Merry Happy Everything

Wherever you are and whatever you are doing I wish you a Merry Happy Everything.

May this season  be everything you hoped for and may the coming New Year bring you all that you need.

Until next time, take care


Christa   xx

Building on crazy - the craft room reno project

Just a very quick note to say that of all the crazy ideas we ever had, this has to be right up there...

With less than two weeks to go before Christmas and while in the middle of festive preparations (dare I admit I still haven't finished making all my Christmas cards yet... eek!) we have started a major renovation project at home... involving (GASP!) my craft room.

I am pretty sure there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth (from me) during this process and to that end I have started what will be a temporary blog-ette for the sole purpose of recording the process.
If you are in the least bit interested you can follow my pain...I mean progress,  here and if you couldn't care less you won;t be troubled with any of it here among the inky-papery stuff.

Until next time, take care


Christa   xx

Crazy for Christmas

It is that time again...the run up to the festive season when everything  starts to get a little bit crazy. The traffic is even heavier than usual, the crowds are building and tempers are fraying as queues grow longer...

So instead of joining the commercial craziness  decided to stay indoors in the warm and punch some snowmen...

Now that is not as violent as it may sound..I  am a peaceful soul  at heart and of course I mean that I take some cardstock and my beloved punches and punch out some characters to decorate my remaining Christmas projects.

But sometimes the craziness creeps into crafting too and this particular snowman has a certain look about him...so I thought I would share him with you today.

As the craziness builds, stay sane and punch a snowman...you just know you want to...

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Clearance rack Blitz

Clearance Rack Blitz is HERE

Starting 10th December 2013 Stampin' Up! is having a clearance rack blitz with lots of  fabulous goodies at up to 80% off . Products are only available  while stocks last, so pop over and check it out now to avoid disappointment.  It may be worth pointing  family and friends , or even Santa in that direction too so that you can be sure of getting something fabulous in your stocking on Christmas morning. 

 If you have any questions or need any help or information please do let me know - my contact details are on my DBWS webstore page.

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Oh my...

Convention was a blast! With around 850 demos from five countries all gathered in one place, the creative energy was amazing.

It was just fabulous to have the chance to meet so many new people from places near and far and to catch up with old friends too. It was an action packed few days and I know I was not the only person who fell asleep on the train on the way home from Manchester.

A huge part of Stampin' Up! gatherings is swapping project samples with others. This time I also signed up for and took part in two organised swaps. The first of these was a card candy swap where we each made a set of card candy and packaged it.

I haven't had time to photograph the fabulous candy I received but this was the candy I made. The picture on the left shows the candy pieces and the picture below shows them packaged (with apologies for the glare from the cello bag)







I will try to take pics of some of my general swaps in the next few days, there are so many beautiful projects it will take me a while to process them all.

As demonstrators we get advance information on up-coming products and at convention we got some wonderful sneak peeks of fabulous products coming  in the New Year.  We also got the chance to check out the newly released UNDEFINED kit... This was so much fun and really easy to do. If you ever wished you had a particular stamp, maybe something very personal or super quirky then this could be the answer to your prayers. Undefined is a kit that allows you to carve your own stamp and mount it on to a wood block...and when you run out of rubber to carve and blocks to mount it on there are refill kits available too.  It is available right now and you can check it out here on  my demonstrator website. If you have any questions please do get in touch.

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Hi Ho, hi ho its off to Convention I go...

Can't believe it has come around so fast but tomorrow I, along with  hundreds of other demonstrators from five European countries, will be descending upon Manchester for the Stampin' Up! 2013 European Convention. Three days of crafting and fun catching up with old friends and making new ones too.

I have been super busy making swaps for the event.
As well as general swaps with fellow demos, I signed up for a 3D swap and a card candy swap...those are secret and so not included in the picture.

I have also been making little gifts that I plan to give to people who have been particularly kind and helpful to me in the past year...and those are a intended to be a surprise so I will share pics later.

