As the year marches on towards Christmas, I think it's time to get some info out about this years card making for our defence force personnel that are a long way from home. Last year was the first year I'd attempted this and we had over 300 cards. This year, I'm setting a goal of 1000.
I was delighted to meet a number of demonstrators at Convention last month, that contributed cards in 2009. And I know that there's a good few out there that have already started on this years donations. I have actually received some in the mail!! Here's one from Margaret Crawford:
Margaret is also involved in raising funds for Open Family Australia, so swing by her blog and see what's she's up to.
I will put a post on the top of my blog that has the details, but please, if you want to make and send some, feel free to participate, at whatever level you wish. I'm planning on holding an event in October in Rozelle, and anyone wishing to come along is more than welcome.
So get started on your Christmas spirit!
Happy carding
Karen
Friday 25 June 2010
Thursday 24 June 2010
Thursday's Thoughts
As we move through our days - I should say fly through! - here's something deep and meaningful to consider from Regina Brett.....
Ummm, tricky, but it gets ya thinkin'
Karen
- Frame every so-called disaster with these words, "In five years, will this matter?"
- Always choose life.
- Forgive everyone everything.
Ummm, tricky, but it gets ya thinkin'
Karen
Wednesday 23 June 2010
Deals of the Week #4
Well, week 4 is here already. How time flies when there's a sale on. This week, we have these gorgeous embellishments at ridiculously low prices........
Item Page Description RRP Sale Price
109113 149 Square Ice $19.95 $11.97
Rhinestone Brads
109111 149 Circle Ice $19.95 $11.97
Rhinestone Brads
109112 149 Square Fire $19.95 $11.97
Rhinestone Brads
111848 150 Bashful Blue $19.95 $10.97
1” double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
109050 151 Certainly Celery $14.95 $8.97
5/8” grosgrain ribbon
So, shop till you drop, and enjoy!
Karen
Item Page Description RRP Sale Price
109113 149 Square Ice $19.95 $11.97
Rhinestone Brads
109111 149 Circle Ice $19.95 $11.97
Rhinestone Brads
109112 149 Square Fire $19.95 $11.97
Rhinestone Brads
111848 150 Bashful Blue $19.95 $10.97
1” double-stitched grosgrain ribbon
109050 151 Certainly Celery $14.95 $8.97
5/8” grosgrain ribbon
So, shop till you drop, and enjoy!
Karen
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Cased Cards
I needed some inspiration this morning, so I turned to my current IB&C to see how they'd used a particular stamp set........LOL well I never got there, because I saw a card on one of the title pages that I just loved. So I decided to copy it - don't mess with perfection, eh?!
Actually, I did mess with perfection a tad.....I changed the colours, papers & stamps used. But my layout is true to the original design.
What do you think?
Supplies for this card are:
Stamp Sets: I basically picked images from 3 sets - Framed with Love (retired), Live Like you Mean It, and Vintage Labels (Sale-a-bration 2010).
Ink: Tangerine Tango & Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Baja Breeze & Whisper White, Kraft & Chocolate Chip scraps for the leaves
Paper: Parisian Breeze (retired)
Tools: Two-Step Bird Punch, Tiny Tag Punch, Scallop edge punch.
Accessories: Pumpkin Pie 1/4" grosgrain ribbon & vintage brads.
All supplies are Stampin' Up!
Karen
Friday 18 June 2010
Simple & Stylish
I was thrilled to go into Ikea recently and find that they've now got the square picture frames that I really loved in the U.S. Previously, I'd only been able to get the rectangle frame, but the square box frames are particularly lovely for layering images and giving a 3d effect to your designs. I also like the simplicity of them and they come with a ready cut mount so you can easily create a professional finish.
This time around, I'd got an idea in my head for a set of 3 frames - yes, I have done these before, but not quite like this. I was wanting a gift for my niece, and had a colour scheme and style to work with based on her newly decorated bedroom. The colours are black, silver, white & lilac. Her style is modern and clean with a few sparkles & sequins. Here's the end result. Hope you like them.
