Occasion 2018 - Cake Soiree

Gee, it seems like forever since last time I posted on my blog.  But it is finally here and I can't be happier to be posting something new and refreshing.

Going back to the beginning of the release of the 2018 occasions catalogue products, I, just like everyone else, was engulfed again in the vast selection of stamp sets, bundles, kits, twines and ribbons, and all kinds of mesmerising products in the catalogue.  Eventually I have chosen Cake Soiree as my bundle of the season, and I'm telling you it is not disappointing at all! 

(Not like the other die thing with the train tracks. Ack! It almost killed me)

So with the Cake Soiree I decided to make a proper card for Justin.

This is a beautiful and elegant bundle, with two stamp set boxes, coordinating dies, and other ribbons and embellishments perfect for a wedding card that is, not as casual or eclectic.  Besides, you can easily add texture with the new stencil and embossing paste to show off some technicality (which is in fact very easy.)

Below is the card I just made.  Oh by the way did I mention this can also be a birthday card too?

Besides the embossing background, I also diecut the old Sending Love glassine sheet and glue it on top of another diecut cake base, which is the doily-looking one below the case. I also diecut the rose and leave on top with the same bundle.  All in all it is not complicated and looks lovely.


I hope you like my creation and if you would like to purchase the bundle, just click on the links below (links are valid until 31 March 2018 as this is from the occasions catalogue)

Stampin' Up! Onstage 2017 - Melbourne!

Last Saturday our team minus Amie (she's in Perth and couldn't go unfortunately) went to the biggest Stampin' Up! local event in the year - Melbourne Onstage 2017!  

We were very fortunate to be able to go as a team, sitting altogether, share our ideas and thoughts, as well as having a fantastic make-and-take session with the latest products which are yet to be released!

It was full on with speeches, recognition, product spotlight, make and take, and of course prize patrol.  We laughed so much and had a fantastic time! Thanks to Kate Morgan's help and support to make it a great day.  She is the upline you'd dream to be with - caring, funny, relaxed and spoiling us with gifts and great support.  This time she gave each of us a bone folder with our names engraved on it! 

Deborah, me and Andrea.  We all have day jobs and so cannot get together on a regular basis, but I'm so happy we made it this time.

Me photo bombing Deborah! 

Our only group photo taken right before the staff pulled down the banner. Made it.

And we finally got a chance to have a photo with Bonnie, who is witty, funny and just joy to talk to.  But you should see Bev's face when we told her she missed it, again! 

I can't wait for our next time to get together again! 

AWHT October Blog Hop - Designer Series Paper

From 1 - 31 October only! From selected DSPs, buy 3 DSPs and get 1 FREE! 

Tonight the Art with Heart Team girls are sharing some wonderful ideas to inspire you with our Designer Series Papers.  

This month is the start of the new Stampin' Up year and we have a special promotion on our DSP - buy 3 get 1 FREE for the month of October, and there's no limit!  So take this opportunity and go to my shop to browse those beautiful papers and pay less! 

To demonstrate the DSPs I've chosen the one that is the latest holiday catalogue - the Year of Cheer Specialty Designer Series Paper! 

I've used this DSP in my previous fun fold Christmas card, and am so impressed at how attracting it is.  Now I'm using it again to make two cards, one for Christmas and the other New Year.

#1 Season's Greeting

In this card I've used two sheets from the DSP, as well as the Cheers to the Year stamp set, plus the foil snowflakes to complete it. It is relatively easy (that's how I roll) and basically I just layer them all up. 

I try to ink the edge of the snow flakes with Bermuda Bay ink pad but it doesn't stay on very well.  I think most of the ink eventually got to my fingers! 

#2 Cheers to New Year

In this card I've also used two sheets of different design from the DSP, and the same stamp set and foil snowflakes.  I cut the other DSP in arrowed strips to place under the sentiment.  

Well I hope you enjoy my cards which are very easy to make with this DSP to impress the receiver.  Now it’s time to hop on over to our next participant, the very talented and lovely,  Catherine Proctor! 

1. Rachel Woollard
2. Tina Gillespie
3. Claire Daly
4. Sharon Davern
5. Andrea Roberts
6. Kimberly Hern  (YOU ARE HERE)
7. Catherine Proctor
8. Caroline Manwaring
9. Monika O’Neill
10. Rebecca Jacovou
11. Ros Davidson
12. Kate Morgan 
13. Rachel Palmieri

Climbing Orchid - Enjoy Today!

I've finally got time to sit down and play with stamps today.  With my job I have to work on Saturdays too, and therefore, Sunday is the only day when I can really sit down and do some real business- crafting!

And when I finished this card it just made me wonder why it took me 3 weeks to open the bundle.

Yes, it is the beautiful Climbing Orchid Bundle.  It was fairly easy to assemble and the result was amazing.  So strikingly beautiful when the card was finished that nothing else much needs to be added.

To make the card, I choose the most simple colours combination and paper to achieve an oriental look -  the 2017-2019 In Colours, the Designer Series Paper,  and some scraps.  Simple as that.

This time I don't look at any Pinterest for inspiration, as sometimes that can interfere with my imagination.

I match a piece of the Naturally Eclectic DSP with the watercolour + brushing effect to go with the orchids, plus a small piece of the Berry Burst scrap, another Lemon Lime paper and Crumb cake card base.

With the colour combo, I first plan a Lemon Lime Twist + Burst Berry (both from the current In Colours)  + Crumb Cake combo.  Then I add a Crushed Curry ribbon to see if it adds richness to colour and texture.  I think it does visually.  I didn't place it artistically enough though so it looks a bit slouchy on the card.

It's still a lovely card. and I'm pleasantly surprised by the Lemon Lime Twist.  (First impression was BAH!  But then it grew on me, slowly...)

I use the following items to complete my project:

Label Me Pretty - Birthday and Thank You Cards

Last weekend I made two simple but beautiful cards using this great same stamp + punch bundle.

Label Me Pretty Bundle is the best choice for any new crafters for several good reasons.

First, you don't need a Bigshot machine to cut the label shape out as the punch can do it perfectly.  Also, it's much cheaper than other stamp + die bundles.  It is selling at $54.75 as compared to normal stamp and die bundle at at least $65+.   Therefore if you're on a budget but want to make multiple cards with different themes, this is the one to go.  You can also make labels for any special gift for different occasions. It's very versatile.

These are the cards I made out of the bundle.  Card #1 is Happy Birthday.

Look how simple it is to make. I staple the ribbon to the card first, and then just stick the label on top with some foam tapes.  

Card #2  (As usual my photography skills are very primitive so both the card and background colours are not evenly presented.)

The card is not perfect as you can see the sequins are a bit funny. It's because I try to string them through underneath after the label is already glued onto the card.

This is a great start-up bundle for anyone who doesn't have a die-cutting machine but still want to make a neat card. So I hope you give it a go.

I use the following tools to make my projects:

AWH Blog Hop June 2017 - My Favourite New Bundle - Coffee Cafe

With the new annual catalogue that just came out on 1 June, I've been trying really hard not to get distracted by all sorts of stamp sets, dies, punches and bundles.    But there's one bundle I just had to have the moment I saw it, and being a coffee fan it has to be the Coffee Cafe Bundle!  

Therefore, with the Art with Heart Team's June Blog Hop, this is my favourite bundle to show you from the 2017 Stampin' Up! Catalogue.  

I've made two cards out of the same bundle and DSP. 

Card #1

Besides the bundle and Designer Series Paper, I also use Shimmer Ribbon from the latest catalogue.  The Pear Pizzazz and Early Espresso are a superb combination and goes seamlessly with the coffee cafe theme.

I use the die in the bundle to easily make the coffee sleeve texture.  It is very easy to make and not fussy to assemble at all. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Card #2 

Same bundle, same DSP, and same style.

To compliment the ice coffee, I also use the latest mini chevron ribbon in Old Olive to make an embellishment, which I got the inspiration from the catalogue.  

Bundles make creating a breeze, because of the perfect coordination. It's a bonus that you get 10% off by bundling the products together too. There are 24 bundles in the new catalogue so ask us about them, or for a catalogue today!

And the next blog you're hopping to is my lovely friend - Judy May!  We stayed in the same hotel room at the Brisbane Onstage 2016, and boy the fun we had.  It was hilarious and full of lovely memories.  Besides she's super talented too. :-)

So click on the button below to hop over to her blog. Be sure to keep going until you get the full set of inspiration from our talented members. 

List of Participants (in no particular order):

1. Rachel Palmieri
2. Caroline Manwaring
3. Kate Morgan
4. Alisha Watson
5. Claire Daly
6. Rachel Woollard
7. Rebecca Jacovou
8. Kimberly Hern (You are here )
9. Judy May
10. Tina Gillespie
11. Catherine Proctor
12. Andrea Roberts
13. Sharon Davern
14. Monika O'Neill
15. Ros Davidson