Zarna's World

Friday Sketch Challenge #8

2011-12-23T18:02:00.002+11:00

Here is my DT card for Friday Sketch Challenge, I made it for a wedding I went to recently, it's hard to tell from the photo but white matt layer overhangs the red base card, I was hoping the overhang would be more dramatic, but because I used the whole front of the card it didn't work as I hoped, oh well, I still think it looked good.
This week's challenge will actually run for 4 weeks, so make the most of the Christmas break and have a play along!
Happy Stamping, Merry Christmas!

Stamps: Will come back and edit the recipe later!
Ink:
Cardstock:
Accessories:

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Friday Sketchers #7

2011-12-09T17:00:00.000+11:00

Another Christening card that I was asked to make by a friend (there were 3 in total so you'll see another one soon!) Do you like the little tag I made for the sentiment? It's a little trick I learnt at Stampin' Up! regionals using circle punches.

I cheated a little with this sketch, I didn't add the little strip up the side, but I was working with a fairly small card (10.5cmx10.5cm), and I couldn't make anything fit, where if I'd used a slightly bigger card I probably could have made it work, so that's a little tip for all of you playing along at home. Speaking of playing along, go check out the Challenge site and make sure you have a go!

Stamps: Button Buddies, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Marina Mist, Basic Grey
Cardstock: Nursery Suite DSP, Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist, Whisper White
Accessories: Subtles Designer Buttons, Pear Pizzazz Poly Stitched Ribbon

Punches: 1 3/8" Circle Punch

Bigshot: Scallop Square Bigz, Tasteful Trim Bigz XL

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Friday Sketch Challenge #6 (and catching up with #5)

2011-11-25T17:00:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone! Time for another Friday Sketch Challenge, This was a really fun & easy sketch to work with so make sure you pop by the Challenge website and play along! This is a little monochrome(ish?) card I was asked by a friend to make for a christening she was attending. I thought the sketch needed the cute teddy bear from "My Favourite Bear", which is one of the very first sets I purchased and haven't been able to part with even though it has been retired for years.

Stamps: Calendar Alphabet, My Favourite Bear
Ink: Early Espresso
Cardstock: Subtles Patterns Stack (Certainly Celery), Crumb Cake, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Antique Trinkets

Punches: Modern Label

Bigshot: Stripes Textured Impressions, Petal Cone Bigz L

I played along with the last challenge for my DT commitments, but I didn't get the chance to post here, as I was attending a family wedding. So I thought I'd post the card here as well.

This is the card I made for Chris (Justin's Brother) & Amy's wedding. I also made their wedding invitations so luckily I had insider knowledge of the colour scheme, stamps used etc and was able to make a card that coordinated with the wedding perfectly ;)

Stamps: Elements of Style, Monogram Sweet Alphabet
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Versamark
Cardstock: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Whisper White
Accessories: Black & Clear EDP, Basic Black Satin Ribbon

Bigshot: Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Friday Sketch Challenge #4

2011-10-28T17:00:00.000+11:00

Wow! We're up to challenge #4 already! This challenge came at a perfect time, I was at playgroup yesterday morning when I was asked by a lovely lady (a grandma who brings her grandaughter) to make a card for her as she hadn't been able to find a baby card for twins, so I decided to combine the 2!

It's such a beautiful, simple sketch, I'm thinking I might use it again for another project I have in mind.

Stamps: Just Perfect Alphabet,
Ink: Early Espresso
Cardstock: Nursery Suite DSP, Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Accessories: Neutrals buttons, Subtles Buttons, Pear Pizzazz poly stitched ribbon, Early Espresso 1/8" taffeta, kitchen twine

Punches: Scallop Ribbon, Corner Rounder

Big Shot: Two Tags Bigz Die
Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Birthday Invitations

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000+11:00

We had our kids' birthday party earlier this month, with the kids' birthdays only 5 weeks apart we decided to throw a joint party (with 2 cakes of course!) but Charlotte is at an age where she chooses a few friends to invite from preschool, and I didn't want those people to feel obliged to bring presents for Jack too so I needed a way to have individual invitations for her friends but still joint invitations for family & family friends. The solution I came up with was to do double sided invitations (since they had both chosen separate cake themes anyway) This was Jack's side of the invitation, a circus theme based on his choice of a clown cake.

