Manda Stamps

An Array of Array of Sunshine....

2012-01-31T14:50:00.000+10:00

This is one of the designs from my Christmas Stamp-a-Stacks for 2011. I discovered some extra card kits that I had cut, and so decided to see what I could do with them.

I've used the hostess set 'Array of Sunshine'. I came up with 7 different versions, and these are my favourite 4.

Number 1.

Number 2.

Number 3.

Number 4.

I'd love to hear which one is your favourite. Leave me a comment and let me know.

Stamp set: Array of Sunshine, Petite Pairs

Card Stock: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler

Ink: Cherry Cobbler.

Other: Basic Rhinestones, Dazzling Diamonds, Cherry Cobbler spotted grosgrain ribbon.

Happy Stamping.....Manda xx

A birthday gift.....

2012-01-27T14:03:00.000+10:00

This is a present that I gave last year, and I've just realised that I never posted the photos. The gift is a decorated pencil cube, complete with pens, with a matching card.

Here's a close up of the card. The birthday girls favourite colour is turquoise, hence the colour selections. Love it when there is a DSP that suits your needs perfectly.

Stamp Sets: Precious Butterflies

Card Stock: Whisper White, Real Red

Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red

Other: Real Red Satin Ribbon, Big Top Birthday DSP, Basic Rhinestones.

Happy Stamping....Manda xxx

Extreme Grunge Rock.....

2012-01-24T13:48:00.000+10:00

My eldest informed me a little while ago that now that she is 10, she is a 'tween'......this was news to me. Last I looked she was still my sweet little firstborn. LOL. For those of you (like me) who don't know what a 'tween' is, it's in between being a child and a teenager. And here I was thinking that I had a few more years to go until I got to the teen year. Oh well......

In light of this, my annual stamping job of making all those kids birthday party cards took on a different feel this year - the tween feel. A bit more grown up, but still with the girly feel.

These cards are a CASE from my friend and up line Steph.

I've used bright colours and pretty bling, but 'grunged' it a little.

The conclusion: "They'll love them Mum." Phew.

Stamp Sets: Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock

Card stock: Basic Black, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard.

Other: Assorted brads and buttons.

Happy Stamping.....Manda xxx

Delicate Doilies......

2012-01-20T13:16:00.000+10:00

My friend Ali had a birthday recently. So I made her a matching matchbook and card to package her present in.

Sad to say that Delicate Doilies was one of the first sets that I bought from the new catty, and this is the first time that it's seen ink. :-(

This is the inside, with the necklace that I got her.

Stamp Set: Delicate Doilies, Petite Pairs

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Rose Red

Card Stock: Rose Red, Whisper White

Other: Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Clear Rhinestone Brads, White Organza Ribbon

Happy Stamping......Manda xxx

A little Inktense......

2012-01-17T13:01:00.000+10:00

I was very spoilt for Christmas and recieved a box of Derwent Inktense Pencils. They are like watercolour pencils, but after the colour has dried, you can recolour and reblend over the top without the first colour bleeding into the second.

This is a close up of my favourite dino from Dinoroar. You can see the darker green in the shadows of the image.

This is a quick card that I made using the pencils, though this time on card stock, not water colour paper. You can't blend as much but the colours still work beautifully. For example, I coloured one heavy line along the wave edges, and dragged the colour down with the aqua painter.

Stamp Sets: Sunny Days, Dinoroar

Card Stock: Whisper White, Water colour paper

Ink: Stazon Black, Black Embossing Powder

Other: Inktense Pencils, Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon (retired).

Happy Stamping........Manda xxx

For Your Inspiration Challenge #21

2012-01-16T21:12:00.000+10:00

I have another challenge entry. This time it is for FYI #21. The inspiration photo is this one.

I've taken my inspiration from the round window and also the dark background with the lighter colours in the foreground. I hope you like my entry. Here 'tis.

I won't share the technique I've used just yet, Why? I've gone back to work today, and so I've been trying to get organised. This card and technique is one that we will be learning at my February technique class. If you want to have a guess at the technique, please leave me a comment.

Stamp Set: Fifth Avenue Floral

Card stock: Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Whisper White

Ink: Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush, Calypso Coral, Peach Parfait.

Other: Calypso Coral Ribbon, In colour Brads.

Happy Stamping.....Manda xxxx

Just a little something for school......

2012-01-14T12:31:00.000+10:00

.......52 hand-folded 8 point stars.

That's 416 3 inch square pieces of DSP......each piece folded 8 times into a kite shape.

That's 3328 folds.

Yes.........I am crazy.

Either that or I enjoy my job. :-)

Here is a close up of one.

I've used Crystal Effects to adhere the button onto the front, and on the back of each star I've attached a 7cm square piece of matching card stock.

We are using these stars as class awards, so there will be a personal message added on the back of each star to each child in the class. One each per semester.

I've used lots of retired DSP from my stash.

Happy Stamping.......Manda xxx

Christmas Creations of a different kind.......

2011-12-28T18:45:00.000+10:00

As promised, although a little bit later than anticipated, here are my culinary creations from this Christmas.

Firstly, we have the ice cream Christmas Tree Cake. Why? Because I don't like fruit cake, and nor do my children. So when my mum discovered the Christmas Tree cake tin when cleaning out cupboards during her Spring Clean, I snaffled it to make this.....

Vanilla on the base, then a layer of chocolate for the tree base and the trunk, and then mint choc chip for the greenery. Of course we needed some decorations on the tree.......and along came mini M&M's. The edges of the vanilla layer are mint thins.

Then we have the gingerbread house. As I think I mentioned in the last post, this year instead of buying pre-made gingerbread pieces, I bought a cookie cutter set that cuts the pieces of the house. So I made the gingerbread and assembled the pieces while the children decorated. Misses 10 and 8 decorated the house, while Mr 4 decorated the Christmas trees and what where chimney pieces, but became fences because they didn't fit on the roof. They had a wonderful afternoon.......

So......wishing you a very Happy Christmas......and I'll catch up again soon, once holidays are over.

Happy Stamping........Manda xxxx

For Your Inspiration......

2011-12-21T09:46:00.002+10:00

This is a card that I made last night in response to a challenge on For Your Inspiration . I have been watching these amazing photos for a while, but have only now had a chance to make a card in time to enter.

The inspiration photo is this amazing shot.

I've taken inspiration from the gorgeous turquoise and purple and white colours of the sky. I've also tried to capture the sweep of the clouds in the background paper that I've made.

Stamp Sets: Just Believe, Curly Cute

Card stock: Elegant Eggplant, Tempting Turquoise, Glossy White.

Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Tempting Turquoise

Other: White Embossing Powder, Elegant Eggplant spotted Grosgrain Ribbon, Ice Rhinestone Brads, Top Not Die.

Happy Stamping....Manda xxx

Christmas Bingo........

