Apothecary Pyramage

Months and months ago, I borrowed some card making magazines from our local library and one of them contained lots of cards which were made up in layers of the same image. I had never seen this technique before. They were made from down loadable images or purchased kits. I noted it down as one of my "to try out one day" list but it just seemed to be too difficult to incorporate it with stamped images and trimming/cutting layers of the same image to match. When Stampin' Up! debuted the Labels Collection Framelits and the coordinating Apothecary Art stamp set in the 2012 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue, I was immediately struck with how easily I could attempt this technique. However, the magazine failed to mention what this technique was called but my internet research was fruitful and I believe that it's called "pyramage".

So, here's my pyramage version - hand stamped, coloured and layered. I was very pleased with the results and hope that the photos do it justice. All items used in this card will return in the 2012 - 2013 Annual Catalogue (formerly called Idea Book & Catalogue or IB & C) but I am sad to say goodbye to my favourite background stamp set, Baroque Motifs which will be retiring at the end of this month.

project recipe
stamps: Apothecary Art (W127506, C125527), Teeny Tiny Sentiments (W119185, C120024), Baroque Motifs (W116340)
ink: Classic Stampin' Pad - Early Espresso (119670), Pretty in Pink (101301); Stampin' Write Markers - Pretty in Pink (100045), Regal Rose (105108), Lucky Limeade (123002); Jet Black StazOn (101406)
card stock: Early Espresso (121686), Lucky Limeade (124388), Whisper White (106549)
tools: Big Shot (113439), Labels Collection Framelits (125598), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (119976), Adorning Accents Embossing Folders (125601)
added pizzazz: Crystal Effects (101055), Pretty in Pink Stampin' Pastels (120962), Sponge Daubers (102892), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

 

cardessence tips

• stamp your image 4 times with black StazOn and run it through the Big Shot with the Labels Collection Framelits in 4 different sizes;
• colour the flowers, leaves and banner borders with your markers;
• use the Pretty in Pink pastel for the main part of the banner;
• apply Crystal Effects to the flowers and set aside to dry;
• whilst matching the layers, adhere with Stampin' Dimensionals.

I love the Apothecary Art stamp set and Labels Collection Framelits. There are so many ways that you can use these two items either individually or together for gorgeous paper crafting creations, this easy pyramage technique is just the tip of the iceberg. I highly recommend them as additions to your card making and scrap booking repertoire.

happy stamping

 

Melbourne Heartfelt Stampin' Event 2012

Regional Events are now called Heartfelt Stampin' Events in Australia. The whole structure of this event has been revamped. There were 4 classes to attend and a Product Playground where one could play with Stampin' Up! products to one's heart's content. There were also 2 demonstration booths to gather around where you can watch demonstrators showcase particular techniques.  Also, instead of swapping cards, we were encouraged to produce only one to pin on Share Boards.

I loved every minute of it especially the Product Playground. I spent way......... too much time there that I kept missing my classes. Fortunately, the classes were repeated and I could jump in on the ones I missed. Next time, I'm going to attend all my classes in the morning and devote the whole afternoon to the Product Playground and catching up with other people who attended. The whole event ran from 10am - 5pm.

For today's post, I'm going to share with you my Share Board contribution. I used the Mixed Bunch set which debuted in the 2012 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue. This set will return in this year's new 2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalogue, so please treat this as a Sneak Peak of what's in store for you.

project recipe
stamps: Mixed Bunch (WM 127516, CM 125537), Sincere Salutations (WM 116416), Season of Joy (WM 113023)
ink: Classic Stampin' Pad - Marina Mist (119668), Lucky Limeade (122935), Calypso Coral (122939); Stampin' Write Markers - Daffodil Delight (119677), Calypso Coral (123002)

card stock: Calypso Coral (124391), Marina Mist (121682) Whisper White (106549)

tools: Big Shot (113439), Labels Collection Framelits (125598), Adorning Accents Edgelits (125595), Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (125601), Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (123130, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folders (119976), Bird Builder Punch (117191), XL Oval Punch (119859)

