Pink Cottage Craft

Join me in Guernsey?

2011-06-08T18:51:00.000+01:00

Hello all,

I've now started my Greetings from Guernsey blog so look out for classes and retreats in Guernsey.

In the mean time here's some more Stampin' Up! using Wedding Sweet. The first is a Mother's Day card, yes I know it was a while back, but it would be so easy to change 'mum' to any name.

The second photo shows the 40 wedding invitations I did for Rhiannon and Tom's Wedding. As you know I rarely do two cards the same, so 40 of exactly the same was a challenge to my patience...I ended up stamping first thing in the morning, before the stresses of the day kicked in. When do you like to craft?

Greetings from Guenrsey

2011-02-24T18:30:00.000Z

Hello all,

I guess you may be wondering where I've been? Well, I've been on the move with no regular computer access, so now I'm based in Guernsey. Unfortunately this means I have had to give up demonstrating and selling Stampin' Up! products as Guernsey lies out side the UK, but with in the British Isles and SU only currently operate in the UK. However, I did stock up before I came out here...so the SU theme will continue, at least until I run out of stuff...LOL.

I hope to get some more projects on here soon.
Love to here from you...

Card Candy 1

2011-01-05T00:00:00.002Z

More card candy...

And the winner is...

2011-01-02T08:53:00.000Z

Well I hope your 2011 got of with a bang and you are enjoying the three day break.

I've started with a cold, which oddly knocks you out on the first day...The Bee movie, Wall E and then Indianna Jones infront of the TV was all I could manage. I was very surprised how the BBC pulled that little lot off with all the cometition in broadcasting.

A drum roll please...the winner of the blog candy is Donna Keene...being comment number 8, which was the number created by an online random number generator.

Donna, please email me

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T00:00:00.002Z

A little bit of card candy and best wishes for the 2011

New Year's Celebration

2010-12-31T00:00:00.001Z

a little bit of card candy...enjoy your new years celebration where ever in the world you might be....

More free stamps?...Sale-a-bration 2011

2010-12-30T00:00:00.010Z

Have you left a comment on my blog to win a set of stamps from last year's sale-a-bration? If not scroll down...not long to the closing date....

Woo hoo...more free stamps?

Place an order over £45 to take part in this offer. If you place an order for £90 you can order two sets and so on!...and much much more, click on the poster to find out.

Happy Christmas Blog Candy

2010-12-25T00:00:00.004Z

I would love to wish you all Merry Christmas with a chance to win this set of 6 stamps from Stampin' Up!

These stamps were only available in the UK as a free gift in last year's Sale-a-bration.

If you would like to win this set of stamps, and live in the UK, please leave a comment on my blog before 31st December. A winner will be drawn at random. Good luck!

2010-12-24T00:00:00.003Z

It's Christmas tomorrow! So here's a little card, that's to wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas.

More Pear Pizzazz and Poppy Parade, joined by Crumb Cake and Early Espresso. The colour spritz tool is great fro creating this aged background in Pear Pizzazz. I've used Early Espresso to over stamp the children and sled and added decoration with the wreathstamp. All stamps are from the Welcome Christmas set.

Do check out tomorrow's post.

Merry Christmas!

Joy to the World 2

2010-12-22T00:00:00.004Z

Pear Pizzazz again, this time with the most glittery glitter I have ever seen, it's mirror like! I stamped the wreath from Welcome Christmas in versamark, covered in heat and stick, heated, covered in glitter and reheated to set the glitter...I stamped the letters individually from the same set in Old Olive, and added a gem to each. A bow of Pear Pizzazz finishes it off.

Don't forget to check out my blog over the Christmas period...if you live in the UK you might be in for a surprise...

Joy to the World

2010-12-19T15:37:00.000Z

Individually colour the letteres on the Joy stamp from Welcome Christmas and punch out using the decoration punch, stick some gold elastic cord to the the back and secure under a boarder created with the scallop boarder punch. I've picked Poppy Parade and Pear Pizzazz for my colour theme over the next few posts, look how it can be very modern, but traditional Christmas at the same time.

Merry Christmas Pooch

2010-12-15T00:00:00.027Z

This little dog is taken from the Hostess Level 2 free stamp set called Long Fellows, this is not a Christmas themed set at all, but it just goes to show how with the use of a Christmas sentiment and Christmassy colours how you can adapt them for use this season. The background is created with the Sassy Sparkles wheel. The sentiment comes from Contempo Christmas. Real Red and Early Espresso are highlighted with Whisper White. An Early Espresso brad and crinkled Real Red ribbon (use Sticky Strip for the best results) complete the look.

Ornament Dangle Card

2010-12-12T09:22:00.000Z

I hope you all survived the snow. Here's a little card I created with Contempo Christmas and the coordinating Contempo Wheel, Poppy Parade ink and designer series paper and the amazing Stampin' Up! gold embossing powder. Amazing? why...I have often found gold embossing powder to be a bit patchy, this one forms a really great even raise layer of elegant sheen, no pitting at all. The baubble fits within the 1 3/4 inch (4.4cm) circle punch when cut out.

Concord Crush Christmas Card

2010-12-05T00:00:00.001Z

Merry Christmas everyone, what a simple quick and easy card. Stamp Seasons Greetings from Welcome Christmas on to Whisper White and cut out, create two slots at either end of the sentiment. Wrap Concord Crush ribbon around a piece of Concord Crush card folded to 4"x4", thread through the slots and tie in a knot. The simplicity is created by using only two colours and the elegant sentiment. Of course the colour coordination is perfect, as this is one of Stampin' Up!'s strong points, another is the quality of their rubber stamps, which are so deeply etched, whether you choose the new clear mount or the wooden backed stamps the quality doesn't vary.

I inked the stamp using the Concord Crush Stampin' Write Marker.

2010-12-01T00:00:00.005Z

This beautiful scroll frame is highlighted with the swallow and Really Red satin ribbon. The just because sentiment is also from the Notably Ornate stamp set the final stamp in the set is an oval, which coordinates with our oval punches and says 'take note', amazing. The Love Letters papers have 2 sheets with the scroll frame enlarged, ideal for a large central photo (more later).

Contempo Christmas Scrap page

2010-11-28T00:00:00.002Z

Contempo Christmas and the new In Colours make up this page. Poppy Parade and Pear Pizzazz and Early Espresso with a touch of Very Vanilla and Bashful Blue make up the colour theme, just a slight variation on the dark red and dark green that is so often used for Chritsmas, just a little edge to it. I love the 1/8" (3mm) Early Espresso ribbon with it's white trimmed edges.

The sentiment says, Christmas is love with all the trimmings, part of the Contempo Christmas Stamp Set.

Playdate in the Park

2010-11-24T00:00:00.000Z

Here's a quick scrapbook page I knocked up in an hour. There's a rare picture of me...in the glasses, if you've ever wondered what I look like...LOL I'm sorry about the 'flare' on the photograph, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to photograph items well with the lower autumn light levels, I hope it doesn't spoil your enjoyment of the page.

Isn't it amazing what you can create from three squares of 6x6 patterend paper? These patterns are from the Playdate Designer Series Paper, a little Real Red satin ribbon, Real Red button and card and Old Olive buttons with Linen Thread complete the look. Circle punches and the Scallop Boarder punch are a must for this project.

There's a hidden journaling panel with a scalloped edge slipped in behind the photo to the right.

The Real Red compliments the red and pink coats in the photograph, pick up on colours within your own photographs to tie in with your paper colours.

Don't forget to use strong double sided tape to create the folded ribbon look, alternatively use a running sewing stitch and gather the ribbon that way.

This is a no stamp scrap page.

Dasher gets out and about

2010-11-21T13:19:00.000Z

If you loved the Dasher bottle tag, ideal for Christmas, why not come and see him close up?

I'm taking Pink Cottage Craft to the Craft Fair at Eaton Village Hall, Norwich on Saturday 27th November 11-3 and to the Craft Fair at Hadleigh Guildhall, Suffolk on Saturday 28th November, look out for the bright pink table cloth and lots of hand crafted papercraft goodies. The Dasher bottle tag will be available to buy, jazz up any bottle and add your personallised message.

At Eaton there will be a raffle for the Pakistan Flood Relief Fund. I have given this lovely Dasher Candle gift set for a prize, pop in and take part in the raffle to try to win him.

