Nag, Nag, Nag!

My children are nagging me for a kitten - you see we have had cats in the past and I've started talking about getting another one ... and of course they know I'll say yes to any animal but I'm allergic to anything furry so it comes at a price.  We have a lovely Schoodle Max (who is supposed to be a hypoallergic dog ... but I'm telling you there is no such thing!).

Our friends have just added a new kitten Lily to their menagerie of animals ... and after Saturday and these photos ... the nagging continues!

What am I going to do?  How long can I hold out?  I have to admit, all four of us were down on our hands and knees playing with Lily at some point through the night ... she never stopped playing (mostly in and out of a plastic bag that seemed to keep her entertained for hours!).

She really is the most beautiful little kitten and I know the kids would love one of their own - we will see ... perhaps we should consider one of those hairless ones!

Back with another card for you tomorrow.

Happy stampin.

Nikki

Christmas in July Take 2!

You know how much I told you I like Christmas ... well we have some very special friends ... the Petries.  We spend a lot of time with these lovely people but unfortunately at Christmas we always seem to run out of time to have a Christmas dinner together. 

So last year we decided to start a new Sadler / Petrie tradition (there are quite a few of these!) and celebrate Christmas in July together. Of course, Olivia and I made the crackers - Olivia made the beautiful tags using the Lovely Letters stamp set and punches. 

My beautiful friend Tracy cooked a feast - turkey, ham, chicken and all the trimmings - it was truly a scrumptious meal.

Olivia and Ash pulling crackers!

We finished off the meal with some homemade last minute Christmas puddings (which were so yummy Kieran ate two!).

Tess and Kieran dancing!

There were the usual groans of 'I've eaten too much' followed by the boys watching Saints thrash the Doggies and the girls ... well we did a bit of dancing (to wear off all that dinner) and took heaps of photos.

  Were the crackers really that hard to pull guys?

Looking through my album, I can only find photos of the kids and Paul and Matt - hopefully Tracy has a decent shot of us girls that I can show you another day. 

Thanks Petries for a wonderful night ... long may the tradition continue.

Love Nikki

x

Making Merry Monday # 4

I was at a Ladies Night at my son's school this week and this card was very popular.  Big hello to all the lovely ladies that I met on the night - was so much fun to meet so many crafty people and if you booked into a class here is a little reminder of what we will be making.

Using punches, Season's of Joy and Dazzling Diamonds this card is easy peasy - photo doesn't show that you can see a stamped image through the little sparkly window.

The classes are proving very popular; there are still a couple of places left on the following dates:

Friday 14 August - 7.00pm - two places left

Thursday 3 September - 7.00pm - three places left

Cost is $18 and you make and take six cards ... three of this design and three of a Christmas Lovely as a Tree card ... which I'll show you next week.  We will be using the new Christmas paper from the Spring mini; Ski Slope.

Call or email if you'd like to book one of the remaining places.

Lots more classes and cards to come over the next couple of months .... and if you'd like a copy of the new Spring mini just let me know and I'll get one into the post for you. 

Have a great week and happy Stampin.

Nikki

x

Forest Friends

It was our wedding anniversary yesterday, 17 years we've been married - that number makes me feel old ... and amazed that 17 years can pass by in a flash.

I came home from work on Friday to find that my lovely husband had filled the cupboards with food and cleaned the house ... I feel like I have been on holiday with the chores already done.  Paul bought me a beautiful bunch of proteas and lilies which are just stunning.

And here's my card for Paul ....

This is a sneek peek from the new Spring mini - Forest Friends - such a cute set, there's a little owl and deer to go with the lovely tree and bunny.  The words are from the Always stamp set.  Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip are fast becoming one of my favourite combinations.

We had a lovely evening with our friends - another Christmas in July ... did I tell you how much I enjoy Christmas?  LOL  and now we are off to see Harry Potter.

Hope you too are having a relaxing weekend.

Back tomorrow with Making Merry Monday ...