Now I have the task of getting all the swaps, the gifts and all the personal bits and bobs I need to take with me into a (borrowed from my Mum) small case. At the moment it looks like I will be attempting to pour a gallon into a pint pot... but I am determined not to be carrying loads of heavy bags so I will find a way...

Although I have been a demonstrator for 3 years, this will be my first convention and I am really looking forward to it.

Will be back after the weekend with Convention news

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

I'm back...

For once my absence was not a case of blog neglect...but due to the fact we went on a fabulous holiday in the USA. Of course while I was having fun in the surf at Daytona Beach, lots of fun things and great promotions were happening in the Stampin' Up! World and I missed them... but I am back now and playing catch up

I have just taken delivery of my fabulous new goodies and have an evening of creativity planned for later today. I have a really long list of projects I need to make - not only for Christmas (which is only weeks away now)  but also projects for the Stampin' Up! European Convention which takes place in Manchester in just two weeks time.

But for now and until I have had time to get really inky later on , keeping with the idea of lists and Christmas,  I am going to  share this simple little card using the wonderful Santa's List stamp set...

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

World Card Making Day Contest

Happy World Card Making Day! 

  Today is World Card Making Day and to celebrate the occasion Stampin’ Up! is holding a contest you won’t want to miss. 

It is really simple to enter...all you have to do is

• E-mail a photo of a card, or of you making a card, made with Stampin’ Up! product on World Card Making Day to wcmd2013@stampinup.com

or

• Post a photo of a card, or of you making a card, made with Stampin’ Up! product on World Cardmaking Day on Instagram. Mention Stampin' Up! by typing @stampinup and use the hashtag #wcmd2013 in the description.

This contest is open to everyone— there are just a few conditions:

• The Contest will last all day on 5 October, from 12:01 AM to 12:00 PM

• You can enter as many times as you wish, but each entry must feature a different card and it must be a new card made on World Card Making Day

• You must be over the age of 18 to win a prize                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The Prize 
• Stampin' Up! will randomly select 50 winners from the European markets to receive the Naughty and Nice Rotary Stamp and Season of Style Designer Washi Tape (valued at  £10).  A selection of pictures will be posted to Stampin’ Up!’s World Card making Day Pinterest Board and the winners will be announced in a later current update.

So...what are you waiting for? Get making ...you could be a winner!
Until next time
take care

Christa   xx     

Things with wings...

I have been busy making cards that will  be going  into card boxes and without realising I seem to have been caught up using things with wings...

Starting with the cute little bird... I used the chalk talk framelits for this card and  deliberately left the central panel plain to give some contrast to the embossing beneath...only once I had fixed it to the card front (and it was stuck firmly because I should hate anything to fall off a card...ever!) I thought it looked a little plain... so I grabbed the new (and totally fabulous) chalk talk marker and I simply doodled - Problem solved!    



  From birds to butterflies and this simple card (left) with random background stamping and  one of the lovely butterflies from Papillion Pot Pourri  stamp set, using matching butterfly punch....




and another card (right) using the butterfly and framelits from Backyard Basics. I punched out a circle form the embossed layer and stamped the greeting on the base card. I used ribbon to draw the eye to the wording panel and framed this with a scallop punch circle.   The butterfly acts as a bow...or at least that was my design intention...
                                               


Hope you like the samples . If you  have any questions, would like to know more about how these cards were made or the products used please drop me a line          

 Until next time

take care


Christa   xx                                           

Love Stampin' Up! and love a Bargain?

Clearance rack is here!  

Bargains galore available on discontinued items, many at less than half original price. Available right now via my online store while stocks last . Just follow the link, hit shop now and select clearance rack to see what bargains are available right now. (Once the clearance page opens, choose show all...it is much easier than flicking through all the pages one by one)

What's in clearance rack? 
Clearance rack is filled with items that are no long featured in the current catalogues. Right now there is a selection of cardstock, designer papers, inks, markers, dies, embossing folders, ribbons , embellishments and more. They are available while stocks last and once gone, they are gone. The clearance rack will be updated as and when items are available and all sales are final (unless of course there was a fault with a product in which case Stampin' Up! will of course provide an exchange)

Clearance rack is not a  time limited promotion and is a full time feature of the webstore so it is worth checking back to see what's available.

