Have Yourself a Merry Christmas - Spots

by Joanne James12. October 2013 20:27

It's the weekend and today I have the last of the cards from this week's class to share with you. This time another Merry Little Christmas, but with spots instead of stripes:

 

This time I used two of the stamps in the Merry Little Christmas set, and stamped the 'Merry' part of the main stamp again in Gumball Green and cut out with paper snips into a little banner to add some dimension. I also embossed the background piece of Cherry Cobbler with the Stylish Stripes embossing folder to add texture. Another simple yet effective design.

All the ladies at this month's classes were very pleased with their makes and we are already looking forward to next month when we will be adding to our Christmas card collection. If you would like to join us, please contact me for more details.

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

 

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

 Stylish Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing FolderBig Shot Die-Cut Machine - by Stampin' Up!Season Of Style Designer Series Paper StackGumball Green Classic Stampin' PadStamp-A-Ma-Jig - by Stampin' Up!

Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad

Bermuda Bay Festive Flurry Card

by Joanne James11. October 2013 19:53

Today I'm sharing another of this week's class cards using the Festive Flurry stamp set and framelits bundle. Another simple layout featuring the Winter Frost paper stack. Here's the card we made:

This time we layered the snowflakes and overstamped on the top one (the snowflake was stamped in Smoky Slate, having been stamped off once first onto scrap paper to give a softer background). Bermuda Bay cardstock adds a real striking background and gives this colourway quite a modern feel. Some silver Dazzling Details on the tips of the snowflake adds a little finishing sparkle.

We used both of the seasonal colourways in our class, and I'm really undecided as to which one I prefer most. Which one do you like the most?

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

 

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Festive Flurry Clear-Mount BundleWinter Frost Designer Series Paper StackBermuda Bay Classic Stampin' PadMagnetic PlatformBig Shot Die-Cut Machine - by Stampin' Up!Christmas Messages Clear-mount Stamp Set

Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' PadSilver Sparkle Dazzling Details

 

Have Yourself a Merry Christmas - Stripes

by Joanne James10. October 2013 20:29

Today I'm sharing another of this week's class Christmas cards. This one uses the 'Merry Little Christmas' stamp and some of the papers in the Season of Style paper stack:

I love that the designer series paper stacks in the seasonal catalogue enable you to make some great cards with minimal stamping as the paper does a lot of the work for you in terms of colour and pattern; at £6.25 a stack they are great value for cardmakers too, and each stack has 4 different paper designs to choose from. For this card we stamped a simple flag and layered on some DSP edged with Chocolate Chip and created a couple of smaller flags made from offcuts from other projects. Did you notice the little button beneath the twine bow on the card? We were aiming to keep all of our cards post-friendly and largely flat in design, so instead of adding a real button we instead used a cardstock button made with the Sweet Buttons Embosslits to allow for added detail but without the bulk.

I had my second class of the week last night with a great bunch of ladies, who made me laugh so much my eyes watered! I was also delighted to see some of the great cards they've been making with My Digital Studio having downloaded their 30 day free trial. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me, so couldn't take any pictures but will be sure to get some next time to share with you. I was particularly pleased to hear them say how easy they found it to use, with no prior knowledge or experience. If you haven't downloaded your copy yet, I urge you to go to my online store and download your free trial version today. Equally, if you would like to join one of my monthly card classes, do get in touch for more details.

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

 

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Stamps: Merry Little Christmas

Cardstock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Cherry Cobbler, Season of Style DSP

Ink/Stampin' Write Markers: Cherry Cobbler

Tools: Sweet Buttons Embosslits, Big Shot, Stamp-a-ma-jig

Finishing Touches: Cherry Cobbler Baker's Twine

Festive Flurry Card and New MDS Downloads

by Joanne James8. October 2013 15:40

A quick post from me today as I'm out again this evening preparing for our school annual bonfire and fireworks display. I promised to share a card with you today, so thought I'd share this lovely festive flurry card that we made in my card class yesterday:

This is a case of a Mary Fish card (you can see her original card here) minus the frosted finish embellishment. Whilst I love the embellishment and you will see them on future blog cards, our class cards are all intended to be post-friendly, so the frosted embellishment on this card had to go! We replaced with a large rhinestone instead to give a little sparkle but not add too much bulk. I love the Winter Frost colours of this card - they have a real fresh and modern feel.

Lastly, it's Tuesday, also known as Digital Download Day. Click on the link below to see all of the new digital downloads available in the online store this week:

October 8, 2013 - Digital Downloads

There are some great new downloads this week, including calendar and photobook templates that would make lovely Christmas presents. Why not have a click and take a look?

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

 

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

Festive Flurry Clear-Mount BundleWinter Frost Designer Series Paper StackSilver 1/8 RibbonStylish Stripes Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' PadBasic Rhinestones Jewel Accents - by Stampin' Up!Magnetic PlatformBig Shot Die-Cut Machine - by Stampin' Up!

Top Secret Spy Birthday Card

by Joanne James5. October 2013 21:42

So I almost didn't blog today for the second day in a row, I've had such a busy couple of days (husband's birthday, daughter's hockey match and swimming gala, birthday lunch, theatre outing and more!) but since today is World Cardmaking Day, I felt I couldn't end the day without sharing a card.

