Christmas Gifts for Mum

As I was packing my Mum's Christmas present I decided to send a few extra goodies too - as Mum and I live so far apart I thought I'd share some of the goodies I have been making with all my class and team ladies.  Mum's a regular visitor to my blog so I thought she'd like to see some of the things I have been making - so I packed up a little parcel - there's a lovely silver and pearl necklace in the little bag!

And here's Mum's card.  I fell in love with the Christmas Lodge tree the minute I saw it in the new catalogue and somehow Mum is the only one to receive a card using the tree!  Oh well there is always next year!

Well its Christmas Eve here in Australia which in the Sadler household means we are off to the movies this afternoon - we are going to see the new Bond movie.

Then it will be back home again, Radio 2 Christmas Eve breakfast show on full blast so we can sing along to all the old Christmas songs, and I'll be in the kitchen, glass of Sav Blanc and the Jamie Oliver Christmas dinner preparations will begin. 

Love love love Christmas Eve and really love that even as the kids get older they still enjoy our traditions too.

Take care of you and yours.

Happy Christmas.

Nikki

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Christmas Punch Art

I received this beautiful card from the lovely Carolina Evans and instantly NEEDED to make the little Christmas pudding - isn't it cute.  You simply have to check out Carolina's work, she is an inspiration.

And here's my version.  I had to CASE the puddings exactly because they were so cute.  Carolina used Designer Series Papers for her pudding top but I used Very Vanilla cardstock.

Here's a close up of the little pudding.  Both the kids wanted cards to give to their boyfriend / girlfriend so I rustled up a few of these.  Loving the Curly Cute stamp set!

I am coming to the end of all my cards for this year - I am a little relieved and looking forward to making some cheerful birthday cards - how about you?

I do have one or two creations left to share so will be back in a day or so.

Nikki

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Shaker Frame Cards

I've had the little Shaker Frames sitting on my craft desk for about two months now - and I was determined to use them for a Christmas card.  

Now I would have retaken this photo had I not been in such a rush to post these cards to some lovely ladies - but I am hoping you can just about make out that I used the Snowflake embossing folder on the Whisper White Cardstock - can you see it?  Humm probably not! 

The foliage and bird stamp is from the Christmas Lodge set, the ornament is from Ornament Keepsakes and the sentiment from Snowflake Soiree.

Here's a better picture - half way through making the cards I decided to use the embossing folder so here's one without it - I couldn't make up my mind if I preferred the cleaness of this one more.

I used Window Sheet and some chunky glitter - reminds me of the snowglobes we always had as kids. Looking forward to making more cards with these dear little frames - oh and a scrapbooking page or two!

Happy festive stampin'

Nikki

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Quick Christmas Gift Pockets

When time's short or you simply have no idea what to buy gift vouchers or cash is a good option and this year I sent all of our nieces and nephews little gift holders.  

I used the Two Tags die and created a little pocket to slip them into - the girls have the snowflake glittery ones and the boys ... well I think they'd wonder what was up with Auntie Nikki if I sent them glittery things wouldn't they.

Hope you are enjoying the run up to Christmas and ticking things off that list.

Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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PS Week 2 of the Clearance Rack has started!

Team Meeting Goodies

Team Inky is growing and now we meet once a month for a cuppa, stamping, sharing ideas and of course some chatting and laughter - its heaps of fun.

This month I demonstrated all the goodies above.  It was kinda like a 'DIY gift night' :)

The little candy wrapper boxes were a hit - well once we had worked out how to fold them and I shared the easy peasy rosette making technique using a hot glue gun and the new silicone mat.

My favourite thing to make is the little lolly treat bags - once again the Owl Punch makes this so cute and easy - how lovely does he look dressed as Santa - and how versatile that the same punch can also make a cute reindeer.

I'll be back another day to show you the card - Reverse Masking - its a super quick, super easy, super impressive technique.  

Stay tuned.

Nikki

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Easel Calendars

I've been making some special gifts for some lovely class ladies - I've made 20 of these in total and a few extra ones as little pressies.