2011-12-20T11:02:00.001+10:00

When the current IBC came out back in September, one of the first sets to catch my eye was the Bingo Background stamp and Jolly Bingo Bits. Why? To make my own game of Christmas Bingo!

This is the box, it has a belly band that you slide off to open the lid.

Then the inside looks like this.

Here are the game cards.

I've had to change the rules a little from traditional bingo. The grey tokens get laid face down on the table, and then get turned over one at a time, for the players to cover their squares with a matching coloured circle to their card. Each bingo card has each image, but in different places, so the first person to have a straight line, either horizontally, vertically or diagonally will win the game. Of course, they will still have to call out 'Bingo'!

And just for something different, I'm entering my bingo game into the Inkspirations Challenge #100 - Christmas Creations.

Stamp Sets: Bingo Background, Jolly Bingo Bits, Four the Holidays

Card Stock and Ink: Garden Green, Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, Basic Grey and Whisper White, Basic Black.

Other: Basic Black Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

Happy Stamping.....Manda xxx

Christmas Bon Bons....

2011-12-17T13:31:00.001+10:00

I spent the day stamping yesterday with a couple of friends, and they both told me that I never update my blog anymore.....so this post is for them. 2 posts in 2 days.....must be a record, at least since I went back to work.

This is a simple project that I've been wanting to do for a couple of weeks, and have finally completed. A basket of Christmas Bon Bons.

Why? To look festive.

With the added bonus of having something yummy inside to share on the Christmas Day lunch table.

(I hate the cheap and nasty versions with lame jokes and plastic toys - urgh!)

Stamps: Jolly Bingo Bits, Petite Pairs

Card Stock and Inks: Marina Mist, Old Olive, Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Riding Hood Red. Other: Letters to Santa DSP, Candy Wrapper Die

Now I'm off to continue with the Christmas baking.....Gingerbread house pieces are baked, now off to assemble. I'll post photos of the finished work of art after the 3 children have finished decorating.

Happy Stamping......Manda

60th Thank You's....

2011-12-16T19:34:00.000+10:00

This is one of 25 A7 sized Thank You cards that I made for my aunt, who recently celebrated a milestone birthday. As one of her birthday cards stated, she turned 18, but with 42 years experience. LOL.

The colour theme of the birthday was black, white and gold. I've gold embossed the main flower, which is a little easier to see below.

(sorry not sure why it's uploaded sideways, but you still get the idea.)

And yes I did hand cut all 25 flowers - not a flower punch in sight.

Stamp Set: Vintage Vogue

Ink: Black Stazon, Versamark

Card stock: Basic Black, Whisper White

Other: Gold Embossing Powder, Basic Pearls.

Happy Stamping......Manda

For the Domestic Goddess.....

2011-11-13T14:34:00.001+10:00

One of the ladies at work had a significant birthday during the week, so the other ladies and I combined to purchase her a voucher to a cooking school. What else would suit but some Domestic Goddess DSP?

Here is the card.

And here is the gift box. Nothing better than a matching set. LOL

Stamp: Tag Tastic

Card stock: Whisper White, Pool Party, Calypso Coral

Ink: Calypso Coral

Other: Pool Party Ruffled Grosgrain, In-colour spotted brads, Domestic Goddess DSP.

Happy Stamping.....Manda xx

Happy 21st Nick.....

2011-10-30T20:26:00.002+10:00

Today is my nephew's 21st birthday, and we spent a lovely evening with family and friends last night celebrating his coming of age.

This is the card that I made for Nick.

Loving the Mocha Morning Specialty Papers for the extra special male card.

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Stamp Set: Extreme Elements, Grunge Rock

Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso

Other: Mocha Morning Specialty DSP, Big Shot Medium Sizzlets Dies, Fine Supernova Glitter

Happy Stamping.....Manda xx

Happy Birthday Mrs King.....

2011-10-08T20:05:00.001+10:00

It was my teaching partner's birthday this past Friday, so I had to make her day special. Mrs King's favourite colour is light blue, so I pulled out my (many) packets of Washington Apple (retired) DSP, featuring Bashful Blue, and created her a birthday card with a difference.

There are 26 pockets inside this card, which I guess could also be a gratitude journal. Thank goodness for my Big Shot! I used the petite pocket die to make the pockets, but I folded the envelope flap back the other way to allow the tabs to slide out easily.

I covered the front and back of each of the pockets with different patterns of the Washington Apple DSP, but I only used the patterns that had Bashful Blue in them, to keep with the birthday girls favourite. And on each pull tab was a photo of each child in the class and their reason why they were pleased Mrs King is their teacher this year.

And, of course, I had to make a set of cards as part of the gift. The belly band on the box opens on a Velcro dot under the butterfly, and then I've just made a rectangular pizza box.

And here's a close up of the cards. I've used the Beautiful Butterflies Embosslits and Awash with Flowers stamp set.

And I also made a banner that said "Happy Birthday Mrs King" with I strung across the classroom. I used the Petal Cone die to cut out the pennant shapes, and my Big Shot alphabet to make the letters, which I then blinged up with Crystal Effects and Blue glitter.

Wishing Mrs King a very happy birthday.....

Happy Stamping.....Manda xx

Bar-what???

2011-09-30T14:03:00.000+10:00

This is one of the cards that the girls and I made at technique class last time.....and there was much debate as to the pronunciation of the technique name. Spelt it's 'Bargello', but do you say bargello, barjello, barge-ello, bag-ello......there was much laughter by the end of the card.

Anyway.....here is the card.

Loving this flower stamp. It's called 'Triple Treat Flower' and as it fits into 3 different punches, it is a triple treat. No cutting....gotta love that. And only $16.95.....even better.

Card stock: Whisper White, Lucky Limeaide

Inks: Melon Mambo, Bashful Blue, Concord Crush

Stamps: Triple Treat Flower, Happiest Birthday Wishes

Other: Cheerful Treat DSP, Lucky Limeaide Ruffled Grosgrain, Little Leaves Die, Punches

Happy Stamping....Manda

Mr 4 is very happy.....

2011-09-28T16:38:00.000+10:00

If you read my last post, you will know the story behind this picture. I have taken the photo before putting the picture into the frame, to avoid the glare on the glass.

Here are some close ups of the dinos.

And yes, I did cut them all out by hand. I LOVE my SU! paper snips.

All I need to say is, Mr 4 is triple pleased!

Card Stock: Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, watercolour paper

Stamp Set: Dinoroar

Inks: Wild Wasabi, Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, More Mustard, Garden Green, Tangerine Tango

Other: Aqua painter.

Happy Stamping....Manda xx

Marina Mist Dino.....

2011-09-25T10:50:00.001+10:00

As a mother of a Mr 4, I was very excited when the new IBC came out and there were.......

wait for it......

DINOSAURS STAMPS!!!!!!

(Insert happy, smiling and jumping for joy, 4 year old here)

So one of the first cards that I made with my new goodies was this card.

Yes I know.....it's a little bit sophisticated for a 4 year old, but I was also trying to incorporate a technique for classes in there.....and we have embossed water colouring. I've tried it stamped with Stazon and it works just as well.

Mr 4 now has a request.....

"Mummy, can you make me a picture with dinosaurs for my bedroom? Triple please?"

Stay tuned for that one!!

Stamps: Dinoroar

Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Watercolour Paper

Inks: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Marina Mist, Early Espresso

Other: Mini Brads, Letters to Santa DSP, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Petal Cone Die.

Happy Stamping.....Manda xxx

Variations on a theme of Greehouse Garden Wisteria......

2011-09-23T15:49:00.000+10:00

Firstly, I'd like to welcome a new member to my group of stamping mad friends.......a big hello to Paige.

Paige has joined as a SU! demonstrator, and I wish her every success with this amazing business opportunity.

Below is the card that we featured at Paige's launch party last weekend. We looked at 2 step stamping, and we used the Greenhouse Garden stamp set.

All of the ladies who attended LOVED learning to use the stamp-a-ma-jig!!! We even lined up the vertical stripes with the SAMJ.

When I got home and unpacked, I discovered 2 extra kits, cause I always have an extra 2 of everything - LOL.

So here is variation on a theme #1 ..... Hibiscus.

This time I've used the centre stamp as a pattern on the piece of Wisteria Wonder card stock. I love the way the Wisteria co-ordinates with the Concord Crush.

And then here is the next one......daises (I think) again, but this time in portrait orientation. I've also used a piece of DSP from the new hostess papers.

Stamps: Greenhouse Garden, Happiest Birthday Wishes, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card stock: Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Wisteria Wonder, Concord Crush

Ink: Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Pear Pizzazz, Lucky Limeade

Other: Cheerful Treat DSP, Lucky Limeade Ruffled Grosgrain Ribbon

Leave me a comment and let me know which one you like best.

Happy Stamping......Manda xx

Not only for Christmas.....

2011-09-11T10:46:00.000+10:00

I have just opened up some new DSP, Letters to Santa. Gorgeous colours, not traditionally Christmas, but beautiful. And I found this combination of Old Olive, Blushing Bride with a hint of Early Espresso.

Seeing as I have a couple of birthdays coming up, I thought I'd whip up a gift card and gift box to package the present in.

And the perfect stamp set for all birthday occasions is the new hostess set Happiest Birthday Wishes. A fantastic assortment of birthday sentiments. This one fits the scallop circle punch perfectly. I've stamped it 3 times, and then used my scallop circle, 1 3/8" and 1" circle punches to layer the stamped image.

Another fantastic hostess set is Tagtastic. This cute little birthday tag comes from there. This time I've used my markers to colour the stamp. I love it when sets co-ordinate with punches, and this one is fantastic, with a stamp for just about every occasion.

Card Stock: Whisper White, Blushing Bride

Ink: Early Espresso, Blushing Bride, Old Olive

Stamps: Tagtastic, Happiest Birthday Wishes

Other: Old Olive 1/4" grosgrain and thin taffeta ribbon, Letters to Santa DSP

Happy Stamping.......Manda xx

Pink Elements

2011-09-10T13:44:00.000+10:00

Here is a card that I've made!

Yes I am making a statement.

I actually got to sit down and make a card.

O.M.G.

For those of you who know me, life is crazy busy at the moment. So I was thrilled to be able to sit down today and after I rediscovered my craft desk under the piles of 'things' that had been dumped on it, I opened a new to me set, and this is what I came up with.

I've used glossy white card stock and stamped the floral image from Elements of Style in Black Stazon. After it's dry, I then sponged Pretty in Pink Ink over the top, in varying strengths. You can't really see it in the photo, but I promise it's there IRL.

Then I've used the grid technique to chop up the image. Some snail and patience later, getting the gaps right, and then a fussy cut bird and .....I'd made a card. Woo Hoo.

Card stock: Pretty in Pink, Basic Grey, Whisper White, Glossy White

Ink: Black Stazon, Pretty in Pink

Stamps: Elements of Style

Accessories: Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon.

Happy Stamping.....Manda

A change of technique....

2011-07-24T11:25:00.001+10:00

I thought I'd share with you a card from my latest technique class. We were learning the 'Faux Mother of Pearl" technique, and this is the card that we started to create.

During the course of teaching this technique, we began a discussion about distressing, and whether or not we could use the SU! distressing kit to achieve the same result. So I whipped out my brand new, never been opened, despite being in my stash since it was introduced into the catalogue nearly 12 months ago (GASP!!!) Distressing Kit and we began to play.

This is the finished card using the distressing kit.

Surprise, surprise, I think I like the distressed one better.

Here is a close up of the technique. We all love Shimmer Paint!!

Stamp Set: Strength and Hope, En Francais

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Tea Stain (from Distressing Kit)

Card Stock: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip

Other: Pretty in Pink and Rose Red Stamp'n'Write markers, Frost White Shimmer Paint, Basic Pearls, Scallop border punch

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Something a little different.....

2011-07-05T18:27:00.000+10:00

Background Fact #1: Today is Stamping Friend J's birthday.

Background Fact #2: Friend J is a Twilight Saga fan (as am I, sad I know).

Background Fact #3: Yesterday, I visited Stamping Friend C's house, and she let me 'raid' her stamping stash, and experiment with her Copic Markers.

Background Fact #4: I found 'Edward' in the stash.

Result: One birthday card, especially made for Friend J, and posted snail mail earlier today. (Friend J - if you are reading this post before getting happy mail, STOP NOW!!!)

Sad story continued.....the vampire's skin shimmers like diamonds in the sunlight, so Edward wouldn't be complete without some Shimmer Paint. I think you can see it in the photo below.

Again, not to spoil Friend J's surprise, but inside the card I wrote, " I can't send you the real one, but I think my stamped Edward is actually cuter than the real one anyway!!"

Now I should add that I'm not sure that this stamped Edward is supposed to be the Twilight Edward, but he looked close enough for me. Sometimes, things just work out perfectly!!

Happy Birthday, Friend J!!

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Clearly for you....

2011-07-03T10:53:00.001+10:00

When this stamp set was released in the current Mini Catalogue, I ordered it straight away, and while it has seen some ink, it's not seen nearly enough yet!!

Anyway this card we did for a techniuqe class, where we learnt what I call dry embossing. Here is a close up of the detail......

and here is the card.

Don't fall off your chair....

2011-06-29T13:16:00.000+10:00

Yes it's a new post!! Are you amazed?? I've discovered that working full time will seriously effect the amount of time you have to craft, and even more so the time allocated to blogging! LOL.

Anyhoo.....on to the card.

