Monday, October 26, 2009

My blog is moving…..

I have decided to move my blog over to Wordpress, revamp it and my website and also host it on my website.

So all posts after this one will now be posted to http://nicolestalker.com.au/blog/ so if you are a regular visitor of have my blog bookmarked you will need to update your link.

If you go visit the new blog you will see I’ve gone with a colour change although I’m still to update the rest of my website but that will be done over the next few days. There is still some tweaking to do but all should go smoothly with any luck.

 

Happy stamping

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Saturday, October 24, 2009

It’s on again!!!!

What’s on again??

Our Giant Craft Sale.

Back in May we had our 1st Giant Craft Sale and it was such a success we decided to hold another. We’ve cleaned out our cupboards even more and will have lots of Craft Goodies that need to find new homes. There will be stamps,both Stampin’ Up!(retired of course) and other brands, scrapbooking supplies, ribbons, embellishments and lots, lots more. We will also be selling handmade cards & gifts which will be perfect for Christmas.

Everything will be priced to sell, so come along and grab a bargain! We’ll also have some Lucky Door Prizes to be won.

WHEN: Saturday 24th October

TIME: 9am – 1pm

WHERE: The Church Hall
Blacktown East Presbyterian Church
Cnr Heffron Road & Gallop Grove, Lalor Park

Hope to see you there.

Nikki



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Friday, October 23, 2009

Embrace Life

Here’s another set that I haven’t inked in ages but I also decided to play with some retired colours.

I’m using that layout again that I’m really liking at the moment and did create 3 cards but I’ve already given one away and didn’t realise my photo hadn’t downloaded to my computer correctly so I can only share 2 of them with you. I might just have to recreate the other again….

Just briefly about computers, it seems mine is finally fixed and working correctly (I’m touching wood while typing this so I don’t jinx myself) and it turns out to have just been an updated driver required for my Vista laptop. I’m sure the company wish they had of tried this first before replacing USB’s, RAM and a Graphics Card. Oh well I guess that’s for all the problems I had to put up with……

So back to the cards.

I pulled out my retired Ginger Blossom DSP and some River Rock and Groovy Guava cardstock from last years In Colors to make these. I love this years but I still miss last years and seeing how I still have plenty in my stash I guess I should use some of it.

This card was actually the second card I made. Card 1 was the one I gave away.

Card 2

For this card I’ve started out with a base of Ruby Red, scallop edged a piece of River Rock and then added some Ginger Blossom DSP in a Groovy Guava print onto the River Rock as shown. This was then is adhered to the main card.

Next I created my Scallop Edge Medallions in River Rock and a slightly smaller one in Ruby Red. This is layered onto the main card using Stampin’ Dimensionals. I’ve then stamped the flower onto Watercolor Paper using Stazon Jet Black ink and watercolored using an Aqua Painter and inkpads in Groovy Guava & Ruby Red. I have then cut out the flower, used a white gel pen on the stamens, added a white half back pearl to the centre and attached to the medallion using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

The final step was to stamp the sentiment onto watercolour paper using Stazon Jet Black and punch out with the Word Window Punch. I’ve daubered the edges with River Rock and again attached to the card using Stampin’ Dimensionals.

 

 

The next card is the same layout just using a different piece of Ginger Blossom DSP and changing the colours.

 

Card 1

 

So for this one I started out with a Groovy Guava base and used Ruby Red for the scallop edge piece.

The medallion is Ruby Red and Groovy Guava. I coloured the flower image again using the Aqua Painter and inkpads this time using Groovy Guava, Cameo Coral and Ruby Red. The stamens have been coloured with a Ruby Red marker and I’ve added a vanilla half backed pearl to the centre this time as the DSP has more of a cream feel than a white.

The sentiment is done the same again but this time I daubered the edges with Ruby Red.

 

 

 

 

So do you miss last years In Colours? Maybe you have some left too and hopefully I’ve inspired you to play with them again. Feel free to leave a comment and a link to your latest creation using some retired items.

 

Happy Stamping
Nikki



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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Friends 24-7

This stamp set was one of the first I had to have when the new IB&C came out in April. I think it had more to do with the fact that I loved the coordinating wheel but I did like the stamp set too. Unfortunately it hasn’t been used all that often. Another wonderful thing about this set is it’s one of Shelli’s Signature Collection sets which are new this year.

