JAI 117 - Colour Challenge

This week at Just Add Ink, we have, what I thought was the hardest colour challenge ever!   Take a look

Looks pretty inoccuous but, boy, did I struggle with this.  It was SO hard to pair these colours together.  When I found something that would work with one, it would look awful with the other.  I think I went through 2 sheets of cardstock before I found a stamp set that I thought worked with them.  What do you think?

I really like how it turned out, and I finally used this set, which I really love, but hadn't used since I bought it.  The big and little circles (I guess that's what you'd call them) are stamped in So Saffron and the middle sized ones are stamped in Daffodil Delight.  The sentiment panel is Daffodil Delight, with the sentiment embossed in white EP.  I used a bit of bling to highlight the centres.

Make sure you check out what the rest of the DT have come up with - they didn't stuggle like I did and there are some beautiful cards for your inspiration.

Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted
Stamps:  Happiest Birthday Wishes, Spot Dot (PTI)
Ink:  So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Ink (Ranger)
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Accessories:  Heat Tool, White Embossing Powder, Basic Jewels - Rhinestones

ColourQ 135

Hi

Back again this week for ColourQ challenge 135.  Aren't these colours sweet together?

When I saw them, I knew exactly what I was going to do.  Take a look

It hasn't turned out quite as cute as I imagined it in my head, but I'm pleased with it none the less.  I've had this set for awhile now but hadn't gotten around to using it.  The balloons were pretty easy to cut out, and the saffron one is popped up on a double layer of dimensionals.

Well, I'm off - it's been one of those days and I've still got 101 things to get done.

Thanks for visiting

Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

Stamps:  Up, Up & Away

Ink:  So Saffron, Ruby Red, Pool Party, Early Espresso

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Big Shot, In the Meadow Die (PTI)

Colour Q 134 Challenge

Afternoon

For some time now I have wanted to play along with the Colour Q Challenges for quite some time but it has just never worked out.  After a bit of tidying in the studio last night, I decided to see when this week's challenge closed, and as it turned out, I still had time to play along.

This is the colour combo for this week

And this is what I came up with

I used my new Apothocary Art set and the coordinating Labels Collection framelit.  I used my blender pen to colour the flowers using Calyspo Coral and Pumpkin Pie inks, the main image and sentiment are stamped using Bravo Burgandy - I think this is the 2nd time I've used it in 6 years.  The sentiment is from a PTI Anniversary set - Round and Round.  The background has been stamped using PTI's Background Basics - Tin Types using Pool Party ink.

I know it's really simple but I really like  how it has turned out.  And now I have realised that if I can make it down to the studio on a Saturday night, I can play along with Colour Q more often - yay!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you are enjoying your weekend.

Supplies Used - All Stampin' Up! unless noted otherwise
Stamps:  Apothocary Art, Background Basics - Tin Types, Round and Round (PTI)
Cardstock:  Pool Party, Watercolour Paper (LSS)
Inks:  Pool Party, Calyspo Coral, Bravo Burgandy, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories:  Big Shot, Framelits - Labels Collection, dimensionals, corner rounder (retired)

JAI #111 - Just Add Easter

AKA Massive Fail.

This week the challenge at JAI was to Just Add Easter.  Simply enough task, wouldn't you think.  Not so much, as you will see.  I knew that I wanted to make some sort of 3D item to hold easter eggs.  This was probably a mistake, but since I don't really have any easter stamps, I figured I could at least put 3D item to good use.  I have a few tutorials pinned, as I am BAD at 3D stuff, so I figured I'd give this one a whirl.  This in itself was a bit of a mission - it took me AGES to work out why my edges weren't lining up perfectly like they were in the tutorial.  Then when I filled it with eggs I found it was just a teensy bit to small and I really, really disliked the image I stamped on the clear top.  So I retreated back to the craft room tonight to start over.  Unfortunately I went off on a bit of a tanget and this is what I ended up with.