I designed the frames to be hung horizontally with the first one being on the left, second in the centre and third on the right. The photos don't really do them justice. I had to use the flash to cancel the reflection from the glass, so you've ended up with a bit of a washed out look.
Here's a supply list:
Cardstock: Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, Silver, Whisper White
DSP: Tea Party (hard to see, but it's in the second frame as the background layer.
Ink: Silver Encore Pad, Lovely Lilac, Basic Black
Stamp Set: One of a Kind, Priceless (swirl image)
Accessories: Rhinestone Brads, Silver embossing powder
Tools: Heat Tool, Cropadile, Stampamajig, Boho Blossoms Punch
I should get a picture of them "in situ" when my sister-in-law decides that my niece's bedroom is tidy enough to warrant it!!
Karen
Thursday 17 June 2010
Stampin' Up! Starter Kit
Right now, Stampin' Up! is offering it's Starter Kit for 20% off - it's only $259. You get over $560 worth of product for that, and you get all the benefits afforded a demonstrator..."..benefits?, what benefits?" I hear you say.
Well, firstly, we get a discount on our own product purchases....whoo hoo! Secondly, commission on everything we sell. If you're a serious crafter, that's well worth the investment. Work out what you currently spend, and I think you'll find it's a very attractive offer. And who doesn't want their hobby funded by someone else?! Then, as demonstrators we have access to a ton of information & ideas that you can't get otherwise. We have product sneak peaks, company events, our own forum with more tips and tricks than you can poke a stick at, and well, what more do you want?!
AND.... signing up also allows you to run a home based business that can supplement your current income. There are many types of demonstrators, from hobbyists to full-on business women, so before you say no, that's not for me, consider that this kind of enterprise could be great for you.
That said, check out what's in the kit, and remember that you can switch things out if there's other sets, or colours that you'd prefer. Feel free to call me for a chat if you'd like more info.
Wear Purple
Regina Brett's life's lessons for today:
My life's lesson for today......craft! You'll be glad you did!
Karen
- Over prepare, then go with the flow.
- Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
- No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
Holly, being eccentric in a skateboard helmet!
Karen
Wednesday 16 June 2010
Deals of the Week #3
Are you just loving the specials right now? First, it was punches, then it was paper, now it's.....
STAMP SETS! And what's more, they're at a whopping 40-50% off.
Item Page Description RRP Sale Price
114263 34 A Happy Heart stamp set $41.95 $20.98
115792 57 Greetings Eight stamp set $49.95 $24.98
116330 78 Bella's Bloom stamp set $24.95 $14.97
113009 97 Enjoy Every Moment set $53.95 $26.98
114283 105 All Scallops stamp set $55.95 $27.98
Call or email me today!
Scan of the sets below with RRP. Link to the catalogue above if you want to browse.
STAMP SETS! And what's more, they're at a whopping 40-50% off.
Item Page Description RRP Sale Price
114263 34 A Happy Heart stamp set $41.95 $20.98
115792 57 Greetings Eight stamp set $49.95 $24.98
116330 78 Bella's Bloom stamp set $24.95 $14.97
113009 97 Enjoy Every Moment set $53.95 $26.98
114283 105 All Scallops stamp set $55.95 $27.98
Call or email me today!
Scan of the sets below with RRP. Link to the catalogue above if you want to browse.
Happy Stampin'
Karen
Tuesday 15 June 2010
My first blog award
I just received this cute award for my efforts with Christmas cards for our Australian Armed Forces.
To complete the award, I have to tell you 5 things about me, so here goes:
- I love comedy
- I'm blessed with a darling husband, 2 lovely girls and a Holly dog.
- I love to travel
- Change is a wonderful opportunity
- And every day is a gift.
I also have to recognise 5 others for this award, and that's not easy to do, as there are many that are very deserving. But here's my 5 picks:
Veronica Riddle - my US Mom, without whom, I wouldn't be an SU demo today
Sam Slimak - for being a great sharer of fun and information.
