Tag Archives: Cards

Colour Challenge

Posted in Cards by

I do love a card challenge. I’ve been on many Design Teams over the years of papercrafting, and still am now, and I love using different challenges to give me a way to challenge myself and create something different. I guess that’s why they are called a challenge, right?
I have three cards to share with you today, all of them made with the same set of colours which are the current Global Design Project Challenge (#GDP449). The colours are Peach Pie, Shy Shamrock and Petunia Pop, all from the new In Color range (2024-2026). They are all gorgeous colours, but not ones I would normally put together.
To add to the challenge, I created three different style of cards, and I’ll explain why shortly.
Here’s the first card.

I was recently listening to a recorded interview between two of our wonderful Australian Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators, Kylie Bertucci and Maheswari Rajaguru, and part of the discussion was around what style of papercrafter they were. That discussion has given me a lot to think about, and so I used this challenge to play with some different styles.
This first card is not one that I like very much, not one that I am at all happy with. However I wanted to use the rather neglected Planted Paradise stamp set in a different way along with using the challenge colours. I don’t think the card showcases my style, however I am sure the person who I send it to in the mail will enjoy receiving it.

The second card is more like my style….

This card features the Magnolia Mood bundle (don’t forget Bundles are currently on sale!). The Magnolia has been stamped onto watercolour paper and then coloured with inks and water painter. I love colouring, whether that’s with Blends (alcohol markers), pencils or ink, or a combination, I love the process of colouring. And so that is a large part of my style. I also love nature, plants, flowers, birds, butterflies, animals, and these are things that I am more drawn to than anything else.

Card number three also features some colouring:

This card is probably the most indicative of my style of papercrafting, colouring plus lots of layers, texture and interest, such as paper tearing, distressing and sponging. The card features the Inspirational Sketches Stamp set, Perennial Lavender Designer Series Paper, and leaves from the Stippled Roses Dies. While I have used the colours from the challenge, I have also used a lot of Crumb Cake to soften the colour combination.
So what would you call my style of crafting? Vintage with a touch of modern. ?? What are your thoughts? Which is your favourite card?

In the end, I feel that one of the things I really do enjoy doing, is creating cards in different styles, sometimes it feels good to make a Clean and Simple card, other times I love to put the time into creating a vintage style card that might take me days to put together.

Thanks for hanging around, as you can tell, there has been a lot of thought and introspection in recent times, and not just about crafting.
I hope you are having a crafty weekend.
Happy stamping!
Chris
PS Don’t for to make the most of the extra 10% discount of Bundles for the rest of May. Browse through my online store here.

CASE-ing the Catty – Case a Bundle

Posted in Cards, Flowers by

Hi. If this is your first time visiting, welcome to my crafting blog.

I am honoured to have been asked to do a Guest Design spot with the CASE-ing the Catty crew this week, and we are taking our inspiration from the Bundles on Pages 57 – 73 of the Annual Catalogue.

I have chosen the Happy Birthday card in the centre of Page 60 (see below) as my inspiration.

I have used the layout of the card but changed nearly all of the various aspects. My card features the Thoughtful Expressions stamp set along with some Country Woods Designer Series Paper – a new favourite of mine.

The stamped images have been inked with Memento Black ink, and then coloured with Stampin’ Blends initially to create base colours. The hummingbird was coloured with Bronze, Crumb Cake and Pool Party Stampin’ Blends, with just a touch of Blueberry Bushel. The flowers and leaves with Old Olive, Flirty Flamingo, Poppy Parade and Daffodil Delight.

After the Stampin’ Blends I have coloured over the top with Stampin’ Up! Watercolour Pencils to increase the intensity and vibrancy of colour.

Next up on the Blog Hop is Rebecca.

You can find our challenge on Facebook, come and join in the fun, we love to see what you have been creating.

Thanks for joining me today, and I hope you enjoy the inspiration from all the blog hoppers.
Happy stamping!
Chris

Product List
Thoughtful Expressions Cling Stamp Set (English)
$44.00
Country Woods 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$21.75
Bronze Stampin' Blends Marker
$7.75
Pool Party Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
$19.25
Watercolor Pencils Assortment 1
$32.00

Links by TheseAreMyStamps.com

Three Reasons I love Stampin’ Up! Kits

Posted in Stampin' Up! Kits by

This week has seen the release of two new and gorgeous Kits in the Stampin’ Up! kit range, and I wanted to share my thoughts on the kits and why I think they are fantastic. I will also share some images of the new kits (I don’t have mine yet – working on it), and links so that you can get your own and also search through the different kits available.

