Today I'm sharing my design team card for our new challenge over at As You See It where it's time for my favourite, a sketch challenge:

For my card today I paired an old favourite with some new Christmas papers - a look:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

Beautiful Boughs - The Beautiful Boughs Dies are in the annual catalogue as a carryover from the last Autumn-Winter seasonal catalogue and whilst I don't have the bundled stamp set (hence choosing a greeting from 'Itty Bitty Christmas' for today's card, that most useful of Christmas sentiment sets!) I do love the dies; their beautiful layered detail is great to add bold festive greenery to a project.

Pine Cone Poinsettias - The starting point for today's card was most definitely the designer series paper (no surprises there then!) I decided to use one of the papers that is on offer as part of this month's designer series paper sale (you can read all about that here) so I chose the Poinsettia Place paper pack and a pattern that I haven't yet used featuring pine cones, hence the fit with the Beautiful Boughs dies.

A Slight Confession - Whilst the layout of today's sketch is clearly visible on my card, I chose not to follow the suggested sentiment placement, instead making mine a feature of the circle. This is in part because I was originally going to use an alternative paper and use a diecut flower as the focal point, but in the end changed my mind at the last minute as I wanted to play with a new paper design. Either way, the sketch is a suggestion and does not have to be followed to the absolute letter; as long as the broad elements are visible, artistic licence is welcome!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

Here's a summary of our challenge rules:

• Create any card, scrapbooking page, 3D project or packaging project that fits the challenge.
• Please include the challenge graphic and link back to the challenge in your blog post. Turn off word verification so we can leave you lots of lovely comments. Make sure you link the post not the whole blog to the Linky. Use #AYSIXXX when uploading to a public gallery.
• If you’re unsure about ‘the rules’, check the details under the Challenge Guidelines tab on the As You See It Challenge homepage.

Both of the James Juniors are now officially on half-term for a week; I've spent the last few days enjoying some quality mother-daughter time with Rebecca as Ben was still at school, and tidying up some odds and ends, hence my lack of blog posts. They are both having a 'lazy day' today though so once I've battled my way slowly through the ironing pile, I am hoping to make a card or too later :-) Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

BEAUTIFUL BOUGHS DIES (£33.00)	POINSETTIA PLACE DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	STITCHED SHAPES DIES (£28.00)	EARLY ESPRESSO CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD (£7.00)	EARLY ESPRESSO A4 CARDSTOCK (£8.25)
SOFT SUEDE CARDSTOCK A4 (£8.25)	SOFT SEA FOAM A4 CARDSTOCK (£8.25)	OLD OLIVE A4 CARDSTOCK (£8.25)	GARDEN GREEN A4 CARDSTOCK (£8.25)	FLOWERS FOR EVERY SEASON GEMS (£6.00)
SNOWFLAKE SPLENDOR 1/4" (6.4 MM) RIBBON (£6.50)

Whilst I've mentioned it over on my Facebook Page earlier this month and will be posting lots more ideas this week, it occurs to me that I didn't write a blog post to share with you the details of this month's designer series paper promotion so with still another week to go before it ends, here are the details in case you've missed them!

We all love gorgeous Designer Series Paper, me especially, and during the month of October you can enjoy a 15% discount on select papers from our current catalogues. Now is a great time to stock up and save on some of our most popular paper designs! The papers included in the promotion are detailed below:

If you would like to see the ways in which I've used some of the papers in the promotion, simply type the name of the paper in to the search bar on the right and you will see lots of project inspiration. I will also be sharing additional samples over on my Facebook page this week so do give me a like and follow to see more great ideas.

There is no limit as to how much paper you are able to purchase, and the discounted price is also applies where paper is purchased in a starter kit or with Stampin' Rewards. So if you need more paper to get cracking on those Christmas projects, now is the perfect time to stock up! The offer ends on 31st October at 10.50pm BST for online orders, so choose your papers and get shopping - just click on the links below to head on over the online store! 