 And here's a photo of just one

Now, all in all, I don't mind them, but they're not very 'Easter', are they?  I mean, if I took the eggs out and had stamped a different sentiment on the back of the tag, they could have been for anything.    I guess it's because I changed my mind mid stream.  Originally the boxes were going to be purple with gold embossing, to co-ordinate with the Cadbury eggs I had on hand (school fundraiser).  But I didn't have any gold ribbon and I forgot to pick some up today at lunch.  And, despite the metres and metres of ribbon I do have, nothing I had was going to do the trick.  So I picked a different ribbon, which lead to picking a DSP instead of embossing, which lead to this. 

I also made the boxes slightly bigger than the 4x4" listed in the tutorial to fit a few more eggs in.  The bottoms are 5x5, scored 1-1/2" from each end.  I kept the top the same dimensions as the tutorial because I had already cut the the acetate and they still worked :) 

You may notice that my eggs are not Cadbury purple and gold - problem with making the boxes bigger is that you fit more eggs in. Turns out I didn't have enough Cadbury eggs to go round so I had to substitute - just another bump in the road.

Anyhoo, I intend to give these to Harry to give to his teacher and the ladies at after school care.  Hopefully they will enjoy them.

Well, I'm off - I normally schedule these posts but this one is actually live and it's late.

Have a good one and thanks for visiting.  Oh, and be sure to check out what the rest of the DT came up with.  Unlike me, they can actually Just Add Easter.

Supplies Used:  (All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps:  Take Three - Spring (PTI), Vintage Something (the current SAB set - I will update with its proper name)
Cardstock:  Naturals Ivory, SAB DSP (sorry, can't remember its name either), Clear binder covers (Officeworks)
Ink:  Pool Party Marker, Lucky Limeade Ink and Marker
Accessories:  1/16" RD Hole Punch, Take Three die (PTI), Bigshot, Pool Party ruffled ribbon, Lucky Limeade organza (SAB), Sticky Strip

JAI #109 - Just Add Beach

Howdy All

This week at Just Add Ink, the challenge is to add a Beach Theme, i.e. fish, shells, sand etc.  I really struggled with this one as in my masses of stamps it seems that I do not have any fish or shell stamps to speak of.  I was wracking my brain, thinking that I would have to go with a beachy colour theme when I remembered that I have this surfer stamp.  So here's what I made.

Originally, I was going to make this as per the sketch for Retro Sketches #2 as unless I make my cards to double duty, I never get around to entering any of the challenge blogs that I follow.  This is NOT the sketch, so I guess it's back to the drawing board for that, lol!

The main panel is SU! watercolour paper.  I've stamped the surfer using Versamark and embossed with black embossing powder.  I then dropped a couple of drops of Pool Party reinker onto my SAMJ imaging sheet, spritzed it with water and then used a Tim Holtz Distress Ink applicator to apply the ink to the centre of the image.  I used the same technique with Island Indigo around the edges.  I embossed a frame around the image for a bit of added interest.  The cardbase has silver Smooch sprayed quite heavily on it, it kind of makes it look like sand if you squint a bit :)  I originally wanted to use my Vanilla Smooch but it didn't really show up at all, so I went over it with the silver (and silver probably isn't it's proper name either but you get what I mean).  The sentiment is from PTI and stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black.

Then in my usual fashion of wanting to add something to an already finished card, I wondered what effect I would get if I spritzed the main panel with some water.  Unfortunately my aim isn't all that good and the whole card got wet, luckily it was only water but it did give it some nice 'spots'

Well, that's it from me, thanks for visiting and be sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team have come up with.  I look forward to seeing your creations.

Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted
Stamps:  Extreme Surfer (retired), Grunge Me (PTI)
Ink:  Versamark, Pool Party reinker, Island Indigo reinker, Memento Tuxedo Black
Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Watercolour paper
Accessories:  Embossing Buddy, Black embossing powder, heat gun, MS Scoring Board, SAMJ image sheet, Smooch spritz, Tim Holtz Distress Ink applicator tool, dimensionals

JAI #107 - Just Add Nikki Spencer

Howdy

This week at Just Add Ink we have a super fun challenge and that is to Just Add Nikki Spencer.  I had a lot of fun doing this, although chosing just one of Nikki's gorgeous cards was a little difficult.

