My Stamp Nest

My Final Just Add Ink Design Team Project

2010-06-24T15:28:00.001-07:00

Well, today I will be sharing my project for the final challenge I will be completing with Just Add Ink as a Design Team member. As I am no longer an Independent Stampin' Up demonstrator and I am finding my time is stretched, I am moving aside to concentrate on my craft in My Flutterfly and let someone else have a turn for the next round of Design Team members. I have enjoyed being a part of the JAI team so much. Being part of the DT has made me find the time to continue stamping when things got really busy when Grace was born. I have also met lots of wonderful stampers in the DT girls and I am sure I will keep in touch and join in the challenges when I can. Danielle and Amanda have some exciting DT news coming up soon!!

So, this week's challenge is Just Add Patterned Paper (DSP for the Stampin' Up people). I have made a framed collage/quote, which I will use to decorate my craft room as I slowly get it organised. That could take quite a while, given it's current state, lol. Anyway, here is my frame and, just in case you can't see it clearly, the quote reads: 'Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will', George Bernard Shaw.

Thanks for visiting my blog and let me know if you have any favourite quotes in your craft space to help you get things flowing.

Nicole

Clean and simple card - Just Add Ink colour challenge

2010-06-19T04:03:00.000-07:00

Hello, I am just here for a quick share. The challenge over at Just Add Ink this week was a colour challenge. These colours are so bright and fresh and I thought they suited a clean and simple card really well. Here is the colour combination:

And here is my card. I think I will make up a few more of these using different colour combos. I played around for ages coming up with the design but I am happy with it now and it will be very fast to replicate!

Thanks for dropping in. Let me know what you think of my card. Any favourite techniques to use for clean and simple?

Nicole

A sketch challenge journal

2010-06-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone.

Today I have a little 6x6 journal that I decorated for this week's challenge over at the Just Add Ink blog. I really like the sketch that Danielle and Amanda put together for this challenge. Straight away I thought of the die cut blooms from SU that I have had in my stash for a while, waiting to be put to use. Here is the JAI sketch for this week:

And here is my journal:

I am quite happy with the way it turned out. I love these colours together and I think this will be the perfect place to record all the funny things my daughter does. One thing I should have done was to trim the dies to sit against the edge of the ribbon, rather than place the ribbon on top as they can be seen through the ribbon. This is not so obvious in real life, but in the photo you can see the ridges clearly. I didn't want to pull it all apart as it probably would have ruined the DSP background. Oh well, I'll know for next time!! Would love to know what you think and see any journals you've done. By the way, does anyone seal their journals with mod podge or anything similar? Mine always seem to get a but tatty around the edges after a while so was thinking I might need to do this.

Hope you like it!! And if you haven't already, make sure you check out my facebook page 'My Flutterfly' for some cute kids onesies and tops I have recently posted.

Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend!

Nicole

Just Add Ink Colour Challeng

2010-05-30T03:56:00.000-07:00

Friday, the 28th of May was my little girl Maddy's 2nd birthday. I really can't believe how fast 2 years has flown but they have definitely been very exciting, fun and interesting years. While she has her fair share of toddler moments, she really is a fantastic little girl, daughter and big sister to 13 week old Grace. We are very lucky to be her family.

Well, for this week's colour challenge I thought it would be nice to create something I could use as decoration for some birthday cupcakes I made for her. So I decided on some toppers. The colours for this week's challenge worked very well with this. Here is the pretty colour combo.

And here are my decorated cupcakes:

Cute, aren't they? Anyone have a little girl's party coming up? These are quick and simple to make, as they are not very detailed, and the theme and colour scheme can be easily changed to suit any party theme (I'm thinking trains, zoo animals, flowers etc)!

Thanks for visiting,

Nicole

My Flutterfly and a Just Add Ink sketch challenge

2010-05-23T05:09:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late posting this as I have had a busy week and doing lots of sewing for my upcoming market stall. I have made lots of cute baby/children's items, which you can see on my facebook business page My Flutterfly. Follow the link for some pics of my blankets, mobiles, necklaces, canvases and collages.

This week's challenge at Just Add Ink is a sketch. It was a nice simple sketch which, for some reason, I struggled with. Sometimes I think the more simple a sketch is, the harder it is, while the more detailed sketches are easier. Well, this is take 3 of the challenge. I like theses colours together - Melon Mambo, Soft Suede and Vanilla. Also, the double embossing on the flower embellishment happened by accident when the versamark I stamped on the cardstock for the floral pattern had not dried properly before I stamped the floral outline and poured on the embossing powder. I like happy accidents like this!

Thanks for visiting my blog. I'd love to know what you think of my card and my My Flutterfly items. And, if you are recovering from Convention - I hope you had a wonderful time there!

