Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Stampers Anonymous Blog Hop

Welcome to the Stampers Anonymous SU Blog Hop! Tonight we are delighted to show you projects using products that were available to us in our demo sneak peek from the 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue.

You may have just come from Juliette's blog, but if you are starting here, don’t worry … you can make the complete tour just by following the links at the end of each post. There are 14 stops along the way and we hope you will visit each one to see the wonderful creations we have to show you! Please feel free to leave some comment love along the way …
At the end of each post there will be a link to take you to the next stop on the tour.
So grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy!


Bonsoir, mes amis! I have had tons of fun with a new stamp set called Artistic Etchings. 

Firstly, a scrapbook layout featuring some photos I took from the Eiffel Tower which were just perfect for this set.


The background design is a patchwork of four papers - two from the Newsprint DSP set and two I created myself with stamps, En Francais and Artisitic Etchings.


Then I got to thinking about how Paris is supposed to be the most romantic city in the world and how the Eiffel Tower would look in the sunset ... and that's how my next project evolved.


I used so saffron, tangerine tango and riding hood red in my brayering and ran a gathering thread down the middle of my taffeta ribbon to get this effect. Tres chic! Makes me think of the flouncy petticoats of the Folies Bergere!

For my next card I thought more laterally and looked at the monument as a unique and amazing piece of architecture, then acknowledged that AMAZING and UNIQUE are words we like to use to describe the special people in our lives too. So that's the theme of my card and the reason for the sentiment, which comes from Life Definitions. The layout and colours were inspired by a card by Jan Tink.


Next is a masculine birthday card I've dubbed "King for a day", LOL! Again, I have used some of the Newsprint DSP but also used the stamps in Artistic Etchings to create my own background paper. This time I've teamed them up with a stamp from Perfect Punches, a new set that has 6 stamps which all fit SU punches. Pacific Point, Very Vanilla and Basic Black are the colours used.


Now a much more Clean and Simple style and I've used Rich Razzleberry with So Saffron and Whisper White. The sentiment comes from the Friendly Words jumbo wheel and the embossed background is the new Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder - isn't it divine? It suits this vintage style set really well.


And last but not least, I was inspired by an idea from "stamperdog" at SCS to use the background stamps to become Christmas baubles. The top part (that pesky metal part that always breaks on our baubles!) is created from the crown stamp! I've used Elegant Eggplant and Certainly Celery with gold embossing and must offer my apologies for using a retiring stamp (weathered background), but nothing else suited the card so well! The sentiment is from Occasional Greetings.


Well, that's all from me. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have enjoyed my offerings this evening. Now you are off to see the creative delights of Kirrily, so click here and enjoy the rest of the tour.

Au revoir!
Kez

Blog Hop Links:

If you happen to lose your way here’s a list of all participants.

1. Fiona Harvey http://fionastamps.blogspot.com/

2. Juliette Chapman http://juleskraftikrafts.blogspot.com/

3. Kerry Bunting (me)

4. Kirrily Matthews http://kirrilymatthews.blogspot.com/

5. Lorna Casha http://www.lornacasha.blogspot.com/

6. Marelle Taylor http://www.marelletaylor.com/

7. Meighan Wheller http://meighanwheller.blogspot.com/

8. Melissa Gillis  http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/wishflowerstudios/blog

9. Michelle Marchant http://michellemarch.blogspot.com/

10. Nikki Stalker http://www.nicolestalker.com.au/blog

11. Sally Williams http://www.sallycancraft.com/

12. Sam Coppack http://samcoppack.blogspot.com/

13. Sandy Quail http://www.scrappyhabits.com/

14. Sharon Wilson http://shaz.argyle.com.au/blog/index.php

Sunday, August 29, 2010

3 sleeps to go ...

Well, I don't know about you guys, but I am getting pretty darned excited about the new catalogue! I can't wait to get my hands on those gorgeous new colours and play with new stamps and punches and Big Shot paraphenalia! My wish list was revised AGAIN yesterday and I think it might stay as it is until Wednesday, but you never know!

