Language of Love Florals

Hey! 

As promised, I'm back today with some details for card I shared yesterday plus another one too! 

Both these cards are using the Language of Love stamp set. Neither are at all romancey - yes I wanted to get more use out of this cute stamp set. You can still order this set which is in the Spring/Summer catalogue until the end of the month. 

Stamp Set: Language of Love, Happy Day

Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz, Silver Glimmer Paper

Punch: Bird Builder, Small Heart, Owl Builder

Embellishments: Linen Thread, Subtles Buttons

Here I used the sweet little small hearts to make some sweet flowers. I love the patterns on then and look great. I decided I wanted the leaves to have some texture to match the flowers so I used the spotty banner and punched after. I know the banner isn't quite large enough to cover the whole branch but it doesn't look too bad. 

Buttons, a little linen thread bow and glimmer heart are cute finishing touches for this clean and fresh card! 

Stamp Set: Language of Love, Happy Day

Ink: Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz

Cardstock: Whisper White, Calypso Coral, Pear Pizzazz, Silver Glimmer Paper

Punch: Bird Builder, Pansy, Fancy Flower, Owl Builder

Embellishments: Linen Thread, Subtles Buttons

Yes this is quite similar to the other card, same colour scheme, but just using one larger flower. I used the love text heart to make my own pattern paper by nesting the heart together a couple times then punching in the centre. If there's a little overlap, it doesn't matter all that much as the button can cover it. See the image below.

The fancy flower punch is retiring at the end of this month so get in quick if you want it before it's gone for good! Doesn't it layer beautifully with the pansy punch?!

I used the wing from the bird builder to make the leaves. Again button, linen thread bow and a glitery heart are sweet finishing touches.

Hope you're having a great day. 

Happy Stampin',

Pink Wedding

Hi!

What a day! We've had just about everything weather-wise today! Sunshine, heat, rain, hail and torrential rain. I was having a nap on the couch this afternoon, after school and the rain was so loud it woke me up! 

So I thought it was about time that I shared the wedding card and tag I made for Tim & Sarah's wedding last month. 

Stamp Set: Label Love, Sweet Essentials

Ink:Pink Pirouette, Rose Red

Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Rose Red, Whisper White, Vellum

Big Shot: Apothecary Accents Framelits

Punch: Small Heart, Owl Builder, Artisan Label, Itty Bitty

Embellishments: Whisper White Baker's Twine, Pink Two Tone Ribbon

If you remember the baby card I made for Seabrook last month then you'll probably remember the twist on the scattered frosted embossing technique. If you don't remember it, check it out here. I decided to also add some little punched hearts, some I added in the rose red under the vellum for a paler frosted look! Looks great, dontcha think?!

The vellum is attached with piecces of glue dots under the frosted hearts and also a strip along the top which is cleverly hidden with the baker's twine. I was having a little trouble getting my bow just right and hang nicely, in the end I very carefully added tiny pieces of glue dots to the tails and stuck them in place. 

A simple little label and some banners is all the sentiment this needed. 

I made a nice little label that matched the card. I used some leftover Pink Pirouette/Rose Red two tone ribbon to tie around the gift - worked perfectly with the tag and card! 

It was such a lovely day and they both looked so so happy! 

I'll be sure to share what I made them for their special gift later this week. 

Happy Stampin',

Hello, Baby & Twist on Scattered Embossing Technique

 Hi!

Its Saturday! Doing anything exciting this weekend? Ours is chilled - just what we both need. I've got a card a friend asked me to make for her new baby cousin. I had list of elements/things that she loved and wanted included in the card which was a challenge but it turned out well in the end. 

Cardstock: Crisp Cantaloupe, Calypso Coral, Whisper White, Vellum

Punch: Small Heart, Owl Builder

Embellishments: Subtles Candy Dots, Subtles Buttons, Tea Lace Paper Doily, Calypso Coral Baker's Twine

Other: Chalk Marker, scallop trimmer

I found a new spin on the scattered frosted embossing technique. Instead of using an embossing folder I found a way to use it with a punch! I punched and layered 3 negatives of window sheet together with some glue dots. Then it was just a case of positioning the vellum over the negative punch and use the embossing stylus to emboss the little hearts. Embossed images with a larger area don't work out so well as the centres don't turn white. I rectified this by colouring in the back side with the chalk marker.

I love the subtle little detail the scallop trimmer blade gives to the thin layer of calypso coral.  It just adds a little pop and lift to a rather cool and subtle card. 

