Kids Class - Christmas Tags

Well I am back today with another photo of my kids class item. This week I ran a Christmas Tags & Box class. Each child got to make their own box along with 10 Christmas gift tags. The children who attended were a delightful group and all got to complete the projects. They were so keen and eager to listen and learn, which made the class a pleasure to teach once again. The box and designs were created by me using Stampin' Up! products - OF COURSE!

Stampin' Up products used: Real Red, Old Olive, Whisper White cardstocks, two tags die, Scentsational Season stamp set, Holiday collection framelits, Old Olive, Real Red, Soft Suede Stampin' Pads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Scallop Circle punch.

Don't you think they look cute? All ready well and truly before Christmas - Yay!

Don't forget the Spool time promotion is running this month, so what better time to place an order and get some FREE co-ordinating ribbon? You could even choose Gumball Green or Raspberry Ripple in time for Christmas crafting or gifting! See my previous entry for more details.

If you are a Far North coast local, you might like to visit me at my market stall at the Make it, Bake it, Grow it Market this weekend at Summerland House, Wardell Rd, Alstonville, this Sunday, 7th October, 2010. I have been very busy creating and have lots to display. I'd love to see you there.

Until next time,
Ink up those claws and STAMP!
Joelle

Well they have done it AGAIN!

Stampin' Up! have another special this month and it's VERY exciting, the 'It's spool time' promotion. For every $60 you spend on Stampin' Up! Products this month, you get to choose a spool of the NEW 1cm Stitched Satin ribbon in any of the NEW 2012-2014 in colours (page 172 of the current annual catalogue). That's right, a spool of ribbon FREE!

Now the hardest decision to make is which one to choose! Which one will you choose? Gumball Green? Midnight Muse? Primrose Petals? Raspberry Ripple? or Summer Starfruit? Decisions, decisions. Or you may want to earn all five!

This promotion is valid from 1st October - 31st October, so if you'd like to place an order and earn a freebie, just call or email me.

Joelle

Kids Mini Album Class

Well yes, hard to believe, but true, I am back yet again.

I have got a really cute mini album to show you. This is an album I designed for a kids class that I held this school holidays. The kids all did a great job and were really creative with their design of their pages. I love that kids are so honest and creative, they don't always just copy what you do. Every album was different and one of a kind. The children had the option to either have theirs as a mini back pack design or a handbag. The back pack is slightly different to the one I have to show you today, it has two ribbon pieces in the same design a child's back pack would be. Two of my kids made a back pack design each and then put them on their cuddly soft toys, they looked so cute!

Here is the one I designed for the class:

The "handbag" style album closed

Inside the album

Hope you enjoyed checking out my latest class.
I'll be back with some more creations to show you soon.
Until then, ink up those claws and STAMP, STAMP, STAMP!
Joelle

I'm Back Again

Well hello there again! I am back today with another stamp camp entry to show you. This time I have designed a scrapbook page which was entered in the "Green and Gold" challenge. Although I am an Aussie girl through and through, I am not a fan of placing these two colours together deliberately in my paper crafting, so for me this was a real challenge - just ask Marelle, I whinged about it for hours! I finally came up with the idea of a scrapbook page with a tree (yes I know Marelle, a flower card would have been so much easier!). Anyway, the page was not complete without one of my little owls, so I placed him in the trunk - pretty cute don't you think? Every Stampin' Up! shade of green and yellow is present in this page along with Soft Suede & Chocolate Chip. Each leaf was sponged in the same shade as the cardstock (which seemed to take forever!) The buckle is actally one I happened to have in my handbag, I bought it weeks before for 20c at one of our local op shops and it matched perfectly, lucky for me. All I need now is a great photo of one or all of my kids playing at the park.

That's all for today, I hope you like my entry, I was lucky enough to win a silver medal for my entry - Woo Hoot!

