How do you decide on your colours

Yet another thing I love with Stampin' Up! is they have a Colour Coach. How many of you stand in front of your stash of card and can't decide on what colours to put together? Yep that used to be me, then  I invested in the Colour Coach.

It is such a great tool and I don't think we take advantage of it enough. I decided to challenge myself today and try and put together the same card design using the Colour Coach and use card colours that I seem to overlook. Here is what I came up with.

Always Artichoke and Cajun Craze

Bermuda Bay and Crushed Curry

Rose Red and Marina Mist

Pink Pirouette and Crumb Cake

Let's start at the very beginning...

As the song from Sound of Music says - "Let's start at the very beginning, A very good place to start"... What ever hobby that you have there are always the starting items that you will need. Over the next few days I am going to show you

• where to start
• how to gather a starter kit together
• what to do with this kit
• what I need next
• where to from here

Where to start
It is important to decide what you want to do with your hobby. Do just want to make cards or are you a scrapbooker as well? Luckily the two overlap but of course scrapbooking requires a few more items to start, these I will cover as we go through the weeks. This week it is about the basics of card making.

How to gather a starter kit together
You will need adhesives, card stock, a stamp set and ink. There are other basic tools for beginners that I love and would suggest that you invest in down the track but for now, let us just concentrate on what I think is the very basic of kits.

• Snail adhesive $12.00  id#104332
• Stampin' Dimensionals $7.00  id#104430
• A4 Whisper White card stock $15.75  id#106549
• A4 Brights card stock pack $14.00  id#131282
  (20 sheets, 2 of each colour)
• Soft Suede Ink Pad $11.50  id#126798 (I would choose an extra colour, but we are doing basic)
• Wetlands Stamp Set wood $38.00 id#26695  clear $30.00 id#126697
  (if you buy clear, you will need to purchase acrylic block D $14.00 id#118485, I personally like using clear stamps as you can see where you are placing them)
• Stampin' sponges $6.00  id#101610

The reason why I have chosen this stamp set is because it has 3 sentiments that are very popular and it also has some images to get you started. They are good for Male cards too which is always hard to find.

So there you have it for today, if you would like to order any of these products you can do so from my online store.

Here is a sneak peek of what I have in store for you over the next few weeks.

Let's Start at the Very Beginning links

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Inlaid card class meets Valentines day

I forgot I hadn't posted this. Oops..
As Valentines day was so close I thought it might be nice to include a card that could be used for Valentines day.

We did a few different types. Circles of all sizes inlaid make a simple but effective card for any occasion. I love the butterfly thinlit and of course who doesn't need a baby card at some stage. So the choices were many. These are the cards they had to choose from.

 

Product of the Week - Sheer Perfection Designer Vellum Stack

Sheer perfection is spelled v-e-l-l-u-m. This 15.2 x 15.2 cm stack of translucent vellum paper, in 12 different designs (2 sheets per design), is perfectly sized for cards, no measuring or cutting needed! And since many of the designs are line art or brush stroke, it's also perfect for showing off a pop of colour underneath.

The gorgeous designs coordinate with Nature's Perfection Stamp Set , just another FREE Sale-A-Bration product only available till 31 March!
Artwork by Mary Ellen Byler and Lynsay Mahon

You are invited...

 Join us to create 20 cards and have a fun day. This day is being put on by my Stampin' Up! team the Paper Angels and Quota International of Carindale to raise funds for the Paraplegic Benefit Fund.

Dates:
Saturday 18th April 10am - 4pm at Belmont Bowls Club Narracott St Carina
Sunday 26th April 10am - 4pm at Pine Rivers Memorial Bowls Club cnr Sparkes  and Francis Roads    Bray Park
Cost - there are 2 options
Option 1 $50 this includes Hooray It's Your Day kit
Option 2 $75 this includes Hooray It's Your Day kit PLUS the matching stamp set.
Both options include afternoon tea.


Payment and RSVP by April 1st so that the kits and stamp sets can be ordered please.

I would love to see as many as possible support this charity event. We are raising funds for the Paraplegic Benefit Fund

Is it a bunny or a bear?

My good friend came to visit today, bringing a box that was labeled Build A Bear. Last year as a community event Quota International of Carindale had taken a group of children to the Build a Bear shop at Carindale. These children have special needs and it was wonderful to be able to give them a fun day. "That's a interesting box!" I say. Her granddaughter had, had an accident at school and she wanted to cheer her up with a pressie and one of my cards. I had expected a bear when she opened the box but WOW how cute is this...

My friend just wanted to look through my stash of cards for a cheer up one. Well that wasn't going to happen, I had just the card in mind. Quite a while back I had made a similar one and so out came all the punches and in no time we had this little cutie (sorry a bit blurry).

So do you think this will cheer up a sad little girl?

Joining my team - no better time than now

Did you know you can save at least 20% on your Stampin' Up! products by joining Stampin Up as just a  Hobby Demonstrator? You get to enjoy all the great benefits of being a Demonstrator, and there is no pressure on you to be anything more than a Hobby Demonstrator. You do not need to to do workshops or hold classes. However if that is something that you want to do to earn some extra spending money at your own pace,  I can help you get started and give you all the support you need.