Buy your discounted papers in the online store by clicking on the links below - don't forget to include this month's hostess code:

ARTISTRY BLOOMS DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	'TIS THE SEASON 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	FOREVER GREENERY DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	POINSETTIA PLACE DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	TRIMMING THE TOWN DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)
PLAID TIDINGS 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	TOILE TIDINGS DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	PEONY GARDEN DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	WHALE OF A TIME DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	HEARTWARMING HUGS DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)
MAGIC IN THIS NIGHT DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	SNOWFLAKE SPLENDOR DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	IN GOOD TASTE DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£17.00)	PLAYING WITH PATTERNS 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	PLAYFUL PETS DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)

It's Thursday and time for a new challenge over at TicTacToe! It's the turn of Team X to host and I am the featured designer this week. I chose lots of autumnal elements for my board: 

I used the same layout on today's card as the one I used for Monday's Christmas card (you can see that card here if you missed it). I went across the first row of the tictactoe board, with Plaid-Pumpkin-Thankful and I embraced those fresh Color Dare colours to make a bright autumnal thank you card - take a look:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

I stamped the pumpkin image from the 'Celebration Tidings' stamp set in Memento Tuxedo Black onto a stitched rectangle and coloured this image with my Stampin' Blends, using a panel of bright Plaid Tidings designer paper for my background and some retired Old Olive ribbon from my box to add in a little more green. I used Mango Melody cardstock for my cardbase and Pumpkin Pie for my mat layer - I love how bright this card looks, compared to if I'd used darker, richer colours. Good news on that Plaid Tidings paper too - it, along with many other designs, is on sale for the whole of the month of October as part of Stampin' Up!'s Designer Series Paper sale - more details to follow on that in another post later!

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

A tictactoe board offers so many creative possibilities - how does this week's board inspire you? Why not have a go? We would love to see you in the gallery and who knows - you might be selected for Designer's Choice and be eligible to be a guest designer on a future challenge. 

Enjoy your day; I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

CELEBRATION TIDINGS PHOTOPOLYMER STAMP SET (ENGLISH) (£16.00)	PLAID TIDINGS 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 CM) DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£9.14)	MANGO MELODY A4 CARDSTOCK (£8.25)	PUMPKIN PIE A4 CARDSTOCK (£8.25)	RECTANGLE STITCHED DIES (£33.00)	WHISPER WHITE A4 CARDSTOCK (£9.00)
TUXEDO BLACK MEMENTO INK PAD (£5.50)	STAMPIN' BLENDS PUMPKIN PIE COMBO PACK (£8.50)	MANGO MELODY STAMPIN' BLENDS COMBO PACK (£8.50)	DAFODILL DELIGHT STAMPIN' BLENDS COMBO PACK (£8.50)	OLD OLIVE STAMPIN' BLENDS COMBO PACK (£8.50)

Are you ready? The biggest stamp sale of the year is coming up on 23 September - that's tomorrow! It’ll only last for 24 hours, so you will need to act fast to grab the goods. It actually starts at 11pm this evening here in the UK. 

For 24 hours from 22 September at 11:00 p.m. to September 23 10:59 p.m. (UK) online, a select number of cling and photopolymer stamp sets from the 2020–2021 Annual Catalogue will be available for purchase at a 15% discount.

Here's a list of all of the stamp sets included in the sale:

If like me, you're more of a visual person, then you may find the following pictoral summary more useful so that you can see 'at a glance' the stamp sets that are included:

If you see something you like, you can either place an order through me, or you can shop directly through my online store. My shop will have a category entitled “Stamp Sale” that displays every stamp set on sale to ensure a quick and easy shopping experience.

The discount applies to individual stamp sets (not bundles) and can also be used in conjunction with a starter kit. Place your order here through my online store or by clicking on the shopping bag icon in the menu on the right hand side - don't forget to include the current hostess code TSEGA7FU for an extra thank you from me. 

I'll be back with more creative projects later in the week but in the meantime this is a 24 hour event only so you have to act fast to benefit from 15% off these amazing sets, so time to go shopping - don't miss out! 

Good morning everyone! I will be back later with a creative post but it's the start of a new month and there's lots happening, so time for an update post first!

Firstly - the clearance rack in the online store has been updated! Bargains are selling out fast but there are some great discounts to be had, especially in terms of kits: the Bird Ballad Laser Cut Cards and Tin is reduced from £17 to £6.80 - add a pack of Bird Ballard Designer Paper which is also reduced to £4.30 and you have the makings of a project in itself for under £12! 

