Challenge using own stash

Afternoon peeps, Today starts the peeks of the release of papertreyink's monthly stamps. A few of the girls who like to set challenges over on ILWS forum, came up with the challenge to case a card shown during the peeks with your own stash. I have manged to get a couple made today and thought I would share.

All card and inks are from Stampin' Up! Stamp sets are PTI. the green card should have some kind of dry embossing on it but I forgot as I got carried away with a letter I had just received. More about that later. The flowers in the background have a filter of vellum over so that they are not too bold against the letters. Fab idea, sadly not my own ;-(

This one was actually on one of the design teams blogs, sorry can't remember and haven't time at the moment to find it, little one needs PC for homework, groan. Again all card, ribbon, brads, embossing folder and inks, Stampin' Up! Stamp set and felt PTI. I must look for a tutorial on how to ruffle this gorgeous ribbon.

Right onto some other news, well as most people know times have been tough for many families, well today I just got news of a job I applied for. Yep I got it, so excited and nervous all rolled into one. I haven't worked since I had my daughter, well apart from voluntary work, which has been 14 years. I choose to have time out to bring up my kids, but now as they are more independant I thought it was time to get back out there. I am very proud as it was the first job I had applied for and got it. I think after a long period of time like this you tend to doubt your abilities and whether or not you could cope with a job. But it feels right, right now, so I am going for it. At least if I need some peace during holidays I can go to work, hee hee. Right that is all for now.

Nana and Me!

Well today peeps I have a couple of scrapbook layouts to share with you. I wouldn't really call myself a scrapbooker, as such, as I have only done a couple layouts and they are only simple ones. Here is one of my recent ones. The photo was actually took on my hubby's phone in a very dark room in the back of the pub at Beamish Museum. I think it was a lovely photo of my daughter and my mum (who is 81 would you believe).

The 'Nana' and 'Me' are chipboard letters that I ghave painted using inks and daubers. Then on the nana I have used Baby blossoms stamp set and stamped the little flowers to blend in with the Springtime vintage papers. The 'Me' after inking was then covered using crystal effects, then sprinkled with dazzling diamonds to give it some bling. The ampersand was very plain just using card, so I covered with gems. The bottom paper has been distressed using the distresing tool. I must say I am not a fan of distressing and tearing paper, but I thought this looked ok.

My second layout I did a while ago in one of my classes, a very simple layout as you can see.

Again all cardstock and DSP are Stampin' Up! The flowers are actually felt die cuts with brads on top. Beamish is one of our favourite places to go. Most of it is set in 1913, here Fallon is having a go at one of the school day sports, Hoop Rolling. Its a metal hoop with a stick, this one is actually attached to the hoop but back then it was just a stick and a hoop, and I think they where made out of cane rather than metal. Its fab to watch everyone having a go, as its a skill only some can do. Hope you enjoy my simple layouts.

Come fly with me......

.....Let's fly, let's fly away. Don't you just love that song? Its one of favourites too. OKay I know two blog posts in almost one day. But don't get too used to it, you know what I am like at blogging.

Before I go on and show you my creation I just want to say a HUGE thanks for all your comments on yesterday's post. It really, really means a lot to have such wonferful talented people pass such lovely comments on my creations. BIG hugs to you all!

Ok on to today's project (or last nights). Remember the ship in a bottle? well my idea came slightly from this but also from a post from Michelle Wooderson did with one of the sets I have used.

Someone has come along and knocked over the jar, releasing the plane. You could use this for a male birthday. kids and even babies. Just alter the colour combo. I hope you like the idea.

Stamps-PTI, Cardstock and papers- SU.

One for the Guys....

..... OK its been far too long since I last posted. I know I am really, really bad. I just don't seem to find the time these days, to take the photo's then write up everything and finally click post. But today I have decided to blog about something us crafters seem to struggle with when making cards, MEN! Yep that three letter word that just send a shudder down your spine when your asked to make a card for one. A coupld of weeks ago I set a task to make some using stash we already have, I set a challenge to some of the ladies on ILWS to make a MAN'S card using what we already have. Took me a couple of days as I was plastering at the time, yep another feather to my bow, lol. Anyhow, here are a couple that I made.

and also

Some simple colour themes and a choosen stamp set or two and voila. Hope you likes 'em.