During Sale a Bration is the perfect time to join. It's just $169 to join and for that you get to choose whatever you want up to the value of $235 (a 28% saving to start with). Join by March 31st and you also get extra FREE products! Choose from the following:

 

Get the Low Down on Stampin' Up! If you would like me to answer any more questions, then I am happy to help. Email me or call 0402441964

Blendabilities have been discontinued...

There have been continued quality issues with the Blendabilities Markers product line.  Due to the nature of the defect (see below), Stampin' Up! has concluded that difficulties, dissatisfaction, and product returns will only become more widespread. The manufacturer is unable to correct the problem in a manner that Stampin' Up! is certain would meet their high quality standards and provide them with a stable, long-term solution. Therefore, after a great deal of deliberation and in order to prevent further disappointment, the Blendabilities product line has been discontinued.

BLENDABILITIES Q & A

Q: Will the Tuxedo Black Memento Pad and the Tuxedo Black Memento Pad Refill still be available for purchase?
A: Yes. These items will continue to be available for purchase. 

Q: What are the quality problems with this product?
A: When the tip is welded to the barrel, the welding process can leave microscopic (invisible) holes in the marker tip. This leads to accelerated evaporation of the alcohol in the ink.

Q: Are all Blendabilities markers defective?
A: No. Most Blendabilities markers work as intended and I personally haven't experienced the drying issue but am aware of it from customers and fellow demonstrators. 

Q:  What if I have Blendabilities markers that are defective?  If you ordered them through me, please email me for assistance.  If not, please contact the demonstrator you ordered them through.

Weekly deals 11th March - 17th March

Love the deals this week. If anyone has been hanging out for the gorgeous Elegant Butterfly Punch, then now is your time. I'm grabbing the Smokey Slate Taffeta Ribbon and thinking about the Old Olive Baker's Twine. I already have the All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack but if  you don't and you want some pretty paper for your card fronts, this one is perfect.

If you would like to order any of these items or anything from the Clearance Rack  you may go Online to my shop or email me and I can put it in for you.

All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack - 133703

Sale: $8.96

Price: $11.95

Elegant Butterfly Punch - 127526

Sale: $20.96

Price: $27.95

Gold Stampin' Glitter - 133457

Sale: $5.21

Price: $6.95

Old Olive Baker's Twine - 134579

Sale: $3.71

Price: $4.95

Smoky Slate 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon - 134584

Sale: $7.46

Price: $9.95

Wildflower Meadow Clear-Mount Stamp Set - 129168

Sale: $18.71

Price: $24.95

Wildflower Meadow Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - 129376

Sale: $10.46

Price: $13.95

Supply List

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Arty Farty class

I was asked by a fellow demonstrator if I would conduct an Arty Farty class at her place. I love sharing special techniques and showing just how easy they are, even though they look so complicated.

The cards we made started out as a sheet of A4 Very Vanilla that went through layers of sponging, masking, stamping and finally stamping with bleach.

We then cut up the sheet to make the decorated layer of a Tri Shutter card. Everyone used 3 different colours of ink so each one was so different and absolutely gorgeous. Once they were in strips they took on a different look again. All the ladies were thrilled with this step.

The Tri shutter base was Natural White and went beautifully with all the colours. We decorated the front using Faux silk flowers (we made by distressing and pulling apart several scallop circles), our clay flowers and an acetate butterfly coloured with the blendabilities.

Phew finally finished.

This was only the first card of the day. Yep get the tough one over first and then the rest are easy peasy. The second one was a 3x3 card we used the same technique, minus the masking and stamping layers. I wanted them to use the same inks and this time sponge very softly to show how the same colours can look so different.

The last one was using the remainder of the A4 sheet.

This was such a great day and I loved all the completely different colour combinations. I think all the ladies had a great time.

Fine tuning Ronald McDonald House classes

 One of the things I love most about being a demonstrator is being involved with a company that is so giving'  Stampin! Up! is just as much about serving others and giving to those in need as it is about Inspiring, Creating and Sharing. Stampin' Up! is a very inspiring company that encourages us to give to others, as well as Inspire, Create and Share papercraft projects.

Their Statement of the Heart mission statement, reads: "To love what we do and share what we love, as we help others enjoy creativity and worthwhile accomplishments ... in this we make a difference."

To help fulfill this statement, Stampin' Up! launched its Making a Difference programme in 2003. This programme facilitates corporate giving and promotes service among demonstrators and employees. Through the Making a Difference programme, Stampin' Up! partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in the US and Canada. As a part of the 25 year celebration in 2013, Stampin’ Up! expanded the effort globally.  This is how I and other fellow demonstrators in Australia became involved. Events were organised and cards donated.

I donate cards each month to the Ronald McDonald House at Herston as this is where I hold a class to give the residents a bit of creative time and take away their worries for an hour or two. I bring enough cards and tools to make 3 cards and over the time I have been doing it I have fine tuned what I take. In the beginning it was a huge metal tote box on wheels chock full of everything that I MAY need and then got ferried home unused. Now I have it down to a fine art.

