Valentines Card

Hope everyone felt the love on Valentines Day, whether that be the love of your family, friends or special someone. I made this cute little card for Steve to remind him we arn't to old to celebrate St Valentines Day, even if it was on a Monday this year. Rather than celebrate on the busiest day of the week we are going to see Michael Buble this Saturday night, a much better time for a 'date'!

Card recipe:
Stamp sets: Love Defined (Summer Mini), A Happy Heart
Card: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Riding Hood Red
Marker: Early Espresso
Accessories: Big Shot Embossing folder 'Vintage Wallpaper', Chocolate Pearls, Modern Label punch

Technique Tip: Multi-coloured images
When you'd like the stamped image to have more than one colour you can use a couple of tricks to achieve some great looks:
1. Markers - after inking up in one colour, use a cotton tip, your finger or tissue to remove the colour on selected sections of the rubber, and then use a marker to apply the second colour - like I have done with the tree branch. Markers are just $5.75 each
2. Daubers - Stamp up an image completely in the lightest colour then use daubers to apply darker sections of colour - colours blending into each other create a nice mottled effect. Daubers are $20.95 for a set of 12

Today I received a big box of new Stampin Up! goodies so I look forward to playing with some of you next Sunday 27 Feb at my scrapbook workshop - be sure to email me to reserve your spot!

take care

Carolyn x

Big shot cards and Scrapbooking workshops

It is such a relief to hear there have been no lives lost in the cyclone ravaged FNQ and lets hope it stays that way! 2011 has certainly gotten off to a bad start for so many, and my thoughts go out to those affected. The heat here in Sydney has also been pretty unbearable, especially for people who don't have air con - I am so lucky to have it at work and home. However, last night Steve and I went to see Sia at the Enmore and sweltered with little to no air in that squeezy venue - a health risk for many I'm sure -which made for a pretty poor concert experience allround! Maybe I am just getting old?



Anyway onto matters that always cheer me up - SCRAPBOOKING and CARD MAKING! I have been playing with my new toy The Big Shot cutting machine and it is seriously awesome! I can't wait for you to use it - makes cutting, embossing and lettering a breeze!
 
Here are some cards I have recently made using the Big Shot:

Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder



Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

Top Note Die

Over the holidays I got stuck right into my scrapbooking which had been neglected in 2010. A lot of you have said "when the kids are back at school you will have some more time for yourself and can get into scrapbooking again" - so the time is here! I have choosen the following dates for my upcoming scrapbooking workshops:

• Sunday 27 February
• Sunday 27 March

My workshops are pretty informal and relaxed, everyone works on their own projects and shares ideas, plus you get to use all my punches, stamps, inks, Big Shot, scraps and stickers. I can be your creative coach or you can do your own thing and you can also use my collection of idea books and scrapbooks for inspiration. I sell individual sheets of cardstock and pattern paper and have prizes and giveaways. We usually go from 12 – 4.30pm and its just $15 including afternoon tea. Just email me to book your spot at the table.

Hope to see you soon!

Carolyn

Helping our Neighbours up North

This happy memory was from the weekend Steve proposed to me in his home town of Brissy. We had a gorgeous apartment overlooking the Brisbane River, and we spent 5 days exploring Southbank, cruising the River and eating at riverside restaurants. So we were both absolutely heartbroken to see this pretty city devastated by the worst flooding in our lifetime, and looking more like this:

Thankfully Steve's family and friends In Queensland are all ok, unlike so many others who have lost their lives, their loved ones and their homes. I shudder to think about losing precious photo albums, scrapbooks and precious family memories - what a nightmare. Steve's parents live near Toowoomba so were effectively stranded at home with canned food for a week, but we are just so grateful they are safe and dry.

There has been an overwhelming rush of assistance to help our neighbours up north and you may have already donated to the appeals however here is another way you can support the Queensland community, and treat yourself at the same time. Stampin' Up! have posted the following on their website: 

As flood waters continue to inundate Australia in what has been described as the worst flooding in 37 years, we express our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones and homes and to those whose lives have been changed forever. We, like so many of you, feel a compelling need to lend support to all those who have been affected.

