Paper Pumpkin reminder

Hi Crafty Pals,

Soooooo much has been going on recently and I don't want you miss out on this great monthly kit so I'm doing a recap post.

If you are already a fan of Stampin' Up!^® then you are probably already excited about getting new products to play with every month, but if you are new to Stampin' Up! then Paper Pumpkin is a great way to start.

Each month you'll get all of the pieces needed to make an amazing project including any ink and stamps (all you'll need is your own adhesive). The projects can be cards, 3D items etc, but each can be completed in about 30 mins so just like a work out you can fit it into your schedule.

Not sure you'll be able to find the time? If you are a hockey mum, a soccer mum or in my case a fencing mum you are bound to spend time sitting watching practice so why not use the time to create something. Who knows maybe one of the projects will make a great thank you for the coaches.

My previous post on Paper Pumpkin gives all the details about getting started and if you want the first kit make sure you register by March 10th as they begin sending out the first kits on the 15th March.

Please don't forget to select me (Melanie Chandler, Mississauga, Ontario) as your demonstrator during the registration process. If you do select me as your demonstrator I'll send you a handmade card as a thank you for your first Paper Pumpkin order. Each month while you are a Paper Pumpkin subscriber and I'm your demo I'll send you a card (various sentiments) so you know I appreciate your support.

Have fun getting inky with the Paper Pumpkin projects.

Woo woo

Hi Crafty Pals,

I just noticed we reached a milestone of 1000 page views on the Crafter from the Creek blog. I hope all my visitors are enjoying the site as much as I'm enjoying creating the cards and writing the posts to share.

Have fun getting inky

Thanks for voting

Hi Crafty Pals,

Just a quick post to say thanks for voting on the Paper Craft Crew Challenge #29 as you helped me get the most votes this week.

If you are a card maker sketches are a good place to start, even if you don't plan on entering the challenge having a layout to work with can give lots of inspiration.

I have a board on Pinterest where I pin lots of sketches so maybe if you are a 'pinner' you could check out my card sketches board - just use the link on the left to follow me.

Have fun getting inky

Paper Craft Crew Challenge #29

Hi Crafty Pals,

It's funny how having an extra day of this week threw me off and I've just realised I've not blogged my card this week and the Paper Craft Crew challenge #29 ends in a few hours (eeek).

My interpretation of the challenge this week needed a few tweaks as I don't have all of the shapes on the sketch (see below). Apologies again this time the flash seems to have washed out the vibrant colours. I must remember to take these challenge pictures in better light.

I based my colours around the Parker's Patterns Designer Series Paper from the 2013 Spring Catalogue and it just went from there. I absolutely love the roses (from the Oh, Hello Stamp Set) in Cajun Craze and I've not really used it much before.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Parker's Patterns, Marina Mist, Not Quite Navy, Cajun Craze and Whisper White

Stamps: Oh, Hello, Teeny Tiny Wishes and Itty Bitty Bits

Punches/Die Cuts: Oval Collection Framelits,  Hearts a Flutter Framelits, Itty Bitty Shapes (circle), 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 1/4" Circle and 1" Circle

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Cajun Craze

Accessories: Whisper white Baker's Twine and Designer Builder Brads

The sketch for the challenge #29

I hope you like it, as I think it is one of my favourite cards I've made.

Have fun getting inky

More and more love

Hi Crafty Pals,

Valentine's has now passed and as usual with any number of cards to do I struggled to get finished!

My son needed 23 for the children in his class and a different type for his teacher so I made them the weekend before, but as I used the retired Poppy Parade Card Stock I haven't photographed them.

His teachers card gave me a chance to crack open my new ribbon and use the beautiful flower from the Oh, Hello Stamp Set (rapidly becoming my favourite especially the oval background).

This card was so simple to make, but the ribbon brings it alive as it has such a nice sheen.

My son helped punch out ovals for his class cards and crank the Big Shot for most of what we needed. When everything was finished he was very pleased with all of his cards, but not so keen to have to write them all. I'm sure he'd love a stamp with his name on so he could just do that instead.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: More Amore (129309), Very Vanilla (101650) and Rose Red (102544)

Stamps: Oh, Hello (130733 - Clear-Mount and 130730 - Wood-Mount) and Pretty Petites (from the Sale-A-Bration selection)

Punches/Die Cuts: Hearts a Flutter (130159) and Petite Curly Label (from the Sale-A-Bration selection)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Rose Red (126954)

Markers: Wild Wasabi and Rose Red

Accessories: SNAIL adhesive (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Big Shot (113439), Pink Pirouette/Rose Red 1 1/4" Two-Tone Ribbon (129294) and Stampin' Dimensionals^®(104430)

While my lovey-dovey supplies were out I made another card for one of my boys.

The Pool Party heart (on the right hand side) is cut from the More Amore Designer Series Paper and is actually hiding a stamp error, I over inked and ended up catching the centre of the heart (grrr), but I think it looks OK and he'll never know.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: More Amore (129309) and Very Vanilla (101650)

Stamps: Hearts a Flutter (129252 - Clear-Mount and 129249 - Wood-Mount) and My Little Valentine's

Punches/Die Cuts: Hearts a Flutter (130159)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Real Red (126949) and Pool Party (126982)

Accessories:SNAIL adhesive (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Big Shot (113439) and Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430)

My final card for Valentine's was using a frame cutout idea from a YouTube movie I saw by Anna Keyes where she made a lovely New Baby card.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: Crumb Cake (120953), Very Vanilla (101650), Real Red (102482), Pool Party (122924) and Primrose Petals (126841)

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (127802 - Clear-Mount and 115370 - Wood-Mount)

Punches/Die Cuts: Hearts a Flutter (130159), Oval Collection Framelits (129381) and Full Heart (119883)

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Real Red (126949)

Accessories:SNAIL adhesive (104332), Stampin' Trimmer (126889), Big Shot (113439) and Stampin' Dimensionals^® (104430) 

Have fun getting inky

Paper Craft Crew Challenge #28

Hi Crafty Pals,

Wow how quickly time flies and even though we had an extra long weekend due to the snow on Friday things have crept up on me! I can't believe the Paper Craft Crew challenge #28 deadline is swiftly approaching, but hopefully I'll get my blog written and the link up in time.

This week was one of the double challenges as they gave us a sketch (see below) and a colour palette. I find those with a colour component a little more difficult as I don't have too many different sets of Designer Series Paper so then I get stuck for backgrounds.

My interpretation and I apologise for the lousy photo, but as I left it so late the lighting wasn't the best and I couldn't get the flash to go!

I tried to make my own background this week using the 'arrow' stamp from the Oh, Hello set and the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig and though it doesn't look much I was pleased with how it turned out.

The greeting on the banner is stamped with the Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Stampin' Pad^®. It was the first time I used it and in the right light it looks gorgeous. I loved it so much I used it on the embossing and with another of the Oh, Hello stamps.

The sketch I was inspired by is below and the challenge colours were So Saffron, Wild Wasabi and Perfect Plum.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock: So Saffron, Perfect Plum, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White

Stamps: Oh Hello!, Itty Bitty Banners and Make a Cake

Punches/Die Cuts: Bitty Banners Framelits, Oval Collection Framelits, Buttons #5 Sizzlits and corner rounder

Accessories:  Designer Frames Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

Keep crafting

Love is in the air

Hi Crafty Pals,

Valentines is rapidly approaching and I've been busy trying out a few of my new products to create some cards to show our love and appreciation for those closest to us.

I've been making cards for my son to take to school, but he also wants one for his teacher and his Auntie J in the UK so red, pink and hearts have been highly visible over the last few days. Apart from those I have mine own to do for for my two lovely boys.

My first card, but not necessarily one I'll be giving away gave me the opportunity to use my first ever set of Framelits so that made it all the more fun.

I've finally managed to get a watermark on my photo to save me having to add the extra little text each time I use a stamp set.

Ingredients

Patio Party 126916	Primrose Petals 126841	Crumb Cake 120953	Primrose Petals 126858
Hearts a Flutter Stamp Set 129252	Hearts a Flutter Framelits 130159	Ovals Collection Framelits 129381	Artisan Embellishments Kit 129328
Textured Impressions Argle Embossing Folder 127750	Occassions Paper-Piercing Pack 129387

I'm trying out different ways to show what products I used to make the cards so if you have time and wanted to let me know what suits you best I'd love you to leave a comment.

So far I've been using a list broken into sections and quoting each of the catalogue numbers to make finding the products easier, this time round I'm using a set of thumbnail images which link directly to the relevant pages. If this is the way you prefer I'll investigate a quicker method to create the thumbnails/links etc.

Have fun getting inky

New Single Stamps

Hi Crafty Pals,

I'm sure you remember that not so long ago Stampin' Up!^® had a promotion where you could purchase individual stamps. Some came from current sets and a few were brand new images, well they have decided to release some more individual stamp assortments. This time we are really lucky as they are all brand new images, but they are only available until 31^st March 2013.

Assortment 3

Basic Label Clear-Mount coordinates with Apothecary Accents Framelits	Boutique Blossom Clear-Mount	Hello, Hello Clear-Mount
Ears to You Clear-Mount	Hello, Foxy Clear-Mount

Assortment 4

Woo Hoo! Clear-Mount	Sunshine Clear-Mount	Towels for Two Clear-Mount
Oh, Baby Clear-Mount	Spec-tacular Clear-Mount

So much is going on I can hardly keep up so if you have any questions about what promotions are running and for how long please contact me.

Have fun being creative

January/February Best of Stamp Sets

Hi Crafty Pals,

Happy 25th anniversary to Stampin' Up!^®. To celebrate Stampin' Up! is creating a 'Best of' monthly stamp set during 2013. These sets are a collection of images from the last 25 years, but each set will include a brand new never seen before stamp.

Each 'Best of' set will be $17.95 and they are all available until 31^st March 2014 so if you miss one you'll still have a chance to get it.

January is kicking things off with the Best of Birthdays Stamp Set. Party on!

Images^© 2013 Stampin' Up!



February - what else would you expect from a February set than images that will help you make that perfect Valentine? Share the love with the Best of Love Stamp Set!

Images^© 2013 Stampin' Up!



As these are only available in Clear-Mount don't forget about blocks. B, C and D needed for this set.

• Heart - Block D
• Read my Lips - Block B
• Olive You - Block B
• Love You Much - Block B
• Love You - Block C
• Love - Block D

You can get more information about the Best of sets and how to earn a free set on my Best of Stamp Sets page.

Happy retro crafting with these sets

Exclusive Sent With Love

Hi Crafty Pals,

I apologise for being a bit behind in letting everyone know about this special offer from Stampin' Up!^® I'm sure you'll love it especially those of you who like to travel and scrap about your vacation.

Images ^© 2013 Stampin' Up!



You can get an exclusive Stamp Set, Designer Series Paper or a bundle which also includes some Calypso Coral Baker's Twine. These papers and stamps are only available until 30th April 2013 so order them while you can.

Item	Description	Price
131847	Sent With Love Stamp Set (Clear-Mount, English only)	$21.95
132182	Sent With Love Designer Series Paper	$13.50
132851	Sent With Love Bundle Includes Sent With Love Stamp Set, Sent with Love Designer Series Paper and Calypso Coral Baker's Twine	$31.50 (20% off retail value)

Images ^© 2013 Stampin' Up!




Sent With Love Stamp Set

Images ^© 2013 Stampin' Up!




Sent With Love Designer Series Paper

I wonder if I can use this set to justify going on a trip!

If you have any questions or would like to place an order please contact me or visit my online store as I'd love to become your Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Happy crafting

Paper Craft Crew Challenge 27

Hi Crafty Pals,

I totally missed the challenge last week as I was a bit busy at the weekend so I didn't get chance to get to my craft stuff for a play.

Since I'm enjoying the challenges I've decided to set some time aside each week to do this one and depending on how time goes I may look at trying some others.

The Paper Craft Crew sketch #27 (see below) inspired me to create the following card

I was excited to see hearts as I had been looking at making Valentines recently so had some of my supplies already to hand (love it when that happens).

Though you can't see it too well in the photo I did a watercolour wash of Certainly Celery as a back drop for the trees.

I slightly altered things this week as if I'd kept the Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set as the rectangle it would have been too big for the card base I chose. I decided to crop it down (keeping the other 2 trees for a different project) so resulting in a square stamped area.

Ingredients

Designer Series Paper and Card Stock:  Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White

Stamps: Lovely as a Tree, Pennant Parade and Pretty Petites

Punches/Die Cuts: Petite Curly Label, Full Heart and Hearts a Flutter Framelits

Classic Stampin' Pad^®: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Honeycomb Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Chevron Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon and Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents

Keep crafting