make this little draw and easel card, I love making these little gifts. They are great to give away add so chocolates a small present etc. I love giving them to new mums in the draw put a baby hat or booties something small but makes the mum feel so special to receive a gift in a lovely package that they can display in the hospital.I had ideas of lots of colours when I started this project but ended up been monochromatic of real red and whisper white, nothing else looked right when I add it in. I love how it has ended up looking. If you would love to learn how to make these then please contact me and I can arrange a card class.

Ingredients

Card stock: Real red, whisper white

Ink: real red, basic black

DSP: Pink Flamingo

Accessories: scallop punch, circle scissors, designer brads filigree

Inkspirations Colour Challenge

2010-02-17T09:38:00.006+13:00

I had a get together with my upline Shelly in the weekend and we tried to do two card challenges it was a lack of Mojo day, just could not get the brain thinking. But I did make two cards to following Inkspirations colour challenge.

The first one uses the new Sale-A-Bration stamps Good Neighbors which you can earn for free if you spend $120 so if you would like to earn free stamps just let me know.I have tried to give the card a homely feel to it like a old quilt.

The second one uses the Butterfly Prints from the current summer mini.

Ingredients

Stamps: Butterfly Prints, Good Neighbours, polka dot, vintage labels

Ink;mellow moss, brocade blue, ruby red, very vanilla

Accessories: large oval, wide oval, small oval, crimper

Happy Love day

2010-02-14T08:14:00.006+13:00

Today is Valentine Day but in my house we have never really celebrated it as it falls on my parents wedding anniversary, yes over 35 yrs ( sorry mum and dad cant remember how many years) they got married on Feb 14. How romantic can you be, but the story goes they didn't realize till many months later. So this card is for them. Yes I was bad again and didn't send one out as card maker that is our curse forgetting to send the cards.It is a very simple but effective card I have punched out the hearts with the Heart to Heart.

So I thought I would give a tutorial on this card.

Step 1: Cut a piece of A4 card in half then fold in half using your bone folder.

Step 2: take a piece of very vanilla card stock 11.4cm or 4 1/2" by 6.4cm or 2 1/2" and punch out two sets of hearts from it.

Step 3: grab any left over ribbon that you those little bits to big to throw away but to small to tie a bow with. And layer these across the punched out are adhere them in place.

step 4: adhere this layer onto 11.9am or4 11/16" by 6.9cm2 11/16" I have chosen Riding Hood Red but chose colours that are in your ribbons.

Step 5: adhere this onto 12.4cm or 4 7/8" by 7.4cm or 2 7/8" I have used So Saffron again you chose what colour is in your ribbons.

Step 6: adhere this to the Kraft base.

Step 7: stamp the words thinking of you from the bird on the branch pg 77 in basic black.

Ingredients

Stamp: Bird on Branch

Card stock : Kraft, So saffron, RHR, VV

Accessories: Heart to heart punch, assorted left over ribbon.

So happy Anniversary Mum and Dad.

take care

another challenge another day

2010-02-10T09:28:00.004+13:00

Just a quick post today this is the only morning I am having off from the kids this week so want to make the most of it.When I saw the sketch at Just Add Ink I loved it straight away so out came the scissor cutters to get those perfect matching circles, you got to love this tool that stampin' Up! has brought out in its current mini. The background to the flowers is watercolour paper and has had a waterwash effect done with reinkers, if you would love to learn this technique then please contact me.

Another new thing to my tools is the crimper which is so great giving texture feel to the card.

I will be back later to show what I did in the weekend with a lovely lady at a one on one class.

Ingredients.

Cardstock: more mustard, Choc Chip, Tangerine Tango, Watercolour Paper

Stamp: Close as a Memory

Ink: Stazon black, Choc Chip

DSP: Haiku

Two Challenges in one

2010-02-03T09:37:00.006+13:00

Well Makeesha challenge this week was a picture that had a earthy feel to it, at the moment in Dunedin it has been very dry and the boys have been playing in the dirt with their cars, so I thought I would go with a vintage dirty look for it.

And as you know I love making flowers, I have seen a lot made with pages from books, I just cant use pages from a real book it goes against all I was taught as a child, didn't help that my dad for many years was my teacher. So after thinking about it for a while I thought make your own pages so I have used the Blossom stamp from bloomin beauty stamp all over copy paper then sponged on choc chip ink to give it a vintage look. I have also sponged the back of them so there isn't a strong contrast between the front and back. These flowers are really easy to make just follow all the instructions below for my other flowers but just don't cut to the middle or spritz them with water.Next I had to come up with a design splitcoast card sketch 265 this week fit my idea of making the flower again the centre of attention. All the edges of the DSP has been sponged with choc chip and the spotty one has had ink sponged lightly all over it. it has all been layered on Kraft card. You cant tell in the picture but the bottom layer has been adhered by dimensionals, to raise that layer to give interest.
Ingredients
Stamps: Bloomin Beauty pg 79 $55.95, Bitty birthday pg 44 $28.95
Ink: Choc Chip, Basic Black
Card Stock: Kraft
DSP: Urban Oasis
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brads,

hello just add ink

2010-02-01T08:25:00.005+13:00

Well I finally got around to adding my card entry for Just add Ink next challenge. We had a very busy weekend at the masters games that were been held in Dunedin.

