Happy 6th Birthday Ellarose

Hi everyone,

Today is not only my FIL's Birthday but is my DD6 best friends 6th Birthday. Now Ella and DD6 have known each other since they were 2 1/2 when they were at Daycare together. I remember the day when Ella started Daycare, as when I went to pick DD6 up I was told that she had made a new friend and they were inseparable. Now 3 1/2 years later they are still good friends and even go to the same school even though Ella lives km's away from where we live.

Ella is not a 'girly girl'. No Fairies, butterflies or dolls for her but she is completely mad about animals. So naturally I had to bring out Fox and Friends for her. Here favorite colours are Red and Blue, hence the reason for Real Red and Tempting Turquoise. Ella is very cheeky so Mr Cheeky Monkey was a definite choice for her. The card is almost a direct CASE from a card I saw on Stamping Moments.

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Fox and Friends, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Paper: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Green Galore, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise
Other: Little Leaves Sizzlets Die, Word Window Punch, Large Oval Punch, Designer Label Punch, Dimensionals.

'Til next time,
Juliette

My FIL's Birthday Card

Hi everyone,

Don't know about you but I always struggle with male cards. They are always difficult and if there is one thing I wish SU! would give us more of and that is male stamps. Anyway here is what I came up with. I turned my trusty Circle Circus stamp set and chose Sage Shadow, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip as my colours. I made three cards and asked my DH which one he liked the best. Here is a picture of the three together.

Here is the one that he has chosen to give to his Dad. Now I have two other ones up my sleeve for the extra male birthdays coming up!!!

Which one do you like the best if any?

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Circle Circus, Vintage Labels (from SAB 2010), Teeny Tiny Wishes, Whimsical Words (from SAB 2010)
Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Whisper White, Windsor Knot DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow, Versamark
Other: Word Window Punch, Crimper, Curly Label Punch, Small Tag Punch, Large Tag Punch, 1/4" Chocolate Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads, Crimper.

'Til next time,

Juliette

I had a lovely day

Hi everyone,

I know I said I would try and show you my FIL's card today - but it didn't happen. Instead I have had a lovely day meeting a really lovely demo from NZ - Debbie Lamb (see here for her blog), and a friend of hers Rhonda.

Debbie came over here to go to convention and has hung around in Oz a little longer than some of her NZ collegues. Well I got a phone call from her on Wednesday asking if I was running any classes this week. I usually have the last week of the month off to focus on designing for upcoming classes in the months ahead. Well Debbie was so nice on the phone that I agreed to run my Sex and the City Class (see here for details of the class) for her and Rhonda.

Here they are with their finished shoe and handbag.

We talked alot and laughed a lot and I am so glad that I have met these two lovely ladies.

Thanks Debbie and Rhonda for a fantastic day.

'Til next time

Juliette

My Mother-in-law's Birthday card - well maybe... not sure...

Hi everyone,

On Friday it is my MIL's birthday. I can show you this card here as she doesn't look at my blog. I am not too sure about this card. I like the idea but am not comfortable with the colours.

I have been thinking about Christmas cards a lot - I mean Christmas is only about 6 months away and now is the perfect time to start planning Christmas card Stamp a Stacks. I have quite a few Christmas sets, but I like the idea of see how you can use other sets to make Christmas Cards. Well why not try and make Birthday cards or any other type of card from Christmas sets?

Here is my attempt with Blush Blossom and Close to Cocoa. I did have a whole pack of Blush Blossom that I had never used and after seeing some fabulous cards out there with this retiring colour I thought I would give it a go. Blush Blossom works so well with Close to Cocoa - another retiring colour which I am really going to miss but I think here the Blush Blossom might be a bit too wishy washy!!!

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Season of Joy, Think Happy Thoughts
Paper: Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White
Ink: Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa
Other: Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch

I am hoping that tomorrow I should be able to show you my FIL's Birthday card. Depends upon time.

'Til next time,

Juliettte

The Month of May

Hi everyone,

I have just realised how busy the month of May is for Birthdays. All in all I have made approx 10 birthday cards for various people including family - although my DD6 is still asking when she is going to get her card. I know very slack Mummy I am.