Stamps: Party This Way
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Cardstock: Big Top Birthday DSP, Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White

Punches: Scallop Border, Petite Pennants Builder Punch

This is Charlotte's side of the invitation, she chose a dinosaur cake ("pink with sprinkles!") and has reminded me about her request every day since May, so when I saw Dinoroar in the new catalogue it was at the top of my wishlist!
Stamps: Dinoroar
Ink: Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Cardstock: Old Olive (Reverse side of Jack's), Melon Mambo, Whisper White
Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Friday Sketch Challenge #3

2011-10-14T16:52:00.000+11:00

That time again! Another Friday Sketch Challenge, this time with a sketch made by Sammi, if you want to check it out head over to the blog and see what the talented DT girls have come up with this time!

I made a card for my Sister-in-law to-be Amy for her hen's night to go with the massage voucher that Carmen & I thought she could use.
For the focal panel, I first embossed the bird (inked in versamark followed by Rich Razzleberry and clear embossed) then clear embossed the blossoms from Elements of Style and watercoloured using a blending pen and watercolour wonder crayons.

I made a bow using the techniques that the talented Teneale taught us at convention.

Stamps: Elements of Style, For My Family
Ink: Versamark, Rich Razzleberry
Cardstock: First Edition DSP, Crumbcake, Melon Mambo,

Bigshot: Houndstooth Textured Impressions Folder
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry 1 1/4" Striped Grosgrain (retired), Antique Brads
Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Beautiful Butterflies in 3D

2011-10-06T17:38:00.003+11:00

The other month I held a 3D class as my regular Stampin' Up! class. We also made a Snow Globe card but I'll show you guys that one closer to Christmas.

The other 2 projects we made were a pop up card and a matching gift box using the Fancy Favour Bigz XL die.

Here is the card we made, inside and out, we used some window sheets to cut a spiral so that the embosslit butterflies seem to fly off the page.

And the matching box, isn't this so cute?? Perfect size for popping some home made yummies or a bit of jewellery inside.

Stamps: Perfect Punches
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Love Letter DSP (retired), Crumbcake, Cherry Cobbler, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Window Sheets, Basic Jewels Pearls
Punches: Wide Oval, Butterfly
Bigshot: Fancy Favour Bigz XL, Beautiful Butterflies Bigz, Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Designer Frames Textured Impressions
Tools: Circle Scissor Plus

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Friday Sketch Challenge #2

2011-09-30T17:44:00.003+10:00

I'm a little late for today's challenge, sorry about that girls! I have the kids' party planned for tomorrow and our location has a 90% chance of being rained out, so I've had to ring around and tell everyone who is coming that I've changed the venue, (oh and did I mention I'm pretty sure I've missed some people we should have invited! So if you're reading this and thinking you missed out - sorry! but I'm sure you aren't the only ones lol)
Anyway, onto today's card: I followed the gorgeous sketch over on Friday Sketch Challenge. I was inspired by a card i saw on Tracey's facebook page to use a Textured Impressions folder as a focal panel and I thought this sketch was the perfect card to try it out on. The rest is pretty straight forward, silver embossing for the other focal panel, some rhinestone brads, buttons and ribbon make up the card.

Before I go I thought I'd show you my new personalised stamp that I use for my cards now. I got a friend of mine (Mike Perry of No Dice Comics) to design up a stamp that matches my Zarna Gould Designs website & facebook page theme and then got it manufactured locally. I think Mike did a fantastic job for a very reasonable price, so if you need anything like this done up let me know and i'm happy to give you his details!

PS Never fear SU! gals, I always include appropriate SU! copyright info when packaging my cards & invitations that I sell, I just wanted to leave my options open for the odd times that I need to use another company's stamps so I can credit them the appropriate way as well, and as a result thought it was best not to include this info on the stamp design ;)

Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Ink: Versamark, Certainly Celery (for sponging)
Cardstock: Subtles Patterns DSP Stack (Certainly Celery), Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Accessories: Clear Rhinestones, Neutrals Buttons, Whisper White organza, Silver EDP

Big Shot: Manhattan flower Textured Impressions Folder
Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Friday Sketch Challenge #1

2011-09-16T17:00:00.000+10:00

I'm so excited to be sharing with you for Friday Sketch Challenge #1! I'm loving being back on a design team again, I've missed it so much since JSM & The Blend ended.

