Gothdove Designs - Alison Barclay

Autumn-Winter Mini - Sneak Peak!

2012-03-03T22:50:00.005+10:00

Dear Everyone

Yes - I'm on a roll with the bloggin'! :)

Just wanted to post a sneak peak of a taste of the Stampin' Up! Autumn-Winter Mini catalogue that is due out on 1 April 2012.

I've used the Sale-A-Bration Fresh Vintage stamp set on a Whisper White card base - clean & simple....with something a little special too....but you will have to wait until 1 April to find out what it is. :)

Email me to register your interest for the new Autumn-Winter mini and I'll mail one to you in the post as soon as it is released. Don't forget too that the Fresh Vintage stamp set is yours if you spend $100 or more during Sale-A-Bration...don't miss out on it...it is a glorious little set!

Materials used:
Stamp - Fresh Vintage (Sale-A-Bration)
Ink - Crumb Cake, Calypso Coral, Poppy Parade
Cardstock - Whisper White
Tools - ?????? :)

Sprinkled Expressions on a Clean & Simple challenge

2012-03-03T22:36:00.004+10:00

Dear Everyone

I love a good 'Clean & Simple' card and I saw sketch #180 on the Clean & Simple Challenge blog and just had to give it a go.

I broke out the Sale-A-Bration Sprinkled Expressions set and my 2011-2012 In Colors and had a play. I also used a strip of the Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper across the bottom of the card. I also have to ask myself why I haven't been using more Island Indigo....it really is a stunning colour!

While it may not have as much clean white space as I had hoped, I'm pretty happy with the way this card turned out....the combo of Lucky Limeade, Pool Party & Island Indigo is quite pleasing, and the effect of stamping onto textured cardstock gives quite a 'commercial & modern' feel.

Materials used:
Stamps - Sprinkled Expressions (Sale-A-Bration), Friendly Phrases
Ink - Island Indigo, Pool Party, Lucky Limeade
Cardstock - Very Vanilla (smooth & textured), Island Indigo, Everyday Enchantment DSP
Accessories - Island Indigo ruffled ribbon
Tools - Paper cutter, SNAIL, Scallop Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Sticky Strip.

Outlined Occasions for the Festive Friday Challenge!

2012-03-03T22:15:00.003+10:00

Dear Everyone

I've been wanting to play along with Nicole Derendorf’s Festive Friday Challenge for AAAGES! I actually did the Valentine's Day challenge, but I was too late to upload it. However this one....I'm on time! :)

I also saw this challenge from Utah Divas International and liked the centre banner and thought that I could make that quite "Christmassy" and festive. I was inspired by Madonna Dunn’s card and her use of the Snow Swirled stamp set - I liked how she used it in her background and underneath her sentiment...which led to this card.....

I used the smallest snowflake from the Snow Swirled set and stamped off in Cherry Cobbler so the impression wasn't too dark. The sentiment is from the Sale-A-Bration set Outlined Occasions and I filled in the sentiment using Cherry Cobbler and my blender pen. To add to the already fairly 'blingy' card, I sprinkled some Dazzling Diamonds over the snowflakes and the sentiment panel. :)

Remember there's not long to go before "Sale-A-Bration" is over so you don't have long to get your free stamp sets. Outlined Occasions is very versatile and you only need to spend $100 with me to get this set for FREE! :)

Materials used:
Stamps - Snow Swirled, Outlined Occasions (Sale-A-Bration)
Ink - Cherry Cobbler, Stazon
Cardstock - Very Vanilla(smooth & textured), Jolly Holiday DSP (retired), Red Glimmer Paper, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories - Dazzling Diamonds
Tools - Blender Pen, 2-Way Glue Pen, Paper cutter, SNAIL, Paper Snips

Triple Treat Flower & Spice Cake DSP

2012-03-03T21:35:00.006+10:00

Dear Everyone

Long time - no blog! I've been a little busy with my little ones and I haven't had much time to devote to craft recently.
However - I do have some cards to blog for you! :).....AND I bought a light box for my card photography so hopefully they will be a little better lit and more consistent in quality.
This card uses the Stampin' Up! set Triple Treat Flower and the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper. I LOVE THIS SET & PAPER - so gorgeous! Reminds me of bohemian 1970s wallpaper. :)

I also coloured the silver glimmer paper using a sponge dauber and Pool Party ink from the inkpad. I like the little feature of it peeping through the darker Spice Cake colours. :)

Materials used:
Stamp - Triple Treat Flower
Ink - Pear Pizzazz inkpad & marker, Pumpkin Pie marker, Pool Party inkpad & marker, Soft Suede inkpad
Cardstock - Very Vanilla, Basic Black, River Rock (textured), Spice Cake DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper
Accessories - Everyday Enchantment Brad (from Sale-A-Bration catalogue)
Tools - Fancy Flower Punch, 5-Petal Punch, 1/2 inch circle Punch, Paper Cutter, Mat Pack, SNAIL.

Stampin' Up! - Under the Big Top - Sunny Challenges & Creations

2012-01-27T21:25:00.006+10:00

Hello yet again...yes two blog posts in one day!

I made this card for my friend's little girl who is turning 4 and was inspired to break out the "Under the Big Top" stamp set by the sketch & stamp challenge set by Sunny Challenges & Creations this week. Here's the sketch:

..and here's the stamp set:This stamp set is great for colouring either with a blender pen and your inkpads or using the aquapainters on watercolour paper. For this card, I used my blender pen and picked up the colour from the lid of the inkpad...it's really quick and very effective! Such cute images in this stamp set!...and as you can see I managed to sneak in some red glimmer paper again. :)

I got this stamp set for free at the Stampin' Up! regional training day held last year....one of the many perks of being a demo is you get to go to these great days where you meet other demos and learn some amazing techniques....and you get free stuff! Contact me if you have ever thought of becoming a demonstrator....now is a great time....the starter kit is reduced from $289 to $249 and if you sign up during 'Sale-A-Bration' (24 January - 31 March) you get your pick of ANY stamp set in the current catalogues...of ANY value!....AAAAND you have until the end of June to reach your minimum $400 in sales. It's such a great time to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!!

Anyway...I guess you want to see the card huh?! :)

I love the ballerina bear - so CUTE!!

I want to point out that before I ever got the Stampin' Up! Mat Pack & Paper Piercer, my brads were always crooked...they were never exactly lined up. The Mat Pack stencil fixes EVERYTHING! Look how lovely & straight they are on this card!? Put it on your ordering list! Don't argue! :)

Bye for now!

Materials used:
Stamps - Under the Big Top
Ink - Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Old Olive, Tempting Turquoise
Cardstock - Whisper White CS, Red Glimmer Paper, Real Red CS, Daffodil Delight Textured CS, Big Top Birthday DSP, Tempting Turquoise DSP
Accessories - Daffodil Delight Taffeta Ribbon, Tempting Turquoise brads from Brights Collection.
Tools - Paper Cutter, SNAIL, Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, 2 3/4 Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4 Circle punch, Blender Pens, Mat Pack, Decorative Label Punch.

Stampin' Up! Heart to Heart Punch

2012-01-26T10:38:00.004+10:00

Hello friends!

This card was borne from the Nicole Derendorf Festive Friday Valentine Love challenge and the Less is More "Cut it Out" challenge.

I was inspired by the card by Bridget Fox on Nicole's post where her hearts are 'bursting out all over the page'. I also wanted to use my red glimmer paper "AGAIN"!. The Less is More challenge calls for an aperture or 'cut out' in your card....so I thought of this!

Using Glossy White cardstock, I used the Stampin' Up! Heart to Heart punch in the bottom right hand corner of the card, layered glimmer paper behind it and used dimensionals to deepen the effect...then I put the punched hearts on the top of the card with dimensionals so it seemed to have 'popped' out. :)

It looks SO much better in real life...I'm starting to sound like a broken record!....you can't really see the white hearts hovering above the card.....but seriously... it is very modern & fun.

Materials used:
Stamps - none! *gasp*
Cardstock - Glossy White cardstock, Red Glimmer Paper
Tools - Heart to Heart punch, Paper Cutter, dimensionals, SNAIL, bone folder

Stampin' Up! - Button Buddies Baby card

2012-01-25T08:49:00.005+10:00

Hello there

This card was designed for the latest sketch challenge over at Just Add Ink and also for the colour challenge on offer from Utah Divas International, which called for Whisper White, Basic Grey, Rose Red & Pear Pizzazz. It didn't really come out the way I imagined it in my head....and I really need to get a new platform through which to photograph my cards. I have a good camera but I am trying to source one of those nifty photography light boxes that are designed for small items. :)

I still enjoyed putting 'markers to stamp' on the rattle from the "Button Buddies" Stampin Up set. It is VERY cute! I used some of the new Bakers Twine from the Summer Mini as a little rattle bow.

Hope you like it!

Materials used (all Stampin' Up!)
Stamps - Button Buddies
Ink - Basic Grey ink pad, Versamark (to sponge edges), Basic Grey marker, Rose Red marker
Cardstock - Whisper White, Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Grey DSP.
Accessories - Bakers Twine (White)
Tools - Paper Cutter, Dimensionals, Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die, 2 3/4 Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/4 Circle Punch, Corner Rounder Punch, SNAIL.

Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration ESAD Blog Hop

2012-01-24T09:00:00.022+10:00

Greetings Blog-hoppers!
Welcome to Gothdove Designs!! Hope you are enjoying the ESAD Sale-A-Bration Blog Hop....and feasting on the Stampin' Up! wonderment created by the lovely ladies from ESAD....it's a fantastic group to belong to!

What is ESAD?

ESAD stands for "Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators" and it is an on-line group just for Australian and New Zealand Stampin Up demonstrators.

We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends, and wonderful blog visitors, but we share our love for what we do with each other as demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know-how, and cyberstamps, and we are always there to help and support each other when it is needed.

So if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand, then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

So onto my Sale-A-Bration creations......

The Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper from this year's Sale-A-Bration is BEAUTIFUL!!! So beautiful, I almost didn't want to cut it!....but I gave in in the name of creativity. When I first looked at it, the paper spoke 'folk-art' to me (in a good way!!).......you know, that wonderful vintage Ikea- Kikki K- Scandinavian-sort-of neo-folk design....but I thought I would go against instinct and use a piece of the paper in a modern way...with my Cupcake Builder Punch + a bit of bling. This card sketch is an oldie, but a goodie....so simple but still effective. I used the Decorative Label Punch to punch a piece of DSP as the base layer under a Very Vanilla strip. The bottom of the cupcake is the "blue" Everyday Enchantments DSP and what's that on top?........Is it Calypso Coral Glimmer Paper you ask?????

WELL.....for the frosting......I used a sponge dauber to apply Calypso Coral ink to a piece of the Silver Glimmer Paper...did you know you could sponge the glimmer paper!!!! Just think....Glimmer Paper in ANY of the Stampin' Up! colours!!! In my previous post, I sponged it with Daffodil Delight......so cool!!! Just a tip....wait for it to dry before assembling your project....the ink will be wet for a little while. I used this same technique for the sentiment scallop oval. It really looks VERY sparkly in real life! :)

For my next card, I used the 5-Petal Flower Punch to punch out 3 flowers from Lucky Limeade cardstock...then I sponged the edges with Versamark to give some depth....and get this...the Boho Blossom punch layers perfectly over the floral design on the blue/green/vanilla Everyday Enchantment DSP.

Layers perfectly! ! 'tis TRUE!

Add the brads from your SAB ribbon/brad kit and voila!....gorgeous little flowers! I really like the way these came up. :)

I made the stalks out of the SAB Lucky Limeade ribbon and made the Calypso Coral ribbon into a little bow for the bouquet. I put it all on Naturals Ivory cardstock with the sentiment from "Friendly Phrases" - I REALLY like this sentiment set.....you know when you think you have enough sentiment sets....and then Stampin' Up! bring out a set like this!! Put it on your wishlist now. Just do it. No arguments.

Oh and here's what you do with the other Boho Blossom flowers that get punched out while making the other card.... I am so loathe to throw punched shapes away. :)

...and finally....did you know that you can curl the SAB organdy ribbon....lookie here!! :)

My card recipes are below if you want any further info but let's get cracking onto the next stop on the ESAD Blog Hop...the very talented Corina Beyer at http://www.beyondinkstamper.com/

Thanks for stopping to have a look at my blog! xx

Materials used:
Card 1
Stamps - Create-A-Cupcake
Ink - Calypso Coral
Cardstock - Everyday Enchantment DSP, Very Vanilla smooth CS, Very Vanilla textured CS, Silver Glimmer Paper, Red Glimmer Paper
Tools - Large Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Cupcake Builder Punch, Sponge Dauber

Card 2
Stamps - Friendly Phrases
Ink - Lucky Limeade, Versamark
Cardstock - Everyday Enchantment DSP, Naturals Ivory, Lucky Limeade
Accessories - Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brads
Tools - 5 Petal Flower Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Mat Pack, Mini Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Card 3
Stamps - Perfect Punches
Ink - Lucky Limeade
Cardstock - Everyday Enchantment DSP, Naturals Ivory
Accessories - Everyday Enchantment Brad
Tools - Decorative Label Punch, Extra Large Oval Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch, Mat Pack

Card 4
Stamps - Perfect Punches
Ink - Poppy Parade, Versamark
Cardstock - Everyday Enchantment DSP, Calypso Coral, Red Glimmer Paper, Lucky Limeade (for flower)
Accessories - Everyday Enchantment Brad & Ribbon, Brights Brad (Real Red)
Tools - Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die, Curly Label Punch, Itty Bitty Punches, Mat Pack

Stampin' Up! - Sweetheart - January Card Class

2012-01-17T11:05:00.006+10:00

Hi everyone!

Today's Valentine's Day card is for a couple of new challenge blogs from some fellow demonstrators....Nicole Derendorf's Festive Friday Challenge and the Sunny Challenges and Creations blog. May I also add that I think the glimmer paper may just be my new favourite thing!!

These cards are also a taste of what will be on offer at my January Cardmaking Class this weekend. This weekend's class is fully booked, but if you wanted to gather up a few friends, I could easily do a class or a workshop at your place and show you how fun it is to make cards just like these ones. :)

Enjoy!

Materials used:
Stamps - Sweetheart, For You Flower (retired), Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink - Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Black
Cardstock - Whisper White, Basic Black, Real Red, Red Glimmer Paper (from Summer Mini)
Accessories - 1/8" Basic Black taffeta ribbon
Tools - Paper Cutter, Stamp-a-majig, SNAIL, dimensionals, 1 3/8 circle punch, Fancy Flower Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Heart Punch, Mini Glue Dots (for ribbon).

Stampin' Up! - "Less is More" Delicate Doilies

2012-01-15T12:23:00.004+10:00

Hello...again...

In the spirit of "Clean & Simple" cards, I visited the Less is More card challenge blog. The theme this week is One Layer Birds .

The card is pretty self-explanatory! Just a fun Birthday card with just one layer of stamping. Easy! The photo doesn't really do it justice....it's much nicer in real life!

Materials used (all Stampin' Up!):
Stamps - Delicate Doilies, Cheep Talk (retired), Friendly Phrases
Ink - Crumb Cake, Poppy Parade
Cardstock - Naturals Ivory
Tools - Paper Cutter, Bone Folder

Stampin' Up Pendant Park - Clean & Simple

2012-01-15T11:54:00.004+10:00

Hello again

I'm trying to get into creating cards for as many card challenge blogs as time will permit....it is a great way to unlock some creative "mojo". I am a big fan of the 'clean & simple' style...I feel sometimes I have a tendency to clutter my cards with too many elements. I like the Clean & Simple sketch challenges as they tame that compulsion somewhat....

This card was made for the Pals Paper Arts Color Challenge #126 and the Clean and Simple Sketch challenge #173. Here is the sketch & the colour palette...

(as you can see, I took a bit of liberty with the sentiment placement)

Materials used:
Stamps - Pendant Park, Create A Cupcake (sentiment)
Ink - Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy
Cardstock - Very Vanilla, Not Quite Navy
Accessories - Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Very Vanilla Flower Brad
Tools - SNAIL, Sticky Strip, Paper cutter, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch

Stampin' Up! - Friendly Phrases - Mojo Monday #222

2012-01-07T12:58:00.005+10:00

Hi!

I have long been an admirer of Mary Fish, a US demonstrator, who makes the most amazing cards. She is on the design team for Mojo Monday , a sketch challenge blog that always seems to come up with wonderful sketches on which you can create cards....these sorts of challenge blogs are great to get the creative juices flowing and encourage you to make something original & fresh!

I made this card using the most recent Mojo Monday sketch for a lovely Stampin' Up! demo....Madonna Dunn....she recently posted on a demo-only Facebook group that she was going to send out some cards as a 'random act of kindness/craziness' ....so I put my hand up as a willing recipient and offered to send one back!

I hope she likes it....I hope you do too!

I used a strip of the new Silver Glimmer paper from the Summer Mini catalogue....it is awesome not only for the fact that none of the glitter falls off....but because you can colour it using any one of the Stampin' Up! inkpads!! Just grab a dauber, pick up some ink and press down onto your glimmer paper......repeat until results are pleasing......EASY!....

Tip (and note to myself for future glimmer paper inkings)....the ink will be quite wet for a while so put your glimmer paper to one side until it is dry....if you look closely at my card, the wet ink from the glimmer paper smudged onto my white sentiment panel. Whoopsie!! We live & learn.

Materials used (all Stampin' Up!) :
Stamps - Friendly Phrases
Ink - Daffodil Delight (for colouring the glimmer paper), Concord Crush (sentiment)
Cardstock - Concord Crush CS, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight DSP (from Brights DSP Pack), Concord Crush DSP, Silver Glimmer Paper, Daffodil Delight Textured CS (for flower)
Accessories - SU Rhinestones, SU Paper Daisy, Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon
Tools - Boho Blossoms Punch, Sponge Daubers, Paper Cutter, Bone Folder, Paper Snips, MultiPurpose Liquid Glue, SNAIL.

Stampin' Up! - Advent Calendar Wreath

2011-12-03T20:02:00.007+10:00

Hi ....again!

Here's an Advent Calendar Wreath which I re-created from one featured by the wonderful Marelle Taylor in a copy of Australian Cardmaker & Papercraft 2010.

