Gift Box with a twist and brads

Hi everyone. Well, I have really stepped out of my comfort zone today. I have made something that ISN'T a card but was so fun to make and I would love to share it with you.

I was looking around my desk today. My very first purchase from Stampin' Up (after my starter kit) included the Petal Double Punch. Has anyone out there got it? When I first saw it, I thought "What the....". It was quite a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be and I was then thinking "Why would anyone use this ruddy thing??"

So, onto Google I went. My search took me to Split Coast Stampers which I am a member of but since joining blog land, I hadn't really been there for a while. It was here that I saw a tutorial for an advent calendar. Now, I have modified mine a bit but the advent calendar is next on my to do list.

So, this project used both the Petal Punch Double AND the Simply Scored. Since I have hardly used my scoring board either, I decided I had to bite the bullet and give this a go.

Once I had the box assembled, I used the Petal Double Punch for all the little inserts. The stamps come from my Jolly Bingo Bits set that I haven't used so that was very exciting too!

This design is just awesome for an Advent Calendar. The tutorial shows the larger size as well and once you see the finished product there, you will be blown away. I haven't done all the extra bits and pieces but I decided I was happy with my end result.

With the little compartments, I felt I could use this as a gift box for treats, chocolates, lollies or even $1 or $2 coins. I'm sure there are plenty of other cool treats that could be popped in each box.

Now, I also wanted to create this project for the challenge at 52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown. The theme over there at the moment is - BRADS.

I don't use brads very often so when I saw that the Brads acted as the little compartment knobs, I thought YES!

You can find the challenge HERE

Thanks for looking and if you would like to have a look at the tutorial to make this little beauty, have a look HERE . Thanks heaps to Brenda for sharing her wonderful skills.



Less Is More: Week 77

Sewing? Did someone say sewing? Oh dear lord....

The latest challenge at Less Is More is to use this theme.

I cannot sew... But I can faux sew LOL

After much deliberation, I decided I should use my paper piercing tools and my new White Signo pen to create the impression of sewing.

And, just like my sewing would turn out, even my faux sewing is crooked lol!

I've used my Posy Punch stamp set and kept things pretty simple.

Thanks for looking xx



Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer x 3

I saw Victoria's Rudolph card this morning and thought it was just too cute. I decided I would dig out a stamp that I had with Rudolph and give the challenge a go. Thanks Victoria!

The challenge is over at Stamping for Pleasure - Rudolph Day

My card is very plain and simple and very non-traditional colours.

I have stamped the image onto watercolour paper and used pencils and a blender pen.

Thanks for looking xx



Wreath Card Take 2

Well, I just couldn't wait for all the other things to arrive, so I made do with what I have.
I wanted to made another card for the 52CC Throwdown challenge

Now, are you sitting down? I've just realised I have no DSP that relates at all to Xmas!! Do you need a moment to catch your breath, steady yourself or make a cuppa? How disgraceful of me to let this happen and I will sure to be looking for some more ;)

I had a digital stamp that I wanted to use. They are just adorable! The two kids sitting in the Wreath. I decided to print it onto watercolour paper so I could use my Stampin' Markers and blender pen.

Once I had the stamp all coloured and had added a little glitz (which I don't think really shows up), I started on the card itself. I had a particular layout in mind but that's where the no shows in my mailbox should have helped out. Anyway, a bit of juggling and playing around, I decided I was fairly happy with it.

Thanks for looking xx



ATS - Sketch Challenge #1

Yay! Another challenge at Addicted to Stamps

This week we have a sketch to share with you.

I have used my Stampin Markers to color the stamps from the Apothecary Set. I used the colours Rose Red and Wasabi Green. This stamp set is so classy. I love how it combines with the Framelits dies. A couple of big paper flowers with a huge gem in the middle to finish off.

Here is the sketch

Thanks for looking xx





52CC Throwdown Theme Challenge - Wreath

Well! This certainly was a challenge for me as I really wanted to participate but didn't have anything at all to do with Wreaths.

What did we ever do without the internet? I jumped on and grabbed a free digital stamp and Bob's your uncle! (Well, mine is Trevor but that's another story..)

I'm not sure if I pulled off the whole 'Wreath on the door' look but this is it.

Very basic and quite boring?? LOL.

I've purchased another wreath stamp and some other bits and bobs (there's that bob again!) but I'm not sure if everything will arrive in time to get a second entry in.

Nevermind, thanks for looking!

You can find the challenge at 52CC THROWDOWN!!

JAI #127 - Colour Challenge & IBS #18 - Sketch Challenge

Hi everyone. I was hunting around today and found a sketch challenge that I thought I would play along with which also gave me the basis for my colour challenge at Just Add Ink.

Here is my card -

The colour inspiration came from "Just Add Ink"

I, once again, opted for Blue in my combo.

This is the Sketch from "Inspired By Stamping"

A bit of embossing with my Lattice and Perfect Polka Dots folder on Whisper White card. I have also embossed the small black panel with the Stripes folder. I stamped my Four Frames stamp with Marina Mist and punched out with my Frame Punch. The sentiment is from my Petite Pairs set.

Thanks for looking and click on their images to check out these challenges. xx

ATS - Scrapbook Challenge #2

Yep, it's that time of the month again at Addicted to Stamps where we want all you Scrappers out there to join in.

Our theme was chosen by Victoria this month. She decided on 'HOLIDAYS'.

I got very carried away with my layout and ended up doing a double page. I still have so much to do for this holiday - Hawaii in January 2012.

This was the day that my mum, step-father and I decided to go parasailing. The weather was perfect, the water just a little cool for my tropical liking, and we had a blast.

Because you had to go tandem, Mum got to go a second time when it was my turn. She didn't complain about that! We had sooo much fun and it was an experience I will never forget and just had to capture the day as best I could.

Here is my LO

I love using lots of photos, if possible, when I scrapbook and this is no exception. This day was so huge, it could have been a scrapbook on its own lol!!!

Thanks for looking and I hope to see what you come up with at Addicted to Stamps

CASology - Week #2 : Happy

Who doesn't like feeling happy? The Week 2 challenge at CASology has the theme: Happy!

I rifled through some storage boxes and finally found a little stamp set that I had bought when on holiday in Hawaii. Now, if remembering that awesome holiday back in January didn't put a smile on my dial, I don't know what will!

Perhaps my card will make you smile. Very CAS with a layered mat that has been framed by using my Simply Scored. A little bumble bee with some Yellow Stickles applied to his bod, and the sentiment says it all - BEE HAPPY

Here is my card -

And here is a close up of my Stickled Bumble Bee

You can find the challenge HERE

Thanks so much for looking xx

ATS - CAS Challenge #1

Hi everyone! Another great challenge at Addicted to Stamps. We are slowly but surely building our following and I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with this week.

My DT are the coolest bunch of Designer Chicks going around. Have a look at the blog and see what they have come up with for inspiration.

Here is my card for this week's challenge -

I have used a VERY clean and simple design in the spirit of this challenge. I have stamped my image directly onto the card. This is a new set that I just purchased called Pedal Presents. I have coloured the bike and flowers with Stampin' Up Markers. My sentiment is a stamp from my Petite Pairs set.

I also stamped the flowers again and cut them out to make them pop off the card.

I have used my Simply Scored (YAY!!) to create the frame.

Lots of white space and very simple.

Thanks for looking and don't forget to follow us at Addicted to Stamps to never miss out on our weekly challenges. We will also have a new monthly challenge soon for all you Scrap Addicts out there.

Good luck and BTW - Red bikes go faster don't they?



So Grateful...

I am soooo ready for bed. This card, to be honest, was a marathon for me LOL! You may look at it and think 'What is she talking about?' but with my limited patience, I really had to use all my concentration for this one. I'm also sure that I watch a whole movie at the same time.... perhaps I shouldn't have lol.

Now, where to start?

First of all I followed the colours provided by Simply Stampin Colour Challenge. Then the Mojo Monday sketch was posted so I decided to put them together. Why do I do this to myself after 9pm at night? I really need my beauty sleep, but I'm sure noone in craft land cares ;)

Here is my card and then I will break it down a little..

This is the colour inspiration provided by Simply Stampin'

This is the sketch from Mojo Monday

I have used Very Vanilla cardstock for the card. Embossed the Soft Suede with the Lattice folder and the Crumb Cake with the Swiss Dots folder. I had to hand cut the circles (yes, I know I have to buy some circle dies) and the sentiment was stamped with Rose Red (stamp from the Apothecary Set). I stamped my Triple Treat flower three times - twice with Rose Red and once with Crumb Cake. I used the co-ordinating punches to layer the flower. The smaller circle has been embossed again with my Lattice folder.

I struggled with the colours as I have never used most of these before. Once it all started to come together, I really liked the combination.

Thanks for looking xx

Also, to all my blog friends. I have been a bit slack with visiting you all. I promise I will pop over in the next couple of days to have a look at your awesome creations.

The Paper Players - Wordsmith

Gee, it feels like a long time since I have played at this challenge. Actually, it is! The point of this challenge is to create a Clean & Simple Card using Words as your main focal point.

I've created a card that has the first panel embossed with a Script folder. I also really wanted to use the Versamarker technique on this card. I stamped my Elements of Style stamp with Whisper White ink then drew around the edges of the stamp with my Versamarker.

The sentiment has been punched using my ornament punch and then just rounding off the top. I thought it made a really nice tear drop shape.

So my words are obviously created with my Script embossing folder and my sentiment.

Here is my card -

You can find the challenge HERE 

 

Thanks for looking xx



Less Is More

A cool challenge at Less is More this week. It's a one layer challenge with a twist.

Three of Anything.... 

Have a look at my card

Unfortunately, I don't think the colours of my embossing have showed up particularly well. I have used the same stamp 3 times. The stamp set is Reason to Smile. I have then used 3 different embossing powders - Gold, Clear and Silver. Lot's of white space and CAS.

UPDATED

Here are some photos I've just taken of the embossing to help show the colours a bit better ;)

It looks better in real life lol.

Here is the challenge at Less is More

Lazy, rainy Saturday

Will it ever stop raining?? Well, it has set in again. I can't wait for our wet season, NOT!

I really shouldn't complain. It's the middle of winter here and I am walking around in shorts and t-shirt. Also, my new rose bush that was planted a few weeks ago already has three buds on it! Whoop!!

I was having a look around and saw 3, yes 3, challenges that I wanted to enter. The best thing was that I love all of them and couldn't wait to start.

I have entered these awesome challenges -

52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown - July Colour Challenge

Simply Stampin - Sketch Challenge

Christmas Stamping All Year Long - Challenge #19 No Inky Yet

The colours I need to use were White/Black/Blue. I have used Whisper White cardstock with a panel of Basic Black and Ocean blue grosgrain ribbon for the outer panels. I have stamped the Merry Christmas stamp from my new Delightful Decorations Stamp set to create a background (first time to be inked) with Whisper White ink.

I have then layered the white and black cardstock, inking the edges of the first layer with Marina Mist. I have embossed the last panel and then added another stamp from my new set and used my new co-ordinating punch. I have used Dazzling Diamonds glitter to highlight the bauble. A little white and silver ribbon to finish off.

Here is my card -

Here is the sketch I used from Simply Stampin'

Thanks for looking xx

I will now go and check my feet for webbing ;)

JAI #126 - Sketch Challenge

Well, it's later than usual for me but once I started making this card, I just kept going and that was the end of that ;)

JAI have a sketch for us this week. Now, I had an SU delivery today. I had 3 new stamp sets to choose from (although I haven't used some of my other newbies yet) and I was just so stuck as to which set to use. I ended up choosing the Reason to Smile set (two step).