Three Reasons I LOVE Stampin’ Up! Kits.
1. Everything is included in the kit, including adhesives.
Some of the kits include a stamp set, others don’t but if there is stamping to be done, there will be a mini ink pad and a clear block to mount your stamps onto. Like I said, absolutely everything is included, which means if you are going on holidays, want to craft on the train on the way to work, have a very small space, all you need to do is open up your kit and it’s all in there for you to get crafting and make something gorgeous.

2. There are soooooo many to choose from.
New kits are being launched every second month, some are cardmaking kits, some are journaling kits, some are home decor, there is literally something to suit everyone. What’s more, you don’t have to make what the kit is designed for if you don’t want to, just get creative.

3. They are perfect for every level of crafter.
Every kit includes clear step by step instructions so if you have never done any papercrafting or stamping before, just follow the written instructions. Many also have video links so that you can watch the items being made. And if you are an avid crafter like I am, the fun of working with a kit is not just being able to make a quick project without any preparation, but also being able to come up with some creative alternatives.

So back to the new kits that have just been released.
The first is the Expressions of Kindness Kit which is a cardmaking kit (although I can see myself making a scrapbook layout from that one) which includes a stamp set and is $41 (Australian) before shipping. That’s 8 beautiful cards and then you have the stamp set, ink pad and block to use on other projects.
I think this has to be one of my all time favourites, it is just beautiful.
Here’s a link to watch the video.

The other new kit is the Scenic Route Travel Journal kit, another one that I am keen to get, however I suspect I will be using it for purposes other than travel at this point in time.

This kit has a heap of stickers and die cuts that you just pop out and adhere to the page.
Again, here is the video.
So much fun!
So if you would like to see the entire collection of the Stampin’ Up! kits, and there are a lot to browse through, you can find them here.

And just a quick mention of the amazing discount happening through until the end of June – 10% off Bundles, so that’s any Stamp set and Die bundle, from both the catalogue and online exclusive range. Bundles are already discounted so, that’s an extra 10% off.
AND our brilliant machines are also 10% off, that’s the full size Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine, the Mini Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine, and also the special Boho Blue coloured Limited Edition Mini machine. I have both the full size and the Boho Blue mini (very cute!) and love them both.

That’s enough from me for today. No projects to share (although I am in the middle of some) but I will be back tomorrow with something creative.
Happy stamping!
Chris

Craftin’ Round The World Challenge

Posted in Cards, Flowers by

Good morning and if this is your first time visiting, welcome to my crafting blog.

I was honoured to be asked to become a Design Team member for the Craftin’ Round the World Challenges. This is a monthly challenge held on Facebook, where there are two different themes to choose from, which you can combine, or choose one at a time. And for my card today, I have chosen the Monochromatic Theme.

My card uses heaps of the Stampin’ Up! green colours including Soft Sea Foam, Mossy Meadow, Old Olive, Granny Apple Green, and Lemon Lime Twist.
The beautiful Magnolia image has been stamped in Soft Sea Foam on basic white cardstock before being die cut using the matching dies. And the leaves come from the Magnolia Mood Dies and the Stippled Roses Dies.

If you would like to join our challenge you can find us here in the closed Facebook group, where you are very welcome to share your own projects.

Happy stamping,
Chris

Product List
Magnolia Mood Bundle (English)
[163507]
$96.25
Stippled Roses Dies
[162666]
$58.00
Soft Sea Foam A4 Cardstock
[147012]
$20.25
Soft Sea Foam Classic Stampin' Pad
[147102]
$15.75
Mossy Meadow A4 Cardstock
[133683]
$20.25

Links by TheseAreMyStamps.com

Stampin’ Up! Stippled Roses

Posted in Cards, Flowers by

I love the Stampin’ Up! Stippled Roses stamp set soooo much, as you will see soon, since I have been using it a lot recently (although I haven’t shared enough here). And today I create this card which I coloured with the Stampin’ Up! watercolour pencils.