And while you are there, if you haven't already done so, why not download the free  My Digital Studio 30 day trial - you do not have to buy anything to be able to download the free trial, its completely free with no obligation to buy.

As if that wasn't enough, anyone who purchases goods via my webstore between now and the end of October 2013 will go into a draw to win a prize... Just make sure that you shop through my webstore or choose me as your demonstrator on the main website and the prize goodies could be heading your way at the beginning of November.

As always if you have any questions please just let me know..

Until next time

take care

Christa   xx

Timeless Talk

Its about time I shared a few cards made with some of the fabulous sets I got this year...and Timeless Talk is one of my new firm favourites ...and seems like a perfect match for the modern medley designer series papers.

 The first sample card  is made with a die cut circle and a circle frame. The phonograph and the black circle frame and both popped on dimensionals and the phonograph has a line of decorative  pearls

 
The second one was made using some papers I found
 lurking under a pile on my desk and since they were
the right colours and matched the vintage style, I figured
 it was easier to use them up than to put them away...

I used some coredinations card for this one and gave it a quick scuff with a sanding block. I stamped the image in red this time and matted it onto black. I liked the contrast.

Back to mainly black for this one with an offset matt on a flash of red.


I was quite pleased with this little set of cards, similar designs but all slightly different and quick and easy to make.


Timeless talk has three fun vintage images and sentiments to match and makes for gorgeous simple note cards too. Definitely a staple in my stamp armoury.

If you would like to get this set or the modern medley papers please contact me today or go direct to my online store

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Online shopping is live!

Delighted to be able to confirm that the online store is now up and running and you can place an order any time day or night here  or simply by clicking on the online SHOP NOW icon in the right hand side bar. This will take to  my online demonstrator website and the store where you can order any Stampin' Up! products

Here's a little reminder about demonstrator websites and online shopping

What does this mean? 
The demonstrator  website provides a central place for you to check out up coming events, book workshops, parties or classes. You can also search project ideas for inspiration and browse or download the online catalogues...but best of all is the online ordering facility...an online shop for Stampin' Up! products that is open 24 hours a day!


How do I order online?

 The simplest way to shop online is go to my demonstrator website (Please bookmark that page so you can find it again later, the online shop page will not remain as bookmarked) and click on one of the SHOP NOW buttons to take you to the online store. As you browse the store you can select items to add to your shipping bag. When you have finished making your selections you simply press the checkout button. At this stage you will be asked to log in or to create an account.  You will be asked to fill in your details and choose your password. You will then be taken to page to process payment for your order.  The next time you visit the online store you will simply need to enter your email address and password to log in.

You can also shop online via the main Stampin’ Up! UK website. If you choose this method please be sure to select me as your Demonstrator so that you can continue to benefit from being one of my Serendipity Stamper cusomers.  The easiest way to do this is to search for my name on the demonstrator directory - just enter Christa and you will find me. There is a SHOP NOW button on my demonstrator details page that will take you direct to the online store.  I am always very grateful for your orders and the opportunity to share what I love with you.

 Does it cost  more to order on line?

No - The product prices are listed in the catalogues and items will cost the same as they do when you order them through me.

What about post and packing ?

Stampin' UP! charges a flat rate £4.95 p&p on all orders. When you order on line  for the goods to be delivered direct to you via UPS there will be a post and packing charge of £4.95 regardless of the size of your order.  

 Can I still order by phoning or emailing you?

Of course you can - on line ordering is  simply an additional option for you to be able to place an order at any time of the day or night. I will still be available by phone and email - the personal  contact and service is very important to me

 Will you still be doing Parties and Classes?

Absolutely!  Parties and Classes are so much fun and you will still be able to order products at them.  They also give you the chance to try the product before you buy and to get hints and tips on how to get the most from your products.  

 Will I still get the same special offers and rewards when I order on line?

