Valentine Sweetheart Promotion

Create a handmade treat for all your sweethearts this Valentine’s Day using sweet products from Stampin’ Up!

Get a FREE package of Heart Treat Cups ($6.50 value) when you purchase the Sweetheart Stamp Set or the Full Heart Punch— make it twice as sweet when you buy both and get two free packages of Heart Treat Cups!

Promotion dates: 30 December 2010 - 24 January 2011

Details: You will get a FREE package of Heart Treat Cups--a $6.50 value--when you purchase the Sweetheart Stamp Set or Full Heart Punch.

Purchase any of the items below:

Item	Page	Description	Price
121576	38	Sweetheart Wood-Mount Stamp Set	$38.95
120780	38	Sweetheart Clear-Mount Stamp Set	$29.95
119883	147	Full Heart Punch	$33.95

Get a free package of Heart Treat Cups:

Item	Page	Description	Retail     Value
120435	122	Heart Treat Cups	$6.50

Now isn't that a sweet treat!

 

Just Add Ink Challenge #48

With the festivities over and enough food left to feed an army, I've had no more excuses for not sitting down and trying to find my lost mojo.  So yesterday whilst the boys were at the MCG watching the cricket, I made some of my new tea - Buddha's Tears  (the nicest green tea I have ever tasted) .... and thought I'd start with the latest JAI challenge.  Six cards later .... I think I've finally cracked it .... missing mojo found - YAY :)

So here's the first of many cards to show you:

The beautiful rose from Fifth Avenue Floral makes a lovely outline to watercolour.  I stamped it onto watercolour paper in black Stazon and then used an Aqua Blender pen and some Rich Razzleberry ink to colour in the image.  The Victoria Crochet Trim and a little Vintage Trinket from the Summer Mini are perfect to create a vintage look ... the little self adhesive pearls and some shimmer paint  to finish it off.  

Hope you are having a fun and relaxing time and find some time to create - hop on over to JAI for lots of inspiration.

Back soon with more .... need to start scrapbooking again too.

 

Happy Christmas

Its that time again when we all take a break from our daily lives to spend times with our families and loved ones.

For me its time to recuperate and rest after a busy year and to reflect on what 2011 will bring.  I am very excited to be able to wake up with no alarm, to spend a day or seventeen (yes I did count them up) without watching the clock or sit for endless hours at my work desk ... I can't wait :)

I am planning on finding my missing mojo and creating - lots of summery cards and scrapbooking pages so there should be plenty to share with you.

We are almost ready .... Sadler Traditions are being ticked off ..... the children have bought their ornaments.

KP's keepsake - he won't forget which year he bought it will he LOL .... and Olivia's ....  Did I need to tell you that was OJ's?  Just so her!

Seats are booked at the movies this afternoon, another of our traditions ... we've splashed out and are seeing Harry Potter in Gold Class, Olivia has glazed the ham and Kieran has started a new tradition of being in charge of the sausage rolls ... all coming along nicely.

A few more things to wrap but nothing that can't be done with a glass of Sav Blanc tonite .... after a little walk around the neighbourhood to check out the Christmas lights.

So whatever you doing and wherever you may be, I wish you happy times and I thank you for your friendship.

With love

Nikki

xx

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Christian

My nephew celebrates his birthday today ... how I wish I owned the new range of teenage style stamps but not yet ... so I got creative with the lovely Deisgner Series papers, Celebrations.

Because the design was so simple I thought I'd alter the card base, so I folded the card to open in the centre - there's probably a special name for it .... but it escapes me right now LOL

and because I had lots of scraps left over it was so quick to make up another card at the same time - its great paper - really bright and the Perfect Punches stamp set is fast being my favourite sentiment set - so quick to stamp and punch.  What did I ever do without my Top Note die?  I have a new one the Scallop Square from the new Summer Mini - can't wait to give that one a try out soon too.

So Christian, we hope you have a fab day.

Love from Auntie Nikki, Uncle Paul, Olivia, Kieran and the dogs xxxx

 

Custom Christmas Cards

Having given up any hope of being able sit and create without staring at pieces of card for hours on end waiting to be inspired, I was grateful to be asked to make a pack of cards for someone - they choose the design from one of the many they had seen here and then the colour scheme - not what I would have immediately chosen for Christmas but it works really well and I made a couple of extra ones to send out this year.

Excuse the dodgy photo, it is straight in real life - weather has been terrible here - far too much rain and grey skies - taking photos outside is a little bit of a luxury at the moment.  

Talking of rain - look what I saw in my garden this week ...

Aren't they cute, they nest in our garden too, we are so lucky - just taking some shelter from the driving rain under the veranda.