Nicole

JAI Blog Hop - Emboss Resist

2010-05-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

I have been lucky enough to part of the Design Team at Just Add Ink for the past few months. The work of the Design Team has been so inspirational each week. This week at Just Add Ink we are hosting our first ever Blog Hop! Before I get into my post, here are a few details about what's happening... There are 10 stops on our Blog Hop (Just Add Ink and each of our 9 Design Team members), but the hop is set up in a loop so it doesn't matter where you start. All you need to do to follow along is click the blog hop button at the end of each post and you'll be taken to the next stop! This week's Just Add Ink challenge incorporates ideas from the tutorials you will see along the way. So the challenge is for you to Just Add... A Technique From The Blog Hop. Easy! There are 9 fantastic techniques to choose from (with a tutorial to match); the hard part will be making the choice! Add your entry to the Just Add Ink blog as normal.

Thanks for joining in the Just Add Ink blog hop. I hope you are enjoying yourself so far. The technique I am showing today is Emboss Resist. This technique is so easy to do and you can achieve some fantastic results. It also gives you great mileage on your stamps, as you produce a totally different look to regular stamping and embossing. Here we go:

Materials you will need
*Plain cardstock or DSP
(I have used Whisper White)

*Stamps (I have used Always)

*Versamark pad

*Embossing powder (I have used clear)

*Your choice of ink pad colours

(I have used Real Red, Tangerine Tango and Chocolate Chip)

*Blender pens
*Heat tool

*Sponge daubers

*Tissue or soft cloth

Step 1

To do emboss resist you start as you would with regular heat embossing. Using your Versamark ink, stamp your image onto cardstock (if you have an embossing buddy you can give your cardstock a rub over before applying your Versamark).

Step 2

Pour embossing powder over your cardstock to cover your stamped image, then tap the excess powder off your card. For a neat result, ensure the powder covers only the stamped image. (*Note: My upline Alex gave me a wonderful tip for storing embossing powders in clear plastic containers. You can keep a plastic spoon inside your container for pouring the powder over the cardstock whilst you hold the cardstock over the container. The excess powder can then be tapped straight back into its container - no mess!!).

Step 3

Making sure your heat tool is hot, hold it in front of your cardstock, (approximately 10-15cm is good). Heat the embossing powder until you see it change from powdery to glossy all over the image. Be careful not to hold the heat tool there for too long or you will scorch your cardstock and your fingers!!
Step 4

Use a sponge dauber to apply ink over and around your embossed image. You can apply your ink by dabbing or swirling, depending on the effect you want. I have used swirling motions to blend the ink over the embossing. For my image I have added some Chocolate Chip highlights to some of the flowers using my blender pen. If you use clear embossing powder and a patterned paper, you will be able to see the pattern through the embossed image. To finish off your emboss resist neatly, use your tissue or cloth to polish the excess ink of the embossing. The result will be a bright, sharp emboss resist image.

Emboss resist images make beautiful focal points on your cards or as embellishments on scrapbook layouts. I'd love to see what you come up with when you try the emboss resist technique.
Here is the card and gift box I made with the emboss resist image from my tutorial, as well as some other examples:

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial and I'm looking forward to seeing your emboss resist projects. Next on the Just Add Ink blog hop you'll be visiting the very creative Tania Gould. Just click on the button below to head to Tania's blog.

Thanks again for participating in the Just Add Ink blog hop!

Nicole

Just Add Ink #16 - Colour challenge

2010-05-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or are the weeks flying by! Grace is already 10 weeks old and in 3 weeks Maddy is turning 2!!! Where have those 2 years disappeared to? I am planning to have a little family party for her on the Sunday before her birthday as James is meant to be in hospital for her actual birthday (although it's looking like that may be pushed back a bit). We had a big party for her 1st birthday so this year I want to do something different, but fun. Any ideas?

I am back with another Just Add Ink challenge. This time it's a colour challenge.

These colours work beautifully together and, I think, are perfect for a Mother's Day Card. I have always loved Pocket Sillhouettes and recently bit the bullet and bought the set. I am not disappointed - I love it. My card will be sent to my Grandmother, who loves to garden, so I went with a garden theme. Here it is:

Happy Mother's Day to my lovely Mum and to all the mums out there. I hope you have a great day on Sunday.

Nicole

Just Add Ink #15 - a sketch challenge

2010-05-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

I love sketches!! Out of all the challenges I do for Just Add Ink I probably enjoy doing sketches the most. Maybe it's because with a layout there are literally endless possibilties and when you are given a sketch it narrows the possibilities down, but still gives you the challenge of making the sketch your own with the finer details. This week I decided to give my Melon Mambo cardstock, ink and ribbon some use - the first time I've had it out since it arrived a few weeks ago! I really don't know why I haven't used it before this. It's a great colour. I decided to pair it with Basic Grey (yes, I know it looks like Chocolate Chip in the photo) for this challenge. I think these colours look great together. I used my Good Friend stamps to make a bold focal point. I think Melon Mambo suits a bold image. Well, I hope you like my card for this week. Here is the JAI sketch:

And here is my version of the sketch:

A quick question for you - what is your favourite colour/s to combine with Melon Mambo?

