Where's the inspiration from?

We all get inspiration from somewhere right? It might be a card we see at the store, a pretty piece of paper, Pinterest, a friend or even something totally left field like a kiddies dress. (That card has to wait but it's worth it)

Have you heard of CASE? Copy And Share Everything. Lol there's a whole Stampin' Up! Demo's blog dedicated to it known as CASEing the Catty.

Today I will share a card that I have CASED almost exactly to a stamper I love to follow. Brian King from http://stampwithbrian.com is a great card maker from the States that I get a lot of inspiration from but every now and then I feel a great need to recreate his exact card because I love it so much. 

So Thank You Brian for your inspiration I look forward to seeing what goodies you create with the upcoming stampsets in the new Catalogue.

On-Stage celebrating

We have just got back from On Stage and I thought I'd share my swaps.

The Burlap ribbon looks so different all pulled apart.

Soft Sky card stock with some watered down Soft Sky ink washed across it made for a great background although initially I was a bit worried.

All set up like a production line. 

Yay first one of what turned out to be 48 finished. 

Now for a photo shoot in front of the photo rock (I do love my photo rock) 

Gate fold it!

Guy Greetings - a direct CASE from Lisa over at Peanuts and Peppers Papercraft my class and workshop ladies loved it. The best bit is that she has all the instructions listed so it was even easier to get it right.

I checked the list and had all the goodies required - changed the colours around a bit to suit my taste and here you have it.

 

Loved it so much that I had to use the silver foil card - well that comes up a treat and looking super special (quietly I might just save this special one for hubby)

 

 

Do you want to make this yourself? Check out Lisa's instructions collect your goodies together and get crafting.

 

Are you in Australia and need to shop for your own supplies pop over to my Stampin' Up! Store to stock up. Add up your purchase don't forget to round it up to the nearest $90 to get your FREE Sale-A-Bration goodies.

 

You may also like to check out this post from the beginning of January about the super special joining promotion that Stampin' Up has happening until 31st March. The kit now saves you 43% how great is that!

 

 

 

Argh me Hearties

Its been a while since you have seen a stitching post from me and I believe this little guy deserves to been seen far and wide because he is so squash buckling cute!

 

A baby shower invite arrived from my cousin and I knew I had to make an effort.

I also knew they were having a little boy (being a midwife I am nervous because the scans can often be mistaken but I'm sure a little princess would love him as well),

I asked if there was a theme - yay its Nautical - he fits in!

So I ticked some boxes and then had the challenge of sorting the shift swap so I could attend.  

 

 

 

He was well received she ooh and ahhed appropriately after I convinced her to open the present - what is it about gifts these days she didn't want to open them in front of anyone. I am such a sticky I love to see the gifts - a perk of being that same midwife I get to see the new gifts people bring to the hospital.

On another note I also made this beauty for her - not the cake but the cake topper. I have new toy and it cuts 3mm acrylic beautifully so this cake topper was also part of her gift.

 

Yes the cake was super yum and worth breaking the diet for!

 

Nearly forgot The Pirate pattern is a Dolls and Daydreams pattern and if you are into making out with a sewing machine they are super easy - the instructions are clear and easy to follow so why not give it a go.

 

Happy Birthday Maeve

Thirteen is a big milestone to a kid - right?

My Miss Maeve was looking forward to this birthday more than she has any previous (can't understand why she is wishing her life away - oh that's right she is still young).

I popped over to my up-lines place and made this card with her. Maeve loved it.

 

 

Linda crafted with a group of us showing how easy it is to create, chat, inspire and share knowledge. Stampin' Up! has bought so many wonderful people into my life over the last 8+ years that they have been in Australia and for that I am very grateful.

 

#imbringingbirthdaysback

 

This great card below is one that came all the way from England to us in Australia because I shared on my Facebook page that Maeve and I share our birthday month. Jo didn't only send me a card with beautiful wishes and an offering of friendship she sent my lovely daughter one as well. To say Maeve was chuffed would be an understatement. Oh and now I "need" this stamp set as well!

 

Feel free to pop over to my Facebook page HERE and if you would like to receive a card from my family for your birthday or even 'just because' and send me your details via the private message button.

Happy Stampin' and keep on sharing.

From Far and Wide Birthday wishes.

Its my birthday month and I share it with one of my daughters - I love this idea from Shannon West of Stampin' Up! ‪#‎imbringingbirthdaysback‬ I am going to join the movement so this year I am planning to send more birthday cards. 

  Here Is the Link to the video Stampin' Up! shared that has inspired me so.

 

This beautiful card has travelled a long way and I do think its fitting that it has come to Australia - I love this FREE set that features some of our unique and amazing Fauna. In Australia you can get your hands on this set FREE when you spend $90 AUD on Stampin' Up! products from any of our catalogues.

So all the way from Jo in England these beautiful birthday wishes came and I thank her for my happy mail.

Check back in a couple of days to see the card she sent my now teenager.

 

 

 

Have you ever wanted to make your own cards I can help with that if you are from the Central Coast of Australia or feel free to copy any of the cards you see here on my blog.

Happy Stampin' my friends till next time.

 

 

Birthday love

It's my birthday so what better way to celebrate tha with a beautiful card from a friend. I loved what she did so much I recreated it for my stash! Hers was the one one left.

How cool does the water colour blob - for want of a better word - look as the background? What a fun but seriously messy technique I don't think my wooden table will ever give up the drops of Bermuda Bay - so lucky I love that colour!

 

The insides needed some love as well so I used the other pop out in this great set.

To keep the ball rolling because Playing with hew goodies is always fun especially when crafting with a friend. I need to get my much depleted ready to go card stock back up and running so started with some Birthday cards that I need to do in every colour now!

One mustn't forget the inside and this one has a wow factor. 

 

Looks familiar? I got my inspiration from the new occasions catalogue, if ever I'm in a craft rut this is where I start to get those creative juices flowing. 

Cute Chickie ESAD Blog Hop.

It is with great pleasure I welcome you to my blog from Amity's Blog if you are following our Hop. I’m sure you’ve been as inspired as I have been so far.
 

Ok it's been over 3 weeks now since the new catalogue started with that great little Sale-A-Bration catty to go with it. What set is your must have from the SAB collection? I must have them all but love this little guy and can see him being very popular. (I say him as I seem to be really good at breeding roosters here - 7 last time much to my husband and neighbours horror)

Yes you may have seen these before and there is a reason behind that - I CASEd both these cards from the SAB catalogue to show my customers you can make great cards easily and you have the inspiration to get you started right in front of you. Why not make them, the cards you see in the catalogue are usually what make you fall in love with a stamp set. I also know that just because I love it you may not but often all it takes is one great example to move a set from my maybe list to the top of the must have list! 

Please head on over to Chloe's Blog now.
Below is a list of everyone in the hop in case you get lost. Thank you for visiting.

1. Richelle Fletcher
2. Monique Fielder
3. Rachael Lewsley - Birthday Blooms
4. Paula Reid
5. Pauline Bennetts
6. Amity Knight
7. Courtenay Heuston - YOU are HERE
8. Chloe Evans
9. Carly Middleton
10. Kelly Kent
11. Sally Williams
12. Barbara Williams
13. Andrea Buckland
14. Narelle Fasulo
15. Libby Dyson
16. Lou Kitzelman
17. Nicole Wilson
18. Mel Pagano
 

Stampin Up New Year New Catalogue

Welcome to the NEW YEAR

I’m enclosing the link to the new Stampin’ Up! “Occasions” catalogue which supplements the main 2015-2016 Annual Catalogue. This “Occasions” catalogue runs until 31 May 2016 – that leaves plenty of time to play with the new fun stuff. And it’s fun indeed!

Occasion Catalogue
Sale-A-Bration Catalogue
Annual Catalogue
If you are in Australia and would love a paper copy please drop me a note to my email HERE

Okay, this is Just Too Good Not To Tell You...

In my 2 ½ years  as a hobby demonstrator, I have seen Stampin’ Up! offer only a couple new kit promotions. But this one is by far about the best I’ve seen yet.

Until 31 March 2016, you can join Stampin’ Up! just as a hobby demonstrator for only $169 (same as usual) but with this promotion YOU choose any products YOU like up to $295.00 and FREE shipping. Oh and guess what - it’s perfectly fine if you never place an order as a demonstrator.

Yep the kit alone is a huge bargain.

You won’t have to hold a class or a party to sell anything. There are no requirements for collecting orders. There are lots of additional benefits and absolutely no catches anywhere!

If you do decide to place further orders as a demonstrator, you will always save 20% on the net price of your orders. But even if you never placed a single order after getting your kit, you are still graciously welcomed and are given immediate access to a whopping pile of online resources (tutorials, training on getting the best use from various dies, papers, tools, etc.) and even some social media forums that are open only to Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.  I’ve personally enjoyed those extras immensely! And learned a LOT of new skills.

And just in case you’re wondering…

Ø  If you got a kit in the past but are not currently a demonstrator, you are free to join again now with this fabulous kit offer!

