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

x

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

x

 

Making Merry Monday and Some Snow

Soft Suede, some reverse masking and Winter Post .... a modern twist on a classic card ... a very festive Making Merry Monday.

And it feels like Christmas for me this weekend - here's what I did on Saturday ...

That's KP and I crash landing at the bottom of the Koala run at Lake Mountain. Do you like the fluro beanie I was wearing - its a coach's beanie from the soccer club .... the kids could easily spot where I was in the crowds LOL

Paul and Olivia walking back up the hill after a toboggan run.  We had so much fun ... it even snowed whilst we were there - we went with our lovely friends the Petries - so much fun and so much snow.  We built some snowmen - but I will be scrapbooking those so you'll have to wait and see them in a couple of weeks - oh and it was Paul's birthday :)

So hope you have a very happy and merry Monday.

 

 

 

Making Merry Monday

Well I think it could be time to start this again .... Helping Hudson is ticking along nicely .... so I have some more time to make a few cards to share with you.

I often use the Top Note die as a basis to make a card - this time I have used a circle punched from a post-it-note for a mask and then sponged the colours to create a landscape for the lovely reindeer from Winter Post and the line of trees from Lovely as a Tree.

A bit of two way glue pen-ing and some dazzling diamonds to finish ... along with a sentiment from the Punch Pals set - and this makes a lovely Christmas card.

Have you made a start on your cards yet?  Don't forget that Tracey Hanshaw is collecting cards for the troops overseas ... check out the details here.

 

Making Merry Monday

I got a bit inky making this one!  In fact I made 11 of them for a team swap so I was very inky indeed! 

Using the Tiny Tags and Tiny Tag punch these cards were quick to make.  Colours are Baja Breeze and Confetti White card stock with Basic Grey.  The little snowflake is from the Winter Post set.

Back this week with news of a special offer.

 

Making Merry Monday is BACK!

Oh yes, after a little break .... I am back in full Christmas card making swing again (and supporting the Cards for the Troops campaign) .... and to help with my inspiration for a layout I used the latest challenge over at Just Add Ink.

The first of the two cards I made using the sketch from the JAI girls is made with Melon Mambo and Elegant Eggplant.  I've used the beautiful tree from the Lovely as a Tree set and embossed it in silver.  I ran a two way glue pen around the edge of the top note die cut and added some dazzling diamonds and finished it off with the little post mark image from the Winter Post set.

The background is the snowflake from the Winter Post set too - I used a Versamark ink pad first but then thought I would add some snowflakes in craft white ink also.

And this is the second version ... my tree looks a little crooked doesn't it but it isn't I promise :)  This is a Rich Razzleberry and Kraft version.

July is such a good time to make a start on your cards .... just one a week will give you a great start - and whilst you're making one you might as well make two!

 
 
 

Art With Heart Team Blog Hop - Christmas in July

Welcome to another Art With Heart Team Blog Hop! Who are the Art with Heart team? Lead by Claire Daly, there are over 90 demonstrators across Australia ... if you want to be come part of this great team just email me for more details. There's a special on just now for joining demos .... check it out here. 

You may have just come from Kristine Thompson's blog, but if you are starting here, don’t worry … you can make the complete journey just by following the links at the end of each post. There are over 10 stops along the way and we hope you will visit each one to see the wonderful creations we have to show you! If you leave a comment on each and every blog and then email me, Nikki at nikki@inkyart.com.au, your name will be put into the hat to win some beautiful blog candy. There is a deadline of 72 hours to leave your comments and only non SU demos are eligible to win the candy - although we'd love all visitors to leave some comments please. 

So on with my contribution ...

 I've created a double page spread using Whisper White and I created the background using the Lovely As A Tree stamp set to create the border along the bottom and the snowflake from the Winter Post set to create the border along the top.

(Sorry about the flash in the photos), here's a close up on the first page - can you see all the Dazzling Diamonds ... I was very sparkly I can tell you ... but Christmas isn't Christmas without a bit of sparkle is it!  I just ran a Two Way Glue pen here and there and then sprinkled the super fine glitter all over.

