Framed Present

Yesterday I became a Godmother for the second time, which of course meant I had to take a present to the Christening.  Seeing as how I'm rather unemployed and rather broke at the moment, I decided to make my gorgeous Goddaughter a present. 

I got my inspiration from Yvonne Campbell who created a lovely name frame.  I changed mine a bit, using a large photo frame from Spotlight, which was I think a bit bigger than the one Yvonne used.  I used Raspberry Tart DSP, which was also the paper we used for the Christening invitations.  This was the result:

I used quite a few different things to decorate it -

The squares were cut out with the 1 1/4 inch square punch. 
I used the Big Deal Alphabet stamp set for Annabelle's name. 
Vintage Vogue stamp set for the flowers and stamped images in the corners
Flower Fusion
Circle Fire Rhinestone Brads
Flower Brads
I Heart Hearts stamp set and the matching Heart to Heart punch
1 Kiwi Kiss courdoroy brad
Butterfly punch and Butterfly Prints stamp set
Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satain Ribbon
Lots of dimensionals for the name

Paper used was - Raspberry Tart DSP, Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Coral, Pretty in Pink
Ink used: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss

Closer look:

If you are interested in making a similar name frame or would like to purchase some of the products I have used, please contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com

Carryover Product

Just to let you know there are several products that were featured in the Spring and Summer Mini Catalogues that are still available for purchase.  Contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com if you would like to purchase any of the products below, or would perhaps like to host a Stampin' Up! workshop, where you could earn free product!

Easter Creations

I made several different boxes over Easter, and used several of the new products in the Stampin' Up! Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue, including window sheets, the Scallop Envelope Die and Rich Razzleberry paper and ink.

This box was made using the box by Angie at Chic n Scratch.  I love this box as it's very simple to make and looks cute!  I used Pink Pirouette DSP and used the curly label punch to create the hole at the front of the box. I then adhered some medium thickness window sheet on the back of the cut out, which leaves a lovely see-through window!

I also made another bunny box, and it, along with the one I've posted about previously, were given to a couple of young relatives.  I was able to fit a surprising amount of easter eggs and other chocolates in there!

This box was made using the Scallop Envelop Die from the new Mini Catalogue.  I used Rich Razzleberry card stock and ink and the easter greeting is from Loads of Love Accessories stamp set.  I cut out 4 scallop envelopes and stuck them together with sticky strip to create this box!  Once again I used the curly label punch.

The other box I created was to hold an Easter present for a very tiny new relative. She's a bit too young for chocolate, considering she's only about 6 weeks old, so we bought her a little outfit and I made a box to put it in.  I used Pink Pirouette DSP and cardstock, Regal Rose ribbon, circle and scallop circle punches, and Regal Rose ink for the turtle from Fox & Friends.

You can find a tutorial for the box here. It's called an A2 card box.

And that's what I've been up to lately!   As well as job hunting, which is going fairly well, after a slow start to the week.  Fingers crossed I get a job next week so I can buy more awesome products from the new Autumn-Winter Stampin' Up! Catalogue!

If you're interested in learning how to make any of the above boxes or would like a copy of the new catalogue, feel free to email me at l_prothero@yahoo.com

Big Shot Top Note Die

One of the new Big Shot dies available through Stampin' Up! is the Top Note Die.  It's quite a versatile die.  I've had a play around and have come up with a couple of examples.

This card was made using a square punch where I punched out a variety of squares from the Good Morning Sunshine DSP.  I then stuck them on a piece of cardstock and ran the paper and Top Note die through my Big Shot and out came this:

I used the curly label punch and stamp from the curly label punch bundle.  Pacific Point card stock and ink and a flower designer brad.

I used the top note die to make a box!  You can find the tutorial here.

Box Closed:

Box Open:

The owl stamp is from Fox & Friends also in the new Mini Catalogue. The background stamp is from the Priceless stamp set. Paper is Melon Mambo, Taken with Teal and Whisper White. Ink is Chocolate Chip and Versamark.

These are just a few of the the ways the Top Note die can be used.  Contact me if you would like to learn more about this product or any other Stampin' Up! products at l_prothero@yahoo.com

New Clear-Mount Rubber Stamps by Stampin' Up!

Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps. Well, you asked for it, and now you have it! Starting with stamps in the 2010 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.

The new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps.

Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features

• Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.


• Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.


• Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.


• Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.


• Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.


• Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.


• Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

The clear blocks are available in various sizes, prices are shown below.

Item Description AU Price
118487 Block A (3 x 3.2 cm) $5.95
117147 Block B (4.1 x 4.9 cm) $7.95
118486 Block C (5.1 x 5.7 cm) $9.95
118485 Block D (7.3 x 6.8 cm) $13.95
118484 Block E (8.7 x 11.3 cm) $23.95
118483 Block F (12.4 x 15.2 cm) $33.95
118489 Block G (6.4 x 1.9 cm) $6.95
118490 Block H (11.3 x 4.1 cm) $13.95
118488Block I (14.9 x 5.7 cm) $23.95
118491 Block Bundle (Blocks A-I) $126.95

Contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com if you would like to place an order or hold a workshop, where you could earn free merchandise!!

