Last chance alert

There are only a few days left to order products from the
2011-12 catalogue and then its gone...  to place an order all you need to do is contact me


After next week you will be able to order from the brand new 2013 catalogue . I'm not allowed to post a picture or links to it  until it goes live on Monday, but it is fantastic and packed with page after page of gorgeousness.

To find out how to get your personal copy of the new catalogue  or to learn more about how Stampin' Up! could enhance your crafting please just drop me a line here.

Over the next few days I will post a few projects...using products that we are saying bye bye to soon alongside sneaky peeks of products we will welcome in next week.

Until next time, take care
             Christa   xx 

Stampin' Day

I am off tomorrow for a fun stampin' day with my extended team members. I am really looking forward to it, apart from the early start and the train journey that is...but once I get there, it will all be worth it. Since I stopped working outside the home I am definitely not a morning person!

As part of our team meet ups we swap samples for our inspiration boards and this time round the suggested theme is winter...and so in addition to making a dozen tree cards, I have used the fabulous new snow flurry bigz die from the Autumn Winter Seasonal Catalogue to make some really simple but pretty hanging snowflake ornaments. The die itself is so pretty that all was needed was a little glitz with dazzling details and a rhinestone in the centre, but you could add far more decoration if you wanted or you could cut the whole thing out of the glimmer paper for extra sparkle.

The photo isn't the best as the swaps are all bagged up and ready to go so I popped one into the scanner for quickness, but I hope you get the general idea of how pretty this die is...




My bag is all packed up and ready for the morning and now its time for me to head to bed if I want to be able to move when the alarm goes off tomorrow. Who knew there was a 7.30 in the morning too?

Until next time, take care
       

Christa   xx  

95 days and counting

Oh my goodness did you know that there are just 95 days until Christmas???

 YIKES!!!!

 I have a couple of festive events planned and need to do a lot of prep for those and with that in mind I have been trying out a few festive projects.

This cute little tree card is inspired by something I saw online a while ago. Unfortunately I did not save the project link and so had to figure out the dimensions etc myself...which meant this one took way longer than any future cards will take, but it really is simple and it fits nicely inside a standard envelope.

This very basic sample was made using the new Festival of Prints designer series paper stack from the new Autumn Winter Seasonal catalogue and the trim was made using the scallop ribbon border punch. I plan to try a few others using the ruffled edge ribbon that came with the 2011-13 in-colour collection too.

Once the card is assembled as in the picture you can then go ahead and decorate it as you wish... even  really bling it up if you wanted to...  The punched square base can be stamped or embossed (or both) you can add a tag or label, or a ribbon, tulle or twine. The gorgeous glimmer paper (also in the A/W seasonal) would make a perfect star for the top of the tree. You could also use some of the mini punches or even the smaller framelits to add decoration to the tree and of course it would not be the festive season without a glitz and glitter....

And of course you can use up all the offcuts to make smaller versions  as  really cute matching gift tags...

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx 

Happy Stampin'

Today our niece turned eighteen and family members turned to me to make cards for her special day... by the time I had made six different designs and had delivered them to various family members, I realised I had yet to make a card from us ...

So this card  includes her favourite pink, uses some of my favourites from the summer mini catalogue and provides a sneaky peek of something very new.

The stamped flowers were coloured with watercolour wonder crayons,cut out by hand, fixed to the card using dimensionals and then highlighted with crystal effects and to finish I popped a rhinestone in the centre of each. The end result was quite pretty...and sadly lost in the rather poor quality photo.

I am off to join other team members for a stampin' day out this weekend and will be busy making swaps -starting tomorrow. I have yet to decide on the design for my swaps,  but once I have it figured out I will post a sample...or two...  since I am known for not being able to stick to just one design

Until next time


Christa   xx 

Sharing...

I just wanted to share a couple of the lovely gifts I received at in the past week or so.

The first is this very cute brooch (right) which everyone at leadership training was given by the very lovely Donna , who came over to join us from the USA to share some of her experiences and projects with us all.  It is just the perfect gift for a group of Stampin'Up! demos and I  have never seen anything like this anywhere... It is just so cute...I love it! Thanks Donna!