Thanks for dropping in.

Nicole

My Flutterfly - A new crafty venture (and a giveaway!!)

2010-04-26T03:46:00.001-07:00

I have recently set up a little online store on madeit.com (visit my store here) to sell decor and accessories for children. I have been busy for the last week or so making some cute little fabric mobiles for children's bedrooms or playrooms. I have set up a facebook page for My Flutterfly and would love it if you could join and help me get the word out. As a thankyou for joining I will be doing a giveaway of a birdhouse mobile in the colour of your choice from the 4 mobiles you can see below (sorry, Australian residents only). All you need to do is join my facebook page then leave a comment for me on this post. As soon as I have 70 people 'liking' My Flutterfly on facebook I will choose a random winner (please remember to leave your email address with your comment).

I will be doing a market with my friend Kate in June to sell our goodies. I have a few projects on the go, such as children's applique canvases, fabric bead necklaces, bunting and frameable pictures to match the birdhouses. If you are interested in purchasing any of these please email me at myflutterfly@hotmail.com for more information.

Well, I hope you like my mobiles. I will post more about my other projects as soon as I get some pictures taken.

Nicole

Just Add Vintage

2010-04-26T03:22:00.000-07:00

This week at Just Add Ink the challenge is to add vintage. Well, even though I really like vintage style, I almost never use it when I am creating something. So I wanted to make a scrapbook page for the challenge and I had this beautiful sepia photo of Grace that I thought would look perfect for a vintage style layout. I am fairly happy with how it turned out apt from my journalling (or lack thereof, lol). I have thought if doing an online journalling course before (can't remember where I saw it advertised though) as I just don't know where to start. Does anyone have any tips for me?

Well, that is all for this week's challenge. Check out my new venture above - fabric mobiles for kids' rooms as part of my new online madeit.com store 'My Flutterfly'.

Thanks for looking!

Nicole

Happy Birthday!

2010-04-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

I'm just here to quickly share a card I made yesterday. It's on it's way to a special 3 year old in Tasmania. Happy 3rd Birthday Olivia!! Hope you have a wonderful day.

Bye!

Nicole

Just Add Ink #13

2010-04-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I am finally here to update my blog. I have had a few weeks of non-blogging - life is busy! I have been away to visit my Grandmother and take Grace to meet her for the first time, had my Mum, my sister and her kids come to visit and have also been to Sydney for a shopping trip to Ikea ith my mother's group friends. Yay, love Ikea!

In between all of that I managed to get my design team project done and I have to say I am quite happy with how it turned out. I have been playing around with my new toy - my Big Shot - and my dies, as well as a new paper punch. This week's challenge at Just Add Ink is a colour challenge. Barely Banana, Kiwi Kiss and Chocolate Chip. I wasn't sure how I was going to approach this one. I rarely use Barely Banana. But I just started playing and my card came together really well.

Well, I hope you like my card. Let me know what you think.As always, thanks for looking!

Nicole

Just Add Ink #10 - colour challenge

2010-03-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's time for JAI's 10th challenge already. Where has that time gone. I couldn't wait to get started on this colour challenge because I really love this combo. A certain little someone (see here), had other plans though and I had to do my stamping in bits and pieces. That's the way it goes these days. At least it gives me time to come up with lots of ideas. Here is my card and a little gift box for this week. I am thinking of giving this to Mum for Mother's Day with some earrings in the box.

This is such a simple card to make - no fiddling with ribbon to make bows etc. The glitter was added using a line of sticky strip and the glitter poured straight over the top. I like usuing this technique when I'm not using ribbon on the project.

As always, thanks for visiting my blog.
Nicole

Materials
Ink - close to cocoa, blush blossom, versamark, Cardstock - close to cocoa textured cardstock, cameo coral, blush blossom, kraft, Stamps - I {heart} hearts, short and sweet , Accessories - sticky strip, glitter, clear embossing powder, dimensionals

Our new baby girl - Grace Amelia

2010-03-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

Well, after my blogging holiday I am back to share our exciting news - we have a new baby girl. Grace Amelia was born on the 24th February, weighing 7lb 3oz or 3250g. She was 47cm long. Grace is a fairly calm baby, despite being loved to bits by her big sister Madeleine (almost 22months). Madeleine is so excited when she sees Grace and loves telling her name to anyone who will listen. I was hoping to be back into the blogging by now but it's been a busy month of getting to know Grace, which is the most important thing at the moment. Here are a few photos of our girls.