Please join with us by supporting the Australia Flood Appeal--a cause in which Stampin' Up! will donate $2 AUD of the retail value of sales from any stamp set (with a retail value of $30 or more) sold in Australia and New Zealand from 15 January through 15 February to the State Emergency Services in Queensland.

This coincides with the best time of the year to buy Stampin' Up products because from 25 January through to 31 March it's Sale-A-Bration where you get a FREE set of stamps with any $100 SU order. Click on this link to view the Sale-A-Bration catalogue which shows you the 4 lovely sets you can choose from. My favourite set is Bliss - so vintage! So get your orders to me before Feb 15 and you will be contributing to rebuilding lives, (as well as getting a nice free set of stamps]. Remember the Summer mini catalogue runs til the end of March.

I'll be setting dates for my stamping, scrapbooking and cardmaking workshops in the next week so let me know your preference of days and times. Hope to craft with you soon!

Love Carolyn

Stampin' Up Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my readers, hope you are getting through all those things you have to do, its just such a busy time of year! I've left my cardmaking to the last minute but am determined to get my handmade cards in the post to friends and family near and far by Monday! Here are some of my creations....

I'd be "wrapped" if you could leave me a comment to tell me what you think about my cards or if you have any questions on the materials or techniques I've used. Don't forget the excellent savings on the December Frenzy specials list - let me know what goodies you'd like up to 50% off - perhaps you can tell dear hubby what you'd like for Christmas or put them away for gifts!!

I'm also happy to do a GIFT VOUCHER service so if someone doesnt know what to get you then just tell them you'd like a Tigergirl Creations Gift Voucher to the value of your choice, and I'll waive the postage cost!

I'll be back soon with more papercraft ideas

Love Caz xx

Baby Bundle of Joy!

Our generous friends and family certainly spoilt Miss Sophie during her visit down under so I made these Thank You cards for Jo to give. They were quick and easy using the SU Note Card set (20 Whisper White cards and envelopes $9.50), and a gorgeous new stamp set called Baby Bundle. Here are my designs

This set is currently on sale and down from $49.95 to just $34.97 - a real bargain for 16 stamps including pics and greetings! There are also Stampin' Write Markers on special at the moment including the baby colours of Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Regal Rose and Pretty in Pink reduced from $5.75 to just $3.45 each - these specials are only during the December Frenzy until 29th December so get your order into me before stocks run out!

Miss Sophie says THANK YOU!

Better get back to making Chrissy Cards only a few short weeks to go.....

Love Caz  xoxo

Summer Mini Catalogue Release and December Frenzy Sale

Apologies for the lack of updates in November - most of you would know I have been spending precious time with my sister Jo and delighful 7 month old neice Sophie. We had an absolute ball getting to know this little cherub, here is us on holiday at Port Macquarie:

Now for some cards. Both Steve's and my Dad have November birthdays here are the cards I made them using the cute new Hostess set Cute by the Inch and the colour combo of the new Pear Pizzazz and Soft Suede. I also used the Top Note Die using the Big Shot - the coolest and easiest way to cut all sorts of shapes for your papercraft projects - I am seriously considering investing in this beaut little machine.....

Well today we have a brand new Summer Mini Catalogue for you which has some gorgeous vintage style products and beautiful new stamp sets. Please let me know if you would like a free paper copy and I'll pop it in the post to you.

The other exciting news is the December Frenzy list of specials, stamps, markers and accessories at up to 50% off!! There are some excellent brand new products reduced such as the Baby Bundle Set reduced from $49.95 to $34.97 which is so handy for all those baby cards and projects. I also noticed Teeny Tiny Sentiments my favourite greeting set with 24 different greetings. Usually $62.95, with the special it is 50% off - that is $31.48 until December 29th.

I am definitely stocking up on some gifts with these specials! Please let me know if you'd like to order anything as I 'll be placing my order this weekend.