On the same day I got the beautiful  brooch  (left) from my lovely upline Bekka. This is just so pretty and has been admired by many. To be honest the picture really doesn't do it justice...it is made using twisted fabric, lace trim and the gorgeous new scallop edge tulle from the new seasonal catalogue with a fabulous antique brad at the centre. Thanks Bekka, I love it and will wear it often.


And my final gift was from my Mum who stumbled across these in a little shop in Devon ...she said I saw it and I thought of you... Its actually a fridge magnet but I have fixed it to my magnetic board in my craftroom where I can see it...Thanks Mum!

I spent a lovely few hours today with my new downline Karen, talking about stampin' matters and then of course doing some actual stampin'...because we love what we do and we love to share.

Until next time, take care

Christa   xx  

One sheet wonderful

On Saturday my husband and I went to the last day of the Paralympics athletics competition...which was a real WOW! It was totally amazing, inspiring and just plain wonderful!

The Wow factor has remained with us  and so when I saw a project idea listed with the heading WOW I was immediately  drawn to it.

As Stampin' Up! demos we like to share ideas and this is how some of the fabulous projects and variations on projects happen. This particular one is taken from a project shared  by Rebekah Harwood,  so HUGE thanks to Rebekah for sharing...and prettiness aside, the WOW factor here is that the entire project  is made using just one sheet of 12x12  designer paper!

 This was my  trial run using designer paper I had left over from the Berry Blossoms pack which featured in the Spring mini catalogue. I plan to start making loads more of these cute boxes using some of the newly released  collections of  papers, but I simply couldn't wait to show this one off, because tomorrow it will be on its way to someone..                                                                 

From the one sheet of designer paper you can make the box, matching lid, a belly band to secure the two and a paper ribbon bow to decorate the band... and still have enough paper left over to make a pretty gift tag to compliment the project.

There is also the option to make a smaller insert to  provide another layer to the inside of the box, although  this would need to be from another piece of card  or paper as one 12 x12 sheet will only stretch so far and even a Stampin' Up! demonstrator cannot do the impossible... 

 But this little project shows just how great Stampin' Up! designer series paper is...it is really good quality of course but the real bonus is that all designer papers from Stampin'Up! are double sided so there is no such thing as a wrong side to the paper and the only 'difficulty' you will have is deciding which side to use. 

  I will upload more projects in the next few days...

Until next time, take care

                                       

                         Christa   xx                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                                               

 

Caught the Bug

I took delivery of  a new order today and after unpacking and admiring my new goodies I did the sensible stuff first and  mounted the stamps, attached labels and found a home in my craft room for each new item...

and then I got them all out again and started stamping and cutting and generally trying everything all at the same time. It looks like a dervish ran through here...

I finally have the gorgeous ornament bundle (featured in the project on the front page of the seasonal catalogue) and I have stamped and cut loads of the ornaments tonight so that I can start trying different designs tomorrow - hopefully I will have something to share shortly.

You know how sometimes you look at something in the catalogue and you think oh that's nice (or unusual or useful) but you don't absolutely love it straight away... that is until you see something someone else has made and then it goes straight to the top of your wish list...well,  I felt a bit like that about the perfectly preserved set when I first saw it...but now I am  delighted that I finally have the perfectly preserved set and I am having such fun trying out all the ideas I have for that cute little jar...

The possibilities are absolutely endless...but there was one that was simply too good to resist. ...  and since the Ghoulish stamp set was still on my desk anyway,  it seemed pointless to even try ...

This little fella will be winding his way to a pal who caught a bug and  is a bit off colour at the moment - after all, they do say laughter is the best medicine.

Remember if you'd like to order anything from any of the current catalogues or fancy holding a workshop or coming to a class just drop me a line and I'll get right back to you.

Until next time, take care

                                      
Christa   xx  

From Ghoulish Ghouls to Cookie monsters

   Yesterday I talked about bundles and the Ghoulish stamp set and kit and today I would like to give a quick mention to the the delightful new cookie press stamps... 

This  brand new product line gives you stamps that you use to make embossed patterns on your home baked cookies and biscuits....and there are three designs in each set. They are so cute and have resulted in a flurry of baking among demonstrators. Cookie press stamps can provide fun for kids of all ages.