It's only 2 sleeps until our Blog Hop, so I hope you'll be back here Tuesday at 9.00 pm to see what the gals at Stampers Anonymous SU have got cooked up for you. I am sure looking forward to seeing what they've all made, they are such a creative bunch.

DD12's team played a brilliant game of netball on Saturday and won their semi-final, so it's the preliminary finals next weekend. Unfortunately I will miss it, as I'm off to Melbourne to visit DD18 for a few days, so I've told her (DD12, that is) that they have to win so I can see them in the Grand Final the following week! They have done spectacularly well for a team who never won a single game last season! Brilliant job Wobbegongs and good luck for the prelims!

Meanwhile, here's a couple of Christmas cards to see you through until the Blog Hop ...


The bird punch makes a great dove bringing back the olive branch. Sahara Sand with Night of Navy and Whisper White. I used a small brown half pearl for the eye; gives it great dimension.


The pinecone stamp from Autumn Days teamed up with embossed Kiwi Kiss and a touch of Chocolate Chip. Simple, but looks terrific IRL.

Thanks for calling in. See you Tuesday!

Cheers
Kez

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Baby Gift Set

Today's offering is another project using the Baby Tees jumbo wheel that I showed you on Wednesday. This time I have made one of Becky Roberts' milk carton containers in Baja Breeze - soooooooooo cute! Take a lookie:



Each carton contains some goodies for the new arrival:


What'd I tell ya? Cute as! I guess that's another thing you'll have to add to your wish list for the new catty! He he he!!! Only 4 sleeps to go now - and I THINK I've got my wish list finalised ... well, maybe it might change again before Wednesday, LOL!

Cheers
Kez

Friday, August 27, 2010

Christmas SAS

Hi peeps! Just a quick one tonight as I am knackered and an early night is called for I think! Here's the second card we are making for our Christmas Stamp-a-Stacks this month; it is a simplified CASE from the lovely Teneale. Whisper white and Sahara sand are the colours, with the soft holly wheel and A Wish for Peace stamp set.


I have another project to show you over the weekend, once I get organised and take some photos! Meanwhile, off to netball tomorrow. DD12's team made it into the semi-finals, so wish us luck!

Cheers
Kez

Thursday, August 26, 2010

CAS challenge

The Clean and Simple challenge over at Splitcoast is a colour combo this week and it really appealed to me, so I thought I'd give it a go. The colours are Kraft, Turquoise and White and they look just stunning together - you should pop on over and check out some of the cards, they are GORJUS!

So here is my card. I gotta tell ya, it was a REAL challenge to keep it simple - I was so tempted to add more layers and brads and ribbon and .... well, you know! just stuff! LOL


As we haven't quite got the Crumb Cake/Kraft ink or marker, I substituted Creamy Caramel. I thought the sentiment was great seeing as we are heading into Spring next week ... can't wait. I am totally OVER cold weather - how about you?

Thanks for calling in today. Have a good one!

Cheers
Kez

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Inkspirations


Today's card is for Keesh's Inkspiration Challenge, which this week is a colour combo:


The pink and razzleberry immediately made me think "girlie", so I have gone with a baby girl theme.


These adorable images are from the Baby Tees jumbo wheel, which is just one of the goodies in store for you in the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue. I found the mini pegs at my local $2 shop earlier today - how karma was that!!! I've used brown embroidery thread and brown brads for my "clothesline".

Thanks for stopping by today.

Cheers
Kez

Let's Go To The Hop


Tuesday 31st August
9.00 pm

Come and take a look at the fantastic projects we create for you
using brand new stamps, papers, punches and more!

See you then!



Saturday, August 21, 2010

Lovin' That Ornament Punch!

I know it's mean to taunt you all with my gorgeous Ornament Punch when you don't have one yourselves, but console yourself with the fact that you WILL be able to get one from 1st September! Oh yeah, you read it right, that baby is in the new IB&C, along with my fav Xmas stamp set, Delightful Decorations.

Just to keep you going until you can order these delightfully delicious goodies, here is a Christmas card I cased from Chat. I've used Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive and think they make rather a lovely Xmas combo, so might just have to use them again!

Noice!

Now, for my next card you will need to sneak into your soundproof room and bolt the door, cos you are gonna squeal so loudly with awe and glee that the family will think something is wrong and come a-runnin'!!! I am talking SERIOUSLY cute people! This one I cased from the very talented Jackie Topa and it was soooooooooooo much fun to create.

Here's the outside.


Can you tell me these two little tykes aren't just the cutest thing? Busy makin' their snowman with their cheeks flushed from the cold crisp air ... Awwwwwwwww! But wait! There is more to come, yes indeedy! For when you open up the card you find ...



Is that awesomely cute or WHAT? LOL! Even my DH (who is most definitely NOT known for his praise of my cards - amazing, I know!) said of this card: "Now THAT is a real card!"

So there you have it. If the ornament punch was not number one on your wish list from the new catty, it will be now I'm sure. And so my work is done!

Cheers
Kez

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sticky and Sweet

I had a play day with a friend on Monday and it sure was nice for me to craft with others for a change instead of on my own or as the teacher! We probably achieved more chatting than crafting, but it was fun nevertheless!

Here's one of the things I made, a honey pot card. Take a lookie:


Then you pull up the lid and the card part is inside:



It's only my first attempt, so there are a few things I would remember to do better next time! Still, very cute. Sadly that stamp set (Just Buzzin' By) didn't make it into our new catalogue so you won't all be able to get your hands on those adorable bees!!! I'll just have to keep taunting you with them every now and then, LOL!

The honey jar design is by Lyn Pratt - it can also become a cookie jar, so stay tuned for that one. The lettering was cut on the Big Shot using Timeless Type Junior Alphabet dies.

I was also working on some goodies for our team Blog Hop but you'll have to come back on the 31st to see those!
Meanwhile, may your honey pot be sticky and sweet!

Cheers
Kez

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The Excitement is Building

Well, it's exactly two weeks now until the end of our current Idea Book & Catalogue. We've had it for almost 18 months, so I for one am chomping at the bit for some "fresh blood" in terms of stamps, embellishments, papers etc! Of course along with the usual hoopla of a new catty we've got the big colour renovation this year too, so it is a pretty exciting time for us demos!

To help get you extra ecstatic about the new catalogue, our SU team will be holding a Pre-Order Blog Hop. When, you ask? On 31st August, that's when! We can only showcase the products that were available for us to purchase in our demo pre-order (hence the name, oh wise ones!) and that doesn't include the new colours - that's right, us demos have to wait till 1st Sept to order the new colours too! - so it will be a very "select" range of stamps, papers and punch, but I am certain you will love it all the same.

And yes, I have begun crafting my usual range of masterpieces (YILM!) with which to enthrall you! The hard part is having to wait two weeks to show them to you! Agony, LOL!!!

So please book the date on your calendar/in your diary and come back here to join me and my fellow team mates on

August 31st
Stampers Anonymous SU Pre Order Blog Hop

See you in the funny pages!

Cheers
Kez

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Beginners Embossing

Today's beginner class is having fun with embossing.

First up some dry embossing using SU's beautiful Manhattan Flower embossing folder, which looks so gorgeous in rich razzleberry. I've teamed it with very vanilla and some adhesive pearls:

Same card but this time using designer series paper for the embossing, then sanding over it to bring out the white core - this makes the embossed image really "pop"! I am looking forward to all the new embossing folders coming in the new catalogue - only 16 sleeps to go!

For our first "wet" embossing we're using one of my favourite sets, Inspired by Nature, and embossing it in white on DSP. A little touch of dry embossing at the bottom of the card adds more texture. I will miss kiwi kiss after this month, sigh!


And last but not least a simple yet beautiful effect which showcases the gorgeous medallion background stamp perfectly. Embossed with white, then sponged in pink pirouette and regal rose, plus a touch of close to cocoa for accent (another colour I will really miss).


