May Craft Class Projects

Oh my! 
 I just loved making May's projects with my lovely class ladies!

I have a VERY special wedding coming up - my fab brother-in-laws are getting married at the end of May but I'll have to come up with another card in case they've seen this one!

Perfect Day Wedding Card

I designed the wedding card but can't help but feel I've taken inspiration from different sources on Pinterest so feel free to tag yourself if you feel there's part of your card in it!  I used Sahara Sand as a cardbase and layered it with Very Vanilla.  I offset a strip of the beautiful Something Borrowed DSP and overlayed with a piece of Sahara Sand Lace Trim.  I stamped 'For The Two Of You' from Your Perfect Day Stamp Set and framed it with the pretty wreath, both in Sahara Sand then punched with the 2" circle punch.  I pulled a few threads from the Jute Ribbon and positioned with some looped linen thread under the raised sentiment.  I finished the card off with my favourite little flowers, stamped in Pink Pirouette from Something To Say stampset and punched using the Itty Bitty Accents Punch set. Each flower was finished with a pearl in the centre. Too pretty!

Teeny Tiny Typeset Gift Box

Oh, such a cute box!

This little box measures just an 1 1/2" square so is perfect of a Lindor Ball or Ferrero Rocher as a table favour or dream big and go for a sparkly ring!

It's so simple to make!  4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Very Vanilla Cardstock, scored at 1 1/2" on all 4 sides.  Cut up the right hand score line, not into the corners and cut in half horizontally.  Turn and repeat on all 4 sides.  By turning each time, you avoid having uneven thickness when adhering together.  Stick the tabs on the inside, turning as you go to form the base of the box.  Cut 1 1/4" squares of Typeset Speciality DSP (staying in the new catalogue - yay!) and stick to the 4 sides. 

 Make the lid in the same way using 3 13/16" Basic Black cardstock, scoring at 3/4" on all 4 sides.

Use the Pansy Punch and the Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack in Very Vanilla and sponge the edges in Sahara Sand to give a vintage look.  Punch a Petite Petals flower in Basic Black, place a pearl in the centre and layer in between the other flowers using dimensionals.  Loop Linen Thread and secure under the flowers.

Voila!  A beautiful little vintage gift box. xx

Telford Regional Training Design Team! - So Exciting!

Wow!!  So now I can let you into a secret!  A couple of months ago, I got a call from the lovely Kelly in the UK office and was asked to be part of the Design Team for Regional Training in Telford! Little old me!  I was SO honoured and jumped at the chance!

Not only that, I was privileged to be asked to create cards and 3D items for the brand new Ronald McDonald House Charities stamp set - Sprinkles Of Life.  This amazing charity provide home from home support for families with very poorly children and Stampin' Up! donate £2 from every stamp set sold.

In my opinion, this is the BEST ever stamp set we've had for the charity and it even comes with a coordinating punch!  How fab is that!!

Here are my designs - please feel free to case!  There was so much more I wanted to do with this set but unfortunately, the punch wasn't ready in time so I was cutting clouds/ice creams/trees/cupcakes by hand!

Here are a few of my faves...

Weekly Deals - 20.05.15-26.05.15

This week I'm loving the ribbons and buttons!  

Why not grab yourself a bargain? 

 If you want to but these or anything else from the current catalogues, retired list or clearance rack, please pop over to my shop.  Tracy x

Telford Swap...What A Fabulous Work Of Art!

Ok.  So I'm a little addicted to Elegant Eggplant!  

There...I've confessed.  

I'm sure you'll agree though that this is a fab colour combination - Elegant Eggplant, Sahara Sand and Very Vanilla.

I wanted to make a swap that reflected my style as a demonstrator and this sums my style up!  I find it incredibly hard to do straight layers - fact!  So it's quite fitting for my swap to feature angled layers - I find there's no right way to layer so nobody can see if it's not perfectly aligned - brilliant!

So apart from my beloved Elegant Eggplant, I wanted to show that you can create a simply but truly gorgeous card with a few resources.  I stamped 'You Are A Fabulous Work Of Art' from the amazing Work Of Art Stamp Set in, you've guessed it, Elegant Eggplant onto Very Vanilla.  I punched this out using the 1 3/4" Circle Punch and layered with dimensionals onto a 2" Circle in Sahara Sand and a 2 1/2" Circle in Elegant Eggplant.  

I sponged my Very Vanilla layers and my favourite Itty Bitty Accents Flowers in Elegant Eggplant and placed a tiny pearl in the centre of each flower.  I finished with a little Linen Thread looped under the flowers.  

I loved it so much I made a matching name badge!

Elegant Aperture Card

For those of you that visit my blog regularly, you'll know I'm a big fan of Sam Hammond Donald (Pootles) and often take inspiration from her work.  

Well this time, my card is inspired by Sam's 12 year old son Jack!  What a talented family.  Here's a link to Sam & Jack's cards...

http://pootles.co.uk/2015/05/03/south-hill-stampin-up-sunday-butterfly-aperture-card-tutorial/

Mine is based very closely on Sam's card but I decided to sponge instead of stamp! I've used my favourite combo of late - Elegant Eggplant and Very Vanilla (really must change that up soon!) and layered it up in my usual offset style.

I punched the butterflies from the top layer using both the Bitty Butterfly and Elegant Butterfly punches, then sponged with varying depth on the layer below (before sticking together), being careful to avoid going too close to the edges.  I sponged the punched out butterflies a little and around the edge.  I stamped the Happy Birthday in Elegant Eggplant from the And Many More Stamp Set and punched out with the Large Oval Punch - this is a fab stamp set to get to cover such a variety of occasions. I finished with pearls on the butterflies and a little trio at the base of the card. xx

Weekly Deals - 06.05.15-12.05.15

Ooh!  Ribbon & Fast Fuse!  2 of my favourite things!

Plus Framelits, Thinlits and Embossing Folders - We're really spoiling you this week!

If you'd like to buy any of this week's deals and/or anything from the current catalogues, retired list or clearance rack, please pop over to my shop.  Tracy x

A New Recruit and Silver 1 - Woohoo!

I'm super happy today for 3 reasons!  

Firstly, the lovely Paulette has joined my team, the Inker Belles.  Paulette comes along to my monthly craft classes and we've become really good friends (you don't have to be local or come to my classes to join my team - all welcome!) I'm so happy to welcome Paulette. 

Secondly, I've promoted in Stampin' Up! to Silver 1 - Yay!!  This is something I only dreamed of achieving when I first joined and now I've made it a reality.  I LOVE my job!

And this in turn means thirdly, my amazing Stampin' Up Grandmother Liz (my upline's upline!) has promoted to a well deserve Silver 3!  

Congratulations to the lovely Liz Shannon - the Heart Of Stampin' Up 2014, a true inspiration and a great friend xx

April Craft Class Projects

I love the projects we made in my April Craft Class!  

The little bag was cased from the lovely Sam Hammond Donald (link below)  I changed it up a little using this cute spotty paper from the stunning Birthday Bash DSP.  And I just love the Ornate Tag Topper punch - so versatile! I finished it using the large button from Subtles Designer Buttons and Soft Sky Taffeta Ribbon.  I used a candy dot to tie in with the DSP.

http://pootles.co.uk/2015/04/03/spotty-magnet-bag-tutorial-using-stampin-up-dsp/

A bit of heat embossing for my second project.  I stamped Bloom With Hope in Versa Mark onto a whisper white Curvy Keepsake box, then heat embossed in Pool Party.  I just love the subtle image!  I tied a length of Soft Sky Seam Binding Ribbon with my fave Linen Thread for a vintage touch.  So pretty!

Loving The Artisan Embellishment Kit!

Just how beautiful are the products in this kit?!  

And all this for just £8.95!

I'm a huge fan of kits and this is definitely one of my faves!  Here's what you get...

Blushing Bride Rosette Trim

Rose Red Lace Trim

Blackberry Bliss Thin Velvet Trim

4 x Doilies

2 x Die Cut, Double-Sided Sahara Sand/White Cards (can be used as stencils)

12 Adhesive Pearls

8 Asst Buttons

Such great value for money!  I made the following projects from one kit (plus a little Rose Red cardstock, linen thread & glue dots) and still have bits left over to use. 

 If you'd like to order the Artisan Embellishment Kit 137909, please click on the 'Shop Online Now' tab. xx

Weekly Deals - Ribbons, Twines & More! 25.02.15 - 03.03.15

Here are this week's Weekly Deals from Stampin' Up! 

If you'd like to buy these or anything else from the current catalogues or clearance rack, please click on the 'Shop Online Now' tab

Don't forget - you get to choose a FREE Sale-a-bration item for every £45 you spend!

2013-2015 In Color Sequin Assortment Price: £4.50 £3.38	Basic Gray Baker's Twine Price: £2.50 £1.88	Build A Banner Refill Kit Price: £8.95 £6.71	Celebrate Easter Ensemble - Digital Download Price: £8.95 £5.37
Crisp Cantaloupe Thick Baker's Twine Price: £3.25 £2.44	Melon Mambo 1/4" Cotton Ribbon Price: £5.50 £4.13	Night Of Navy 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon Price: £6.25 £4.69	Whisper White 5/8" Satin Ribbon Price: £6.25 £4.69

Stacked With Love Cute Gift Box

I love this cute little gift box! 

 Perfect if you need to send a little gift of chocs or jewellery to someone. 

 I've used the Stacked With Love DSP stack - so versatile and such great value for money!

Here's how I made it...

The measurements I've used originate from the amazingly talented Sam Hammond Donald. You'll need 2 pieces of Basic Black cardstock - 1 for the lid and 1 for the base.  Cut a piece of 5 15/16" x 5 15/16" for the lid and score at 2" on all 4 sides.  The base measures 4"x4" and is scored on all sides at 1"

Holding the lid piece, cut up the right hand scoreline up to the horizontal scoreline and notch in (take a small piece out of either side of the furthest right tab.  Turn 45 degrees and cut as before.  Repeat until all 4 sides have tabs cut.

Flip over so the right side is facing upward.  Put Tombow or Fast Fuse on the 4 small tabs, stick the 1st one to the inside of the lid, turn, stick the 2nd and repeat until all 4 are stuck.  So the same for the base.

Cut 4 x 1 13/16" x 7/8" pieces from the Stacked With Love DSP Stack for the base sides. Cut 1 x 1 7/8" x 1 7/8" for the centre of the lid and 4 x 1 7/8" x 7/8" for the sides of the lid (tip - be sure to cut the right way if using hearts!).

Assemble the box then adhere the panels, leaving a 15/16" border on all sides.  Finish the box with a bow in Basic Black cardstock using the Bow Builder Punch.  I attached a tiny heart to the bow using Real Red cardstock and the Heart Border Punch.

Weekly Deals...Need A New Punch?

Here are this week's Weekly Deals - available until Tuesday 24th Feb (little late posting - sorry!)
Check out the great prices on the punches - you can never have too many, right?!

To order these or anything from the current catalogues or clearance rack, please visit my online shop and if your order is less than £150, please use Hostess Code 2VYFWNTF

Amped Up Ampersands Kit - Digital Download Price: £6.95 £4.17	Celebration Basics Kit Price: £13.50 £10.13	Darling Doily Thinlits Die Price: £20.95 £15.71	Gold Foil Sheets Price: £3.75 £2.81
Hello Honey A4 Cardstock Price: £6.25 £4.69	Pansy Punch Price: £14.25 £10.69	Pink Pirouette 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon Price: £6.25 £4.69	Triangle Punch Price: £14.25 £10.69

Beautiful Lotus Blossom

Just how beautiful is the Lotus Blossom Stamp Set?  It's only available to order as a Sale-a-bration item when you spend £45+ through me (I'll explain more at the end of the post) Stampin' Up! have made this stamp set even easier to use by numbering the stamps in the order you need to use them!

I promised to tell you the technique I used for this card as I only used 1 colour ink - Night Of Navy! Just think, you could make a whole set of notecards with one stamp set, one ink pad and a pack of cardstock! That's the beauty of Stampin' Up!  They know not everyone has endless money to spend so they come up with simple solutions to make beautiful projects to suit everyone's budget.

Here's what I did.  Cut a piece of Whisper White cardstock in half - either way works but I prefer to do mine lengthwise  so I have the opening at the bottom.  Fold in half.

On piece of 2 1/4" x 4 1/2" Whisper White cardstock, stamp No 1. stamp in Night Of Navy.  There is an arrow at the top of each stamp to help you line it up.  Ink the 2nd stamp in Night Of Navy, lightly stamp onto your grid paper, then stamp over the original image.  This produces a lighter colour.  Finally, ink the 3rd stamp and lightly stamp off twice onto your grid paper, then over the image for the card.  Choose which stem you'd like to use and stamp in Wild Wasabi.

Layer a piece of Night Of Navy cardstock measuring 2 1/2" x 4 3/4" - I like mine angled.  Then take your stamped image and angle it onto the Night Of Navy cardstock as I have in the photo.

I stamped one of the sentiments from the stamp set onto a scrap of Whisper White in Night Of Navy ink, cut out with the 1 3/4" Circle Punch and sponged around the egdes. I adhered it to the card using dimensionals.  Finally, I added a Night Of Navy Candy Dot to finish off the card.

Want to make this & qualify for the free stamp set?  Here's what you need...

Tools, Adhesives & Accessories

Whisper White Notecards - 131527 £5.50
1 3/4" Circle Punch - 119850 £15.50
Stampin' Sponges - 101610 £3.25
Tombow Glue - 110755 £3.25
Dimensionals - 104430 £3.25
Regals Candy Dots - 130932 - £5.50

Cardstock
Night Of Navy - 106577 £6.25 (24 Sheets) or mixed Regals A4 Cardstock (2 each colour) 131284 £6.25

Ink Pad
Night Of Navy - 126970 £4.95
Wild Wasabi - 126959 £4.95

Total £52.40**

Lotus Blossom Stamp Set - 139143 FREE

** Alternatively, the Stampin' Trimmer - 129722 £25.95 is so versatile for projects and could be included instead on the Note Cards.  Add a pack of Whisper White Cardstock 106549 £7.50
another ink pad for variety, a pack of Whisper White Envelopes 106588 £5.75 (pack 40) and get a second choice of free Sale-a-bration gift!

Please order these and any other items via my shop and use Hostess Code 2VYFWNTF

Weekly Deals - 04/02/15 - 10/02/15

Here are this week's selection of Weekly Deals...I particularly love the Silver Foil sheets and Blendabilities!  To buy these or anything from the current catalogues or clearance rack, please click on 'Shop Online Now' tab.  Tracy x

Fine Print Coupons Swatchbook - Digital Download Price: £8.95 £5.37	Fun Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Price: £8.50 £6.38	Gold 1/8" Ribbon Price: £4.50 £3.38	Silver Foil Sheets Price: £3.75 £2.81
Stampin' Blendabilities™ Markers Wisteria Wonder Assortment Price: £10.95 £8.21	Striped Scallop Thinlits Die Price: £20.95 £15.71	Tag A Bag Accessory Kit Price: £7.25 £5.44	Tangelo Twist A4 Cardstock Price: £6.25 £4.69

Love is in the air for next week's classes...

I've finally finished designing my projects for next week's classes!  I've had my youngest at home this week so always a bit more tricky to work! 

I love both of the stamp sets I've used on the cards.  The Sheltering Tree cut out flip card is CASE'd from Julie Davison - simple but so effective.

Lotus Blossom stamp set is available as a Sale-a-bration freebie when you spend £45 or more between now and the end of March.  It looks scary to do but actually it's not too tricky!  I'll post my technique for this card soon.

The little gift box was made using dimensions from the amazing Sam Hammond Donald.  I've then simply covered it with Designer Series Paper from the Stacked With Love DSP stack and finished it off with a black bow using the Bow Builder Punch.

If you'd like to make these projects, please pop to my shop for these and all other items from the annual & Spring/Summer catalogues.

Cute Bow Builder Punch Card

This it the cute Bow Builder Card my guests made as a Make & Take at my Spring/Summer Catalogue launch parties - it's pretty much CASE'd from the catalogue.  You can get some fab ideas from the catalogues and they even tell you what you need to make them!  Here's what we did.

We stamped the sentiment from the Sale-a-bration *Simply Wonderful Stamp Set onto a note card in Bermuda Bay to coordinate with the Designer Series Paper (DSP). Each time you use the Bow Builder Punch, it punches out 1/2 a bow and so we punched 2 in 3 different sheets of Birthday Bash DSP.  Use a bone folder to lightly curl all of the bow components except for the tails.  Use glue dots to stick the ends of the first 'oval' together and repeat on the other.  Then, stick the rectangular end of one on top of the other to form a basic bow.  Adhere one end on the small centre rectangle to the back of the bow, wrap around and secure the other end in the same way. Finally, attached the tails underneath the bow.  Arrange your bows on the card and voila!  These bows can be used on cards, presents, gift tags and so much more!

*Want to qualify for a free Sale-a-bration Simply Wonderful Stamp Set?  

You can get this or any of the other Sale-a-bration goodies FREE with every £45 you spend in my online shop.  You can buy everything you need to make this card and more AND get the stamp set for FREE!  Here's how...

131527   Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes 20 Pack   £5.50

137783   Birthday Bash Speciality Designer Series Paper   £11.50

137414   Bow Builder Punch   £15.50

131171   Bermuda Bay Classic Stamp Pad   £4.95

118485   Glue Dots   £3.95

Total £48.90

139128   Simply Wonderful Stamp Set   FREE!

Click on my 'Shop Online Now!' tab to buy this bundle or anything else from the current catalogues, Weekly Deals and Clearance Rack

Weekly Deals (until tomorrow) - It's All About Punches!

Ooh, this week's Weekly Deals is all about punches! 

How cute is the Hearts Border Punch?!

If you'd like to buy something from this week's deals or anything from the catalogue, please go to my Shop tab and follow the link.  Thanks, Tracy x

Chevron Border Punch Price: £19.95 £14.96	Early Espresso 1/2" Seam Binding Ribbon Price: £6.25 £4.69	Hearts Border Punch Price: £14.25 £10.69	Note Tag Punch Price: £15.50 £11.63
Soft Sky 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon Price: £5.25 £3.94	Tangelo Twist 3/8" Satin Stitched Ribbon Price: £7.95 £5.96	Watercolored Winter Kit - Digital Download Price: £6.95 £4.17	What's Up Punch Price: £15.50 £11.63