I'll be back in a few days with my Just Add Ink design team creation.

Nicole

Just Add Dimension - Challenge #5

2010-02-19T03:01:00.000-08:00

Well, it's time for the next Just Add Ink challenge already. The challenges have produced so much inspiring work! This week the challenge is to add dimension. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with - it really opens up a lot of possibilites. Here is my project for this challenge:

As soon as I found out about the dimension challenge I know what I wanted to do. I have been decorating my daughter's bedroom and needed an artwork for one of the walls. I have already made some canvases, which you can see here, and wanted something that will coordinate with them. So, I took a shadowbox frame and made background from one of the fabrics used in the canvases. I then used the SU butterfly punch to punch out 9 stamped cardstock and DSP butterflies. Decorating each butterfly was fun. Some have been topped with the small butterfly image from Flight of the Butterfly, others with some tiny pink rhinestones, and the rest with buttons tied with linen thread. The butterflies are mounted with dimensionals but because the background is fabric I needed to add a little glue to help them stick properly. Overall I am thrilled with the result and can't wait to hang it.

I'd love to know what you think of my butterfly wall art. Thanks for looking!
Nicole

Materials
Stamps - Flight of the Butterfly, Great Friend, Ink - Regal Rose, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Cardstock - Regal Rose, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Accessories - buttons, linen thread, dimensionals, butterfly punch, (non SU - shadowbox frame, fabric, pink rhinestones)

Just Add Ink - A Colour Challenge

2010-02-11T04:56:00.000-08:00

I'm back again with my next Design Team project for Just Add Ink. The entries for the sketch challenge last week were absolutely amazing! I have to admit I initially found the sketch a bit of a challenge, but to see what people have done with it made me realise what a great sketch it was. I think it may have been the circle that threw me a bit. Maybe it's time to invest in the Circle Scissor Plus!

The challenge for this week is a colour challenge - More Mustard, Rose Red, Sage Shadow and Kraft. I really like the combo but had to think a bit to work out how I was going to use More Mustard, not my usual choice of colours. Then I remembered I had some cute More Mustard buttons in my stash and it became a bit easier!! Just enough MM without being overpowering. Here are the colours for this week:

My card this week has a simple layout. I wanted to let the embellishments (the buttons and rhinestone brad) stand out a bit against the stamping. I think if was making this card again I would add some embellishment to the butterfly. Some tiny More Mustard rhinestone brads, maybe. So, here is my little card for this week:

Make sure you go over to Just Add Ink and see what the rest of the Design Team have come up with. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing your creations this week. Thanks for visiting my blog!

Nicole
Materials: Ink - Whisper White, Sage Shadow, Stamps - Great Friend, Short and Sweet, Cardstock - Rose Red, Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Whisper White, Accessories - Kraft taffeta ribbon, orange rhinetsone brad, More Mustard buttons, Stampin' Dimensionals, Linen Thread, corner rounder punch

Just Add Ink #3 - Sketch Challenge

2010-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Just Add Ink has had another successful challenge this week with fabulous entries for Just Add Hearts. It's amazing to see how different people interpret the theme of the challenge.

This week's challenge is a sketch challeng. These are one of my favourite types of challenges because often the difficulty I get when trying to make a card is deciding on a layout. With a sketch, it's done for you and you can concentrate on the colours and finer details. I have to say, though, that this week's sketch was a challenge for me and I tried a number of different things before I was happy. Here is the sketch:

And here is my card for this week:

It's the first time my Razzle Dazzle rubber has seen ink, even though I've had it since before Christmas and it was the perfect image to do some emboss resist with. The background of the card was stamped with Versamark above the ribbon for a subtle look and Baja Breeze on the bottom to make the image stand out a little more. I have not used Baja Breeze, Real Red and Whisper white together before but I think I kind of like it!! I hope you do too.
Be sure to look at all the design team inspiration and the entries for this week's sketch challenge over at Just Add Ink.

Thanks for looking and please let me know what you think of these colours together - fun and fresh or over the top?
Nicole

Materials
Stamps - Razzle Dazzle
Ink - Baja Breeze, Real Red, Versamark
Cardstock - Baja Breeze, Real Red, Whisper White
Accessories - Real Red Spotted Grosgrain Ribbon, Baja Breeze button, linen thread, clear embossing powder, Scallop Circle Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Just Add.....Hearts

2010-01-29T01:43:00.000-08:00

I am back with my creation for the 2nd Just Add Ink challenge. Last week's launch was a huge success, with 51 entries into the challenge and so many amazing creations. I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for this week's Just Add Hearts challenge.

