I had so much fun with the Chalkboard technique that I had enough pieces left to make a few cards. Here's another version of last week's card.
Colours are More Mustard and Calypso Coral. I'm really loving the Soda Tops - I use the Big Shot to squish the tops flat - just one at a time .... and so many of our stamps and punches fit the inner circles.
Have a great week.
Nikki
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For the past couple of months the Chalkboard Technique has been everywhere I've looked. I didn't have the stamp sets being used .... so that stalled me for a bit, but then I had the call for a couple of male birthday cards.
I've mainly used the Bring On the Cake stamp set (page 142 of the main catalogue) and added in a few other birthday stamps from other sets. I found the best thing to do to create the chalkboard effect was to use the embossing buddy and a white pencil - both of these left lots of lovely white smudges - perfect for this technique. I used used a Craft White inkpad - the longer drying time enabled me to smudge the images a little too - all adds to the effect.
Why not have a go yourself, so easy!
Nikki
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I've seen various designs of this card around the web and on Pinterest, and really wanted to have a go myself. I loved the effect - it looks so striking.
I've used the boho blossoms and Itty Bitty Shapes Pack punches to create the flowers - highlighting some with pearls and placing the odd brad here and there. It was quite time consuming but I do think it would be a good card to mass produce in front of the television .... Olivia has already been asking for a couple for friends who are celebrating their birthdays very soon so I had better start punching.
Happy Stampin'
Nikki
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If you have a wish list as long as your arm from the current or seasonal catalogue? Then I have good news for you.
There are two ways to receive an extra $60 of product.
Book a Party
Hold a Party before 30 May (yes that's the day before the end of the this month) and receive an additional $60 of free product - that's $120 of Hostess dollars to spend on anything you want. You could buy a BigShot for just $30 ... yes $30!
You can hold a workshop in your home, hold a catalogue party (just pass the catalogue around your friends and collect orders) or treat yourself to some lovely treats.
All orders have to be placed by 30 May to qualify.
Become a Demonstrator
Still want the more but don't want to have a party? How about joining up as a demonstrator. Don't panic it's not scary.
Click on the tab above JOIN MY TEAM to find more ..... and remember you get to choose $295 worth of goodies and pay just $169
Call me if you want more information or want to book a Party.
0481 316 626
Nikki
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When was there ever a better time to shake up this little piece of unloved blogland than on Mother's Day.
Of course, Mother's day in England is a little earlier in the year, and as this year I only managed to send a card to both of our Mums I thought I would send their pressies on the Australian date - great excuse to make an extra card .... albeit that I don't think they have actually arrived yet!
I used the All Dressed Up Framelit dies together with the Print Poetry Designer Series paper packs - my favourite pack of paper at the moment (page 16 of the seasonal catalogue). I love the Flower Trim (page 5 of the seasonal catalogue) - I've cut off individual flowers to use.
Happy Mother's Day to all the Mums - near and far. I'm spending the day with my two - visiting the garden centre to buy a new plant for the garden, some home cooked breakfast, a soccer match and a driving lesson .... sounds perfect to me.
Pop back soon, I've lots of cards to show you, together with all the latest news from Stampin' Up!
Nikki
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How can it be 1 May already?
This little piece of blogland has been taken over by dust bunnies - thank goodness the same cannot be said for my crafting space!
And what does the first of every month bring? Yes a One Little Word blog hop that I have forgotten all about.
So I need to leave you with a 'relevant' quote to my OLW 'Consistent' (one which is hopelessly apt for me this month) and ask you to hurry along to Ruth who I am sure has something far more exciting for you to read.
I'm off to sweep away the cobwebs, throw open the windows and let in the light ... InkyArt will resume normal service in a jiffy -thanks for visiting.
Nikki
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Good day to all the fellow One on 1 blog hoppers and friends. With the first quarter of the year now over, I am pleased to say I am loving how my word Consistency is appearing in my day to day life.