This sketch is pretty cool. I really should try more sketch challenges. I was a bit intimidated by them when I first started a couple of months ago, but after having a couple under my belt, I will try them more often.

Here is my card

I have used Whisper White as the card and then added SU DSP. Over that, I have used Whisper White and Red Riding Hood Ribbons. I have embossed the square piece of Crumb Cake cardstock with a Script folder. The larger of the Framelit Dies, I have sponged with Real Red and Whisper White ink. The smaller Framelit Die, I have stamped the two step flower with Perfect Plum and Basic Black. I also used the Perfect Plum to ink the edges and create the somewhat crazy pattern.

Here is the sketch from JAI

Click on the sketch to join in the challenge

I changed the circle shape to the Framelit dies as I STILL don't have any circle dies lol (well not big enough ones anyway).

I didn't add a sentiment to the card as I thought it just wasn't necessary.

While I am here, I would also like to say a big thank you to Kim and Patrice for their beautiful cards that I received in the post. I reckon there's nothing better than receiving a handmade card from someone.

Thanks girls xx

Thanks for looking xx



Firefighter Kylie

I've been doing quite a few courses and training for the Fire Brigade of late. I thought I might share some photos that I have received from when I attended the Brigade Championships.

Yes, there are championships lol.

A team from our Brigade went to Brisbane on a very wet and grey weekend in early June. The weather couldn't have been worse. Plus, the council in their divine wisdom had laid a heap of sand over the ovals we were using due to the rain. This just made the 'track' like a day at the beach without the sun and ocean... (I'm sure I was eating sand for at least a week)

This was my first time at the Championships and while my team competed, I helped out as a Track Worker. This didn't sound toooo bad to me. OMG.... being a track worker just meant that you worked your little behind off and nearly died at the end of the day.

Right, this is me coiling hoses once they have been used in an event. They are heavy buggers and quite hard to get off the machine.

Lining up the hoses and making sure there is no air or water in them

The photographer came into the Track Workers tent and said that he needed more 'people' shots. So, I struck a pose lol

As much as the two days were really hard work, I would have done it again the very next day. This was awesome experience and just downright fun lol.

CASology Week #1 Cue Card - Sun

This is a new challenge blog that I saw on Val's blog this morning. I decided that seeing I pretty much like CAS, I would join in. Also, having just created a new challenge blog myself, I really wanted to participate from the beginning.

The challenge is to create a CAS design and incorporate the sun. Unfortunately I really don't have anything with the sun on it! I grabbed my Stampin' Up 'Sunny Fun' set. I only used one of the kids playing in the water for this card. Coloured him in with Stampin' Up markers. Embossed the background cardstock with Swiss dots. The pleated satin ribbon is Baja Breeze. The sentiment says it all!

Here is my card

Click on the pic below to have a look at this cool challenge

Thanks for looking xx

ATS - Addicted to {Blue} Challenge #1

I'm sure my DT want to kill me this week, but that's another story! ;)

Addicted to Stamps - we are loving it over there. This week's challenge is to be addicted to {Blue}. Well! I have gone all out with the Blue lol.

I have just received the Apothecary Art stamp set and had to use it! It is really a beautiful set.

I have embossed the Marina Mist panel with my Lattice folder. I wanted to also use my new Pleated Satin Ribbon in Baja Breeze. I stamped the medium stamp with Marina Mist and used the appropriate Framelit Die. Then with the next size up, I used the Framelit Die on a piece of Bashful Blue cardstock and embossed it with my Perfect Polka Dot folder. The sentiment was stamped with Perfect Plum.

I had some lacy blue ribbon and a wider grosgrain ribbon laying around that I wanted to add as well.

Three little pearls and - TA DA

The DT has some amazing creations, yet again, so please have a look and join in the fun!

Thanks for looking xx



MOJO MONDAY 249

I haven't played at Mojo Monday for ages! I needed to make a card for my cousin who has just moved into her very first home. The sketch at Mojo Monday provided me with the right inspiration.

 I decided that the Stampin Up set - Loads of Love and it's accessory set would be perfect for this card.

I love the accessory set. You can choose what you would like on the back of the ute - the moving items are just toooo cute. My cousin has purchased a very nice red chair for her apartment so I had to colour the chair using Real Red lol.

I tried to give the ute a bit of a 'weathered' look by sponging Perfect Plum. I coloured the rest of the ute with Lavender Lace. The background panels were embossed with my Lattice folder and Swiss Dots.

Some paper flowers and a button to 'hold' up the sentiment and I was done!

Here is my card

Here is the sketch

You can find the challenge HERE

(I flipped the sketch)

52 {Christmas} Card Throwdown - July Sketch Challenge

The awesome gals at 52CC Throwdown have given us a sketch for inspiration this week.

Perfect Plum and Certainly Celery - A perfect match? You decide lol. I didn't mind the combination. I also really like using purple in my Christmas Cards. I decided to layer the colours and add some Whisper White which I embossed with Snowflakes. The sentiment is stamped from my new set "Petite Pairs".

Then a few gems to finish off.

Here is my card -

(My impatience shows - another night time photo...)

You can find the challenge HERE

Thanks for looking xx

Happy Birthday to me....

Well what else do you do on your birthday but hop over to Ikea and buy more storage for all your craft stuff! I decided to get some more boxes for stamps and things. I also found this really cool item that is actually meant for a paper roll. I decided I could use it to store my ribbon. I reckon it will work a treat lol.

I received a card from my awesome Mum in Canberra. Mum is the reason I got into cardmaking. She is soooo clever. Unfortunately she suffers the effects of a stroke that she had a couple of years ago (at 51 years old) but she still makes cards and loves craft.

Here is the card she sent me

Love you, Mum!!!

ATS - Theme Challenge #1 {Christmas in July}

Well, the next challenge at ATS is something everyone will love!

CHRISTMAS!!

I have just acquired a new set from SU which is called 'Loads of Love'. It is just the cutest and I have also ordered the accessory set for this one. Just so versatile.

I love the ute (pickup truck) and the way you can have all different things in the back. I remember as a child going to pick out the live christmas tree. Unfortunately we didn't have a ute, so the tree would be hanging out the window or tied to the roof - those were the days... The pine smell was unbelievable! I'm sure my mum cursed about getting a live tree as the mess they made were incredible LOL.

So the scene for my card is pretty much me remembering about picking out a christmas tree all those moons ago.

I have used the tree stamp to create the forrest in the background (masking technique). I used Wild Wasabi and Certainly Celery. The road is Creamy Caramel which was scribbled on a glass drink coaster and then sponged. The truck was inked with Memento Tuxedo Black and then coloured using Marina Mist and Daffodil Delight markers. The sentiment is from the same set (Loads of Love).

Thanks for looking xx

Tiddly Inks Challenge #89 - Pretty in Pink & TTC20 Colour Challenge

I first headed over to Tiddly Inks as I was looking for a cheerleader stamp for my neice. Of course, I found other cuties there too which I just had to have.

Another neice of mine is celebrating a birthday this month, so I have used Fairy Fae from Tiddly Inks in their latest challenge - Pretty In Pink

This gorgeous stamp is just right for a 6 year old who loves pink and fairies. I have coloured Fae with my Twin Touch Markers. The pink and white backgrounds are embossed with Swiss Dots and Lattice. I sponged the paper flower's with Pretty in Pink and kept some white. The sentiment was from a brand new set that arrived today called "Petite Pairs".

I have also entered this card into the TTC20 Colour Challenge

Here is my card

Again, I have photographed my card at night - hmpf...

The colours haven't shown up too well, but please believe me that this card is PINK, PINK, PINK. I will probably take another photo in the morning and then post it as well.

Thanks for looking xx

HERE IS THE CARD AGAIN, PHOTOGRAPHED THIS MORNING. TURNED OUT A LITTLE BETTER THAN LAST NIGHT'S SHOT LOL. THE COLOURS ARE A LITTLE MORE REALISTIC IS THIS PIC.