I have been working on a bit of scrapbooking in an attempt to stick with my January goal of getting a few of my photos scrapped. My poor daughter's album is so far behind, it's something I really wanted to concentrate of before the new baby arrives (but I've spent barely any time doing it). So, you'll probably be seeing a bit more scrapbooking here in the coming weeks!

The photo I used show Maddy at her first birthday party having a cuddle with Nanny (my Mum). Now, if you asked Maddy what she is doing she would say 'cuggle', which is her word for cuddle. Cute!! I took the pink and browns from her outift and used those as the colours for my page. Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouhette, Rose Red and Kraft is my colour scheme. Here is my 8"x8"layout:

The top two hearts on the photo layer were created using classic ink, Versamark and clear embossing powder. The bottom heart was stamped with a dotted heart image onto Chocolate Chip patterned paper. I'm not sure how clear it is but the vertical strip is stamped with hearts using Versamark on Chocolate Chip cardstock, layered with the patterned paper and a Rose Red scalloped strip. I love my new Kraft satin ribbon, so had to add a bow using this.

Thanks for visiting and make sure you check out the work at Just Add Ink.

Nicole

Materials: Stamps - I {Heart} Hearts, Ink - Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouhette, Versamark, Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouhette, Rose Red, Kraft, Accessories - Chocolate Chip patterned paper, Kraft satin ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, Snail, Square Scallop Punch, Scallop Border Punch

Just Add Ink Challenge Number 1

2010-01-22T01:25:00.000-08:00

Just Add Ink has gone live and I was lucky enough to be awake after midnight last night to get a glimpse of Danielle and Amanda's fabulous work (pregnancy-induced insomnia!). The design team's work is amazing and it's great to see people involved in the challenges already.

The first challenge is a colour combo. These colours look so great together.And here is my creation. Can you tell butterflies are my thing at the moment? Hehe.

If you haven't already had the chance to go to the blog you should definitely go and have a look - lots of great ideas and a great launch prize up for grabs for those participating in the challenge.

I am about to start working on some scrapbook layouts so will be back to share those as soon as they are done.

Thanks for visiting,

Nicole

New Challenge Website - Just Add Ink

2010-01-21T01:38:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have been chosen as one of the design team members for a new Australian Stampin' Up challenge website called Just Add Ink. There are some fantastically talented demonstrators on the design team - I am slightly nervous about being among them but excited all the same.

I will be back tomorrow to share my first submission - a colour combo challenge - but you can see it first after midnight tonight over at Just Add Ink.

Bye!
Nicole

A baby gift

2010-01-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

A friend from my antenatal mother's group recently had her second baby. She had a little boy and called him Thomas. I wanted to make a stamped gift for Thomas that could go in his nursery. I came up with this frame decorated with a stamped picture using my train stamps and Wild About You. I stuck with typical pale colours and Thomas' mum said it should go perfectly in his yellow nursery. I really wanted to cut out the animals and mount them wih dimensionals in a shadow box frame but could not find a suitable frame anywhere. I bought some at Kmart a few years ago and have seen them in Spotlight in the past. Target had them in brown but I really wanted white. Grrr. In the end I had to settle for a plain white frame. Luckily the picture still looks cute in it. I have decided I will make one of these frames for Maddy's room using butterflies. I will post a pic of that when it is done. Does anyone know where I can buy white shadowbox frames (or at least some with a little depth between the back and the glass) that don't cost the earth?

Thanks for looking!

Nicole

Birthday butterflies

2010-01-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

I am back with some stamping, as promised. I have made a cute card for a friend whose birthday is on Monday. She is coming over today so Maddy can play with her little boy so I wanted to have her present ready a bit early.

I made her card using kraft, chocolate chip, pink pirouhette, regal rose and sahara sand. A nice colour combo, I think. I have also used my new butterfly punch which is so cute. I got her an Ecoya candle (sweet pea and jasmine - smells fantastic) and put a little butterfly and ribbon embellishment on top to match the card. If you're like me, you always buy for people what you would like to have but would never splurge on for yourself

And here is a pic which shows the butterfly sitting on top of the candle jar.

I hope Kate enjoys her present. Thanks for visiting!

Nicole

Some other things I have been up to

2010-01-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

Apart from my Christmas cards I didn't get much stamping done during December because I have been busy with some other projects. Firstly, I decided I wanted to make a twirly skirt for Madeleine with some beautiful fabric I got at the quilting shop. I am really pleased with how it turned out, although I don't have an overlocker so it's not the neatest on the inside. But no one is looking at that anyway! Here is Maddy at the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Light Spectacular showing off her skirt:

I also wanted to get started on decorating Maddy's big girl's room since baby number 2's due date is fast approaching. I have ordered curtains (for all our bedrooms, lounge room and dining room) to replace the lovely sheets that have been on the windows since we moved into our house in May. We have set up her big bed and I have just finished making some fabric applique canvases which have colours to match her quilt. If you're interested in seeing close ups let me know. The pics are just taking so long to upload so I am just putting on the group ones.