 

cardessence tips

• stamp two Mixed Bunch flowers in Calypso Coral on Whisper White card stock first;
• then use your Daffodil Delight marker to pick up Calypso Coral ink from the ink pad and start colouring your flower from the centre outwards - you will get a colour graduation from CC to DD in an even blend of colours;
• cut your flowers out, turn it over and colour in the reverse side with your Calypso Coral marker;
• quill one flower with the CC side facing you and use your bone folder to curl alternate petals of the 2nd flower upwards and downwards;
• adhere these 2 flowers together with the stamped sides facing each other;
• use your Bird Builder punch to punch out shaped leaves - you may wish to score leaf veins and sponge them to give them some interest and depth;

I hope that you like my contribution and that you will try the marker technique that I've used. Do remember that it will only work with a lighter colour marker to pick up a darker colour. I haven't had any issues with colour contamination (as yet). Have fun.

First Communion Invitation Cards

I've been having all sorts of computer problems lately that I think it’s time for a new one. Hence, I've been unenthusiastic about blogging. However, I can't resist sharing with you the invitation cards I made for my eldest son's First Eucharist (Communion). I am so pleased with how it turned out but I must warn you that I used a retired Stampin' Up! set to achieve what I wanted. Everything else is new especially the gorgeous Designer Series Paper and Labels Framelits from the 2012 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue.

Don't they look fabulous? I used the Twitterpated DSP which is soft and feminine on one side and geometric and masculine on the other. I only used the Island Indigo and Basic Grey pieces for all the invitations.

 

As you can see, these gatefold invitation cards are interlaced and locked in place with a set of nesting Labels Framelits die cuts so there is no need for ribbons or belly bands to hold them together. I also embossed the top most Labels Framelits die cut with the oval Designer Frames embossing folder - totally love this textured effect. Then, I cut out the dove and popped it on top with dimensionals so that it sits over the larger white frame as a catch to prevent the card popping open too easily. This extra measure is optional because the interlacing Labels die cuts work well in holding the folds together anyway as shown in the inset photo.

Here's what the inside of the invitation looks like. Instead of just stamping the Cross onto the card, I stamped it separately, cut it out and adhered onto the card with dimensionals. The flower on the left was stamped straight onto the card, coloured in with a blender pen and Stampin' Write Markers with Dazzling Diamond centres.

I am so pleased with this design and if you love it too, do leave me your comments. Here's the project recipe.

project recipe
stamps: Special Blessing (retired), flower from Thanks for Caring (retired)

ink: Classic Stampin' Pad - Island Indigo (122937), Basic Grey (109120); Stampin' Write Markers - Island Indigo (123002), Basic Grey (120966)

card stock: Whisper White (106549),Island Indigo (124390), Basic Grey (121689)

dsp: Twitterpated (125406)

tools: Big Shot (113439), Labels Collection Framelits Dies (125598), Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folders Set (123130), Word Window ( 119857)

the added pizzaz: Blender Pen (102845), Dazzling Diamonds (102023)

cardessence tips

• each A4 card stock sheet should give you 2 cards - firstly trim it so that it measures 8" wide then using your Simply Scored Scoring Tool, score at 2" down the longest length, turn it 180 degrees and score again at 2";
• cut the card stock in half at its longest length;
• when you fold your card, ensure that the centre edges are aligned and meet neatly in the middle ie. fold one flap first and force the other to meet up - use your bone folder to press and burnish the folds for a crisp neat fold;
• use your 3 smallest Labels Framelits by nesting them evenly on Whisper White card stock and run it through the Big Shot - this will give you the outer Label frame and the smallest Label piece (top most layer) in a single run through the Big Shot;
• run the card stock piece through the Big Shot with the 2nd smallest die followed by embossing with the oval Designer Frames folder;
• adhere both Label pieces together with dimensionals;
• adhere the frame (Whisper White) piece on the left first, and whilst keeping it in a folded position, adhere the Label piece by sitting it inside the frame piece - this will ensure that both sides are completely aligned;
• lastly, adhere the dove.

