Happy Christmas Bigz Bird Die

I love this die - I didn't think I did until I went to Convention and Elizabeth Stewart showed us some lovely lovely creations.

This was a card from last month's Christmas Stamp a Stack - isn't she lovely. I've used the soon to be retiring Letters to Santa designer series papers but you could use anything really.  

The Greeting is from Many Merry Messages - another retiree, and the little punch is also retiring too.  Thankfully the antique brads stay - yay cos they are my favourite.

There are a couple of places in the class this week and next - we will be exploring the Spotlighting Technique.  

If you want to come along call, email or SMS 0428 254 952.  The classes are very relaxed, the existing class girls are very friendly and everyone has a great time.  Class girls will also receive the new Catalogue and the Holiday Traditions mini on the night.

Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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Technique Blog Hop

Welcome to a little blog hop.  This month we are exploring different techniques and I thought I'd show you this Triple Layer Technique as it seems to be very popular at the moment.

You simply take three pieces of cardstock and layer them one on top of the other - so in my case this was three pieces of Whisper White.  I decided on the sizing for the outside larger layer and then took off about 1 cm to create the next two pieces.  

I used a little bit of snail to keep each piece in place whilst I stamped.  If you centre your main image on the centre piece and work outwards it works best - and don't worry that little pieces on the outer edge of the cardstock do not take on the impression - these get covered up with the matting and do not show.  or as in my case they do show but they look like they are part of the design - I hope :)

When you've finished creating the pretty design you then matt the first two smaller pieces with the same colour cardstock as your final card (with the final card being the final mat).  In my case this was Concord Crush.

I've used Daffodil Delight, Tangarine Tango and Concord Crush inks and finished off the card with some ribbon detail.  Vanessa Webb demonstrated at Convention, her Ostrich Feather technique - great way to add extra interest to your ribbon details by adding different coloured and textured pieces.

I made this card for a dear friend of mine for her birthday - Vintage Vogue is one of my all time favourites and I'll be sad to see it retire at the end of the month.

Time to hop along to Di Dunk who is going to show us an embossing technique I believe.

Happy Hopping and I'll see you next week.

Nikki

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Happy 20th Anniversary

As I was flicking though some photos I noticed some cards that I haven't shared with you yet. 

My husband and I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary last month.  I was inspired by a Convention swap and made this very cute card with the Owl punch in Cherry Cobbler and Silver Glimmer paper.  I can't lay my hands on the name of the lady who inspired me.  I had her card sat on my desk but in my haste to tidy up for Paul's visit home; one of the joys of being married to a man in the defence  - he is so tidy and doesn't understand that to be creative I need to make a mess, (read - extend arm and sweep contents of desk into cardboard box, seal and put in cupboard - voila clean desk) - but I'll track it down.

And here's my present - isn't it just beautiful.  I knew there was a reason for Paul working in the heart of Sydney, right opposite the Tiffany shop!

And here is what I found - 20th annniversary presents are either china or platinium - these are handmade china cufflinks that I found from a designer in the UK - aren't they cute.  Yes I know not quite a Tiffany necklace, but hey ... after 20 years I still want him back if he gets lost so that can't be bad can it.

Happy Thursday, be back on Saturday with a little blog hop to inspire you.

Nikki

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Crazy Chicks Wishing a Happy Birthday

Its my lovely husband's birthday today.  I know this isn't the traditional 'old mans' card - I can say that without fear of retribution because he is back in Sydney again .... and we are now the same age as I am 10 months older than him .... but I loved the crazy birds design.  So bright and cheerful and I love googly eyes.

I've used the tail of the Bigz Bird Die from the last mini (which between you and me is in the new catalogue so don't stress if you didn't invest!) - and some retiring designer series paper - Big Top Birthday.

Paul was home for the weekend and so we celebrated with some cup cakes made by Olivia, a Tardis pencil case from Dr Who (yes I query this present too but he loved it) and a trip to the snow.  We've also started the pizza oven fund - all Birthday and Christmas presents this year are going towards a hand built pizza oven - exciting times.  I'm thinking I should rewrite that sentence - that is of course, all Birthdays and Christmases for the grownups in the house :)

Here's a close up of Liv's cakes - she's become quite the expert with the icing and is a champion baker.

Hope you are enjoying your Tuesday - Happy Birthday Sads.

Love Nikki

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Still Time For More Winter Post

Another Christmas In July class card - this time using Winter Post and the Well Worn designer series papers - both items retiring at the end of this month.

I was inspired by something in blogland with this card and you could use this layout for any papers and colours - great for using up scraps.

Happy Stampin"

Nikki

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Elegant Eggplant Christmas

A lovely simply Christmas card from one of the recent Christmas in July classes - I was stretching myself to make cards using non-traditional colours - wasn't easy but I do like this one.

I also then changed the sentiment and made this into a lovely teenage girl's birthday card - which should be with its recipient by now :)

Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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Auf Wiedersehen to Pocket Silhouettes

When I took a look back through my blog posts this set made it's debut on my very first post on 4 July 2009.  Its such a great set - that I've used heaps of times - both for backgrounds and as the main element of a card or page.  If you want a giggle click HERE

This has to be one of my all time favourite cards - I loved that the butterfly punch fitted so nicely inside the sweet treat cups.  And yes the butterfly punch is also retiring.

Now that I've looked back through some photos I am going to miss this little set very much.

And finally a cute birthday card.

For more examples of the great set click HERE - it's on page 35 and is $33.95.

Hope you have enjoyed another trip through the archives ... I reckon it must be time for looking forward now - what do you think?

Nikki 

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Au Revoir Baroque Motifs and Tree Trimmings

Wonder how many more ways I can say goodbye!  Today we say Au Revoir to two more favourites, Baroque Motifs and Tree Trimmings.

This was one of my first card class samples.

The swirl in Baroque Motifs is brilliant for hanging tree decorations from :)

and this has to be one my favourite birthday cards - love these colours.

For more inspiration check HERE for Baroque Motifs and HERE for Tree Trimmings.

Baroque Motifs is on page 92 of the catalogue and is $39.95 and Tree Trimmings is on page 21 and is $24.95.

Nikki

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Sayonara Extreme Elements

Can you hear me sniffing .... and snuffling ... no I haven't caught a cold I'm just so sad that Extreme Elements didn't make it into the new catalogue.

It makes fabulous teenage cards for boys or groovy dads.

And fabulous scrapbooking pages.

More backgrounds - this time for teenage girls.

For more inspiration click HERE - the set's on page 60 - $47.95 - call me before it expires.

Nikki

 

 

Farewell to Winter Post

I love Christmas stamps and this set was one of my favourites.  The little reindeer is so cute.

The snowflake in the set has been used so many times.

There it is again - must get back to some scrapbooking very soon.

Winter Post and Many Merry Messages - another retiring set.

For more of a trip down memory lane click HERE for some of the other projects using this lovely set.

Call me if you want to catch this set before it retires at the end of the month - page 19 in your catalogue - $47.95.

Nikki

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How Can I Say Goodbye to Upsy Daisy?

This has to be one of my most favourite and well used sets - I love Upsy Daisy as it is a great set to use with various backgrounds - like here with a version of the baby wipe technique.

I've used the stamp as the main focus of this card and also as a background image.

And with the popping pastels technique ... for more inspiration check out the other samples HERE.

I will be very sad to see it leave the collection.  If I've whetted your appetite call me to order it - page 65 of the catalogue - $33.95.

A few items have now sold out - these include:

Ink refills - Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, Pear Pizazz, Peach Parfait and Poppy Parade

Cardstock - Blushing Bride A4, Confetti White A4

Markers -  More Mustard

Other accessories: Circle Scissors Replacement Blades, 3/16 Gold Brads, Dotto Refill, Crimper, Stampin' Scrub Replacement pads and the stack and store containers

Nikki

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Heartfelt Stampin' Up! Day In Melbourne

On Saturday I spent the day with friends and fellow demonstrators at the Melbourne Convention Centre.  Stampin' Up! have changed the format of their regional events - and have encouraged demonstrators to being along customers too.

Here's Aris, Cara, Rachael and I completing our make and takes - thanks to Kathryn who flew in from Adelaide for the weekend for the photo.

There were demonstrations and workshop WOWs.   I've searched through my photos to find some things to show you that were demonstrated by the Melbourne and Victoria girls so I don't spoil any surprises:

Olivia Moore demonstrated a very sparkly diorama card

Janine Rawlins demonstrated some lovely no cut cards and some nifty tricks with the framelits.

Pam Jorgensen produced this beautiful frame that would make such a great gift 

There were lots of displays of the most beautiful ideas and creations

Some beautiful Christmas decorations.

The Heartfelt events are being repeated in Perth, Sydney and Brisbane so I would encourage you to go along - its such a great day - you will be sorry you missed out if you don't attend.

Nikki

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One On 1 Update - July

Hello fellow OLWers, welcome to August and my July update.

I'm travelling a month behind so I have some little canvasses to share with you.

I really enjoyed completing this task, gave me time to reflect on all the things that I am focusing on this year and how much progress (or not in some cases) I have made.

Still happy and still progressing.  Time to continue along on the blog hop - off to visit Amanda

Until next time

Nikki

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Click on the picture above to find the latest Retired Products Information

Going Going Gone!

Yes it is a month of frenzy in the world of Stampin' Up!

Click on the image above to get instant access to the Retired List - Stamps.

Click on the image above to get instant access to the Retired List - Accessories.

The current catalogue is ending in just 31 days ..... but it is being replaced with a brand new catalogue which is OH.SO.YUMMY .... but I can't share it with you just yet!  

There is one way to see it before 1 September, want to know how?  Check out how to sign up as a demonstrator .... oh I know that's mean of me ... but yes if you are a demonstrator you get to see the new catalogue NOW!

Did I mention there was a second catalogue too?  A fantastic Holiday Traditions Mini .... twice the size of the traditional minis .... also out on 1 September!

So .... hope you are all still focusing cos I have news of the retired list.  YES there are TWO of them - one for stamps and one for accessories.  These are the lists of all the items that once sold out will no longer be available.

Items sell out quickly ladies ... so if you really really want something contact me straight away and I'll place your order to secure the retired items for you.

When you look at the retired accessories list, you’ll note that all of our Stampin’ Pads are listed. This is for two reasons: (1) Craft Stampin’ Pads will now only be available in black and white; and (2) we are introducing a new Firm Foam pad in our Classic Stampin’ Pads with the 2012-2013 annual catalogue. 

The Firm Foam pads offer better ink coverage and, in turn, better stamped images.   I'll tell you more about those this month and will have some for you to play with if you come to one of my classes or a launch party planned for September (keep your eyes peeled for the newsletter with more information).

Whilst I can't show you new catalogue just now - I can tell you a few things:

• Only select Stampin’ Write Markers will be available individually (Stampin’ Write Markers in Colour Families will continue to be offered)


• 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock will no longer be offered


• 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock will only be available in select individual colours and colour collections.

 If you want something call or email me as soon as possible.

Nikki

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