Ø  As you know, I’m a very keen hobbyist. I also happen to enjoy putting on classes. However, I’ve got no “ambitions” about “building a team”. I won’t be holding “team” meetings, but you probably already know that I am always happy to help anyone who might like to explore going beyond the hobbyist level.

Ø  I do not receive any cash from Stampin Up as a result of you signing up for a kit. Nope – not a cent. I am awarded with “flex points” which I can build up to redeem for free products (now you see why I have & share so much free stuff). I’d be jumping at the chance to get more of my Wish List right now for such a low outlay! I reckon that if Stampin’ Up! are happy to put on a kit promotion like this, then I’m very happy to inform you about it!

Ø  Lastly…. In case it wasn’t already clear… If all you want is to get a really big bucket-load of freebies from the kit, THAT IS PERFECTLY FINE. After 30 June 2016, if you’ve done nothing more than just get your kit, you will simply drop off the books. And of course keep crafting with me anyhow. But, with all your new stuff (of course.)

If you want to have a closer look, you can do everything online in a matter of minutes. I’ve got a Stampin’ Up! website where you can “build-your-own-$295-kit” for $169. Just click the “join now” button from my site and read up on it:

http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/bagsthatone/jointhefun

Remember to check out the Clearance Rack where you will find all kinds of heavily discounted items. That way you won’t miss out on a single dollar of your $295 allowance.  

Come Make New Stuff with the New Stuff this Month with me!

There is no better way to play with new things that the come over where everything is ready for you! That’s how I like to do it, and I’m inviting you to join me. I’m preparing my class schedule and I do hope you’ll come along and bring a friend. Just book ahead so I know how many kits to prepare.

FIRST CLASSES OF 2016

·         Monday 25 Jan: 7.30pm-10pm (day before Australia Day)

Bbirthday cards using the new pop up framelits.

(RSVP required)

Cost: $15 includes Cards, refreshments and tutoring

·         Book your own workshop - on a date that suits you.

 

Courtenay Heuston
Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
W: www.bagsthatone.stampinup.net/

Bringing people together across the sea.

I'm feeling blessed. From way across the sea - Austria to be precise, this beautiful card has arrived. Stampin' Up! Has opened the doors to some amazing new friends for me including Judith who sent these to me.

I shared the photos from my Onstage event swaps, Judith messaged me saying how she loved them and couldn't wait to meet there. I didn't get to Brussles but went to the local even in NZ instead so a meting was not going to happen. We still wanted to swap so off to the Post Office we both went. I am thinking this may become a regular event. 

Judith included some cute tags as well. 

My kids were in awe - I sometimes worry that they just don't get how big this beautiful world really is and how a little kindness is returned with love. The kids have winced looked up where Austria is and Judith better be aware that if ever we get to visit there she may have us knocking on her door just for a hug and hello. 

Stampin ' Up! encourage us to love what we do - tick and share that love - tick.

Have a Happy New Year, a healthy and prosperous 2016

Ballon Bash

I love this birthday paper stack but check out the new goodies - can you see them? 

Balloon punch's yay and look at that sparkle on them ---- just add a Wink of Stella  ---- nice.

My bling 'need' is satisfied with this new upcoming product. The new catalogue has soooo many beautiful goodies that pre order has blown the Christmas to me budget. 

Sale-A-Bration starts on the 5th January 

Christmas is getting closer

Stampin Up have some beautiful DSP and this years Christmas offerings have not disappointed me. If you are anything like me I have to buy a 'spare' pack so I don't have to cut it all up and I don't feel so bad about using that pretty paper. Just between you and me that is also why my fabric stash is so huge.

The opportunity presented itself to make the boss a Christmas card on behalf of my Midwifery Colegues so out came mu pretty paper and this is what I came up with. 

It was a serious challenge and I will disclose I find upsizing cards hard - they just don't look right. It must be a proportional thing for me but I'm happy with how this one came out. 

It took me hrs of agonising to get it 'right' and I am so greatful for the thick Whisper White card.

How cute is that fussy cut Santa? If you love him you will love the deers on 2 of the other pages, being 12x12 that's a lot of Santa or Deer to cut out and love.

*quick note this DSP is only available till the 4th of January or while stocks last so don't miss out.

  

 

Spot Sale - who doesn't love a great bargain?

This sale is fantastic, but short. I can't believe it--Stampin' Up! has 17 stamp sets on sale at 20 percent off for just a few days. This rarely happens, so check it out here and get your stamps ordered!

Check out the PDF HERE for the full list.

Need some inspiration using our 20% off stamp sets - check out the Pinterest board set up by Stampin' Up! to inspire you.