Inkurable Krafter

Holidays!!

2011-11-28T16:30:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

Warning: this is all about what I've been up to and not card related, aimed at my blog buddies :-)

You wouldn't know it from my blog, but I have been on 4 weeks of glorious holidays. It started with spending lots of time with my brother and his fabulous family who were having a visit home from Russia. Pete & Trac have three wonderful kids (despite being teenagers!), Luke, Jake & Becky, and Luke's girlfriend, Alina, also came over. It was great getting to be 'Aunty Fi' and spend time playing games, going to the movies, eating pizza and getting a gazillion hugs (oh I miss those hugs). We did go to Sydney one day & I got to spend some time with the kids while Pete & Trace went to a meeting. I don't think I'm biased when I say how good looking they are :-)

The kids:

And the family on steps at Manly:

I sure miss them now they are back in Russia but they are doing such great work with their drop-in centre, with big plans for the future.

The other thing I did was spend a week in Hawaii. I decided I needed a good break away after such a busy time at work. I stayed right on Waikiki (in the hotel's cheapest room I think) and had fun exploring Oahu. I did several tours, a catamaran ride, a trip to Pearl Harbor (amazing, so touching), and a day trip to the Big Island. It was lovely and relaxing.

Here's a few pics:

Sea turtles on the North Shore

Me on a catamaran on Waikiki Beach

Waikiki at Sunset

Thanks for having a peak. I've been making earrings and candles for my yearly 'Christmas Shop' at work, plus a few Christmas Cards. Best keep moving.

Catch you soon,
Fi xox

A b'day card & Inkspirations Challenge...

2011-11-28T16:09:00.001+11:00

Hi Guys,

Can't believe it's been over a month since I last blogged. Has been a very busy month but more on that in a later blog.

I finally got to play along with an Inkspirations Challenge. It is my good friend Bec's b'day and I thought this sketch would lend itself to a cute card.

Here's the sketch:

And my card:

I starter by flipping the sketch to suit my image. Keesh has got me into MFT stamps, although my colouring still leaves a lot to be desired. I used the 'Domestic Goddess' DSP as a starting point for my colours, adding 'Pool Party' and 'Calypso Coral', with a touch of brown for hair, and of, course, chocolate cake!!! Bec is studying to be a maths teacher so I embossed the background with numbers (non-SU). I even did some paper piecing, which is an act of love, as I don't like cutting (why else would I own so many punches & dies LOL). I added some 'Pool Party' ribbon (love the little ruffles), some sparkly glitter, and a sentiment from 'Teeny Tiny Sentiments' punched out with the word window punch. That's it, easy. I did intend for there to be more of the aqua than the coral but I ran out. Have to get some more as it is such a pretty colour.

Off to type another post explaining what I've been up to,

Cheers,
Fi xox

Father's day (I am behind...)

2011-10-24T20:38:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

Just popping in with a quick post. Today is my only full day off (finished Sunday a.m, back Tues p.m) but I can't complain as I only four more shifts til hols!!!! I need them too, still trying to shake this chesty bug, think everyone at work got run-down with it being so hectic, some time out will be fab.

Anyway, I thought I'd share two cards that I made for Dad for Father's day this year. I made one from Mum & one from me.

I was searching Splitcoast looking for some inspiration when I came across this cute card. My Dad is tall, thin, has grey hair and spends 99.5% of his waking hours in the garage. I couldn't believe it when I saw 'Gus' (my Dad even has Gus' nose, but, ssshhh, don't tell him I said so) and I really wanted the Gus stamp. Imagine my excitement when I found out that he also came as a 'digi' and I could buy him straight away, oh joy!!!. I even had the same DP as used on the original card, I just chose different papers from the set. I went with the nuts and bolts as Dad always has piles of them on the floor (I even bought him a 'magnetic broom' for his b'day so he could pick them up) and he is always looking for batteries too, so I went with that sentiment.

The piece de resistance though, was finding this next 'Gus'. Mum is constantly washing chocolate off their sheets as Dad is a chocoholic who loves nothing better than a midnight snack. The only problem is that he sometimes falls asleep mid feast. I couldn't believe my eyes when I found this digi, so perfect!!!

I matched it with SU paper and SU chocolate stamps (retired, for reasons beyond my understanding...) I think Mum nearly liked this card more than Dad did, and Dad was pretty impressed.

I'm off to make a cuppa and relax for my last free evening before Saturday. Have a good week,
Cheers,
Fi x

4 year olds

2011-10-22T09:45:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

I have had a few days off work and am starting to feel much better, although it still sounds a bit like a bear is living in my chest. I am going to work tonight, then have 2 days off, work 4 shifts & then I have a month off. I can't wait. I am looking forward to doing some crafting with my niece and my nephew's girlfriend while they are visiting from Russia.

Recently I had two cards to make for 4 year old boys. I usually go young and cutesy but didn't this time.

I wasn't sure of what to make for my cousin's son Byron, and as the card had to be posted to Cairns I was running short on time. Mum said that he likes guitars so I went with that:

I have CASEd this card from here and used my usual colour combo & Celebrations DSP (retired). Best money's worth I've had out of any DSP!

My friends' son Sam loves computer games and is the youngest of 3 boys, so likes to be treated as a 'big boy'. I CASEd this card from Nichole Heady (you ned to scroll quite a way to find the original). I brightened the colours and white embossed the game remote as Sam's is white. He was really thrilled with it.

As you would know, I am a huge fan of number dies. I have an SU set & a PTI set, and you can't beat it for kids cards. In two seconds you can make a card that much more personal, and kids seem to love age cards. Funny how that doesn't seem to apply to adults....

I have just made some cards for my nephew's upcoming 16th, will blog after the event, not that he's likely to be scrolling through my blog anytime soon LOL.

Better go have, a rather late, brekky. Have a great weekend,
Cheers,
Fi xox

Wow, it's been a while...

2011-10-19T17:40:00.000+11:00

Hi There,

As usual it's been a long time between posts, much to my Mum's disgust LOL. This is just a quick one as I'm off sick with something chesty. The GP didn't exactly say what it is but by the scripts I've been given I'm guessing asthma exacerbated by underlying chest infection. She put me on prednisone (a steroid tablet), puffers & antibiotics and told me if I had trouble breathing to get to Emergency. I came out feeling worse than when I went in LOL. Anyway, I'm still breathing so thought I might pop up a few pics.

I've recently become a fan of MFT stamps courtesy of the gorgeous, talented & uber-lovely Makeesha Byl. Keesh has also inspired me to try my hand at colouring with Copics, only now I need a holiday in Cairns so she can show me how to use them!!!! Anyway I made the following card after I made my first MFT purchase and planned to enter it in an earlier Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge but 'the best laid plans'...

Firstly, the sketch:

Here is the first card I made, intending to submit for the challenge. I turned the card around, as had a few of the other entrants.

I used the new 'Domestic Goddess' DSP which features the new in-colours 'Pool Party' and 'Calypso Coral'. Now I didn't think I'd ever use 'Calypso Coral' but I don't mind it in this colour combo. My colouring is a bit woeful, lots to learn yet. I think I used a mix of SU & Copic colours. The polka-dot brad is from the new catty, isn't it cute?

My friend (& work buddy) Trace had requested a card for her niece who is 22, so I thought I'd make a similar card but in different colours to make it a bit 'grown-up'. Trace loved it.

Trace also commissioned a card for her son's 18th. When I asked for a theme or idea she first went with soccer. After searching around I found this card on Splitcoast and CASEd it.

(Apologies for the poor pic quality, I must have taken recent pics with my eyes shut as they're all pretty dreadful. Comes from being in a rush I expect.) I had a soccer stamp from PTI That I stamped down a strip of WW CS. I attached it to Basic Black CS that I had white embossed with stamps from PTI. The '18' was cut out with PTI dies, stamped with the soccer balls and then covered with Crystal Effects to really make it stand out. Trace was also pleased with this one, not sure what Nick thought. He's 18, he prob didn't even look it it, sigh... Anyway a few of the work 'girls' saw these cards & I got a few more commissions. Pretty cool.

Anyway time to have a bit of a rest.

Hope you're having a great day,
Cheers,
Fi xox

Ooh baby, baby..

2011-08-16T09:00:00.004+10:00

Hi Guys,

I was scrolling back through some of my card pics and realised that I didn't share the card and gift that I made for my friend Elise when she gave birth to her beautiful Ruby Jane.

I wanted to make a fairly special card and had seen a bunch of cards around that looked like little chest of drawers. I found this one by Sue Bayliss, but due to my poor interset in fussy cutting, I made a simpler version. I'm sure I saw a tutorial somewhere but can't think where.

Green might seem a strange choice for a girly card but Elise decorated her nursery in greens and neutrals and isn't a real pink person (you might remember the baby shower card that I made for her in green and cream). I did concede to cutting out the baby suit and bear, as baby Ruby is pretty special!

Whilst perusing pinterest.com I had seen a pretty cool baby name frame and decided Elise might like it for Ruby's nursery. I stuck to pink, brown and green and used my computer and my PTI number dies to put it together.

Forgive the poor photography. I blurred out some of the details. Elise and Glen were pretty chuffed with it, which made me happy. I must catch up with them my cold is over so I can give Ruby some cuddles!

Better go & do something I suppose. Have a great day,

Fi x

Jealousy...

2011-08-15T09:00:00.007+10:00

Hi Guys,

Can you believe I'm doing another post? I'm like the Australian weather, either drought or flood and nothing in between LOL.

My neighbour is joining what seems to be a throng of people travelling overseas at the moment. She has had a bit of a hard time lately, she had to have her beloved labrador Shelly put down last week. Shelley was like another child to Maree, and was a really sweet dog. I used to laugh at the dog cause she wouldn't bark at me if I was in her yard but she's always bark if I was talking to Maree over the fence. I'll miss seeing her around. Anyway, I've made Maree a Bon Voyage card and a travel candle as a little token. I really hope she can relax and enjoy her time away.

I scrolled through Splitcoast and found this card to CASE. It is a rather unusual baby card that seemed to look more like a travel card to me.

I used the same DSP, just different patterns, as Maree is more of a 'blue' type of gal. I used 'Night of Navy', 'Soft Suede', 'Whisper White' & 'Crumb Cake' CS, and matching inks, also adding a touch of 'Bashful Blue' & 'Craft White'. The stamp set is 'Sentimental Journey' which was in a now finished mini cat. I bought it for Bon Voyage cards and to, maybe one day, use in my scrapbook of my travels (that I went on 6 years ago, but why rush???). I would like to see another travel type set, or at least a 'Bon Voyage' stamp. I finished it off with some NoN ribbon. I was happy with it as Maree is not a real girly-girl and I think she'll like this. better go and see if the candle has set, nothing like leaving things to the last minute!

Have a great week,
Fi x

A quick post

2011-08-14T09:00:00.001+10:00

Hi Guys,

It was my friend Ang's birthday yesterday (the only one of her family not to have a birthday in May!). Ang was on a cupcake thing a few years ago and I still equate her and cupcakes together, and can't seem to get away from it. Thus I went searching through Splitcoast looking for a nice cupcake card (and let me tell you, there are sooo many cupcake cards on splitcoast). I finally found one that I really liked here and figured I could make it look a little more 'grown-up'.

Here is my attempt:

I didn't have the 'On Board' shape that Joanna used in her original so decided to use a Nestie shape instead. I replaced 'First Edition' DSP with a piece from "Newsprint' and used a different SU sentiment stamp (from 'Bring on the Cake'). I used very vanilla for the circle and ribbon as it went better with the 'Newsprint' DSP. Mush as I love the antique brads I thought it would sit to high on my bulky knot, so left it off. I added some pearls to my cupcake. I am really happy with how it turned out, even if i do say so myself LOL. I hope Ang likes it, as she is a card maker too.

Cheers,
Fi x

Back again!

2011-08-13T11:01:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

I am making hay while the sun shines (or blogging whilst sniffing). Thought I'd make use of my time off sick from work and do another blog.

One of the patients at work recently gave birth to twins. She was initially admitted many weeks ago as she was at great risk of going into extreme premature labour. We became quite friendly as i was working on the antenatal ward for a month and we would chat every day. I really enjoyed that time as their were so many lovely women on the ward, several that I became quite close to. It is so thrilling to see them come through the obstacles and go onto take home healthy babies.

Anyway, when the lady with the twins reached the milestone of 24 weeks (still very prem, but the gestation at which resuscitation and care will be offered) I made her a celebratory card.

I have made a twin card using 2 peas before but I figured these babes were still '2 peas in 1 pod' so made the card that way. I found the initial idea and tutorial for the peas here on Andrea Walford's blog.

Well the twins made it and were born at a healthy gestation 2 weeks ago, beautiful babies and thrilled parents. I was privileged to get to meet them after they were born. I've bought a little gift and had to make a card, of course!

I was searching for twin ideas and wanted to keep it fairly simple. I saw this card on Ilina Crouse's blog (she makes great things) and thought I could adapt it to a twin card. I used a cut up embossing folder for the strip of dots and the baby suits are from SU's 'Baby Bundle' stamp set. the sentiment is from PTI and I added the 's' to the end with a marker. I haven't sent it yet, better do so next week. I was pretty happy with the simplicity and 'lightness' of this card.

Better go and do something, or nothing, as the case may be.

Cheers,
Fi x

Don't faint!

2011-08-12T14:42:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

I bet you can't believe your eyes, yes I am actually doing a post. I have been off work with a bad cold/cough so thought I might move from the lounge to my study and show some of my recent cards (or not so recent, as the case may be, LOL).

I made Mum two Mother's Day cards but did the unforgivable blogger sin, and gave them to her (one from me, one from Dad) before I took any pics. Mum (hi Mum!) very generously let me borrow them back so I could take a pic. Problem is, I can't remember where I saw the originals (just halted proceedings and was able to track down the originals, phew).

I have decided that I am a CASEr through and through. I was feeling really bad recently because I only copy cards rather than come up with my own ideas, feeling like a bit of a creative cheat, then I realised, I enjoy it. I like finding a really nice card & remaking it. It gives me pleasure because I know I will like the outcome. I tell my friends that I copied it, I don't claim the ideas. I like doing challenges, and am pleased if the final result turns out, but I have limited time to stamp, and would rather make a card I know I'll like rather than waste a few hours making something that lands in the bin. If I have time I'll muck around with some ideas, but my head is usually empty of ideas and inspiration, so I use up the ideas of the truly creative. It is amazing how much pleasure I can get from looking at other people's lovely designs (thus why I can while away hours blog surfing and scrolling through pinterest.com) and I then enjoy remaking someone else's design. It is the simple pleasures...

Anyway, enough of my rambling. Here are the cards I've CASEd:

Firstly, my card from Dad. I saw the original here, on Lisa Young's blog, and thought it was pretty, and I loved the vase effect, made from a Window Sheet. Here's my version (please ignore my crooked vase LOL).

I used the Baby Blossoms stamp set (that I own thanks to the lovely Lavonne who is currently visiting here in Oz, yay!!!) and the now retiring 'Wonderful Favourites' set. I tried to use colours that I associate with Mum.

I initially came upon this card on Splitcoast and knew I had to make it for Mum. Both Mum & her sister like hydrangeas (in fact, I'd love to see some in Mum's front garden, hint) and I thought of them when I chose the 'Because I Care' stamp set as a 'hostess gift'. I went for more reds and blues as I like those colours more for Mum than browns and greens.

I stamped the hydrangea in black stazon & the coloured with sponge daubers using my inkpads. The background is 'French Script' which I inked using a sponge so that it gave a 'patchy' effect. I sponged and distressed the edges. I love the lace ribbon and antique brads. I really want to get some more Mother's & Father's day stamps as I don't have a great selection. Most refer to 'Mother' and I never call Mum 'Mother', it is always 'Mum' or 'Ma'.

I love that Mum appreciates my handmade cards, she expressed that she knew that no-one else would have the exact same cards as her. I am blessed having such a loving and encouraging Mum.

I hope you have a fab weekend and have some fun and relaxing times.

Cheers,
Fi x

Another hobby!!!

2011-07-18T09:00:00.001+10:00

Hi Guys,

This is a non-stamping post. Just thought I'd show you a few pics of my latest hobby (which I need like a hole in the head, I know LOL). In my recent hols I went down to Sydney for the weekend and attended a Resin Jewellery workshop. It was great fun and now my wallet is a few hundred $$$ lighter. I have been pouring resin like crazy practising mixing colours and using the moulds. I've even sold one bangle to a doctor at work (if she ever pays me, that is).

I made these teal bangles for a friend's birthday:

My Aunt wants an orange bath mat for her birthday, we've ended up buying matching towels and so I've made a matching bowl to sit on her vanity:

I then played with blues:

And finally a pinky/mauvey swirly bowl:

These are only small bowls, about 8cm in diameter and are not food safe, but they are rather sweet and fun to make.

Thanks for looking at something not related to stamping :-)
Cheers,
Fi x

Birthday cards for Aunts

2011-07-16T09:00:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

As I mentioned previously, July holds lots of birthdays. I made this card for my Aunty Shirley's 80th but then we decided to buy her a tea based gift (lovely goodies from Whittards of Chelsea) so I made another card, with a tea theme. I used the same basic idea but added teacups instead of the rose. The original idea came from this card and the idea for the teacups came from here, and from this card by Keesh.

I must admit that I was pretty chuffed with how it came out. I used Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink & Rose Red (stamped off once). The white CS is shimmer CS cut with a PTI die, as are the numbers, which are Pink Pirouette dabbed with shimmer paint . The stamps are also PTI (and have a matching die, cool). The DSP is retired SU. I just wish I could stamp sentiments in a straight line LOL.

I also made a second card from my Aunty Helen and gave Mum the other one to give her. She likes Hydrangeas and I really wanted to use the Because I Care stamp set. I found this card on Splitcoast and had to CASE it. I changed it to Concord Crush and used a different sentiment.

Actually, this sentiment looks a bit crooked too, I really hope we get the guideline stickers for the acrylic blocks that have just come out in the US catty (and if not I might have to send an SOS to the lovely Lavonne, wink). I hope my Aunt likes it. Her birthday is on the 28th, the day after mine, busy time, lots of cake :-)

Better run, thanks for popping by.
Cheers,
Fi x

Even more birthday cards....

2011-07-14T13:44:00.000+10:00

Hi,

I thought I'd show you a few more of the cards I've been making. It was my wonderful Mum's birthday yesterday and we had a very yummy seafood platter for tea. We all love seafood. I made her two cards, one from me and one from Dad, but Dad had made one for her already (might have to buy him some stamps LOL) so I have one left over. Mum is wonderful to me and the glue in our family, and I love her dearly, so I always like to take extra special time and effort with her cards.

This is the supposed one from Dad, that Mum actually hasn't seen (until she reads this blog LOL):

I must say, the picture makes the image look more 'blurry' than IRL. I CASEd this from this card on Splitcoast. I'd been wanting to try the 'Mother of Pearl' (MOP) technique for a while and really liked it combined with 'Elements of Style'. It is done by dipping scrunched up Gladwrap into Frost white shimmer paint and then dabbing it onto white CS. After drying, you then sponge or brayer colour over the top. I sponged a mix of Pretty in Pink and Baja Breeze to echo natural MOP colours. I then stamped the Elements of Style in Stazon Black ink and coloured with markers and a blender pen.

Here is a close up showing the shimmer:

Then I made a card from me. Mum is a fabulous 'sewer' and she made many of our clothes when I was growing up. She even owned one of the dressmaker's dummies (or 'dress form' as they seem to be known now). I saw this yummy card by Helen and had to CASE it for Mum.

I made a few small changes. The dress form is a die by PTI. I originally paper pieced the dress form stamp from SU's Sew Suite but decided I liked the bigger die-cut image. I added buttons to the button card (the longest part of the whole process (partly due to the ages I spent searching for my embroidery floss which I no longer seem to own?!?). I stamped the tape measure image onto Very Vanilla satin ribbon. The background is the In Stitches wheel and the 'ric-rac' is from the Tasteful Trim die. Mum seemed to like it. I think she would have liked the other one too, oh well.

Ta for popping by.
Cheers,
Fi x

More July birthdays...

2011-07-11T10:46:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

Here's a couple more birthday cards.

Another of my Aunts has a July birthday and this year she is turning 80 (although you would never pick it). Mum's request was for a pretty card so it left me a lot of scope. In my blog travels I spied this card and thought I could remake it using '5th Avenue Floral'.

I used the floating re-inker technique (if that's the right name) on shimmer CS using Pink Pirouette & Pale Plum, I added Pear Pizazz leaves made using the medium Oval Punch. The background DSP is from the Subtles pack. The white layer is Shimmer CS cut using a PTI die. The numbers are also PTI dies and I used the co-ordinating stamp set. I cut the numbers from Pink Pirouette CS, sponged the edges in Pale Plum and then sponged over with Champagne Shimmer paint. It is a shame that the pic doesn't do the shimmer justice.

Now, for something completely different...

My eldest nephew turns 17 on the 25th, where have those years gone??? He plays in a band with his brother and some mates so I always make him guitar related 'grungey' cards.

This is another CASE from here. I changed the background to Kiwi Kiss CS, adding Basic Black and metallic Silver highlights. I used SU's Grunge Rock and a PTI set. The star is cut using SU's large Star Punch. I hope he likes it, I better get it sent this week as it needs to get to Russia.

Better go and hang out my washing and then maybe I can find some more stamping time.
Have a great day,
Fi xox

Crazy for poppies

2011-07-11T10:21:00.001+10:00

Hi Guys,

I stamped up a storm last week (a storm for me, anyway, probably only a light shower for most of you LOL). I stamped six cards in two days, and have one more to do today. It is all due to the run of July birthdays. I went to lunch with a group of friends yesterday and five of us had July birthdays!

Anyway, I have been having a load of fun playing with one of my new acquisitions, a PTI floral stamp set. It is not available for purchase (unless you source a popular online auction site, wink).

Firstly, one for my favourite Aunt whose birthday is the day after mine. She likes purples and greens.

I CASEd it from here. I love the original pink but went for my Aunt's colours instead. Might have to make a pink one too ;-). I used Perfect Plum and Pear Pizazz, took the pic at night so the colours don't show up quite right.

This is for my friend Jen who has always liked bright blues, greens and purples. I just played around with Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry and Pear Pizazz. I really like the fonts in the sentiments that come with this stamp set.

I want to play some more with this set as it is great for quick simple cards.

Have a fab day,
Cheers,
Fi xox

Inkspiration Colour #76

2011-07-06T19:21:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

This is super quick as of to work. I have 7 b'days in July and it is a perfect time to use some challenge ideas. The Inkspirations team have a fun and cheery colour combo this week of "Poppy Parade", "Peach Parfait", Baja Breeze" & "Whisper White":

I combined it, after a fashion, with a past Clean and Simple layout:

And here is the result:

I was really pleased with how it turned out. I did some "rock and roll" technique with the flowers using the "Peach Parfait" & "Poppy Parfait". I wasn't sure how the Baja would go as stems but it isn't too bad being a slightly greenish blue. The buttons are made using a sizzlet die & I covered them with "Crystal Effects".

Must run, email me if you have any questions.

Cheers,
fi x

More birthdays.

2011-06-12T11:30:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

So much for my good intentions of blogging (or in fact of doing anything) whilst on holidays. I have one week left, it is flying by way too fast, sob.

Anyway, it is a rainy, coldish Sunday morning so is a good time to be inside on the computer. My good friends, the Wilson family, have 4 b'days in 3 days. The gorgeous Netty is over in Greece so I was slack and just sent her a Facebook greeting. I did, however, make cards for her wonderful twin, Wes, and his two lovely kids. (I took the pics in a hurry so they are not fab.)

First off, Wes' card. I had seen this fab set of cards made by Shelley and knew I would have to CASE them, LOL. I have really come to love the French Foliage stamp set, especially as the French Script and 'Splodges' are so versatile.

As it was Autumn, and just to change it up a bit from Shelley's cards, I used oranges and browns. These are not usually my fav colours but I do like them for these leaves. The sentiment was from 'Afterthoughts' inked with markers. Wes was quite impressed with it I think (he is a keen gardener).

Next was picking a card for 4 y.o Ethan. I used this, then current, Inkspirations sketch. It was only once I'd finished my card that I realised the brads were one too many & going the wrong way. Oh well, I didn't get it posted in time for the challenge anyway.

I had thought about using a robot stamp but then realised i'd done that for him last year (the advantage of blogging kid's cards, also helps you go back and see how old they were last year, and thus knowing how old they are this year LOL). I then remembered this rocket from 'Pun Fun', which he was quite happy with. (Sorry, just realised that this pic is rather crooked).

Good old faithful Celebrations DSP (don't what I'll do for boy cards after August when this will retire), Star wheel, Timeless Type die, Star Punch and Crystal Effects. I used a clear rhinestone brad for the porthole.

Finally, I turned to a non-SU die and embossing folder to make this card. I had seen the lovely Karen Thomas use this die and had to get one. The CS, DSP, 'Happy Birthday' stamp, button & glitter are all SU however. The DSP is now retired but had great colours so I stocked up on it. Don't know what Livvy thought, but her Mum liked it LOL. Pity the ink didn't come out evenly on the HB stamp, but I had some trouble getting the banner right & couldn't bring myself to do it yet again (slacker!!!)

I will try and get some more posts done to appear in the next few days but a cuppa is calling me first.

Cheers,
Fi xox

Back again..

2011-06-03T09:36:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

Well I am 5/7 into my first week of holidays (it is flying past, sob) and have done a fraction of what I intended. Work had been so busy and having Convention in the mix as well I think I just got really tired and needed some 'do-nothing' days. Will have to spark up for the next two weeks. I am going to Sydney tomorrow as I am doing a resin bangle & ring making workshop. Should be fun.

My lovely friend & fellow midwife Elise (you might remember her wedding pic, here) is a few weeks away from having her first bub and we had a baby shower for her on Sunday. I had to make a card, of course. She loves neutrals, and has a cream and green nursery. I was low on ideas when I spied the Bugs & Kisses card on p64 of the IB&C. I don't turn to our catty often enough for ideas but it is chock-full of them.

I used Crumb Cake as the base and Very Vanilla & Pear Pizazz as the accent colours. I still love the retired set 'Wild About You' and had to use the cute giraffe image. The 'Baby' sentiment is non-SU and I printed the 'Shower' sentiment using my computer. The brad is a 'Vintage Trinkets' button. I used twine & Pear Pizazz ribbon (US contraband). Elise loved it, thankfully.

It was also her b'day. I had seen this card ages ago on Sherri Barron's blog & just loved the technique of adhering DSP to CS and running it through the Bigshot with the Lattice Embossing folder. I have now CASEd it twice. I really love the colours that Sherri used but my friends both like browns.

The DSP is from the 'Botanical Gazette' papers and the CS colours are Early Espresso, Very Vanilla & Cherry Cobbler. I used stamps from the Nature Walk and French Foliage sets. The ribbon is US contraband (which I dearly hope will be in our next IB&C). I finished it of with tags stamped with the Tiny Tags set and finished with the co-ordinating punch.

Here is the version that I made for Joy:

It is similar but I didn't use the French Foliage stamps. I used Bravo Burgundy instead of Cherry Cobbler as it seems to go better with this DSP piece. I aded an Antique Brad and a Mini Vintage tag. I was really with how these cards came out. Thank you Sherri for the inspiration!

Must go & hang out my sheets (exciting life I lead!!!),

Cheers,
Fi x

It's been a while...

2011-05-25T15:03:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

Sorry for the break in transmission but life has been rather busy (& I know that I am so not alone in that). I have been working and getting for Convention, and then going to Convention (and what a fab week that was, I am in love with Melbourne, just not Melbourne weather). I now have just 4 more shifts before a few weeks Annual Leave and I can't wait. Hope fully I can get around to blogging all the cards I've been making.

Anyway, over at the Inkspirations Challenge Blog this week they have the most divine colour combo & I just had to squeeze in some time today to have a play. It is cold, windy & wet so what better time to get out the stamps?

Here are the colours:

Needing to do this in a hurry, and having no mojo to speak of, I went searching for a sketch. I liked this weeks Mojo Monday sketch, #192:

After all that, here is my card. I apologise for the pic quality, it is grey & I took it inside in a hurry.

I used DSP from the Soft Subtles pad in Perfect Plum and added it to Perfect Plum CS, scalloping both with the Scallop Edge Punch. I punched out a piece of Very Vanilla CS with the Small Scallop Circle Punch and another with the 13/8" Circle Punch. For the circle, I stamped an image from the Just Believe stamp set in Sahara Sand and added a sentiment in Perfect Plum. The Main panel uses stamps from the Nature Walk and French Foliage stamp sets. I didn't really like the French Foliage set at first (one of the leaf stamps reminds me of a chickens foot and somehow gives me the horrors LOL). Chicken feet aside, however, the other stamps are lovely, I used the leaf set on a male friend's card recently (hopefully will blog it soon) and I really like the small french text stamp and the droplets. The amazing Teneale Williams has recently been using the droplet stamp a lot. I mainly used my markers to colour these stamps. Finally I added some tags using the Tiny Tags stamps and matching punch & attached them with a Vintage Trinkets safety pin. The ribbon is VV taffeta. I placed it all on a VV CS background, job done!

I must get to the post office to post some left over Convention swaps and a b'day present. Then work tonight.

Have a fab 'rest-of-the week'.

Cheers,
Fi x

A CASE for a friend.

2011-05-05T17:21:00.001+10:00

Hi Guys,

One of my dearest friends had a birthday in April. We both love Vintage, shabby-chic, Laura Ashley type style. I first saw this card on Splitcoast and fell in love with it. I own a clock that looks a little like this and, despite that, it had never occurred to me that 'Sense of Time' could be so feminine. I immediately thought of Jenn when I saw the card.

I actually own the 'Baby Blossoms' set thanks to my lovely friend Lavonne. It is quite an involved process to use it, as it is all 2-step stamping with these teeny little stamps, but so worth it. That's why I own the essential 'Stamp-a-ma-jig!!!

The colours are not quite right in this pic. The green is actually 'Pear Pizazz' and not so vivid as in the pic. I have sponged 'Champagne Mist' shimmer paint randomly over the clock face too, which hasn't shown up. I can't remember where I saw someone use the tiny tags on the safety pin. Could you let me know if it was you? It is a fab idea, and not from my brain LOL.

I was really happy with it, just not sure about the 'Rose Red' flower. I love them but thought it might be a bit heavy sitting where I put it. I hope we get these & the Seam Binding ribbon in our next catty (must whisper in Shelli's ear at Convention NEXT WEEK!!!!!!).

Must keep moving.

Cheers,
Fi xox

Super quick post

2011-04-21T12:57:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

I have about 5 mins before work so here goes.

It is my cousin's son's 9th b'day on Saturday. He is a real water boy and fisherman. A few weeks ago the gorgeous Keesh posted this card (the top one) and I loved it. I asked if she would mind stamping me some images and she was a real sweetheart and did so. I wish my card was as good as hers. It's nearly enough to get me into Copics, if only they were cheaper!!!

Here's my card:

I coloured the Fisha Fella with my markers and blender pen. I Used, of course, the Celebrations DSP and the matching CS of Real Red, Pear Pizazz & Pacific Point. The fish are from a retired set.The '9' is again cut out using my Timeless Type dies & my Big Shot, and it is covered in Crystal Effects. I cut the circles out with punches, and popped it all up on dimensionals.

Whew, I can take a breath. That's it, in about 5 mins total.

A big cheerio to Andrea as she waits for that Grandbaby to come. Hang in there Andrea!

Cheers,
Fi x

A little something for Keesh.

2011-04-19T13:00:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

Most of you probably know the gorgeous, and very talented, Makeesha Byl, known as Keesh. She is one of the first bloggers that I ever started following and she has been a huge inspiration to me. She does a ton of work with her Inkspirations Challenges site too that is a heap of fun. All that plus she is an absolute sweetheart. Anyway she had a stamp I really liked and she very willingly stamped me off some images and sent them to me. Now, Keesh is expecting a bundle of joy shortly, so I sent her a little gift of a labour pack to use on the big day (I hope she's received it). Of course I needed to send a card. Quite freaky to think of making a card for someone so extremely talented. I also didn't have much time. Anyway, I used the, oh so cute, Baby Bundle stamp set and some SU DSP that my friend Lavonne *waving* sent me last year.

Here is the result:

I didn't want go a definite pink or blue and was thrilled to find this paper in my (ever growing) stash. I used watercolour paper and Stazon ink and coloured in with an Aquapainter and my ink pads. I added some brads and a ribbon also sent by the gorgeous Lavonne. The heart was punched and it, and a bootie, were popped up on glue dots. The little tags were punched out after being stamped with images from the Tiny Tags set. The CS colours are 'Pretty in Pink' & 'Baja Breeze'.

I hope Keesh likes it even though it is very simple. Keesh, wishing you all the best for the best labour and birth that a woman can have, and a gorgeous healthy baby.

Cheers,
Fi xox

Autumn/Winter Mini

2011-04-19T10:20:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

In my lack of posting I completely forgot to mention the start of the new Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue. It is full of gorgeous products that I hope to be showing you soon (especially as I have another round of birthdays coming up!). Remember the little cupcake on the card in this post? That is the new 'Create a Cupcake' punch from this mini, soooo very cute and so easy to use.

If you click on the link to the right you can view the mini cat on-line, or send me an email and I'll pop one in the post for you.

Cheers,
Fi x

It's been a while..

2011-04-18T18:07:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

Where has the time gone? I recently made quite a few cards but they were all straight CASEs due to time, and creativity, constraints so I didn't bother to blog them. It has been a fairly busy time of late. I have been doing evenings and days for the last 2 weeks and have another 2 weeks to go. Those of us who work 'permanent' nights are required to come off night duty for a month each year, but this is the first time in about 3 years that they've enforced it. I am doing a 'rotation' to our antenatal ward at the same time so it has been quite a change. It is interesting seeing how the ward functions and getting to know the patients, some of whom are away for family and friends for months so that they can be near tertiary NICU facilities if they birth. It does mean that I only have 2 days off rather than my usual 3 (although, thankfully I have my ADO these days off so get 3 woohoo). Also Dad has been in and out of hospital with some 'plumbing' disorders, he is a worry. Mum has been absolutely fantastic, she deserves a sainthood!!!

Anyway, onto stamping (it's about time I hear you say). It is my cousin's 40th on Anzac day and my Aunt commissioned a card. I love it when people request a card, it is an honour. I made this card from my parents and myself so had to think of something different. Ad is really into cycling and my Aunt had written a cute poem about a cycling mishap he had as a teen so searched for a bicycle digistamp. I came upon this gorgeous card by Feby MCCann and had to CASE it.

Here's the result:

I made it into a rectangle card so it could fit my Aunt's verses inside. I love this retired SU DSP and took the colours from it, Kiwi Kiss (ret), Night of Navy and Baja Breeze. The bike is a downloaded graphic, the sentiment is from PTI. The Ribbon and brads are retired SU products. I used my spritzer to add a bit of interest to the Baja CS. I used my Big Shot and my Timeless Type dies to cut out the numbers from Kiwi Kiss CS and then added Crystal Effects.

Here is a close up of the numbers. They looked fantastic and lolly like (IMHO LOL).

My Aunt seemed quite happy with it, and I hope my cousin likes it to.

I must get back to cleaning. I typed this while my floors dry. I bought a new washing machine which arrived today, you should have seen the fun and games as I tried to move the old one, get the new one out of the box and set up. A challenge by myself but it is done!!

Have a fab week,

Cheers,
Fi x

A birthday card for Lily & a sneak peek..

2011-03-22T09:30:00.003+11:00

Hi Guys,

I am so loving having 5 days off. I forgot to mention yesterday that I had a fabulous time at the wedding on Saturday. It was a beautiful venue and it was great to spend the day with friends.