Ally really wanted the baby's name on the card so I decided to print it off as I just didn't have a suitable alphabet. I just love the scattered buttons and candy dot - they seem to work really well and tie the sentiment and card together perfectly! 

The small piece of doily and baker's twine just add an extra little girly finishing touch. 

So pleased with how well this has turned out! Allyson loved it too which was the main thing.

Have a great Saturday! Catch you again tomorrow for a Simple Sunday!

Happy Stampin',

Love-ly Spring-y

Hi there! 

Happy Friday!!! This is my second day in London and another scheduled post for y'all! My friend Emma (who I am staying with) and I are hitting the art galleries today. Its been quite a while since I've been to galleries so I'm looking forward to reliving my student days and seeing some art! 

Stamp Set: Happy Day, Language of Love

Ink: Melon Mambo, Island Indigo

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz

DSP: Gingham Garden

Punch: Postage Stamp, Small Curly Label, Small Heart

Other: White Gel Pen

I hope this card goes to show that the Language of Love set isn't just for "love" cards. With this colour combo, the card just screams spring!! I think this is just a bit of a different take on a spring card - generally we think of them as being very floral so I like this with the hearts. 

This was actually a card we made back in January at card club - that was a while ago, huh? I thought I'd wait for Spring to come to show you this one though!

I think it really is the the Gingham Garden DSP that makes this so spring like. Its got to be one of, if not my favourite, paper of this year! 

The dash dot is a cute touch that just adds a little extra finishing touch. I love this technique which is so easy and cheap to do and gives a great finished look. 

Hope you enjoyed this. I'm back from London tonight so hopefully if I'm not too shattered and busy I'll have something new for you tomorrow! 

Happy Stampin',

Love-ly Birthday

Hello there! 

Its been another busy day sewing and so on around here and blogging slipped my mind again. 

I had an epic 11 hours sleep last night! (I was in bed before 9pm!!) So in general today has been a good day. My friend, Sam, popped over for a coffee too which was lovely. Only thing that's tinged today with annoyance was a phone call back from the camera shop - they've looked at the lens and it needs a new motor....expensive!!! Argh!

Anyway, I have a pretty little card from January's card club for you today. Its very similar to a card I shared a few weeks ago. 

Stamp Set: Language of Love, Express Yourself

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Real Red, Pool Party, Silver Glimmer

Punch: Small Heart, Owl Builder, Decorative Label

Other: White Gel Pen

So this is a dead simple card but I just wanted to share that now Valentine's Day is over, you shouldn't shove this stamp set to the back of your shelves to gather dust until next year...this set doesn't just have to be for Valentine's or love cards...don't you think it makes a cute little birthday card too? Any so cheery!  

Love the little pops of bright red against the cool pastels. 

Hope you enjoyed this super quick card today. Now I have to get to bed - super packed day tomorrow - invigillating, cleaning and cooking at Auntie Lil's and Bible study....plus most likely more sewing and some card making too! 

Happy Stampin', 

Fishin' Around....sorta

Hello! 

Wow its been pretty busy today! I had Envelope Punch Board Class here this morning followed by a goodly amount of sewing and some card making! As a result I forgot to get a blog post out so sorry that today's is a little later than usual...but I'm here now. 

Today I have an adorable little project I made a while ago but haven't gotten around to sharing it with you yet. The card was based on the super cute a la carte stamp Fishin' Around. 

And here's my version.....

Stamp Set: Pennant Parade

Ink: Tangerine Tango, Baked Brown Sugar, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Black

Cardstock: Pool Party, Whisper White, Crushed Curry, Crumb Cake, Pear Pizzazz, Window Sheet

Big Shot: Circle Framelits

Punch: Owl Builder, Small Heart, Bird Builder, 3/4" Circle

Embellishments: Dazzling Diamonds

Aren't the fish just darling?! So to make the shaped card I just made sure my card base was folded and slightly too short on the top and bottom to cut a complete circle. the white is torn to give the impression of water. The crumb cake at the base is also torn to look like sand. Everything was popped up on dimensionals in layers so I could add some window sheet over the top which really gives the impression of a fish bowl. The dimensionals really add a lot of dimension to this card which I just love. 

Just a little photos to show some of the dimension! The window sheet is adhered with glue dots along the top and then cleverly hidden with a strip of Pool Party that looks like the rim of the bowl!

I made sure that the sand layers and the white top was very slightly smaller than the Pool Party card base so it looks like an actual fish bowl. 

The branch from the bird builder punch works great for some weeds and the tiny sentiment from Pennant Parade worked perfectly on the little flag! 