I made this one up for one of Steph's down line challenges. I really like it, and I have rediscovered the confetti white card stock that is used for the base. Loving it!!

One of my friends recently told me that my style has changed since she met me, and she's right. I've found that sometimes less is more, and I really think the simplicity of this card is what makes it.

Card Stock: Confetti White

Ink: Not Quite Navy

Stamp: Razzle Dazzle, Stem Silhouettes

Other: Blueberry Crisp DSP, White Organza Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds.

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Did you miss me ????

2011-06-11T13:12:00.001+10:00

I can't believe that it's nearly a month since my last post.

Finally......Mum's Mother's Day Card

2011-05-15T11:23:00.000+10:00

This card is the card that I made my mum for Mother's Day.....and it's also my final entry into Steph's down line colour challenge.

It's also made using the Thanks for Caring set from the mini catty......Loving it.

It's not so clear in this photo, but I've covered the White card stock with Shimmer Mist, that I've mixed with Isocol and put into a spray bottle. Give it a shake to mix, and spritz away. The effect is beautiful - muted dazzles look so elegant.

Card stock: Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Basic Grey, Regal Rose

Ink: Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Rich Razzleberry

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Thanks for Caring.

Other: Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Frost White Shimmer Mist, SAMJ

Happy Stamping......Manda

Thanks for Caring......with Sympathy......

2011-05-06T11:36:00.000+10:00

This is the next card that I made in the colour series, with the new stamp set, Thanks for Caring, from the mini catty.

I like this card, simple and direct, but I am thinking that it needs some of the Satin Rich Razzleberry ribbon. This is what I had in mind, only to discover that my roll of said ribbon was empty. Sob. Next order!!

Here is a close up of the butterfly, which I've cut out, and then sprayed with a mix of Shimmer Mist and Isocol. The Isocol evaporates quickly, leaving a lovely even sheen of Shimmer Mist.

Happy Stamping.......Manda

With love and caring on Mother's Day.....

2011-05-01T11:36:00.000+10:00

Mother's Day is nearly here. I realised that I hadn't yet made either my Mum, or my MIL their cards for this year.

So I decided to combine this need, with a colour challenge given by my wonderful upline Steph Pike to her downline, to see what I could come up with. The colours to use were Basic Grey, Daffodil Delight, Regal Rose and Rich Razzleberry.

Here 'tis.....

When the Autumn-Winter Mini came out, I fell in love with a set called 'Thanks for Caring'. It is a sympathy set, which I don't have, but the images also lend themselves to other uses, as you can see from my card.

Stay tuned over the next couple of days some other cards in these same colours, and let me know which one you think is the best.

Happy Stamping......Manda

Some Baby Cards.....

2011-04-21T13:54:00.000+10:00

I've recently been commissioned to create some baby cards. For both cards, I've used the Baby Tees roller from the IBC.

The first is a baby boys gift card, for Haggus and Stookles (see link in my sidebar).

For this one, I've inked up the roller in Stazon onto watercolour paper and coloured the image in Marina Mist and So Saffron. Then I've cut it out and mounted it on Dimensionals.

Here's the baby girls card. This one was a full sized card, so I used more of the roller image, and this time inked it in Regal Rose. I've used a little bit of retired DSP, which I love for the baby girls colours.

Happy Stamping......Manda

An Easter Window???......

2011-04-19T13:37:00.000+10:00

I thought I'd share with you a simple card that I used as a Make'n'Take at a recent workshop. The request was for an Easter Card, and while I demo-d some more specific Easter stamps (A Good Egg) I also wanted to show the ladies that you can use a different image and then tailor the sentiment to the occasion of choice. This is how I started out when I began my stamp collection, and I still believe it is the best way to get value for money when you are beginning your stamping journey.

Anyhow.....here's the card....Sorry about the lighting. For some reason I can never successfully photograph purples. Believe it or not, this card is Perfect Plum, Pink Pirouette and Certainly Celery.

When I got home, I discovered that I still had a spare Make'n'Take pack (not surprising really as I always take more than I need!!) So I decided to change the layout a little, use one of my new stamp sets from the Autumn-Winter Mini, and see what I could come up with.

What do you think?

Angle of the photo is a little off, as I kept getting glare on the windowpane. Colours are a bit more true to life though. Hooray!

Here is a close up of the Beveled Windowpane. I'm loving these little treasures.

Card Stock: Perfect Plum, Certainly Celery, Pink Pirouette

Ink: Perfect Plum

Stamp Sets: Upsy Daisy, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Clearly for You

Other: Dazzling Diamonds, Basic Rhinestones, Certainly Celery Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread, Beveled Windowpane 3.8 x 5cm

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Tote-ally Tess.....

2011-04-16T19:14:00.000+10:00

I bought Tess a couple of months ago, and have only now gotten a chance to put ink to card stock, or in this case DSP!! I've used the paper piecing technique on this card, just a little bit!! Hehe

Here is a close up of the paper piecing......love that little stamp!!

Stamp Set: Tote-ally Tess

Ink: Stazon Black, Poppy Parade

Card Stock: Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, Whisper White

Other: Sunny Garden DSP, Early Espresso Satin Ribbon

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Pay it forward......a little late!

2011-04-04T10:41:00.000+10:00

At the beginning of the year, I put a post on my Face book page about Paying it Forward, where I promised to send/deliver a handmade gift to anyone who replied. The only rule was that if you replied, you then had to post the same message on your Face book page, and pay it forward with a gift also.

Anyway, here is the gift that I made for one of the forwardees (if that's a word).

A sweet little handbag box, which I've decorated with the scallop envelope die and the Embosslits butterflies, using Lap of Luxury DSP.

And here's what was inside.....

which is where the 'late' part comes in, because the little gift cards are made using Sale-a-bration sets. Even though SAB has now finished, I still wanted to share them with you.

Here are some close ups......

The little gift cards have matching DSP scallop envelopes.

What you need.....

Card Stock: Concord Crush, Very Vanilla, Blushing Bride

Ink: Blushing Bride, Concord Crush

Stamps: Bliss, Punch Bunch

Other: Lap of Luxury DSP, Embosslits Butterflies, Scallop Envelope Die, Stamp'n'Write markers.

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Pink Bliss.....

2011-03-24T16:38:00.002+10:00

This is another card that we made at technique class last week. I am sorry to say that it was my first play with Bliss from the Sale-a-Bration collection, and now I love it, and it's nearly time for SAB to end for another year.

But you still have 10 days to email me your order of $100.00 if you decide that you have to have this set!!

In case you were wondering, the technique for this card was bleach stamping......the ladies loved it. So easy, yet effective.

Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Riding Hood Red

Stamp Set: Bliss

Other: Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Antique Brad, bleach, Basic Pearls.

Happy stamping.....Manda

Bright and Bling-y

2011-03-21T17:01:00.000+10:00

My niece is turning 18 next weekend. I had to make her a special card. She loves bright colours, and what 18 year old doesn't love bling?