This is my take on Nikki's super cute card

Now I have to tell you, when I was cutting my cardstock and punching my owl bits & pieces, I delusionally thought that I would be able to make four of these cards in the 1-1/2 hrs I had to spend in my studio.  Delusional, I tell you!!!!!!  It took me the whole 1-1/2 hrs just to put THIS ONE together.  I seriously need to be banned from using any type of liquid glue.  We just do not get along!  After a getting glue all over everything, and I mean everything, I decided to stick this owlie together with Dotto, so I could place the pieces (and move them) where I needed to!  I also decided to use my gel pen to finish off the eyes, managing to smudge one in the process (arrgh).  Anywhoo, after all the mess, I'm quite happy with the way it turned out, and I have all the bits & pieces ready to make another 3 cards.  Not quite sure how much time I will need to complete those though, LOL!

The Design Team have got some fabulous interpretations of Nikki's gorgeous cards. be sure to check them out and I look forward to seeing what you choose to CASE

Thanks for visiting and have a fantastic weekend.

Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless noted otherwise
Stamps:  Bitty Baby Blessings (PTI)
Ink:  Versamark
Cardstock:  Bashful Blue, Soft Suede, Whisper White, Bashful Blue DSP, Red Glitter Paper
Accessories:  Owl Builder punch, Dotted Scalloped Ribbon Border punch, White Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, White Gel Pen, 1-3/4" RD punch, Corner Rounder (retired), Big Shot, Limitless Layers 1-3/4 RD Die Collection (PTI)

JAI #105 - Just Add Ink Colour Challenge

Howdy, this week at Just Add Ink, we have a colour challenge.  Such pretty colours, look

and would you believe it, I actually have 2, that's right, 2 cards this week.  The reason for 2 is because I couldn't get my original idea to work, so I tried something else.  I then went back to the original, worked out what I didn't like about it and change it up and love how they have both turned out.

So, here's the first (and my favourite)

For this card, I have used the pennant from Party This Way, stamped in Basic Grey - well, they were originally stamped in the coordinating ink colour but I decided that they needed to be done in a darker colour, so I went over them all.  Thank goodness for the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig :)  I then punched them out with the Petite Pennant punch and used my teeny, tiny hole punch to pop holes in the top and threaded some linen thread though to string them up.  The sentiment is from a set called Love Birds by Annabelle Stamps.  I bought this set just for this sentiment but the rest of the set is pretty nice too, *wink*  The frame  I hand drew, originally with my Basic Grey marker but it looked too light against the sentiment, which is also in Basic Grey, so I traced over it with my black marker.  Nerve wracking I tell you since I did it after I had put the whole card together.

This is my second card, and my original idea for this colour combo

I thought these colours were perfect for a teenage girl, so I used my PTI Faux Ribbon set and stamped alternating bands of colour.  I used some of the Big Shot adhesive to adhere the glitter paper to some cardboard that came with one of my new dies, just to give the numbers a little bit of extra strength.  I think it turned out pretty cute.

Well, that's all from me.  Be sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team have come up with too.

Have a great weekend and thanks for visiting

Supplies Used:  All Stampin Up! unless otherwise noted:
Card 1:
Stamps:  Party This Way, Love Birds (Annabelle Stamps)
Ink:  Basic Grey, Basic Black marker
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Pool Party Designer Series Papers
Accessories:  Petite Pennant punch, 2 mm Circle Punch

Card 2:
Stamps:  Faux Ribbon (PaperTrey Ink)
Ink:  Wisteria Wonder, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Pool Party
Cardstock:  Whisper White
Accessories:  Big Shot, Numbers die (sorry will have to look up the proper name), Big Shot Adhesive sheets, Glitter paper, scrap cardstock.