Like I said I only have two hearts in my whole stamp collection, I am thinking I will have to get more. So I tried to think out of the normal way of using it and I have seen people make flowers using the full heart punch so after playing around for a bit it just all fell together. I wanted the background not to take the focus away from the simple flower so I have use DSP from Holiday Treasure, which I love as Xmas paper just for this fact that one side is very Christmas and the other just a basic paper design, so can be used outside Xmas time.
Now if you look very careful the love hearts stand out a bit more then the riding hood red boarders this is because they are real red, I wanted them to be the focus so they pop of the darker red.

I thought I would give a tutorial on this card as it a simple design that you can add your own stamps and change it, Petal Pizzazz would work perfectly with it.

Step 1: Take a sheet of A4 Kraft Cardstock and cut in half and fold in half to get the base card.

Step 2: take a peice of A4 Ridding Hood Red and cut in half then with the long side at the top cut 10.4 cm or 4". This peice should be the same width as the bas card there will only be the top and bottom showing a slight edge.

Step 3: Take DSP and cut to 9.6cm or 3 6/8 by 14.9 or 5 7/8. Adhere this to the Riding Hood Red leave the smae amount of red top and bottom.

Step 4: With the left over Riding Hood Red Cut a peice 7.1cm or 2 13/16 by 13 cm or 5 1/8.

Step 5: Cut a peice of Whisper Whit to 13cm or 5 1/8 by 6.3cm or 2". Stamp onto it one of the sayings I personal like the "always on my mind-forever in my heart" as it had a love feel about it but there is a general happy birthday and two others it is a great set.

Step 6: On a scarp peice of WW stamp 6 of the love hearts from Hello Again stamp set and cut out.

Step 7: Get them into the right position before peeling off the backs of the dimensional to make sure the words arent covered.

Step 8: Adhere the WW to the RHR again leave a same size border top and bottom.

Step 9: Take your ribbon and wrap around the largest RHR peice I have put it in the middle.

Step 10: With your White Gel Pen add dashes along the top and bottom of both peices.

Step 11:Add Dimensionals to the panel and adhere to the DSP.

Step 12: Finally touch Add a large half Peral to the center of flower and three middle size ones to the bottom right under the image panel.

Ingredients

Stamps: Hello again from current mini pg 14 $25.95, Stem sayings main Catty pg 96 $46.95
Card stock: Riding hood Red, Whisper white, Kraft
Ink: Real red, Old olive
Accessories: pearls, white gel pen, Dimensionals, Riding hood Ribbon

I was picked

2010-01-30T08:40:00.004+13:00

Well I cant believe it I was pick for Just add Ink's top 5. I feel this is a honor to be in with the other ladies I have been reading some these ladies blogs for a long time. So thank You.

So this weeks challenge is 'Hearts' anything to do with hearts a 3D, scrapbook or card just something that incorporates a heart. When I read this again I thought have they been into my card area and seen my supplies and noted down on what I am lacking. I have two hearts in my whole collection two and they are small little ones. But a idea is forming so come back later in week and see what I can do with just one heart.

Inkspirations Colour Challenge

2010-01-27T08:21:00.006+13:00

Well I have done it again another post I am on a roll. I wanted to start making some valentine cards and make some that are not over the top for the males out there. So I thought I should keep the colours and the bling to a minimum . When I saw Makeesha Challenge I thought it would fit in perfectly.
The punch is the from the curly label punch bundle and has been raised off the card with dimensionals to give you a lovely shadow when you look at the card. I like how the simplicity of the card and how balance it feels. Sorry for the photo it was a hard card to photo with of the clean space.

Sorry for the short post kids calling.

Ingredients
So Saffron card and ribbon, choc chip cardstock, very vanilla cardstock, cameo coral ink, Curly punch.

Tutorial on the paper flowers

2010-01-24T13:00:00.014+13:00

I am backed with the tutorial on the paper flowers I was going to do it later in the week but a lovely lady PM on Splitcoaststampers about them, the kids are playing transformers with dad so why not now.

