Seasons Greetings

Hi, hope you're enjoying the Christmas break, I've been busy with ideas for next year. It's New Year's Eve so I wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year. I have posted the latest newsletter today so click on the button to view it. It has the craft dates for the next 2 months plus news about the Clearance Rack Blitz for this coming week.

Wallet for Lotto ticket

I received this lovely wallet containing a Lotto ticket for Christmas. It's wonderful how we can all turn gifts into something a bit more special with our stamps and paper.

I'm ordering on the 4th for anyone wanting items from the Clearance sale so email me if you'd like to order.

Christmas Cards

Hi, It's been a few crazy busy weeks with the Royal Oak Market, monthly craft groups as well as making Christmas Cards, Christmas shopping etc. Now the end is in site I wanted to share some of the cards i have made this Christmas.

The Heart of Christmas stamp is lovely

It doesn't show well in the photo but I glittered the ornament

Beautiful Baja Breeze and Early Espresso, what a combo

Don't forget to check out the promotions page to see the items on sale this week, 2 more weeks to follow so check back each Thursday for updates. To place an order please email vanessa@bvhome.net.nz

Christmas Wreath Class

We just had a fabulous time today making these Flower Wreaths for Christmas. We covered a polystyrene wreath with brown paper (the packing when we get a Stampin Up! order). We had prepared the flowers (mostly done by Barbara) so today the ladies just had to assemble them and then attach them to the covered wreath. The results are all different and we had such fun making the flowers and sticking them on.

7 proud wreath makers

My Wreath

Thanks to Jacque Pedersen for lending us the sample wreath and to Barbara Bicknell for making it happen.

Extravaganza Goodies

We had a fabulous time on Saturday at Extravaganza, so many wonderful projects were demonstrated and made by those who attended. Barbara and I made the sleigh notepad below. We really enjoyed demonstrating this because although there were a lot of parts to the project there was not much to teach, really just guide with the putting it together. Everyone enjoyed that we had pre-embossed so they didn't have to leave the table to put the project together.

Christmas Sleigh Notepad

 To attend the next Extravaganza please email me.

November Promotions

Wow, the ribbon promotion last month was a big hit, now we have 2 promotions for November!!!

The first is a gift with purchase promotion, Get a FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack when you purchase the Ornament Keepsakes Set and Candlelight Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper Bundle.

The second is for Hostesses who hold a minimum $750 party or ANY order over $750 during the promotion period will receive a FREE collection of Classic Stampin Pads*—you can choose from Brights, Subtles, or Regals.  Plus, the free ink is in addition to the regular hostess benefits.

 Check out all the details on the promotions page above.

Spool Time Promotion

That's right, for every $70 you spend in October you get a free roll of 

3/8" (1 cm) Stitched Satin Ribbon—a $19.25 value !!

Available: 1-31 October 2012

Item	Description	Retail Value
126848	Ribbon Gumball Green 3/8” (1 cm) Stitched Satin	$19.25
126847	Midnight Muse 3/8” (1 cm) Stitched Satin Ribbon	$19.25
126844	Primrose Petals 3/8” (1 cm) Stitched Satin Ribbon	$19.25
126845	Raspberry Ripple 3/8” (1 cm) Stitched Satin Ribbon	$19.25
126846	Summer Starfruit 3/8” (1 cm) Stitched Satin Ribbon	$19.25

 

To place your order and earn free ribbon just email me vanessa@bvhome.net.nz

 

Core'dinations Christmas

This card is made using the Core'dinations card stock from the Holiday Catalogue. It's so easy to use, just emboss and sand to reveal the lighter inside layer of the card. Or you can distress and tear the card for different looks. We are making this card today at our craft group.

