Colour My World - some news from Stampin' Up!

Each season I like to go through my wardrobe, check out what I have (and need) and have a bit of a tidy up. I did this on the long weekend and it feels great, I'm all ready for winter (well kind of!). Some of my old things go to friends and others to Vinnies so I can make some space for my new items.  I feel freshened, tidy and up to date. That is what Stampin' Up will be doing here in Australia in September. A colour renovation is on its way. That's right - our colour families are having a makeover!

Here is what the new fresh colour collections will look like in September 2010 when the new main Idea Book and Catalogue is released.

There will be 4 new colour collections: Brights, Neutrals, Regals and Subtles - each with 10 colours. You'll see 25 of the current range, 10 returning In colours and 5 brand new colours. Kraft is getting a new name - Crumb Cake – to match all the other two word names the SU colours have. In September 2010 we'll be getting 5 new In Colours and these will be with us for 2 years – rather than just 1. In September 2011 we'll get 5 more new In Colours.

Now making space in the wardrobe does mean we'll be saying farewell to some colours at the end of August 2010. Some we may not miss much at all, some we might be sorry to see on the list. We've got plenty of time to stock up on inkpads, markers, reinkers (ink refills) and cardstock in any favourites. Make a list of your fave retiring colours, you could order say an inkpad and card pack each month, before they disappear forever.

Here's the colours we'll say goodbye to at the end of August 2010.

My fave colours that are retiring are:

• Pale Plum - I am such a girly girl and this colour works well with pinks
• Sage Shadow - again a pretty soft green, great for leaves and nature designs
• Close to Cocoa - not as dark as Choc Chip but essential for animal stamps
• Taken with Teal - my sister Jo's favourite colour and all things oceany

 So if you're in the mood for a makeover why not have a stocktake of your craft supplies and take this opportunity to order a few of your favourite colours that won't be available in a few months. Just drop me a line on cazza74@iinet.net.au or call me on 02 9684 6443 or 0408 472 510 I'd be happy to talk "colour" and pass on any advice you may need about your crafty pursuits.

Thanks to my dear friend Kim for introducing me and my blog on her Crafty Kim's Creations. Nice one Kimmy!

Have a happy week

Love Aunty Caz xx

It's A Girl

Here she is, my beautiful neice Sophie Kathleen, born 13 April at 4.51am London time, weighing 8lb 12oz. My sister Jo had a pretty traumatic 30 hour labour (and 2 blood transfusions and renal complications) but says it was all worth it and both she and Jason are in love with their new little girl.

For me the joy has been overwhelming and I must say it still feels surreal to see Jo become a Mum, after 10 years with her pommy fella Jase. So proud!! Im pretty sure this is the closest I’ll get to having a baby so I have been boasting all week, I even told the bus driver! It feels so special to be called Aunty Caz, I am so excited to have this new role in my life.

Nanna Rhonda and Poppy are “tickled pink” as first time Grandparents and are due to fly out to London next week for an 8 week visit, hopefully the airways will return to normal by then!

Last Saturday I spent the afternoon making a very special card for my very special girl, I just had to share it with you. I made a sweet baby rattle card, using the Sweet Treat cups with pink sparkles and hearts inside. When you shake the rattle all the hearts and glitter sparkle its so cute! My card called for a mix of Pink Piroette, Regal Pose and Pretty in Pink, with a touch of Barely Banana. The spotty DSP is from the Tea Party collection and the finishing touches are the ribbon and button, and of course a matching envelope! I was so chuffed with my creation, the first of many I will make for my adorable little neice.

Ifyou'd like to make a special baby card, or order any Stampin' Up products just drop me a line on cazza74@iinet.net.au I'd be happy to help share the love.

NEW!! Autumn Winter Mini catalogue

With the cooler weather just starting here in Sydney its timely that Stampin' Up! has released its new Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue with lots of lovely new products Some of the new designs include the "Big Shot" cutting system, the new option of Clear Mount Stamps (cheaper prices and easier DVD case storage but I still prefer wood mount stamps) and a new design for hand-held punches.

As you can see in the photo above there is a cute birdie punch which also punches wings and a branch for him to sit on, so sweet. My favourite part about the new catalogue is the 3 new "In Colours" - Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo and Soft Suede. There are new patterned papers with matching polka dot ribbon, with inkpads and cardstock to match.  You can find a link to the new catalogue at the side of my blog or email me and I'll post you a copy, lots of fun to browse on the bus or a bit of bedtime drooling!

Hope you have all had a lovely Easter break, and indulged in a little chocolate and papercraft, as I have!

See you soon with more ideas, specials and details of my next workshops.

Love Crafty Caz x