happy stamping



Stampin' Up! Melbourne Regionals 2011 - Butterfly Surprise

Aside from an annual Australian/New Zealand Convention, each state hosts at least one Regional event per year. I attended my 2nd Regional event in mid-November and this year, I managed to create 25 swap cards compared to only 7 that I did last year. I got the idea for my swap from something that one of my sons did at school and a book I browsed through at Lincraft, combined the 2 ideas using Stampin' Up! products and thus achieved my swaps for this year. What do you think?

project recipe
stamps: Creative Elements (WM 124956, CM120647), Teeny Tiny Sentiments (WM 119185, CM 120024)
ink: Classic Stampin' Pad - Calypso Coral (122939), Lucky Limeade (122935)
card stock: Calypso Coral (124392), Whisper White (106549)

tools: Word Window Punch (119857), Owl Builder Punch (118074) for the medium size circle, Handheld 1/16" Circle Punch, Big Shot (113439), Beautiful Wings(118138), Top Note Bigz Die (113463), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049), Circle Scissor Plus (112530), Circle Scissor Plus Glass Mat (112531)
the added pizzaz: Gold Brads (104337) or Silver Mini Brads (122941), Blender Pen (102845), Stamping Sponges (101610), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430), 2-way Glue Pen (100425), White Baker's Twine (124262) or thin non SU gold cord

cardessence photo tutorial

 Photo 1

• Use Circle Scissor Plus to cut out 2 pieces of 3" Whisper White card stock;
• Stamp images as per photo 1 & 2 (below).
• Sponge edges as per this photo.

Note: I stamped this piece on both sides but only sponged the top side. Reason: so that when it is stretched out, this piece is patterned  on the top and underneath - not a necessary step but a matter of preference.   



Photo 2

• Stamp, punch, colour in with a blender pen, die cut, sponge to obtain all the pieces in this photo;
• Trim the 3" WW circle piece so that it's a fraction smaller - don't worry that it's not a perfect circle as the top piece will hide the uneveness;
• Use dimensionals to adhere the sentiment;
• Use a brad to affix the butterfly layers in place on the circle piece; lastly
• Adhere them to the Top Note die cut piece.

  

Photo 3

•  Fold the first (top) piece into quarters.











Photo 4

• Use a sharp pair of paper snips and cut in an arc from alternate ends as shown in this photo.

Photo 5

• Unfold gently and assemble as per main (finished) photo.

I hope that this tutorial is easy to follow as it's my first photo tutorial. Let me know if you like this form of tactile greeting card/bauble.

Bye for now,





In a Pizzazzive Mood

I just love, love, love this stamp set and it was a lot of fun putting it together as a side step card bouquet. What was that? Did you say "sooooooooo much cutting"? Well, there is but aren't the results wonderful? I've used colours from the Brights collection which is my favourite colour family.

project recipe
stamps: Petal Pizzazz (WM 115850), Grunge Rock (WM 122055, CM 122555), retired "the best is yet to be" sentiment
ink: Tempting Turquoise (100814), Daffodil Delight (119667), Old Olive (102277), Real Red (103133), VersaMark Pad (102283)

card stock: Tempting Turquoise (108598), Whisper White (106549)
dsp: Sunny Garden (119831)
fab tools: Big Shot (113439), Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Medium Sizzlits Die (115951), Heat Tool (106586), 1 3/8" Circle Punch L (119860), 1 1/4" Circle Punch L (119861), 1/2" Circle Punch S (119869), Paper Snips (103578)

fab factor: Brights Brads (119740),  Brights Designer Buttons (119747), Dazzling Diamonds (102023), Heat & Stick Powder (100625), Basic Rhinestones (119246)

cardessence tips

• I highly recommend using the Paper Snips to cut out stamped images because the blades are so sharp and thin that you can cut right up to the blade's end without getting the angular "nick" on the card stock compared to just normal scissors;
• remember to leave a fine border around your cut outs to preserve the clear and even stamped images;
• apply Dazzling Diamonds with Heat & Stick powder to the heart and the number 40 after they have been die cut out;
• cut a thin strip of coloured card stock to thread the buttons, tie off behind with one knot and adhere with multipurpose glue.

