Avalon Homestead Stamp Camp

The front which overlooks a gorgeous view of the hills around Toodyay.

As I promised here are a few pics of our stamp camp that Lynda Winfield organised. As I said before we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The setting was just perfect and we had the whole place to ourselves which was great if you wanted to stay in your pj's. We were spoilt rotten with three course meals and desserts to die for. Peter and Delveen run the Homestead and are very caring and helpful. If you would like to see more of Avalon Homestead and what they have to offer then please go to their website from here.



There were little displays in the hallway in between each room.

This was Pat's and my room. Handmade patchwork in all rooms.

There were fifteen swaps in all with a project which was run by Lynda. All the cards were lovely. Some of them I have altered slightly and no disrespect to the owners of these cards. I am sure the other ladies were just as pleased as I was with the variety of cards we had. I have put a name to a few but so sorry as I cannot remember who did what. I should have written them down.
I do have a couple more to put on but I have not finished them as yet. Also need to put the project on here and I will as soon as I finish that one too. Have a browse and thanks for popping by:)




 

Pat Carr

Nola (adjusted)

Jean

Lynda Winfield

Margaret cased from Michelle Martin

Irene Winfield cased from SU Convention swap

This was the project that Lynda had lined up for us.
It was one of the demonstrations from Heartfelt Seminar in Perth.
 Its a Xmas Tag container made from a Clear Mount Stamp Case
from the SU Catalogue. Four for $9.95.

The inside of the Xmas Tag Container

This one I modified

Irene Winfield

 

 

November specials

We are almost half way into November and Stampin Up have some great specials this month.
It's only November, but Stampin' Claus is giving you an early Christmas present: a FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack when you buy the Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set and Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper Bundle.
You will love the Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set. There are so many different ways you can use it.  Have a look on page 3 of the holiday catalogue to see the stamp set and page 4 for the Candlelight Christmas DSP.

 

From 1 November through 16 December, host a minimum $650 Stampin' Up! party and get a FREE collection of ink pads*-a $79.95 value-in addition to our other fantastic benefits! What a great way to start your ink supplies. I'd be in that and you would get the very new stamp sets which are such a breeze to use. Contact me as soon as possible for this INK-credible offer as time is running out.

I have just arrived back from a stamp camp in Avalon that was run by the lovely Lynda Winfield. We had such a lovely time and it was my first time at the Avalon Homestead. This homestead is a must to see. Peter and Delveen are the lovely hosts and they really looked after us. I will post some photos hopefully later on today.
So its bye for now until then. I just thought I had better get these great specials up before they run out.
Thanks for popping by :)



OCTOBER WORKSHOP

Well summer is getting closer and with the weather over the weekend it truly felt like it was here. We had a nice break yesterday with thunder, lightening and some rain.  It didnt really cool down for long as it didn't rain enough. Watching the weather tonight looks like we are in for rain for the remainder of the week. We really need it.  Speaking of summer, that means its almost the end of the year which means only one more home workshop left before Christmas. Our October workshop has been and gone and I am busy preparing for the next one. I have a Stamp Camp before then though so I have a shoebox to think about.  Not sure what I will be doing.
Anyway here are the cards we made last week.
The first one is one I cased from a day at Ngaire's where we had a get together with some of the other SU! Demonstrators and we did a shoebox each.  Natalie (sorry I don't know her last name) had used a Nativity scene but I chose to use The Open Sea as I wanted a masculine card. The images were punched using the 1" punch then placed on a long piece of Not Quite Navy cardstock. I wanted to keep it clean and simple.

Cardstock - Not Quite Navy
Ink - Not Quite Navy
Stamp Sets - The Open Sea, Wordplay
Accessories - 1" Square Punch

The next card was also cased but I have made some alterations. This card was inspired by Jennifer Timko (Stampin on the fly blog). Jennifer had three vases in a row where she used the Large Oval Punch.  I wanted to alter it a bit and also make it a bit easier for the girls at the workshop.  I used the Extra-Large Oval Punch and only made one vase. I did use the original colours that Jennifer used but then changed it to something a bit brighter. Here it is:-