JAI 103 - Valentine's Day Colour Combo

Hi, long time, no posting.   I have been suffering from a severe case of no motivation/no inspiration.  In an effort to overcome this, I decided to join  up with the Clean & Simple Cardmaking Class held at Online Card Classes, hosted by Kristina Werner, Jennifer McGuire & Julie Ebersole, which as given me plenty of inspiration and  helped me spend some extra cash on some 'much needed supplies'.  You all know how that goes, right!

Anywhoo, this brings me to the point of this post and that is Just Add Ink Challenge 103 - Add a project using Red and White for Valentine's Day!

And here's what I made, inspiration for which I got from one of the sketches given on Day 1 of the class.  This is actually the 4th version of the card, the first 3 I didn't like and I 'found' this verison when I was pulling version 3 apart.

It uses a retired Stampin' Up! set - A Happy Heart, which I have stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.    I stamped the I {heart} You again in Real Red ink, covered the heart with a bit of 2-way Glue and covered it with Red glitter, then punched it out using my 1/2" RD punch.  The heart is popped up on a dimensional, as is the whole front panel.
 
Well, that is all from me.  Got quite a few photos to edit from my son's first day of school yesterday.  Make sure you check out the rest of the DT's beautiful creations.
 
Thanks for visiting
 
Supplies Used (All Stampin' Up! unless noted otherwise)
Stamps:  A Happy Heart (retired)
Paper:  Whisper White
Ink:  Real Red, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  2-way Glue Pen, Red Glitter from Fine Galaxy set, 1/2" RD punch, dimensionals

JAI #100 - Just Add Crowns

Well, hello there.  Just Add Ink is celebrating its 100th Challenge this week and as a part of our celebrations we are having a Blog Hop.  If you're following along the hop, you should have arrived here from Delys' blog.

As it is our 100th Challenge, we decided that the theme would be Just Add Crowns, as a salute to the Queen and the birthday messages that she sends out to those turning 100, LOL!  We are also offering a prize, to be drawn randomly, selected from all of those that comment on ALL of the Design Team's posts.

Anyway, this is what I came up with.  Surprisingly, I found that I had quite a few crown images, not so surprising was that fact that I'd never used any of them.  I also decided to finally put to use my Simply Adorned pendant I got during our pre-order (and which is now available to purchase in the Summer Mini)

(I found it hard to photograph, i.e. I had nothing to hang it on, so cheated a little and put it back in the box)

I've used the Clearly for You set, with the main background stamped in Soft Suede, but stamped off once.  The crown is stamped in full strength Soft Suede and then I ran my Quickie Glue Pen over the top and added some gold glitter from the Fine Galaxy glitter set.  The No. 5 is stamped in Peach Parfait.

This is what the back looks like

Same colour scheme as the front, the sentiment is from the Tiny Tags set.  I really like how it turned out and it was quite a bit of fun to make and it's super easy to change it up so you can coordinate it with any outfit (which, of course, we all know is super important)

The next stop on the hop is the very talented Jodene's blog, just click on the button below:
  

 Don't forget to leave a comment on each of the Design Team's posts to be in the running for the prize on offer. 

Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless noted otherwise
Stamps:  Clearly for You, Tiny Tags
Ink:  Soft Suede, Peach Parfait
Cardstock:  Very Vanilla
Accessories:  Fine Galaxy glitter, Simply Adorned Chain, Simply Adorned Pendant, Quickie Glue Pen (Sakura)

JAI #91 - Colour Challenge

Wow, it feels like it's been ages since I've posted on here, well it probably has been.  Last Friday I had my first workshop in a very long time.  Oh my, I was so rusty, so many things had changed, hope I didn't mess up to bad.

