Lovebirds Tri-fold Wedding card

My friend Melanie has been building her collection of crafty tools and supplies and recently bought the delightful Always stamp set, for its beauty and versatility. It can be used for many different cards as well as being great for decorating scrapbook pages. Melanie has used it to make a special wedding card for her sister, in Rose Red and Rich Razzleberry: 

The card is trifold which simply means folds in 3 to create a card with a difference, just perfect for a special occasion such as a wedding. Melanie has cleverly used the scallop circle punch on the cover which allows the stamped images to show through. When you open it you see the Two Sweethearts using the paisley heart stamp from the Always set:

And finally fully opened to reveal a personal message and photo of the happy couple, framed using die cuts from the Simply Scrappin Petal Party kit:

Nice work Mel, such original ideas, cute wording and creative flair! Mel is attending my upcoming Stampin Up! workshop on 4 July which focuses on scrapbooking. If you'd like any tips on how to get started in scrapbooking without spending a fortune, drop me an email -  I have plenty of ideas to share.

Love Carolyn xx 

Deal of the Week #4 - ends 30th June

The final week of the 'June Deal of the Week' promotion is all about embellishments!Purchase selected ribbons and rhinestone brads for 40 to 45% off!  Here are the specials on offer:

Bashful Blue 1" double stitched grosgrain ribbon - 9.1 metres of highest quality ribbon, perfect for your card and scrapping projects. Was $19.95, now $10.97, save 46%

Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon - 10.9 metres of 16mm wide ribbon, was $14.95, now $8.97, save 40%

Rhinestone Brads -choose from Circle Ice, Square Ice and Square Fire colour/shape assortments, each reusable container includes approximately 80 brads, in four colours per pack. Were $19.95, now $11.97, save 40%

 

So please let me know if you'd like to order any of these specials by 8pm Wednesday 30th June. I'll be back on the weekend to show you my lateset batch of creations.

take care

Carolyn x

Deal of the Week #3 - only until 22nd June

Hi guys

Here are this weeks specials - yay this time its stamp sets! It is likely that these sets from the main Idea Book and Catalogue will retire in September so get in whle they are available and reduced by up to 50%

114263 p34 A Happy Heart stamp set was $41.95 now $20.98



115792 p57 Greetings Eight stamp set was $49.95 now $24.98 (I'm getting this one as its so versatile!)


116330 p78 Bella's Bloom stamp set was $24.95 now $14.97


113009 p97 Enjoy Every Moment stamp set was $53.95 now $26.98


114283 p105 All Scallops stamp set was $55.95 now $27.98

Here are a couple of gorgeous cards my friend Michelle Dyson made using the A Happy Heart set, isn't she clever!

I'll be back soon with all the details of my next workshop on Sunday 4th July. And I'm so excited I'm off to the Craft and Quilt Show tomorrow at Darling Harbour -  I love feeling all crafty and creating things for my friends and family! 

Happy Crafting

Carolyn xx

Thinking of My Mum

I created this card for my Mum's recent birthday using my favourite new colour combo Pale Plum and Rich Razzleberry, with Cottage Wall papers from the current mini catalogue.  A touch of polka dot ribbon, a torn edge and a popped butterfly from Dreams de Jour I think it became a simple yet classy card.

I also like to paste an insert into the inside of my cards, especially when the card is dark and hard to write on. I have used the stamps from Cottage Garden set and the sentiments are from A Little Birthday Cheer, with daubed Razzleberry ink edges for that finishing touch. Of course the matching envelope has my signature butterfly - just so Mum knows its from her #1 daughter!

Mum's card has been posted over to the UK to my sisters house where Mum and Dad return to today, after their 10 day tour of Austria and Switzerland. I believe they have visited the home Szavorski, the Alps and Saltzburg where our beloved Sound of Music was filmed. Mum especially wanted to visited Salzburg as it was my Nan Christmas's (Mum's mother Kath's) favourite place in Europe. I have fond memories of making my "Sound of Music" scrapbook with Nanna's photos when I was a ten year old!

Thinking of you Mum and Dad as you enjoy the final few days of your big trip. Wishing you well on your journey home and can't wait to see you and all the photos!

Love always

Carolyn xxx

Deal of the Week #2

It's time for Stampin Up's second week of June's  'Deal Of The Week' promotion. I love the range of SU's DSP - Designer Series Patterned Paper - great for cards, scrapbooking (all acid free) and anything else you can think of!  Selected packs are on special for this week - here's all the details.
Item            Page Description                          Regular Price Sale Price


112470 132   Haiku Designer Series paper              $16.95       $10.17


113976 132   Pink Flamingo Designer Series paper $16.95        $11.02


113992 133   Tea Party Designer Series paper         $16.95      $10.17


113975 133   Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper $16.95       $11.02


114037 133   Sweet Slumber Specialty paper          $22.95      $14.92

Contact me by Tuesday 15th June 8pm to take advantage of these great discounts!

take care

Love Carolyn x

Bon Voyage Jess

                                                                     Our carer and dear friend Jess left the country last week, bound for a global adventure . Jess cared for Steve and I for over 18 months and is a sweet, fun-loving and loyal girl, someone I am proud to call a friend. Jess's first stop is to catch up with her sister in Korea, then she's off to her parents homeland of Ireland, and then she plans to see Europe with backpack intow.