Here's the card.

You can just see it in the photo, but I've covered the 18, flower and the black ring in crystal effects and then dusted them with fine red and black glitter. The 18 came from a friend, who very kindly cut them out for me with a die that she has.

Here is a close up of the glitter.

Card stock: Real Red, Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise

Ink: Basic Black

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Other: Fine Galaxy Glitter, Black and Real Red Satin Ribbon, Brights Button, Black Twine, Pink Flamingo DSP (retired), large flower punch, circle punches, crystal effects.

Happy stamping.....Manda

More Regal Cards....

2011-03-08T17:42:00.000+10:00

In the last post, I showed you a collection of male cards that I made so that I have some ready to send out. When I cut the strips of the Regals DSP, I only used half of each 12 inch piece. So what to do with the other half? I turned them over, and decided to make a collection of female cards.

Here is a close up of the Always Artichoke version. You'll notice lots of bling.....a girls gotta have some!!

And here they are, all together. Again, not the best lighting, I'm sorry, but you get the idea.

Stamp Set: Always Elegant, Perfect Punches

Card stock: Regals colours, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Regals colours

Other: Black Grosgrain ribbon, Basic Rhinestones, Large oval punch, Regals DSP pack.

Happy Stamping......Manda

A very quick post....

2011-02-28T23:05:00.000+10:00

Just popping in with a quick post and a quick card. I made up a stack of these the other week, using the Regal colours DSP pack, and the Happy Birthday image from Engraved Greetings.

Here is the group shot....sorry about the lighting.....shocking weather with lots of rain when I made them all up.

And a close up, I think this one is Riding Hood Red.

Card Stock: Regals family, Whisper White, Basic Black

Ink: Regals family

Stamp Set: Engraved Greetings

Other: Regals DSP pack, Black Brads, More Mustard Brads

Happy Stamping......Manda

A lovely award.....

2011-02-14T19:53:00.000+10:00

My very good friend, and fellow stamp-a-holic, Cassie has gifted me with this lovely award for inspiring her stamping antics, thought to start with I think I helped to enable rather than inspire. LOL. Now we enable each other (that's not as bad as it sounds!) ROFLOL.

So now to pass the award on to 5 people who inspire my stamping.

Thank you ladies, for sharing your wonderful creations with me, and with everyone else, too.

Happy Stamping.......Manda

Happy Valentines Day and JAI #55

2011-02-12T11:52:00.000+10:00

Thought I'd share with you a card that has 3 purposes.

#1 Happy Valentines Day to my husband on Monday

(let's hope he doesn't check out my blog before then!)

#2 Technique card #2 from Friday's class

(my ladies always ask for a male Valentine's card for Feb's class)

#3 Just Add Ink #55 - Just Add Love challenge

(a happy coincidence really, as I only checked out the sight this week, after the class - LOL)

For those of you wondering, the technique we learnt with this card is called Thumping, and here is a close up of the effect.

Here are the details.

Stamp Set: Be My Valentine, Itty Bitty Bits

Card Stock: Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie

Ink: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy

Other: Night of Navy S'nW marker, Travel Journal DSP, Pumpkin Pie Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack, Dimensionals, sponges.

Happy Stamping.....and Happy Valentines Day for Monday.....Manda

Growing Green Technique Card....

2011-02-12T08:43:00.001+10:00

This is the last of my Growing Green card series....(read - finally returned Cassie's stamp set)! LOL.

This card I taught for technique class yesterday, and is a square version of my MIL's card from a couple of posts ago.

Michelle picked the technique, Masking, but this was a surprise card with a second sneaky technique, which you couldn't see on the photo, but you can see below........

Shimmer Mist made from Shimmer Paint. Very simple, but effective. Simply mix a little bit of Shimmer Paint with Isocol Rubbing Alcohol in a spray bottle, shake, spritz, and ...ta-dah....Simmer Mist!

All details are the same as for the previous MIL post.

Happy Stamping......Manda.

A catty CASE.....

2011-02-11T16:08:00.000+10:00

Here is another card that I've made using my friend Cassie's Growing Green stamp set.

Does it look a bit familiar? When I first stamp with a new stamp set, I often am a little stumped as to where to start. This is where the Ideas Book and Catalogue (IBC) comes in. SU! actually want you to copy from it!!! So the card above is my version of this one below.

You will notice that there are a few changes, namely because I don't have chipboard letters!

Stamp set: Growing Green, Afterthoughts

Card stock: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Very Vanilla

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake

Other: Basic Pearls, Woodland Walk DPS, Scallop oval punch, large oval punch

Happy Stamping......Manda

Happy Birthday to my M-I-L

2011-02-06T09:19:00.000+10:00

My Mother-in-Law has her birthday tomorrow, but we celebrated her birthday on Friday night. This is the card that I made for her.

This card also features a technique that we will be learning at February's technique class.

Hmmmm, can you guess?

Stamp Set: Growing Green (thanks Cassie!!), Afterthoughts

Ink: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Early Espresso

Card stock: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi

Other: Woodland Walk DSP, Basic Pearls

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Fridge Decoration.....

2011-02-04T16:33:00.000+10:00

I found these cute little round tins online, and thought that they would make fantastic window box style magnets for the fridge. I've just today given them to Megan from Gone Dotti (see sidebar for link).

Here is the first one, using Play Date DSP, monkey from Fox and Friends and tree from Four in a Row.

Old Olive and Chocolate Chip. I have raised the money up on a stack of 3 dimensionals and the tree on 1. It's a bit hard to see the effect in the photo.

This one uses the same sets and DSP, but a different sheet and hence different colours.

Regal Rose and Tempting Turquoise

This photo gives you an idea of how high the tins are - the punch is the owl punch.

This one uses the Good Friends set, with the retired Walk in the Park DSP. I've stamped the sentiment and butterfly onto acetate, so that the pattern of the DSP shows through subtly.

This one shows the dimension better. I've raised up both the sentiment and then the butterfly higher again.

And another one with retired DSP, but it matches the stamp set.

Same retired DSP, butterfly from Cottage Garden.

Happy Stamping.......Manda

Too Cute......

2011-01-28T14:00:00.000+10:00

I was walking past the local art and craft store the other day, and saw this little guy. He was just too cute to resist, and with Mr 3 starting kindy this year, I can see the need for lots of cute little birthday cards.

These were really easy to create, just cut a piece of watercolour paper into quarters, stamped Steggy in Stazon, and got out my stamp pads and aqua painter. I've included the colours I've used in each image underneath. I did put a Going Grey shadow underneath each image, to ground him.

Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green

Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango

Bashful Blue, Marina Mist

Pink Pirouette, Pretty in Pink and Real Red, and then more Real Red.

Background words are from my stamp stash.

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Rose Red Fifth Aveneue.....