The rose image was stamped with Memento Black ink, and then I have started shading using a Basic Black pencil, which I used to go over the already darker areas of the stamped image, just to intensify the shadowed area. For the leaves, I have then come over the black with a Garden Green pencil, followed by a little Granny Apple Green to give them some lighter highlights.
The roses were coloured in the same way, Basic Black pencil over the shadowed areas, followed by Pumpkin Pie and then Daffodil Delight.
The leaves are from the Stippled Roses matching dies, using Basic Grey cardstock. In the background you will see some of the new Country Woods Designer Series Paper which is an absolute favourite from the new catalogue.
I just loved colouring the roses for this card, it’s very relaxing and I am happy with how this one turned out.
Hope you are having a crafty day or evening depending on where you are.
Happy stamping,
Chris

Product List
Stippled Roses Bundle (English)
$94.50
Country Woods 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper
$21.75
Watercolor Pencils
$28.00
Watercolor Pencils Assortment 1
$32.00
Basic Gray A4 Card Stock
$20.25

Links by TheseAreMyStamps.com

There is an AMAZING deal going right now, check out the image below, and if you have ever thought about join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator, even if it’s just for the discount on products, now is a great time to do it. Send me a message if you live in Australia and would like to know more.

Stampin’ Up! Flowering Zinnias

Posted in Uncategorized by

I’m not sure about you but this gorgeous Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper is just beeeautiful!!

I apologise for again a huge gap in my posts, I’ve had a lot of trouble with internet and getting WordPress to behave, so I will keep this short and sweet.
It’s called the Flowering Zinnias Designer Series Paper and is one of the Online Exclusives. It doesn’t really need anything else, does it?
The creation of this set of four cards used one sheet of the paper and took just a few minutes.
You can purchase the Flower Zinnias DSP right here in my online store.

Latest Stampin’ Up! Online Exclusives

Posted in Online Exclusives by

Oh my…. there are some gorgeous new products in the latest range of Stampin’ Up! Online Exclusives.

I will keep this short today, and share some projects later in the week.
If, however, you are like me and want to see what is available, you can browse through my online store and check it all out here. They are available for you to purchase now.

I’m off to have a play with some new goodies!
Happy shopping,
Chris

It’s March, and it’s time to start over!

Posted in Uncategorized by

December and January are particularly difficult in our family, so many of our loved ones have passed on, so it is inevitably a quiet and reflective time of year, and a time when I rarely want to do any crafting.  
This year has been especially difficult with the financial situation that so many of us are facing, which for us became a whole lot more difficult at the end of December.
And to top it all off, the email service provider that I was using to send out my regular newsletters, did some weird stuff, including sending out some unsolicited and rather abnoxious emails to people.  I am desperately hoping they didn’t go out to any of you, but if so, I can only apologise.  As well, I don’t have access to everyone who was previously subscribed to my list but I am hoping this will get to those who need to see it.
So… onwards and upwards, starting again and moving forward.

I plan to send out a regular newsletter featuring one product which I have used in different ways, and hope that it will inspire you with some ideas.  I won’t promise to do it weekly, but hopefully at least once each month, and I will also include any promotions and sales, as well as any personal news and Stampin’ Up! news.

So this week’s focus is on the gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous Layered Florals Embossing Folder which is available from the current Mini Catalogue until 30 April 2024.

Isn’t it just beautiful?
If, like me, you can’t do without it, you click here to go directly to my online store to buy it.  
So many ideas, so little time.

As always at this time of year, demonstrators start thinking about the upcoming change over of not just the Annual Catalogue (new catalogue at the start of May) but also the retirement of one set of the In Colors.  So if you love them, make sure you get in quickly and stock up on your reinkers and cardstock – they always sell out quickly.  Pop over to my store and get what you need before they are no longer available.
Do you have a favourite from these five colours?  I love both Orchid Oasis and Starry Sky but will admit that they haven’t had a lot of use over the two years.  
As always, I look forward to seeing what is coming with the new lot of In Colors.  

