Totally Crafty

Kristina Werner Challenge #49

2009-04-10T04:33:00.001-07:00

Time for another Kristina Werner Challenge and I just love the colours this week.

The pattern in this fabric is so 'in' right now and although I wasn't all that in love with it when I first started to see it around, I have definately learnt to love it. In fact, due to Stampin' Up!'s current catalogues section on Style Watch I have taken quite nicely to the 'Retro Fresh' style and already have 2 of the stamp sets - 'Good Friend' and 'Trendy Trees'; as well as the On Board 'So Tweet' in my collection and endeavour to have so much more!!! I believe Retro is making a come back!

So back to the challenge, I have definately followed the Retro style this week and as you can see I have used one of the On Board pieces and a stamp from the set 'Good Friend'. I also experimented with a new punch from the 2009-2010 Ideas Book and Catalogue called 'Heart to Heart'. I love that it gives you the choice of 3 different style hearts. I punched some of the hearts out of some new DS Paper called 'Good Morning Sunshine'.

Hope you all enjoyed my efforts this week.

Happy Crafting

Cheers

Alison

Look what happens when I am child free.

2009-04-02T22:13:00.000-07:00

What are slacker I have been lately. Sorry to all my devoted bloggers for not keeping up with more regular entries. It has been a super busy 2 weeks with Stampin' Up and my craft classes.

A little over a few weeks ago now my lovely husband sent me away for some peace and quiet at our caravan, without the kids. I had such a lovely, relaxing time and was able to catch up with loads of card making and scrapbooking, and not to mention girlie movies as well. Luckily for me the weather was beautiful also. So I thought I would share with you all some of the cards I was able to complete whilst on my relaxing weekend.

This is the first set that I made which I must admit I CASED from an idea I saw in Stamping and Papercraft Magazine. Such a simple set using Whisper White; Choc. Chip; Old Olive; Really Rust and Soft Sky Inks and Card Stock. The Stamp sets were Wonderful Words and Priceless.

This is the second set I made and once again it was CASED from SAPM. These were a little more complicated and involved the use of more tools but I had so much fun fiddling with my tools to make them. I have used Purely Pomegranate; Basic Black; Whisper White and Soft Sky Card stock and inks. The Stamp sets are Polka Dot Punch and So Many Sayings. I have also used some Hodge Podge Hardware in Pewter and some Whisper White Ribbon. The images have been stamped with Versamark and Embossed with Clear embossing powder. So much fun!!!

Finally these two aren't part of a set but instead are just 2 cards that I had a go at. One of them is using the my new set called Loads of Love which was chosen by my 3 year old son Lucas. It is such a great set for so many different uses. The extension set Loads of Love Accessories is definately on my wish list for the future.
The second card shown here was made using the set from the new catalogue called Greetings Eight and is pretty much as is described in it's title.

Both sets are outline sets and I have used the inks and an Aquabrush to watercolour them. Have I mentioned before how much I love to watercolour!!!!

So there you have it. The fruits of my relaxed labour - hardly labour though.

If you would like to get a few friends together to have a class and make one of these card sets then contact me to make a date. Usually a min. of 4 people and max. of 8 is good and the class will cost $15/person.

Cheers for now.

Yehaa Cowgirl

2009-03-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

I grabbed this set from the retiring list called Bronc Buster before it is all gone, and it is one of the many sets that has been reduced to 20% off too. It is such a great bargain at $26.96 and so perfect for that horse mad child - or adult!!!

I made this card for a girlfriends daughter, India, as it was her birthday party on the weekend. Unfortunately we haven't given it to her yet - family illness and renovations stepped in to foil our plans - so I thought I would post it up here before giving it to her during the week.

Let me know what you think!

Materials Used:

Bronc Buster Stamp Set (retiring)

Classic Stamp Pads - Choc. Chip, Close to Cocoa

Card Stock - Choc. Chip, Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow, Ruby Red, Really Rust, Very Vanilla

Accesories - Choc. Gingham ribbon (My own), Earth Element and Neutrals Buttons, Linen thread, Uniball Signo Gel pen, Crystal Effects, Designer Label punch, scallop edge punch, Adhesive

Kristina Werner Challenge #45

2009-03-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Time for another Kristina Challenge.

This time it was totally mono chromatic and I had the perfect reason for it. My neighbour is getting married in a few weeks and the theme will be all black and white. So when I saw this challenge I thought it was obvious what I needed to do.

As you can see I have used Crystal Effects to give the hearts a 3D, smooth and shiny look. It is o'so touchable too.

(Sorry about the orientation - but it just wouldnot up load in landscape!!)

I received a set of stamps from the new 2009-2010 Ideas Book And Catalogue this week and just couldn't wait to use them. I have used the dual heart stamp with the Happy Future sentiment but this doesn't mean it has to be used for a wedding/love theme. It could very easily be used for a girl theme etc.