TUTORIAL

Step 1: First punch out 5 or 6 scallop circles in your choice of colour or colours. Step 2: Then take your scissors and cut down each scallop towards the middle, DON'T cut all the way to center leave a area in the middleStep 3: Then fold them up to little balls push the petals in different directions try to make it as small as you can.
Step 4: Then unfold careful if one or two petals full off don't worry to much.

Step 5: Then you have to put a hole into the middle of each flower. You can use your crop-a-dile or like me I use my Matt pack and quick unpick.

Step 6: Take a clear rhinestone brad and push one at a time onto it. I always get one or two flowers that are more scrunch up then others so put them on first.
Fold over the ends of the rhinestone if you don't have any brads then you could use a button in the middle and use sticky strip and adhere each flower to each other.

Step 7: This step is optional but I always do it to give the flower a more distressed look spritz it with water I soak mine with a spray bottle but you can do as much or little as you like. Then leave to dry. If you are in a hurry then you don't have spritz with water.

Hope you are able to follow these instructions if something isn't making sense please email me as this is my first tutorial and am learning myself. Sorry about the strange layout of photos as I was having problems.

JUST ADD INK

2010-01-24T09:16:00.007+13:00

When I looked at the colours of this blog I thought why wasn't for next week as Rose Red I am buying this week during Sale-a-Bration, so I wont be able to enter but then I thought hang on lets think out side the square. I had cardstock in the right colours so what can I do.

So I thought make my own flowers, I will give a tutorial later on how to do them.

I knew I would have to keep the image clean and simple (CAS) as the flowers are very busy. I am very happy on how this has turned out.

Ingredients

So Saffron cardstock and ribbon, Taken with Teal cardstock, Rose Red cardstock, Chocolate Chip cardstock, Ink and ribbon, Clear Rhinestone Brads and Bloomin' with Beauty pg 79 main catatogue.

Well head on over to Just add Ink and have a go yourself. Just click the button to your left.

Take care.

Great new blog

2010-01-23T19:46:00.002+13:00

There is a great new blog on the block just-add-ink check out the logo to your left. It is a New Zealand and Australian based blog with New Zealanders and Aussie cardmakers. They are having a celebration for there first week of blog candy so go and have a look. I will be doing their challenge so check back later to see what I have done.

My First Card Post I Have Finally done it.

2010-01-20T20:09:00.010+13:00

I have done it loaded up my first card, it is one I did for a stationery portfolio class I helded last year but still is one of my favorites. It has some of my loves basic grey and Jumbo eyelets. The stamp is from Echoes of Kindness a level 2 Hostess free stamp set.

So if you are in love with the stamp as much as I am then contact me now so YOU can host your own party and earn FREE stamps and adwards.

I am going to try once a week to add a card with measurement in New Zealand card sizes as when you blog surf majority of blogs are in A2 card size not A6 which is New Zealand.
So here I Go

Ingredients

Cardstock
Basic Black 20.3cm by 10.1 cm or 8" by 4"
Basic Grey 9.7cm by 9.7cm or 3 7/8" by 3 7/8"
Basic Black 7.8cm by 7.8cm or 3 1/16" by 3 1/16"
Whisper White 7.5cm by 7.5cm or 3" by 3"
Designer paper
Urban Oasis 9.4cm by 9.4cm or 3 6/8" by 3 6/8"
Ink
Basic Grey, Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery
Accessories
Basic Grey Taffeta Ribbon
Jumbo Eyelets
Step one
Take your largest Basic Black and fold in half, use your bone folder to get a crisp line.
Step two
Take your Basic grey and attach your DSP ( Designer Pager) on to Basic grey.
Step three
Use your crop-a-dile and attach your jumbo eyelet to the right hand sid in the middle
Step Four
Ink up the smallest flower from the echoes of kindness, I used my markers Perfect Plum for the flower and Certainly Celery stamp onto the whisper white cardstock. Then over this ink up the words in Basic Grey and stamp over the image of the flower. On the edge I have roughed them up using the cutter Kit.
Step Five
Attach the Whisper White onto the smaller Basic Black.
Step Six
Thread the ribbon though the Jumbo eyelet and wrap aroung and tie into a bow.
Step Seven
Attach the Basic Black onto the DSP
Step Eight
Attach the Basic Grey onto the Cardbase.

I have on the inside of the card added a panel of whisper white 9.7cm by 9.7cm or 3 7/8" by 3 7/8" and stamped the flower on the bottom left hand side, to give you a area to write in. I personal think it finishes of your card to add a panel to the inside.

So hope you will enjoy reading my blog and hopeful along the way I will get quicker at writing and working my way around it.
take care

My first post

2010-01-13T08:31:00.005+13:00

Well I have entered the world of blogging, I am still not sure if this is me or not but I will be giving it a try. I will hopeful later in the week add some cards to blog. so wish me luck

bye