Here's one I made for one of the childrens' friends who celebrated his 8th birthday this week. He was having a spy-themed birthday party, so since we had decided on a suitably themed gift, I had to make a card that was in keeping too. This is what I came up with:

A simple black card base, with a 'Top Secret' stamp on a label fixed with dimensionals and a magnifying or 'spy' glass, made using my Circles Framelits and a piece of clear window sheet. The inside of the card is stamped with 'Happy 8th birthday' which is visible through the magnifying glass. This is quite a cute little card and I'm not sure the photo does it justice; also made a nice change as it's been a few weeks since I last made a boy card!

Hope you've all managed to get more cardmaking done than me today - good job I have a few in reserve! Hoping that I'll manage to squeeze in some time tomorrow to do a little more.

Happy World Cardmaking Day and until next time, happy stampin'.

 

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

 Circles Collection Framelits DiesABC-123 Sketch Alphabet & NumbersReal Red Classic Stampin' PadMedium Window Sheets - by Stampin' Up!

 

 

 

You Did It Congratulations Card

by Joanne James3. October 2013 21:36

Today I'm sharing a card that I made for a friend of mine who had a very special day today. She is beginning a new chapter in her life and today marked a key milestone - the opening of her new beauty salon. I wanted to make her a card to wish her luck and encourage her look forward and not back. This is the card I made for her:

It's a simple card using the two-stepped stamping of the Too Kind stamp set in Crisp Cantaloupe and Calypso Coral, on a white background that I cut out with a Circle Framelit and part-pierced to add a little interest and draw the eye to the flagged sentiment. The flag is finished with one of the in-colour embellishments. I used the week 139 #10 sketch at Less is More as my inspiration for this card:

As for me, I hand-delivered this card to the recipient today as I was booked in to have a manicure at the same time - too good an opportunity to pass up I think! If you're local to Northampton, I would recommend you check out Pamper Me Beauty - you can link to their Facebook page here and find out more about the services on offer. My nails look lovely; I might have to shoot a video tutorial for you so that I can show them off - any preferences on what you would like to see?

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

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

 Too KindExpress YourselfEssentials Paper-Piercing PackPaper-Piercing ToolIn Color Boutique DetailsCrisp Cantaloupe Classic Stampin' Pad

 

 Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' PadSmoky Slate Classic Stampin' PadPear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad

For the New Mr & Mrs Harrison!

by Joanne James2. October 2013 21:06

A quick post from me today to share a wedding card and gift box I made for my friends and neighbours, Annette and Jason, who got married at the weekend. The theme of the wedding was bright pink and the gerbera was a feature flower, both in the bridal and bridesmaids bouquets and on the invitations and wedding favours. Having made the wedding invitations (I will share these in a future post - I have 'mislaid' the photographs I took on completion!), I decided to make a wedding card that was pink but not flower-themed, but I did design a gift box that complemented the overall décor to house their gift.

Here is the card, using the lovely 'From This Day Forward' stamp, inspired by a similar card by Monica Gale here:

I also created a gift box with a belly band with a gerbera design, that echoed the design of the wedding stationery and favours. My box was inspired by this mini version by Sam MacDonald of Pootles Paparcraft here, and although whilst the shape is the same, the overall dimensions are considerably larger! here is my full size version:

 

Very large, with a 9cm x 9cm square base, and very pink, but more sturdy than a gift bag and much more personal. I finished it off with some retired Melon Mambo organza ribbon (currently available to purchase on the Clearance Rack!) and a die-cut flower with co-ordinating Chalk Talk gift label. here's a close up of the detail:

The sun shone and the wedding day was perfect - what more can you ask for? Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs Harrison - wishing you a happy future together.

Back tomorrow with another project and the detail behind the 2 week £25 sign up offer that begins on October 7th; until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up Supplies Used (for the card only):

 This Day ForwardPetite Pairs - Clear-Mount Stamp Set - by Stampin' Up!Melon Mambo 1/8 Taffeta RibbonLinen Thread - by Stampin' Up!

Very Vintage Designer ButtonsBasic Pearls Jewel Accents - by Stampin' Up!

Autumn Thankful Card

by Joanne James1. October 2013 12:34

I promised a creative post today (technically this is a bonus, as I already shared some MDS creativity with you earlier, but I'm not one to split hairs :-)), so here it is. I was inspired by the fabulous autumnal cards I'm seeing on the internet at the moment and when I saw the colour challenge at Create with Connie and Mary this week I thought I'd join in. So here's the colour palette for this week's challenge:

I don't own any of the lovely leafy stamp sets in the current annual and seasonal catalogues (shock, horror!), but I am still the proud owner of a retired 'French Foliage' stamp set, so I combined this set with one of the fabulous new thinlits to create my card:

I stamped off the leaves on some scrap paper first to give a less intense colour, then used the 'thankful' thinlit, layered on some burlap and chevron ribbon to create the true focal point for my card. I love these thinlits and think the 'thankful' just pops on this card in the Bermuda Bay colour cardstock! My top tip to release the cut card easily from the thinlit is to line it with waxed paper first, which enables it to press out easily.