Stamp sets are PTI and the card and inks are all SU.

General swaps for Convention!

Wowzee where is the time going these days. Christmas will soon be here and am I ready, nope not a chance. I still have heaps of Christmas pressies to get. Going shopping tomorrow, so fingers crossed I complete that task in one day.

Anyway I wanted to share with you some more of my swaps I made for convention.

This is one of them, I used artistic etchings for this. I just love this set and used it a couple of times on my swaps which you will see. I ruffled some taffeta and put along the bottom. Now to do this its very simple. Simply find a little thread at the end, about the middle and pull it as if you where pulling it out and ruffle as you go. Then just adhere the ends to the back. Simplzzzz. I also used one of the new border punches. Loving that too.

Here is another one I made, I did use the large circular motif in this set on the black and embossed it in clear, not too sure if you can quite see it in the photograph. The Eiffle Tower was embossed using white embossing powder. Love the effect on this card. Its so sophisticated and girlie. I have also made birthday cards the same but instead of the ribbon I used the silver hodgepodge, which again gives it a bit of class.

This one was actually a case from the main catalogue, but instead of using ribbon down the middle I used the border punch. The flower is the boho blossoms punch with one of the new rhinestones in the centre. The stamp set is called On a pedestal. I love this set too, in fact I am working on some Christmas cards using this set. Watch this space.

Right think I have bored you enough for now, will try and get back again with some more. This is before I start showing you my lovely swaps. Oh they are STUNNING!



In a whirl!

Where oh where does time go. This time last week I was having a ball with loads of fellow demonstrators at convention. WOW it was fabulous. I swapped cards etc with loads of talented demo's. I will get round to taking some photo's of my swaps that I received. But for now I am going to show you some of mine.

My first one was for a Card Candy swap, we had to choose a set and make some embellishments that could be used to stick onto projects,

I choose Ornate Flowers with tiny tags as a sentiment. I tried to make it a wedding theme, so stuck to Pretty in Pink, Rose Red and Wild wasabi. Love these new colours.

My second one was for a 3D swap. I had a bit of a hard time with this. I wanted to create something that was not only 3D but also could be used as a business tool.

As you can see I have used a LOT of product and a LOT of ribbon in it. The real red satin ribbon around the kite is machine stitched and pleated as I sewed. Then the designer papers (brights) where cut into sections and had to be stuck down individually. The tail I wanted little bows but couldn't work out how to put them on, then I had a brain wave to hand stitch them and place a button onto the back, this gave it some weight too. Each kite had to be measured for all the cutting bits, so it took me a whole week to make 10. Something I don't want to make again in a hurry.

I then made loads and I mean loads of general swaps, but my all time favourite was my little cute stocking and candy cane. I just loved making these and they are so simple.

Basically, its just two stocking places together and stitched around the edges. I then stuck a piece of ribbon on the top so that you could hang it up. Then punched two edges of card, stuck to top and trimmed. Then popped in the candy cane. So simple. Think I am going to make some for my tree this year.

Well better go and see to my Christmas Cake, its been baking slowly in the oven and smells scrumtious.

November/December Offer!

Wow what an offer this is. A FREE reel of lovely ribbon when you buy one of these bundles. These are not available to buy individually.

• Gifted Bundle - Gifted stamp set and Jolly Holiday Designer Paper 124051 £35.70 (wood mount) or 124052 £30.70 (clear mount)
• Welcome Christmas Bundle - Welcome Chrsitmas stamp set and Christmas Cocoa Speciality Designer Paper 124063 £36.90 (wood mount) or 124064 £31.90 (clear mount)
• Season of Joy Bundle - Season of Joy and So Swirly wheel 124055 £36.45 (wood mount only)
• Delightful Decorations Bundle - Delightful Decorations Stamp set and Ornament Punch 124058 £37.45 (wood mount Only)

Choose from on of these ribbons FREE.

 Mistletoe Ribbon Originals 116792 Retail Value £11.50

Sleigh Bells Ribbon 116795 Retail Value £8.50

Riding Hood Red 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain 113099 Retail Value £10.25

 Real Red 3/4" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon 115608 retail Value 10.25

If you would like to order any of the above please email me at melanie.reid2@ntlworld.com We also now take credit cards should you wish to pay this way.