Thanks for calling in; you can brighten my day if you leave a comment!

Cheers
Kez

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Rosey Flutterbies

It's time again for my lovely Lana ladies class and this week we will be focusing on roses and butterflies.

A few of them bought the beautiful set A Rose is a Rose when it was on special last month, so as my mojo is having a bit of a holiday, we will be caseing my lovely and talented team mate Liam. Click here to see Liam's card, and here is my adaptation:



My Lanas all love purple, so we are giving Pale Plum a last hurrah before it retires at the end of this month. It will be sorely missed; how beautiful does it look teamed with Perfect Plum, Old Olive and So Saffron? Love the use of the Manhattan Flower embossing folder too - thanks for such wonderful inspiration Liam!

Our next card is cased from Ilina Crouse. I've changed only the sentiment and the embossing from Ilina's original. Pumpkin Pie and Tempting Turquoise are not colours I would have thought to put together, but they are so vibrant and summery and I think they each bring out the best in the other.


Simple yet very effective; that's the kind of card I like!

Card number three uses the versatile Baroque Motifs with more lovely flutterbies in Cameo Coral, Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip.

And lastly they'll be making the card I did at stamp camp, which you've seen recently. Medallion and En Francais are my two favourite background stamps, but I think that position may be usurped after 1st Sept ...


Hope you've had a good weekend. Thanks for stopping by.

Cheers
Kez

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Waterfall Backpack

Hi again, here I am back with more goodies from our team's stamp camp in the beautiful Hunter Valley to share with you.

Here is an adorable project presented by Liam, who very cleverly took the mini backpack and turned it into a mini waterfall album. I used the Hoppy Memories simply scrappin' kit for mine - I know, it's rare for me to do "boy" things! - but I thought it would be perfect to put photos of DH as a boy inside. Here's the outside:

And here are the pages of the waterfall album:






Those frogs and tutles are so perfect and I know DH will enjoy the bright colours.

Many thanks to those who have enquired after hubby since his accident; he is slowly making progress and can now walk with the aid of a stick. Being a typical male, he doesn't wear his sling as often as he should though!

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.
Cheers
Kez

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

If At First You Don't Succeed

This is a card I made last year with a thought to using it for my Stamp-a-Stack classes, but I wasn't entirely happy with it and didn't end up using it. I call this version 1:


So, I am now planning my SAS for this month and decided to revamp the card.

The things I didn't like were the line at the end of the embossing (above the sentiment), the gap left above the left hand bauble, and the ribbon. So I put my thinking cap on and made some changes: added another layer (which I think makes it look more finished), embossed the greeting (to eliminate the line) and shortened the top panel (to eliminate the gap above the bauble). Here is version 2:

Still not entirely happy - not sure about the stamped sentiment being embossed, plus I think the embossed background dominates the card a little - not what I was after.

Thinking cap back on, reverted to original size for the top panel and moved the sentiment from the larger piece, allowing me to still emboss the whole bit. Now the embossed background does what it is meant to - stays in the background - while my front panel is the main focal point and the sentiment fills in the gap above the baubles. Hooray for version 3!


This gorgeous ornament stamp is from a set called Delightful Decorations, which I was lucky enough to receive from a friend in Canada last year. It comes with a matching punch - the ornament punch, which you've seen samples from recently - which makes it oh so easy! You may perhaps see these two items around quite a lot after 1st September ...

Thanks for calling in today. Have a good one!

Cheers
Kez

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Traditional Pop Ups

One of the fantastic presentations we saw at Stamp Camp was Robyn's tutorial on traditional pop ups. These are all cut from the piece of paper or card inside the greeting card - no add ons or bits stuck on later.

Here are some photos of Rob's samples:




Aren't they GORJUS?! And here is Rob giving us all the info and showing us how easy it is ... umm! ... should be! LOL!




I haven't given it a go yet, but the templates Rob gave us are lovely, so once I get myself a Round Tuit, I will be trying some for sure! Thanks for the great tutorial Robyn.


Cheers
Kez