Spot the difference!!

Recently I had the pleasure to receive some handmade cards, for a yearly event in my life which I absolutely detest- I absolutely hate being a year older every year, and the handmade cards I received off my craft & SU friends were rays of sunshine in a stormy time for me! They have given me so much inspiration, that I felt a few 'CASE's' were in order!!

My SU Mummy- Julie Kettlewell, sent me a lovely card featuring the lovely 'Fun Flowers' & 'Top Note' SU Bigz Dies, can you spot the difference??

Julie's card is to the left of this picture,

I wanted to give this 'CASE', to my Gran-

who was celebrating her 97th birthday yesterday!

So I upped the size of the card to a 15cm square base,

as she likes a big card for on her mantle piece!

I used 'Parlour Prints' to create a lovely aged background panel-

It goes so well with the 'Attic Boutique DSP',

out of the 'Summer Mini'......

I have to admit that I have spent along time stroking this, before I cut at it!!!

I just love the vintage, shabby chicness of it, but it's still fresh and vibrant with bursts of colour!

 I split my 'Top Note' die cut of the gorgeous 'Attic boutique DSP' to fit the square, placing a 'Crumb Cake' banner, stamped with the birthday greeting from 'Curly Cute', to cover the gap!

I embellished it with SU pearls, as my gran likes the posh bits!

I added a lovely twirled bow-

using the new 'Pool Party' 'Seam Binding &

 using the 'For My Family' stamp set, I added a little 'Decorative Label' with 'Grandma' on & a few more pearls too!

I layered up the flowers- like Julie, but switched the button,

to one of our lush 'Antique Brads'!

Here you can see, that following Julies inspiration, I too added stamping to one of the flower layers.

 I always like to add some decoration to the inside of my cards, that are going to be received, so I finished this with a light stamping of the 'Parlour Prints' stamp around the edge......

This was the trickiest bit in creating the whole card...

As the card is wider than the stamp, and you also want to take off the ink from the centre. of the stamp, so you have somewhere to write your message- this I forgot to do!

So as Julie say's-

'it's a good job SU card stock is double sided!!!'

Thank you for stopping by, and checking out my crafty makes-

Sally-Jo

xXXx

A drama & a diorama......

I had well and truly abandoned the keyboard and even my scissors, over the past couple of weeks!

My mojo had left me, it had gone on a 'long haul' holiday, not only was my back still niggling me but last Thursday farmer Johnnie had an appointment with the MRI  scanner, after his run in with a wayward wheel barrow over the festive period, and even though he looks like he as tough as anything, he needed some support, as they were sticking needles in him, in a very sensitive area too!

Any way with attendance at SU mum- Julie's training event, on Saturday, I was planning to force myself to sit at my desk, later on the Thursday night and come up with something for a swap, well a headache struck and with Farmer Johnnie feeling sorry for himself too, we only managed a cup of tea and some painkillers, so Friday came and Johnnie even though still hobbling donned his boiler suit and got back on the farm and I had to get my swaps done.... 

Well after a little faffing around and poking at bits of stuff I had started on ages ago, and squashing the massive box of rubbish at feet into a smaller pile, I came up with an idea- a friend and regular hostess, Linda King, had posted on their fb page (click here to see) a lovely diorama card, she had made, featuring the 'Spring Mini' stamp set- 'Marry Me'. Well at the training we had to focus on using some top secret SU stash ;-) and so my swap was created using lots of secrets, but was a diorama too!  

And today in honour of Linda Kings inspiration, and mojo boost, I have done my take on a 'Marry me' diorama, and I have included the discreet use of two new products that 'Stampin' Up!' are launching on the first of May!! I can't name the new products I have used, but everything else used will be given a label, so a little guessing is involved!!!

A colour combination of 'Pink Pirouette', 'Very Vanilla' & 'Basic Grey',

the card base was created from one A4 sheet of  card stock,

It was given a makeover with some simple score lines and and a bit of cutting with the 'Big Shot!' ;-)

 The set contains 6 stamps, one of which is this beautiful quote by William Shakespeare

 The front of the aperture was given a little stamping with the simple flower stems that are included in the 'Marry me' set, and some little punched 'Itty Bitty' flowers and SU gems added a nice touch.

 For the centre piece of the diorama I stamped the main bride & groom stamp, from the 'Marry Me' set and cut it out with a 'new tool' and my SU 'Big Shot'!!! ;-)

 I created some curled paper flowers out of 'Very Vanilla' card stock and dusted their edges with the 'Pink Pirouette' Ink, I also gave them lacy doily petticotes, using the 'triple layer doily punch'.

 I embossed the very back panel of the diorama, with the 'Manhattan Flowers' embossing folder and used my 'two way glue pen' & 'Dazzling Diamonds Glitter' to add a little sparkle, I also added a couple of pins with some 'Pink Pirouette' punched 'Itty bitties' on the end.

Here is a birds eye view of the diorama.

I am glad, I spent time crafting today, it was great to combine something old, with something new....

Also thank you for sticking with me through diorama & dramas XX

Details on the lovely SU stamp set 'Marry Me' that I have used today can be found in the link to the top right of this post, which takes you to an on-line copy of the 'Spring Mini'........

Remember that the UK 'Spring Mini' ends monday 30th of May,

and even us demo's are not told what, if anything out of it, is going to be carried over to future product lists...

So my advice is get it, while you can!

From Friday I will be placing orders every evening, till the close of sales on Monday night,

and what's more is that if you spend £45 or more, you are eligible for a free pack of DSP.

Contact me to find out more:

sally-johoughton@hotmail.co.uk

Tel. No: 07891605129

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

Christmas Spirit.....

Whooo hooooo......... It was probably a good idea that last week, my Internet connection was very limited, as yes I made a start on my Christmas shopping!!........At least a whole week earlier than last year!!! This year I have been very honest with the children, that Santa's gifts are not an endless pile of stuff, and that there is more to Christmas than presents. I think that I may have got this across to my 10 year old, who acts like she is 19!! When sat on the sofa having an extremely late night cuddle because she couldn't sleep, last night, she was peeking at the ads on TV, she saw the 'John Lewis' one come up and my!, does it bring a tear to my eye! So when it finished I asked did she get the meaning.... there was a short pause.....'Yes! Its better to give, than to receive!!', all of a sudden her being a rubbish sleeper and still being awake at nearly midnight was manageable!!

Anyway with my brother coming around yesterday, the technical glitch is now sorted, with a little grey flashing box- like- thing, stuck to the side of the lappy, I can now upload and type, with out it having some kind of hissy fit, crashing and losing it all!!

So here is a Christmas Scrapbook lay out that utilises some none Christmas papers, can you guess what they are?? Yep- Timeless Portrait, the cherry cobbler is just right for Christmas lay outs- so get using up your odds and ends, on your last minute Christmas projects, and if like me you are counting the pennies- get out your stash and create a few lay outs as gifts!! 

The embellies were created by stampin' and punchin' the tags from 'Tags till Christmas' & also the spotty frame from 'Four Frames', they look good as cluster of 'bits' and because I stamped them, they all match, as I could use the same Ink... 'Cherry Cobbler'!

Even though its a christmas layout, I have kept it very masculine,

and the rouched 'Striped Grosgrain Ribbon' helped.

Here is a straight on view, the picture isn't too good, but at least you can see my positioning.....and now that I have looked at it like this, I feel that the top left corner is a little bare.... hmmm what do you think it needs??

I should be back tomorrew, the rest of today is planned out helping santa and maybe a little christmas craft too!! And if you havent seen the ad, here it is xxxx

Alot to get excited about......

There is so much going on at the moment.....school open evening, High school applications, Getting ready for training & SU Convention,Getting ahead for Christmas.....I know I keep mentioning this, but we only have 73 days to go to the day!!!

Its is hard to fit it all we want to do, and it was the same for so many people I spoke to last night, making calls for the 'Book-A-Thon', and it was great of them, to make time, to let me in to there homes and Craft Clubs to Share my love of Craft & 'Stampin' Up!, by hosting a 'Workshop'. Thank you so much for booking and our fantastic 'Idea Book & Catalogues' are winging there way to you!....Did you know that you get one for FREE for hosting a workshop?? And that they are so glossy and Packed full of more Craft ideas than any UK craft magazine.....well that is my opinion, but book a workshop to find out for yourself!

Well as I have already mentioned that we are firmly on our way to Christmas, so how about a little Christmas Card? It showing one of the new stamp sets from the New 'IB&C'

It's called 'Beautiful Season'

(Wood mounted 122680 £20.95/ Clearmount 122682 £16.95)

And it really does show how beautiful the season can be!

The swirls on the base card were created with 'Baroque Motifs'

(Woodmounted only 113490 £28.95)

The Big Shot & Glimmer paint came out for this too!

And the decorative label punch!!

Right off to make swaps for Saturday........OOOOOoooo so so excited!!!

Sally-Jo xXx

No sew easy!!!

The new 'IB&C' is packed full of fantastic ideas and products for 2011-2012, and I have struggled to contain my excitement, at all new things to play with, but there was one new product line, that has been causing me some concern......even invading my dream space.......and that is the fabric!!

Yes!- the quality is fantastic, and it so matches SU ink colours, Buttons, Ribbons, card stocks, and even the 'Designer Series Papers'. but with all this good stuff going on, I was petrified- even though I have had a sewing machine since I was 12years old, I still can't sew a straight line! Panic was setting in, then late on Saturday Night when I couldn't sleep I did a bit of googling, and came across the idea of a 'No sew' Pin cushion, well I gave the idea a few tweaks in my head and pushed it to the back of my mind......as yes I had dusted off the old faithful sewing machine and had started something else.....so late last night when I got so far in the other project, and I needed to get some advice, I whipped up this little beauty!!

And the fabric-122337 Timeless Portrait £8.95
Coordinates with Timeless Portrait suite

(p. 64–65 of the new 'IB& C')
And with the SU colours-Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla

The Designer Fabrics are Uniquely designed, and are made from 100% cotton. Each includes three coordinated designs, with each piece measuring approx. 68.6 x 45.7 cm.This little pin cushion took not even a 15cm square of the lovely 'Cameo' print fabric, a bit of wadding, a circle of stiff board, my trusty staple gun and a frame that I had loitering!!Adorned with a couple of ribbon roses and some 'Tempting Turquoise' Buttons, this would make a lovely gift, but mine is sitting prided of place on my craft room shelves!!!

Not only do we have fantastic new products in the new 'IB& C' we also have a fantastic New Starter Kit too!! Maybe you have been thinking about buying the Starter Kit and becoming a Demonstrator???

It's a great time to join 'Stampin' Up!', as a new demo, I am more than happy to email you some information or I would love, to give you a call & chat through the opportunity without any obligations!

The starter kit is £119 and the contents have increased!!

It now includes a 'Colour coach' & a 12x12" Patterns Stack which makes the contents worth £250!!!

WELL IT GETS EVEN BETTER........

For this month not only do you get the

BRAND NEW KIT for £119, of which parts can be changed-

to suit your personal taste!!

You will ALSO get a new IN COLOUR bundle of 5 ink pads and some card stock FREE in addition to your already great value Starter Kit!

This is a totally fantastic offer!!

And I would love you to join my team...

and Share our love of crafting!

Please email me sally-johoughton@hotmail.co.uk

Or send me a Text 07891605129,

I look forward to hearing from you! xXx

Time Flies!!

Last week I started trying to get my phone to converse with my computer.....and I ended in a bit of a computer mess, and the computer had a major melt down, by Sunday I was lucky enough to have some technical support from my brother and he got it running again, but every good intention to blog this week, has flown out of the window!! As I have been struck down with a mega cold......snot....well we all have it at some point!! plus a sore throat and ears.......coupled with open evenings for high schools for heather, something had to give..... and sorry..... but it was contact with my blog,,,, apologies, but I hope this make- I have made with some new Designer papers, that launch tomorrow makes up for it?? xx
I know I am mentioning the Christmas word again, but this year I want to make a few keepsake gifts and this is one of the first, My sister Jilly got married to James on the 2nd of April this year, and I have made them a picture clock.
It uses some of the roses that I made last week & not quite half a sheet of lovely new paper, f do so hate cutting into a new sheet, is this just me? Markers were made for the hours of the cl0ck using some of our delightful pearls.

I used the 'Little Leaves Die' to add some foliage and gave the whole bit a spray or two, with the watered down shimmer paint......I think I will be ordering some more of this!!
I do promise to be back with another post within the next 24hours, with a link to the New catalogue, that launches tomorrow and full details of my launch event.Xxx

Now for the roses.........

Last week my love of SU went a stage further when, my 'Sneak Peak' products for the new catalogue arrived! My first dabble and play around, made a pretty card using a couple of the new 'In Colours' and some of the retiring products and yes a bit of 'Kissing' too!

But as with all good passions, the romance needs to be fed and what better way, than with roses....every lady loves flowers, and I created these whilst at Naomi's craft group on Saturday.

Using my 'Big Shot', the Stampin' Up! 'Fun Flowers Die' and a a couple of sheets of 'Very Vanilla' card stock, I soon had a table full of flat flowers to curl and stick, into blooms.

Now I am not the first person to have thought of this idea, and there are loads of You tube Videos & Blog posts, out there showing step by step guides, on how to do this, but don't you think they look 'Blooming' beautiful??

As they were still drying, they made the journey home, on the back ledge of the car.....no one was allowed to open the windows in case they flew out the window.

Once home, I was fired up to continue crafting but felt that the paper flowers needed a touch of something else.......I delved into my supplies and pulled out some glimmer paint..........

I placed a small amount, roughly a quarter of a teaspoon, into a mister, topped it up with water, and gave it a good shake, the colour at this point looked a little murky, almost dirty pond coloured, but I took a leap.... and 'misted' away, in the above photo, you can just see the glimmer!

The glimmer paint mist did the trick and these beauties are going to adorn some craft projects, I have planned to highlight my new catalogue products, ready for my event in October, but.......

Tomorrow night, at 'creative cafe',

making a paper rose will be our 'FREE-Make & Take' project,

and all are welcome to attend.

It starts from 6.30pm onwards.

At Delicachixs

Lane Ends

Ashton

Preston

The cost is £5 & includes refreshments,

or it's free with any order, placed on the evening for over £15.

'Creative Cafe' runs on the first & third Tuesday of every month, you bring your own current projects and work along side others, have a chat & view the fantastic 'Stampin' Up!' catalogue too!

If you would like any further information about my events please contact me... sally-johoughton@hotmail.co.uk

or ring me for a chat- Tel.No: 07891605129

Looking forward to seeing you there

Sally-Jo xx

Fresh Cuts!

To days blog project is something which out of my sample box. that has never graced these pages, so apologies to those that have seen it at my workshops and events!

It features a retirement set, which is perfect for making note cards:

Fresh Cuts, Item Number: 111634 Price £21.95

It contains 5 stamps: A large focal college, a small flower, a branch of foliage & the sentiments: 'For you' & 'Thank you'

Using just Whisper White & Very Vanilla Card stock, you get a different look with different inks!

Here I used a 'Old Olive' Classic Stamp' Pad.

And for the other two note cards I used the same colours of base card, but stamped the image using a 'Chocolate Chip' Classic Stamp' Pad.

The set was finished with a label made from the stamp images and punched out with the Oval & Scallop Oval punches, the band to fasten them together is just some packaging, I am hoarding!

This is a lovely set for those just beginning to stamp, as the main image fills the front, of a small card and shading to the flowers is easy to add, using a water brush and ink out of the stamp pad lad lid!

I know many of my regular event attendees have already purchased this, and many other retirement products, and i would hate you to miss out too!

Please get in touch with me: sally-johoughton@hotmail.co.uk

or ring me Tel: 07891605129.

Even if the retirement products don't sell out they are not available after September 31st 2011, Also at training yesterday it was confirmed, what is not being carried over from the 'Mini Catalogue' so email me if you would like to know too!

Right off to brave the rain at the 'Westmorland' Agricultural Show, does anyone know if it will be better to travel by boat, up the M6, after all yesterdays showers??!! ;-) xXx