 I design my cards, pop all the card bases and layers into a large envelope, pop the sample card in the front behind a clear panel. I do this to all 3 cards.

Then I lay them on my table and see what inks, stamps and punches are required these are popped into my carry bag along with the cards.

 and of course my bag of adhesives.

First layer, done.

Last layer, done.

All set, I can't believe I spent so much time dragging around unnecessary gear "just in case".

Did you know?

Each year, Stampin' Up! design an exclusive stamp set to promote the partnership with RMHC, and donate a portion of the proceeds from the each sale of that set. To date, Stampin’ Up! has donated more than $1,000,000 USD from its RMHC stamp set sales, and with the expansion to their international markets, they hope to be able to donate even more! Check out the back of your catalogue and see what this years stamp set is and if you think you would like it, remember that $3.00 will go to RMHC.

Weekly deals 4th March - 10th March

Gosh I love Wednesdays. My card classes are on Wednesday, it is the middle of the week so we are getting over the hump and best of all the new Weekly Deals are waiting for me to ooh and aah over.

There is a great lot this week and my choice would be the Label Love Stamp Set and the Artisan Label Punch.  I have this set and it gets used constantly and the Fringe Scissors well what can I say. Use them to make flowers, grass, fringing then take them into the kitchen and chop up a few herbs. Yep, I do sometimes venture into the kitchen with my craft tools.

Also I have just noticed that the Clearance Rack has a few new things on it again. Real Red coordinations card stock $2.39 instead of $11.95, how good is that?

Artisan Label Punch - 130920

Sale: $20.96

Price: $27.95

Bermuda Bay Baker's Twine - 134575

Sale: $3.71

Price: $4.95

Crushed Curry Baker's Twine - 134586

Sale: $3.71

Price: $4.95

Epic Day Designer Washi Tape - 131269

Sale: $6.71

Price: $8.95

Fringe Scissors - 133325

Sale: $12.71

Price: $16.95

Label Love Clear Stamp Set - 130622

Sale: $25.46

Price: $33.95

Lucky You Ensemble - Digital Download - 133461

Sale: $5.37

Price: $8.95

Supply List

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

They look good don't they? If you would like to order any of these items you may go Online to my shop or email me and I can put it in for you.

The last month of Sale-a-Bration

On March 31st all the Sale a Bration rewards that we have been receiving will be gone. We have had a great start to the year with Sale-a-Bration, allowing us to fill our wish list. If you have been thinking about holding a party/workshop, now is the perfect time.

When you host a Stampin’ Up! party, I will help you arrange a night of creativity and laid-back enjoyment with your friends. The benefits go beyond girl time, too, I will bring supplies, tips, and ideas to share. This is a time to enjoy creating projects together. And not only will your friends love it, but as the hostess, you'll earn benefits also.

Let me walk you through my last party. I always like to start the night off with thanking the Hostess for allowing me to share with her all the Stampin' Up! goodies and as a thank you I make a small gift. This time I presented her with a chocolate treat.

We then spent a little time going through the Catalogues and I explained how with every $90 spent they would receive a free product. Everyone was so excited about this, so the wish lists came out. I then showed how beautifully our card and inks went together with this sweet little butterfly card using my favourite stamp set Gorgeous Grunge. This was then given to the hostess. Everything I demonstrate throughout the evening is given to the hostess. (Just another bonus to having your own party)

Now came the Make and Take. I always have a hard time deciding what everyone should make as I want them to make it ALL!  Well I finally decided to showcase our cute little Bow punch and the Free Designer Series paper from Sale-a-Bration. Isn't it just the cutest card.

My final card was created from the Hip Hip Hooray card kit. I forgot to take a photo before giving this to the hostess so here is a link to a previous post talking about it. These kits are great as not only do you make so many cards with envelopes, but you get to keep the stamp set and the ink pads and acrylic block. Well this bought me to my little surprise give away. As I already had the stamp set etc from a previous kit I decided to give this set away. I made some Scratchie cards, with one lucky winner.

 The person who scratched "WIN" received the Stamp Set, Ink pad and Acrylic block. She was very excited to be taking this home with her.

Then sadly all parties must come to an end. Orders were taken and other parties tentatively booked. Here’s the other great part about holding a party. Our Hostess Benefits programme means that when your friends order Stampin’ Up! products at your party, you earn credit toward free and discounted products too.

If you would like to hold a party in March or at any time for that matter please get in touch with me and we can get the party ball rolling!

Using bleach on cards

Yes you did read that right. Using bleach on cards is a great technique and one that I am teaching in my next class. I have been busy making up samples of what the bleach does to the colour of the card. You will see in the picture below, how some colours change dramatically where others just fade.

Looking at the top row, the Soft Suede has turned a dark yellow, the Sahara Sand has also turned yellow, but much lighter and wow look at the chocolate chip, it has completely changed to green. Such an interesting technique that I am sure you will enjoy doing. If you are interested in any of my classes you can find them all in the Events section of my Stampin' Up! website.