A bright and cheery post for you today! The weather here in the UK has been less than favourable in recent weeks, with torrential rain, winds and severe flooding in some areas. Whilst I'm not a fan of this time of year myself, I feel thankful that we haven't been impacted by the weather as much as some people. Whilst I know today's card won't fix the country's weather problems, if you're in a part of the country that's struggling I hope at least it raises a smile. The theme over at 'Less is More' this week is 'rainbows' and that's where I took the inspiration from for today's card:

This is certainly a 'less is more' card for me; I created a rainbow using a selection of Brights cardstock using my circles framelits, and stamped my 'See ya later' sale-a-bration stamp onto a cloud that I actually cut out freehand using my Word Bubble framelits as a guide (I needed my cloud to be larger than the framelit size to accommodate the sentiment). I wanted my rainbow to 'disappear' into the cloud so made my rainbow extend beyond a semi-circle.

I think this card has a real feel-good factor about it - rainbows have that effect on you, don't you think? If you'd like more multi-coloured inspiration, pop on over to Less is More and take a look at the other entries - it's also their 3rd birthday this week, so happy birthday wishes to Chrissie, Jen and Mandi and congratulations on such an inspiring blog.

I'm off on a Thai cookery course tonight - I've done a couple of these themed cookery evenings before and they're such fun. Lots of cooking in the kitchen, then you get to sit down and eat the delicious output, without having to do the washing up!!

Back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Word Bubbles Framelits Dies	Circles Collection Framelits Dies
Real Red A4 Card Stock	Pumpkin Pie A4 Card Stock	Daffodil Delight A4 Card Stock	Pacific Point A4 Card Stock	Gumball Green A4 Card Stock
Elegant Eggplant A4 Card Stock	Many Marvelous Markers	Card Stock A4 Soft Sky	See Ya Later Wood-Mount Stamp Set

A quick early post from me today as I'm out for my second class of the week this evening. Today's card is for this week's challenge over at The Paper Players, where the lovely Ann-Marie has chosen a 'sweet treat' theme:

When I saw the theme of the challenge, I knew immediately what I was going to create - don't you just love it when that happens?! Here's my card:

Quite a simple exterior with a border cut from the Fresh prints paper stack, the addition of a nice fat chocolate heart and one of those lovely Just Sayin' speech bubbles - here's a close up:

But the real fun element to this card is that she is mounted on a window sheet. Why? Well, because this way you get to see her behind (literally!!) - this is the inside reverse of the first image above:

How cute is that?!!! It seemed such a shame to lose the reverse by sticking it straight onto cardstock - these are such fun kits and it's so great that the 'Whole Lot of Love' promotion has now been extended right through to Valentine's Day, so these cute little gals (and guys!) are still available to purchase.

Hop on over to The Paper Players to see what everyone else has created this week - there are some great cards and 3D projects to see. I've also linked up to the monthly challenge over at Catherine and Cathy Create, where the theme is 'hearts a flutter' and love.

Right, I'm off to class! Back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Monster Hugs Girl	Just Sayin' Clear-Mount Bundle	Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack	Medium Window Sheets	Mini Glue Dots
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Card Stock A4 Crisp Cantaloupe	Card Stock A4 Coastal Cabana
Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad

Good evening lovely blog readers! A super weekend has been had by all in the James household: lots of swimming and crafting in preparation for this week's classes featuring the lovely Sale-A-Bration goodies. Today's card is one I made earlier in the week using the sketch challenge at Pals Paper Arts this week - here's the sketch:

Whilst I followed the layout of the sketch, I changed out blocks 2 and 4 for heart shapes which I cut with my hearts Framelits - take a look at my card and you'll see what I mean:

I kept my card quite simple and took my colour inspiration from the sheet of paper I used from the new Fresh Prints DSP stack in the Spring-Summer seasonal catalogue. This is a lovely paper stack which predominantly features Real Red, Whisper White, Coastal Cabana and Crumb Cake, but there are a few patterns that include pink too, such as the one I've used here. The sentiment is from the 'Yippee-Skippee!' stamp set and could have several uses: I've used it in the context of a loved one for a Valentine's/anniversary card, but I think it would be great on a baby card to welcome the arrival of twins too. I can also see me using it on a scrapbook page featuring my Junior James' - they are a formidable pair when they get together! Lastly, I embossed the central panel with the SAB decorative dots folder to echo the pattern of the background paper.

I hope you like today's card - if the above sketch layout appeals to you, do pop over to the Pals Paper Arts blog to see what the design team did with the sketch. I have the first of this week's classes tomorrow, but do pop back here for another project - all being well I might even have another video edited for you!

Until then, happy stamping!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Fresh Prints Designer Series Paper Stack	Primrose Petals A4 Card Stock	Real Red A4 Card Stock	Card Stock A4 Coastal Cabana	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
Hearts Collection Framelits Dies	Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform	Yippee-Skippee!	Decorative Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Well it's the weekend and in our house that can only mean one thing - even more Lego on the living room floor than during the week! This morning we even paid a visit to the Lego store to spend some of the money that James' juniors received at Christmas, so we've further added to the total brick count. I would share a picture of the living room floor, but to be honest I'm embarrassed at the state of it; at least I'm out at team training all day tomorrow, so I can pretend it's neat and tidy whilst I'm gone :-)

Anyway, today's card is my entry for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge. This week it's a sketch by the very talented Margaret Moody:

This is something of a classic sketch, as it's a layout that can be used for all kinds of occasions. I decided I was in need of a bright card today, so went with this bold and cheerful birthday card:

I let the bold and bright 'Birthday Basics' DSP pattern take centre stage with its colourful party hats. Instead of leaving my vertical band straight, I decided to echo the scallop trim seen on some of the hats and create a layered strip that I cut with the Large Scallop Edgelit - it reminded me of party streamers too (I know, I have a vivid imagination!) I finished off with a sentiment from the 'Label Love' set stamped in Raspberry Ripple and punched with the Artisan Label Punch, then layered on another two pieces of punched cardstock in co-ordinating colours.

I really like this card, as it's as versatile as the layout and would suit either a boy or a girl. Don't forget to check out how the design team over at the Pals interpreted this week's sketch for lots more card making inspiration.

Back tomorrow with all the latest news from training and a picture of my swaps. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Label Love	Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper	Raspberry Ripple A4 Card Stock	Summer Starfruit A4 Card Stock	Card Stock A4 Bermuda Bay
Large Scallop Edgelits Die	Artisan Label Punch	Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform	Raspberry Ripple Classic Stampin' Pad

A quick post from me today! With all the coughs and colds that are ever-present in our house at the moment, I thought I would take the opportunity today to create a get well soon card. Here is my card:

I used my Stampin' Write Markers to ink up the flowers on my 'Wildflower Meadow' stamp, leaving out the dots and replacing the bird with the sentiment. I then simply embossed the coloured image and mounted using the Coastal Cabana blue as my accent colour. I took the colours from this week's challenge over at 'The Paper Players' as the inspiration for my card:

I actually found it tricky to work with four different colours and did break the 'blue and green should never be seen without a colour in between' rule with this one, but I like it!

Back tomorrow with a one layer card: until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Wildflower Meadow	Wildflower Meadow Textured Impressions Embossing Folder	Card Stock A4 Coastal Cabana	Card Stock A4 Pear Pizzazz
Pear Pizzazz Stampin' Write Marker	Regals Stampin' Write Markers	2013-2015 In Color Stampin' Write Markers	2012-2014 In Color Stampin' Write Markers	Delightful Dozen - Clear-Mount Stamp
Big Shot Die-Cut Machine

Today I am sticking with the 'love' theme, but no Flowerfull Heart today. I'm taking my colour scheme from the challenge palette over at Create with Connie and Mary this week, which requires a card made with the following colours:

I thought this was a great modern colour combination so decided to create a card with one of my other favourite products, the 'love' from the Expressions Thinlits Dies. Here's my card: 

I used the negative space from the thinlit cut out, rather than the word 'love' itself (don't worry, I didn't bin it - if you keep your eye out you'll see it appear on another card someday soon). I've done this before and like this effect almost as mush as the delicate cut out words that you get with these dies. I then contrasted the black top layer with the Strawberry Slush heart which I stamped in black with the word 'you' from the stamp I used on yesterday's card from the 'Follow My Heart' stamp set. Not necessarily the most romantic of colour combinations perhaps, but I think this card would definitely appeal to a trendy teenager. Don't forget, the Expressions Thinlits Dies feature in the Autumn-Winter seasonal catalogue and will only be available to order until the 1st February, so if they're still on your wishlist, don't leave it too late to order them; just click on the product link in the table below and hop on over to my online store.

So, my voice is still absent - the rest of the James household is loving it! It's good preparation for the children's return to school tomorrow, the first few days back always seem really quiet. Don't forget to hop on over to see what the designers at Create With Connie and Mary came up with in response to this week's colour challenge.

Back tomorrow with another card; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Expressions Thinlits Dies	Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform	Hearts Collection Framelits Dies	Follow My Heart Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Basic Black A4 Card Stock	Card Stock A4 Strawberry Slush	Card Stock A4 Bermuda Bay	Brights Designer Series Paper Stack

Today has been a fun day, with my first class of the year. A fun - if quiet! - time was had by all, with all my ladies being very accommodating of my continued voiceless state. I'll share more on our class makes later in the week, but today I'm sharing a card that I am entering for this week's Pals Paper Arts challenge, PPA186, which is to use the following colours:

With this in mind, I inked up my Flowerfull Heart stamp again but this time made a slider card - take a look:

I stamped the heart in Versamark and heat embossed with gold embossing powder, then layered the heart on another one made from gold foil. When the ribbon end is pulled, it reveals the message inside:

The inside of the slider card is stamped with my favourite stamp from the 'Follow My Heart' set on the lower inside panel, and the valentine stamp from the 'Delightful Dozen' on the extending top section (I replaced the stamped heart with a gold foil one). I think this would make a lovely masculine valentine's card; the gold foil and embossing adds a real luxurious feel.

I will be sharing a video tutorial on how to make this card as soon as my voice returns, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, check out the inspiration from the designers and participants over at Pals Paper Arts here.

Back tomorrow with another card; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Flowerfull Heart Wood-Mount Stamp	Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform	Hearts Collection Framelits Dies	Follow My Heart Clear-Mount Stamp Set
Delightful Dozen - Clear-Mount Stamp	Island Indigo A4 Card Stock	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Gold Foil Sheets	Island Indigo Classic Stampin' Pad
Versamark Pad	Gold Stampin' Emboss Powder	Heat Tool - Uk Plug	Small Heart Punch

Today I'm sharing another card using my current 'stamp of the moment', the Flowerfull Heart, but this time on a non-romantic card that could be used for a birthday or just to send someone 'happy post'. I've also got a sneak peek of some new product that will be available at the end of the month as part of this year's Sale-A-Bration promotion. Excited? Well, let's take a look! Here's my card:

Aren't those Spring colours so fresh, after the darker winter colours that we've been using so much of in recent months? The base of my card is Crisp Cantaloupe, one of the feature colours of the Designer Series Paper that I've used, which is one of the products that will be available during Sale-A-Bration this year. I used Sahara Sand for my flag, which I embellished with an In-Colour Boutique Detail and some Calypso Coral baker's twine, but the star of the show is once again the Flowerfull Heart. Sale-A-Bration is always a great time to earn additional products and benefits, and is one of the best times of the year to host a party. I am already taking booking for parties during the Sale-A-Bration period, which runs from 28th January - 31st march 2014, so if you'd like to get in on the action, call me on 07773 421446 or email me [email protected] to arrange a party today.

A busy day for me tomorrow, with the first of this month's classes. Likely to be something of a challenge, as I have been completely without voice for the last 2 days, nothing more than a faint whisper. I'll let you know how it goes - I think I might have to take a whistle!

Back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Flowerfull Heart Wood-Mount Stamp	Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform	Hearts Collection Framelits Dies	Card Stock A4 Crisp Cantaloupe
Crisp Cantaloupe Classic Stampin' Pad	Whisper White A4 Card Stock	In Color Boutique Details	Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	Sahara Sand A4 Card Stock
Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad	A Dozen Thoughts

I've another busy day today, so a quick post from me with another 5" square card made using the Flowerfull Heart stamp. This time paired with Strawberry Slush Core'dinations cardstock. So here is today's card:

This card has a lovely textured surface and can be sanded to reveal a monochromatic inside layer which can add real interest to a card. I also like the effect you get when you stamp on it as a result of the textured surface. I edged my heart in Strawberry Slush Ruffle Stretch Trim, which gives this card a rather feminine look. I must confess this card is a little pink and frilly for my taste, but as anticipated, when my daughter looked through my recent samples she declared this card her out and out favourite. Knowing her as I do, there are only two things that could be added to improve further: glitter and sequins!! Maybe not this time, but perhaps that should be my starting point for another card ...

Hoping for a quieter day tomorrow that will allow some time for crafting. Either way my blog post is prepared so I will have something lovely to share with you. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Flowerfull Heart Wood-Mount Stamp	Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform	Hearts Collection Framelits Dies	Raspberry Ripple A4 Card Stock
Strawberry Slush Classic Stampin' Pad	Card Stock A4 Strawberry Slush	Strawberry Slush 3/8" Ruffle Stretch Trim	2013-2015 In Color Core'dinations

Good day, blog readers! I am sounding cheerier than I am feeling today; having got through Christmas without so much as a sniffle, I'm paying for it now. Since New Year's Eve I have been battling the worst cold I've had in ages - typical. Anyways, not to be deterred, today I have a special announcement - I have a new love in my life! I know you often here me say I love new products, but I an honestly say that I've never had as much fun with a single stamp as I'm having with the 'Flowerfull Heart' stamp that's available as part of the 'Whole Lot of Love' promotion. Along with the other items in this promotion, this stamp is only available until the end of January, but I can assure you I'll be sharing lots of ideas using this stamp this month.

Whilst this stamp is heart-shaped, the flower design means this stamp lends itself to a wide variety of cards, and not all valentine-related. All that said, for my first card I decided upon a classically elegant anniversary card:

I went with the classic colours of Very Vanilla and Cherry Cobbler and stamped both the image and sentiment in Versamark and heat embossed in Cherry Cobbler embossing powder. You can just see the texture in the photo, but you can't really appreciate the glossy finish which looks beautiful in real life. the other thing I love about this stamp is that it fits inside one of the Hearts Framelits perfectly, so makes cutting out a cinch.

This card is very 'me' and true to my style; I'll be back to share another card I made with this stamp tomorrow. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Flowerfull Heart Wood-Mount Stamp	Cherry Cobbler A4 Card Stock	Very Vanilla A4 Card Stock	Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Emboss Powder	Embossing Buddy
Versamark Pad	Express Yourself	Heat Tool - Uk Plug	Big Shot Die-Cut Machine	Magnetic Platform
Hearts Collection Framelits Dies