 

Anybody Seen My Mojo

I spent a lovely evening a couple of weeks ago with some beautiful ladies - making cards together just because .... it took me several hours to make .... wait for it .... just ONE - well actually one and a bit; but the bit doesn't count because I still haven't finished it.  

Have you ever had days like that?  Well I am having a few weeks like that .... I'm not sure if I am tired and need a rest, work is finally zapping me of energy or I have just run out of steam ... but I wish I wish I could find my mojo :(

So here's my one and only ....

There are lots of variations around the net for this card - very quick to make.  I've used the Welcome Christmas stamp set but you could choose any.

I hope you are having fun making your cards .... and if you find my mojo sneeking around can you send it home again please!

 

 

December News

Two pieces of exciting news today - first some really special savings just in time for Christmas - the December Frenzy.  

Click HERE if you want to read the finer detail or see the little pictures - isn't it great having a flyer with pictures .... lets hope Stampin' Up! do this again, makes it so easy to see whats what doesn't it.

And there is a new Summer Mini - launched today ... lots of yummy Limited Edition products for both stamping and scrapbooking.

If you'd like your own copy just call or email and I'll put one the post for you.

Christmas Blog Hop

Did you know it is .... XXX days until Christmas?  No I haven't forgotten to fill in the XXX; I just didn't want to scare both you and I by actually putting it into writing just how many days there are until Christmas .... I haven't bought one single Christmas present which is very unusual for me!

Welcome to a little festive blog hop that will hopefully inspire you to create a little something for a friend or two.  If you are already travelling through the hop you will have flown in from Christine Blain's blog - if not .... grab a cuppa and hop on board.

So with XXX days to go,  I thought I had better make a list of presents and that had me thinking ... I know I am not the only one to be working against the clock to have some little things prepared for the loved ones in our lives who help us through the year ... teachers, friends, neighbours, work colleagues ... just a little gift and a handmade card is often more appreciated than an expensive shop bought item.  

So I have created two easy little treats that are inexpensive and quick to rustle up.  This little basket is made from an 8 1/2" by 8 1/2" square of cardstock - a few folds and a couple of holes punched with the crop-o-dile and hey presto a jazzy little box that holds a few lollies - a great idea for a teacher's gift perhaps.

The little gift tag is made from the Perfect Punches set, stamped twice in both Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive, punched out with the scallop circle, the 1 1/4" circle and layered using Stampin' Dimensionals onto a 1 3/4" circle.  So simple!

Now once I had started I couldn't stop LOL .... I had some gold coins and thought these would look a bit more special if they were packed up into a little bag.  

These are so easy to make - in fact I have to confess that Olivia helped me (thanks OJ) as I was running a little late with my project.  Wouldn't these make a fun pressie for school mates?  A great way to make a few extra special gifts without breaking the bank ... perfect for this time of year right?

If you'd like the template for the little box leave me a comment and I'll email one to you.

Right off you hop for yet more festive ideas from the lovely Kristine Thompson.

Have fun and see you another day for more Christmas ideas.

 

Happy Birthday to my Mum-in-Law

Another November birthday ... my lovely mum-in-law at home ... if you read my blog you'll know that I made some cards for Pauline (you can check them out here if you missed them) .... and hopefully she has received them along with her birthday card.

Stampin' Up! offer a Regional day each year for all demonstrators and guests - lots of useful hints and tips, a new stamp set and some make and takes.  I have to confess, when I looked at the stamp set I wasn't overly excited ... but as always, once I started to see all the lovely ideas for how to use it I am very pleased that I now have it in my collection.

Every Moment is a great set to showcase watercolouring with ... and this card also uses the masking technique too, and the Spritzer - something I didn't own but I came home and placed an 'urgent' order for one :)

The sentiment is beautiful .... 'when we see with our hearts, every moment is the most wonderful gift in the world' ... how very true.

Hope my Mother-in-Law loves her card .... and has a very happy birthday.

Now some backyard news ... remember our little blackbirds who built the most beautiful nest and decided to start all over again building another outside our laundry door - well we have babies ....

Two little gaping mouths poke out the top of the nest - the parents are searching every waking minute to find food for them - don't you wish you could leave them a plateful of food out on the lawn - it would make their job so much easier!  They hatched on Friday and already three days later they are big enough to see over the top of the nest.

And here's our veggie garden ... Paul has taken charge of it - doesn't it look great! We now have tomatoes, capsicum, beans, cucumber, strawberries, garlic, lettuce and some pumpkins from my friend Kay's garden too.

Well I hope you have a lovely day - lots of lovely warm weather for the Melbourne-ites this week - at last.

Back with more cards and even a scrapbooking page very soon.