Yes you will.  You will be shown the latest offers when you order and if your order goes over £150 you will earn Stampin Rewards to spend on additional products.  Additionally when you order with me you will benefit from any personal promotions I may be running.

Will you still be my demonstrator if I order online?

Yes I will but I will only be linked to  your orders  IF you  shop via my online store or select me as your Demonstrator, so please make sure you do this.  It is by linking online orders this way that will allow me to continue to offer the things I offer to you.

What should I do if I have any questions?

You can still contact me in the usual ways – email me or via my facebook page.  You can also phone me on 07944603433

I hope you find this additional service beneficial and if you have any questions about it please just ask.  

In the online store you will find all the Stampin' Up! product lines including the fabulous new My Digital Studio downloads.

MDS is fabulous digital crafting system from Stampin' Up! . Packed with digital content including designer papers, images, embellishments and templates for scrapbook pages, card and much much more, it is wonderful and super easy to use. You can even download a 30 day trial version for free -  just go to the store and  click on My Digital Studio and select MDS free trial


I am definitely not a digital crafter and I gave away craft CD roms because I hated them, but  when  I tried MDS I was hooked and in  one session I made these  scrapbook layout samples...

                                                 

The photos were uploaded from my pc but everything else is MDS...and if I can do it, anyone can!

So what are you waiting for...download your free trail today and get creating... I would LOVE it if you would upload your projects and link back here so I can see what you have made.

As always if you have any questions please just let me know..

Until next time

take care

Christa   xx

New Seasonal Catalogue is here

Its here...the new seasonal catalogue filled to bursting with fabulous goodies  for all your festive needs.

There are  fun ideas for Halloween  and of course lots of fabulous products to make the Christmas holidays extra special.

You can browse the online catalogue via this link or if you'd prefer a paper copy please contact me and I'll get one off to you right away. However you choose to look at  the catalogue,  there are going to be things inside that you will love.

The front of the catalogue is filled with great project ideas and samples, with details of where to find the items...  and the full details and listings are in the second half of the book.

So put your feet and have a good browse. If you have any questions or  when you are ready to place your order please "just yell."

Until next time

take care

Christa   xx

New Catalogue Blog Hop

A group of demonstrators over at ILWS decided it might be fun to showcase a few of our favourite things from the amazing new 2013 Stampin' Up! annual catalogue ... and so the new catalogue blog hop was born.

I am number four on the hop and you should have landed here from enjoying the fabulous projects on  Margaret's blog.

It was really hard to decide  what to make for this hop. I have to admit that I loved so many of the new products that I just had to have them...  and I am still having such fun playing with them to see what I can make. I have already showcased a few of my favourites here on my blog and wanted to show something a bit different from the projects I have already shared.




One of my  firm favourites from the new catalogue is Gorgeous Grunge  and for the card on the left I used it for the background and paired it with Simply Stars...all stamped using the new in-colours which (in case you hadn't noticed) I love...

                                                             






Bee Happy...
The  slightly 'punny' card on the right was made using Backyard Basics stamp set and matching framelits with crushed curry cardstock run through the big shot with the hexagon embossing folder






Finally I could not resist including this really cute mini card made using the Perfect Blend stamp set, which I stamped onto a piece of folded Baked Brown Sugar cardstock and then cut around the shape by hand to have a coffee cup shaped mini card. I stamped the image again - along with one (of the two) sentiments - in the same ink onto whisper white card and cut the lid and band and fixed them to the front of the mini card using dimensionals. End result, one cute mini card for coffee lovers...
 

Well that's it from me for this hop.. Thanks for dropping by - I hope you have enjoyed my efforts here today and I know you will love the other projects along the hop. The next stop  is Sandra's blog  and you will find her fabulous projects HERE



Until next time,

        Christa   xx

Simply...

I am simply having so much fun trying out the new goodies that arrived this week . The first two cards were made using the Simply Sketched stamp set...this is a hostess exclusive set and is simply lovely. It has six stamps...three images and three sentiments for Birthday, Sympathy and Thank You cards.