The Lots of Happy All-Inclusive Card Kit is also reduced to just £13.20 - almost £20 off! This kit would make a great gift for a crafty friend - time for a little early Christmas shopping, perhaps?

The second news of the day is that during the month of September there is a great 'Get and Go' joining promotion for anyone wishing to join Stampin' Up! that is totally geared to helping you get your Stampin' Up! business off the ground. In addition to the already great value Starter Kit, new recruits will receive pre-cut paper, stamps, and embellishments to use in their first event. 

In addition to the regular starter kit (for £99, new recruits choose £130 worth of products) new recruits will also receive enough cardstock pieces to make 16 cards, a pack of Rhinestone Basic Jewels, the So Much Love stamp set, and the Queen Anne’s Lace stamp set—all for their first event. 8 packs of pre-cut cardstock in Coastal Cabana will be provided, and 8 packs of pre-cut cardstock in Granny Apple Green, for a total of 16 cards (packs include envelopes). You can choose what samples to replicate and how to distribute your packs to your customers. (Important note: ink, adhesive, cutting tool, and clear block for stamping must be purchased separately, however these products may be included as part of the Starter Kit product selection.) You will also receive instructions on how to recreate the samples shown, access to promotional materials and support from me to hold your first event and get your business off the ground. If this is something that appeals to you, please get in touch - I would love to help you realise your potential! Or simply click on the 'join my team' link on the right hand column on my blog and start your journey today.

The third piece of news today is that the Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine (standard size) is finally here and available at last for you to purchase! This durable machine is easy to use, lightweight and portable yet simple to store - and it can be yours from today! Just click on the link to my online store below to get your hands on one! Here's a short video that shows it in action:

The mini Stampin' Cut and Emboss is still in production having experienced COVID-related manufacturing delays so you will have to wait a little longer to get your hands on this one's little sister; in the meantime, the standard size machine has you covered!

Right, that's a lot of information for one post - I'll be back later with today's creative musings! 

STAMPIN’ CUT & EMBOSS MACHINE (£112.00)

MAGNETIC CUTTING PLATE (£22.00)

BIRD BALLAD LASER-CUT CARDS & TIN (£6.80)

BIRD BALLAD DESIGNER SERIES PAPER (£4.30)

LOTS OF HAPPY CARD KIT (EN) (£13.20)

Good morning everyone! I am playing catch up slightly due to a busy week. I hope you are enjoying your weekends and if you're in the UK are enjoying the return of the sunshine, even if it's windy enough to lose your hat! 

I just wanted to let you know that BONUS DAYS ARE BACK! Do you remember this promotion from last year? It was so successful, Stampin' Up! have decided to repeat it this year. 

For every £45.00 you spend between 1 July and 3 August (before delivery), you’ll get a £4.50 Bonus Days coupon that you can use between 4 and 31 August. Our new annual catalogue has been out for a month now, so I'm sure you will still have long wish lists; this is a great opportunity to shop from it and make savings when you shop again in August with your coupons! 

There are some details in terms of small print that you need to take note of, as follows: 

• Promotion period: 1 July –3 August 2020
• Redemption period: 4–31 August 2020
• An email address is required to participate in this promotion; Bonus Days coupon codes can only be delivered via email.
• If a participant earns multiple codes from a single order, they will receive one e-mail with multiple codes. If they earn multiple codes from multiple orders, they will receive separate e-mails for each code earned.
• It is strongly recommended that you both save emails containing their Bonus Days coupon codes AND write down the coupon codes in a safe place. Codes cannot be resent if the email is lost, and lost codes cannot be recovered.
• Bonus Days coupon codes can be redeemed for any product, excluding Starter Kits.
• There is no limit to the number of coupons you can receive per order or throughout the duration of the promotion.
• There is no limit on the number of coupons you can use on an order during redemption.

With redemption of any coupons earned coinciding with the launch of the new Autumn Winter catalogue too, you will have the perfect excuse to put them to good use! In the meantime, happy shopping!