Anyway, on to the challenge this week at Just Add Ink, we have a colour challenge - Blushing Bride, Cherry Cobbler and a Neutral of Choice

I was just thinking to myself I probably took the easy way out using Whisper White as my third colour, turns out it's what I should have been using anyway.  OMG, I really need to READ what the challenge is.  It wouldn't be the first time I have made a mistake because I didn't read the challenge properly.

This is what I made

and this is what is inside

This is the Sizzix Box #2, which holds these 2 pieces of fudge just perfectly.  I found the fudge at Aldi when doing the shopping, it was very reasonably priced and I thought they would be great for gifts for the staff at my son's Kinder.

For this one, I have stamped the polka dot image in Versamark and embossed using Cherry Cobbler embossing powder.  Can I just tell you how much I love the fact that SU! are offering coloured embossing powder.  I LOVE heat embossing - it's one of my favourite techniques.  I must admit I probably wouldn't emboss for more than one of these cause it was a little time consuming, but it adds that little bit 'extra' for the challenge.

The tag is from the Tags till Christmas set, which I was lucky enough to win during Prize Patrol at Convention this year.  It has also been embossed with Cherry Cobbler embossing powder and punched out using the Decorative Label Punch.  It was all tied up using White Organza ribbon.

The box is super easy to put together and depending upon how you decorated them, you could whip lots of them up in no time at all.

Well, that's all from me today.  Be sure to check out the rest of the gorgeous creations the Design Team has come up with - lots of wonderful inspiration, as usual.

Thanks for visiting and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted
Stamps:  Tags Til Christmas, Polka Dot Basics 2 (PTI)
Ink:  Versamark
Cardstock:  Blushing Bride, Whisper White
Accessories:  Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder, Big Shot, Sizzix Box #2 die, Sticky Strip, White Organza Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, pretty silver cord.
Fudge from Aldi

JAI #89 - Just Add Inspiration

Happy Friday to you

This week Delys has provided us with a beautiful inspiration photo to work with.  Look, isn't it beautiful

I took a very literal inspiration from this photo, using the colours and the silhouette, and this is what I came up with

I decided to try for an old style, polaroid/border photo look, so I masked off some glossy white cardstock and sponged some Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango and Wisteria Wonder inks over the image and sentiment that I had stamped in Versamark and embossed with Black embossing powder.  That panel is then mounted on a Basic Black card base using dimensionals.

Well, that's it from me.  Hope you have a wonderful day and weekend.

Thanks for visiting


Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted
Stamps:  Trendy Trees, Love & Sympathy  (not available in Australia)
Ink:  Versamark, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Tangerine Tango and Wisteria Wonder
Cardstock:  Glossy White, Basic Black
Accessories:  Black Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Dimensionals

JAI #87 Colour Challenge

This week at Just Add Ink, we have a colour challenge using a couple of the new In Colours - here they are

I must admit, the last few weeks I've been suffering from a lack of inspiration and this week was no exception.   I really had no idea of what I was going to do with these pretty colours until I came across some sketches I downloaded from PaperCrafts Magazine - I think they were the basis for their Card Ideas for Paper Crafters edition, but I can't find the link for where I downloaded and printed them out from now, sorry.

Anyway, this is what I came up with

It's a little embarrassing to admit it took me 4 goes to get this right.  First of all, I couldn't decide on the layout of the stripes, then once I decided on the layout, I couldn't remember what lines I was using to get the spacing right and then I put a great big finger print on one.  Anywhoo, this one turned out OK, so I quickly mounted it onto the card base before my son could cut it up - he was 'helping' in the studio and chopping everything he could find into teeny, tiny pieces.

I cut the banner using my Petal Cone die, I like how it is overhanging the edges of the card, I've seen it done before but never tried it myself.

Well, that's it from me today.  Be sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team have come up with - there a lots of absolutely gorgeous creations to spark your creativity.

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your weekend.  Hope your team wins!

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Faux Ribbon, Birthday Basics (PTI Ink)

Ink:  Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Crumb Cake (SU!)

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Crumb Cake (SU!)

Accessories:  Petal Cone die, Big Shot , Linen Thread, dimensionals (SU!), Buttons (PTI)

JAI 85 - Just Add Baby

OH MY GOODNESS, I was just preparing my post for tomorrow's Just Add Ink Challenge, and I've come across this, which I have totally forgotten about.  I started the post but never got around to finishing it. Oh dear, have a lot going on at the moment.  Sorry.

This week at Just Add Ink, Patrice challenged us to Just Add Baby.  I must admit that this week I have had so much going on and have felt so tired that I just didn't get around to creating something brand spanking new, so I have cheated just a little *blush*

The card that I have to show you today is the card I made for my friend Felicity's baby shower, but as I haven't shown it on my blog, I thought I would use it for this challenge

I stamped my Fox & Friends in Riding Hood Red, Baja Blue, So Saffron and Sahara Sand Craft Ink and embossed them using a clear pearl embossing powder that I've had in my stash for ages and absolutely love.  I love how it has given them a nice, soft feel.  The sentiment is from an old SAB set - one of my favourites.

I have embossed the front of the card using my Polka dots embossing folder on the 'wrong' side so the dots are debossed rather than embossed.

Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted:

Stamps:  Fox & Friends, Congrats (retired)

Ink:  Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Sahara Sand Craft Ink

Card Stock:  Whisper White

Accessories:  Big Shot, Polka Dot embossing folder, Heat Gun, Corner Rounder (retired), dimensionals, Pearl Embossing Powder (from stash)

New Baby

Friends of ours had a baby a couple of weeks ago, this is the card that I made for her.

I've used some items that are now available in the new SU! catalogue.  I've stamped the pennants using Pretty In Pink ink and punched them out with the Petite Pennants punch.  The letters and sentiment were stamped in Versamark and embossed with Melon Mambo embossing powder.  These were punched out using the 1/2" RD punch.

For the background, I added some of the Bigshot Adhesive sheets to the back of Whisper White cardstock and then punched them using the Lace Ribbon punch.  I'm still not sure if I'd recommend this method to others as my punch didn't really seem to appreciate that very thin extra layer of glue and backing paper but it did make it a cinch to adhere to the card.

This card is a bit bigger than normal, from memory I think it was 21 x 20 cm with the 20 cm side being folded at 10 cm.  I can tell you that it fits into a DL sized envelope though.  And as extra long as this card is, I still couldn't fit the name William on, so Flickity Flick, young William will have to wait a bit longer for his welcome to the world card whilst I try to come up with another idea!

Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Supplies Used:  (All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted)

Stamps:  Pennant Parade, Fresh Alphabet (PTI), Welcome Littel One (Stamp A Rosa - I think, it's very old)

Ink:  Pretty In Pink, Versamark

Cardstock:  Whisper White

Accessories:  Big Shot Adhesive Sheets, Ribbon Lace Punch, Petite Pennants Punch, 1/2" RD Punch, Melon Mambo embossing powder, Heat Tool, Bakers Twine

Another Sneak Peek

Here is another sneak peak of some of the new 2011 - 2013 In Colours.

In this card, which is basically a CASE of this card by Julie Buhler, I've used Pool Party and Island Indigo. I've inked up my clear blocks to create the background (again), and I've stamped the splodge from Extreme Elements in Going Gray. The guitarist was stamped in Versamark and embossing with Black EP. The sentiment is from PTI, and is one of my favourites!   Oh, the white layer is popped up on dimensionals.

Only a couple of weeks now until the new catalogue goes live - I can't wait - what about you????

I had something else written here and then my laptop went beserk (as it often does, it's very annoying) and deleted it.  I can't remember what I had written, so I'll just leave it at that, lol!

Thanks for visiting

Supplies Used:  All Stampin' Up! unless noted otherwise.
Stamps:  Extreme Elements, Extreme Guitar, Birthday Basics (PTI)
Ink:  Versamark, Going Gray (retired), Pool Party, Island Indigo (available September 1)
Cardstock:  Whisper White Textured, Island Indigo
Accessories:  Black Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool

JAI #80 - Sketch Challenge

Hello

It's Friday (YAY!!) and that means it challenge time over at JAI.  This week we have a sketch challenge, brought to you by Bron, check it out

Bron originally called it a Pocket Card with a flourish, and this is my interpretation of it

I've made some packaging for a little block of chocolate.

I must admit, I'm quite proud of this because I made the packaging all by myself, based off a little box of complimentary mints I received at one of our Regional seminars.  It was a lot easier than I thought, and it took me less time to make the box than it did to stamp it, which isn't that suprising when you look at the quality of stamping here.  Not the best, I must say.  A lot of the credit has to go to my score board though, it made it super easy.

Do you like the colour of the cardstock  - it's the new In Colour, Wisteria Wonder.  I think it's gorgeous.  Do you like the stamp I've used??  That is the new Parlour Prints background stamp that will be available to purchase on September 1, 2011.  I've stamped it in Versamark and embossed using clear embossing powder

The sentiment is from Just Believe and has been stamped in Wisteria Wonder.  So are you excited to see what else is coming up in the new Stampin' Up! catalog - not long to wait now!

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team have come up with, lots of gorgeous inspiration for you!

Thanks for visiting

Supplies Used:
Stamps:  Just Believe, Parlour Prints (available September 1, 2011)
Ink:  Versamark, Wisteria Wonder (available September 1, 2011)
Cardstock:  Whisper White, Wisteria Wonder (available September 1, 2011)
Accessories:  Heat Gun, Clear Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy (yes, really!), Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch (well, that's what I call it anyway), Vintage Brads, Bakers Twine, Sticky Strip, Martha Stewart Score Board

New Catalog Sneak Peek

Last week, I was able to place an order for goodies from the upcoming 2011/2012 Stampin' Up! catalog, one of the great perks of being a demo.  My order arrived on Friday and I put this together over the weekend.

It's pretty much a case of this card by Tessa Wise, with a couple of changes.  I've used the Delicate Doilies stamp set and one of the new 2011 - 2013 In Colours - Pool Party, along with Chocolate Chip and Wild Wasabi.  The colour combo I chose using my Colour Coach - additional colour swatches for the 2011 - 2013 In Colours will be available for purchase on September 1.   The senitment is from So Happy For You, that was available during this year's SAB promotion.  As per usual, I never seem to get around to using my SAB sets until SAB is well and truly over.

Be sure to check back tomorrow to see my JAI DT submission for more catalog sneak peeks!

Thanks for visiting

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Delicate Doilies (available September 1, 2011), So Happy for You (retired, SAB 2011)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Pool Party (available September 1, 2011), Versamark

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Pool Party (available September 1, 2011)

Accessories:  Heat Gun, Green Embossing Powder, Bakers Twine

JAI #78 - Colour Challenge

Howdy, this week we have a colour challenge at Just Add Ink

These colours ended up being quite versatile and I couldn't decide whether I wanted to do a masculine card, a baby card, since my friend Felicity welcomed her much anticipated bundle of joy to the world a week ago today, or something floral.  I decided on the floral and started off using my 'Just Because' set.  After faffing around watercolouring it, sprizting it with shimmer mist and cutting it out, I decided to do something completely different after getting sidetracked by something I found on the floor!  This is what I ended up making

And I totally love it.  The card base is Sahara Sand textured cardstock, as is the top panel.  I have stamped that panel with Sahara Sand ink by inking up one of my clear blocks and stamping directly onto the cardstock.  I really love the effect this technique gives.  I then coloured the inside of the Flower Garden embossing folder using Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip and Not Quite Navy markers.  I shoved the stamped piece into the embossing folder and ran it through the Big Shot and this is the result.  Then I just used dimensionals to attach it to the card base.  I did try adding a sentiment, but didn't like the way it looked so I trashed it and started again.  Not so much of a big deal because I had already accidently used my Early Espress marker instead of the Chocolate Chip one - oops.  To clean the inside of my embossing folder, I just spritzed it with a little Stampin' Mist and then popped a baby wipe inside and ran it through the Big Shot and it came out as clean as a whistle :)

Make sure you check out what the rest of the Design Team have come up with, lots of beautiful ideas to inspire you I'm sure.