I have used the Happy Birthday Wishes sentiment on both of these cards and as you can probably tell, it fits perfectly inside the oval punch.

The card on the right is the floral image in strawberry slush on strawberry slush Designer series paper.

The card on the left is made using  baked brown sugar, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip and whisper white cardstock. I used a tiny piece of the new chevron ribbon in pumpkin pie. This ribbon has a really soft luxurious feel to it that took me a little by surprise.

 The chevrons on the ribbon and the designer series paper have the added bonus of optical illusion which is great if you ever suffer from wonky eyeballs when making up a card or project. This stuff is very forgiving.


If you would like to know more about how you could get hostess exclusive products please drop me a line



That's it for today...I will be back soon with new projects made with new goodies...Remember if you would like to purchase any of the products used here, please just give me a call or send me an email, its really that simple.

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Giggly goodies....

When I very first set eyes on a preview copy of the new annual catalogue my heart was captured by the cute Giggle Greetings stamp set and I knew it would be top of my list...and it was...and it seems only right that the very first cards I make with my new goodies include this wonderful set.

It has four stamped images each with its own cute and funny sentiment.

The birthday card on the right was made using coastal cabana and baked brown sugar from the new in colours selection. I also used the Simply Stars set to form the accent on the top corner.

The card on the left I like to think of an empathy card of encouragement. I used the new in-colours designer series paper  (which I love by the way) in Strawberry Slush  and I also used two of the stamps from the the Tape It stamp set for the additional accents on this card.








I also used Tape It on the card on the right ...but this time I used it  to stamp the background using strawberry slush and baked brown sugar (from the new in colour collection) along with crushed curry (one of the new revamp colours.) I also used an embossed panel of crushed curry matted on to strawberry slush as a base for the 'cheese-cake/cake of cheese'  image. The Happy Birthday banner is from the Hostess set Banner Greetings







Finally for the fourth image in the set I made this cute little card  ...which I plan to send to my niece who just got a new job (a promotion)

For this one I used baked Brown Sugar throughout and I fixed the banner greeting to the card with a new and super cute  candy dots builder brad.


I fell in love with this set the moment I clapped eyes on it and I knew I had to have it...and I was right. These are just my first test cards using this set...I think this will be out on my desk for many months to come...after all we can all use a giggle now and then...



With such a huge variety of gorgeous stamp sets in the new catalogue it can be hard to choose. Do you have a favourite set yet? What is at the top of your wishlist?

I will be back soon with something else mad using my new goodies.

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Goody goody Goodies...

Not sure why every minute feels like an hour when you are waiting for a delivery but finally it arrived and I  got my husband to drag the stuff upstairs into the spare room so I could spread it all out on the bed.  I took a quick photo after I had opened the box and checked the list of gorgeous goodies...

I spent around an hour this evening mounting and attaching labels to the seventeen stamp sets, which  gave me time to have a think about how I might use each one.

In the coming days I will share some of the projects I plan to make using the new products. We have painters doing the outside of our house which means I need to stay home for the next couple of days  ... what better way to pass the time than stamping.

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Preparing for Mister Brown

I have spent the entire weekend trying to sort through the chaos of my craft room  because I have had confirmation that Mister Brown will be bringing my first full new catty order on Monday ...and I need to make space for new goodies and the fun that goes with them.

No crafting has taken place since Friday evening and I am feeling the withdrawals already.... Thank goodness there will lots of stamping and inkiness when the delivery is unpacked...

On the bright side there has been a big cull of scrappy bits - those pieces of pretty paper or cardstock that aren't quite big enough for a project on their own but that  are too good to throw out and /or will come in handy. I have always been a bit of a meanie refusing to throw away anything until it really does have no possible use...but the reality of the space available to store this stuff  vs the need for space to store the  inbound  new catty goodies meant that common sense simply had to prevail...

So I got a 12 x12 box and filled it until it couldn't hold another single scrap...and then I taped the lid shut and let hubby ditch the rest. Our local recycling crew are going to be stunned to find three bags waiting on the path tomorrow morning...