Happy snip, snip, snipping

Shadow Box

Quite some time ago, I bought a boxed set of 8 shadow box frames from Target. Ever since then I've been dying to fill and decorate a shadow box, so Chloe's birthday gave me the impetus. I really enjoyed creating this project and can't wait to make more.

project recipe
stamps: Broadsheet Alphabet (WM 121490, CM 120585)
ink: Regal Rose (105211), Pear Pizzazz (119784), Soft Suede (115657), Daffodil Delight (119667), Baja Breeze (111833)

card stock: Pink Pirouette (116203), Regal Rose (108612), Pear Pizzazz (121693), Soft Suede (119982), Daffodil Delight (121680), So Saffron (108611), Baja Breeze (116207), Whisper White (106549)
dsp: Sunny Garden (119831)
fab tools: Butterfly XL Punch (119848), Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die (118138), 2-Step Bird XL Punch (117191), Finial Press Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (115963)

fab factor: Basic Pearls (119247), Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (116806)
non SU: Isocol to make shimmer mist with shimmer paint, Target shadow box frame

 cardessence tips

• use the butterfly punch to make the flowers;
• use the wing from the 2-step bird punch to make the leaves - trim a little to shape;
• emboss the DSP before spraying with shimmer mist;
• alternate letters were stamped separately, cut and adhered with dimensionals;
• remember to leave a fine border around your cut outs to preserve a clear and even stamped image;

Thanks for stopping by

Card & Candle Gift Set

I was introduced to Stampin' Up! and card making in late February last year (2010) which led to me hostessing a workshop and 4 months later, I became a demonstrator. This beautiful stamp set was one of my first purchases from my workshop and has remained a favourite ever since because the large flower images makes for easy cutting for a layering. Doesn't it look great in Concord Crush? Check out the gorgeous Antique Brads too.

project recipe
stamps: Petal Pizzazz (WM 115850), Heard from the Heart (WM 119167, CM 120006)
ink: Classic Stampin' Pad - Concord Crush (119785), Pumpkin Pie (105216), Pear Pizzazz (119784), Old Olive (102277)

card stock: Concord Crush (121691), Perfect Plum (108615), Whisper White (106549)
dsp: In Colour DSP Patterns Stack (117158)
fab tools: Heat Tool (106586), Scallop Trim Border Punch (118402), Paper Snips (103578)

fab factor: Antique Brads (117273),  5/8" Organza Ribbon (114319)
non SU: candle, glitter glue

 cardessence tips

• I highly recommend using the Paper Snips to cut out stamped images because the blades are so sharp and thin that you can cut right up to the blade's end without getting the angular "nick" on the card stock compared to just normal scissors;
• remember to leave a fine border around your cut outs to preserve the clear and even stamped images;
• I used Old Olive to stamp the greens on the candle as I felt that Pear Pizzazz was too light;

Happy stamping

Stampin' on Candles

I held a candle stamping workshop as a Thank You to the lovely ladies who helped me with the Stamp Your Heart Out fundraiser. Aren't they just so clever to put together their inspirations on candle? I am so proud of them - for their generous time and effort with the fundraiser and for producing these gorgeous masterpieces.

Would you like to learn how to stamp and embellish candles? Why not gather a few friends for an off the page class with me? Contact Me to organise a fun filled session.

Happy Stampin'

June Update

Well, how fast has the last few months flown. It already feels like we’ve had winter for the last 2 months and yet, June is the first month of winter. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked at our home inside-outside thermometer on Tuesday, 10 May - it was a mere 1.8°C which I now know is the coldest Melbourne day on record. Brrrrrrr….how cold is winter going to get?

What’s in store for June? Yes, Monday Zen is back and it will be held on the first Monday of every month. This is your opportunity to come over and start/finish your personal projects - BYO tools and materials. However, you are welcome to use my tools if you need to, purchase any materials and accessories as you need them (eg. 1sheet of card stock) and best of all, leave the cleaning up to me! Please be aware that this is not an organised class and a nominal fee of $5 applies. So, come on over and let's get crafty together.Anyone celebrating Christmas in July? If not, then maybe you would like to prepare for Christmas early. With this in mind, I have scheduled 2 classes for you.