Thanks for visiting and I hope you have a wonderful day and weekend

Supplies Used:
Ink:  Sahara Sand; Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy, Chocolate Chip markers
Cardstock:  Sahara Sand Textured
Accessories:  Big Shot, Flower Garden embossing folder (US only), clear block, dimensionals

Last Convention Make & Take

As promised, just a 'few' weeks ago now, here is another of the Make & Takes we did at the 2011 Stampin' Up! Convention.

Mine is a little different to most as the sample card had the Old Olive cardstock crimped and distressed with Early Espresso ink.  Here's where I admit that I'm not really a fan of the 'crimped' look - I think it's because it brings back too many memories of BAD 80's hair and associated fashions.  Anyhoo, I decided not to crimp and I'm SO glad I did because I just love how this has turned out.  I can't remember the exact dimensions of the card, except to say that it fits into the Small Open End Envelopes.

The card base and the piece the butterfly is stamped on is Natural Ivory cardstock, the Early Espresso scalloped border was punched using the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border punch* and cut in half.  The butterfly was coloured with Not Quite Navy, Old Olive and Early Espress markers and it, along with the swirl can be found in the Creative Elements* set.  The sentiment is from the It's Your Day set*.  It's Your Day coordinates with the Great Day Simply Sent kit which we were all given during convention.  I'm yet to actually crack that open - no real surprise there though :)

Thanks for visiting, I'll be back to show you a card that I entered into the 2011 Papercrafts Gallery Idol competition.  I didn't make the cut, which is not suprising since there were SO many fabulous creations, but I love how the card turned out anyway.

Hope you have great day, thanks for visiting

Supplies Used:  (All Stampin' Up!)

Stamps:  Creative Elements, It's Your Day * (available for purchase September 1, 2011)

Ink:  Old Olive, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy, Early Espresso markers

Cardstock:  Naturals Ivory, Old Olive, Early Espresso

Accessories:  Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch * (available for purchase September 1, 2011), dimensionals

JAI #76 - Inspiration

This week at Just Add Ink the challenge is to create something inspired by this gorgeous photo

Aren't the colours and the view just beautiful?  Anyway,  for this week, I decided to take some additional inspiration from the new US catalog that was released just last week and which is choc full of absolutely gorgeous samples, and this is what I came up with

This card is basically a CASE of the gorgeous card on the front of cover of the catalog, minus a few of the new items that are yet to come our way.  I have used the Creative Elements set, which will be available here on September 1.  The cardstock is from PTI and an almost exact match to the new Pool Party In Colour, which will also be available on September 1.  I have clear embossed with swirl and I tried very hard to dry emboss the oval, however my tearing got a bit out of control and ended up being a bit too close to the dry embossed line so you can't really see it.

The new US catty is absolutely gorgeous, so full of beautiful new products and samples.  I can hardly wait for the release of ours in just a few weeks as a LOT of those products are coming our way - we saw sneak peeks during Convention a few weeks ago.

Well, that all from me.  Be sure to check out what the rest of the DT have done - the photo has provided lots inspiration and therefore, lots of beautiful creations.

Supplies Used:  (All Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted)
Stamps:  Creative Elements (available September 1, 2011)
Ink:  Versamark, Melon Mambo, Crumb Cake, Old Olive
Cardstock:  Whisper White Textured, Old Olive, Pretty In Pink, Crumb Cake DSP, Aqua Mist (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories:  Heat Gun, Clear Embossing Powder, Decorative Label punch, Extra Large Oval punch, Boho Blossoms punch, Bitty Shapes punchpack, Photo Corner punch, White organza ribbon, Pearls