Sassy Sparkle's wheel completes the look.

Beware Pirates Scrap page

2010-11-21T00:00:00.000Z

I was inspired by this photograph of a musical friend, who with her orchestral collegues, often takes part in a themed last night, of course only where the orchestra is hidden. AAAArrrrrrrr!

The Beware Pirates stamp set and the Newsprint DSP go so well together, add Basic Black card and ink and assemble on a 6x6 Real Red card base, a very quick page indeed..

Children In Need

2010-11-19T00:00:00.001Z

The guys at work are fundraising for Children In Need today and have choosen Pirates as their theme. I created 12 cards using the Beware Pirates stamp set, Basic Black and Early Espresso ink, tea stain distress ink from our Distress Kit, Linen Thread and Very Vanilla and Soft Suade card. Above are four simple designs. I hope these will be sold today to raise some more money.

Dasher Bottle Tag Recipe

2010-11-17T15:46:00.054Z

Here's the recipe for the Dasher Bottle Tag, as promised.

Supplies:

Dasher Stamp

Cardstock: Real Red and Whisper White

Ink: Real Red and VersaMark

Tools: 1 3/8" Circle Punch; Corner Rounder

Ribbon: Elastic Gold Cord or Real Red Satin Ribbon

Other: Stampin' Dimensionals; Heat and Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds; or Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder

How To:
1. Cut a piece of Real Red card to 14cm x 6.5cm, score a line across the narrowest dimension at 6cm from one end. At this end round the two corners. On the smaller section you have created use the circle punch to cut out a central circle. (Note the 1 3/8" Circle will allow use over a champagne cork.)

2. Cut a piece of Whisper White 7cm x 6cm, stamp Dasher in Real Red ink in the centre of the piece of card. Leave for a few seconds to completely dry, to avoid smudging with the next step.

3. Cover the stamped image piece of card all over with VersaMark ink. Things can get a little sticky at this stage. Choose either step 4 or step 5.

4. For the Dazzling Diamonds version: sprinkle heat and stick over the top of the VersaMark and heat with a heat tool. Sprinkle a good coating od Dazzling Diamonds over the top and shake off the excess. Reheat the image with a heat tool to stick the glitter to the card.

5. For the Clear Emboss version: sprinkle Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder over the top of the VersaMark and heat with a heat tool until melted.

To assemble mount the image on Stampin' Dimensionals and add to the lower, larger part of the tag. Add a Gold Elastic Cord bow or Real Red ribbon satin knot to finish.

Dasher too!

2010-11-14T09:30:00.000Z

Here's the second version, using VersaMark and clear embossing powder to give a textured sheen finish.

I will post instructions shortly

Dashing all the way

2010-11-10T09:30:00.001Z

Dasher is so popular, there are lots of things to create with him...here's a bottle tag made using Real Red and Whisper White card, Real Red and VersaMark ink, heat and stick powder, gold elastic cord and of course Dazzling Diamonds. Ideal for gift giving at Christmas.

I made him back in September for a training swap in two versions...beware of imitations...

2 Today

2010-11-07T00:00:00.000Z

I made this some time ago, but just love the way that the stamp set is so versatile, the colours on the card can be changed to suit a little one's favourties, or just to be gright and funky.

The card is created from a a piece of cardstock 12" x 4", folded into 3 panels. Use the Stampin' Around along the length og a piece of A4 card, before cutting into panels, the track will then join up visually, when matted and assembled.

Choo Choo, Right on Track and Schoolbook Serif Numbers stamp sets.

Perfect Punches

2010-11-03T09:30:00.001Z

The last example from my Bedford showcase is below, here I used the small flower from Baroque Motifs as a scattered background effect and used the small rhinestones from the Basic Rhinestones pack to create centres for the flowers.

I really don't think that a Christmas card is extra special without a bit of glitz here and there, do you?

Bundle Up for Christmas

2010-11-02T14:18:00.000Z

It's a new promotion, yeeahh!

From 1st November to 29 December you can get exclusive Christmas Stampin' Up! ribbon for free when you buy one of the excelent value Christmas Bundles.
I already have the welcome Christmas Stamp Set and I love it. And the ornament punch not only goes with the Delightful Decorations Set but with the bauble in the Contempo Christmas Stamp Set. I just love these free ribbons, I can't wait to get mine, they make our products so versatile and they're limited edition, just what I need for my mamoth Christmas card making sessions.

More Christmas card samples on their way...

Another Make and Take

2010-10-31T09:30:00.001Z

Here's another version of the make and take from Bedford.

Using the Joy at Christmas Stamp from the Perfect Punches set with Basic Black, Crumb Cake and Riding Hood Red. Using the 1 1/4" circle punch I cut out the centre of a second stamped image and layered it over the first image using Dimensionals. The first image was cut out using the scallop circle extra-large punch - such a time saver and so versatile.

I've one more on version to come...

Glitter and sparkle and so it begins?

2010-10-27T10:57:00.041+01:00

Well I'm not quite up for Christmas yet, but I have just brought my Mum's Christmas pressie, not that I'll reveal what it is until the big day!

I've been playing with my Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, you can add it to an alcohol thinner (isopropyl alcohol) with a drop of water, pop it in a misting bottle, shake really well, and spray...here I've created a back ground. Next I stamped the Eiffle Tower from Artistic Etchings in VersaMark ink and then used heat and stick powder to apply the glitter. The small corner motif is also from Artistic Etchings and this is embossed in gold. I've added a paper bow from the Newsprint Designer Series Papers with a couple of Crumb Cake* brads from the Neutrals brad collection.

I thought this reminded me of New Year celebrations in Paris, with all the fireworks going off!

Or use it straight from the bottle with a Sponge Dauber (I use the paint that collects in the lid of the pot, as you really have to shake it) to highlight projects or produce a subtle shimmer on solid type stamp images.

*Crumb Cake is an American cake, colour wise think Kraft. Although now I'm thinking cake...yum...roll on lunch time....

I'm back....

2010-10-24T10:54:00.001+01:00

I've been soooo busy and unable to get to the computer to upload any photos...nor have I had much time to craft, which I find alarming...who is steeling all my time?

Here's one of the make and takes we did in Bedford on 13th. A simple but effective design with Basic Black, Riding Hood Red and Bashful Blue cardstock, Riding Hood Red ink and Basic Black Striped Ribbon. The stamp set is Perfect Punches, co-ordinating with the oval extra large and oval large punch to layer the sentiment, and the Scallop Edge Border punch to create the decorative red edge. The completed card is 4"x 4".

A big thank you Carolyn, Lindsay and Liz!

Bedford Open Evening 13 October

2010-10-07T14:30:00.000+01:00

Just a quick update on the my Bedofrd Open Evening.

I've changed location to the White Horse, 38 Newnham Road

Don't forget it's 6-9 come for all or part of the evening, relax, and let me know if you're coming.

Come and make a card to take away (by pre-booking), purchase retired items, and see the new catalogue.

See you soon!

It's Here - the new catalogue!

2010-10-02T18:32:00.000+01:00

Finally, I can reveal the contents of the new catalogue! Woohooo!

The link to the 'flash' version of the catalogue is here, you can even flick the pages like the real catalogue, none of that lovely just printed smell though. I love the smell of new book, always have, I can distinctly remember being sat in primary school starting to read a new library book and sniffing the pages...was i destined to work with paper, perhaps. Was I destined to usually have my nose in a book definately!...LOL

You may need to down load flash player, this is free, and won't take up too much space, even if your computer's clonky like my old laptop.

Don't forget 6-9pm party at mine on Sunday night in Ipswich, drop in, and play!

The Bedford event has moved to 13th 6-9, again drop in and play...it's going to be at the Bedford I-Kan on Mill Street.

This is the cat stamp from the Long Fellows, a Hostess Level 2 set, they are all so cute, if a little blurred - it's the photo and not the card...LOL. Could you hold a workshop and secure sales to get him? I can coach you though finding guests, from friends at work to the dentist or parents from your child's school, to when to send them a reminder so that they don't forget to come! Ask me more.

New Catalogue Launch

2010-09-22T13:17:00.000+01:00

The new products in the new Stampin' Up! catalogue will be available from 1st October. Woohoo!

