GLORIOUSLY GRUNGE

Anyone that knows me knows how I loved the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set that is now retired. I think there was a time when nearly every card I made had Gorgeous Grunge on it somewhere.

These are some of the projects I made over the years.

Well I have not parted with the stamp set but can see that other stamp sets can do a lovely job as well. The Gallery Grunge Stamp Set is full of unique texture. Apparently the designer of this set of background stamps found inspiration at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Boston when she noticed a herringbone pattern on the walls.
These versatile patterns can be used in two completely different ways. Beyond just background stamping, they can be used to create layers of texture in any piece.

In the thank you card sample,  all three of the stamps in different colours were used to create an elegant yet edgy aesthetic.

In the butterfly sample, the polka dot stamp was used on both the butterfly and the background to create a delicate symmetry.

If this is something you fancy adding to your stamp set collection then head on over to my Online Shop or email me and I can order it for you.

All Online shoppers receive a gift from me if they add in the Host code.
This months Host code is YCEPRGH7

Same, same done and dusted

I love when a card design can be made to look so different and yet use exactly the same stamps and embellishments.

This is what we did. All bases were Whisper White, the ink was Early Espresso and the stylised flower from the Sunshine Wishes Thinlits was used on each card.

The first card was one layer, sponged around the edge. My favourite Gorgeous Grunge stamp is used  randomly, using Early Espresso Ink, the flower was adhered and then a sentiment from the Beautiful You Stamp Set was chosen. The colour of the bow was chosen to coordinate with the DSP.

So simple, but so stylish in Pool Party.

We moved on to the next design. The top layer was dived into three panels, sponged, stamped with Gorgeous Grunge again, then assembled same as the first. The ribbon was too wide for a bow but looked great just tied in a knot. Easy ey!

This one we did in So Saffron.

We finished off with Pink Pirouette. The DSP was cut down from the short side 4cm and thethe bottom up 4cm, the bottom 2 pieces were flipped for the look I was after. The four pieces were sponged, stamped with Gorgeous Grunge again, then assembled same as the first. The four pieces could be cut to accommodate a bigger sentiment if necessary, but I found the 4cm size fits many different sentiments. The Pink Pirouette bow finished the card nicely.

Lucky last is pretty cute.

So what do you recon, same, same but different works pretty well don't you think? Use up all those gorgeous papers you have been hoarding and quickly make up a stash of cards ready to go.

If you would like to replicate these cards pop on over to my online shop and get these products sent straight to your door. (Gorgeous Grunge is no longer available, sad face)

An Arty Farty day

I have had the best day. It has been sweltering outside so I spent the day in my studio with the air con turned right up or is that down? Anyway it was nice and cool. I decided to work on the  Colour INKspiration challenge. These were the colours that we had to use.

I had in mind someone holding a bunch of balloons as I wanted to play with my new bundles from the Occasions Catalogue. I decided it should be a little girl.

She is made up of a hand drawn body and hair,  a 1" circle punch for the head and her eyes and bows are from the Owl punch. I wanted her eyes to look like buttons, I am thinking she looks a bit scarey. I might redo those eyes. What do you think, change or leave? (Added new eyes, um still not sure, leave a comment and let me know)

I then worked on another lady, this time just the face in front of a background of balloons.

First I drew the face and then painted it with the Aqua painters and a little sponging. The hair started out as one of our oval thinlits, I cut and shaped it, also painting it with the Aqua painter. I am pretty happy with how she turned out.

Then I decided on some plain and simple ones.

Before I cut out the balloon I stamped all the colours from the challenge on to Whisper White card stock. Then I cut it out with the Big Shot using the Lift Me Up Bundle.


The last one has a background of Gorgeous Grunge in every one of the colours.

Simple always looks so good, don't you think?

20% off Selected stamps

Today is the first day to purchase select stamps at 20 percent off retail. It's a deal you don't want to miss! This sale ends in just a few days on 20th November, so make sure to place your orders in on time.

Just when you say to yourself  "I do not need another stamp set" Stampin' Up! tempts us with this 20% off deal that is hard to refuse. As a Stampin' Up! demonstrator I already get 20% off all products and with this extra 20% how on earth am I going to be able to control myself?!!!

Look at these great stamp sets that Stampin Up is offering for a limited time. My favourite stamp set Gorgeous Grunge is among the group, just love that stamp set. So if you are keen to grab a bargain please let me know as soon as possible as I will put an order in on the last day of the deal.

Not sure what to make with these stamps? Check out the Pinterest Board,  Stmmpin' Up! has set up just for this purpose. Sooooo many great ideas.

September Class - Background technique

Put your hands up if you don't seem to have enough time to get everything done. I have both mine up. I seem to be chasing my tail the entire time. I have heaps of things to update you all on, so keep coming back to see what is next on our busy agenda.
This months card classes are all about background techniques. You will incorporate sponging, stamping and bleach and make three lovely cards.

This class can get quite messy so please make sure you are wearing something that you will not be concerned about getting any bleach on.

September classes – Please BYO basic tool kits and adhesives
Wednesday 11th - 10am
Wednesday 11th - 7pm
Friday 13th - 7pm

Please RSVP by email or mobile 0402441964 so that I can prepare the kits