New Mini Catalogue!

The new Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue is here!!!

Products in the Mini include new stamp sets, 3 new punches, polka dot ribbons, 3 new In Colours, paper and of course the BIG SHOT and Big Shot dies!

If you would like a paper copy of the new catalogue, please contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com and I will send you one. If you would like to hold a workshop or place an order, please let me know!

Stampin' Up! - New Punch Design

Starting with the new 2010 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue and continuing with all new punch designs going forward, Stampin' Up! has adopted a new body style for its punches!

A few features of the new punch style:

• Low-profile, rectangular punch body allows for easier stacking and storing Punches lock shut for easier storage and transport


• Dual labels on top and end allow for easy identification and selection when stored


• Available in three sizes: small, medium, and extra-large


• New punches allow for larger punched images and more intricate designs while providing greater ease of use.


• Extra -large punch images also allow for two-step designs like the Two-Step Bird punch in the Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue


• Larger, whole-hand handle design provides better leverage for easier use


• Available in an exclusive Stampin' Up! colour

Contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com if you would like further information on the new Stampin' Up! punches or any of the new products available in the Autumn Mini Catalogue.

Stampin' Up! - Big Shot

Stampin' Up! is now offering the Big Shot in Australia!! This is fabulous news as there is so much you can do with the Big Shot!

Here's a little information about the Big Shot for you:

"The Big Shot is a sturdy manual die cutting machine used to die cut materials for use on crafts, home décor projects, and even clothing--it's a big deal! You'll love what the Big Shot machine--a six-time winner of Creating Keepsakes Reader's Choice Award for best die cutting equipment and dies--can do for you.

Design your own custom pillow appliqués using the Scallop Circle Bigz die or make custom fabric flowers to embellish a quilt. From sewing to quilting to home décor, the Big Shot is the perfect tool for many types of crafting. "

The Big Shot costs $179.95 (plus postage) and comes with 2 cutting pads. Stampin' Up! has many exclusive dies available for purchase as well.


Contact me today at l_prothero@yahoo.com if you would like to do a workshop or class to find out the benefits of owning a Big Shot!

Update

I've finally finished moving from the Gold Coast back to my home town of Brisbane. I'm currently in work and home limbo at the moment, but I do have access to most of my stamping supplies, so I'm hoping to get some stamping done soon!!

In the meantime, here's a video created by the Stampin' Up! people with information about the Big Shot, which you will be able to purchase from April 1.

You're Invited to Monkey Around!

This cute little cheeky monkey is from the new stamp set I mentioned in my previous post. He's such a happy little fella!

The pink card stock is also from the upcoming Autumn/Winter Mini, it's called Melon Mambo and its gorgeous!! You can also get an inkpad and the loveliest polka dot ribbon, as well as the cardstock, in this colour and two other colours - Rich Razzleberry, which is kind of a purple colour, and Soft Suede which is a nice shade of brown.

Autumn/Winter Mini Sneaky Peak

There's heaps of really cool products in the upcoming Autumn/Winter Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue!!! The catalogue will be available from April 1.

Below is a card using the whale stamp from a really cute stamp set that has 8 animals in it. He's inked up with Baja Breeze and Rose Red for the heart.

Happy Moments For You

I totally copied this card from Stampin' Up! founder Shelli Gardener. She created a lovely card using the box of presents from the Sale-a-bration set Happy Moments so I decided to use the flower stamp from the same set and came up with the card above.

I used blender pens to colour in the flowers, the ribbon is Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla satin, the scallop border punch and the strip of pink DSP is from Raspberry Tart (I use that paper a lot!)

Easter Bunny!

I know Easter's a few weeks away but I saw a card on Splitcoast Stampers made by SleepyinSeattle using Sweet Treat Cups that inspired me. You can see the card here.

I decided to make the box made by Angie, which she also used for her Easter Bunny box. She has a great video tutorial for the box on her blog, which I found helpful.

The green DSP is actually from a retired DSP line called Spring Break. The orange DSP on the handle is from Haiku, which you can find in the current Stampin' Up! catalgoue.

The bunny is made using the 1 3/8" circle punch for his face, the large oval for his feet and ears, pumpkin pie grosrain ribbon for his bow and the pink on his face, ears and feet is done using Stampin' Pastels. This is just a first try at the Bunny Box so hopefully after a few attempts, he will look even cuter!!

Just a quick reminder that the current Summer Mini Catalogue ends on March 31, so if there's anything in the catalogue you want to purchase, contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com . I've seen the upcoming Autumn/Winter Mini and I can tell you, it's fabulous!! it will include the BIG SHOT!! And exclusive Stampin' Up! dies, plus a new style of punch, which will save space and clear mount stamps, which are cheaper and will also save some space. More info on that soon!! I'll hopefully have my hands on a few products I pre-ordered tomorrow!! Very exciting!!!

Invitation examples

A big thanks to everyone who came to my 2 recent stamping classes!! I hope you enjoyed yourselves. I won't be having any classes in March as I am currently moving from the Gold Coast back to Brisbane at the end of the month and I've only just started packing!!