Cardstock - Tangerine Tango, Tempting Turquoise
Stamp Set - Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Markers - Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise
Stamp Pad - Tangerine Tango (vase)
Accessories - Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch
Small Oval Punch (discontinued)Daubers, Square Lattice Folder,
Crystal Effects (flower)

I have seen this design on a few blogs but recently saw one that Susan Joyce had shown us at a Stamparoo get together at Ngaire Andersons. This is a very simple project and once you have made one then they are quite quick to make. I made one for a friend recently for her birthday so I will put both up. The one we did at my workshop was a Christmas theme. The girls loved it and some of them were going home to make one again so they didnt forget how to do it. The tutorial for this pop up card can be found here

The front I left simple.
Stamp Set - Heart of Christmas
Cardstock - Real Red, Whisper White
Markers - Gumball Green, Real Red
Accessories - Rhinestone, Two Tags Dies, Petals A Plenty Folder

The inside using Candlelight Christmas Specialty DSP
 

Stamp Set - Birthday Whimsy (retired)
Cardstock - Basic Gray, Whisper White
Stamp Pad - Lucky Limeade
DSP - Twitterpated
Accessories - Window Punch

The inside using One In A Million Stamp Set

Well I will be off now as after the weekend I have had I really need my beauty sleep. I now have Fridays off so I am going to endeavour to try to blog on a Friday. I need to create a name dont I!  Until then its goodbye from me and again thanks for popping by :)

CANCER COUNCIL STAMP DAY

 

At some stage in our life we are touched by the horrible illness of Cancer. Whether it be yourself, a loved one or even a friend who knows someone. A wonderful lady by the name of Pat Carr held a Cancer Council Stamp Day this month and I had a wonderful day being able to attend it. I felt guilty that I was enjoying my day while the people who we were raising money for were fighting for their lives. Pat was saying that all the money raised with Cancer Council actually stays in Western Australia which is great news. I am not sure how much Pat was able to raise but I am sure it will be a considerable amount. There was a lovely bunch of ladies to spend the day with and one whom I hadn't seen for over13 years. During the day we made 8 projects and during lunch we spent our golden coins to join in on a bowling match.  It was nice to get out into the glorious sunshine for half an hour rolling that ball down the green or in my case bouncing it. (My ball happened to roll on the flat side) My mum happen to win the game on the very last turn and won some Stampin' Up! products kindly donated by Stampin' Up!  Stampin' Up! always comes to the aid in these sort of situations and I am very proud to be a part of the team. I brought along Allison whose birthday it happened to be. We all sung Happy Birthday to her. We were served lunch after our first four projects. There were two types of Quiches and a beautiful colourful salad which I couldn't help but take a photo. At afternoon tea we were served a gorgeous little cupcake which were made by a friend of Pats. I saved mine until the end of the day when I could enjoy it more. It was divine.
I would like to thank Pat and all of her helpers who made it a fun and productive day for all. I can't wait until next year.  It was so much fun but the day went by just to quick.  Please take time to browse some of the the photos of the day and our projects. Thanks for popping by :)

Delightful little cupcakes
 

 


Our Scrumptious Salad





Gorgeous Hello Doily

Hello Doily inside

For this card strips of DSP were used on a piece of card approx 6cm wide. A template was used to create the curved shape. We traced the template onto the back of the card and then cut out. The larger piece was used for the front of the card and the smaller piece for the inside. What a great idea to use up scraps of DSP!


Inside view with smaller curved shape made from template.

A lovely calendar that flattens down to be able to pop in the post for someone special.

A very simple but effective Christmas Card.

 This card I was unable to finish on the day so this is the original.

Inside view.

 I just loved this one but am yet to complete mine. I love Pleasant Poppies.
This card was using Bashful Blue, Night of Navy & Marina Mist along with a sponge and spritzer.

Inside View

 What a beautiful gift for someone special.
This gift box was made using the Kraft Gift Boxes in the catalogue.
We embossed the Very Vanilla Cardstock & using a dauber sponged lightly with
Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint.
I love the Be Of Good Cheer DSP. It looks gorgeous here.

This little decoration was made using the Designer Rosette Bigz XL and the Delicate Doilies Sizzlits.
We used the new Silicone Mats which are fantastic when using the hot glue gun or any other glues.
It makes life much more simple.