I have cleaned the desk, the craft mat and have made space for the boxes to sit while I check the contents. Now all that I have to do is wait.... I will have my nose pressed against the window in the morning for sure. I hope he comes early....

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

My Favourite things....G H and I

G is for ...Giggle Greetings

I just fell in love with this stamp set the moment I saw it. It is cute and funny and can be used with or without the sentiments and can be coloured or not as you choose. I needed a giggly set and this fits the bill perfectly. My set is on its way as I type and the minute it arrives I will be using it for sure...

H is for... Happy Day

Stampin' Up! likes to reward its demonstrators and during a recent promotion I earned this stamp set for free and the sentiments are just great - especially for those just because cards...The other elements are classy and make good focal points and also great backgrounds and borders. I used Happy Day in the making of both these cards

I is for...Inkiness

Lets face it, where would us stampers be without ink?  Ink pads and refills and Illuminate pads to add shimmer and those wonderful new in colours are always high on my list... and lucky me I have the new ink pad storage caddy on its way ...I will be sure to upload a photo of that when  it arrives too. My ink pads are going to love having a proper place to call home and I am going to love having somewhere to keep them all stored so I can see what I have and grab what I need for my project.

So that is ABC (or should I say  the G H and I )  of a few of my favourites for today ...I would love to know what is catching your eye....and I will be back soon with some more thoughts , hints and project ideas inspired by the contents of the new catalogue. As always if you have any questions or would like to know more about any products or promotions please do get in touch 

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Continuing with my favourite things D-F

I thought the alphabet might be a fun way of skipping through the new catalogue picking a few of my favourite things to highlight and so here we go.

This section was pretty easy for me to favourite because I love my big shot machine and I use it all the time so anything to do with die cutting or embossing using the big shot is always a big hit with me.

D is for Dies...

as well as the fabulous established dies we have a new kid on the block. In the Spring Summer seasonal we got the Card Base pop 'n Cuts die and the Dress Form pop n' cuts to go with it,... and now we have the label pop 'n cuts die and this coordinates with a new framelits die too. Check out all the die cutting options starting on page 184.

E is for Embossing...

We have four new embossing folders (find them on page 191) all of which coordinate with other products in the catalogue. My current favourite is the Modern Mosaic which I used to make this card ...

I'd love to know, which one will be your favourite? 

F is for Framelits...

Stampin' Up! has added five new sets of Framelits in this catalogue to classic shapes layering sets that will be a staple item in many crafting projects , a new deco label that coordinates with the latest Pop 'n Cuts die and two new sets to coordinate with newly released stamp sets...and these two are offered as bundles with the stamp sets at a discounted price. Framelits can be found starting on page 186.

So that is ABC (or should I say DEF )  of a few of my favourites for today ...I would love to know what is catching your eye....and I will be back soon with some more thoughts , hints and project ideas inspired by the contents of the new catalogue. As always if you have any questions or would like to know more about any products or promotions please do get in touch 

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

The ABC of a few of my favourite things....

A is for  Alphabets .... 

on page 131 you will find the new ABC-123 Outline Alphabets & Numbers and the coordinating ABC-123 Sketch Alphabets & Numbers...great that you can use either of the sets on their own or use them both together... a super chance for crafting friends or family to club together and get both...

B is for  Bundles ...

Everyone loves to say money and now is the perfect time to bag a bundle...There are no less than 7  great new bundles in this catalogue, each designed to present you with fabulous coordinated products and at a discounted bundle price. Check out Chalk Talk stamps and matching framelits bundle on page 12, ( The framelits in the bundle also coordinate with the Tag It set on page 45 ... and with each   Tag It stamp set  sold,  Stampin' Up! donate £2 to Ronald McDonald House Charities) also Backyard Basics stamp set and framelits on page 79,  Wildflower Meadow background stamp and embossing folder bundle on page 83,  Flower Shop stamp set and matching pansy punch on page 94,  Mosaic Madness  stamp set and punch Bundle on page 123 (there is a fabulous  Modern Mosaic embossing folder that goes with this set too and you will find that on page 191), Six Sided Sampler bundle on page 125 has an 11 piece stamp set and matching hexagon punch, and don't forget to check out the Tag a bag bundles on page 158 for all your packaging needs. 

and Backgrounds ...

There are some fabulous new background stamps including dictionary on page 100 and the fabulous background builder stamp set on page 119 ...

and  Buttons....

and how can we ignore the beautiful revamped button selection on page 168, including the gorgeous  Very Vintage designer buttons  which are fabulous and the thing I love best about them, especially the larger of the two sizes, is that they are lightweight and less bulky than your average fancy button.  On the card on the right I used one of the Very Vintage Buttons with some bakers twine but I also coloured the centre of the button using a marker pen to get a slightly different effect.

C is for colours...

                                                                                                    The staple colour families have had a slight revamp  to include some  favourite shades and a couple of new ones too...

and don't forget of course there are the fabulous new 2013-15 in-colours to enjoy. I used them here to make a quick in colour butterfly sampler

You can find the new in colours and check out the revamped colour family ranges starting on page 139.

and clay... 

You are going to LOVE the new simply pressed clay on page 167. White moulding clay  that simply air dries to make your own embellishments...and there is also  a new a set of buttons and flowers clay moulds to get you started. The clay is great and you can colour it before you press it into the mould by using reinkers and kneading the colour through the clay, or you can choose to make white embellishments and colour them afterwards...you can also stamp into the clay...the possibilities are endless and you will have fun trying out various options - you can even add glitter to the moulds for added sparkle... and the best thing of all, the finished results are light weight and slightly flexible so they are perfect for cards and projects...even those that have the survive the postal system.

 I made the card on the right for a Stampin' Up! friend and the flower was made from the clay  in the flower mould. I made the white flower  and then when it was dry I coloured it with the matching marker and then sponged over the top with the same shade ink.




For the card on the right I used another plain white flower but this time I simply sponged ink over the top leaving white accents and I dotted the centre with a grey marker and then sponged over the toip to blend it slightly.





So that is ABC of a few of my favourites  for today ...I would love to know what is catching your eye....and I will be back soon with some more thoughts , hints and project ideas inspired by the contents of the new catalogue. As always if you have any questions or would like to know more about any products or promotions please do get in touch 

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

It's here...The New 2013-2014 Catalogue

The brand new filled to bursting with fabulous goodies 2013-2014 Catalogue is HERE!!!

What more do I need to say really?  Follow the link to browse the online version or download it to your pc. It really is chock full of fabulous new products and I am sure you will find loads to spark your creativity.

I will be back later to share my thoughts on some of my favourite new products and to share  a couple of product examples , but for now settle back and enjoy the glorious new catty.

Bye for now

Christa   xx

Exciting new product news

In have two great pieces of new product news to share with you today...


Firstly... As part of the 25th Anniversary Celebrations, Stampin' Up! are bringing back a selection of favourite stamp images form the past 25 years and putting them together into themed sets called The Best of 25 Years...and the first of these is the  Best of 25 Years Flowers selection.


These themed sets will be released one each month until October, with a different theme each month. Some of the images, although favourites in the USA, may not have been available in the UK before now...and if that was not enough, in each and every Best of...set there will be one brand new never-seen-before image too.

The Best of...stamp sets will all feature between 3 and  5 images and will be available in clear mount only and will be priced at £13.95.
Remember to check back each month to see and download the flyer for the new Best Of set for that month...





Second piece of great new product news is about  Single Stamps!

Following  consultation and a very successful pilot project in the USA , I am delighted to tell you that  for a limited time only  (until August 31st or while stocks last)  Stampin' Up! are  going to be offering a select range of  five fabulous and  fun single image stamps here in the UK.

The stamps will come in clear mount only and are packaged in cello bags rather than stamp cases (if you prefer you can purchase additional storage cases in packs of four). They require a clear block (which is not supplied) and all the single stamps in this range fit onto our size E stamping block.