Christmas in July Class





Tagged for Christmas

 June Events (held at 5 Alpine Court, Vermont South 3133)

Click my Events for more details. Please note that classes are limited to 8 people, all materials are supplied and precut but colours may vary. Alternatively, if you prefer to arrange with a group of your friends (min 4, max 8) to have your own private in-home classes, contact ME.

Don't forget the......

• Hostess Promotion: until 30 June, when you host a workshop with minimum sales of $450, you will qualify for the regular generous Hostess Benefits plus an additional $70 to spend on SU merchandise;
• 2011 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue: you still have until 31 July to place your orders as the merchandise from this catalogue may or may not return in the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue which will be out in September;
• Strength & Hope Promotion: until 31 July, when you purchase the Strength & Hope stamp set, Stampin’ Up! will donate $2 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation;

That’s all for now, Happy Crafting!

Happy May!

April roundup: I had a fabulous day at the Stamp Your Heart Out fundraiser on Saturday. I met some lovely people and enjoyed myself thoroughly. Lucky me, I even won a raffle (no, it wasn’t rigged). That night, I was so exhausted, I fell asleep on the couch watching TV and when I woke up to go to bed, I couldn’t get to sleep. So what did I do (you ask)? I stamped and made a card of course! It was play time for me as I had little of it with the lead up to the fundraiser. Before I go any further, I would like to give a Big Big Big Thank You to my wonderful friends, Ping, Karen, Elke, Yvonne, Cherie and Lisa for donating their precious time to help me prepare for the SYHO fundraiser. Your generosity, caring and community spirt is invaluable.

Anyway, May is turning out to be quite a busy month for me. I have to churn out 80-100 card fronts to swap at the Annual Stampin’ Up! Convention which begins Thursday next week. Apart from that, I’m having my SU 2011 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue party this Friday night, classes/workshops to organise and hold, attend the SU Convention, and a few birthday parties to attend.

2011 May Specials: Deals of the Week 

May is also the time to grab a bargain or more. Throughout May, SU is releasing weekly specials on items that are discounted up to 40% off their normal price. The first deal of the week began 1 May 2011 and the products listed will only be available at their discounted prices until midnight Tuesday 10 May 2011. Then from midnight 11 May, the 2nd Deal will begin. I will keep you updated each week but you can also check it out yourselves HERE every Wednesday of this month.

The card to your right was made with the lovely Cottage Garden stamp set that’s on sale this week. I made it for my husband’s aunt last year. The photo doesn’t show it but the large flowers were actually stamped separately, cut out, curled and stuck on the card with dimensionals to make the card “pop”. The ultra feminie ink colours are Rose Red, Pretty in Pink and Old Olive. Like it?

Don’t let the deals get away! Contact me to place your order.

May Events

Click here to view  My Events. Please note that classes are limited to 8 people, all materials are supplied and precut but colours may vary. Alternatively, if you prefer to arrange with a group of your friends to have your own private in-home classes, contact me.

2011 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue Party
Last week, I sent out invitations for this party. I do hope that you can and will come this Friday evening for a fun evening. You’ll get to use the Create a Cupcake and Nature Walk stamp sets for your Make & Takes. Please call me or email me that you are coming by Thursday.

 

Simply Said Cards (4 cards)

We will use the “Simply Said” stamp set (116414 p43 of IB&C), 2-Step Bird punch (117191 p146 IB&C) and Full Heart punch (119883 p146 IB&C) to create these 4 beautiful cards with a variety of sentiments to suit your purpose.











Punched Flower Scrapbook Box

Interested in creating something other than cards? Well come along and learn how to make the gorgeous flower and set it on the lid of a box. The box opens up as a scrapbook page where you can decorate with photos and embellishments. The flower is approximately 9cm in diameter and the box dimensions are 10cm x 10cm x 10.5cm. This is a stunning gift idea.

happy stamping