 







 

Christmas Wreath

Hello everyone. I promised a project post. This project was inspired by Carolyn King when she did a demo at the Perth Heartfelt Event 2012. I came home and wanted to get into it but we had to go away that night after the event. I managed to have a whole weekend to myself some weeks later and this is what I came up with. I really was going to make one the same as Carolyn's but then thought I wanted to do something a bit different. A wreath came to mind and I was going to use the gorgeous new Tulle but then thought that would be too floppy. I decided to make my own bow. First of all I used some of the card which is at the back of the DSP. I drew a circle and then made the pattern for the wreath. Using a blade I carefully cut the shape out.  I then covered it with Be Of Good Cheer DSP and then used the sanding blocks to neaten it up. I cut out a post it note to make the shape to sponge around the wreath. I then hand drew the bow and placed DSP over it and sanded the edges and again using a post it note to sponge around to finish it off.
You will need the Petal Card Double punch to make your little boxes. You will need two cut outs to make one box leaving the top open. Carolyn used Brads to close her boxes but I have used Bakers Twin (Cherry Cobbler). I wont be putting anything in the boxes as I just want to use the wreath as an ornament. I have used the 25 & Counting Stamp Set for my images on the boxes. I used my 1" square punch to cut out the Silver Glimmer Paper. To get the right shape of my images I just used one of them that has a square shape and cut around it and used it as a template. (hope that makes sense). It was very easy. I have taped them to the wreath with the Sticky Red Tape.

I had a lot of fun making my wreath, especially as I had the weekend to myself and I watched a few movies at the same time.



We had a lovely day at Ngaire's yesterday with a get together of more than 20 fellow SU stampers.  We all made each others swaps and we took home over 20 cards each. I was very impressed with the quality of the cards we made. We have some very clever ladies to share our ideas with. This was my swap which was inspired by Ngaire Anderson at the Heartfelt Event.  I used Be Of Good Cheer DSP. I love this paper and have had to order another pack as it is so bright and colourful. I also used the Two Tags Die and the lovely stamp set we received from the Heartfelt Event, Heart of Christmas. I gave it a little shine with some Dazzling Diamonds and finished it off with a bow made from the Bakers Twine. I do hope you like my projects and I am sorry to say but I am off to bed. Its been a long day as we travelled 3 hours today to visit our Grandson for his 14th birthday and then travelled the 3 hours back home again. So its goodnight from me and I hope to come back soon. Thanks for popping by :)

Spring is in the Air!

What a gorgeous day it was today. I do hope you are all enjoying your long weekend for the Queen's Birthday. We went to visit our daughter and her family in the country for our Grandson's birthday. The kids had a lot of fun and I managed to catch one of the moments today precisely. The kids decided to fill balloons with water and throw them at each other. They then decided to use a cricket bat to try to hit the balloons. Clay didn't manage to hit the balloon but the balloon managed to hit him, right in the head. My camera caught it in action. We laughed so much, including Clay. 

Well one month of Spring is at the end already and we are gradually heading into warmer weather. We have had some cold nights recently but the days are lovely. I am quite happy with this kind of weather. I am not looking forward to summer.

I promised to post some of my cards from previous workshops and now I have managed to find time to do so. It is almost 11pm and we have just arrived home from the country but I really need to do this post so here goes.

The first one was made from the Morning Mocha Specialty DSP which unfortunately is discontinued. I loved this paper and I know many of you did also. I used the Framelit Labels Collection Dies with Brushed Silver and Basic Black and cut them in half and used both ends of the card. The ribbon is also discontinued. All you need to do is cut very close to the edge of both sides of the ribbon and then pull the cotton to fray the ribbon. You can then use the pieces that you have pulled off to wrap around your button. I think I have heard this called Emu Feathers. (or something like that) I used the Fun flowers Die to cut out my flowers and sponged Basic Black ink around the edges after popping them through the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder. Its quite a quick and easy card.



 
I love this next one. We received the Clockworks stamp set at Perth Heartfelt Event. There are many possibilities for this stamp set. I have used Not Quite Navy, Kraft and Very Vanilla cardstock. The inks I used were Basic Grey, Midnight Muse and Kraft. I also used my Scoreboard to score the lines and then go over them lightly with a dauber using Kraft ink. I distressed the edges of the circles and around the edge of the card. I would have used Midnight Muse cardstock but I didnt have enough for the workshop but I think it came together nicely. This card was inspired by Carolyn King. Check out her blog as she is one very talented lady.