So to start with I have last month's 'homework' - the mood board. I'm not sure if it was because I only had copies of Weight Watchers, Preventation and Woman's Health to hand to find inspiration but when I looked at the collection of photos it struck me that it was bang on target - health, strength, fitness, peace and positive affirmations. When I thought about how I would explain this board it felt very personal but then I reflected on how all of these areas affect all of my family - healthy food to promote healthy minds and bodies and tackling 'opportunities' head on, is what we are all experiencing this year. The children have embraced the healthy food - I won't lie, it did take a while for my teenage boy to come round, but now he is leaner and fitter for it and is quite proud.
I subscribe to a great blog written by Andrew Jobling - his articles are published on a Sunday morning - great timing for a little bit of reflection I find, and even though some weekends I never manage to open the email, I always find time in the week so go and have a read. Last week it read ....
From now on ...
When there is an opportunity to do something you haven’t done before – say ‘yes’.
When someone invites you to a seminar, workshop or information evening – say ‘yes’.
When there is an chance to confront a fear – say ‘yes’
Stop procrastinating on things you have always wanted to do and – say ‘yes’.
Great words!
So onto this month's task was to Take Action. As I had just started a new full time job with a fair bit of travelling every day it seemed sensible that planning and time management was a good Action for me to concentrate on this month.
Its worked out well, good in fact, consistently being organised is how I like to be, and I think for most of the month that is what happened. There was the odd hiccup here and there, and some difficult decisions had to be made (I stopped running card classes in the evening and therefore decided I won't be attending one of the highlights of the year the Stampin' Up! Convention) but I am surprising myself by being okay with this - letting go of the superwoman cape that has been strangling me for so long, has been very uplifting - not boring like I thought it would be.
Can't wait to see what's in store for April.
Have a happy and healthy month and I'll see you next time. Time to hop along to visit Michelle
Nikki
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I was asked to make a 50th wedding anniversary card last week. As I was making it, I couldn't help but think of the recipients - 50 years together, all those memories, how different their lives must be today compared to when they first married - what a special moment to celebrate.
Soft Suede, Very Vanilla and Champagne Glimmer paper look so luxurious together. The Memorable Moments set is so versatile - I have it in the clear mount option which makes it super easy to place the images where you want them (of course you can use a Stamp-a-ma-jig too). This set is good for creating age related cards or scrapbooking pages - the numbers can be used as Save The Dates, or birthday invites even - great set. In this instance I used a retired Timeless Type die cut for the numbers as I wanted them to sparkle.
The little tulle roses are individual flowers cut from the new Flower Trim (it's on page 5 of the new 2013 Seasonal Catalogue - its easy to miss I think). I popped a large pearl in the centre of the little rose and used Glue Dots to attach them to the Glimmer paper.
I finished off the inside using little pieces left over from the front of the card. I loved the end result - simple but elegant I think.
The lady I made it for loved it - and I hope the couple who are celebrating their 50th loved it too. If you have a special occasion coming up and would like a handmade card please do get in touch - each card costs $5 and can be picked up or posted to you.
Nikki
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I was asked to make two Christening cards last week. The recipants were a three year old niece and a nephew who is one.
As I don't have any baby / little people stamps I thought I'd rustle up two shaped cards.
I've made a card similar to this a while back - you can see it here. It's such an easy card to make and looks so pretty. I used a piece of scrap paper the same size as the card front to create the template. If you fold the paper in half lengthways - then use punches and scissors to create the shape you need, this process provides you with a symetrical template to recrete using card stock.
I followed the same process for this card too. It's amazing what you can find to cut shapes - the little part at the bottom of the card to create the 'legs' was cut using a framelit from the Holiday Ornaments set (oh yes I hear you say). The Designer Series paper is Tea for Two and the little elephant is from the A Fitting Occasion set. To make this little stamped image more of a feature I used a series of circle and scallop punches to enhance it.
If you have a special occasion and would like a card made just let me know - the cost is $5 per card - if you live locally you can call in to collect or if it is easier I can post it to you.
Happy Stampin'
Nikki
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Mum sent me a present out of the blue, something to make me smile she said. I don't know what I was expecting to receive but it certainly wasn't the most beautiful pair of diamond cluster earrings. They are so beautiful and I have been wearing them 24/7 ever since they arrived. And yes they do make me smile, every time I look in the mirror I can see them and its like a hug from Mum.