The numbers are from the OnBoard Timeless set - coloured in with Old Olive marker and then covered with Crystal Effects and more Dazzling Diamonds.

And the second page.  I've used a piece of Holiday Treasures and some felt flowers - you can find these on page 144 of the catalogue.   

Well, that’s all from me. Now you’re off to enjoy the beautiful creations of Erica Boxall, a very special lady who is very creative.

And don't forget to enter the draw for some candy.

 

 

Making Merry Monday 2010 # 3

Morning, and welcome to another Making Merry Monday .... today's offering is a little gift ... everyone needs a gift tag or two at Christmas time so why not make a couple of these packs to give away as pressies.

Four handmade tags would make an idea gift for a teacher (along with choccies of course), or to send in the post with a card - everyone needs gift tags!

The bag topper is a top note die cut which I have ran through the Polka Dot Impressions folder and then folded in half - such a cute touch.

I'll be using one of the tags to create a matching card .... so quick and easy.

 

Christmas Traditions - Stampamemory

Check out the Stampamemory site to see my latest scrapbooking page - a really simple idea but one which I am sure can be used for all sorts of occasions.

I think it is important to keep letters and items from our every day lives to share with our loved ones in years to come - so pop on over to have a look.

 

Making Merry Monday 2010 # 2

Happy Monday and welcome to another Christmas card idea.  

As promised, this year I am making two of every card I create ... one for me ... and one to send to Tracey Hanshaw who will be collecting cards to send to our Defence personnel who are serving their country overseas.  So this week's card ...

Another Winter Post creation, a top note die cut is an ideal base for any card.  Here I have just stamped the snowflake and cute reindeer and sponged around the edges .... such a simple quick design.

Back next Monday with another idea for you - and news of some special blog candy ... but you'll have to send me some photos to win!

 

Making Merry Monday 2010 # 1

Yes it is back for another year ... the concept came from Anita Meade last year  .... to make a Christmas card every Monday ... so that by the time Christmas arrives you'd have a stash to help with the panic that usually sets in during this very busy time.  

I'm starting a little later than I wanted but that's okay .... it's still May and I still have seven months to go :o) This year I am going to make two of every card I create ... one for me ... and one to send to Tracey Hanshaw who will be collecting cards to send to our Defence personnel who are serving their country overseas.  This is a cause very close to my heart with a husband in the Navy .... and I met with Tracey at Convention - she is a warm and gorgeous person - mobbed by 'fans' at every opportunity .... more about Convention tomorrow.

So here is the first card for 2010.  Winter Post is one of my favourite sets and I hope it will remain in the catalogue when it is republished in September ... this is also a great layout for a card.

It is so simple - in fact I just stamp away on a piece of Whisper White and then choose what I'd like to see in the squares by using the punch and select by looking before punching.  This way you can make of these little squares and it makes card production super quick.  The brad has been used heaps to pinch through several layers of the ribbon to created the bow effect just to finish it all off. 

I've used Real Red, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip - Versamark to create the background images and lots of sponging.

So there you have it ... post a comment or better still send me a photo of your Christmas creations if you want to join in this year .... check out Ros Davidson's blog too ... she started ages ago and already has quite a collection.

So as promised earlier - head back tomorrow for all the Convention news.

 

Making Merry Monday # 24

No cards today just boxes!  I've always admired the various off-the-page creations of others and spent a whole afternoon and evening making the following boxes.

These boxes are so quick and easy - made from a whole sheet of A4 cardstock.  I've used the Winter Post set and made some lovely tags too.  These are pressies for the girls in my office.

And then there are these ... thank goodness for the Scor-Pal ... makes folding at the right spot just so easy.  I love how these boxes turned out - I really love the tags as they are so quick and easy and a great way to use up the scraps of beautiful paper I can't bring myself to throw away.  I used the now retired Parisian Breeze Speciality papers to make the boxes - the textured cover-weight card stock.