I made it for a friend of mine and her family and hopes it will bring them some festive fun! I punched out the back of each scallop envelope with the 1 3/4 circle punch and attached a circle treat cup. I decorated it with the circle sentiment "Joy" from Perfect Punches and attached it to the inside. I filled each one with a little Dove chocolate. :)

Materials used:
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Soft Suede, Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Soft Suede (for stamped image inside treat cups)
Stamp Set: Perfect Punches ("Joy" sentiment)
Tools: Timeless Type Alphabet/Numeric Dies, Scallop Envelope Die, 1 3/4 circle punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, glue gun, SNAIL adhesive.
Accessories: Very Vanilla grosgrain ribbon, Chocolate Chip grograin ribbon, misc green ribbon, Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon, Circle Treat Cups, wreath

Stampin' Up! Watercolouring

2011-12-03T06:50:00.011+10:00

Hi everyone...(yes a third blog post today....a lot has been happening!)

I have been wanting to try watercolouring for a while now and my upline Alisa Tilsner is a complete genius at it. She said that aquapainters and watercolour paper are the way to go, so I ordered some and here's what I've come up with.

It really is a fun technique and not one to be afraid of. Stampin' Up! make it really easy....stamp your main image using Stazon black ink onto watercolour paper....then just take your inkpad(s) in your choice of colour(s), turn it upside-down and squeeze some ink into the lid....open up the ink pad and voila...you have an instant 'ink-well'. Dip your aquapainter in and away you go.....

There is a bit of trial and error but even the 'errors' can look like artistic genius. :)

I made this Christmas card for a work colleague....her family LOVE Dachshunds and she commissioned me to make a set of cards with a little doggie on the front, I used the now retired "Long Fellows" set....it is so cute!....and watercoloured the dog and gave him a Rudolph nose. :)

Materials used:
Stamp Sets: Long Fellows (retired), Snow Swirled (for sentiment)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Soft Suede, Early Espresso, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Stazon
Cardstock: Watercolour paper, Very Vanilla, Cherry Cobbler
Accessories: Cherry Cobbler Scallop polka dot ribbon, pearl
Tools: Aquapainters, Stazon cleaner, Scallop Oval Punch, sticky strip, SNAIL adhesive

For my next creation, I was inspired by this card by my upline, Alisa Tilsner. Like I said before, she is the QUEEN of watercolouring and I had some retired Raspberry Tart DSP laying about so I thought I'd grab a birthday stamp and have another "watercolour go" using some of the new "IN COLORS"
See what I mean about Stampin' Up making watercolouring easy??! I've never done art in my life, and this actually looks like a little painting! I love it!!

Materials used:
Stamp Set: Birthday Bakery (retired)
Ink: Old Olive, Crumb Cake, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Melon Mambo, Rose Red
Cardstock: Old Olive (textured), Rose Red, Raspberry Tart DSP (retired), watercolour paper
Accessories: Rose Red Seam Binding Ribbon
Tools: Aquapainter, SNAIL

Oh, and you may ask "What's an upline?" An 'upline' is the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator that you sign up to to become a demonstrator yourself....an upline is kinda like your creative support person who helps you with your Stampin' Up! creations and your business. If you've been thinking about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator then I'd LOVE to be your upline.....there's no pressure to do workshops, parties or classes. You can be as involved as you want to be...Stampin' Up! is very much a 'no pressure' company. Just call me or email me if you want to chat about the possibilities. :)

....oh and don't forget the December Frenzy and Summer Mini launches that happened a few days ago...."Give A Gift" on page 8 of the Summer Mini catalogue would be perfect watercolouring project for Christmas....and "Every Moment" on page 72 of the IB & C is on special for only $19.17....another great set for watercolouring.

Bye!

Stampin' Up - Summer Mini Catalogue

2011-12-03T06:35:00.005+10:00

Hello again!

So glad to announce the release of Stampin' Up's Summer Mini Catalogue.......it's so gorgeous and features some beautiful new products.
I've been hanging out for the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and matching Spiced Paisley stamp set....it's so cool!!!
My other picks from the catalogue would the glimmer paper (no glittery mess) and the You are Loved stamp set.
But don't take my word for it....click here and see the catalogue for yourself! :)

Please call or email me to place your order....remember I'm offering FREE POSTAGE to customers who place an order with me from now until the end of December! If you'd like anything demonstrated out of this catalogue, I'd love to do a workshop at your place.

Stampin' Up on SALE! December Frenzy Promotion

2011-12-01T08:43:00.007+10:00

Hello Stampin' friends!

I bring you some exciting news that Stampin' Up are having a December Frenzy with up to 50% off selected Stampin' Up items.

Contact me asap as these often sell out early and once they are gone, that's it for the month! To celebrate the sale, I'm offering free postage to my customers until 31 December 2011.

Email me at gothdove@hotmail.com to place your order or phone 0413 405 139.

To see a full list of the cool stuff on sale click here

Stampin' Up! Baroque Motifs on a Handbag card

2011-11-07T11:19:00.007+10:00

Hi everyone
Today's card is a really simple card design using the Round Tab Punch and some Oval punches to create little handbags. You just fold the round tab in half and you get the perfect handbag shape!!
For this card I used the Stampin' Up! Raspberry Tart DSP but really any beautiful patterned DSP would do.
I also used the same colour ink applied to the cardstock...eg the Baroque Motifs swirl is inked with Rose Red and applied to Rose Red cardstock. It is a lovely subtle effect.

I hope you like the card and have a try at making it. This card would also look great with the Mocha Morning Specialty Paper, Beau Chateau or Pocketful of Posies from the current Ideas Book & Catalogue....these papers are soooo gorgeous!!!
If you don't have these punches, stamp set or a luscious pack of Designer Series Paper (or anything at all really!!!), just give me a call or email me and I'll get your order sent straight to your door.

Materials used:
Stamp sets - Baroque Motifs, One of a Kind (retired)
Ink - Rose Red, Pretty in Pink
Cardstock - Rose Red, Whisper White, Lucky Limeade, Pretty in Pink, Raspberry Tart DSP (retired)
Accessories - Pearls
Tools - sponges, Round Tab Punch, Oval Punches, dimensionals

Thank you for visiting!!

Stampin' Up! Big Shot Sale - November only

2011-11-04T14:02:00.023+10:00

Hi everyone
If you have ever wanted to get a Big Shot or any of the fantastic dies and embossing folders that Stampin' Up! have to offer, NOW is the time to get your order in! It can make such a difference to your card making or papercraft....using different techniques with the Big Shot can really add the WOW factor to your cards & projects "WOW"......and kids love using it too!

Stampin' Up! are offering a 10% discount on a great range of their dies and embossing folders, plus a great exclusive Big Shot bundle where you can get a Big Shot, the Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die and the Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Folder all for $168!

Below are all the details on this great promotion....if you don't have 'Petals-a- Plenty', then I would definitely recommend that as a go-to embossing folder for Christmas Cards...it has a "poinsettia" type look that is great when embossed on Cherry Cobbler or Real Red cardstock. I will upload a card soon that showcases this gorgeous folder....so stay tuned!

Just call me or email me before 30 November 2011 to take advantage of this promotion. :)

Swap card for Stampin' Up! Regional Training

2011-11-03T06:50:00.011+10:00

Hello everyone
Thought I would share this card front that I made for the Stampin' Up! Brisbane Regionals that I'm attending this tomorrow.
It's my very first Stampin' Up! seminar where I hope to meet a tonne of like-minded craft nerds and learn some new Stampin' Up! techniques. If you have ever thought that you might like to surround yourself with creative, paper & stamp-obsessed people, then sign up as a demonstrator through me with Stampin' Up! now and you can come with me to the next one! :)

My card was inspired by this card by Adriana Benitez. I loved the combination of yellow and purple and the clean white spaces on her card. You can't see it in the photo, but the main circle panel is slightly elevated on a dimensional so it "hovers" above the card. I figured the "Just For You" sentiment could double as a birthday or a thank you card.

I made 30 of these to swap and I hope to get lots of new ideas from all the talented Stampin' Up! demonstrators that will be there tomorrow! :)

Materials used:
Stamps - Delicate Doilies, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink - Concord Crush, Wisteria Wonder, Daffodil Delight, Sahara Sand
Cardstock - Concord Crush, Whisper White
Tools – sponges, 1 ¾ inch circle punch, Stamp-a-majig
Accessories – Stampin’ Dimensionals

Stampin' Up! Button Buddies - Inkspiration Challenge

2011-09-14T08:35:00.005+10:00

Dear Everyone

I created this card for the Inkspiration Challenge #86 in which we had to use Real Red, Old Olive, Marina Mist & Whisper White.
I took the opportunity to play with the Stampin' Up! Button Buddies set again...this time with the cute little cherries!
A couple of fun details.....I used half of the Fancy Flower punch as a partial border behind the main panel and I used Crystal Effects on the cherries to make them all dewy & glossy! It came up great! :)

Materials used (all Stampin' Up!)
Stamps - Button Buddies, So Happy For You (retired)
Ink -Real Red, Old Olive
Cardstock - Whisper White (smooth + textured), Real Red DSP, Old Olive DSP, Marina Mist DSP, Old Olive (textured)
Tools - Fancy Flower punch, Crystal Effects, Scallop Edge Border Punch

Stampin' Up! - Teneale Williams CASE

2011-09-12T13:03:00.006+10:00

Dear Everyone
I have been wanting to CASE this card from Teneale Williams for ages. One of the girls at work asked me for a birthday card, and , since I work at an orchestra, I wanted to put together something with the 'music' Newsprint DSP.....the layout of the main stamped panel is a bit 'off' as I wanted to feature the notes at the top of the DSP....rather than cover it up.