Dazzling Diamonds just takes these little fishies to the next level! Oh and there's glitter on the bubbles too!

Hope you enjoyed this cute little make. 

Happy Stampin',

Sweet Treats

Hello! 

Just a super quick post today to share some quick and easy Valentine packaging ideas. These are also for this week's Paper Player's Challenge which has a "Sweet Treat" theme - valentine's card or 3D project with a foodie theme. 

I thought I'd take this opportunity to make some little treats for my hardworking hubby for Valentine's. These are using some of the Valentine's promotion products Stampin' Up! had out last month, but guess what, they've extrended to promotion to February 14th so if yo missed out and wanted some of these darling products, you can still get them. Just hop on over to my shop to get your today! 

Stamp Set: Express Yourself

Ink: Real Red

Cardstock: Silver Glimmer Paper

Punch: Small Heart, Banner (SAB)

Accessories: Sweetheart Treat Bags

I love these cute treat bags and I love that the kit comes with banner tags and baker's twine too so you're all set to wrap up sweet little gifts and just add a little stamped image or sentiment! 

I decided to just jazz this up a tad with some glimmer paper and little heart punch. 

Stamp Set: Express Yourself

Ink: Real Red

Cardstock: Silver Glimmer Paper

Embellishments: Mini Metallic Clothes Pins

Accessories: Sweet Sayings Card Kit

So this is an adorable little pouch is actually made from one of the envelopes from the sweet sayings card kit - just a few scorelines and a dab of glue and voila you've got a cute pouch. I cut a piece of the card off to make a little tag. The clothes pin is a cute accessory and keeps the bag closed too! I just love it! 

Happy Stampin',

Love & Congratulations

Hello there! 

I wanted to share with you a card we made at card club last month. Last month's stamp set was Language of Love and this card is the perfect example using all the stamps in the set. It'd be great for a valentine, wedding or engagement! 

Mine went to some friends, Hannah and Renz, who just got engaged last month. I haven't seen them since our wedding, long time now! Renz is a fantastic photographer and he and his friend Marc did our gorgeous wedding photos! Hannah is an amazing beader and she made my tiara for me, it was just perfect and matched my dress perfectly - it was just what I had in mind and I know its totally unique! Lovely couple!

Stamp Set: Language of Love, Sweet Essentials

Ink: Raspberry Ripple, Crumb Cake

Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, Raspberry Ripple, Gold Foil

DSP: Sweet Sorbet

Punch: Small Heart

Embellishments: Gold Baker's Twine, Chevron Ribbon

I'd call this a very traditional "romantic" colour combination - gorgeous neutrals with a pop of red and gold. I think what makes this a little different is the rich pinky Raspberry Ripple - tradition with a little twist!

Aren't the little floating hearts adorable? They really raw the eye across the card and fill that dead space to the left of the card making it a lot more balanced. 

 I'm really loving the banners in this set, they're just so cute layered up in a little group especially with this DSP and ribbon in the grouping too. 

Sorry for the short blog posts these last couple days, I've been suffering with the effects a cold and its not making me feel very productive! I spent most of yesterday feeling very frustrated with myself that I wasn't getting more done! One redeeming feature of yesterday was that I tried a new recipe which was absolutely delicious - Ranch Cheddar Chicken by Karly from Buns in my Oven. Totally recommend it if you're looking for a yummy new quick and easy weeknight dinner! 

I hope you enjoyed this and will come back again tomorrow for something else pretty and fun! 

Happy Stampin',

Floating Hearts

Hello there! 

Just a quiet and lazy Saturday in store for me, a bit of house work, oh and crafting. Plus I might get to hang out with Stuart a bit too! Its been a manic week for him with report writing and parents evening. He's beat! 

I've got another Valentine idea for you today. Well, I say its a Valentine but really it could be used for an anniversary, wedding, engagement...all you have to do is switch up the sentiment!

Stamp Set: Hearts a Flutter, Language of Love, Express Yourself

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party, Real Red

Cardstock: Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe

Punch: Small Heart

Embellishments: Pearls

I'm starting to sense a pattern with quite a few of my card creations of late - floating and falling. I think it adds a beutiful casual and gentle look. Plus, you can't go to wrong as its doesn't require anything to be straight or exact. 

The minimal use of Real Red really pops against the cool Crisp Cantaloupe and Pool Party, especially the sentiment! Love it!

Again, like the other Valentine card in a previous post which also used Hearts a Flutter, a few scattered pearls was all it needed to finish it off. 