In some other sad news this week, I was so sad to learn that the stamping and scrapbook company Close To My Heart will cease operations on June 30, 2024! It is never easy to hear of the closure of yet another business in these difficult times.  
From the Founder of CTMH:
“Dear Close To My Heart Community,As the founder and owner of Close to My Heart, I have devoted my life’s work to building and supporting this community, helping millions of people to preserve memories and celebrate relationships in meaningful ways. This company has grown and developed into a beautiful, vibrant community devoted to touching hearts with these vital creative arts, offering incredible products, rewarding business opportunities, and deep connections with fellow crafters.As much as I love what Close To My Heart stands for, after a great deal of deliberation, prayer, and counsel, I have come to the heartbreaking conclusion that the time has come to discontinue the business. Close To My Heart will cease operations effective June 30, 2024.The reasons that have brought me to this decision are too many to enumerate fully here. My health is a major factor, as the stresses and demands of the business continue to take their toll on me. At the same time, we have not seen the kinds of growth that were needed in order to achieve long-term stability. The way the company and the economy are trending, I foresee considerable challenges ahead that we simply are not equipped to overcome.Ultimately, I am choosing to end Close To My Heart on my own terms rather than being forced to close at some future date in less favorable circumstances. As upsetting as it is for me and for our thousands of Makers, by taking this course of action now, we can provide our community and our employees with as much notice and as many opportunities as possible.Because I cherish the community we have built together, I have been working with my team to find a new home for our Makers, where they can continue to benefit from the years of work they have poured into their individual Close To My Heart business. We are in the midst of conversations with Stampin’ Up!, collaborating on a solution that we hope will help our Makers make the most of their investments of time and resources and that will maintain at least a part of the legacy we always hoped to build.In the meantime, we still have a lot of product to offer, and we will continue to fulfill orders as usual over the next few months. It is possible that turnaround times may grow a bit longer depending on order volumes, but we will do our best to process orders in a timely manner. We encourage you to continue shopping with your Close To My Heart Maker in order to support them through this transition period.I express my appreciation to you for joining me on this journey and respecting my decision at this time. It has been an honor to be able to serve this amazing community for the past 40 years. I have given my all to the success of this company, and I will forever cherish the love I have felt from you and for you. My heart goes with each one of you as your personal journey takes you beyond the time that we have been blessed to share with one another through this marvelous company. You will always remain Close To My Heart.Sincerely,Jeanette R. LyntonFounder & CEO”

My heart goes out to all involved with CTMH.
And on that note, these difficult times mean that my own Stampin’ Up! business is struggling to stay afloat, and without many orders coming in, I will also have to close.  Unless that is, you my valued customers, can help with even just a small order.  Every single order helps and is appreciated more than you can know.  So if there is anything you need, your order in March would be valued, and you never know what extras might come your way, just to say thank you.  
You can pop your orders through here, or alternative, send me an email if you live close enough to come and pick up your order from me directly.

Thanks for being part of my papercrafting journey.
Happy stamping,
Chris

Product List
Layered Florals 3 D Embossing Folder
$19.25

Links by TheseAreMyStamps.com

<!——– TAMS End

Stampin’ Up! Tartan Foil Designer Series Paper

Posted in Cards, Christmas by

I decided to use the new Online Exclusive Designer Series Paper called Tartan Foil this week during my Facebook Live, as a background for a Christmas Card, and I’m very pleased with the result. The Tartan Foil comes in three colours, this one is Copper Clay, and also in Lost Lagoon and Pebble Path. Perhaps I will make similar cards in the other colours, too.
The candles have been coloured using watercolour pencils and then some Wink of Stellar to add some shimmer and help the colours blend.
Below is the youTube video of how I made the card. I did add some ribbon and some extra leaves after I finished the video.

Have you started making your Christmas Cards yet?

Happy stamping!
Chris

Product List
Radiant Light Cling Stamp Set (English)
$41.00
Tartan Foil 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper
$17.50
Watercolor Pencils Assortment 1
$28.00
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush
$14.00
2023–2025 In Color™ Dots
$14.00

Links by TheseAreMyStamps.com

Stampin’ Up! Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks

Posted in Cards by

You may have noticed that I love, love, love decorative masks, stencils and sponging, I love the look and the amount of different ways they can be used to create and decorate.
I also love colouring. So my card today is a mixture of both of these.
Cute little birdie, along with the branch and leaves from the Bird’s Eye View stamp set has been coloured with Watercolour Pencils before I used Wink of Stella to blend the colours and add a bit of sparkle. They have all been fussy cut and glued to the front of my card.
And the strip of gorgeous Afternoon Azure colour down the left hand side has been masked off with Masking Paper and sponged with Blending Brushes before I added one of the Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks over the top, and sponged a little more, for some tone on tone colour to brighten the card up.

Below is the video of how I made the card.

The gorgeous Abundant Beauty Decorative Masks are new and now available in the Mini Catalogue, along with a stack of other new goodies, including Christmas products.

Make sure you head on over the The Crafty Addicts site to check out what the Design Team have created for this month.

Happy stamping,
Chris

Product List
Bird’s Eye View Photopolymer Stamp Set
$35.00
Watercolor Pencils Assortment 1
$28.00
Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2
$21.75
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush
$14.00
Blending Brushes
$23.00

Links by TheseAreMyStamps.com