It is a very ambitious CASE, I know.....Teneale's work is just beautiful!

Materials used:
Stamps: Punch Potpourri (retired Hostess), Well Scripted (sentiment), Aviary
Ink: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake (for sponging edges)
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Newsprint DSP, Love Letter DSP
Embellishments: Paper Daisy (coloured with marker), Build a Brad (punched out Love Letter DSP for centre of brad), misc ribbon.

Stampin' Up! - Join for $169

2011-09-12T07:39:00.003+10:00

During September, you can join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator for only $169! This is what I did and it is the perfect time to join and get a bunch of quality Stampin' Up! products at a discount.

There is no obligation to hold workshops or do classes. You can be a hobby demonstrator just like me and get all your Stampin' Up! products at a discount. Too easy!

The limited-time mini Starter Kit-valued at over $310-comes with the high-quality products listed below:
$169 Mini Starter Kit

•Easy Events Clear-Mount Set*
•Pennant Parade Wood-Mount Set*
•Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
•Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad
•Pumpkin Pie Classic Stampin' Pad
•Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
•A4 Smooth Card Stock Assortment
•Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*
•Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*
•Notes Cards (20)
•Clear-Mount Block C
•Blender Pen (1)
•SNAIL Adhesive
•Business supplies
*New to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue

Or, if you want the full Starter Kit, you can get it 20 percent off during September only! That's over $610 worth of premium Stampin' Up! products and business supplies for just $231.20! See what's included in the full Starter Kit here.

Join Stampin' Up! in September and get brand-new products for just $169! Contact me to get started today.

Stampin' Up! Button Buddies

2011-09-12T00:15:00.010+10:00

Hi there
I created this card for the Utah Divas International Sketch Challenge and the Just Add Ink Colour Challenge.
I couldn't wait to break out my new 'Button Buddies' set and make a card for a baby girl for my neighbour (who hopefully will be arriving very soon!).

Thank you for visiting my blog! :)

Materials used
Stamps - Button Buddies, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink - Blushing Bride
Cardstock - Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Blushing Bride DSP
Accessories - Blushing Bride ribbon, safety pin, pink button
Tools - Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Trim Corner Punch, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch

I am now a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

2011-09-09T20:57:00.007+10:00

Dear Friends

I wish to shout from the roof-tops that I am now a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. It is a very exciting thing for me and an even more exciting time to have joined given that the Stampin' Up! 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue has just been released.
To order your copy for just $10 (including postage), please email me or phone me directly on 0413 405 139.

If you would prefer to download your catalogue to peruse first, just visit the Stampin’ Up! website......however I can assure you that having a real glossy catalogue to look at is one of life's guilty pleasures! :)

If you would like 20% off all your Stampin' Up! supplies and to be part of a fantastic & supportive team of demonstrators please drop me a line or give me a call and I’ll send you out an information pack on how you can join the Stampin' Up! family.

I would love to help you learn everything there is to know about the creative world of Stampin' Up!

Looking forward to sharing what I love with you all!
Cheers
Alison

CAS 152 - RSPCA Cupcake Cards!

2011-08-09T21:11:00.012+10:00

Hi everyone

When I saw the Clean & Simple Layout #152 all I could picture was a cupcake on it! It is RSPCA Cupcake Day next week and my workplace is having a fundraiser so instead of baking (which I have no time to do!) I thought I'd whip up a dozen 'cupcake cards' instead and donate these to the cause. Being the CAS style, it was very easy to do. :)

I did one in Melon Mambo/Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie/Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight/Soft Suede, Real Red/Chocolate Chip. YUM!

Materials used (all Stampin' Up unless noted):
Stamps: Create A Cupcake
Ink: Melon Mambo/Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie/Soft Suede, Daffodil Delight/Soft Suede, Real Red/Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Real Red
Tools: Swiss Dots embossing folder (non-SU), Decorative Label Punch, Cupcake Punch
Accessories: Pearls, misc orange ribbon

Vintage Layers - first attempt

2011-08-07T09:02:00.009+10:00

I made this card after I saw this gorgeous and inspiring card by Jenna Barber . She has a step-by-step tutorial on the blog post too. I had stored it in my 'inspiration' folder and just had to make it for the "distressed" challenge at Just Add Ink . I tore the handmade vanilla paper as a border and I distressed the main panel with the edge of some scissors (you can see a small rip at the bottom where I went a bit overboard!) - I finished the main panel by adding Soft Suede directly to the edges from the inkpad just like Jenna did with hers. It "roughs" it up a bit and is a nice finish. :)

I am going to give this card to my friend for her birthday as she loves creamy soft vintage colours.

There are two photos as I was playing around with photoshop on my iPhone. I really need to get myself a light box and a decent camera for my cards.

Materials used (all SU unless noted):

Stamps: Bliss, One of a Kind, Pendant Park, "fleur-de-lys" is from Lovely Letters

Ink: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Old Olive, Versamark (for Bliss image on Crumb Cake CS)

Paper: Crumb Cake CS, Very Vanilla CS, handmade vanilla CS (non SU)

Accessories: Linen Thread, Itty Bitty Button, Pearls, misc ribbon (non SU)

Boho Backgrounds

2011-07-06T23:54:00.008+10:00

I am very lucky to have such generous friends who shower me with lovely gifts come birthday time. I thought I'd make some thank you cards for them.

I saw this colour challenge on Colour Q this week and thought I would try out the stained glass window technique on some vellum using one of the Boho Backgrounds stamps. I kept it all quite "clean & simple". I stamped the image onto vellum paper, coloured in with markers on the back then added a rhinestone in the middle. I hand drew the borders on the cardstock and the vellum.
Materials used:

Stamps: Boho Backgrounds, One of a Kind (sentiment)

Ink: Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise marker, Tangerine Tango marker, green marker (nonSU), Basic Black marker

Paper: Whisper White CS, Vellum paper

Accessories: Turquoise Rhinestone (non SU)

Fabulous Urban Flower

2011-07-06T14:10:00.014+10:00

I made this card using Stampin' Up's "Urban Garden" DSP and Fabulous Flowers Stamp set. I was inspired by Gretchen Barron’s blog where she used these to make some beautiful cards.

My friend is doing the Kokoda Challenge in a few weeks time and I wanted to send her a cool card to let her know how inspiring I think she is.

Materials used (all Stampin Up unless indicated):
Stamps - Fabulous Flowers
Ink - Whisper White craft, Not Quite Navy (for sentiment and envelope)
Paper - Whisper White CS, Not Quite Navy CS, Vellum paper, Urban Garden DSP
Accessories Stampin Up metallic pencils, White gel pen (non-SU), Baja Breeze grosgrain ribbon, Diamond brad (non-SU), Dazzling Diamonds glitter, 2-way glue pen.

Inkspiration + Inspiration!!

2011-03-26T07:43:00.000+10:00

I'm on a roll!!!!!.....

Here's a card I created for the Inkspiration Challenge #63 and the Utah Divas International Inspiration Challenge

The UDI challenge was to be inspired by this Oriental themed image:

The Inkspiration challenge was to create a card based on this sketch:

Here is my card!

Materials used:
Cardstock - Very Vanilla (base), Pear Pizzazz, Daffodill Delight
Patterned Paper - misc oriental patterned paper
Embellishments - misc flowers & red brad

Just Add Ink Challenge - Rainbow Card!

2011-03-25T18:25:00.008+10:00

Hi again!

When I saw this challenge on Just Add Ink, I thought "how am I not going to use patterned paper, punches, ribbon, embellishments!!". The challenge was to use ink & cardstock only.......so I went to town with the ink - SIX different ink colours. :)

I went with a rainbow themed birthday card using one of the flowers from Itty Bitty Bits. The sentiment was 'rocked - n - rolled' in Pumpkin Pie & Real Red.

Here's my card:

Materials used:

Stamps - Itty Bitty Bits, Well Scripted
Ink - Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodill Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist, Concord Crush
Cardstock - Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie
Embellishments - NONE! :)
Tools - NONE! :)

CPS 210 - Birthday card & Baby card

2011-03-25T06:53:00.012+10:00

Hi! These two cards were made for the Card Positioning Systems 210 Challenge. I am keeping true to my resolution of using up my old paper stores. :)

Materials used:
Stamp - "Bliss" flourish (on brown background)
Ink - Versamark
Cardstock - misc light brown card, misc burgundy glitter paper

Patterned Paper - Basic Grey (name unknown)

Embellishments - Kaisercraft flowers, Kaisercraft pearls (Latte), Making Memories metal sentiment

Tools - Scallop Trim Border Punch, Boho Blossoms Punch

Materials used
Stamp - Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Ink - Marina Mist

Cardstock - Light Blue Bazzill, Lime Green Bazzill
Patterned Paper - misc 'baby' paper and matching die cuts, Stampin Up Island Oasis Turquoise DSP

Embellishments - misc epoxy hearts

Tools - Modern Label Punch, Word Window punch, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots EF

Sweet Summer Color Lab Challenge

2011-03-20T21:05:00.010+10:00

Hi!
Today I decided to use up some of my scrap patterned paper and lo and behold this one matched the Color Lab Challenge #33 of Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz and Regal Rose.

