JAI #239: Just Add Colour

Hi!

Today we have a new challenge for you at Just Add Ink.  It's a gorgeous colour combination out forward by Nikki.  I really love this combination, it's so classic and can be either masculine or feminine.

I had been asked to make a sympathy card, so I thought I'd use the challenge colours.

I used some DSP from the Trim The Tree Stack, which is in the current Holiday Catalogue as the base of my card.  I like that this DSP has a mix of Christmassy patterns and plainer patterns that could be used for a range of cards.

I like the combination of Flowering Flourishes and Petite Petals. The coordinating punch makes cropping the flowers so easy!

I hope you can play along with us at Just Add Ink this week.  The Design Team have made a gorgeous range of cards for your inspiration.

Bye for now,

Tina

A Pretty Party Card

Hi!

A super quick post from me today, as I have been very busy this week.  My youngest starts school next term and I've been in flurry of activity organising his enrolment and all the other little bits and pieces he needs!

The card I have for you was one made as a Make and Take at a party I did a couple of months ago.

There's a few retired items on this card - the Rhinestone brads and the birthday sentiment, but these are both easily substituted with new products from the catalogues.  I love the colour combination I used on this card: Wild Wasabi, Regal Rose and Whisper White.  Wild Wasabi is fast becoming a favourite colour of mine!

I hope to see you again soon - I have a Just Add Ink card ready for the new challenge on Friday, and on Saturday I am participating in a blog hop showcasing projects made featuring products in the Annual Catalogue.  There's sure to be lots to inspire, so don't forget to come back to see them.

Bye for now,

Tina

Just Add Ink #114: Just Add Jodene

Hi!

Friday again - my favourite day of the week!  This week at Just Add Ink we are challenging you to CASE one of the Design Team again.  This time it's the very talented Jodene Tripp.  It was tough to pick just one of Jodene's cards to CASE, but I eventually chose this card of hers after quite a while feasting my eyes on the delights on Jodene's blog.

Here's my take on her card.

I had a little bit of fun making it using some new goodies that had arrived that day.  As usual I stamped the inside as well.

I hope you can play along with us again this week at Just Add Ink.  Which of Jodene's lovely cards will you choose to CASE?

Stamps: Field Flowers
Ink: Chocolate Chip
DSP/Cardstock: Neutrals Patterns DSP, Pretty In Pink, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Perfect Pennants Bigz Die, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Rhinestone Brad, Dimensionals

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI Scrapbooking Challenge #4: Just Add Mulitple Photos

Hi!

Wow, another month has flown by so quickly!  At this rate it will be Christmas before we know it. In the meantime, why don't you spend a few hours scrapping this month so you can join in the Scrapbooking Challenge at Just Add Ink?  Here's my multiple photo layout.

As much as this layout is about my daughter Ada, it's also about how much I enjoy bonding with her by having a photo shoot.  She's a bit reluctant these days, so I just have to seize the moment when she allows me to!

The colours I used were taken from the photos - Lucky Limeade and Melon Mambo.

If I don't matt photos on a layout I'll often sand around the edges.  It helps to define each photo, especially when they are overlapped like on my layout.

I'm sure you'll be able to find 3 or more photos to scrap on a layout this month.  I can't wait to see what you come up with at Just Add Ink.

Ink: Basic Grey Stampin' Write Marker, Silver Foil Smooch Spray
DSP/Cardstock: Flirtatious Speciality DSP, Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Very Vanilla
Other: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Sanding Block, Lucky Limeade Organza Ribbon (SAB), Rhinestone Brads, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Petite Pennants Builder Punch

Bye for now,

Tina

Just Believe

Hi!

In my previous post I showed you a Christmas card I'd made as a sample for a workshop.  When I finished the workshop I had one kit left over and I just couldn't be bothered putting it away so I decided to make a card with it.  I didn't want to make the same card, so I had a bit of a play with the bits and pieces.  This is what I ended up with.

I kept the base the same, but instead of using the postage stamp punch I just stamped straight onto the DSP with the gorgeous stamp from Just Believe.  I also used different ribbon and the Decorative Label punch to frame my greeting.

I had some Concord Crush cardstock left over, so I ran some through the Big Shot in my Beautiful Wings Embosslit.

Stamps: Just Believe, Curly Cute
Ink: Concord Chrush
DSP/Cardstock: In Colour Patterns DSP, Concord Crush, Whisper White
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Elegant Eggplant Scalloped Dots Ribbon, Decorative Label Punch, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Paper Snips

Bye for now,

Tina

JAI # 106: Just Add A Sketch

Hi!

Wow, aren't the weeks just flying by?  It's hard to believe it's almost the end of February already.  But it's Friday, which means it's time for the new Just Add Ink Challenge.  It's a cute sketch this week, which I had a lot of fun playing with.