 I can't share pictures of cookies made by me because they simply don't exist  at the moment, but if you buy the cookie press stamps and send me pictures of the cookies you made using the cookie press stamps, I am happy to feature

                                                          

 pictures

 of your cookies 

 right here 

If you plan to bake your smart new cookies to give as gifts, there is even a kit available to help you produce great packaging...that's assuming you manage to save any cookies from being eaten by the cookie monsters in your home. 

Tomorrow my latest order will be delivered and I can't wait to get started on a couple of projects which I hope to be able to share with you soon.

Until then, take care

Christa   xx 

A few of my favourite things

Okay so the new seasonal catalogue is out and its fabulous... There really is something for everyone inside - even for the non-crafters.

The most obvious gorgeousness is the Christmas ornament on the front cover ( it is just amazing and has such potential...I can't wait for mine to arrive and as soon as it does I will be making a few sample projects)  but once you start to turn the pages, you will find that Stampin' Up! have great things in store for us....

First great new thing is bundles... these are specially chosen products  and when you buy them as a bundle you save 15% of the individual prices. There are a total of seven bundles in the seasonal catalogue including stamp sets with matching framelits dies, calender bundles ( these will make great little gifts)  a ghoulish bundle which includes a stamp set , treat bags and accessories (everything you need to make super fun treats) and a note cards bundle to make beautifully personalised Christmas cards  that family and friends will treasure...

I was at Leadership training in Reading yesterday and as part of all our Stampin' Up! meetings we swap sample cards and projects with other demonstrators. Among my swaps were some cards I made using the Ghoulish Googlies bundle.

 This is just one of the cards I made using the Googly Ghouls stamp set with a googly eye embellishment. Like so many other people, a bag of eyes was one of my very first purchases when I began my crafting adventures years ago now, but these are really super cute and the little black pupils roll around in the eyeball!

Now I am known for never making two exact versions of the same card, so of course I used all the stamps in the set in my swap making...and ended up with a full compliment of monsters, witches, bats and spiders...

This set is perfect for Halloween of course, but I can see it having lots of uses throughout the year.  for cards and other projects for monster fans.

While I wait for my order to arrive I am planning the projects I will make...I will share some more thoughts tomorrow as I complete my tour of the new seasonal catalogue .

Until then, take care




Christa   xx 

Introducing...

The new Seasonal Catalogue ...

Autumn Winter 2012 sees the release of first new seasonal catalogue from Stampin Up!

 No longer a mini catalogue, this is a full sized A4 catalogue with 40 pages of fabulous new goodies! And the gorgeousness starts right there on the cover with the fabulous ornament bundle and carries on right through the very last page with something for everyone.

 If you would like your own copy of the new seasonal catalogue  or would like to order any of the gorgeous goodies  all you need to do is contact me 


And as the new products arrive we say goodbye to some old favourites with the release of the retiring products lists. 

The list is split into two parts this year. Retiring Stamps are on one list - here you will find all the stamp sets that are retiring. When they are gone, they are gone, never to be seen again. If one of your favourites is on the list now is the time to act. Among those on the list are a few at reduced prices, so you could bag a bargain too.

The second part of the list is accessories...on this list you will find all the non stamp items like designer papers, card stock and ink pads some at 25% or even 40% off normal catalogue price. Just as with the stamp sets, these are only available while stocks last and once these are gone, they are gone.

If you have any questions about any of the items in the new seasonal catalogue or anything on the retiring list please just let me know and I will do my best to help.

Christa   xx 


PS I was at an all day  Stampin' Up! training seminar today...had a fabulous time too. Will share more very soon.

Almost time to wave Bye bye

to the summer mini catalogue... there are just two more days left for you to order any of the fab goodies in the summer mini.

and then its gone....


But as one door closes, another one opens...and it will soon be time to say HELLO to the brand new Autumn/Winter 2012  seasonal catalogue...which is just packed full of FABULOUS goodies and is released on 1st September.

And don't forget to check out the soon to be released list of retiring products too...check out what's on there because once its gone, its gone...never to be seen again. Who knows, you could bag yourself a bargain...

But I won't spoil the surprise...just a couple more days and all will be revealed.

If you want to order anything from the summer mini before its too late and its gone, or you'd like to get your hands on a copy of the fabulous new seasonal catalogue then please do  get in touch...you can contact me here

Until next time...

Christa   xx 

Better late than never

In April I finished this project which I had always planned to frame... and finally today it is hanging on the wall where it belongs.

It was developed from an idea by Monica Gale and is made using card and borders from a Simply Scrappin' kit and lots and lots of fabulous chipboard shapes, ink and stamps. I added a couple of little touches (metal tag & raffia) but everything else is of course from Stampin' Up!


I am really pleased with how it turned out and delighted it is finally on display while there is still some of 2012 left.

Perhaps this will motivate me to finish some of the other almost completed projects on my work table... only time will tell ;-)

Until next time,

Christa   xx 

Waste not...

I am one of those people who hates to throw away anything that can be used in crafting...and every time I take a delivery of Stampin' Up! goodies I know the box will contain the famous brown paper packing .


Stampin'Up! clearly take every aspect of the business seriously and even the packing materials are of good quality...and therefore too good to throw away. After every delivery I can be found smoothing and folding the packing paper and adding it to a growing collection... So I thought it was about time I did something with some of my packing paper mountain.

While the mini books I am making as keepsake gifts for family members were drying I punched out a pile of flowers using the blossom punch and the brown packing paper. Then with a brad and some ink I set about making flowers...

These are the first two...prototypes if you like.
I was quite pleased with how they turned out.

I have since punched lots more... some that I first stamped with the en francais background stamp and I have cut more using  the daisies BIGZ die and a few with a set of nestabilities dies.

I have some ideas of projects I want to try using these paper flowers and I will share them once they are completed...provided all goes to plan of course.


Until next time...Happy Stamping!


Christa   xx 

Tea for two

My lovely Mum celebrated her 75th birthday this month and  as her special treat I had booked for us to go for Afternoon Tea at The Ritz....

so what better to use when making her card than  the delightful Tea Shoppe stamp set and the gorgeous Attic Boutique designer papers.


The whole Ritz experience was fantastic and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for  a special celebration treat. We had a fabulous time from start to finish and I think we could both easily get used to being treated so well.

Are the cakes as delicious as rumour has it? What do you think... over to Mum...

Christa   xx 

The Open Sea

Today I was asked to make a card for an adult Grandson and since I LOVE The Open Sea stamp set in the current mini it was my immediate go to choice for this card . . . It is great for making backgrounds - I used all of the various elements on this one - and the ship image looks fabulous highlighted in a punched out porthole with mini brads as rivets

Of course this stamp set would be great for any male cards. . . including father's day which is coming up in June.

If you would like to get this stamp set or any other Stampin' Up! products please just contact me

Until next time, Happy Stampin'!

Christa   xx

Up,Up and Away

Up, Up and Away . . . I just LOVE this new  and very versatile set from the new summer mini catalogue. There are 14 stamps in this set . . . yes I did say fourteen stamps - six different balloon options, four sentiments and four additional elements.

This is just a very quick and easy card I made this evening but I just know already that this will be a stamp set I will go to time after time.

With Up, Up and Away the sky's the limit!

If you'd like to get this set or any other Stampin' Up! products simply contact me and this set could be floating its way to you in a matter of days.

Will be back soon with more form the new mini, but until next time, take care

Christa   xx

Loving the new mini

I have all my lovely goodies from the new mini now and have been like a kid in a candy store trying them all out - you should see what used to be my desk , although you'd have a hard job spotting it under the mountain of goodies spread all the way along it.

The horrible weather has meant more crafting time, but it also means the lighting here is horrible and so in the end I scanned this card ...which is not ideal as alters the colours and  it makes the pearls look like metal pins...but anyway this is a pretty little card I made to say Thank you to someone who did me a good turn recently. It is made using the gorgeous Bordering on Romance stamp set . I used Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party from the in-colour collection and the framelits die to cut the main panel.

 Actual crafting has taken priority this week but I plan to upload some new projects in the coming days

Happy Monday!

Christa   xx 

It's Summer

                                                                                                                                                                 

 It may not feel much like summer . . .
 but the new summer mini is here!!!

                     

As one door closes (on the fabulous Spring mini catalogue) another opens on the new and fabulous Summer Mini. 