On 3rd October as a celebration of the new catalogue and National Card Making Day I will be hosting a drop in session, in Ipswich, to view the new catalogue between 6pm and 9pm. There will be a gorgeous card to make and take home with you, a door prize, sales of retired products, lots of samples to view and details of forthcoming workshops, classes and events. Of course, you can buy your copy of the new idea book and catalogue too!

On 6th October I will be doing the same in Bedford.

Please email for more details.

Training Time

2010-09-17T06:00:00.002+01:00

I'm so excited, I'm off to a training session on the new catalogue tonight! I can't wait to see all the new stamps and colours which will be available to buy from 1st October!

We'll be doing a make and take, which I'll post on the 1st....we're not allowed to do the whole sneak peek thing.

Why not come and see the fablous new colours and stamps, and the new catalogue for yourself on 3 October in Ipswich or 6 October in Bedford? I will be selling off a number of retired items too.

Of course Sunday 3rd October is National Card Making Day, so shall we make a bit of an event of it?

More details on all these dates, and more, to follow.

Rolling/Spinning Train Card

2010-09-14T00:00:00.006+01:00

Here's one of the cards we created at the September class, the train spins it's way along the track as you tilt the card. Email me for details on how to make this.

Happy Harvest

2010-09-12T07:02:00.000+01:00

We don't celebrate 'thanks giving' as the American's do, but we do have 'Harvest Festival' and more and more people are growing their own vegetables, most of the allotments around here are full! Or perhaps, the card could be used to wish someone good luck at the local flower festival, horticultural or agricultural show. (When I was 13 or 14, I won first prize in the local show, where I was living, with my Gladioli...I beat my Granddad, who has been regularly showing for more than 40 years, and he was a judge at national level for chrysanthimums...My onions weren't bad either that year, but, I've not entered since.)

This card uses Pumpkin Pie and More Mustard cardstock with Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive ink. Use Dot Dot Dot to stamp onto plain cardstock. Stamp with the truck from Loads of Love and cut out. Stamp the truck again on More Mustard, colour and highlight the wheels, stamp again with the pumpkins and sentiment. Stamp the pumpkins on to Pumpkin pie and cut out and stick to the mustard layer. Add a piece of gold elastic to complete.

Guernsey

2010-09-12T07:01:00.000+01:00

Guernsey was beautiful, just a shame I didn't have much time there!

This is the High Street, with the flags out for the Battle of Britain comemorations. The Red Arrows appeared at the air display.

Moving Home

2010-09-09T00:00:00.001+01:00

Make moving home a less stressful event with this Bashful Blue Just Moved Card. It's stamped in Not Quite Navy using the Loads of Love and Loads of Love Accessories sets, and some taffeta ribbon.

Scraps #1

2010-09-05T09:00:00.003+01:00

I know as crafters we collect all the left over bits from our projects, but how often do we use up the bits?

This 3"x 3" card has been created from 9 punched and inked hearts, using the Sweet Pea papers, Old Olive, Real Red and Bashful Blue textured cardstock.

The flower stamp is from the Baroque Motifs and the sentiment from Cheers and Wishes stamp sets; all of course from Stampin' Up!

Driving by with a birthday hi!

2010-09-04T08:39:00.000+01:00

Retiring! The Loads of Love stamp set and the Hostess Level 1 papers will be retiring at the end of September. This is one of my favorite sets, being so versatile and masculine too. It's just £14.21, that's 25% off. Couple it with the Loads of Love Accessories at £7.98, a whooping 50% off and the Tailgaiting or Time for Tree (christmas) wheel at £4.13 each (25% off) for a great versatile little package.

This card uses the sahara sand and sage shadow papers from the Level 1 Hostess designer papers. These papers are only available until 30 September at the latest. With loads of products retiring (many at reduced prices) at the end of the month, place an order for £150 and make your choice of Hostess level one products and free goodies of your choice, worth £15, from the catalogue.

Add some linen thread tied in a knot to create a subtle masculine card.

Retiring Items

2010-09-01T06:00:00.025+01:00

The new catalogue is just around the corner, so lots of items from the 2009-10 catalogue, Mini Catalogue and 11 New Products will not be available after 30th September. From today Stampin' Up! will publish daily lists of the items still available and also their reduced price. Here's the list!

When the new catalogue arrives on 1st October there will be new postage and packaging, you'll be able to order as many, or as few, of the goodies as you like for a set postage and package rate. No more messing around trying to work out the 5% rate....hurrah!

Just a quick reminder to check out my list of classes and events. I hope to add some dates for Bedford shortly, once I've found a good local venue.

11 September Class

2010-08-30T13:02:00.000+01:00

Class details are up on the classes page, or click on the photo on the left panel for more information. Something for the advanced crafter as well as beginners:

Birdhouse for the Soul

2010-08-29T00:00:00.002+01:00

Oh, the last bank holiday weekend before Christmas! I'm not sure whether to be happy that Christmas is coming, or sad that the summer is over for another year.

On 1st September the list of retiring items from the Stampin' Up! catalogue will be published, this is your last chance to get hold of these items. I imagine there will be a number of items, as the colour renovation for the new catalogue will mean that all the old colours will be lost, as so many of the papers, card, ribon and kits include retiring colours. The retirement will make way for new colours and new stamps and other goodies, I can't wait.

This pattern has been adapted from the Crafts Beautiful magazine and uses scraps of the Cottage Wall designer series paper and the large bird punch from Stampin' Up!

I hope you like it.

Wedding Invitation Collage

2010-08-26T00:00:00.000+01:00

Isn't Picasa a wonderful piece of software? You can create collage with multiple photos like this. That last post inspired me along a wedding theme. Here are a few wedding invitation samples I made up using the wonderful striped speciality designer series paper called Bridesmaid, it's in the Very Vanilla colourway with a great vanilla foil on top, it comes in a pack with an elegant sort of swirl motif.

Here I've used a band of pleated light weight Stamin' Up! velum and Very Vanilla ribbon. The hearts are created using Orchid Opulence cardstock and the triple heart punch (purple ones), the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set and shimmer paints for the champagne and silver hearts - one is direct stamped with the second heart stamped without reinking the stamp producing a more subtle image.

Variations
This speciality paper comes in Whisper White (Bride) and Basic Black (Groom), change the colour scheme to match the colours for your wedding, or just produce elegant invitations and wedding stationnery to suit. Need more ideas, want to learn how? Contact me

Cherish

2010-08-23T00:00:00.001+01:00

This page is easy to make, with the Bella Bleu designer series paper (DSP), Baroque Motifs stamp set and Not Quite Navy Ink.

Add your journalling on the small oblongs of sand DSP.

Happy 30th Birthday

2010-08-22T00:00:00.002+01:00

Here's a little card I made for my friend's birthday at the begining of the month.
Heat and Stick is a marvelous product, the glitter won't shed!

The brads and flower are both from the Pretties Kit, which includes absolutely loads of blossoms, brads, beads, hat pins, and flat backed pearls, enough to keep most crafters busy for months!

This is the Whimsical Wings stamp set, a hostess level 2 gift.

Thank You Gifts

2010-08-20T00:00:00.002+01:00

5 variations on a theme. I give out these sets to people who place their first order with me, as a thank you gift. Want to recieve one?

Pocketed Gifts

2010-08-18T00:00:00.002+01:00

I've a number of samples of various beauty creams I've recieved over tha last few months, I've decided to create 4 pocket cards to hold them.

Promotions

2010-08-16T00:00:00.000+01:00

Don't forget to check out my promotions page, for the latest offers and additional inspiration!

See the link near the top of the page.

Look Who's Come to Stay

2010-08-15T00:00:00.002+01:00

Oscar!

He found the basket full of clean and ironed clothes!
Shame he's only here for 5 days!

Paper Folded Photo Frame

2010-08-14T16:34:00.000+01:00

I've just tried to say the title of this post, and got in an awful muddle...try it yourself...it's a bit of a tongue twister!

I love paper folding! This is a small 6" x 6" scrapbook page, using a a folded piece of 6x6 designer series paper from the hostess papers with a Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive Colour and the Baroque Motifs Stamp Set (Item 113490).

Want to know how? Contact me.