Our first sketch was designed by Debra and I think she did a fantastic job!

Aliens wearing cowboy hats!
Click to make larger

I took inspiration for my girly monster card from the background DSP, the first time I looked at it I saw little aliens in the pattern so I knew making a monster card was in order and of course the pink meant it had to be a girly monster card!

I have used Melon Mambo and (new in colour!) Lucky Limeade for my monsters. The Limeade one was coloured by mixing a little reinker and shimmer paint together then using my aqua painter to brush it on. She's so sparkly in real life! The Melon monster was made spotty by using scraps of paper to mask the edges and stamping the eye stamp on her body then washing over it with the aquapainter to wash out some of the spots and pull colour to other areas, I used a bit of Melon Mambo ink to fill in the gaps left over and to create a little shadowing on her underside.

Stamps: Just Believe, Make a Monster
Ink: Melon Mambo, Lucky Limeade, Stazon Cardstock: Cheerful Treat DSP, Lucky Limeade, Melon Mambo, Concord Crush, Pretty in Pink, Watercolour Paper, Whisper White
Punches: Boho Blossom, Word Window
Bigshot: Scallop Circle
Tools: Circle Scissor Plus, Aquapainter
Accessories: Pink Pirouette Taffeta, Subtles Glimmer Brads

New Challenge Blog - Friday Sketch Challenge

2011-09-07T23:21:00.000+10:00

There's a new Challenge Blog in town - Friday Sketch Challenge and I'm excited to announce that I'm on the Design Team!! We get started on Friday the 16th of September and I can't wait to show you what we come up with! The girls have created some amazing sketches (I hope when it's my turn that mine will compare, I've never done anything other than sketch out a basic design on some scrap paper before!)
I've been working on a few DT cards and it is definitely getting my mojo flowing again so I can't wait to start sharing them with you!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Stampin' Up!'s new (to us!) Designer Fabric

2011-08-12T22:05:00.000+10:00

I've been having heaps of fun playing around with my preorder from the new Stampin' Up! catalogue that will be out in September. Especially the new Designer fabric! I made a little memory board to display my card samples when I am out and about, I used a 12x12" frame that I already had (It used to house this piece of wall art). I used a piece of DSP backing cardboard for my base, layered some quilt batting that I had left over from Asher's Quilt. Glued it all down at the back using Tombow and then criss-crossed the Satin Ribbon across the front, stuck them down at the back with sticky strip. I poked some vintage brads through all the layers - this was the trickiest part, even though I used the Paper Piercer the fabric & ribbon sort of sprung back into place and the brad prongs wanted to bend a little, but I got them through with a bit of wiggling. I backed it all with another piece of DSP backing card glued down with more tombow. Popped it in the frame & I was done.
It took about half an hour to complete including the time spent wrangling the children out from under my elbows, so easy!

Another project I made, again simple but not as quick, this time a little shirt for Charlotte (inspired by this pin on pinterest), she is a slim size 4 and the long edge of the Designer fabric wraps all the way around her with an inch or 2 to spare, I think this would make a beautiful newborn baby dress! I completed this in 1 and a bit days, if I'd had a more cooperative "mannequin" I would have finished sooner lol

Fabric: Flirtatious Designer Fabric
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon, Vintage Designer Brads

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy Birthay Cass!

2011-07-15T18:17:00.001+10:00

Just a quick post as we're headed out the door soon for the party but I wanted to share the card I made this afternoon, but first i'll embarrass Cass with a picture of the Cass that I see in my mind when I think of her:

That's Cass in purple (her current fave colour by the way!), I used to baby-sit her when I was a teenager and I can't believe that this little girl is 16 today!! I feel so old! (The baby in that photo is in High School this year!). Anyway, enough moping, onto the card.

I kept the card fairly simple, because I loved the flower piece I coloured & was scared that I'd ruin it. I stamped the flower from Elements of Style in Stazon (If I was doing it over I'd black emboss) on a piece of Newsprint DSP, coloured it with watercolour crayons directly to paper, then carefully moving the colour around with an aquapainter until I was happy with the colour, really really careful not to use too much water & warp the DSP.