Okay so with the awful weather at the moment it doesn't quite feel like summer, but what better excuse than to cheer the spirits with the fabulous new products in the new summer mini.

Would you like to know what's in the new summer mini?  As you would expect, it is packed with marvellous new products like...

Lots of lovely new stamps sets(and there really is something for everyone)  including florals, nautical themes and something sweet . . .

There are three new designer paper sets with some truly gorgeous patterned designs, there’s fabric too and ribbon and twine and buttons of course -  and there's even scented flavoured embossing powders!

And that’s not all...for the Big Shot fans (and let’s face it who is not a fan..I LOVE my Big Shot and don’t know how I ever managed without it) there are some fabulous new ultra thin Framelits dies and we also have Edgelits ...and matching embossing folders! I have had these for a few weeks now and the possibilities for them are endless. I love them!

Another NEW addition to the MINI is....

THE SIMPLY SCORED!!!

 This fabulous new scoreboard is just perfect and will enhance your crafting no end, especially if you are a fan of 3D projects. . . It is great quality (its SU after all), comes with a stylus and place markers and has a handy hidden storage compartment. 

If you prefer to work in metric there is an optional metric board overlay that can be purchased separately and simply slots in place ... and if that wasn’t enough, we also now have

 

The diagonal plate will put an end to all those non standard size envelope (and gift box) problems – you can make envelopes in any size to fit non standard cards and in any paper or cardstock you like to co-ordinate with your card or project.  If you are like me and save all those scraps of Designer Papers that you can't bear to get rid of,  then like me, you are going to be making envelopes to match just about everything!

Although Demonstrators were able to purchase the new release items a month in advance for pre-order,  (and many were showcased in the ILWS summer mini launch blog hop on May 1st) we weren't able to get the diagonal plate...until now – and we are all so excited to get our hands on this. Mine is ordered and on its way... I can't wait!

The new summer mini is the perfect antidote to the so called summer weather. . . so grab a copy and settle back and enjoy. If you don’t have a copy of the new summer mini yet and would like one please contact me with your details and I will get one in the post to you asap. If you just can’t wait for the postman there is a link to the mini in my sidebar.


Until next time

Christa   xx 

Joining is fun...

JOINING STAMPIN’ UP! IS EASY AND FUN!

Join Stampin’ Up!  and do things your way . . . with the new completely customisable Starter Kit 

Stampin' Up! have made some changes this month and one of them is the new starter kit...and the new (lower) price of £99.  Now you can build your own personal kit to suit your own personal style. This new flexible starter kit means that you get to choose £130 worth of any of the high-quality products currently available, and to help you get your business up and running you'll also get a business supplies pack valued at £45 ...so you will get a customisable kit worth up to £175  and all for for just £99!

And if that was enough, if you join during during the month of May 2012 Stampin' Up! are offering free convention registration...worth £149! 

To get started (or to learn more about joining my team) just contact me today... It’s that easy.

ILWS Summer Mini Launch Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to the next step along  ILWS blog hop to celebrate the release of the brand new Stampin' Up! summer catalogue.  If you started at the beginning you should have made your way here from Sally's blog

I am sure you have already realised just how excited we all are at the great new products available in the new summer mini.  As demonstrators we are lucky enough to be able to preorder products a month before the release date. This helps us to prepare some samples to share with you and it has been so hard to choose which ones to highlight today...because I love them all.

 This first card is made using  lots of the new goodies from the new summer mini . . . the gorgeous Apothecary Art stamp set which was coloured with watercolour crayons and die cut using the new framelits dies. I also used the very pretty designer paper from the new Twitterpated suite and I cut this using the new adorning accents Edgelits dies (a set of two fabulous edgelits that you will use time and time again) and then I used two of the matching adorning accents embossing folders (from a set of three) - one that matches the die I used and the other is the really sweet hearts used as an accent across the middle of the card. Finally - as if that wasn't enough great new products, I added some of the absolutely gorgeous satin pleated ribbon.