So seeing how I hadn’t used it much I decided it need to be inked up again. I love the sample cards in the IB&C for it so decided to recreate something along those lines but make it my own too.

I ended up making 4 cards very similar looking, 2 portrait orientation and 2 in landscape orientation, and changing the sentiments.

Set 1

The colours I’ve used are Kraft, Close to Cocoa, Baja Breeze and Whisper White.  I really like to softness to these cards.

Here they all are individually for a closer look. 

Set 1 - Card 1                     Set 1 - Card 2

 

Set 1 - Card 3    Set 1 - Card 4

           

Supplies:
Stamp sets: Friends 24-7, Oval All, En Francais
Card: Kraft, Close To Cocoa, Whisper White, Baja Breeze Patterns DSP
Ink: Close to Cocoa & Old Olive Markers, Versamark & Baja Breeze inkpads
Accessories: Whisper White Taffeta ribbon, Scallop Oval, Scallop Circle, Large Oval, 1 3/8” & 1 1/4” Circle Punches, Matt Pack and piercer, Button Latte Designer Buttons, Sponge Dauber, Stampin’ Dimentionals, Hemp Twine.

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Family Birthdays Part 3

This is the last October family birthday I have to share with you. As I mentioned yesterday this time it is for my step-mother.

On Saturday 3rd October I held my World Card Making Day event. You may recall those that attended made a Chocolate Holder and a matching little handbag which contained 3 love note cards and envelopes.  Well I ended up with 3 sets in total, my original sample and then 1 each from the 2 sessions I had. I decided to use 1 set as part of my step-mothers gift. I had also purchased her a Gift Card so made a matching gift card holder and then of course I needed something to package it all in.

Here’s a picture of all the items.

Lyn's Birthday Gifts

 

This is the box all finished ready to present.

Lyn's Birthday Box

I made a little gift card to match and wrapped in Baja Breeze ribbon. I decided to use the reverse side of the dsp on the sides of the box just like in the chocolate holder I wrapped the chocolates in alternate sides.

Lyn's Birthday Box 2

My step-mother was wrapped. At first she wasn’t going to open it till her birthday but as my girls hadn’t seen the gift card holder yet she opened it. Then it all went back in and ribbon tied up again ready for her to open on her birthday.

Well that’s it for family birthdays for now. I do have a few others before Christmas but most of those will just be cards which I’m sure you will see when they are done.

I’m on a bit of a roll at the moment so hopefully it will keep up and I’ll be posting a lot more regularly. I have a few more posts lined up for this week already and if Monday went as planned with getting the house back in order now that school has gone back I hopefully have created more to share with you.

Don’t forget if you are within driving distance to Lalor Park we are having another Giant Craft Sale this Saturday with lots of bargains. I’ll be clearing out my Carl punches, Punch tool, some scrapbook paper holders, storage draws and lots, lots more.

Till next time…..

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Monday, October 19, 2009

Family Birthdays Part 2.

Next Saturday is my dad’s birthday and I wanted to make a little something for him. I always struggle making things for males as it’s not something I do all that often. I found a wonderful project from UStamp Fall 09 which I thought would be perfect for him.

The Windsor Knot DSP pack is ideal for male items and I was really happy with how this turned out. The image is from the Pun Fun stamp set (thanks Leonie) and the sentiment is a retired Rub-on.

 

Dad's Birthday Gift

and the inside looks like this….

Dad's Birthday gift open

I haven’t known my dad to drink coffee so I’ve put in hot chocolate sachets with some Ferrero Rocher Chocolates. I actually gave this to him last Thursday went we went to visit (my dad lives 2 hours drive away) and found out he does drink coffee but only 1 a day. At least I know for next time. 

I wanted to make his birthday card to coordinate so have again used the same patterns from the Windsor Knot DSP pack but chose to use the Party Hearty stamp set. I’ve created faux brads by punching out 3 chocolate chip 1/4” punches (retired) and then adding some Crystal Effects over the top. Now I really should have used the new 5/16” chocolate chip brads available in the Spring Mini Catalogue till 30th November (Neutrals pack) but I’d already adhered the DSP to the front of the card and didn’t want to have the brads showing on the inside of the card.

