A wreath for all seasons....

I can't remember if I blogged the really gorgeous 'CAS' large wreath cards I made at Christmas, I say gorgeous, because I was really pleased with how they looked and how they came together and also the people who received them were really appreciative, and stuck them in the middle of there mantle pieces- you always know, you have made a nice card, when it takes pride of place on the mantle piece!!!

Anyway I mentioned just over a week ago that my good friend Linda was celebrating her 21st, well Linda has come over to the UK for a little holiday to see her family and her delightful grandson Alex, and we had the chance to meet up yesterday and have a belated birthday lunch, I had saved Linda's card to give her then, as I also had her pressies, but here is the card I made for her, and yes I put a wreath on it, I have loved creating 3D home decor wreaths and I have wanted for ages to create a wreath on a card that wasn't for Christmas, and this came from there!!

Sorry for the blue picture, of the whole card front....maybe need to work on my lighting!!

But i think you get the LO xx

As Linda is the 'Craft Stamper Of the Year' I wanted to make a card that was worthy of her mantle piece!!

I created some spiral curled flowers using the 'Stampin' Up!' 'First Edition DSP' and gave them a frilly outer using the 'Triple Doily Punch'

I got an 'Antique Brad' on it and some of our lovely 'Crochet Trim' as Linda likes these SU products!

I used the 'Beautiful Wings Embossilit' to add a kaleidoscope of butterflies across the card, Linda has just got this in her February 'Stampers 6' order with me!

I added a lovely 'Timeless Type' die cut 21 numerals, which I glittered with the lovely 'Gold- Glass Glitter', I also used this to add specks of sparkle to the stamped wreath, I created a embossed oval using the 'Designer Frames' Embossing folder on to which I stamped the greeting.

Here you can see the inside decoration, I just die cut a 'Scallopped Circle' of 'Very Vanillia' using my SU Big shot and did a little more stamping and glittering of the wreath spray around the edge and finished it with the other half of the 'Petite Pairs' sentiment which I had used on the front, I also gave it a sponging of the 'Gold Shimmer Paint' around the edge of the scalloped circle.

Now that I look back at the card, there are a few more bits that I haven't mentioned what I did or how I got it to do it, but if you have any questions please, do get in touch, I love to share what I learn.

Apart from 3 diamante headed pins, which you can pick up from a florists, everything about the card including the large base, which is made from 2 A4 sheets of 'Crumbcake' is  made using the fantastic Stampin' Up! products, which you can order form me, please do get in touch:

sally-johoughton@hotmail.co.uk

xXXx

The Call of the keyboard.....

As I write this from the top secret location of my craft desk, I hastily glance over my shoulder and check that my cover has not been blown...... yep! At this time of night the kids are in bed, and asleep, and use of the netbook should go undetected by them, I am back to blogging just trying to ensure stealth like note book usage..... my brother, the man I turn to with all technological dilemmas would probably tell me that even if the children don't know what I am doing the 'Big Brothers' of the schools technology people, will do..... Hmmmm should I delete this post and wipe my prints from the keyboard???

No the call of the keyboard has struck me and I will endeavour to keep you updated with my crafty happenings, until normal service can resume!! ;-)

This last weekend was not only birthday time, but my Mum and Dad celebrated their 35 year wedding anniversary on the Saturday, as we were going for party tea on the Sunday I took a card I created for them, I gave a sneaky peek via Facebook, as I created it then realised I had no envelopes to fit an A5 card, luckily i had some tissue in which to wrap it.

 The style is nothing new from me, a sort of shabby chic college going on!

 Complete with Crumbcake Seam Binding & Crochet Trim bows....

 A hint of a swirl with 'colour on colour' stamping' for the base card, and the use of the Oval frame from the 'Textured Impressions Designer Frames' Embossing Folder, to create a centre piece for the stamping of 'Mum' '&' 'Dad' from the 'For my Family' stamp set, I had to use my 'Stamp-A-Ma-Jig' for this and I managed it first time, so I think this set may be making an appearance on cards more often, I had got it with Scrapbooking in mind,

 A banner, as a simple way to add a greeting with a different font,

 Some pops of colour, with the lovely flower heads from 'Everything Eleanor' stamped on 'Very Vanilia' in 'Richrazzleberry' Ink with the colour dragged in with a water brush, cut out and then popped to add dimension around the frame. Even the label/ journalling circle from 'Everything Eleanor' was stamped on the base card too!!

 Looking at this side view I took, it's probably a good thing I didn't have an envelope, as I think it would have been to chunky to fit!!

 I followed the style of the front of the card and decorated a 'Very Vanillia' piece of cardstock, to give me a panel on which to write the greeting, to my mum and dad.

 A couple more of the flowers stamped & cut out and I didn't stick them down completely so that the edges had a hint of freedom!!

 And a little bit more stamping and a bit of ink sponging too and my special anniversary card was finished!

I am really pleased with how it came together, and how i managed to make stamps that don't necessarily scream card making such as the journalling label and the family titles work on a card.

Right as my cover has not be blown by a child awaking, I had better not push my luck and log off for now. Don't forget that this is the last month of the Fantastic 'SALE-A-BRATION' were you can get an exclusive free set of stamps or paper for every £45 you spend in either the main IBC, the Spring mini or a bit of both!

If you would like further information please give me a call

Tel: 077891605129,

I look forward to hearing from you xx

Back with a 'sugar rush' hit!!

Well since I last put my fingers on the keyboard, I have had a bout of the most horrendous cold, spent a lovely day crafting with a friend, assembled more flat pack, had a lovely workshop with the 'Preston Card Club' ladies, had the children's friends for a sleepover and fun swim, and have now got to the last day of the half term holidays .......still with the cold!!!


So my scissors have languished untouched and the computer has sat in darkness, until today when fuelled with the sugar rush of a 'Galaxy- Orange & Shortbread' choccie bar, I have made the an attempt to photograph, the card I made when at my lovely SU friend- Yvonne's, last friday!

Check out her blog here: 'Vonnies world'. Even though I was feeling totally ill, she lent me loo roll for my nose and cooked me the best Chorizo & lentil stew, that helped to perk me up!! Yvonne is addicted to rubber more than me, and has the lovely baby set- 'My Special Day', it isn't a set that I would have 'HAD TO HAVE'!! if you know what I mean?? But I had a little play with it and I am now feeling the urge to get it, and also the Iris set- 'Love & Sympathy' on the same page! Her is what I created.....

I went for a 'Crumb Cake' card base, with a punched Collage of  Stamped images, with a little 'Baja Breeze' Seam Binding, and a little snippet of 'Crochet Trim'.

I inked around the edges with the co-ordinating 'Crumb Cake' ink.

And even over stamped the tags, to add decoration. As Yvonne was so kind to share her stash and her hospitality, I made her one of these too, as a sample for her SU workshops!

Before I left Yvonne, rolled me a couple of sheets of the 'Jumbo Wheel'- 'Baby Tees' Item no. 118621 on pg. 42, here are a couple of quick and easy cards I created with a couple of the cute images...

These are really 'Clean & Simple' and they would make great baby announcements, just with a change of greeting, the dotty background border comes from the mini catalogue set- 'Borderlines'.

I coloured these while feeling ill, using the SU markers, and even did a few extra for a couple of layout ideas, so while the sugar rush is still with me, I will get them done!

xXXx

It's not every Monday.....

Okay, after Mondays birthday antics, I have had to do quite a bit of explaining- I really don't spend every Monday, getting tipsy and enjoying fine food and the company of a good friend. Yes! I do enjoy the company of my good friends, on a weekly/ monthly, face to face basis, it just doesn't usually involve any Champagne cocktails!! 

And no I don't usually wear my LBD, to ASDA on a Monday morning! As I nipped in, just before going to Deborah's, on Monday- the very mature check out lady, questioned my outfit and said I should consider a jumper... Yes I was wearing a fabulous dress, and a very lovely set of chunky beads, but maybe ASDA isn't use to such style on a monday morning!! 

Anyway, after a get together at 'Creative Cafe' last night, Deborah and I both declared that we have survived- the fizz, and as it was such a fantastic way, to spend a Monday, it's a shame we can't do it more often!! 

Whilst at 'Creative Cafe' we used Deborahs birthday as an excuse to eat more cake, this time 'Nigella's- Blondies' and discuss some SU products that were launched, in the new 'Spring Mini' and also the lovely 'SALE-A-BRATION' stamp set 'Fresh Vintage'. Deborah hadn't thought to bring the pressies, I had got for her, and all the ladies were asking for a look too, but luckily I had a couple of phone snaps to show the ladies and I am posting these, that I took before handing them over on Monday, and they did struggle to leave my hands as I now 'so, so need to get myself some!!'

The presents came in the most gorgeous 'Chocolate Chip' boxes,

that were calling for an SU make over, so armed with a couple of punches, ribbon, crochet trim,

inks and SU stamp sets, I created some stunning packaging!!

 The first main box, contained the most important gift, and its decoration reflects what is on the inside, and also I got to play with an old favourite, stamp set of mine- 'Vintage Vogue' it had the perfect 'friends' wording and a lovely flower that looks stunning cut out, popped up and blinged!!

 Every box, followed the same colour scheme, I just mix up the wording the next 3 sentiments/ words came from the uber lovely NEW 'Spring Mini' Catalogue stamp set 'Your a Gem'

 All the tags were adorned with 'Crochet trim' and snippets of the 'Striped Grosgrain' Ribbon

 And the backgound for all the tags, featyred the gorgeous floral spray from the 'SALE-A-BRATION' stamp set 'Fresh Vintage'-

stamped in the lovely 'Crumb Cake',

this also features in the main gift.......

 TAAA DAARRRRRR!!!!

 I had got Deborah the lovely large 'Simply Adorned- Locket', and had made a lovely insert for it, too!!

The other boxes contained some baubles for her to hang with it, and I am glad to say, she lurvvess it!!

I can wait until I get one, and I can make some little peices of art work to adorn mine, if would like to know more about this lovely new product line then check out the link, to the top right of this page, It will take you direct to an online copy of the mini, complete with photos of makes using the products and product info too! If you live in the UK, I would love to be your demonstartor, so you can get all these lovely goodies, get in touch with me:

sally-johoughton@hotmail.co.uk

xXXx

Stepping it up!!

When ever we attend our SU mum's fabulous training events, Julie always shows us a quick and easy card for workshops and then a stepped up version, well today's card is a really 'Stepped-Up' version of the black and whisper white card I featured yesterday, using the 'SALE-A-BRATION' 'Fresh Vintage' Stamp set.

Its larger in size too!!

Measuring in at 8x8"!!

I made this to give, to Deborah yesterday,

for her 21st Birthday!! ;-)

I gave the numbers, which were die-cut with the 'Big Shot'

and the 'Timeless Type' dies-

a sprinkling of the 'gold antique glass glitter'

I created some paper flowers, using the very vintage looking 

'First Edition Newsprint- Designer Series Papers'

I added a double bow using my last piece of crochet trim and

the lovely 'Crumb Cake- Seam Binding',

with an 'Antique brad' for embellishment.

It doesn't show up to well, but I gave the flowers a squirt,

with some watered down,'Champagne shimmer paint'.

Here you can see that the inside got a little stamp action too, and as the card was a little too big for an envelope,

I decorated a brown lunch sack for it!

I hope you like this 'Stepped Up!' card, I love that you can get so much use out of stamps! I will be back tomorrow with another make that features, the 'Fresh Vintage SALE-A-BRATION' stamp set and the lovely 'Simple Adorned' 'Stampin' Up!' jewellery line. 

xXXx

How to start a **FABULOUS** week!!

Today Herald's the start of a fantastic week, so much so, in that I have been to bed yet- I have been busy, doing things for today, that I should have done on Saturday, but Saturday was taken over by flat pack wardrobe assembly..........That in it's self was entertaining.......7 Houghton's & Lawson's were involved in the shenagians.... and yes we really are a screw short, well 7 to be precise!!! Not only are we still celebrating 'Sale-A-Bration', but this week is jammed packed with fun things, and only one niggle.... that I can foresee at the mo...... 

Today I am off out for a Girly Lunch to celebrate a good, good friends 21st, I am saying 21st as when Deborah checks my blog later on this morning to see what I have been upto, she will be utterly put out, if I have told you all, that she is celebrating her BIG 40 TODAY!!!! oOOoopps- errr, I sort of let that slip!!! I don't suppose she will hate me as much, when I tun up at hers later with some bubbly!! Tuesday I think will be a slow, coffee fuelled start to the day, with the niggle cropping up late afternoon, with a family visit to the Dentist- sorry, I know it's just a check up, but I hate the whole experience, and take the kids, then I have to do it and put on a cheery face about it too. What is nice about Tuesday is that we are continuing Deborah's birthday celebrations for another day, at Tuesdays Creative Cafe, so if you fancy some choccy birthday cake, do pop in!! Wednesday sees a trip to Yorkshire, to see my SU mum Julie, I am so jealous as they have had snow, while we are snow-ess but have sledges....Hmmm maybe should take my sledge with me instead of my crafty tool kit!! Thursday evening, I am attending a workshop, at a lovely friends craft group, and I am looking forward to showing them the fantastic 'Sale-A-Bration' offers!! And well Friday, is the half term Church assembly, at my Children' school and then Yippee!! it's the school holidays and maybe if we are lucky, we can really put our sledges to the test!!!

Anyway back to what what I do best, and that would be playing with my delightful 'Stampin' Up!' stash!!! Last week Mr UPS came to drop off some deliveries, he came with my 'Stampers 6' orders, with spontanous customer orders and also some 'bits and pieces' for me, that are needed for this week...... I can't tell you about that today as someone maybe trying to have a 'Sneeky Peek' so we will save that till tomorrow!! :-) 

Even as a demonstrator, I am still eligible for 'Sale-A-Bration' and it was great for me, to get stamps for FREE, in my order too!! I have had loads of fun making some thank you cards, to go out with my orders this week, with the gorgeous 'Fresh Vintage' 'Sale-A-Bration' stamp set.

Two different cards with the main decoration coming from the stunning bloom, from the 'Fresh Vintage' 'Sale-A-Bration' stamp set. 

A 'Crumb Cake' Card base, with 'Real Red' Ink and

'Doily Lace' decorative border.

A 'Whisper White' base, made shabby chic,

with a 'Crumb Cake' dusting of ink & Some Simple 

'Basic Black' stamping and the 'Doily Lace' decorative border.

They were both given the same finishing embellishments of- Antique Crochet Trim and Antique Brad-

I love how they look so different, yet so similar!!

And the stamp made the perfect decoration for the inside,

of the card too!!

Stamps really are so versatile!! If you live in the UK and would like to know more about the 'Stampin' Up!' product range, I would be happy to tell you more, leave me a comment and I will get back to you!!

I will be back tomorrow, with more lovely makes,

featuring this stamp set & many more wonderful SU products!

See you then xXXx

Dizzy heights of SU!!!

The last weekweek has flown by, and catching up with day to day, jobs and sorting out the tip, I left my craft room in has eaten up alot of time and put blogging on the back burner....SORRY XX

But anyway here I am back with the first layout, of my Paris trip! I can't wait to take Heather and Matthew, to see the City, it really can't be truly appreciated in a day.....maybe I may even get farmer Johnnie, to come with us for the weekend!!!

Ok.....it's not often you see me on a layout, but it was a great event and that equals a great memory...... so I have braved the lense, and 'Papped' myself at the top of the tower!!

The layout, is quite clean & simple, and features a couple of SU stamp sets that have been lent to me by Yvonne Hunt, a lady who has become a good SU friend, and put up with me sharing with herself and Jeanettes Eames, at Convention........ I do think, they had no idea what they had let themselves in for!!!

One of the sets, has a brilliant stamp of the 'Eiffel Tower' and so stamp fate was decided!! And after seeing a totally gorgeous swap, Yvonne recieved off- Jenni Pauli- it was a real wow-sers of a card, and it had a beautiful trail of pearls and gems strewn across it, I decided to give it a little go on my layout, its just a shame the camera doesnt do it better justice!!!

 The lovely delicate swirl came from a set I recieved for attending convention.

In honour of me being a 'Northern lass- who likes to watch her pennies!' I have just added a few scraps of ribbon as embellishment.....well SU ribbon is too good for the bin!!

Right got to dash, on the school run and have a gather of ladies to check out the swaps and goodies I recieved at convention too! XXXX

I took some Islands with me!!

Well I am back, in blighty.....I survived flying, what was the most daunting aspect of air travel was the checking in and the weighing of luggage, and it was only me, out of our group that set off the airport alarms...any surprises there though!!

On to the more important stuff..... Spending the day site seeing, in Paris, on the Thursday prior to convention, was fantastic, although I do have to say that the 'Tour De Eiffel' was not at all as romantic, as we expected it to be.....until the light faded and night was upon us....then Paris really came alive, and so did my French....words I had never used since my GCSE days sprang from my lips.....During the day I managed to ask for directions, gel shoe inserts and a cork screw....get me and my metropolitan lifestyle!!

Anyway all to soon we were catching the last train back to the Hotel, and getting ready for 2 action packed days of 'Stampin' Up!' Convention (And wow-sers....they were action packed, full of info on new product lines and top tips...there is so much to cover over the next couple of months!!)As I was attending as part of the 'Julies Jems' team, we all made each other little team swaps, I am still pouring over all the lovely makes I received, but here is my make for the team swap.

And yes, it is a play on words, but I took 19 of these little boxes, made from our delightful 'Island Indigo' card stock with me...get it?? Islands with me!!

The boxes are based, on a cheese wedge style I was taught years ago, but I loved bringing an old idea to life again with modern products. The fab sentiment came from the lovely 'Petite Pairs' Stamp set and was then punched with the modern label punch, with the little flourish from 'Tiny Tags' added for some decoration, and to finish the tag, a bit of SU bling!!

The boxes were given a simple bit of stamping, with the swirl from 'Everything Eleanor'.....and a light misting of the champagne.....well we were in Paris.....shimmer paint, that I had watered down.To hold the box closed and fasten the tag in place, I used a 12cm length of the new crochet trim, and as knotting it, slipped in a short piece of the 'Basic Black- Striped Grosgrain'........I have used 3 rolls of this for my convention makes......Its a good job I get a demo discount!! But I couldn't just give my teamies, an empty box, well the make inside, was something to wear......

A beautiful ring!

I am extremely grateful, that my good friend Deborah, is an avid 'Kirsty Allsop' fan, she saw a gorgeous make similar to this on her craft TV show, well the next day whilst I was out and about Deborah phoned me, to ask had I seen it, well I hadn't, but all she said was...' She just stuck the paper roses, you have been making on to ring backs and Voila....she had made a ring'. It was sort of a serendipity moment, as she rung, I happen to be stood outside a Haberdashery shop, which stocked the ring backs!!

And as soon as I got home, I used all my little scraps of 'Timeless Portrait' Designer Papers to create the roses.....to make them more sturdy, I gave them a couple of coats of 'Crystal Effects' and just before the centre set, popped in a large, sparkly bling......well I couldn't afford real diamonds....sorry girls!!

I hope the girls loved my make, as much as I have loved theirs, swapping was such a special part of convention, only 'Stampin' Up! demonstrators, can attend the convention, so if you don't want to miss out on all the HOT SU news, learn new some new craft skills, and even make new friends, then join my team.......OOOoo and the location for convention next year.......

Mainz, Germany

on November 2 and 3, 2012!

Make plans now to attend this wonderful event!

I can't wait for you- to become a

'Stampin' Up! ' Demonstrator with me!!! XXX