Don't get mad, get crafty!

FREE stamps - Sale-a-brate

2012-01-25T13:15:00.002Z

Who doesn't love FREE stamps? It's the best time of the year for Stampin' Up! as the Sale-a-bration has just started, and that means free goodies!

Choose from these four lovely stamp sets or this gorgeous pack of patterned paper as your free item when you spend £45 or more on an order from the Stampin' Up catalogues (main or mini). For each £45 you spend, choose a stamp set, if you spend £90 choose TWO FREE sets and so on until you have them all.
This sentiment stamp set is my favourite, though I am desperate to get these patterned papers too.

This is a great universal set - for all occasions.

The Elementary Elegance set is very trendy right now.

All you have to do is email me with your order from the Stampin' Up catalogues (find my email address in the right hand bar) and tell me which FREE stamp set you want to choose today! That simple. We will then arrange payment and your order will be on its way to you. Have fun choosing...

The brand new Stampin' Up mini catalogue is out today!

2012-01-04T19:35:00.002Z

View the new Mini Catalogue here

You can view both the main catalogue and the new mini catalogue here

So it’s January 4 – and this year Stampin’ Up! have decided to treat us in the new year with the new mini catalogue much earlier than usual! You no longer have to wait until April to choose lots of new goodies, this new mini catalogue is available from today, alongside everything in the main catalogue still.

My favourites and a few of the things you MUST check out are:

•P5 - ‘Swirls and Curls Verses’ is a definite favourite – only available to be earned as a hostess gift – see below how to get this for free!
• P7 - ‘Simply Adorned’ for those of you who fancy trying making some jewellery with your papercrafts!
•P10 - ‘Spice Cake’ new designer series patterned papers – love the colours on these and the matching fabrics are gorgeous!
•P15 – ‘Blossom Party Originals Die’ – flowers can be used on so many different designs!
•P20 – ‘Perfect Postage’ stamps and matching punch are going on my must have list….
•P22 – More beautiful cupcakes and a matching punch this time – wahoo!
• And finally – maybe I’m considering the wedding set on p21 – great for wedding and anniversary cards and as I’m making my own invites this year, maybe I’ll chose that set. Hmmm.

I could go on but there’s lots to browse. If you want to place an order simply email over your list to me and I will confirm the order and then payment with you.

Freebies

Don’t forget - if your order comes to £150 or more (this can be you and a few friends clubbing together to put an order in) – you get the full hostess benefits which starts from £25 worth of free goodies from the catalogue! The more you spend, the more free items you can choose (see the front of the catalogue for details), it works just the same as it does with the main catalogue and your orders can combine between the mini catalogue and the main catalogue. The catalogue says that you are the host of a stampin up party workshop but you can also just club orders together as friends as a 'virtual party' to get the same benefits, without the party!

Blog hop

If you want to see lots of great ideas made using these items there is a blog hop going on – where you visit one blog, then keep following the links to the next ones, each blog will show a different great idea for how to use these items. You can start with my Stampin' Up! team leader, Natalie - here

Let me know if you have any questions and happy browsing,

Jenny x

Absent!

2012-01-03T19:33:00.000Z

So you might have noticed a serious lack of posts - I am still alive, but I've been so busy with weddings, houses and illnesses that my blog has been seriously neglected. With the new Stampin' Up! mini catalogue and Sale-a-bration fast approaching, I'll be back with some posts on that.

Until then...

Christmas Craft Class - Sat 3rd December

2011-10-25T13:57:00.003+01:00

I am teaching a Christmas craft class at Rainham Library on Saturday 3rd December and you are all welcome! It will follow a similar format to my usual classes, we will be making a trio of cards pictured above and the class is two and a half hours long. Come and join us to get in the festive season!

We will be making a trio of Christmas cards using stamping, punches and embellishments (suitable for all levels of crafters). The details are:

Rainham Library
Sat 3rd December 2011
11am - 1.30am
£15 per person

The deadline for bookings is Saturday 19th November.

Please note - this is a class run for Rainham Library therefore the bookings are taken directly through the library, not through me.

To book your place:

Call 01708 434970
or
Email rainham.library@havering.gov.uk

Payment must be made to secure your place - you can pay at any Havering library or discuss with them over the telephone payment options.

There is a limited number of places on this class and it is being advertised through all of the Havering libraries so I would definitely recommend booking early to avoid disappointment!

For details of the library and its location click HERE

Hopefully you can make it, it should be good fun and just in time for the festive month of December!

Jenny x

Baby Girl card

2011-10-18T13:16:00.002+01:00

Here's a CASE (copy and share everything) of a new baby girl card - you will have no doubt seen these circulating the internet for a while now so it's hard to credit the original person. I sat and made this lovely detailed card, we wrote in, then I was told, "I did think it was a bit strange you've made us a pink card to give though.". It was a new baby boy!!!! So, next post will be a boy version which I promptly then had to make haha!

I'm running short of time at the moment so I might just try posting my photos of cards even if I can't give you a good description. Made using a stamp set from Stampin' Up of course and all the inks and coordinating ribbons etc too.

Made a long wish list from the new catalogue yet? I'll be doing my Christmas wish list service again this year so if you want to send me your wish lists then get your loved ones to contact me - I can arrange for them to buy you lovely SU products for the festive season, what more could a girl want ;o)

Cards using brand new products!

2011-10-02T19:10:00.004+01:00

Forever young

The tree image above is from a brand new stamp set in the new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue called Forever Young, which is easy to gloss over on first glance at the idea book but it's a really pretty set. I know certain members of my family are going to love this card. It was one of the cards that we made at the Stampin' Stars Team training on Saturday too inspired by Kimberley Van Diepen on her blog (US Stampin' Up! Demonstrator). The sentiment is from a great set called Petite Pairs. It's a set with lots of greetings that can either be used individually or together as a pair, so it means you can either split the greeting on the front of the card or put one on the outside and one on the inside!

There is also some new patterned paper on there too. This sheet is from the Timeless Portrait Designer Series Paper. These papers, together with this stamp set, form part of the Timeless Portrait Suite of products which also includes the Parlour Prints background stamp used below too!

Christmas Gift Box

This Christmas box is also from our team training. It is on a tutorial offered by the wonderfully talented Linzi Mortimer and the original template came from Lauren Meader. The colours used are Real Red and Soft Suede, the patterned top which looks like patterned paper is actually the Parlour Prints background stamp mentioned above and then the greeting is from the lovely Welcome Christmas set which I'm happy to report carried over to the new catalogue!

Ordering and spreading the cost

So... take a long hard look at the brand new catalogue and send me your orders! You can email me or leave a comment here for me to contact you. You can make your payment to me by internet transfer, paypal, cheque or credit card (over the phone).

If there is alot in the catalogue that you would like, and would prefer to spread the cost of your items over several months but still get the benefit of the hostess freebies then get in contact with me about my Stampers Six club - all I need is six members (I have one already waiting), committed to spending £25 each per month for six months, and you will get the free hostess benefits! At the start of the six months you also get a catalogue for free!

My next craft class is being held at Rainham Library on Saturday 3rd December. Add the date to your diaries!

Don't forget - FREE P&P on all orders direct to your door for the next 7 days until midnight Friday- saving £4.95! Let me know if you have any questions.

Jenny

New catalogue out today! Free P&P for 7 days ONLY - order from 9am Sat

2011-10-01T09:06:00.003+01:00

Hoorah - the brand new catalogue for Stampin' Up! 2011-2012 is out today!

Click on the catalogue to view it online...

I have a special offer for my customers for 7 days only - FREE P&P on all orders for the next 7 days only - that's a saving of £4.95! Offer expires midnight Fri 7th October.

I am taking orders from 9am! You can view the catalogue online by clicking the above link, but I would highly recommend ordering your own copy as they are just wonderful to have in your hands.

Do you want to be one of the first people in the UK to get your hands on a copy of the new catalogue and idea book? It's a fantastic idea book which I refer to all the time when I am looking for inspiration. With a RRP of £5.95, I am offering these, posted to you for just £4.95! Just click on the Paypal link to the right to order one and I'll get it straight out to you. As you will already know, these are more than just a catalogue, it is now my favourite replacement for a craft magazine as there are so many wonderful projects in them each year, I've kept all of my old copies!

I am happy to accept Bank Transfers and Cheques too, so if you don't want to use Paypal, it doesn't mean you have to miss out!

Ordering and spreading the cost

So... take a long hard look at the brand new catalogue and send me your orders - I am taking orders from 9am today! You can email me or phone me with your orders and you can make your payment to me by internet transfer, paypal, cheque or credit card (over the phone).

If there is alot in the catalogue that you would like, and would prefer to spread the cost of your items over several months but still get the benefit of the hostess freebies then get in contact with me about my Stampers Six club - all it needs is six members, committed to spending £25 each per month for six months, and you will get the free hostess benefits! At the start of the six months you also get a catalogue for free!

Don't forget - FREE P&P on all orders direct to your door for the next 7 days - saving £4.95! Let me know if you have any questions.

Jenny x

Christmas craft class was lots of fun

2011-09-30T13:53:00.001+01:00

My Christmas craft class was lots of fun when I held it a couple of weeks ago, here is the projects that we made...

One large gift box, two small ones, four full sizes cards and two mini cards. Aren't they cute? I love the small square cards so much that I'm thinking of making that size for my own cards this year. Yes it's that time coming soon!

If you mised the class and would like to join us again, I am holding a class for Rainham Library in December - Saturday 3rd - get in touch with me if you would like more details.

Here's some of the group taking a look at my second hand craft sale that I added - I have so much stuff to get rid of at bargain prices as I'm having a clear out! If you are interested, let me know. I especially have a TON of patterned papers!

It's a lovely and comfortable venue that we use - carpeted and warm, the most important things - with nice toilets and kitchen! Plenty of space for us all, and it's always a giggle who had done something wrong or missed the last instructions. The most important thing is that we all go home with finished items at the end and have had a good time.

A mum and daughter hard at work...

Our kit let us loose using patterned papers, ornament stamps and inks, matching punches, border punches, ribbon - the list goes on. Everyone loves getting to experiment with different tools each time.

Some people have their own tools, others share, and it's always a different mix of people each time which is nice.

We even got a husband joining in at the end - to help his wife finish quicker apparently, personally I think the lure of the wonderful Stampin' Up! tools was finally getting to him...

Thanks for coming everyone! Come back tomorrow for the launch of the brand new Stampin' Up! catalogue... are you ready for it?? REALLY ready? There's some fantastic new goodies in it - get your Christmas wish lists ready for your loved ones....

24 hours left to order from 2011 SU catalogue

2011-09-29T22:14:00.004+01:00

You have just 24 hours left to order from the 2010 - 2011 Stampin' Up! catalogue before many items are retiring - never to be seen again! Also only a handful of the items from the mini catalogue will be carried over into the new one (released October 1st - wahoo!) so if there are any items you still want, email me (see my email address right) immediately to place your order. Payment can be taken by internet transfer or paypal to be received in time to place your order.

Don't miss out on those things you've been wanting to order! Click on the catalogue above to browse the current catalogue.

I'll be back on October 1st with the brand new catalogue!

Big Bold Birthday is retiring! Just £16.17 now...

2011-09-02T13:11:00.003+01:00

This is one of my all time favourite stamp sets from Stampin' Up! I'm very sad to see it retire from the catalogue - but that does mean you can now get it at 40% discount - just
£16.17! This is only available while the stocks last though so if you really want this, contact me to order it today as it will probably sell out quite fast!

See my post click here for full details on the Stampin' Up! retirement list and how to order. It's such a versatile stamp set too. At least that does mean there is plenty of space in the new catalogue coming at the end of the month for new products - I have seen the new catalogue as demonstrators, we get the privilige of seeing it a month before customers, and oh my goodness - there are some lovely new stamp sets, gorgeous papers in there and a range of new ribbons coming too! My favourite.

If you would like to order a copy of the catalogue to be posted to you, I can post them out as soon as they arrive with me - see my link to the right of this blog to order yours today. I will share it online on October 1st - that is the day you can begin placing your orders.

Jenny x

The "Retirement List" is here!

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

It's an important time of the year in the Stampin' Up! calendar as the "retirement list" is finally here! Which also means - there will be a brand new Stampin' Up! catalogue very soon! So there is lots to share with you...

So... the "Retirement List" is here!

What is this, you might ask? Let me explain!

Every year Stampin' Up! release a new catalogue full of ideas and projects, and of course scrummy new craft goodies to buy. This means.... that some of the products in the current catalogue are retired when the new catalogue is released - but once they are gone, they are gone forever! On September 1st the retirement list is released - and it really is first come first served...

The Retirement List - click here

If there is anything in the current SU catalogue that is your absolute favourite and you don't want to run out, or on your must-have list but you haven't bought it yet, now would be the time to do it! Stock up on your favourites before it's too late.

And better still - some of the products are discounted up to 40%!

Click on the link to see the details. I'm sad to see some of my favourite sets go - but it does mean some of these are discounted by up to 40% and some accessories too! Don't forget most of the items in the Mini Catalogue will no longer be available after 30th September too.

We all love a bargain so if there's anything on the list that you want, contact me ASAP to place your order as some of the items sell out very fast, especially the discounted items. Once these items have gone, you will not be able to get them ever again so grab them while you can - whether it's your favourite stamp set, patterned paper or ribbon! I will place your orders as soon as your payment has cleared with me. Here is the current catalogue online which the list refers to:

Online Stampin' Up Catalogue and Idea Book 2010 - 2011

Final chance to book onto my Christmas Craft Class - Sat 17th September

Bookings close this Saturday! I have a few places left so click the link to the right to book your place if you haven't already - i'll be ordering in the kits for this fun day very soon. See further details here

I also have a new facebook page! Yes I have joined with the new media crew and created a page - this is so easy to update that I can post whenever I am out and about and see something creative or I've just sat down to make something - come on over and 'like' my page to get the regular updates -

My Jenny's Creations facebook page

And finally... The new Catalogue and Idea Book!

As demonstrators and customers alike, we are usually bursting at the seams waiting to see what the new Catalogue and Idea Book holds! The great news is that this year, we are allowed to send them out before October 1st! You can have a few weeks to drool over all the new items and decide what you want on your wish list (don't forget Christmas will be coming so make a list for your loved ones!) and then ready from October 1st, we can place your orders for you!
(This cover is just an example)

Do you want to be one of the first people in the UK to get your hands on a copy? With a RRP of £5.95, I am offering these to you, posted to you First Class Recorded Mail, for just £4.95! Just click on the Paypal link to the right and as soon as they arrive with me, I'll get them straight out to you. As you will already know, these are more than just a catalogue, it is now my favourite replacement for a craft magazine as there are so many wonderful projects in them each year, I've kept all of my old copies!

New baby boy card and Retirement List is coming!

2011-08-29T19:36:00.000+01:00

Here's a new baby boy card that I made recently for our friends who have just extended their family! I've used the soft subtles patterned paper from the paper stack for the spotted background paper. The main stamp is from the Sale-a-bration set which has now retired, and so is the sentiment.

Talking of retired items - coming soon is this year's retirement list from Stampin' Up! For those of you who don't know what this is, let me explain.

Every year Stampin' Up! release a new catalogue full of ideas and projects, and of course scrummy new craft goodies to buy. This means.... that some of the products in the current catalogue are retired when the new catalogue is released - and they really will be gone forever! On September 1st the retirement list is released - and it really is first come first served! If there is anything in the current SU catalogue that is on your must have list but you haven't bought it, now would be the time to do it.

Also - some of the products are discounted! And we all love a bargain. So when the list comes out, I will email it around to you and also post it here. If there's anything on the list that you want, contact me ASAP to place your order as some of the items sell out very fast, especially the discounted items. Once these items have gone, you will not be able to get them ever again so grab them while you can - whether it's your favourite stamp set, patterned paper or ribbon!

I'll be back soon with that retired list...

More cupcake birthdays

2011-08-24T13:27:00.004+01:00

Wow - I didn't realise it had been so long since I've updated! Here's another birthday card I made for my lovely friend who has turned 30 - this was one that Monica Gale made a long time ago and I'd been waiting forever to make it - it only took me a year haha.

I love this beautiful colour scheme - I always seem to enjoy using Chocolate Chip in all of my cards. It's made using the Big Bold Birthday stamp set, with the scalloped edge border punch, using also Certainly Celery and Pretty In Pink colours. So cute! I'd love to make some more of these cards all in different colours.

Don't forget there's not that many weeks left to book onto my Christmas Craft Day - it might be the only one I get to arrange for this year so don't wait until I'm full - that would be sad. Details are here

Christmas Craft Class Sat 17th Sept

2011-08-05T08:00:00.003+01:00

Holidays are coming!

**Christmas craft class bookings are now open - just four weeks to book your place**

It might seem too early but the time is here to take bookings for my Christmas class!

Date: Saturday 17 September
Time: 11.00am
Place: Ardleigh Green Family Centre, Gidea Park
or my house, Barking (depending on numbers)
Price: £20.00 per person

In this class you will make a selection of window boxes using the Ornament punch plus a selection of cards using the Contempo Christmas stamp set and patterned papers.

Price includes refreshments and everything you need to create this pretty set to get ahead for Christmas!

Deadline for booking - 3rd September

USE THE BOOKING LINK TO THE RIGHT OF MY BLOG TO SECURE YOUR PLACE

Last year we had such a good time - there were 15 of us all crafting, eating mince pies and listening to Christmas songs - enjoying getting ahead of the Christmas rush. Everyone loved their Christmas creations so much that many comments were "I don't want to give them away!". It takes time to get everyone's bookings in, order the supplies and make up the kits, so now is the time to book your place with me! I also don't know if I will be able to hold another Christmas class as I have a very busy year so this may be the only chance. Don't miss it!

I would love you to join in the fun this year - spaces are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis with your deposit so please let me know as soon as possible if you want to come along. September isn't as far away as it seems being August already!
Why not bring a friend with you to add to the fun? Feel free to forward this email onto anyone you know who might be interested in coming along. We have a raffle too if there is enough people in the class.

This class is suitable for all levels of crafters, including beginners. I guide you every step of the way and if you do not have your own tool kit, I provide tools to share. This class will vary very slightly from the photograph shown.

Payment is required to secure your class bookings. You can book now using the pay now button above, or by internet transfer, cheque, or cash if you see me regularly.

Jenny x

FREE gift - bag, ribbon and embellishments!

2011-08-01T08:00:00.004+01:00

Ooh we've just received the details of this month's offer from Stampin' Up and it's a great one! You get a FREE "exclusively-designed cosmetic bag, along with Rich Razzleberry 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, and a 24-piece Clip Assortment" with every order of £75 or more!

This doesn't happen very often and I've been waiting for a week or so before I place my next order to see what this month's offer was - and it was worth it! You can click on the photo for details.

Email me today with what you want to order from either the main Stampin' Up! catalogue or the mini catalogue (you can browse these with the links to the right of my blog and also find my email address there) and I'll place your order so that you can have this gift on its way to you as soon as possible! (You can join with a friend and place a joint order as along as it reaches £75, you will get one free bag and the contents).

I'm putting in my order tonight!

Birthday cupcakes

2011-07-29T13:19:00.000+01:00

I saw a version of this card about a year ago on Monica's blog here and I instantly loved it and bookmarked it for a future occasion. I had no idea it would take me a year to make it!

I changed the colour scheme here to use Certainly Celery, Pretty In Pink and Bashful blue cardstocks and inks. I stamped the birthday cupcake first and cut those elements out so that I could see how much room I needed, and then I stamped the 'girl' from the alphabet stamps onto white card, leaving enough space for the cake to go in place of the 'i' with the candle.

I used the border punch along the bottom, the gold cord around the Bashful Blue cardstock and some other decorative edge scissors for variation on the blue card. I just love how simple the Stampin' Up! stamps are and how clear they stamp onto white card - it's a lovely design so thanks to Monica for sharing it in the first place!

Baby Sock Cupcakes!

2011-07-28T13:10:00.000+01:00

I went to a babyshower last weekend and I was looking for something new to make - we always like to be creative with our gifts and I wanted to do something new.

Another friend of mine gave me the idea of cupcakes made out of baby socks - she had seen these in the shops and made some herself thanks to tutorials on you tube. So I set about doing the same!

The only problem is - it is nearly impossible to find neutral coloured socks other than white! I really needed some colour for this to work, and finally managed to find some green and yellow socks in Debenhams. I luckily had green and yellow spotted cupcakes to match - perfect!

There are a few different ways of doing these, and you can do them with things other than socks too, but here is the video on you tube which I watched to learn how to do it:

Have a go - these are really fun!

More cupcake baby sock photographs!

2011-07-27T13:11:00.002+01:00

Here'a a couple more photographs of the baby socks post above this one - blogger wouldn't let me add them for some reason! the original post was here

More rocky road for birthdays

2011-07-23T18:23:00.000+01:00

I haven't made another wonderful batch of this rocky road - this is in fact some that I packaged up and gave away some time ago, I just haven't shared it with you yet. I shared the rocky road packaged up in a similar way which said 'So happy for you' which was for my friend who is pregnant, this time I made this for my friend's birthday.

As before, I cut the rocky road into small pieces and put them into a small cellophane bag (I actually used the bags I put my cards in to sell!). I then cut and folded over a piece of Whisper White stampin up card ready for the topper. I stamped the sentiment (stampin up stamp) in purple (this is an old retired stampin up colour - sorry!) and then the birthday candle stamp - also from Stampin' Up in the pink (another retired colour!). Such simple gifts I can't wait to make these for Christmas!

Apparently my friend's husband claimed this was some of the best chocolate he's ever tasted!

Father's Day card

2011-07-21T13:10:00.005+01:00

So - a tad late in posting this inspiration but - a Father's Day card that needed to be quick - as always!

But all of the cards I make can easily be made for any other theme, occasion or with another colour scheme and I have a feeling I'll be doing similar very soon! I've used the new Square Lattice embossing folder in the Big Shot machine to 'crinkle' the background blue Stampin Up card - I love this one for male cards, and the spotty embossing die for female cards. I've then used some of the natural twine around it - again this is a must have for your cards for men!

The sticker was an old one that I had from a long time ago. There's so many wonderful products in the mini catalogue that I haven't managed to use properly yet - it's criminal! I challenge you to make this card for another occasion and then send me a link - just substitute the sticker for another or a stamped image.

Selling crafty bits on ebay

2011-07-19T13:20:00.006+01:00

I am selling a few crafty bits, along with some other items, on ebay this week. If you are interested in the following you can click on the links... hoping to shift lots more this way too it's just time consuming!

Animal themed papers and embellishments: here

A pack of 50 Artist Trading Cards - blank, assorted colours - here

A blank 12x12 thin boxed canvas - I have about eight of these to sell if anyone wants them for a class etc! here

A souvenir biscuit tin (not craft related, I know!) here

A brand new Dulwich Designs jewellery box - here

A new Marks and Spencers glass photoframe - here

And... a high backed fireside chair! Here

There are some other bits but they aren't crafty either so I won't share!

How To Make Bunting

2011-07-16T20:10:00.001+01:00

My friend Rachel has made friends with her sewing machine lately and has been making lots of lovely things. She even took a course by Miss Maker here in London - she runs lots of different courses and makes bespoke items too. Take a look!

The bunting that she made was with the Hungry Caterpillar fabric which she bought from ebay - isn't it cute? She was able to hang it around the garden for a child's birthday.

Here's a close up of the fabric she used -

Want to know how to make the lovely bunting? She has kindly offered me her instructions to share with you on here - so send me a link if you have a go at making some yourself!

From Rachel:

The material was Hungry Caterpillar 'Encore food' 18" by 22". I bought it via a seller on ebay but I googled and quite a few people sell it too.

I created a triangle template which was 9" by 7".

Materials I used were:

tape measure
fiskars rotary cutter
cutting board
Hungry Caterpillar material (as above)
Red material (actually used a pillow case)
Blue material used about same amount as half a pillow case
Pencil
Pins
Sewing machine
White cotton
Scissors
9m bias binding

1) I cut as many triangles as I could from the hungry caterpillar material and again from the red and blue material making sure to note which way the pattern ran.

2) I pinned the HC material and red wrong side to each other, sewed a running stitch around the edge, leaving a two inch gap at the top of the triangle. I then snipped the corners of the triangle off and turned it the right way through using the gap. I then pushed the points of the triangle out using the pencil, before closing the gap using the sewing machine.

3) To make the HC material go further, each triangle was backed with red or blue fabric. This means the whole thing is reversible too. This was enough material to make two long strings of bunting.

4) I then laid out the triangles onto the bias binding (9m is enough for two strings). I positioned them so there was a 9" gap between them on the line, then pinned the triangles inside each bias binding and used the sewing machine to sew it in.

Voila!

Wedding Dress Shopping

2011-07-15T13:03:00.004+01:00

One of the most exciting things about planning a wedding has to be (for the bride) choosing a wedding dress! I had plenty of time to plan mine so I could take my time, and as my friend is getting married the same kind of time next year, we both went to visit this lovely little shop in Danbury - The Bespoke Wardrobe. (These pictures are theirs)

I tried lots of different styles on and found a dress that I loved there!

It's a really pretty boutique with lovely decor - I know all of you crafty friends are going to love the birdcage on the table - isn't it funny how the trends we see in crafts are extended right across fashion, decor and almost everywhere else?

My friend actually had birdcages as the centrepiece for her wedding a couple of years ago and they are still very trendy.

Such a pretty shop!

Hol-i-day

2011-07-10T18:18:00.000+01:00

I'm back from a lovely week away in Portugal so among other reason's that's kept me quiet! I wasn't organised enough to schedule any crafty posts while I was away but we went to spend a week in Carvoeiro, in Portugal, and stayed in this lovely little villa which had our own pool.

The weather was lovely, it was very relaxing and peaceful and we had our own pool which was just lovely.

We went out and about in our hire car to different towns for dinner, this was Vilamoura Marina which was very nice.

We cooked a BBQ at our villa another night which was also very nice. Just a great week away really!

I shall come back to posting some wedding inspiration ideas I think soon - it is time to share the fun that is weddings with you all, especially as so much of it is creative!

Just before we went away I went wedding dress shopping with my sisters - and bought my dress! Which is just so exciting, it's such a big part of it and I love the dress I have chosen, as you can imagine.

Until next time...

Charity Summer Ball

2011-06-30T13:45:00.000+01:00

One of the things that has kept me so busy recently is organising a charity summer ball for the charity that I work for. It was a huge successful - and a huge amount of work! The creative part was fun though as a colleague and I laid and dressed 14 tables for 160 people!

These candles were beautifully decorated by someone else but aren't they pretty? So sophisticated.

And we laid ivy and sparkly confetti all around the candles. It really was like organising a wedding! We were very pleased with the outcome - the ball was a huge success, we raised lots of money and as well as everything else we did, the marquee looked stunning. Wahoo to us!

And this makes me realise that considering I am planning our wedding right now - I havent shared a single creative idea with you yet! I may be back with plenty!

Saturday's Craft Class

2011-06-20T14:02:00.004+01:00

We had lots of fun on Saturday at my house - although I forgot to take any photos again until right near the end when the others had left! So here's my sister and her niece making the final touches to their projects.

I'm not sure if this photo sells this project in any better light but when my sister arrived and saw the finished layout we were making she said 'oh this looks much prettier in real life!'. I can't explain to you how pretty these papers are, and I only recently realised that they almost perfectly match my handbag with this design! I'll have to post a photo of that soon.

Here's a close up of the Vintage Springtime Collection papers and jumbo buttons from the mini catalogue - these are all available through me as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator don't forget. I might even be launching a 'class at home' with these soon for both cardmakers and scrapbookers!

Here's one made by my niece with a different selection of the papers used for hers. We had fun crumpling up the circles and flatterning them out again - we used a whole range of the Stampin' Up! circle punches and buttons.

In the other session we made cards using these fun 'Fox and Friends' animal stamps (From £13.95) - so cute! And of course the Big Shot embossing and die-cutting plates. The trailers are made using the 'Curly Label Extra Large' punches and then running the shape through the Big Shot machine with the spotted embossing place. We used Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight and Early Expresso cardstock and inks. This card wasn't actually one we used in the class (see Lisa Young as original designer of this project) but one I made when everyone had left - as I wanted to craft a little for myself!

This was one from the class, stamping the animal and then the greeting was punched out with the oval and scalloped oval punches.

This is another of the original projects - isn't it so cute? We've used the natural twine to give the effect it is being pulled along, with wheels punched using the circle punches too. A very cool project and one that everyone was very happy to take home with them! Come along and join us next time... I am due to be teaching some classes at Rainham Library soon!

Saturday's preparations

2011-06-16T13:31:00.002+01:00

I have my next craft classes coming up on Saturday - and this time I'm using the Vintage Springtime kit - isn't it gorgeous? Sadly this photo is really quite poor in quality - taking photographs at night just doesn't seem to ever work well as this looks lovely in real life but not very bright or pretty in this darkness. It is -honestly!

I was originally using Sweet and Sour papers for this class but there was a bit of a mix up with my order so I changed at the last minute to this kit. I was actually quite pleased as it meant I finally got to play with my vintage papers, giant buttons and goegous seam binding from the new catalogue! I'm hoping to do a 'class at home' kit for this scrapbook double layout and also for a card kit so keep checking back for that!

I just love this kit!

Isn't this pretty?

2011-06-08T17:23:00.000+01:00

Isn't this pretty? I don't think I've shared this card yet - it's a very pretty card that I received as a 'swap' at my stampin' up training. It's a lovely stamp set from the catalogue coloured in with the Stampin Up markers!

Rocky Road - hmmm...

2011-06-05T21:46:00.000+01:00

Hmmm - someone passed me a rocky road recipe - and it's sooooo bad.... it's delicious! I think it might be the hummingbird recipe. So easy to make in a tray...

that I turned it into some gifts! (Not all of it of course!). There was so much left I made gifts, we ate lots and I took some into work too. I've simply used a bag that I store my handmade cards in to sell, folded a piece of Stampin' Up! card in half, stamped it with appropriate messages and then stapled it to the top of the bag. Voila!

I've decided these are literally just the perfect gift for everything! This bag I loved the Stampin' up! sentiment 'So Happy For You' as our friends had just announced they were having a baby. I then made another birthday pack using Stampin' Up! birthday stamps. See the theme? Perfect for everything, including Christmas!

Bring along a new friend* for FREE to my next class

2011-05-30T21:59:00.005+01:00

Book your place on either (or both) of my craft classes on Saturday June 18th and bring a long a friend for FREE! Your friend must be someone new who has not attended one of my craft classes before.

Animal Zoo cardmaking class

Sweet and Sour Scrapbooking Class

Hurry though - bookings for this class close this Thursday!

See my post below for details on how to book your place...

'Make a Father’s Day card' drop-in session with coffee and cake!

2011-05-26T17:05:00.013+01:00

Mini Father’s Day Class drop-in session - Tuesday 14 June -

anytime between 7pm and 9.30pm

Get ahead and make your Father’s Day card! As many of you haven’t been able to make the classes so far – I’m holding a mini drop in session instead of a structured class – simply come along to my house anytime between 7pm – 9.30pm on Tuesday 14 June and there will be a kit ready for you to make the Father’s Day card – there will be coffee and cake available too!

Book now - £5

I will still need you to book for this session so that I prepare your kit in advance of you arriving – and all you will need is a little bit of time and you can leave with your Father’s Day card sorted. No reason to forget it! The mini class is at my house in Barking and is open to everyone so you can bring your friends/daughters/work colleagues along too, just remember to book them a place with me by Friday 10th June.

I am also running both a cardmaking and a scrapbooking class on Saturday 18th June

Animal Zoo cardmaking class

Date: Saturday 18 June

Time: 10.30am — 1.30pm

Place: My house (Barking) or

Ardleigh Green Family Centre, Gidea Park

Price: £16.00

This is a really fun class - we will be making a cute set of animal crafts using the new Big Shot machine so come along and have a go with this great new toy! We are using lots of the new dies including the Top Note, and the lovely Embossing Sizzlits. The price includes refreshments and everything you need to create this project including the confectionary (choice t.b.c).

Deadline for booking - 4th June (that's just 9 days away!)

Inspiration for this project is taken from Lisa Young www.addinkandstamp.blogspot.com

**New Sweet and Sour scrapbooking class**

This bold and bright scrapbooking class will get us all documenting our photos and stories again - come along and make a double page scrapbook layout with your own photographs using the lovely Sweet and Sour Designer Series papers from the Stampin' Up! catalogue!

Date: Saturday 18 June

Time: 2pm - 4.30pm

Place: My house (Barking)

or Ardleigh Green Family Centre, Gidea Park

Price: £16.00

Deadline for booking - 4th June (that's just 9 days away!)

Payment is required to secure your class bookings. You can book now using the pay now buttons above, or by internet transfer, cheque, or cash if you see me regularly.

I promise I'll email around some free project ideas soon - time is running away. I really hope to see some of you at the next set of classes as it has been a while!

Jenny x

A Craft Room Starter Kit for sale

2011-05-24T13:10:00.000+01:00

The Craft Room Starter Kit is supplied with all the essential tools you need to begin crafting: The workstation, a metal rule, an arrowhead cutter for precision cutting, a rotary cutter for quick cuts, a small cutting mat, a ‘Concentric Shapes’ embossing board and template and a double headed embossing tool with two different sized ball-heads. The kit also comes with an instructional and inspirational project booklet so that you can start crafting straight away!

I have one of these for sale here if you are interested - they usually retail at £40 and mine is brand new, never used. Take a look!

Want to earn yourself a FREE stamp set?

2011-05-23T13:26:00.000+01:00

You can win yourself a FREE stamp set every week throughout May (I'm clearly behind on announcing this but I've only just realised this offer is on - sorry!) - simply answer a question here on the Stampin' Up! website and you can be in with a chance of winning.

Happy birthday to my friend Lauren today! It is her 30th birthday so I made this lovely card of soft colours using the Party This Way stamp set. The colour scheme here is Tempting Turquoise, Pretty In Pink and Elegant Eggplant colour scheme. I love stamping these candles at different angles to hide anything out of line! I am also in love with these satin ribbons. Full stop. I want them in every colour!

Fun themed cards

2011-05-22T20:55:00.000+01:00

Sometimes a themed card is called for and you can do nothing else than reach for good old themed stickers! We needed a fishing card (for the father in law to be!) and I knew I had some stashed away in the bottom of a drawer somewhere. When I found them I teamed them with some Stampin Up card and alphabet stamps - I love this font! It was well recieved too which is the most important thing!

I made some naughty rocky road over the weekend and put it into a lovely little handmade gift bag - I'll show it to you soon!

Flowers and butterflies

2011-05-18T18:30:00.000+01:00

Here's a very pretty card which I made for my sister for her birthday recently. I'm afraid to say it was made using a Sale-a-bration stamp set - Sweet Summer - which does mean this one is no longer available to purchase, but that's just another reason why you should get these free stamp sets next time the offer is on - I use this one alot!

I've stamped the stems and flower heads separately - the stems using Chocolate Chip ink (my most used colour I think!) and Pretty In Pink for the heads. I always like to colour in some of the flowers too but you can't really see that in this photo. Along the bottom of the card I've attached a couple of leftover strips of card in Pretty In Pink and Old Olive (this is a great idea on male cards when you don't want to use ribbon, or in classes where you need to keep your costs down). I've attached a tiny little butterfly too which was cut and embossed using the new Embosslits with the Big Shot machine. A couple of buttons for good measure you understand!

Would you like to join in the fun at my next craft classes?

2011-05-02T10:00:00.002+01:00

If you haven't been along to one of my craft classes, why not book a place in May or June and see what you've been missing out on? The Fun Flowers card class in May is great fun and will give you a chance to use the fantastic new Big Shot machine! With this new machine you can try your hand at die-cutting these flowers, cute little butterflies and of course - the fantastic pillow box! I love the fact that I now have a die that I can recreate these boxes with, over and over again, in all colours and patterns! Inspiration for the Animal Zoo class is taken from Lisa Young www.addinkandstamp.blogspot.com

** BOOKINGS CLOSE MAY 8th **

The June class is also going to be so much fun! The animal stamps from Stampin' Up! are so versatile and I'll be showing you how, using these stamps and lots of other tools and materials including the brand new Top Note die and embossing dies for the new Big Shot machine. This is not one to miss!

I am also running a scrapbook class on this day - due to demand! We will be making a double page scrapbook layout using the brilliantly bright 'Sweet and Sour' papers, circle punches and of course - BUTTONS! This is a lovely class and one that can be replicated at home with all sorts of colour schemes using your own papers.

I am now taking bookings with the paypal buttons on the right hand side of this blog so book your place there today, or email me (see address, right) to reserve your place and pay with other methods. If you are still toying with the idea of coming along - see how much fun we have below...
I'll also be selling some of my second hand craft items again at these classes - last time my sale was a big hit and as I have plenty more items to bring along this time, it's a great chance to get a bargain.

Hopefully see you there - hit the buy now buttons or email me to the right. If you'd prefer to make one payment for all then email me and I will arrange this with you, or make a simple paypal payment to me through your account for the full amount.

Scalloped edge cards

2011-04-26T13:53:00.005+01:00

Scalloped edge cards are just lovely and here is a lovely lilac colour scheme using the Party This Way stamp set from Stampin' Up! Isn't it great? It's very versatile as with any colour scheme it can suit any aged person, and I've teamed this with the number serif font stamp set which I use all the time - one of my staple craft items!

Quick make - teenager card

2011-04-26T13:53:00.004+01:00

What do you do when you need a quick card? ask your sister to make one! So here I made a card for my niece who was moving into her teenage years. She likes bold colours so we went for Rich Razzleberry card teamed with Pumpkin Pie orange card and Old Olive green satin ribbon. I love these satin ribbons!

I used the eyelet border trim punch along some Whisper White cardstock as the holes show up perfectly when contrasted against a darker background. I then stamped using the fabulous Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamps - have you tried these? I love simple, smooth round fonts and I've seen these used perfectly on so many designs, they really are a worthwhile investment as once you have the set, you can customise practically any card.

Did you enjoy the Royal Wedding? I've seen lots of royal crafts too, I didn't make any myself (what would I do with them afterwards?) but there's lots of great ideas out there!

Easter celebrations

2011-04-26T13:30:00.006+01:00

This Easter weekend was full of birthdays as it was late this year - and it went so fast! It was such glorious weather for a bank holiday wasn't it? We had three family birthdays (across two families) all on the same can you believe - so bank holiday Monday we enjoyed a birthday BBQ then a birthday roast dinner, haha!

It was my sister's birthday as well as my niece's, and a friend had kindly ordered a Stampin' Up! gift voucher for my sister - which I know she is going to love spending! I made a lovely envelope out of pink card and then stamped all over it and tied it with some satin ribbon to finish.

I'm sorry but you are just going to have to view the inside of the envelope at a strange angle - for some reason blogger likes to turn my photos for no real reason at all and I cannot work out how to get them to change! Even if I copy the photo four times and rotate one so that I have one at each angle, and upload all four, blogger still changes it to sideways! Anyone know the answer to that one? As I'd love to know!

Anyway my sister gets to spend this voucher on lovely Stampin' Up! goodies - would you like to receive one of these vouchers for your birthday or any other special occasion? Then point your relatives this way and I can surely help you out! I can create vouchers for any amount (hint, hint!) so ask them to simply email me to make contact, or they can buy the pre-paid amounts on the Paypal buttons on the right column of my blog here. I also sell gift vouchers for my craft classes too - keep these in mind when you are next stuck for what to buy your mum, sister or friend!

I'll be back soon with lots of birthday cards I've been making too! Some other great news is that I have been asked by Rainham Library to start teaching some of my craft classes there now - wahoo! It's very exciting and it will be open to everyone so for those of you who already attend my classes and want an extra fix - keep checking back for more information. I hope you all had a wonderful Easter break.

Scalloped edges explained! Video tutorial

2011-04-19T19:00:00.000+01:00

If you love scalloped edges but are not quite sure how they work, take a look at this you tube video that shows you some great ways to use it!

I love my scalloped edge punches - they are probably my most used item in my craft tool box and you will see them on most of my cards and scrapbook pages! I have the scalloped edge border punch from Stampin' Up!, but also I have the one the eyelet punches tiny little holes in the border too - and the scallop trim border punch is on my wish list! This video is a great how-to so I hope you enjoy it.

They are priced at £14.25 on p104 on the catalogue and they are available to buy from Stampin' Up through me.

Ahoy

2011-04-16T13:28:00.000+01:00

This pirate set has been very popular in the main Stampin' Up! catalogue this year. It's on p41 as there are some other really good examples using it in there. (See the link to the right of this blog to view the catalogue online). My projects are often quite feminine, I think most crafters are as they seem easier to make, but that's why it's great when you get a masculine project in the 'swaps' that we do at team training. It shows examples of other's that have a totally different style to me. It's perfect for boy's birthday cards and also if you wanted to make themed papercrafts for a child's birthday party. Lots of Early Expresso grunging and some Riding Hood Red for the sentiments. There are three good pirate images in that set with a couple of senitments so it's good value and I've seen so many good examples made with it. I'm hoping to get making some more craft items myself very soon - I'm waiting for a good few hours I have to spare to get stuck in!

Need quick gift box ideas?

2011-04-15T13:10:00.000+01:00

Girls love mini items. Fact. Mini anything and we are ooohhing and aaahhhing, aren't we?

I think those in the know at Stampin' Up! know that as some of my favourite items right now are the new Big Shot dies exclusive to SU - the mini milk carton and the mini pillow box! They are smaller than they look in the catalogue which makes them just look even cuter. They are on p6 of the mini catalogue - I also desperately want to order the mini scalloped envelope!

Stacked as a three they look lovely, I'm not sure what I would put in a stack of three though? Perhaps three different favourite chocolates for the recipient. Tied up with this lovely, delicate seam binding ribbon in Rose Red (p17), they look so pretty.

As a single box I think they would be great for giving items of jewellery or gift voucher cards, but anything really. They would also make great wedding favours or dinner party gifts, or baby shower treats too!

Vintage beauty!

2011-04-13T13:10:00.000+01:00

This is one of my favourite cards that was shared at our recent team training for Stampin' Up!. It's a lovely combination of the new Springtime Vintage collection on p16 of the mini catalogue. I will be doing a 'class at home' kit using these materials soon so keep your eyes peeled if you live too far away to come to one of my classes but would love to make these projects. This was another from a team mate but my designs will be different. The pretty stamps are using the 'Just Believe' set on p57 - we were given this set for free when I attended the Stampin' Up convention last year - as demonstrators we were just as excited as our customers when we get free things! It's such a big set there is so much variety that you can do with just one stamp set, and floral designs are always suitable for almost every occasion too which is another reason I love it. The Springtime Vintage patterned paper has been used as well as the Rose Red seam binding ribbon, the Scallop Trim border punch and I think it is Garden Green and Rose Red inks for the stamping. I'd love to make about ten of these and stamp a different sentiment on each, ready for any occasion that pops up.

How do you like your fries?

2011-04-11T13:50:00.000+01:00

This is a lovely little 'fries' box made by one of my fellow team mates using the Stampin' Up! Designer Series papers. The main decoration uses 'Four Frames' stamp from the new mini catalogue together with the Decorative Label Punch (on p11) and the little butterflies, so cute, are created using the 'Beautiful Wings' Embosslit Die in the Big Shot. The butterflies are so cute and you get five, each one embossed with a different pattern, and cut out. I think the template for the fries box was using an electronic machine. These would make great Easter gifts as they are filled with chocolates! I keep posting when I haven't got the projects to hand to check who it was was but her family members should be very happy come Easter Sunday. You could make these in each of the different colours of the Designer Series paper stack!

10% offer ends midnight tonight!

2011-04-07T13:00:00.004+01:00

This is a pretty card made using the Strength and Hope charity stamp set (p31) by one of my fellow SU teammates (sorry about the dark photo though!). The textured embossing folders (p10) are brilliant and super quick ways to add backgrounds and textures to your projects. These are especially great for when you get stuck for male card ideas as this can have a really masculine feel to it! See my last post for another idea on how to use it. You can imprint a raised dotted, square or flower pattern onto card - this one uses the 'Square Lattice' and the beautiful charity butterfly stamp on p31. It has been stamped onto the background card, and then run through the Big Shot to create the texture. The extra red butterfly image has been stamped onto separate card and then raised over the top. It's great to have alternative colour schemes for this set too as the catalogue examples are lovely subtle colours and this is a brighter alternative. Stampin' Up! is donating £1 from the purchase of each charity stamp set to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

10% offer ends midnight tonight!

Don't forget - my 10% discount on all orders from the mini and main catalogues ends midnight Thursday! Simply email me (address in the right hand bar) with your order to take advantage of this great offer. Details here

Plane and Simple

2011-04-06T13:00:00.001+01:00

This great card for male cards uses the new 'Plane and Simple' plane stamp from the new mini catalogue (p14). It has been layered onto a textured piece of cardstock which was created using the 'Square Lattice' textured impression die in the Big Shot. The embossing dies can also create spotted backgrounds and floral designs - check them out on p10.

View the mini catalogue here

I love this new linen thread in the main catalogue (p96), its a nice alternative to ribbon and much more masculine, and the chunky button is a nice addition too. This card was made by a fellow member of my SU team and it's great to swap projects as it shows styles outside of our comfort zones too. The blue background also has the 'spiral punch' down the edge which gives the effect of being ripped from a notebook - I just love this punch!!!

Pretty thank you card

2011-04-05T21:22:00.004+01:00

There are lots of lovely new project ideas using mini catalogue products - did you follow the new blog hop on my previous post? Take a look if you missed it!

This was a lovely card made by one of my fellow Stampin' Up! team mates - I love the colour combination - it is Pretty In Pink and Baja Breeze for the background.

The seam binding ribbon (p17) was ruffled simply by pulling a single thread from one end gently. The patterned paper is the lovely new Designer Series Springtime Vintage paper and the pink border was made with the Scallop Border Punch again on p104 of the main catalogue. You could make lots of these cards very quickly - want to try that challenge?

Fun Flowers Die Bookmark - Big Shot

2011-04-04T13:57:00.002+01:00

So, now the mini catalogue has been launched, it's time to show you what you can make with it! At my recent Stampin' Up! training we all shared our swaps so I'll be starting with those - as most of them were made using items from the new mini! This one was a lovely bookmark made by Natalie O'Shea - isn't it pretty? And so simple but effective! It is made by using the Fun Flowers shape die, running that through the Big Shot machine with some Perfect Plum card. The edges have then been inked with an inkpad. The final touches are the strip of ribbon which makes it into a bookmark, and the lovely pink button and twine to centre it off. I can imagine making these in a rainbow of colours - lovely little gift ideas! I'll be back soon with more ideas. Don't forget my 10% off all Stampin' Up! products offer lasts until midnight 7th April.

Have you seen the latest blog hop?

2011-04-03T20:50:00.008+01:00

A blog hop is when a group of crafters get together, all create a project with a similar theme or link, and then post it on their blog on the same day, each linking to the next person so that people can 'hop' around and look at all the lovely inspiration.

Want to see the latest blog hop featuring the lovely new goodies in the new mini catalogue? Start at the first person here - there are four fantastic blog hops going on this time so each person below starts a new chain!

Twin Troubles Creations

Sparkly Cards and Papercraft

Rita's Stampin Blog

Serious Stamper

Have you noticed that ALOT of these lovely projects are made using the new Big Shot die cutting machine? That's because we all love it! And you can use all dies from other cutting machines in it too. Take a look at this video to see how it all works and you will see why we think it's so great...

If you see anything you 'must have', don't forget you can place orders for Stampin' Up! goodies through me and I am running a special offer at the moment on all orders from the new mini catalogue (and main catalogue) of 10% discount! This offer only lasts until midnight on 7th April though so don't hang around...

A special Big Shot Bundle Offer

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine
Fun Flowers Bigz L Dies
Beautiful Wings Embosslits Dies
Flower Burst Embosslits Dies
Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

PLUS... a FREE level one hostess gift AND £15 to spend in the main catalogue on products of your choice for a bargain offer price of £135! That's over £175 worth of products - a huge saving of over £40! Use the buy button to the right to make this saving today.

The new mini catalogue has arrived!

2011-04-01T07:30:00.002+01:00

Welcome to the new Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue!

We've been waiting eagerly for Stampin' Up! to release the new mini catalogue and it has finally arrived, packed full of amazing products - there is so much to love! Take a look for yourself!

Mini Catalogue 2011

The biggest thing to arrive is – of course – THE BIG SHOT die-cutting machine!!! As Stampin' Up! fans we have been waiting with baited breath for this to be introduced to the UK catalogue, and finally we have it! This is going to be amazing for projects and I especially can't wait to demonstrate my next two craft classes to you which I've created with these new dies! For those that don't know, it's a machine which you run shaped dies through and it cuts and/or embosses your shape for you. That's p6 onwards – I have already fallen in love with the mini pillow box die, the scallop envelope, the mini milk carton die – and as a demonstrator I've been lucky enough to have a play a month before they were released. Like what you see?

The fun flowers die produces some stunning results, especially when you layer them all together (a class coming soon!) The textured embossing folders on p10 are always brilliant – just fantastic for imprinting a raised dotted, square or flower pattern onto card! There is so much to mention that I love, but I think you should simply take a look for yourself – don't miss other personal favourites of mine which are the Four Frames stamps and punch on p11, the STUNNING 'Springtime vintage' patterned paper, huge buttons and matching twine on p16 and how can you miss the 'Oh Sew Suite' matching stamps and papers on p27?

Go and look now! Now, because I know you are going to be tempted by soooo much in the catalogue – I'm offering you a special offer for a very limited time only:

Save 10% on all orders placed in the first week of April!

This offer lasts until midnight on 7th April, so grab your catalogue, decide on what you want to order and then email or call me to arrange your order. The standard postage and packing applies to all orders (£4.95). Those of you who have requested real life copies, they are being posted out tomorrow. What better reason to get your hands on the mini catalogue products NOW?

Also as a one off limited edition offer I am offering:

A SPECIAL BIG SHOT BUNDLE OFFER*

Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Fun Flowers Bigz L Dies

Beautiful Wings Embosslits Dies

Flower Burst Embosslits Dies

Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

PLUS... a FREE level one hostess gift AND £15 to spend on the mini or main catalogue on products of your choice for a bargain offer price of £135!

That's over £175 worth of products – a huge saving of over £40! See the 'buy it now' now button to the right hand side of this blog.

*You can replace items in this bundle for other items from the mini or main catalogue of the same value or higher should you wish.

This offer is valid from me for one month only – it finishes 30 April 2011. (Please note as this is already a great offer, the 10% discount offer above is not applicable to this Big Shot Bundle Offer price of £135)

MAKE YOUR OWN BUNDLE

If you fancy putting together a bundle of your choice to get these fantastic savings, simply choose the products you want (for yourself or as a combined order between your friends), ensure they reach over £150 in catalogue price retail value and you will be entitled to these products PLUS... a FREE level one hostess gift AND £15 to spend on the mini or main catalogue on products of your choice for a bargain offer price of £135!

That's over £175 worth of products – a huge saving of over £40! See the 'buy it now' button on the right hand side of this blog.

This offer is valid from me for one month only – it finishes 30 April 2011. (Please note as this is already a great offer, the 10% discount offer above is not applicable to this Bundle Offer price of £135)

Stamper's Six Club

If there is simply too much to choose from in this catalogue, and you would like to spread the cost of your purchases over a six month period but STILL be eligible for the free hostess benefits, my Stamper's Six club is for you! See the full details here All orders can be taken from the new mini catalogue or from the main catalogue, which can be found here. I think that's plenty for you to take in – just don't squeal too loudly when you start looking through the catalogue!

I'm just off to place an order from a very eager customer! As always, if you have any questions just drop me a line.

Enjoy!

Jenny

*project ideas are a collection from myself and our Stampin' Stars team of demonstrators

Need a quick Mother's Day card idea?

2011-03-31T13:00:00.000+01:00

With Mother's Day fast approaching - why not try some of these quick fix Mother's Day card ideas? If you prefer something personal, you can die-cut or used pre-cut letter shapes to tell your mum how much you care. Ink the edges of the letters, add this to some pattererned paper with some ribbon and a die-cut flower and you are ready to go.

Double-sided paper is always a winner when it's a quick card that you need! Simply fold the corner over and fix into place with a brad, and centre onto a square card blank. Add some ribbon, a sentiment of your choice and a die-cut flower and this card will only take you minutes!

Punch out some butterfly shapes (or any alternative shapes you have) and align nine in a square shape on the centre of your card. Attach an adhesive pearl to the centre of each one and there you have it! A quick fix Mother's Day card. I hope these card ideas have been useful for you - don't forget you can adapt them to suit any theme. Keep your eye out for many more die-cutting projects coming your way with the launch of the mini catalogue this coming Friday!

Class Fun

2011-03-30T13:26:00.000+01:00

Here are some photos (courtesy of Pat - thanks!) of the craft class on Saturday. I was that busy that I didn't stop to take any! We had quite a few people who had not attended before, and some new to crafting too, so it was really good fun to share the hobby with others! The great news it that they all enjoyed it too!

The centre we hire is lovely so it makes it a comfortable and fun afternoon.

Lots of stamping, laughter and new tips and tricks learned, although I don't get to make anything it's always good fun for me and I'm so pleased when everyone leaves with something they are proud of!

Here are Pat's completed items - I love this colour scheme - it's So Saffron, Pretty in Pink and Certainly celery. Here is a complete list of what we used - and I have to thank Monica Gale for lending me the dimensions for the treat box too - thank you!

Cardstock - Pretty in Pink, So Saffron (yellow), Certainly Celery (green), Whisper White (p82-85)

Stampin’ Write Marker pens – Pretty in Pink, So Saffron (yellow), Certainly Celery (green) – some of you used ‘Melon Mambo’ which was the lovely bright pink (p82-85)

Ink pads – Chocolate Chip (p85)

Stamp sets – Schoolbook Serif Alphabet (p77), Just Believe (p57)

Border Punch –Eyelet Border (p105)

Ribbon – Taffeta 1cm (p96)

A yellow button

Candle

Cardstock - Certainly Celery (p82-85)

Patterned Paper – Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack Subtles (p82)

Ribbon – Pretty in Pink satin (p83)

Treat Holder

Cardstock - Pretty in Pink, So Saffron (yellow), Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (p82-85)

Border Punch –Eyelet Border (p105) or Scallop Edge Border (p105)

Linen Thread (p96)

Ribbon – Pretty in Pink satin (p83)

Stamps – Free hostess set ‘Afterthoughts’ when you host a party or put in orders of over £150 in any other way

Stampin’ Write Marker pens – Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip

On another note, here is a lovely card made by my team leader for me - I love this colour, especially the way the fabulous friend stamp has been embossed in white, it leaves a lovely raised edge and texture. And I always love the spotty papers too!

Join My Stamper's Six Club Today!

2011-03-28T22:41:00.005+01:00

Would you like to earn a free hostess gift set, £15 of free products from the catalogue AND get to spread the cost of all those goodies you want to buy from the Stampin’ Up! catalogue? Then you need to join my ‘ Stampers Six’ club! I am beginning my next club in April and you do not have to be local to me to join in, just somewhere in the UK!

If you have a long wish list from the catalogue (see link to right), this is a great way to spread the cost and slowly build up what you want to buy. You could end up with the full set of Stampin’ Write Markers, a huge selection of the ribbons or really build up your stamp sets as part of this club.

So how does it work?

You agree, as one of six crafters doing the same, to spend a minimum of £25 each month, for a period of six months. Simple!

By doing this, it means that each month the order reaches £150 in total, which is enough to quality for a FREE hostess gift level one set (chosen from the catalogue) and £15 worth of FREE products of your choice. Easy! This is the same principle as holding a craft party (workshop) in your home where the hostess gets the free benefits but you don't have any work to do!

Each month, one of the six crafters is elected as the hostess and on that month they are officially the ‘virtual hostess’ and receive the free benefits from the group order. Also on your hostess month, you can collect extra orders if you wish from family and friends to boost your month, as the higher the order that is placed, the more benefits you can earn yourself. You can see the chart in the front of the Stampin’ Up! catalogue for the hostess benefits that can be achieved. The hostess for each month is chosen in the order of who signs up first to last for the Stampers Six club.

Would you like to join the Stamper’s Six club and spread the cost of all those goodies you want while earning freebies? Then contact me today! With the brand new mini catalogue being released on Friday, there has never been a better time to join the club!

I am hoping to start it in April so if you want to grab your place first - email me today! (See right for address).

Still need to sort Mother's Day?

Don’t forget – it’s not too late to get your mum something she will love for Mother’s Day (or forward this onto your loved one as a HUGE hint!) We had a great time at my craft class on Saturday - there were 12 of us and we made three lovely papercraft items, and had blast while doing it. Do you think your mum would like to join in the fun? Then these class gift vouchers are just for her.

Vouchers are also available for buying products from the catalogue so you can give your mum a spending spree too! Here is the lovely decorated envelope I made to hold some vouchers for one of my class attendees, her daughter had asked me to give it to her at the class. Isn't it cute all in blue? Order vouchers by Wednesday to ensure they reach you in time for the weekend! Visit the links on the right hand side of this blog to order your vouchers today.

Keep your eyes peeled for my next emails for Friday.... when the mini catalogue is finally released! If you would like to be added to my mailing list, and want to receive a copy of the new mini catalogue, get in touch with me today.

Designer Series Paper Stack

2011-03-23T13:14:00.004Z

I've finally got my hands on the lovely spotted patterned papers from Stampin' Up! - aren't they lovely? I can't wait to get using them on my cards.

This is the 'Subtles' collection - there is a large pack for each of the four colour sets and it's a huge 12x12 stack of papers - two of each design (double sided, spotted, striped, floral and more) so there's just so much in it, this is going to last me for ages! You will see these appearing in my Saturday craft class.

I had my team training last Saturday and we had a good laugh as always. It starts with some business training in the morning and a demonstration, then we make samples ALL afternoon - it's great! Most of our samples that we made were using items from the mini catalogue so I can't show you those until April 1st!

I'm off to look for some inspiration to see projects where these papers have been used now. Soooo much information coming up over the next week or two so do keep checking back - I'll be updating my blog with virtual hostess club information on how you can earn free goodies, my next few classes that are coming up, and don't forget...

**the all-important new mini catalogue of course** if you would like a copy in the post simply email me using my address on the right and I'll make sure you get a copy come April 1st. TRUST ME, you don't want to miss out on getting one of these as it's full of some great stuff.

I have my craft class on Sunday for Mother's Day so need to prepare 12 kits for my attendees - still a couple of spare places going too if you are a late booker...

Mother’s Day Gift Vouchers

2011-03-21T08:28:00.006Z

Treat your mum to an inspiring craft experience this Mother's Day with a Stampin' Up! class gift voucher! Mother's Day is Sunday 3rd April so don't miss it...

Your mum will enjoy a relaxing afternoon of papercrafting with others and the best part is, you don't need to trawl the shops to find something she will love!

Also available are gift vouchers to spend on her favourite products from the Stampin' Up! catalogue - so if you think your mum would prefer a shopping spree, these vouchers are the perfect choice.

Order by Wed 30th March to receive your vouchers by post in time for Mother's Day.

Gift Vouchers are available in the following denominations:

Craft Class gift vouchers - £15, £30, £45

Stampin' Up! gift vouchers (catalogue) - £10, £20, £30

Buy online here (button to the right)

Email me (see 'contact me' to the right)
Call me on 07736 835557

Payment can be made by paypal, cheque, bank transfer or cash. Vouchers are valid for six months from purchase date and must be redeemed within this time limit. Vouchers can only be redeemed through me, not through Stampin' Up.

New Craft Experience Session for you and your friends!

Looking for something fun to do with your girlfriends? Need a new idea for a hen night or special birthday? Want to treat your mum? Why not book a craft "experience session" with me and let me do the hard work!

You and up to five of your friends will spend a relaxing afternoon or evening making a trio of papercraft projects from a fantastic kit of materials, with step by step guidance from me throughout the session. The experience takes place in the location of your choice* and I will provide everything you need for a fun-filled session.

Each craft experience session is priced at £100 and is valid for up to six people - the price includes all of your project materials for the day along with my teaching. Sessions last for approximately two and a half hours. Additional guests can be added - please contact me for details.

Buy online - click the button in the right hand column or contact me for details

Treat your mum to something special this Mother's Day for her and her friends!

*Travel is limited to approximately 15 miles of Gidea Park, Essex. Further travel may be possible at an additional cost.

Swaps

2011-03-19T19:04:00.000Z

I didn't really know what swaps for were some time but I eventually learned - they are when a group of crafty people get together, they make one project in multiples (so if it's a group of 15, each person makes 15 of their own item) then at the craft gathering everyone 'swaps' one of each with everyone else. The result? Everyone leaves with 15 different samples for inspiration!

Today I've been at my team training for Stampin' Up! so thought I'd share what my swaps were - my favourite colours of pink and brown of course! I've used the free hostess stamp that you can earn by holding a party or putting in orders over £150, with different coloured cards and a border punch which I love! The stamp I coloured in using my marker pens so that I could colour one part of the stamp in pink and the other in brown.

Bridesmaids gifts

2011-03-18T18:49:00.004Z

When I was thinking of how to ask my bridesmaids if they would like to be just that, I probably would have given them each a card as that's my speciality! But one of my very close friends had recently asked us to be her bridesmaid's in that way, so I set to thinking of something different.
I wanted a creative angle on it - and I eventually had a lightbulb moment of these chocolate slabs from Thorntons! I bought these for the three adults and asked them to personalise each one with my question, and then thought of something more appropriate for my younger ones.

I thought sweets would be more appropriate so I found these cute gift bags in Sainsbury's, filled them with mixed sweets and tied them with pretty ribbon and a crafty tag, featuring the same question. I also made one for my nephew to be usher too. Each of the gifts was met with gasps and screams so I think they were well received!

Oh oh oh...

2011-03-14T21:30:00.001Z

I've just ordered all the materials in for my next craft class but more importantly - my PREORDER items from the new mini catalogue!!! There's so much in it that I love, I've already planned an idea for my next craft class with some of the materials plus ordered some bits I wanted to make projects to share with you all here... oh oh! I couldn't resist!

Last chance to book March Class - bookings close tomorrow

2011-03-13T12:00:00.000Z

Join us for a trio of papercraft projects including a handmade card, treat box and a decorated candle!

Saturday 26 March
Ardleigh Green Family Centre
11 – 2pm
£15 per person

These items are perfect for Mother’s Day but can easily be adapted for any other theme on the day. Grab your friends and come for a fun afternoon out! Refreshments are provided along with a kit of materials, with all you need to create your projects on the day.

Booking deadline TOMORROW – Monday 14th March —Book your place by email (see my address to the right) or via the CRAFT CLASS PAYPAL LINK in the right hand column of this blog.

Beginners are very welcome and you do not need to bring anything in order to attend – if you do have a basic tool kit please bring it along, but there will be tools provided that you can share. I will also have a table with my second hand craft items for sale so don’t miss your chance to grab a bargain as I have a lot that needs to go!

Hopefully see you there,

Jenny

Striking black 'Circle Circus' card

2011-03-12T10:44:00.002Z

Pastel Chalks Technique

Black cards are very striking! But for some reason, they tend to be something people steer cleer of so I'd urge you to have a go today if you've never tried it - share with me what you make! This card was made at one of my Stampin' Up! training events with my team leader, Natalie O'Shea and it got us all trying the chalk pastels which was fun.

It's good to be challenged to use new products by taking classes with other crafters and so much fun not to be leading them for a change! So with this card we stamped four circles from the lovely 'Circle Circus' stamp set from Stampin' Up!. You get ten different patterned circles in this stamp set!

To stamp the circles onto black card we used the Versamark Stamp Pad which is effectively a sticky, clear ink pad. We then used 'Stampin Pastels' - which is a case of different coloured chalks and applicators. We rubbed the applicator into the chalk, then carefully ran it over the sticky images using different colours on different areas of the stamp. It gives a lovely finish. You can spray it with a finishing agent if you want to protect your finished image (or some cheap hairspray like we did in art classes back in school!).

The black card was mounted onto red and then blue card, some Old Olive green ribbon along the bottom with some 'brights' coloured buttons. Try it for yourself!

New tote bag

2011-03-10T10:00:00.001Z

I've needed some good 'portable' storage for all my craft tools for a while now - at the moment I have a great spinning tool holder on my craft desk, but it's too heavy to carry around and since I've started up my craft classes again, I've been in desperate need of something to hold everything that I can just grab and go!

So when I went along to the Stampin' Up! convention at the end of last year, they had this lovely tote bag based on a set of their patterned papers - who could resist?! They sold out very fast though - and this event is solely open to SU demonstrators so you can imagine the frenzy to get hold of one! We could order one at the event and it followed some time later - and now I have it filled with my wonderful goodies. It's already been useful to taking place to place so it was definitely worth the investment. What do you keep your craft items in? I'm always keen to know anything about storage so send me your links and I can share them here!

Don't forget the March Frenzy offer from Stampin' Up! where you can get up to 30% off of SU products - limited time only! Contact me with anything that takes your fancy to order - details can be found here

Cajun Craze heart card

2011-03-08T10:00:00.003Z

This is a lovely little card using the "I {heart} hearts" stamp set, which that Monica Gale (another Stampin' Up! Demonstrator) sent me a while back. Isn't it cute? It's the heart stamped onto white card using 'Cajun Craze' colour cardstock for the card blank, and Chocolate Chip satin ribbon folded into a bow shape and secured.

If you notice, it also uses the 'Tiny Tags' stamp set and punch for the tiny sentiment - this tag set is brilliant and you get lots of little sentiments that can all be stamped and punched in mini tags - so cute for an extra touch to cards. This is secured with a mini brad. Got the urge to make one now? Thought so!

Don't forget the March Frenzy offer from Stampin' Up! where you can get up to 30% off of SU products - limited time only! Contact me with anything that takes your fancy to order - details can be found here

Would you like to make this set for your mum or a friend?

2011-03-05T23:39:00.005Z

Stamping Craft Class - Saturday 26 March

Would you like to try something creative and meet like-minded friends? I am teaching a variety of cardmaking and scrapbooking classes which are suitable for all levels of crafters, including beginners, so this is your chance to come along and create some papercraft projects with step-by-step guidance from me.

Join us for a trio of papercraft projects including a handmade card, treat box and a decorated candle!

Saturday 26 March
Ardleigh Green Family Centre
11 – 2pm
£15 per person

These items are perfect for Mother’s Day but can easily be adapted for any other theme on the day. Grab your friends and come for a fun afternoon out! Refreshments are provided along with a kit of materials, with all you need to create your projects on the day.

Booking deadline – Monday 14th March —Book your place by email (see my address to the right) or via the CRAFT CLASS PAYPAL LINK in the right hand column of this blog.

Beginners are very welcome and you do not need to bring anything in order to attend – if you do have a basic tool kit please bring it along, but there will be tools provided that you can share. I will also have a table with my second hand craft items for sale so don’t miss your chance to grab a bargain as I have a lot that needs to go!

Hopefully see you there,

Jenny

Watercolour technique

2011-03-04T13:45:00.002Z

If you want to try the watercolour technique - take a look at this card. It is much simpler to make than it looks! We made this sample at the Stampin' Up Convention and as someone who didn't particularly like the watercolour technique (I've always found it fiddly and usually a bit of a mess when I am confused with which inks to use etc) I have to say it's converted me now!

This card uses the 'Just Believe' stamp set from the catalogue - you get a massive 8 stamps in this set and it's really pretty. And this is used with the Stampin' Up inks which work well with this technique.

To create this card you ink up the stamps (either in one full colour or colour different parts like I have here using my ink marker pens in Old Olive green and another blue) and then simply 'spritz' the inked stamp with a water bottle. Not too much or the ink will run too much, but enough to make a difference, and then stamp onto some 'watercolour card'. The ink blends into the special card a little and gives a watercolour painted effect.

The sentiment was then stamped on and the entire white card was spritzed with the new colour spritzer tool - this is such a brilliant gadget for adding splodges of colour to enhance the background of something. (If you look closely you will see the splattered blue effect behind the flowers). I've torn the edges of the white and blue card for some texture too and added that all to the card blank with a strip of ribbon and the button.

This is such a versatile set and I've barely touched it yet to maximise it's potential. If you don't have a Stampin' Up! catalogue but love inspiration I'd strongly recommend taking a look at one online or getting hold of a real copy which is so much better - it's full of so many free project ideas for each stamp set and they can be adapted to use with other materials too quite easily, I love mine and I turn to it more than magazines now.

It's lovely to add some detail to the envelope with one simple stamp too!

Don't forget my next stamping craft class is Saturday 26th March - you can book using the paypal button to the right. It's perfect for Mother's Day as we are making a large card, a treat box and decorating a candle - but can be adapted for any theme, I'll show you how. Bookings close Monday 14th so don't miss your chance!

March Frenzy

2011-03-01T18:31:00.005Z

You can get up to 30 percent off great Stampin’ Up! products during our March Frenzy sale! Take a look at the link below for details. I've also just seen the **new mini catalogue** - hold your breath for April 1st as there are some AMAZING goodies in there that I know you are all going to go crazy for!
Contact me with anything you'd like to order to bag this discount (click on the image to view it larger) - Stampin' Up rarely offer 30% discount so make the most of it. Be back again soon with more inspiration projects...

And don't forget you can now book your place for my next craft class - Saturday 26th March - £15 each - we are making a large card, a treat holder and decorating a candle - all perfect for Mother's Day!

Pumpkin Pie card idea

2011-02-27T22:36:00.003Z

So tomorrow (Monday) is your very last day to order your free stamp sets from the Sale-a-bration offer - have you got yours yet? Last chance to see the details of the offer here!

I have **loved** this offer and have been lucky enough to get three of the four stamp sets free, and my sister has the fourth so I have access to them all. This is a card that I recently demo'd at a Stampin' Up party my sister hosted - it's using Pumpkin Pie which is such a fun colour. I stamped the Sweet Summer stamps in Old Olive green and Chocolate Chip brown, and then coloured the flower with Pumpkin Pie and So Saffron marker pens, great for giving the stamps different colours inside. I've also used a strip of patterned paper from the free hostess gift section of the catalogue - 6x6 is great size patterned papers for cardmaking. Just a quick button in the centre of the flower really makes it pop. The greeting is taken from one of the other free sets - 'So Happy For You' set of greetings.

That's all for today - be back soon!

March Class Details - Sat 26th March

2011-02-22T20:04:00.005Z

** Just six days left to order FREE Sale-a-bration stamp sets**

Hi everyone,

Here's another example of a card made using the lovely FREE Sweet Summer stamp set which I got from the Sale-a-bration offer - I can't stop using it! I've got plenty more examples to show you from the free sets but I can't get good enough lighting to photograph them.

So...Did you know... you have just SIX DAYS left to choose from the four free stamp sets available during the Sale-a-bration offer? That's right - choose one of these four stamp sets below absolutely free! I promise, you won't be disappointed - they have been hugely popular and lots of customers have said this year's free sets are the best yet. Got a set already? Are you SURE you don't want another of your favourites before they disappear?

I have three out of the four sets and am seriously considering whether I **need** to earn myself the last set before it's gone for good. Want to know how?

AS A CUSTOMER - Spend £45 and choose a FREE stamp set of your choice. There is no limit on how many sets you can get - spend £90 and you choose TWO free sets, spend £135 you choose THREE free sets and so on. Simply call me or email me your order and I can get it ordered straight away for you. Payment can be made by bank transfer, Paypal, Visa or Mastercard.

Sale-A-Bration finishes on 28th February and that means you will no longer be able to get the above four stamp sets.

They are LIMITED EDITION stamps and WILL NOT be available to purchase EVER!! So, if you want them, you've got six days left to get your hands on them!

March Craft Class - 26th March

We had great fun at our last craft class and as so many have you have enquired when my next one is - you can now book your places! We scrapbooked in one class and we made lots of cards in the other and I know lots of you are desperate for the next one - as this is appropriate for Mother's Day I've reserved the centre in Gidea Park as I expect a good turn out so the details are...

Mother's Day (ish) class

Saturday 26th March

Gidea Park, 11-2pm

£15 per person

Trio of papercraft items including a card

(All items will be suitable for Mother's Day if you wish, but do not have to be)

As we have the centre reserved there is plenty of room so invite your friends and family along if you think they might be interested! Book here today using the paypal button on the right or you can email me to reserve your place today and pay me by internet transfer (preferable), cheque or cash. If you'd like to book multiple places you can do so on the paypal link.

So what else has been happening?

I've had all sorts going on with my birthday and getting engaged, and then I've been busy, busy, busy with SU! I took my first Stampin' Up! party recently where I demonstrated techniques and the guests got to make a card each. My sister earnt herself a TON of free stampin up goodies as she was the host - and if the total orders came to £150 or more you can choose a free hostess gift from the catalogue and also spend £15 on more free goodies! She and her guests earnt even more freebies this time round as she held her party during the Sale-a-bration period so each order over £45 chose a free stamp set too! If you'd like to know how you can earn free Stampin' Up! goodies as a party host look at the 'Host A Craft Party' tab at the top.

What's in the pipeline? A new ribbon share and a stampers club where you can spread the cost of your 'wish list' - interested? I'll let you know more or drop me an email!

Bye for now x

Lots of fun in our January Classes

2011-02-09T13:42:00.006Z

We had a birthday cardmaking class and a family/love themed scrapbooking class recently and everyone made lovely projects which they were really happy with. The scrapbooking pages are made with the adorable 'Love Stories' Simply Scrappin' Kit from the catalogue, aren't the colours just gorgeous?

They would make great new baby girl or boy pages too in these colours. This first example of one of our pages was made by Patricia based on my class example, using a photograph of their parents. I thought it would be nice to share the participants examples this time.

This is the card set that we made in the cardmaking class in the morning, using the Party This Way stamp set - great for all birthdays! Using perfect plum, old olive and so saffron colours.

Just a small class this time - you can see us in action with a few missing from this shot, there were seven...

And another page from the scrapbooking session, again by Patricia. Lovely pages don't you think? This is another family shot of the other set of parents, black and white photographs match really well with these Love Stories papers...

We have stamped the background using the FREE sweet summer Sale-a-bration stamp set - have you taken advantage of the SAB offer yet? It ends at the end of February and you won't be able to get these sets again - so if you want a free stamp set all you have to do is place an order with me of £45 or more by the end of the month. What are you waiting for?! There are four free sets to choose from.

That's all from me - I might be back soon to share some images from a Stampin' Up! party which my sister hosted on Friday night - as the host she earnt herself HEAPS of freebies, I demonstrated a couple of cards and they all got to make and take a card home too! If you want that to be you, read my tabs above about hosting a Stampin' Up party.

Bye for now x

Wow - busy January!

2011-01-31T21:23:00.002Z

Well, sorry for my absence of posting, but I've genuinely had more exciting things to do!!! ;o) With turning 30 (this card made by the man in my life who is not a cardmaker - not bad eh?!), a weekend away with my friends, some amazing surprises including a weekend in the New Forest it's been rather busy - not forgetting now being engaged after a marriage proposal!!!

So you might start to see save the date cards, wedding invitations, place names and the like on my blog over the next year! I'll be back with a better update but I also had two craft classes last weekend so it's been hectic and exciting to say the least.

Pretty folded pink card

2011-01-21T12:00:00.001Z

This was a commissioned card for a 60th birthday so I thought it would be perfect for the new Sale-a-bration Sweet Summer stamp set. I've used one of the free stamps to create a background using Chocolate Chip ink, and then I've created the flowers in a similar way to before. I've used Old Olive ink for the stalks (stamped using a Stamp-a-majig so I could get it all lined up!) and then stamped the top of the flower in Chocolate Chip. See my step by step on a couple of posts below for how to colour the flowers.

The centre is a button with some card threaded through (to look like twine). And of course the lovely corner rounder punch for a nice finish.

The Sale-a-bration stamp sets that you get free are only available for a limited amount of time and you won't be able to buy them, so if you are feeling tempted make sure you get them before the offer finishes.

Punch Bunch Sale-a-bration Card

2011-01-20T15:00:00.000Z

I haven't stopped playing with my Sale-a-bration free stamp sets yet - I'm onto my second set now and these are **really** easy to use as each one coordinates perfectly with one of the Stampin' Up! punches.

Here's the stamp I've been playing with - it's from the Punch Bunch set and matches with the scalloped circle punch. It's really easy to use too as you can stamp it all in one colour using an ink pad, or if you have the markers you can colour in different parts of the stamps with different colours. It looks very cool when stamped onto white card!

I've focused on blues for this card so I've used light Bashful Blue for most of the stamp and Night Of Navy to highlight just the words. Here's the finished mini cards I've been making!

Don't forget you can earn this stamp as one of a set, and there are four sets to choose from, one set free with each order of £45 or more from the Stampin' Up! catalogue.

How to use a Stamp-a-majig

2011-01-18T13:40:00.008Z

So have you ever wondered how to position your stamps so perfectly in line like everyone else manages?

As I've said before, I was not a keen stamper until I discovered Stampin' Up!. In fact, I really didn't like it much at all - it was far too messy and fiddly for a 'stick n go' girl like me! Then I discovered Stampin' Up and fell in love. Only there are alot of tricks of the trade and you only learn those over time - including me. That's when I discovered how to stamp straight and in line using a 'stamp-a-majig' - here is a step by step guide of one of my recent cardmaking efforts, including using one of these amazing little discoveries (stamp-a-majig).

I'm using my 'Sweet Summer' (FREE) stamp set that you can earn free just as I did, and I've stamped with Chocolate Chip ink onto Whisper White card. This card is so lovely and crisp and clear compared to other white card, I love it. So I stamped the buds of my flower, then I needed to add the stalk, so that it lined up perfectly. How many times have you stamped a greeting and it's wonky?! Grrr, so annoying!

So to line your stamping up PERFECTLY every time - you push the plastic sheet up so that it sits in the corner presented by the black handle. Once there, ink your stamp and also place that in the corner of the black handle, and press down to stamp onto the plastic. This will help you to position your stamp next.

You will see it on the sheet - place the sheet onto your card where you want to stamp next (with the ink upwards) and hold it in place, so that you can then position the black handle by the corner of the plastic sheet. When you have it where you want, take away the plastic sheet, leaving the black handle in place, and again place the stamp in the corner of the handle and push down. When you take it away your stamp should be exactly where you positioned it with the sheet! Does that make sense? I didn't even know this gadget existed until I got really annoyed with my 'Trendy Trees' set as I couldn't get them to line up!

Next I used my marker pens to colour in my image, choosing which bits to leave blank.

Then again, I stamped onto my plastic sheet as above with a greetings stamp that I wanted to add, lined up the black handle, removed the plastic sheet and stamped down again (always reinking my stamp of course before the second stamp).

Perfect positioning!

I used a paper piercing tool to make holes in my strip of green card and then I attached the white stamped images and strip to a pink card blank.

To insert my ribbon I cut a slit in the spine of my card, threaded some ribbon through and tied it.

A simple glue dot on the back of a button, and placed into the centre of the flower and I was done.
If you have any questions on how to use a stamp-a-majig (or any others) leave me a comment and I'll respond. You can buy them through me from the Stampin' Up! catalogue if you realise now that you desperately need one like I did!

Last chance to book January craft classes

2011-01-16T21:30:00.003Z

If you are thinking of attending my January scrapbooking and cardmaking classes don't forget that bookings close tomorrow!

You can sometimes book in at the last minute if I have spare materials for the kits, it depends what I have ordered in, so its worth checking but not guaranteed. See the details on the post below.

See you soon!

New January Classes - Birthday Cardmaking and Family Scrapbooking

2011-01-13T21:48:00.003Z

**Book class places by Monday**

I hope you all had a very relaxing Christmas and enjoyed spending time with your family and friends. Now it’s back to reality, are you ready for some more crafting? I am! It’s a really busy time in the Stampin’ Up! world with the Sale-a-bration going on, and on top of that I’ve been working hard on two more classes for you...

Date: Saturday 29th January 2011

Place: Gidea Park or Barking (to be confirmed)

Birthday themed cardmaking class

This kit uses the fantastic ‘Party This Way’ new stamp set from the catalogue and I’ve had so much fun with this one already. You’ll be stamping, punching, cutting and tearing in this class and it’s a great set of designs suitable for any colour scheme.

Time: 11am – 1.30pm

1) Class and refreshments - £15
2) Class, refreshments plus your own birthday stamp set to take home - £30.95 (stamp set rrp - £15.95)

Family/Love themed scrapbooking class

This Simply Scrappin’ kit has the cutest pink, brown, blue and green colour scheme and we will be making two scrapbook layouts with this kit, leaving you with plenty more materials to take home and create with! You can make lovely cards with your spare kit too (we used a Christmas Scrappin’ kit for our Christmas cards!)

Time: 2pm – 4.30pm

Class and refreshments £15

Bookings close this coming Monday 16th January – this one has kind of crept up on me (as I’ve been too busy celebrating my birthday haha!) so that only gives you a few days to book your place and let me order all of the kits in! Deposits/payment in advance is preferred to secure your place please but can be arranged.

Don't forget that you can bag yourself a free stamp set with the current Stampin' Up! offer, I will have catalogues at the class if you want to place any orders or if you get your order in quick, it would be here in time for you to collect your free stamp set in the class!

Jenny x

Sweet Summer

2011-01-11T22:07:00.002Z

Here is another card made using the **FREE** Sweet Summer stamp set - I am really enjoying playing with this new stamp set, it's so pretty! I cased this card (in the Stampin' Up world that's 'Copy And Share Everything' which is encouraged!) but I can't find who I took the inspiration from now so if someone knows, I can credit them.

I've stamped the outline in Basic Black ink and then coloured in the flowers and stalks using Old Olive, Pretty In Pink and Cherry Cobbler. I've used some Old Olive satin ribbon ( I LOVE the satin ribbon!) and some Basic Black card which I punched out using the scallop border punch. Isn't it pretty but elegant with these colours?

Don't forget you can buy all of these items from the catalogue right now to make this card and earn this pretty Sweet Summer stamp set for free! Just order £45 or more from the SU catalogue and the stamp set is yours.

My second stamp set which I earned for free has arrived now so as soon as I've had a play with that I'll be sharing more inspiration here.

Jenny x

Free 'Thank You Sentiments' Download

2011-01-05T20:44:00.005Z

As promised, I wanted to say thank you for all your support and interest during 2011 and what better way to do that with something FREE? I've created some digital sentiments for you to download and use in your crafting... take a look:

I've created them so that you can fit as many on an A4 sheet to print as possible, noone likes to waste lovely card do they? You can print these onto ordinary paper, craft paper, any of your thin card that fits through your printer or even those special printer fabric sheets or clear sticker sheets - whatever takes your fancy. This set is all in brown - one of my favourite crafting colours!

And here (and above) are some deliciously simple ways to use them - all you need is some card and ribbon and you have a quick make card to hand at all times - perfect for those unexpected thank you's. This card below used the lovely Stampin' Up! taffeta ribbon (I just love the quality of this!) and a Stampin' Up! button and cardstock.

And one more, featuring one of my favourite punch tools - the corner rounder! I've used the lovely thick Stampin' Up! chocolate chip ribbon on this card.

And if that freebie and inspiration isn't enough, how about them in some bright rainbow colours?

Click on the image for basic jpg files or email me on the address to the right to receive these files as high quality PDF's which you can print as A4 sheets again and again!

Please note - these are strictly for personal use only, any other use will require written consent from me.

I hope you enjoy these - do show me what you make with them, and you might even make it onto my blog!

Don't forget the special Sale-a-bration is now on with Stampin' Up! and you can earn a fantastic free stamp set (or four!) just by spending £45 in the catalogue, how tempting is that?

Pretty summer flower card using my free stamp set

2011-01-03T13:52:00.006Z

Would you like to earn this stamp set for FREE and make this beautiful card? You can because it's Sale-A-Bration time! See my post below or click here to find out how you can choose from one of four complete stamps sets, absolutely free. I had my first free set early as a demonstrator (oh the privileges!) and I've already put my second in a few days ago as its such a good offer!

Supplies:

Pretty In Pink, Old Olive and Whisper White card
Old Olive ribbon
Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Cherry Cobbler marker pens and ink pads
A Brights collection button and twine
Sweet Summer stamp set (FREE)
Curvy Verses stamp set

Free stamps!

2010-12-30T18:26:00.008Z

Stampin' Up!'s biggest sales event of the year-is here and I'm very excited – welcome to Sale-A-Bration!

This is the best sale of the year for SU with easy ways for you to get yourself free goodies. These stamp sets are just gorgeous this year – we have words, owls and flowers which I'm so excited about! Click on the image above to see the full Sale-A-Bration leaflet. I've already had my first free stamp set early (one of the privileges of being a demonstrator!) and I've just placed my order to earn my second free set as it's such a great deal - if you've had your eye on some products in the catalogue for a while, now is definitely the time to order them.

This year Stampin' Up! have got four great Sale-A-Bration sets that you can earn for FREE:

Sweet Summer

So Happy For You

I know many of you have been waiting for this owl stamp for a long time, so now's your chance to get hold of it - Punch - Bunch

And finally for those of you who like the grungy looks, Bliss...