Dad's Birthday Card

It’s a pretty simple card but I think it went well with the gift and he liked it which is the main thing. I also bought a t-shirt to go with this handmade gift.

 

Dad's Birthday Gift & Card

I mentioned my dad’s birthday is next Saturday 24th, well it’s his wife’s, my wonderful step-mothers birthday on the 27th. Tomorrow I’ll show you the gift I gave her last week. Some of it you have seen but I’ve expanded with a few more coordinating items.

See you tomorrow.

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Sunday, October 18, 2009

Family Birthdays Part 1

I hope you have all enjoyed seeing the wonderful Secret Sister gifts that I received and also those I sent to my Secret Sister over the last 2 weeks or so. I really wish I could share my recent items I made for this new round of Secret Sister but alas they will have to wait till January so I don’t spoil my Secret Sisters surprise just in case she happens to visit my blog and see them.

I do however have some things to show you over the next few days and that is items I’ve made for recent or upcoming family birthdays.

The first one will be my 2nd daughter’s birthday which was today and she turned 11. The birthday girl, Courtney, loves the colour blue. I made her lolly boxes just like I made for 2 of her sisters back in September but instead of being pink hers were blue. Baja Breeze to be exact.

 

Courtney's Lolly Boxes

 

Don’t they look great. And guess what? One of her friends didn’t show (we hadn’t received a reply so we weren’t real sure either way) but I’d made one just in case. You know the way it works. If I didn’t make one she would have come so I thought I’d be prepared. But don’t worry it wasn’t wasted, I got one……lol

I’m so glad Marelle Taylor shared the instructions for these Seven’s Boxes as I have now used them for 3 of my girls birthdays now. My other daughters birthday was back in May and I made her little handbags designed by Makeesha Byl.

Guess what? I also made her card before her birthday. Well I guess technically it wasn’t but it was before she woke up…..hahaha. I had a late night/early morning (2:15am bed) finishing off the lolly boxes, wrapping her presents and making her card. However, I was determined to have them all done before I went to bed so then I didn’t have to rush around in the morning.

Would you like to see her card?

Again I followed the Blue theme and also used the Great Friend stamp set. I’m really going to miss this set when the Spring Mini end at the end of November. I truly hope it makes it into the next big IB&C in September 2010 but it will be a long wait to find out.

 

Courtney's Bday card

I’ve used Not Quite Navy as my base card, some Walk in the Park DSP which is a Baja Breeze print and for the 3rd colour I went with Whisper White.

I can’t remember where I saw this layout but I really like it at the moment and the double layer Scallop Edge Medallion really sets the card off. I’ve been meaning to try this for a while and last month Kirrily Matthews took some great Christmas Cards using this to Marelle Taylor’s team meeting for show & tell.  After seeing her cards I knew I had to give it a go sooner rather than later. I had already printed the SCS tutorial to do this but had put it aside until Kirrily’s reminder.

If you pop back tomorrow I’ll show you what I made for my dad’s birthday which is next Saturday.

 

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Saturday, October 17, 2009

What did I receive…..September Part 3

As the end of the month was drawing near and other participants where thanking their Sisters I was getting very anxious. I’d received all my items and wanted to thank my Sister. I asked on group for her to please let me know but no replies.

Well I found out why a day or 2 later.

It was because of this.

Card 3 & Gift 2

My wonderful, generous and very creative Secret Sister had one more parcel on it’s way to me.

Isn’t it gorgeous. If you’ve read my blog before now you might remember that the Raspberry Tart DSP is one of, if not, my favourite DSP pack in the current IB&C and my new favourite stamp set is of course ‘Great Friend’ from the Spring Mini.

So would you like to know what I received? I’ll go clockwise again starting from the front.

A Days-to-remember calendar for me to decorate, on top of that is a lovely crystal handmade angel (which my girls have already informed me could go on our Christmas Tree this year…..lol),  a lovely card purse which inside contained the personalised Post-It Note holder (also the Angel and card where packaged in there too), then up the back is another wonderful bag which when you untie the ribbon the front and back fold down to reveal a little box which contained 2 little christmas cross-stitch kits (super idea and must make sure I get them both done before Christmas), next is that gorgeous box (there’s a close up of that coming) which inside contained some SU product including ribbons, clips, heat & stick powder, dazzling diamonds, Stampin Dimensionals and a Quickie Glue Pen, then there is the card. I love how Kylie used the leaf stem to create the background and I also love how she used half backed pearls on the butterflies.