Had a lovely day yesterday, also rustled up two birthday cards and nine Saleabration card swaps - back to reality today ... work!

If you'd like measurements and templates just leave a comment or email.  Don't forget today is the last day for the Christmas Extravaganza so if you want to place an order for Christmas call or email (0428 254 952) - Hope you are having a Merry Monday.

 

Making Merry Monday # 23

I hope you enjoyed the ESAD summer mini hop - it was so much fun and as I hopped around the 30 or so blogs I was amazed and inspired by the new range of goodies ... and yes my little conservative shopping list suddenly grew to quite a long list of 'must haves'!

As we are now well and truly into December and at the pointy end of the year where everything now needs to be quick as the days and weeks seem to speed up fly by faster than ever ... I have created a Christmas card using the new butterfly punch. 

This is actually another ATC swap but I made a few extra and turned them into Christmas cards ... I made 14 of these in just a couple of hours.

The butterfly punch has been cut into two and then layered to make up the tree.  Word Window punch has been used to create the tree stump and the wording and of course the star just tops it all off.  I've sponged all the edges with Craft White and then the two way glue pen to add some dazzling diamonds.

Stamp sets used are Punch Pals for the words and Winter Post for the snowflake.  Cardstock colours are Old Olive, Real Red, Basic Black, Silver (for the star), Chocolate Chip and Whisper White.

Same punch art tree just a different coloured cardstock for the card base ...  

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA ENDS VERY SOON

Just a reminder that the Christmas Extravaganza will be finishing on 14 December (this time next week), this is the last date that orders can be placed for a guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery.  Click here for details of this very special offer - and earn a free gift for yourself too - remember you get to choose either a scallop square or boho blossoms punch work $30.95 for free. 

So if you are thinking of buying some Stampin' Up! items for Christmas please make sure you contact me before this date - and don't forget I can also make up a beautiful gift voucher if you aren't sure what your recipient would like.

Back in a couple of days with more ideas.

 

Making Merry Monday # 21

Another glittery Party Hearty number ... I really do love stamp sets that can multi-task - makes them an even better investment doesn't it - lol! 

I've used the snowflake from Winter Post with Versamark and dazzling diamonds for the background, a piece of Choc Chip grosgrain ribbon and then layers of choc chip and real red cardstock.  Love the party hats standing proud as Christmas trees and a simple saying from Many Merry Messages.  I've sponged the edges of the white and red cardstock just to add a finishing touch.

This is a simple and quick card ... one which could be duplicated quickly for those of us who are always in a rush at this time of year.

Hope you aren't panicking too much ... back next Monday with another one.

 

Making Merry Monday # 20

Goodness me ... is this really week 20?  Do I have 20 cards already?  Probably not ... I keep giving them away as samples .... going to concentrate this week on sorting out the family and friends cards ... I would never be able to show my face if this year, of all the years, my cards were late or non-existent!

Today's card is one for all the lovely Paperific ladies I met this weekend.  I am exhausted but gee I have had so much fun.  I was exhibiting on Friday and Sunday and it is an absolute pleasure to meet and chat with so many like minded crafty ladies ... hello to you all :o)

 

And here is a photo of the technique I showcased ... now regular readers of my blog will know that I am a fan of sponging and brayer ... and if you have signed up for my newsletter you will have received the technique sheet this month.

For all of you who have just found this website click here to find the details on how to make this quick and easy card.

Well that's it for today, hope you are having a lovely Merry Monday.

Oops nearly forgot ... the winners of the lovely baskets of goodies for the prize draw are Linae from Kensington and Agnes May from Hawthorn - you will be contacted by Sue Madex in the next day or two ... enjoy ladies :o)

Making Merry Monday # 18

 

It's November already ....does that send anyone else into a panic too?  I have bought three presents but that isn't nearly enough, panic is setting in ... but I do have a stash of cards ... so I am feeling a little more organised than normal :o)

This is another Winter Post creation, with the trees from Lovely as a Tree.  I've inked the trees in Old Olive and stamped them once as you usually would and then again without reinking ... setting the stamp just off centre to produce the 'shawdow' impression - gives the trees some depth I think.