Linda Higgins - caring upline & a source of inspiration
Nerida Carter - for her wonderful creativity & sense of style
Jackie Topa - for an amazing & endless variety of craft projects & ideas
There you have it! Happy stampin' everyone.
Karen
Saturday 12 June 2010
Thoughts for the Day
Here's Regina's Brett's next life's lessons:
- It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
- When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
- Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
Happy pondering!
Karen
Friday 11 June 2010
Scrapbook Finally Started!
Ok, so it's been a few weeks since I promised to start a scrapbook, and against all odds......increased workload, after school activities, birthday parties, yada yada, here's my first page:
Think back to the beginning of the year (well, almost) and as I thought I'd make the task more achievable by doing a page at a time, what better place to start than with back to school?
I've used the mozaic technique that I taught in a class just recently - isn't it lovely in a big splash like this? The page is Chocolate Chip, as is the ribbon, and I've used Circle Circus, stamped tone on tone. I love the filigree flower brads in the corner. They're so special - perfect for my girls! And yes, I did make a stamping error. But it kind of adds to the handmade qualities of the page!! That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!
Leave me a comment if you like!
Karen
Think back to the beginning of the year (well, almost) and as I thought I'd make the task more achievable by doing a page at a time, what better place to start than with back to school?
I've used the mozaic technique that I taught in a class just recently - isn't it lovely in a big splash like this? The page is Chocolate Chip, as is the ribbon, and I've used Circle Circus, stamped tone on tone. I love the filigree flower brads in the corner. They're so special - perfect for my girls! And yes, I did make a stamping error. But it kind of adds to the handmade qualities of the page!! That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it!
Leave me a comment if you like!
Karen
Thursday 10 June 2010
Current Mojo Challenge
For my regular Friday stampers class, if you missed the Mojo handout (or the class) last week, here's the new Mojo sketch for our swap cards on 18 June. Feel free to interpret the sketch your way. You don't have to use Stampin' Up! products either. Even if you don't come to my classes, feel free to have a go at the sketch. Remember, it doesn't matter where you find your mojo - as long as you find it!
Cheers!
Karen
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Deals of the Week #2
Gorgeous Designer Series Papers are on special this week. This is an amazing discount. All our DSP are double sided, and I have to say that Haiku is my absolute favourite, with Raspberry Tart a close second. So don't delay. Call me today!
Item Page Description Reg Price Sale Price
112470 132 Haiku DSP $16.95 $10.17
113976 132 Pink Flamingo DSP $16.95 $11.02
113992 133 Tea Party DSP $16.95 $10.17
113975 133 Raspberry Tart DSP $16.95 $11.02
114037 133 Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP $22.95 $14.92
There are no minimums & no limits. Shipping & Handling still applies. This deal expires on 15 June at 11:50pm AET.
Happy papering!
Karen
Item Page Description Reg Price Sale Price
112470 132 Haiku DSP $16.95 $10.17
113976 132 Pink Flamingo DSP $16.95 $11.02
113992 133 Tea Party DSP $16.95 $10.17
113975 133 Raspberry Tart DSP $16.95 $11.02
114037 133 Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP $22.95 $14.92
There are no minimums & no limits. Shipping & Handling still applies. This deal expires on 15 June at 11:50pm AET.
Happy papering!
Karen
Colour Renovation
SU is renovating! That's right, we're having a colour makeover. Why? Well, basically, like everything else, change is necessary to stay current with new trends, and SU wants to remain a market leader in the area of craft & paper products.
This is a wonderful thing for us as consumers because we get to play with a whole bunch of new colours. Personally, I love change. I find it exciting and exhilarating, even if a little daunting at times. But this change is not daunting at all. It's all about things new and fun. And it allows me to indulge in two of my favourite passions - shopping AND craft! So here's the info on the changes. Basically, all you have to do is decide what you want to order before it disappears for ever - and be warned, there's a good chance that some colours will run out before the new catalogue appears on Sept 1st.
Remember, when we talk colour renovation, we're referring to Ink Pads & Cardstock. But it also refers to refills for those Ink Pads, Markers and the corresponding coloured ribbons. So don't delay, or you'll be sorry!