I tend to be the type of person who makes a card for the person and never have a stash of cards available - despite all the ones I make for Stamp a Stack and my other classes. I also tend to be the type of person who finishes making the card just as I am about to head out the door so I don't have many photos of the cards. Wonder upon wonders I actually finished this card last night - but then decided I wanted to change the colours so made another one - exactly the same but with a different sentiment. This card is for a friends little girl who has just turned 7 - hence the reason for 7 candles.

Here is is again using Pixie Pink as the card base.

You can't see it too well but the cupcake top has been covered with Crystal Effects - just to give it that shiny appearance.

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Card 1:
Stamps: Party Hearty, Occasional Greets
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pixie Pink, Sweet Always DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Pixie Pink
Other: Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Stamp-a-ma-jig.

Card 2:
Stamps: Party Hearty, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Paper: Pixie Pink, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Sweet Always DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chop, Pumpkin Pie, Pixie Pink
Other: Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Stamp-a-ma-jig

'Til next time

Juliette

Cottage Garden Stamp a Stack

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all well on this rather cool day in Sydney. I want to show you a sneek peak of my Stamp a Stack (SAS) for June. In June's SAS we will be making 4 cards using Cottage Garden and 4 cards using Baroque Motifs. Now I love Cottage Garden and I love the way it co-ordinates so beautifully with the Cottage Wall DSP but I have done that colour combination to death and have decided to 'funky' up the colours by using Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, a bit of Old Olive and Kraft. What do you think?

The cost of my SAS classes are only $20, which includes all embellishments, adhesive and quality Stampin' Up! envelopes - this equates to be only $2.50 per card. All card stock is pre cut for you and pre scored. Pretty good value if I say so myself. So if you would like to attend either of my SAS classes in June (1st and 10th from 7.30pm) then contact me to book your spot.

'Til next time,

Juliette

It is possitively Autumnal

Hi everyone,

I hope those fab demo's in Oz and NZ are having a wonderful convention. Can't wait to hear about it on all those lovely blogs I visit.

All the leaves in the street have turned to their gorgeous red, oranges, yellows and even a deep kind of purple - those are the ones that DDnearly 4 really loves. This inspired me to have a further play with Pendant Park which I just love but haven't used much. In my technique class next month we are exploring different emboss resist techniques and this is one of the cards that will be made. The technique here is Josephs Coat but I have changed it up a little.

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Pendant Park, Best Yet
Paper: Really Rust, Old Olive, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Versamark, Really Rust, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie, Close to Cocoa. Chocolate Chip
Other: Clear EB, White EB, heat tool, dimensionals, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Brayer

'Til next time,

Juliette

Medallion

Hi everyone,

I am so in love with the Medallion background stamp that it had better make it into the new Idea Book & Catalogue for 2010-2011. This stamp is such a versatile stamp. You can use it just as a background or use it to make a statement and have it has the focal point. In next months technique classes I am teaching how to emboss and several techniques used within the embossing genre (sounds impressive - but really easy!!!)

This card uses the emboss resist technique and this is one of the cards that we will be making next month. Now this is not an original idea and I have cased it from the very talented Sharlene Meyers from NZ.

I have made it into a Fathers Day card - I know it is not until September but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye out and plan for these things!!!

Materials Used - all Stampin' Up!
Stamp: Medallion, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa
Ink: Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Other: Clear Embossing Powder, heat tool, 1/4" Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, Word Window Punch, Scallop Oval Punch.

'Til next time,

Juliette

Sympathy Cards (again)

Hi everyone,

Wow nearly a week since my last post. Time does fly doesn't it? By now a lot of my fellow demonstrators are getting very excited at the prospect of attending Convention this Friday and Saturday. Unfortunately I am not - but can't wait to hear all about it at Marelle's team meeting on Monday.

Anyway I was asked by a friend to make a sympathy card. I couldn't decide on which colour, although the stamp set was easy to choose - Thoughts and Prayers. This stamp set is great as it is not only for sympathy but also has a great range of get well sentiments. I have just used the branch with flowers on but there is another stamp in the set that has a lovely tree on it.

On each I have used the direct to rubber technique although when I realised that I didn't have the Cameo Coral Stampin' Write Marker, I inked the stamp in Cameo Coral and then used either the Old Olive or Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write Markers to colour in the branches and leaves.

Although you can't see it too well I have also sponged around the Whisper White in the different inks to soften the edges a little.

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers, Pendant Park
Paper: Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Rose Red, Cameo Coral (retiring in September), Close to Cocoa (retiring in September)
Ink: Cameo Coral, Rose Red, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive Stampin' Write, Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write, Rose Red Stampin' Write, Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write.
Other: Silver Brads, Trio Flower Punch, Daubers

'Til next time,

Juliette

Sex and the City

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all well. I was going to leave this until later in the month but I was so happy with the way they turned out I just had to show you now. This is what we are going to be making in my June Project Class entitled Sex and the City (rather profound as I was unsure when the movie was coming to Australia and it is June!!!)

I may tweak the bag a little and use the Polka Dot embossing folder on it and may use Rose Red ribbon instead. The shoe is a little tricky but I managed to find the PDF to print it and instructions here on Ellen Hutson's site.

Can't you see Carrie getting all excited over this set? I can!!!

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Vintage Vogue
Paper: Regal Rose, Rose Red
Ink: Creamy Caramel
Other: Scallop Circle Punch, Filigree Brad, Small Rhinestone Brad, Jumbo Pewter Eyelets, Crop-A-Dile

Don't forget to check out my June Class listing here to book into the class. It will be a lot of fun - oh and you will make 4 little cards to go inside the hand bag. Don't forget if you can't make it to class then I am happy to come to you. All you need is at least 4 friends and I will happily bring you the class.

Anyway better get back to finishing preparing for tonights Faking It class.

'Til next time,

Juliette

Some more Faux techniques

Hi everyone,

Here are the final two cards that my ladies are making at my Faking It class. (Look here and here for the other two cards)  If you would like to come to class I have several vacancies. I am holding this class tomorrow evening (12th May) and Thursday 20th May. Just drop me an email or call me (0407 371 558) to book in. For $20.00 you will get to make 4 lovely cards and learn techniques that you may not have tried before or if you have you can refresh your memories. You will also get to take home some technique notes so that you can try them again.

The first of these cards uses the Faux torn edge technique. Very simple but effective. If you are like me and have difficulties tearing card stock then this is the technique for you!!!

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: All a Flutter, Very Vintage, Heard from the Heart
Paper: Elegant Eggplant, Melon Mambo, Orchid Opulence
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Orchid Opulence
Other: Dazzling Diamonds

The last of the 4 cards shows the Fake Buttons that are all the rage right now. I am one of these people who don't like to use things in case I run out - hence the fact that I don't use buttons on my cards. It doesn't matter that I can buy them again - I just have issues with using some products!!! Well making fake buttons will remedy that. What is more you can make buttons to match anything that you want and you can make them whatever size or shape you want (if you have the right punch). You can also use this technique to make the Sizzlet Buttons look more real.

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Three Little Words, Vintage Vogue
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette
Other: 1/2" Circle Punch, Close to Cocoa Stampin' Write, Crystal Effects, Dimensionals.

'Til next time,

Juliette

Faux Metal

Hi everyone,

Here is another card that we will be making in this months Faking It class. This time it uses the Faux Metal technique. How cool is this technique? I am a sucker for watching Embossing Powder go all shiny when you heat it, so this is even better as you get to see it happen several times.

I managed to get an air bubble and when I pressed the stamp onto the hot embossing powder my Robot got an extra 'apendage' that is NOT on the actual stamp. I guess you could say that this Robot is definitely a boy Robot!!!

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Lots of Bots
Paper: Tangerine Tango, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pacific Point DSP
Ink: None
Other: Silver EP, Corner Rounder, Word Window Punch, Dimensionals

I am hoping to have time to post the other two cards we are making in class, tomorrow - using Fake Buttons and Faux Tearing.

'Til next time,

Juliette

Happy Mothers Day

Hi everyone,

A very Happy Mothers Day to you all. This is just a quick post to show you the card I made for my MIL for Mothers Day. I have to say I am starting to feel the pressure of producing something different each and everytime for her. Also with a SIL who is very talented I feel added pressure. I guess it is because I don't feel that my cards are as good as others out there - but as I have mentioned before I guess I am more of a Clean and Simple designer.

This is my first real attempt at water colouring and although I loved doing it I am not too sure of how it looks. I think it needs more colours in it rather than just the Rose Red and Regal Rose. I did try adding some So Saffron but I should have done it first not after. Having said that I am quite happy with the result.

Materials Used: All Stampin' Up!
Stamps: Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, En Francais
Paper: Water colour paper, Whisper White, Regal Rose, Rose Red
Ink: Rose Red, Regal Rose, So Saffron
Other: Large Oval, Scallop Oval, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Aqua Painter, Dimensionals

Another Kids Party

Hi everyone,

I believe I mentioned yesterday that I would post this - but time got away from me. I was asked to show a group of young ladies how to stamp for a birthday party. Now the party was for 11 y/o's and there were only going to be six of them so I thought why not let the girls make their own lolly boxes and a card to go with it. I also thought if I take Teeny Tiny Sentiments then they could actually make the card a Mothers Day card for their Mums.

This is what I came up with.

Now I know that Butterfly Prints is not currently available (I do hope they bring it back in the new catalogue), but it was perfect for this occasion. I also do not currently own Flight of the Butterfly, so I made do with what I had.

Here is a close up of the card

Materials Used:
Stamps: Butterfly Prints, Pocket Silhouettes, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Paper: Lavender Lace, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Certainly Celery
Ink: Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery
Other: Dimensionals, Scallop Circle Punch, Butterfly Punch, Curly Label Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Circle Scissors Plus - Non SU! Spellbinders Petite Scallop Circle, Kaiser Craft Pearls.

Blog Awards

Hi everyone,

I feel very blessed. I have received two lovely Blog Awards from fellow team members.

Liam Pucher passed this first blog award onto me nearly a week ago. I nearly fell off my chair to have received it. Unfortunately I have been so busy with DD6's birthday I haven't had time to scratch myself let alone do much in the blog posting way.

This is my first blog award and I feel very privileged that Liam has recognised me in this way. I enjoy blogging and sharing what I do. It makes my day when people leave comments but other than I just do it because it is fun.
I am now to pass this award onto other lovely blogs that inspire me. This is hard as there are so many blogs out there but here we go and in no particular order.

1. Kelly Mayou
2. Carol Richard
3. Patty Lee
4. Monika Davis
5. Gretchen Barron
6. Marelle Taylor (of course!)
7. Patty Bennett
8. Teneale Williams
9. Kerry Bunting (although I know she has received it twice already but you can't go past her blog!!!)
10. Leonie Schroder

I could go on.

Now I am supposed to tell you 10 things you don't really know about me.
1. I only got my drivers licence at the age of 36.
2. I met my husband when I was 16 and got married at the age of 20 and yes we are still very much together.
3. I am mad about motor sports - rather ironic as it took me so long to get my drivers licence!!!
4. My DD(almost)4 had not seen an ironing board until she was nearly 3 and promptly asked me what it was!! Needless to say I don't iron unless I have to.
5. As any Mother would I would do anything for my girls - even when they are bickering and drive me crazy.
6. I am not going to convention this year - but saving already for next year.
7. I was born in Canberra and am the first Aussie in my family. The rest of my immediate family (Mum, Dad, Sisters and their husbands) are all English.
8. I love Chocolate and should stay clear of it.
9. I can thank my lovely sister-in-law for introducing me to Stampin' Up! back in 2007 - however it took me until 2009 to get completely hooked.
10. I tore my left calf muscle teaching my DD6 how to skip like a 'ballet dancer'.

My second blog award comes from Kerry Bunting. Now I love her blog and always check it at least once a day.

The rules of this award are as follows:-

Put the Sunshine Award on your blog or in your post.
Pass the award onto other Bloggers
Link the Nominees within your post.
Let them know they have received the award by leaving a comment on one of their posts.
Don't forget to share with the person who gave you the award.

These are my nominees - (sounds like the Oscars doesn't it!!!)
Nikki Stalker
Jennifer Adnitt 
Sally Williams
Liam Pucher (of course!!!)

I am now working on a kid's birthday party (luckily there are only 6 11 y/o's) and I will post what they are making later on today. Just be aware that the set they are using is from the Summer Mini - hopefully it will be available again in September.

'Til next time,

Juliette

Faux Silk

Hi everyone,

In my technique classes this month we are learning a variety of different Faux (or Fake) techniques. Over the next couple of days I will show you what my customers (and you too if you want to come to class) will learn. The first card is using Faux Silk, and yes the card is an almost direct CASE from the current Idea Book and Catalogue. I have decided to use some of the colours that will be retiring come September which includes Pale Plum and Kiwi Kiss. The stamp set is Organic Grace which is perfect for this type of technique. Don't forget it is only available as a Hostess Level 1 gift and is not able to be purchased. If you would like to learn more about earning this Stamp Set for free or are just basically interested in looking at hosting a workshop drop me a line and I will be more than happy to discuss this with you.

Materials Used: (All Stampin' Up! apart from the tissue paper)
Stamps: Organic Grace (Level 1 hostess), Short and Sweet
Card: Pale Plum, Pure Plum, Whisper White
Ink: Pure Plum, Pale Plum, Kiwi Kiss, Elegant Eggplant, Ruby Red
Other: Mat Pack, Scallop Edge Punch, Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds, Tissue Paper

'Til next time,

Juliette

Thoughts and Prayers

Hi everyone,

As mentioned yesterday a dear friend of ours lost his Mum a week ago. She had been diagnosed with Parkinson's over 25 years ago and sadly this terrible illness had taken so much of her that she was unable to fight pneumonia. What do you say to someone who is still relatively young and loses their parent? I have a first hand understanding as I too lost my Mum 8 years ago this Sunday just gone. Mum was too young to lose her battle with multiple illnesses and passed away at 63.

Anyway I digress. This is the card that I made for Paul and his family. Not much - can't bring his Mum back but at least he knows we care and are thinking of him at this very difficult time.

Materials Used (all Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Thoughts and Prayers, Pendant Park
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Whisper White
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Other: Old Olive Stampin' Write, Not Quite Navy Stampin' Write.

'Til next time

Juliette

Party Hearty

Hi everyone,

I know I promised I would post this yesterday - but unfortunately we had a sad day yesterday and had to attend a funeral of a dear friends Mum. I will post the Sympathy card I made tomorrow.

Anyway here is the second set of cards for my May Stamp a Stack. Party Hearty. I love this set as you can do so much with it. It is also fantastic for male and female cards alike. I have to admit I was searching through my card stash for a birthday card for my next door neighbours daughter (didn't have time to make one) and to my surprise I only had one card. I will remedy this straight away with some more using Party Hearty.

Anyway that is it for now. I am not feeling the best and am extremely tired (had a busy few days with DD6 birthday celebrations).

'Til next time,

Juliette

Vintage Vogue

Hi everyone,

I can't believe it has been a week since I have posted anything on my blog. Time has flown by rather too quickly. Today we are celebrating my DD6 (on Tuesday!!!) Birthday with the extended family so this will be a rather quick post. Too much to do and too little time to complete it in!!!

I just wanted to share with you 4 of the cards that are in my Stamp a Stack class this month (my classes for SAS this month are Wednesday 5th May and Thursday 13th May - 7.30pm start - location Bella Vista Sydney full address supplied upon booking). I will post the other 4 tomorrow but we are using Party Hearty for the other 4.

I have completely fallen in love with Vintage Vogue, the Medallion and the Very Vintage Wheel.

If you want to come to my SAS don't forget to contact me via email or call 0407371558. Cost for the class is $18 if you bring your own adhesive or $20 if you use mine. You make 8 cards in total. All materials are supplied and are pre-cut. I include envelopes, and yes they are the Stampin' Up! ones so are fantastic quality. So basically so each card works out to be approx $2.50. You walk away with 8 cards, a fun evening, the ability to play with stamps, inks, cardstock that you may want but haven't purchased yet and maybe even some techniques you didn't know about. Hope to hear from you about attending class.

'Til next time,

Juliette