Joelle

Launch Party

Well a fun night was had by all who attended my 2012-2013 Catalogue launch last night. As each person entered they were given their "showbag" for the night, which contained a copy of the new Annual Catalogue, Holiday Mini, a wish list, a bookmark stamped using the GORGEOUS Papillon Potpurri stamp set and the all new "In Colours" for 2012-2014 Stampin' Pads. Last, but not least everyone got a little surprise - decorated, using the new "Fancy Fan" textured impressions folder, Festival of Prints DSP, scallop circle, Candy Cane die cut. When you pulled the green or red top circle, out pops an individually wrapped Tim Tam!

Above: Just one of the "Show bag" boxes

There was Champagne, fresh strawberries, quiche, chocolate bickies, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and of course a big plate of sugar cookies stamped with the new Stampin' Up! Sweet Pressed cookie stamps - yum!

I demonstrated a mini milk carton stamped using the Holiday Catalogue hostess set - which I LOVE by the way. It also had a little gingerbread man from the Scentsational Season stamp set (also in the holiday catalogue) and naturally die cut using the Big Shot machine and the new Holiday Season framelits - LOVE these too. I forgot to take a photo of the finished product and actually gave it away filled with Smarties as a Lucky door prize.

After me blabbering away about all the new wonderful Stampin' Up! goodies and the excitement of not one, but two new catalogues, the ladies got to have a play with some of the new products to complete their make & take card. The card uses Very Vanilla cardstock, Primrose Petals Stampin' Pad, Creative Elements & Papillion Potpurri stamp sets, Elegant Butterfly punch and of course Stampin' Dimensionals.

Here is the make and take:

If you too would like to get your hands on a copy of the latest catalogues, contact me. They are $5 plus postage, or if you are a local I can drop one in to you.
Yours in inky claws,
Joelle

Cute Owls for the Tree

Today I have another Stamp Camp Challenge entry. The Olympic theme was kind of entwined in my Christmas Challenge, as I used a "ring" as part of my decoration. As you may have well guessed I have a slight obsession with owls - especially cute ones! So naturally no Stamp Camp would be complete without at least one owl! I actually made two of these, a girl owl angel and a boy Santa owl. The rings have an identical owl on each side, so no matter which way you view it on the tree, you will get to see a Christmas owl. They were very fiddly to make, but I was pleased with the outcome. I can already see that my Christmas tree this year will predominantly feature Stampin' Up! products, which makes for a very happy Christmas don't you think?!

I am currently madly preparing for my Launch party tomorrow night. I am VERY excited there will be goodies created by me, a hard copy of both new catalogues, a demonstration by me, a make and take and of course drinks and nibblies! If you'd like to come along, just give me a call or email me at: jwstamps@tpg.com.au.

I better get back to work,
Yours in inky claws,
Joelle

More to show!

Well I am back with more to show today from my time in Sydney. Today I have a 'Step Card' that I made for the Olympic Rings Challenge at camp. This was my final challenge entry which I was under much pressure to complete in time for the judging. I was determined again this year to complete every challenge and task at camp, as I know Marelle spends so much time organising them and it is such fun when you make an effort to complete everything. I only just scraped in by a whisker to get it in on time, by which time most people had actually voted, but I wasn't worried about that, I just had the goal to complete everything - and I DID! Woo HooT! Here is my entry:

Yes, everyone of those rings was created by me! I had planned to add a pair of tiny goggles and a swimming costume or towel to be draped over the second step, but I ran out of time.
When I arrived home my kids and hubby were intrigued to see what I had created, when I pulled this one out, my husband was very impressed, as were my sons as they are all very sporty. This became my husband's father's day card as he liked so much.
I'll be back with more to show you soon.
Until then,
Ink up those claws and get stamping!
Joelle

Children's Classes & More

Well I am back, after a busy couple of weeks of running around madly helping at a number of community events and looking after sick kids. The good news is I'm back with lots to show & tell!

I have decided to open up my stamping & craft classes to school children in the local area for a few days this holidays. I have four classes running in total with a maximum of 9 in a class. The kids holiday class dates & times can be viewed in the column on the left. I have quite a few bookings already, so if you are local to the Far North Coast or planning to visit and are looking for something for the kids to do, give me a call or email me. Classes are for children aged between 8-12  years and all supplies are included in the $30 price.