There is no limit on the number of single stamps you can purchase but these are limited availability so get them while you can!


If you have any questions about any of the products or promotions or would like to place an order please contact me today 

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Retiring List is out...get them while you can...

Its that time again...when some of our favourite products are retiring to make way for new ones waiting eagerly in the wings to take their place in the catalogue and in our hearts.

Simply click on the picture to go to the lists of retiring products. To make things easier the list has been split into two...retiring stamps are on one list and accessories - which is everything else including paper, card, inks, punches, dies and embossing folders and embellishments on another.  Some retiring products are being sold at a discount and everything on the list has limited availability so to avoid disappointment get them while you can because when they are gone, they are gone and there will be no more stock available.

Online ordering is not available at the moment  while essential adjustments are being made to the system,  but it is really easy to place an order by simply contacting me today.  Its the same process if you have any questions about products or any promotions or events. 

Why not pop over and stock up on  your favourites or grab a bargain from the retiring products list today!

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Online ordering is here!

I am delighted to be able to announce that official Stampin' Up! demonstrator websites with online ordering facility have finally arrived in the UK                                                                      


and my official demonstrator website is right here! 

What does this mean? 
Well the demonstrator  website provides a central place for you to check out up coming events, book workshops, parties or classes. You can also search project ideas for inspiration and browse or download the online catalogues...but best of all is the online ordering facility...an online shop for Stampin' Up! products that is open 24 hours a day.

How do I order online?

 The simplest way to shop online is go to my demonstrator website (Please bookmark that page so you can find it again later, the online shop page will not remain as bookmarked) and click on one of the SHOP NOW buttons to take you to the online store. As you browse the store you can select items to add to your shipping bag. When you have finished making your selections you simply press the checkout button. At this stage you will be asked to log in or to create an account.  You will be asked to fill in your details and choose your password. You will then be taken to page to process payment for your order.  The next time you visit the online store you will simply need to enter your email address and password to log in.

You can also shop online via the main Stampin’ Up! UK website. If you choose this method please be sure to select me as your Demonstrator so that you can continue to benefit from being one of my Serendipity Stampers.  The easiest way to do this is to search for my name on the demonstrator directory - just enter Christa and you will find me. There is a SHOP NOW button on my demonstrator details page that will take you direct to the online store.  I am always very grateful for your orders and the opportunity to share what I love with you.

 Does it cost  more to order on line?

No - The product prices are listed in the catalogues and items will cost the same as they do when you order them through me.

What about post and packing ?

Stampin' UP! charges a flat rate £4.95 p&p on all orders. When you order on line  for the goods to be delivered direct to you via UPS there will be a post and packing charge of £4.95 regardless of the size of your order.  

 Can I still order by phoning or emailing you?

Of course you can - on line ordering is  simply an additional option for you to be able to place an order at any time of the day or night. I will still be available by phone and email - the personal  contact and service is very important to me

 Will you still be doing Parties and Classes?

Absolutely!  Parties and Classes are so much fun and you will still be able to order products at them.  They also give you the chance to try the product before you buy and to get hints and tips on how to get the most from your products.  

 Will I still get the same special offers and rewards when I order on line?

Yes you will.  You will be shown the latest offers when you order and if your order goes over £150 you will earn Stampin Rewards to spend on additional products.  Additionally when you order with me you will benefit from any personal promotions I may be running.

Will you still be my demonstrator if I order online?

Yes I will but I will only be linked to  your orders  IF you  shop via my online store or select me as your Demonstrator, so please make sure you do this.  It is by linking online orders this way that will allow me to continue to offer the things I offer to you.

What should I do if I have any questions?

You can still contact me in the usual ways – email me or via my facebook page.  You can also phone me on 07944603433

I hope you find this additional service beneficial and if you have any questions about it please just ask.  

To thank those who do set up an on line account with me and place an order before the end of June you will be entered into an exclusive prize draw to win some Stampin’ Up! goodies.

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx