addINKtive designs

Just Add ... the Beach for JAI 109

2012-03-19T22:38:00.003+11:00

JAI 109

I didn't intend on entering any challenges for a while but some gorgeous ribbon that I bought from Regal Craft today got me in the mood to create a Beach Themed Card for Just Add Ink's 109th Challenge.

After scrummaging through my craft stash I came across some very neglected punches as well as a brand new one to create this card.

Here's What I Used -
Stamp: It's Your Day (SU)
Ink: Marina Mist, Rose Red (SU)
Card Stock: Daffodil Delight, Lucky Limeade, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red (SU), Square Natural Card from Regal Press (pkt 40)
Accessories: Patterned Paper from artee supplies called Coral Bay Beachside, White Mesh Ribbon, Small Shell, Stamping Sponge, Dimensionals, Basic Pearl, Branch Punch (Martha Stewart), Shell Punches by Paper Shapes and Carl Carta Craft, Cork Board, Fish Punch from Meadow Micro Makers (Creative Memories), Word Window Punch (SU)

It was fun to make a Summery card before the Autumn weather sets in.

Don't forget to check out the DT's awesome beach inspired cards. There's such a variety of ideas. Thanks for stopping by.

Hello Tree

2012-03-15T06:37:00.001+11:00

Hello Tree by Hero Arts

I love this cute and quirky stamp set which I finally got to ink up over the long weekend. In my opinion, owl stamps are simply irresistible!

Grand Madison Window Die

2012-03-14T18:05:00.004+11:00

Last month I ordered a few new dies from Bizzy Becs and the Grand Madison Window (the one that I was really hanging out to play with) recently arrived in the post.

I had a stamped photo sitting on my craft desk ready to make into a sympathy card, so I placed it behind a black cut out of the window and voila ... a very quick and easy card emerged.

I have seen so many beautiful cards on Pinterest that have been created with this die and I can't wait to use some as further inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by,

Doily Cards

2012-03-12T10:44:00.005+11:00

I was going a little stir crazy so decided to end my 'blog fasting' today. I lasted 2 weeks which isn't the entire month of March that I was aiming for but I have severely cut down my Internet usage and spent my 'free' time getting my priorities a little more in order :)

Here are some doily cards I wanted to share with you on this beautiful March Long Weekend Holiday. Inspiration came from a very CAS Card I found through Pinterest.

Butterfly Die - Marianne Creatables
(Thanks to Lisa Lara at Splitcoast for recognising this card as a CAS favourite for the week)

Newsprint Bird - Hero Arts

Gorgeous DSP from First Edition Paper - Isabelle

Flowers from Kaiser Craft

Sentiments from STAMP-IT, Australia

Leaf Flourish - Marianne Creatables
Stamps - SU

Bird Die - Sizzix Oval Frame Bird and Pendant
Stamps- Hero Arts & SU

Here's a gorgeous hand made bird badge from -
biRdy boUy + boo
(See Nat and I at the August Niche Market, Tram Sheds, Launceston)

That's enough blogging for today.
Happy crafting,

JAI 106 - Sketch Challenge

2012-02-27T17:00:00.002+11:00

Just Add Ink have a Sketch Challenge this week and seeing it was my last sketch design as a DT Member, I thought I'd join in for old times' sake.

Everyday Daisy

JAI 106 - the Sketch

As you can see, I flipped the sketch on its side and kept pretty close to the layout.

I used a colour palette inspired by the gorgeous Everyday Enchantment DSP (SU) of Lucky Limeade, Pool Party and Soft Suede. Crumb Cake was used as a base and Confetti White for the fence and sentiment.

The beautiful daisy cut outs were part of an awesome package of goodies from Helen as a thanks for letting her loose in my craft room a few weeks ago. Thanks again :)

Just a little note to let you know that I won't be blogging for the month of March as I've decided to have a little break. I'll still be creating, gathering ideas on Pinterest and visiting blogs but I need to see if I can cut back my time on the Internet. I'm not sure if you'll get bombarded with posts in April or whether my priorities would have shifted by then. Who knows???

I've got a couple of exciting things coming up which I need to prepare for - a card making class at Regal Press in July and the Niche Market with my good friend, Natalie from biRdy boUy, in August. I really need to wean myself off challenges and concentrate on producing some good quality stock to sell. Not to mention the fact that I'm super busy with work at the moment. Anyway ... I'll give it a go and see what happens. This is stage three in getting back to REALITY!

Until then ...
Happy crafting,

Triple Celebration

2012-02-25T21:25:00.006+11:00

A Card for a Triple Celebration

This card was made for friends who have a triple reason to celebrate this year -

Their 40th Wedding Anniversary
A 60th Birthday
A 65th Birthday

3 milestones in one year!

I used the colour palette to match the beautiful new 'Everyday Enchantment' DSP. All products are SU except for the birds (Martha Stewart punch), Tim Holtz Alterations, Carnivale Die for the letters/numbers and the card was from a pack of pre-folded centre step cards that I purchased from Bev's Cross Crafts in Devonport (very convenient).

PS: Here's a link to a gorgeous card that was inspired by my Triple Celebration Card: https://me35.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/birthday-girl/ It is stunning!

Thanks for stopping by,

Bright Colours and Some Bling

2012-02-24T06:25:00.003+11:00

A friend of mine wanted me to make her a card for her daughter's birthday today.

It had to be in her favourite colours - bright pink and purple and blue ...

... and feature her pet rabbit, plus what girl doesn't like a bit of bling?

I made an easel card and coloured the free 'colouring in' image with Copics.

I hope it brings a smile to her face :)

Thanks for stopping by,

Coffee Tumbler

2012-02-20T18:26:00.004+11:00

I spied a cute coffee tumbler card on Pinterest and went and followed the link to purchase the template.

Here's what I came up with after a little afternoon of crafting on my day off -

The cute digi image is from Sweet 'n' Sassy...

... and I used a very old SU stamp set called, 'Like it a Latte" for the insert.

Colours used - Early Espresso, Whisper White and Baja Breeze

JAI 104 - Back to School (Better Late than Never)

2012-02-19T18:30:00.004+11:00

If you're doing a double take, I can explain ... Just Add Ink HAD an awesome Back to School Challenge LAST week but I was so busy being back at school myself, that I didn't get time to photograph and blog about my entry! Wow! I must have been super stuffed to miss a challenge.

JAI 104 - Back to School

I made the post it note holder and card to welcome a new member of staff into the grade 5/6 class.

The acrylic frame was purchased from Office Works for a little under $4, and I jazzed it up with some SU ribbon, Kaiser Craft Papers from the Class of 87 Collection and attached a mini gel pen to finish it off.

The main image on the card is from Hampton Art - Graphic 45 (purchased from Regal Crafts) which I decided not to colour in order to give it that vintage feel (Actually, if I was really truthful ... I just wasn't in the mood for colouring in :) .

Thanks for stopping by.
Happy crafting,

Vintage Valentine Chocolate Holders Tutorial

2012-02-13T22:45:00.004+11:00

A tutorial is now available for your Valentine and Easter Projects

Vintage Valentine Chocolate Holders Tutorial

For the very reasonable price of $3.00 (AUD), I will email you a three page pdf document with easy to follow step by step instructions and photos.

It is for personal use and may not be redistributed or sold, however, I would ask that if it is used for Stamp Clubs, Workshops or similar events, that you would direct your customers back here for their own personal copy.

Because this is not an instant download, as I will be personally emailing your copies, please be mindful of International time differences. On receipt of payment, I will send the files as soon as possible.

I hope you enjoy making them.

Thanks for your support. Happy crafting! :)

Kind regards,

Vintage Valentines

2012-02-13T00:25:00.008+11:00

Vintage Valentine Chocolate Holders

Here's a little peek at my Valentine project that I have been working on today. I'll be back later with a tutorial as it is way past my bedtime and I'm officially due back at work in the morning after a very long Summer Break.

I've edited all the photos but have to work on all the boring written stuff so it can be released before the 14th February rocks around! See you soon.

A tutorial is now available for purchase -
http://addinktivedesigns.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/vintage-valentine-chocolate-holders.html

Tiny Woods Newspaper Owl

2012-02-07T18:03:00.001+11:00

I was fortunate enough to go on a shopping trip with friends on Thursday and we went to three craft stores. We were all like kids in a candy store.

Then on Saturday we got to have a fun day of chatting and crafting and I even managed to make a couple of cards while Lynne and Helen stamped and cut out dies to add to their collection. I can't wait to see what goodies they make from their very productive day.

One of my purchases was this very cute pad of Kaiser Craft patterned paper called Tiny Woods ...

... and in the free Kaiser Craft Magazine, they had some great card designs. I used the same layout of background papers as featured in the following photo -

... then added a circle behind my Twiggy Tree (Memory Box) and a very cute Hero Arts Stamp, Newspaper Owl with a sentiment from SU's retired set, Owl Together Now.

I was quite pleased with how they turned out.
Thanks for stopping by,

Oriental Butterfly

2012-02-03T09:21:00.002+11:00

I thought that after making so many of these little butterfly easel cards last year as swaps, I'd never make another one for a very long time. However, some beautiful Japanese Washi Origami Paper, shimmery card stock and a CB embossing folder have given these little wings a new lease on life.

Oriental Butterfly

Supplies:
Gold card stock and brads from SU.
Red Shimmer card stock and CB embossing folder from Regal Press
Japanese Washi Origami Paper from Birchalls

Want to make one for yourself?
With every purchase of my Larger Butterfly Easel Card Tutorial, you will receive a free pdf file of my smaller Butterfly Easel Card Tutorial, as featured in today's post.

Happy crafting,

Shimmery Shells

2012-01-30T14:55:00.006+11:00

Some fantastic challenges got me back into my craft room to create this card that features the very first stamp set that I ever bought, Seaside by SU!

Shimmery Shells

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the colour combo at the Color Throwdown this week as it features a selection of my all time favourite colours.

The second challenge at Just Add Ink, was to CASE one of their talented DT Members, Kathy from Stamping Still. I've had the first 2 cards of Kathy's in my CASE folder for a while (see below) so I thought it was a good opportunity to try out one of her gorgeous 'grid' cards. I love the sepia tones that she has used and the faux pearl on the last card. Stunning!

So ... I stuck to the beautiful layout of all three cards to create my CASE card for JAI #102.

I am also entering this card in the challenge at Sentimental Sundays which is to add some dry embossing to your project. I only just recently came across this challenge site and have been keen to play along.

All products are from SU and I have used Frost White Shimmer Paint to stamp all the images.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Larger Butterfly Easel Card Tutorial

2012-01-26T19:30:00.020+11:00

Tutorial for the Larger Butterfly Easel Card

Yay! I have finally put together a tutorial for the larger butterfly easel card that I designed. I have had quite a few requests over the last year for the instructions so after sweating it out on this very hot Australia Day Holiday, taking numerous photos and doing lots of editing, here it is.

For the very reasonable price of $3.00 (AUD), I will email you a three page pdf document for personal use. However, I would ask that if it is used for Stamp Clubs and Workshops etc. that you would direct your customers back here for their own personal copy.

For extra ideas I have included several photos of other designs that I have created.

..........................................................

As a bonus, all customers will receive a free tutorial for the smaller butterfly easel card (previously published on my blog) in a pdf file for your convenience.

This photo shows the difference in size between the two.
You will require the Beautiful Butterflies Die from SU.

Thanks for your support. Happy crafting! :)

Kind regards,

Beautiful Blue Wings

2012-01-25T17:10:00.002+11:00

Beautiful Blue Wings

I've been spending a bit of time on Pinterest lately and came across a beautiful card that I wanted to CASE. You can see the gorgeous rainbow coloured butterfly card (by Ashlee Townsend) that inspired me at Muse My World. Isn't it gorgeous?

I have also seen a lot of projects made from paint chip cards (great idea) so I raided one of the local paint shops and came home with some 'samples' in various shades of blue and combined the two ideas to make my card.

This isn't an ad for Berger Paints but just in case you were wondering, here are the colours that I used from lightest to darkest shade - Water Relay, Caribbean Escape, Portugal Sky, Patterson River, Beach House and Out to Sea :)

Here's a link to 50 Fun Things to Do with Paint Chip Samples - great ideas!

All other supplies are from Stampin' Up!

Thanks for stopping by,

Wall Art

2012-01-24T12:06:00.006+11:00

Made this for a bit of fun -

Recycled Jeans + Embroidery Hoop + Empty Space on the Wall = Wall Art

Problem solved :)

Bright Butterflies

2012-01-24T09:10:00.006+11:00

Thank you to Lisa Lara from Splitcoast for naming this as a CAS Favourite for the week ending 28th January 2012.
...............................................................................

Super quick and easy, bright and colourful cards made using my new Martha Stewart Punch, a variety of sentiments and a touch of bling.

Colour Palette - Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Tempting Turquoise, Elegant Eggplant (SU)

Inspired by a CAS Card that I found on Pinterest.

A CAS Card and some Crochet

2012-01-20T22:44:00.004+11:00

Day 7 of the online CAS Card Making Class is entitled, Plainly White. Julie Ebersole demonstrated how to use the expanse of white space on a card to your advantage.

I made the flower accent this afternoon so tonight I decided to pop it onto a clean and simple card that demonstrated some of the techniques from day 7.

If you've been following my journey, you'll realise I have skipped a few days of class in my blog posts as I haven't had a lot of time to keep up with my 'homework' this week. The good thing is, I have access to it 'forever' and that's a relief because there are SO many more ideas and techniques that I want to play around with in the near future.

Plainly White

I used Confetti White Card Stock as it needed to match the off white colour in the flower.

Flower Accent

Not having done any crocheting for a few months, I went around to a friend's place and got another lesson today. I was a bit rusty but was able to get this little flower finished to pop on a card (Thanks Andrea :)

I found the pattern at Crochet and Other Stuff via Pinterest. The pattern is for a three layered flower but I only did two and used different colours.

Project Details:
Stamp Sets: Creative Elements, Precious Butterflies (both SU)
Card Stock: Confetti White (SU)
Ink: Old Olive, Marina Mist (SU)
Accessories: Moda Vera SOMBRE 100% Organic Cotton - Blue and Cream (Spotlight), 3 mm crochet hook, Mini Paper Blooms (Kaiser Craft), Dimensional

It was quite a productive day to combine two craft loves and actually use an idea from Pinterest!

PS: This was named as a CAS favourite for the week at Splitcoast Stampers. Thanks, ladies.

Thanks for stopping by,

JAI 100 - Just Add Crowns

2012-01-18T16:46:00.006+11:00

Just Add Ink are celebrating their 100th Challenge with a Blog Hop, a give away and a theme challenge to Just Add Crowns.

I needed to make a card for our son's upcoming birthday and seeing that Ryan means 'little king', I thought a crown card would be pretty appropriate.

JAI 100 - Just Add Crowns

All supplies are from Stampin' Up! and the featured stamp set, Grunge Rock, is really versatile and especially good for masculine cards.

For our 'little' king ...

There's still time to play, browse the blog hop to see all the talent on display and go in the running to win a great case to hold sponge daubers.

Thanks for stopping by,

CAS Card Making Day 4 - 1 Stamp, 3 Ways

2012-01-16T17:30:00.006+11:00

Before I get onto my sample for Day 4, I want to share with you a sketch and a technique that Maile Belles demonstrated last week in the online CAS Card Making Class.

This is a fun way to use a selection of Copic Markers and the negative of a die cut.

Hello Card #1

While I was searching for some ribbon, I came across this bright yellow ric rac and thought it would make the main part of the card really 'pop'. I then embossed the greeting with white embossing powder and added a cute yellow button to finish it off. I'm really pleased with the result and love the colour panel against the black card stock (Maile made a beautiful blue Copic panel against white).

My friend, Tania, did a gorgeous card using this sketch too. You can check it out HERE.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Hello Card #2

Now onto Day 4 -

Kristina Werner demonstrated how to use 1 stamp, 3 ways with a background script stamp. One of the ideas was to stamp and emboss onto cut out letters. I already had a lovely cut out image after doing the card above, so went with that and used the same sketch as Kristina's.

I even got brave and used one of their suggestions to cut up a stamp from the set, Truly Appreciated (Hero Arts) and white embossed it on the card. Unfortunately the photo does not do the embossed words on 'Hello' justice. I love the rainbow effect created by the Copic Markers.

Supplies Used:
Stamp Set: Truly Appreciated (Hero Arts), En Francais (SU)
Card Stock: Basic Black (SU), White X-Press It
Accessories: Sizzix 'Hello' medium die, ric rac from my stash, yellow button (SU), white embossing powder (SU), selection of Copic markers, white gel pen

Thanks for stopping by. If you're doing the course too, why don't you let me know so I can return the favour and come and have a peek at what has inspired you.