You really can earn one of these sets completely free - all you have to do is place an order from the Stampin' Up! catalogue of £45 or more, and you can choose which one you would like! the best part is that this offer applies to EACH £45 spent, so if you order £90, you can choose TWO SETS free!

There are three ways for you to earn free stamp sets:

Spend.
For every £45 you spend (product amounts before shipping), you can choose one Sale-A-Bration set.

Host.
For every £300 in workshop sales (product sales before shipping), as the hostess you can
choose an exclusive Sale-A-Bration set. This is in addition to the already fabulous hostess rewards!

Join.
New demonstrator recruits can choose any stamp set from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue (valued up to £44.95) when you become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration.

All Sale-A-Bration stamp sets are exclusive to this promotion and will never be offered again so grab them while you can!

This promotion is available from 30 December 2010–28 February 2011 but don't delay as once stocks are sold out, they are gone and will not appear in future catalogues. Email me with your orders today! You can find the Stampin' Up! catalogue at the link on the right.

Last minute Christmas cards!

2010-12-21T21:04:00.000Z

As promised, a final couple of quick cards for inspiration! Again, using my favourite kit this year from the Stampin' Up! catalogue - Christmas Jingle kit.

Patterned paper, die-cut stickers and some gold cord - simples!

If I don't make it back on here again - I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and a great New Year!

Jenny

2010-12-20T20:59:00.000Z

Here's a few more made using the Christmas Jingle kit - all quick and easy using the self adhesive die cuts from the Simply Scrappin' kit.

My photography isn't great in the winter light but the cream in the Stampin' Up! catalogue is unlike any other cream coloured materials I've seen before, it is so bright and fresh, it's a dream to work with!

These snowflakes are layered with foam pads and brads through the large and small stickers to add dimension. Probably one more post from me with inspiration before the big day for those real last minute crafters!

Stampin' Up! gift vouchers

2010-12-19T20:37:00.004Z

Are you ready for the big day yet?! Me neither! I've finished my shopping now but have a LOT of wrapping to do! I've been busy making these lovely gift vouchers for my customers... do you want one too?

They are vouchers to spend in the beautiful Stampin' Up! catalogue available in any denomination, and also vouchers for my craft classes - a gift experience I know many of you love!

I've decorated a pretty pouch for the gift vouchers too to make them a little more exciting. It's not too late to order gift vouchers from me, they can be emailed (without the pretty pouch i'm afraid!) but great gifts to order if you still have some shopping to do.

I still have so much to share with you but the combination of being ill and lots of snow has sent me a bit off edge! I still have my Christmas Craft Day to share with you and also last week's canvas decorating class now too, I will catch up with those posts over the holidays. But for now, some last minute inspiration for those of you still to make Christmas cards - I have one special one to make.

These are made using the Christmas Jingle kit, a really gorgeous kit of lovely festive colours but with a modern twist. A definite must have for those of you who get ahead early for next year - this kit is in the catalogue again so will be available until next September!

This is one of my favourite sentiments in the kit, this and another family saying. I'll share more with you and if you've already made your Christmas cards, you can adapt the other Simply Scrappin' kits for another theme.

I hope you get your shopping all finished soon!

2010-12-09T13:00:00.000Z

This is one of the cards from my Christmas craft day and again is made using the 'Christmas Jingle' kit from the Stampin' Up! catalogue. It is simple just using the die cut stickers and arranging them on the card blanks. I really love the effect!

The Simply Scrappin' Kits from the catalogue are really good value as you get six sheets of 12 x 12 double sided patterned papers, six sheets of die cut stickers and eight sheets of 12 x 12 textured cardstock and it all matches perfectly, so whether its cardmaking or scrapbooking, you can make tons from each kit. I'll be using more of these kits in my future classes as I just love them!

Don't forget you still have time to ask for Stampin' Up! goodies for Christmas with my Christmas Wish List, or choose Craft Class Gift Vouchers or Stampin' Up! Catalogue Vouchers - see here

2010-12-08T13:00:00.001Z

Here is one of many Christmas cards I have made this year from the 'Christmas Jingle' kit from the Stampin' Up! catalogue. It uses the die cut stickers arranged in a square, with the middle of two of them raised with a foam pad. You can see that one has gone slightly on the wonk in this photo - I'll be adjusting that before I send it out! Then its some simple Old Olive ribbon from the catalogue and that's done. I'll be sharing lots more from my Christmas craft day - I didn't share photos of the day in the end did I? We had a great day, 11 of us making lots of festive items. I'll share more another day - my canvas making class is coming up this Saturday too!

Don't forget you still have time to ask for Stampin' Up! goodies for Christmas with my Christmas Wish List, or choose Craft Class Gift Vouchers or Stampin' Up! Catalogue Vouchers - see here

Ornament Gift Tag

2010-12-06T13:00:00.001Z

What I love about making gift tags is that they are really just super quick mini cards! This lovely brown and green combo is very festive and uses the lovely ornament stamp set, isn't it lovely? The matching punch that goes with it makes it so super quick and easy to use, as it usually is with Stampin' Up as they coordinate everything for you!

Supplies

Stamps
Delightful Decorations*

Paper
Whisper White Card Stock
Soft Suede Textured Card Stock

Ink
Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad
Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad

Accessories
Mistletoe Ribbon Originals®*
Linen Thread
Rhinestone Brads
Stampin’ Dimensionals®
Ornament Punch
1/16" Circle Punch
3/4" Circle Punch

*From the Delightful Decorations Bundle

Don't forget you still have time to ask for Stampin' Up! goodies for Christmas with my Christmas Wish List, or choose Craft Class Gift Vouchers or Stampin' Up! Catalogue Vouchers - see here

Season’s Greetings card

2010-12-05T19:26:00.004Z

Here's another Christmas card idea to keep you going. If you've completed your Christmas cards already - firstly that's good going, well done!, but if so, why not change the patterned papers and stamps on this card to another choice of colour and theme such as birthdays?

Supplies:

Stamps
Welcome Christmas*

Paper
Whisper White Card Stock Real Red Textured Card Stock Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Series Paper*

Ink
Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pad
VersaMark Pad

Accessories
Clear Stampin’ Emboss® Powder Riding Hood Red
1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Pearl Basic Jewels
Stampin’ Dimensionals
Paper-Piercing Tool

*From the Welcome Christmas Bundle

Don't forget you still have time to ask for Stampin' Up! goodies for Christmas with my Christmas Wish List, or choose Craft Class Gift Vouchers or Stampin' Up! Catalogue Vouchers - see here

‘Tis the Season gift bag

2010-12-03T14:00:00.000Z

Here's some inspiration for you - I'll be posting lots of quick and easy Christmas ideas for those of you like me who are not ready for the season just yet!

Supplies:

Gifted* stamps

Paper
Very Vanilla Card Stock
Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper*

Ink
Old Olive Stampin’ Write® Marker
Real Red Stampin’ Write Marker
Soft Suede Stampin’ Write Marker

Accessories
Sleigh Bells Ribbon
Clips Assortment
Stampin’ Dimensionals

*Products from the Gifted Bundle

Craft Class Gift Vouchers

2010-11-30T18:04:00.007Z

Craft Class Gift Vouchers

If you are looking for something different this year, why not buy your friends a craft class experience gift voucher this year? You know you'll be buying a gift they will love, and they will enjoy spending it! If you'd like to receive one yourself, your family and friends can buy them from me too. They are available in a suggested denomination of £15.00 (this is likely to cover the cost of a general class but prices do vary - any difference can be paid later) or contact me for an alternative amount you require. You will receive your gift vouchers in a beautifully decorated envelope and they are valid for six months. Buy vouchers from the links on the right hand side of this blog.

Gift Vouchers for Stampin' Up! goodies

Last year, before I was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I received lots of Stampin' Up! craft goodies for Christmas by using another demonstrator's wish list service and they were some of my favourite presents! I couldn't wait to start using my new stamps, inks and papers. If you know others who love crafting as much as me, you can buy them Stampin' Up! gift vouchers for Christmas to spend in the Stampin' Up! catalogue, or ask for them for yourself by forwarding the link to this message as a hint! Vouchers are valid for six months. Buy vouchers from the link to the right and view the catalogue there too.

Christmas Wish List Service

If you'd rather have Stampin' Up! presents to open on the big day (like me!) then don't forget you can submit your craft wish list to me of everything you'd like from the Stampin' Up! catalogue - then simply forward my details to your family and friends to get in contact with me. I will arrange for them to buy goodies to their required amount, and you will have lovely SU goodies to open at Christmas! Orders must be submitted ideally by Monday 6th December 2010 to be received in time.

Places left on my canvas craft class

Finally - I have takers for my canvas decorating class on Saturday 11th December so you still have time to book your place if you would like to come along and decorate a canvas to give as a present.

We will be decorating a 12 x 12inch square canvas which can hang on the wall, using your personal photographs. (Please note the photograph is an example only and is not the canvas we will be making in the class).

When: Saturday December 11th
Where: My house
Time: 2.30pm - 5pm Canvas Gift Class
Price: £15 per person

If you like the sound of receiving any of the above, forward the link to this message to your family and friends today. I'd still love Stampin' Up! gifts for Christmas and I'm a demonstrator!

Crafty Christmas Wish List service

2010-11-13T20:06:00.000Z

Hi everyone!

It’s time to tell you about my Christmas Wish List service to you! The perfect way to let your friends and family buy you presents from the Stampin’ Up! catalogue that they know you will love!

It simply works like this:

You take a longing look through the gorgeous catalogue and make yourself a wish list – if you are anything like me, that’s going to be most of what is in there! You email me your wish list as your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and I keep hold of that. You can then pass this email onto your friends and family and they tell me how much they would like to spend on a present for you and voila! There you have it. I order the gift items and ensure you/they receive nicely coordinated items from your list, which I will wrap and send to the person who has purchased it for you, ready for Christmas. Hassle-free shopping for them, and presents to adore for you!

You can purchase the Stampin’ Up! catalogues from me for £4.95 to keep – believe me, they are well worth the investment as have such wonderful ideas in them, or I can lend you one to choose your items from.

Here’s the simple version:
1) Crafter emails me their wish list from the Stampin’ Up! catalogue

2) Crafter forwards this email to family and friends
3) Family and friends contact me via email address (or contact me for my phone number) to arrange order and discuss payment method
4) When payment has been received, I order the items, wrap them and pass them on to the buyer.

Please note payment to cover postage may be required.

It’s really that simple! Let me know if you have any questions – I will await your lovely orders,

Best wishes

Jenny

Would you like to give a handmade present this Christmas?

2010-11-12T23:14:00.003Z

Hi everyone,

I’m getting ready for my big Christmas Craft Day tomorrow and I know lots of you who are coming are very excited! For those of you who can’t make it, (and also those of you who can!), I’m now taking bookings for my next classes on Saturday December 11th.

(Please note the photograph is an example only and is not the canvas we will be making in the class).

Would you like to give a handmade present this Christmas? We will be decorating a large 12 x 12inch square canvas which can hang on the wall - they make lovely gifts when you use personal photographs. This class is in the afternoon and I will also be running a cardmaking class in the morning. You can book a place on both of these classes to make a day of crafting, or you can choose to come to the canvas class or the cardmaking class separately.

You have two weeks left to book your place on this class – bookings will close on Sunday 28th November to allow me to order the kits in. As this is so close to Christmas, I will only run this either of these classes if there are enough takers but it is the perfect chance to bag yourself one of those ‘special’
Details:

When: Saturday December 11th
Where: Gidea Park
Time: 11am -1.30pm Cardmaking - £15
Time: 2.30pm - 5pm Canvas Gift Class £15
Come to both classes for the day - £30

Canvases are a beautiful way of displaying your photographs and make a perfect gift, or to hang in your hallway if you can't bear to part with it! We will be making a 12x12" square canvas each in this class using your own photograph.

To book your place email me today!

So do you want to know about the Stampin' Up! convention?!

2010-11-08T22:02:00.006Z

Every year, Stampin' Up! organise a convention for all of their demonstrators. It's for Stampin' Up! Europe so last year was Germany, this year was the UK and next year is in France. It's basically a great time for demonstrators to get together, have a good laugh, make things, learn some business tips and generally have a ball! This year it was held in Addington Palace, Croydon.

On the Thursday night Natalie - my team leader (upline) and Monica who leads another team, held a pre-convention party in our hotel which was great fun! We received these lovely goodie bags filled with things, demonstrators 'swapped', there were some 'make 'n' take' sessions where we made a card and a mini scrapbook page, and there was a raffle. It was hard work so they deserve a lot of thanks - there were over 100 of us just at that! Swaps are where each person makes one item in multiple and they all go round swapping their own for a different item, to give you lots of new inspiration on what to use your stamps for.

Onto the next day and it was two early starts but on registration we were given this 'groovy' bag, with two lovely stamp sets in to use during convention.

Over the two days we had the chance to purchase items from 'Momento Mall' which is Stampin' Up! merchandise such as totes, aprons, rulers, bags etc. This was almost a sell out, there was nothing left at the end! It was decorated lovely.

There are inspiration boards around the venue too, packed full of hundreds of cards and scrapbook pages to give us all inspiration, here are just two made using the party stamp set that we were given in our registration bags.

Aren't they lovely?

On the Friday night came the awards night! This is where everyone gets dressed up and the highest achievers of the demonstrators are awarded for their hard work with various prizes etc, presented by Shelli over from the US, as she founded Stampin' Up!.

Natalie got number 5 top demonstrator of the year as well as other awards, well done Natalie! We had a bumper make n take session during the weekend of different cards and scrapbook pages which was fun. They also do a random 'prize patrol' which is where names flash up on the screen during the event and if yours is there, you win a prize!

This is our 'Stampin' Stars' team!

We finished with a group photo. They announced that next year's convention is in Disneyland Paris! And the only way you can go (and get yourself a permanent 20% discount on Stampin' Up! products!) is to become a demonstrator!

Fab new Christmas ribbon free!

2010-11-02T13:49:00.004Z

It's that time of year for another fabulous offer from Stampin' Up - and this one is a good one! (Not that any of them aren't, but I love this project designed above). I have an obsession with ribbon and if you do too, order your Christmas stamp sets and patterned papers today and you can qualify to choose a whole reel of ribbon for free! Stampin' Up! ribbon reels hold ALOT too, so this will go a long way. I really want to wrap my presents like in this photo now, don't you?! To choose which rubber stamp sets and patterned papers you would like to buy from the list above, and also the wonderful choices of ribbon, click on the link for the Stampin’ Up! catalogue to the right hand side of this blog.

I'm also very excited to be off to the Stampin' Up! convention this weekend - wahoo! It is the highlight of the Stampin' Up year where all of us demonstrators get together, get free stamps to play with in our make 'n' take sessions, chat away to all the other paper craft obsessed demonstrator's and generally have a whale of a time. There is an awards night too on the Friday to recognise everyone who has made outstanding achievements in their business, so that will be a night to dress up and have fun. You have to be a demonstrator to attend though so if you want to attend next year and get a permanent 20% discount on your Stampin' Up orders, ask me for details!

Thank you card

2010-10-28T22:00:00.000+01:00

Here's another card I made using a similar colour scheme to the last one, and mainly the same tools aswell! Sometimes I'm a little jealous of all the great crafters who manage to update their blogs so well, I can't fit that in or make the wonderful cards but I make what I can as I go along and this is one of those...

A simple stamped sentiment, aswell as the oval and scalloped oval punches. Of course the fab spiral punch too which gives the paper edge look. And as promised, here is a piccy of the tools I used as sometimes I long to see **exactly** what others have used! All Stampin' Up! items of course, what else?

I'm off to one of my best friend's weddings this weekend and I cannot wait! And then next week - Stampin' Up! European convention at Addington Palace! That is also going to be fab a rooney, I'll back with more details about that next week. If I have time I need to make some swaps for that between now and then!

Congrats

2010-10-24T19:16:00.001+01:00

Here's a celebration card that I made recently using my new lovely stationery style punch - I love the notebook look! It's the Stampin' Up! punch coupled with some SU stripey ribbon and card. I've used a set of the SU sentiments with Chocolate Chip ink and then the oval and scalloped oval punches too. I sometimes look at other's cards and wonder what products they have used so next post, I'll show you the punches that I used for this card!

I had a table at a second hand craft sale on Saturday and managed to do reasonably well selling off some of my unwanted craft items! I have a ton left so I might hold an open house at mine at some point to see if I can clear some more, they are just too nice to give away!

**My new takeaway Christmas Craft Kit**

Perfect for those of you who cannot get to my classes. This Christmas Jingle kit contains all you need to create eight Christmas cards and a gift box from the comfort of your own home.

The kit comes complete with detailed instructions to guide you through the process of making each item – so what are you waiting for – get started on your Christmas crafting today! The kit is priced at £14.99 and P&P is £2.99. Order this festive Christmas Jingle kit by emailing me (address on the right).

From your own supplies you will need your own Christmas greeting word stamps (as many crafters already have their own), your own adhesives and cutting tools and an optional Big shot die cutting machine to create the red swirls (this is optional and can be omitted).

I still have a couple of places left on my Christmas Craft Day - Saturday November 13th. We will be making all these yummy items below including a scrapbook page, eight cards, a gift box, a gift bag and a note pad.

Details of this exciting event:

Location: Gidea Park, Essex
Time: 11-4 PM
Price: £30 per person
Learn new craft skills with like minded friends (no experience necessary)
Enter the raffle to win exciting craft prizes!

Email me if you would like one of those places left - it is £10 deposit per person.

Craft Sale - Saturday

2010-10-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

If you fancy a little crafting shopping trip, get yourself down to St Francis Church Hall, Horley in Surrey this Saturday between 10am - 2pm for bargains galore! It will be worth the trip even if you live a little way as there will be lots of us crafters there with a stall selling off all manner of goodies, including me.

See you there!

Yesterday we crafted...

2010-10-17T19:21:00.002+01:00

Yesterday was the first of my festive days for 2010, as a group attended my Christmas Craft Day! It was really good fun - this is how the table was set up...

Each person had a kit full of the Stampin' Up! Christmas Jingle kit, a brown gift bag, a notepad, brown ribbon, green ribbon, gold cord, brads, extra sheets of red, brown and green card and of course... some refreshments!

I borrowed this idea from Natalie O'Shea, my team leader for Stampin' Up! and decorated a water bottle and a muffin wrapped in celophane with some SU ribbon to tie it up.

This is a photograph of the kit up close - this is my favourite Christmas paper set in the catalogue as its so modern and lovely design of papers and die cut stickers.

And here are the lovely goodies we made! Eight square cards, a red gift box which holds the cards, a scrapbook page, a gift bag and a shopping list note pad. Would you like to join us in making these? I am running this class again in November (Saturday 13th) and I have just a few places left so if you would like to come along, just drop me a line!

Free Project Idea and New Take Away Class!

2010-10-09T17:47:00.002+01:00

Do you want to make cards like this but are unable to attend my craft classes? Then you need my NEW take away Christmas Jingle class! Keep reading below for details. I still have some spaces available for the second date of my Christmas Craft Day on November 13th 2010 but you will have to be quick as they are filling up. This second date is a replica of my October date, the original details are here.

Dasher Project

Supplies:

Brown, white and yellow card
‘Dasher’ stamp
Swirl stamp from ‘Trendy Trees’ set
Chocolate Chip stamp pad
Whisper White craft stampin’ pad
Square scallop punch
Eyelet border punch
Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon
Stampin’ Dimensionals foam pads

1. Stamp your Dasher stamp in Chocolate Chip ink onto white card. Punch out the design using the scallop punch.
2. Use the swirl stamp with the white stamp pad to stamp the design repeatedly across the brown card blank.
3. Trim a piece of yellow card to fit the width of your card blank and use the eyelet border punch to create the pretty edge. Tie brown ribbon into a knot around the yellow card.
4. Attach the Dasher square to the top of the card blank using the foam pads and do the same with the yellow card to complete your creation.

These stamps can be adapted to suit different cards – simply change the Dasher stamp for a birthday stamp or other design. All of these supplies are available from Stampin’ Up

New Christmas Take Away Class!

Perfect for those of you who cannot get to my classes! This Christmas Jingle kit contains all you need to create eight Christmas cards and a gift box from the comfort of your own home.

From your own supplies you will need your own Christmas greeting word stamps (as many crafters already have their own), your own adhesives and cutting tools and an optional Big shot die cutting machine to create the red swirls (this is optional and can be omitted).

That’s all until next time – feel free to pass this free project idea onto friends and family.

Jenny

New card ideas

2010-10-06T13:03:00.004+01:00

I have lots of new products from the new Stampin' Up! catalogue which I am desperate to play with! But no time. So for now, how do you like this card from the Stampin' Up! website?

Image curtesy of Stampin' Up!

I think it's a really versatile design which I could use for all kinds of occasions! Am going to add this to my to-do list as pretty much all I need to make a variation of this card is my circle punches, a piece of ribbon and a greeting stamp...

The new Idea Book and Catalogue is finally here!

2010-10-01T14:00:00.002+01:00

October 1 is a big day in the Stampin’ Up! calendar as it is the official launch of the brand new Idea Book & Catalogue and there is so much to share! This is more than just a catalogue of products, it is one of my all time favourite places to find inspiration for my craft projects. There are so many ideas and items in it that I love and the colour combinations are amazing. I have kept my retired catalogues from the last few years and I still refer to them time and again, they are timeless.

If you love your crafts (or know someone else that does and want to buy them a present!) you should definitely take a look – you will see why I love these products so much. If you haven’t ordered a hard copy from me yet, you can take a look online here

There are so many things that are on my wish list already... It is officially out today and as demonstrator’s we have had the chance to see this for the last month and order a selection of the new products in advance to play with but we have not been allowed to share it with you – UNTIL TODAY!

Are you looking for gift ideas for your crafty friends for Christmas?
Are you familiar with Stampin’ Up! and already have a long list of things you have to have now from the new catalogue?

Then you will love my special Idea Book & Catalogue launch offer below!

Place an order of £45 or more with me between now and October 14 and you will get:
A Classic Stamp Pad (ink pad) in the colour of your choice FREE
PLUS
An entire reel of ¼” Grosgrain Ribbon in the colour of your choice FREE (That’s 13.7 metres!)
That’s FREE items worth £9.45!

If you order £90, you can have two of each and so on. Also, as many of you know with Stampin’ Up – if your order totals more than £150 you are ALSO entitled to receive the hostess benefits – which is a choice of a FREE hostess gift level one (see p9) PLUS a free £15 worth of goods to choose from the catalogue. So if you have your eye on lots of delicious goodies, or want to get ahead with your Christmas shopping ideas, there is no better time! For Christmas present orders, I will also wrap your items in pretty paper ready for you. You can take orders from friends and combine them to receive these free items too, orders just have to be above £150 and the higher your order, the more freebies you can earn.

Christmas Wish List service – coming soon!

If you have your eye on more items than you can afford, that will be a good email to forward on to your loved ones as you send me your ‘wish list’ from the catalogue and they contact me, telling me how much they would like to spend. To follow in the coming weeks.

There is so much to be excited about with the new catalogue:

Brand new stamp designs exclusive to Stampin’ Up – now offered as BOTH clear mounted and wooden stamps! Clear mounted stamps are new to Stampin’ Up. The clear mounted stamps are a great way of saving on storage space and are cheaper than the wooden mounted so you can buy more! But for those lovers of wooden stamps like me – they are still available and so easy to use as they are ready to pick up and stamp instantly.

There has been a complete colour relaunch in the new catalogue and with this means endless new colour combinations for your craft projects! There are some really lovely new colours and Stampin’ Up! really excels when it comes to colour, you will see that in the new catalogue. You can also find the brand new ‘colour coach’ which helps you choose colour combinations in a flash – this is a great tool, I’ve been playing with mine already.

There is also a wide choice of new lovely punches, patterned papers and ribbons – too much for me to share here so take a look yourself. With the introduction of a new flat rate postage charge of £4.95 per order, it means you can order as much as you like without incurring extra charges.

If you would like to order a brand new copy of the Idea Book & Catalogue for inspiration and reference click the button on the top right hand side of this blog. So place your orders with me by email (see right hand side) by 14 October 2010 and take advantage of this great launch offer!

This offer is from me as an Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, not from Stampin’ Up!, and is not available to be combined with any other offer. Thank you.

Just 7 days left to book your place...

2010-09-28T12:59:00.000+01:00

Christmas Craft Day!

Don't miss your chance to join me on Saturday 16th October 2010 for a full day of Christmas papercrafting including cardmaking, scrapbooking, gift bags, boxes and more! We will be making these projects using lovely Stampin' Up! materials. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the day.

Details of this exciting event:

Location: Gidea Park, Essex
Time: 11-4 PM
Price: £30 per person
Learn new craft skills with like minded friends (no experience necessary)
Enter the raffle to win exciting craft prizes!

All supplies are included to make your Christmas papercraft projects to take home, as well as refreshments during the day. Please note that lunch is not included but can be purchased locally or brought with you.

Places are still available and bookings close on 3rd October 2010 to make sure that I can order enough supplies for each person. You can secure your place with a deposit of £10. If you are interested in attending my next class let me know and make a note of it in your diary - it will be held on Saturday 13th November 2010.

Email me to book your place today!

Christmas Gift Bags

2010-09-27T20:29:00.004+01:00

I'm seeing Christmas craft inspiration everywhere and it is really getting me in the mood for Christmas preparations! I'm going to be making some more gift bags like this one from last year I think...

This was a simple brown gift bag from Paperchase, stamped with some simple Christmas stamps in Chocolate Chip and Real Red ink pads from Stampin' Up!. To create the centre I've inked the edges of a square of Whisper White card, and then punched the flower petals using the Oval Punch. I layered the six petals together and then completed the centre by stamping a circle Christmas Joy design in Chocolate Chip ink, and punching it out in a circle. I attached it using 3D foam pads for a little dimension. I love this brown stitched ribbon, it's so thick its perfect for things like this. So quick and easy to make, I'll definitely be creating more!

Don't get mad, get crafty!

*FREE* stamps - Sale-a-brate

The brand new Stampin' Up mini catalogue is out today!

Absent!

Christmas Craft Class - Sat 3rd December

Baby Girl card

Cards using brand new products!

New catalogue out today! Free P&P for 7 days ONLY - order from 9am Sat

Christmas craft class was lots of fun

24 hours left to order from 2011 SU catalogue

Big Bold Birthday is retiring! Just £16.17 now...

The "Retirement List" is here!

New baby boy card and Retirement List is coming!

More cupcake birthdays

Christmas Craft Class Sat 17th Sept

FREE gift - bag, ribbon and embellishments!

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Baby Sock Cupcakes!

More cupcake baby sock photographs!

More rocky road for birthdays

Father's Day card

Selling crafty bits on ebay

How To Make Bunting

Wedding Dress Shopping

Hol-i-day

Charity Summer Ball

Saturday's Craft Class

Saturday's preparations

Isn't this pretty?

Rocky Road - hmmm...

Bring along a new friend* for FREE to my next class

'Make a Father’s Day card' drop-in session with coffee and cake!

A Craft Room Starter Kit for sale

Want to earn yourself a FREE stamp set?

Fun themed cards

Flowers and butterflies

Would you like to join in the fun at my next craft classes?

Scalloped edge cards

Quick make - teenager card

Easter celebrations

Scalloped edges explained! Video tutorial

Ahoy

Need quick gift box ideas?

Vintage beauty!

How do you like your fries?

10% offer ends midnight tonight!

Plane and Simple

Pretty thank you card

Fun Flowers Die Bookmark - Big Shot

Have you seen the latest blog hop?

The new mini catalogue has arrived!

Need a quick Mother's Day card idea?

Class Fun

Join My Stamper's Six Club Today!

Designer Series Paper Stack

Mother’s Day Gift Vouchers

Swaps

Bridesmaids gifts

Oh oh oh...

Last chance to book March Class - bookings close tomorrow

Striking black 'Circle Circus' card

New tote bag

Cajun Craze heart card

Would you like to make this set for your mum or a friend?

Watercolour technique

March Frenzy

Pumpkin Pie card idea

**March Class Details - Sat 26th March**

Lots of fun in our January Classes

Wow - busy January!

Pretty folded pink card

Punch Bunch Sale-a-bration Card

How to use a Stamp-a-majig

Last chance to book January craft classes

New January Classes - Birthday Cardmaking and Family Scrapbooking

Sweet Summer

Free 'Thank You Sentiments' Download

Pretty summer flower card using my free stamp set

Free stamps!

Last minute Christmas cards!

FREE stamps - Sale-a-brate

March Class Details - Sat 26th March