2011-01-27T12:37:00.002+10:00

Whipped this one up this morning, to pop into the mail this afternoon. Very simple, though not necessarily quick.

I've also just realised that I've put the watermark right over the line of scallops between the pink and vanilla. Really they are there!!

(Edited to add - just went back and found the original image to prove it.....sorry not edited again though!!)

Just a small gift card, similar to the scalloped edge note cards (retired) from a couple of mini's ago.

Stamp Set: Fifth Avenue Floral, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Card Stock: Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Rose Red, Watercolour Paper

Ink: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, Black Stazon

Embellishments: Basic Pearls, Dimensionals, Scallop Edge Punch

Happy Stamping.......Manda

School Books....

2011-01-25T12:33:00.000+10:00

Well... it's that time of year again, and with 2 girls getting older, there is, of course, more books than last year to cover. I decided to delve into my (gasp!) excess of retired DSP, and use it to cover their books this year.

DD2 chose Candy Lane DSP.

DD1 chose Bella Rose DSP.

For both sets of books I used a co-ordinating colour for the spine, which covered up the gap alone the edge where the 2 matching sheets of DSP for the front and back of the book met.

The labels are from a PTI set from my stamp collection.

I then covered each book in clear Contact to protect them for the year.

My girls go back to school this week and DS starts kindy on Friday. I might even get into my craft room then!!

Happy Stamping......Manda

Black Board? White Board? Glass Board!!!!

2011-01-21T10:00:00.001+10:00

I found some orange and pink white board marker pens at a retail store back before Christmas. I bought them with the vague idea of making something....but wasn't sure what.

Brain wave.......Glass board.

I have used DSP behind the glass, and used a strip of ribbon to make a loop out the side to hold the pen.

I've used mine to remind me what I need to order next, you could equally use it for a shopping list, things to do, etc.

Card Stock: Whisper White, Rose Red

Ink: Rose Red

Stamps: One from my stash

Other: Wide Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain ribbon, Sweet and Sour Specialty DSP, button (my stash again), kitchen string.

Happy Stamping......Manda

A fun kids idea.....

2011-01-19T09:52:00.001+10:00

Why not make this fun 8 point star as a different type of birthday card for the kids?

Put a square or circle of matching card stock onto the back, and write your message there. Attach some ribbon to one point of the star (don't look for this in the photo - haven't done it yet...LOL!) and tie onto the gift.

This is a great way to make use of all that left over DSP - you need 8x 3 inch squares, that you fold into a kite.

Happy Folding.......Manda

A little something different.....

2011-01-17T09:49:00.001+10:00

I was very lucky to do some babysitting over the holidays......no not children. Stamps!!! Cassie let me raid her collection and have a play with some new (to me) sets.

If only my mojo had been co-operating. I have many cards that are not fit to be seen here, that I'm not sure what to do with, but I was really happy with this set that I made. Very simple design, using a set from PTI called Take Three: Summer. I made 6 cards, 2 of each colour, and put a different sentiment on each.

Tempting Turquoise

More Mustard

Elegant Eggplant

I've used Confetti White card stock for the base of each of these cards.

There is also a gorgeous bird the in the set, unfortunately this is the only card that I feel able to show here. The others were just disasters.

This one uses Riding Hood Red and Pink Pirouette.

2010-12-03T09:00:00.000+10:00

Happy Stamping.....Manda

23 days till Christmas.....

2010-12-02T09:00:00.001+10:00

Happy Stamping.....Manda

24 days till Christmas.....

2010-12-01T09:00:00.001+10:00

Happy Stamping.....Manda

25 days till Christmas.....

2010-11-30T09:00:00.006+10:00

The Story:

My daughter's class parents pooled their money and bought the teacher a substantial group gift for Christmas.

The Problem:

Normally, one card is bought and everyone gets to write in a tiny piece of space, about the size of a 20cent piece.

The Solution:

Everyone has their own 3 x 3 inch gift card to write in, all of which will be presented on a small Christmas tree, hanging like ornaments.

The Challenge:

Being me, I couldn't just make 25 gift cards. No..... I had to make them all look pretty, and unique, and look like baubles when hanging on the tree. So, the challenge became, to create 25 gift cards all different, but all using the same ornament shape, and all using the same colours.

Over the next 25 days till Christmas, I'll post one card a day, kind of like a Christmas Bauble Advent Calendar. So stay tuned. As mentioned above, all of the cards use much the same in the way of supplies, so I'll post the supply list now, and you can refer back to it for each card if you get stuck on which supplies I've used. I have used all SU! supplies, but I did need to venture into a friends stamp collection for some of the backgrounds (click here if you would like to discover some of her fantastic creations).

But without further ado, here is the first, and my favourite (yes this one was mine to write in - hehehe) gift card.

Supply List:

Card Stock: Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive

Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive

SU! Stamp Sets: Delightful Decorations, Contempo Christmas, Contempo Roller,Christmas Greetings, Four the Holidays, Tree Trimmings, Baroque Motifs.

Other: Jolly Holiday DSP, Vellum, Old Olive wide grosgrain ribbon, Mistletoe Ribbon Originals, Sleigh Bells, Very Vanilla taffeta, Old Olive thin taffeta, Basic Pearls, Basic Rhinestones, Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, Dazzling Diamonds, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Modern Label Punch, 1 3/4 inch circle punch, 1 inch circle punch, Ornament punch, Petals-a-Plenty and Polka Dot Textured Impressions Embossing Folders, copper cord (retired), dimensionals, 2 way glue pen, snail, paper piercing tools.

Happy Stamping......Manda

Paint Tins????

2010-11-28T23:04:00.000+10:00

Yes, paint tins. Although these ones have never seen any paint. They come from the local craft store - a riot really! (hint, hint). They are really easy to decorate, and look fantastic filled with wrapped lollies - yes I know that these ones are missing.....Hhhmmm wonder where they went?

Here is a close up of the front of this tin.

There is also another example of my paint tins here.

Card stock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Ink: Always Artichoke

Stamp Set: Tree Trimmings

Other: Love Letter DSP, Basic Pearls, Always Artichoke and Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon.

Happy Stamping......Manda

Sledding......

2010-11-21T22:20:00.000+10:00

I have really enjoyed stamping with Welcome Christmas stamp set, especially teamed with the stunning Cocoa Christmas Specialty paper. The following card features both (surprise!!) and the Real Red Polka Dot ribbon from the Dressing Up Christmas promotion currently running from SU! You can see the dazzling diamond snow better in the first picture.

(Please excuse the slight angle on the photo. Not sure what happened there!)

Card Stock: Real Red, Whisper White

Ink: Soft Suede

Stamp Set: Welcome Christmas

Other: Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon, Cocoa Christmas specialty paper, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Corner Rounder, Paper Snips (for hand cutting out the sentiment and the mat).