Birdies - Less is More/CAS

2012-01-16T14:08:00.001+11:00

Birdies

While I'm on a roll for all things, Clean and Simple, (thanks to a great on-line card making course) I thought I'd make another one layer card.

To add a bit of interest I sniffed around a couple of challenge blogs that specialise in the CAS style and came across this great sketch from Clean and Simple ...

FTL 173

... and a one layer card with a Bird Theme from Less is More (week 50).

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Birdies (STAMP-IT), Retro Remix and Family Phrases (SU)
Cardstock: Whisper White
Ink: Memento Black, Melon Mambo (SU)
Accessories: A combination of Copics and SU Markers

Thanks for stopping by,

CAS Card Making Day 3 - Inspiration Made Simple

2012-01-15T23:30:00.002+11:00

Caged Bird

Here's a little card I made today which was inspired by Day 3 of the Clean and Simple Online Card Making Class. It was all about "using a technique or element and applying it to a clean and simple version or spin off".

Jennifer McGuire made a beautiful 'tone-on-tone' dimensional butterfly card. I applied the same technique to make a card in the shape of a bird cage.

Supplies:
Stamp: from Just Believe (SU)
Ink: Calypso Coral (SU)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Calypso Coral (SU)
Accessories: Caged Bird Die (Sizzix - Tim Holtz), Petal Cone Die (SU), Stamping Sponge

You can probably tell I'm really enjoying the CAS style :)

Thanks for stopping by,

New AnnaBelle Stamp Sets and a Give Away

2012-01-14T14:30:00.003+11:00

How would you like to win this gorgeous stamp set, Garden Silhouettes? I know I would!

Annabelle Stamps have just released 5 brand new sets and are offering this fantastic give away.

I love them all but Love Birds would have to be my personal favourite -

I must admit, I didn't know much about this company until I won a prize in a recent challenge at the Lollipop Ladies for a $10 voucher from Andrea at Annabelle Stamps. So ... I went shopping and bought a couple of very cute sets and have already inked one up! I was impressed with the variety of beautiful stamps and accessories on offer, as well as the speedy delivery.

Here's what I chose -

So what are you waiting for? -
Click * HERE * to check out all the details of how you can enter as well.

A CASE and a bit of L-O-V-E

2012-01-13T20:00:00.002+11:00

I must admit that this card is a bit 'out there' for me but I had an idea in my head that didn't seem to want to go away, so I had to put it onto paper. It was inspired by these super cute cards that I stumbled upon through Pinterest.

Two challenges helped me pull it all together and I ended up with a Valentine's Day card for hubby.

I Only have Eyes for You

I love negative die cutting and when I saw that the muse for CASE Study, Jen Rzasa, had this gorgeous card as inspiration, I had to play along using a heart punch instead. I went for a similar shape and ribbon detail.

CASE Study Challenge #73

Secondly, the theme challenge for The Paper Players #77 is 'All You Need is Love' - perfect combo!!

The Paper Players #77

This is a very wide card (almost the length of an A4 piece of card stock) so it's just as well it doesn't need posting.

PS: Thanks, Kim, for featuring this card at Paper Punch Addiction.

Thanks for stopping by,

CAS - Day 2 Continued

2012-01-13T17:00:00.001+11:00

Here's another idea from day 2 of CAS Card Making Online Classes. It was all about making one layer cards.

This technique is from Jennifer McGuire and you can see the original inspiration, HERE.

The background polka dots have been white embossed and each image has been coloured in with my new Prisma pencils. This is my first attempt at colouring onto Kraft card stock (Crumb Cake). I think I prefer blending on white. What do you think? Any tips for the novice?

Fabulous Florets (SU)

Bird Cage (Kaiser Stamps), Butterfly from Clearly for You (SU)
PS: Thanks to the ladies at Splitcoast for naming this card as one of their CAS Favourites for the Week.

Lil Molly's Flowers (Annabelle Stamps)
(Not exactly a perfectly flat card as I mucked up the sentiment)

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comments and often repay the visit.

CAS Card Making Day 2 - Perfectly Flat Cards

2012-01-12T22:44:00.006+11:00

I love being in 'Summer School' especially when you're taking a class that is all about your number one hobby.

Day 2 of the Clean and Simple Card Making Class features Perfectly Flat Cards or what are more commonly referred to as One Layer Cards.

The first group of cards were inspired by a video tutorial by Julie Ebersole.

The second pair of cards stemmed from an idea that was floating around in my head this morning when I woke. I really wanted to ink up some stamps that I've had in my stash for a while but never got around to using until now.

I love the fact that I have made a total of 10 complete cards today and another 3 are in the process of being 'coloured'. I think that is a record for me (apart from the days of making SU swaps). I love the simplicity of all the designs that have been featured so far and am already planning what to pick to highlight day 3 and 4 of the class.

Here's a close up of all the cards that I have made so far from Day 2's inspiration -

Stamp Sets: Delicate Doilies (SU), Friends are Treasures (Hero Arts)

Pacific Point

River Rock

Poppy Parade

Stamps: Sheet Music (Artee Stamps), It's a Parade (Hero Arts)

Stamps: Sheet Music (Artee Stamps), Musical Walk (Hero Arts)

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back tomorrow with some more cards inspired by day 2 of CAS Card Making.

PS: Thanks to the ladies at Splitcoast for mentioning my 'a note for you' cards as a CAS Favourite for the week.

CAS Card Making Day 1 - Simple Sketches

2012-01-12T16:20:00.002+11:00

Clean and Simple Online Card Classes have started and already they are into Day 4. However, because I've been away with the family on holiday to the beautiful Tasman Peninsula, I'm now playing catch up with the amazing inspiration provided by such a talented team of card makers.

Today I've been working on some samples from Day 1 which was all about using Simple Sketches. Kristina Werner wowed us with a very simple, but gorgeous layout. Here are my two cards inspired by her video tutorial -

Additional Inspiration for the following trio came from Jennifer McGuire -

Here are some close up pics of the individual cards -

I used a combination of SU and Martha Stewart Punches, SU and Cuttlebug Embossing Folders and die cuts. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email.

I'm off to finish Day 2's cards and check out all the inspiration for Day 4 that has just gone live.

If you're interested in joining the on-line classes, I can highly recommend them!

Happy CAS stamping,

SSSC #149

2012-01-05T13:55:00.001+11:00

Here's a Gorjuss image called Winter Friend which I coloured especially for the latest Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.

Winter Friend

Karen has made some changes this year with her sketches as they will now last 2 weeks and she will offer a guest DT spot for the winner.

Plus, for the current sketch, you have a chance to win a couple of stamps from Sparkle Creations.

Here's the sketch -

Here's What I Used:
Stamps: Winter Friend (Gorjuss)
Ink: Memento Black
Cardstock: Whisper White, Marina Mist (SU)
Pencils: Prisma and SU's Watercolour
Accessories: Birch Pom Pom Trim, Sweet Owl Premium (First Edition Paper), Snowballs embossing folder from Winter Set (Sizzix)

Thanks for stopping by,

Asian Artistry

2012-01-04T14:13:00.006+11:00

Asian Artistry Butterfly

I was inspired to ink up a retired SU set called Asian Artistry after visiting my cousin's gorgeous garden and hot house, full of beautiful bonsai trees and an awesome water feature. The house has some stunning Japanese art works as well.

I used Riding Hood Red Ink on Blushing Bride card stock to make another 'larger' butterfly easel card using the Beautiful Butterflies Die. The images were coloured with SU Watercolour pencils but without the 'water'.

Embossed Pool Party Butterfly

Here's another which uses the beautiful Pool Party card stock and Finial Press embossing folder.

Both these were commissioned cards. I'm happy to announce that two local businesses will be stocking my cards very soon and I will have details about that later on.

Thanks for stopping by,

My Favourites for 2011

2011-12-31T23:59:00.002+11:00

Here's a round up of my personal favourites for 2011. I've decided this year to include my favourite card/project, as well as my favourite easel card for each month.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

2011

UStamp with Dawn and Friends ... JAI Team Member ... give me a die and I'll make an easel card with it ... Workshop Wow Demonstration ... exploring fabric ... playing around with Copics ... leaving SU and then JAI ... sums up 2011!

I am so thankful for the opportunities that came my way with DT work and in 2012 I'm looking forward to exploring the local market, experimenting with different colouring techniques, attempting to get 'published', going back to some old craft loves - knitting, crochet, teddy bear making, jewellery making etc.

Thank you to all those lovely people that left comments on my posts, sent emails and came and said 'hi' at SU events. I am so blessed to have met so many wonderful people in 2011. Bring on 2012 ...

Happy New Year!

Stamp Sets for Sale

2011-12-31T17:14:00.014+11:00

(Prices do not include P&H)

Priceless
(used, very good condition with slight ink stains on only 3 blocks)
$48.95 new
Sale Price: $22

For You Flower

(a la carte range, never used, excellent condition)
$18.95 new
Sale Price: $9

Birthday Bakery

(Level 1 Hostess Set 2010/11, never used, excellent condition)
Sale Price: $12

Pick a Petal

(2 Step Stamping, well used, ink stains on most blocks, rubber in very good condition)
$52.95 - new
Sale Price: $20

Cute and Curly

(Blocks have been varnished, used, excellent condition)
$35 new
Sale Price: $18

Razzle Dazzle

(used, excellent condition)
$33.95 new
Sale Price: $17

If you see anything you like or have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me an email. Items will be sold on a first come, first served basis and payment is by direct deposit.

Australia Post prices for Prepaid Parcel Post Satchels are: up to 500 grams - $6.60 and up to 3kg - $11.20. I will wrap them in bubble wrap before posting. :) If you live locally, pick up or delivery can be arranged.

Email Address:
bronaddinktivedesigns@gmail.com

Bluebird's Proposal for Mojo #221

2011-12-30T19:15:00.001+11:00

Bluebird's Proposal

I thought the card that I made on Christmas Eve would have been the last for the year but here I am blogging again for a Mojo Monday Challenge.

There's nothing like some new stamps, colouring pencils and accessories to get me back into the craft room.

Here's What I Used -
Stamp: Bluebird's Proposal (Gorjuss)
Card Stock: Whisper White, Crumb Cake (SU)
Colouring: Derwent Artists Pencils, Zest It Pencil Blend, Paper Stump
Accessories: Sweet Owl Premium Paper (First Edition Paper), Fiskars Embossing Border Punch - Eyelet Lace, Sizzix Textured Impressions Embossing Folder - Snowballs from Winter Set, frilly ribbon, Romantique Vintage Button (Prima), Dimensionals (SU)

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you pop back tomorrow night to see a round up of my favourite projects for 2011.

JAI Secret Santa

2011-12-29T07:45:00.000+11:00

Just thought I'd share with you the goodies I received from my JAI Secret Santa. Here they are all wrapped up. I couldn't wait to take all the beautiful little gifts out and explore a bit more.

A box full of ornaments which are hanging on our Christmas Tree ... some Victoria Lace Crochet Trim (my absolutely favourite ribbon) ... a container full of buttons, brads and other embellishments ... a card holder made from a gorgeous rosette, ribbon and clips which proudly displays my hand made Christmas cards that I received.

Check out this amazing punch art Santa with his lolly legs. I was told that it took 3 packets of M&M's to get enough red and green ones for this project. I wonder what happened to the rest? ;) + the beautiful Christmas card which helped me guess who my Secret Santa was. Up until that point, I didn't have a clue.

I'll finish off with my favourite project from all the hand made goodies, Christmas tea light holders made from the Ornament Punch and sprayed with Glimmer Mist.

Can you guess who my Secret Santa for 2011 was? Thank you so much - you are one clever, creative chick!

A Christmas Pudding Card

2011-12-24T19:45:00.009+11:00

I've turned the cupcake die (PTI) into a Christmas Pudding to make my mum a special card for Christmas.

Christmas Puddings - Challenge #36 at the Lollipop Ladies
Bizzy Becs Store Blog Challenge - Christmas

To finish off blogging for 2011 (except for a round up of my favourites to see the year out), I've entered my very last Christmas Card in a challenge over at the Lollipop Ladies. The theme is Christmas Puddings. Seeing my mum makes a great Plum Pudding, I thought I'd 'make' her one too!

I have also entered this in the Bizzy Becs Store Blog Challenge and the theme is Christmas.

I haven't included a project recipe as I've really got to dash and start making the traditional cherry jelly and choc mint cheesecake for tomorrow, peel all the vegies and do a few little treats in preparation for Christmas Day. If you've got any questions about the card, just shoot me an email. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve.

PS: Thanks to Andrea and the Lollipop Ladies for randomly selecting this entry for their prize which is a $10 gift voucher from -

Thanks for stopping by,

Quick and Easy Christmas Cards

2011-12-24T19:00:00.001+11:00

I used a combination of SU star and circle punches, Martha Stewart butterfly punches, Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies (Flower Pot), SU Stamp Set, Aviary for #2 and some Basic Rhinestones to quickly whip up these last minute Christmas Cards.

Colour palette: Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Old Olive

Have a lovely Christmas Eve. I'm about to go and start the food preparation for tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by,

Stockings Over the Fireplace

2011-12-23T15:43:00.002+11:00

Happy Christmas everyone!

Here's a little 3D card I made to give to my hubby for Christmas and I have entered it into 3 challenges this week!

I used the colours from Colour Q # 116 which coincidentally are the same as the Play Date Cafe Challenge #112.

Of course it was an absolute priority to play along with the very last challenge at Inkspirations (sniff, sniff) which is simply to showcase any Christmas creations.

I have used a template that I purchased from Creations by AR called a 3D Fireplace Card.

Here it is with a little battery operated tea light inside (a gift from my JAI Secret Santa).

I didn't have Glorious Green so I used Garden Green instead.

Christmas Creations #100

Side View

Take the tea light out, open the top flap and fold it down flat ...

... and it fits nicely into a standard sized envelope ready to post.

My Project Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Joyeux Noel (Papermania), Stitched Stockings (SU), Stone (background stamp by Darkroom Door)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Garden Green, Lucky Limeade
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Garden Green, Glitter White
Accessories: Stocking Builder Punch, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding and marker, Rhinestone, Bird Punch (leaves), Dimensionals, 3D Fireplace Card Template from Creations by AR

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you get some crafting time in over the holiday break.
PS: Thank you to colourQ for the courtier award :)

Pinterest has got my Interest

2011-12-23T10:30:00.001+11:00

The idea for this project came from a card created by Lucy Abrams which you can see HERE. Isn't it stunning? It uses the negative part of the die cut with patterned paper behind it (I have heard some refer to this technique as 'reverse appliqué'). The shapes on a few examples that I have seen go off the edge for added effect.

I decided to use some new DSP (Regal Crafts) and the Sizzix Bird Set #2 (Bev's Cross Crafts) for my 'tweet' little card.

As the title suggests, the inspiration for this technique came through Pinterest. I love that site because it actually cuts down your blog surfing time. If you want an invite in, send me your email address and then you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

However, it can cause this condition if you're not careful -

Happy 'pinning',

A Card for the Graduate

2011-12-22T21:15:00.002+11:00

Here's the card I made for our son's recent graduation. When he was little, Ryan loved his Lego and we managed to score a cute little Lego figurine of a graduate as a little gift to go with it ;)

Congrats, Ryan.

Let me indulge in proud mother moment by sharing with you a couple of the official photos -

Owl Tags and a Mini Bag for Lip Gloss

2011-12-21T09:00:00.001+11:00

Good morning. Thought I'd share with you the hand made stuff that I sent to one of the girls on the JAI Team as part of their Secret Santa present. It was kind of obvious to everyone that these were from me so now I can post them on my blog.

I've had a few emails from people that thought because I was finishing with JAI, that would be the end of addINKtive designs too. That is definitely not the case. I've got lots of projects lined up that I'm itching to try so I hope you keep coming back to visit.

I discovered Pinterest a few weeks ago and the idea for the tags came from there. You can see the original inspiration, HERE.

Simple Owl Tags

Mini Bag from 6" x 6" DSP

Owl Lip Gloss Inside

An Owl Badge to Finish off the Set

Thanks for stopping by,

JAI Favourites - a Trip Down Memory Lane

2011-12-18T13:15:00.001+11:00

After nearly 2 years as a Design Team Member for Just Add Ink, I've decided to 'call it a day'. I'm excited about what 2012 will bring but the decision did not come without shedding a tear or two as I compiled this post for today.

I have had the most wonderful privilege of working with an amazing and talented team of girls over that time and many of them will remain good friends long into the future.

Thank you Danielle and Amanda, for inviting me onto your brand new DT for what was then, the only challenge site that had an entire team of SU Demonstrators from Australia and New Zealand. I was thrilled to be a part of the excitement from the beginning.

Then from March through to July of this year, Delys and I co-hosted Just Add Ink and it was a steep learning curve for me but so rewarding. I had fun putting some sketches together, writing posts and being a lot more involved in implementing some ideas for challenges etc. From August onwards, I've remained in the background helping out when I could and still submitting some DT work.

To close this little chapter in my life, I've decided to share some of my favourite submissions for JAI -

JAI 1 - Colour Challenge

This was my very first submission and it matched the colour theme of the JAI Blog.

JAI 96 - Just Add Tania

This was the very last JAI challenge I did as a DT Member - very fitting as Tania is also leaving the team today.

JAI 17 - Just Add a Technique

This card was made for our very first team blog hop. We all chose different techniques and wrote a tutorial on our individual blogs. I did one for paper beads and faux silk.

JAI 30 - Just Add Wheels

I was enormously proud to be part of this fantastic fund raiser to help little Hudson get his own set of 'wheels'. On the Helping Hudson web site I contributed the only tutorial I had written at that stage - my Candy Cane Mouse Punch Art.

The following are just some of my personal favourites -

JAI 4 - Colour Challenge

JAI 6 - Sketch Challenge

JAI 13 - Colour Challenge

JAI 27 - Sketch Challenge

JAI 35 - Just Add Sympathy

JAI 43 - Just Add Christmas

JAI 54 - Colour Challenge

JAI 59 - Sketch Challenge

JAI 65 - Just Add Friendship/Mateship for Anzac Day

JAI 69 - Just Add Fussy Cutting

JAI 70 - Sketch Challenge

JAI 72 - Just Add Some Colouring In

JAI 80 - Sketch Challenge

JAI 81 - Colour Challenge

JAI 94 - Sketch Challenge

Without a doubt, meeting the other team members at Convention and Regionals was the absolute highlight of being on the DT -

Sydney Convention 2010

I got to meet Delys and Sarah and the three of us formed the JAI contingent.

Melbourne Convention 2011

By the time the next year rocked around, Delys and I were the co-hosts of JAI and there were 9 in the team that met up in Melbourne and boy did we have a blast!

The last get together was at Tassie Regionals where I got to meet Kathy for the first time. Thanks, ladies, for your wonderful friendship which will definitely continue beyond the confines of JAI. There are some girls, I never got to meet but after spending so much time chatting on-line, we've become great friends and I hope to catch up with all of you someday.

Lastly, here's a little summary of what were the most popular posts that I did for JAI, according to my traffic feed and the number of views -

My Top Two addINKtive designs Blog Posts for JAI

JAI 57 - Colour Challenge

JAI 92 - Just Add a Tag or a Bookmark

My Top Two Splitcoast Posts for JAI

JAI 39 - Just Add Blue for Beyond Blue

JAI 24 - Sketch Challenge

Thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me.

Circle Butterfly Easel Card

2011-12-17T07:30:00.005+11:00

I decided to combine my two favourite types of cards to make this Circle Butterfly Easel Card, then two more butterfly cards soon followed to form this little trio -

Precious Butterflies

The following colours were chosen as I loved the 'Summery' combination -

... No, I'm not starting up my own colour challenges but I was itching to create a colour swatch. What do you think?

Spellbinders Nestabilities have this gorgeous product called Butterflies Circles and from the moment I spotted it, I knew I was destined to make an easel card with it :)

So, here's a new little creation from me that I have dubbed the
Circle Butterfly Easel Card -

Combine the following tutorials to make one of your own -

http://addinktivedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/10/scallop-circle-easel-card-tutorial.html

http://addinktivedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/butterfly-easel-card-tutorial.html

Side Views

Back View

Matching Cards

A tutorial for the larger butterfly easel card can be purchased from here -

http://addinktivedesigns.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/larger-butterfly-easel-card-tutorial.html

These cards were my second attempt to grace the pages of ACS &P but I got another polite, "Thanks, but no thanks". You all know the saying that involves a dog and a bone. Well ... that will be me :)

Thanks for stopping by. I'll be back tomorrow with a very special post!

PS: Thank you to the ladies at Splitcoast who listed these cards among the CAS (Clean and Simple) Best of 2011.

What an honour!

Butterfly Blue

2011-12-15T21:15:00.001+11:00

It's good to know that there are still some romantics left in the world. A work colleague of mine wanted me to make him a blue butterfly card to give to his lovely wife. Apparently she loves butterflies! So, naturally I had to make one of my butterfly easel cards.

He wanted a certain shade of blue and I found some textured Bazzill Cardstock that seemed to match his request. I hope she likes it.

Project Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Precious Butterflies, Creative Elements, Elements of Style
Ink: Basic Gray, Versa Mark
Card Stock: Bazzill Textured, Whisper White (SU)
Accessories: Beautiful Butterflies Die, Antique Brad, CB embossing folder, Large Oval and Scallop Oval punches, Note Card Whisper White Envelopes, Dimensionals

You can purchase my tutorial, HERE.

Blossom Party Spice Cake

2011-12-14T15:30:00.001+11:00

A Trio of Blossom Party Spice Cake Cards

SU have the most beautiful DSP called Spice Cake and I have teamed it up with flowers made from the Blossom Party Die to create this set of cards.

This project was my first attempt at breaking into the world of 'publishing' but I didn't have any success this time around. I love receiving my subscription of Australian, Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft in the mail and it would be a buzz to see some of my cards 'grace their pages' one day. Oh well ... if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

I'm happy to 'publish' them on my blog as I was super pleased with how they turned out :)

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The sentiments are from the stamp set called, It's Your Day, (SU) and I used a Paisley Cuttlebug embossing folder, some SU punches, Victoria Crochet Trim and a leaf flourish die from Marianne Creatables.

Thanks for stopping by,

Christmas Badges from SU Punches

2011-12-11T15:00:00.000+11:00

Here's a couple of simple gift ideas you can make as stocking fillers for Christmas. I have been wanting to make some badges using SU's punches ever since I got an owl one as a swap from Michelle Martin at Convention.

The first is made from the Doily Triple Layer Punch using Real Red and Whisper White card stock and a chocolate coloured felt rose.

The second is made from the XL Two-Step Bird Punch, Spice Cake DSP and Pear Pizzazz card stock.

To make -

Punch out about 6 layers of card stock and glue together.

Coat the top of the badge with Crystal Effects or Modge Podge and leave to dry overnight.

Coat the underneath with the same and place a badge pin in the wet CE/MP and leave to dry.

Voila! It's that simple.

Happy 'punching',

JAI 97 - Inspiration Photo

2011-12-10T07:00:00.004+11:00

JAI 97 - Sweet Things - Owls
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The 'silly' season is in full swing and on my very long list of things to do was a set of 'Thank You' cards, so I thought I'd play along for fun and use the beautiful bright colours from JAI's Inspiration Photo Challenge to get me stamping again! A new set of stamps is also great motivation!

I used the colours from the photo and a tiny bit of bling as my inspiration.
SU Colours - Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Pool Party, Poppy Parade

I love owls and was able to pick up these cute foam stamps from a local gift shop - Cadootje in Newstead. They are from Tiger Tribe, an Australian Co. who produce a range of imaginative and playful gifts for children (and big kids like me).

If you have a spare moment, you could play Spot the Difference ;) with the following cards -

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-3-

-4-

-5-

These were pretty simple to whip up and my inspiration came from a card that I had re-pinned on Pinterest (Boy, do I LOVE that site as a source of all things inspirational and crafty!).

I'm on holidays in 5 days (who's counting??) and will have lots more to share over the Summer break.

Happy stamping,

JAI 96 - CASEing Tania

2011-12-02T00:05:00.004+11:00

JAI 96 - CASEing Tania Gould

We have a fun challenge over at Just Add Ink this week. Our fellow team member, Tania Gould from Time For Me; Time For You is being CASED.

Pop on over to her blog, check out some of the gorgeous projects she has made and choose something that inspires you, CASE it, then enter it into our 96th challenge at JAI.

The card I made says this is 'Tania' because it has a rolled rose (although this one is felt), it has shades of purple, the En Francais background stamp, crochet trim, the bird punch leaves, confetti white card stock and two stamps that I know are on her wish list. Plus, I actually scrunched up the card stock - something I don't like doing but Tania loves to!! ;) The easel part is a 'Bronwyn' add on. Obviously, it's not a direct CASE but inspired by 'her' 'twilight' card below -

I made this card last year at one of our 'stamping' nights. Tania taught a few of us how to make a rolled rose and this was her make 'n' take for the night. She also demonstrated it as a Workshop Wow at the 2010 SU Regionals in Launceston.

Nowadays, I cheat with my roses and use a die from Marianne Creatables that even cuts through the beautiful felt that I bought from PTI.

Have fun with the challenge. I did!

Happy stamping and have a great weekend.

College Dinner

2011-12-01T22:01:00.004+11:00

I'm interrupting the usual procession of cards for some happy snaps of my daughter's College Dinner. These were taken at school before they all left for the formal dinner at the Grand Chancellor.

I'll start with this gorgeous photo of our two 'kids'.

All Smiles - no more metal!

'The' Dress

The end of an era ... off to Uni next year!

JAI 95 - Bah Humbug

2011-11-25T00:05:00.004+11:00

With Christmas only a month away, it is very timely for Just Add Ink to have a Christmas Themed Challenge. However, this challenge is a little different to the average and we've entitled it 'Bah Humbug'!

JAI 95 - Best of Everything Button Tree
for the 'Bah Humbug' Challenge

The challenge is to make a paper craft project with a Christmas theme but you're not allowed to use 'Christmas stamps', Christmas patterned papers etc. (except for the sentiment of course). I hope you have fun with it and I'm looking forward to seeing what creative ideas our 'challengees' come up with.

Here's My Project Recipe:
Stamps: Best of Everything
Card Stock: Real Red, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi (textured), Brushed Gold, Whisper White
Ink: Crumb Cake, Real Red
Accessories: Two Tags Die, Perfect Pennants Die, Real Red Polka Dot Ribbon (retired), Boho Blossom Punch, Linen Thread, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Vintage Buttons (PTI), Neutrals DSP Pattern Stack, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Dimensionals

Happy stamping!

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #96 - Christmas Stocking

2011-11-19T16:20:00.002+11:00

Christmas Stocking Card

I purchased this stocking die a few days ago and it's been sitting on my craft desk just waiting to be used. The latest Inkspirations Colour Challenge was just the inspiration I needed to launch me into making my first Christmas Card for the season that will be mass produced!

Here's the lovely colour palette -

I used a Sizzix Bigz Stocking Die and matching embossing folder, the little bird stamp from SU's, Best of Everything and a Scallop Trim Border Punch. It was a very quick and easy Christmas card to make and that's a good thing when you have to make a few of them!

Thanks for taking a peek,

Freshly Made Spice Cake

2011-11-18T18:00:00.004+11:00

Here's a card I made especially for the latest challenge at Freshly Made Sketches -

Freshly Made Spice Cake

I hope the leaf flourish is okay for the 'square' section of the sketch as I did not want to cover up the woven panel.

Here's the sketch -

It's been so nice to take some time out to craft before the rush to write end of year reports, go to presentations nights, son's graduation, organise the finer details for daughter's leaver's dinner, all of which are fast approaching! So I'm crafting while I still have a small window of opportunity.

Project Recipe:
Stamps: Spiced Paisley (SU December Release), It's Your Day
Ink: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard
Card Stock: Very Vanilla, More Mustard, Pear Pizzazz
Accessories: Blossom Party Die, Spice Cake DSP (SU December Release), 1/2" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Victoria Crochet Trim, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, Leaf Flourish Die (Marieanne Creatables) and ...
... this amazing die called Wittle Weaver from Cheery Lyn Designs -

This cuts and embosses and makes it so easy to weave ribbon etc. to form a lovely background.

PS: (22/11/11) Thanks to Cindy Hall and the girls at Freshly Made Sketches for this award -

Thanks for stopping by,

JAI 94 - Spiced Paisley Scallop Circle Easel Card

2011-11-18T00:05:00.006+11:00

I love sketch challenges and this week at Just Add Ink, I have designed a round sketch for our 94th Challenge.

JAI 94 - Spiced Paisley Scallop Circle Easel Card
(Colours used: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, More Mustard, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz)

JAI 94 - The Sketch

I made a scallop circle easel card using the beautiful DSP called Spice Cake and the matching stamp set, Spiced Paisley (SU December release). As you can see, I stuck pretty much to the sketch layout and used a swallow sizzlit die for the bird image and a beautiful flourish leaf die from Marianne Creatables.

My tutorial for a scallop circle easel card can be found here - http://addinktivedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/10/scallop-circle-easel-card-tutorial.html

Life can be very busy at this time of the year but we hope you'll snatch some crafting time over the next few days, to join us at Just Add Ink for our latest sketch challenge. Make sure you hop on over to our challenge blog, check out the gorgeous inspiration from the other DT members and link up your own entry.

Happy stamping!

Spice Cake Icecream Cone Card

2011-11-13T19:20:00.005+11:00

Ever since my friend, Grace, made a cute icecream cone card from the Petal Cone Die, I've been meaning to make one for myself. I've been playing around with some new DSP called Spice Cake (December SU release) and came up with this idea to make a paisley inspired version.

The 'scoops' were made using the 2 1/2" circle and 2 3/8" scallop circle punches.

River Rock card stock was used for the cone and a Cuttlebug Paisley Embossing Folder. The cherry is from Button Buddies and embossed with Cherry Cobbler embossing powder for some extra shine.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you've had a great weekend.

Reindeer Tag Easel Card

2011-11-11T17:15:00.001+11:00

I love my Fridays off ...

... because I get some time to play.

I went into my craft room ...

... and this is what I made today!

I was inspired by these you see ...

... but an easel card was beckoning me! :)

JAI 93 - Colour Challenge

2011-11-11T00:05:00.006+11:00

JAI 93 - Mum's Birthday Card

We have the most beautiful colour combination for the Just Add Ink Challenge this week, brought to us by our talented DT Member, Kim. If you'd like to play along, all you have to do is make a paper craft project using the gorgeous colours below (or similar), post it on your blog and link it up to the JAI challenge site.

My 'project' was affectionately dubbed the 'Rocking Horse' card by some of the DT on our JAI Ning Site because of its unusual shape as you can see from the back view -

Back View

I got the idea for this style of card from the latest free Kaiser Craft Workshop Magazine, November 2011. It features on the front cover and on page 8. I stuck pretty much to the layout and used a variety of stuff that was in my stash (long project recipe to follow).

It's a tad more tizzy than the norm for me but I enjoyed using lots of different accessories.

Project Recipe -
Stamps: Forever Young, Happiest Birthday Wishes
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pool Party
Card Stock: Glossy White, Textured Pool Party
Accessories: SU - Designer Printed Brad - In Color, Basic Pearls, Sizzlits Little Leaves, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle and 1" Circle Punches, 1cm Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Flirtatious Speciality DSP, Dimensionals, Brights and Subtles DSP
Non-SU -
English Tea Party Lace Doily Die (Cheery Lynn Designs), Circle, Scallop Circle Nesties and Fleur de Lis Accents (Spellbinders), Doily Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Rolled Rose Die (Marianne Creatables)

Thanks for stopping by,

Inkspirations Colour Challenge #94

2011-11-06T14:10:00.006+11:00

Hi. Thanks for visiting my blog.

I made another card today from my 'To Do List' using the colours from the latest challenge at Inkspirations. I only have 3 baby boy cards to do and I'm all caught up :)

Inkspirations Blossom Party

Isn't the combination so bright and funky? I love it!

Project Recipe: (SU)
Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Melon Mambo
Card Stock: Glossy White, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Blossom Party Die, Word Window and Scallop Trim Border Punches, Melon Mambo Pom Pom Trim, Old Olive Brads (Brights), Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Brights and Regals DSP Patterns Stack, Sizzlits Little Leaves, Dimensionals, Non-SU Corner Rounder Punch

PS: Thanks to Nancy Riley for choosing this card as one of her iPICKS #154 and for the Honourable Mention at Inkspirations.

A Book Mark for Color Throwdown #166

2011-11-05T17:15:00.000+11:00

When I saw an elasticised bookmark in the Impressions Magazine, I was keen to give it a try. The video on Stampin' Connection was very helpful and Nikki's beautiful example for the latest Just Add Ink Challenge was more than enough inspiration to get me into my craft room today to try one of my own.

Color Throwdown #166

I decided to use the colours from the Color Throwdown #166 and discovered some Green Tea DSP in my stash that I had completely forgotten about that matched the colour combo perfectly.

I used SU's ribbons, button, Itty Bitty Punch, Pearls, DSP and the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die. The Bird Cage Die is from Marianne Creatables.

Now, all I need to do is cover that journal!

Color Throwdown Combo

Thanks for stopping by,

Pocket Silhouettes for Play Date Cafe and Mojo Monday

2011-11-05T12:30:00.003+11:00

Pocket Silhouettes

It's a long weekend here in Northern Tasmania so I'm enjoying making some cards that are on my 'To Do List'. I've looked at some of the current challenges to get me inspired and have combined a colour challenge at the Play Date Cafe with a sketch challenge at Mojo Monday.

The Play Date Cafe #106 - Gray Yellow Pink
(I used SU's Basic Gray, So Saffron and Pink Pirouette)

Mojo Monday #213 - Round Sketch

Thanks for stopping by,

Freshly Made Sketches #9

2011-11-04T13:50:00.003+11:00

My boss is turning the big '6' '0' on Monday and I needed to make a card for all the staff to sign. As masculine cards are really not 'my cup of tea' I turned to Freshly Made Sketches for a 'no fuss, no frills' sketch - just perfect! It was nice to finally have some time to play along.

I'm 150% certain Alan never reads my blog and I know that his lovely wife will be whisking him away over the long weekend to enjoy this special 'milestone'... so it's pretty safe to publish this post.

All products, with the minor exception of some Kaiser Rub Ons, are from Stampin' Up! Colours used - Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla.

Thanks for stopping by,

JAI 92 - Just Add a Tag or a Bookmark

2011-11-04T00:05:00.005+11:00

JAI 92 - Double Pocket Card with Tags

The challenge this week at Just Add Ink is to ... add a tag or a bookmark to your paper craft project. I made a basic Pocket Card from the beautiful Mocha Morning Speciality DSP to hold the two matching tags.

Some extra detail was added to the pockets by using the Eyelet Border Punch for some edge trimming as well as some machine stitching to hold the pockets together.

The layering of punches for the sentiment was an idea I picked up from a very talented demo called Julie Davison. You can find her beautiful card HERE. The finishing touch was the addition of a gorgeous rose bead that I discovered in my craft stash while I was searching for the Linen Thread.

The tags were stamped with Soft Suede using the flourish from Elements of Style.

I hope you get a chance to play along with our 92nd challenge. Over at Just Add Ink, there's some truly inspiring projects from the rest of the team to help get your creative juices flowing.

Happy stamping and enjoy your long weekend if you live in Northern Tasmania.

PS: Instructions on how to make a basic Double Pocket Card from DSP can be found HERE on You Tube. Enjoy!

JAI 91 - Grace's Icecream Cone Card

2011-10-28T15:30:00.002+11:00

A good friend of mine came and did some card making this afternoon. Grace made an Icecream Cone Card from the Petal Cone Die.

She has 'hijacked' my blog so she can enter her card in the Just Add Ink Colour Challenge this week -

Grace - JAI 91

JAI 91 Colour Combo

The Inside

Project Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Tagtastic (Hostess), Button Buddies, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Versa Mark
Accessories: Petal Cone Die, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, 2010/11 In Color DSP (Blushing Bride), Cherry Cobbler Embossing Powder and Seam Binding, Circle Ice Rhinestone Brad, XL Tag Punch, Dimensional (All products, Stampin' Up!)

Thanks for stopping by ... on behalf of
Grace

PS: Instructions for Grace's Icecream Cone Card can be found HERE.

CONGRATULATIONS, Grace, on your HONOURABLE MENTION.

JAI 91 - Colour Challenge and Fun Flowers Easel Card

2011-10-28T00:05:00.001+11:00

This week at Just Add Ink I have put together a very simple colour combo for you for our 91st challenge. The colours are so sweet and feminine that I decided to make a cupcake card for a friend's birthday.

JAI 91 - Sugar Cupcake

JAI 91 - Colour Comb0
Chocolate Chip was the 'neutral of choice' for my DT sample.

This card involved some heat and dry embossing, fussy cutting with paper piecing, die cutting, sponging, adding some shine with Silver Smooch Spritz and colouring in with copic markers (still on my 'L's').

Here's the 'original' card that I made for the challenge but decided it didn't quite make the 'cut'. It is an easel card made from the Fun Flowers Die using Sahara Sand as my neutral of choice. It's back to the drawing board on that one!

This card is embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder and finished off with an Antique Brad.

I hope the colours inspire you to join in with the challenge this week. Why don't you hop on over to Just Add Ink to check out the other DT work and link up your own entry?

Happy stamping and enjoy your weekend.

JAI 90 - Sketch

2011-10-21T00:05:00.006+11:00

Rain or Shine

It's Friday and that means another awesome challenge at Just Add Ink. This time I have a sketch for you and I decided to stick pretty close to the layout.

JAI 90 - Sketch

It's been 5 weeks since I have ventured into my craft room to stamp (hence the lack of posts for October). I spent most of the September holiday break making my challenge cards for JAI and scheduling the posts. Life has been super busy with about 4 weekends away out of the last 6 and working 4 days a week. It was so nice to finally get back into my clean and newly arranged craft room to create. Hopefully I will have time to work on a couple of tutorials that I have in my head and share those with you soon.

Project Recipe:
Stamps: Rain or Shine (Unity Stamp Co.), Retro Remix (SU)
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Vellum (SU) X-Press It Blending Card
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler (SU), Memento Tuxedo Black and a selection of Copic Markers
Accessories: White Gel Pen, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Modern Label Punch, Bella Rose DSP (retired), Subtles DSP - So Saffron, Neutral Brad - Black, Stamping Sponge, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects (SU), Oval and Scalloped Oval Nestabilities, Rain Drops Die (Quickutz)

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope you get a chance to hop on over to Just Add Ink to check out the gorgeous work from the rest of the DT and to link up your own entry.

Happy stamping. Have a great weekend.

JAI 89 - Inspiration

2011-10-14T00:05:00.003+11:00

Delys has given us a great inspiration photo for our 89th challenge at Just Add Ink.

Here's what I was inspired to create -

I wish I could say that I created the gorgeous background with my trusty brayer and inks but I 'cheated' and stamped over the top of a photo. It's a photo of a beautiful sunrise at Swansea, on the East Coast of Tasmania, with a stamp from Just Believe stamped over the top in Basic Black Ink.

I did a series of similar cards a while back using different silhouette stamps which you can see HERE.

The Inspiration

So ... the challenge is to make a paper craft project using the above photo for inspiration. I hope you can join in with the fun and link up your own entry over at Just Add Ink. While you're there, don't forget to check out the beautiful projects from the rest of the Design Team.

Happy stamping and enjoy your weekend,

JAI 88 - Just Add a Die Cut

2011-10-07T00:05:00.003+11:00

There's a 'fantabulous' challenge at Just Add Ink this week to add a die cut to your paper craft project.

I chose to use ...

Petite Pocket

Two Tags

... to make a matching gift card for another 'Lucky Owl' that I made from some paisley denim material.

JAI 88 - Add a Die Cut (or two)

Paisley Denim 'Lucky' Owl with Matching Petite Pocket

The tag needed to be trimmed a bit so it could fit inside the pocket.

I'm so glad I kept my Paisley Background Stamp as it was just right for adding some extra detail to the tag. I also pressed the little owl from Fox and Friends against the Paisley stamp (kissing technique) to make the pattern on the owl.

The colours that I used for this project are Cherry Cobbler and Not Quite Navy.

The idea was inspired by a beautiful project that Sophie Zadeh demonstrated at Hobart Regionals using the Petite Pocket Die and a piece of denim from a much loved pair of jeans (see above).

The Pocket ...

... the Tag

... and the Owl.

Die Cuts are my favourite tools to use for a paper craft project. I hope you have been inspired to play along with our 88th Challenge at Just Add Ink.

Why don't you hop on over and view the other beautiful projects that the rest of the Design Team have made and link up your own entry?

Happy stamping (and cutting). I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

JAI 87 - A Colour Challenge and a Diamond Fold Pop Up Card

2011-09-30T00:05:00.009+10:00

Nikki has given us a gorgeous colour combo to play around with for the latest challenge at Just Add Ink.

I made up a template from a card kit that I bought at a Craft Shop, to produce this unusually shaped card and have decided to call it a Diamond Fold Pop Up.

Diamond Fold Pop Up Card

The Colour Combo for JAI 87

The feature flower is made from 4 layers of the 'daisy' from the Blossom Party Die. I was pretty chuffed with how it turned out and it's fun discovering new combinations for all the different flower shapes.

The cute little bird is from the newly released stamp set called, Best of Everything and when I first clapped my eyes on the new catalogue, I fell in love with this gorgeous set and it was on my first order in September!

Project Recipe:
Stamp Sets: Best of Everything, Tiny Tags
Ink: White Craft, Pool Party, Calypso Coral
Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Textured Pool Party, Textured Calypso Coral
Accessories: Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder, Sponge Dauber, Neutrals DSP, Blossom Party Die, Pool Party and Calypso Coral Stampin' Write Markers, Eyelet Border Punch, Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon, Sticky Strip and Dimensionals

* 6th October - I've only just discovered a tutorial on Splitcoast Stampers for this type of card. It is called a Spring Card. Here's the LINK.

I hope the colours, along with the gorgeous examples from the rest of the DT, inspire you to join in with our 87th Challenge at Just Add Ink.

Happy stamping and have a wonderful weekend.

JAI 86 - A Sketch Challenge

2011-09-23T00:05:00.003+10:00

JAI 86

Hi there. This week at Just Add Ink I have a sketch challenge for you. I love putting sketches together and hope you'll be inspired by this one, along with all the gorgeous work from the rest of the DT.

The Sketch

I actually made this about three weeks ago for a friend who was in need of a 'pick-me-up'. She loves butterflies and so do I!

Project Recipe:
Stamp Set: Bliss (retired SAB set), Creative Elements
Ink: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry
Card Stock: Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry (rolled rose)
Accessories: Beau Chateau DSP, Corner Rounder Punch, Dimensionals
Non-SU: Kaiser Sentiment, Flourish and Rose Dies from Marianne Creatables, White Frame

Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend.

Birthday Cards - so much Talent in one Post!

2011-09-17T11:08:00.005+10:00

I celebrated my birthday a couple of weeks ago and thought I'd share with you some of the beautiful hand made cards that I received. Most of them have come from my friends at Just Add Ink and I am so blessed to be associated with such a talented group of awesome, fun-loving women.

Enjoy the eye candy -

This next one is from Stampin' Up! SU is celebrating its 5th year in Australia and all the demonstrators get an extra discount on one item of their choice in their Birthday Month.

This is what I chose to buy with my extra Birthday Discount. Thank you Stampin' Up! -

It's called the Doctor's Bag and it features the Stampin' Up! logo and is sized to hold the Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, cutting pads and dies.

I think I will use it as an overnight bag too.

I love the pink and black polka dot lining and the fact that the Big Shot sits flat inside the bag and there's so much room for Workshop supplies!

It's another awesome bag which I've added to my growing collection - gotta love that!

Playing Catch Up!

2011-09-17T09:15:00.001+10:00

Can you tell I'm on holidays and have a little more time to 'blog' than usual? The next few weeks are going to be super busy so I'm making the most of the time that I have got at the moment.

In May, at Convention, I finally got to meet Ruth Clarke. She is one talented lady and creates the most awesome scrap layouts you could imagine. I had run out of swaps by the time we met, so we agreed to post each other a sample. Here's the gorgeous collection that I received from her -

A Corner Bookmark, Butterfly, and Tags

If you are an Aussie or NZ Demonstrator you can view her beautiful work on Stampin' Connection or you can join her Face Book page (PaperWorks with Ruthy)

Next I have a photo of the beautiful card that I received from Stampin' Up! for presenting at the recent Regional Seminar in Hobart. I LOVE the layout, colours and 'Creative Elements' is currently one of my favourite stamp sets. Thank you, Sophie and Aaron.

Inside the card was a voucher to choose a free stamp set and I chose 'My Friend' which you will find on page 85 of the current Idea Book and Catalogue (link on my side bar).

I haven't made a sample using this new set yet but I did receive this gorgeous and unexpected catch up swap from Claire Daly which really showcases 'My Friend'.

A big thank you to these lovely people that sent me some Happy Mail. I really appreciate it!

I'll be back soon with some birthday cards to share.

Have a great weekend,

JAI 85 -Flirtatious Owl for a Baby Theme Challenge

2011-09-16T00:05:00.004+10:00

It's Friday and that means another fabulous challenge at Just Add Ink. This week we've got the baby theme happening. So it's time for everyone to whip up something cute, ie: bibs, bonnets, prams, rattles and baby onesies ... just to name a few.

It's all thanks to Stampin' Up! and the introduction of their gorgeous fabric into the Australian Catalogue, that I have finally blown the dust off my sewing machine. I found the pattern for these Lucky Owls at a Craft Shop in Ulverstone when I was living it up at a B&B with hubby a few weeks ago (... and attending a conference for work of course ;)

Flirtatious Owl

... and Gift Card

Project Recipe:
Stamps: Fox & Friends, Delicate Doilies, Short & Sweet
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip
Card Stock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Flirtatious Fabric and DSP, Neutral Brads, Lace Ribbon Border Punch, Dimensionals, 1/2 " Circle Punch, Paper Piercing Tool and Mat Pack

Hop on over to Just Add Ink to check out all the 'cute' inspiration from the DT and link up your own entry.

Happy stamping (or sewing) and have a great weekend,

Birthday and Sympathy - Masculine Cards

2011-09-13T22:10:00.002+10:00

BIRTHDAY WISHES -
It's my brother's birthday tomorrow and I'm 101% certain he never reads my blog, so I'm pretty safe posting this here a day early!

He rides a motor bike so I thought I should ink up my Motorcycle Stamp from the Autumn/Winter Catalogue and team it up with Extreme Elements to use on his Birthday card.

Happy Birthday Andrew

I find male cards really tricky to make so I went hunting for inspiration and came across this great card by Jo Eades which was hanging on my card tree (JAI Swap). Problem solved!

Isn't it just awesome?

SYMPATHY -
On a totally different subject ... this card was made for the family of my friend who recently passed away. He loved playing soccer so I made the Sympathy Card a little more personal.

I'll be back on Friday with my DT submission for the next Just Add Ink Challenge. Thanks for stopping by.

Feeling Flirty

2011-09-12T20:00:00.009+10:00

I'm almost at the end of my open house and while I'm waiting for my next guest to arrive, I thought I would quickly share the Make 'n' Take that I did with my friend, Tania, today.

Stampin' Up! has just released a range of fabrics and today Tania chose to make a hair clip using the Flirtatious Fabric and the Blossom Party Die.

Of course I had to get Miss Charlotte to model it for me before she left with her mum.

Cute ..

... and very quick and easy to make.

Thanks for stopping by,

My Craft Space

2011-09-12T18:59:00.001+10:00

There's nothing like an Open House/Catalogue Launch to get me motivated enough to sort out my craft space. For those that have dared to venture in there in the past, will know that it was a mess!

You wouldn't see these photos grace the pages of 'Home Beautiful' as the furniture is a mixture of this 'n' that but everything finally has a place and I have some clear space to stamp and hold classes again. Yay!

So here's what the converted Garage/Rumpus Room looks like now. It's all mine ...

My New Craft Desk

Storage for My Current Stamp Sets, Punches, Books and Magazines

My old craft desk is now a sewing table and a place to have my portable photo studio set up.

The paper storage area is directly behind me, along with an area for retired stamp sets that I can't part with yet and some other bits 'n' bobs. The craft table for guests is now set up directly in front of that area (This photo was taken early this morning).

The View from Behind My Desk

So there you have it ...

The Play Date Cafe #98

2011-09-09T08:30:00.005+10:00

The colour palette for The Play Date Cafe got me inspired to ink up my new Gorjuss Stamp and do some 'colouring in'. I'm still only on my 'L' Plates but it was fun to have a go.

Winter Cupcake

I chose to use the Stampin' Up! Colours of Island Indigo, River Rock/Champagne Shimmer and Not Quite Navy to try and match the beautiful colours inspired by the photo collage below -

Colour Inspiration

Project Recipe for Winter Cupcake -
Stamp: Winter Friend (Gorjuss Stamps)
Ink: Champagne Shimmer Paint, River Rock SU Marker and a selection of Copic Markers
Accessories: Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Dies, Sponge Dauber, White Gel Pen, Neutrals DSP
Non-SU: Swirls EF, Cupcake Die (PTI)

Don't you hate it when you spend ages trying to decide which photo to post? I couldn't ... (LOL) ... so here's another with a different back drop!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend,