Thank You Petal Parade Class Card

by Joanne James8. February 2014 19:56

Yay - it's the weekend! We don't have any special plans this weekend, but sometimes that's a nice way to be. Homework, swimming lessons enough of a dry spell to get outside and shoot some hoops this afternoon and some time spent doing jigsaw puzzles - what could be nicer? Today I'm sharing another of the cards we made at this week's card class, featuring the items that can be yours free with a £45 spend. This card uses my favourite of the Sale-A-Bration stamp sets, Petal Parade - here is my card:

This card is a CASE of this one made by the talented Mary Brown; I loved this card when I saw it - the layering and the fussy-cut flowers really make it something special. In addition to which, it features three great Sale-A-Bration items (Petal Parade, Decorative Dots TIEF and some of the lovely baker's twine from the Sweet Sorbet accessory set) and one of my new favourites from the Spring-Summer catalogue - the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch. For my version of this card I wanted to use different colours and a pop of colour on my sentiment banner and offset my tag at a more jaunty angle. I hope you like it!

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

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

 

 

 

You Make Me Happy Sale-A-Bration Class Card

by Joanne James7. February 2014 21:05

Well, that was a week! One of my busiest and I sure am glad it's the weekend. Tonight I thought I would share with you one of the cards we made at my classes this week. All the cards we made featured Sale-A-Bration products that could be yours free with an order of £45 or more. Today's card is another featuring the 'You Make Me Happy' stamp from the 'See Ya Later' stamp set:

We stamped the sentiment onto the centre of our 'sun', which we constructed from layered circles and either triangles created with the new triangle punch or banner pieces using the banner punch (my sample shows triangles). I cut a tiny cloud out of an offcut of silver foil and added it to the front on a dimensional to add interest, and added a strip of This and That washi tape below the embossed panel just to bring a little colour and create definition.

If you would like to be the proud owner of this stamp set, then pop on over to my online store via the product links below to place your order. If you live local to me in Northampton and the surrounding area, why not come to one of my monthly card classes or my weekend project classes? My full class schedule can be found here; you don't need to have any previous knowledge or experience, we are a friendly bunch and all are welcome. Do give me a call if you'd like to know more.

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

 

Stampin' Up! Products Used:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

You Make Me Happy Rainbow

by Joanne James6. February 2014 12:18

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:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

 

Sweet Sorbet Retrosketches #99

by Joanne James31. January 2014 23:00

A quick post from me today using more of the Sale-A-Bration goodies that you can receive with each £45 spend. Today I've made a couple of cards featuring the Sweet Sorbet paper and highlighting some of the lovely items in the Sweet Sorbet accessory pack. The pack contains some handy self-adhesive cork embellishments and some super-chunky baker's twine - here's the first of my cards:

I used a simple panel of DSP on a square layered Pool Party base, with a semi-circle cut out around a cork flower, attached above three pieces of co-ordinating chunky baker's twine. I then simply stamped 'thanks' and outlined my DSP with my white gel pen. For my second card I used the same colourway on a rectangular base and cut a larger semi-circle out of the DSP to accommodate a larger flower which is actually pre-painted white, but as you can see from the photo can be coloured - I coloured mine in Crisp Cantaloupe and Calypso Coral using Stampin' Write markers and added a Pool Party Candy Dot:

 

These cork flowers are a fun embellishment for something a little different, with lots of creative possibilities especially if you colour them. I'm linking the first of today's cards up to this week's Retrosketches card challenge - I used this sketch as the inspiration for both of my cards.

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

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

 

 

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Cards | Stamping

Just Sayin' CCMC Spring 2014 Sketch Challenge

by Joanne James31. January 2014 08:55

Another early post from me today - I must be organised, or at least more organised than usual! Today's card uses the sketch over at Create with Connie and Mary for the 2014 Spring Collection Challenge. Here is the sketch:

Having enjoyed the 'reveal' aspect of the hidden message tag card I made for the Paper Players yesterday, I thought I would do something similar with this card - the cut-away and the scalloped edge layer seemed to be calling for a pull-out. So here is my card:

This is the first time I've used the new Retro Fresh Designer Series paper and I love it - the colours are, well retro and fresh!! I made the pattern a feature of my card and embellished with another of the Just Sayin' word bubbles, this time layered and mounted on a base cut with the co-ordinating Word Bubbles framelits - don't you just love a matching framelit?! (and you save 15% if you buy them together) I also created a joining piece from the new Retro Fresh washi tape which I stuck on some Very Vanilla cardstock (I love how the little arrows draw your eye to the speech bubble).

I chose to make a pocket from the top layer so that the scalloped edge section could be pulled out to reveal another of the 'See Ya Later' Sale-A-Bration stamps, that I coloured with my Tangerine Tango, Coastal Cabana and Baked Brown Sugar Stampin' Write markers:

I made this card for a friend of mine who is celebrating a 'significant birthday' this week; I'll spare her modesty by not revealing her age, but let's just say the sentiment on this card just seemed very appropriate! I'm also going to link this card up with Create With Connie and Mary's colour challenge this week, which I didn't see until after I made my card but is featuring the colour palette that I've used this week:

I am loving these colours - might have to try and do another card or two now I've opened that new paper pack!

EDIT: By popular request, here are the dimensions for the above card:

  • Tangerine Tango Card Base: 14.9cm x 18.5cm (scored at 8cm)
  • Retro Fresh DSP: 10cm x 8cm
  • Extra Tangerine Tango Bottom Front Section: 4.9cm x 8cm
  • Attach the DSP to the bottom orange front section using the Retro Fresh washi tape
  • Attach this panel front to the front card base on 3 sides only with Tombo (the section measuring 8cm x 14.9cm as opposed to the larger section measuring 10.5cm x 14.9cm) - this creates the pocket
  • Very Vanilla Insert: 12.5cm x 8cm, edged with the Large Scallop Edgelit
  • Adhere a strip of Coastal Cabana cardstock measuring 3cm x 14.9cm to the inside edge of the back panel of the card base

I'm off to watch Rebecca play in a netball match this afternoon - pray for fine weather for me, or at least that the match gets moved onto the indoor court! Back tomorrow with another project; until then, happy stampin'! 

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

 

 

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Cards | Stamping

See Ya Later Alligator PP180

by Joanne James29. January 2014 22:26

Today I'm sharing my entry to this week's Paper Players challenge, which has this great sketch by Ann Schach as the starting point:

I love the idea of the 'hidden message' tag on the front of this card. I got out some Sale-A-Bration goodies and another new stamp from the Spring-Summer catalogue and this is the card that I came up with: 

This is the outside of my card, using the alligator stamp from the 'See Ya Later' stamp set - free with a £45 spend during Sale-A-Bration. I chose the bold in-colours of Gumball Green and Raspberry Ripple for my card and I partially inked my stamp using Stampin' Write markers, as I didn't want to include the bottom bit of the sentiment - and this is the reason why:

I made a pull-out tag with the new Scalloped Top Tag Punch and stamped it with one of the Just Sayin' word bubble stamps - how cute is that?! Here's another photo of it sticking out of the card at a jaunty angle (not so sure about this now, but seemed like a good idea at the time!!):

 Some ribbon to pull the tag and a few hearts punched out using my trusty owl punch complete this card. I like this idea a lot and am sure I will be using this layout again. If you like it too, pop on over to the Paper Players page and check out this week's Design Team inspiration; there's some great work there and I particularly love Ann's card - the detail is amazing!

I'm off to get on with the big basket of ironing that I've been putting off for too many days now; still, I'm meeting up with some of my Stampin' Up! team this afternoon, so that is definitely something nice to look forward to.

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

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

 

 

New Product - Texture Boutique Embossing Machine

by Joanne James29. January 2014 20:04

Just a quick post from me to let you know about another new product that is now available - the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine!

I uploaded the flyer to the bar on the right hand side of my blog yesterday, but just wanted to bring it to your attention as it's such a cool gadget if you're into embossing but don't necessarily have the budget or require the additional functionality of a Big Shot.

This machine is embossing made easy! Manufactured by Sissix, the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine works with Stampin' Up!'s range of embossing folders to transform ordinary cardstock, paper, metallic foil or vellum into a textured masterpiece. Here's a short video that shows you how it works:

 

There are some great new embossing folders in the new Spring-Summer catalogue that would pair up nicely with this machine:

  • Ampersand Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
  • Scallops Textured Impressions Embossing Folder
  • Arrows Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

You can find more details on each of the above if you click on the product links below. If embossing is your thing, if you order the Texture Boutique Embossing Machine and all three of the new folders, you order will come to £49.45 and you will qualify for a FREE Sale-A-Bration gift - and the Decorative Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder would be the perfect choice! Just click on the links to go to my online store to purchase.

Back shortly with today's creative post; happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

 

 

 

 

It's Here - Time to Sale-A-Brate!

by Joanne James28. January 2014 11:50

Yes it's arrived - Sale-A-Bration, the best time of the Stampin' Up! year begins today!

Sale--Bration runs from today, 28th January until 31 March 2014 and there is so much to celebrate - you can read all about it by clicking on the brochure in the side bar of my blog, but the key things to know are:

FREE GIFTS: For every £45 you spend during Sale-A-Bration, you get a free exclusive Sale-A-Bration gift - and there are 13 to choose from!

MORE FREE GIFTS: Get £25 more to spend on any Stampin' Up! products with a qualifying party*

EVEN MORE FREE GIFTS: If you decide to join Stampin' Up! during Sale-A-Bration, you can choose £150 worth of products for only £99 (instead of the usual £130). All this in addition to a 20% discount on future product purchases, the ability to order new items in advance of everyone else, along with the wider benefits that joining a company such as Stampin' Up! has to offer. Also, if you join my growing team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators, you will receive additional benefits, including a FREE copy of my Product Table Builder software to help you make the most of your online sales opportunities - this is an exclusive benefit to those who sign up to be a part of my team (worth £35). My team is a mix of those who are hobby demonstrators and those who use Stampin' Up! as a business to earn them additional income and are a great bunch - everyone is welcome and I would love you to join us.

The best way to see these products is to attend my February classes, which will feature Sale-A-Bration products, or give me a call on 07773 421446 and arrange to host your very own Stampin' Up! party. To whet your appetite, I made a short video showcasing lots of the Sale-A-Bration products - they look even better close up than in the brochure, so why not click on the link below and take a look:

 

I hope that got you all excited - don't forget, please get in touch via [email protected] or call me on 07773 421446 if you would like to get your hands on some yourself or click on the links below to hop on over to my online shop! 

Today also sees the launch of the Spring-Summer catalogue, featuring some lovely new products - please check out today's other post for more information on my favourite things!

Lots going on today so back soon with more creative delights; until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration Products available free with a £45 spend:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

 

*An extra £25 of hostess credits will be earned for all qualifying party sales of £250 or more.

 

You Are My Sunshine!

by Joanne James26. January 2014 20:50

Today's card uses a stamp from another of the forthcoming Sale-A-Bration stamp sets called 'See Ya Later': a collection of 4 stamps each featuring a fun phrase. Today's card seems quite appropriate given the weather that we've been having in the UK this weekend; here's my card:

My layout was inspired by the sketch over at CAS Colours & Sketches this week:

I embossed the Smoky Slate panel with the Cloudy Day embossing folder - this item is retired, but is still currently available on the clearance rack if you'd like to snap up a bargain - it just fits with the sentiment of this stamp. I stamped the sentiment in Versamark and embossed with black embossing powder so that it would stand out on the finished card.  The real star of this card though is the bright sunburst coming out from behind the clouds, which just lifts the subtle grey and Soft Sky blue to another level.

I'm also linking today's card up with CAS-ual Fridays, where the challenge is to use blocks of colour in your design.

With the rain and the almighty storm with thunder and lightening yesterday afternoon, this card is sure to brighten your day!

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

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

 

 

 

Another Sale-A-Bration Sneak Peek - You're Lovely

by Joanne James25. January 2014 20:28

Hurray it's the weekend! Don't we all feel a little like that sometimes? We have a weekend of normality in the James household and that's fine by me - I even managed to squeeze in a few hours in my craft room this afternoon, so I'm certainly not complaining! Today I have another Sale-A-Bration sneak-peek for you - this time a stamp from a set called 'Hello Lovely'. I used this week's sketch over at Mojo Monday for the layout for my card - here is the sketch:

And here is the card I created:

I took the colours for my card from the Afternoon Picnic DSP, although I used Smokey Slate as opposed to Basic Grey as I didn't want the grey to overshadow the other colours. The main stamp is shaped and sized perfectly to fit the Deco labels framelits. I cut out my stamped image using the framelits but mounted on two circles in Crushed Curry and Pear Pizzazz to emphasize the central circle shape that is the focal point of the sketch.

Wondering where I got the embossing folder that I used to emboss the grey section beneath the main banner? It's actually the Stylish Stripes TIEF, that I ran through the Big Shot then turned my piece of cardstock through 90 degrees and embossed it again to give me a criss-cross pattern, echoing the background detail of the DSP and the lattice on the stamp itself.

I'll be sharing more cards using this stamp set in coming weeks; meanwhile, only four more days until Sale-A-Bration goes live and you too will be able to get this and many other exciting sets free when you spend £45.

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

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

 
Table built using Stampin' Up! Product Table Builder from The Crafty Owl.

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About Me

Hi I'm Joanne and live in Northampton and when I'm not looking after my husband and two beautiful children, am an avid crafter with a passion for all things Stampin' Up!

I must confess that I have never been a big rubber stamper - until I discovered Stampin' Up! that is. I love the fact that I can get such great results with co-ordinating stamps, inks, papers and punches - the possibilities are endless! Join me on my stamping journey as I share the things I love and be inspired to create amazing things yourself!

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This is my personal blog and is not endorsed by Stampin’ Up! I hope you find it a plentiful source of ideas and personal inspiration but please don't copy my designs for contest submission or use for classes, publication or sale without express permission.