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Welcome Christmas Damask.....

2010-11-20T23:38:00.000+10:00

This is simple, yet luxurious, card, made so by the gorgeous flocked damask pattern on the paper. Not wanting to detract from this beautiful DSP, I have kept the card fairly simple, with a white taffeta ribbon and a small red rhinestone brad. The greeting I hand trimmed, then adhered to Soft Suede card, and hand trimmed again. That way you get an even mat to the greeting.

Card stock: Real Red, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Soft Suede

Stamp: Welcome Christmas

Other: Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP, White Taffeta Ribbon, Red Rhinestone Brad, Dimensionals.

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Christmas Cocoa Bird.....

2010-11-19T23:35:00.001+10:00

Here is a card that I whipped up using the Christmas Cocoa Specialty DSP that you can receive as part of the Welcome Christmas bundle available from SU! at the moment.

Normally, a DSP page with a large image printed as part of the paper, I think of as a scrapbook page. But for some reason this time, the bird image jumped out at me, and I thought it would make a quick, yet effective, focal image for the front of the card. I have hand cut the letters from the word, added an antique brad and a bow of white organza and ta-dah.....card complete.

Card Stock: Soft Suede, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Soft Suede

Stamps: Welcome Christmas

Other: 2 way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Antique brad, white organza ribbon, dimensionals.

Happy Stamping......Manda

A stack of chocolate......literally!!.....

2010-11-18T16:58:00.000+10:00

Here is another quick, simple, and inexpensive, yet impressive gift.

Once again, Aldi was the source of the original product.

Simply take of the coloured paper, and substitute DSP in the design of your choice. I've used Jolly Holiday, as it is part of the Dressing Up Christmas promotion. Vanilla ribbon, and a quick tag, and you're done.

Happy Stamping......Manda

Happy Birthday ......

2010-11-17T13:05:00.000+10:00

To my wonderful, amazing, and much loved Mum....Hope you have a happy day.

As an aside, I'll be teaching you how to make this amazing paper bow at technique class this Friday. Email me if you would like to come along.

Supplies: Sunny Garden DSP, So Saffron wide grosgrain ribbon (retired).

Happy Stamping....Manda

Dressing up.....Lil' Chocits....

2010-11-16T12:55:00.001+10:00

Another Aldi favourite are these little chocolates.....

Very easy to cover with DSP and stack into a pile with ribbon, or a DSP belly band. But my new discovery is that they fit into the No. 2 Box Die really well.

Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler

Ink: None (are you shocked?)

Stamps: None (don't fall over now!!)

Other: Jolly Holiday DSP, Old Olive wide grosgrain ribbon, Cherry Cobbler button, kitchen string.

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Dressing up......Nougat.....

2010-11-15T12:55:00.000+10:00

My stamping friends tease me that I never go anywhere without thinking about stamping....Sad to say, but sometimes it's true. I was wandering around Aldi the other day, and found these little treats.

The gold wrapping caught my eye, and I had to think......."I could make something with these". What did I come up with?

This......

And to get rid of the not so special blue on the original packaging....

just add a strip of co-ordinating DSP. Pop 4 into the pillow box made from acetate, and look what you get. Gotta love it, right? Makes a quick, impressive, yet inexpensive gift for Christmas......I'm thinking all those extra teachers at school....music, sport, art, etc.

Here is a close up of my tags. I've used the markers to just colour the little pictures from the full stamp and then punched them out with the jewellery tag punch. Simple, hey?

Card stock: Old Olive, Very Vanilla, Acetate

Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler

Stamps: Gifted

Other: Old Olive wide grosgrain ribbon, Cherry Cobbler and Old Olive Stamp'n'Write markers, Jolly Holiday DSP, Linen Thread, Jewellery Tag Punch, Pillow Box Die, Big Shot

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Different Dasher....

2010-11-13T11:41:00.000+10:00

Here are a couple of very quick and simple Christmas cards that are easy to produce on mass. They are also very easy to adapt to whatever colours you like, or more importantly, have in your stash!

I've chosen two shades of pink, Pretty in Pink and Melon Mambo, and two shades of blue, Baja Breeze and Marina Mist. The rest of the card is very straightforward. Again, you can adapt it easily by using whichever border punch you have.

Card stock: Whisper White, Marina Mist, Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo

Ink: Baja Breeze, Melon Mambo

Stamps: Dasher, Curly Cute

Other: Eyelet Border Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Dazzling Diamonds, Melon Mambo Spotted ribbon (retired), Marin Mist 3/8" Taffeta.

Happy Stamping.......Manda

Dressing Up Gifted......

2010-11-05T21:35:00.000+10:00

I'm sure that you have seen the latest Stampin' Up! promotion all around blog land. Lots of fantastic deals, and better yet, is lots of free ribbon.

So I thought I'd show you how I've dressed up the Gifted Pack, where you get the Gifted stamp set and Jolly Holiday DSP for the fantastic price of $66.90 (wood mount) and your choice of a free roll of ribbon.

Lots to see here.......stay tuned for some more detailed info on the projects.

Happy stamping......Manda

Card # 3 ....

2010-11-04T21:08:00.000+10:00

Here tis......

A bit a a departure from the normal colours of a Christmas card, but I love it! It's so bright and vibrant.

Despite looking like a simple layout, this card took the longest to construct. There were several steps that we had to do, that just took that extra bit of time.

First there was the spritzing. We used the colour spritzing tool to add some Wild Wasabi dots onto the bottom of Dasher. It just grounds him a bit, so that he isn't just hanging in space.

We edged lots in either Wild Wasabi or Pumpkin Pie ink. We stamped some images from Tiny Tags and punched them out, and tied them to the ribbon with some copper cord.

Card stock: Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi

Ink: Wild Wasabi, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie

Stamp Set: Dasher, Four the Holidays, Tiny Tags

Other: Pumpkin Pie Ribbon, Copper Cord, Woodland Walk DSP, Basic Pearls, jewellery tag punch

Happy Stamping.....Manda

Christmas SAS Card 2.....

2010-11-03T20:55:00.001+10:00

Here is the second card from Friday night's Stamp-a-Stack. This is a more simple one, but you really need a balance between complex and simple at a SAS. Otherwise you would still be there at midnight!

This card uses two patterns of DSP and some bling.

Card stock: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler

Stamp Set: Christmas Classics

Other: Basic Rhinestones, sponges for edging, Jolly Holiday DSP

Happy Stamping......Manda

Another version of SAS 1.....

2010-11-02T20:31:00.002+10:00

If you are like me, you can never have enough cards ready to go. After the Stamp-a-Stack last Friday night, I decided to make up a few other cards similar to the one I showed you a couple of posts ago.

BUT......

Because I was feeling lazy, I couldn't be bothered running heaps more DSP through the Big Shot. Soooo...I decided to use one of the decorations from the Delightful Decorations set, and substituted it. Here's the end result.