The set is called Greatings Eight Stamp set and contains pretty much what the title suggests. There is a stamp for every occasion from Birthdays to Fathers Day, which makes it a great value set and will be priced at only $49.95.

I have also had a sneak peek at 8 other new items and have also got all the new IN COLOUR range of card stock and papers. I am as happy as a pig in mud right now. If you want to join me for a rumble in the mud then contact me today to book a workshop. Don't wait too long though. April is filling up fast as there is school holidays in this month and not to mention EASTER.

Also, don't forget to get your orders in now for the retiring list as by 31st of March they will all be gone and I certainly would hate for you to regret missing out on them.

Can't wait to hear from you. Cheers Alison.

Stampin' Up's! Retiring list

2009-03-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Well I thought it was high time I listed the Retiring list to my website. As you may already know, Stampin' Up! is retiring a HUGE amount of their products to make way for the 2009 - 2010 Ideas Book and Catalogue. Apparently this is the largest amount they have ever retired, but seeing as it is my first year at this then there really is no bench mark.

However, one bench mark that always makes me sit up and take notice is one that has %off listed next to it!!! LOL. Well you guessed it. There are quite a few with 25% marked off and even 2 with 50% marked off. WOW. Have a look here at the full retirement list to snatch up a few of these bargains before they all sell out.

Unfortunately, some have already sold out and some are sooooo low that you better contact me now if you want to place an order. I will list below the items that are Unavailable and Low Quantity

STAMP SETS

Forever in my Heart - pg 32 - $43.95
Dad's Day - pg 33 - $32.96
Polka Dot & Paisley - pg 46 - $35.95
Symbols of Solictude - pg 49 - $24.95
Unfrogettable - pg 54 - $48.95
Bundle of Joy - pg 58 - $45.95
Everything Baby - pg 58 $33.95
Ahoy, Matey - pg 62 - $45.95
By Land - pg 63 - $45.95
Stipple Rose - pg 74 - $25.95
All I have seen - pg 75 - $29.95
Fabulous Flowers - pg 79 - $43.95
Beautiful Life - pg 83 - $39.95
Natural Beauty - pg 84 -$39.95
Bareback - pg 86 - $37.95
Itty Bitty Backgrounds - pg 97 - $24.95
Classic Backgrounds - pg 102 - $29.95
Linen - pg 107 - $33.95
It's your Birthday - pg 111 - $58.95
Cheery Chat - pg 115 - $57.95
Much Appreciated - pg 118 - $26.95
Best Friends Alphabet Lower - pg 124 - $52.95
Best Friends Alphabet Upper - pg 124 - $52.95
Best Friends Numbers - pg 124 - $33.95
Short Order Numbers - pg 124 - $48.95
ABC images - pg 125 - $60.95

WHEELS

Gifts Galore - pg 28 - $11.95
Garden Annuals - pg 40 - $11.95
Birthday - pg 42 - $15.95
Flip Flops - pg 53 - $11.95
Daisy Field - pg 54 - $11.95
Lily Pad - pg 54 - $11.95
Matey's Map - pg 62 - $15.95
Fishy - pg 67 - $ 11.95
Leaf Prints - pg 74 - $11.95
Basic Outline - pg 78 - $15.95
Flitting By - pg 81 - $15.95
Speckled - pg 91 - $15.95
Rough Texture - pg 104 - $15.95

ACCESSORIES

Basic Eyelets - pg 145 - $11.50
Earth Elements Eyelets - pg 145 - $11.50
Rich Regal eyelets - pg 145 - $11.50
Soft Subtles eyelets - pg 145 - $11.50
Earth Elements & Neutrals Buttons - pg 147 - $10.13
Earth Elements Buttons - pg 147 - $13.50
Rich Regals Buttons - pg 147 - $13.50
Soft Subtles Buttons - pg 147 - $13.50
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware - pg 144 - $52.95
Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware - pg 144 - $39.71
Blue Bayou Classic ink refill - pg 129 - $4.95
Groovy Guava Classic ik refill - pg 129 - $4.95
In Colour 12" x 12" card stock - pg 129 - $17.25
Purely Pomegranate A4 card stock - pg 129 - $10.50
River Rock A4 card stock - pg 129 - $10.50
River Rock Classic ink refill - pg 129 - $4.95
Soft Sky A4 card stock - pg 129 - $10.50
Soft Sky Classic ink refill - pg 129 - $4.95
Wild Wasabi A4 card stock - pg 129 - $10.50
Wild Wasabi Classic ink refill - pg 129 - $4.95
Five in One Card Cover Envelope Template - pg 132 - $18.95
Gift Sacks - pg 133 - $5.75
Pockets and Pieces Office Accents - pg 133 - $12.71
Embossing Kit - pg 148 - $27.95
Light Blue Gingham Ribbon - pg 146 - $9.71
Black Hemp Twine - pg 147 - $4.95
Theartre Ribbon Originals - pg 147 - $23.95
Confetti Simply Scrappin' - pg 138 - $36.95

Also, in other news, Classic Stampin' Pads are going up to $11.95 as of the 1st of April, so grab a few of your favourites by placing an order with me today.

