Santa Stache...

When Stampin' UP! first released the Autumn/Winter Catalogue this year and I saw this set I just knew I had to have it and that my Christmas Cards were sorted. 

Growing up in Berlin from a tiny baby the Nutcracker has been a part of my life since I can remember and for me it signifies the start of the festive season. Christmas isn't Christmas with out a trip to the local ChristKindl-Markt and several Gluhwein (mulled wine) to warm the hands and heart while you browse and shop. I try to go every year to one in this country with the one in Birmingham being among the best. 

These Traditional German Nutcrackers were made in Seiffen Germany, in the Erzgebirge Mountains where the wooden nutcracker was first made back in 1872.

Here I stamped him front and centre of my card to give it maximum impact. I love the bright colours of these little guys and had fun with my Blendabilities colouring him in. 

The 'stache' was stamped onto an offcut and then coloured in before being die cut with the matching framelit. It adds a depth to the card and I think brings this little guy to life.

What ever starts the festive season for you I hope you enjoy it and you are on Santa's 'good' list x

Feeling Festive...

Christmas is coming but if you are a crafter you are probably like me and just a little bit over it already. I have been running a Christmas club since April so feel like it has been never ending lol. 

Each month we get together for a couple of hours one eve and make 10 cards. Usually 5 each of two designs to ensure that by the time we get to September we all have 60 hand crafted cards ready to give. At the end of this years club I was asked to run a couple of specials to make larger cards. I am sharing one of those with you today.

Today's card is A5 in size and features plenty of gold! 

I used the Stars Framelits and Star punch to create various sizes and used heat embossing plus embossing folders and Glimmer paper to create texture and interest. Gorgeous Grunge also makes an appearance just providing a little background interest.

Here is a close up showing the texture and shimmer this card has,

If you are interested in joining next years Christmas club or getting your hands on the products used to create this card then please contact me and I will do my best to help you. 

Christmas Is Coming...

I have been absent for a while but as a Mum of 4 and a Forces wife life can sometimes get busy, very busy and keeping up with classes has been a priority while life has been so chaotic. 

Now things have calmed down I hope to get back into my routine and where better to start than with my blog and my lovely readers who are still there. 

I thought I would bring you a little Christmas cheer seeing as the season of all things sparkly and festive is almost upon us. 

All products used are from Stampin' UP! including the fabulous box board used to create this cute little 8cm x 8cm box.

I wanted you to be able to see the gift inside so used window sheets instead of regular cardstock. A gold satin bow and a tag with a bit of bling make any gift look extra special. 

Hidden under the tag is this lovely Chocolate Bauble. After all Christmas isn't complete without baubles and chocolate!

Thank you for your patience and till the next time, happy crafting

Special Day - Special Card

Hello....

Its been a busy few weeks here with new classes being planned and new venues secured. I hope to bring you more details very soon. It's also been a very trying time for the family with my Father in Law to be facing tough times in hospital following a diagnosis of terminal cancer so I hope you will forgive me as I have put family first.

I have still been working while time allows and one of my recent commissions was a Graduation card for a young girl who graduates this week. I didn't realise just how little we celebrate Graduating in this country till I started work on this card. We really should celebrate life's milestones more. 

I found the idea for this card while browsing Pinterest. The original design was by Julie B and you can see it on her blog. I changed up the colour of the ribbon, using Blackberry Bliss, to match the University colours and added some extra detail to the bottom. 

   

The tassle was made using Stampin' Ups! Whisper White Bakers Twine and held in place by a now retired Glimmer Brad

I hope you liked this card and the recipient does too.

Till next time - Happy Crafting

Wave Goodbye...

to our 2013-2014 Catalogue. 

Today is the last day you can order from the 2013-2014 catalogue although not all items are available as some have already sold out!

But don't worry.... Tomorrow we say HELLO to...

Demo's have had the last month to drool over the new catalogue and to try a couple of products ready to inspire and motivate you in your own creativity.

If you don't have a catalogue yet and would like to get your own copy please leave me a comment and I will happily post one out to you.

Stampin' Up! Preview Playtime

How lovely are the blue sky days we are having at the moment? They take me back to childhood summers filled with sunshine and friends.

With the skies for inspiration I had a play with a couple of new products coming to you in just 1 WEEK!!!

So get your wish lists at the ready and if you still don't have a catalogue and would like one then just leave me a message and I will get one in the post to you.

That also means you have just 1 WEEK to order from the current catty those items which are retiring.

Here I have used Bermuda Bay and stamped 3 times without inking. I love that one ink pad can give you so many variations of the same colour. 

Another new product has been used to add some sparkle - a perfectly sized star punch adds just the right amount of detail. Watch out for more stars in the upcoming catalogue!

Can you name the stamp set used to create the background? Leave me a message with your answer underneath and I will pick a winner on Friday to receive a little something from me.

Till next time - Happy Crafting 

Stampin' Up! Dipping my toe....

.... into the new catalogue!!!

I finally got time today to play with the new stuff that will be available to you all on the 1st of July. 

It has been a pretty busy couple of weeks here by the sea and I have had these goodies in my craft room for a couple of weeks and no chance to play. As a Demonstrator we get to pre order some of the goodies from the up coming catalogue a month before it goes live to customers.   

I just fell in love with this Sea Street when I saw it at Telford and what better set for a Mermaid. It also has a matching Designer Series Paper - so cool!!

I always find it takes a couple of 'plays' with a new set to get the feel for it so I have kept this card simple and clean. I used Coastal Cabana and Whisper White with just a hint of Real Red. 

I fussy cut the starfish which takes no time at all and really adds a sense of movement.

I hope you liked today's card and if you would like to find out more about getting your hands on new goodies earlier than the rest then please leave me a comment and I will get back to you.

Till next time - Happy Crafting