Well thats about it for me for now. I mentioned in an earlier post that I was working on a project. I am about to post that one, possibly tonight. Enjoy the weather!
Thanks for popping by :)

Two Posts In One Day!

I promised myself that I would post on my blog today. Well here I am. I really do mean to get on here more often but time just slips away. I am sure you all can understand that.

We have had some lovely weather for the beginning of Spring. All I want to do is get into my craft room but I am feeling I should be outside enjoying the lovely weather. For the past few days I have been alone as Peter has been on the farm with our daughter, Michelle. This gave me some ME time. I have been card making my little heart out. I have a new project that I am hoping to finish shortly but am waiting for my SU! order to arrive before I can finish it. I will post it ASAP. I hope to have it finished by this weekend. I was inspired by Carolyn King's work at the Heartfelt Event in Perth in August.

The card I have chosen to post today is using the Coloured Soot Stamping technique. This technique is shown on Splitcoast Stampers by Beate. If you wish to see step by step then click on Beate's name above.
For this card I have used the following:-
Cardstock - Basic Black, Soft Suede, Glossy, Brushed Gold
Stamp Set - French Foliage, Loving Thoughts
Inks - More Mustard, Basic Black
Accessories - Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Brayer, Candle, Fixative Workable Mat Spray (permanent protection).
First of all you will need to use the Brayer with More Mustard and go over the glossy cardstock until you get a nice deep colour. I tend to make the card a little longer than you will need to enable you to handle the end without destroying what you are about to do. The next step is to hold the inked side of the glossy card over a candle until it touches and becomes black. Be careful not to stay around the edges too long as they will catch on fire. You dont need to make it too black as it gives a nice look if the gold look (More Mustard) is showing a little. You will then need to get out which ever stamp set you wish to use and without inking up just press on the black soot on the glossy card. You will immediately see your image. Repeat this to finish your piece and then spray the Fixative Spray over it to protect the surface. You may be able to find a glossy spray which will look even nicer. I have used a Mat finish but would probably prefer it to be more glossier. While you are waiting for your glossy piece to dry you will need to put your card together.
Well I am off to do some more of my project while I watch the X-Factor. Terrible isn't it.
Thanks for popping by:)

Spring is here and so are our two new Catalogues

Hello there! Yes I know! It has been over a month since I have been on my blog.  I am going to have to make a time each week to get on here. I am soon to have an extra day off work so hopefully I can make that day MY TIME to update my blog each week. 
Well its so exciting! We have two new catalogues out at once.  First we have the new Annual Catalogue full of exciting new products. This catalogue runs from 1st September until 30th June 2013. The new Holiday Catalogue has lots of Christmas ideas as well as a lovely Calendar, Halloween products and ideas, lots of lovely new stamps, papers etc etc etc. It is quite a big catalogue and this one runs from 1st September right through until 31st January 2013. If you would like to see whats inside these lovely catalogues just click on the icon on the right hand side panel.

I have recently been to the SU! Heartfelt Event (normally called Regionals) in Perth a few weeks back. I took my mum with me and we both had a wonderful time. There were so many ideas floating around and I can see my wishlist getting bigger and bigger.

Charmaine Black demonstrating Dazzling Lights

We were able to try out the new products and ask questions about different techniques. It was great to watch demonstrations by other lovely SU! demonstrators.                              Charmaine Black did a fantastic demo on her Dazzling Lights and lucky there was a mirror above her as the crowd was quite large and we were still able to see what she was doing. To see Charmaines work please check it out here. It was a fantastic day and it just wasn't long enough. We could have stayed longer to enjoy what there was to see and do. Here are just a few of the gorgeous work that we could feast our eyes on.



I know some of these are Susan Joyce's items.

We didn't do swaps this time but this was my
card to pop up on the board.



Sophie's gorgeous demonstration pieces.

One of Charmaine's pieces of work

Carolyn King's demonstration pieces.
Aren't they lovely!