I have SO MUCH paper and 'stuff' that it is now my resolution to always use something 'old' in one of my creations and not just go for the new Stampin' Up supplies that I have recently fallen in love with. :)

I did use the "Sweet Summer" set for the first time - I have only really seen this set being used for watercolouring so I wasn't sure how often I would use it since I don't have any watercolouring supplies yet and I don't know how to 'colour-in' yet. I thought I would take a chance and just do a basic clean stamp of flowers. It seemed to work with a light sponge of pink over the top.

Here is my card:

Materials used:
Stamps - Sweet Summer from Stampin Up's Sale-a-bration 2011
Ink - Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Versamark ink (a Regal Rose equivalent)
Cardstock - Pear Pizzazz, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Patterned Paper - misc patterned paper (I can't remember the brand or design)
Embellishments - misc ribbon in a Pear Pizzazz equivalent, Kaisercraft Pearls - Plum
Tools - sponges for edge of Whisper White and for flower 'middles'

CAS 132 - Inkspirations 62

2011-03-19T07:47:00.017+10:00

Hello!
Today I decided to combine two challenges for the first time. Makeesha Byl’s Inkspiration Challenge #62 and the Clean and Simple Stamping challenge.

Here is my card - hope you like it! They are great colours to work with. This is the first time I've attempted a CAS sketch and I really enjoyed it - I need to try simplifying my card making now and again. Sometimes less is more!! :)

Materials used:
Stamp - Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink - Early Espresso
Cardstock - Whisper White Textured, Early Espresso, Regal Rose, Daffodill Delight
Patterned Paper - "Brights" DSP (Daffodil Delight), Doodlebug Pre-embossed Paisley White CS
Embellishments - Early Espresso grosgrain ribbon, misc brown flower ribbon
Tools - 1 3/4 Scallop Circle Punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities Scallop Circles & Circles

CPS 209 - Top Note Birthday Card

2011-03-15T23:31:00.014+10:00

I'm into making cards this week out of scrap pieces as a way to reduce my stash - especially since I keep buying new paper!!! :)
I saw this sketch at Card Positioning Systems Challenge #209 and immediately thought of a Top Note patchwork card - so good for using up scraps. The photo colours aren't really accurate - the 'reds' are more fuschia pink & vibrant.

Materials used:
Stamp - So Happy for You
Ink - Rose Red
Cardstock - Whisper White and miscellaneous scraps
Embellishments - misc green ribbon, Kaisercraft rhinestones
Tools - Top Note die, 2 3/8 scallop punch, 1 3/4 scallop punch

Inkspiration Sketch Challenge #61

2011-03-12T20:26:00.009+10:00

Sadly I had to make a sympathy card this weekend - the second one in two weeks which is not very nice but at least a handmade card can let someone special know how you feel about their loss.

Materials used:
Stamps - Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink - Soft Suede
Cardstock - Soft Suede, Crumb Cake
Patterned Paper - Basic Grey Lilykate - Bamboo
Embellishments - misc ribbon, misc pearl brad
Tools - Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch

I liked the colour combinations here so I decided to make another card as a thank you for a friend who invited me for afternoon tea as a pre-baby-arrival catch up with some of our friends. I thought I would take inspiration from Makeesha Byl’s Inkspiration Challenge #61.

Materials used:
Cardstock - Soft Suede, Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride, misc blue paper
Ink - Versamark (for edges)
Patterned paper - Basic Grey Lilykate Bamboo
Embellishments - misc flowers
Tools - Cuttlebug embossing folder (Stylised Flowers), Fiskars Threading Water border punch.

Top Note card - UDI Color Challenge #26

2011-03-10T08:54:00.012+10:00

I made this card for the Utah Divas International Color Challenge #26. When I first saw these colours, I thought "there is no way I can make this happen", but then I sorted out my cardstock and had a play around. I took my cue from the Top Note on the front cover of the Stampin Up catalogue and went from there. I'm quite happy with this one actually. :)

Materials used:
Stamp - Punch Bunch
Ink - Chocolate Chip inkpad, Pumpkin Pie marker.
Cardstock - Daffodill Delight, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Paper - Island Oasis DSP (Turquoise polka dots), misc paper that resembled "More Mustard"

Tools - SU Embossing Folder - Square Lattice, Top Note die, 1 3/4 scallop circle punch & circle punch, Cuttlebug embossing folder - Argyle dimensionals
Embellishments - misc velvet ribbon in a Pumpkin Pie match.

Punch Bunch - Inkspirations Challenge #60

2011-03-08T21:26:00.015+10:00

Hi!
I made this card for the Makeesha Byl’s Inkspiration Challenge #60. These colours are so gorgeous together - love them! I enjoyed the colours so much I made two cards, but I think I lost my way on the second card a bit - it's a bit unfocused (both the photo and creatively speaking). I like my first one though (the Happy Birthday one).

Materials used:
Stamps - Punch Bunch
Ink - Rose Red

Cardstock - Rose Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Whisper White

Embellishments - misc ribbon, misc button & thread
Tools - Cuttlebug embossing folders: Swiss Dots and Divine Swirls, Stampin Up Square Scallop Punch.

With the 'Thank you" card, I experimented with stamping on plain cardstock then embossing it which gives a lovely effect. I took a piece of Whisper White and stamped it with some stamps from Itty Bitty Bits in Rose Red and So Saffron then embossed with Stampin' Up's Square Lattice folder. The effect is great - it almost looks like a piece of fabric! It's about the only thing I'm happy with on this card though - it kinda got out of control. :)

Materials used:
Cardstock - Rose Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Whisper White, Subtles DSP (for the rose red behind the sentiment).
Stamps - Punch Bunch, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Itty Bitty Bits

Ink - Craft Whisper White ink, Rose Red inkpad & marker, So Saffron marker

Tools - Owl Punch, Modern label punch, Word Window Punch, Cuttlebug folders (Bloom Dots & Swiss Dots), Stampin Up Square Lattice embossing folder.

Baby Girl Card - ColorLab Challenge

2011-03-08T10:12:00.012+10:00

I created this card for my friend's baby - she is due in about 6 weeks, but I'm due in about 2 weeks so I thought I'd better get the card ready now. :)

This was also for the ColorLab Color Challenge #31 which involved matching Pink Pirouette with Peach Parfait & Baja Breeze. It wasn't a combo that looked like it would work, but it seemed to team quite nicely - especially with a crisp white.

Even though I had a piece of of Pink Pirouette CS, I only had ink in Blushing Bride so the stamp is inked in that - you can't really tell though.

Materials used:
Cardstock - Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Peach Parfait

Ink - Blushing Bride, Versamark (for edge of card)
Embellishments - Kaisercraft rhinestones

Tools - Cuttlebug embossing folder Swiss Dots, Itty Bitty Punches

Thank you cards - Fox & Friends

2011-03-05T20:50:00.008+10:00

I'm expecting our second baby (a little boy) in about 3 weeks and gifts are starting to come our way from our lovely & generous friends. I thought I'd prepare and make a batch of thank you cards.

Materials used:

Stamps - Fox & Friends, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink - Soft Suede
Cardstock - Baja Breeze, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla
Patterned Paper - Elegant Soiree DSP, Play Date DSP (the one on the far right)
Tools - Scallop Punch, Circle Punch, Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder
Embellishments - Kaisercraft Pearls (Bliss), misc ribbon

CPS 206 - Aviary birthday card

2011-02-26T19:57:00.008+10:00

Here's the card I made for the Card Positioning Systems Challenge #206. I orginally had a bright green base instead of the Sahara Sand, but I'm glad I changed it over. It is a lot more subtle now. :)

Materials used (all SU unless indicated):
Stamps - Well Scripted, Aviary
Cardstock - Choc Chip, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla

Patterned Paper - Pink Paislee Eternal Love
Ink - Versamark (for edge of S. Sand), Chocolate Chip (for bird cage), Soft Suede (for bird), Basic Black marker (for edge of bird)

Embellishments - Kaisercraft Pearls - Latte, misc gold ribbon
Tools - Corner Punch, Bow Easy

Mothers Day Card - Color Lab Challenge #29

2011-02-20T16:54:00.006+10:00

Another Mothers Day Card, this time for the Color Lab Challenge #29

The stamped flower image is one that I had previously done in a class but not used so I don't know the name of the set or the colours. I teamed it with a Rich Razzleberry panel, Old Olive cardstock and Pear Pizzazz DSP.

Things to remember for next time:
a) don't punch a border panel on the bottom of the main panel - I think it would have looked better 'clean'.

b) The main panel could have done without the sponging of pear pizzazz on the borders and main sheet - you probably can't see it in the photo, but I thought I would 'vintage' it up a bit but it just came out looking a bit dirty :(

Materials used:
Stamps - misc flower stamp, flourish from SU Bliss set, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock - White, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizzazz DSP

Ink - Versamark (for flourish on background), Pear Pizzazz for sentiment & sponging edges
Ribbon - misc purple velvet ribbon
Accessories - Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Fiskars Treading Water Border Punch, sponges

Curtain Call Colour Challenge #69

2011-02-19T04:20:00.009+10:00

I created this card for the Curtain Call Colour Challenge #69.

