February 23rd, 2010 | by adele | 1 Comment
How cute are these cards?! These are examples of the ’stained glass’ cards we’ll be making at my March classes. Would you like to join us?
I’m teaching two techniques – stained glass and faux silk – and we’ll make three or four cards using the techniques.
The classes are held in Doncaster (Vic) and will run three times during March so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Tuesday 2nd March at 10am (til ~12.30)
Saturday 6th March at 1pm (til ~3.30pm)
Sunday 28th March at 1pm (til ~3.30pm)
Cost: $15.00
I absolutely promise you that you won’t feel out of your depth if you’re a beginner! The stamp itself takes care of the artistic bit and these techniques are incredibly forgiving. You’ll be so impressed with yourself – money back guarantee on that!!
There’s a limit of 8 per class and bookings are essential, so jump in quick and email me to reserve your spot and get the address.
CLASS BY MAIL?
If you don’t live close enough to attend or you like to work at home at your own pace, I do offer this as a ‘class by mail’. Why not get a group of friends together, split the cost and do the class together?
How it works:
- You purchase either product bundle 1 or bundle 2. It would be sent direct to you from Stampin’ Up in Sydney.
- I send you instructions with full colour photos and step by step instructions on making the cards, together with a free sample pack of ribbons and embellishments to take your cards to the next level (again with photos and instructions) and the tissue paper needed for the faux silk technique.
Because this class is running during Sale-A-Bration, you’ll receive the stamp sets FREE so it’s even better value than normal!! Gotta love free rubba!!
Bundle 1 – $116.90 + $5.95 (makes up to 48 cards!)
1¾” circle punch ($30.95)
Polka Dot background stamp ($39.95)
A4 cardstock vellum ($12.50)
One pack of cardstock (your choice of Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa and Regal Rose) ($10.50)
Four markers (Regal Rose, Rose Red, Mellow Moss, Old Olive) ($23.00)
Instructions (FREE)
Pack of embellishments (FREE)
Happy Moments SAB stamp set (FREE)
(You will need to use your own sentiment stamp set and your own Versamark pad and dark grey ink pad)
Bundle 2 – $201.95 + $10.00 post (makes up to 192 cards!!)
1¾” circle punch ($30.95)
Polka Dot background stamp ($39.95)
A4 cardstock vellum ($12.50)
One pack each of cardstock (Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa and Regal Rose) ($42.00)
Five markers (Regal Rose, Rose Red, Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa) ($28.75)
Versamark ($13.95)
Basic Gray ink pad ($11.95)
80 C6 white envelopes ($21.90)
Instructions (FREE)
Pack of embellishments (FREE)
Happy Moments SAB stamp set (FREE)
Whimsical Words SAB stamp set (FREE)
Whichever option you choose, you’ll need to have:
Cutter
Heat tool
Clear embossing powder
Embossing buddy (optional but recommended)
Sticky strip
A yellow marker
If you already own items in the bundles, you can exchange them for similarly priced items. Just so long as bundle 1 is over $100 and bundle 2 is over $200 in order to get the free stamp sets.
You can purchase the class by mail any time between now and 30 March – but if you want to be part of it, please let me know before 21 March so that I can prepare all the free embellishment packs at the same time as for the others who have already bought the class.
INSTRUCTIONS ONLY?
Do you have everything in the bundle and just want the instructions? The instructions are $10.00.
February 14th, 2010 | by adele | 1 Comment
You’re getting to see my husband’s Valentine’s card before he does! He’s been working all day and won’t get home until after midnight but this card will be waiting for him when he gets home.
And the other thing I’m in love with….. Have you seen these!!
A stamper’s dream cookie cutters! In each box you get three BIG cookie cutters and a little mesh bag of letters and some common words which you slide into tracks to make up your own little message. You cut out the shape and then press the plunger down to stamp your message into the cookie! My son’s birthday is coming up so I’ll going to make everyone cookies to take home.
February 12th, 2010 | by adele | 3 Comments
My mum treasures cards. From an early age, I remember her always saying “on my birthday, I don’t care whether I get a present, so long as I get a nice card”. I’m sure my love for making cards started back then….
My immediate family live in Scotland so I have to be super organised to get cards made early and this one didn’t make it in time. So mum, if you’re watching, here’s your card – made with love. It’s in the post!
February 2nd, 2010 | by adele | 7 Comments
It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything on my blog but I can assure you I’ve been busy behind the scenes.
I’ve been flat out trimming, stamping, embossing, punching, crimping, sewing, folding and bagging my Valentine’s ranges for the shops. Here’s a batch all bagged and ready to go!
There’s a new Australian site called Just Add Ink and this week’s challenge was to come up with a project that uses ‘hearts’. Very happy to play along with this one! I couldn’t decide which colourways to submit so I’ll send in both.
OPEN HOUSE ON SUNDAY!