A friend of mine requested I design some invitations for her gorgeous daughter's christening in April. I whipped these up last night. The invitation stamp set I used, called Introducing, is from the Spring Mini, so you can't purchase it any more, but there is a lovely set in the main catalogue called Please Come that would be great for invites.

Anyway I used the Introducing and Priceless stamp set on the invte below. Cardstock colours are Close to Cocoa, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla and the designer paper is Raspberry Tart.

These two are really simple invitations, which would be good if you have lots of people to invite to your gathering!

Sale-a-bration Reminder

Just a reminder tht Sale-a-bration is still going. This fabulous promotion finishes March 31. You can view a copy of the Sale-a-bration Catalogue here. Contact me today at l_prothero@yahoo.com to take part in this fantastic promotion!!

Here's how Sale-A-Bration works:

Spend: When you spend $100 on Stampin' Up! merchandise, you'll receive a free Sale-A-Bration reward. There's no limit--for every $100 you spend, you can select another FREE Sale-A-Bration reward!

Host: When you host a workshop of at least $600 (before tax and shipping), you'll receive a free Sale-A-Bration reward in addition to all of the regular hostess benefits!

Join: During Sale-A-Bration, anyone who joins as a demonstrator can choose any stamp set--a value of up to $79.95--from our current Idea Book and Catalogue or Summer Mini Catalogue.

Reminder - Haiti Relief Effort

Just a reminder that until February 28, Stampin' Up! will donate $2 from every set of I {heart} Hearts sold, to the Haiti Relief effort run by the Red Cross.

This gorgeous stamp set costs $42.95 (plus postage) and can be found in the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalgoue, and you can also see what it looks like in the picture below.

Please contact me if you would like to order the I {heart} Hearts stamp set or any other Stampin' Up! products.

Wild About You!

I've had the Wild About You stamp set for a while but haven't had much a chance to use it. It has some very cute animals in it, including this lovely lion.

I coloured him with markers to get the different coloured mane and body. I love doing bows like I've done on this card, I think it makes them look very fancy!

Stamps: Wild About You

Paper: Choc Chip, Whisper White, Tempting Turquoise and Summer Sun card stock

Ink: Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Markers - Choc Chip and Summer Sun, Choc Chip Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch

Classes!!!

After a bit of thinking I have decided not to drop my Stampin' Up! demoship! The thought of it made me too sad, so I am now back on board.

To celebrate I am holding 2 Classes in February! One on the 20th of February and the other on the 27th of Febuary.

Both classes will entail making 2 cards and a 'Box in a Bag'. The classes are not the same and will both use fabulous new products from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini as well as the standard Catalogue.

Each class costs $10 per person.

Awesome Deals!

If you order over $50 worth of Stampin' Up! product at either class I will refund the $10 class fee!

AND

For every $100 worth of Stampin' Up! product ordered at either class, thanks to Sale-a-bration, you are able to choose a free stamp set from the Sale-a-bration catalogue!!

Class Details

Class 1 - 2 Birthday Cards & 1 matching Box in a Bag

Date: Saturday, 20 February 2010
Time: 2pm
Location: Durack, Brisbane.
Cost: $10
RSVP: Wednesday, 17 February 2010

Contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com to RSVP and for exact location details.

The 3 projects for the class are shown below. The designer paper for the box in a bag is from the Tall Trees DSP but patterns will vary.

This card uses the Sweet Treat Cups! Yummies to fill the Sweet Treat Cups will be provided!! :)

Class 2 - 2 Cards & 1 matching Box in a Bag

Date: Saturday, 27 February 2010
Time: 2pm
Location: Durack, Brisbane
Cost: $10
RSVP: Wednesday, 24 February 2010

Contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com to RSVP and find out exact location details

Below are examples of the projects that will be made at Class 2. Below is an easel card, which is not only very simple to make but looks great too!

This box in a bag will be made using the Washington Apple designer paper. Patterns will vary.

This card uses the Sweet Treat cups. Yummies for the Sweet Treat cups will be provided :)

Please feel free to contact me at l_prothero@yahoo.com if you have any questions regarding these classes, or if you would like to hold a workshop or place a Stampin' Up! order.

Birthday Cards

I made quite a few cards over the weekend. Sunday ended up being a very creative day!

Both the presents and the sentiment are from one of the Sale-a-bration stamp sets called Happy Moments. I also used the Happy Happy Birthday jumbo wheel for the background.

This one caused me no end of grief because I had to make a sliding trap door at the back for the jelly beans to come out of. It's made using the Something Sweet stamp set from the Summer Mini catalogue.

Easel Card

I had some new stamps arrive this week and I've had fun playing with them, including 3 free Sale-a-bration stamp sets!!

Below is an Easel Card. It folds flat so you can post it. I used the new I Heart Hearts stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalogue and one of the free Sale-a-bration stamp sets Whimsical Words.

Ink: Riding Hood Red & Chocolate Chip

Stamps: I Heart Hearts & Whimsical Words

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Dimensionals, Sponges, Heart to Heart punch