Here’s a close-up of the gorgeous box with the paper ruffle.

Gift box scallop ruffle

Isn’t that gorgeous. I’ll be trying this out soon.

So that’s it for all the wonderful items I received. I was totally spoilt beyond any expectations. If you are reading this Kylie, thank you so much for being a fabulous Secret Sister. I sure hope I get to meet you in person one day to thank you properly. Maybe Convention 2010????

Now even though I’ve shared all the items I sent and those that I received I will have something else to show you tomorrow and hopefully on a more regular basis too.

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Friday, October 16, 2009

What did I receive……September Part 2

Today is what I thought was my final card and item for the swap. Kylie had met all her requirements and now I just had to wait for the reveal as it didn’t happen in this card. Boy waiting to find out was hard. I so wanted to personally thank Kylie for being such a wonderful Secret Sister.

I so love this card and never would have thought to do this.

Card 2

 

Hopefully you can see all that sparkle over the card. Isn’t it wonderful. It looks even better in person. I really love the colours used too which are Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip and Pumpkin Pie.  I haven’t played with this set in so long I really should pull it out again. I’ve definitely been playing with my Dazzling Diamonds more of late though.

Until tomorrow….

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Thursday, October 15, 2009

What did I receive…..September Part 1

As you have seen by the last few days Kylie is such a talented lady and this month is certainly no different.

My first item to arrive for September was another large parcel. This was my final gift with only a card to follow. Well so I thought…… To me I’d already received the $ requirement in my gift for August so all I was anticipating for September was handmade items.

Well I certainly received that. Look at this wonderful array.

September Gift & Card

Clockwise from front left: A handmade heart pin cushion which says ‘Home made is best’, Chocolate Holder (which I CASED and posted here), little box containing 3 love notes (card shown) and envelopes (another item I’ve CASED here for World Card Making Day) a gorgeous decorated shopping list pad (that’s what I’ll be using it as anyway) and pen, and finally the card.

Don’t you just love how Kylie has coordinated everything to make such a fantastic gift. Obviously seeing that I have already CASED two of the items I was very very happy to have received this. Seriously though who wouldn’t love to receive something like this??

I’ll let you in on a little secret….. There’s 2 more posts to go.

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

What did I receive….August Part 2

My final item for August was another gorgeous card using the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set along with ….. you guessed it, some Kiwi Kiss.

Card 4

If you haven’t seen this style of card before it’s called a Criss-Cross card. If you pull out the insert by the little Kiwi Kiss tab you will see this….

Card 4 open

 

If I haven’t already said so, I’m so glad I went in this swap and of course that Kylie was my Secret Sister. I not only received lovely items just for me but it’s given me lots of inspiration too.

See you tomorrow…..

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Tuesday, October 13, 2009

What did I receive….August Part 1

On the day this arrived my parcel delivery man arrived just before I went in to pick my girls up from school so I had to put this rather large box aside till I came back home. I was so excited when opening it up and my girls were all standing around eagerly watching too.

I’ve mentioned we filled out questionnaires but there were only so many questions and I didn’t really fill out a whole story for each answer but Kylie really picked well with this next colour scheme as my favourite of the ‘orange’ would have to be Pumpkin Pie and my favourite ‘pink’ is definitely Regal Rose.

Gift 2 & Card 3

What do you think? Isn’t this just wonderful.

What did I receive? The lovely decorated cellophane bag contained some Petal Punches, Flower Fusions, Ribbon, Filigree & Flower Designer Brads. This was in the box at the back along with a couple of Whisper White Greeting Cards and Envelopes tied with some more Regal Rose ribbon and also the ‘Three Little Words’ stamp set. Then of course there is the Chocolate Slider and coordinating card.

Was I spoilt, or what???

See you tomorrow for some more of Kylie’s items.