Medallion Stamped Bag

2010-08-10T00:00:00.018+01:00

Use White Craft Ink on fine grained cotton (doesn't work on woven material such as 't'-shirt fabric), over a piece of card to provide a stable stamping surface. Iron the stamped image with a dry iron to set the ink. The medallion background stamp needs a lot of pressure to achieve this level of impression and a great deal of ink, due to its size. I left the stamp in place for a few moments before lifting it. I created stamped three bags, two in black and one in pink (no surprise there!)

Sweet Pea DSP in orange and pink?

2010-08-08T00:00:00.026+01:00

Do you know I'm not much of an orange person? I love red and bright pink and blue and green, but not orange, well that was until I spied these two photos lurking in my pile of photos to scrap! A couple, in an orange jumper and pashmina, just inspired me to use these limited edition papers in Pumpkin Pie, Taken with Teal and Chocolate Chip from the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper in the Mini Catalogue.

One of the sheets of designer series paper comes with these bull's eye circle designs, which I've added to with punched circles of my own. The checked blue circle can easily be created by drawing around a large dinner plate.

I've created a journalling tag from a Teal circle, punched a hole and added Pumpkin Pie ribbon. The details of the event are written on the back. You can leave it face down as I have slid behind one of the embellishments or you can leave the details on show.

The Sweet Pea paper pack is so versatile, I've used it on a number of other designs, here and here and below.

A simple piece of Sweet Pea paper on a cream mat and a Rose Red C6 card base. Crystal Effescts are painted over each buterfly to give them a shiny appearance. The ribbon is a piece of Whisper White satin ribbon dyed with Roes Red ink (just be careful not to add to much ink)

Versamark Hearts

2010-08-06T16:29:00.000+01:00

Don't you just love the way that the Versamark ink pad is all sticky and squidgy. I do.

The squidginess of the ink pad has resulted in an interesting pattern in the background. The stamp used background is a dotted heart outline one from I {Heart} Hearts. However, using with Versamark has resulted in a translucent infil to the centre of each heart. Stamp at random on Soft Suede card.

The hearts were created by 'kissing'. Take the solid heart stamp from I {Heart} Hearts, ink it up with Pixie Pink. Take the Dot Dot Dot stamp and place it on to the inked surface of the solid heart. stamp both the heart and the Dot Dot Dot stamps on to Very Vanilla card stock. A vintage impression is created in both stamped images. Add a very vanilla button, knotted with Linen Thread.

Don't forget they'll be more techniques at my class on 14th August! Click on the picture to read more

14 August Class: Anniversaries and Weddings

2010-08-04T14:16:00.001+01:00

14 August 2010, 7pm Ipswich Waterfront

Techniques will include background stamping, heat embossing and paper folding. The 5 projects created are easily adaptable to engagement, anniversary, wedding or love themes. Further completed projects on these themes will be on show for your inspiration. For this class you will be expected to bring a basic craft kit and a 5cm x 6cm (or similar) photo for the photo card.

Never paper crafted before? Never stamped? Come and learn a new hobby or technique!

I will be running monthly classes on the second Saturday of every month. The next class is 11 September. These regular classes, including the August and September classes detailed here, will include the cost of all materials and the use of all stamps and equipment for £15, and all tuition. Classes will average 2 to 3 hours in length.
I hope to see you soon
Contact me

Practical Project #1

2010-08-02T19:03:00.000+01:00

Get organised
Use the Totally Tabs Stamp Set and Tab Punch in coloured inks on coloured card to create lables for all your cables. Wrap around your cable and secure with Tom Bow glue along the curved edge.

Two-Step Stamping Sale

2010-08-01T00:00:00.033+01:00

From 1-31st August get 20% off selected two-step stamp sets (try saying that fast...)

The sets are Loads of Love (above), Big Bold Birthday, Trendy Trees (below), Greenhouse Garden, Something Sweet (below), Tiny Tags and Bird on a Branch (plus the French or German versions) For prices please open this link

Glitter Galore

2010-07-29T11:12:00.000+01:00

Don't forget I'm holding a workshop on Saturday 31st, contact me for your invitation!

Another of the card samples I made for the class samples last week. Details of how to make it are below.

Don't forget my class on 14 August
The regular classes will be held on the second Saturday of the month close to the Ipswich Waterfront, the first is Saturday 14th August, at 6pm, and will be themed on anniversaries and weddings. Techniques will include background stamping, heat embossing and paper folding. More details will be available shortly. The next date is 11th September with a children’s theme and will include the Choo Choo (train) and Fox & Friends Stamp Sets. My regular classes will cost £15 and will include all materials.

Recipe
Stamping the floral heart from I {Heart} Hearts in Versamark ink on Whisper White card, I covered the heart with our brilliant Heat and Stick powder and melted it with the heat tool. I then sprinkled with very irredecent black glitter from the Fine Galaxy glitter collection and reheated it. The second heating ensures that the glitter is stuck with the heat and stick powder and ensures the glitter does not fall off. Amazing really. This heart is attached to a second heart which has white embossed dots, again a stamp from the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set.

Layer up the hearts with dimensionals, on a fabric flower from the pretties kit, black and white ribbon and a black mat on white card. You could add a stamped sentiment of your choice on the black card and emboss with white embossing powder to stand out.

More Hearts

2010-07-28T18:45:00.000+01:00

Here's an easy to create card I made to show off the versitality of the I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set at last Thursday's Class. It could easily be done in any colour combination to suit the occassion.

Thank You Card

2010-07-25T14:36:00.000+01:00

Here's a little card I created yesterday as a thank you for my leaving gifts from work. (I can't believe

the lilies are still going after more than a week!)

Here are the instructions to make it:

This is a A6 Orchid Opulence card base. Trim the right hand edge of the card with the scallop boarder punch. Cut a strip of Pale Plum card to sit behind the scallop edge, take care to line up the right hand side with the back part of the card before sticking down. (The ribbon will disguise the join.)
Cut a panel of the Rich Razzleberry paper from the Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper and mat on to Pale Plum. Attach to the card base
Punch three butterflies from other Cottage Wall papers, fold in half at the narrowest point and gently curve the wings around your fingers. Place stampin' dimensionals under the wings to support them, creating a 3D effect. Stick to card.
Stamp 'thank you' from the Oval All stamp set on to Pale Plum using Elegant Eggplant ink and punch out with the large oval punch. Stamp again on to a Cottage Wall paper and cut out the butterfly and mount on a stampin' dimensional. Attach to sentiment. Mount the whole on stampin' dimensionals and add to the card.
Tie a pice of Old Olive satin ribbon in a bow around the front of the card. Cut a sliver of Pale Plum card and thread through an Old Olive button, trim the ends, attach with a glue dot to the bow.

Rock Star

2010-07-21T09:00:00.012+01:00

This is the second of the two Simply Sent Card Elements card making kits, which makes a minimum of 9 cards (Item 113679, £12.50). The co-ordinating stamp set is called Starring You and has 4 stamps, three of which have sentiments: Celebrate Today and Way to Go, the third is a circular happy birthday stamp with a star in the middle. Finally the remaining stamp has three stars in outline. All four for come for £11.95 (item no. 111696) and can be used for so many projects. (Page 77 for the main catalogue.)

I just love cardstock stickers. You can either stick them directly on to your project or you can mount them first on a plain piece of card and then add dimensional foam to give your projects a real pop.

The colours in this kit are Bashful Blue (a personal favourite), Old Olive, More Mustard and Brilliant Blue. Brilliant Blue is one of the colours which retire on 31st September, so this card elements kit will only be available for the next couple of months.

Becki Wins

2010-07-19T09:00:00.002+01:00

Becki left comments practically every day of my 12 days of Sweet Treat Cups back in June, she wins goodies to make up three of these cards. These cards are created from the Flower Power Simply Sent Card Elements. It's one of two kits available each of which make 9 cards, 3 of each design (9 cards for £12.50 Item no. 113678). The kit comes with all you need to make the card including clear instructions.

There's a complementary stamp set, to add those important sentiments (Thank You, Happy Birthday and birthday wishes, plus an additional flower), you can use these again and again on all your projects.

I made up the cards without the stamps, above. Below are the stamped samples and the four stamps, from the main catalogue, page 77 (Item 111714, £10.95). The colours are: Rose Red; Old Olive; Perfect Plum; and, More Mustard.