Today I have some of my entries in the stamp camp challenges to show you. As I mentioned earlier I entered all of the challenges at Stamp Camp, the entries I am showing you today are those entered in the "Gold Silver & Bronze Challenge" as the theme of the camp was naturally based on the Olympic Games.

 

These medallions were constructed using all the products in the challenge bag and a couple of extras (Bling!). The Stampin' Up! products I have used are: gold, silver, Whisper White and Very Vanilla cardstocks, Crumb Cake & Very Vanilla seam binding ribbon, gold & silver embossing powder, Versamark, Basic Grey & Crumb Cake inks, antique brads, basic jewels - rhinestone,  Daydream Medallions & My Friend stamp sets.
These will certainly be added to my Christmas tree this year along with a number of other creations I have planned. I actually won the GOLD medal for my entry - VERY exciting!

I'll be back soon with even more to show you. Until next time,
Ink up those claws & stamp away!
Joelle

Whoooo Hooooot! It's NEW Catalogue Day!

Well, after much sadness (losing so many sets & accessories in the retirement lists), it is finally time for the new annual catalogue to be released! The most exciting news of all, is that there is not just one catalogue being released today, but actually 2!!! Today, the Annual Stampin' Up! catalogue is released along with the NEW Holiday Catalogue!
WHOO HOOT! There are some GORGEOUS products in both of these new catalogues, you can view them by clicking the catalog picture icons on the right side of my blog.

If you'd like to get your hands on a catalogue of your very own to drool over, contact me or come along to my upcoming Catalogue Launch Party on Friday, 21st September at 7.30pm - Bookings essential.
Cost is $5 per person, this will include a demonstration, make and take and both catalogues for you to take home with you. If you are interested in coming along give me a call or email me to register your interest and reserve your catalogues.

We are now being brought into line with the U.S, which means we are virtually getting everything they get at the same time! - No more waiting years to get the stuff the U.S have had. The current annual catalogue will run from September 2012 until June 31st 2013. We will then get our new 2013-2014 annual catalogue at the same time as the rest of the world - 1st July, 2013! 

Now before I leave you to go off and complete my own wish lists from each of the catalogues, let me leave you with a pickie of a very special birthday card for a very special girl. Hope you like it, she certainly did!

I got the inspiration for this card from a swap card my dear friend Marelle had from the Stampin' Up! Convention this year in Canberra. Unfortunately I did not get the demo's name, but I do know she is an Aussie demo. So if it is you, thank you for the amazing inspiration and let me know who you are so that I may give credit, where credit is due!
Until next time,
Ink up those claws (or have your eyes glued to the new catty, which ever the case may be!)

Joelle

Stamp Camp and Goodbye to some old favourites

I am so excited to be blogging again! I have so much to tell you! I have recently returned from an absolutely amazing Stamp Camp which was organised by my absolutely gorgeous upline Marelle Taylor. I spent 3 whole days stamping, chatting and deliriously giggling with friends into the wee hours of each morning. Marelle had organised THE most unbelievable weekend for 40 lucky ladies in the NSW Hunter Valley. The theme was of course "The Olympics" and there were 5 challenges to enter: Gold, Silver & Bronze Challenge, Green and Gold Challenge, The Olympic Rings Inspiration Challenge, Christmas Challenge and the Name Tag challenge. I was fortunate enough to win A Gold and Silver Medal for two of my challenges, and yes, I was tempted to wear my medals into the airport to get a first class flight home, but resisted the temptation, I hear people have been sent to "special hospitals" for trying such a trick! Hee Hee! I will post some of my entries in the challenges in future posts (some stamp sets I used have not yet been released).