I used the TopNote patchwork template and used some miscellaneous red satin ribbon and some scrap ‘Crumb Cake/Vanilla’ grosgrain ribbon that I had in my ribbon box. It feels like the Crumb Cake panel needs some decoration too but I didn’t want to overdo it so I left it as is. I’m thinking I might add another bird to another mini vintage tag and it could be a wedding or engagement card.

Materials used:
Cardstock – Real Red, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Stamps – Itty Bitty Bits
Ink – Cherry Cobbler, Real Red, Whisper White craft ink (for sponging on red patchwork panels), Versamark for edges
Accessories – Top Note die, sponges, Cuttlebug Textile Texture embossing folder
Embellishments – Mini Vintage Tags, misc red & vanilla ribbon

Mothers Day Card - Inkspiration Challenge

2011-02-17T05:58:00.006+10:00

This card was created for Makeesha Byl’s Inkspiration Challenge #57. I had already got this stamped image laying about in my scrap box - it was one that I did at a stamping class years ago so I can't remember the stamp or the colours. I teamed it up with some fancy 'Basic Grey' ribbon from the 'Gypsy' collection. My sentiment came out a bit crooked - I must use my Stamp-a-majig and not try to wing it. :)

Materials used:
Cardstock - SU Whisper White, SU Peach Parfait, blue paper from Basic Grey Gypsy collection
Stamps - SU Teeny Tiny Sentiments, misc stamped flower image
Ink - Peach Parfait for sponging, Riding Hood Red for sentiment
Ribbons - all from Basic Grey Gypsy collection

Diva Sketch Challenge 123 - Play Date card

2011-02-13T09:01:00.005+10:00

I was inspired by Alisa Tilsner’s card which she did for the Utah Divas International Sketch Challenge. I thought I'd make a birthday card for my friend's little boy - he turns 5 in May but I'm having a baby in 6 weeks so I'm attempting to get all the cards for this year sorted. Optimistic, I know! :)

Materials used:
Stamp - Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink - Chocolate Chip, Old Olive (for sponging edge of DSP), Versamark (for edges)
Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Old Olive
Patterned Paper - Play Date DSP
Accessories - Spiral Border Punch, 1 3/4 Scallop Punch, sponges, misc blue brad.

CPS 204 - Fabulous Flowers

2011-02-12T05:03:00.010+10:00

Here's a card I created for the Card Positioning Systems Challenge #204 .A very basic design template but still one that can be effective. I have been wanting to give this black magic technique a go ever since I saw it on a blog. The "Fabulous Flowers" set is a retired set now but I got mine on eBay - it is a good stamp set for this technique.

Materials used:
Stamps - SU Fabulous Flowers
Ink - SU Whisper White craft ink, SU Rose Red Classic ink (for sponging edges) SU Metallic Art Pencils
Cardstock - Basic Black, Whisper White, Rose Red
Patterned paper - Sweet and Sour DSP
Accessories - sponges, misc pink taffeta ribbon

Mystery Card Swap

2011-02-06T09:37:00.009+10:00

This card was created for Madonna Dunn’s Mystery Card Swap. I received a beautiful assortment of matching cardstock which I made into a birthday card.

I think I should have done a different kind of border around the Top Note panel....maybe I should have cut the Daffodill Delight yellow to border it properly rather than leaving it as a rectangle. This is probably the only part that I wish I'd done differently.

.....and I wish I had the word window punch so I didn't have to cut around my sentiment panel by hand. That will be my next purchase I think. :)

It was great fun and such a good idea. I hope there are more in the future. :)

All items Stampin' Up

Stamps - Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Ink - Chocolate Chip, Craft Whisper White (for sponging around edge of Choc Chip CS)

Cardstock - Chocolate Chip, Daffodill Delight, Whisper White
Patterned Paper - Greenhouse Gala DSP
Accessories - Baja Breeze Corduroy Buttons, Baja Breeze Grosgrain Ribbon, Rhinestones, Sponges

Elegant Soiree Top Note Birthday card

2011-02-05T08:25:00.005+10:00

Here's a card I made for my Dad's birthday.

I've always wanted to try the Patchwork Top Note technique and it was so incredibly easy - I couldn't believe it!

Stamps - So Happy for You

Cardstock - Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Soft Suede
Patterned Paper - Elegant Soiree DSP
Accessories - Stampin' Up ticket corner punch, Top Note die, 1 3/4 Scallop Punch & circle punch.

Thanks for reading my blog! xx

Inkspirations Challenge #55 - Boys 2nd Birthday card

2011-02-04T21:45:00.015+10:00

I tried my hand at one of Makeesha Byl's Inkspirations Challenges.

My friend's little boy is turning 2 tomorrow and I wanted to create something using Stampin' Up's Fox & Friends and some of the 'In Colors'. Here's my creation!!

Stamps - Fox & Friends, Itty Bitty Bits (the star), So Happy for You (sentiment)
Cardstock - Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Patterned Paper - Island Oasis DSP
Accessories - 1 3/4 Scallop Punch & circle punch; misc non-SU ribbon; sponges

Thanks for reading my blog! xx

CPS 203 - Baby card

2011-02-01T22:12:00.007+10:00

I'm finally back in to making cards again, and this time with stamps!
I made this card for a work colleague who just had a baby boy. I used the Card Positioning Systems Challenge #203 as my template.

Stamp - SU Baby Steps
Cardstock - SU Baja Breeze & SU Very Vanilla
Patterned paper - Pink Paislee - Bow & Arrow
Ink - Baja Breeze
Accessories - misc velvet ribbon, brads, Fiskars border punch (Treading Water), SU sponges.

2010-12-11T22:41:00.005+10:00

I sat down to make some Xmas cards this weekend and I had done 3 and lo and behold, I had run out of Stampin Up snail adhesive - OH NO!!!! I quickly phoned my demonstrator to order some refills but of course they weren't going to arrive in time for me to complete 30 Christmas cards in a weekend.
Necessity is the mother of invention so they say, and this is what I came up with for my adhesive-free cards. I used the gorgeous Stampin Up Baroque Motifs stamp set (this is the very first SU set I ever bought - I'm a bit new to stamping!).

I used some pre-scored card blanks (I buy these in bulk from Regal Crafts Tasmania) and punched a border on the right hand side with my scallop border punch, I then stamped the larger medallion in Chocolate Chip, followed by the the smallest flower in VersaChalk "Hint of Pesto" which I guess would be the equivalent of SU Old Olive. My SU Stamp-a-majig was absolutely invaluable to lining everything up perfectly - I only just bought this last week for another project. I finished with a smattering of rhinestones and stamped "Merry Christmas" in Chocolate Chip at the top (this was an old Hero Arts stamp that I bought from a bargain bin ages ago before I started stamping).

I made 25 of these and it didn't take long at all - and all without adhesive!!!!!! :)

Apologies for the very dodgy scan

My first award!!!!!!!!! - so chuffed!

2009-01-29T08:22:00.013+10:00

Hey there everyone

I've received my first award!! I can't tell you how chuffed I am! I have seen these awards on other blogs and thought 'wow...it must be lovely to receive one of those'...and lo and behold, the lovely Linda from Pinklilacs sent me this award. Go visit her blog....she has done some beautiful work!

I have passed this on to 7 people and listed 7 of my favourite things.

I have passed this award to:

1. Amy at Tsuruta Designs - gorgeous blog…very creative & fun!

2. Ms Dee - a very creative lady…her blog is fabulous!

3. Lexie - a beautiful blog – gorgeous layouts! … and a fellow Aussie! J

4. Natty - one of the first to leave a comment on my blog – thanks so much – your blog is so creative and you are one talented lady!

5. Lillie - a blog blooming with artistic vibrancy….gorgeous!

6. Lori Boyd - incredibly talented lady…if you haven’t visited her blog, you need to…NOW! She is inspirational!!

7. CeeCee’s Creations - beautiful work!!

My seven favourite things....

1. My beautiful, divine, wonderful baby son who is 13 weeks old tomorrow. He is such a rich blessing in my life!! I am so very honoured to be his mummy.

2. My gorgeous husband who "keeps it real" and makes me laugh. He is a very beautiful spirit and I love him so much!

3. My Mum & Dad who I love heaps & heaps - they are a constant source of love and support - I don't know what I'd do without them.

4. My cardmaking. Since giving up music some time back, cardmaking has re-kindled my creative energy. I find it very meditative...I can go into my own space and it gives me so much pleasure.

5. Music festivals - I only go to one a year now (I'm a bit old for more than that)...but I love

Splendour in the Grass at Byron Bay. It is so much fun and Byron Bay is the best place on earth!

McVities Dark Chocolate Digestives ...my favourite biscuits EVER!! Imagine my delight when I discovered this fabulous British biscuit on Australian shores!!

7. My new found addiction of blogging & card sketches - so much fun & so addictive! I get to meet lots of lovely cardmakers & crafters....who appreciate paper-addiction in all its forms and are always so encouraging and forthcoming with great advice!

'Mwah' xxx

CPS Challenge #100

2009-01-28T23:31:00.007+10:00

Greetings bloggers!

CPS is celebrating their 2nd anniversary and their 100th Challenge!! To celebrate this milestone, CPS is giving their bloggers a chance to get published in Cardmakers Magazine. Check out CPS for all the details. It is VERY exciting!!!
For my card, I wanted to create something lush with my Basic Grey Infuse papers. I was hoping for a bit of a "Moulin Rouge" kind of feel...very decadent & over-the-top! I embossed the middle plate in Swiss Dots for the brown frame & Textile Textures for the "Purify" PP. I lightly dusted the "Swiss Dots" with Versamagic Pixie Dust.