Thursday's Class

2010-07-17T21:14:00.001+01:00

These are the cards we will be making in Thursday's 5 cards for £5. All five cards use stamps from the I {Heart} Hearts set along with the co-ordinating heart shaped punches.

The class will take place at 7pm close to the Ipswich Waterfront. Please call or email for more information or to book your place in the class.

If you place a Stampin' Up! order with me of more than £25 you'll receive your class free.

The class is suitable for any skill level.

Contact me on 07824714464 or pinkcottagecraft@yahoo.com to book.

Ahhh....

2010-07-16T13:16:00.000+01:00

Ahhh, it's my last day working in London today...I'll miss all my colleagues and the new friends I've made...but I won't be unhappy about the loss of the commute...a 4 hour round trip (on a good day).

Ahhhh, the all day craft event set for 24th July in Needham Market has been cancelled.

Hurrah....I am running a 5 cards for £5 card class on Thursday 22nd, with I {Heart} Hearts. I've three samples made, soft colours, and will complete the other two over the weekend, please come and take a look at my blog on Sunday and sign up. Don't forget the class will be free if you place orders of £25 or more.

So slack..but classes on their way

2010-07-08T22:07:00.000+01:00

I've been so slack with my blog, but it's been busy, busy, busy.

On Saturday I was at a country market in Banham Norfolk, no there wasn't time to advertise, it was ...CCCCCrazy. Then off to see all my relatives up there including north norfolk. Then it was back to work on Monday with my 4 hour round trip commute! You know at the end of my contract, a week tomorrow, I am not going to miss that commute!

So with the end of my contract, I've been looking at other options for work, and evenings this week I've been preparing for interview, yes one crazy world. It's not that Stampin' Up! won't lead to a rewarding future, it's more that I've not had the chances I would have liked to develop it due to my commute. I've some fabulous ideas for classes including 5 cards for £5 (I've even got two versions to run) and some more inventive classes with kinetic cards are all in my sketch book. I just have to be home long enough to make the cards and let you know the dates.

Let's start with the latter...the details of the all day papercrafting event at Needham Market on 24 July are all ready up on my blog scroll up and click on the page link at the top of the page. We still have some places available, but you'll have to be quick ring or email to book your place.

On 22 July at 7.00 pm why not come along for the first 5 cards for £5 class, located close to the Ipswich Waterfront. You'll be using the I {heart} hearts stamps and three different sized punches, the stamp set is shown on page 7 and the smallest of the punches on page 6 of the mini catalogue. If it turns out you love the Stampin' Up! products, which I know you will (I am just so amazed at at how easy the stamps are to use, especially for beginners) then I will give you the class for free with orders over £25.

My contact details are on the papercraft event page.

Hope to see you soon

Busy Week

2010-06-28T20:25:00.000+01:00

It's been a very busy week, yet another parcel arrived from Stampin' Up! (They come via UPS and I can track them on line, they tell you the day they're due to be delivered, and sure enough they are!)

I have been on a mission to get the spring cleaning done in the house, but with 3 loads of washing drying in one day, I've still got to catch up on the ironing. Then there's the watering of the garden, if I don't I'll loose the third crop of apples in a row, the tree's a dwarf variety in a very large pot, if the watering's patchy the apples drop whilst they're still small, fingers crossed I'll manage to keep more than 4!

I did manage to catch a couple of hours at the beach, I'm not much of a sunbather, but it felt like I'd at least had a weekend.

This Saturday I'm going to be at the Banham Country Market 9am-1pm 3rd July, so I'm packing all my samples and details of the class on 24 July at Needham Market (see link at the top of the page).

Suffolk Papercraft Fayre

2010-06-21T20:54:00.000+01:00

Oh my goodness there are lots of fans of papercrafting out there. Here's a couple of photos of our stand. I hope you all enjoyed the fayre I did, it was fab meeting lots of lovely new ladies and meeting friends. There were even a couple of people who were new to crafting...I think they'll all have caught the bug by now...

We must have meet more than 100 people, wow, some party.

Carole's son Ryan has drawn the prize winner, it's Mary Huggins, from Harlston. Congratulations Mary, you'll be receiving your parcel very soon.

I'd just like to thank everyone for turning up, thanks to Liz S. for placing an order, thanks everyone who took the time to do our make and take, enter the prize draw or picked up a leaflet for our class next month, finally thanks to Janina B for organising the hall and to the wonderful Carole Claxton (below), my upline for inviting me.

For those of you who have requested a workshop or more information on classes or becoming a Demonstrator Carole or I will be in touch soon.

12 Days of Blogging #12

2010-06-20T00:00:00.000+01:00

Day 12, I think I deserve a treat...

Using Lovely Lilac and Pink Passion card and Elegant Eggplant Ribbon I created this Sweet Treat. I've used our two way Tombow glue as a temporary fix on the back of the packet of hot chocolate for additional security. The stamp comes from the Darling Dots Hostess Level 1 set, see day 6 for more info.

Well it's been a great 12 days, hard work, but great. Thank you for all your comments and links, I hope you feel inspired to go and create something amazing.

Don't Forget

2010-06-19T09:32:00.002+01:00

Don't forget....
It's Father's Day... tomorrow
It's the Suffolk Papercraft and Cardmaking Fayre at Needham Market...tomorrow
It's the last day of my 12 days of sweet treat cups...tomorrow

Scroll down to see todays card offering and for details of the Fayre.

Carole Claxton and I are also putting the finishing touches to our all day papercrafting event on 24th July, which will include 3d items, cards and a mini book themed around Vintage Vogue and My Sweet Pea stamps sets. More soon

Have a great weekend and I hope to see you in Needham Market

12 Days of Blogging #11

2010-06-19T00:00:00.002+01:00

Day 11, more stamping...

Using the five pettal stamp I stamped one flower (from A Beautiful Thing) in Mellow Moss and one in Gable Green. On the latter I stamped the swirl design in Mellow Moss. I cut out and curled the edges, pierced a hole in the centre and inserted a clear Rhinestone Brad. I created the sliding door as before and stamped the swirl design in a random pattern across it. I stamped the sentiment from Cheer & Wishes (its a versatile set) in Old Olive on to Glorious Green card and mounted on a Mellow Moss card base. The hair band was another find from a pound shop!

Creating your own designs inspired by this one, then please link back to my blog.

12 Days of Blogging #10

2010-06-18T00:00:00.003+01:00

Day 10, are you convinced yet that these are great? Of course you could just fill them with sweets or sunflower seeds, or create a gumball machine, baby's rattle or magnifying glass with the co-ordinating stamp set (Something Sweet), but why not explore some more...

This card uese less than half a pack of hair bobbles picked up from a pound shop, which girl, young or old with longer hair wouldn't appreciate this small well thought out gift? Nautical, with a splash of red is in fashion this season.

This card uses papers from the 6"x6" Patterns Paper Designer Series Paper III, available as a Hostess Level 1 gift, see day 6 for more information on how you can receive this gift for free (subject to sales). A patterned paper sliding door was created, so that when the hair bands are removed there is still interest on the card. The real red flower is taken from the Blooms Die Cuts pack. (There's Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie and Bashful Blue too.)

Posting?

I would recommend the Sweet Treat Padded envelopes, which are printed with a pattern of dots, very sweet, with clear areas left for the stamp and address. Providing that your card does not weigh over 720 grammes then you will only need a Large Letter Stamp to cover postage, just a little extra to show someone you care? Bargain I'd say.

Inspired? PLease come back tomorrow, only 2 days left to go!

12 Days of Blogging #9

2010-06-17T00:00:00.002+01:00

One for the dogs today. These little bone treats are so cute.

Well this card started out a disaster...I mistakenly thought that stamping the Tailgaiting Stampin' Around in Bashful Blue would show up on Brilliant Blue, well it did for a minute or so, but once dried it was impossible to photograph. The printed sentiment was also cut too wide and everyting cut and glued....agghh what to do?

Well, I stuck two strips of Scalloped Edged Ballet Blue on top of the sentiment to reduce its width and stamped Tailgaiting in black on to Whisper White. I created an undulating top to the Whisper White by following the line of the stamp, picking up on the scallop of the sentiment boarder. I coloured the lorry with ink from a Brilliant Blue ink pad stamped on to a plastic sheet, picking up the colour with my Aqua Painter. The shadow and green highlight is created in teh same way. The dogs are coloured with neutral Watercolor Wonder Crayons, and water brushed.

You will need to use StazOn Cleaner with the black ink cartridges on the Stampin' Around.

Not a bad rescue...

12 Days of Blogging #8

2010-06-16T00:00:00.002+01:00

A simple card for day 8.

Created from a simple colour scheme of Pumpkin Pie and Ballet Blue. The card fish is created from the punched out circle which forms the hole for the Sweet Treat Cup, and a folded tab created by the Round Tab punch. See day 7 for how to create the sliding door. The second fish is created with the eye punched from the card fish and a knotted ribbon. Print a sentiment from your computer on to Whisper White card. Fill the cup with cat treats. Be warned your cat will be able to smell this so do put it somewhere secure, if it's his favoutites. Alternatively secure the treats in cling film - before placing in the cup, not so pretty, but perhaps safer?! The quick release sliding door is a must for desparate cat's owners access...use cat mint at your peril....

12 Days of Blogging #7

2010-06-15T00:00:00.003+01:00

What a way to give someone a lift with 3 ballons in a card, I know ballons always make me think of celebrations, a happy moment in my life, why not send a similar card to cheer someone up and let them know you are thinking of them?

Stamp the lorry from the Loads of Love stamp set on to Ballet Blue card and cut out. Using the neutrals Watercolor Wonder Crayons - yes it's spelt right, Stampin' Up! is an American brand that's been going since 1990. Sorry back to the crayons...colour the wheels in lightly in basic black. Highlight the bumpers and wheel arches in Sahara Sand. Using a paint brush dipped in water or an Aqua Painter (my favourite) wash over the decorated areas to achive a smooth finish. These crayons create a much smoother finish than watercolour pencils, and there's no waste wood as they are colour through and through, with a paper wraper. They're not waxy as you might imagine, I guess it's their solid nature that makes them a 'crayon'.

It was a little tricky to line up all the punched holes this time due to the layers. Punch the hole with the 1-3/4" (4.4cm) circle punch on the Ballet Blue base card first, making sure that the card is in as far as it will go. This allows for the diminishing sizes of the top layers of card Brilliant Blue on a Whisper White mat. Line up and punch the top layers. To allow for the sliding door use Mini Glue Dots around the location where the door will go to introduce a slim gap alowing the door to slide. Stamp the sentiment. Attach the cup to the rear of the top layer, fill with ballons and insert the sliding door (a square of card with a tab - created using the Round Tab punch). Mount the lorry. Wrap a length of Linen Thread around the spine of the card and tie in a knot.

Change the sentiment and create a male themed birthday card. If this inspires you then please link back to my blog.

12 Days of Blogging #6

2010-06-14T00:00:00.002+01:00

Taken with Teal is saying a fond farewell at the end of September. It's such a shame as it is set off wonderfully by the platinum shimmer paint, from the mini catalogue. Apply directly to a stamp with a spounge dauber and stamp to your hearts content. Just remember to clean your stamp with StayOn cleaner when you're finished.

Place a small amount of Dazzling Diamonds in to the cup along with two or three stamped stars, from Darling Dots - hold a workshop, invite your friends and your friends' friends achieve overall sales of £150 and this set could be yours as a 'Hostess Level 1' gift along with £15 of free goodies of your choice.

There's no sliding door on this card, as the Dazzling Diamonds woudl go every where...LOL.

The Congratulations stamp forms part of the Cheer & Wishes stamp set used on day 4...and later on too...great for all those sentiments for card fronts.

Like this one? you know the drill...comment and link back from your blog...

Suffolk Scrapbook and Cardmaking Fayre

2010-06-13T18:22:00.006+01:00

20 June

10-4

Demonstrations and Make and Takes by Carole Claxton and myself

Come and make this cute little bunny card

Free Entry

Light refreshments on sale

Needham Market Community Centre

School Street, Needham Market, nr Ipswich

12 Days of Blogging #5

2010-06-13T00:00:00.002+01:00

So day 5 an the little Giraffe from Fox and Friends makes an appearance, again with an eraser, but this time a s a birthday card. Pumpkin Pie ink with Really Rust and Yoyo Yellow card and a Barely Banana heart. The Really Rust button is tied with linen thread.

No more Fox and Friends on this tour, come back tomorrow for my next treat.

Inspired? Please comment and link back to your creations

12 Days of Blogging #4

2010-06-12T00:00:00.002+01:00

Inspriation number four; we're off to a roaring start...sorry I couldn't resist...

The Fox and Friends stamp set contains 7 amazingly fun animal characters, a whale, monkey, turtle, wide eyed owl, giraffe, fox (funny that!) and this lovely lion.

This lion eraser has movable legs and co-ordinates perfectly with the lion stamped in Pumpkin Pie. Really Rust and Yoyo Yellow card complete the look. Use to create an invitation (Cheers & Wishes stamp set) to a child's birthday party and stamp the envelope to build anticipation.

Love him? Created your own please comment and link below

Don't forget to come back tomorrow, you never know who you might meet....

12 Days of Blogging #3

2010-06-11T00:00:00.001+01:00

Stickers. Which Child doesn't love stickers?

Team cheap stickers with Brilliant Blue stamped Choo Choo stamp set and the number 3 from Schoolbook Serif Numbers and you have a perfect card for a budding train driver's third birthday.

Have you caught the bug of the Sweet Treat Cups?

Yes? contact me to buy at pinkcottagecraft@yahoo.com

No? Come back tomorrow for more inspiration!

12 Days of Blogging #2

2010-06-10T00:00:00.004+01:00

Day 2; inspiration number 2

This is a pale pinky plum shell button bracelet, from my local pound shop, an ideal small gift to send through the post. Again the sliding door.

This card uses Mellow Moss card set at an angle on a Pale Plum card with a flower from the 'My Sweet Pea' stamp set stamped in Elegant Eggplant and Old Olive. Elegant Eggplant ribbon too.

Great for a female friend or teenager or tween.

Inspired? Please link back to my blog and/or leave a comment.

12 Days of Blogging #1

2010-06-09T00:00:00.003+01:00

Stampin' Up! Sweet Treat Cups come in packs of 12, so I challenged myself to come up with 12 designs to inspire you, some quick and easy some more advanced. At only £2.50 for 12 they add a whole new dimension to your crafting.

This one started with the 'punch art' of EB the cat, whom we sadly lost to old age in April. A curled up purple cat collar fits snuggly in the sweet treat cup, held in place by a sliding door.

Elegant Eggplant ribbon finishes off the Appricot Appeal and Pale Plum card. Perfect for welcoming a friend's new cat or cat's birthday. Choose your colour scheme to match the collar.

Inspired by this card, if you post it on your blog, please link back here.

Want more? Come back tomorrow...see you soon

New Products Blog Hop: 2

2010-06-06T08:10:00.000+01:00

Oh my goodness where do I start? I just love love love this Cottage Wall designer series paper and Window Sheets (they're printed acetate sheets), and the rich razzleberry dotty ribbon are to die for...

When creating scrapbook pages, I find it's useful to take digital photos of the creation process. The dotty ribbon was the inspiration, as soon as I saw it I knew I had these amazing photos to scrap...only one is in focus, as she was moving 2 quickly, but I think the blurriness portrays this sense of movement and the black and white photo means that you focus on the one unblurred image. I hoped to add couple of shots showing the page in progress, but Blogger's not playing today (I'll try a later post), I often use scrap paper and print my photos on copier paper initally to avoid mistakes, and free up the creative process. Nothing is stuck down until I'm completely happy.

To hop on to some more fab creations starting with the lovely Jo who's next on round 2 of the blog hop click on her name or perhaps you'd like to go backwards around this loop and visit Teri's creations here?

Round 1 is here if you need more inspiration and yet more in Round 3. So if you've completed the marathon of all three rounds you will have seen at least 45 amazing projects to inspire you, all starting with the 11 new products. WOW!!!

From 9 June I will be posting a new project everyday for 12 days, do come back to see more.

On 20 June Carole Claxton, another lovely Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and I are going to be demonstrating at the Suffolk Scrapbook and Cardmaking Fayre, its a major event. We'll be doing 'make and takes' so come and play. Look out for our show specials and for an announcement of our July crafting day. It opens 10-4pm ans is at the Needham Market Community Centre, School Street, Needham Market. Its free entry and there's lovely teas and amazing cake - if it was anything like last time! There's free parking too, or you could jump on the train.