 

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Monday, October 12, 2009

What did I receive…..July Part 2

The second and final card for July is just as lovely as the first. This time Kylie used some of the Flower Fusion II felt flowers which I must admit to having but still not used. (Note to self – use them…..)

Card 2

This is a simple but very effective card. Maybe I should just CASE Kylie’s……

I was very happy with the items I received for July but it gets even better. Pop back tomorrow to see what I received next.

 

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Sunday, October 11, 2009

What did I receive…..July Part 1

I can finally reveal that my wonderful Secret Sister was Kylie Robinson. Kylie was such a generous Secret Sister and I sure hope she had a wonderful partner too. I was spoilt rotten by Kylie and I’m about to show you, over the next week all the wonderful items she made and sent to me.

I first package was a card and gift. Kylie was told that one of my favourite stamp sets was Fifth Avenue Floral and that I loved Kiwi Kiss. Well she used both to these in this lovely card.

July Card 1

 

Along with this gorgeous card Kylie sent this lovely little handbag which doubles as a Post-It Note holder.

 

Gift 1

Isn’t this just gorgeous. Kylie has used the Faux Alligator technique (one I must try soon) on this item along with a Filigree Designer Brad and some Clear Rhinestone Brads.

Tomorrow I’ll share the 2nd gorgeous card I received for July.

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Saturday, October 10, 2009

September Part 2

 

September Gift & Card

 

This was the last gift and card I sent to my Secret Sister in which I revealed who I was. I have used the lovely Sweet Always DSP, coordinating cardstock, ribbon, etc along with the Always stamp set. Not Bold Brights but still reasonably bright and cheery in real life.

 

September Gift inside

 

Inside the box was some Darrell Lea Chocolate Bullets, 3 Embossing Powders, a mixture of the new Flower & Filigree Designer Brads and a few more samples of ribbon this time the 1/4” grosgrain.

The box is one of Becky Roberts wonderful tutorials which I altered a little to suit my needs.

 

 

 

 

And here’s a closer look at the card:

September Card 2

The sentiment used on this card is from the ‘Taking Care of Business’ stamp set. 

 

Well that’s it for my cards & gifts I sent my Secret Sister for Round One. I have signed up again for Round Two which is from October – December so once the reveal is done in December I’ll share the Round Two items with you.

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Friday, October 9, 2009

September Part 1

As this was the final month for the Secret Sister swap I sent a card first and then the final card & gift for the reveal.

For this card I used a stamp set I hadn’t played with yet called ‘Playful Petals’. I was really happy with this card and I even managed to use Bold Bright colours.

Card 1

The colours I’ve used are from the Colour Coach again. This time using Pink Passion, Lavender Lace, Green Galore & Brocade Blue. I’ve also used a Rhinestone Brad for the centre, layered the flower and also added some Dazzling Diamonds on the dotted part of the main flower centre.

 

Here’s a closer look:

Card 1 close up

 

 

So do you think I’m getting better with the Bold Brights?

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Thursday, October 8, 2009

August Part 2

My second card and final item for August I used Bold Brights and the wonderful Great Friend stamp set from the current Spring Mini Catalogue. The card is a CASE of one of Marelle Taylors cards we did at a recent team meeting. I loved the layout of this card.

August Card 2

I’ve actually made this card in a few combinations and even though I’m not a ‘Bold Brights’ person I was very happy with this card.  

 

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Wednesday, October 7, 2009

July Card 2

Well I’ve gotten out of order as I thought I’d already posted this card. Never mind I’m sure you’re just happy to see things.

This was the second card I sent for July. I used one of my Secret Sisters favourite stamp sets called Flight of the Butterfly. I have used a colour combination for this one and not used any Bold Brights.

July Card 2

 

 

 

 

The colours I’ve used are Mellow Moss, Regal Rose, So Saffron and Brocade Blue. The Regal Rose DSP is from the Level 1 Hostess set Patterns Pack II DSP.

I wasn’t 100% happy with this card but I’m not sure if it was because it was out of my normal ‘comfort’ zone or not. I wouldn’t normally pick these colours to go together but it was a combination from the Colour Coach so I gave it a go.

 

 

 

 

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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August Part 1

In August I sent my gift first again. My Secret Sister had mentioned that Ribbon was something she was lacking in so I decided to send her some to play with. For presentation I decided to use one of the DVD tins I had purchased a little while back and was yet to put to use.