Cheers for now. Alison

Kristina Werner Challenge #44

2009-03-04T23:38:00.000-08:00

Hello again all,

I know, I know. I have been a super slack blogger. Man I would have thought that I would have been more organised now that the kids are back in school but I think I am busier than ever. Anyway, I have found time to put a card together for Kristina's challenge but I must confess. I used this colour challenge to make my very good friend, Sophia's, birthday card for tomorrow - HAPPY 40TH SOPHIA.

Here are the colours;

And here is my effort.

The photo may not be a very good one but I must admit the colours look great together. Thanks again Kristina for yet another great set of colurs.

Cheers for now.

Kristina Werner Challenge #42

2009-02-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

So sorry that I haven't blogged for a while. I have been a bit busy with school stuff and also making a plague for a friend of my mum's It turned out quite nice so I will post a photo of it a little later.

But right now I have the current Kristina Werner challenge to show you. Here are the colours she gave us this week. As you can see she has used Kiwi Kiss which we don't have here in Oz so I have substituted with Old Olive.

And here is my entry. I have used 2 stamp sets and both of them are from the Hostess benefits sets; Oh, So Lovely and For a Friend.

Here are all the materials used;
Stamp sets - Oh, So Lovely; For a Friend
Card Stock - Old Olive, Really Rust, More Mustard and Whisper White
DS Papers - Prints DS Paper - Old Olive
Stamp Pads - Staz On Black;
Ribbons - 1/4" White Grosgrain
Other - Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Stampin' Pastels

Let me know what you think.

Kristina Werner Challenge #41

2009-02-14T02:36:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Here is my contribution to Kristina's current challenge.

I actually made this card a while ago now but felt it applied to this challenge perfectly.

I actually love the combination of blacks, reds and whites together but I am not always brave enough to use them.
Anyway, enjoy and keep being crafty

A Beautifully fixed card

2009-02-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

Well this time I thought that I would show you how I fixed a plain card and made it more interesting.

I made this card on the weekend but wasn't quite happy with it. I asked my husband and my 7 year old daughter, Gabriella - who just happens to be my best critic - what they thought. They both agreed that it was just a little too plain and it needed the white card broken up a bit. I placed it on my buffet where I would walk past it continuously and be able to be inspired further. This, however was fruitless and I decided to abondon my efforts and put the card away. After placing it on my workbench and getting about my housework on Monday, I just happened to walk past it one more time, and that's when inspiration hit. I got to work and made my adjustments. I added some linen thread to the top, changed the orientation of the white grosgrain ribbon and then added some buttons I had lying around (probably leftovers from those extras you get from kids clothes!!) I did have the edges of the flowers curled up before but they do look better now with buttons added.

What do you think?

Both my husband and daughter agreed it was an improvement. Phew!

Here's the materials I used;

Card stock; Lovely Lilac, Pink Passion, Green Galore, Whisper White
Stampin' Pads; Lovely Lilac, Pink Passion, Green Galore
Stamp Sets; A beautiful life, Short and Sweet
Ribbons; 1/4" White grosgrain
Punches; Scallop edge punch
Accessories; Linen Thread, Stampin' Dimensionals, Adhesive
Buttons - not Stampin' Up!

Make a wish in Old Olive and Blue Bayou

2009-02-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

Ok so I can definately see another theme creeping in here with me again. It is safe to say I must be over my Bashful Blue and Real Red phase, and heading fast into my Old Olive stage. I seem to be using it in every project I make these days. Oh well, let's call it an Old Olive Showcase instead!

I have also been trying to challenge myself to make more masculine cards lately as well, so hopefully this one will pass muster.

Here are the materials I used;

Card Stock - Old Olive, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Whisper White
Stampin' Pads - Craft White, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky
Stamp sets - Big Bold Birthday
DS Paper - Spring Break
Ribbon - Whisper White grosgrain
Sponge daubers
adhesive
stampin' dimensionals

Techniques used;

Paper tearing
layering
Stamping off
Distressing with sponge daubers

If any of these techniques interest you or are new to you then let me know and I will put together a detailed description.
Or better still, book a workshop with me today and I will show you in person.

Enjoy!

My First KWerner Challenge

2009-02-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

I decided today to do my very first online colour challenge from Kritina Werner Challenges. I have admired other bloggers work when doing challenges for quite some time now so I thought I was up for the challenge today too. This is the image and colours that she gives us a challenge to go and get creative.

This particular lady, http://www.kwernerdesign.com/about/, who sets this challenge is such a talented crafter. I signed up for her newsletter today and just can't wait for it to arrive.
Anyway, here is my attempt at her current challenge.

Tell me what you think!