Before she left Jess had a massive clean out and basically gave away everything she wasn't taking with her. We put on a little farewell for Jess and it turned into a fun 'Second Hand Rose' party. It was so generous and kind of Jess offer her whole wardrobe to Wanda and her 3 girls, Anna and myself.  

Here is the farewell card I made for Jess using Seeing Spots stamps teamed with Pale Plum and you guessed it Rich Razzleberry.  The greeting 'Go confidently in the direction of your dreams' is very apt and is from the set Live Your Dream (retired but hopefully may return in the new catalogue in September)

Hope you have some warm and snuggly plans for the weekend its freezing here in Sydney! I'll be back with a new Deal of the Week which is a great special on Designer Series Paper.

Love Carolyn xx

Deal of the Week #1 - 30% off punches

 

Welcome to winter, the perfect time to get into your papercrafts! Throughout June, Stampin' Up! will be offering Deals of the Week. Each week there is a new deal, and each deal only lasts for a week...so be quick!

Deal Number 1 is on SU's most popular tools - punches!

Until next Tuesday, 8th June, you can take 30% off these punches:

• Scallop Oval punch
• Scallop Square punch
• Trio Flower punch
• Boho Blossoms punch

This brings their price from $30.95 to just $20.12 each (plus p&h). They are so handy, relliable and make craft so quick and easy! Just email me at cazza74@iinet.net.au or call me on 0408 472 510 if you'd like one or more of these fabulous tools.

 

Stay warm and chat soon

Carolyn x

Razzleberry Cottage Garden

My friend and new stamper Mary made this card for her neice as a Thank You for babysitting her kids. What a nice match Rich Razzleberry is with Pixie Pink! I did a one on one stamping session with Mary and she had lots of fun stamping, cutting and designing her own card.

Mary has teamed some strips of Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper with the large flower from Cottage Garden stamp set, on a base of Rich Razzleberry card, all from the current Mini catalogue. The background uses another stamp from the Cottage Garden set stamped in the always useful Versamark Ink which creates a lovely watermark on all colours of card. The For You greeting is from Fresh Cuts and is punched and mounted to make it pop up. Very cute indeed!

If you're a beginner (or more exerienced) in the papercraft world I'd be happy to spend a couple of hours with you in a free personalised lesson and you can use my collection of stamps, inks and punches to make something sweet. Just the ticket on these gloomy 'indoors' days! Just drop me a line to organise a time.

Oh just one more thing - my May Specials finish in 2 days so please let me know if you have any orders to take advantage of the following deals:

Special offer #1 - Order $50 for bonus stamp


Special offer #2 - Order $100 for free stamp set


Special offer #3 - Starter Kit special $259 ($560 value - until 31 July)


Special offer #4 - Order anything from Autumn-Winter Mini receive surprise thank you gift


Special offer #5 – Thrifty crafter pack incl. A4 cardstock pack, matching pattern paper sampler, 2 inkpads of your choice, one a la carte stamp (choose All a Flutter or Share a Cup) plus mini embellishment kit - just $50


Special offer #6 – Idea Book and Catalogue just $8 or $12 if you’d like it posted to you.

Have a lovely week - can you believe its nearly June??

Love Carolyn x

Why I Love Stampin' Up! and Starter Kit Special Offer

I joined SU this time last year as a hobby demonstrator, as I work 4 days a week already and wasn't interested in spending my spare time doing more work. But with SU I have found that being a hobby demonstrator isn't much work at all - and it definitely isn't hard. I just collect orders from family and friends, write a newsletter each quarter and update my blog with my creations. Its easy to order using SU's online ordering system and everything is tracked and calculated for you. Products are delivered straight to your door or they can be shipped directly to the customer or workshop hostess.

For that small amount of easy and enjoyable work I have been rewarded with lots of free stamp sets and free product of my choice, 20% commission on all orders plus 20% discount on all products I order, a world of advice and tips from the demonstrator website, forums and monthly magazine - Stampin' Impressions. There is lots of support from fellow demonstrators, and I am building connections and friendships with others who are also mad about papercraft, I'm so inspired by their ideas and energy! I've even learnt new skills like making this blog and budgeting for craft!

Until the 31 July, there is a 20% discount on the Starter Kit when you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator! Usually $324, you can join for just $259 - what a bargain!

