Festival of Trees Star Show

Let me introduce you to my little forest of tress that has been sprouting up in our house. It is the gorgeous must-have Festival of Trees set from the Autumn/Winter catalogue.  I have a beautiful stepped card to show you will my little developing forest, but first let's talk some more about the trees.

One of the greatest things about the Stampin' Up! way of crafting, if I haven't convinced you before now, is the co-ordination and I love the bundle deals in the catalogues now allowing you to get the punch and the stamp sets at the same time for a discount. Yay, I love a discount!  One of the reasons I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator. Anyhow, this set does just that, there is a lovely quality punch to punch out your little row of trees as you stamp them - simple!

Now this is a bit of a layout CASE from Christine Blain who had used the All Is Calm specialty designer papers as I have done and layered her trees on a background label framelit.  I decided to use my star framelits as a background for my card as I love the stars set. You have seen the papers before on my lovely little keepsake boxes on my last post.

I loved stamping the plain tree and then adding my instant decoration with the tinsel wrap stamp. The stamp set also has it's own little bird and star and sentiments of "A merry little wish" and "for lots of joy at Christmas".  There is even a little "To:" and "From:" for instant label creation.

There are five tree styles in this set.  They are not just for Christmas as I can already see that they will be good for Autumn and I am already imagining a lovely tree scene card with one of the other stamps in the set.

The other most useful punch on this card is the little star which I punched my Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Paper onto for my sparkly star decorations. This little punch is part of the Itty Bitty Accent Punch Pack

As with some of the sets now in the catalogues this set is a Photopolymer set so is on the new transparent clear-mount background material which means it will need the clear acrylic blocks to mount onto (sold separately).  I am new to having a play with the clear-mount style and I am definitely finding more favourable to see the image positioning when stamping, and there is  the saving in storage space which is a blessing!

I have lots more tree projects to show you and will post in the next few days including the stepped card I first mentioned so keep looking.

Suzanne
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Festival of Trees Bundle 137640 (also available separately)
Star Framelits 133723
Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack 133787
All Is Calm Specialty Designer Paper 135823
Glimmer Paper - Dazzling Diamonds

Inks: Pear Pizazz, Lost Lagoon, Smoky Slate, Soft Sky

To place an order, book a workshop in your home or come to a class, just drop me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com. Remember you can now order online at anytime too.

Wedding Bells

I love a wedding and since my own I just cannot help offering advice and ideas for other people around me who are getting married. From helping out with stationery designs to producing invites to just offering advice on how, when and how to go about things.  I must just be an old romantic at heart and just love the idea of it all.

On Saturday I saw a friend of old get married in the most beautiful setting on the outskirts of Guildford, Surrey, Loseley Park.  The venue was of significance to us too as our last visit we made there just days before our little one was born. It was so lovely to see it all again and to be there sharing in our friend's special occasion. The wedding was beautifully laid out and every detail was thought of.  

For a special couple, I needed to make a pretty special card. I am hoping the happy couple have surfaced enough by now to have opened their card and are jetting off somewhere not checking my blog! (why ever not?). I am sure it is safe to share with you, so here it is.

I love included elements into a card to make it more personal. This card is made from nearly entirely retired products as they got engaged in Paris it just had to be the Artistic Etchings stamp set as it was perfect. I knew there was a reason I keep some retired products that I just cannot part with! 

There was a lot of Hessian involved in their theme which I know the groom was starting to get a little anxious about as jokes about a hessian dress were bantered about. I added the Burlap ribbon though to keep it in theme. The Burlap ribbon is a current product, available in the annual catalogue. 

The base card is a one I pre-bought, but the card is very similar to the NEW Kraft Cardstock in the catalogue which I am already using for lots of projects.  It is layered with the Natural Ivory card which I bought recently too and have not stopped using since I have had it.  The two match perfectly for more craft-style projects.

More about the details, as weddings are all about the details! The pink ribbon was from their original invite and the Very vanilla satin and the diamante ribbon slide from my own wedding stationery as an added personal touch. The soft flower trim is sadly another retired product, but once I had the idea for the flower heart I was sure of my design and it was just a case of adding the other elements.  The flowers were fantastic at the wedding in pinks and creams and so I couldn't have chosen better. The happy couple looked overwhelmed with joy throughout their day too so I know they have chosen well too.

Now that was a brief break from the seasonal catalogue and it's product.  I am off to munch on some more wedding favours and get back to the glitter and sparkle to show you some more seasonal ideas from tomorrow.