 

STAMPIN' UP! SUPPLIES: 

Stamp Set:  Merry & Type (125000 (Wood) 122552 (Clear)

Paper:  Early Espresso (121686), Very Vanilla (106549), Core'dinations Cherry Cobbler (127846), Candlelight Christmas Specialty DSP (126901)

Ink:  Chocolate Chip (126979), Cherry Cobbler (126966)

Cool Tools: Stampin' Sanding System (129367), Seam Binding Ribbon Cherry Cobbler (120992), Decorative Label Punch (120907)

Clockworks Notepad

This notepad is one of the make 'n' takes from last weekends Heartfelt Stampin Up event. I just finished it today. It uses the Clockworks set in the new In Colours, the original had a sentiment from the One in a Million stamp set but I forgot to stamp it last weekend and don't own the set so I have used Fabulous Phrases instead. I also changed the background on the Basic Grey from scored lines to the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.

STAMPIN' UP! SUPPLIES: 

Stamp Set:  Clockworks (127290 (Wood) 127292 (Clear), Fabulous Phrases 122053 (Wood) 120501 (Clear)
Paper:  Basic Grey (121689), Whisper White (106550), Gumball Green (127543), Calypso Coral (124392 and More Mustard 106569), Pool Party (124391)
Ink:  Calypso Coral (126983), Gumball Green (126861), More Mustard (126964), Basic Grey (126981)

Cool Tools: Fancy Flower Punch (118073), Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons (127555), Calypso Coral Bakers Twine (125573)

Clockworks 127290 (Wood) 127292 (Clear)

Fabulous Phrases 122053 (Wood) 120501 (Clear)

Heartfelt Stampin Up Event

Wow!! What an awesome day, it started with a demonstration by Sophie Zadeh from Stampin Up in Australia, she showed us some amazing decorations you can make for Christmas using dies cut from card stock and dsp.

I especially love these baubles made with pieces from the new Snow Flurry Die

Next we got some great packaging ideas from Barbara Bicknell, making your own wrapping paper by stamping on plain brown paper, using the new Kraft Gift Boxes for your gift wrapping, stacking them, extending them etc. She also used the flaps cut off the box to make tags, so inspirational!

Julia Leece showed us how to make amazing books as keepsakes, a really cool coaster made from Timeless Portrait Fabric and a great idea for a calendar.

Julia's calendar was themed for each month making it a truly unique gift

Sherlene Meyer showed us how to make 10 cards in 10 minutes using the Snow Festival Designer Printed Tags. This was such a great idea and at only $8.50 for the set of 25 double sided tags it's very economical.

In between these demonstrations we were able to try new products in the Product Playground, this was really cool, tables set up with a demonstrator there to guide you while you try something new. And we received 4 Make & Takes so we made time to start those as well.

It was a fun filled day but nicely planned so we could choose what to do when. Thanks Stampin Up!

Weekend Event

This weekend I'm attending the Heartfelt Stampin' Event in Auckland. I'm really looking forward to meeting demonstrators, seeing demonstrations, new product and learning heaps. For the event we had to create a name badge to wear to show off our crafting talents and so people know who we are. Here's mine, I had to shorten my name to fit it on as the only alphabet stamps I have are the Lovely Letters Alphabet.
I'll have some show and tell after the event.

STAMPIN' UP! SUPPLIES: 

Stamp Set:  Lovely Letters Alphabet (127796)
Paper:  Summer Starfruit (127542), Comfort Cafe DSP (126898), Very Vanilla (106549)
Ink:  Cajun Craze (126965), Soft Suede (126978) for sponging the flower

Cool Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Labels Collection Framelits (125598), Blossom Punch (125603), Antique Brads (117273), Crochet Trim Ribbon (118481)

Catalogue Launch - Thank you

Well, we had an awesome afternoon, bubbly and nibbles to start with while we poured over the new catalogue and caught up with each other. Then we made 3 projects, 2 cards and a treat holder. We had prizes, plenty of food and laughs while we stamped, embossed and stuck.
I've had lots of feed back that people enjoyed the day, so thank you to all those who made it.