Once I had the production line going they didn't take very long at all.  I bought the little calendars from a stationery supplier and spent a couple of hours making some lovely pressies.

They were fun and easy to make and I'll be making more easel cards in the future - if you want the instructions just type 'easel card' into Google - there's heaps of different ideas out there.

Happy Stampin"

Nikki

 

 

Clearance Rack Blitz

Click on the logo to find out what will be on the Clearance Rack - click on each week so you can plan your list!

Happy 18th!

There is nothing quite so daunting as needing to produce an 18th birthday card for a boy is there?  But today is one of my nephew's birthdays - 18 ... already!

I spent some time (okay lets me honest I spent a lot of time) on Pinterest and somewhere out there I found the inspiration for this card.

I'm in love with the new Midnight Muse incolour, so with the Bring On The Cake and Teeny Tiny Sentiments  stamp sets I set about making my own background paper.  Here's a hint for you - why not stamp up a whole A4 sheet - wish I had thought of that earlier :)

I then added a circle cut from Glossy White which I ran through the Bigshot with an embossing folder, some linen thread (cos I really wanted to add ribbon but had to remind myself who the card was for) and of course the die cut numbers.

Super quick and the design could be used for a number of occasions.  Hope you are inspired to give it a go.

I'm busy busy busy sending cards and gifts (and resolving once again, to DO ALL OF THIS EARLIER NEXT YEAR).  

Back tomorrow with SALE news!

Til then ...

Nikki

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My Christmas Present To You!

December is the time for giving .... right?

Of course it is, so here's my gift to you.  

Place an order for $100 (plus $5.95 shipping and handling) and I'll gift to you another $20 to spend.  So you may love the new Trimmer for $49.95 (page 180), and perhaps you'd love a new stamp set, or perhaps you just love lots of ribbons and cardstock ... spend $100 and receive an extra gift from me to the value of $20.

If you have some crafty friends you'd like to buy presents for, why not choose something for them and save the gift for you - or perhaps some of your loved ones want to buy you a present - you'll probably have to print this page and leave it stuck to the fridge so they get the hint!

You choose the gift - anything from the catalogue (if its a little bit over $20 you can just pay the difference).

This is a special Christmas gift available only from me and is not being offered in association with Stampin' Up!

The cut off date for your order is Sunday 9 December - I'll place all the orders together on Monday so they are received in good time for Christmas.   I'll even wrap them for you if you wish :)

Email to nikki@inkyart.com.au or better still call me 0428 254 952

Happy shopping!

Nikki

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Petite Purse Gifts

One of the best bits about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is the friendships and the sense of belonging to a team.  Last week, some of the Art With Heart Team got together for a Christmas meal - it was lovely to be able to meet up with old friends as well as to meet some lovely new team members.

Aren't we a lovely bunch.  We all belong to a little Facebook group and chat every day to each other on line - so it was really nice to meet some of the ladies in person.

There's a great promotion coming for anyone wishing to join the group and become a demonstrator - you won't want to miss out - more on that in January.

I decided to make a little pressie for everyone - with so many to make these had to be quick and easy so I chose the Petite Purse die and a selection of the in-colours to rustle up this little gift.

How cute do they look all lined up.  I've stamped the bags using Snowflake Soiree from the Holiday Traditions Catalogue in the new in-colours.  Then attached a little dahlia and a bow to finish them off.

They are very little, but just enough room for five little chocolates.  Would make a great gift bag for something small - and so quick to make up so perfect if you have lots of little gifts to make.

Hope you are cruising along with your Christmas preparations - its full steam ahead here as my Christmas cards go postal and we begin the countdown to the big day.

Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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Put the Stampin' Trimmer On Your Christmas List!

 

I've had a few trimmers in my time, and first saw the new Stampin' Up! offering at Convention in May.  Having waited patiently, it's finally here - and yes I LOVE it!  

Please note: the cutting and scoring blade refills will be available early in December.

Features of the All-New Stampin' Trimmer

• An extra-wide 15.9 cm cutting base and an extended 39 cm ruler
  
  
  
  • The extra-wide cutting base provides a large work area and is marked in 4 mm increments, allowing for small measurements.
  