I mentioned how my Secret Sister liked Bold Brights so I chose to use the Raspberry Tart DSP. There is only Real Red from Bold Brights in this DSP but it is nice a bright so I was hoping she would like it. I also used Sweet Stems and Basic Phrases stamp sets.

August Gift front

 

 

       This is the front of the decorated DVD tin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August gift inside

 

and this is the inside.

The left side contains a length of each of the Taffeta ribbons and the right side has a length of each of the 1/2” Striped Grosgrain Ribbons.

This is the coordinating card that was sent along with it.

 

 

 

 

 

August Card 1 Sweet Stems 1

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Saturday, October 3, 2009

You may have guessed….

that I finally have my regular computer back after 2 weeks of being in for repairs. This time they replaced not only what they determined the error to be but also an extra part just in case. They didn’t want me having to take it back yet again. So far so good but I’m still going to cross fingers, toes, legs, etc for a few more days.

What will this mean?

Hopefully some more regular posting and also now that the Secret Sister Swap I was in for the last 3 months is over and the reveal is done I have all my items I made for that to share with you.

The swap rules were that each month (July, August & September) we had to send at least 2 cards and 1 handmade gift with the final month being a gift containing some SU supplies as it was run only with fellow Australian Demonstrators.

I had a wonderful Secret Sister and I’ve shared the odd thing with you that I have CASED from her items she sent me. I do know who it was and will email her to see if she is sharing these on her blog and/or whether she is okay with my sharing them here of course giving her full credit.

At the start of the swap we received a questionnaire which we completed and sent back to the organiser who then forwarded them to our partner. This gave us some information about the stamp sets, SU colour family they liked along with some other information. Now my partner was a challenge in regards to colour family as her favourite was Bold Brights and if you have been reading my blog for a little while you will know that it is my least used colour family. At first I stressed about this but in the end decided to just go with what I liked but try and make things bright (using other colours or mixing them) and using some of her favourite stamp sets too.

I won’t be showing you everything in one post otherwise what would I show you tomorrow and the day after…..lol So I will spread them out over the next week or so.

As we had no particular order in which we had to send (i.e. we didn’t have to send Card 1 and then Card 2 and gift) I decided to make my first item a card & handmade gift.

When sending my gifts I coordinated the cards using dsp, cardstock, ribbons, etc.

This was the first card I sent:

July Card 1

 

 

With this card I used a Mojo Monday Sketch, one of my SS favourite stamp sets (Priceless) and I have used Real Red, Kiwi Kiss and Pink Pirouette cardstock & inkpads. A Real Red brad and some Real Red grosgrain ribbon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along with the card I sent this gift:

July Gift front 

 

This is one of Lauren Meader’s Timeless Templates called Lolli-Pop Along. There are no lollipops in mine so the insert is just a base and for the cover I have used Vellum and wheeled the So Swirly Jumbo wheel using Whisper White Craft Ink over it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a side view:

July Gift side

 

 

Inside is of course my gift. My gift for this month was a jar of Embossing Powder (something on my SS wish list) and a handmade Post-It Note holder.

July Gift Post-It Note holder

Tomorrow I’ll show you card 2 for July.

 

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Friday, October 2, 2009

Bored Children???

I don’t know about you but I don’t often recall as a child saying I was bored. The few toys I had would keep me occupied and as I got older I would keep myself busy by reading, listening to music, playing with friends, having fun outside roller skating or playing at the park, knitting or some other craft.

Why is it that our children have so much more than we did but they can still come out with the “I’m bored” comment? Is it just me or do your children do this too?

Well I heard this comment from a few of my girls ( I have 4 of them) last Sunday so I gave them something to do.

Scrap punchies

Jayne Mercer posted a message on her blog on the 8th September about how she and some of her team have started volunteering at Play Therapists at Westmead Children’s Hospital. On her last visit one of the staff was punching out shapes for the children to use in their art activities. Jayne asked if they could use some punched shapes which of course the answer was YES so now Jayne has put the word out to readers of her blog and fellow demonstrators to see if they can also help with this.

So as you can see by the picture above my ‘BORED’ girls went to work with my scrap cardstock and some punches (both SU and some old Carl punches) and we ended up with this bag full of different shapes to donate. I did help too but most of them stayed at it and I think for the next 1 1/2 – 2 hours there were no bored comments.

If you can assist with this also it would be much appreciated I’m sure. You can either send your donation of punched shaped directly to Jayne (her address is in her post mentioned above) or you can forward them to myself and I will hand deliver them to Jayne on November 21st when I catch up with her at Stampin’ Up Regionals. If you would like to send them through to me my address is 134 Frederick Street, Lalor Park NSW 2147. If you are local then feel free to drop them off.

P.S. I will be selling off my Carl and non-SU punches at the next Giant Craft Sale on 24th October so if you are after some punch bargains be there early.

 

Happy Punching,

Nikki



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Saturday, September 26, 2009

Christmas Ornaments

Jayne Mercer recently posted a Kusudama Ball she had made using the Bella Rose DSP which reminded me that I had seen them done previous years using Christmas Papers. Now I’m usually not a folded paper sort of person but I have Christmas DSP from previous years that has now retired and I thought this would be a great way to use some (if not all) of it up.

So far I’ve made 2 using some of the Holiday Thyme DSP. Yes that’s right. It’s from 2 years ago. The ribbon is also Cranberry Crisp Double Stitched. So glad I kept some of that too now.

 

Kusudama 1

 

 

Here’s the 1st one:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kusudama 2

 

 

and of course this is the 2nd one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m really happy how they turned out and they are really quite easy. I think the hardest part is gluing the 2 halves together.

 

On another note, I hope to be posting more regularly later next week. Yes I know I keep saying this but my laptop is back in again (and has been for the last 10 days) for repairs and I so hope they phone and say it’s ready in the earlier part of the week. You don’t realise how much you rely on computers until they aren’t around and having this computer in another room than my craft room makes it harder to do some things. I’d also like it all set back up before school breaks up on Friday for 2 weeks. Not how I really want to spend school holidays.



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Monday, September 21, 2009

World Card Making Day

 

What is World Card Making Day?

World Card Making Day is a holiday especially for the card makers around the world to:

  • Celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family.
  • Kick off (and get a head start on) the holiday card-making season.

When is it?

The first Saturday of October every year, a great time to start the holiday card-making (if you haven’t already done so), which makes it the most popular time for creating and sharing handmade greetings.

Who is it for?

Card-makers worldwide, from beginners to more experienced, retailers & manufacturers. Anyone who loves to make and create.

Why have World Card Making Day?

It is a day to gather with friends and family and share their common interest in card-making while inspiring and motivating each other.

How do we celebrate World Card Making Day?

Well that’s where I come into it. I will be holding a World Card Making Day event at my home in Lalor Park NSW and you’re invited.

When: Saturday 3rd October
Where: Lalor Park NSW (full address will be supplied upon booking)
Time: 2pm – 5pm or 7pm - 10pm
Cost: $15
Bookings are essential and required by Sunday 27th September. You can book by emailing me or phone on 0418 218 467
Tea, Coffee, Cakes & Biscuits will be provided.

 

Would you like to see what we will be making? It won’t be Christmas Cards but still great gift ideas.

Full set

If you saw my previous post you will recognise the item on the left but I’ve glittered the Butterfly this time. The item on the right holds 3 of the cards shown and envelopes. All materials are supplied including the required chocolate.

So if you’d like to come along and make these items please email or phone me asap to reserve your spot.

Nikki



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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Mmmm….Chocolate…..

Don’t we all love Chocolate??

Of course I do and this month I received another fabulous gift from my Secret Sister and one of them contained Chocolate. This month we find out who our Sisters were and then as long as I receive her okay I will share her wonderful gifts here for you all to see. They are all just gorgeous and I couldn’t have asked for a better Secret Sister and hope she had as great a partner as I did.

So back to the Chocolate that I received. It wasn’t so much that I received Chocolate but the way it was presented. From the front it looks like a card but when you open it up it displays the Chocolate which was all individually wrapped to match the rest of the card. Now the chocolate used for this was the Cadbury 8 Moments which I found is very hard to find but I managed and purchased what was left as I’m going to make these up for some gifts I need over the next month.

So I sat down on Sunday and went to work making up a template to recreate this wonderful idea. I chose to use the Walk in the Park DSP and coordinating colours along with the Great Friend stamp set from the Spring Mini catalogue. I really love this set and it’s funny as I nearly didn’t purchase it because I’d not long since purchased the Flight of the Butterfly set so figured I had enough butterflies. So glad I changed my mind as I use it all the time.

So would you like to see what I’ve been talking about?

Here’s the front:

Great Friend 8 Moments Chocolate Holder

and now for the inside:

Great Friend 8 Moments Chocolate Holder inside

Isn’t this a fabulous idea?

Don’t forget to check back soon as hopefully I’ll be able to share the one I received or at least supply a link to my Secret Sisters blog/website where she has posted to share.  

Happy Stamping

Nikki



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Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Birthdays have started.

A large part of my family seem to all have been born after September. There are 8 of us that celebrate birthdays born between January – August and then 12 that are from September – December. I’ve just worked out that it would be even if one of my sisters and her family celebrated and even if I worked on January – June and July – December. Never realised that before as it just seems that once my eldest daughter has her birthday it all starts happening. I guess it doesn’t help when my youngest has her birthday 2 days after my eldest either…..

So last weekend, yes it was also Fathers’ Day, my eldest and youngest both had a combined birthday party. My eldest’s Birthday actually fell on Fathers’ Day this year and my youngest was the Tuesday. We just had a small party at home with only a few friends each and it was nice. My eldest is 14 and in her second year at High School so it’s always nice to meet her friends as you don’t have that same association with the High School as you do with Primary. She was allowed to invite 5 friends which turned out to be 3 boys and 2 girls. 2 of the boys we already knew and they are all just friends (or so they tell us…..) so it was a fun afternoon for them all. The weather was great so they ended up playing some ball games, darts and a few other things. My youngest turned 8 and invited 3 of her friends and they just played Polly Pocket most of the time until they decided to go out and play in the cubby house and on the trampoline. We also had a pinata which as anyone with children would know, they love. Not sure if it’s the bashing the pinata they enjoy or just the lollies that come out when they have cracked it open.

As it was a pretty laid back party I wanted to make some lolly containers for them to take with them. Unfortunately I didn’t snap a picture of the ones I made for the boys (they’re probably in the bin by now too) but I did manage to take one of the girls.

Lolly Box            Lolly Box tag

I’ve used my favourite stamp set from the Spring Mini Catalogue called Great Friends and on the tag I have used Heat & Stick powder with Dazzling Diamonds to jazz it up for the girls. The boys boxes where done in Baja Breeze and I’d stamped the surfer from the Seaworthy set and they didn’t have a tag.  These boxes are the Sevens Box that Marelle Taylor shared a tutorial for on her blog not too long ago. I’ve added a clear window on mine using a Transparency sheet and also included little tabs on the top side panel pieces to support my lid.

I was rather slack and didn’t make my girls Birthday cards, and don’t think I have for a few years now which is rather shameful to admit considering what I do….. My girls complained this year, which they had every right to do, so even though they are late I finally made them both a card today. I decided to use the latest Stamping411 Sketch and the Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set.

My eldest loves purple and my youngest doesn’t really have a favourite (or so she tells me…) so I created these cards for them.

For my eldest

Crazy for Cupcakes 5

and for my youngest

Crazy for Cupcakes 4

On the card for my youngest I’ve added Crystal Effects to the balloon.

I hope they like them and I must remember to make sure I make them all Birthday Cards from now on and on time.

Supplies: All supplies by Stampin’ Up unless specified


Lolly Box
Stamp Set: Great Friend
Card: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Versamark
Accessories: Heat & Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop, 1 3/8” & 1 1/4” Circle punches, Linen Thread, Pop-up Glue Dots, Transparency Sheet (non-SU)

Card 1
Stamp set: Crazy for Cupcakes, Polka Dot
Card: Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace, Pretty in Pink, Watercolour Paper
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace, Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, Stazon Black
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin’ Dimensionals.

Card 2
Stamp set: Crazy for Cupcakes
Card: Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa, Watercolour Paper, Candy Lane DSP
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Stazon Black
Accessories: Crystal Effects, Aqua Painter, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Stampin’ Dimensionals.



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