Chalkboard Technique

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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Happy Mother's Day

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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Golden Anniversaries

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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Happy Mother's Day

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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Class Schedule

New schedule has been listed HERE 

Join me for some fun - pick either a scrapbooking class, a technique class or an 'off the page' 3D class.

Spaces are limited - book now.

Call on 0481 316 626 (new numbe) or 03 9587 6363

Or email by clicking here

Swallowtail Yumminess!

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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My Little Valentine Promotion

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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Publish 

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!

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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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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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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More Spotlighting

Another sample from the Spotlighting Technique class last month, this time using the new World's Greatest stamp from the World Spectacular Product Suite.  Stamped twice in both Basic Black and Night of Navy - this time we just punched the circle and used Dimensions to 'pop' it up on the card.

The embossing on the Whisper White is a new folder - it's in the Holiday Traditions catalogue and is called Woodgrain - it gives a really deep impression to the cardstock.

Now I have a funny story about this card.  I made this card at the request of my class ladies - they all wanted a Father's Day card.  As my dear Dad passed away a few years ago, this is the first Father's Day I've made in a long long time.  I thought I'd put it to good use and offered it to my two teenage kids to give to Paul for Father's Day.  You know what teenagers are like .... they were only too keen to take the card - it meant their crafty mum wasn't going to 'cajoule' them into making something the night before the special day.

Well they gave the card to Paul, and when he opened it, it was blank inside.  When he asked why there was nothing written inside, KP replied .... 'oh mum said she made the card for us to give to you - I didn't think we had to write in it as well as seal the envelope' ..... got to love teenagers yes!  Needless to say KP wrote some lovely things inside and Paul took it back to Sydney with him - he has a little display of cards in his apartment now.

Happy Stampin' 

Nikki

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ESAD Blog Hop For The Holiday Traditions Catalogue

Back again for another blog hop, this time the ESAD Holiday Traditions Catalogue Hop.  

So are you wondering what ESAD is? 

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.

So what have I created for you today?

Lots of new catalogue products for you.  Have you noticed that there are a few 'bundles' of products in the new catalogue now?  The new Scentsational Season stamp set is so cute and the bundle of framelits and stamps means you save over $10 on the clear mount option and more if you prefer to use wood.

I used the framelit to cut the shape from a piece of the new Core'dinations card stock - in the Gumball Green In-Colour.  I ran this through the Vintage Embossing folder and then used a sanding block to remove some of the colour to show the monochromatic colour inside - you can tear or distress this card in many ways to reveal the colours.

I stamped and embossed the little gingerbread man onto a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock and then placed this underneath the Gumball Green piece.  The sentiment stamp - Heart of Christmas - a gift from the recent HeartFelt event, is a perfect greeting I think.

For this one I've used a piece of the Snow Festival Designer Series Paper behind the Christmas Tree cut out and then added Rhinestones to the paper to add a bit of sparkle.

I also added rhinestones to the bakers twine - this time I have used two of the larger ones at the end of the twine to so they look like little beads.

Well that's all from me .... time to hop along and visit the lovely Andrea Buckland - hope to see you again some time.

Nikki

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All You Need To Know About Stamps!

As I was looking at the videos from Stampin' Up! I found this one - its an old video and features a few retired stamp sets, but it shows some great tips.  Great if you are new to Stampin' Up! and are seeking information following the frenzied launch of our new catalogues this week.  Its a promotional video for demonstrators but it's very informative - I think you will agree.

 

If you really must have one of those stamp sets give me a shout as I might be able to help you out.

Happy Stampin'

Nikki

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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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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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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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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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