The Stampin' Up! Starter Kit contains the following supplies, valued at over $560!

  

• Five stamp sets*

• Stampin' Around wheel*, handle, and cartridge

• Assorted card stock A4*

• Five Classic Stampin' Pads*

• VersaMark Pad

• Stampin' Pastels

• SNAIL Adhesive

• Blender pens

• Craft & Rubber Scissors

• Stampin' Scrub and Mist

• Business supplies

Some products such as ink colour and stamp sets can be changed for alternatives of your choice of the same or lower price. Talk to me to find out which items can be substituted.

And the Stampin Memories add-on can be ordered as an extra for just $75  (value $137)when you buy the starter kit  - and its great for Scrapbookers containing:

• 12 x12 cardstock
• Simply Scrappin Kit 
• Basic Black Stampin Write Journalling Pen
• Whisper White Stampin Pad
• Set of Alphabet Stamps

In these times of tight budgets craft can be seen as a bit of a luxury, but I don't see it like that. To me, my Stamping and Scrapbooking hobby is therapeutic, its positive, creative and is a very important part of my life. It keeps me happy and I feel it relieves stress and creates a feeling of wellness. Plus, making my own cards and gifts can actually save me money - I don't buy store cards, wrapping or as many gifts now - I have all the supplies to make them myself. Stampin' Up! allows me to create extra income which does more than cover the cost of my hobby.

Importantly my precious photos are kept in a decorative and meaningful way, not just in a folder on the computer. Im scared that many people in 20 or 50 years time won't have any photos, just outdated technology!! Making cards and scrapbook albums for my friends and family gives me so many rewards - as does Stampin' Up! It keeps up my enthusiasm when new products arrive and when I see other people's ideas. I just love being a part of the Stampin' Up! family.

I wonder if any of these things have resonated with you? If so give me a call or drop me a line with your thoughts and questions - I'd love to talk SU with you! 

Have a creative and relaxing weekend

Love Carolyn x

Butterfly Prints and Fresh Cuts For You

Just a quick little post to show you a quick little card I made for a lovely lady at work who has been facing chemotherapy recently. I grabbed one of my Baja Breeze scalloped note cards (from the Summer Mini Catalogue) with its matching manilla envelope and teamed it up with the new Soft Suede - do you like the colour combo?

This is literally a 5 minute card - anyone can do it! I simply stamped a Butterfly Prints butterfly on Whisper White and punched it out with the matching butterfly punch - love that! I stamped the antenna and verse directly on the card, sponged the scallop edge and popped the butterfly with a dimensional. Easy Peasy! Now butterflies call for bling so I just had to add 3 little pearls (non Stampin' Up) and make a coordinating envelpe using the Fresh Cuts set. I asked all my team mates to sign the card and my friend was so touched. Makes you feel good.

Hello to all my SU friends who are enjoying Convention at Darling Harbour (Sydney) this weekend - lucky ducks! Hope you all have a crafty weekend!

Love Carolyn xx

A Beautiful Vintage Weddding

Ben and Lisa are one of those cute couples who are absolutely 'made for each other'. They celebrated their vintage style wedding in a park on the banks of the Parramatta River on Saturday, and Steve and I had the pleasure of sharing their special day. The cocktail reception was at the Breakfast Point Country Club and was one of the happiest, most genuine and heartfelt weddings I've ever attended! 

 

Lisa looked radiant dressed in a silver lace dress with purple waistband and shoes! As you can see from the pics it was simple yet elegant, and I thought her bouquet of Singapre Orchids were just divine! 

And the Chocolate Oreo wedding cake was one of a kind!

Here is the wedding card I made for the special couple. I used the hearts from my favourite set Always and the flourish from Baroque Motifs - the most popular Stampin Up! set! Sage Shadow and Soft Suede, combine with Close to Cocoa and gorgeous taffeta ribbon for quite a vintage look - not bad seeing I had no idea the wedding would be vintage style!

Congratulations Lisa and Ben and thank you for sharing such a love-filled day with us!

Love Always

Carolyn x

The First Inklings Blog Hop

Hello friends
Welcome to The INKlings’ Team’s first ever blog hop. You may have arrived here from the lovely Rachel Capps blog, or just be visiting my blog, whichever way once you’ve checked out my creations you can continue the hop through the link at the end of this post to the next team member.

What style of cards do we regularly get asked for ideas on? More often than not it’s masculine cards, be it little boys or grandfathers everyone seems to struggle with cards for the males in our lives. So as a team we thought we’d help you out by providing you with 20 team members’ fantastic blogs that you can hop through and get lots of fantastic ideas from.

Want to win some Blog Candy? Simply leave a comment on each blog and then email Michelle Dyson and let her know you’ve done so and you’ll be in the running for a fantastic prize of 20 handmade cards plus other goodies. Sorry Blog Candy prize not available to SU! demonstrators.