  
  • The right-side grid helps you measure and cut very thin strips.
  
  
  • The extended cutting arm has a stabilizing leg to provide a sturdy and steady cutting surface for longer cuts. 
  
  
  • When fully extended, the extended cutting arm sits flush with the trimmer base, providing more accurate and consistent measurements across the entire surface.
  
  
  • All rulers and measurements on the base are printed under a plastic cover so your measurements won't wear off.
  
  
  • The base has nonskid feet, which keeps the Stampin' Trimmer securely in place on your work area.
  
  
  
  


• A full 30.5 cm cutting and scoring track
  
  
  
  • The extra-long cutting track has space at the top and bottom so you don't have to take the cutting and scoring blades out when you're not using them. 
  
  
  • The track gives you enough space to cut or score a full 30.5 cm without having to remove or switch out handles. 
  
  
  • The cutting track locks in place for secure storage or transport. 
  
  
  • The track includes an insertion point for cutting and scoring blade handles so you can easily insert handles into the cutting track.
  
  
  
  


• Specially designed handles and cutting track to ensure straight cuts
  
  
  
  • The hook on the scoring and cutting blade handles keeps the handles stable so the cuts are as straight as possible.
  
  
  • Handles come in two colours: dark for cutting, light for scoring. 
  
  
  • The precision tip on the cutting blade allows you to pinpoint precisely where you're cutting.
  
  
  • The point on the side of each handle shows you where the blade will cut, making it easy to see exactly where your cuts and scores will begin.
  
  
  
  


• Storage compartment under base
  
  
  
  • The storage compartment holds scoring and cutting tools such as a Bone Folder, Simply Scored Stylus, extra scoring and cutting blades and even business cards. 
  
  
  • Separate compartments within the storage compartment keep your tools organised, and the clear cover makes it easy to see what you've stored.
  
  
  
  

Product details: item 129722; $49.95

It really would make the best Christmas gift - if you are local and want to have a play before you make up your mind, give me a shout and come and try it out for yourself - you'll love it!

Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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Pretty Postage

I had a special card to make for a very 'special' friend's daughter this week.  The beautiful girl is 21, and a complete credit to her lovely parents.

I've been wanting to use this Pretty Postage set for ages - itsn't it cute?  I love the coordinating Postage Stamp punch.  The Fancy Fan embossing folder is fast becoming one of my favourites.

I made two cards - both slightly different but I forgot to photograph the one I have sent - so here's the second one I made.

I even pushed myself out of my comfort zone and used a piece of Designer Series Paper - a piece from the Patio Party pack.

I was really pleased with the result - hope you agree.

Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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Our Livs Turned 17!

Yes I know it was last week, but better late then never.

Liv's present this year was a pair of Tiffany earrings - I know just how lucky is she.  I am sure she won't mind me telling you that she doesn't actually them in real life ... she has such little ears that even these mini ones look huge on her .... so we are off to the Tiffany store tomorrow morning to choose a bracelet instead.

Here's a close up of the Tiffany inspired card I made for her.  I used Pool Party of course, and the Simply Scored and Diagonal Plate to create the quilted look - oh and loads of pearls.  The sentiment is from the Curly Cute set.

Did you spy anything else that's handmade?

Yes the little Petite Purse - isn't it cute.  Its a Big Shot die (194) and I've stamped it using the En Francais background stamp.  I'm busy making a heap of these as little gifts for some friends - can't wait to show you them ... but you'll have to wait a few more days so I don't spoil the surprise.

Nearly forgot to show you a picture of the birthday girl .... here she is

... she received her main pressies on Sunday when her dad was home, so I bought her some flowers for the actual day - she loved them, made her feel very grown up.

Til next time .... Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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Just Wee Little Blog Hop

It's that time of year again isn't it .... everyone gets so time poor .... so this month we have a little blog hop for you - but there will be heaps of inspiration so take five minutes from your busy day to be inspired.

At the recent HeartFelt events held around Australia, Sophie Zadah from Demo Support demonstrated how to make this beautiful wreath.

You start with a simple polystrene ring - which I purchased from a local craft store.  You then wrap the ring up with ... well I used the packing paper that Stampin' Up! send with all of our orders, I've metres of it (so if you are thinking you'd like to make one of these let me know and I'll send you some).

I used the Blossom Party Originals and the Fun Flowers Bigz Big Shot dies and punched out various flowers using the new Festival of Prints Designer Series Paper Stack from the Holiday Traditions catalogue.

I did the same with about 8 sheets of coordinating cardstock.  I stuck all the flowers together using Tombow adhesive.  The flower centres and two packets of Designer Buttons, Brushed Bronze again from the Holiday Traditions Mini, and the Naturals from the annual catalogue.

I found it easier to punch a heap of flowers and then just pick out combinations that I liked.  All the petals of the flowers have been shaped slightly with a bone folder - just be really careful with the little flowers - there I was watching Coronation Street and bending a couple of hundred flowers into shape and the poor little ones kept losing their leaves - oops!  (Corrie was good though!)

It did take me two evenings to put everything together (I hot glued all the flowers in place on the first night and then made up more smaller flowers for all the bits I missed), but I am really pleased with the result.  The whole wreath has been spritz with a bit of Shimmer Paint and rubbing alcohol for a bit of sparkle.

I like that it isn't that festive - I can keep it hanging in my craft room all year.

Right it's time now to hop off to visit the lovely Christine Blain.

Enjoy your weekend and see you next time.

Nikki

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Primrose Petals for Christmas Anyone?

I am traditionally a green and red girl when it comes to Christmas cards - but I have been stepping out of my comfort zone a little this year.

This was a class card from last month - Primrose Petal and Very Vanilla.  I love the Fancy Fan Folder.  I stamped the ornament in the middle of the Very Vanilla cardstock and then cut it out using the matching framelit.  I then embossed the rest of the cardstock with the Fancy Fan Folder and placed it all back together again - adding some height using dimensionals.

Think I will be rustling some more of these up in different colours as they are so quick to make.

Happy Stampin!

Nikki

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Ornament Keepsakes with Festive Piercing Pack

This month's Ornament Keepsakes promotion features this brilliant stamp set and includes the festive piercing pack too.  

I stamped the little pieces at the bottom individually, lining them up with the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig (where would we be without that brilliant tool) .... and then stamped the ornament and die cut using the matching framelit.

The sentiment is from the New Christmas Lodge stamp set - yet to get inky with that one.

Hope you enjoyed your weekend.  My husband is home for 9, yes 9 sleeps .... and although he has to work we are now decorating our ensuite ... well I can't have him home with nothing to do can I!

Back again this week with more Ornament Keepsake samples.

Happy Stampin!

Nikki

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Ornament Keepsakes!

Ever since I saw the Holiday Traditions catalogue I have been itching to make the ornament on the front cover.  

I can't quite describe how this ornament looks and feels once it is complete just two sheets of cardstock with some tulle and linen thread but it feels heavy and substantial - I am thinking that will last a few years hanging on the Sadler Christmas tree.  

This is the back of the ornament.  There is quite a bit of stamping, hot glue-ing and die cutting but I have devised a plan to make this as quick as possible - even cutting two ornaments at the same time!

Of course the second ornament is made from DSP (I'm not that clever to line up stamped images lol) - I love this one too.  The tulle is just so soft and luxurious.  I am thinking these will make lovely Christmas presents too - have made one for my Mum - just to finish the box before I pop it in the post.

I'm holding classes for these - as they are fiddly and time consuming I am keeping the class numbers low.  You will make two ornaments in the class - the cost for this class will be $25.

I have the following dates and spaces left:

Friday 16 November at 7.30pm - two seats left

Saturday 17 November at 2.30pm - three seats left

Thursday 22 November at 7.30pm - NEW DATE - five seats left

The classes have been very popular so if none of these dates suit let me know and I'll put you on a waiting list for a date in early December.

I'll be at the Chelsea Heights Ladies Market tomorrow night - so if you are local why not pop in and support the school - and check out the ornaments in real life.

Happy Stampin!

Nikki

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Two Special Gifts from Stampin' Up!

 
Promotion Dates: 1 November- 16 December, 2012

Promotion Details: Hostesses who hold a minimum $650 party during the promotion period will receive a FREE collection of Classic Stampin Pads - you can choose from Brights, Subtles, or Regals.  Plus, the free ink is in addition to the regular hostess benefits-INK-credible!

Your Party Sales**	Free Ink Collection	Hostess Dollars	Items at 50% Off
$650	Yes!	$100	1 item
$800	Yes!	$130	2 items
$1000	Yes!	$160	3 items
$1250+	Yes!	$200	4 items

I have just a couple of dates left for workshops during November and December.  Call me on 0428 254 952 to make a booking.  

Remember you don't have to have an in-house workshop.  You can get together with friends and share this special.  If you and five friends spend $130 each (plus P & P), you'll each receive two free ink pads and $20 of free products. 

So what can you spend $130 on?  How about this Gift with Purchase promotion  - get more product for your money.

Promotion Dates: 1-30 November 2012

Promotion Details:  It's only November, but Stampin' Claus is coming to town! Get a FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack when you purchase the Ornament Keepsakes Set and Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper Bundle.

Choose from the following options:

Item	Description	Retail Value	Special Price
132260	Christmas Gift Pack (wood-mount) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Set (wood-mount), Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	$96.85	$82.90
132261	Christmas Gift Pack (clear-mount) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Set (clear-mount), Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	$84.85	$70.90
132262	Christmas Gift Pack (wood-mount bundle) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (wood-mount), Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, and Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	$123.85	$109.90
132263	Christmas Gift Pack (clear-mount bundle) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (clear-mount), Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper, and Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	$113.85	$99.90

Call me on 0428, 254 952, email or send a carrier pigeon, I accept all forms of communication!

I've been rustling up a few Christmas cards using the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle - it is such a beautiful set.  I'll be sharing these samples over the next few days.

Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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Just Add Ink Challenge

Its challenge time again over at Just Add Ink.  There's a sketch to inspire us this week.

I broke out the Daydream Medallions and some Pumpkin Pie bits and pieces - it's my Mother-in-Law's birthday at the end of the month and she loves the colour orange.

I'm not sure I could get much more Pumpkin Pie if I tried!  I threaded a little piece of cardstock through the lovely faceted button for good measure.

Off to find her a present now, trying to fill my day with things to keep me occupied.  It's exam day for my daughter Livs (she doing a Year 12 subject in Year 11 - alot of children do this), she doing a Psych exam this afternoon and my tummy is already churning ... what am I going to do next year when she has lots of exams to sit all at the same time?

Right off to shops I go.

Happy Stampin!

Nikki

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Happy Halloween!

Almost forgot to post this today, I had the first Team Inky team meeting on Monday night and I thought I'd make the girls a seasonal treat.

The owl and bird punch have gone all spooky!  Sorry about the photo - Livs took it with her iPhone which is good because I forgot to take a photo before I gave them to the girls.

Our resident cupcake queen made some spooky sweet treats for her friends at school today too - she's becoming an expert with the icing.

Here's a close up of Olivia's bag of Halloween lollies - apparently you are never too old for Halloween treats - even Paul took a bag back to Sydney with him.  I love it when the family ask me to make things for them too :)

Happy spooking everyone.

Nikki

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Ornament Keepsakes For JAI #140

I've been making samples for the upcoming classes this week, a couple of which I wanted to keep clean and simple.  As I reached for an embossing folder I remembered the Just Add Ink challenge - to add chevrons!  

Midnight Muse is one of the new in-colours, and the new ribbons are so easy to tie ... even I can tie a nice little bow!

I stamped and cut three of the little decoration pieces, scored them down the middle and then pieced them together with Sticky Strip - the decoration folds flat for posting and then pops up for display.

Its been such a long time since I joined in a challenge - it was fun.

Keep your eyes peeled for more Ornament Keepsake samples in the coming days.

Nikki

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Its Not Crafty But Its Been Good Fun!

From this ....

To this .... 

Took a few weeks as Paul only comes home every fortnight for the weekend - but we got there.

 

We also removed the pond, laid a new lawn, replanted the veggie patch and planted some new plants in our side garden.

Speaking of plants ....

They are all growing and flowering ....

I have no idea what these lovelies are called - but they stand out a mile in my mailbox planter, there are hundreds of these beautiful flowers  ... got to love Spring time.

And finally a new Protea for the front garden - I keep wandering around talking to everything - well actually I am threatening all of the new plants (about 40 of them) ... grow or else!

Back with more crafty creations in a day or two.

Nikki

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It's Spool Time - Reminder

The ribbon event of the year continues ....

There are only 13 more sleeps and this offer will be over and you will have missed out!

For every $60 spent during the month of October you receive a reel of ribbon valued at $15.95 ... how cool (or perhaps if I was being cheesy I'd say 'how spool') is that!

Contact me if you want to take up the offer ....

Nikki

Do You Know How Many Sleeps It Is Until Christmas?

I know - I've been away from here for so long that it really isn't fair to come back with a blog post counting the days to Christmas is it!

If you don't want to know, look away now .... oh actually don't look away because I have a lovely card to show you!

There .... 68 ....  sleeps to go - see that wasn't so scary was it!  I love love love Christmas - in fact I have fairy lights up permanently in my kitchen (well if it is good enough for Nigella it's good enough for me, right?).  I've also downloaded an app for my iphone that plays carols to me every time I check to see how sleeps it is until the great day ... yes I know .... I'm sad!

So ... if the number 68 has put you in a tizzy here's a card you'll love.

Its a simple and quick card using a brayer, an embossing folder and the lovely Snowflake die.  This is one of the cards we made during the classes last month and everyone was surprised at how quick and easy it was - isn't the Champagne Glimmer paper just so very sparkly.

New class dates have now been posted HERE.

Seats fill quickly so let me know if you want to come - you'll see a couple of extra dates for some lovely 3D Christmas decorations - you won't want to miss them - I'll be busy this weekend rustling up some samples to tempt you so keep an eye out.

Get a head start on those cards this year - come and enjoy the company of other crafty ladies, enjoy a cuppa and have some fun!

I'll be back in a day or two with some photos to show you - evidence of what I have been working on that has kept me away from my craft room!

Nikki

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Pleasant Poppies

Another one of those stamp sets that jumped out of the new catalogue at me was the Pleasant Poppies stamp - it a huge stamp at 11.4 cms by 14.6 cms.

I stamped the image onto watercolour paper using Stazon Ink.  I found it easier to place the card stock directly on top of this larger stamp than to turn the stamp and place it down onto the cardstock in the usual way. Here in this photo I am using the Versamark ink pad to add the poppies image to the Old Olive background cardstock.

Using the Aqua Painter and some ink pads I watercoloured in the poppies using Raspberry Ripple, Old Olive, Perfect Plum and Crumb Cake.

Did you notice the new embellishments - Ribbon Slides - aren't they cool - Holiday Traditions Catalogue page 31 if you've missed them.

I'll be back another day to show you two more cards I made with this set.

Nikki

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It's Spool Time!

Who wants some free ribbon?  The lovely 3/8" (1cm) Stitched Satin Ribbon on page 172 of the main catalogue is usually $15.95 a roll - but for every $60 you spend during October, you receive one roll for free.  So if you spend $120 you will receive two rolls of ribbon and so on.

Why not get a few of your friends together and share the rolls - there are five colours, find four other friends who all want to spend $60 and share - that way you'll receive all the colours for free.

    


My suggestion would be to order the Card Stock and Pad Kit on Page 152 (129503), together with a pot of In-Colour Dahlias (127556) - then you can choose a roll of coordinating ribbon for free - value $15.95.

If you want to share your ribbon with others let me know when you place your order and I'll coordinate it for you.

Don't forget you have until 31 October to take advantage of this great deal.

Nikki

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