Thursday 31 March 2011

Need a quick Mother's Day card idea?

With Mother's Day fast approaching - why not try some of these quick fix Mother's Day card ideas? If you prefer something personal, you can die-cut or used pre-cut letter shapes to tell your mum how much you care. Ink the edges of the letters, add this to some pattererned paper with some ribbon and a die-cut flower and you are ready to go.

Double-sided paper is always a winner when it's a quick card that you need! Simply fold the corner over and fix into place with a brad, and centre onto a square card blank. Add some ribbon, a sentiment of your choice and a die-cut flower and this card will only take you minutes!


Punch out some butterfly shapes (or any alternative shapes you have) and align nine in a square shape on the centre of your card. Attach an adhesive pearl to the centre of each one and there you have it! A quick fix Mother's Day card. I hope these card ideas have been useful for you - don't forget you can adapt them to suit any theme. Keep your eye out for many more die-cutting projects coming your way with the launch of the mini catalogue this coming Friday!

Wednesday 30 March 2011

Class Fun

Here are some photos (courtesy of Pat - thanks!) of the craft class on Saturday. I was that busy that I didn't stop to take any! We had quite a few people who had not attended before, and some new to crafting too, so it was really good fun to share the hobby with others! The great news it that they all enjoyed it too!
The centre we hire is lovely so it makes it a comfortable and fun afternoon.


Lots of stamping, laughter and new tips and tricks learned, although I don't get to make anything it's always good fun for me and I'm so pleased when everyone leaves with something they are proud of!


Here are Pat's completed items - I love this colour scheme - it's So Saffron, Pretty in Pink and Certainly celery. Here is a complete list of what we used - and I have to thank Monica Gale for lending me the dimensions for the treat box too - thank you!


Cardstock - Pretty in Pink, So Saffron (yellow), Certainly Celery (green), Whisper White (p82-85)

Stampin’ Write Marker pens – Pretty in Pink, So Saffron (yellow), Certainly Celery (green) – some of you used ‘Melon Mambo’ which was the lovely bright pink (p82-85)

Ink pads – Chocolate Chip (p85)

Stamp sets – Schoolbook Serif Alphabet (p77), Just Believe (p57)

Border Punch –Eyelet Border (p105)

Ribbon – Taffeta 1cm (p96)

A yellow button


Candle

Cardstock - Certainly Celery (p82-85)

Patterned Paper – Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack Subtles (p82)

Ribbon – Pretty in Pink satin (p83)


Treat Holder

Cardstock - Pretty in Pink, So Saffron (yellow), Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (p82-85)

Border Punch –Eyelet Border (p105) or Scallop Edge Border (p105)

Linen Thread (p96)

Ribbon – Pretty in Pink satin (p83)

Stamps – Free hostess set ‘Afterthoughts’ when you host a party or put in orders of over £150 in any other way

Stampin’ Write Marker pens – Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip


On another note, here is a lovely card made by my team leader for me - I love this colour, especially the way the fabulous friend stamp has been embossed in white, it leaves a lovely raised edge and texture. And I always love the spotty papers too!


Monday 28 March 2011

Join My Stamper's Six Club Today!


Would you like to earn a free hostess gift set, £15 of free products from the catalogue AND get to spread the cost of all those goodies you want to buy from the Stampin’ Up! catalogue? Then you need to join my ‘ Stampers Six’ club! I am beginning my next club in April and you do not have to be local to me to join in, just somewhere in the UK!


If you have a long wish list from the catalogue (see link to right), this is a great way to spread the cost and slowly build up what you want to buy. You could end up with the full set of Stampin’ Write Markers, a huge selection of the ribbons or really build up your stamp sets as part of this club.

So how does it work?

You agree, as one of six crafters doing the same, to spend a minimum of £25 each month, for a period of six months. Simple!

By doing this, it means that each month the order reaches £150 in total, which is enough to quality for a FREE hostess gift level one set (chosen from the catalogue) and £15 worth of FREE products of your choice. Easy! This is the same principle as holding a craft party (workshop) in your home where the hostess gets the free benefits but you don't have any work to do!

Each month, one of the six crafters is elected as the hostess and on that month they are officially the ‘virtual hostess’ and receive the free benefits from the group order. Also on your hostess month, you can collect extra orders if you wish from family and friends to boost your month, as the higher the order that is placed, the more benefits you can earn yourself. You can see the chart in the front of the Stampin’ Up! catalogue for the hostess benefits that can be achieved. The hostess for each month is chosen in the order of who signs up first to last for the Stampers Six club.

Would you like to join the Stamper’s Six club and spread the cost of all those goodies you want while earning freebies? Then contact me today! With the brand new mini catalogue being released on Friday, there has never been a better time to join the club!


I am hoping to start it in April so if you want to grab your place first - email me today! (See right for address).


Still need to sort Mother's Day?

Don’t forget – it’s not too late to get your mum something she will love for Mother’s Day (or forward this onto your loved one as a HUGE hint!) We had a great time at my craft class on Saturday - there were 12 of us and we made three lovely papercraft items, and had blast while doing it. Do you think your mum would like to join in the fun? Then these class gift vouchers are just for her.


Vouchers are also available for buying products from the catalogue so you can give your mum a spending spree too! Here is the lovely decorated envelope I made to hold some vouchers for one of my class attendees, her daughter had asked me to give it to her at the class. Isn't it cute all in blue? Order vouchers by Wednesday to ensure they reach you in time for the weekend! Visit the links on the right hand side of this blog to order your vouchers today.


Keep your eyes peeled for my next emails for Friday.... when the mini catalogue is finally released! If you would like to be added to my mailing list, and want to receive a copy of the new mini catalogue, get in touch with me today.

Wednesday 23 March 2011

Designer Series Paper Stack

I've finally got my hands on the lovely spotted patterned papers from Stampin' Up! - aren't they lovely? I can't wait to get using them on my cards.

This is the 'Subtles' collection - there is a large pack for each of the four colour sets and it's a huge 12x12 stack of papers - two of each design (double sided, spotted, striped, floral and more) so there's just so much in it, this is going to last me for ages! You will see these appearing in my Saturday craft class.


I had my team training last Saturday and we had a good laugh as always. It starts with some business training in the morning and a demonstration, then we make samples ALL afternoon - it's great! Most of our samples that we made were using items from the mini catalogue so I can't show you those until April 1st!


I'm off to look for some inspiration to see projects where these papers have been used now. Soooo much information coming up over the next week or two so do keep checking back - I'll be updating my blog with virtual hostess club information on how you can earn free goodies, my next few classes that are coming up, and don't forget...


**the all-important new mini catalogue of course** if you would like a copy in the post simply email me using my address on the right and I'll make sure you get a copy come April 1st. TRUST ME, you don't want to miss out on getting one of these as it's full of some great stuff.


I have my craft class on Sunday for Mother's Day so need to prepare 12 kits for my attendees - still a couple of spare places going too if you are a late booker...

Monday 21 March 2011

Mother’s Day Gift Vouchers

Treat your mum to an inspiring craft experience this Mother's Day with a Stampin' Up! class gift voucher! Mother's Day is Sunday 3rd April so don't miss it...

Your mum will enjoy a relaxing afternoon of papercrafting with others and the best part is, you don't need to trawl the shops to find something she will love!

Also available are gift vouchers to spend on her favourite products from the Stampin' Up! catalogue - so if you think your mum would prefer a shopping spree, these vouchers are the perfect choice.

Order by Wed 30th March to receive your vouchers by post in time for Mother's Day.
Gift Vouchers are available in the following denominations:

Craft Class gift vouchers - £15, £30, £45

Stampin' Up! gift vouchers (catalogue) - £10, £20, £30

Buy online here (button to the right)
Email me (see 'contact me' to the right)
Call me on 07736 835557


Payment can be made by paypal, cheque, bank transfer or cash. Vouchers are valid for six months from purchase date and must be redeemed within this time limit. Vouchers can only be redeemed through me, not through Stampin' Up.


New Craft Experience Session for you and your friends!

Looking for something fun to do with your girlfriends? Need a new idea for a hen night or special birthday? Want to treat your mum? Why not book a craft "experience session" with me and let me do the hard work!

You and up to five of your friends will spend a relaxing afternoon or evening making a trio of papercraft projects from a fantastic kit of materials, with step by step guidance from me throughout the session. The experience takes place in the location of your choice* and I will provide everything you need for a fun-filled session.

Each craft experience session is priced at £100 and is valid for up to six people - the price includes all of your project materials for the day along with my teaching. Sessions last for approximately two and a half hours. Additional guests can be added - please contact me for details.

Buy online - click the button in the right hand column or contact me for details

Treat your mum to something special this Mother's Day for her and her friends!

*Travel is limited to approximately 15 miles of Gidea Park, Essex. Further travel may be possible at an additional cost.

Saturday 19 March 2011

Swaps


I didn't really know what swaps for were some time but I eventually learned - they are when a group of crafty people get together, they make one project in multiples (so if it's a group of 15, each person makes 15 of their own item) then at the craft gathering everyone 'swaps' one of each with everyone else. The result? Everyone leaves with 15 different samples for inspiration!
Today I've been at my team training for Stampin' Up! so thought I'd share what my swaps were - my favourite colours of pink and brown of course! I've used the free hostess stamp that you can earn by holding a party or putting in orders over £150, with different coloured cards and a border punch which I love! The stamp I coloured in using my marker pens so that I could colour one part of the stamp in pink and the other in brown.

Friday 18 March 2011

Bridesmaids gifts


When I was thinking of how to ask my bridesmaids if they would like to be just that, I probably would have given them each a card as that's my speciality! But one of my very close friends had recently asked us to be her bridesmaid's in that way, so I set to thinking of something different.
I wanted a creative angle on it - and I eventually had a lightbulb moment of these chocolate slabs from Thorntons! I bought these for the three adults and asked them to personalise each one with my question, and then thought of something more appropriate for my younger ones.

I thought sweets would be more appropriate so I found these cute gift bags in Sainsbury's, filled them with mixed sweets and tied them with pretty ribbon and a crafty tag, featuring the same question. I also made one for my nephew to be usher too. Each of the gifts was met with gasps and screams so I think they were well received!

Monday 14 March 2011

Oh oh oh...

I've just ordered all the materials in for my next craft class but more importantly - my PREORDER items from the new mini catalogue!!! There's so much in it that I love, I've already planned an idea for my next craft class with some of the materials plus ordered some bits I wanted to make projects to share with you all here... oh oh! I couldn't resist!

Sunday 13 March 2011

Last chance to book March Class - bookings close tomorrow

Join us for a trio of papercraft projects including a handmade card, treat box and a decorated candle!

Saturday 26 March
Ardleigh Green Family Centre
11 – 2pm
£15 per person


These items are perfect for Mother’s Day but can easily be adapted for any other theme on the day. Grab your friends and come for a fun afternoon out! Refreshments are provided along with a kit of materials, with all you need to create your projects on the day.

Booking deadline TOMORROW – Monday 14th March —Book your place by email (see my address to the right) or via the CRAFT CLASS PAYPAL LINK in the right hand column of this blog.

Beginners are very welcome and you do not need to bring anything in order to attend – if you do have a basic tool kit please bring it along, but there will be tools provided that you can share. I will also have a table with my second hand craft items for sale so don’t miss your chance to grab a bargain as I have a lot that needs to go!

Hopefully see you there,

Jenny

Saturday 12 March 2011

Striking black 'Circle Circus' card

Pastel Chalks Technique

Black cards are very striking! But for some reason, they tend to be something people steer cleer of so I'd urge you to have a go today if you've never tried it - share with me what you make! This card was made at one of my Stampin' Up! training events with my team leader, Natalie O'Shea and it got us all trying the chalk pastels which was fun.

It's good to be challenged to use new products by taking classes with other crafters and so much fun not to be leading them for a change! So with this card we stamped four circles from the lovely 'Circle Circus' stamp set from Stampin' Up!. You get ten different patterned circles in this stamp set!

To stamp the circles onto black card we used the Versamark Stamp Pad which is effectively a sticky, clear ink pad. We then used 'Stampin Pastels' - which is a case of different coloured chalks and applicators. We rubbed the applicator into the chalk, then carefully ran it over the sticky images using different colours on different areas of the stamp. It gives a lovely finish. You can spray it with a finishing agent if you want to protect your finished image (or some cheap hairspray like we did in art classes back in school!).

The black card was mounted onto red and then blue card, some Old Olive green ribbon along the bottom with some 'brights' coloured buttons. Try it for yourself!

Thursday 10 March 2011

New tote bag

I've needed some good 'portable' storage for all my craft tools for a while now - at the moment I have a great spinning tool holder on my craft desk, but it's too heavy to carry around and since I've started up my craft classes again, I've been in desperate need of something to hold everything that I can just grab and go!

So when I went along to the Stampin' Up! convention at the end of last year, they had this lovely tote bag based on a set of their patterned papers - who could resist?! They sold out very fast though - and this event is solely open to SU demonstrators so you can imagine the frenzy to get hold of one! We could order one at the event and it followed some time later - and now I have it filled with my wonderful goodies. It's already been useful to taking place to place so it was definitely worth the investment. What do you keep your craft items in? I'm always keen to know anything about storage so send me your links and I can share them here!

Don't forget the March Frenzy offer from Stampin' Up! where you can get up to 30% off of SU products - limited time only! Contact me with anything that takes your fancy to order - details can be found here

Tuesday 8 March 2011

Cajun Craze heart card

This is a lovely little card using the "I {heart} hearts" stamp set, which that Monica Gale (another Stampin' Up! Demonstrator) sent me a while back. Isn't it cute? It's the heart stamped onto white card using 'Cajun Craze' colour cardstock for the card blank, and Chocolate Chip satin ribbon folded into a bow shape and secured.

If you notice, it also uses the 'Tiny Tags' stamp set and punch for the tiny sentiment - this tag set is brilliant and you get lots of little sentiments that can all be stamped and punched in mini tags - so cute for an extra touch to cards. This is secured with a mini brad. Got the urge to make one now? Thought so!
Don't forget the March Frenzy offer from Stampin' Up! where you can get up to 30% off of SU products - limited time only! Contact me with anything that takes your fancy to order - details can be found here

Saturday 5 March 2011

Would you like to make this set for your mum or a friend?

Stamping Craft Class - Saturday 26 March


Would you like to try something creative and meet like-minded friends? I am teaching a variety of cardmaking and scrapbooking classes which are suitable for all levels of crafters, including beginners, so this is your chance to come along and create some papercraft projects with step-by-step guidance from me.

Join us for a trio of papercraft projects including a handmade card, treat box and a decorated candle!

Saturday 26 March
Ardleigh Green Family Centre
11 – 2pm
£15 per person



These items are perfect for Mother’s Day but can easily be adapted for any other theme on the day. Grab your friends and come for a fun afternoon out! Refreshments are provided along with a kit of materials, with all you need to create your projects on the day.

Booking deadline – Monday 14th March —Book your place by email (see my address to the right) or via the CRAFT CLASS PAYPAL LINK in the right hand column of this blog.

Beginners are very welcome and you do not need to bring anything in order to attend – if you do have a basic tool kit please bring it along, but there will be tools provided that you can share. I will also have a table with my second hand craft items for sale so don’t miss your chance to grab a bargain as I have a lot that needs to go!

Hopefully see you there,

Jenny

Friday 4 March 2011

Watercolour technique


If you want to try the watercolour technique - take a look at this card. It is much simpler to make than it looks! We made this sample at the Stampin' Up Convention and as someone who didn't particularly like the watercolour technique (I've always found it fiddly and usually a bit of a mess when I am confused with which inks to use etc) I have to say it's converted me now!

This card uses the 'Just Believe' stamp set from the catalogue - you get a massive 8 stamps in this set and it's really pretty. And this is used with the Stampin' Up inks which work well with this technique.

To create this card you ink up the stamps (either in one full colour or colour different parts like I have here using my ink marker pens in Old Olive green and another blue) and then simply 'spritz' the inked stamp with a water bottle. Not too much or the ink will run too much, but enough to make a difference, and then stamp onto some 'watercolour card'. The ink blends into the special card a little and gives a watercolour painted effect.

The sentiment was then stamped on and the entire white card was spritzed with the new colour spritzer tool - this is such a brilliant gadget for adding splodges of colour to enhance the background of something. (If you look closely you will see the splattered blue effect behind the flowers). I've torn the edges of the white and blue card for some texture too and added that all to the card blank with a strip of ribbon and the button.


This is such a versatile set and I've barely touched it yet to maximise it's potential. If you don't have a Stampin' Up! catalogue but love inspiration I'd strongly recommend taking a look at one online or getting hold of a real copy which is so much better - it's full of so many free project ideas for each stamp set and they can be adapted to use with other materials too quite easily, I love mine and I turn to it more than magazines now.


It's lovely to add some detail to the envelope with one simple stamp too!


Don't forget my next stamping craft class is Saturday 26th March - you can book using the paypal button to the right. It's perfect for Mother's Day as we are making a large card, a treat box and decorating a candle - but can be adapted for any theme, I'll show you how. Bookings close Monday 14th so don't miss your chance!

Tuesday 1 March 2011

March Frenzy

You can get up to 30 percent off great Stampin’ Up! products during our March Frenzy sale! Take a look at the link below for details. I've also just seen the **new mini catalogue** - hold your breath for April 1st as there are some AMAZING goodies in there that I know you are all going to go crazy for!
Contact me with anything you'd like to order to bag this discount (click on the image to view it larger) - Stampin' Up rarely offer 30% discount so make the most of it. Be back again soon with more inspiration projects...

And don't forget you can now book your place for my next craft class - Saturday 26th March - £15 each - we are making a large card, a treat holder and decorating a candle - all perfect for Mother's Day!