Happy Stampin

Nikki

x

Lovely As A Tree

Every time I see this stamp set I love it ... so when I was choosing my sets when I became a demonstrator in May, it was top of my list!  It is so versatile and I've seen it used in so many ways - I'm working on some Christmas cards - sparkly trees (yum) - so watch this space.

I've got two cards to show you today; this one is using the brayer, good old Old Olive and So Saffron with Chocolate Chip - my favourite colours teamed with Real Red ink - have you noticed?

This one is the same colours but I've taught myself to tie a mean looking bow ... it took me so long to tie the bow but I got there in the end ... could I do it again or show you how to do it?   Hummm ... I'd better do some more practicing - lol.  The little greeting is from the Pocket Silhouettes set.

I've spaced the brads using a neat little tool called the Mat Pack - used for paper piercing; I used it all the time to make sure that things are spaced evenly - a really great gadget.

That's it for today - I am sure that I will be showing you this stamp set again .... I love it!

Happy stampin

Nikki

x

Making Merry Monday # 3

Nearly ran out of time to upload this post today - forgot all about taking photos in the daylight, so I am sorry for the photo ... I've been busy getting myself organised for a Ladies Night at my son's school ... it's on Wednesday night and it will be the first time I have attended as a exhibitor ... so I am a little nervous and I am working hard at making sure everything is just right!

No excuse though, so without further ado here it is .... just a quick card this week, completely cased from the I Wish scrapbooking kit - this was so easy as most of it was made using the die cuts - I not really a fan of die cuts but I must admit the scrapbooking kits in this year's catalogue are making me think again ... they really are a speedy way to put a card or page together.

I added a little bit of Crystal Effects to the Merry & Bight circle so that it looks a bit like a button.

Hope you like it.

Happy Stampin!

Nikki

x

Sketch Challenge

I am a member of the Art with Heart team headed up by the very talented Claire Daly (check out her website here) and each month challenges are set by various members. 

So for the first time I've joined in the sketch challenge, here is the suggested template and we had to use as many pieces of Designer Series Paper (DSP) as we could from one of the lovely sets in the catalogue on one card!

And here's my entry:

I've used the Urban Garden DSP with Baja Breeze and Basic Grey card stock - the little saying is from a Hostess Level One stamp set Best Yet and I've finished it off with a piece of Basic Gray taffeta ribbon.  It was a quick and easy card to make as I used the 1 1/4" square punch - I'm loving the punches!  

Have you counted up?  I've used 9 of the possible 12 pieces ... not a winning score but I like it!

Christmas Stamp a Stacks

     

Did you know there is only 162 days until Christmas (did I scare you?  I scared myself when I looked up that little gem of information on the net just now) ... so I'm now taking bookings for two Christmas Stamp a Stacks I am running in August.  

What's a Stamp a Stack, well we make a stack of cards - six in total; two different designs.  Great for a complete beginner or more experienced card maker - you'll have great fun :o)

I've got some great designs to show you - we will be using a new Christmas set from the Spring Mini (so new that I am not allowed to show it to you yet!) and an old favourite Season of Joy.

It will be hosted in my home in Aspendale Gardens and places are limited.  The cost will be $18 and this includes the use of my inks and stamps with all card stock and ribbons etc being provided.

I'll also show you how you can use the stamps on envelopes too - jazzing up an envelope is so easy and looks fantastic.

The dates are Friday 14 August and Friday 28 August.

If neither of these dates suit why not arrange for five friends (including yourself) to have a Stamp a Stack at your home - call me to arrange a date. 

Stamp a Stacks are a great way to have a go at stamping and 

to build up your stash of cards, and remember I guarantee that even a complete beginner will leave the class with six cards they will be proud of!

Email or call to book your place - 0428 254 952.

Happy Stampin

Nikki

x

Just Because I Care

Today's card is one that I made for a swap and shows one of the new In Colours for 2009/10 - Kiwi Kiss. Teamed with Cameo Coral, Rose Red and Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper this proved to be a very popular card at a recent workshop.

Very simple to make with one of the Hostess Level One sets - Best Yet and the wee flower from the One of a Kind set. The 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches made it very quick to complete - and I just love the Kiwi Kiss satin ribbon.  A  little bit of Crystal Effects and the card was done!

Just spent the last hour humming and aaarrhhing over the new Spring Mini - there are so many lovely new stamp sets that I just didn't know what to buy to show you first.  If anyone would like a copy of the new Mini it will be available for posting on 1 August ... just send me an email (link is up on the right)  and I will put one in the post for you.

Along with the gorgeous stamps sets there is also a fabulous scallop oval punch (which comes with a matching stamp set of course!) - this little gem is causing a great deal of interest on the demonstrator forums so I just know it is going to be a favourite with you too.

Don't forget if you host a workshop during July and your sales reach $600 or more, you'll receive an extra bonus from Stampin Up! ... instead of the usual $70 worth of free products you will receive $110 ... plus a free Level One or Two stamp set ... wow - that's heaps!  I've only a couple more dates left available for this month so if you want to book one, be quick!

That's it from me today ... I'll be back in a day or two with news of some Christmas Stamp A Stacks I'm organising for August.

Keep smiling.

Nikki

x

Making Merry Monday # 2

Back again for another Making Merry Monday.

Another one using the Seasons Of Joy stamp set.  

Recipe:

Stamp Sets: Season Of Joy

Card Stock: Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Pattern Paper: I Wish scrapbooking kit

Ribbon: Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon

Other: 1 3/8" Circle punch, Little sparkle from my stash

I love this card, I think I will be making some more like this. The inked edges on the white cards stock really add to the finished look.

For those of you who are new to Stampin Up! many of the punches and stamps have been made to be used together - so the little snowflake was a quick and easy addition to the card, as it fits perfectly with the 1 3/8" Circle punch.  I keep an eye out for punches that have matching punches - just makes cards and scrapbooking embellishments so easy and quick to rustle up.

Back next Monday with another one ... let me know if you are joining in and send me photos of your cards so I can post them here for everyone to see.

Happy stampin!

Nikki

x

It's cold, raining and dark before dinner time, it's winter time here in Melbourne ... it's time for Christmas in July!  I love Christmas so the fact that here in Australia we get to celebrate twice, I am in heaven!  My favourite meal of the year is Christmas dinner with all the trimmings so it's another excuse to eat turkey and pigs in blankets - yum! I've been making crackers for years now; Olivia and I do it together - it is our thing!  We love shopping for little gifts that fit inside tubes and it's Olivia's job to find the naff jokes to go inside.

So tonite I am celebrating Christmas in July with my scrapbooking friends and a few girls who haven't woken up to the fact that you really can get excited about paper and ribbon, they'll wise up one day!

Here's a photo of my crackers, I've used some gift wrapping paper, some ribbon from my stash together with the Scallop punch, Curly Label punch bundle and silver embossing powder. How good do they look?

They really are the easiest things to make - much better than shop bought ones.

Off to get ready for the big night - got the house to myself for a change as Paul and the kids have gone to watch Ice Age 3.

Happy Stampin

Love Nikki

x

Circles for my lovely niece!

I was looking through my photos for another card to show you and found this one.  Inspired by something I found on net (but now can no longer find ... don't you hate it when that happens), I made this beautiful card for one of my nieces who celebrated her birthday last month (hello Chloe). 

I miss my nieces very much (they are the most beautiful girls and I love to hear them say 'auntie Nikki' ... my eldest niece Emma has such a beautiful way of saying it!) - they would be my perfect 'stampin partners in crime' if we lived in the same hemisphere ... perhaps my brother should be grateful that I live here so that I can't influence them too much!

So, the card .....

Made using supplies from the Simply Scrappin Petal Party kit the recipe is as follows:

Stamp Set: Always

Card Stock: Pixie Pink, Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive

Patterned Paper:  Petal Party

Other: Border from Petal Party set, Circle punches 1 3/8" and 1 1/4", Scallop punch, Kaiser Kraft sparkles and rub ons from my stash

I've loved using this scrapbooking set as the papers and card stock are so bright - don't usually use stickers and borders but I have found lots of ways to use this set.

This card is easily modified for a male version which I made for for my brother-in-law who also celebrates his birthday in June:

I used Baroque Motifs and some Old Olive card stock for this one; not sure where I got the blue card stock from but it just goes to show that the same design can be used for both male and female cards.

Hope these designs inspire you to have a go.

Happy stampin!

Love Nikki

x

Girls having fun!

Olivia had one of her best friends Lizzie for a sleepover last night and having spent an afternoon cooking up a suspicious white chocolate mud cake with very blue icing (Olivia is really 'in to' blue icing at the moment - you should have seen KP's birthday cake!), they then decided to do some stamping.  So here are their creations, aren't they clever ... I love the way they just put ink, glue and card together and come up with such wonderful creations .... Lizzie's is for her mum, a great wee card, and Olivia's is a thank you card for ... her stash (god bless her she sounds just like me doesn't she!).

I have no idea what they have used but I think they are fantastic and they so wanted to see their cards on the net ... how could I say no?

Hope you are all having a great week, it's bloomin' chilly here in Melbourne, there has been frost on the ground and ice on the windscreens ... yep I know it's Australia but that's Melbourne for you!

Love Nikki

x

Always wanting to be stampin!

Okay, so I am probably supposed to be working, actually if you are my boss I am working, I wrote this on Friday night! Honest! But between you and me ... I'd rather be stamping and creating any day ... but then I'm sure he knows that already! 

This card was inspired by my boss and his request or a handmade card for his wife's birthday.  I love the Always stamp set and thought the sentiment was perfect ... simple and elegant.

Recipe

Stamp set: Always

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Pixie Pink, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Patterned Paper: Petal Party Simply Scrappin set

Other: Kaiser Kraft Sparkle

Beautiful card, simple and easy to make.

Nikki

x

Buy a Card

Looking for a special card for someone?

Seen something here that you'd like to buy?

Getting married or celebrating a special event and want some custom designed invitations?

Want to be able to make your own invitations but don't know where to start?

I can help you to get started and create your own unique range of stationery to celebrate any occasion.

I take commissions for cards, ranging from one off unique designs in colours and wording that you chose, to complete wedding sets. 

I sell all of my cards you see on this site for $5 each - so if you really like something just call or email and I'll pop it in the post for you.

Contact me to discuss your requirements on 0428 254 952.

Stamp and Scrapbooking Clubs

How would you like a night out with friends doing something you love? How would you like to learn how to make the most of the stamping supplies that you already have? Do you want to learn new techniques and make awesome projects? If you answered YES to any of these questions, then a club would be perfect for you. 

Here are the details…

• Each member commits to placing a minimum order of $50 (plus p&h) each month.

• Each month on a rotating basis, one member will get to be the club hostess, and will earn the hostess benefits for that month. On your hostessing month, you can bring in outside orders or even host your own separate workshop to boost your workshop total.

• Free copy of the current Ideas Book and Catalogue if you don't already own one.

That’s all there is to it! Contact me today to register as a member of the next stamp club!

OR….here are some other stamp club options…..

• Start your own! – If you have a group of stampin’ friends, lets get organised and start your own stamp club! You can come to me, or I will bring it to you, the choice is yours.  Contact me to start your own club today!

• Virtual stamp club – if you are not local to me and are therefore unable to attend stamp club gatherings, or if you like the idea of the club but are not able to make the time to attend ‘in person’ get-togethers, contact me to arrange a spot in a Virtual Stamp Club. Members still place a minimum $50 + p&h order in the same way each month, and everyone still gets a chance to choose the hostess benefits, but without having to leave your home!  You'll receive the project details, photos and instructions so that you too can take part and try out new techniques.

 

And of course, not forgetting my scrapbooking customers, same deal as the Stamp Club only all the emphasis is on scrapbooking.  Every month the project will be a scrapbooking page ... at the very least if you join up for this club you'll have completed six pages by the end of it - that is six more pages than I completed last year :o)

You can start your own club, come and join in a club here or become a member of a virtual club .... contact me if you want to book your spot.

 

Ordering Information

Please note you can place an order or request a catalogue from anywhere in Australia.

Would you like a catalogue?

The latest Catalogue is a coveted publication,  if you would like a real one that you can drool over to your hearts content (is it only me that takes the catalogue everywhere with me ... oh it is ... okay) - just let me know and I will send one to you.  

Once you've had a look at the catalogue you'll see that it is 205 pages full of inspiration and ideas; and is packed full of lovely Stampin Up! goodies.  

The catalogue retails for $7, or $14 including postage. Contact me if you want a copy, email or phone 0481 316 626.

Have you seen the latest Seasonal Catalogue?

Just let me know if you'd like a copy and I will mail it to you free of charge.

Want to place an order?

So you like what you see and you want to place an order - that's easy ....

Place your own order with me anytime, either in person, by phone or email - payments have to be made at the time of ordering and I accept cash, direct deposit or credit card. Please remember that Stampin Up! pricing doesn't include the cost for shipping and that this is added at the time or ordering, $5.95 or 5% of the order whichever is greater.  

Your order will be placed the same day ensuring you get your goodies as quickly as possible - all orders are shipped directly to you from Stampin Up! using Australia Post. 

Orders over $300 receive hostess benefits - these include free stamp sets (chose from a selection of stamps that are only available to hostesses) together with at least $50 worth of free product.

Want the hostess benefits but don't want to spend $300?  Why not collect orders from your friends, just so long as they total more than $300 you will still receive the hostess benefits.

Please remember, no order is too big or too small!  If you have any questions or want some advice then I am here to help you. 

 

Party Time!

Would you like to earn free stamps and Stampin Up products?

Then all you need to do is to arrange a party for you and your friends and family.

A Stampin' Up! party is a stamping event where you open your home and invite your friends to enjoy an exciting demonstration. 

A party generally lasts for approximately two hours. During the party you get to browse through Stampin' Up's extensive Catalogue. 

You will have the opportunity to look through some at samples of Stampin' Up's fantastic products. You and your guests are also able to create a card to take home - you get to choose what you and your guests make before the day so you know you will be happy with the designs and colours. 

Parties are fun and informal. 

They are a great way to catch up with friends and to be creative, you'll learn new and exciting to stamp and scrapbook!

Alternatively, you can come and attend a party run at my home.

Call me to chat about a party that will work for you on 0481 316 626.

Making Merry Monday #1

I'm joining in with Anita Meades' Making Merry Monday, a new Christmas card published every Monday - how cool is that! No last minute panics for me this year ... oh how I love to be organised :o) 

Christmas cards were the real eye opener for me with Stampin Up!  I have been making cards for about 15 years now; I make about 40 festive cards every year; not a big number but still enough to make me panic every November as I searched for inspiration, I like to make about four different designs (I like variety) and I like them to be different each year; so I generally don't use the same stamp sets.  

Last year I bought the Season of Joy set from the Spring Mini which is now in the main catalogue (and which I still love and will be breaking a habit of a lifetime and using again this year!), two packs of cardstock, two matching blender pens and one roll of ribbon - I then made so many different cards that I had trouble stopping at 40! 

That's when it clicked - Stampin Up was for me! - The stamp sets and papers just work together beautifully ... the cardstock colours, ribbons and inks all match ...it isn't rocket science (and my goodness when you are time poor we need all the help we can get don't we)  .... all the hard work of 'what goes with what' is done for you - no matter what I did with the set of stamps every card was coordinated and beautiful.   

They were the easiest and quickest 40 cards I had ever made and I received so many compliments that I decided I would trade in all my old stuff and stick with Stampin Up! - I've started with the trade-in (read 'sell on eBay' here) but I have to confess I've probably sold less than I've replaced with new goodies from SU - ssshhh don't tell my husband ... he'll never cotton on if we keep quiet about it!

So, as this is my favourite festive set I've started with Season of Joy first:

Recipe:

Stamp Sets: Season Of Joy, Many Merry Messages

Card Stock: Old Olive, Whisper White

Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, VersaMark

Pattern Paper: I Wish scrapbooking kit

Ribbon: Old Olive 5/8" (1.6cm) Grosgrain Ribbon

Other: Heat and Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds

Really easy to do the 'sparkly' bit.  After stamping the image, just VersaMark the whole piece of white cardstock, dip into Heat and Stick powder and warm with heat tool, then sprinkle Dazzling Diamonds over the top, shake off excess and 'set' with heat tool once more.  The effect is amazing - a lot more sparkly in real life than in the photo - try it you'll like it!

I'll be doing some Stamp A Stack Christmas card classes starting in August and I think this will be one of the designs - if you want to come along and stamp a few of these for your family and friends just let me know.

Have a great Monday and happy stampin!

Love N

x

First day in blogland!

It's a big day today .. my first post and my first Stampin Up! workshop!  I've spent the last month organising myself for the workshop with two make and takes and I am as ready as I will ever be.  

I've been thinking about this blog for so long now that I can't really believe that I am actually composing the first post.  I have so many ideas spinning around in my head that it feels great to finally be making a start.  Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to take the plunge ... you'd had better keep popping by to read or else there will be trouble!

So welcome to the InkyArt blog, I hope that over the coming months this will grow into a great resource for inspiration and ideas that will motivate you to create something for yourself and your family.  

As this blog is primarily a resource for card making and scrapbooking ideas, I thought I'd start with the two make and takes from today's workshop - the first is using the brayer (Olivia asked me 'what is a brayer' ... 'it is a roller that you use to achieve uniform inking of larger stamps or special background effects' said I - she looked very impressed!) and the stamp set Pocket Silhouettes.

I really love how this card works - looks difficult but is a really easy effect to achieve. 

Brayer first the So Saffron ink to completely cover a glossy white card stock square.  Then punch a 1 1/4" circle from scrap paper and temporarily stick in position.  Then using the brayer again, this time with the Real Red ink, completely cover the card stock ... making sure that you have a clean cirle (almost a halo) around the circle piece of scrap paper.  Remove the scrap of paper and hey presto ... a setting sun!   

The pocket Silhouette flowers and grasses are perfect to add to the bottom of the brayered card .... and this ribbon bow using the double rectangle punch is a new favourite for me ... just so easy and effective.

The recipe for this card is as follows:

Stamp Set: Pocket Silhouettes

Card Stock: Old Olive, Glossy White, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron

Ink: So Saffron, Real Red and Chocolate Chip

Ribbon: 5/8" (1.6cm) Old Olive grosgrain ribbon

Other: Brayer, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Eyelet Border punch, Double Rectangle punch

My second card is using a technique called Reverse Masking.

I loved the look of this card when I saw it on the Stampin Up! Demonstrators website.  Again using another favourite stamp set Baroque Motifs (I bought it for the wonderful swirl which I'll showcase sometime for you, I've used this set heaps of times).  

So the recipe for this one is as follows:

Stamp Set: Baroque Motifs

Card Stock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Real Red and Kraft

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Ribbon: Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon

Other: 1 3/8" Circle punch (you could use the 1 1/4" if you wish), Scallop Edge punch

Well there you have it, I'll be back very soon with more to inspire and motivate you to create .... I'm joining in the Making Merry Monday's with Anita Meade with a great ambition to post a new Christmas card every Monday between now and Christmas .... so catch you Monday.

If you'd like more in depth instructions on either of these cards just email or leave a comment - if you'd like to book a workshop so that you can make these cards too, just let me know.

Nikki

x