Of course, it stills opens up the same as previously.

Card stock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Ink: Old Olive

Stamp Set: Christmas Greetings, Delightful Decorations

Other: Old Olive Satin Ribbon, Polka Dot embossing folder, Jolly Holiday DSP, clear button (non SU!), kitchen string (non SU!).

Happy Stamping......Manda

Here's what was inside.....

2010-11-01T20:31:00.000+10:00

Jo guessed it correctly.......well done Miss Melbourne! Everyone seemed to like them.

Happy Stamping.......Manda

Christmas Stamp A Stack Cards.....

2010-10-30T00:18:00.000+10:00

Thought I'd share with you one of the cards that we made tonight at the Christmas Stamp a Stack. (Jo, we were thinking of you).

This card is really simple to create, it just takes a bit of time to stick the buttons onto the card stock for the ornament, which very cleverly is actually on the inside of the card.

See?

Here is a close up of the sentiment at the top, and the clear button with DSP behind, tied off with some kitchen string, which I am loving at the moment, because it is fantastic match for Very Vanilla.

Stamp Set:: Christmas Greetings

Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Ink: Old Olive

Other: Jolly Holiday DSP, Old Olive Grosgrain, Clear Buttons, Button Die, Kitchen String, Ornament Punch, Polka Dot embossing folder.

Happy Stamping......Manda

Hmmmmm........What are these????

2010-10-28T20:23:00.000+10:00

If you would like to find out what's in these little pillow boxes, come along to my Stamp-a-Stack of Christmas cards tomorrow night. $20.00 for 9 cards, 3 each of 3 designs. If you're interested, email me and I'll give you more details.

Happy Stamping......Manda

Happy Birthday G!....

2010-10-23T22:51:00.001+10:00

One of the things that I love about Stampin' Up! is that it is sooooooo easy to create a fantastic looking gift and matching card. Why? Because everything co-ordinates so beautifully. Last night I visited some friends where the husband is having a birthday soon (waving at you M and G!), and I wanted to package his present nicely. I whipped out some 12 x 12 Real Red card stock and the Celebrations DSP and this is what I came up with.

I made a simple box base out of the hard card backing from the DSP packet, and then wrapped the Real Red card around it. I had to add a second panel, as the 12 x 12 wasn't quite wide enough to go around the base of the box. Then I covered each side of the box with DSP, punched a couple of holes for eyelets on the sides, added a ribbon handle and ta dah - a wine bottle gift bag. Make sure that you use Sticky Strip though!

And here is the matching card, using the matching stamp set, Party this Way.

Stamp Set: Party This Way

Card Stock: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Ink: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Pacific Point

Other: Antique Brass Eyelets, Real Red 5/8 Grosgrain ribbon, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch

Happy Stamping........Manda

Vintage Vogue Scrapbooking.....

2010-10-21T20:35:00.001+10:00

Thought I'd share with you some scrapbooking that I have found photo's of, that I haven't posted, and that features a still current stamp set. This is another page from the scrapbook for my sister that I showed you lots of earlier. I decided that after 20 odd posts, you were probably over scrapbooking, but this is one of my favourite pages, and is it uses Vintage Vogue, and the matching wheel, I decided to show you.

Here is a close up of the flowers, I've layered creamy caramel (retired) with Baja Breeze and Very Vanilla to create them. And here is the finished page. The sentiment along the Baja strip reads "Life happens. Love helps."

Believe in the Garden.....

2010-10-14T22:16:00.000+10:00

I have recently had the sad job of making 50 thank you cards to be sent out to friends and family by my mother-in-law, thanking them for their thoughts and prayers on the untimely passing of my father-in-law.

So I reached for my favourite set from the new IBC, Just Believe, and with colours chosen by my MIL, this is what I came up with (this is just the first 20).

I wanted to keep them rather flat, to make posting them easier, and as requested, there was no ribbon, or frilly bits. That was a bit of a challenge for me, (I love ribbon and frilly (ready blingy) bits!), so I went with the torn edge for interest and I'm pleased with the final design. I used markers direct to rubber, to create the multi-coloured image.

Stamp Set: Just Believe

Card Stock: Crumb Cake, Garden Green, Whisper White

Ink: Crumb Cake, Garden Green

Other: Garden Green, More Mustard, Riding Hood Red Stamp'n'Write Markers

Happy Stamping.......Manda

Inviting......

2010-10-11T13:16:00.000+10:00

Thought I'd share with you a set on invitations that I've made up for the Gone Dotti Shop at Paddington. (see link on my side bar!).

They feature several of the stamps from the new set called Inviting. I have to say that while I am a die hard wood block lover, there are times when I am really appreciating the clear block option, and this is one of them. Believe it or not, the image below has 3 individual stamps from the set laid out on the clear block. This allows you to stamp the entire image at once, maintaining the same distance and arrangement for all of the invites.

The little bags that I have made to go with the invites are to be used as little 'party bags' and they are just big enough to fit in a few little treats. Just the way to end a party! And I love being able to co-ordinate my thank you's with the invites.

Stamps: Inviting, Perfect Punches

Card stock: Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Coral (both retired), Whisper White

Ink: Rose Red

Happy Stamping......Manda

Dasher Again.....

2010-10-09T23:28:00.000+10:00

Gotta love Dasher, he is just so easy to work with.

This is basically the same card as the one a couple of posts ago, but this time I've changed the base colour, and chosen a different DSP combination. I added the large oval behind the modern label punch because I felt that the Old Olive disappeared into the DSP. I really like the way that these two punches work together, and it's a combination that I'll be using again (love it when I find another use for something!)

Card stock: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler

Stamps: Dasher, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Other: Word Window, Modern Label and Wide Oval Punches, Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Kitchen String, Cherry Cobbler Button, Jolly Holiday DSP.

Happy Stamping......Manda

Here 'tis.......

2010-10-08T23:28:00.000+10:00

Now that the ink has dried on the brayer (he he he), I thought I'd show you the full card that I teased you with the sneak peek of yesterday.

I love the look of non-traditional colours on Christmas cards, and this one uses two of the new In Colours, Blushing Bride and Concord Crush.

The technique that we learnt with this card is one that I've called Coloured Embossing Folders, though I'm sure that I'm not the first to use this technique, nor will it be the correct name. All we did was load up the Concord Crush ink on the brayer, roll it over the negative side of the embossing folder, and then run it through the Big Shot normally. The ink, because it is a water based ink, rinses straight off the embossing folder under running water, and then the folder is as good as new.

Card stock: Blushing Bride, Whisper White

Ink: Blushing Bride, Concord Crush

Stamp: Christmas Classics

Embellishments: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Concord Crush Stamp'n'Write marker, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals, Blushing Bride Poly-Twill Ribbon.

Happy Stamping.......Manda