I’ve also been preparing for an Open House event this Sunday 7th. My team are having a joint event to celebrate the start of Sale-a-Bration and we’ve got great make and takes planned. There will be door prizes, a main prize draw, demonstrations, and time to relax, browse displays and catalogues and talk craft. My 2010 class timetable will be available and you can book into classes on the spot.
If you’re in the Doncaster area of Melbourne, you’re welcome to drop in anytime between 12 and 6pm, but we do need to know by Thursday if you’re coming. Please contact me for the address.
January 3rd, 2010 | by adele | 3 Comments
I know Christmas has only just past but I’m planning Valentine’s Day cards already. Some of my cards are sold in florists and so I’ve been working on new designs for their busiest time of year.
With this male Valentine’s card (which could also make a great birthday card) I set myself the challenge of not having a boat or diy tool in sight and using non traditional colours – definitely no pink or blue.
And here’s what I came up with….
It uses the Life Definitions stamp set – which I must say I didn’t expect to love as much as I do. Recently Stampin’ Up awarded me six free stamp sets (yes, I know, SIX FREE STAMP SETS) and I could pick anything in the catalogue, so I chose Life Definitions as one of those sets. Now, I’ll be honest – I picked it because it was the most expensive in the catalogue, not because it particularly grabbed me. But I’m completely converted! There seems to be a definition for every occasion and project.
For this card I’ve used the definitions of ‘you’, ‘together’, ‘always’, ‘xoxo’, ‘because’ and ‘wish’. The recipe is below and surprise, surprise, I’ve used my favourite Confetti White cardstock as the base. It’s a gorgeous creamy, vintagey paper with little flecks. Definitely don’t attempt this with Whisper White. It’s too thin, too white, too smooth and too perfect. You need to be able to distress those edges and curl up the corners for a card like this. And just for something different, I’ve distressed right around the entire outside of the card. Bit of light sponging and we’re done! Oh, and no dimensionals on this one! It suited the card better just to have the ‘you’ sentiment matted onto Choc Chip cardstock and just stuck directly onto the card.
Imagine the cards you could make by choosing different definitions:
Baby: gratitude, wish, delight, happy, perfect
Anniversary: memories, you, journey, remember, together, xoxo
Wedding: always, journey, wish, lucky, xoxo
What you also need to know about Life Definitions is that it’s currently in Stampin’ Up’s inventory sale. Woo hoo! For the set of 28 stamps it’s reduced from $90.95 to just $68.21!! I’ve never seen this set discounted by this much so you’re going to want to grab it quick at this bargain price. The sale ends on 24 January but you may not want to wait that long in case stocks sell out.
For further details on the inventory sale, please click here. If you’d like to place an order from anywhere in the country, it’s as simple as emailing or ringing me and I’ll have it delivered to your door in a matter of days.
Stamp Sets: Life Definitions
Card: Confetti White, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Classic Black, Sahara Sand, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red
Other: Cutter Kit (distress tool), Stamp-a-ma-Jig, sponge (with Close to Cocoa)
January 2nd, 2010 | by adele | 1 Comment
Sale-a-Bration is just round the corner and having already seen what’s inside the cover of this fab catalogue, I think you’re going to love what’s coming up!!!
This is hands down the best time of year to spend your craft dollars, host a workshop or join the Stampin’ Up family as a demonstrator. G-o-r-g-e-o-u-s free stamp sets on offer!!
To celebrate, my team are hosting a fabulous ‘Open Day’ here in Doncaster (Melbourne).
There will be door prizes, sample packs, fabulous make and takes, demonstrations of new tools, stamps and techniques, displays of gorgeous projects by the Stampin’ Bliss team, plenty time to just sit and socialise, and for everyone who places an order or books a workshop you’ll receive free tickets into our big draw to win a huge Stampin’ Up prize pack!
We’ll have our 2010 class timetables on display. Book your places in the classes and receive an early bird special!
It’s going to be BIG!
We’re expecting over 50 women along to the event but we need you to RSVP so we have enough refreshments (and team members) on hand. Bring a friend and receive a free sample pack of papers and embellishments!
Whether you’re completely new to stamping or craft, or you’re a life-long Stampin’ Up addict, you’ll have a great afternoon!!
When: Sunday 7 February.
Time: Drop in any time between 12 and 6pm. Demonstrations and make and takes will run all day.
Where: My place, Doncaster, VIC (email me for the address).
Cost: FREE but RSVPs are essential. Book in with a friend for your free sample pack!
RSVP: To Adele@stampinbliss.com.au or ring 0407 448 966
If you want to host a workshop during Sale-A-Bration (25 Jan to 31 March), please contact me today! I’ve already got several workshops booked in and you definitely don’t want to miss out!
If you live interstate, you can still be part of the fun by hosting a catalogue party! Contact me for details.
December 7th, 2009 | by adele | 0 comments
I can’t tell you how many Christmas card workshops and stamp-a-stacks I ran over recent months and until yesterday I hadn’t made any for ME! Panic!!!