I debated cutting up the small hearts on the Lauguage of Love stamp set so I could stamp them individually, flat on the card, but in the end I decided against it, the dimension of the small hearts just adds a great layer here and helps them pop!

Confetti & Banners

Hello!

Well, today has not gone according to plan. I've got a long to-do list and was looking forward to crossing off a number of items from it today. Unfortunately I woke with a horrid headache, I still went to coffee morning at church this morning, hoping that if I ignored it, it'd go away. Alas it didn't, it simply got worse and developed into a migraine! Oh the fun. When I got home I went back to bed and just dozed for the afternoon! I'm feeling rather frustrated with myself but there's not much you can do with a raging migraine! I'm still feeling a little delicate as I write this but at least it's not requiring a great deal of movement! 

Anyway, onto something I made last night. This year I would love to take part in more challenge blogs, I really enjoy looking at all the pretty things on challenge blogs but seldomly get my act together to actually make something and enter it on time! Two of my favourite are The Paper Players and SU Only and this card fit in perfectly with both challenges! 

The Paper Players' Challenge is this gorgeous colour challenge

SU Only had a 'Fun with New Toys' Challenge on their blog so that's a great opportunity to play with lots of new toys! We all love new toys, don't we!?

Stamp Set: Remembering Your Birthday, Language of Love

Ink: Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, Pear Pizzazz, Primrose Petals

Cardstock: Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, Pear Pizzazz, Primrose Petals, Whisper White, Vellum

Big Shot: Decorative Dots TIEF (SAB)

Punch: Owl Builder, Small Heart

Accessories: Gold Baker's Twine, Crystal Effects

So I've got to say, these colours just made me feel so happy! They make me think of confetti and sprinkles!

I laid the vellum over the open embossing folder and used the embossing stylus to only emboss the dots I wanted - this meant I could get the look of falling confetti. I then coloured in the embossed dots with my markers. I wish you could feel how lovely this vellum feels embossed! 

The new gold (!!LOVE IT!!) baker's twine and stamped images from the Language of Love set which will be in the Spring Summer seasonal catalogue later this month adorn the top edge - using this bright colours really re-purposes them for other occassions than just Valentine's or for a wedding! 

I also used the Remembering Your Birthday set which is in the AC but its new to me, and I am LOVING it! With the pens I was able to colour in the sentiment, highlight the word sprinkles and omit the word pink to customise it for the card! 

A few little hearts from the Owl Builder and some crystal effects were the finishing touches! 

I am so pleased with how this card turned out. One of my to-do list items for today was a wee video on how to do the embossing technique featured here but alas it'll have to wait until Thursday. 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xo

Clean & Simple Valentine

Hello there! 

I hope you're having a nice weekend! Its been a bit of an odd jobs day for me, running errands, tidying the house, birthday cake baking and trying to get a little bit of crafting in before going out tonight for Stuart's birthday meal! 

Thought I'd just pause for a bit and share with you a sweet little Valentine. Valentine's day is only a month away and while we don't go in for it as much as our friends across the pond, its still celebrated. Its also a wonderful opportunity to share some of the lovely stamp sets that Stampin' Up carries that we maybe don't use much and how versatile they can be with a litle imagination. 

On that note, I have a clean and simple card for you, all you'd have to do is switch up the sentiment and this would easily trasform into an anniversary/wedding/engagement or even a birthday card! I'd certainly be pleased to receive this for my birthday! 

Stamp Set: Hearts a Flutter, Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Pool Party, Real Red

Cardstock: Pool Party, Crisp Cantaloupe, Whisper White, Silver Glimmer

Big Shot: Hearts a Flutter Framelits

Punch: Small Heart

Accessories: Pearls

I love this stamp set. I think its cool how they have these gorgeous, fun patterned hearts and also banners included so even if you only make 2 or 3 cards a year with hearts, your set isn't going to waste, the banners are so universal and can totally be used year round! Plus there's framelits too so you don't even have to hand cut a thing!!! 

The hearts are popped up on dimensionals for a little lift and shadow. And the glittery heart and a few scattered pearls just finish it off simply and beautifully!

I hope you enjoyed today's share. I hope its inspired you to look at some of the Valentine's products in a new light! I'll have a few more Valentine projects and projects using Valentine/love products for other occassions too coming up in the next month or so! Stay tuned! 

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xo

My Little Spotlight!

Hi there!

Each week Inky Fingers gives one of their designers a little spotlight, where you get to know a little more about the designer and we get to share a beautiful little project we are proud of. This week it happens to be mine. 