Email or call me today to order the colours you can't live without!
Karen
This is a wonderful thing for us as consumers because we get to play with a whole bunch of new colours. Personally, I love change. I find it exciting and exhilarating, even if a little daunting at times. But this change is not daunting at all. It's all about things new and fun. And it allows me to indulge in two of my favourite passions - shopping AND craft! So here's the info on the changes. Basically, all you have to do is decide what you want to order before it disappears for ever - and be warned, there's a good chance that some colours will run out before the new catalogue appears on Sept 1st.
Remember, when we talk colour renovation, we're referring to Ink Pads & Cardstock. But it also refers to refills for those Ink Pads, Markers and the corresponding coloured ribbons. So don't delay, or you'll be sorry!
Email or call me today to order the colours you can't live without!
Karen
Friday 4 June 2010
Anyone for camping?
"Stamp" camping that is!!
Yes, we're having a Stamp Camp on Saturday July 31st from 10am - 2pm in Rozelle. I will give you the address when you book.
The camp is FREE! That's right, you won't pay a class fee. You won't even pay any shipping.
Cost: $52 includes: Your choice of Simply Scrappin' Kit (page 136-138) & a roll of ribbon. (ribbon $15 max. page 150-151).
Optional Add-on: $20 for your choice of pack of Rub-ons (page 139)
This kit will make at least 32 cards. Click the link above to view the online catalogue to make your selections easy!
If you want to share a kit, bring a friend and split the cost. Alternatively, if you don't like to share, you can have half a kit with the full roll of ribbon for $33.
Early bookings are essential. Email me here.
Hope you can make it!
Karen
Thursday 3 June 2010
Thoughts for the Day
While you're going about your business today, consider Regina Brett's perspective on the world:
Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
And have a super day!
Karen
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Mozaic Madness Creations
Last week I taught a Mozaic class. The ladies came up with some lovely designs, so I thought I'd show them here. This technique is a popular one, so I will run it again in the future. If you'd like to know how it's done before then, call or email me to book a class or a workshop.
I'm not sure that I've got the cards & their creators correctly linked, so rather than make a mistake, I'll just tell you that Avril, Susie, Liz, Joey, Laurel & Teresa made these!
Of course, we only used this technique to make cards during the class. It's also gorgeous when used to decorate boxes and bags. Not to mention how dramatic it looks on a larger scale when used on a scrapbook page. I'll have one of those coming soon!
Happy days!
Karen
Karen
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Start My Christmas Shopping in June?! Are you Crazy?!
Well at these prices, you'd be mad not to!!
Stampin' Up! is offering Deals of the Week during June. Starting today, until 8 June at 11:50pm the following are available. Please email or call me asap if you would like to buy at these amazing prices! There are no limits and no minimums. Shipping and handling fee still applies.
This is a great opportunity for some early Christmas shopping at bargain prices!! And if you've been holding off getting those lovely paper punches (don't forget how they coordinate with our stamp sets), now is the time to buy.
Item Description Regular Price Sale Price
112081 Scallop Square punch $30.95 $20.12
109183 Trio Flower punch $30.95 $20.12
110711 Boho Blossoms punch $30.95 $20.12
114889 Scallop Oval punch $30.95 $20.12
Happy Punching!
Karen
Stampin' Up! is offering Deals of the Week during June. Starting today, until 8 June at 11:50pm the following are available. Please email or call me asap if you would like to buy at these amazing prices! There are no limits and no minimums. Shipping and handling fee still applies.
This is a great opportunity for some early Christmas shopping at bargain prices!! And if you've been holding off getting those lovely paper punches (don't forget how they coordinate with our stamp sets), now is the time to buy.
Item Description Regular Price Sale Price
112081 Scallop Square punch $30.95 $20.12
109183 Trio Flower punch $30.95 $20.12
110711 Boho Blossoms punch $30.95 $20.12
114889 Scallop Oval punch $30.95 $20.12
Happy Punching!
Karen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)