Suzanne
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Current Products Used:

Kraft Cardstock 133674
Natural Ivory Cardstock 108630
Burlap Ribbon 132140
Crumb Cake Classic Ink Pad 126975
Sponge Daubers 133773
Scallop Tag Topper Punch 133324

To place an order, book a workshop in your home or come to a class, just drop me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com. Remember you can now order online at anytime too.

Curvy Keepsake Box Cuteness

Like a magpie to all things shiny, it seems my love of small cute things continues.  Look at these gorgeously cute little boxes made with the Curvy Keepsakes Box Die from the new Autumn/Winter Catalogue!

I know I have been keeping all the new autumn/winter catalogue items to myself, but now little one has started at school this week I am finally getting to play with all my new toys and get time to share some of them with you. Well, I am trying to fit in some chores too!

This dies is one of the the new thinlit style dies and the little curvy box is just perfect for table favours, small chocolate or even jewellery gifts. There doesn't just have to be sparkle on the outside you know!  

The die needs to be cut twice and then the two parts stick together and make the box. You just stick the base squares together at right-angles to each other.  Once stuck together, just curl up the two sides with the handle tops and then curl the remaining two sides up and slot them over the handle tops to keep it together. They take minutes!

Each box needs just half a sheet of 12"x12" paper and there is spare left surrounding for your tags and extras. Perfect, as in the die set there are a trio of bauble shapes too.  If you zoom in on the top photo you can just see I have used these with some of the spare paper to layer with my tags.

I made my curvy boxes from another new product in the seasonal catalogue, the All Is Calm Speciality Designer papers.  I thought this year I was going to be drawn away from my blue/silver Christmas colour theme, but these papers just immediately went onto my wishlist.  The designs are gorgeous!  The papers are speciality papers so there are sheets with metallic designs too.  Just check out page 22 to see how pretty they are.  Being as some of the papers are double-sided the box is already lined with great design too!  

The snowflake embellishment is also a new product. These are the All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishments.  I have added an added sparkle to the centre of mine with a Rhinestone, but they look just as lovely as they are out of the box. Thread some of the Lost Lagoon Silky Taffeta (A/W Cat), Silver 1/8" (Annual Cat) or Soft Sky Taffeta (Annual Cat) ribbons through the closure for a lovely finish.  My labels were stamped with sentiments from another great product you will be seeing more of, the Holiday Homes stamp set.

I hope you like them.  I already have another Christmas project in mind for these so they will be featuring in another post soon I am sure.

Suzanne
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Products I used:

Curvy Keepsakes Box Die 135853
Holiday Homes Stamp Set 135095
All Is Calm Speciality Designer Paper 135823
All Is Calm Snowflake Embellishments 137383
Lost Lagoon Silky Taffeta Ribbon  135841
Silver 1/8" Ribbon 132137
Soft Sky 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon  134580
Baker's Twine Whisper White 124262

Inks: Soft Sky and Smoky Slate


To place an order, book a workshop in your home or come to a class, just drop me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com. Remember you can now order online at anytime too.

Autumn/Winter Catalogue Launch

The Autumn/Winter catalogue launches TODAY! I have been keeping this one quiet since I have had my hands on it, but it is here for you now to browse and enjoy all the lovely stamps, dies, wrappings and accessories that Stampn' Up! are treating us to for this season.  To view the catalogue now, just click here.

Don't forget it is not just about Christmas, although there are plenty of Christmas products to start you on your seasonal crafting, but there is also Autumn projects ideas for Halloween too! I am loving the stamp sets and it has been a real struggle to choose between them all. 

I have not been able to resist some of the dies too to make my projects so much easier to make. Don't forget the Big Shot Bundle promotion ends on 31st August.  There's never been a better time to buy your Big Shot than now, when you are planning your Christmas Card or wrapping projects! You could even treat yourself as an early Christmas present!

We all know that Stampin' Up! is all about sharing what you love so with the launch of the catalogue comes a fantastic offer for Hostessing your own party. We all need a party to cheer ourselves up from the wet weather that has made an unwelcome appearance. A new catalogue, so many new products and yes, it really is time to start thinking about Christmas, so why not invite a few friends round.You could have a chance to earn a FREE stamp set when you party guests fall in love with the products (and they will!).

Host a party between now and 31st October and the exclusive Good Greetings stamp set is yours FREE when you reach £200 of sales.  This set has loads of fantastic sayings for Christmas, valentines and much more.