Busy Busy!!!

Gosh where have the weeks gone? I just seem to get lost in my workload and don't find time to blog what I am up to. Well here is the low down on basically what I have been doing. Next week I am off to a Stampin' Up! convention. So that means making loads of swaps. I will show them later as I know a few peeps read my blog, when I do blog, lol. So I have had my working head down and been crafting non stop for about the last three weeks. I do have something I can share with you today though.

Now what is it you ask. Well my lovelies, its a mini calendar book. It measures 3 x 3 inches and can quite easily be carried in your handbag. Now this isn't at all my idea, one of the very talented ladies from PTI made one and I just had to have a go. If you do a search for Lisa Johnson or poppypaperie typepad you should be able to locate all the instructions on how to make it.  Now when I received my stash from across the pond I only ordered one calendar, DUH!, I know I want more but can't justify the postage for more right now, so I had a go at making some of my own. This is what the inside looks like

I have used a mixture of PTI and Stampin' Up! I just so love the designer papers from SU, I am actually using them instead of stroking them and putting them back. I hope you enjoy what I have to share. Don't forget if you want to order anything from Stampin' Up! you know where I am. We take credit cards now, what a BIG bonus. Until later Happy Papercrafting.

******STOP PRESS, STOP PRESS********

Woohooo, the new catalogue has now gone live and I can tell you, you are just sooooo going to love it. AS well as all the new Colour changes there are some new fabby punches, as well as the scrummy new ribbons.

PLUS gorgeous papers and also some wonderful stamp sets.

There is also an extra PLUS side to the stamps, most sets now come in clear mount. Which means NO MORE WOODEN BLOCKS, yeah!

I would just like to clarify the clear mounts are not what you think. They are still the same rubber and gray foam but they cling to acrylic blocks. Stampin' Up! wanted them this way so that they don't loose any quality to the stamps. For those of you who have them, will know just what I mean by the quality.

If you haven't yet purchased anything from Stampin' Up! and would like to know more about the products or even see them in action. Please get in touch.

If you would like to view the online catalogue please click on the link to the left (catalogue picture) it will take you right there.

Stamper's 6 Group!

This post will stay at the top. So please scroll down for further posts.

I have a new stampers 6 group starting in August. If you are interested here is the pitch

• There are 6 people with in the group, who commit to spending £25 per month (plus p+p) for 6 months.

• During these six months each person takes the role of being the hostess. This is the beauty of these groups, you DON'T have to have us all in your home. So when you become hostess you get to choose at least a level one gift plus £15 of FREE merchandise from the catalogue/mini/or sale leaflets that are available to order from at that time.

• If you don't already have one you will get a catalogue and any mini brochures that come out within that 6 month period.

• Occasionally I pop a little something in with your parcel.

This is a fabulous way to increase your Stampin' Up! goodies without breaking the bank each month. If you are interested or have any questions please email me on melanie.reid2@ntlworld.com



I look forward to hearing from you.

August Offer!

WOw what can I say Stampin' Up! have a fantastic offer this month. Its on the two step stamping sets.

In case you can't read the small print, here are the details of the sets.

Loads of Love, pg31, 104606, £18.95 - £15.16

Big Bold Birthday, pg35, 109439, £23.95 - £19.16

Trendy Trees, pg 39, 113258, £12.95 - £10.36

Greenhouse Garden, pg 43, 113824, £22.95 - £18.36

Something Sweet, mini pg 8, 117688, £23.95 - £19.16

Tiny Tags, mini pg 15, 118091, £18.95 - £15.16

Bird on a Branch, mini pg 18, 113266, £14.95 - £11.96

If you would like to order any of the sets then please get in touch. I was hoping to show some samples this week, but I have come down with a throat infection and I am not too well at the moment. So I am taking to my bed for some peace and quiet to get better quicker.

OFFERS!!!!

This post will stay at the top until the end of July! please scroll down for other posts.

This first offer is from Stampin' Up! themselves. For all hostess's who place an order of £250 or more receive an EXTRA £20 in FREE merchandise.

This is a fabulous time to have a party or even do a book order with a few friends (want to know more about that then please email me). This offer is only available until July 31st.