I was having so much fun with the gorgeous papers that I also used them to cover a notepad, which I topped with a band of ribbon and an accent stamped from the new                                                     Bold Blossoms stamp set . . . 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                       





and I also used them to make a cute little basket, which I filled with an assortment 
of  stamped flowers using the same Bold Blossoms stamp set and the matching Blossom Punch







But as I said at the start I LOVE all the new goodies and  as well as loving Bold Blossoms, I am particularly enjoying using the Bright Blossoms stamp set.  This set has so many possibilities and I made these  cards  as examples of just some of the ways you can use the stamps.

For the lilac card on the right I used the Blossom punch on plain white card and then stamped the tulip petals from the Bright Blossom set to make the flower, which was offset. The small sentiment is punched from the smallest Apothecary Art set

 Both of the black and red cards used framelits,
in each case with the smaller framelits combined
with the frames oval embossing folder.

The card on the left uses Twitterpated  designer paper and the stamp from Bright Blossoms was stamped onto  black card using white stazon ink.

For the card on the right I used  stamping markers and added rhinestones  and accent pieces to finish it off.




The flower on the yellow smile card  on the left was made in the same way as the one on the lilac card above but I have included this one purely because it shows the other edgelit die and embossing folder in the sets.




So as I am sure you can tell, I have had such fun playing with my new goodies already and  of course from today you can order these great products too. If you would like a copy of the brand new summer mini  or would like more information about Stampin'Up! please contact me today. . .  and if you just can't wait for the postman to deliver, then you can view the new catalogue online

Thank you for visiting today...your next stop along the hop will be Donna's blog where she has something gorgeous to share with you.




It seems like there have been a few scheduling problems and a couple of glitchy links and so below is the full list of the entire blog hop to help anyone who got lost along the way.


Group 1.


1. AlisonP ~ www.craftyalisoninlyon.blogspot.com 
2. Crafting Alison ~ www.craftingalison.blogspot.com
3. Sarnie - www.kraftybiker.blogspot.com
4. Pat - www.pinkycardsandcreations.blogspot.com
5. IOW Sarah- www.stampinsarahiow.blogspot.com
6. Frankiesue - www.frankiesue.blogspot.com
7. Anne-Marie - http://classycrafters.blogspot.co.uk/
8. Angela - www.sparklycards.blogspot.com
9. Elaine - www.thesassystampers.blogspot.com
10. Sara - www.craftingandstamping.com
11. FrenchieJo - www.frenchiejo.blogspot.com
12. Leanie - www.beautifulimpressions.co.uk
13. Michelle (ShellieStamps) - www.craftypaper.co.uk
14. Fiona - http://oakfieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
15. Tina F -http://littlewhitehousecrafts.blogspot.com
16. (9399) Amanda - http://thecraftspa.blogspot.com
17. Emma (daisydaye) - http://emma-daye.blogspot.com
18. Jan (JJ66) - http://jan-crippin.blogspot.co.uk/
19. Bluedaisy (Tracy) - http://bluedaisydaydreams.blogspot.co.uk/


Group two


20. Nuttysgirl (Emily) - http://www.stampinmermaid.blogspot.co.uk/
21 CarolynUK - http://stampaholix.blogspot.co.uk/
22 Allyf - www.serendipitypapercuts.blogspot.com
23 Vronie www.vronstampin.blogspot.com
24 Kim www.kimfeecrafter.blogspot.com
25 Beckie (Littlebeckie) www.bextiesandstickytape.blogspot.com
26 Sally http://girliepink.blogspotcom
27 Christa http://serendipity-stamping.blogspot.co.uk/    * You are here
28. DonnaM www.head-over-heels-by-dlm.blogspot.com
29 Laura http://airingcupboardstamping.blogspot.co.uk/
30. Emma H http://emma-letsstamp.blogspot.com/
31. Margaret K www.makingpapercrafts.blogspot.com
32. Kate http://stampinupwithkate.blogspot.co.uk/ 
33. Sarah http://esellek.blogspot.co.uk/
34. Jayne http://jaynescraftycorner.blogspot.co.uk/
35. Clare http://sparklecrafts.blogspot.com
36. Sharon http://stamps-n-inks.blogspot.co.uk/
37. Julie http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com
38. Anthea http://stampin-divas.blogspot.co.uk/
39. Vicky http://vickylouscorner.blogspot.com

Enjoy

Cxx