And her new (very) big bed:

I also made some canvases for the nursery last year - owls. These canvases are more gender neutral because we have like to have a surprise when our babies are born.

That is all for now. I hope to be back this week with some stamping or scrapbooking. My aim for January is to get a few scrapbooking pages of Maddy done before baby no 2 arrives in February.

Thanks for looking,

Nicole

Regional Swaps

2009-12-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

Hello there!

Back again to share the swaps I made for regional training on the 21st of November. It was a fun day and my first time at a regional day. I was unsure how many swaps to make. I ended up doing 20 and received 20 beautiful swaps in return from other demos. I should have made double though, because I ran out fairly quickly and therefore didn't get some of the other great swaps I saw.

Anyway, for my swap I made a Christmas card using my new set Snow Swirled. I made the cards the same design, but in 3 colours - Riding Hood Red, Not Quite Navy and Certainly Celery. The glitter is adhered with sticky strip in the straight line and crystal effects in the centre of the snowflakes. I am quite happy with them and am using this as one of my Christmas card designs.

Thanks for looking,

Nicole

It's been a while

2009-12-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

What a terrible blogger I am! I've been so the last month I don't even know where November went. I have been busy the last few days though and have some cards to share. I am hoping to have more Christmas projects to share once I finish them too. The cards I am posting today are a very mixed bunch. Just trying out my new stamp set, which was given to us at Stampin' Up! regional training day in Sydney (I'll share my swaps for that next).

So here they are - first, a wedding card for a friend/colleague who is getting married this Saturday.

Some birthday cards for my stash.

A Christmas card.

Sorry, the photos make the colours look a bit washed out. I hope you like them and I will be back soon to share my regional training swaps.

Nicole

Inkspirations Inspirations Challenge #14

2009-10-28T21:57:00.000-07:00

The challenge on Makeesha's blog this week was an inspiration challenge with a masculine colour scheme. So this week I decided to make a masculine card. I don't have many stamp sets that I use for masculine cards so I pulled out the good old Circle Circus again.

I used versamark and clear embossing powder to emboss the Circle Circus images and the 'celebrate' sentiment in the centre. I didn't think this would photograph very well but having the flash on seems to have really picked up on the shine of the embossing, even if the rest of the card looks a bit washed out.

This is the inspiration image:

And here is my card:

Not sure if I am happy with this card. Lately I have barely found the time to do any stamping, so my goal this week is to get some cards and some scrapbook pages done. I also have some MDF letters to cover in scrapbooking papers - my gift to a friend who has just had a baby. So hopefully I will have some more to share next week if I stick to my goal!

Thanks for looking!

Nicole

Inspirations Colour Challenge #14

2009-10-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

This week has been a busy one, with me needing lots of nanna naps to recover from the excitement of the Close to My Heart night and also returning to work this week after 2 weeks on holidays. So I've just managed to get this card done in time for Makeesha's colour challenge.

I always admire how neatly some people can tie various types on bows. I read this tutorial by Pine on making granny and square knots. I really wanted a square knot for this card but somehow I think I managed a granny knot instead. Hehe! Oh well, it's still a know of some sort. What is your favourite knot/bow? Have you come across some other good tutorials on this subject?

I'm not sure how clear it is in the photo but I have used some cute little pink rhinestones in the centre of some of the small flowers and a larger rhinestone on the big flower.

Here are the colour for this week's challenge:

And here is my card:

Bye!

Nicole

Materials

Cardstock and Ink - Pretty in pink, Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White
Stamps - Baroque Motifs, Basic Phrases
Accessories - Pretty in Pink grosgrain ribbon, pink rhinestones

A Successful Night

2009-10-20T02:26:00.000-07:00

Last Friday night was our Close To My Heart craft night to raise funds for SIDs and Kids. The night was a great success, with around 50 people joining in the crafting fun - make and takes by each Stampin' Up! demo, My Footprint scrapbook pages to donate to the hospital, an auction of craft goodies, raffles prizes and plenty of time to get their own projects done.

Erin and Jacinda also shared their experiences of the stillbirth of their babies - they did so very bravely and this added a very personal touch to the night.

The demonstrators - Alex, Erin, Jacinda, Denise, Liz, Kristen and myself, were excited to find out we had raised over $3000 for this worthy cause. We hope to make this an annual event.

First of the Christmas cards and Inkspirations Sketch Challenge # 14….

2009-10-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hi there!