I do fully understand that not everyone would like to place an order of this amount, so in all here is an additional offer from myself.

If you place an order of £35 or more you will get to choose a FREE inkpad from the new colours that will be available on October the 1st, when the new catalogue comes out. This will be posted out to you sometime in October 2010.

This offer of a free inkpad is from myself and NOT that of Stampin' Up!

You can see the new colours in This post.

Stop the clock.......

..... Please. Where does the time go. I wish someone would invent a machine to make time stand still for a while. Maybe then I will catch up. There is always something that gets in the way when you have plans to do something else.
Anyway back to business. A month or so ago a lot of demo's got together to have what we have named, 'National Demo Support Day'. This was a day where we all made a card or two to send to our lovely team that are behind the scenes that keep Stampin' Up! ticking over for the UK. They are the ones we run too when we need help or to answer queries or just to have a moan too. They are lovely people and I am hoping come November when we go to Convention that they will be there to give them a hug or two. Chris and Eileen are just fab. I don't think they know exactly how much we care about these guys. Anyway, back to the cards. I made two cards, one for each of them so they didn't fight, lol.

They are both the same layout but using different designer papers. The first one is using the lovely cottage wall papers. I have also used the Vintage vogue stamp set on the vellum butterfly. I just love these at the moment (you will see more as I have another project with them on to show.) The second card is using the 'To the nines' designer papers. Also 'Lovely as a tree' stamp set and also 'Thank you Kindly'. So if you are reading this Eileen or Chris, mwah to you both. Your the best Support team ever.

Another project I have to share is one I have made to go up in my home. I got the idea from Jenny Moors who is an awesome lady and demo. She is an inspiration.

These are my 3D butterflies again using the lovely Cottage wall desinger papers. I have made curly antennae's and used my own gems for the bodies. This is all mounted in a box frame which I purchased from Wilkinson's.

Here is an angled shot so you can see the butterflies a bit better. I know I keep saying this but I really must get to grips with my camera and learn how to use it better. I just never seem to find the time.

Another thing I would love to share with you all, not craft related sorry. Is that last week, we had a leavers assembly for my little boy (well not so little now). The theme for them was the Oscar's. Anyway all kids where nominated for various things and none of them knew if they won until the night. Anyway my son received one for the most improved with maths. I must say he is a whizz at his mental maths. I also think he really excells this subject more than any other.

Here he is getting his award. They moved so quick so sorry for the blurry photo, plus I stumbled on my bag that was in front of me, that was without wine honest. I am so proud of the way he has worked this year, as not only has he improved on everything he has done fabulous with his literacy that he has struggled with for the last four years. And its only been this year they have done something about it. Plus the fact I have worked so hard with him at home with extra studies.

Sorry for the rambling, think this makes up for the last few weeks.

Helloooooooo.......

....remember me? I am soooo sorry for not updating my blog over the last few months. It just seems that family life has just well and truly taken over, plus the fact I have been very busy with various things. Anyway I thought I would pop on to say hi to my followers and update with a few things.

At the moment, well for this month we have a brilliant offer on for hostess's to earn extra spends in the catalogue. I will put some more info on in a moment when my printer decides to wake up. I will also have a personal offer on of my own, again I will tell more in a moment or two. So I will go and sort out printer as its having a moment and be back soon with those offers and I may even show a card or two. Yep I have still been creating, I just need to remember to photograph things before I pass them on as gifts etc.

EXCITING NEWS!!!!!

WOW you are just not going to believe the news I have to share with you. If you are a Stampin' Up! fan you may well know that in the US they have in colours. Which have not been available for us here in the UK. Well all that is about to change come 1st October. Stampin' Up! announced yesterday that the colour families are going to have a renovation. Oh they are so scrummy. All the families we have at the moment are sadly going to be no more. They are changing to colour collections.

As you can see we are keeping some of the colours from the families but sadly quite a few are going. The news ones come from some of the US's in colours and there are a few NEW additions to all across the board. With this good news also come sadness. As I have said before there are quite a few going.

The good news about this though is that you still have a further six months to stock up on any of your favourites. I know I am going to miss quite a few myself, but I am just so going to love what is coming.

If you want to place an order please don't hesitate to contact me.

OK better go and take kids out. They are on their Easter break now, so things are a bit noisy around here.