Wednesday 30 June 2010

June Release for Annabelle Stamps


Hello all,

It's been a busy week on this little blog..... well that's if all my posts went to plan.
Walshie and I will be leaving Washington tomorrow heading for San Francisco before heading back to Sydney....hope the weather is better than it was when we left and the house hasn't been washed away!

Today's the day  all the new Annabelle Stamps go on sale. If you've seen some that you would like go check out the Annabelle Stamp blog to see what deals Andrea has for you. 

I have a couple of cards to share today the first is a CAS card featuring 'Tree-MEN-dous'.  This stamp is perfect for male cards but not restricted to them.  Here I've distressed my card base before adding a piece of brown double faced satin ribbon from the Brown Petals Kit.
The image is stamped onto another piece of pure white card using SU chocolate chip and kiwi kiss ink. I've rounded opposite corners  before attaching to the card base with foam tabs.  
One of the sentiments from the set was stamped and cut out using a Spellbinder die.  This tag is attached with a Copper swirl to finish this quick and simple card.


My second card uses 'Floral Silhouettes', if you remember I mentioned that this set would be a great one for those last minute cards.  Here I've used VersaMark ink and Annabelle's white embossing powder to stamp one of the floral images to maroon card.  I've framed the image with a white scalloped frame cut with a Spellbinder die.

The pure white base card has the inside page punched with a Fiskar's Upper crest punch. 
On the front of the card I've used one of the small accent stamps to create a background for the top section. The bottom has a polka dot patterned dp from Webster's Pages and between the two I've used a die to cut the large scalloped strip from the plain maroon American Craft Card. Softly rubbing this with an emery board after running it through the Cuttlebug with a Swiss dots embossing folder.
The image has been attached with foam tabs and to add a little softness to this card I added the lace tie and 5 assorted Cocoa Metalic's.
No sentiment as yet  but when I need to there are five to choose from  with this little set and I could add a tag to the lace or just stamp one inside.

Thanks for stopping by again today. Hope you like these two cards and can be tempted to add to your collection.

I have a couple more posts scheduled before we get home so hope you pop past for these.
Till then, take care..............



Hiya.................... got onto this silly little notebook again!! Will be travelling with my laptop in future!!!
We've enjoyed our stay in Washington....It's been really hot here and have to say we are both looking like we've been sitting on the beach instead of walking miles and riding in open top double decker busses.
So much to see and we've just scratched the surface but the locals are great and we've had some laughs....We don't think we sound funny!!!!
Flying over to San Fran. tomorrow so another travel day, but looking forward to our last four days and maybe some shopping .... there is a little bit of space in the suitecase....not much!!!  xxx

Monday 28 June 2010

Floral Silhouettes - Annabelle Stamps June Preview

Hello Blogger's,

Today is the final day of previews for Annabelle Stamps June release.  'Floral Silhouettes' is the set we're featuring today.  Another set  packed with images and sentiments that will be so good to have for those last minute cards.  No colouring required!!



The gift pouch uses a template available from SCS. I've scored mine in .5 inch stripes and using VersaMark stamped one of the images randomly over the card before making up.  The circle image from this set was stamped in SU So Saffron and cut with a Spellbinder die. It sits, popped up on foam  on a  scalloped square. Some Annabelle Petals and ribbon from the Brown Petal pack have been added along with a clear gem that I coloured with a Copic marker.



My card has lots of detail I've used several of the stamps from this set :- a border stamp, circle stamp, two sentiments and a small flower from this set.  
The circle stamp has been given the cracked glaze effect and aged with distress ink. 
I've used Spellbinder tag dies and scalloped circle dies. A large scallop die for the orange card that sits between the border stamp and the dp.  A Cuttlebug die for the corner detail.
An antique copper swirl holds a bow tied with more Annabelle Stamps ribbon from the brown petal pack as well as the  two sentiment tags.  
I've used toffee sprinkles in each of the scallops as well as the small flower centre.

So, having said how good this set is for quick and easy cards ...... you can still pile it on too!