Here's my take on the sketch.  I changed the shape to a square card - I'm a bit into square cards lately!

Here's a closer look at my embellishment cluster in the corner.  I had a few bits and pieces sitting on my desk that I hadn't put away from another project.  They worked beautifully on this card I think.  I had my sewing machine out altering some leggings for my daughter's ballet class, so I decided to add real stitching to the card while I had the chance.

Hmmmm, I think the tension needed adjusting on my machine!

A bit of stamping and another piece of DSP on the inside and I was done.  This card should be in the hands of a friend who had life altering surgery a couple of days ago.  I hope she loves it!

Stamps: Delicate Doilies, Thoughts and Prayers
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pretty In Pink
DSP/Cardstock: Flirtatious Specialty DSP, Melon Mambo, Whisper White, Daffodil Delight
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Petal Cone Die, Paper Daisy, Rhinestone Brad, White Brads, Chit Chat Rub Ons (retired)

I hope the sketch inspires you to play along with us at Just Add Ink this week.

Bye for now,

Tina

Summer Mini Catalogue Blog Hop

Hi!

Welcome to another casual little blog hop.  A group of my fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators and I like to do a monthly blog hop to help our readers with some inspiration.  Di Dunk's blog was the stop before mine, but you can hop on and off wherever you'd like.  There are 7 blogs to look at - can you think of a better way to start a Saturday morning?
I have two cards for you today, both made with the Marry Me stamp set, which you can find on page 21 of the Summer Mini Catalogue.  I call the first one the 'City Wedding Card', as I think it has a very urban feel, especially compared to my second card.

I had to hold this one closed to photograph it due to the odd shape of the front.  The card is only a half card on the front, with the overlapping image.  The inside of the card shows through to the front when it is closed flat.  This was my first play with the Mocha Morning Specialty DSP.  I love all the neutrals in it and thought it would look quite classy on a wedding card.

I stamped off the En Francais stamp once before stamping on the cardstock.  The full strength Crumb Cake ink competed too much with the DSP on the front so it needed to be toned down a little.  It was a bit tricky lining up the inside parts so the 'right' bits showed at the front, but the effort was worth it.

My second card I call my 'Country Wedding Card'.  It's such a contrast to the other card!  I used the lovely Beau Chateau DSP on this one.  The Marina Mist blue with the Very Vanilla remind me of milk jugs and cream pots.

The main image was a little stark stamped on the Very Vanilla, so I spritzed over the top with my Colour Spritzer and Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker.  Looking at it now though, I probably should add a pearl to the little butterfly tucked in above the sentiment.

The inside was finished off to match the outside.  I used the gorgeous Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon on both the inside and outside of the card.  It is so soft and smooth and adds a lovely texture to the card.  You can find the ribbon on page 11 of the Summer Mini Catalogue.

City Card
Stamps: Marry Me, En Francais
Ink: Crumb Cake, Basic Black
DSP/Cardstock: Mocha Morning Specialty DSP, Basic Black, Very Vanilla
Other: Lace Ribbon Border Punch

Country Card
Stamps: Marry Me
Ink: Marina Mist, Crumb Cake
DSP/Cardstock: Beau Chateau DSP, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Very Vanilla Velvet Ribbon, Basic Jewels Pearls, 1" Circle Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Sponge Dauber, Colour Spritzer, Circle Cutter, Dimensionals

If you'd like to continue the Blog Hop and see some more amazing projects, then please hop on over to Nikki Sadler's blog.  Please take a minute to leave a comment before you go.  It's easy to do, and I'd love to know what you think of my cards.

Bye for now,

Tina

Blog Hop Participants:
Nikki Sadler
Kathryn Mangelsdorf
Sue Madex
Alisha Watson
Kathryn Ruddick
Di Dunk

December Thank You Tags

Hi!

I always like to make a little thank you for my customers who place an order.  Last month I decided to make a little tag using the Designer Frames Embossing Folders.

I trimmed the Island Indigo cardstock into a tag shape and then ran it through the Big Shot in the Embossing folder.   I then cut an insert to size and attached the butterfly.

I didn't photograph the back as I'd already written on all the tags.  I adhered a Decorative Label punchie with just a little bit of adhesive so that the customer could remove the punchie and reuse the tag.

Stamps: Trendy Trees
Ink: Island Indigo
DSP/Cardstock: In Colour Pattern Stack DSP, Island Indigo, Daffodil Delight
Other: Big Shot, Designer Frames Embossing Folders, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, White Baker's Twine

Bye for now,

Tina

Timeless Portrait Birthday Card

Hi!

Today's card was a commission from a friend to make a card for a 30th she was going to.  I was asked to make the card extra special so I decided to make a side step card and use quite dramatic colours.

I went with the Timeless Portrait DSP and so used Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla and just a splash of Basic Black.  I guess it's a pretty classic example of the 60:30:10 rule, where 60% of the card uses one colour, 30% is a second colour and 10% is a third colour.  It keeps the card nicely balanced and easy on the eyes.

Just a view from the side showing how it sits.  I liked making this card, so I think I'll try more in the future.  I have to play with the measurements though, as this one was JUST too large for Stampin' Up!'s Medium Square envelopes.  Luckily I was able to find an envelope to fit the card.  There has to be some benefit from being an envelope hoarder!

I decided to go fairly simple on the inside, just a couple of strips of the DSP and a stamped greeting.

Stamps: Curly Cute, Great Friend (retired)
Ink: Cherry Cobbler
DSP/Cardstock: Timeless Portrait DSP, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla, Basic Black
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic Jewels Rhinestones, Large Scallop Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Dimensionals, Circle Cutter, Stamp Positioner

I'm participating in a blog hop next Saturday that features the Big Shot.  All projects on the Hop will be created using the Big Shot.  Please join us for some fabulous inspiration!

Catch you later,

Tina

Stamp A Memory October Challenge: My Fears

Hi!

Can you believe it's October already?  Where does the time go? Sigh...

Today's layout is my sample for the latest Stamp A Memory Challenge.  This month we are challenging you to scrap about your fears.  Here's my layout.  It's a CASE of one I saw in Australian Scrapbooking Memories Vol 13 No 11 page 64 by Karen Shady.

I've used the gorgeous new Beau Chateau DSP for the layout.  I wasn;t that keen on the papers to start with but once I saw them I was rather taken with them.  Here are some closer pictures of the top panels of the layout.

The rhinestone swirl was created using Stampin' Up!'s rhinestones and Swirls Scribbles Sizzlit.  I'll post some instructions in a couple of days.

I got my sewing machine out for this layout.  I stitched around the Vanilla Panel and I also stitched the lace pieces down.

I also sewed the Vanilla seam binding to the layout in gorgeous ruffles.

Lots of sponged edges on this layout too!

I hope you can find the time to enter the challenge at Stamp A Memory this month, it's a great one to get you thinking!

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Ink: Marina Mist, Soft Suede

DSP/Cardstock: Beau Chateau DSP, Marina Mist, Very Vanilla

Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Alphabet Dies, Timeless Type Alphabet Dies, Scribble Swirls Sizzlit, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Decorative Label Punch, Paper Daisies, Basic Jewel Rhinestones, Glimmer Brad, Chantilly Crochet Trim, Victoria Crochet Trim, Very Vanilla Seam Binding Ribbon, Sponge Daubers, Brayer, Sewing Machine

Catch you later,

Tina

Layout 65: fly

Hi!

Today I have another layout for you.  The photo I used was one I took at Cleland Wildlife Park, but I didn't scrap it as a part of that series as it didn't quite 'fit' with that album.  I love, love, love the photo though, so I was keen to scrap it.

The photo inspired the whole theme of the layout.  The wind in her hair and the outstretched arms look like she is ready to take flight.  It got me thinking about her leaving the nest when she is older and what she may become as an adult.  I am so excited for the possibilities for her, but first we must go through childhood.  I can't be wishing her life away for her!

The flowers were created using the smallest Boho Blossoms punch flower.  After I punched them I scrunched them up and then split the layers to give them a suede type texture.  I then used pearls for the centres.  The journalling strips were spritzed with my Pumpkin Pie and Rose Red Markers.  I wanted to tone down the Very Vanilla paper so they didn't stand out so much.

One of the many perks of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is the discount we get on all the products we buy.  This year as an added bonus we got an extra discount for our birthday. My birthday is this month so I got to spend mine to purchase the Simple Letters Die for the Big Shot.  I used it for the first time on this layout.  I love the bigger font!  The smaller Timeless Type die would not have worked as well on this page as it is too little small and would have got lost.

The paper I used on this layout is only available until the end of the month and then it will be gone forever!  Check out the retiring list on the side of my blog to see what else will be retiring at the end of the month.  But get in quickly, as they are selling out fast.  I will be featuring retiring products on my blog for the rest of the month.

Ink: Pumpkin Pie and Rose Red Ink Pads and Stampin' Write Markers

DSP/Cardstock: Sweet and Sour Speciality DSP, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla

Other: Big Shot, Simple Letters Dies, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Colour Spritzer, Sponge Daubers, Boho Blossoms Punch, Glue Dots, Basic Pearl Jewels

Catch you later,

Tina

An Andrea Walford CASE

Hi!

Today's card is a CASE of one made by Andrea Walford.  She makes the most stunning cards.  The only thing I changed was the colour of the base card.  The recipient of this card loves pink, so I used Pretty In Pink instead of the Pear Pizzazz Andrea used.

The main panel is stamped with the En Francais Background stamp in Whisper White craft ink.   It's such an elegant stamp and looks fantastic as a subtle accent.

I layered two of the Beautiful Wings butterflies and gave them rhinestone bodies.  Such a simple card, but I think it looks fab.

Stamps: En Francais BG
Ink: Whisper White Craft
Cardstock: Pretty In Pink, Basic Black
Other: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Basic Jewels Rhinestones

Catch you later,

Tina

Convention Swap 3

Hi!

Today I'm going to show you my third and final swap for the Stampin' Up! Convention I am attending as you read!  This swap was based on a technique demonstrated on the Melany Stamps blog.

Stamps: Just Believe

Ink: Garden Green, Concord Crush

Cardstock: Garden Green, Concord Crush, Whisper White

Other: Decorative Label Punch, Modern Label XL Punch, Word Window L Punch, Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Basic Rhinestone Jewels

Catch you later,

Tina

JAI #62 - Just Add A Box or Bag

Hi!

Look at this:

How exciting - this is my first week of being a Guest Designer for Just Add Ink!  I was lucky enough to be asked to be a Guest Designer for all of the challenges in April.  Thanks so much to Bronwyn, Delys and the rest of the team for the invitation!

Here's my project for challenge #62 - Just Add A Box or Bag - an Easter Box.

This was a simple little box to make.  I just cut some 12x12 cardstock to the height of the box plus half of an inch.  I then scored along the long side at half an inch, turned the cardstock and scored every 2 and a quarter inches until I got to the end.  There should be a three quarters of an inch piece left at the end.  I cut the tabs on the bottom of the box, making sure I cut at an angle so that the box sits nicely when assembled.  I then put some double sided tape on each of the flaps, including the one at the side of the box.  I then adhered this last flap to the other end of the piece, making the box shape.

To get the correct shape for the base I cheated a little.  I adhered one of the base flaps to a piece of cardstock that was larger than the base size.  I then took off the rest of the tape covers and adhered the rest of the flaps to the base.  It helps if you stand for this step, as you can look directly from above and get an even position for the sides.  I then trimmed the base to size, decorated each side and I was done!

I can't wait to see what you come up with in this week's Just Add Ink challenge!

Stamps: Well Scripted

Ink: Chocolate Chip

DSP/Cardstock: Greenhouse Gala DSP, Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip

Other: Daffodil Delight 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Lots Of Tags Sizzlit, White Eyelet (non SU) and White Embroidery Cotton (non SU)

Catch you later,

Tina

Layouts 3 and 4: Zoe's Mini Album

Hi!

Today I have a mini album to show you.  Even though it has 12 pages, I am just going to show you 4 of the pages.  I have also decided that the album is at least the equivalent of two 12x12 layouts, so I am adding them to my goal of 100 layouts this year.  Four down, 96 to go!

I made this album over 6 months ago for my niece Zoe, who had been a flower girl at the local Debutant Ball. When I made the album I didn't have any photos, so I just made each page fairly plain with Cottage Wall DSP.  Zoe and I ran out of time over the Christmas break to decorate the album, so I did it over the weekend.  Here's the front of the album.

Isn't she stunning (I do mean Zoe)!  The butterflies and letters are all spritzed with Champagne Mist Shimmer paint for a lovely glittery effect.  I also used some rhinestones for a bit of extra bling.

Here's a 3 page spread.  I kept the look uniform by using the same DSP as both backing and to highlight the photos, but to highlight the centre photo I matted it a little wider than the others and added more butterflies.

Here's a closer look at the centre page:

Again the butterflies are shimmery and embellished with a touch of bling.

I'm very pleased with how the album turned out - I hope Zoe is too!

Catch you later,

Tina

Happy New Year!

Hi!

I hope everyone had a fantastic festive season - I know I did! I have also been embracing the New Year - New Start philosophy and have taken the opportunity to have a massive sort and declutter of my house.  My sister has come to visit us and she has been a wonderful motivator and helper.  It's been great having someone who doesn't have the emotional attachment to the stuff I have been culling.

Anyway, today's card was a custom order.  A friend requested a card to give to a couple who are expecting another child.  Here's what I came up with based on the card on page 18 of the new Summer Mini Catalogue.

I used my new colour spritzer on the base card to provide a little extra interest. The butterflies are also new.

A bit hard to see in the photo, but I used some shimmer paint on the scalloped piece above the main panel.  I love the shimmery effect it gives.

Stamps: Well Scripted
Ink: Crumb Cake (formerly Kraft), Blushing Bride Marker
DSP/Card Stock: Hostess In Colour DSP, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake, Whisper White
Other: Rhinestones, Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint (made into a shimmer mist), Scallop Edge Border Punch, Colour Spritzer

Catch you later,

Tina