So, for those of you who are new to this blog and me, my name is Amanda. I am married to my wonderful hubby Stuart and we live in a little house in Northampton, England. 

Stuart is a teacher at a local high school and I am a lady with many strings to my bow - housewife, carer for an elderly relative, an exam invigillator at a high school and working hard at my little Stampin' Up! business too! Yes, I am one busy lady! I have been a demonstrator for very nearly 3 years and loving it! 

The project I have for you today is something I am running as a class later this month. It's using the Sweetheart Treat Bags - which are part of the Valentine's promotion. Unfortunately, Valentine's isn't as big a thing as it is over Stateside so I've been racking my brains for a few little ways to use the products with a little bit more versatility.

Stamp Set: Language of Love

Ink: Pool Party, Crisp Cantelope, Real Red

Cardstock: Whisper White, Pool Party

Kits: Sweetheart Treat Bags

Punch: Small Heart Punch

Accessories: Tea Lace Paper Doilies

Extras: MDS

 I've made mine into a little mini album. This would be perfect for giving as a nice Valentine's gift or for an anniversary. Alternatively it would look sweet filled with photos of the children/grandchildren. Mine, however, is filled with odds and ends - motivational quotes, funny pictures, verses...basically anything that makes me happy!

At the beginning of a new year, we see it stretch out before us - the possibilities are almost limitless! Its easy to feel optomistic about life but all too soon, life gets the better of us and its difficult to remain upbeat. I really struggle to stay positive and keep going when things get rocky so I thought making a little motivational album like this would be perfect. When I feel lonely or down I can read through it and remind myself how good life is!

What's great is its still got lots of spare room for more verses, quotes and funny photos! What do you think to this idea? Isn't it fun?

So, I'm running this as a class on Friday 24th (7pm-9:30pm) or Monday 27th (9:30am-12pm) or (7pm-9:30pm). It costs £18 and includes a pack of the treat bags, cardstock, tea lace doilies and the small heart punch - a product total worth over £15!

Please book by January 18th so I can order your goodies in time!

I hope you enjoyed this project. I'll just leave you with the ever so cute little Valentine Monsters I repurposed for little Christmas gifts for all the little kids I know!

Happy Stampin',

Amanda xx

Everyone Loves a Surprise!

Hello, 

I recently got a couple of new downline members and I wanted to give them something nice to say welcome to the team. My friend Esther who signed up lives quite a distance away and as she's starting out I thought it'd be nice to send her a few swaps from Convention plus a welcome card and gift. Here's what I made her!

Decorated Monogram Notebook & Matching Pen

Stamp: Beautifully Baroque

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe

Card: Crisp Cantaloupe, Silver Glimmer

DSP: Venetian Romance

Punch: Bitty Butterfly, Elegant Butterfly

Big Shot: Typeset Alphabet

Ribbon: Pistachio Pudding Ruffle, Whisper White Baker's Twine

Accessories: Pearls

 And of course there's always a card to accompany a gift...

Flip Card!!!

Stamp Set: Petite Pairs, Beautifully Baroque

Ink: Crisp Cantaloupe, Baked Brown Sugar

Card: Whisper White, Crisp Cantaloupe, Baked Brown Sugar, Vellum

Punch: Small Heart, Owl Builder

Big Shot: Label Card Thinlits, Label Framelits

The Label Card Thinlit is a new-ish product for Stampin' Up! but its new to me. As I'd only just recieved it I just HAD to have a play and a card for Esther was the perfect opportunity! If you're wondering what is so special about the thinlit card dies, let me tell you, it makes FLIP cards!!! Its so easy to run through the big shot and out comes a cut and scored flip card. LOVE IT!

I stamped the Beautifully Baroque stamp on the Vellum - I wanted a frosty lacy look and being the impatient person I am I didn't wait long enough for the ink to dry and got it smudged a bit so it ended up looking a little worn and vintage. The banner is one of the accessories the thinlit card comes with - how awesome!! A few little hearts just completed it nicely!

If you're inteerested in joining the Stampin' Up! family and my team, you'll not only get a little welcome gift from me but you'll get all the joys of being a demo too!! Sneak peeks, pre-order, ability to make some extra income and possibly the best of all DISCOUNT on all your crafty goodies! Oh yes, I LOVE being a demo!! Contact me today for more info on signing up!

I hope you enjoyed seeing Esther's special things today. Come back soon for some more pretty makes! 

Amanda xx