Then I used some crochet ribbon to tie a Teneale bow as taught by the ribbon master herself at Convention in Melbourne this year, she makes it look so easy but I think I'll need some more practice before mine look that good.

I was inspired to colour on print firstly by this post here I found ages ago on pinterest:

Source: etsy.com via Zarna on Pinterest

then reinspired recently by this card of Dawn McVey's:

Source: dawnmcvey.typepad.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Anyway, I better head off to the party, I'm leaving the boys at home & taking Charlotte since Jack has a little sniffle and I didn't think a bonfire would be particularly good for the immune system right now.

I'll be back to edit the info later this weekend when I have more time
Stamps:
Ink:
Cardstock:
Accessories:

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Long time no post

2011-06-25T15:45:00.000+10:00

I love blogging, not that you would be able to tell from the 1 post a month I'm averaging at the moment. I have been stamping since I was pregnant with Charlotte, I managed to use naptime to get a card or 2 made to post regularly. Then if that didn't work I was able to use the evening, but now with the kids having shorter naps as they get older and working nights I'm finding it harder to find my creative mojo when I have a few moments to myself.
I've got a few things I have designed for classes or workshops lately that need photos taken then I can pop them up on the blog, and a few other projects in mind for the future. Hopefully I'll get back into some kind of groove and posting on my blog more regularly soon.
But anyway, sorry for rambling at you but I just wanted to let you know that haven't forgotten about my stamps or my blog!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Guest info packets

2011-05-23T13:27:00.001+10:00

With the hostess special (details below) this month I thought I'd spend a bit of time updating some of the "tools" I use for workshops. One of the things I like to do is make up a few info packets filled with any current promo flyers, mini catalogues, wish lists, business cards & order forms etc, basically anything a guest needs at a workshop that isn't part of the make & take.
The folders I use are just plain white folders:

Pretty bland huh? So I decided to Stampin' up!-ify them. I used some of the retired Island Oasis DSP that I had left over from the Summer mini catalogue, added some scallops made with the Tasteful Trim Bigz XL & "Stampin' Up!" using Timeless Type Jnr Alphabet Sizzlits out of coordinating cardstock.

I kept them fairly flat and simple so they don't get ruined in transit, I'm planning on putting some contact over the top, but if my school books were anything to go by I thought I better take a picture first ;p
I had a little "helper" when I was making these, my nephew Asher came over for a little while today so Carmen could get some quick jobs done that would have been made more complicated by getting a baby in and out of the car at every stop. He slept peacefully the whole time but agreed to model one of the folders for me:

Isn't he beautiful?

Anyhoo, I mentioned the hostess special earlier, here are the details. Book a workshop with me between now & the end of June and Stampin' Up! will give you an extra $70 of free hostess credit if you get $450 worth of orders at your workshop. Contact me today to book your workshop, imagine how much you would be able to cross off your wishlist with $110+ of FREE credit! I would love to give you all those extra goodies for free!

Cardstock: Island Oasis DSP (Retired), So Saffron, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Old Olive
Bigshot: Tasteful Trim Bigz XL, Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

A Card for Asher (Warning: lots of proud Aunty moments coming up!!!)

2011-04-30T09:00:00.071+10:00

My nephew Asher James Xavier Gould was born on 23 April 2011 at 10:20pm weighing in at 3.3kg or 8lb 5oz for those of us that only know baby weights as imperial measurements. He is beautiful and healthy and I'm in love!

So, what's the first thing a stamper needs to do when she finds out she's an Aunty? Make a card of course!! (well ok, it wasn't exactly the first thing, the first thing I did was wait until we got home from Orange - he had to be born the weekend we were away!! Then I had to meet him in person, BUT the next thing I had to do was make him a card lol)

This card was super easy to make using the new Tasteful Trim XL Bigz die in the Winter mini, I cut 3 layers at a time and only had to run the die through the bigshot twice! Then it was just a matter of gluing the strips down. I used all the Blues & Greens from the Soft Subtles Patterns Stack as well as sneaking in a little Yellow (Bashful Blue, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi & So Saffron). The yellow is a bit of a dig at the new dad who doesn't think that yellow can be a colour for baby boys, Carmen & I love taking every chance to point out that yellow can be a perfectly boyish colour!