Speaking of new releases, there are some gorgeous Christmas sets coming in the new catalogue, yes, I've seen it! These are the benefits of being a stamping up demonstrator.
Though I must say I'm really sad that so many Christmas stamp sets are retiring. I so love Christmas, it's probably the thing I tend to collect the most of Christmas stamp sets and embellishments (o.k, I know that can't be true, yes I probably have just as many owl, girl, boy and flower things too!). But lets face it, Christmas is such a special time of year for everyone who celebrates it and yes that is TOTALLY me! Today I am going to show you some lovely cards I designed for a recent Christmas Stamp-a-Stack class.

Stamping Up! products used in this class: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla cardstocks, Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze Stampin' Pads, Baroque Motifs, Tree Trimmings, Welcome Christmas and  Dasher stamp sets, 5/8 Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon (ALL RETIRING on 31.8.12 so if you still want to order, get in quick! There's only 2 days to go), Clear Rhinestones & pearls, Petals-a-plenty Textured Impressions embossing folder & Big Shot machine, snail, sticky strip and Stamp-a-magig.
I'll be back soon.
Until then, ink those claws up!
Joelle

So Sad!

I am sick! -YUCK! I wonder if it's due to my sad state saying farewell so many well loved Stampin' Up! Products????? You know, my body has become so run down just knowing that I will be saying "goodbye" to some of my favourites, that I have become physically ill? Or it could just be that time of year with so many bugs floating around the many places that I visit each day, each week with small and large children!

Sadly, products are continuing to disappear. The stampin' frenzy is well under way!
Here is the updated list of SOLD OUT stock:

Peach Parfait Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
Concord Crush Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
Concord Crush A4 Cardstock
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Ink refill
Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Ink refill
Blushing Bride A4 cardstock
More Mustard Stampin' Write Marker
3/16" Gold Brads
Dotto Refill
Stack n Store Containers
Stampin' Scrub Replacement Pads
Card Stock A4 Confetti White
Circle Scissor Plus Replacement Blades
Stamp Set Wood Christmas Greetings
Stampin' Scrub Replacement Pads
5-petal flower punch
Color Caddy Extender Kit
Stampin' Around Wheel Storage - Standard size
Short and Sweet wooden stamp set.

It is so sad to see them going so quickly, there are so many of my favourites retiring this year. My "In" cupboard will be looking rather bare, if I must say so myself (not for too long - I HOPE!)
Yours in teary, germy  ink,
Joelle

Products disappearing at a rapid rate!

Well, like I said you have to get in quick when Stampin' Up! are retiring products. The list has only been up for a week and already, many products have disappeared, never to be seen again. It's just like the add says, "Going, Going, GONE", that's exactly what has happened!
Here is the list of SOLD OUT products:
* Christmas Greetings wooden stamp set
* Blushing Bride Ink Refill
* Concord Crush Ink Refill
* Pear Pizzazz Ink Refill
* Poppy Parade Ink Refill
* Blushing Bride A4 cardstock
* More Mustard Stampin' Write Marker
* Confetti White A4 cardstock
* 3/16" Gold Brads
* Dotto Refill
* Crimper
* Stampin' Scrub Replacement Pads
* Circle Scissor Plus Replacement Pads
* Stack and Store Containers

Below is a recent class I had for my Christmas Stamp-A-Stack in July, using the lovely Season of Joy stamp set (it too is being retired).  

Stampin' Up! Products Used: Season of Joy stamp set (pg 25 of current catalogue - retiring) Real Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White cardstock, Snail, Stampin' Dimensionals, Real Red satin Ribbon, Scalloped Oval, large oval, 1/2" circle punches.