I'll be back soon I promise with lots more craft news and samples of my creations.

Love Caz xx



Delightful Decorations and Contempo Christmas matched with Ornament Punch

As promised here are the samples of the Christmas projects we made last weekend. The colour combo I choose was inspired by the new SU Christmas paper Jolly Holly and teams Old Olive, Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler (a beautiful rich red). The first card uses the tree from Contempo Christmas and to make the two tone effect I have stamped in Old Olive and then used a tissue to remove ink from the pot and the star, then simply used a marker to add the Cherry colour - this technique is really easy when you have the Stampin' Write Markers. Also on this card I have used Old Olive Satin ribbon, the pretty Eyelet Border punch and the greeting sits on the groovy Modern Label punch.

Next up is a square card that uses the large flourish from Baroque Motifs to act as the bush/tree from which your ornaments hang. The 4 ornaments in the Delightful Decorations set (plus one from Contempo Christmas) perfectly match the large Ornament punch. Everyone at my workshop was so excited when they found out there was no need to cut out the decorations - just punch away!  This card is finished off with a touch of Versamarking and a big bow using Wide Groosgrain Striped ribbon

And finally this set makes some cute tree ornaments, a little set of 3 or 4 would make a cute, simple and economical Chrissy gift.

If you're thinking about getting started on some Chrissy cards or gifts and not sure where to start, or you need to top up supplies, give me a hoy and I'll try to help as much as I can. Don't forget SU has a great Christmas special on now until the 30 November where you get a free spool of ribbon when ordering a stamp set bundle. My email is cazza74@iinet.net.au or just give me a bell 0408 472 510

Have a great week

Love Caz xx

Dress Up for Christmas

The girls and I had a great Chrissy workshop on Sunday, Santa Hats were donned and it was a Delightfully Decorative Day! We made at least 3 main cards each, a set of Tree Ornaments and some cute little Dove cards using my new 2 Step Bird Punch. Stay tuned in the next few days for photos of my Christmas card designs using the beautiful new paper set Jolly Holly.

I've just found out about the fab Christmas special Stampin' Up! are offering this year - its free ribbon reels when you order a "Christmas Bundle" now until the 30 Nov. Here are the details:

Plus all orders received by this Sun 24th go in the draw to win a brand new hostess stamp set Silhouette Sentiments plus a collection of other SU goodies.


Just 9 more sleeps til all my "Christmasses come at once" - yes Miss Sophie is coming all the way from the North Pole!

Love Caz xx

Christmas workshop details

Every year we all say “I’ll get ready for Chrissy early next year”…….. well with only 12 weeks til Christmas this is your opportunity to prepare before the silly takes up all your time. I will be holding a day of Christmas Craft where we will be making a variety of gorgeous cards, gifts, tags and ornaments using the beautiful new stamp sets Delightful Decorations and Contempo Christmas and matching ornament punch – this is fabulous! Here’s all the details….

What: CAZ’S CHRISSY CRAFT WORKSHOP
Where: Sunday 17th October from 12 - 4.30pm
When: My place at 4/27 Myrtle St Rydalmere
How much: $15 which covers all the materials to make all your creations plus light lunch, lollies and lots of tips and tricks, PLUS a goody bag with supplies to take home to make more cards! We will also have a fabulous SU lucky door prize – you get one ticket for every $30 products you order on the day
BYO: Scissors, SNAIL adhesive/glue if you have it
RSVP: Please book your place soon email cazza74@iinet.net.au or 0408 472 510 – you are also welcome to bring a friend or your Mum!

Crafty catch up and Christmas workshop

This weekend in Sydney has been a bit wet and wintery really, not the weather for long weekends and school holidays but pretty good for staying inside cooking and crafting up a storm! Here are some of the cards I have been creating for friends near and far:

and a little birdie inside

After a very successful new catalogue launch party at my friend Michelle's home in Cherrybrook, I have been inspired to create lots of cards and gifts, and even start planning some Christmassy things! Ryn, Michelle and I put on a fun day of make and takes, product demos and nibblies, I think the 20 or so ladies who droppped in enjoyed seeing some new goodies and took away lots of ideas in their very own goody bag - as well as bagging the gorgeous 2010 -2011 Idea Book and Catalogue. If you'd like a copy just let me know and I can get it in the mail for you ($14 posted or $10 in person).