Stampin' Scrapbook layout

2009-02-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

I thought it was high time that I showed you all an example of how you can use Stampin' Up products for scrapbooking. This layout was quick and simple to make and it just so happens that I have used this layout in a few others in years gone by.
Here is what I used;

12x12 textured card in Soft Sky
A4 Blue Bayou c/stock
12x12 DS paper from Spring Break collection
Whisper White c/stock
Old Olive Stampin' Pad
Soft Sky Stampin' Pad
Blue Bayou Stampin' Pad
Stampin' Dimensionals
Mini Glue dots
White grosgrain ribbon
SAB Stamp set Polka Dot Punch
Schoolbook Serif Alphabet Stamp set
Stampin' write markers

Black and White Wedding

2009-02-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

Just a quick card today as the girls will be walking in the door soon from school.
I had to make a card to RSVP to an upcoming wedding for the daughter of one of my neighbours. The invitation was made professionally on a black card with a silver embossed ivory cover sheet. The only two colours used were black and white. The invitation itself was very simple and elegant, and I really wanted to follow the same theme but struggled with just using the two colours. So rather than go completely different, I thought I would just highlight with some very faint colour and inject some silver to add to its formal occassion. Tell me what you think.

Materials used;

Basic black Card stock
Whisper white card stock
Fun and Fast notes Stamp set
So Many Sayings stamp set
Silver Stampin emboss powder
Top Boss Tinted embossing pad
Bashful blue stampin pad
Real red stampin pad
Aqua Painter
Stampin' Dimensionals

Lovely 3D Flowers

2009-01-31T19:09:00.000-08:00

I was seaching around various blogspots last night and I came across a very talented crafter named Sandy Quail at Scrappy Habits.
Sandy appeals to my style of card making and 3D projects so I just had to add her to my blogs to follow list.

She had this very cute card made with Stampin' Up!s scallop punch and a few bits and pieces so I decided to CASE it. Sandy originally CASEd it from the kaisercraft website so dare I say I shall be making a trip to that website in the very near future.

So here are the materials used and instructions can be found here at Sandy's blog.

Materials (all Stampin' Up);

Scallop Punch
A5 card of Whisper White
3 x Really Rust Scallop punched circles
3 x Fall Flowers Scallop punched circles
3 x brads
Stampin Around wheel, Daisy Field design and Old Olive ink cartridge
Small scraps of Old Olive Card Stock
Seasons of Joy Stamp set
Old Olive Ribbon
Whisper White Ribbon

I just loved this cute card so much that I have added it to my up coming class for Punch and Stamping basics class on Saturday, 21st Feb at 4pm.

Book in today and you can make it too.

Hoppy for my new Blue Bayou!

2009-01-30T03:34:00.000-08:00

Well here is the second card for the night and yes it is part of my new purchases. The stamp set is one of my old favourites, Unfrogettable. I fell in love with this colour combination when I picked up the DS Paper, Spring Break. It can be quite hard to find masculine papers out there but thankfully for Stampin' Up we have quite a few. The colours I have used here are Blue Bayou, Sky Blue and Old Olive and I have also used sponge daubers to soften the edges and give it a distressed appearance. I have also used some brads that I had that were an exact colour match, so yeeha for me!! And just to finish it off I have put some Linen Thread just to give it that rough texture. I think this card could very easily be used for a male birthday. What do you think?

"Thanks SO much" for the FREE Stamp!!

2009-01-30T02:30:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help myself. I had to go and get my $100 worth of Stampin' Up goodies so I could qualify for this gorgeous FREE stamp set called Botanical Blooms from the Sale-A-Bration catalogue. They arrived just before I had to go and do a workshop last night so I didn't even have time to play with them until now. I stamped the shadow image of the 2 step stamp in Really Rust and Old Olive and then stamped the outline with Close To Cocoa on Sahara Sand Cardstock. Then I used Choc. Chip card stock with Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon on top and finished with a sentiment from the So Many Sayings, Hostess only set. What do you think? I think the colours go really well together and it was such a quick card to make too. Will be back later on with another new design. Happy Crafting.

Slack Blogger Alert

2009-01-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hello again Party People,

Firstly I am so very sorry to anyone who may have been coming back to check my site. I have had a lovely holiday down the coast for the past 3 weeks and I am definately back and rearing to go. It really is amazing what a relaxing holiday can do for the motivation. Keep checking by to see what churns out from my creativity over the next few weeks!!!

Secondly, Stampin' Up has launched it's yearly sale called Sale-A-Bration and it is Awesome. This is why;
For Customers who spend $100 they will receive a FREE stamp set from the Sale-A-Bration brochure and there's no limit. For every $100 spent, that is another set.
For Hostesses there is even better offers. When you host a workshop of at least $600 you will receive a FREE Sale-A-Bration set in addition to our usual hostess benefits! You'll receive a second set when your net workshop sales reach $1200 and a third when they reach $1800.
For New Recruits, there is the best deal of all. During Sale-A-Bration only, you will receive a FREE set from the 2008/2009 Ideas Book and Catalogue up to the value of $79.95. What better time to start up your own business, save 20% off all further purchases and make loads of new friends whilst doing something you just love.
Check out the brochure here or ask me for a copy. But get in fast because this is only for a limited time and my diary dates are filling up fast.

Thirdly, I am definately in the process of putting together new workshops for the next 2 months. I aim to have 1 card making class and 1 special project class. I would love to hear your feedback on what you would like to do. Drop me a message here or email me at alisonengesser1@optusnet.com.au for your requests.

So until then, get busy crafting and don't forget to book your workshop today.

The New Summer Catalogue is here

2008-12-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo, It's here and it is fabulous. The new Summer Mini is jam packed full of gorgeous new stamps, new scallop punches, new embellishments and of course new DS papers. I pre ordered the scallop edged punch and have been going crazy with it. I suppose it will be my next addiction - which is probably a good thing that I am over my red phase.

For anyone who is interested in checking it out I have added the link here and will soon upload a more permanent link on the right hand side. I also have a few paper catalogues and would be more than happy for you to have one and show your friends, just drop me an email at alisonengesser1@optusnet.com.au and I will pop it in the post or give it to you.

I have also received the much awaited Sale-A-Bration catalogue. Being a new SU! demonstrator I have heard so much about this promotion but have never experienced it for myself. So therefore, I have been dying to see what all the fuss is about. Well it was worth the wait. Here is the run down:
During the period of January 1st 2009 - February 28th 2009;

Customers -- Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $100 purchase.

Hostesses -- Receive a free Sale-A-Bration stamp set with a $600 or more workshop, in addition to the normal hostess benefits.

Recruits -- Choose any retail stamp set (a value up to $79.95) from the current catalogue when signing up during the promotion.

Now I have seen the catalogue and although I cannot send you one yet I would be more than happy to show you mine, it really is a great deal. The stamp sets are gorgeous (as usual) and who would turn down a free set of stamps!!! So if you were waiting for the right time to invest in some of SU!'s fab products then during this promotion would definately be the time. This also applies to those who would want to host demonstations, but please get in quick for bookings as I already have quite a few lined up.

And finally it would be remiss of me not to mention the wonderful promotion that SU! has lined up for the month of december. The promo is titled Tying Up Christmas and if you spend $20.00 or more you can receive 20% off the following items.

Festive Favourites stamp set (page 27) was $45.95 now only $36.76
Crazy For Christmas stamp set (page 28) was $39.95 now only $31.96
Snow Flurries stamp set (page 29) $20.95 now only $16.76
Tag Time stamp set (page 43) $53.95 now only $43.16
Many Merry Messages stamp set (page 111) $64.95 now only $51.96
12″x12″ Days-to-Remember Calendar (page 133) was $20.95 now only $16.76
6″x6″ Days-to-Remember Calendar (page 133) was $18.95 now only $15.16
Winter Bright Simply Scrappin’ (page 138) was $36.95 now only $29.56
Three for You Punch Box (page 138) was $85.95 now only $68.76
Very Vanilla 5/8″ grosgrain ribbon (page 146) was $14.95 now only $11.96
Certainly Celery 5/8″ grosgrain ribbon (page 146) was $14.95 now only $11.96
White Square Aluminium Metal Edge tags (page 147) was $7.50 now only $6.00

It really is a very handy list for the christmas period and if you haven't started your chrissy cards this would certainly take the sting out of it. Plus it really isn't very often that you can pick up a set of stamps for only $16.76. What a bargain!!!!

If you were interested in any of these specials or mabye holding a workshop please don't hesitate to contact me at alisonengesser1@optusnet.com.au

New Crafty Creation

2008-11-23T14:13:00.000-08:00

I have spent the weekend experimenting with a new technique that I had seen on SCS some time ago but have just needed a free weekend to give it a go. These are candles that have been made using Stampin' Up! rubber stamps and watercolouring technique. I absolutely love the effect the watercoloured flowers give. Here is a quick tutorial on how to make them but if this is all too much for you to take in then keep your eye on this site as in 2009 I will be scheduling a class on how to do them. Cheers. Alison.

Stamped Candles

Materials needed;

Rubber Stamps
Tracing paper
Baking paper
Permanent dye ink like Staz On
Stampin' Write coloured markers
scissors
Heat gun

STEP 1
Stamp images onto tracing paper and set aside to dry. Do an extra of each image just in case you make a mistake as it does take some time for the images to dry and this will save time.
STEP 2
Once the images are dry colour them to your taste and then cut them all out as close to the image as you can. Lay them out on the candle to get a gauge for where they will go.
STEP 3
Cut a piece of baking paper to the height of the candle and twice the length of it so that it wraps around about twice.
STEP 4
Place the image onto the candle in position and then wrap the baking paper around it and the candle firmly. Use the excess baking paper as a grip to hold the candle with.
STEP 5
Turn the heat gun on for about 30secs to warm it up and then gently pass it over the candle where the image is for about 5-10secs depending on the candle. Each candle will differ on it's melting point but you should see a change in the image to indicate that it has set. It works by the heat melting the candle slightly and then the pressure of the wrapped baking paper pushes it into the melting wax. Be careful not to melt it too much as this will change the shape of the candle.
STEP 6
Allow thw candle to cool slightly then gently peel the baking paper off to reveal the image. Voila!!!! You did it.

Now go forth and create more candles. They are great gifts not to mention you can co-ordinate them to suit your own decor.

Fun and Fast Engagement Card

2008-11-21T15:48:00.001-08:00

My good friend Sophia asked me to make an engagement card for her and I decided to go with, yes you guessed it, Bashful Blue combo again. I told you I have a thing for it now. I have used the very versatile set "Fun and Fast Notes" and although the picture doesn't really show it, there is watercolouring on the cakes. The word Celebrate is from the set "Wonderful Words" and has been stamped with the mini tinted Top Boss pad and embossed with silver embossing powder. This is an easy technique but is so very effective. I may have to schedule a class for it in 2009. Interested??
Sophia hasn't actually seen this card yet so I hope she likes it. If not I guess I will keep it in my collection for a future event. Let me know what You think!! Do you think she will like it?

Materials used;
Stamp set - Fun and Fast Notes, Wonderful Words
Card Stock - Whisper White, Bashful Blue, Ballet Blue
Stampin Pads - Top Boss Tinted Embossing pad, Basic Black, Bashful Blue
Accessories - Stampin' Emboss Powder (Silver), Heat Gun, Powder Pals, Aqua Painter
Ribbon - my own

Real Red and Bashful Blue Christmas Cards

2008-11-21T15:26:00.000-08:00

Ok so I am stuck on two favourite colours again. I have had a thing for Real Red for about a month now but have now incorporated Bashful Blue as well. So as you can see I have gone a bit mad with them now. I got my inspiration from SCS as usual, and in fact one is a direct CASE from there with the ribbon being slightly different. I have also used the awesome SU! stamp set called "Seasons of Joy" which will only be available for one more week in the Spring Mini Catalogue. Pick up your set this week for only $1.00 P&H.
The materials I used in all the cards are:
Cardstock - Whisper White, Real Red, Bashful Blue
Ink Pads - Real Red, Craft White, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue
Ribbons - various.

Don't forget that the $1.00 promotion starts tomorrow so get your orders in now for delivery next week. Also the Super Saturday is looming as well and is sizing up to be loads of fun. Mark it in your diaries. I hope I can see you there next Saturday.

Special Offer week and Super Saturday

2008-11-17T01:21:00.000-08:00

SPECIAL OFFER WEEK
Well the festive season is well and truly upon us now and I am feeling very much in the spirit. I have decided to have a Special Offer Week. For one week only I am offering $1.00 postage and handling fees on any orders placed between Sunday 23rd of November and Saturday 29th November. This is a huge saving of over 80% off the normal P&H price of $5.95. What a great opportunity to buy the Christmas present for yourself that you REALLY want!! Or mabye pick up your supplies for decorating your Christmas cards, gift tags and wrapping. You can even tell the hubby you are saving money!
Don't forget that this would also be a great,last chance opportunity to pick up some of those Stampin' Write pens for $4.95 or mabye some Rub Ons for 20% off with the money you save on P&H. Both of these promotions will be ending on the 30th of November so get in quick and pick up a bargain.
Check out the catalogues onthe links in the right hand panel.

SUPER SATURDAY
To launch the new Summer Mini Catalogue(1stDec.2008-31stMar,2008) and farewell the outgoing Spring Mini Catalogue(1stAug.2008-30th Nov.2008), I am holding an OPEN HOUSE day on Saturday the 29th of November from 10am - 12pm. There will be demonstrations, FREE make and takes, FREE gift for everyone and a lucky door prize with a minimum value of $20.00(to be drawn at 12pm). This is also the final day for the $1.00 P&H offer and the second last day for the 2 awesome November promotions mentioned above. Why not check out the Spring Mini one more time on the link in the panel to the right and catch some bargains before they are all gone.

Orders must reach me by 9pm the 30th of November to qualify for the November Promotiions as well as any orders from the Spring Mini Catalogue.

If you can make it to the Open House then as RSVP would definately be handy.

If you cannot make the Open House and would like to take advantage of the $1.00 P&H offer then email your order to alisonengesser1@optusnet.com.au or contact me on 0423 208 402.

Cheers
Alison

Baby shower cutie

2008-11-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

I am going to a girlfriends baby shower on Sunday and have needed an excuse to make this "onesie" card I saw on Splitcoast Stampers for ages. I originally saw the idea on Splitcoast Stampers but the creator of this gorgeous design is Lauren Meader. You can get the instructions to do this here.
It is so very easy to make and I have included the 'recipe' for materials used below. Let ma know what you think.
Have an awesome day.
Alison

Materials used

Cardstock - Bashful Blue and Whisper white
Stampin Pads - Bashful Blue
Stamp sets - Lovely Labels
Punches - 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 circle punches
Ribbon - Little blue gingham ribbon
Eyelets - Bordering blue
Snail adhesive

Sorry for my absence

2008-11-09T02:06:00.000-08:00

As the title says, I am so sorry for my absence. I have been dealing with some family dramas and unfortunately missed out on adding any blogs. But rest assure I am back now and boy do I have some catching up to do.

I have added some new cards to the slide show so check them out.

Also, for those of you who are on my mailing list for Stampin' Up! news then you will have recieved my new ENewsletter. What do you think? It have come across this company and it is really helpful in helping me design my newsletters as well as keep track of who is receiving, opening and unsubscribing. If you haven't received it then check your spam folder as some systems put it in as spam!!
If you would like to receive this newsletter in the future then just drop me an email, alisonengesser1@optusnet.com.au and write Newsletter subscription in the subject line and I will add you to the list. It is a fabulous way for me to keep you up to date with what is happening with both Stampin' Up! and Totally Crafty.

I have also been very busy making lots and lots of Chrissy cards. I have included a few pictures here and also in the slide show. I must thank a very dear friend of mine, Rachel, who so generously lent me her "Hung up on the Holidays" stamp set and several of her stamp pads which I used to make these cards, which I also Cased the idea from her for. I would also like to thank another dear friend, Sophia, who lent me another SU! stamp set, Festive Favourites, to make some chrissy cards as well. Such wonderful friends I have. Thanks Gals.
Let me know what you think.

Christmas Card Stamp a Stack Classes

2008-10-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Christmas is a very special time of year for most of us.
It is a time of giving and receiving. A time for sharing with family and friends. A time for appreciating, loving and making the most of the things we have.

This year why not make your own hand made Christmas cards to give to those you love and appreciate. A handmade gift is a treasured one as it is made with love and care.

Join me on one of the below dates in making your own handmade cards this year.

For just $20 you will receive enough materials to make 10 cards of two designs as well as a storage box to display them in until ready for use as illustrated above (variances in printed papers may occur due to supply).
That works out to be less than $2 a card which is a bargain in today’s financial climate!

Friday 24th October at 7:30pm (RSVP 22nd Oct.)
Saturday 25th October at 2pm (RSVP 23rd Oct.)
Tuesday 28th October at 10am (RSVP 26th Oct.)
Wednesday 5th November at 10am (RSVP 3rd Nov.)

If these dates don’t suit you then let me know and I can sell you the kits for you to do at your own leisure, in your own home – you will need your own adhesive and cutter/scissors to do so.

Alternatively, if you feel this to be too much of a challenge then let me do the work for you for just $25 – you can even tell everyone you made them yourself!

Now is the time to get started so give me a call and make this Christmas a Totally Crafty one!

"Priceless" Mania - Pink Passion and Green Galore

2008-09-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

Recently I took advantage of Stampin' Up's! September promotion and purchased the stamp set Priceless and received the free co-ordinating jumbo stampin' around wheel with it. Of course it literally took me a nano second to get started on playing with them and these are some of the final products. I have to admit I did CASE some ideas from Splitcoast Stampers but some are purely my own inspiration. I also combined them with some of my other SU! stamp sets as well and the results I feel are quite lovely. What do you think?

MATERIALS USED
Stamp sets - Priceless, Wonderful Words
Card Stock - Pink Passion, Green Galore, Whisper White
Stampin Pads - Pink Passion, Green Galore, Versamark Watermark, Basic Black
Snail Adhesive
Rhinestone Brads
Pretties kit
Stampin Scrub

"Priceless" Mania - Groovy Guava and Wild Wasabi

2008-09-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

Here I used the combination of Groovy Guava and Wild Wasabi. I just love these 2 colours and will be very sad when the new in-colour range changes in 2009. I guess I will just have to stock up on supplies before then. Both of these cards are very simple and easy to make but I feel are very effective non the less. Tell me what you think.

MATERIALS USED
Stamp Sets - Priceless, A Beautiful Thing (from the Spring Catalogue)
Card Stock - Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Choc. Chip, Close Cocoa
Stampin' Pads - Choc. Chip, Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava
Ribbons - Wild Wasabi D.Stitched
Punches - 1 3/8" Circle, 1 1/4" Circle
Snail Adhesive
Stampin Scrub
Rhinestone Brads
Stampin Dimensionals

"Priceless" Mania - Arty Celebration

2008-09-28T00:07:00.000-07:00

This lovely card I CASED from splitcoast stampers. I am not usually that good with the arty effects but this one seemed easy enough for me to try. What do you think?

MATERIALS USED
Stamp sets - Priceless, Wonderful Words
Card Stock - Basic Black, Whisper White, Ruby Red
Stampin' Pads - Ruby Red, Basic Black
Ribbons - my own supplies
Snail Adhesive
Stampin Dimensionals
Stampin' Scrub
Wire and beads - my own supplies

1st Birthday

2008-09-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

September 11 marks a most memorable day in American, if not world, history for a very sad reason. In my household it marks a very happy day in history. It is my 4th and last childs birthday and for each of my kids I like to make a special card for their birthdays. For this card I used a variety of Stampin' Up! products and supplies I already had at home which just goes to show how versatile their products are.
- UTEE -
One of the techniques I have used on this card that I would like to share with you is Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel or UTEE. Although the picture doesn't quite do it justice, the no.1 has a very glossy and raised look to it. This is achieved by first giving the chipboard colour by pressing it into a stamp pad or you could even paint it if you wished. When it is dry stamp it with the Mini Top Boss Tinted Embossing Pad, then using some UTEE (which at present can only be purchased through other craft outlets) and the small Powder Pals tray sprinkle it all over the chipboard. Tap off excess onto the tray and move to another surface and heat with the Heat Tool. Once all the UTEE is melted and still wet quickly return to the tray and reapply the UTEE. Continue this process of heating and adding UTEE for about 3 or 4 times until desired thickness is achieved. When finished allow to dry. Alternatively at the last application whilst it is still wet stamp an image into the UTEE for an interesting effect. This is such a cool effect and can be used in card making, scrapbooking and beyond the page items. Ask me to demo it for you at my next Freestyle class!!

Materials used from SU!
Stamp sets - Big Bold Birthday
Card Stock - Summer Sun, Green Galore, Whisper White
Stampin' Pads - Summer Sun, Ruby Red, Green Galore, Ballet Blue, Mini Top Boss Tinted Pad.
Ribbons - Wild Wasabi double stitched
Powder Pals tray
Heat Tool
Stampin' Scrub

Totally Pink

2008-09-13T18:30:00.000-07:00

Last week my daughter achieved the highest award in the schools behaviour and discipline system. It was a special occasion as she was the 2nd person in the school to achieve this and we were very proud.
To mark the occasion I made her a card for her to keep in memory of this and have posted it here for you to see. I was quite pleased with the final results.
Materials used were a variety of Stampin up! materials and some of my own supplies.

Card Gift Pack

2008-09-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Last week a girlfriend of mine asked me to make some cards for her. The first two were fathers day cards and the third was a baby shower card for a lady who knew she was having a baby boy. I put the kit together as shown in this photo. The kit was $10.00 for the 3 cards.
If you or anyone you know is interested in having cards made for you either separately or as a pack then just drop me a line and we can discuss the options. Generally I charge $3.50 for each card or $10.00 for a pack of 3.

Hostess Gift for my friend

2008-09-01T02:07:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would show you what I made for my girlfriend Sophia for hosting my first out of home demonstration. I made it from a tin that I had in my cupboard and used mostly Stampin' Up! products. It was filled with cards that I had made as well.

It was reasonably easy to make and I would be more than happy to hold a workshop to demonstrate how to make a similar box. If you are interested in this sort of idea then just drop me a line.

Also, don't forget that this Thursday is "Freestyle Thursday" and I already have a handful of ladies coming, so just drop me a quick message to let me know if you will be attending.

In the meantime, Happy Crafting to all.

Materials used;

Designer Series paper - Fall Flowers

Eastern Elegance Rub ons

Double stitched ribbon in wild wasabi

Pretties Kit

Rhinestone brads

Fathers Day Card Workshop

2008-08-25T04:24:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in the WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES column here are the cards that we will be making at the workshop. All the cards have been made using products from the Stampin' Up! product line.

Materials Used;
'Celebrate" Card is made using Big Bold Birthday and Wonderful Words Stamp sets. The cardstock used is Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke, More Mustard and Very Vanilla. The inks are Stampin' pads Summer Sun, Ruby Red and Green Galore.
"I Love You" card is made using Seeing Spots and Unfrogettable Stamp Sets. Cardstock used is Close to Cocoa, Ballet Blue and Very Vanilla. The Ink is Stampin' Pad Ballet Blue and Chocolate Chip. The ribbon is Brocade Blue and Caramel Gingham.
"You're Unfrogettable" card is made using Unfrogettable stamp set and Daisy Field Stampin' Wheel. The cardstock is Garden Green, Brilliant Blue and Very Vanilla. The inks are Basic Black and Old Olive ink cartridge. The ribbons are Wild Wasabi double stitched and Real Red. The goggle eyes are my own supply.

Thank you for looking!

2008-08-25T04:11:00.000-07:00

I would like to start of my blog by thanking anyone who has come to check out my new blogspot and therefore my new business of Totally Crafty and as a Stampin' Up! Independent Demonstrator. I hope you find it easy to manoeuvre around here and if there appears to be anything I may have missed or you could recommend then please let me know. I assume there will be teething problems so please be patient with me as I sort out all the glitches!!! In the mean time enjoy checking out some of my latest work and don't forget to check out the WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES column on the right to see any upcoming events.
In the mean time, happy crafting and I hope to see you soon.
Cheers
Alison