I CASEd this card from this online find, toning it down to suit the new baby look (but it's still on my list to recreate exactly as shown, it's such a beautiful card!):

Source: pinkbuckaroodesigns.blogspot.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Now for the proud aunty pics! (I had to steal these from facebook because I was too busy having cuddles that I forgot about taking any photos of my own! But I know that I will rectify this next time I visit!)

Sucking his little thumb, isn't he the most adorable thing you've ever seen???

He has eyes!

Safely home!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Baby Shower for Carmen

2011-04-27T18:01:00.000+10:00

My sister-in-law had her little boy Asher (proud Aunty post to come next time, I've got to give the card & gift to her before I can post it here)

One of the girls from work threw a baby shower for my sister-in-law Carmen but our mother-in-law and Nana-in-law couldn't make it so I threw another one for everyone who couldn't come to the first one, of course I couldn't help adding a bit of SU! style to the decorations!

A banner made with SU! products, I didn't use the pendant die because I didn't have it but after handmaking each of these little flags I'm really wishing I did have it!
I had to keep a gender neutral theme for the decorations which was hard because even though I knew that he was a boy there were people who didn't want to know what she was having. I think I went a bit overboard with pink trying to compensate for knowing he was a boy lol!

Close up of the banner, I used the Bigz alphabet dies (name escapes me right now) covered in a little crystal effects for some shine.

This little journal idea I stole from a friend who saw it at a baby shower she went to. It's a little journal of mummy tips & childhood stories for the mother to be, I covered a 5x5" On Board art journal with some Lap of Luxury DSP.

Close up of the ribbon covered spine, I had fun with this one, can you tell? ;p

I added a little tab for each category & her name using the Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits dies.

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Pinterest Eyecandy

2011-03-13T16:31:00.001+11:00

A little something from my pinterest boards today

Source: alisatilsner.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Source: danielledaws.blogspot.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Source: marciapringle.blogspot.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Source: cardalacarte.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Just to be clear I'm not claiming this work as my own, just projects that inspire me in some way and I want to stamp like this when I grow up.

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Some eyecandy for you

2011-03-12T20:05:00.000+11:00

I've discovered pinterest lately and I've been using it to keep track of stamping projects that inspire me. I thought if I post some of my favourite "pins" you might forget that I haven't posted any of my own work on here all week...

Source: stampwithheather.typepad.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Source: thinkingstamps.blogspot.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Source: kgiron.blogspot.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Source: acolourfulworld.blogspot.com via Zarna on Pinterest

Just to be clear I'm not claiming this work as my own, just work that I think is fantastic and love and I want to stamp like these ladies when I grow up!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

New video series - Quilting with the Bigshot

2011-03-07T09:00:00.012+11:00

I have a new video series for you, here are the first 2 videos, I'll get the rest up once I edit them and as I finish the quilt.
Excuse the eyeshadow, it wasn't really that dodgy looking but I had trouble with lighting and it made it look darker. I hope you enjoy them, it's my first go at using iMovie as well as at filming myself so I have a bit to learn. I also don't know how to choose the exact point I want for the YouTube thumbnail so I can't get rid the dodgy ones of me for the pretty intro sequence I made...

Introduction:

Link for quilt sizing: http://www.stargazey.com/downloads/sizingbedquilts.pdf

Tools & Prep:

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Baby Shower Card

2011-03-04T09:00:00.040+11:00

I woke up sunday morning, the day of the baby shower and realised that I had a gift for the mother to be (see my quilt post from Wednesday) but that I hadn't made a card yet! So excuse the photo, & messy desk, I didn't have time to do my usual set up (I didn't even have time to get out my Daylight lamp that I use to make the colours look nice, thank goodness for iPhoto!)
I already had the Marina Mist Ribbon sitting out on my desk from when I'd made the quilt so straight away I decided that would have to go on the card, and after having a quick flick through my inspiration list bookmarks I found this cute card from Amanda Reddicliff and decided I loved how the DSP & Bigshot lettering were the main focal point of the card. I moved the lettering around (not because I put the DSP & ribbon too high on the card or anything like that lol) and added a cute little vintage tag held with the cute little Vintage Trinket safety pin ( both in the Summer mini, less than a month left to order!)

Stamps: Medallion, Short & Sweet
Ink: Marina Mist
Cardstock: Subtles Patterns DSP Stack (Bashful Blue), Marina Mist
Bigshot: Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits
Accessories: Marina Mist 1 1/4" Grosgrain, Vintage Trinkets, Vintage Tags

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Bigshot quilt

2011-03-02T09:00:00.005+11:00

I had my first go at quilting just recently and I finally finished the quilt so I thought I would post it here. It's not the most traditional of Stampin' Up! projects but I have used a couple of SU! products to show you some of the versatility in your stamping stuff that you already have lying around at home.

This is a little cot sized quilt that I made using the Scallop Square Bigz Die & my bigshot to cut all the squares.
If you're a quilter you've probably already spotted the main difference between my quilt and a normal rag quilt, however I'm not a quilter and I just started happily stitching along before I thought to check out any tutorials etc, so I didn't know that when you quilt a rag quilt you should quilt the backing, batting & front piece together all before you start assembly rather than assembling the front first then quilting the backing & batting together to the front at the end.
It wasn't until I took it to my friend (who is a quilter) and said "What do I do now?" that she told me all the things wrong I'd done (she was rather too helpful with that part lol!). But with a little creativity (mostly on her part) we were able to work around my mistake and find a way to make it work. Had I done it properly it would have just been a case of stitching around the border to keep the edge pieces together & the quilt would have been finished by that stage, but oh well, we live & learn right?

I attached a border around the edges, then cut the batting & back to size. I pinned it all together & stitched these little borders around the outside (I'm sure there is some technical quilting term but I'm happy with borders). Since there wasn't traditional quilting over the middle of the quilt to hold the pieces together I did have to add a few little hand stitches in amongst the ruffled edges to hold the 3 pieces together and make sure that it could be gentle machine washed.

To finish it off nicely I folded some Marina Mist Striped Grosgrain in half to make a sweet little border around the edge of the quilt. The extra wide grosgrain is soft enough that it was easy to handle and the edge of the quilt is still nice and flexible. I originally added this to hide yet another mistake I had made but I'm really glad it worked, I think the Marina Mist looks really good next to that baby blue flannelette.
I wish you could feel this quilt, it is all sof flannelette & so so soft! I didn't want to give it away at the baby shower, I wanted to cuddle up to it in my own bed instead!
I enjoyed making this quilt so much that I'm going to have another go at a rag quilt & this time I am going to make it properly, I will be in Bathurst today so I'm so excited to go to spotlight and pick out some fabric for Charlotte's quilt!!! It will be the first time in years that I will be making a beeline for the material section rather than the scrapbooking/crafts area!
Too bad SU! don't have their beautiful range of fabric available in Australia, I could be ordering right now from the comfort of my couch :) Speaking of ordering, if anyone needs anything I will be placing an order for myself next week so if there's anything you want while you can still earn Sale-a-Bration freebies drop me a line and I might be able to save you a little on postage by combining your order with mine

Bigshot: Scallop Square Clear Bigz Die
Accessories: Marina Mist 1 1/4" Grosgrain

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Blog Award

2011-02-28T20:50:00.000+11:00

Even though I haven't blogged consistently in forever, 2 of my beautiful blogging friends awarded me this little lovely blog award!
Kathy awarded it to me as an encouragement to keep blogging and Louise (can't wait to catch up with you at Convention!!!!!!) awarded it to me for being inspirational.

As a condition of being nominated I have to pass the love onto 5 bloggers. I'm going to cheat and just nominate 5 rather than 5 per award given to me :)
I have chosen 5 of my favourite bloggers, you know the ones that when you open your google reader and see there is a new post you have to read it before you read any of the others? So here they are in no particular order:

Naomi - Naomi is a real life friend as well as a blogging friend and she isn't a stamping blogger (despite the blog name inkcrush) but if you love to read you'll love her blog, Nomes has a passion for reading (and goes through books like noone else) and she has never given me or recommended to me a book that I haven't liked yet.
Karen - As well as being a sweet person that I "met" on SCS Karen is one of the most dedicated stampers I know, some days I think she must enter every stamping challenge on the web! I hope one day I can catch up with Karen in real life!
Allison - Allison is another lovely person I "met" online, I can't remember how I stumbled across her blog but I'm so glad I did! I now consider her a friend and I was so excited to get a Christmas card from her last year, all the way from CANADA! Apart from having great taste in Girl's names (she has a Charlotte too!) she is a dedicated blogger with a new post (or 3) most days. If you like sketch challenges make sure you check out her blog, she has a linky program thingie set up that you can enter any sketch challenges that you find so there is a great consolidated list of sketches any time you feel that your mojo is waning.
Leonie - Leonie is one of my twitter/facebook buddies as well as a brilliant stamper. She even organised accomodation for my downline & I at convention even though we weren't part of her team and there's nothing in it for her (except of course Leanne's & my company!), for that I am very grateful and I can't wait to spend some more time with her in person!
Robyn - Robyn is another challenge enterer, and she makes some beautiful cards & I have a couple of favourited at the moment to copy later on down the track! I'm lucky enough to have "met" Robyn through my upline Lisa and hopefully we can catch up in person when I'm in her neck of the woods for SU! convention.

The list could go on and on and on so hopefully I haven't made anyone feel left out, but make sure you swing by the girls I nominated and check out their work!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Card Buffet #2

2011-02-16T09:00:00.001+11:00

This is the other card I designed for the card buffet on Monday morning's craft day, I thought since it was on Valentines day that i would include a Valentines Day card for anyone who had forgotten, but at the same time make it a card that would suit any romantic occasion.
It's an unusual card for me and I love it, but considering my lack of mojo I'm assuming it's one of those "see it one day, forget the next but it sticks in your head just enough to make you think it's a new idea" kind of situations, so if you think I've stolen your design let me know and I'll give you credit lol!

Stamps: Love Defined
Ink: Pear Pizazz, Cake Crumb, Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade
Cardstock: Pear Pizazz, Cake Crumb, Blushing Bride, Poppy Parade, Whisper White
Accessories: Scallop Trim Corner, Mini Library Clip

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Card Buffet

2011-02-14T09:00:00.001+11:00

I'm having a craft morning today to celebrate the kids being back at school or preschool for the year this morning and the intention is for everyone to bring along their own project to work on, but if they don't have something in mind I've made up some card packs for a "card buffet" basically the girls can buy the card pack they want and make the project using the instructions included.
This is the first card I designed, I kept it fairly simple so that it could be easily made with just the instructions and while I will be around to answer any questions I won't have to demo the whole card for them. I'm hoping to do a few of these mornings this year, and I'll just add a couple of card designs to the buffet each time so there's a few to pick & choose from like a true buffet.
Because my mojo is still on Christmas vacation it is almost a direct case of this card by Jodie Oliver (but don't go and look because you'll see how much better her version is lol), I've just changed up the colour scheme and ribbon.

Stamps: Party This Way
Ink: Basic Grey, Pretty in Pink, Concord Crush
Cardstock: Lap of Luxury DSP, Basic Grey, Pretty in Pink, Concord Crush
Accessories: Victoria Lace Crochet Trim

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Tanja & Adam

2011-02-12T09:00:00.002+11:00

I was honoured to be able to make wedding invitations for a friend from work and her fiance, I love the design we came up with together! (Ignore the smudgey marks, I had to edit out the personal details for privacy reasons.) Simple but elegant and I think it suits what they are aiming for in their big day. The photo doesn't do justice to the shimmer white cardstock, it's beautiful and especially in case of wedding cards it justifies the little extra you pay for it.

Stamps: Baroque Motifs
Ink: Concord Crush
Cardstock: Shimmer White, Concord Crush, (non SU! silver paper from an invitation design store)

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Tropical Party Birthday

2011-02-10T17:11:00.000+11:00

After Christmas I desperately needed to kick my mojo back into gear so this was my attempt to get back in the groove. I'm happy with the card but as it took me about 4 days to get it to a point where I was happy (and then I smeared the sentiment! argh) I think I'm not quite there yet.
I used the new Tropical Party Stamp set & Island Oasis DSP as well as Well Scripted, all in the Summer Mini and I love how bright & cheery it looks!
I stole the layout from this sketch over at Sketches by Tamara.

Stamps: Island Oasis, Well Scripted
Ink: Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Old Olive
Cardstock: Island Oasis DSP, So Saffron, Shimmer White
Accessories: Mini Glue Dots (millions!) Dimensionals

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Stampin' Up announces how they will help the victims of recent flooding

2011-01-14T15:57:00.000+11:00

The following announcement was made on the SU! website today:

As flood waters continue to inundate Australia in what has been described as the worst flooding in 37 years, we express our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones and homes and to those whose lives have been changed forever. We, like so many of you, feel a compelling need to lend support to all those who have been affected.