This is already a mammoth post with so many new exciting events to tell you about, but here's a little something short and sweet to add.  If you have been watching Stampin' Up! news you will already know, but just in case you missed it, until TOMORROW ONLY, there is also a joining deal.  If the new catalogue just sends your wish list into overdrive then talk to me about joining my team and earning a great discount on all your purchases!  Join before tomorrow and you can choose £150 of starter kit for just £99!

Well, that is quite enough excitement for you I am sure.  I will let you go and take a look through the catalogue for yourself.  Remember, if you are local to me here in Fleet, Hampshire and would like to pick up a copy of the catalogue(s) then just get in touch.  If you would like one through the post then please do get in touch also and I can send one on.

To get started on those seasonal projects and place an order, or book a party to earn those extra hostess benefits or take advantage of the fantastic new Starter Kit offer, just drop me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com or call me on 07876 247678. Remember you can now order online at anytime too, but just clicking on the link on the top of the blog page.

Happy browsing

Suzanne
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Weekly Deals Reminder

Just a little reminder from me that the Weekly Deals are continuing as Stampin' Up! have decided to carry them on through August.  For those of you that have not been checking by the website to see what gorgeous discounted products are being offered, this week's deals are all here for you to see:

Look what is hiding in there!  It is the Artisan Label Punch which is the one I have used in my previous posts including the folded card I showed in an earlier post this week.  It is beautiful layered and it co-ordinates with the Label Love stamp set which I also used.

If you would like to grab one of these items whilst you can then just get in touch or take a visit to my online shop to browse some more.

Suzanne
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Something (more) To Say!

Well yesterday's card was a special birthday card, today's is a celebration!  This one is the same stamp set, 'Something to Say', but with a congratulations feel.  It could be to celebrate a birthday, exam passes or even another special occasion. I have used another new colour from the In Colours for this one, Lost Lagoon and teamed it up with Night of Navy from the Regals collection for the cardstock pieces.  For the stamping I have used the slightly lighter Coastal Cabana.  The Lost Lagoon is definitely a hit and I have doubled up with the gorgeous Satin Stitched ribbon to show it at it's finest.

This card is inspired by a card from another great SU demo, Michelle Last. Michelle's card was a similar style and sentiment, but used just cut card whereas I have flipped the layout round and used the Banners Framelits for my panels.   

The stamping is similar to yesterday using the Night of Navy and Coastal Cabana with the little star from the stamp set.  Can you see I have also layered some punched stars on the card too, made with the matching punch set.  Of course, I have stamped inside too!

I love that we have more satin ribbon back in this year's catalogue.  It is provides a neat finish if you can carefully use a lighter to seal the ends of the ribbon.  

My Circles for the 'Now Go Change The World' sentiment on the card were cut using another great collection of dies for the Big Shot, the Circles Collection. That is two great reasons in this post alone to take a closer look at the Big Shot promotion this month.  See how easy it is to cut your different layers and shapes with the use of the cutting tool and the ever expanding collections of dies we offer! The Banner Framelits are currently on offer too, so get them at a discounted price whilst you can.

To place an order, book a workshop in your home or come to a class, just drop me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com. Remember you can now order online at anytime too by just clicking the link at the top on the blog page.

Products Used:

Something to Say 134177 (wood)

*** On Offer ** Banners Framelits 132173

Circles Collection Framelits 130911

Itty Bitty Punch Pack 133787

In Colour 2014-2016 A4 Card Stock 133687

Night Of Navy A4 Cardstock 106577

Satin Stitched Ribbon (Lost Lagoon) 133672

Plus Inks:  Night of Navy, Coastal Cabana

Click on the links to go to my store to see any of the product in more detail

Something To Say Folded Card

With everything that leaves the catalogue that you fear you will never be able to replace, along comes another must-have product or stamp set that fits into the space left behind. Today's post is of a card I made with my lovely group of regular ladies who just loved the new in colours for this one, Blackberry Bliss and Hello Honey.

This was a simple folded card with an overlap closure that I secured with a decorated belly band. I used a single sheet of A4 cardstock and cut at 14 cm along the short edge for the full length. I then scored and folded at 9cm , 18cm and 27cm using the whole long length of the card.  I folded the card and rounded all the corners to soften the shape.  I used the corner punch on the back of the Envelope Punch Board for my corners.