I’d “moved on” from Christmas cards weeks ago so it took some effort to get going again - especially as I wanted these to be a new design that I hadn’t taught at any events.
Now, my mum has a favourite saying…. necessity is the mother of all invention. Well, yesterday, at my dining table, it was more like panic is the mother of all invention LOL!
But they’re done! And here’s one batch – all lined up and ready to go out – phew!!
December 4th, 2009 | by adele | 3 Comments
The idea for this card came to me in the middle of the night and I couldn’t sleep until I’d drawn a sketch of it (in case I didn’t remember it in the morning LOL!). Does that happen to anyone else or is it just me?
So many times I stamp an image and my card design evolves and revolves around it. And that was certainly tempting to do with this striking botanical image from the new Razzle Dazzle stamp set. But I wanted to make a card where the stamp wasn’t the main focus and I just love everything about the way it turned out.
The cardstock is Confetti White (which I’ve been using a lot of recently – it’s taken over from kraft as my new favourite!). It has the best natural texture and gave a wonderful vintagey result with the markers.
How it was made …. I opened the card and scored on the inside with the tip of my bone folder to create an embossed subtle panel on the front side.
I coloured my stamp with Always Artichoke, Rose Red and Regal Rose markers. And when I stamped I held it on the cardstock a little longer than usual and pressed each area of the stamp to make sure it had absorbed and was even.
We’re always told to ‘huff’ on stamps after colouring to moisten (reactivate the ink) but I completely forgot to do that with the first two images – but, d’ya know what, I actually like those images best – they’re a bit more faded and vintagey which really suited the look I was after. (I started off in the bottom left corner and worked my way around anti-clockwise.) When I started huffing the colours got stronger. You might be able to see it better in this pic.
Somehow I managed to do the first half of the card without using my Stamp-a-ma-Jig but I used it for the first corner and didn’t put it down.
The card needs nine stamped images to complete the border, so it’s not what you’d describe as a quick card, but it was sooo worth the effort. I’m going to make half a dozen on the weekend and leave the middle blank until an occasion arises and I can stamp an appropriate sentiment. Actually, I can see this making a lovely alternative Christmas card with a simple ‘Merry Christmas’ across the centre.
December 3rd, 2009 | by adele | 4 Comments
How cute is this box!!
I spent the loveliest weekend at stamp camp organised by Yvonne Campbell. In between catching up with friends, eating, drinking and relaxing, we made each other’s ’shoe box swaps’.
This was one of my favourites and was designed by one of the Stampin Bliss team members – Lynnette Kimber.
Lynne got the pattern for the box on the demonstrator website (one of the many perks of being a demonstrator!) which she printed onto Baja Breeze cardstock.
The glittery butterfly on the top is done by:
1. stamping the butterfly in Riding Hood Red onto vellum paper
2. sprinkling with Heat and Stick Powder (the ink stays a bit wet because it’s vellum so no need for versamark)
3. quickly blasting with the heat gun to melt the Heat and Stick Powder
4. sprinkling with dazzling diamonds and heating again to set
We’re hosting the family Christmas dinner this year and I can see myself making one for each guest with a chocolate inside!
What I used:
- Stamp Sets: Butterfly Prints, Hello Again
- Card: Baja Breeze, vellum paper, Whisper White
- Ink: Riding Hood Red, Versamark
- Other: butterfly punch, dimensionals, Heat and Stick Powder, heat gun.
December 2nd, 2009 | by adele | 6 Comments
As soon as I saw Butterfly Prints stamp set in the new Summer Mini catalogue, I knew I had the perfect ‘girly’ project.
It was made a million times easier with the coordinating butterfly punch (also in the Summer Mini)!
This was the first time I’d used Confetti White cardstock and I’m completely sold!! Love it!!
It’s nice and thick and has a rough texture with little flecks through it. And because it’s textured you get a nice ‘grungy’ stamped image which really suited the ‘organic’ grass stamp.
TIP: When stamping onto Confetti White, make sure you get lots of ink coverage on your stamp, and I like to keep it pressed onto the cardstock a little longer than usual. Grungy is one thing, but patchy is not a good look!
The shadow box I used is 8×8 inches in size and really deep, so I was able to get heaps of “height” with the butterfly wings.
I did think about dyeing the white taffeta ribbon on my ink pad, but I liked it white. Pretty, delicate and uncomplicated – just the way I like my craft – LOL!
If you want to make something similar, why not place an order for the Butterfly Prints stamp set ($25.95) and coordinating punch ($30.95). Imagine how many quick cards and gifts you’ll be able to make!!
What I used:
- Stamp Sets: Butterfly Prints, Inspired by Nature
- Card: Confetti White
- Ink: So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red
- Other: white taffeta ribbon, crystal effects, wide oval punch, scallop oval punch, butterfly punch, dimensionals.