More scrapbooking? see if you can spot another scrapbook page on my blog...and no they're not related...

3d Cockateel

2010-06-03T00:00:00.002+01:00

I was inspired by a number of the grunge type feel projects in Craft Stamper magazine, the Night and Day Speciality Designer Papers and bird two step punch in the Mini Catalogue to create this 3d piece.

I covered three pieces of chipboard in three different patterns from the Night and Day papers. I used a nail file to smooth the edges for a better finish. I stamped and embossed the large flourish from Baroque Motifs on the top of each piece of board, you can see the pattern shining in the photograph. I stamped a clear button, I sell those too, with the flourish in black StazOn ink and tied it to the 1-1/4" (3.2cm) black striped grosgrain ribbon. I also stamped the flourish on a flower from the Pretties Kit, securing a clear Rhinestone Brad in the centre. I cut out the photograph from one I took at the Pet Porpoise Pool at Coffs Habour, Australia. (They rescue and breed, otherwise I wouldn't have visited) This beautiful boy has a hint of pale sulphur yellow, so I turned the photograph in to black and white for the project.

I punched out the birds and after inking the edges placed them on the flourishes within the paper to act as tree branches.

I have not covered the backs of the board, on purpose, I'm waiting for inspiration to use this for another piece of art on a different theme, so that I can ring the changes to my home decor.

Orange and Purple!

2010-05-31T12:00:00.006+01:00

June is nearly upon us...Sorry, I've been away from my blog for so long, there's been a few hicoughs with my career, due to the effects of the economic climate and Government funding cuts, there's been very little chance to craft, as I've been searching for work to start after my current contract finishes (just 7 weeks). Anyway, here's a couple of very quick, bright and cheery cards...to help lift the mood a little, instructions below.

On 6th June I'm going to be taking part in the In Love with Stamping Blog Hop for the 11 new products. I'm at the start of Round 2, we've got 3 rounds of 15, yes that's at least 45 projects to inspire you using the Cottage Wall papers and window sheets, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suade ink, card and dotty ribbon. My project is a scrapbook page.

The Hop will kick off at 10am.

On the 9th June I will be posting every day for 12 days, 12 inspirational projects using the Sweet Treat Cups from the Mini Catalogue

Instructions

Cut an A4 sheet of Apricot Appeal in two, fold each in half to create two A6 base cards.

Cut two pieces of Pumpkin Pie dotty paper from the Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper (limited edition), slightly smaller than the card to leave a border of apricot.

Card 1: stamp the dotted heart from I {Heart} Hearts (mini catalogue page 7) in Elegant Eggplant directly on to the paper. Stamp and cut out the friend heart, leaving a white boarder to highlight, stick to centre of dotted heart on a Stampin' Dimensional, or two. Cut and stick down Elegant Eggplant ribbon, Tombow glue works really well as it's a wet and sticky glue and there's a very fine nozzle.

Card 2: Stamp and punch out the triple hearts from in Elegant Eggplant. Use the Heart to Heart punch for speed. Line up the hearts and attach. Attach Elegant Eggplant Ribbon to finish. For variation attach one of the hearts with a Stampin' Dimensional.

Do all the stamping at once to save time, like a production line.

11 New Products in the New Colours!!!

2010-05-03T10:09:00.006+01:00

Wow these are amazing Soft Suede, Rich Razzleberry and Melon Mambo form part of the new colour collections in addition to our old favourites.
I love the new cottage wall papers (above) (two each of 6 different double designer paper sheets 12"x 12" or 30.5 cm), the clear printed window sheets (again 12"x12") and that amazing dotty ribbon all in the new fabulous colours These are all limited stock items. I've already ordered mine!

The card stock and inks are great too, with £4.50 for 24 sheets of colour matched card and large ink pads for £4.25 you can't go wrong.

Click on the product flyer on the right hand panel for more information.

If you would like to place an order please email me at pinkcottagecraft@yahoo.com

Where Has April Gone?

2010-04-22T14:08:00.002+01:00

Well I had a mad weekend las weekend and so didn't manage to get those colour carts on here, I'm really sorry. I'm still working on it...LOL

This Sunday I'm off on training with my fellow Passionettes, Swaps in hand (well not whilst driving...), and Sat Nav in car...I can't wait, lots of lovely new friends to make and lovely techniques and projects to pass on too....ohhhh can a girl have too much excitement?

When I've finished my swaps I'll post them...cute little blue whales on the way....

Excited

2010-04-08T12:40:00.002+01:00

Stampin' Up! have just anounced that here in the UK we'll be getting loads of new colours in card and ink and ribbon...oh and just everything...its so exciting...I can't wait until October. In the US they have the colours from July, so there'll be plenty of samples to take inspirateion from.

The new colours mean that some of the old colours will retire at the end of September, so if you have some favorites, you've 6 months to save up some pennies to grab a pack.

This is just a quick post for now as I'm on my lunch break at work, but I should be able to link to the colour charts to show both the new colours and the retiring ones at the weekend, its been one crazy week.

April Stamping Challenge over on ILWS

2010-04-02T14:03:00.003+01:00

If you want to take part, join IWLS, then you'll need to register for the challenge 5-7pm on Saturaday evening. For more info on taking part click here.

Can't take part? Why not check out the gallery on Sunday or Monday, to see what we were up to?! Pick up some inspiration for your own projects on the way!

Smell...Scrapbook Page

2010-04-02T12:16:00.003+01:00

Smell the Knitted Flowers....

Finally, I've managed to get around to some scrapbooking, it's been 3 months, but I was so inspired by the Sweet Pea papers and stitched felt, I had to create this page as soon as I saw the photo...thank you for that.

The title I made from mirror printing "smell" on to Bashful Blue paper, at 218 gsm it goes through the printer a treat. I cut out the letters and then shadow stamped, with the swirl from My Sweet Pea in Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip to create my own patterned paper. I've also stamped additional flowers in Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip and Tempting Turquoise again from My Sweet Pea.

The journaling is hidden, you can just see the tab, created from the Tab Punch, in the main catalogue, under the left side of the photo.

I just love the bird on this 12" x 12" paper, he comes as a stamp too as part of the stamp set, mmmm just thinking what to create next...he reminds me of that cheeky bird Mortimer in the children's stories...'never more, never more'

Hurrah: the new MINI Catalogue is here

2010-04-01T16:47:00.005+01:00

So the new mini catalogue is here. Some amazing new stamps, papers and best of all shimmer paint!

Check out the sweet treat cups too...want a shaker card with loads more depth? Want to send some goodies through the post as a little treat...these are for you...there's even decorated envelopes, perfectly sized for your creations. (It'll be at least a large letter stamp if you're popping it in the post.)

Click on the catalogue cover on the right hand panel to find out more!

The catalogue runs until the end of September, but some items such as papers are limited in number.

Stampin' Up! Competition and Offers

2010-03-24T12:38:00.003Z

In the current PaperCraft Inspirations, Stampin' Up! is offering a lage box of goodies to anyone who subscribes to the magazine, worth nearly £50! This includes card, stamps, ink, a couple of pastels and embelishments. If I didn't already subscribe, I certainly would now, I find the magazine is always full of new ideas.

There is also the chance to win one of two Start Up kits, which are normally purchased for £139 with a value of around £250!

Thiss issue of the magazine includes new ways of using stamps including the brand new 'kiss' method. Want to know more book a workshop or come along to a demonstration day, see the posts below.

Easter on Its Way!

2010-03-20T12:01:00.014Z

Well Mother's Day has been and gone, I hope you all enjoyed the time together with family; it's time for crafters to think of Easter.

Perhaps some cheeky chicks...or lorry loads full of eggs...to parcel up that fab gift or make shop brought chocolate eggs a bit more special? What about a co-ordinating card?

Supplies

1", 1 3/8" circle punches (main catalogue p88/89)
scallop edge border punch (main p88/89)
Loads of Love and Loads of Love Accessories stamps (main p31) So Sworly Stampin' Round (main p18)
Bashful Blue card (main p73), Bashful Blue Patterns Designer Series Paper (main p76), pale plum and very vanilla card (main p80)
Bashful blue, pretty in pink, perfect plum and pale plum inks (main p73)
Stampin' Dimensionals, strong Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive (main p91)

Demonstration Dates

2010-03-16T20:15:00.003Z

If you would like to see some new techniques or come and take a closer look at Stampin' Up! products then please come and join me on the following dates in Norfolk. You'll find there will also be a number of other crafts and no doubt cake and pickles too. I know my Mum will be demonstrating some of her quilting and patchwork skills in May too.

Saturday 27th March 10.30 - 3.30

Craft Fair

Kenninghall, Norfolk

and

8th May

Craft Fair

Connaught Hall, Attleborough, Norfolk

I'm also going to be holding a workshop towards the end of April in Ipswich.

Retiring Products

2010-03-01T06:00:00.001Z

Today brings some sadness and some excitement. Today sees the issue of the list of products that will be retiring from the current catlogue, some will be at reduced prices! As with all sales the number of items will be limited, with the list updated daily I imagine some items are going to sell out pretty fast. I will set up a link as soon as I can.

On September 11th I will be holding my Ipswich Retiring Party from 4pm to 6.50pm, come and pick up a bargain. There will be make and takes, and lots of inspirational samples for you to see. You may even win the draw prize!
A number of the colours will be disappearing, if you love them you'll need to pick up your card, papers, inks and ribbons now. To see the retiring colours, double click on the chart in the panel to the right.

Items retire, so that we can have brand new stamps, papers and ribbons and all sorts of lovely crafting items in the new catalogue. I know that we'll be getting the new Contempo Christmas stamp set, shown on it's side below (whoops).

Although not as exciting, the way in which post and packaging is charged will also be changing from 1st October and the new catalogue. There will be one fixed charge for p&p, no more working out the 5% of the value of the items, there will be a fixed fee. It means that you can order loads of items for the same p&p as for one item, making buying more cheaper at no additional cost! (More on this later.)

Perfect Pairs Promotion

2010-02-25T20:52:00.005Z

March and a new promotion!

20% off a paper punch when you by the co-ordinating stamp set. There are 5 options to choose from.

The Full Heart Punch is a limited production run as it's not currently available in the main catalogue! If you want it I suggest you move fast!

I already have the Say It with Scallops and Scallop Square punch and I love, love, love them. Pick a colour, ink it up, stamp, punch and off you go. So, quick and easy to create cards, gifts and more.

I also have the oval punch and the butterfly punch and have been creating with Stampin' Up!coloured paper...more later...

Be quick: Sale-A-Bration ending on Sunday

2010-02-25T19:56:00.003Z

Just a quick reminder that the Sale-A-Bration promotion is ending on Sunday.

Don't forget these stamps will never again be generally available!

If you just NEED them, contact me: pinkcottagecraft@yahoo.com before 3pm on Sunday 28th February

Organising Marathon

2010-02-14T15:48:00.001Z

Amazing, I ordered these last Sunday, and they arrived on Friday! A few hours of sorting and putting these together and voila, as the French say. These sit on a shelf at the top of my stairs, it will mean going up and down the stairs to fetch papers, but at least there's no risk of the original cardboard boxes collapsing and crushing my papers! Some drawers are themed by projects so that I can pull one drawer out and know all the papers and embellishments are in one place. My Stampin' Up! paper and card is stored by colour family. I know have half my lounge back, and I now have one shelf in my big cupboard free, so perhaps I can regain my kitchen worktop as well as my lounge?

Perhaps I'll get some inspiration from the reorganising and try out some new colour combinations for you?

Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop

2010-01-24T08:20:00.000Z

Need inspiration? Join the Blog Hop!

I'm one of 15 independant Stampin' Up! demonstrators taking part in a linking of blogs; more inspiration and more techniques using the Sale-A-Bration stamp sets. After reading my blog link to Tracey's blog using the link at the bottom of the page.

The sets come in English, French and German. For the Blog Hop I've choosen sets in French: Ettiquettes d'epoque (Vintage Labels) and Bons moments (Happy Moments). The sentiment can easily be changed to either of the English or German.

Pour Toi (For You)

Gift box and three triangular cards created using the Bons Moments (Happy Moments) Sale-A-Bration stamp set; whisper white craft ink and ribbon; Appricot Appeal, Lavender Lace and Green Galore card; scallop and circle punch.

Bon Anniveraire (Happy Bithday)

Luxury folded card using Etiquettes d'epoque (Vintage Labels) Sale-A-Bration stamp set; Basic Black and Whisper White Craft ink; basic black and whisper white card; 3.2cm striped black grosgrain ribbon; heart to heart, scallop, circle and 1" circle punch.

The Sale-A-Bration stamp sets are part of a one time only offer, the Sale-A-Bration promotion, they will not be available after the 28th February. Click on the pink page image on the right for larger images of the stamps available.

You can get hold of the stamps in three ways:

1. Purchase £45 or more of gorgeous Stampin' Up! goodies. For each additional £45 you get a futher set, so purchases of £90 would achieve two sets of stamps.

2. Host a free workshop, and where the overall sales are over £300 choose one set of stamps for free, in addition to the usual hostess benefits

3. Join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator, purchase the start up kit and get a free Stamp set worth up to £38.95

Visit Tracey's Blog and Blog Hop....or back to Maggiemae

Disaster Relief for Haiti

2010-01-23T20:18:00.013Z

Stampin' Up! in America have already bought supplies for 5000 emergency relief kits and their staff packed them all and sent them to Haiti.

In the Europe, they are donating £1 for each of the Greenhouse Garden stamp sets sold before 28th February. I will match this for every set ordered through through me. Click here for more details

This is the beautiful two step stamping set, I used part of the set in my In Love With Stamping Challenge:

Some cool inspiration on the way!

2010-01-21T17:00:00.000Z

From Sunday 24th January members of the In Love With Stamping forum are getting together to set up a blog hop...one blog links to another in a loop...15 blogs worth of inspiration all accessible from here!

Look for the following logo on Sunday...

Live Life In (SU) Colour Swap: Aperture Birthday CArd

2010-01-21T16:00:00.001Z

Following the January Cup Challenge on ILWS 9 of us loved the colour challenge so much, we decided that we'd swap card fronts on our favorite Stampin' Up! colours. I'm eagerly awaiting the swap, I sent off 9 of the card front below and will receive 9 different ones back, I can't wait until the end of the month!

This is my Barely Banana and Basic Gray combo, using the Sale-A-Bration Vintage Labels set of stamps:

Materials
Stamp: Vintage Labels
Card: Barely Banana; Basic Gray
Ink: White Craft; Bordering Blue
Dazzling Diamonds glitter
Taffeta Ribbon Basic Gray
Silver Cord

How to
Note these instructions are to make as an A6 card
Make an A6 card base from Barely Banana card stock, ensure that the fold is along the left hand side.
Cut an aperture from the front of the card using the following measurements: 2cm from the top and the left and right side and 2.5cm from the bottom.
Cut a rectangle of Basic Gray card to fit the width of the base card, but cut it 0.5cm shorter.
Cut an aperture from the Gray card 1.5cm in from all edges
On the bottom of the card front pierce a row of holes using a paper piercer and piercing guide (see page 90 and 91 of the main catalogue for details)
Cut a piece of silver cord (page 87) to the height of the card
Stamp the circular lable, from the Vintage Lables stamp set from the Sale-A-Bration set, in white craft ink (page 69) on to Basic Gray card and sprinkle with Dazzling Diamonds glitter. Leave to dry
Stamp 'Happy Birthday' from the Vintage Lables set in Boardering Blue on to Barely Banana card.
Cut out the two stamped images with the scallop punch (page 89)
Cut a 7cm piece of Basic Gray tafetta ribbon, fold in both ends to the middle and glue with a dry glue (a wet glue will seep through and ruin the ribbon - the voice of experience - LOL)
Cut a 3cm piece of the ribbon and wrap around the join of the loop you've just made.

You're now ready to assemble your card
Open out the card base so that the outside of the aperture is on the right hand side.
Glue the two scallops back to back around the cord.
Place glue all around the aperture.
Place the cord vertically across the aperture. Ensure that the gray circular image is facing up.
Place the gray card on top and press down on the top and sides, before pressing down the bottom part, twist the lower section of the cord. (this means that the scalloped embellishment will twist when open, giving movement to the card.)
Finish off with the bow at the top.