I've used Chocolate Chip and Riding Hood Red and sponged the edges of the card with Chocolate Chip ink - I use a dauber as they give a really nice finish.

And then I've used the Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon and a piece from the HodgePodge hardware kit ... I was worried that this would make the card too heavy but it didn't - I will put a little bit of padding over it though when I post it ... not sure how it will travel through the postal sorting systems ... crunched is so not a good look is it!

I hope that you are having a very Merry Monday and that November hasn't sent you into a panic too.  Come back later today for news of how Stampin' Up can help you with your gift shopping and reward you with freebies too!

Happy stampin!

Nikki

x

Making Merry Monday # 17

Another Winter Post with a beautiful word stamp from the Many Merry Messages set.  Kraft could be the 'new' Old Olive as I love the way this card has turned out.  

I've used some water colour paper and then some Old Olive and Real Red ink with an Aqua Painter to colour in the image.  The ink pads are really versatile if you use them in this way ... whilst the pad is closed you squeeze the box together to push the lid into the ink pad (don't panic the boxes are flexible enough to do this)  ... when you open the ink pad there is a 'pool' of ink inside the lid that you can now pick up with either the Aqua Painter for water colouring or the Blender Pens to make a marker pen ... how cool is that!

Back very soon with birthday news, more cards and evidence that you can turn a 'non-believer' into an addict in just one evening!

Hope you are having a very Merry Monday.

Love Nikki

x

Making Merry Monday # 16

I was wondering last week how many days it was until Christmas .... never actually worked out the exact number - didn't want to scare myself, but I do know that we are already half way through October ... oh heck! 

So there really is no time like the present to make a start on those Christmas cards .... I've 'invested' in a new set 'Winter Post' ... and so yesterday afternoon I whipped up a few cards ... I really love this new oldie worldie set .... that reindeer is just so cute.

I've used, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla for this card .... the ribbon has been 'pleated' using the Sticky Strip double sided extra tacky tape and the Taffeta ribbon and the trees are from the Lovely as a Tree set.  

I've seen this ribbon technique around the net and even tried it once but it didn't work for me, that is until yesterday .... I attended the Melbourne Stampin' Up! Regional Training day which was held in the city - Bonnie Thurber who is the Director of Demonstrator Training residing in Salt Lake City in the US, demonstrated this technique and when I saw the roll of Sticky Strip it all made sense.  If you've never used this tape before ... beware!  It is sooooo sticky ... but then I suppose you've gathered that from it's name :o)  It just grabs the ribbon and holds it in place, so pleating is a breeze.

So who's Bonnie Thurber, well if I can find Bonnie's blog I will let you know because you just have to 'meet' this most amazing lady.  Having travelled all the way from the US for the Stampin' Up! Regionals she managed to arrive in Melbourne minus her luggage!  Poor love, inside her luggage was not only all the usual 'stuff' that ladies just need to travel with ... but her samples that she was going to demonstrate to us.  

As I sat making four brilliant projects with my new free stamp set and roller from the soon to be released Summer Mini, I was keeping an eye on this lady who seemed to be quite busy herself with her card and snail trail.  Little did I know just how talented Bonnie is ... she managed to rustle up three samples using just what she could find around the room and the contents of her bathroom goodie basket!  Little bags and boxes and a great demo of how to pleat your ribbon onto a card.  Just amazing - Bonnie is a demonstrator herself so she understands Stampin' Up! from both sides of the coin ... her business tips were extremely helpful - she was entertaining and happy to answer all of our questions ... an absolute pleasure to meet.

Back tomorrow with more news from the Regionals and my swap.

Happy stampin

Love Nikki

x