I hope you'll go check out what Andrea and the rest of the design team have to show you today, I'll be itching to get on-line to see what the girls have made to share.  Think of me sitting in an Internet cafe in the US  hahaha.

I hope there are stamps here to tempt you, I've enjoyed playing with them and remember Wednesday 30th is RELEASE DAY go over to Andrea's blog for all the information.

See you all soon.......













Sunday 27 June 2010

The Roses Challenge .... Olga's Animals.....


Last Sunday in the month is the day to post The Roses Challenge card.  Betty, Connie, Kym, Kerrie Olga and myself make up the Roses and this month was Olga's turn to pick the challenge.
She asked for a card with Animals somewhere on it....... so what do you think?

Oh you don't see any animals, I  hear you say ..... and I did stuff up Connie's challenge last month didn't I.  She wanted to see dimensional flowers.....oops.



Ah.... here they are, hiding behind the pretty SU Daisies.  Those of you who know Olga will know she is a real character so I think she might appreciate this little number!!

Kraft card, KaiserCraft dp and some ribbon along with  textured white card were used.  These cuties are from the SU set Animal Crackers and I've coloured them lightly with Copic markers.  The Daisies were inked up in SU Pumpkin Pie and I drew a border around them with a Copic Multi Liner.



Here's the inside of my card,  the little owl is from SU Forest Friends and stamped in Close TO Cocoa.

That's it tomorrow is the last preview for Annabelle Stamps before the four new sets go on sale on 30th.  Hope you can stop by for my last project.

Till then...........
                                    

Saturday 26 June 2010

Sentimental Bluebells - Annabelle Stamps Preview


Hello, 

As you read this Walshie and I will be winging our way toward Washington DC having said our sad goodbyes back home......ah!

Here we go with day three of the previews for Annabelle Stamps and today we're featuring a beautiful set called 'Sentimental Bluebells'. I've made a Velum card featuring one of the flower images as well as  a sentiment.  The image has been stamped onto pure white card and coloured with Copic markers and a clear glitter pen.  A Spellbinders Labels 11 die was used to cut the stamped image, the sentiment  as well as the blue card that backs the image .  I've used a fine ribbon with a 5mm pearl added to complete my card.

My second project is a small Kraft gift box that I've covered with some Basic Grey dp. 
The pendant from this set is beautiful and here I stamped it in royal blue, cut it with a Spellbinder circle die.  Then stamped the sentiment onto another piece of card, cutting this to sit on foam dots over the centre of the pendant. This all sits on a scalloped circle of pale blue card.  
To embellish this little box I tied some of Annabelle Pearl pink/hot pink Swiss dots ribbon  in a bow across the front of the box. Added a small loop under a pink petal then added the centre gem and three smaller ones beneath the sentiment. All of these are part of the pink petal kit available from Annabelle Stamps.  

This little box was made using a template provided by Jolande here.



One more set to go for this month and I'll be back to show you my project before all four sets are released on 30th June.  In the meantime I hope you'll pop in on Andrea and the rest of her design team to see all their projects using Sentimental Bluebells. Links are in the sidebar.

Till next time..........




Friday 25 June 2010

Hello from Sunny England....

Hello all,

It's been a busy week here at 'home'......the sun's been out since we arrived and we've managed to spend some time with both families.  We're in Bognor Regis with by friend Pam and fly out to Washington early Sat.
Very sad leaving Mum yesterday.........but good to spend time with her........I'll share some pics of her pretty garden when I'm home.

Ian had a great Birthday in Rome - I think we walked miles and took about 500 pics!!!

So looking forward to the US now though I feel like I've been away an age!!!

Thanks for all your comments on my cards - hope you all like some of the new stamp sets from Annabelle Stamps!

Will get on line in the US all being well - Hope to catch up with Linda P there all being well.

Take care all.................


Annabelle Stamps - Say it with ???


Hello Blogger's 
It's been a busy week for Annabelle Stamps this week with the previews. If you've been checking them out 
I hope you've seen some things you like, we're half way through this months with 2 more sets to show before they go on sale on 30th.

The challenge this week is a Say It with..... but I'm afraid I'll have to send you over to the Annabelle Stamps Blog to find out just what the 'with' is!!

 I did have a little card I can show you using Annabelle Stamps.  A mini easel card cut with a Spellbinder blossom die.  The dp is from KaiserKraft and I've used a Retro flower punch to punch the little flowers that sit on a punched swirl.  Toffee Sprinkles where added to the centre of the flowers and beneath the sentiment.
The flower image and sentiment comes from my favourite set 'Flowers With Love'



Hope you'll go and check out the challenge and join in with the girls from the design team.

See you soon.......




Thursday 24 June 2010

Rockin' Instrumental Annabelle Stamps Preview

Hello Blogger's,

Are you ready for Day 2 of the Annabelle Stamps preview?  Today we have a great little set that all you stampers with teens will love!  The name of this set gives it all away......'Rockin' Instrumental'
I've used just a couple of the stamps from the set to make a card and a gift suitable for a male teen.







The first is a CD gift folder, a neat way to wrap a gift made from a sheet of SU sahara sand, blue American Craft card and some striped dp. The tutorial for this wrap can be found here.











Spellbinders dies were used to cut the image and make the frame.  I've added some 3mm blueberry sprinkles for some added bling and a couple of buttons and string to close the folder.





The card to go with this gift  has been kept quite simple. Same blue card and dp with a punched edge sitting on a paler blue base card. A strip of mesh embossed card with a pewter brad and some knotted string across the centre. The top portion holds the Happy Birthday sentiment, perfect for a boy or a girl.  I stamped this in SU not quite navy and using a small Spellbinder label die dry embossed a frame around it.

Take a minute or two to visit the Annabelle designing divas blogs. All the links are in my side bar. I'll be popping into an Internet Cafe to check out what everyone else is up to!!

Two more sets to go, our third set will be previewed on Saturday 26th June so I hope you'll call by then.  Good luck with the prize draw........all the info is on the Annabelle Stamps Blog.

See you soon..........   S

Tuesday 22 June 2010

Tree-MEN-dous - Annabelle Stamps Preview

Hello all,

You have to imagine me waving to you from the UK!

I'm so excited, today is the first day for of previews for Annabelle Stamps June release.  There will be four sets available to purchase from Wednesday 30th June.  I hope you'll call by to see all four projects I'll be posting here.  If you haven't already collected the Blinkie from the Annabella Stamps Blog  to display on your blog, there's still time.  Don't forget there is a prize up for grabs, one prize for each set revealed. Check the Annabelle Stamps Blog for all the information.

Today we are previewing the set Tree-MEN-dous, which is a great little set for Father's Day as well as Male cards in general.  I've made a card for a friend of mine to give her son, he's just become a father for the first time, making her a Nana!  I can't wait to hear what you think about this little set.



Method:

1.  Cut base card to size. Using VersaMark ink a small leaf stamp from Tree-MEN-dous randomly stamp across the front.
2.  Emboss a 1 inch strip of brown card using a mesh embossing folder and adhere to left side of card.
3.  Stamp tree trunk using SU chocolate chip ink onto Kraft. Ink the separate  foliage stamp with SU kiwi kiss and position over the branches. (So much easier with these clear stamps) Punch right side of Kraft with a SU spiral binding punch. Sponge all around with antique linen distress ink. Adhere to card.
4.  Stamp the border sign in kiwi kiss followed by the SON in chocolate chip, cut out and adhere to card front with foam dots.
5.  Stamp the button sentiment in chocolate chip and using a Spellbinder die cut and mat to a kiwi kiss scalloped circle. Adhere to card with foam dots.
6.  Add four 3mm toffee sprinkles to button centre and three to the base of the image panel.


My second card is a Birthday card and this could well be Ian's card this year!  
The base card is Apple Green.
 I stamped the image onto fine cork, adding some light sponging around the leaves of the tree.  It stamped quite well and though it's hard to see here the trunk and branches look really good.
I've added some doodling around the edge of the cork and some fibres to one side.  The sentiment was stamped over and over on a strip of Kraft and added to the centre of the fibres. To complete my card I covered a chipboard heart with some cork and using strong tape added this over the sentiment.


Thanks for dropping by today.  I hope you'll take the time to check all the designers blogs as well as the Annabelle Stamp Blog for more inspirational ideas for this set.

Our next reveal will be Thursday June 24th, stop by if you can and good luck with the prize draw.

Monday 21 June 2010

oooh look what I found.........



It pays to have a good tidy up every now and then, I opened a drawer and found my stampin Up stamps!
I haven't used them in a while so opened up Upsy Daisy . Took out the kraft card that I'm loving working with at the moment.
Chocolate brown card, dp from Christina Re for Grant Archival.
Cotton Twill ribbon, Garden Trellis punch by Martha Stewart and four chocolate pearls by KaiserCraft.....
We'll be in the UK as you read this post so I'll take some pictures with Mum to share when I get back.
Take care all, talk soon....

Friday 18 June 2010

Annabelle Stamps - ABSC024 - A Rose


Hello Blogger's,

How are you all? When this post goes to air Walshie and I will be leaving Rome and heading for England.  Hopefully with lots of pictures!

Friday and another Annabelle Sketch challenge brought to us by Andrea.  This was an interesting one too. 

 I used 'Flowers With Love' and stamped one of the single blooms in SU Certainly Celery onto white card.  Coloured with Copic markers and cut with a Spellbinder die.  I've set the image on a double mount and used some foam tape to pop it up. The middle peachy oval is also coloured with Copics.  
                                                                                           
The dp strips are from KaiserKrafts 6x6 cappella paper pad and the pale green strips are a pearlized card that I embossed with Swiss dots. These are mounted onto American Craft card in a soft green from the Spring Boxed set.

I've coloured some pearls with another Copic marker, not sure what I would do without these amazing pens!  To balance my card I've stamped the sentiment in the top left corner.

That's it for me, go take a look at the dt's blogs for more inspiration and don't forget there is a prize for one randomly picked entry.  A jar of 6mm Rose Sprinkles, 1mt 16mm DF Hot Pink, 1mt Hot Pink floral 9mm Ribbon.    Ooh I'd love both these the sprinkles are great and we always need ribbon .... right?

Before I go just a reminder, the June previews start on Tuesday 22nd. Make sure you've collected the Blinkie from Andrea over at the Annabelle Stamps blog, there's a prize involved!   Good Luck!!!

See you on 22nd....









Thursday 17 June 2010

Happy Birthday Walshie!

Happy Birthday Walshie!!!

I'm not going to go on too much but I couldn't let this Birthday pass without mention now could I?
Ian's sister wanted to celebrate with him, which is why we decided to meet up in Rome on our way to the UK.

Here's the Birthday Boy in Australia.



I had to take this picture standing outside The Mint
because every now and then he says "I'll just go and print some money"  Usually when I say  Ooh I would love those stamps!!!!
This one was taken in Queensland he's standing in the doorway of a train!  

OK enough now! Thanks for indulging me   x

Wednesday 16 June 2010

Hello from Rome!!!

Hello all!

Rome - Oh my........ for years I used to fly to the Airport and back and at last get to see some of the amazing sites!! 

Today we spent over three hours walking through the Vatican or as they say here The Eternal City.  3 hours is nowhere near enough to take it all in though....my neck aches from looking up!!!

I've taken lots of pictures so I'll share when we get back!!

Yesterday we walked around the Colosseum....and tomorrow I hope we'll take in The Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.......Thinking of the film 'Roman Holiday' !!! 

Oh this is amazing - can't believe we've been away under a week!


Did I tell you how much I enjoyed Hong Kong??? That's another story....I've never seen so many shops!!!!
OK better get off line - hope you're all well and have collected the Annabelle Blinkie!





Tuesday 15 June 2010

Annabelle Stamps - Previews Blinkie

Hello Blogger's,


Just popped in to let you all know that the Annabelle Stamps June previews start on 22nd June.

Andrea has prizes up for grabs during the previews and it start now..........

Today on the Annabelle Stamps Blog there is a copy of a Blinkie advertising our release and if you add the Blinkie to your blog, write a post telling your friends about it, linking back to the Annabelle Stamps Blog you could win one of the new June sets.  Four sets are being released so four winners will be picked.

For those of you who don't have blogs you will get a chance when the previews begin on the 22nd as for each preview day there will be a prize on offer.  You will have until the next preview day to leave a comment and answer a simple question on the Annabelle Stamps Blog to be in with a chance of winning.

All the up to date information will be on the Annabelle Stamps Blog - so check it all out there.

Help us spread the word and join the fun..........    


Sue  x


ps
Walshie and I will be leaving Hong Kong today heading for Rome where we'll meet up with his Sister and her husband to celebrate the big Birthday!!!






Monday 14 June 2010

Covered notebooks


Hello Blogger's,

As you read this I'm probably site seeing and shopping in Hong Kong!

Thought I'd show you a couple of the many notebooks I've covered recently. One is an Address Book the other one I use for my colouring hints and tips. I keep all my notes on Copic's, Prisma's and Inkadinks here. I have favourite ways of colouring skin, hair etc so this is a good way to remember what works best for me.

Both books have been covered with SU cardstock and on one I added satin ribbon and punched flowers with pearls. Every time I get an odd end of the right colour ribbon I add it to the ring binder! The address book has a punched out border and SU ribbon to dress it up. I've used the oval stamp from GKD Organize It on both books.

We leave Hong Kong today heading for Rome to meet up with Ian's Sister and her husband.
Walshie will be celebrating his B'day very soon....  I'll hopefully have some pictures to share when I get home.

Thanks for dropping by.



Hi Just a quick post from the Airport in Hong Kong   - on our way to Rome.
Have turned on word verification sorry but saves all those messages coming through to my email.

We are both looking forward to some sleep on the flight through to Rome.  Such fun here!!!

Hope you're all well - I need a notebook!!!!!! Hate not having a computer at hand.

Taker care all. xxxx



Sunday 13 June 2010

Sat 12th



Hi Just checked in am in Hong Kong still not Washington so much for my pre posting will have to check now that the rest are right.
Having a great time walked miles but what a place!!!!
Leave for Rome midnight tomorrow.
Sue

Saturday 12 June 2010

Vintage Pram.....



I should be enjoying Washington DC as you're reading this post.......that's assuming I have the pre-posting thingie all sorted out!
I knew our Neice in the UK was expecting her third daughter (not a son as the midwife mistakenly told her early on!!!) while we were over there so I took my card all ready to go!!
Very vintage style pram ...anyone remember these?  My Mum had a Twin Pram very much like it.
The stamp id srom Grace Taylor for Grant Archival, you might just notice the heart buttons that have been stamped at the top with VersaMark, from the same set!
See you very soon.........

Friday 11 June 2010

Annabelle Stamps - Say it in ????????

Hello,

Friday again which means it's time for an Annabelle Stamps Challenge this week is Say It In....?????
Sorry not sure but if you follow this link it will take you to the Annabelle Stamp Blog where you can find all the information.

See you back here soon.


Wednesday 9 June 2010

WMSC1 - Waltzingmouse Stamps 1st Sketch challenge.

I'm so glad I got this card completed before we leave, it's for the first Waltzingmouse Sketch challenge WMSC1.  Go check it out for yourself Claire is happy for you to use any stamp but naturally she'd like to see some of hers if you have them.  My card looks a little dark here ...... it is kinda...... but not dull!




Waltzingmouse Stamps Asian Gardens was my choice for this card, I've stamped a part of the branch with the bird in a cage.  Base card is GKD pure luxury in pure white  and I've used American Crafts card in maroon and chocolate chip. Spellbinders Scalloped and circle dies as well as the Fleur De Lis pendant die cut the layers. I've stamped the image in SU chocolate chop and Versacolor Maroon onto textured white card.  Foam tabs pop up the last two layers.

The sentiment is stamped onto the wrong side of white satin ribbon, I've found this holds the ink without any bleeding.  The ribbon is secured in place by a button.  I've just removed the shank from this one that has been waiting for ages for just such a project!  
Hope you like it........I hope Walshie likes it too..... I'm going to add it to my suitcase  ready for his Birthday!

Thanks for dropping by today, take care all....... I'm off to get this case packed.......

Sunday 6 June 2010

Clean and Simple Sunday - FTL93



Hope you've all enjoyed a good week end. I was talking to Mum in the UK who tells me they have been enjoying warm weather just need it to last a couple more weeks.

I used a sketch from the Clean and Simple blog FTL93 to make this thank you card for a friend.   Waltzingmouse Asian Gardens provided the images and sentiment stamped in SU Close to Cocoa and VersaColor Old Rose inks. One of the blossoms has a second layer popped on with a foam dot, for interest.  I like the effect of stamping on this textured white card I think it adds to the Asian style.

I punched the pink strip with a Fiskars Upper Crest punch and scored either side of the sentiment.  The little buttons were added with embroidery thread bows.

Today I pre-posted a few things ready for Annabelle Stamps June Release so  keep checking on my little blog...........please.

Friday 4 June 2010

Annabelle Stamps - ABSC023



Hello,

Friday is Annabelle Stamps Day and this week Andrea has this great sketch for us  to follow...... ABSC023.
The first Annabelle Stamp I owned was 'HollyBranch', the stamp I used for this card. So my first Christmas card for the year.....what do you think?

Method:


1.  Cut Pearlized card to give a top fold card 4.25 x 5.5 inches.
2.  Cut light green ACC to 3.5 x 4 inches.
3.  Cut pale green card to 3 3/8 x 3 7/8 inches  and emboss with Swiss dots. Adhere to light green card.
4.  Using Memento tuxedo black stamp images to PL white card.  For the tall strip I've stamped the same image twice and then added a couple of extra holly leaves to tie the two together.  Cut the card as follows: 1.5 x 3.5/8 inches and the two smaller ones 1.5 x 1.75 inches.  Colour with Twinkling H20's.   Adhere to background.
5.  Using a scalloped die cut some white card at 1 inch x 1.25 inches.
6.  Stamp the word Greetings, from the same set with the aid of a stamp-a-ma-jig. Position this at the base of the stamped section and with double sided tape fix to card base.
7.  Add 7 Cherry Sprinkles across the bottom of the card.

I hope you'll join us for this challenge and keep watching for all the latest news about the June stamp release.

Now,  the randomly picked winner of the ABSC023 will receive a jar of 3 and 4mm Blackcurrant Metalic  Sprinkles, these are such a great embellishment for all your cards and scrapbook pages.

If you can pop past my friends the designing divas who make up the Annabelle Stamps design team they are sure to have some inspiration to share.



Till next time.................




Thursday 3 June 2010

OLW7 - Afternoon Tea


Hello Blogger's,

I'm sharing a card I made for Susan Raihala's OLW7 challenge here. The challenge is REPETITION.
I've used another of my new Waltzingmouse sets called Afternoon Tea. Claire adds lots of small accent stamps with her sets, look at this tiny teacup......how cute.

GKD pure luxury, pure white card for the base with the images stamped in SU pumpkin pie ink.  With opposite corners rounded that was it...... sounds simple ah!  Err not so ....it takes me ages trying to line things up and get them straight......don't look too hard at the four teacups!!!!!!

I'll be back tomorrow with Annabelle Stamps Bling Sketch Challenge, hope you got your card in for ABSC022 you could be the randomly picked winner.

Hope you can drop by tomorrow,