Today I'm sharing another card for the current challenge over at Fab Friday to use some/all of Stampin' Up!'s new in-colors, as I finally got over my 'use all 5 colours' mental block when I saw the current inspiration over at Time Out:

I saw that frilly cake and cute pinata cake topper and realised that frills would be a great way to use all five colours so I grabbed my fringe scissors and set about creating a rainbow of in-colors just like the frills on that fabulous cake - take a look:

I paired my frills with a simple birthday sentiment, a sprinkling of in-color enamel dots and a co-ordinating Magenta Madness ribbon and bow to complete my quick and colourful birthday card.

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

One final reminder that today is the last day you can take advantage of additional hostess rewards on orders over £200 or this month's great joining offer - if you need a reminder you can find the full details here. 

That's all from me today - lots to do! Enjoy your day and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

2020–2022 IN COLOR ENAMEL DOTS (£7.50)	2020–2022 IN COLOR A4 CARDSTOCK (£8.25)	WHISPER WHITE A4 THICK CARDSTOCK (£7.75)	MISTY MOONLIGHT CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD (£7.00)	MAGENTA MADNESS 2020–2022 IN COLOR RIBBON (£5.50)
ITTY BITTY BIRTHDAYS CLING STAMP SET (£21.00)

The wait is over - it's June 3rd and the new 2020-21 Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue is here! I will be updating my links on the right hand side of my blog and you will find a permanent link to the new catalogue there, but for today you need look no further than the picture below which will take you straight to the new catalogue:

The new catalogue is fantastic, with so many great new products to choose from. I've sent paper copies to everyone who has shopped with me in the last 12 months; a digital copy of the new catalogue can be accessed via the image above and it will be permanently linked via my blog on the right hand side if you don’t have a paper copy and wish to browse. If you have your paper copy and just want to go straight to the shop to place your order, click here - ordering systems have now fully transitioned from the old stock items to the new so you are good to go! Also, remember to add the current hostess code for June NSKDEXBA if your order is less than £150 and ensure your preferences are set to 'contactable' to receive a thank you in the post from me.

Here's a quick video that Stampin' Up! have produced given a quick catalogue walk through of some of the highlights to wet your appetite:

 There are a number of items that are already on backorder and the main things that feature in the new catalogue that are not available on launch are the new die cutting machines - I will let you know as soon as these are going to be available to purchase. Most items are ready and waiting to be bought though!

As mentioned previously, this year's catalogue launch is online over on my Facebook Page. This is a great opportunity for you to see some of the products, take advantage of my BOGOF sale of retired stamp sets, and have some fun even if you don't live in or around Northampton! Click here to browse the BOGOF list.

There are also a couple of promotions that go live today to coincide with the launch of the new catalogue:

The first is the hostess promotion that I talked about in this post. As a reminder, you can earn an additional £20 of hostess rewards when you have party sales of £200 or more throughout the month of June: 

Just because we are socially distancing, doesn't mean we can't get together. if you would like to organise a virtual party with me, just let me know - numbers are unlimited and it can be a great way to connect with friends far and wide for a session of crafty fun! 

If your wishlist is long, you might also want to consider a cracking good join promotion that is running through the month of June too: 

 I will write more about this another time, but the deal is simple: for £99 receive £130 of products of your choice and in addition any stamp/tool bundle FREE. Yes, any of the stamp/punch bundles on p.168-169 or stamp/die bundles p.173-179 in the new catalogue - so potentially another £55 of free product - what a great deal! As always, you can always find the link to join my team on the right hand side of my blog page; alternatively it's right here if you fancy jumping right in!

I also have a number of classes lined up in coming months featuring products from the new catalogue - the first of which are detailed below:

• 15th June - Blossoms in Bloom
• 6th July - Lovely You Bundle
• 27th July - Arrange A Wreath Bundle

Full details for these classes can be found on my Facebook Events Page  or alternatively under the 'Events/classes' tab on my website.

That's a lot of information for one post; if I were you I would put the kettle on, put your feet up and get comfy and settle down with your new catalogue for a browse and start creating that all-important wish list!

Back tomorrow with a new project; until then, happy shopping!

The brand new 2020–2021 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue is going live on 3 June 2020, and Stampin’ Up! is having a celebration!

Anyone who places an order of £200+ or holds a party with £200+ in sales during the month of June will receive £20 in extra Stampin’ Rewards!!  So that means that you’ll earn £44 at least in Stampin’ Rewards with any order or party of £200+ that is submitted between June 3 and June 30! Yay!!

Here are the details:

• Customer, workshop and online order types all qualify for this promotion.
• Starter Kit orders do not qualify for this promotion.  But you CAN use your host cash toward the purchase of your Starter Kit, ask me for details!
• The qualifying amount must be reached with merchandise prior to shipping and tax.
• The £20 additional Stampin’ Rewards for this promotion will only be awarded once per order/party.
• Order Deadline:  June 30, 2020; 10:50 PM (BST)

Here is a flyer with the details:

Want to host a catalogue party?

Just because we are still social distancing, doesn't mean you can't still host a Stampin' up! party! If you would like to gather virtually with some friends, I can set up a host code for you and you can have your stamping friends place orders with your host code online.  If your party reaches £250 in sales, you’ll get that extra £25 in host cash when we close out your party! If you’re interested, ask me for details!

Do You Need A Copy Of The New 2020-2021 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue?

If you have placed an order with me in the last 6 months, then your catalogue is on its way to you, if you haven't received it already. If you are not a current customer of mine but would like to be and you live in the UK, email your address to me at [email protected] and I’ll get your copy of the new 2020-2021 Stampin’ Up! catalogue in the mail ASAP!

Join In The Fun!

I am having my own kickoff celebration this week to celebrate the launch of the new annual catalogue over on my Facebook Page. If you are a UK customer and don't already have a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like to join us, please click here to join in the fun! There is a 'Buy one, get one free' BOGOF sale of retired product happening, along with lots of info, fun, shares, quizzes and giveaways - you'd be mad to miss it!

Let me know if you have any questions.  Back soon with another project; until then, have fun making your shopping list!

The new Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue goes live next Wednesday so it's time to announce my new Product Shares!

You know that feeling - you want it all, but your budget just doesn't stretch that far? Well shares are the perfect answer! You get a little bit of everything, without having to purchase a full pack. A share can also act as a 'try before you buy' - you get to see papers, ribbons, buttons and accessories 'up close and personal' before deciding which ones you like the most and would like to purchase as a full pack.

Shares work really easily: you decide which shares and how many you would like to take part in. You place your order by emailing me at [email protected] and I will invoice you and arrange payment. Once the closing date for the first round of shares is reached, I collate the orders, place an order with Stampin' Up! for the product, then once I receive it, I package the papers and send them out to you. Simple!

So much to choose from! I am currently focusing on paper shares and have two different shares on offer:

New Annual Catalogue Designer Series Paper Share - all sheets measure 6" x 6" - £31 plus £3 P&P

• Artistry Blooms – 6
• Flowers For Every Season – 12
• Forever Greenery – 6
• In Good Taste – 12
• Ornate Garden Specialty – 6
• Peony Garden – 6
• Playing With Patterns – 12
• Playful Pets – 6
• Whale Of A Time – 12
• World Of Good Specialty – 6

In all you'll receive 84  6"x 6" sheets of Designer Series Paper!

New Colour Family Paper Share - all sheets measure 6" x 6" - £21.50 plus £3 P&P

• Brights – 20
• Neutrals – 20
• Regals – 20
• Subtles – 20 

In this share you will receive a total of 80 sheets of paper. 

Want It All? £55 - and you'll get shares of all the new Designer Series Papers and the new colour family Designer Series Paper Stacks, and that includes postage & packaging! If you choose this option, I will also include a sample of the new Rainbow Glimmer Paper for FREE!

If you would like double or more shares of any particular thing, then that's fine too. I will cut your paper shares into 6" x 12" sheets where possible to give you more crafting flexibility (for the DSP stacks you will simply get double the number of sheets since they are already pre-cut to 6" x 6").

All postage & packaging quoted is for UK only - if you would like a cost for shipping to Europe, then please email me for a separate quotation.

The deadline to sign up to the first round of shares is Tuesday 2nd June at 8pm GMT. 

If you live local to me and would like to save on postage and packaging costs, please email me with your requirements and I will happily place your order, to be ready for doorstep collection on delivery. If you have any questions, just email me at [email protected] or give me a call!