Made using old ink pads - colour much clearer and darker with new ink pads
Cased from a design by Melinda Torbett

STAMPIN' UP! SUPPLIES: 

Stamp Set:  Papaya Collage (Wood-Mount 126610, Clear-Mount 126612) & Tiny Tags (Wood-Mount (119187), Clear-Mount (118592)
Paper:  Chocolate Chip (108599), Summer Starfruit (127542), Cajun Craze (121683), Whisper White (106550)
Ink:  Cajun Craze (126965), Old Olive (126953), Chocolate Chip (126979)

Cool Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (113439), Apothecary Accents Framelits (127003),3/4" Circle Punch (119873), Paper Snips (103579) 

The Perfect Touch:  Stampin' Dimensionals (104430)

Papaya Collage

Catalogue Launch Party

Interested in joining in the fun?? You're invited to attend the new Stampin Up! Idea Book & Catalogue launch party with a friend. We'll have plenty of time to check out the new catalogue and the Holiday Catalogue full with Christmas ideas and products you'll love!!

Then we'll make 2 projects using supplies from the new catalogue for you to take home.

When: Saturday 1st September 2-5pm
Where: Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand

Cost: $15 (Includes catalogue and 2 projects)

To book your place and get the full address simply email vanessa@bvhome.net.nz

Even if you've never stamped before come along and I'll show you how easy and fun stamping is, plus you'll meet other people who love to share the love of stamping.

Sold Out and New Ink Pads

We will have a formal introduction later, but know that the Stampin' Up! is improving their ink pads!

For your information, the ink refills you have now will work in the new pads with the exception of five colours:

Basic Black
Basic Gray
Marina Mist
Perfect Plum
Tempting Turquoise

If you have those colours in the current style ink pad and want to keep the current style, it's best to order those ink refills now.

In addition, these items are already sold out on the retired list:

Blushing Bride Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
Concord Crush Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
Peach Parfait Classic Stampin' Ink Refill - this one's not listed but I have tried to order it and you can't
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
Blushing Bride A4 Card Stock
More Mustard Stampin' Write Marker
Confetti White A4 Card Stock
3/16" Gold Brads
Dotto Refill
Crimper
Stampin' Scrub Replacement Pads
Circle Scissor Plus Replacement Blades
Stack & Store Containers

Last Chance List

 Today is an exciting day!! We've had the release of the Retiring or Last Chance Lists this morning, so it's time to check your catalogue and make sure you have everything on your wish list! Some items are even at reduced prices!!

Be sure and get your orders in quickly as we can never guess what items will sell out in a few hours!

The lists online will be updated as things sell out so if you leave it a few days it's best to use the online links here on the Promotions page. I will place an order tomorrow night at 9pm for anyone wanting to buy from the Last Chance List, I can order at any time so just let me know if you want anything. Otherwise the items remaining on the list can be purchased until 31 August.

If you have any queries about the catalogues and Last Chance Lists please email me.

Rue Des Fleurs

We made this lovely card at our group last Sunday. I got the idea from a card by Sue Wieberg but changed the layout. I love this stamp set available in the Autumn-Winter mini catalogue until 31st July.

Chocolate Box

Wow, just had craft day and we made this gorgeous box of chocolates!! Totally cased from Diana Ball-Seitz at Stamping Moon.com.

We made the box and square chocolates from Early Espresso and Soft Suede and the round chocolates are made using the Itty Bity Flower punch with a sequin/bead pin pushed into a 1 ¼”(32mm) polystyrene ball using Blushing Bride and Very Vanilla. We put them in chocolate paper cups to add to the authenticity. These would be lovely as a gift with chocolates or love notes etc inside. Get the template for the box here, the square chocolates were 8cm square scored at 2cm and 6cm for the base and the tops are 8.2cm square scored at 2cm on each side. Everyone loved the chocolates that won't make you fat!!

Extravaganza

Wow, what a great day!! We tried a new format and most people found it worked well, we have some good ideas for tweeking it for next time to make it even better.

A total of 5 projects were made in an afternoon, images below:

Bath Salts Gift and note
 Card by Rachael and Irene

Designer Photo Album Wallet
 by Barbara and Vanessa

Pleated Skirt Card
by Narelle and Paula

Vintage Elegant Bird
by Jacque and Vicky-Lee

Shadow Box Card by Sally and Karen
 - Original design by Jenny Moors

Training Day

We had a training day for our team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, so some of those who attended convention shared some of the wows! with the rest of us. The card below was presented by Barbara and showcases the Shimmer Paints pg 147 and Fine Supernova Glitter pg 145. Barbara also showed us some pretty cool ideas for the Simply Scored scoring tool.

Supplies:
Naturals Ivory, Pretty in Pink, Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso and Very Vanilla Card Stock, Neutrals Collection Designer Series Paper Stack pg 130, Red Glimmer Paper (Summer Mini pg 13 still available)
Crumb Cake and Early Espresso Ink.
Pretty in Pink 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Framed Tulips and Square Lattice Embossing Folders, 1 3/4" Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" Circle, Cupcake Builder and Modern Label punches.
Stamps: Parlor Prints Background and Create a Cupcake

The other card we made during the day was presented by Rhonda Fawcett, Rhonda showed us some ideas for using punches. There was punch art and also using them as templates for sponging. The card uses the sponging technique to great effect.

Supplies:
Basic Black, Basic Grey, Whisper White Card Stock
Basic Black, Basic Grey, Rose Red and Versamark Ink
Mixed Bunch and French Foliage Stamps
Blossom and Lace Ribbon Border Punches and Swirls Scribbles Sizzlet Die
White Bakers Twine, Rose Red Seam Binding, Basic Black Satin, Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain and Whisper White 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, sponge or daubers, Rhinestones.

We were also given a scrap book page to create, I haven't completed mine so I'll post that once I've finished it.I had a fabulous day, lots of laughs and it's always great to catch up with other demos.

Talented Lady

I want to share a link to Barbzcards with you, Barbara is my Aunt and a very talented card maker and scrapbooker. The link will take you to her blog to see the swap she made for the recent Stampin Up! Convention in Canberra. I love her swap it's beautifully thought out, the colours pop and it's useful. She is a constant source of inspiration to me and therefore to my customers. Thanks Barbz
http://barbzcards.blogspot.co.nz/2012/05/swap-for-convention-in-canberra.html

A Reason to Smile

With demonstrators away at Convention I definately need a reason to keep smiling as I wish I could have been there with them. Click on the promotions tab to view the stamp set in this offer available through June. As well as a workshop offer based on sales running through June and July. It's a great time to host a workshop in your home.

Become a Demonstrator!!

Ever thought...I could do that when I've been hosting a workshop or demonstrating a technique. Stampin Up! have changed the starter kit, so now it's even easier to join the Stampin Up! family and take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

Beginning 1 May, Stampin' Up! is offering a fully customisable Starter Kit for new demonstrators at a new lower price of $189! This will give you the perfect start to your business--your way!

When you join Stampin' Up!, the choice is yours to put together a kit with any of the current high-quality products--choose up to $285 worth of any Stampin' Up! products! You'll also receive a business supplies pack (valued at $90) to create a kit with a total value of $375 that still ships for FREE!

 If you would like to discuss the starter kit and becoming a demonstrator please email or call me.

Designer Rubbish Bins

Just had a fabulous time with my Mum creating these designer bins to use on the table during workshops and craft group. All you need is a big tin, these are baby formula tins, some dsp (ours is retired) and your imagination. Mum cut out the little butterflies, bird cages and frames while I did the stamping and sticking it together. We're proud of our efforts and will be showing them off at the next craft group on April 22nd.

Craft from Sunday

I have the camera working now so I can show you the notebook we decorated. The notebooks were from Typo and have a pocket inside the back cover. I wanted to make them so they could be used but retain all the embellishments so I used the cover as part of the background by stamping it in Soft Suede with Artistic Etchings. I stamped a piece of Limited Edition DSP with the Medalion stamp in Crumb Cake and then distressed the DSP ripping it and sponging the edges with Soft Suede. I tied a piece of Twill Tape right around the front cover knoting it on the front and adding smaller pieces of complimentary ribbon.

Front of Notebook and Tag

The tag was made from Naturals Ivory card, stamped with Atristic Etchings in crumb cake and Espresso. The Amour tab is So Saffron stamped in Espresso with a button brad from Vintage Trinkets and Hemp Twine through the top.

Back Cover and Tag

The back cover was cut away by tracing around a the top note shape and stamped with Artistic Etchings in Soft Suede. The offcuts were used to make the piece with the word create for the front cover and attached with a safetypin from Vintage Trinkets.

Hope you enjoyed viewing this post.

We also made a watercolour card taken from Tami White on http://vimeo.com/36854105

It's a beautiful card made using the distressing kit, embossing, Inspired by Nature stamp and words from French Foliage. Follow Tami's video to create your own.

Sunday at the Farm

I have some great projects to show you from the weekend but the photos I just took were blurry and the battery on the camera has run out. So instead I'll show you the animals from Sarajane's home in Ararimu. We travelled there for our craft day this Sunday and had a great time meeting the animals, making cards and having a lovely lunch made by Sarajane. Thanks everyone for a great day!!!

Peta, Bella & Baby

Baby Chicken

Patrick & Spongbob with Reede

Gran's Birthday

It was my Gran's 90th birthday last Sunday. We went to my Aunt's house for a craft day and special lunch. We made some fab projects that you'll see in the coming weeks but this is the card I made for my Gran. She likes cards with flowers but not a vintage look. I cased this card from one by Margaret Davies on Splitcoast.

Crafternoon

Hi, Just had a great afternoon with my craft group. It's raining so we made 3 projects and ate hot cross buns, perfect!! Here's one of the projects we made, a very easy box/bag, we decided it would be lovely to fill with Easter Eggs.

Supplies used:
Spice Cake DSP
Clearly for you stamp set, Perfect Postage stamp set
Pear Pizzazz and Soft Suede Ink
1" and Postage Stamp Punch
Chantilly Lace Ribbon

Birthday Cupcakes

Hi everyone, just thought I'd share a card that I made for my 7 year old niece's birthday. I used Blushing Bride, Baja Breeze and Whisper White cardstock, Just Add Cake DSP, and the Create a Cupcake stamp set. I'm quite pleased how it turned out. If you're wondering about the shiny cherry, I used Crystal Effects page 144 in your catalogue.

Great Day on Saturday

Saturday was the Auckland Extravaganza. There was a mix up at the venue which was sorted out but I would like to thank all those who attended for their patience and understanding.

I was involved with the Pink Pirouette Card and Purse project, a gorgeous girlie project with Wow!!

Everyone had a great day and loved all the projects presented and I'm sure learned at least 1 new tip or technique for their card making.

Pink Pirouette Purse

Pink Pirouette Card

Don't forget Sale-a-bration, on until 31 March. Book your workshop or place your order before March 31st to get your free Sale-a-bration treats!

Inspiring Day

I attended a monthly craft group today and had a ball!! We used some designer paper and stamps from the Summer Mini Catalogue to create some wonderful projects. I'll only include 1 here as the others I will teach at my craft group so I don't want to spoil the surprise.

The card below uses the Field Flowers set and the double stamping technique to great effect, the contrast of the Concord, Peach and Tangerine colours is quite striking. We didn't have matching ribbon on hand so made a trim using cardstock.

Project Recipe:

Card: Concord Crush
Stamps: Field Flowers (pg 69)
Ink: Lucky Limeade, Peach Parfait, Tangerine Tango & Concord Crush