My mate Trace asked me to make a 'girly' card for her cousin's daughter who is turning 5. I have met Lil a few times and she is very cute, and quite precocious. I so enjoyed using Keesh's sketch last week for this card that I thought I'd have another play.

Another look at the sketch:

And Lily's card:

I have used some 'contraband' SAB product from the US The DSP and a sneak peek product from the new mini which starts on the 1st April. The scallop punch is in the current mini so get in fast! The number is from a non-SU die. I, of course, had to add some 'Champagne Mist' glimmer paint :-)
The CS colours are 'Pacific Point' (not so dark IRL), 'Melon Mambo' and 'Peach Parfait'. Can you guess which is the sneak peek product???

Must run as have a lot to do. I am putting up shelves, rather unsuccessfully I must say. Think I'll need to get the plasterer out to fix my mistakes, oops.

ETA: I decided that I didn't like the 'Pacific Point' Scallop Circle so I changed it to 'Peach Parfait' and added a 'Melon Mambo' circle. I also popped on some 'Melon Mambo' sprinkles.

I think it is much more 'girly' now. What do you think?

Have a great day, and, Happy Birthday Dad xox
Cheers, Fi x

Another card for Dad!

2011-03-21T19:51:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

It is Dad's birthday tomorrow. I'm pretty sure we're going to introduce him to the delights of Max Brenner, (Dad is a chocoholic). I made a card tonight for Mum to give him. He not only likes VW's, he loves steam trains. I've had this stamp for a few years and bring it out every so often so he doesn't get bored with it.
For my layout I've used the Sweet Sunday Sketch #109:

Here is my card:

I've used some retired SU DSP and retired 'Kiwi Kiss' CS, as I figured I couldn't really use my 'Travel Journal' DSP again just yet ;-)
I inked the train in 'Basic Black', 'Basic Gray (sic)', 'Sahara Sand' and Old Olive' markers and then did some sponging in those colours, plus some 'Bashful Blue' for the sky. I stamped the sentiment (non SU) in 'Basic Black' ink on twill ribbon. Have been meaning to try some patterned stamps on twill as patterned twill ribbon is everywhere in the shops right now.
I added the Jumbo eyelets, these are my 'go to' embellishment for male cards as the look a lot like rivets. I swear Dad has received hardly any cards from me without them LOL.

I must admit that i am pretty happy with how this turned out, I think it looks better IRL.

I better head off as there is a thunder storm coming. This, combined with the night road works down the street is proving to be less than restful.

Catch you soon,
Fi x

I get to go to a wedding!

2011-03-18T10:30:00.007+11:00

Hi Guys,

I haven't been to a wedding for about 18 months so am really looking fwd to going to Dave & Trish's tomorrow. It is cocktail dress so a fun excuse to get glammed up (or as glammed as I can). Also a good excuse for a pretty card :-)

I saw a pretty wedding card on Marelle's blog and decided to CASE it, as it was so lovely.

Here is my CASE:

I stuck to the main idea only I changed from 'Sahara Sand' to 'Crumb Cake', which I daubed with 'Champagne Mist' shimmer paint. If you've been popping by this blog lately you'll see that I am a fan of this stuff!

Here is a close-up of the shimmery effect:

I had recently bought a set of stamps from PTI and thought it looked sufficiently 'weddingy'. I used it for main panel which is cut from SU's lovely 'Shimmery White' CS and stamped in 'Crumb Cake'. The sentiment is from SU's 'Teeny Tiny Sentiments', a great 'go to' set, and is stamped in 'Rich Razzleberry'. I added some non-SU pearls and popped it up on dimensionals (didn't realise the pearls were so crooked til I saw it here LOL). The 'Rich Razzleberry' layer is scored on my Scor-pal. The edging is punched from more 'Shimmery White' CS with the scallop edge punch. The ribbon is 'Rich Razzleberry' satin, just beautiful ribbon, and it is finished with a 'Vintage Brad'. I loved how the brad is nearly identical in colour to the 'Crumb Cake' stamping. I just hope the Bride likes it. They are having a wishing well so there is no gift to wrap prettily.

I hope you have a great weekend. I'm sure I will as I now have a beautiful 5 days off, yippee!!!!

Cheers,
Fi xox

Quick card for Dad

2011-03-16T09:00:00.001+11:00

Hi Guys,

My Dad had a bit of an 'incident' involving a gas bottle and some flames recently. He was very lucky to get out of it with some 1st and 2nd degree burns to his arms and face and the loss of his eyelashes. Could have been much, much worse. Gas bottles are now strictly banned by my Mum!!!

I put together a quick get well card to put with some chocs, Dad loves anything with dark chocolate.

I started with this piece of, now retired, DSP, and took the colour scheme from it. I stamped the tree from the 'Thoughts and Prayers' set in Baja Breeze and then rimmed it with Not Quite Navy. The sentiment is in Not Quite Navy. I added 3 brads and layered it onto NQN CS. Simple but sufficiently 'blokey'. It is Dad's b'day on the 22nd but I made a more detailed card for that (see yesterday's post).

Ta for popping by,

Cheers,
Fi x

Blog Award

2011-03-15T19:46:00.002+11:00

Just a quick post.

The lovely and talented Nikki Spencer gave me a blog award! Thanks Nikki, that is lovely of you.

I now have to share 8 things about myself:

1. I am sitting here with hair dye (temporary) on in preparation for attending a wedding this Saturday.
2. I work permanent night shift as I love the other night staff and it keeps me away from all the dramas of the day.
3. I quite like doing handy stuff around the house but have to call on my friend's hubby's, or my Mum, for a hand at times
4. I am a shop-a-holic, clothes, shoes, stamps (no surprise there). I'll never be rich at this rate.
5. I love France and want to go back again, however, due to point #4, it is not likely to happen soon.
6. I am a churchless Christian, who needs to buck up and get churched!
7. I wish I was a better cook, cooking for 1 though is very boring and not a good practice ground.
8. I would be lost without my Mum!

Now to pass it on to a few other bloggers, in no particular order:

1. Petronela
2. Helen
3. Genelle
4. Andrea

Would love to mention more blogs but have to go and rinse my hair and cook my tea!
Cheers,
Fi x

An Inkspiration for Dad's birthday

2011-03-15T15:33:00.001+11:00

Hi Guys,

Are you shocked by the number of posts this week? There is even one scheduled for tomorrow. Don't get too used to it LOL.

It is Dad's b'day on the 22nd and I have long wanted to have the PTI VW stamp as Dad had bugs when he was younger and has a soft spot for them. I finally gave in and ordered it when I was getting a few other things ;-)
When I saw the latest Inkspiration sketch I knew it would fit the bill perfectly (thanks Keesh & Inkspirations team).

The sketch:

And my card:

I used the Travel Journal DSP (from the soon finishing Summer Mini). I love this paper for blokes. Maybe I should stock up?!? I took the card colours of Not Quite Navy (NQN), Bashful Blue and Pumpkin Pie from the DSP. The circles were cut using my Circle Scissor Plus. The sentiment is from the PTI set. Thanks Kirsty for the inspiration for the 'Happy Birthday' banner.

I'm 100% certain that dad won't be looking at my blog. Mum probably will but she won't give it away (hi Mum *waving*). I probably should make one for her to give him too. I have a pretty cool train stamp I could use...

Must go and have a kip before work. Days off are oh, so short.

Cheers,
Fi xox

A Fiftieth

2011-03-14T09:00:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

I have been having fun using my number dies. First it was to make my cousin's 40th card (here) and then it was time for a beautiful workmate to turn 50. She is one of the loveliest ladies you could meet and always a pleasure to have at work. I wanted to recognise that with a pretty card which was for all the staff to write in. I saw this FTL sketch on the 'Clean and Simple Stamping' blog and thought it would be great to use with my number dies.

I turned it on it's side and omitted the bow. I also made it into a rectangle. I also took inspiration from this card by the fab Maile Belles.

I used a background of textured Baja and added a piece of punched Crumb Cake. The very gorgeous Lavonne has sent me another stash of gorgeous contraband from the US (love ya Lavonne MWAH!). I adore this piece from the Springtime Vintage DSP in the colours of Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla and that is what I used for the main panel. (The other papers are yummy too, in Rose Red, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizazz and more...). The die cut and numbers are from PTI dies. I added the damask from the SAB set, Bliss, behind the numbers, stamped in Crumb Cake ink. The numbers are Marina Mist CS painted in Champagne Shimmer Mist (love the effect it gives). I also added some stick on pearls (idea borrowed from Maile's card) stick-on pearls. Finally a PTI sentiment was stamped on Vellum CS (also taken from Maile's card) and added using glue dots. Am thinking some brads might have been nice on each end of the vellum piece, oh well. The work girls were happy with it and I hope Dorothy liked it. I must admit, I was quite chuffed with it myself ;-)

Better go & get something done with this gorgeous day.

Ta for popping by,
Fi x

An engagement card

2011-03-13T09:46:00.000+11:00

Hi,

Another post already??? The shock! I am enjoying a lovely day off and thought I might post another card. Mum needed an engagement card and I did a blog search for the 'Always' stamp set. I liked this one on Splitcoast. I changed it a little by using 'Marina Mist' instead of 'Bashful Blue' and changed the 'Whisper White' to 'Shimmery White'. I love it for weddings and engagements or any fancy occasion really. I also added a piece of 'Marina Mist' DSP from the Subtles Pattern Stack. I also only wanted two hearts.

I also took a close up to show the 'shimmer'. I 'painted' the 'Marina 'Mist' CS around the edges with 'Champagne Mist' Shimmer Paint, I love effect that it gives. It got quite a bit of use on my Christmas cards last year.

The sentiment is from 'Well Scripted'. I added a 'Marina Mist' button tied with a piece of 3.2mm VV Taffeta ribbon. Finally a stick-on pearl to finish it off. Mum seemed quite happy with it, which was the whole aim really.

I need o make a wedding card & a b'day card today, but really need a cuppa first ;-)

Have a great day,

Cheers,
Fi x

Quick Post

2011-03-11T09:32:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

A very quick post as I wait, impatiently, for the mowing guy to finish so I can get to bed. Already got home 1.5 hours late after a big shift, so keen for bed. Also, had the adventure of no water last night, had to prevail upon a friend so that I could actually shower before work. Very glad to see that it is back on this morning :-)

I had a go at this week's 'Sweet Sunday' sketch. It seemed perfect for my cousin's 40th b'day card.

The sketch:

And my take on it:

I based it around the 'Sentimental Journey' DSP from the Summer mini, some great male papers. My cousin rides pushbikes over long distances so liked the map images. The base is 'Not Quite Navy' Cs topped by 'Bashful Blue'. The rectangles squares are mounted on 'Pumpkin Pie' CS. The diecut shape is cut from 'Bashful Blue' CS and stamped with 'Pumpkin Pie' ink. The shape die & number dies are by PTI.

Must go and have a cuppa.

Have a great weekend,
Cheers,
Fi x

It's been a while..

2011-02-25T19:05:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

Just a quick post as have to work tonight.

Firstly, my thoughts & prayers to everyone in Christchurch, and to their loved ones around NZ & the World. It is a terrible tragedy, something we seem to be seeing too much of lately.

Sorry it's been so long, again, between posts. A work mate placed an order for five 'Labour Packs', a kit of products to help in labour, such as massage oil, lipbalm etc. I had run out of stock so it's taken a fair bit of time to make everything. PLus, when I went to print my labels, which are stored in the Windows partition on my Mac, I discovered the latest Mac OS update doesn't support Windows XP and my partition seems to have vanished. Thus i had to get new software & make new labels. No huge drama, just time consuming.

Finally, a card. My friend's daughter turned one on the 12th and I was working when her party was on. I finally got around to organising a little gift & needed a card. I turned to a recent Clean and Simple sketch. I have been either straight CASEing or using sketches as I am so short on time that I have no time to think. I use the mighty combined brain of the internet & I thank you all for putting your wonderful talent out there for me to access!!!

The sketch:

And my card:

I recently bought these number dies from PTI and a stamp set to match with 'th', 'st' etc to place after the numbers. I thought this sketch was a good place to try them out. The only thing I would've liked is a frame for the main image. I used retired SU DSP which I love for little girls and stocked up on, and some sprinkles (pink dots). The sentiment is from 'Party This Way' and the cupcakes from 'Short and Sweet'. Colours are 'Regal Rose' and 'Pumpkin Pie'.

Thanks for dropping in, must go & hit the shower,
Fi xox

Yet more birthdays...

2011-02-07T19:33:00.003+11:00

Hi Guys,

Yes, I have some more birthday cards to show you. Maija (see last post) is not the only one in her family to celebrate a birthday recently. Her Daddy, Kev, and gorgeous little brother, Noah, had January birthdays but I am a huge slacko, and even though I dearly love this family, have not yet caught up with them for their birthdays. I will, however, remedy this tomorrow night.

Kev is a muso, mainly guitar, so I had to put some music related stuff on his card. I went for simple as it was the fourth card I made that day, plus, lets face it, he is a bloke LOL. I do think it needs something else though, any ideas??? Maybe some jumbo eyelets might help???

I initially took the idea from page 52 of the IB&C but then decided to do a similar card to this one I made the other week. I used Crumb Cake, Old Olive & Not Quite Navy CS & matching inks, plus Early Espresso. The images are from the Grunge Rock & Extreme Element stamp sets & the 'Dude' sentiment is PTI.

ETA: I went back and had a bit more of a play with Kev's card. The pic quality is no good and my camera battery went flat so couldn't take another. Despite that, what do you think of the changes?

I stamped the guitar again in early Espresso on a separate piece of Crumb Cake CS, added embossing powder & cut it out, popping it up on dimensionals. I swiped some Crumb Cake ink around the edges of the top layer & added Jumbo Eyelets and a star cut out with the small star punch (retired) and swiped with NQN ink. I think it is a bit more interesting now. Just hope Kev likes it!

Next up is Noah's card. Guess what colours/DSP I went for? Of course, it is 'Celebrations' again. Good thing I bought two packs of this DSP. Nearly everyone of my friends has boys. I used this past sketch from the Inkspirations challenge site that I did not had time to play when the challenge was open.

I used the engine from the Choo Choo set and the 'Happy Birthday' is a cute stamp from the 'Party This Way' set. The '2' is cut out using my Big Shot and the Timeless Type Alphabet dies. Dn't look too closely at the Crystal Effects on the '2', it got away from me a bit! The colours are, of course, Pacific Point, Real Red & Pear Pizzaz.

I registered today for the SU Convention in May. had booked flights & accom but nearly forgot about registering, duh!!! It will be fun, and I'm really looking to wandering about Melbourne. I have wanted to visit there for years! Anyway, must get moving. I had such a lazy day today after a fun time with Mum yesterday going to Sydney to see 'Tap Dogs'. Those guys sure can dance (and don't look half-bad either LOL).

Have a fab week,

Cheers,
Fi xox

Finally, an Inkspirations challenge!

2011-02-01T13:29:00.001+11:00

Hi Guys,

A very quick post. I needed to make a card for a beautiful soon-to-be 4 year old and thought the latest Inkspirations sketch would be fun to use. It looks scary at first but seeing the DT's efforts helped a lot.

Here's the sketch:

And my card:

I decided to use the Playdate DSP as it has such cute images. I used my 13/4" punch for the squares and added them to a Bashful Blue background, and then onto Real Red. The cupcake is from 'Party Hearty' and the sentiment from 'Party this Way'. The scallop is from the large scallop punch that I was fortunate enough to purchase before it was withdrawn.

I hope Maija likes it. I am a bit concerned that it is more suited to an older girl. Since I made this I have seen Louise Layton's gorgeous effort which is sooo cute for a 4 y.o.

Must run,
Cheers,
Fi x

Least favourite cards

2011-02-01T13:06:00.002+11:00

Hi Guys,

One of my beautiful work mates lost her Mum the other week. She had been deteriorating due to Dementia and was about to move into a nursing home. As such, even though it was a blessing that she passed away, the family mourns the loss of the woman she was. I made a card for all of those of us who were Tom's fellow night owls. I was inspired by the 2nd card in this post, which I first saw on the SU Connection Showcase. Forgive the poor quality pic.

I used Crumb Cake & Marina Mist and was pleased to find this retired DSP (from the gorgeous Parisian Breeze papers, now retired). I stamped the floral image from the 'Elements of Style' set and the sentiment is from 'Thoughts & Prayers'. I added some Marina Mist ribbon and one of the lovely Vintage Brads. I hope it meant something to Tom at this sad time.

I made four birthday cards the other day but haven't time to take any pics. I've been cleaning today, and rearranging my bedroom as I just got my new chest of drawers delivered. It is a lovely white slimboy that I got for 40% off!!!! Now to head to the shops & then home for a nap before work tonight (yucko).

Hope you're surviving the heat, and thinking of all my North Qld family & friends. I pray that the cyclone diminishes to nothing before it hits.

Cheers,
Fi x

Farewell cards

2011-01-30T13:09:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

Sorry its been a while since I was last here. Work has been crazy busy, though thankfully we had a reprieve for my last few nights, and we needed it!!!) and I haven't been feeling 100%. These days off are helping though.

Anyway, onto cards! It is that time at work when we change our Doctor rotations and three of our lovely doctors have left. I missed making a card for one of them but managed to get the other 2 made.

One is taking 6 months off, she is getting married but also travelling. Ang has been a real joy to work with & is excellent at her job. We will miss her but she will be back in town for her wedding so we all want to be off that day so we can go & peek, LOL. I went with a travel theme for her card.

I broke out the 'Sentimental Journey' and 'Artistic Etchings' sets. These are both sets that I loved at first sight but have hardly used. I also inked up my 'En Francais' background stamp. I used 'Early Espresso', 'Confetti Cream' & 'Cherry Cobbler' CS with 'Early Espresso', 'Cherry Cobbler' & 'Not Quite Navy' inks. I added a Vintage Brad to complete the old-style appearance. I was inspired by several cards on splitcoast and was pretty happy with the outcome.

The next card was made for Em, she is bright and bubbly and we have sadly lost her to Qld. Its the 1st time that I've wished I had the tropical products from the current mini. I totally CASEd this card from here, just changing some of the colours. It was a bit brighter IRL

I used Daffodil Delight (for the 1st time ever I think), Marina Mist (ribbon & button), Pear Pizzazz and Real Red. Em was quite chuffed with it (she is English). I gave the girls a handmade travel candle to go with the cards.

Must go and get some stamping done, I have 4 b'day cards to make, 3 for the one family!

Thanks for popping in,

Just a quick post

2011-01-13T19:48:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

Mum needs a card for her cousin who is turning 98 soon (Mum is from the much younger side of the family). I had seen this card ages ago and filed it in my 'card ideas' bookmarks. I thought it would be perfect to CASE, and then read that Jaydee had made it for a 90th birthday. No wonder it seemed so appropriate. After playing a bit I decided to go lighter with the main image, and, I'll admit, I'm very pleased with how it turned out. It does look better IRL.

I used stamps from the 'Elements of Style' set.Once again, I didn't really like this set until I started to see it being used, now I think it will become an SU classic. I used the ink to rubber technique, using 'Pretty in Pink', 'Rose Red' and 'Pear Pizazz' markers. For the left side, Jaydee used the lovely 'Very Vintage' wheel but I decided to try the flourish from 'Elements of Style' instead. The sentiment is from 'Curly Cute', inked with markers so I could place it on two lines. Finally it is finished off with some lovely PiP satin ribbon and an Antique Brad (love these). I really hope that Mum is happy with this, and Betty too.

Must run, off to work again,

Cheers,
Fi xox

Kid's birthdays

2011-01-12T10:42:00.000+11:00

Hi again,

Don't faint at me being here two days in a row! Several of my friends and my cousin have kids with December or January birthdays. Thus I not only made quite a few Christmas cards but had to come up with birthday cards as well. I showed some from early December on here but still have a few left.

Dominic was on 27/12. They spend a lot of time on the water so thought he might like the Extreme Surfer image. I inked up the background 'Splat' image from 'Extreme Elements' in white and the 2 different blues to create a bit of an 'oceany' feel. I was inspired by this card but the image seemed to suit better with the stripes vertical rather than horizontal. As I'm sure you've noticed, I love Pacific Point & Real Red for boys.

Next was Curtis, my friend from Tamworth's youngest. I can't believe that he is 7 already! I can't remember where I got the inspiration for the layout, it is pretty generic I suppose. I was going to use the 'Extreme Skateboard, but I was chatting to his Mum on the phone as I was preparing to make his card & she said the 'Extreme Guitar' would go down better. I inked up stamps from the 'Extreme Elements' set too (can you tell its a fav??) and used my fall-back for boys cards, Celebrations DSP. The '7' is a chipboard number, inked in white, then Pacific Point & covered in Crystal Effects. After all this I forgot to take it to the PO when I sent the parcel & had to post it separately, duh!

Finally, for now, a card for my good friends' '8' year old Zach. They are great kids and always open the card and really seem to appreciate the work that goes into them. Could be because their Mum is a scrapper...

I CASEd the same layout as the first (Dominic's) card but had much more time to play. Celebrations DSP, check, 'Extreme Elements', check, "Pacific Point' & 'Real Red', check, 'Extreme' stamp, check, must be a boy's card LOL. I used my Big Shot to cut out the '8' and placed on a star cut using the large star punch. I love the 'Wish Big' stamp from the fab 'Word Play' set. So many great sentiments in this set. Anyway Zach was suitably impressed, and his Mum was amazed that I'd stamped the background behind the Skater, she thought it was DSP. My mission was complete!

Must get going. Need to have a cuppa and then consider going back to bed as I am working tonight. Got up for the plumber but bed is calling.

Cheers,
Fi xox

Christmas and birthdays.

2011-01-11T11:35:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

I hope that you've had a fabulous time celebrating Christmas and the New Year. The New Year shifts were crazy busy at work, think all the babies were waiting for the new parental leave to start. I have been making quite a few things of late but haven't had time to sit and blog them.

Anyway, amongst all the Christmas cards and gifts, we've had a slew of birthdays, with still a few more ahead in January. I have already made several January cards, some I even had to make in December as, thankfully, Mum reminded me that we needed to post the cards to Russia well in advance. My brother and SIL have the same birthday, today, 12 months apart. Happy birthday guys (though I'd be very surprised if they ever popped in here).

I was in a mad rush to make their cards so I CASEd one & used (an expired) challenge sketch for the other. Firstly, for my brother's card I CASEd this card of Liam Pucher's. I love stars for guy cards and have kept this long retired stamp set just cause I like it. The star jumbo wheel is still current.

I used River Rock CS with Not Quite Navy and River Rock inks.

My Sister-in-Law loves her coffee. I love the 'Morning Cup' stamp set and thought the sentiment from Verve was perfect. The layout was inspired by this sketch from Inkspirations.

I have more cards to show you but will save them for another day.

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the devastating floods in Queensland, absolutely shocking and must have been terrifying.

Love Fi x

Christmas cards

2010-12-21T10:41:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

Hope you haven't fainted at 2 posts in two days, that's if you've even had time to stop at your computer. I need to go and clean but thought I'd do something more fun first.

I was running so behind on cards and thought I wouldn't get any done but last week I sat down in my craft room/study with my box of Christmas stamps, SU's Christmas themed DSPs past & present and my ornament punch (sadly now unavailable) and made approx 40 cards in one day. It was a marathon effort but I so enjoyed it. Creation is so good for the soul. I also sat and wrote in them and sealed most of the envelopes before it dawned on me that I hadn't taken pics. I did then take a few but some of my best cards missed out. Oh well. So here are a few. I won't put the recipes as they are fairly self explanatory, except to say that the gorgeous Lavonne did send some delicious contraband. The US catty had the most beautiful nativity stamp and I just love it. I saw it used with the shimmer mist on lots of Splitcoast pages and had to give it a go. Lavonne also sent some 'Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding Ribbon'. It is so beautiful, please SU Australia, can we get it over here, pity please!!!

Anyway, here are some cards:

The ornament stamp (currently unavailable) and lovely 'Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP'. It is flocked, amazing!

Loved how this holly pattern looked. It and the RR flocked were my favs of the 'Christmas Cocoa' papers.

The shimmer paint is so pretty. I went through more Very Vanilla in one day than in 4 years combined I think. This is from the 'Jolly Holiday' DSP.

A monochromatic style, not my usual thing but I was very happy with the card. Much nicer in IRL.

Thankfully my family and friends seem to like their cards. Must get a photo of the one I made for Mum and Dad. Always try to make them one that is a little bit more special as they are so good to me.

Must go & face the cleaning :-(

Have a great day,

Love Fi xox

Birthdays in December

2010-12-20T09:39:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

I can't believe it's been nearly 3 weeks since I was here.What a crazy busy time of year, not helped by having only 2 days off last week instead of 3 (as I do permanent 10hr night shifts, 2 days off actually only gives one full day not at work). I have been creating, just not posting (slacker!!!). Not only have I been making Christmas gifts to sell at work (see previous post) but, to add insult to injury, there are also 4 December birthdays amongst my family and friends. I have been making their cards, plus must make 2 today for my brother & SIL who have b'days in January but live in Russia. Phew! It's not surprising, then, that my stamping stuff has been the first thing returned to order post painting.

Anyway, enough of my drivel. How about some cards!

Firstly, here are two that I made for my gorgeous niece who has, unbelievably, just turned 14 this month. She is a beautiful girl, inside & out, and greatly missed (Russia is soooo far away!). You may remember me CASEing Karen's gorgeous 'Aviary' card (see 2nd card here). I loved it so much that I had to CASE it again. Doesn't a change of colours & DSP make a difference? (Forgive the poor photo, had to take quickly before I rushed to the PO). I made this one from Mum & Dad.

The DSP is from the 'Playdate' pack, so cute but not too young. The '14' is cut out of 'Totally Turquoise' CS & a painted with 'Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint'. I am in love with this stuff!!! The sentiment is from a past mini cat hostess set, thought it was so appropriate to use with the scrummy 'Aviary' set.

Next is my card. I CASEd it from this blog but originally found her card on good old Splitcoast.

I love the 'Sweet & Sour' DSP colours, the spotty pattern is my fav. I was never a fan of orange but being part of SU has given me an appreciation of all colours and this 'Pumpkin Pie' Satin Ribbon is just beautiful, it has a real glow to it. I have used the Level 1 Hostess set, 'Birthday Bakery', isn't it cute? The number stamps are retired, I stamped them in 'Pumpkin Pie' ink and added 'Fine Supernova Glitter' with my '2-way Glue Pen'.

If you can handle it, I have one more card. I CASEd this one from p58 of the catty. It is for my cousin's son's 6th b'day.

I used the 'Celebration' DSP as my inspiration. I'm pretty sure I've said it before, but I love this DSP for boys. The stamps are from 'Lots of Bots' and I made the cog by cutting the petals off and punching a circle out of the centre of the flower die that comes with the 'Timeless Type Junior Alphabet' dies. The 6 is painted chipboard covered in 'Crystal Effects'.

Thanks for popping in, I hope you've survived to the end of this post. Will try & post some Christmas card pics tomorrow.

Cheers,
Fi xox

Finally, I'm back

2010-12-01T20:22:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys (if anyone has bothered to call past since it's so long since I posted),

Don't faint but I actually have a few items to show you. I have been making goodies to take to work for my annual 'Christmas Shop in a Basket'. I make earrings (Christmas Trees, Angels, and this year, Christmas Baubles); Swarovski pendants and a few earrings; candles and body products; and, of course, some stamping craft.

I saw quite a few stampers making the little Ferrero boxes (namely Kirsty & Karen) and I had to go to Becky Roberts' blog and purchase the 12 Days of Christmas tutorial. I made a few changes to make it metric and to make a smaller fold over card. I made some with Rochers and some with Lindt Balls.

By the way, apologies for poor pic quality as I didn't have my usual system set up due to my place still being rather disorganised (or, more disorganised than usual shall we say).

I saw these very cute calendar and shopping list sets made by Susan Rowe and had to have a play. If only I had the Fancy Flower Punch, oh well. I thought the base of the Easel Calendar would be a good spot to pop some Post-it notes. I made a few varieties but only took a pic of one.

Here's my attempt:

It is made like an Easel card only with a longer base. I used a brad to give the easel something to hold it in place. I made a matching shopping list. I had Officeworks cut some A5 notebooks in half.

Again, sorry for the bland looking pic. I combined the 'Morning Cup', 'Share a Cup' & 'Apple Blossom' stamp sets and used my (contraband) 'Sweet Pea' DSP. I made some with 'Cottage Garden' DSP and co-ordinating butterflies cut with my 'Beautiful Wings' embosslits; some with 'Bella Rose' DSP (retired) and felt flowers; and some with 'Walk in the Park' DSP (ret) and the bird punch. I've sold all but 2 sets (though I only made 12 all up).

Another popular item has been individual post-it note pads. I found a tutorial here but they are so easy to make. Applying the sticky strip is the most labour intensive part. I have a photo but it was taken on my phone to send to a friend, so terrible quality. It does give the idea though.

As you can see, there is a little contraband here as well, thanks to my lovely friend Lavonne in the USA. In fact, she posted a bundle a few weeks ago that arrived today. Lavonne's son Kevin has been over visiting for a wedding but he arrived back in Oz today. Very sad for Lavonne (hugs) but very happy for his wife Bec, a very good friend of mine. It is difficult when family lives far away but how treasured are the moments we spend together.

Well that's enough of my blathering on, have a great evening,
Cheers,
Fi xox

MIA

2010-11-25T18:15:00.001+11:00

Hi Guys,

Thought I'd let you know that I've been having my place painted and as such haven't been able to take pics of creations, or even create, for a while. Hopefully I'll be able to re-sort my place on my next days off (my 3 weeks hols is over as of tonight, sob) and get back into action. Have made a few little Christmas projects, but have a bucket load of Christmas cards to make, once I figure out where my box of Christmas stamps has ended up....

I went down to Sydney for Regionals and had a fab time meeting some other demoes. It was a much better venue this year, the lunch was so yummy (still thinking of that creme brulee, mmmm). I also got to take the helicopter ride over Sydney Harbour that my gorgeous friends gave me for my birthday. It was a great experience. Here's a couple of pics.

Cheers,
Fi x

Another quick one

2010-11-05T13:09:00.002+11:00

Hi Guys,

This will be a quick post as I have to duck out, in the rain, to the shops. My holidays are flying past. Why do days of go by so much faster than work days???

A friend of mine is in hospital with lung problems and she absolutely hates hospitals. She is a terrible patient, despite having a husband and friend who are nurses, and she should know better. I made her a get well card using Blueberry Crisp DSP but then thought it looked a bit masculine, so made another one. Jen is not into florals and things so I CASEd this card that Karen Thomas made, that I loved.

My first attempt:

I used Night of Navy, Very Vanilla and Pacific Point CS. The stamp set is the lovely, and versatile, 'Thoughts and Prayers' and I added interest with the sanded BG stamp. I didn't have any pacific Point brads so coloured circles and went over them with Crystal Effects. Ribbon is Night of Navy grosgrain.

Now for number 2:

Thanks Karen, for making such a fab card. This is such a cute stamp set and if we are very good, santa might put it in the Summer Mini ;-) I used Sahara Sand CS stamped with the Sanded BG stamp, and a strip of Pacific Point stamped with the 'Wonderfully Worn' BG stamp. Very Vanilla & Night of Navy CS for the image, Raised up on dimensionals. I did the paper piercing as I liked it so much on Karen's card. So easy with the new Paper Piercer and the mat pack. Finally a piece of ribbon and a Teeny Tiny Wishes sentiment stamped and punched from VV CS. Simple.

Must run, hope this all made sense,

Cheers,
Fi x

Super quick post

2010-10-28T19:14:00.002+11:00

Hi Guys,

My good friend & work colleague, Tracey, had her 25th wedding anniversary on Tuesday, and heads off for a week in Vietnam on Monday. As such I needed to make 2 cards.

For the anniversary card I used the layout from this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge (#90). Trace & Pete didn't have a party or anything so I went OTT with the silver, boy is it silver, LOL.

The sketch:

My card:

I stamped the 'Medallion' in versamark & embossed with silver EP. Used my Big Shot & Junior Timeless Type for the numbers, 'Teeny Tiny Sentiments' for the Happy Birthday, and 'En Francais' BG for the back panel. I wish I'd had some silver & white paper, oh well. It seems a bit busy but Trace seemed pleased to get a card. (Sorry for terrible pic, will need to retake with darker background I think).

The Bon Voyage card is very simple, and I'll just say, if only the Summer Mini pre-order had begun *wink* (other demoes will know what stamp set I mean). I resorted to using a stamp I bought years ago from another company. Just not the same stamping quality as SU, but desperate means...

I used the lovely 'Elegant Soiree' DSP and even though it doesn't mention it in the catty, I'm sure some of those circles are 'Marina Mist'. I used 'Baja Breeze;, 'Marina Mist', 'Soft Suede', 'Crumb Cake' & 'Chocolate Chip' markers; 'Very Vanilla' & 'Soft Suede' CS & 'Marina Mist' grosgrain ribbon. The sentiment is done on my Mac & I used my 'Word Window' & 'Modern Label' punches, love how they work together.

Must run as need to get ready for week, but only 3 shifts til hols, yay!!!!

Cheers,
Fi x

Guest Designer for Keesh, scary!!!!

2010-10-22T18:00:00.002+11:00

Hi Guys,

I was blown away to win Keesh's last sketch challenge with this card. I wish my mojo would visit more than once or twice a year, LOL. I was so excited to win until I remembered that the winner got to be a guest designer for an upcoming challenge, gulp. It is a great honour but rather scary. Thankfully it is a sketch challenge, which I prefer to colour challenges, and a fab sketch at that.

The sketch:

And my card:

The colours look a bit similar to last week's Colour Challenge but I actually used the colour coach. I wanted 'Certainly Celery' and the nicest combo was with 'Bashful Blue' and 'Pink Pirouette'. I originally was thinking of BB DSP for the background but then thought of my new, as yet untouched, 'Elegant Lines' embossing folder. It is so cool, I'm really keen to use it in conjunction with the 'Elegant Soiree' DSP. I used some retired DSP from last year and some retired ribbon from a past promotion (yes, it was free, how cool. See here for another opportunity to receive free ribbon).

I have been hanging to use the floral frame and sentiment stamps from the 'Just Believe' set. I love these butterflies too from the 'Beautiful Wings' embosslit, used with my trusty Big Shot. The circle looked a bit too white so I sponged the edges with 'Pink Pirouette' ink and stamped the smaller leaf design from the 'Just Believe' set in versamark and rubbed over it with 'Certainly Celery' chalk giving just a hint of colour.

The other new 'toy' that I've used is the stick on pearls, so, so, easy to use. I've seen pearls and rhinestones used on this embossed pattern out in blogland so thought I'd try it. It adds a soft touch I think.

Well, I've survived (I hope) my stint as guest designer and greatly thank Keesh for the opportunity.

Have a great weekend,
Cheers, Fi xox

BBFF award

2010-10-19T23:34:00.000+11:00

Hi again,

Another quick post. I made a few candles and 2 bottles of shower gel but had to watch the return of NCIS, love that show. Lucky I only needed to make 2 little pamper packs for a girl at work.

Recently, the gorgeous Andrea Lowcock blessed me with her special BBFF (Best Blogging Friends Forever) award and it was so lovely. It is designed to acknowledge those wonderful people who pop by our blogs and say a kind word, support & encourage us. We are allowed to pass it on so, the award goes to:

1. Lee Pelosi
2. Andrea Lowcock (you didn't say we couldn't send it back, it is well deserved)
3. Lee-Anne Barry
4. Genelle Little.

These are not my only blog friends, but they are my faithful buddies who pop by regularly and always make my day better.

Thanks guys,
Love Fi MWAH!

Super quick post

2010-10-19T17:11:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,

I have a million things to do and today is my only full day off. I have cleaned my place (at last) and done some washing but I still need to make up some shower gel and make some candles.

I loved the colours in Keesh's Colour Challenge this week, even didn't mind the Daffodil Yellow even though yellow is far from being a fav colour.

I had seen a card layout that I liked in the catty and decided to use it for my card but then I saw Karen's latest Sweet Sunday sketch and it was so similar to the catty card that I decided to "kill two challenges with one card".

I was looking through the catty trying to get ideas when I stumbled across the older (or should I say 'classic'?) stamp set "Pun Fun". I chose this set to be in my starter kit, mainly for the teacup, rocket & hippo. I did think about using the bird but decided it would be far too much yellow LOL.

Here's what I ended up with:

I cracked open my new pack of Subtles DSP for the Marine Mist paper, I love this old-fashioned tea-house type pattern. I used the 'Take a Sip' wheel on the Pretty in Pink CS and added the detail with my PiP marker. Not so sure about using the wheel but it is there now. I water-coloured the cup from 'Pun Fun' and the teabag from 'Morning Cup' and added the sentiment, also from 'Morning Cup". Finally a punched piece of Daffodil Yellow CS and a few buttons. I think I'm happy with all but the PiP piece of card stock.

Must run,
Cheers,
Fi xox

Another go at Keesh's Sketch

2010-10-13T20:45:00.000+11:00

Hi Guys,
I really wanted to play with Keesh's sketch again (see this post for first attempt). I broke out my new 'Elements of Style' set, which, true to form, I didn't like until I saw everyone using it. I am so easily led LOL.

My new take on the sketch:

I decided to use the 'Lap of Luxury' DSP as my inspiration for colours and added 'Pear Pizzazz' for the leaves. I inked the stamp using my markers & then filled the image in with my blender pen & ink pads. I used 'Confetti White' CS for a softer look.The background is 'Pretty in Pink' CS stamped with the floral image in matching ink. The other CS is 'Concord Crush'. The bird image was stamped in 'Pretty in Pink' and then 'Concord Crush' ink was applied with a dauber. I was inspired to try this after seeing this card on Splitcoast (want to try it in the 'Sweet & Sour' colours, isn't it yummy?).

I also pulled out my 'Color (sic) Spritzer Tool' for the first time and spritzed with Concord Crush & Pretty in Pink. I took a close up to show the 'spritzing'.

I can't believe how different 2 cards can be using the same sketch by the same stamper. That's the joy of stamping.

Another reason for using this sentiment and these colours is due to thoughts of my midi friends who were killed. Purple is the colour of midwifery (we even wear bright purple scrubs, and boy do we stand out!!) and it is a timely reminder to take notice of those moments. Thank you to everyone for their lovely supportive comments at this time too, MWAH!

Love,
Fi xox

A super quick card

2010-10-12T14:30:00.001+11:00

Hi Guys,

Friends of mine in Tamworth ordered some of my Body Butter for Troy's Mum to take back to the US. I wanted to throw in a card with the parcel but only thought of it at about 2am (night duty body clock). I had not long received the hostess gift 'Because I Care' and was itching to ink it up. I had been seeing some lovely one layer cards and storing up the ideas to use for work cards. This seemed like a good idea for 2 am LOL.

I has seen this card on Splitcoast and didn't even look at it again before i stamped. Next time I will add in the score lines as I really like it (and now own a scor-pal which does great score lines!!!).

Here's my card:

It is a shocking pic as I quickly snapped it so I could post it. 2am pics taken by desk light are not great quality, LOL. I used the gorgeous new colours 'Marina Mist' and 'Pear Pizzazz'. The sentiment stamp is also new & I just love it. It is 'Curly Cute'. The edge is done with the 'Eyelet Border' punch. This card was so quick to put together yet quite pretty I think.

Thanks for all your lovely comments re the loss of my work colleagues, and my sore back. It really helps.

Better run, my friend's hubby is coming to quote fixing up my front yard.

Cheers, Fi xox

Yet more birthdays..

2010-10-12T10:19:00.000+11:00

Hi there,

The birthday run has slowed considerably. My cousin's hubby has a birthday on Thursday, which is also Mum & Dad's wedding anniversary, 43rd I think! Mum & Dad head to NZ for a holiday this week so they should have a great anniversary. Bon Voyage.

Michael loves camping and boating. He is also a fab cook, both using a camp oven and a pizza oven. I saw this card on Splitcoast & really liked it. Here is my CASE of the card. I used retired DSP and a retired colour, Brilliant Blue, as I like it with grey.

The 4WD is from the retired set 'Just Beachy' bit the sentiment is current, 'Perfect Punches', a freebie from Convention.

Have a great day,
Fi xox

2nd sketch challenge for Jake

2010-10-10T22:42:00.000+11:00

Hi again,

I made one card for my nephew Jake, who is turning 15 (shock, horror!) at the end of this month, from me, see my previous post. I have also made one from Mum and Dad. I did the same thing back in July for my other nephew, Jake's 16y.o. brother Luke. The cards I've made for Jake are rather similar to them but as Luke's parcel never arrived in Russia (*!?*@!) it doesn't really matter.

For this card I have used, for the first time, a sketch from Clean and Simple Stamping. It is a good basic layout. I wouldn't mind having a go again, could imagine inking up my new 'Just Believe' or 'Elements of Style' with this sketch.

Anyway, the sketch:

And my card:

I actually made this one first and carried the same colours through to the card from me. I find there are a lot more papers with designs suitable for guys in this year's catty. Who would've thought a DSP set such as 'Greenhouse Gala' would have had a boyish pattern. It pays to look through all the papers.

The large stars and sentiment are from PTI's Star Prints set, the 'grandson' is from SU's 'Wonderful Favourite' and the small star from a retired SU set. I find it hard to get away from stars for teens, and he is a super star to us. Love ya Jake!!!

Must go and get to bed as I have an osteopath appt in the morning.

Have a great day,
Cheers,
Fi x

My nephew's birthday.

2010-10-10T22:28:00.007+11:00

Hi Guys,

Things have been a bit subdued here. Two of my work colleagues were killed this week in a freak accident. Rebecca worked with us, mainly on the wards but occasionally in Delivery Suite, and Jan did her midi training with us and was working in the Early Childhood Clinics. They met for lunch and were waiting to cross the road when a van veered out of control, hitting them both. Rebecca had worked in ICU and her partner also works in the hospital, so it has affected everyone greatly. It is a reminder to value and care for one another. I also mildly injured my back on Thursday night and have been sitting on the lounge with hot & cold packs for two days. It is one of the few times I can truly say I would've rather been at work. The way everyone is pulling together and supporting each other is truly a blessing.

Enough sadness, I have made 2 cards this week but the layouts come from two different sketch challenges so will put them in separate posts. Firstly I have used the latest sketch challenge of Keesh's (#43). I had already planned on using my 'Extreme Guitar' and 'Extreme Elements' in a challenge this week as I needed to make a card for Jake, my soon to be 15y.o. nephew. I saw Kirsty use the same set but decided to go ahead anyway.

First, the sketch:

And now my card:

I've based the colour scheme on the 'Greenhouse Gala' DSP as Jake's fav colour is (or at least it was) orange. I've used Pumpkin Pie, Pear Pizazz (love this green, must get more CS in this colour) and Baja Breeze CS. I've distressed the edges in keeping with a rock/boy look. Maybe i should add some black around the edges to grunge it a bit and add some definition?

The pic quality is poor as I took it tonight under my desk lamp. It has to get to Russia by the end of the month so need to post it tomorrow. Thank goodness that I can drive again. My sore back has mainly been in my left hip and the pain radiated down my left leg, thus making it difficult to use my clutch. I see the osteopath tomorrow so she should get me sorted.
ETA: am changing things around to try and get link on Keesh's site to work with no success :-(

Will go & write my 2nd post
Love Fi x
RIP Rebecca & Jan, you'll be sorely missed

Inkspirations challenge

2010-10-03T14:26:00.000+11:00

Keesh has an interesting colour combo this week, and it uses one of my old favs, Kiwi Kiss. I really wanted to play along with the sketch hosted by Kirsty last week, using 'Awash with Flowers, but ran out of time so decided to use it this week.

The colours:

The sketch:

And finally, my card:

I used the, now retired but still lovely, 'Urban Garden' DSP for the background. I liked the subtlety of the Kiwi Kiss in the background paper. The circles are cut with my Circle Scissors plus, so easy, especially if you use 'Dotto' adhesive. The ribbon is retired 'Riding Hood Red' taffeta. Luckily lots of my retired ribbons are still in current colours so they can still get lots of use.

It is a grey, wet day for the start of daylight savings. I noticed last night at about 1am (which was 2am DST) that my freezer door hadn't closed properly, aagghh. Thawed out food and a freezer so iced up that I couldn't pull out the baskets (it is a little upright). I am so glad that I was lazy & ate two lots of lamb shank casserole this week otherwise it would've been wasted (and it was so yummy). Thankfully not too much wastage and I now have a lovely defrosted freezer. Wish it hadn't been 1 (or 2) am when I discovered it though.

Have a great day,
Fi xox

Recipe:
Stamps - Awash with Flowers, Great Friend
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red
Paper: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla CS, Urban Garden DSP (ret)
Accessories: Riding Hood Red ribbon (ret), Scallop Edge Border punch, Circle Scissors Plus, Dimensionals.

A quick post

2010-10-02T20:14:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to share a gift bag that I decorated to go with this (the second card down in the post) card that I made for my friend Eileen. I got the idea from the lovely Sarah-Jane Kale and the gorgeous "Convention Survival Kit" that she made me when we were roomies in May.

Apologies for the pic, I took it in a rush and at night. I stamped the coffee pot from 'Morning Cup' on Whisper White CS and coloured it with my inks & blender pens. I punched it out and backed it with a Soft Suede circle. I ran a strip of baja Breeze CS through the crimper and topped it with a strip of Soft Suede CS & some retired Baja ribbon. I randomly stamped the mug image over the bag in Baja. Very easy but Eileen was impressed. Mind you, she is a lovely lady and very easily pleased. (She also agreed to swap her hols with me so that I can go to Melbourne for Convention next year so I think I'd better buy her a nice gift and make a fancy card to go with it. Gotta love Eileen!!!!!).

Cheers,
Fi xox

Two challenges in one day!

2010-09-28T14:20:00.000+10:00

Hi again,

I was going to set this to post tomorrow but then I forget to come back and link it to the challenge site, so you get 2 posts in one day (it's either feast or famine with me LOL).

I really liked the simplicity of this week's sketch over at Just Add Ink. I'm not sure, but this may be the 1st of their challenges that I've entered.

Firstly, the sketch:

And now my interpretation:

As usual, I am pretty literal with sketches, some people get so creative but I'm pretty much a 'take it as it comes' 'KISS' sort of stamper.

I inked up my 'Very Vintage' jumbo wheel in 'Rich Razzleberry' ink and stamped onto 'Very Vanilla' CS. I love this wheel, I should reach for it more often. Would like to try it in 'Marina Mist' on 'Very Vanilla' as well, hmmmm. I stamped the section of the wheel with the butterfly onto some scrap VV CS and cut it out (so much cutting today, at least more than I like to do LOL). I stamped the flowers from 'Very Vintage' in RR and added some pearls, the smaller is from the new, fabbo, stick on pearls, the larger is from my (retired) Pretties Kit. Finally I finished off with a sentiment from the classic 'Sincere Salutations' set and added some (retired) RR ribbon. I can't wait to put it my next order (patiently, or not so, waiting until the new SU quarter) and get some of the new 'Rich Razzleberry' satin ribbon, yummo!!!!

Must head off, I desperately need a haircut and to buy some groceries, so must leave the land of stamping fun & go back to the real world :-(

Cheers,
Fi xox

Another birthday and a challenge

2010-09-28T14:01:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

I've had fun playing with some more challenges. I needed to make a card for a 3yo and was going to use last week's Mojo Monday sketch again (see this post, 2nd card) however I came upon the Sweet Sunday challenge which was to use a favourite past sketch. I already had in mind making a card with a rectangle panel using 'Choo Choo' so searched til I found a suitable sketch.

This is the one I decided on:

And my card:

I am so in love with this Celebrations DSP for boy's cards. I will need to order more 'Pacific Point' & 'Real Red' CS as I think I'll be using it a lot. The hills are cut from 'Pear Pizazz' CS layered over 'Bashful Blue'. I did the grass with the 'Wonderfully Worn' BG stamp, another new love. The '3' is made using my Big Shot. I always think "can I be bothered using it to cut out just one thing", but with my fairly organised stamping area it takes less than 5 mins to do, so very easy. The track is from the 'Right on track' wheel, so cute.

I covered the train windows & my '3' with Crystal Effects. Only prob is that I sat something down unintentionally on the card before the windows were quite dry so they're not real smooth, DUH!!! The ribbon is retired, it came wrapped around a free stamp set that i received at Convention. Waste not... I wish they had Pacific Point ribbon in the new catty, oh well.

Must keep moving. I am hoping to post another card I made for the JAI challenge.

catch ya,
Fi xox

Mum's order

2010-09-22T10:31:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

Mum needed a birthday card for her prayer partner. I saw this one on Splitcoast (I'm a shocker for CASEing everything but my work week sucks up all my brain power & I need to use other people's brains on my days off LOL). I loved the simple 2-tone use of the '5th Avenue Floral' daisy. It also gave me a reason to break out my new marina Mist CS, it is such a pretty blue, I love it. I used it with Not Quite Navy and So Saffron for the flower centres.

I decided against the embossing, instead I added some interest with the new 'Wonderfully Worn' background stamp, I really like the effect it gives. A sentiment (retired US) and one of the new rhinestones and I was done. I hope Mum finds it ok for the intended recipient.

Must run, off to have morning tea with my neighbour,

Cheers,
Fi xox

Baja Birthdays

2010-09-21T15:38:00.000+10:00

Hi there,

The birthday bonanza continues. I will be so glad to see October, I think it's pretty birthday free. I still have one to go for September after the three cards I made today.

My friend Lou, whose daughter's Christening I attended last week, had her birthday on Sunday. We're meeting for coffee tomorrow to celebrate. I saw this card (the first one) ages ago on Splitcoast and fell in love with it and had to CASE it. I love the 'Friends Never Fade' set and am really growing to love the 'Greenhouse gala' DSP so it was a given I suppose. I only changed one DSP pattern & the ribbon, plus I didn't own the stamp set she used for the leaves, so substituted a stamp from the 'Cottage Garden' set. I used my markers to ink the flower stamp, am so happy to have a Baja Breeze marker at last (doing happy dance). I left off a sentiment as I think it would've been too busy. Am wondering if I should have stuck with the wider 'Certainly Celery' ribbon though....

My good work friend, Eileen, also had her birthday on Sunday. She loves her coffee, I think that is what she exists on during our busy shifts. I had to use the new 'Morning Cup' set, of course. It is one of my favs, being a great tea drinker myself and loving all things tea related. I was browsing the web trying to come up with a layout, when I came across the latest Mojo Monday sketch. I haven't done one of their challenges for ages & I really liked the sketch.

I used the new 'Elegant Soiree' DSP as I thought Eileen would like those colours. I inked the images using Stazon on watercolour paper (I stamped it rather crookedly, oops) and then used my aquapainter with my markers & inks. I chose the Scallop Trim border as I felt the little holes echoed the DSP pattern. The sentiment is from the retired set 'Think Happy Thoughts', with a piece of DSP cut out using the small heart punch (to echo the heart on the mug image) and the buttons from the retired 'Latte' collection. I think the part that took the longest was 'threading' the buttons with the little strips of Baja Breeze CS, fiddly! I don't think it is as crooked as it looks in the pic LOL.

I will save my other card for a new day, need to spin this out a bit LOL.

Have a great day,

Love Fi xox

Wow, 4 posts in one week!!!

2010-09-18T09:00:00.003+10:00

Hi there.

Don't faint, I just thought I'd better get all these cards that I've been making onto my blog. Andrea won't believe her eyes *waving*!

As you would know if you'd wandered past here recently, I have been up to ears in birthday cards. I don't remember July-Sept being this crazy before, maybe I've just been more diligent in making & sending cards, I'm not sure. Anyway, every spare minute seems to have been spent making cards. It has been fun, especially with the release of the new Catty & thus new goodies to play with :-)

My cousin Mikki had a birthday in August and she is very creative. I decided to use the new 'Newsprint' DSP as I thought it was a bit arty. Here is her card:

I had seen a tutorial for this accordion flower on Mary Fish's blog & decided to have a go using our scallop circle punch (the US now has a larger one as well, covet!). It was really easy to do. I added a 'Build-a-Brad' and then stamped some images from 'Artistic Etchings' in black & Rich Razzleberry.

Next, Mikki & Adam's son, Byron, turned 3. I used a sketch of Keesh's that I'd wanted to play with ages ago but ran out of time. I had this cute non-Su paper and combined it with 'Lots of Bots'.

The papers co-ordinated well with my SU cardstock but I used some non-SU ribbon I had lying around. I used the Timeless Type sizzlet for the '3' and covered it in glitter popping it up on a star that I punched out. The silver star brad was the finishing touch. The sentiment is from the new 'Party this Way' set.

I had one more card to make on this day so decided to stick with the same sketch. My good mate Ian was also having a birthday and he is a mad 4WDer. He & his family are planing a trip around part of Oz next year so I figured the map paper from the 'Newsprint' DSP would be appropriate, and added the music notes as he has a great voice and works on the Church sound desk. I added the 4WD image from 'Just Beachy' (ret) and some twill tape, distressing it with some sponging to keep it 'blokey'. I hope he liked it.

Thanks for calling by, I think that's all for now,

Love Fi xox

Sarah's Christening.

2010-09-16T09:00:00.005+10:00

I was blessed to be the midwife for my good friends Louise & Chris (Lou is a midwife too) when Lou birthed her gorgeous daughter Sarah back in February, and was thrilled to be able to attend Sarah's Christening on Sunday. I had made a Name Frame for one of my friend's daughters a while back & thought that would be a nice idea for Sarah. For reasons that I won't go into to, many midwives do not like images of butterflies and I wasn't quite sure what else to do. Finally I thought of my heart punch and thought that would be ok. I printed the text on my computer using this fantastic website to get the right RGB values for SU colours. I used 'Raspberry Tart' DSP (ret) as I love the colours and Sarah has bright pink 'In the Night Garden' sheets. The frame came from Big W.

Forgive the photo, I took it in a hurry on my phone as I was about to leave, as my camera batteries were playing up. You can see my reflection in the glass :-(
(The verse is Jeremiah 29:11, a fav of mine).

I didn't have any Christening type stamps so went with a card that co-ordinated with the frame:

I got the inspiration for the layout from this post. I can't stop using the 'Modern Label' punch, I have been wanting it for so long and it is fab for giving a frame to the 'Word Window' punch.

Lou seemed happy with the frame, I also added a little book from Koorong to complete the gift. It was a lovely morning despite the fact that I worked the night before and ended up being awake for about 20 hrs before crashing out on the lounge!

Thanks for visiting,
Cheers,
Fi xox

Sweet Sunday Sketch #85

2010-09-16T08:23:00.000+10:00

Can you believe it, another post. I should have 4 days off more often. I had a gorgeous day on Tuesday, using a voucher for a Day Spa treatment that was a birthday present. I was buffed, polished, massaged into blissful relaxation. What a wonderful gift!!!! Anyway, all that relaxing seems to have unleashed the blogging monster LOL.

I liked the Sweet Sunday Sketch this week. I always see it on Sarah-Jane's blog, but the original source is Karen Giron's blog. It has been ages since I was able to play along with a challenge and had fun with this one. Here is the sketch from karen's blog:

And here is card:

After I'd put it together I realised it would've looked better if I'd punched out consecutive images, but I couldn't be bothered re-doing it (slacker). I have used the ever so cute Level 1 hostess gift 'Birthday Bakery'. It has such cute images and sentiments. I used the now retired 'Sweet Always' DSP. I love it for girly cards & stocked up on an extra packet before the last catty finished. At least the colours in it are still current. I'm not completely happy with this card but it is passable I think.

Thanks for looking,
Cheers,
Fi xox

Keesh Sketch 39 take two, and this makes 3 posts in one day!!!

2010-09-15T13:06:00.001+10:00

Here is my 2nd play at Keesh's latest sketch challenge.

I wanted to make a card that fit the sketch more closely. I decided to make the 'suede effect' flower on page 2 of the new catty. I went looking for my new 'Fancy Flower' punch but couldn't find it. Turns out that I didn't order it LOL. I must add it to my next order. I had to resort to a non-SU punch that I had. I 'sueded' some baja Breeze CS and punched out 3 flowers and put them together with one of the beautiful new Antique Brads (yummy), then cut some Pear Pizazz leaves using my Sizzlet die & Big Shot. The DSP is from the new set, "Greenhouse Gala' which I also love. I didn't have any thin Baja Breeze ribbon so popped some CS through my crimper. Finally the sentiment is from one of the new Level 3 hostess sets, "Occasional Quotes". One advantage of being a demo is that we can purchase some of the hostess sets that we are unlikely to otherwise be able to get.

I must admit, I was pretty happy with how it turned out. I have a friend with a b'day this Sunday (I know, there has been no end to birthdays for about 3 months!!!).

I really enjoyed playing with this sketch, and hope to have the time to keep doing them.

Thanks for popping by,

Cheers,

Fi xox

A baby shower & some sympathy.

2010-09-15T12:58:00.000+10:00

Two post in one day, heck!!!

My Mum is going to a baby shower this Saturday (hi Mum) and asked me to make a card. It was a great excuse to get the new 'Baby Bundle' set. I saw this card when searching on Splitcoast & thought I'd CASE it. I didn't need the box so stuck with the card. I'm not 100% happy with it & the pic doesn't do it justice. Maybe it is just too busy with the pram filled with goodies. What do you think?

I changed the colours to Pink Pirouette & Baja Breeze as I love them together. The ribbon is retired baja satin and I used the modern Label punch (again, LOL). The sentiment is from the ever reliable 'Short & Sweet' set. I hope Mum likes it.

On the other extreme, my friend Sarah lost her 98yo grandmother this week. I wanted to make a simple Sympathy card using 'Thoughts & Prayers'. I returned to Splitcoast & came upon this card. I loved the unusual use of the stamp. I'm not very good with too much white though, so added a 'Pear Pizazz' background (I love this new In-Color) and changed it to a rectangle card. It is a bit hard to see, but I also stamped the top of the tree in white on the bottom corner. It is also hard to see, but I added tiny pearls from the new SU 'Basic Pearls'. The main image is popped up on dimensionals to give some, well, some dimension! It was hard for me to stop & not add anything more, I'm not good at CAS.

I hope you're having a great week. Thanks for visiting,
Love Fi xox

Finally, time for some challenges.

2010-09-15T12:01:00.002+10:00

Hi There,
I have really missed playing my fav challenges like Keesh's and Sweet Sunday. I finally took the time to have a play.

Keesh's latest sketch challenge, #39, (can you believe it?) is very cute and I have had 2 plays (I know, shock, horror). Firstly, here is the sketch:

My first play is a Birthday card for my friend's son who is turning 7. I have been hanging to get my hands on the new fab 'Celebrations' DSP as it is perfect for boys. I've been wanting to combine it with "Lots of Bots" and figure that would be fine for a big 7 y.o. boy. So, the image isn't a flower but figure challenges are all about poetic licence. I love the paper with the numbers, so used it & the cut out an extra '7' and popped it up on dimensionals and added Crystal Effects. I coloured the bot with my inks and a blender pen as it is a bit more subtle than straight markers.

ETA: I realised that I need to put the next card in a separate post so that I can link both with thumbnails.

Cheers,

Fi xox

Father's Day Cards

2010-09-07T08:21:00.001+10:00

Hi,

My Dad loves to spend most of his time in the shed and loves new tools, he asked for new Drill Bits for Father's Day. Last time I was in his shed he had a huge pile of screws & nuts & bolts everywhere. Thus, when I saw this card I just had to make it for Mum to give him as a Father's Day card.
Here is my version. I covered it in the nuts & bolts stamp from 'Lots of Bots' in homage to his shed LOL.

And the inside, which uses the tool images, without the text, from 'Totally Tool'.

Next, I made Dad a card featuring a Punch Art VW Beetle that I CASEd from here. Dad had a Beetle in his youth and has an affection for them. I used the Wide Oval, Large & small Ovals, Horizontal Slot, Word Window and Scallop Circle (cut down for the tires) punches. The headlights are made from a Build-a-Brad with no image glued to the backing. Dad seemed quite chuffed with both cards.

I'll be back soon with yet more birthday cards. What's with the July-September birthday madness??? I need to go hang out my washing (yes, excitement plus), clean my house (more excitement), make some body butter (at last some fun) & make a Christening gift & card (yeah, more fun).

Have a great day,
Love Fi xox

Get well for Mum

2010-09-01T22:00:00.006+10:00

Hi All,
Hope you're all excited about the new catty. I thought I could post this card now that the new catty is out.

I made it for Mum as she had to have an operation recently. Thankfully she is making a wonderful recovery (hi Mum, xox). I used a set that the gorgeous Lavonne brought me on her recent visit from the US (she's headed back home *sob*, miss you Lavonne!). I was very glad to see it turn up in our new catty. It is called 'Morning Cup'. I love any images to do with teapots, cups etc, so this set is sure to be a favourite. Of course I CASEd it, from this card made by Ilina Crouse. I have had no time to think, and am not terribly good at coming up with ideas with at the best of times. I once again used colours from the 'Cottage Garden" DSP, Orchid Opulence (now retired), Old Olive & Rich Razzleberry. We don't have the punch here that Ilina used so I added a piece of CS cut using the Curly Label punch. I used versamark for the background images. I thought the sentiment 'Perk Up' was appropriate for a get well card. Mum seemed to like it, and that was the main thing, she took it into the hospital to set on her night stand.
That's it for today. I'll pop back soon with some pics of yet more birthday cards & two that i've made for Dad's day. The occasions just keep coming. i've no time to enter a challenge in months :-(
I really wanted to enter Andrea's blog candy challenge but had a last minute Union meeting to attend (see roster comment 2 posts ago) and a new mobile phone to figure out. Time just got away, I can't believe it is nearly 10pm.

Enough raving, sleep well,
Fi xox

New Catty and a blog change!

2010-09-01T21:32:00.003+10:00

Well, it is finally that wonderful time of the year. After waiting an extra 5 months, it is the launch of the new catalogue!!!! I have included a link to the left if you want to view it on-line. It is full of lots of lovely new goodies and the new 'Colour Renovation' colours. I can't wait to get my hands on them. I love the new 'Birthday Bash' suite for kids.

You might have noticed that my blog has changed a bit. I didn't really mean for it to change. I was fiddling around on Blogger but then couldn't get it to go back. Oops, *blush*. Will now have to do a new header. I might wait til I get some new goodies to play with. It is about time for a change anyway.

Have a great day & please check out the new catty. Throw me an email, see link to right, if you'd like me to send you a yummy new Idea Book & Catalogue ('catty' to those of us addicted to all things Stampin' Up!).

Cheers,
Fi xox

Sarah loves shoes.

2010-08-22T18:28:00.001+10:00

Hi there,

Don't fall over in shock that there is a 2nd post within the week! I have another 30th party on, though I sadly can't go as I didn't get the shift off as I had requested :-( We won't mention rosters, as we are getting a new rostering system that gives us no requests, no choice, essentially no life. "Not happy, Jan!"

Anyway, back to the card. Sarah is well known for her love of shoes and has a shoe theme for her party. I searched high & low for a shoe stamp to no avail, so thought of looking for a digi-stamp image. Boy did I hit the jackpot (IMHO LOL). I found this amazing sketch image. I didn't mean to copy it so completely, thought about doing in in blues, but my Purely Pomegranate (retired, sob) & Rich Razzleberry were calling to me. The original is coloured in Copics, which I don't own, so I printed it onto watercolour paper and used inks and an aquapainter. I added glitter using a 2-way glue pen. I must admit, I am very chuffed with the result. The wonderful Keesh did a fabulous easel card tutorial on her blog this week (just scroll down within this post) , so that leant the final touch. Thanks Keesh!

Here is a side view to show how the easel stands up:

Don't you just love that scrummy Purely Pomegranate ribbon? Sadly there is only a little left on my roll. I can't wait til the new catty comes out, there are, finally, lovely stick on pearls & rhinestones, definitely on my wish list (oh, my wish list is sooo long!!!). The 'Happy Birthday' is a sneak peak from the new catty. It is from a stamp set that we got as a surprise freebie at convention.

I better get going,

Have a great day,

Love Fi xox

ETA this was meant to be a scheduled post for Tues, oh well. I hit the wrong button, DUH!

The birthdays keep a-coming!

2010-08-22T17:43:00.007+10:00

Hi,

It's been a while again. What with spending my days off making cards there is no time to edit & blog them. Also I was sick last week and Mum had an op this week (Hi Mum, MWAH!) so life has been rather busy. I work tonight but woke up early so have been madly loading pics to my computer. This will be a quick post but thought that was better than my usual 'no-post' LOL.

Firstly, Mum's b'dy card. I finally borrowed it from her. The photo is not vey good as I took it tonight, but it gives you the idea. I CASEd it from the fabulous Nancy Riley who unfortunately is taking a break from blogging as her daughter was in an accident. Thoughts and prayers to you Nancy!

This was a labour of love as you know how much I love cutting out (not!). I want a punch for these flowers! Mum likes the colours in the Cottage Garden DSP (as do I, will miss it so much when it retires) so I stuck with that. I love the 'Vintage Vogue' set too, hope it hangs around for the next few years. The sentiment is from 'Well Scripted' a US SU set. I love the Little Leaves Sizzlet die. My Big Shot has been used so much more since we got the SU dies over here :-)

My good friend Ang turned 30 in August and she made me a beautiful card for my birthday. I agonised over her card, wanting something special. Ang seems to make cupcakes for all their occasions and made her 1yo a giant cupcake for her b'day, so went with that for inspiration. I made a Side-step card, based on ones I found on Splitcoast, esp this one which directs you to a great tutorial, and this one.

And this pic shows it more side-on so you can see the 'steps'.

Sorry, the pics have come out a bit dark, problem with quick editing! I am going to miss this Sweet Always DSP, it is especially great for girly cards. Maybe I should order one last pack before it retires (in 9 days!!). I used the lovely 'Crazy for Cupcakes' stamp set & the cupcake wheel. The numbers are chipboard inked in Regal Rose & then liberally covered in glitter. Does anyone else find that they are as sparkly as the project after using this gorgeous glitter??? I added 2 little tags using 'Teeny Tiny Wishes' and the little tag punch. Love these little tags, you can add them to any project.

Anyway, this has turned out rather long for a 'quick' post so I better get moving. Hope you've had a great weekend. I am hopefully getting to catch up with the lovely Lavonne (my US stamp 'dealer' LOL) tomorrow. She is out here visiting her family. It is always wonderful to catch up with her.

Cheers, Fi xox

Birthdays keep on coming

2010-08-05T09:00:00.001+10:00

Hi again,

Thought I'd better show some more cards before the pile becomes insurmountable. One of my best friends, Jenn, has a daughter who turned 12 on the 3rd. I saw this card by Andrea Walford & knew I wanted to CASE it. I didn't have the patience to do multi-coloured glitter and as we don't have the icecream stamps, I used my old faithful 'Crazy for Cupcakes'.

Am thinking some chunky glitter might have been better than the 3 'sprinkles' on the cake but all in all I was really happy with it. The DSP is from 'Sweet Always', the scallop edge is from a US only punch (but hope it is in our new catty) and the sentiment is from the 'Heard from the Heart' set (Autumn mini). The glitter is sprinkled over a piece of 'Sticky Strip', cool idea. The numbers are cut using my Big Shot & the alphabet die from the Autumn mini & then covered with glitter glue. A 12 y.o. can never have too much bling!

Next card is for my friend Pete's 30th, which is on Thursday. Once again I have CASEd Andrea. She makes great cards. Her original is far better than my CASE, would love to have a go using the 'Cottage garden' DSP but think of my mate as a blue rather than mauve sort of girl.

I have used the gorgeous, but sadly retired, 'Parisian Breeze' DSP and the co-ordinating colours of Kraft (soon to known as Crumb Cake), Baja Breeze and Close to Cocoa. The stamp sets are Vintage Vogue & a non-SU Happy Birthday. I added non-SU rhinestones. Once again I cut the numbers using my Big Shot (it is so handy!!!) only this time I covered them in Crystal Effects. A touch of Kraft taffeta ribbon & it was done.

I hope they like them,

Cheers,

Fi xox

More birthday cards!

2010-08-03T12:17:00.007+10:00

Hi Guys,

And the aforementioned cards still aren't the gorgeous ones I received, must get those pics taken.

My Aunt's birthday is the day after mine (and Mum's is two weeks before, the nephew who turned 16 is 2 days before, and another Aunt 3 days before that, crazy time!) and I always think of her liking rich colours. I have some of the gorgeous 'Razzleberry Lemonade' DSP (am hoping we get the matching 'Blueberry Crisp' in our new catty, actually, I want ALL the new DSP's, lets face it!) so decided to CASE this card that I saw on Splitcoast. I love the rock n roll technique to give some interest to a solid image, & I love the colours.

Here is my attempt:

I cheated with the colours. I don't have any of the Curry CS but did have the markers, so created a faux layer by drawing around the edge of the white layer. It does not look as even as I thought now that I can see the pic, oops. I added some RR ribbon, love it, and some bling with a Rhinestone Brad. The sentiment is non-SU, and I just layered it using the word window and small oval punches.

The background DSPs in some of these photos do not do the cards justice, comes from taking pics in a hurry & grabbing whatever was at hand. However, I was pretty happy with how this card turned out, looks much better IRL.

The next card is one that I made for my Dad to give to my Mum. I made two & let him choose which he preferred. Mum hasn't seen the other option yet. I forgot to take a pic of the card I made for her from me, have had a post in the 'edit' section for a few weeks waiting for me to go & take a pic.

For this card I used a technique that is all over Splitcoast. It is embossing with the Manhattan Flowers die using the Big Shot, cutting around the image & adding it the front of a card.

Terrible description, here is the pic:

I stamped the rose image from '5th Avenue Floral' in white ink onto Rich razzleberry CS. I embossed a piece of 'Cottage Garden DSP', it seemed to work better than using card stock. I then stamped the rose in RR ink onto the DSP. Mum seemed to really like it. I used my punches for the sentiment, which is from a non-SU set.

There are still more birthday cards to come, and still at least two to make. July & Aug sure are birthday rich. Now I think about it, there are at least 4 in Sept too, heck!!!

Must go & clean, yuck. My place is still in disarray after my party. I bought the stuff home & dumped it everywhere, must go clean & tidy.

Have a great day,

Fi xox

My 40th!

2010-07-28T18:07:00.020+10:00

Hi Guys,

Warning, pic heavy, stamping light, post! Blogger playing up, have edited this about 6 times!

I have had an absolute ball over the last few days celebrating turning 40. Who would've thought being 40 could be so good. A HUGE thank you to my fabulous blog buddies, Andrea, Lee-Anne, Lee, Genelle & Sarah-Jane for your birthday wishes. It is wonderful how SU leads to amazing friendships, even amongst people who've never met. Love ya, gorgeous ladies!! I will take pics of the lovely cards I've been sent soon. If you want to see the card that the very lovely Andrea made me, click here. Isn't it gorgeous? It is even lovelier IRL.

I thought I'd update a few pics of my party. I just had a small gathering of about 35 people for finger food & cake. My good friends Ross & sarah had a 'lolly bar' at their wedding & I loved the idea, so i pinched it. (Card making is not the only area of my life where I CASE, LOL). I also saw these pics on Petronela's blog & really liked her use of the stripey stamp from the 'Cute & Curly' set for the lolly jar labels, so I CASEd that too. My colour scheme was Rich Razzleberry & Silver, which was so pretty.

Here are my pics:

The lovely balloon arrangements, the top one has 40's printed on it.

Lolly bags made using the Big Shot Fancy Favour die. The clips are from Smiggle.

The cake table & Lolly Bar, yummo!

A close up of the lolly jars. Love the Rich razzleberry ribbon & little 'Cute & curly' labels (thanks for the idea Petronela)

Front-on shot

A few of my guests.

I had a wonderful time and my guests mingled really well. The finger food was yummy, the cake divine & I was sooooo spoilt with gorgeous gifts, esp from my parents, a beautiful ring made from my Grandmother's engagement ring and Grandmother & Great-Grandmother's wedding rings. It is stunning & I looooove it (and you too Mum, MWAH!). I got a voucher for a helicopter ride over Sydney harbour, a voucher for a day Spa, Koorong Voucher, Colorado Voucher & Pandora voucher (my friends know me well) and lots of lovely jewellery. My aunt gave me a beautiful scarf from paris & a necklace from Ireland, yummy. I have fantastic choice in friends and am blessed to be in my family. My brother & family even arranged to send me a hamper, a big deal when they live in Russia. I feel very loved & very blessed!!!!

I promise to get back here with some cards soon, but i just had to share my party fun.

Love Fi xoxox

Another July Birthday

2010-07-23T09:00:00.001+10:00

Hi Guys,

Just a quick post. This is a card I made for a mate who likes gardening & has renovated his house. I saw this card on Splitcoast & thought it would be perfect for James.

Here is my take on it:

I left off the scallop edge border in the interests of making it more masculine. I hope he liked getting it in the post. I got so confused around James' b'day. I thought it was the 2nd on the 1st and texted him a day early. It was only the next day when I saw all the good wishes on Facebook that I realised I'd been a day out. So I really had two '2nd of July' days this month and James got to celebrate twice. Night duty can do that to you!!!

Have a great day,

Fi xox

Recipe:

Stamps - Good Neighbours (SAB), On Your Birthday

Paper - Baja Breeze, Very vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss CS, Sweet Pea (USA ret) DSP

Ink - Markers in above colours

Accessories - Vintage Brad, Choc Chip ribbon, Dimensionals

Birthday Bonanza

2010-07-22T18:45:00.006+10:00

Hi Guys,

I can't believe it is so long between posts. I sat down the other week and started a post in order to show you the cards I made for Mum's b'day, only to realise that I (shock, horror) forgot to take any photos of the cards I made her. Will have to go & take some. I have had two lots of only 2 days off this roster (which, when doing night duty really means only 1 full day off and 2 where you are at work for part of it) and with all my party plans, have had zero time to blog.

I have, however, been making some cards & projects for the 10 July/August birthdays amongst my friends and family, including three having 30th b'days in August. Busy time but lots of fun events.

This card is one I made for my mate who lives in Tamworth. Jenny is 44 but young at heart. No-one would ever think she was beyond her 30's. I really liked this sketch from an Inkspirations challenge designed by Cindy Major and this is the 2nd time that I've used it (see last post for the 1st card).

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

I hope she liked it.

Must go and get ready for work.

Have a great weekend,

Love Fi xox

Recipe:

Stamps - Crazy for Cupcakes, Extreme Elements (USA), Whimsical Words (SAB)

Paper - greeting card base, Taken with Teal & Whisper White CS, 'Sweet Pea' DSP (retired, USA only).

Ink - Rose Red, Taken with Teal, So Saffron, mix of inks & markers.

Accessories - Dazzling Diamonds, Heat & Stick Powder, Dimensionals, Rose Red & So Saffron ribbons, Circle Scissors, Dotto, Punches.

How can my nephew be turning 16???

2010-07-08T09:00:00.000+10:00

Hi again,

As the title suggests, I can not believe my nephew could possibly be that old. Hardly seems any time since he was a baby. He lives in Russia and wants money for his b'day but we are sending over cards (of course!). I made one from Mum & Dad & one from me. I am pretty sure I am safe to post it here before we send it as he's not likely to be perusing my blog LOL.

Firstly the one from the Grandparents:

I took the layout & basic idea from here and the grunged it up a bit and moved the stars around. I love stars for male cards. I finally got 'Wonderful Favourites' when it was on sale earlier this year and it is such a handy set. Perfect for a card from Grandparents. I couldn't use 'favourite' as there are 2 grandsons. I took inspiration for the colours from the 'Sweet Pea' DSP, again sent to me by Lavonne (wow Lavonne, you're a life-saver!!!). While I really love our Aussie DSPs it has been a bit 'light-on' for male papers (the 'Urbans' & 'Windsor Knot' have been the main ones with suitable 'boyish' papers). I really like this stripe from the 'Sweet Pea' papers for guys. I used the fabulous alphabet sizzlits (exclusive to SU) with the 'Big Shot' for the '16' and the 2 star punches. The silver embossed star uses a PTI stamp set that co-ordinates with our star punch. The little stars are from a retired SU set that is too handy to give up. The colours are 'Taken with Teal', 'Pumpkin Pie' & 'Basic Grey'.

Now for the card from me:

I must be honest & say that I was thrilled with how this turned out. I took the layout from a past Inkspirations Sketch challenge, #29 (se below) and inspiration from this fab card by Louise Ryan. I have been meaning to CASE it for ages, but then really liked this layout.

I have once again used SU 'contraband' from the States. I love, love, love these 'Extreme' sets. I think there might be a riot if these don't turn up in our next Catty. There is a large number of demos who have been asking for them for a few years now. They are so good for teen boys. There is the 'Extreme Elements' set used for the background image on the circle, & then individual stamps, this guitarist, a skateboarder, snowboarder, surfer & dirt-bike rider. Who couldn't find a use for at least some of those images????

Anyway, back to the card. I started with 'Night of Navy' CS and stamped it in Silver Encore ink using a retired stamp set (Starring You???). I stamped my background from the 'Extreme Elements' set in 'Night of Navy', 'Pumpkin Pie' & 'Kiwi Kiss' & black embossed the guitarist image over the top. I cut out the image, plus 2 more circles in 'N of N' & KK CS using my 'Circle

Scissors' (with lots of Dotto, that is absolutely essential in getting great circles). I cut two rectangles of CS in KK & PP & distressed the edges using my 'Cutter Kit'. I stamped them with 2 of the 'Extreme Elements' images. The Circle is raised up on Dimensionals. I used yet another contraband stamp from the US set 'Four Square', inked in N of N on Whisper White CS. I loved this stamp for boys cards. (thanks again Lavonne!). I backed it with a square of 'N of N', using my square punches.

Well, that is about it for today. I have a few more cards up my sleeve so hopefully will post a bit more frequently. Thanks for popping by. Must have a cuppa & then face cleaning the bathroom (uugh). Then I'm off to take Dad shopping for Mum's b'day (you never read that Mum, LOL).

Cheers,

Fi xox

Olivia's 1st birthday gift

2010-07-06T11:08:00.004+10:00

Hi Guys,

Where does the time go? Still haven't had time to complete a challenge before the expiry time. I have, however made 5 cards this week. I know at least 10 people with birthdays in July & August, crazy!

As I was looking back through my blog, I realised that I never posted the wall art that I made for my friend's daughter's 1st birthday. I apologise for the photo, I forgot to take a photo with my camera, this was taken on my phone.

Olivia has 2 walls in her room that are quite similar in colour to Rose Red so I went with the yummy 'Raspberry Tart' DSP. The lovely Lavonne sent me the embosslit die from The US SU catty, so lovely. I had originally made this using the butterfly punch but liked the variety in butterfly sizes that I could get with the die. I hope it shows up in our next catty.

I stamped the background with the grass stamp from 'Inspired by Nature' in Kiwi Kiss, inspired by a blog entry that I can't find. Let me know if you recognise it (rats thought I'd saved it). The name is made by covering 'on Board' chipboard letters with DSP, laborious but effective. The flower is a 'Flower Fusion' with a little 'Old Olive' brad. It is in a frame that I found in Target, sadly the last one, it didn't even have a box. I must get to Ikea as I think they sell shadow box frames. I had the matting made by an on-line company. I was so happy with it when I got it in the mail

Thankfully my friend really liked it, as did her family.

Must go & hang up washing (fun fun!).

Cheers,

Fi xox

Charlotte's Bithday

2010-06-23T00:24:00.006+10:00

Hi Guys,

My friend that I stayed with in Sydney, Jenn's, eldest daughter turned 14 last week. It doesn't seem that long since she was a cute toddler & now she is becoming a beautiful young woman. I went trawling for a card idea & saw a card on Splitcoast (surprise!?!). It used the cupcake stand out of "Crazy for Cupcakes" & I really liked it. I followed the blog link to here. It was CAS (Clean & Simple) and I made it less clean & a tad less simple (every time I try to use glitter it becomes less simple LOL). I am not good with lots of white space & though Sue's original is so lovely I just had to add some DSP & ribbon ;-). I must get better at CAS cards as they look so elegant.

Here is my version:

I used stazon ink on watercolour paper for the main image & coloured it using Markers & an Aquapainter before layering it onto Chocolate Chip CS. The background is 'Sweet Always' DSP also layered on CC CS. I added Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon &, because 14 is definitely not too old for bling, I added a glittery 14. I cut the numbers out of CC CS using my Big Shot & the very handy 'Timeless Type Junior Alphabet' dies, I then used my 2-way glue pen to add the glitter. I then stuck the numbers (very carefully as I was getting glitter everywhere) to a circle of Regal Rose CS & yet more CC CS. The glitter was the hardest part LOL.

Charlotte's family, & especially her aunt, are big SU fans (pity they live in Wagga & already had a demo, rats) & Jenn suggested that Charlotte would really like some SU stuff. I thought the "Picture This" hostess set might be good for this age, cute for making cards for her friends. Add some DSP, blank cards & dimensionals & present done. I really hope she likes the card & gift (I'm banking on their being little chance she would look on here & her pressie should've arrived by now). Happy Birthday Charlotte!!

Hope you're having a great week,

Cheers, Fi x

My Birthday Invites

2010-06-21T17:30:00.000+10:00

Hi Again,

I'm sure I've been mentioning that I turn the dreaded '40' this year. I decided to have a party, who says you can't throw one for yourself?? As soon as I saw the 'Rich Razzleberry' CS I knew it would be the basis of my invites. I also initially planned to use 'Cottage Garden' DSP & the 'F' image from 'Vintage Vogue'. Well, I didn't. I saw this card (the top card) whilst blurfing & loved the simple elegance. I decided to turn it around so I didn't need to add a knot, for the sake of postage. My lovely friend Lavonne sent me the 'ElegantBouquet' embossing folder (by the way, if you're reading this Lavonne, stop now, yours is in the mail).

I used the Big Shot both for the dry embossing & the numbers (Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlets dies). These dies are so handy, now you can whip up any name or number combo in a flash. I used SU Silver CS for the numbers. I stamped the 'You're Invited' from the 'Sincere Salutations' stamp set using Silver Encore ink & heat embossed with silver powder. Easy but time consuming. I coloured the flower centres with a non-SU silver marker. Gluing the numbers took quite a while but the '2-way Glue pen' is perfect for the job.

And now the inside:

I bought some white shimmer paper & printed the details on my computer. I then stamped the 'Vintage Vogue' small flower in 'Rich Razzleberry' & the leaf in 'Silver Encore'. I actually only did the bottom flower on the rest of the invites as it looked more open. I've edited out the details with iPhoto.

I hope everyone likes them, now to organise the rest of the details.

Thanks for popping by,

Fi x

A quick post

2010-06-17T17:19:00.006+10:00

Hi Guys,

My hols are over and I haven't done half of what I planned to do (like clean & organise house, its worse than before my hols!!). So much for the theory that I would blog heaps and enter all the challenges. Been too busy gallivanting out & about, having coffee, dinners out, spending time in Sydney, what a life. Pity work has to interfere with all that but the bills do have to be paid.

Anyway, enough ramble. My cousins had a gorgeous girl, Kaia Jay, this week. I made a card for her, CASEd from this one on Splitcoast. It was very easy & I think it is pretty.

I used a base of Kraft CS, ran 'Very Vanilla' CS through the 'Big Shot' with the Polka Dots embossing folder for the top half, & used 'Sweet Always' DSP for the base. The stamp is from 'Punches Three', very cute. The addition of some' Chocolate Chip' CS, doctored with the ''Scallop Edge' punch, and some Regal Rose ribbon finishes it off. Finally I printed Kaia's name using my computer to personalise it.

Their 2yo son, Byron, is now a big brother, so we sent him a little gift with this notecard attached.

This is a SU notecard, so handy. I inked up the engine stamp from 'Choo Choo' (hope this set makes the next IB&C) with Pacific Point and added black & silver accents. The 'Brother' stamp is from 'Wonderful Favourite', its a shame I didn't have room to add the 'wonderful'. I hope Byron likes getting his own little card in the mail.

Well, must go & think about the 'going to work' process. It is a damp, chilly night, not really conducive to heading out. Oh well.

Catch you soon, I hope,

Fi x

Long time, no blog

2010-06-10T21:08:00.007+10:00

Hi Guys,

Well its been a while since I was here. I've been on hols and rather than having more time & I seem to be busier than ever. I spent last week in Sydney, firstly at a work conference, and then spent 5 fun days catching up with my best mate from Wagga. We've been friends since 1992 but don't get to see each other very often. As we both turn the dreaded big '40' this year we decided to celebrate by spending some time together. When we were 30 we planned to go to Paris for our 40th, now we're there, we are still broke, so Sydney had to do. We go a great deal on the Menzies Hotel right in the city, & had a ball. We saw "Calendar Girls", fab show, ate, talked (often well past midnight), had coffee & shopped to our hearts' content. Great fun.

Anyway, that is a long-winded explanation of why there have been no blog updates or challenge entries. I did, however, find a few cards that I haven't shown you yet.

I made this one to say thanks to my mate Tracey's hubby & son for coming & pulling shrubs out of my yard. Trace is good at volunteering them, LOL.

I used Basic Grey, Basic Black & Whisper White CS. The grey CS was embossed with a (oh, mental blank, type of metal...) design embossing folder (non-SU) using the Big Shot. The stamp is from the good male go-to set, 'Totally Tool', stamped in black & coloured with a silver marker. I added a 'Wide Clip' to jazz it up a little as it really was a five minute job. I included a a Bunnings & iTunes voucher.

The next card is one I made my Mum for Mother's Day. She is the best Mum ever (& she even reads my blog, so - Hi Mum, love ya!). As I've said before, my brother & his family live in Russia so this gorgeous stamp set, sent to me by the lovely Lavonne, is perfect.

I used Very vanilla, & Rich Razzleberry CS, & Watercolour Paper. I used my markers to ink the border stamp, and stamped the Matryoshka in Stazon, & used an aquapainter & markers. I added Rich Razzleberry ribbon & a Filigree Flower held on with a rhinestone brad. The sentiment is from another US set, I hope it comes out in our next catty.

Thanks for popping by. I'm heading back to the warm loungeroom to watch NCIS & NCIS LA (Mark Harmon & Chris O'Donnell, yummo).

Have a great weekend,

Cheers,

Fi xox

A gift for Sarah-Jane

2010-05-28T23:03:00.006+10:00

Hi Guys,

I hope Sarah-Jane doesn't mind but I thought I'd post some pics of the little 'room-mate gift' I made her. Firstly, I wish I'd taken a pic of the lovely 'Convention Survival Pack' that she put together for me. It was perfect, lovely decorated bag (with my fav Vintage Vogue SS) filled with tissues, pen, gorgeous covered (altered) notepad, much needed Panadol Rapid (esp after fire alarm debacle) & mints.

My lovely friend in the US, Lavonne, had very kindly sent me some more goodies, including some of the very yummy Satin Ribbon & 'Pretty in Pink' cord buttons. I made up some little pillow boxes using the Big Shot (so easy) and decorated them in pinks & browns (no-one who knows Sarah will be surprised at the colour choice LOL) and put a few little pieces of ribbon & some buttons inside. I wasn't sure how to package them, and then I realised that the Fancy Favour box/bag will hold three of the pillow boxes perfectly. Light bulb moment!!

Here are the pics:

I was quite chuffed with how the the pillow boxes fit.

Will try & come back & add the recipes later, need to be at a conference at 8am & its 23:15 now, must get to bed.

have a great weekend,

Love Fi x

Convention is over :-(

2010-05-23T14:58:00.003+10:00

Hi Guys,

I've just got home from having an amazing time at Convention. From meeting & getting to know my fabbo room-mate Sarah-Jane, meeting Kirsty Brown (& her lovely Mum) & Teneale Williams; spending time with the awesome Klass Act girls (thanks so much to Sarah, Tim & family for letting me join in on a fun night; & also to Beth, Hayley, Nat & Louise for letting me hang with you, what a great bunch you are), meeting Andrea Lowcock & her lovely team; to saying hi to Sue Madex, it was a fantastic time. Convention showed me that SU are serious when they say that relationships are one of there core values.

I will post more later (with some pics) but i just wanted to share this. On our first night, Sarah-Jane & I had just hit the hay after chatting til about 12 (who, us???) & I was just dozing off when this hideous noise started. I thought someone had set an alarm clock for 12:30am, when I realised it was the fire alarm! We trotted down the fire stairs in summer PJ's, shoes & cardi (fabulous look) & waited out in the cold for about 30-45 mins waiting to find out what was happening. We were allowed back in & got back to bed by about 1:30. Just dozing off again when at 2:30 we hear a voice announcing that we had to evacuate the building AGAIN, & then the alarm sounded. Back down we go (only this time I decided to put my jeans on) only to be sent back in again by about 3. We went down 8 flights of stairs twice & up once, boy were my legs sore the next day. It was not conducive to staying awake that day, luckily the speakers were so interesting, it stopped me dozing off. It certainly was an adventure, one I hope never to repeat!

Anyway, off to have a bit of a rest. Catch you soon,

Fi xox

Off to Convention today!

2010-05-20T09:23:00.002+10:00

Hi Guys,

Yes, it is finally here, the day to head off to Sydney for Convention. I am so lucky that it is only a few hours down the road, and it is being held at the same place as Regionals so will be familiar. Can you believe that I get to room with the amazing & talented Sarah-Jane Kale, I know, how exciting is that. Not only that, there is a good chance that I'll get to meet the incredible Teneale Williams and Kirsty Brown. I was so excited to just swap a card with Teneale at the regionals, let alone actually chat over coffee. I also hope that the lovely Andrea Lowcock can make it, her hubby Gav has a very bad back at the moment (stop press, just read on Andrea's blog that she is coming, yeah!!!). I'd also love to meet Petronela & Marelle, oh the list goes on & on...

I have just a few more things to pack & I am heading out.

Will be back next week (promises, promises) with all the details.

Have a great weekend,

Love Fi x

Getting ready for Convention!

2010-05-18T17:43:00.004+10:00

Hi Guys,

It has been a long time since I've posted. I haven't even had time to do a challenge. I've had so many birthdays etc of late that I've spent all my time card making, leaving no time to blog. I've even committed the cardinal blogging sin of giving cards away before taking a photo!!! (Mum, can I borrow back your Mum-day cards to photograph???). I can show one card that I made during the last U-stamp. It was a thank you card that I sent to the gorgeous Lavonne for sending me all my lovely SU goodies from the USA. It was designed by Penny Hanuszak. I don't have a link to the original card but you can see her blog here.

I used DSP, ribbon and punch that she sent me, and then the lovely Vintage Vogue set. I added a Flower Fusion flower just cause I could LOL.

Must keep going, have to finish my swaps *waving to Lee & Sarah-Jane*. Nothing like the last minute LOL.

Catch you soon (hopefully will catch up with some of you at Convention *waving Andrea*)

Cheers,

Fi x

Good neighbours

2010-05-05T19:18:00.007+10:00

Hi Guys,

Just a quick post. My lovely 'across-the-road' neighbours moved a few months ago. I will miss them as they have been there the whole time that I have lived here and are a very nice family. We would look out for one another. I couldn't let them leave without a little acknowledgement. I made them a card using the very appropriate (& now retired) SAB set "Good Neighbours. I cased it from this card on Splitcoast.

I used my 'Sweet Pea' DSP & scallop edge punch (both only available in the US at this time) *waving to Lavonne*, Whisper White, Old Olive & So Saffron CS, my matching SU Markers, Fusion felt flowers held on with a So Saffron brad, & Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon. I made a matching mini-pizza style box that I filled with chocs, but forgot to take a pic of it, duh! They called in one day to say thanks. Isn't it lovely when people appreciate the things we make? I wonder what the new neighbours will be like. Maybe I could make a 'welcome to the street' card with the same stamps...

ETA: Did anyone out there know that today is 'International Midwives Day'? Am hoping to find some cake, at least, from the boss when I arrive tonight.

Anyway, must get ready for work.

Catch you soon (I know, promises, promises...)

Fi xox

Thanks Andrea

2010-05-04T16:43:00.002+10:00

The lovely Andrea Lowcock sent me a blog award:

Isn't she sweet. So apparently I have to pass it onto 10 other bloggers & list 10 things about myself.

Ten beautiful Bloggers:

1. Sarah-Jane

2. Lee

3. Makeesha

4. Genelle

5. Lee-Anne

6. Teneale

7. Kylie

8. Petronela

9. Sarah

10. Marelle

Now, the boring bit, 10 things about me:

1. I have been a midwife for 13 years, I work mainly in Delivery Suite, permanent night duty. I am now virtually un-shockable.

2. My other hobbies include making candles, soaps, body butters, lotions and occasionally, beading. My hobbies keep me broke.

3. I have always been into crafting. Was into decoupage in a big way back in the early nineties. Failed miserably at embroidery & long stitch. No great shakes at sewing, thankfully my Mum is.

4. My brother & sister-in-law (& their 3 kids) live in Russia, running their house as a drop-in centre. I admire them but dearly miss them.

5. I turn the big 40 in July, looking fwd to celebrating, not so much to the turning 40 bit.

6. I am on holidays in 11 more days, yay! (And going to the SU convention!!!)

7. I watch way too much TV, esp crime shows. Fav reality tv is "So You Think You Can Dance" & Masterchef.

8. I think I must have one of the largest collections of Christian novels around, my 2 bedroom unit is stuffed to the hilt (& that doesn't take into account all my craft supplies, need a bigger house!!).

9. I do not own a Pandora bracelet!

10. I am blessed with wonderful parents & friends who keep me sane and make me feel loved.

So there you have it. Will have to run around later & let the recipients know of their rewards. I have to go have a kip before working tonight.

Cheers,

Fi xox

Birthdays Three (or is that four?)

2010-04-27T19:05:00.000+10:00

Hi again,

My good friends have 3 birthdays in 3 days, four if you count Wes' twin sister Annette (and Netty, you certainly do count). They are having a party on the 15th May, so thought I'd better get cracking on some cards. I saw these cute kids cards on Andrea Walford's blog. She is a wonderful resource. I have been hangin' to use my new 'Lots of Bots' stamp set, it is so cute. I didn't get the 'Pony Party' set so went with 'Crazy for Cupcakes' for Livi. I'm pretty happy with how they turned out (best thing about CASEing, they usually turn out ok)!

Ethan's Card:

Livi's card:

Now Wes is into gardening and making their house look nice, so I thought I'd use the (now retired) SAB set 'Good Neighbours'. As usual, I CASEd the card, coming across the original here on the ever useful Splitcoast. I figured that a ribbon & bow weren't very 'manly' so I used a strip of DSP and one of the new pieces from the 'Soho Designer Hardware'. Very easy to apply using the 'Crop-a-dile'. i do wish I'd left off the sponging, it seemed like a good idea at the time.

Well, I've also made a 'Get Well' & a 'Thinking of You' card, and still need to do Mother's Day' and two more birthdays. Phew. It is fun to be making cards for people though. While I love doing challenges, it is nice to actually plan a card with a particular person in mind.

Catch you soon with more cards,

Cheers,

Fi x

Recipes:

Card 1:

Paper: Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White CS, Sweet Pea DSP (USA only)

Stamps: Lots of Bots, On Your Birthday

Ink: Basic Black, Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Marker Pens, Encore Silver

Accessories: On Board chipboard, Crystal Effects, Mini Glue Dots

Card 2:

Paper: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White CS, Sweet Pea DSP (USA only)

Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes, I {heart} Hearts

Ink: Basic Black, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Marker Pens

Accessories: Rose Red Ribbon, On Board chipboard, Pink Supernova Glitter, Tombow Glue Pen, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals, Sprinkles (non-SU)

Card 3:

Paper: Taken with Teal, Kraft, Whisper White CS, Sweet Pea DSP (USA only)

Stamps: Good Neighbours, On Your Birthday

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Taken with Teal, Old Olive & Pumpkin Pie Marker Pens

Accessories: Designer hardware (Soho), Dimensionals

Jenn's Forty & Fabulous

2010-04-26T14:56:00.004+10:00

Hi,

Wow, its been a while since I was last here. What, with a shocking roster for the first few weeks, and lots of April and May birthdays, I've actually been stamping & creating rather than blogging! My best friend Jenn recently had her 40th birthday & I wanted to make her a special card, (I couldn't show it before now just in case she wandered past here). I saw this card by the very talented Tracey Old and knew straight away that I wanted to CASE it for Jenn. I changed the colour scheme as Jenn is more into country style/shabby chic. I always think that she would like 'Bella Rose' DSP, so went with that. Also, I bought her a nice pair of simple but elegant earrings (I hope she thought that, and not that they were boring) and made a little bag to put the box in. I got the idea from Petronela and just made it a bit smaller. It is so easy to make.

Here are some pics of the card.

Front view:

And side view to show the recessed card front & layers of the rose:

It took me quite a while to make. I've never had success with layering or 'tole-ing' the 5th Avenue rose before. Thankfully it worked rather well this time. I used 'Bella Rose' DSP for the rose, as well as the background, just to add some interest. The chipboard numbers from the "On Board" series, are inked in 'Riding Hood Red', covered in glue and 'Dazzling Diamonds' cause a girls gotta have a bit of bling. I then dyed a white 'fleurette' with Pink Pirouette re-inker so that I could have a pink flower, so versatile.

And now the little bag:

The 'Happy Birthday" is from PTI, otherwise it is all SU. I layered the large, scalloped and wide oval punches for the sentiment. They are a cute little bag. However, I put in an order this morning for the new "Fancy Favour" die. Figure it'll get some use when my own big birthday comes around in a few months.

Thanks for calling in. I plan to post a few of my other cards over the next few days.

Happy stamping,

Love Fi x

A Zindorf CASE for Nicholas

2010-04-13T12:00:00.000+10:00

Hi Guys,

Two posts in 2 days, and a clean bathroom. Must be a good week LOL. My cousin's middle son, Nicholas, turns 8 in a few weeks. I have been hanging to use my new 'Extreme' stamps (see thispost). I searched on Splitcoast for some ideas & saw this card by the incredible artist Michelle Zindorf. She is so generous and includes tutorials for all her projects. It was only after I had finished that I looked at her pics again, and realised I use my brayer the wrong way. I was rolling it down the paper, rather than across. Next time I will try that LOL.

Here's my card. I really hope Nicholas likes it.

With the original Michelle used Elegant Eggplant & Perfect Plum. I decided to make it a bit more boyish & like twilight (the time of day, NOT the movie, LOL), so used 'Night of Navy' and 'Baja Breeze'. Otherwise I made it the same as the tutorial. I added a black chipboard number 8 from SU's 'ON Board Timeless Type', rubbed it over my black ink pad & covered it in 'Crystal Effects'. It was a fun card to make, although I did get ink everywhere. My stamping desk is a disaster, think a tidy up is called for.

Must run & go buy some groceries.

Thanks for stopping by,

Fi xox

Keesh's Inspiration Challenge #20

2010-04-12T14:20:00.007+10:00

Hi Guys,

Am finally on days off again. My roster is a bit atrocious at the moment, only rostered 2 days off instead of 3 for 2 weeks in a row (1st day is a sleep day, thus only giving 1 full day not at work). However I have found time to make 2 cards recently.

I had to have a go at Keesh's latest challenge. Especially since she pointed out that the inspiration pic challenges get less responses than the sketch or colour challenges. I really rather like them. I'm the sort of crafter who needs inspiration! Here is Keesh's inspiration image:

And here is my attempt:

As soon as I saw the photo I thought of using the 'emboss resist' technique & 'Upsy Daisy'. I clear embossed the 'Upsy Daisy' image onto 'Very Vanilla' CS. I then took my brayer & covered the whole image with 'Chocolate Chip' ink. When that is done, wipe over the image & the embossed image emerges. A great way to get a light coloured image on a dark background. I used my 'Sanded' BG stamp with 'Close to Cocoa' ink on 'CtC' CS. This is to emulate the creased look of the bottom of the doona cover (sometimes I think I am far too literal in these challenges). I added a layer of VV CS, and some 'Chocolate Chip' ribbon, tied through a small vanilla grommet. The greeting, also from the 'Upsy Daisy' stamp set is stamped in CC ink onto a label I made with the new 'Lots of Tags' die for the Big Shot. A simple card but I think it is in keeping with the inspiration.

Thanks for calling in.

Have a great day,

Fi xox

Mum's Easter Box

2010-04-06T08:18:00.005+10:00

Hi there,

I hope you've had a Happy Easter & are not chocolate-d out. I worked the 4 nights of easter but had a lovely evening last night with Mum & Dad, my Aunt & cousins. At least it should be a good pay, some small compensation for no break over the longest long weekend of the year!

Every year Mum tells me not to buy her too much chocolate, but it always feels a bit mean not to give her much. As I've mentioned before, I'm currently enrolled in Ustamp, and when I saw this box, designed by Tracey Old, I knew it would make a lovely gift box to hold some Cadbury Caramello eggs (Mum & I love caramel).

I decided to use the new Cottage Wall DSP and the matching Cottage Garden stamp set. I also used the new Window Sheets to make the box lid. This new mini catty has so many awesome things in it that it probably is good that I worked the whole of Easter! Anyway, I really hope that Mum liked it. I had fun creating something to make her little treat a bit more special. Love ya Mum, xox.

Must go & do some washing, cleaning etc. Not enough days off this week :-(

Cheers,

Fi xox

Keesh's Sketch Challenge #20

2010-04-01T10:05:00.005+11:00

Wow, two posts in one day. This getting up early makes me quite constructive LOL. I had a play with Keesh's latest sketch challenge. I used some of the lovely products out of the new Autumn-Winter mini (see this post for more details of mini cat). This was a lovely sketch.

I brought out my new Rich Razzleberry CS and combined it with Orchid Opulence CS. I used the new Cottage Wall DSP (love it!) and the beautiful Vintage Vogue stamp set. I also had a play with my new Sizzlits 'Little Leaves' and "Lots of Tags" Dies for the Big Shot. They are exclusive to Stampin' Up! and so cute. The ribbon is Rich Razzleberry and is plain on the reverse side (which maybe I should've used).

Here is my card:

I saw the idea for the ribbon trim on this blog and have been wanting to try it (just realised I've also used the same paper and stamps, didn't mean to, just remembered the ribbon detail from seeing it a few weeks ago). This is probably the happiest I've been with a sketch challenge card. Just love these colours & stamps.

Must go & do something, have to work tonight so I hope the roofing guy finishes in time for me to have a nap, otherwise I'll be up for about 26 hours (uugh).

Catch ya,

Love Fi xox

The Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue is here!!

2010-04-01T07:42:00.008+11:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, the Summer Mini and Sale-a-bration have come to an end but that means its that exciting time again! Yes, its time for a new mini cat, and what a catalogue it is. As the new IB&C won't be released until September, allowing us to fall more in line with the USA catalogue, SU have outdone themselves with this mini. It is choc full of wonderful new products. Take a visit via this link to download the PDF, or use the link to the right (see catty pic) to view on-line, and check out the Big Shot die-cutting system, the clear-mount stamps that are great for easy storing and the best acrylic blocks you'll see anywhere!!!

The stamp designs are just gorgeous. There are also three new in-colours and beautiful DSP. It is impossible to resist!

Have a fabbo day and a great Easter,

Cheers,

Fi xox

Sweet Sunday Cased

2010-03-30T15:27:00.005+11:00

Hi Guys,

I saw this card on Splitcoast & wanted to CASE it. I really liked the white embossing on kraft & thought the main image would go well with Karen's Sweet Sunday sketch. I then realised that Kraft was in this week's 'Just Add Ink' challenge, so I combined the lot. I'm still not sure about the card as a whole, the background stripes really stumped me, but I like the part I 'stole', the embossed birdcage.

First the sketch & colour challenge:

And what I did with it:

I used Close to Cocoa, Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom & Kraft CS & (sadly now retired) Parisian Breeze DSP. I used the Birdcage image and 'For You' sentiment from the fabbo SAB set 'Happy Moments' (& it was a Happy Moment when I first saw this set in the SAB catty). I stamped them onto the Cameo Coral & Blush Blossom CS & also white embossed them onto the kraft CS. Think I can see myself using white embossing on kraft again, I really like the effect. I draw the chain using my white gel pen. The button is from my stash (thanks to Lee-Anne Barry who thoughtfully gave me a stack of lovely buttons).

Also take a look at Sarah-Jane's blog, she used the same sketch & colours with a much better outcome!

Well, my plastering is done, now to see if it stops raining long enough for the roofing guy to come on Thursday. These early morning starts are great for getting things done but I think I feel a nanna nap coming on :-)

Thanks for popping by,

Cheers,

Fi xox

First attempt at Ustamp challenge

2010-03-29T15:44:00.005+11:00

I joined up for this round of Ustamp. There are some fabulous projects but this is the first chance I've had to have a play. I had a plasterer here from 7:15 so was up way early (esp for me). I did a few loads of washing & then made bunny boxes. These cute boxes are the brainchild of Kirsty Brown.

Kirsty's template is for the larger of the two bunnies but I decided to make a smaller one too. I made a few alterations, namely because I realised, once I sat down to create, that I didn't own any 12" Chocolate Chip CS. I made do with Bravo Burgundy and pretended that I wanted a more 'milk chocolate' bunny. Kirsty used a woodgrain BG stamp which I don't own, so I used 'Weathered', which does give a bit of a hairy chest appearance LOL. I also added front paws. It was fun to make, the most fiddly part was the sticky strip and punching the little hearts. I will take the large one into work (it is filled with a variety of Cadbury eggs, mmm). The smaller of the two might go to my cousins. Thanks Kirsty for a fabbo project.

Cheers,

Fi xox

Jord's Birthday

2010-03-28T12:00:00.001+11:00

Hello there,

I'm pretty sure that my cousin never reads my blog so feel pretty safe in publishing her birthday card before I give it to her. I wanted to use 'Cheers to You' & searched Splitcoast for an idea. I liked this one.

Here's my attempt:

I've used the lovely (though only available in the US) 'Sweet Pea' DSP. It claims to use 'Pretty in Pink' but I thought it looked like it would go well with 'Pink Pirouette'. I've also used Old Olive CS & marker. I've added some dazzle with pink 'Fine Supernova' glitter applied with my 'Two-way Glue pen' and also added some 'Crystal Effects' to make it look like glass. A 'Flower Fusion Too' flower & Old Olive Brad finished it off. The punches I've used are the large oval, scallop oval & wide oval for the (non-SU) sentiment & the (US only) scallop trim border. I've finished off with Pink Pirouette ribbon. I really like this colour combo.

I was really wanting to play with Keesh's latest challenge, it is such a gorgeous inspiration pic. Keesh always seems to have the best challenges when I have the least time, bummer!

Have a great day,

Love Fi xox

ETA: I actually wrote this post & set it to publish the next day, I then found time to have a go at Keesh's challenge, thus it makes no sense!