My first masculine card I have to show you is a baby boy card I made for my dear little friend Flynn who is just 2 weeks old! Night of Navy teams up with Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze, one of my favourite Stampin' Up! colour combinations. I have used my Animal Stories stamps from the Summer Mini over and over again - such good value considering the number of new little bubs in my life recently!

The cute little Owl, Whale and Elephant are stamped and cut out individually and then popped onto Whisper White with Foam Dimensionals (gotta love them!). For the greeting I have used the Welcome Baby stamp from the Short and Sweet stamp set, punched out with the small oval, then matted on a Baja Breeze scalloped punchie. The background patterned paper is the Urban Garden, and the finishing touch is a Baja Breeze ribbon bow. So simple but so cute.

From one end of the lifesppan to the other, my second card has a vintage, mature feel to it and would be perfect for a Dad or Grandad. The Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip card uses Stampin' Up's number 1 selling stamp set Baroque Motifs and lots of sponging using the daubers. For something different, the greeting is positioned in the middle of the card as a feature using Vintage Labels. Soft Suede dotty ribbon from the Autumn-Winter mini completes this masculine card. Hope you like my creations.

 

Well that’s all from me for today. Next stop on the INKlings’ Team Blog Hop is the talented Michelle Le Breton   Have fun blog hopping and don't forget to leave a little comment on each blog to win some great Blog Candy.


Thanks for looking and happy stamping!

Carolyn :)  

Build-A-Roo with our little Joey

When I was thinking of making a special welcome baby card for Sophie's paternal grandparents in Kent, UK, I just could't resist using this gorgeous kangaroo from Stampin' Up's Build-A-Roo set. Using the classic baby girl colours of pink and white I stamped Mummy Roo twice using Staz On Black ink; once on pink card and again on the spotty paper. Then I carefully cut out the pink Roo and cut just the pocket from the spotty one. I then stamped the little joey and cut her out assembling all pieces with foam Stampin' Dimensionals to make them come alive. A cute little greeting, a bit of sponging and some ribbon to finish off. Not very hard but really effective and soooo cute. I especially like the Aussie connection and the "little baby Joey" play on words (for those who don't know I affectionately call my sister Joey and therefore Sophie is our little Joey). 

Card Ingredients

Stamps: Build-A-Roo

Card: Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose

Paper: Spotty paper from Tea Party pack

Inks: Staz On Black, Regal Rose

Accessories: Whisper White grossgrain ribbon

Tools: Stampin Dimensionals, craft scissors to cut out images and round corners, circle punches to shape the greeting

I'm off to make lots more cards and get back into my scrapbooking, and prepare for the creative workshop with the MD ladies this Friday - I'm having so much fun Stampin' Up!

take care

Carolyn :) xx

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

Sale-A-Bration ends 31 March - Don't miss your FREE stamps!!

On Saturday I held my Creative Card Workshop with 6 lovely ladies attending.

We had 4 hours of stamping, punching, sticking fun, creating cards just like these:

The first card uses the Sale-A-Bration set Good Neighbours - FREE - with your $100 order before this Wed 31 March! We used Night of Navy card, Urban Garden paper and Taffeta ribbon - so cute! I think this card would be nice for a New Home card or Happy Birthday, or any other occasion really. I will add the greeting when I decide who is going to receive my little 'village scene'. So if you want  a free set of stamps just let me know before Wednesday!

The next card is a sneak preview of some new colours and designs from the upcoming Autumn/Winter catalogue available this week. Rich Razzleberry is the gorgeous deep plum card colour with matching ink, together with Cottage Wall papers and the Cottage Garden stamp set. There are so many nice new products in the new mini, please contact me if you'd like one posted out to you.

I'll be holding workshops in May, July and September so please let me know if you are interested. 

Ill be back later this week with the Easter Basket we created, just in time for the Easter Bunny to fill up wth chocolate goodness!!

Love from Crafty Caz x

Baby Pink Butterfly

The baby boom continues with my friend Wanda becoming an Aunty again, this time to little Charlii Jezabel. Wanda asked me to make a card so she could send her love and best wishes to the happy family in Brisbane, and here is what I came up with.

I have used one of my favourite Stampin Up! colours Rose Red for the cardstock matt, stitched ribbon and ink. I have used the 6x6 inch patterned paper from the Patterns Pack II (free when you host a workshop) as the main background to the card.  The greeting stamp is from Punches Three which is punched using the Wide Oval punch, then I've simply punched a butterfly, added some bling and volia a gorgeous baby girl card is born!

The countdown is on til I'm an Aunty myself, only 4 weeks to go!!!! Sending my love to Jo and Jase over in Dartford UK.........get some rest before the big day!!!

take care

Love Carolyn xx