Here's my interpretation of the sketch.....I sorta ran out of room on the card for the literal sketch layout though....

materials used:
Bazzill CS - red, fuschia, dark brown
PP - Basic Grey - Infuse - Purify & Lace & die-cut flower
Flowers - Kaisercraft - red, pink & mint
Brad - Delish diamante
Kaisercraft - red rhinestone
Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots, Textile Texture
Ribbon - Queen & Co - red scroll
Misc red feather
Ink - VersaMagic - Pixie Dust

Queen & Co Giveaway

2009-01-26T21:49:00.003+10:00

Queen & Co are going green & are launching their new 'bucket' lines....they are celebrating with a giveaway HERE ON THEIR BLOG

Blog Candy!!!

2009-01-26T19:43:00.004+10:00

Blog candy alert!

Mina has a beautiful blog and she has candy on offer until Tue 27 Jan. Please visit her HERE She is a very talented lady!!

Kim at Crafts by Kim also has some Valentine's Day Blog Candy to celebrate her 12,000 hits ....visit her HERE. Great stuff!!!

Peace & love
Alison xx

Cuttlebug Challenge - Sketch Hour

2009-01-26T11:52:00.007+10:00

Greetings & Salutations!!

This week’s Sketch Hour from The Cuttlebug Challenge is a woven card tutorial from the very talented Lori Boyd

It is well worth visiting the links above to learn how to do this marvellous technique and to visit Lori’s inspirational gallery.

For my card, I cut ¼” strips of Basic Grey Vanilla, Posey & Queen Ann (8 pieces each) & 4 pieces of the green PP from the same set to put at the top & bottom & sides.I wove them together as per the tutorial, then stuck it all with scotch tape on the back. I then embossed the piece in my Cuttlebug using the Floral Fantasy EF.

I then cut out a window in my Basic Grey …… piece. Originally I used the 2nd largest Nestie scallop and I intended to emboss around this using the largest Nestie scallop…but it didn’t work. It kinda half cut, half embossed so I must have done something wrong here..but I can’t quite work out what I did. The window ended up being the largest size and I tore around the edges of the window to create a distressed look to try and cover up the mistake. I then inked the torn edges with Versa Chalk – Hint of Pesto.

I put the window over my embossed woven piece but it was missing something…it seemed to blend in a bit much with the main PP. I decided to chalk over the woven embossed piece with Versa Chalk – Perfect Plumeria….and it came up brilliant!!!

I fixed the window over my embossed piece with double-sided scrapbooking tape and then spent AGES trying to figure out an embellishment. I messed about with buttons, large flowers, large brads…nothing was coming to me until I fished about in my crate of felt fusion! The vine ‘spoke’ to me….and it worked!!! I finished it off with some Kaiser flowers, some mini flowers…then inked the edge of the card with Versa Chalk Perfect Plumeria. YEAY!!! My first woven card!!!!! THANKS LORI!!

Materials used:
PP in woven piece – Basic Grey – Lilykate (6” x 6” pad) – Vanilla, Queen Ann & Posey (and a green paper that I can’t find the name for)
Main PP - Chenille
Ribbon – Queen & Co – Green Vine Felt Fusion
Cuttlebug – Floral Fantasy Embossing Folder
Nesties – Petite Scallop Circle Large
Flowers – Kaiser flowers & misc mini flowers

Basic Grey Challenge #19

2009-01-26T09:33:00.007+10:00

Hello everyone!

This week’s challenge from Basic Grey Challenge #19 is a card recipe:

2 Patterned paper

1 button
1 ribbon & bow

3 brads

On the day that this challenge was issued, I found out that my husband’s uncle is to receive a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia award today - Australia Day (26 January). This award is such an honour for a citizen of Australia to receive – we are all very proud of him!!!

fyi…the award is of a similar level of the “Order of Canada” or one of the US government medals/decorations. Click these links for more info on the The Australia Day Honours List or The Order of Australia

My card consists of Basic Grey – LilyKate – Chocolate & Vanilla. I embossed the vanilla PP with Cuttlebug Script texture. The sentiment plates are cut from my Nestabilities Standard Circle Large & Petite Scallop Circle Large. I inked the outside of the vanilla CS with VersaColor – Copper.

Congratulations Uncle Bill!! – hope you like my card!

Materials used:

PP – Basic Grey – Lilykate – Chocolate & Vanilla

Button – Basic Grey – Mellow

Ribbon & bow – misc ribbon from my stash

Brads – misc copper finish brads….they could be ‘Trimmings” brand

Cuttlebug – script texture Embossing Folder

Nesties – Standard Circle Large & Petite Scallop Circle Large
Sentiment - Deja Views - Wonderful Words "Graduation"

My first stamping class...

2009-01-24T14:34:00.005+10:00

Hi there blog-land!

I went to my first class on stamping on Thursday - very exciting!!

I learned how to do embossing using the powder & the heat gun...I was terrified of burning myself ,however all was well & I walked out with 10 digits intact and this card...

I used some watercolour pencils then blended with the "water pen" (not sure what this is actually called) It is a bit more of a traditional card than what I am used to but I think I will have to play around with some stamps & colours.....I can tell it will be addictive. :)

At this same class, the teacher introduced me to the wonders of Nestabilites - I left the shop the proud owner of a set!!! :)

Cuttlebug Be Inspired #15 & my first set of NESTABILITIES!!!! Whoo-hoo!

2009-01-24T13:28:00.010+10:00

Hi there!

This week's Cuttlebug Be Inspired challenge was issued by Betty Fleck from PageMaps. It was a fantastic sketch and one that really challenged my creativity - it was great! I'm not used to making DL sized cards so it was good for me to try something different :)

I decided to make a card for my best friend who is the most wonderful, special, warm person. She has been going through some personal stuff recently so I thought I'd dedicate this card to her and surprise her in the mail. I believe that women don't tell each other how beautiful they are....I think it is important that we look after one another in this world. Tell your friends how divine they are...hopefully it will catch on and we will see a new wave of confident happy women around us. {hugs all round}

...back to the card...

I just bought my first set of Nestabilities only two days ago!! I had been reading about these little treasures on all your blogs and thought "what are these creatures??? - they must be the key to satisfying my quest for the perfect card!". I went to a card-making class to learn stamping and the shop owner introduced me to Nestabilities and I was SOLD! What a great invention!

Anyway, these "Nesties" were made for this card....I used them for the first time and it all seemed to work out perfectly!!! :)

I hope you like what I've done! I think it's come out a very pretty card....thanks to the artistry of Becky Fleck of course!!!! I've uploaded a few photos as the flash didn't really work so well...

Materials used:
CS - White Bazzill (linen finish) & Hot Pink Bazzill
PP - Basic Grey - Gypsy/Romani (6" x 6") - Dali, Archangel & Dragonfly; misc Japanese paper
Flowers - Queen & Co Felt Fusion - Tropical Pink; Kaiser flowers
Brads - MM crystal brads
Misc buttons
Ink - Versa Chalk "Perfect Plumeria"
Sentiment - MM rub on from "Happy Birthday" booklet
Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots, Perfect Paisley, Floral Fantasy
Nestabilites for circles & scallops

The Cuttlebug Spot Challenge #14

2009-01-21T23:07:00.007+10:00

Hello fellow cardmakers!

The challenge from The Cuttlebug Spot this week is to create a Valentine's card without pink or red.

I decide to go with some paper that I have had stashed away for some time now. It is a bit 'folk/country' & quite cute so I thought I'd make a Valentine's card out of it. The colours are lovely earthy tones...rust orange, browns & a soft pale blue that really contrasts nicely.

The paper is Crate Paper - Cowgirl Collection. The paper underneath the corrugated heart is actually some handmade paper that my Mum made....she bought a paper-making kit and learned how to do it from scratch....I'm not sure what the flecks in the paper are though.

I used Cuttlebug Swiss Dots on the small folk heart (which is a Cuttlebug 2 step die "Heart #2" without the 2nd die of course). I then inked the small heart with Versa Color - Bronze to highlight the dots. I also inked around the sentiment with Versa Magic Chalk - Aspen Mist, then a finer border with Versa Color - Bronze.

TIP - I find corrugated card a little thick to cut with my Fiskars Shape Cutter so I put it through my Cuttlebug with a random folder just sitting on top of it (don't put the corrugated card in the folder) - run it through the 'bug, and it flattens it a little bit without taking away from the corrugated look.

Hope you like my card!! :)

Materials used:
Paper - Crate Paper - Cowgirl Collection (Sidesaddle, Red Boots, Buckle)
Paper - misc. handmade paper from my Mum; corrugated card
Flower - Prima
Hearts - Fiskars (large corrugated heart); Cuttlebug 2 step die "Hearts #2" for the small blue heart
Brads - MM hearts (Love Story??); MM Springtime Med Circle (blue brad)
Sentiment - MM Defined "Romance"
Inks - Versa Magic Chalk "Aspen Mist"; Versa Color "Bronze"

CPS - Reader's Choice Challenge

2009-01-20T21:24:00.005+10:00

Greetings cardmakers!

Here is my card for this week's CPS Reader’s Choice Challenge.

