By the Seashore Masculine Birthday

We have a friend who loves the ocean and fishing. It's his birthday this week and I was wondering what to make for him. Hubby asked for a fish card (I love it when he suggests something, and I will be buying a fish stamp before too long now), but I hadn't got round to buying a fish stamp yet, then I saw a wonderful card made by demonstrator Karren Johnson from New Zealand and I thought, 'That's It!' and got to work.

Here's my take on Karren's card:

 

It's all made with shades of brown and a tiny hint of Blush Blossom and So Saffron for the inside of the shells. I used Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla and Soft Suede cardstock and inks. The Happy Birthday stamp came from a retired set whose name escapes my mind right now, but I did emboss the words in black. And I used a retired designer series paper pack fro the hand cit banner along the bottom of the main image, and sponged each one of the pennants. The background stamp set I used was also a retired set. And I sponged a background fro my popped up, fussy cut shells with Crumb Cake and a torn piece of paper.

I hope our friend likes the card :) I sure did. Thanks for the idea, Karren!

Ronald McDonald House Charity Stamp Set

Did you know Stampin' Up! sponsors Ronald McDonald House here in Australia and all over the world? They do! One way they do it is to create a special stamp set where a certain amount of its purchase price goes to Ronald McDonald House. I love to contribute to causes like this in any way I can, so found the little video they made about the stamp set and the charity for you to see.

It's a bonus that the stamp set is a cute one, too!



You can order your own Tag It stamp set by shopping at SusanSalutations and ordering Tag It with the code 130300 for wood mount and 130303 for clear mount.

More Wildflowers

Wildflower Meadows is such a gorgeous stamp and the matching embossing folder takes cards to the next level for me. I know there is so much more I can do with this set, and need lots of happy crafty time to play with it and see what else it can do. Tonight I coloured the image with my Stampin' Write markers and then gave it a a light mist of water. It's so pretty! I also cut out the little hummingbird and popped him up over his original flat image. Doesn't his mix of colours make him look sweet? I gave him a tiny bit of shine with some shimmer paint mixed with rubbing alcohol. I sponged around the first layer with Pumpkin Pie and around the card base in Crumb Cake.

 There are pearls in the middle of all the open flowers.

For this card I used Wisteria Wonder, Baja Breeze, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi and Crumb Cake inks. The designer series paper is from a Color Collection Designer Series Paper Pack in Pumpkin Pie.

You can't see it very well in the photo but the background card is stamped with Flowering Flourishes in Crumb Cake. The flourishes  continue onto the back of the card too.

Inside I embossed my sentiment (from God's Blessings) in white embossing powder:

This card turned out to be one of those special ones.

Now I need to make some more for some very special people in my life. My friends are such a blessing to me. I can make their flowers in all their favourite colours! Yeah!

I hope none of them have seen this card now! Lol!

I have a card for Craft Class tomorrow that will use just a  piece of the Wildflower Meadow stamped image, so stay tuned to see that soon.

Big Shot Magnetic Platform!

I don't know about you but when it comes to cutting stamped images out with a die on my Big Shot, I need to Post-It note it in place before I cut. Otherwise I wind up with perfectly cut OFF CENTRE die cuts!! Then I have to start all over again with a new stamped image and fresh paper. Not fun. I mean, stamping IS fun and maybe I should just look at it that way? Hmm. I tried, but I really wished for a better solution.

Well, guess what is next on my Wish List? Stampin' Up! has a solution to my problem called the Magnetic Platform!! It does the job like no Post-It note can :)

Here's a little video showing the plate in action:

If you are like me and want one of these platforms, you can Shop Now. Come to think of it, you can shop anytime you like, really. My shop is open 24/7. The platform is on page 184 of the new catalogue, item no 130658, and the cost is $69.95.

Let me know how it works for you if you get one.

Meanwhile, happy stampin'

PS: Thank you Vicki for helping me see the two errors on this post :) I must have had my mind on too many things this morning! Lol!

New Stampin' Up! Catalogue is Out!

Wow! The new Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogue has been launched! It is chick full of new products, wonderful ideas, new colours and tools and embellishments, ribbons, you name it! I love to browse through mine to find papercraft ideas.

 

You can order your very own copy (item no 133261) by going to the Shop at SusanSalutations today. Let me know when you order one and I can send you some extra information about the items in the catty. 

"Scuse me now. I'm off to play with a new stamp sets and coordinating punch I got on one of my pre-orders :) Will show you what I made tomorrow.

Happy crafting!

Wildflower Meadow

One of the best things about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is being able to access new goodies early. The set I was experimenting with tonight is called Wildflower Meadows and it has a matching embossing folder that just makes it so lovely! It will be available in the new Stampin' Up! catalogue coming out on July 1st in Australia.

I used another stamp set with this new set to see what a bit of extra stamping would do to the design, and I really liked it. I added some of the flowers from Summer Silhouettes (132082 in wood, 126447 in clear mount). Then I added various types of ribbon to add a little bit of luxury, and finally I added sparkle with some Dazzling Details (127845) and some shimmer paint mixed with rubbing alcohol.

The cardstock I began with was Whisper White and the coloured cardstock were in Baja Breeze, Rose Red and Gumball Green. I chose matching inks as well but added some Midnight Muse and Not Quite Navy as well.

 

See how nice the embossed areas make the images? 

I think I'll get a lot of use out of this new stamp and embossing folder combo. I love how Stampin' Up! does this sort of thing :) 

Till next time.

New Blog Header!!

I was playing with My Digital Studio tonight because I wanted to brighten up my blog. I found a little video which explained the simple process of making a header, and after playing for a while, here it is! I see I got the blue of one flower slightly too bright but that is easily fixed. I will go back in and sort it out in a bit. Meanwhile, let me know what you think!

And if you want to learn about My Digital Studio and get a FREE copy of the program yourself, come along with me to the Brisbane MDS event on Saturday, 17th August,. Let me know if you want an invitation to this event :)

OR: If you want to play with My Digital Studio, you can download afree 30 Trial!  Simply use item code # 130910   or if you’d like to purchase the unlimited version use the code # 130646 and it’s just $24.95!

PS: It's all changed now and I like it much better.  He, he!

The Disappearing Stampin' Up! Retirement List

Oh my word! It has come down to SIX DAYS only before the goodies on Stampin' Up!s Retirement List disappear, maybe FOREVER!! If you are still wanting something listed, do hurry to order. Many items are already sold out! Go to SusanSalutations to see the list :)

My Digital Studio Tour!

Stampin' Up! is holding some training in My Digital Studio (MDS) in Brisbane and I am going! Want to join me? Here's some information about it for you:



Let me know if you want to come with me :)

Faux Patina Technique

It sure was good to see friends at this month's CRaft Class. I taught them how to create a faux patina look with a bit of white cardstock, and embossing folder, some inks and embossing powder. It was amazing to see how we all turned out different effects usign the same tools, techniques and cardstock1 Each card was truly a one-off. Here's mine:

I just love the glimpses of gold and the depth you can get with layering inks!

If you want to see more examples of this technique and see some instructions for hwo to make your own, my PaperCraftCentral Facebook page has all that. And if you need any of the supplies used, come back to SusanSalutations and place your order :)

Happy stampin'!

More June Specials!

Some new Stampin’ Up! Specials for June have been announced!

The first special is a stamp set in a series of stamp sets that will be realeased each month until April 2014!  Each stamp set will feature favourite stamps from Stampin’ Up!’s past 25 years as well as one never before seen stamp image. View this month’s stamp set “Best of Flowers” (item code 133342) 

SINGLE  STAMPS:

Stampin’ Up! have also released 5single Clear Mount stamps to the Australian market.  These stamps come in clear mount only and do not come in a clear mount case.  They are one single stamp.

 

You can always order anything you’d like online straight away  or contact me to place your order for you.

Happy shopping!

The 2013 Retirement List is Here!

While i was asleep last night, something very interesting was announced in the Stampin' Up! world. The 2013 Retirement List arrived! The items on this list will only be available while stocks last this month, and after June and the launch of the new catalogue, they will disappear forever. So if you would like something, be quick and order so you won't miss out!

Hybrid Thanks Card

I've been playing with My Digital Studio (MDS) to see what I can do. As I am relatively new to digital crafts, everything I make is a learning journey. I'm liking it all more and more.

Last night I randomly started a project using a tag template. Once I had it all the way I wanted it in MDS, I printed it on ordinary paper. That allowed me to tape a piece of Whisper White over the top of the print and printing again. It came out beautifully!

Once it was printed I wanted to mount the tag on a piece of Certainly Celery then add a ribbon, a rhinestone and a card base (I used Shimmer White for the card base).So I turned it into a HYBRID! (A mixture of digital and traditional elements).

What do you think?

 Imagine running off as many of these as you like to send out quickly to friends and family who have spoiled you in some way! What a quick project.

If you would like to get your own My Digital Studio program, you can have a FREE 30 day trial. The cost of the program is $24.95 and you get an instant download.

So why not grab the program and start playing today? There's always some free digital packs to go with the program available. New digital items come out every week!

Happy digital crafting.

Beautiful Floral Framelets Cards

We made some lovely cards at Lesley's card classes just recently. I want to share them with you. The first one is made with Whisper White cardstock using the Floral Framelets die set. We cut the card base on teh fold. The we cut the mat from the Print Poetry designer series paper stack. We stamped in  Midnight Muse and Crumb Cake ink and the stamp sets are Daydream Medallions and Papillon Potpourri. The stitched 3/8" ribbon is in Summer Starfruit and there are little Basic Gems pearls along the butterfly bodies and around the edge of the card. We cut and made an envelope and stamped it with more of the butterflies.  It's such a pretty card.

 The second one was cut from Daffodil Delight, Pacific Point and Rich Razzleberry cardstock (stamped in Rich Razzleberry too). The stamp sets are Language of Friendship and Itty Bitty Banners (with matching framelet to cut it out of course). The card base is cut from the length of a piece of A4 cardstock and is folded in a Z. The the front piece is cut out using the Floral Framelet die (just roll it half way through the Big Shot) and embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots folder on the other side.

When he saw the bird card, my husband remarked a person could put a special die cut photo inside the card using the mat as a base, then write their greeting on the back of the bird piece. What a clever man!

Thanks so much for a lovely morning out, Lesley.  It's great to be able to share ideas with you and other Stampin' Up! demonstrators :)

Some of these products I used on Lesley's cards are going to be retiring at the end of June, so if you see something you want to order, be sure to Shop Now so you don't miss out!

The New Idea Book and Catalogue from Stampin' Up! is almost here!

Oh my - I just flipped through the NEW Idea Book and Catalogue. My wish list just grew half a meter - LOL!

Attention Australian Crafters: Who wants THE new annual Ideas Book and Catalogue from Stampin' Up! sent directly to them next month? Yes there will really be a new catalogue available next month! That's a whole month earlier than it will be officially released.

The cost is AUD$9.95 to have a catalogue sent directly to your door - includes catalogue AND postage. 

If you would like to take advantage of this limited time offer,  message me your address and I can give you my  direct deposit details for payment.

 .... or you can wait till July and add it to a regular order.....

This and That!

A new scrapbooking/journaling system is available from Stampin' Up! You can get a discounted bundle if you order before May 31st. After that it will all be available in the new Idea Book and Catalogue coming out in Australia at the end of next month and new This and That goodies will be added over time. Here's a little video that gives you a peek at the new products you can get now:

Item	Description	Price
131268	Epic Day This and That Journal	$18.95
130814	Epic Day This and That Designer Series Paper	$18.95
131463	Remember This and That Rotary Stamp	$9.95
131271	Epic Day This and That Designer Stickers	$8.95
131269	Epic Day This and That Designer Washi Tape	$8.95
133905	Epic Day This and That Bundle Includes the five This and That products listed above. Only available in a bundle until 31 May.  In case you want to know: The journal cover is 20.6cm x 16.5cm. There are 31 double-sided pages in it, two of which have pockets in them. If you would like to see the papers and  some of the embellishments in a slightly slower, less snappy video, try this one below. (I made it so do be kind! Lol!)	$55.88 15% Off Retail Value!

Faux Velvet Technique

It's been awhile since I tried a new technique. Then along came the Australian Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft Magazine with their faux velvet technique and I was off to my craft room to experiment :) The result is soft, subtle and makes paper look like fabric! I liked the technique so much I used it at this month's crafty class. The cards everyone made were so pretty.

See what you think:

Here's my tutorial for how to make the faux velvet background, of course :)

After I made the soft and subtle background, I started thinking about how to make soft accents for the card itself. I had some velvet ribbon to add, some pretty border embossing with my edgelits, and then I remembered I knew how to make faux suede! I made the little flower accent with that technique:

Then I softened the edges of the Cherry Cobbler cardstock with my distressing tool.

All supplies used on this card are from Stampin' Up! Some are current, some are retired, so if you want anything used to make the card here, just ask about ordering. Supply list is as follows:

Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White and Old Olive cardstock (all current) (love the Confetti Cream cardstock too but it is retired).
Black embossing powder (current)
White Stazon ink (retired)
Versamark (current)
Flower brads (current)
Velvet ribbon (retired)
Parlor Prints stamp set (current)
Retired vintage style flower and leaf stamps
Basic Gems pearl (current)
Sentiment from a retired stamp set too
Needlepoint Border Textured Impressions embossing folder (current)

Have you got My Digital Studio Yet?

My Digital Studio (MDS) is a lot of fun, even for previous non-digital scrappers. I know because I am a previously inexperienced digital scrapper. I downloaded the full MDS program when it first came out and am enjoying learning how to use it. Here's a quick page I did just for fun, showing some pictures of our Motorhome renovations (I intend to scrap on the road, by the way!! No need to weigh the MH down with loads of craft tools there!):

Right now there are selected digital downloads at 25% OFF! Did you know that there are also lots of FREE downloads available,  even if you don't yet own MDS??? Well, there IS! Just go to SusanSalutations and click on 'Shop Now' near the top right. Go to the store, then search for Digital Downloads, then search by category, and you will see the free items there.

Happy shopping for free!

Happy Mother's Day

It is Mother's Day in Australia so I am wishing everyone who already is or is in the process of becoming a mother, a happy day.

If you need a last minute Mother's Day card idea, there are heaps of them on PaperCraftCentral, thanks to the lovely people who have contributed to previous Cards For Troops drives.

Here's a little card to inspire you:

Have a wonderful day, however you spend it.

Vellum and Embossing

Do you use vellum cardstock? Do you emboss it at all? I think doing this is my new favourite technique :) I have had the pleasure of making a few wedding cards lately and have been embossing on vellum for elements in each one I have made. Will I ever recover? Lol!

Here's a sneak peek at some wedding cards I  made:

If you want to see more, you can at PaperCraftCentral.com! And of course, if you see some supplies you would like, just place an order on SusanSalutations.

Happy crafting!