I am also linking this card up to CAS(E) This Sketch #47 this week, where the layout sketch is as follows:

If you would like to purchase any of the supplies used to make this card (except for the stamp set, although there are lots of similar current sets available) please click on the item links to my online store below. My children have a harvest festival at school today and this reminds us all it is a good time to give thanks. I'm sure you, like me, have lots to be thankful for so readers, crafters and customers alike - this card is for you! Back tomorrow with more creative loveliness! Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up Supplies Used:

 Expressions Thinlits Dies1-1/4 Burlap RibbonCrushed Curry 3/4 Chevron Ribbon

Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' PadCajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pad

 

 

Party More, Get More - Book your Stampin' Up! Party Today!

by Joanne James1. October 2013 12:06

Great news party go-ers: as Stampin' Up! continues to celebrate its 25th birthday, there is a great hostess benefit offer this month: for anyone who hosts a party during the month of October and has qualifying sales of £250, you will earn an extra £25 worth of hostess credits to spend on any items in the current catalogue - so £65 of free products, instead of the usual £40.

In addition to hostess benefits, you and your guests have fun and get to make a lovely 'make and take' card each and the hostess receives a gift for hosting - suitably festive themed!

So if you live in or around Northampton, text your friends and give me a call on 07773 421446 to book your party today!

Online orders this month will also qualify for the additional hostess credits, so if you don't have time for a party, but would like to place an order, make sure you use this month's hostess code 4DS9WR2Q when placing an order in my online store to ensure you benefit.

 

Tags: , , , ,

Host a Party | hosting | Promotions | Shop Online

October 'Best of' is here: Best of Sale-A-Bration

by Joanne James1. October 2013 10:31

Well readers, it's the first of the month and there is lots of news, so there will be a few posts from me today, but you're going to want to read them all as there is lots of great product and promotional information, so bear with me and stay tuned! I promise I will also do a creative post too, as I have a fabulous autumnal card to share with you today. So first up - there is a new 'Best of' anniversary set this month; this time it's the turn of 'Best of Sale-A-Bration', featuring some beautiful flower images:

If you would like to order this stamp set, then either give me a call in the conventional way and I would be happy to place an order for you or hop over to my online store and place your order today. Don't forget, the other 'Best of' sets are also still available - you can see these by searching under the 'Promotions' category in the box to the right of my blog page.

From today, I will be issuing a mystery hostess code at the start of each month for my online store; if you add this code to your online orders, you will be entered into a draw at the end of the month to win the total hostess credits for all orders placed online during that month. So make a note - this month's hostess code is as follows (valid until 30th October):

4DS9WR2Q

So tell all your friends, as the more orders placed, the more hostess credits that will be accumulated - it's like hosting a party, without having to invite your friends round!

Please check the 'Party More, Get More' blog post today to see another special 25th anniversary offer for hosting a party this month. The additional hostess credits will also apply to online orders, so October is a great month to start accumulating some great benefits.

Back soon with a creative project; until then, happy stampin'!

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Promotions | Shop Online | Stamping

New Online Exclusives

There are new products available exclusively in the online store from 5 November - check them out here.

Latest Kits!

Stampin Cut and Emboss

The Layered Landscapes Kit and Nature's Paintings Kit are the latest kits in the online store - get yours here!

Shop Online

Access my online shop 24 x 7, 365 days of the year:

Current November hostess code:

9NKXDTTR

Shop Online

Mini Catalogue

BROWSE THE CATALOGUE

'Tis The Season - the new Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue is here! For more details and to download your copy click here

Scrapbooking

Stampin' Up! has introduced a new range of 12x12" scrapbooking product and kit - the full range is now available to purchase online. To download a copy of the new digital Scrapbooking Catalogue click here.

2024-25 Annual Catalogue

BROWSE THE CATALOGUE

Click on the image to download your copy of the 2024-25 annual catalogue. For a full list of current SU! supplies, go to my online store. If you would like any help or advice, please drop me a line at joanne@thecraftyowl.co.uk or give me a call on 07773 421446 - I'd be happy to help.

Join My Team

It's always a great time to join Stampin’ Up! During October you can get even more in your starter kit! New team members can get £160 worth of products for only £99 + free business supplies + free shipping + all the fun being a part of Stampin’ Up! Stampin' Up! has something for everyone: join my growing team and benefit from my support to enjoy Stampin' Up! however you choose.

If you're interested, call me for a chat to understand how I can help you realise your goals. Alternatively, if you have already decided to sign up and you just can't wait, please click here for the link to the online form where you can sign up and order your starter kit right away! 

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!

Follow Me

Monthly Newsletter

Box Builder

Click the button above to use Box Buster to create your custom box design using the Envelope Punch Board!

Kits Collection Now Available!

Stampin Cut and Emboss

The new Kits Collection from Stampin' Up! is now available!

Click here to see the current kits available and order yours online today.

I Design For

 

 

 

Stampin' Up Stuff

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.