Of course I had to send something to make Mum smile in return, so I pulled out the Stippled Blossoms set to create this card.
Its a two set stamping process - and it magically creates the most beautiful roses. I've used the same colour ink pad, but to create the paler solid image I first stamped the image onto a piece of scrap paper before stamping onto the card stock - this gives the lighter tone.
I hope this card makes my Mum smile. Now that I've finally started my new job I am smiling again - its been a big week but I know this is going to be fun, especially as my new office is located in a Westfield shopping centre - so many shops to explore in my lunch break - whoo hoo.
Love you Mum x
Love Nik
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Yes in the UK today it is Mother's day! That scared all my aussie friends didn't it - ha ha! I was browsing the internet and saw an ad for flowers for Mother's Day - thank goodness for the odd advert here and there otherwise I would have completely forgotten. It was Sunday, so I quickly whistled up two cards.
I took part in a swap a couple of months ago and was inspired by a card made by Virginia Newcombe. Its been sat on my desk waiting for me to recreate - what perfect timing.
The frame cut in the front of the card has been created by using the Petite Curly Label punch - a Sale-a-bration freebie. Just punch three times one way and twice the other- Isn't that a cool idea?
I used Teeny Tiny Sentiments to stamp Happy Mother's Day - as the words are in one line I used a marker pen to ink up each individual word so that I could stamp them one word below the other - stamped in this way meant that the sentiment could be punched using the the Petite Curly Label. To make it stand out I also punched a piece of Silver Glimmer paper to create a little matted piece - all Mum's need a bit of sparkle don't they!
Using Pleasant Poppies I stamped just part of the image onto a piece of Whisper White for the insert inside the card. Using a Blender pen I coloured the image - adding a pearl as an accent.
So Happy Mother's day to both my mum and my mother-in-law. I hope you both have a fantastic day.
Love Nik
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Its that time again and guess what? I'm not ready!
I've been thinking of making a vision board for a couple of years now but the passion to actaully gather the pieces and make some sense of it has evaded me this month.
Sorry I have nothing to show you - however, I can tell you I have consistently looked after myself, consistently looked after the family and today I started a brand new chapter in my life - a new job.
So February hasn't been totally unproductive. I'll leave you with this inspirational quote (which will make an appearence on my vison board) and ask you to hop along to see how Melanie has been progressing this month.
Nikki
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Another challenge entry, this time for Seize the Birthday # 6 - it's a male birthday card this week.
Keeping with the theme of the past few challenges I've entered this week, it is of course ..... Midnight Muse, So Saffron and Whisper White .... and its for an 18th!
I'm really enjoying this new challenge site as it is helping to build up my birthday card stash and is forcing me to consider making male birthday cards - I've come to the conclusion that I don't have very many male orientated stamp sets - think I might need to 'invest' in one or two!
I decided to turn the sketch on its side and introduce a wavy line between the two papers rather than a straight one. The papers are from the Print Poetry paper stack in the new catalogue and I have cut them straight - the wavy Midnight Muse piece has been cut with the Tasteful Trim BigShot die.
To create the centre piece I first cut out a few flowers, doh! Then I remembered, this was a male card, so changed that to stamped images from the Circle Circus stamp set.
If you live in Melbourne I do hope you enjoyed our cooler day today - such a relief from the past few days.
Happy Stampin"
Nikki
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Nikki Spencer from the Just Add Ink team set a colour challenge this week - I love blue, yellow and white together - reminds me of a beautiful duvet (or doona as they say in Australia) that I wanted when I first got married. It was from Marks and Spencers and was covered in blue and yellow flowers - needless to say it never graced our bed, Paul and flowers? Never in a month of Sundays. But its funny how this colour combination always reminds me of that moment when we were first setting up home together.
So I made a flowery card? No I didn't - although now as I am sitting writing this I think I might do! I'm still making the stash of 18th birthday cards.
I think you could use this card for a boy or a girl - although if Olivia decides to send it to a girl I think I will add some little So Saffron flowers to the number 1, just to pretty it up a little.
And the inside is complete too - these little pieces were just sitting on my desk - off cuts, why have I never thought of decorating the inside of cards like this before? So quick to just add a few of the left over bits onto a piece of Whisper White - love it.
I might need to go for a lie down - two challenges in two days .... that's a record :)
Nikki
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With my daughter's calendar filling quickly with 18th birthday party 'save the dates', I thought I might make a start on a pile of cards for her to give to her friends, and thought this would be a great way to enter some different challenges I haven't taken part in before - so first up is Create With Connie and Mary.
This first 18th is a very special one, its Amy's 18th and Amy and Olivia have been best friends for as long as we have lived here (10 years ago yesterday we touched down for the first time on the tarmac in Melbourne). The request for Amy's card was black and white - but I have cheated and added in a touch of sparkle - every girl deserves a bit of sparkle doesn't she?
Its a very bright and sunny day here in Melbourne today, so I'm not entirely sure why this photo looks grey, but its black and white I promise.
I am really enjoying decorating the insides of my cards too. I was a little worried about making just a black and white card but I think it came out quite well - just wished I had checked these photos before it was written in and sealed :)
Enjoy your sunny and very hot weekend if you are in Melbourne.
Happy Stampin!
Nikki
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Come on be honest, you thought I had forgotten to send a card to my valentine didn't you? If you missed yesterday's offerings for my lovestruck teenagers, check them out here!
Well here it is. I used the lovely new Cross My Heart set from the new catalogue, together with the More Amore papers, the Honeycomb embossing folder and the lovely new Natural Trim Ribbon. Here's a close up of that lovely new trim - its quite thick.
I was so super organised with this card - I was quite chuffed - ready ahead of time and sitting on my craft desk waiting to be written in. But then ....
Remember the love struck teenagers of yesterday, well Livs and Hayden were celebrating their 'two month anniversary' (I know, just how cute is that) and Livs spies the card and says 'oh mum that's perfect for Hayden - we are playing Words With Friends together - he'll love it ... can I give it to him for our anniversary?
Well what could I say ... so I had to rustle up another one. My second attempt was a little wonky, hence no photo, not entirely my fault as I am trialing new multi focal contact lenses ... its going well apart from wonky cards - but as I am a little bit wonky myself, I am sure he won't mind.
And so who's this card for? I received a SMS from Liv's boyfriend Hayden asking me if I could help him make a card - this time for Livs for their two month anniversary - and rather than put a 17 year boy through the perils of sitting at my craft desk with me (he did offer bless him), I thought I'll just make him a card to give to her. He was quite relieved I think and of course Liv's loves owls and loved the card.
See, lots and lots of love being shared in this little household right now - perhaps it is time for me to 'step away' from the More Amore designer series papers and move on to something else from the new catalogue, what do you think?
Nikki
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Happy Valentine's Day. I don't think this household could get any More Amore if it tried! With two teenagers it was bound to happen I suppose, both Livs and KP have 'other halves'. What better excuse than to rustle up a card or two!
So first up is one for the love of Liv's life - the gorgeous Hayden. It's hard to make a masculine Valentine's card without girlie stuff just appearing .... so I decided to use one of the new soda pop tops. A fellow demonstrator Christine Blain (she who does the bestest masculine cards ever) gave us a great tip - to flatten the bottle top a little just run it through the Big Shot. Try it, it works a treat.
As I like ribbons and whatnot and I was trying very hard to make this masculine, I decided to add extra texture with both the Honeycomb and Lattice embossing folders. Do you think he will notice that a little flower has sneaked in there?
And then we have KP's card to give to his lovely girlfriend Lisa. She is such a sweetie and I hope she loves her card.
Again I just love the More Amore paper and as it was spread out all over the desk it was quick to rustle up card number two. I had a stamping date with the lovely and very talented Judy May this week and I hope she pops in here and spies all the little pieces I have used on the cards - just how lovely are the new Hearts a Flutter framelits? Judy was a life saver too - she taught me the error of my ways with all the edgelits and so I am super happy to be using the little borders on both of these cards too - thanks Judy x
Now just in case you think I have forgotten someone .... I haven't, honest ... but his card is in the post so I will show you that one and another special card tomorrow.
Hope you have a lovely day with someone you love.
Nikki
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Lee Currie has taken over the reins for the One Little Word blog hop from Margie - thank you Lee.
So this month we start afresh with our new words and our January assignment - and a new OLW badge - isn't it cool - thank you Melanie. Welcome if you hopped over from Lynn's post ... and if you are starting here, great place to start!
I was still a little undecided about this word for most of January, but I feel very comfortable with it now. It's perfect for where I am this year and will work well for me as I set off on new adventures.
I've created the twelve areas that I want to work with, however the assigment was to give each area a month or number. As all of these would end up January or Number One .... I thought I'd leave that bit for now :o)
I plan to write a few ideas on the back of each card this month - just to remind myself of why of choose them and perhaps this will help for the word to work its magic in each area. The little cards will be placed into pockets when I have completed this part. Oh and I had better take a decent photo too I suppose.
CONSISTENT has played out well in January, I was consistently on holiday and I consistently did 'not a lot'. It was great fun!
I also addressed some of the areas I have highlighted this month - Strength and Fitness is being worked on with a neighbourhood boot camp - yes the neighbours have rallied together and twice a week we rock up on someone's front lawn and we are put through our paces by our local fitness guru - I even planked for five seconds ... yes five whole seconds and managed to run to the end of the Court and back without stopping (its a very long Court, honest)!
The Happiness area has me reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin and this weekend I am joining a scrapbooking group which meets once a month - that's something new for Create.
Whilst I always wished I had achieved more, I am happy with my progress so far (especially the fitness bit - :o)).
February will see me working on these areas and taking on a few new challenges. I'll be working with Strength (strength of mind and character this time) as I attend interviews and settle on a new job, my Health as I give up alcohol for the month of February (is it coincidental that I chose the shortest month of the year to do this I wonder?) and Embrace, as I deal with the challenges and changes that are coming my way. I'll also be giving my blog a little make over - more Creating.
Its time to hop along now to a very dear friend and OLW blog hopping partner in crime, Kathryn Ruddick hope to see you next month.
Have a happy February.
Nikki
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Just how lovely is the new Sycamore Street Designer Series papers with coordinating ribbons and buttons?
I love the bright colours of Island Indigo, Rich Razzleberry and Summer Starfruit. This is a quick and simple design I produced for a swap I took part in last week (more on swaps later on this week). I wanted to showcase the new Vintage Verses set too so this was a perfect design.
Have you decided which of the Sale-a-bration goodies are your favourite yet? Its such a fun time of year - everyone loves to receive freebies don't they.
I'll be back in a day or two with more samples to show you.
Happy Stampin'
Nikki
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Welcome to the ESAD Sale-a-bration blog hop, 25 blogs all linked together to celebrate and showcase the lovely new Sale-a-bration goodies which are now available free with every order placed of $100.
Before I show you my contribution I do need to tell you a little about ESAD. ESAD stands for "Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators" and it is an on-line group just for Australian and New Zealand Stampin' Up! demonstrators.
We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends, and wonderful blog visitors, but we share our love for what we do with each other as demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know-how, and cyberstamps, and we are always there to help and support each other when it is needed.
So if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand, then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.
I took my inspiration for the two cards I've created from the last little piece of the new Sycamore Street Designer Series paper I had left after completing a swap. I wasn't sure about putting Rich Razzleberry and Summer Starfruit together but wow - what a great colour combo.
I used the Petite Curly Label punch, a Rich Razzleberry button from the Sycamore Street Ribbons and Button Bundle and created a little centre piece. The sentiment is from the new Vintage Verses set.
Pop back tomorrow from 10.00am to take part in the ESAD blog hop - we are showcasing the new Sale-a-bration products .... be prepared to be inspired!
Nikki
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We are only days away from Sale-a-Bration - five sleeps in fact, and two weeks away from the new catalogue being launched - its an exciting time for us crafty ladies!
I'm still getting asked to make cards for all of Liv's friends so when I had the request for an 18th card I delved right into the new box of goodies I have pre-ordered and look what I found.
All of the new goodies are from the new Seasonal Catalogue, if you've placed an order recently, one will be winging its way to you in the post any day now.
The stamp set is called Swallowtail, then there is a new Honeycomb embossing folder and a designer Builder Brad ..... that stamp set is sooo yummy, I love love love it!
I'll be back to whet your appetitie with more samples soon - lots and lots happening in the next few weeks with Stampin' Up! so I am busy preparing a newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy just sign up using the box on the right hand side of the blog.
Happy stampin'
Nikki
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What would be your ideal day?
I'm on an extended holiday and during this past couple of days I've been feeling a little out of salts as they say. I am one for routine, and now that I have finished most of the bigger jobs on my 'list of things to do' .... I can see the days stretching out and had no motivation to achieve very much really! Some may say that this is how it should be, but that's not me.
So today I decided to live my 'ideal' day ... or one version of an 'ideal' day!
Started with a museli, yoghurt and fruit breakie and then traweled through the blogs I visit and found myself a challenge to take part in - always thought it would be lovely to start the day off by making a card :)
Sieze The Birthday is a new site - and here's the sketch:
Here's my first entry - I say first because the sketch is the same for next week - however you must make a male birthday card - now that will be a challenge!
I 'allowed' myself 1/2 hour at my craft desk to rustle up an entry!
This card was so quick and easy and very simple. You can see I've turned the sketch to a landscape version. Using the Polka Dots Designer Series Papers and the new Sale-a-Bration Vintage Verses set, voila all done!
So having started with a perfect day ... what's next, well I am determined to knock off some of the more boring tasks on my list today and get back to my craft desk to finish off some swaps for the upcoming new catalogue being released at the end of the month. I am also attending our Court Fitness Class - yes that's right, our end of the Court is determined to get fit and healthy in 2013 - last week nearly killed me but I'll be back tonight for more torture ... I mean exhilarating exercise!
And then, I'll start version two of a perfect day tomorrow - perhaps I'll be back with more to show and tell :)
Happy Stampin'
Nikki
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Its the last Clearance Rack this week - so click HERE and check out all the bargains. Call, SMS or email your orders, items sell out fast!
Nikki
x
Its my 'bestie's' birthday today - Happy Birthday Tracy. I've known Tracy almost as long as I have lived in Australia, and although we don't see other as often as we would like, when we do manage to coordinate a Sadler Petrie (or perhaps that is Petrie Sadler) event it is sure to be filled with laughter and lots and lots of fun.
Hope you have a great day today sweetie.
With love
Nikki
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What a great way to start the New Year - a promotion from Stampin' Up!
Buy the Little Valentine limited edition stamp set for $17.95 plus shipping and handling and receive the Sealed With Love Simply Sent kit valued at $15.95 free.
Click on the image above to view the four little stamps in this Limited Edition set.
Call or email if you want to place your order.
Happy Stampin'
Nikki
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I do hope you have been enjoying the festive season - isn't it great to take things more slowly every once in a while.
I've booked myself in for the Ali Edwards One Little Word class at Big Picture Classes again, and I'm blog hopping with the lovely Margie again.
It was August last year that I last wrote about my OLW for 2012 - FOCUS.
Turned out I lost it right about then! As I sat reflecting on this it suddenly occurred to me that I hadn't really lost the word, I had just lost the ability to be able to share my OLW journey as I focused on making a big change in my life.
In August I resigned from my job, a job which was consuming me and one I had done for almost 10 years. Without boring you completely with all of the detail, I have almost fulfilled all of my commitments and am excited for what a New Year will bring.
When I realised my new word I immediately looked up the definition and went on the hunt for quotations and inspiration and didn't like what I read. My new word seemed to be ... well ... boring really.
After several days of thinking I researched some more - and now I know the word is right for me for this year. The word is
CONSISTENT
After all that 2012 was, I realise that although I think it sounds boring, I am ready for a calmer more peaceful episode. 2013 will bring its own excitement with my husband finally coming home in June, my daughter finishing her Year 12 studies, my son entering the 'difficult teenage years' and my changing career. Consistent and 2013 doesn't sound boring at all really does it!
I love this quote from Anthony Robbins:
'It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It's what we do consistently.'
So there you have it, I'll be consistently consistent in 2013 and I look forward to sharing my progress with you.
Its time now to hop along to see Veronica - Happy New Year fellow OLWers
Nikki
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