My next workshop on Sunday 17th October will be a Christmas theme and as well as cards we will be making gorgeous little decorations which make a cute, economical gift. I'll be back with a sneak peak and all the details soon.

Well done to the Dragons and the Pies, and go the Aussies in New Delhi!

Love Caz xx

Invitation to Be Inspired

My Stamping friends and I are holding a New Catalogue Launch Party to share lots of creative ideas and inspiration for your papercraft projects. Its an Open House style event with Make and Takes, technique demonstrations, fund-raising raffle and lucky door prizes, plus yummy nibblies and a glass of bubbly.

Come and see some of the great new products and samples on display and get your own copy of the gorgeous brand new Stampin' Up! Idea Book - all for just $15. Its on Saturday 18th September anytime between 2 - 6pm at 117 Shepherd's Drive Cherrybrook - just RSVP to me if you can make it so we know how many goody bags to prepare!

After I made my Father-in-Law's card shown in my last post I created this card for my Daddy Dearest. It reminded him of his visit to Paris last year, and uses my latest stamp set Artistic Etchings. Hope you like it!

I had a fantastic 36th birthday this week, I feel thoroughly spoiled and loved! The festival of the birthday continues tomorrow night as I'm going to see Wicked the musical with my old mate Jackie and then cooking up an Asian banquet for friends on Saturday. My birthday week will be topped off with my scrapbooking workshop on Sunday - too much fun!

Have a great weekend whatever it brings you!

Love Carolyn xx

New Inspiration for Spring and Happy Dads Day

Well Spring has sprung and I'm excited! Not only is it my favourite time of year weather-wise, but it's also time for the release of the Stampin' Up's brand new Idea Book and Catalogue. Its a beautiful collection of images, ideas, fresh colour combinations and inspiration. Some lovely new paper ranges, stamp sets and accessories. Im happy to say that so many of my favourites from the mini catalogues are back and their are some exciting new designs (lucky its my birthday soon hint hint Stevie!)

There's a link to the online version on the right side of my blog but if you'd like your own copy of this great resource its just $10 pick up or $15 posted to your door - just call me on 0408 472 510 or email me.

Happy Fathers Day for Sunday - here's a card I made for my father-in-law which is on its way to country Queensland. It uses the vintage-look Newsprint Desinger Series Paper, with a little birdie from the Always set. I love the feeling of making something special for somone special.....

My next Scrappin Sunday is on the 12th September and I have 2 spots left so let me know by email if you'd like to join us for a relaxing afternoon of creating. Just $10 includes your goody bag, afternoon tea and use of my tools, scraps and creative juices! I have plenty of supplies for sale and lots of preloved items just waiting to be re-homed.

Happy crafting!

Love Carolyn :))

Newsflash - More Product Discounts!

A surprise newsflash for you today from Stampin' Up! Australia.


"The Last Chance List is quickly coming to an end. Before we welcome many exciting new stamps and accessories, we need to make room in our warehouse by clearing out some high-inventory last-chance items. For the first (and probably last) time ever, we’ve added a select number of additional discounted last-chance items for the final days of the promotion. Below are the items we have selected".


The Last Chance promotion ends 31 August, 2010. All items are only available while supplies last, and with these discounts, they won’t last long!  Get your orders to me by Monday 30th August, before these products are gone forever!


Stamps:
116342 pg 42 Big Bold Birthday 50% off NOW $ 26.98
116408 pg 100 Seeing Spots 50% off $ 14.98
116344 pg 121 Big Deal Alphabet 50% off $ 38.98


Cardstock and Designer Series Paper:
116208 pg 126 In Color card stock (A4) 50% off $ 7.25
112042 pg 132 Urban Garden Designer Series paper 50% off $ 8.48
112041 pg 134 Bella Rose Designer Series paper 50% off $ 8.48


Markers (page 127-128):
105538 Bold Brights Stampin' Write markers 25% off $43.46
105537 Soft Subtles Stampin' Write markers 25% off $43.46
105540 Rich Regals Stampin' Write markers 25% off $43.46
105539 Earth Elements Stampin' Write markers 25% off $43.46
105541 Many Marvelous Markers 25% off $175.46


Stampin' Spots (page 128-129):
105550 Bold Brights Classic Stampin' Spots 25% off $31.46
105551 Earth Elements Classic Stampin' Spots 25% off $31.46
105552 Rich Regals Classic Stampin' Spots 25% off $ 31.46


Punches (page 152):
107305 Oval Large punch 50% off $ 15.48
113692 Eyelet border punch 50% off $ 15.48
109043 Scallop Circle punch 50% off $ 15.48
113694 Heart to Heart punch 50% off $ 15.48
112082 Wide Oval punch 50% off $ 15.48
112091 Scallop Edge punch 50% off $ 15.48
113693 Full Heart punch 50% off $ 15.48
112004 AW28* 1-3/4" Circle punch 50% off $ 15.48
116629 CO* Butterfly punch 50% off $ 15.48


Other:
104310 pg 155 Crafters' Tool Kit 25% off $ 58.46
 *CO=Carryover Flyer

*AW=Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue
 
 

If you'd like any of these goodies please email me or give me a buzz on 9684 6443 or 0408 472 510. Remember all orders made by 30th August will receive a free cardstock sampler = 6 sheets of A4 (tell me what colours you need).  Postage and Handling Charges - Order up to $119 worth of products and have them delivered to your door for just $5.95 anywhere in Australia.  Orders over $119 are charged postage and handling at a rate of 5% of the product total.
 
Have a crafty weekend
 
Love Carolyn :)

Vintage Vogue

From scrapbooking now to card making. My favourite colour match has always been pinks and purple combos. Here is a very feminine card I helped my friend Leanne create for her Mum's birthday recently. The Very Vanilla base is stamped with Pale Plum (retiring in 5 days!) using the lovely 'branch flourish' from the Vintage Vogue set in the Autumn Winter mini.

Then we have used a strip of darker card as a mat for the using the Always in Bloom Stampin Wheel. Wheels are so much fun and can make great borders, quick (and economical) patterned paper or make a feature like on this card.  The flowers were stamped, cut by hand and popped using Stampin Dimensionals.

Its a nice touch to stamp inside your card, decorate and bring the insert to life a little, and don't forget your envelope needs a matching print. Mum's love anything "homemade" - apparently Leanne's Mum and her 4 year old daughter loved it.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Vintage Vogue, Always in Bloom Wheel

Card: Very Vanilla, Rich Razzleberry

Inks: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant

Accessories: A few pearls from my stash, fancy scissors 

There is only 5 days left to order from the current catalogue and the Autumn Winter mini, which also means we are counting down to the release of Stampin' Up!s brand new 2011 Idea Book and Catalogue. So many nice new designs, colours and accessories, and some lovely fresh ideas that have already given me more inspiration and the 'itch' to get crafting. If you would like your own copy of the new catalogue just let me know and I will get one to you next week - just $10 if you can pick up from me or $14 delivered to your door (usually $12.95 + $5.95 postage and handling).

I'll be holding my next Sunday Scrappin afternoon on 12th September so please email me if you would like to come along.  

Love Carolyn x

Sharing the Simply Scrappin fun!

Last Sunday I held another scrapbooking workshop at my place and shared lots of Stampin' Up! fun with a group of keen scrappers. My Mum was working on her travel photos, Kath is making her Nanna's life story album for her 75th birthday and Karen has just started creating an album for son for when he turns 16. Here are Karen's first ever double layout pages using Stampin' Up!s Hoppy Memories Simply Scrappin Kit. 