Now the stamps for this card are the 'Something to Say' set from the new annual catalogue. This is a set I ordered initially to fill a gap in the general celebration and occasions selection after the recent retirements. It has birthday greetings, friendship, kind words, and celebrations, what more could you need? It also comes with it's own sweet trio of a star, a heart and a mini flower. Now if you know me, you know I love anything small, petite and cute (probably something to do with my own 'compact' size)! Even better, there is a matching punch set for the little trio too!!  

The layers of the card inside were then the lovely Natural Ivory cardstock (108630) which can be found on page 193 of the main catalogue. Sometimes you get so used to the white or cream layers you forget that we have a variety of speciality card an paper too which can be used. I love the speckled neutral shades of this paper as a change to the brilliance of the Whisper white or the smooth creamy Very Vanilla cardstock I usually use.  

Inside my card as there were three spaces for inserts I used three sayings from the set,  'Big Ways, Small Ways', 'Love You Always' and 'Happy Birthday'. For each insert I then used one of the three of the trio, the flower, the hearts and then the star. I stamped each randomly in Blackberry Bliss and then again as a shadow effect to the original stamp placements with the second colour, Hello Honey.

For the Belly Band it was the co-ordinating designer paper band which was then decorated with a collection of punched pieces. I used the Decorative Label layer at the back in Hello Honey, then the 1 3/4" Scallop Circle in Blackberry Bliss to surround the sentiment from the 'Label of Love' stamp set. I stamped the sentiment twice and just used snips to cut the centre out of the Hello Honey version. The petite flower on the belly band are a perfect partner with some of the smallest pearls.

There's so many other ideas for the 'Something to Say' set and I have plenty more to show you.  I am still crafting through the holidays where I can in between some kiddy crafting with my little one to keep him amused, not to mention playing with my new Seasonal pre-order items which have arrived! 

Suzanne

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Products used:

Something to Say 134177

Label Love 130619

Itty Bitty Punch Pack 133787

In Colour 2014-2016 A4 Card Stock 133687

Naturals Ivory A4 Cardstock 108630

Designer Series Paper In Colours 2014-2016 133705

Decorative Label Punch 120907

Scallop Circle Punch 119854

To place an order, book a workshop in your home or come to a class, just drop me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com. Remember you can now order online at anytime too.

Big Shot August Promotional Offer

The Big Shot for most Stampin' Up! regular customers is what you have your eye on from the very first demo right?  You want it! It can cut multiple materials, the catalogue just has an ever increasing range of dies, thinlits, framelits and emboss folders for it and you are constantly seeing great projects made with all of these.

For most of you the investment of the Big Shot is just too much on the first purchases you make, but now, during August, Stampin' Up! are offering a deal that will set you up with not only the Big Shot, but a completely FREE stamp and die bundle set to immediately start your first Big Shot projects with! Too good to be true, isn't it?  This is THE deal I have been waiting to share with my customers since I first started demonstrating with the Big Shot.  Something that gives them extra value for their investment.

For every purchase of the Big Shot during August you can choose one FREE bundle from the selection above.  You can also choose to purchase the other bundles in the deal with a 15% discount for each. Those of you with Big Shots, don't worry, not to miss out, you can buy any (or as many) of the bundles with a 15% discount too (we are looking after our existing Big Shot owner's as well). The great thing is, there is no limit to how many of the offered bundles you can own!

All of the bundles expect for the 'Bright and Beautiful' are available in the Annual Catalogue which is already out, but the later is a new stamp set from the up and coming Autumn/Winter catalogue which is being offered here as a bundle with the Stars framelits.  So, not only can you bag your Big Shot here, you can get ready for your Christmas making at the same time!  I know the stars framelits was first on my list from the annual catalogue when I saw it.

As you will not have seen the artwork, this is what the Bright and Beautiful set looks like.

August and the summer evenings are perfect for spending some time relaxing and those crafty moments. If you are local to me in Fleet, Hampshire, why not consider hosting a Stampin' Up! party.  You can have a few friends round to be sociable and I can demonstrate the Big Shot for all to see the benefits of this promotion. You haven't got room to host or you have a dispersed social network? You can still party too, talk to me about hosting a virtual hostess party to earn your hostess rewards just by sharing the Stampin' Up! news and product catalogues virtually.
(Note: You cannot use your hostess credits or your 50% off items earnt from party sales to purchase the Big Shot or the bundles for this offer).

To place you order for this incredible offer,  just contact me via the usual means by dropping me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com or call me on 07876 247678. Remember you can now order online at anytime too.  Delivery for any UK address is £4.95, but if you are local to me and can pick up your order I can discuss combining orders for the opportunity for free delivery (please call or email to order).

Blackberry Bliss Petite Petals Butterfly

Today we have been out enjoying the fabulous sunshine (when it finally arrived) and sitting watching the Farnborough Air Show as the planes flew over.  Unfortunately after a busy theme park day for my little one yesterday and a late drive back he fell asleep way before the Red Arrows display he had been waiting for started.  Oh well, another chance tomorrow to see them if he can stay awake!!

Today's card is a simple design using some of the new In Colours 2014-2016 again.  I have layered in Smoky Slate and Whisper White with a circle cutout with the Circles Collections Framelits dies.  I have left off all the dimensionals or any embellishments on this one so apart from the butterfly there is nothing standing out to cause the extra postage.

I simply stamped using the Petite Petals with the colours Blackberry Bliss, Lost Lagoon and Hello Honey in a random pattern.  I have been using only one or two of the flower designs so I had purposefully picked out one of the other designs for this card and I am glad I did.

The 'Thank You' comes from the Something to Say stamp set which is already proving very useful for a number of occasions and celebrations.  You can never have too many thank you cards lined up ready to send.  The butterfly, of course, you will recognise from the Papillon Potpourri set as it has made a number of appearances, but with all these flowers in the garden in bloom and watching the wildlife each day it is hard not to put the two together too when crafting.

I love the new colours and I am loving finding new combinations with them with both my existing stamp sets and the new ones I have to show you too.

Don't forget to drop by again soon for some new inspiration. 

Suzanne

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To place an order for any of the products I have used, book a workshop in your home or come to a class, just drop me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com. Remember you can now order online at anytime too by just using the online shop link at the top of the blog page.

Confessions of the New Catalogue Addict

What a wonderful few days I have been having! I have been busy beavering away at that stash of birthday cards to make for the family birthday run in July, but I have also been able to enjoy some memorable family time sharing those birthday moments with those dear to me.

It is all the birthday for my Mum, my sister and me in the first few weeks of July and as it was a special birthday this year for my Mum we all booked ourselves tickets for the flower show at Hampton Court Palace.We had a lovely day enjoying all the beautiful flowers and the colour inspiration from the displays was just stunning!

A confession to make though was that our day did involve quite a bit of food as well as flowers. Well not so much food, but more specifically cake! We took Mum for an Afternoon tea near by and that was after we had sampled a little late morning tea and cake at the show.  As we made our finally way round the show in the afternoon we did our best to sample as many of the fine food wares from the stalls as we could and came home laden with goodies to stash in the fridge and cupboards! I think there may have to be some rationing to make them last!

After all that colour inspiration I also had another day of crafting inspiration joining my extended crafting family for a fantastic day of training with our lovely crafting 'Mummy'.  I came home with lots of ideas and samples and realised just how naughty I have been enjoying my new catalogue products and not sharing them all with you, up until now that is......

Here are the New In Colour 2014-2016 collection colours from the new catalogue on a simple card I have made to show them off.

The new colours in the collection are called Mossy Meadow, Lost Lagoon, Tangelo Twist, Hello Honey and Blackberry Bliss.  I can already tell you my favourite is Lost Lagoon.  No surprises there as it is always the blue tones I seem to love the most!  Blackberry Bliss is gorgeously rich in colour though and a very close second.

Which one do you like best?  Leave me a comment with your choice as I would love to know.

This card is using the dotty Petite Petals flower, but can you see the new stamps on it too?  There is the little flower centre on the Blackberry Bliss flower at the end of the row and the 'Happy Birthday'. These are both in a new set from the catalogue called 'Something to say'.  As well as lots of useful sayings in the set there is a little heart, a little star and the little flower.  In true Stampin' Up! style there is the Itty Bitty Punch pack to co-ordinate for instant punching (we love this!)

A really simple Happy Birthday card and the colours are so vivid against the Whisper White.  I am not sure why my birthday sentiment is looking a little wobbly though I think I may need to go back and check my mounting on that one.

Well I am sitting here with the french doors open enjoying the burst of sunshine coming through and the day is calling me away from the computer to enjoy it some more.  Back soon with some more inspiration and colour to brighten up your days I hope.

Suzanne

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To place an order, book a workshop in your home or come to a class, just drop me an email at craftyinkbuds@sky.com. Remember you can now browse the products and order online at anytime too.