If there is anything on the retirement list that you would like to order, please call or email me ASAP as products are selling out on a daily basis. Here's the retirement list links:
Retiring Stamp Sets
Retiring Accessories
Yours in Ink,
Joelle

Well, it's that sad time of year again, where we say goodbye to many well-loved products from the Stampin' Up! Catalogue. It is also the time to check the list and see if there is anything you "cannot do without". Don't forget to thoroughly check both the stamp set list and the massive accessories list carefully, because once they are sold out they are gone forever.
Here's the links:
Retiring Stamp Sets
Retiring Accessories
Call or email me ASAP if there is something you are after, as stock tends to sell VERY fast, I don't know all these craft addicted people (I tell my husband that there are definately worse addictions, but I think he is beginning to wonder!).
The good news is that come September 1st, we will have a brand new catalogue AND a mini, yes at the same time! We are now coming into line with the U.S and will have the opportunity to buy anything that they have within the same year! This is very exciting for demonstrators because it means no more pining over what the Sates have that we don't Whoo HooT! 
As promised, although quite late, here is my card that goes with the Tea Bag Dispenser:

The Stampin' Up! products I have used are the Morning Cup stamp set, Chocolate Chip, Lucky Limeade, Baja Breeze cardstocks, water colour paper, Twitterpated DSP, Word window and decorative label punches, Stampin' Dimensionals, Snail & my trusty paper trimmer.
Until next time,
Ink up those claws!
Joelle

Tea Anyone?

I know, I know, I haven't blogged for a while. I had a lovely friend come to visit for a few days and we had a lovely time seeing the sights of the amazing North Coast. Then it was back to school for my kids and back to a crazy routine for me as a Mummy.

I have a very cute crafty thing to show you today, a Tea Bag Holder. There are quite a few of these floating around on various blogs and sites on the internet. This is the one I designed for my recent class this month.

Stampin' Up! Products used:

Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Pretty In Pink,Lucky Limeade, Whisper White cardstock & Classic Stampin' Pads, Black Staz On, Watercolour paper, Twitterpated DSP, Leaves Sizzlet, Morning Cup Stamp Set,Wide Oval Punch, Ovals Bigz die, Lucky Limeade ruffled ribbon, Word Window punch, Scallop Circle Punch, Clear Rhinestone Brad.

What do you think? I think this makes a great gift for a tea lover! I even designed a card to match! I'll save that for my next post!
Sorry to leave you hanging!
Yours in ink,
Joelle

What? 4 days in a row? Unheard of!

Well yes, unbelievable, but true. Blogging for a fourth day straight. You know you have been hanging out at the computer too much when the cat sits on the keyboard! It's true, she is actually sitting on some of the keys!
Today I have decided to share some photos of our travels during these school holidays, there are actually many perks to living on the far north coast, but one of my favourite things to do at this time of year is to go whale watching. I am definately a fan of most animals and these creatures absolutely fascinate me. They seem to perform beautifully; breaching & playing in the balmy north coast waters as they travel north to warmer waters (and who could blame them, it's soooooo cold down south!). So, although I do not have any actual pictures of the breaching, playful BIG and little (way too cute!) whales we spotted (my super zoom camera is broken - BOO HOO!), I do have some photos of the magnificent places we visited to see them - Lennox Head and Byron Bay.

Lennox Head

Byron Bay

We went for a beautiful (though very tiring) 4km walk along Byron coast land & up to the lighthouse & the most Easterly point of Australia. There were SOOOOOOOO many stairs! But well worth the walk - well I thought so anyway, some of my children would not agree!  I did actually have a fantastic photo of the Byron Bay Lighthouse, but for some reason my computer didn't want to comply with the pic rotate function tonight, so after six VERY slow loading (internet speed is shocking here! - very similar to dial up speed - YUK!) attempts I am giving up. Check out those beautiful north coast days though - hard to believe it is the middle of winter. I do have more to show you, but I am leaving it at that tonight, I have spent far too much time with my computer lately (trying to create my own banners and graphic art for my stall, storefront & blog!).
My little owl eyes are tiredy tired,
Yours in inky claws,

Joelle

P.S I promise to upload some more crafty shots really soon.
P.P.S.S Ok so, I didn't take this, it is actually from the National Parks website, but these are the gorgeous creatures I was telling you about. We actually saw little ones breaching and spurting water from their blowholes - FASCINATING creatures aren't they! Got to love humpback migration season on the Far North Coast of NSW.

Humpback Whale Breaching