And a close up......

So much fun, good thearpy and such a great way to preserve fond memories of your loved ones, and what a special gift!

The Simply Scrappin Kits are great for beginners and can create fast pages as they are all coordinated so you  can mix and match to your heart's content. No more searching for matching colours! They team up 8 sheets 12 x 12 cardstock (in 4 colours), 6 sheets matching Designer Series Paper (in 4 patterns) and 6 sheets sticky die cuts to use for journalling, borders and embellishments. Great value at just $36.95 - enough for a whole album. Until the end of August the I Wish Simply Scrappin Kit is reduced to just $27.71 perfect for all those Christmas projects.

If you'd like to order any stamping or scrapbooking supplies just email me or call me on 02 9684 6443 or 0408 472 510. All August orders over $30 receive a free cardstock sampler (6 sheets A4).

I'm off to continue creating Sophie's Scrapbook using the gorgeous Rock a Bye Girl Simply Scrappin kit. Gotta love all those cute baby pages!

take care

Carolyn xx

Bargain hunters heaven

OK the Last Chance List is soooo long and its hard to find the products that are reduced in price, so after requests from a few bargain hunters, aka discerning crafty buyers, we have pulled the discounted items into a neat little list (thanks to my StampInkPaper buddy Ryn!)


Here is our Last Chance Discount List which lists all the current specials on some gorgeous craft supplies. Think Christmas cards, think gifts, think savings! Some products are sold out and more are running low in stock so please get me your order as soon as you work it out, and definitely by the 30th August. A little birdie tells me the price of cardstock is soon to rise so it may be wise to stock up and get the discount.

Looking forward to my next Scrapbooking Workshop this Sunday woo-hoo!! My ladies are planning their pages and will complete a number of layouts on the day plus bag themselves plenty of ideas, products and be in the draw for a few lucky door prizes! Let me know if you are interested in comng to another card or scrapbook workshop and I can schedule a suitable time.

Have a sunny week

Love Carolyn xx

Helping Hudson: A Wheely Great Cause

http://www.helpinghudson.blogspot.com/

What Is Helping Hudson?

Helping Hudson is a fundraising project that will be taking place from August 1st - 22nd.

A group of stampers are raising funds for a little boy named Hudson. A KidWalker will help him learn to walk, and take another step toward more independence.

The dedicated Heping Hudson team have put together bundles of tutorials from Stampin' Up! demonstrators near and far who've jumped on board to help, plus there'll be challenges and giveaways. I've just bought the Scrapbooking Tutorials very excited!

Knowing personally just how essential it is to have the right set of wheels, may I ask all my cratfy friends to help support Hudson and his family by visiting his blog, facebook page, entering a challenge or even buying a tutorial package - what a great concept and super value!

Thank you in advance for any support you can give towards the Helping Hudson project, and thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you enjoy a crafty weekend.

Love Caz xx

Last Chance List - retiring products and discounts

Stampin' Up! has just released its Last Chance List of retiring products - some are discounted up to 50% so check it out and get in quick while stocks last.

Here is the full list

None of these products will be available after 31 August, to make room for lots of exciting new stamps, colours and pattern paper in the upcoming 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue. Punches in the new catalogue will be the new slimline design - great for storage and transport -  so don't panic when you see them on the list.

Also don't forget just one more month left for the Autumn Winter mini catalogue - if you don't have your own copy just let me know and I'll pop one in the post for you. Some of my most favourite products are in this mini, including the new colours Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede - yum!

Please let me know your order on cazza74@iinet.net.au or just give me a call on
0408 472 510 I'd be happy to help you with your order.

I'll leave you with a couple of recent baby cards I made for friends with newborn bubs. Both cards use the very cute Forest Friends stamps, I feel like reading Bambi all over again!

Have a wonderful week and I'll see you soon with lots more Stampin Up! news, crafty tips and papercraft inspiration.

Love Caz xx