I chose Challenge #34 as my favourite sketch - I liked the fact it had a star in it!! I made this card for my Dad's birthday coming up - because I think he is a 'star'!! I hope he likes it.

The thing I like about this card is that this is the FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER USED A STAMP!!! Yeay for me!! I bought a set of basic stamps and used my Versa Color with the Happy Birthday one. I am going to go to my first stamping class on Thursday - I hope to learn some tips. I inked all the edges of the papers with Versa Color Copper - it gave it a lovely vintage look. I did put some rhinestones on the stars but they didn't really work well with the copper brads so I took them off....I do think the card is missing a certain something though...I toyed with some ribbon too but I couldn't figure out what to do.

Apologies for the photo image...don't know what was going on with the flash here....they look like entirely different colours....I can assure you it is the same card. :)

Materials used:
Paper - We R Memory Keepers - Vintage Brass (Verdant, Brooch & Picket)
Brads - MM Cityscape Med Circle
Stamp - Hero Arts "Happy Birthday"
Ink - Versa Color - Copper
Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots & Mesh Texture embossing folders, Starburst 2 step cutting die
Buttons - Basic Grey 'Infuse'

The Cuttlebug Spot - Challenge 13

2009-01-15T12:27:00.006+10:00

The challenge from The Cuttlebug Spot was to create a card featuring a heart.

This is for my parent's-in-law's 40th wedding anniversary..

Materials used:
Cuttlebug embossing folders - Swiss Dots & Argyle
Misc PP - I can't remember the brand :(
Ribbon - Basic Grey 'infuse' & Making Memories 'Love Story'
Rub-on - Basic Grey
Heart - Fiskars
Kaisercraft Pearls
Misc. Brad from my stash

CPS #99

2009-01-15T11:56:00.007+10:00

Hello blog land & card nerds!

I so enjoyed using my Basic Grey Gypsy papers for the previous challenge that I thought I would use them for this week's CPS Challenge #99.

.....

Materials used:

Basic Grey PP - Gypsy "Dragonfly" & "Harlow"

Basic Grey PP - Color Me Silly "Celebrate"
Versa Chalk - Aspen Mist
Kaiserflowers
Making Memories Brads
Chatterbox ribbon
Cuttlebug - Bloom Dots embossing folder

Cuttlebug - Be Inspired #14

2009-01-15T05:55:00.009+10:00

Hi there!

The challenge today from Cuttlebug Challenge is to use your favourite embossing folder to make a card. I must confess that Divine Swirls was the first folder that I bought and even though I now have about 15 or so folders, it is still my all time favourite - I just keep going back to it time & time again.

I love this paper from "Nana's Kids" - way cute!!

Materials used:
Nana's Kids - Green Dots & Lady Bug
Hot Pink & White Bazzill CS
Cuttlebug Divine Swirls & 2-step flower die cut
Misc pink buttons

Cuttlebug Challenge Sketch Hour & Basic Grey Challenge #17

2009-01-13T21:13:00.005+10:00

Greetings!

I decided to combine a couple of challenges on the weekend....the Cuttlebug Challenge Sketch Hour and the Basic Grey Challenge 17.

The Basic Grey Challenge required the use of chipboard, but suggested if you don't have any chipboard, then cardboard would also suffice. Since I don't own any chipboard, I used a piece of corrugated cardboard to which I adhered a piece of Basic Grey Gypsy paper, then I covered this in Dimensional Magic. It worked ok, but I think I need to broaden my materials to include chipboard...it would have looked much better.

Here is my card:

Materials used:
Basic Grey Gypsy PP - DragonFly, Harlow, "Striped Paper"
Basic Grey Color Me Silly PP - Celebrate
Maroon Bazzill CS
FancyPants Ribbon (green)
AMM Expressions Ribbon (dark red)
Versa Magic Chalk - Perfect Plumeria & Aspen Mist
Prima Flowers
Kaisercraft Rhinestones
Cuttlebug - Swiss Dots & Divine Swirls embossing folders; 2 step butterfly die; Vintage 2 inch corner die

Cuttlebug Challenge #13

2009-01-09T21:34:00.008+10:00

Hi! So excited to do this Cuttlebug Challenge #13

The challenge was to make an 'all white' card. I came up with this card as I wanted to use up some of my small white cardstock pieces. The collage look was ideal. This was the first time that I have used Dimensional Magic - I coated the surface of the retro flower to make it stand out. I inked the edges of each white panel to give the
card a vintage feel.

Forgive my images - the camera didn't like the 'white' look - the flash came out too strong so I had to go without the flash.

Materials used:
Misc. white cardstock
Cuttlebug embossing folders - Divine Swirls, Swiss Dots, Textile Texture
Retro Flower Punch
Small Flower Punch
Versa Colour - Copper for edges
Kaisercraft Pearls
Dimensional Magic for Retro Flower surface

I've been framed!!!

2009-01-08T20:53:00.006+10:00

My beautiful friend took some of the cards that I've given her family over the last 12 months and put them in frames to hang in her house. Such an honour!

I think they look lovely!!

CPS #98

2009-01-07T20:10:00.006+10:00

Hi there!

Here is my card for the CPS #98 challenge sponsored by Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps.

It is a card for a friend's daughter's birthday coming up. It's a bit OTT on the pink but I really like it. Unfortunately, as a card making novice, I don't own any stamps yet, so I embossed some cardstock with a cuttlebug plate and chalked over the Happy Birthday design.

Materials used:
Light pink & hot pink Bazzill CS
Karen Neuberger Patterned Paper
Queen & Co felt ribbon
Kaisercraft & Prima flowers
Cuttlebug embossing plate "Happy Birthday"

CPS #97

2009-01-05T20:46:00.007+10:00

Hi there.

Long time no blog...but then again I am in the grips of new motherhood and cardmaking has slowed somewhat and my blogging is non-existent.

Here is my CPS #97 card....it was created for a friend's engagment party:

Card gallery 2

2008-10-28T20:27:00.013+10:00

Hi there....still no baby to report....he is far too happy on the inside for now.... :)

Here are some more creations from my stash....

Birthday card

2008-10-27T21:39:00.008+10:00

LOVING the Basic Grey "Infuse" range... yes, I know it has been out for some time but I bought a heap of it and I never tire of its glorious design. :)

This is a birthday card that I created for my friend...she loves all things ruby & crimson so BG Infuse is perfect!

Materials
BG Infuse PP & die-cuts
BG Infuse ribbon
Misc green & white flowers
Kaiser rhinestones - red
Bazzill CS - red - embossed with Cuttlebug Divine Swirls
Bazzill CS - dark brown for base of card

CPS #88

2008-10-27T13:29:00.011+10:00

This is the card I made for the CPS #88 challenge The challenge was to use a stamp but since I don't own any stamps (something which I may need to rectify in the future), I used a middle panel of vellum instead.
Materials:
Bazzill CS
Vellum
Fancy Pants ribbon
Kaiser rhinestones & Kaiser flowers
Butterfly created using Cuttlebug 2-step butterfly cutting die

More from my card gallery

2008-10-27T10:46:00.011+10:00

More cards that I made during a period of 'pregnancy insomnia' last night - they use the same materials as the CPS #87 from my last post.

Here are some more from my gallery - two of our friends are expecting baby boys in the next couple of months. Materials: MM Noteworthy, flowers, KaiserPearls, ribbon scrap, Bazzill CS embossed with cuttlebug Divine Swirls & baby feet.

Wedding card. Materials: Bazzill Bling CS, MM metal flower embellishment & word, silk flower, paper flower & flower embellishment in middle, misc vellum.

This fairy card is for my friend's daughter (turning 6) and having a 'fairy birthday party' in December 08. All the paper for this is from the DCWV Once Upon a Time paper stack. I used Bazzill CS for layering each panel + Kaiser Pearls & Rhinestones for effect. Finished with velvet burgundy ribbon.

Father-in-laws Birthday card. Can't remember the paperstock details but embossed with Cuttlebug Traffic Jam & stars from Cuttlebug 2-step die "Starburst".

CPS #87

2008-10-26T19:32:00.014+10:00

I decided to model my godson's 2nd birthday card after the CPS #87 challenge. I used Bazzill Bling Green CS, Bazzil Yellow CS, Sandylion PP - RM4 Outerspace, RM5 Stripe, RM39 Big Dots, K & Company Pillow stickers, MM happy birthday rub-on, ribbon scrap & an adhesive glitter '2'.

Sunday 26 October 2008

2008-10-26T16:17:00.002+10:00

Hi - my name is Alison. I run a very small project called "GothDove Designs" which showcases my cardmaking. This is my first blog entry...

I basically wanted to set up a blog/webpage so that I can upload my cards. I've been making cards for about 2 years now and they have been slowly getting better and my little creations have turned into something of an obsession.

Here's one of my cards that I made recently. One of the girls at work commissioned a card for a wedding that she was going to. I used Cristina Rea paper, red bazzill CS, flowers, Kaiser rhinestones and a rub-on. I chalked the outside of the CS with White VersaChalk.

On a personal note, I am very VERY pregnant at the moment - my due date is tomorrow. Maybe this blogging is the card-making version of "nesting".

I'm off now to start on a 2nd birthday card for my god-son. I'd better do it now otherwise by the time the baby arrives (anytime soon) cardmaking will be the last thing on my mind.

btw...here is my godson's 1st birthday card from last year: