Mario

Hello! 

How's your week going? I got through Monday, just 4 more working days to go until Easter holiday! 

One of Stuart's little cousins is mad crazy about Mario Kart - literally its the only thing he talks about! So for his birthday last week I just had to make him a Mario card. In case any of you don't know Mario, here's a little pic...

I was a little pushed for time so its a pretty simple card, the stars from Banner Blast came in really handy for adding something else to the background, plus stars are always fun! 

Stamp Set: Remembering Your Birthday, Banner Blast (SAB)

Ink: Real Red, Daffodil Delight

Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Crisp Cantaloupe, Early Espresso, Basic Black

Punch: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, Owl Builder, 1 3/4" Circle, 2 1/2" Circle

When I'm making punch art I like to have the picture in front of me, I'll try and break it down in my head, and even draw a picture of all the main shapes to work from. Mario was fairly easy. 

The ears, nose, and eyes are all done with the owl builder - you know I am totally in love with that punch!! Then its just a case of the 1 3/4" circle for the head, the larger 2 1/2" circle for the hat. The hair and tash is just the scallop circle - easy peasy! 

I know its not perfect - if I did it again I'd probably make the head and hat a little larger so there was more space for the facial features. I realised after that I didn't do his blue eyes or his eye brows. Hey ho! 

And a really simple inside finished with a few stars! 

Happy Stampin',

Peppa Pig

Hey! 

I haven't done much punch art lately but I found the perfect opportunity last week. Stuart's cousin, Georgia, was 3! She just loves Peppa Pig! I thought I'd just include a picture of Peppa for any of you who have no idea who she is. Has Peppa made her way over State-side? 

Isn't she cute? She looked pretty simple to make but the head was going to be the most tricky! 

Stamp Set: Express Yourself, Petal Parade (SAB)

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Strawberry Slush, Basic Grey 

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Primrose Petals, Basic Black, Marina Mist, So Saffron, Pool Party, Pear Pizzazz

Big Shot: Ovals Framelits, Typeset Alphabet

Punch: 1 3/8" Circle, Modern Label, 1" Circle, Owl Builder, Itty Bitty, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle

So, the head, I eventually decided the best way to do it would be to make a template with the 1 3/8" circle punch and the modern label. I then drew around it and added a curve under to make the correct shape that I could hand cut out. I didn't have a circle punch of the correct size for her nose so I freehanded mine but I think the 1/2" circle would work a treat. 

 Peppa's eyes and nostrels are made with the ever so handy owl builder - notice the owl punch was also used for the balloons! I also used the owl punch for a mask that I lightly sponged the cheek in. Her ears and feet are actually from the 4 petal flower with two petals snipped off. 

The legs and arms are thin strips - couldn't be easier! Same for the tail, I just twirled it around a thin stick to curl it! I love her cute tail! 

Inside I wanted to add Georgia's age - I think its a cute touch on a kid's card! 

Hope you enjoyed my version of Peppa! 

Happy Stampin',

Giant Cupcake

Hi!

Another new week. Got much on this week? Mine is actually shaping up to be a pretty good one! We have card club this morning and this evening which is going to be good fun. Then on Wednesday evening I'm getting a train down to London to stay with my friend Emma. We're going to see some art exhibitions and hang out. On Thursday Sam is coming to join us so we'll all have Friday together before coming home in the evening! Sounds exhausting but it should be good fun too! Don't worry, I'll have some posts lined up for you while I'm away! 

So my friend Vicky asked me a few weeks ago to make a 30th birthday card for her friend. When I asked her if there was anything specific she was looking for she just said "big cupcake". Okay I think I can work something out there! 

Stamp Set: Express Yourself, Petite Petals

Ink: Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe, Gumball Green

Cardstock: Crumb Cake , Pistachio Pudding, Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party, Whisper White, Gumball Green, Silver Glimmer Paper

DSP: Sweet Sorbet

Punch: Modern Label, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Petite Petals, Bird Builder, Scallop Border

Big Shot: Typeset Alphabet, Decorative Dots (SAB)

Ribbon: Pool Party Ruffle (retired), Silver Baker's Twine

Embellishments: Rhinestone

Other: Tooth Pick

So this card was a bit of a case of just adding and removing items until it looked right. 

I started by just drawing out a huge cupcake on a piece of printer paper using the cupcake builder as my inspiration for the shape. I then just worked at it until it was right and then cut the pieces of pattern paper and cardstock. Here's a photo of the back so you can see how it folds a bit better! 

I thought the striped Sweet Sorbet paper was perfect for the cupcake liner - adding the scallop border punch to the top made it even more realistic. It did however look like a lot of pattern with nothing to break it up. the ribbon I eventually decided on is some that was retired - I kind of wanted to use crisp cantaloupe ruffled ribbon but I didn't have any and using more pistachio would be overload I think.

The 30 piece is supposed to resemble one of those cupcake toppers that seem to be quite fashionable at the moment. I actually sandwiched a toothpick between two of the scallop circles and pierced it through the frosting layer. 

Some texture and sponging on the frosting was to add some interest to quite a large area of Pistachio Pudding and look kind of like sprinkles. 

The flowers were one of the later additions - I loved the topper but it didn't seem to quite gel with the card right. I guess the card just looked a little bare so I added some flowers and leaves. the rhinestones are a nice finishing touch as if they are just sprinkled on. 

Hope you enjoyed this. 

Happy Stampin',

Retro Fresh

Hello!

Happy Saturday! Stuart has a mountain of work to do today so I'm left to my own devices - housework and stamping it is then! We are having a BBQ later - yum yum! 

I'm playing along with the Freshly Made Sketches challenge today. When I saw the sketch, I must admin, it filled me with fear. I have a real thing about wonky things, or things on a diagonal... sometimes they can look great but if you don't get it exactly right it can look really wrong. I'm definitely a straight line girl! But I was determined to give it a go.

I looked at the sketch but wasn't paying as much attention as I should have been and ended up switching up the two layered pieces. I think it looks okay like this too! 

Stamp Set: Itty Bitty Banners, Geometrical

Ink: Baked Brown Sugar, Tangerine Tango

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Coastal Cabana, Baked Brown Sugar, So Saffron

DSP: Retro Fresh

Punch: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Merry Minis

Embellishments: Sweet Sorbet Accessories

Other: White Gel Pen

I love the stripes and thought they'd make a great background on the card! Such scrummy colours! 

The scallop circles were distressed to look more fluffy and give a bit of texture to the card. 

The stars were a later addition that just seemed to fill in the space nicely. 

Hope you liked this short and sweet card today. 

Happy Stampin',

Sweet Baby Bunny

Hello! 

Oh my Arthur is just adorable!!! I didn't want to give him back - he was just SO cuddly and snuggly. Once I've edited some photos, I'll have to share what I've been busy sewing for him! I think you'll like it!

Its a beautiful sunny day today - Happy Spring! Are you doing anything nice today? Afraid its just housework and a quiet day for me. But I am going out tonight for a hen party, which will be fun.

Today I have another challenge, this time its Freshly Made sketch. This is a seriously simple sketch and for once I had a pretty clear idea what I wanted to do. Following the theme of babies I wanted to use a set I've borrowed from my downline called Baby, We've Grown. I have to admit now, I was not entirely sure what I think to it - the owls are just a bit odd. But seeing as I'm borrowing it I thought it'd be the perfect opportunity to have a play and probably find that I actually love the set. 

After making this card, I have to say, it has grown on me, having the set physically in front of me I've started thinking of lots of other cute ideas I'd like to do. This is one of those sets that just doesn't do it for me in the catty but get it in-front of me for a play and I realise how lovely it really is. Anyway, on to the sketch and card...

Stamp Set: Baby We've Grown

Ink: Black Stazon, Pistachio Pudding, Crushed Curry

Cardstock: Pistachio Pudding, Very Vanilla, Crushed Curry

Punch: 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle

Isn't this bunny just ADORABLE!? I love bunnies and this one is just such a cutie! 

I was determined to keep this card clean and simple like the sketch. The only other thing I was sure if was that the bunny HAD to be Pistachio Pudding, not sure why but it was just screaming out pistachio! I thought I'd use vanilla with the pistachio as I haven't used it much of late. From those two colours I needed a vibrant colour that would add some pop to the project - doesn't the Crushed Curry work well?!

I used the bone folder to break down the scallop cardstock until it split to make it softer and have more of a frilly texture. I used a blender pen to colour in the bunny and the sentiment too! 

I did take a bit of time on this card to carefully cut out the bunny (added dimentionals to the back for some height) and also cut the little zig zags out from the sentiment too. 

Hope you enjoyed this card. 

Happy Stampin',

One More Day!

Hey!

So today will be a short and sweet post as I am super busy preparing for the Spring/Summer Catalogue Open House at my home tomorrow. You are most welcome to come and see LOADS of samples, view the new seasonal catty in person (its always so much better in the flesh!) and have some delicious baked goodies along with your cuppa! 

Stamp Set: Fabulous Phrases

Ink: Pool Party

Carstock: Whisper White, Pool Party

Punch: 1 1/4" Scallop Circle, Bird Builder, 2 1/2" Circle

Extras: Essentials Pierce Pack

Acceessories: Whisper White Baker's Twine, Madison Avenue Button, Paper Doily

Snip in between each scallop to make a scallop circle into a sweet little flower (perfect way to stretch your punch!!) The 2 1/2" Circle fits perfectly in the middle of this little doily! I just love the white on white look with a little bit of pool party! A very clean and crisp look! 

Hope you enjoyed today's sneaky peak, if you want to see more pop over to mine to see lots more gorgeous new goodies! More details about my open house can be found in this previous post!

Now I am off to spend the day finishing off samples, tidying and baking!!

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xx 

have a break, take a sip!

This month's card club was Tea and Cake theme. I've got the cards we made to show you another day but today I thought I'd show you a couple simple little cards I made with the Take A Sip wheel that I made while I was thinking of what cards to do for card club (we did another card with take a sip).

Stamp Set: Take a Sip wheel, Tea Shoppe

Ink: Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink, Perfect Plum, So Saffron, Rose Red, Crumb Cake

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Perfect Plum. Whisper White

Punch: Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border, Modern Label

Other: Simply Scored

Stamp Set: Take a Sip

Ink: Basic Black, Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Perfect Plum, Whisper White

Punches: Scallop Circle, 1" Circle, Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border

So some really simple cards, just using the wheel to add tea cups and mugs to the background, one I coloured in all of them and the second was just one of the cups that I coloured on a separate scrap of paper and layered it over top with some punches. The dotted scallop ribbon border is great for adding a little extra detail and border to the wheeled image! 

Thanks for stopping by and checking out today's brief little post! 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xox

simply stampin' challenge 79

Good morning folks! 

First off I want to apologise for being so pants at blogging! Life is just getting away from me at the moment. Anyway Monday is the start of a new month and a new start for me. I WILL be better at blogging etc starting now! (well I am going to try at least!)

So today is Simply Stampin' Challenge day again and its a sketch! 

Merry Medley 

Stamp Set: Mixed Medley

Ink: Whisper White

Cardstock: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Not Quite Navy

Punches: Scallop Circle

Accessories: Rhinestones

I wasn't very adventurous with this sketch, stamped and punch the scallop circles, popped up the sentiment on one of them and added rhinestones and just to just it a little edge I ran a dashed line around it. Definitely a card for mass production - it was so easy! 

I hope you will join in and look forward to seeing how you use the sketch! Thanks for stopping by! 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xo

up in the air

Well I am all up in the air with these super sweet hot air balloons folks! 

Happy Birthday Balloons

Stamp Set: Up, Up & Away

Ink: Old Olive, Real Red, Early Espresso

Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Pool Party, Old Olive

Punch: Cupcake, 1 3/8" Circle, Scallop Circle

Big Shot: Square Lattice

You know what, I'm not sure this really needs any explanation. I hope you enjoyed this short and sweet little post today, I'll be back tomorrow with another little creation for you all! 

Have a fantastic day! 

Amanda xx

paper players challenge

Any of my faithful blog readers will know that I am a design team member for Simply Stampin' Challenge blog. I love doing it, but what with having to produce an entry for that every week, my own personal projects, SU business stuff and general life I don't really find time to look at other challenge blogs and NEVER seem to be organised enough to actually enter any - I've had the best of intentions several times but not quite succeeded. Anyway, today I was surfing the net and came across The Paper Players. Their sketch for the week looked interesting and I thought I could do something with it! So here's the sketch I was working from along with my own take on it!

Spring Flowers & Frame

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Rich Razzleberry

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Tangerine Tango

Punches: Scallop Circle, Boho Blossoms, 5 Petal Flower, Curly Label, Scallop Trim 

Big Shot: Little Leaves, Oval Frame

Ribbon: Very Vanilla Satin

Accessories: Brights Brad, Rhinestones

So this was actually my third attempt at this sketch - my first two attempts just developed into something else and they were so pretty I didn't want to mess around with them to fit the sketch so this is my third try and its using a few left overs! Oh I love cards that use leftovers! I had this Razzleberry flower which has been sitting in my craft room for probably about 9 months now - its the scallop circle, split cardstock to make it poofy and fastened with a brights brad. Underneath is the 5 petal flower for the leaves. I had the idea that it would look really nice in the oval embossed frame but it looked a little lonely so I used some little tangerine boho blossoms and little leaves to fill it out. I added my sentiment to the side and punched a border with the scallop trim for the bottom of the card. Finally I added some ribbon and rhinestones to just finish it off. 

I hope you like this little number - I'm quite pleased with how it worked out - its defo a hand delivery number though as the flower is POOFY!!! Let me know what you think and leave me a comment! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Amanda x

Birthday Bunch

Sorry for the super poor quality of this photo - can't wait til its summer and its light for longer so I can photograph outside in the sunshine and warmth! 

Today's card was for my downline, Sue, co-incidentally also my auntie-in-law.

Birthday Bunch

Stamp Set: Everything Eleanor, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi, Perfect Plum

Punch: Scallop Circle, Corner Rounder

Accessories: Linen Thread

I wanted to just try and make a little bit of a different card using my favourite stamp set, Everything Eleanor! I cracked out the stem - not one I've felt inspired to use until now! So I stamped the stem twice and then using the scallop circle and cutting each petal almost to the centre wrapped them up tightly and adhered them to the Vanilla cardbase. I used the fancy frame down the side, stamping it 3 times without reinking for differing shades. Finally I stamped the sentiment in Perfect Plum and tied some linen thread around the stems. Hope you liked this little one.

Catch you tomorrow for another Simply Stampin' Challenge! 

Amanda xo

Easy Cupcakes

Just a couple really super quick and simple birthday cards for you today using Easy Events! I love that this set has a great set of images for all kinds of cards you need to make, and also has sentiments! 

Easy Cupcake

Stamp Set: Easy Events

Ink: Early Espresso, Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink, Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, Crumb Cake

Cardstock: Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Pretty in Pink

Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Corner Rounder

Ribbon: White Satin

Extras: Paper Piercer & Mat Pack

Okay really easy one here, I stamped the cupcake on Whisper White cardstock and then coloured it in with the markers and punched it out with a circle punch. I punched a scallop circle from the same colour cardstock as the cupcake frosting and used the paper piercer to pierce a hole in each scallop - it just adds a little more interest to a very simple card. I stamped the sentiment in the bottom right hand corner of the card. I wanted a really clean look so used White ribbon for a subtle tone on tone effect, added the cupcake topper and rounded the bottom left hand corner! This is a fab card to have on hand for those birthdays that you forget or come up faster than you were expecting yet still looks really pretty. Do you like it? I hope you do!

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xoxo

continuing joyfulness

Again another quick and simple Chistmas card for you today - easy to duplicate for all those many people you need to send cards to at this upcoming festive season!

Joy at Christmas Doilies

Stamp Set: Delicate Doilies, Perfect Punches

Ink: Island Indigo, Pool Party

Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Island Indigo

Punch: Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle

I stamped the doily in the centre but slightly off to one side and then without re inking the stamp, stamped the doily again above and below. It gives a lovely fading effect... I then stamped the sentiment and punched it out before layering it to the side with some dimensionals. 

Come back tomorrow for another creative idea. 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda x

let's host!

I've shown you several of the new stamp sets and DSP to hit the new catalogue but haven't shown you any of the gorgeous new hostess exclusive stamp sets!! There are some FANTASTIC sets so it is most definitely worth hosting a party to earn a few for yourself!!

Hosting a party is very simple, invite some friends and family over for a fun crafty evening. I'll bring some great projects to demonstrate and then you can all have a go yourself making something of your own. Supply some refreshments while your guests browse and then choose some wonderful freebies! 

The hostess benefits have changed in the new catalogue, giving you more freedom to choose the products you want for free! Based on your party sales you earn Hostess Pounds which you are then free to spend on specially priced hostess exclusive stamp sets or on merchandise from the main catalogue (or on a mixture of both). What's more, when your sales hit £300 you begin earning products from the catalogue at half price! If the Big Shot is your dream, at half price its a steal at £44!!! How awesome is that?! So let's host! Pick up the phone and call me today on 07717206098 or email me at amanda_burditt@hotmail.co.uk.

 One of the new hostess sets is the gorgeous Precious Butterflies - so pretty with lots of little butterflies to pepper your projects with! 

Just for You Butterflies

Stamp Set: Precious Butterflies (hostess exclusive)

Ink: Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Versa Mark

Cardstock: Pear Pizazz, Lucky Limeade, Calypso Coral, Whisper White

Emboss: White Emboss Powder: Heat Tool

Punch: Scallop Circle, 13/4" Circle

I stamped the butterflies in the background with a stamping off technique so they looked as if they were fluttering gently in the background. I stamped the butterflies and embossed the sentiment before punching it out and mounting a cut up scallop circle (so that the scallops showed as the scallop circle and circle punch were same size!). I stamped more butterflies on the calypso coral strip and mounted everything together. 

I hope this has temped you to host a party yourself. And of butterflies aren't your cup of tea - there are plenty of other fab sets to choose from (look out for them over the coming weeks!)

Please leave me a comment - I love reading them! It gives me a break from crafting and I get to rest my very sore wrist - the doctor says I have gout. Its making lifting pretty much anything VERY painful - crumbs not good for a crafter!! 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xoxo

awesome august

A few days ago was my August class. This month's class focused on punches! I love punches so to do a class on punches was just so much fun!! Here are the project we did...

Flutter Away Butterfly

A cute card using the stencilling technique. To finish it off we added a fe punched butterflies out, this made it look like the butterflies were flying off the page! 

Flower Box

This was the main project we focused on this time as it involved rock and roll, glittery, glossy butterflies, gorgeous rolled roses, and fluffy 3D flowers! 

If you would like to have a go at learning these techniques and doing these projects yourself please get in touch for a catch up class, I have several people who have expressed an interest so please don't hesitate, contact me now, at amanda_burditt@hotmail.co.uk

I hope you enjoyed seeing what I and six lovely ladies got up to on Saturday, and I would love to share it with you too. Please do leave a comment.

Hugs,

Amanda

xxx

oh sew swirly

Following in the theme of Saturday's class. Here is one of my samples I made to show at class on Saturday using the wheel. I really love the So Swirly wheel and while it is advertised as a Christmas product I think it is so versatile. 

Oh Sew Swirly

Stamp Set: Basic Phrases, So Swirly Wheel

Ink: Regal Rose

Cardstock: Pretty in Pink

DSP: Oh Sew

Punches: Modern Label, Scallop Circle, 1 3/8" Circle, Boho Blossoms, Itty Bitty Pack, Corner Rounder

Accessories: Brights Buttons, Brights Brads

Extras: Paper Piercer, Tombo Multi Glue, Jumbo Wheel Handle

I used a variety of punches to make several flowers using dsp paper and then applied them to the So Swirly wheel. I stamped the sentiment on some more dsp and punched it out using the Modern Label punch. All the flowers and modern label punch were very rounded so I decided round all the corners of the card. I think it makes a very sweet and cute girly birthday card! 

Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I look forward to reading your comments! 

Hugs,

Amanda x

first wedding card of the year!

Last year was wedding crazy, and this year is almost as busy! I love weddings! I'm really excited to be going to the States to see my cousin Rachel get married to her beloved Edwin in June! Before that, my friend and bridesmaid Kathryn is marrying Rob in May. In August my cousin-in-law Naomi is marrying Phil, and then at the end of the month my cousin Ben is marrying Hannah! Busy times! But really happy and fun too! Looking forward to them all! This Friday a guy from a church we have a connection to in Northampton is getting married up in Newcastle. We aren't going to the wedding but thought I'd get into the wedding spirit, use some of my new stash and try something different and make Stuart and Sarah a wedding card! I hope their day is as special to them as ours is to my Stuart and I. I also wish them all the best for their future lives together, as they start out up in Newcastle!

Wedding Birdies - Stuart & Sarah's Wedding

Stamp Set: Hero Arts Best Wishes (I really wanted some little birds but these were the only suitable ones I owned, if I had the time to get a SU set I would've loved to use the little birds from Love You Much. MR. and MRS. stamp was from the same set, I would suggest using MR & MRS stamp from Basic Phrases set instead!)

Ink: Basic Black, Marina Mist, Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Versacolor Amythest (I don't yet have my Rich Razzleberry ink pad which would have been perfect!) 

Cardstock: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Pascific Point DSP, Rich Razzleberry DSP

Accessories: Basic Rhinestones

Extras: White Gel Pen, Glue gun, Scallop Edge Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Blender Pen, We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper

I've seen these paper rosettes on lots of blogs and videos and have been dying to make one, I thought this card would be a suitable time to try making one! I cut the Rich Razzleberry DSP 12" x 1.5", punched with the scallop edge punch then scored at each scallop dip and folded it concertina style. I glued it together with glue gun and then stuck the stamped, coloured in and punched birds. I adhered strips of the Rich Razzleberry and Pacific Point DSP to the bottom around the Mr and Mrs sentiment and finished it off by rounding the top two corners doing some white stitching. I'm really please how it turned out and I am totally going to make more rosettes now!

Have a fantastic day! 

Amanda xx