It's nearly here!

I spent this afternoon at a Stampin' Up! Training Event and it suddenly hit me - it's only a couple of weeks to the launch of the new catalogue! That's really exciting and there are some lovely new stamp sets, fabulous punches and even some materials (yes material) that can take our crafting in so many new directions - so lots to look forward to and get excited about! However, it also means that I have lots to do to get ready for the kick off party (still a couple of places available if you'd like to join in the fun!).

I managed to get lots of swaps and photos today so I PROMISE to start putting up some photos! In the meantime, don't forget that the retirement list is available and a number of items have already sold out - so don't miss out on your favourite items.

2011/12 Catalogue Kick Off Party

Sorry I haven't got around to posting any photos as promised - but I've spent the last few evenings busily emailing out the details of our Kick Off Party for the new catalogue which is launched on 1st October. It is being held at Cate's house in Ash from 2 - 4pm. There will be two make and take projects, a goodie bag, prize draw and, of course, a new catalogue (worth £5.95) for everyone. If you would like to join in the fun, entry is just £5.00 or FREE if you place an order for £30 on the day. Places are limited and they are filling up fast - so email or phone as soon as possible to reserve your place.

September Sale

Hi Everyone

I know it's been a little while since I last posted on my blog - I decided to take a break over the summer as we were away for most of it! However, I haven't been taking a break from crafting! I even took projects to France to work on! I've had a great time, researching some new ideas and techniques and planning some classes for the Autumn. I will be posting pictures and class lists over the next few days.

Anyway - to the main news!

Stampin Up have released their list of retired items - yipee! For those of you new to Stampin Up, in preparation for the new catalogue launch in October, Stampin Up retire a number of products in September and there can be some real bargains to be had! (Click on the link on the side to see the full list). I'm sad to see some of my real favourites go - but I am looking forward to seeing all the new goodies in October.

If you fancy getting any of the retiring products - don't hang around because once they've gone... Email or phone me asap and I will endeavour to get orders in as soon as possible so that you don't miss out.

That's all for now - but lots to follow!

Hannah's Card

Yet again my blog has decided to post this sideways - You'll just have to bend to see it!





Anyway - as I said I am having a bit of a bright moment and here is another card that is way outside of my usual style! Hannah is my niece, and it was her birthday recently. She has been making cards for a little while and absolutely loves owls - so it only seemd right that I use owls for her card. I didn't have a lot of time - but I hope she likes it!





I'm finding that I am using my alphabet stamps quite a lot recently. It's fun to pesonalise your cards a bit more and it adds a certain quirky (less straight laced) feel. It doesn't all have to be quite so straight and precise - quite liberating in a way - do have a go - it's fun!

Daniel's Card

My sister -in -law recently gave birth to a baby boy - and we're all very excited about him. She had to have IVF treatment, so we've been with her on her long journey to becoming a mum. Even then he wasn't in a hurry to appear - over 10 days late and finally had to be extracted by C section! So I didn't feel that a "traditional" baby card would be right and set my mind to creating something a little different. This took me out of my comfort zone and in to the world of brights! It felt right that my little "monster" should be exploding from the card and this was the feel that I tried to create with the folded paper "window". I was really pleased with the result (even though it isn't perfect!) and love the colours. Perhaps I will be experimenting more with these from now on!





I do hope my sister in law still has her sense of humour!

This is the inside of the card! Not that I'm saying his parents are aliens - you could just as easily say it's a picture of Tim and myself! Anyway - it made Tim laugh when he saw it - and as it's his sister I guess he gave his approval!

This was a card that I made for one of my recent classes. I've used some of my favourite colours and techniques. I love the combination of pumpkin pie and rose red - there's something about it that just works so well. i used these two colours, along with some daffodit delight to shade a piece of very vanilla card - before I roughly stamped my flowers. i could have used my stamp-a-ma- jig to line them up accurately - but somehow I don't think it matters with this particular set. I finished off the card with a butterfly from the beautiful wings embosslits folder (usinf paper form the Sweet n' Sour DSP) and a couple of rinestones.

It was only then that I thought of adding a greeting! So I quickly matched up a piece of card and stamped a greeting which was punched with the modern label punch. It's not quite where I would have placed it - but I think it works OK.

Anyway I will be back in a few days with another card that I've made. I can't wait to show you the card I made for my new nephew - but I can't post it yet in case his mum sees it before it arrives!