I have a child-free day at home today for the first time since Madeleine was born. I am not achieving as much as I had hoped but I am getting some stampin done and preparing for the Close to My Heart craft night on Friday. If you would like to come along you can contact me on

0411 311 495 or nicprz@hotmail.com.

For Makeesha's Inkspirations Sketch Challnge this week I decided to make my very first Christmas card using my Tree Trimmings stamp set. I went with traditional red as a base and then added Sage Shadow and Brocade Blue to the card. I think these colours look great together.

Here is the sketch:

And here is my Christmas card:

I made 4 different versions of this card while I was playing with my stamps so I suppose I already have a small stash of cards ready to go for Chrismas!!

Thanks for visiting,

Nicole

Materials

Card - Riding Hood Red, Kraft, Brocade Blue, Sage Shadow

Ink - Riding Hood Red, Brocade Blue, Sage Shadow, Whisper White

Stamps - Tree Trimmings, Best Yet

Accessories - Riding Hood Red satin ribbon

Inkspirations Inspiration Challenge # 13

2009-10-06T21:42:00.000-07:00

So far I have managed to keep up with the blog challenges I have wanted to do. It could be because I am on holidays now for 2 weeks or maybe it is because I went to Ikea twice over the long weekend. Yes, it was wet outside and crazy in that place but I love it there. Anyway, I got myself some hanging rails, hanging pots and baskets to store my stamping gear in. It is such a novelty, firstly, to have a craft room in our new house and, secondly, to have it semi-organised now! Whatever the reason hopefully I can keep making time to stamp!

I played along with Makeesha's Inspiration Challenge this week. I love the colours in the inspiration picture and had the chance to use my new Real Red striped ribbon. Here is the inspiration:

And here is the card I made:

Thanks for looking!

Nicole

Materials

Cardstock - kraft, red bazzill dots, chocolate chip, whisper white

Ink - real red, chocolate chip, sahara sand

Stamps - circle circus, short & sweet

Accessories - real red striped ribbon, scallop border punch, cropodile, corner rounder

WCMD Challenge #4: Australia

2009-10-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

The final country for the PTI challenge is Australia. Yay! Using Aboriginal art as an inspiration for cardmaking was fun.

I used white dotted outlines a few times and chose earthy colours for my card. Also, the white stamping on Kraft cardstock reminds me of the rock art.

And a close up:

I have enjoyed participating in these challenges, even though I only just scraped in with them!Hope you have enjoyed looking at my cards.

Nicole

Materials
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Always Artichoke
Ink - Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
Stamps - Eastern Blooms, Great Friend
Accessories - Martha Stewart twill ribbon, white gel pen

WCMD Challenge #3: India

2009-10-05T07:21:00.001-07:00

India is the 3rd country in the PTI WCMD Challenge. The India inspiration showed lots of bright colours, see below:

I thought the flower stamp in Baroque Motifs suited this challenge, so I used 3 colours and made a tesselating pattern using this stamp. The colours are not normally what I'd use but I think they go well together. Here is my card for India:

Nicole

Materials
Cardstock - Kiwi Kiss, rertired Taken with Teal and Tangerine Tango DSP, Whisper White
Ink - Kiwi Kiss, Taken with Teal, Tangerine Tango
Stamps - Baroque Motifs, Great Friend
Accessories - Rhinestone brad, silver brads, Taken with Teal grosgrain ribbon

WCMD Challenge #2: Mexico

2009-10-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

The 2nd country for the PTI WCMD Challenge is Mexico. Here is the inspiration posted on Nichole's blog:

Following Nichole's suggestion of finding inspiration in the decor and colours I made a tile type pattern by stamping using bright colours on 1 1/4" paper squares and placing these in a grid.
Here is my card for the Mexico challenge:

Nicole

Materials
Cardstock - Regal Rose, Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Stamps - Circle Circus, Short & Sweet
Ink - Regal Rose, Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery
Accessories - Certainly Celery twill ribbon

Papertrey Ink WCMD Challenge #1: Japan

2009-10-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

I have been following Nichole Heady's blog, as well as the other Papertrey designers' blogs, for a while now and decided to take part in the World Card Making Day Challenges. The first challenge was to create a card inspired by Japan.

For the Japan challenge I decided to focus on the colour red and the design of a cherry blossom plant. Here is my card:

I used a very similar design to the card I made for Makeesha's colour challenge last week and adjusted the colours and stamp sets. I hope you like it.

Nicole

Materials

Cardstock - Whisper White, red Bazill dots, Urban Garden DSP

Ink - Ruby Red, Basic Grey

Stamps - Embrace Life, Eastern Blooms, Short & Sweet

Accessories - Basic Grey satin ribbon, clear button, linen twine, crystal effects

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #13

2009-09-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

Today I have a card to share that I made for Makeesha's colour challenge. I like the colours in this challenge and came up with a card that was realy quick and simple to make but still looks pretty.

Here is the Colour Challenge #13:

And here is the card I came up with:

I used the following materials (from Stampin' Up! unless specified) -

Stamps Eastern Blooms, Sincere Salutations

Cardstock Vanilla, Old Olive, Urban Garden DSP

Ink Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy

Accessories Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, clear button, linen thread, scallop border punch

Thanks for looking,

Nicole

Close To My Heart - Fundraiser for SIDS and Kids

2009-09-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

I am excited to be involved in an upcoming craft event, a fundraiser for SIDS and Kids. If you live on the Central Coast it would be wonderful to see you on the night to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause.

Please see the flyer below for details and be sure to contact me as soon as possible to book a place.

If you would like to read more information about SIDS and Kids head to their website here.

I hope to see you on the night.

Nicole

Inkspirations Sketch Challenge # 13

2009-09-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

Since I went back to work in July, after being on maternity leave for over a year, I feel as though I've hardly had time to stamp. I am only working 2 days a week but this seems to take up lots of time in preparation (and recovery, lol). Anyway, to get back in the mood to create I thought I'd take part in some of the blog challenges out there. I chose to do Makeesha Byl's Inkspirations Sketch Challenge first up. I am usually more of a 'free range' stamper, deciding on my colours and playing around with the layout as I go'. I had heaps of fun doing this sketch though.

Here is Makeesha's sketch:

And here is my card:

The supplies are as follows:
Stamps - Great Friend, Eastern Blooms
Ink - Regal Rose, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Cardstock - Natural Vanilla, Regal Rose, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ribbon - So Saffron grosgrain

Thanks so much for looking!

Blown away...almost.

2009-09-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

Hello!

This week I have been trying to improve my photos of my cards after receiving some tips from my lovely upline Alex, who suggested taking them outside in daylight. Well, I achieved some better photos as opposed to my indoor, night time ones, but it was a task! Especially since I chose today of all days to venture out and give it a go. First, I had to wait for all the dust from the dust storm to clear. Once I could see some blue sky I took my cards outside and discovered just how windy it was. Luckily, I got a few photos of each card before they had a chance to blow away.

This card uses the Parisian Breeze DSP and the Great Friend stamp set, both from Stampin Up! This layout was actually one I found in the current Idea Book and Catalogue. I just adjusted it by using a different stamp set and selection of colours.

I'll be back later with a card I made for a challenge.

Bye!

Clean and simple wedding and more

2009-09-07T04:05:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Just thought I would share 2 cards I made with some friends at the card class I held at home last weekend. One special request was for a wedding card. I kept the card clean and simple, given that not all my guests were heading to a wedding in the near future and may have wanted to change the card to suit another occasion. I think the card below would make a beautiful baby card - just change the sentiment, the ribbon colour and the glittered image to suit. My apologies for the poor photography. This card really is much prettier in real life.

The swirl image is from the Priceless set from Stampin Up! It has been placed on a back ground of natural cardstock then a swiss dots embossed background. The twill ribbon is by Martha Stewart, which I bought from Spotlight.

Another card we made was an all occasion card using one of my favourite colour combinations right now - kraft, chocolate chip and baja breeze. Along with some beautiful textured cardstock from the Stampin Up! Spring Mini we used the flower from the Embrace Life stamp set and the cute little label from my new set Great Friend.

Well, that's all from me. I am off to take Maddy for a walk around the lake and enjoy this lovely sunshine we are having.

Welcome to my stamp nest!

2009-09-02T02:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally did it - started a stamping blog, that is! I have been following blogs of all descriptions (stamping, craft, decorating, cooking etc etc etc) for a long time and have always admired how productive the bloggers seem to be when all I manage is to keep up with the new posts on all of my favourite blogs!! So, starting a blog has been one of the things on my to do list for a while and I hope that by doing this I will be pushed to be a bit more productive with my spare time, especially before baby number 2 comes along. I will be using this blog to share the creations that come from my stamping room. I welcome your comments and feedback.

Here is one of the designs I did for a recent card class with some friends. It uses the Circle Circus stamp set from Stampin' Up. The colours used are Riding Hood Red and Basic Grey on Naturals Ivory cardstock. I also heat embossed the images on the 'flowers' using clear embossing powder over Riding Hood Red ink.

The second card I have to show you today I made to send to a friend for her birthday. I really like how this colour combination turned out and I think I'll be using this combination a lot more. The colours are Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette and Certainly Celery. I used my new Great Friend stamp set from the Spring Mini Catalogue. I just love the butterfly!

Thanks for looking at my new blog and I hope to see you back here soon.

Nicole