Happy Birthday Olivia

It's our daughter's 15th birthday today .... I remember thinking a couple of years ago that 15 was so old. But here we are with a girl who is growing up so fast, about to start Year 10, there's talk of VCE's, driving cars, piercing tummy buttons and sometimes even BOYS eeeeekkkkkk!  

So I thought I'd make a more grown up card - don't you just love these little cakes - there is a little bit of dazzling diamonds on the cakes - doesn't matter how grown up you are does it .... everyone loves a bit of sparkle :)

Olivia received her birthday present a couple of weeks ago - a new iPhone ... instant squeals of delight followed by floods of tears ... I think she was excited and pleased :)  So I was thinking of a little something for her for today.

I went to the Melbourne Stampin' Up! Regionals last weekend .... and a lovely demo showed us how to make these cute bird houses ... I knew Olivia would love one so I made this one for her and filled it with her favourite chocolates - Lindor Lindt.  

The little roof has been cut using the Top Note Die .... and then embossed using a new Lattice folder - yes the new Summer Mini will be released in a few days time ... with lots more yummy things to whet your appetite.

Well I am off for a day filled with cup cake making, school fete (I'm serving popcorn, candy floss and ice creams can't wait) and then a house full of girls for a sleepover ...

Happy birthday Olivia!

Love from Mum xx

 

 

Royal Tour - Welcome to Australia and Vintage Vogue

Hello and welcome to my castle which is located in Melbourne, Australia.  I'm not sure how many aussies have taken part in the Royal Tour before .... but two of my friends are taking part too ... and we have been very excited.

So without further ado here's my project using the beautiful stamp set Vintage Vogue.  It's a gift for my mother-in-law who celebrates her birthday this month.  How often do you reach for a notelet or card to send to someone .... and find you don't have anything to send?

The designer series paper is a set called Elegant Soiree, it coordinates perfectly with Baja Breeze, Crmb Cake, Very Vanilla and Soft Suede.   I have made four designs, two of each.  I have planned for these cards to be used for all sorts of occasions.  Whilst this set of cards have all their sentiments in place;  I'll be making more as gifts with hand stamped sentiments that are not attached to the card .... this is so when the card is written an appropriate sentiment can be attached - perfect.  

A lovely thank you card ...

As And a 'just for you' card ... all the cards have matching envelopes too.

We are nearing Christmas, so this little gift idea would be perfect for teachers, friends, colleagues and anyone who you post pressies too as it is light and easy to package.

I am offering a pack of these cards with the self adhesive sentiments as blog candy and a thank you for visiting my castle.  

If you would like to be in the draw please leave a comment and then email me a note of your name and email address to nikki@inkyart.com.au to let me know your name and your email address to be included within the draw.

Thank you for visiting my aussie castle ... it's been a pleasure to meet you .... leave me a comment so that I know you have visited, and come back again soon!

 

The Royal Tour is Coming ....

Yes .... almost time to share a great project for Christmas - and a huge blog hop that spans the Australia, the US and Spain .... 

Come back on Friday to take part - and enter the draw to win some blog candy!

Stampamemory Challenge - Spring!

The challenge this month is Spring - I hummed and arrrhhhed for ages .... did I choose flowers, the new veggie patch .... tulips?  I settled for our new garden residents ... a little family of Blackbirds and some Collar Doves.

Wild Wasabi is my new favourite green - and yes your eyes are not deceiving you - the cardstock is wonky under the title ... having completed the page I put it onto the bench in the kitchen ready to photograph it ... right in a puddle of water ... ooops!

Hop on over to the Stampamemory site to enter the challenge - we'd love to see all of your entries.

 

 

We Stamp for Lara - Sticky Post .... scroll down :)

Not very long ago I was part of the Helping Hudson team to raise money for a little lad called Hudson who needed a few pieces of equipment to make his and his family's life a little easier.

Well here's another lovely little girl called Lara who also needs our help.  Lara's mum Madonna Dunn and leading Stampin' Up! demonstrator .... Alisha Tilsner have worked so hard to put together a special forum based month event .... with daily tutorials and lots and lots of prizes, including a Big Shot - WOW!

So if you want to take part .... hop on over to Madonna's or Alisha's site to sign up .... $25 for a whole month's worth of crafting inspiration .... that's less that a dollar a tutorial .... I've signed up - I can't wait.

 

Royal Blog Tour Announcement

Have you noticed that a couple of new logos have appeared on the left hand side - they are quite fancy aren't they.  I am taking part in a rather special blog hop ... its like nothing I have ever done before.  Its huge - the organisation and effort of the volunteers is amazing.  It happens twice a year and involves heaps and heaps of bloggers - thankfully we are all split up into Groups to make it easier to hop around and check out what everyone has created.

You'll notice other bits and pieces appearing on my blog before launch day ... a little computer fairy pops into my little bit of blogland and adds the bits needed to make it all run smoothly.  

If you click on the links on the right hand side you'll be transported out to the official website .... each participant is profiled - if you want to check out my profile click here.

So it all starts on 4 November and will run for one week - can't wait to show you my creations .... it will mean that the usual posts will be on hold until after the hop is over .... so there will be plenty to keep you inspired next month.

Until then .... 

 

 

Happy Birthday Clare

Happy birthday to my lovely sister-in-law Clare.

I am in love with this flower ... I keep making them ... so I thought I'd take this opportunity to show you how to do it.  Punch three scallop circles and screw up each one .... over and over again ... imagine you are breaking down the fibres of the cardstock .... when you think that is enough ... fold and bend some more - especially around the edges  ... the more you screw it up the better .... because you want to be able to split it into two layers - the cardstock will split into two layers that you can peel apart from each other. 

Here it is with the layers coming apart .... don't worry if you tear it ... it all adds to the vintage look ... infact if it hasn't torn ... I tear it LOL

Do this to all three punched circles ... layer the six pieces together to create a beautiful vintage flower.

Happy birthday

With love from Nikki, Paul, Olivia, Kieran, Max and Spencer xxxx

 

Stamp out Diabetes

One of the ladies in our team has a daughter who has Diabetes - Alisha is an amazing girl and she is raising funds to find a cure. Alisha's mum Fiona and a couple of the other girls are arranging a fab stamping event - so if you are in the area go and check it out.

Stamp Out Diabetes

Fundraiser

Join them for an afternoon of crafting fun and help them

stamp out Type 1 Diabetes

Date:     Saturday 20^th November 2010

Time:    12:45pm for a 1pm start till 3:30pm

Venue: Oxley College, Life Ministry Centre, Kids Hall

              Old Melbourne Road, Chirnside Park

              (Opposite Bunnings)

              Upon entry go straight through the roundabout and it's on your right.

Cost:    $20

BYO:    Scissors

5 Craft Projects

Intimo Display & Sales

Afternoon Tea

Heaps of Door Prizes

Raffles Galore

(bring cash for Lucky Tickets - no credit card facility available)

To book your seat ring Fiona Ryan on 0438 141 114.
                                             

Payment is required to secure your seat (Cash / Direct Debit)


Net Proceeds to JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes Team – Alisha's Angels

Fiona's blog can be found here

Making Merry Monday Strikes Again

I was so excited when I saw that Dasher was in the new catalogue - I had been eyeing him up in the US catalogue and keeping my fingers crossed that he'd make an appearance in sunny Australia.  Dasher is one of the 'a la carte' range of single stamps .... you'll find them on the inside of the back cover of the new catalogue - he's $14.95.

This is the card we will be making during the classes in November - the one on 5 November is full but there is still places left on Friday 19 November if you are interested in coming along and having a play.  Check out the CLASSES page for more information - there's a tab at the top of this page at the very top - click on it to find out more.

The cardstock is Riding Hood Red from the Regals range, teamed up with Certainly Celery and the spotty paper from the Love Letter Designer Series paper pack. The sentiment is from the Perfect Punches stamp set ... I've used a marker pen to highlight just the wording.  Lots of sparkles too - Stampin' Up! have just this year included self adhesive Jewels (page 140) .... they are faceted and very sparkly :)

Oh and did I mention it is now 9 weeks until Christmas ..... aren't I naughty to you!  If you know me well I am only bragging cos I am ahead ... that's unusual for me (isn't it mum) ... if you need help making your cards let me know .... I'm here to help :)  And don't forget if you want a seat at the next class get in touch.

 

 

A Technique Blog Hop - Brayering

A  group of friends are blog hopping again - just a little group this time with five stops along the way ... if you've arrived from the lovely Judy May's blog, hello ... if you've started here that's great ... just click the links at the end of everyone's posts and you'll travel the full circle.

I am always amazed by the response I receive when I share the brayering technique.  It's my technique of choice to demo at craft shows - hello if you were at Craft Expo and saw this card being created .... it is so simple.

Here's some samples which I made at Craft Expo - you can see that each one is going to be different - there is no right or wrong finished piece - and they are little works of art.

Last year I created a tutorial for another card I did ... the technique is the same ... just different colours .... if you'd like the tutorial just leave me a comment and I'll email it to you - lots of photos so it is easy to follow.

 It is now time to go on your way ... of to see my lovely friend Christine Blain  have fun and I hope to see you again.