Stampin' Up! demonstrators have a long history of making a difference in the lives of others--especially when disaster strikes and the need is greatest. Nearly two years ago, we watched another tragedy unfold in Australia. Our hearts were touched as demonstrators, customers and friends joined together in support of the Bushfire Appeal. We've done it before and we can certainly do it again!

Please join with us by supporting the Australia Flood Appeal--a cause in which Stampin' Up! will donate $2 AUD of the retail value of sales from any stamp set (with a retail value of $30 or more) sold in Australia and New Zealand from 15 January through 15 February to the State Emergency Services in Queensland.

In addition to SU!'s generous offer, since I would hate to profit from other people's misfortune, so I will also be donating any Instant Income commission from Stampin' Up! sales for the duration of the Stampin' Up! appeal.

Sorry about being away for so long, it was one of my goals to be more up to date this year with my blog, but every thing that could has gone wrong when it comes to my stamping time lately, I have a card in progress sitting on my desk just waiting for the finishing touches wanna see what stopped me from finishing it up? (warning it is not for the faint of heart...) http://yfrog.com/h78r5wj

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

4 Days of Christmas pt 4

2010-12-23T09:00:00.000+11:00

Last 2 Christmas projects! The Fancy Favour box was what I made for Charlotte's preschool teachers, really quick and simple with some home-made nut free (those allergies ruin all the fun - lol - however given the alternative I'll just skip the nuts) Rocky Road in a cello bag tied up with some grosgrain. I made these on Saturday night since I work late on Sundays and Charlotte's last day for the year (and in the Sunshine room *sob*) was Monday, so they had to be pretty simple.
If I don't pop by to wish everyone a merry Christmas on Saturday just know I'm thankful for my loyal little group of readers and I wish you all a happy & safe Christmas!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

4 Days of Christmas pt 3

2010-12-22T09:00:00.000+11:00

Some more cards from my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack, the background on the middle card was made by inking up the flatter of the 2 sides on the textured impression folder then running it through the bigshot, I really love the effect that it gives!
One more day of Christmas projects left, Santa is getting closer!!!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

4 Days of Christmas pt 2

2010-12-21T09:00:00.000+11:00

Welcome to 4 days of Christmas part 2! These cards were all cards we made at my Christmas Stamp-a-Stack at the end of last month (as well as the cards yesterday) The textured cards were made by gluing down the DSP then running it through the textured impression plates and sanding back the DSP to show the white core. It was something that kind of just occurred to me as a "wonder what happens if I do this" moment and I loved the result so much we ended up using it on a few different cards.

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

4 Days of Christmas pt 1

2010-12-20T12:17:00.000+11:00

Thought I better share some Christmas projects before Christmas is over lol!

So welcome to my 4 days of Christmas haha! I've got Jack in preschool next year on the same day as Charlotte so hopefully I'll have better luck at regular blogging next year when I have a day "off".

I'm also trying to work out the whole change between PC & Mac, I'm loving my Macbook but it's still a bit of a learning curve, things that I took for granted have all changed, like alt+ctrl+del is now cmd+opt+esc (I had to google that because I forgot...), so it's just taking a while to get the hang of things.

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

December Frenzy!

2010-12-03T11:40:00.000+11:00

This month Stampin' Up! have an awesome special for you! ("A Little Treat" stamp set from $7.98 clearmount!!!!!) Click here to see the .pdf of the full flyer or click on the image below to see just the specials table.

Hope you are all having a great day, there are only 2 more days to enter my facebook competition so make sure you head over, "Like" me and comment on the competition post for your chance to win!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

CANDY!!!!

2010-11-19T17:31:00.000+11:00

Just thought I'd stop by and leave a note to let you know about a bit of birthday/SU! anniversary candy I'm giving away over on my facebook page.
Just stop by, become a liker if you aren't already, and leave a comment on the photo of the Birthday Bakery hostess set (I thought it was an appropriate choice for birthday candy lol) for your chance to win.
Feel free to spread the word!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Congrats Kirrah & Noel!

2010-11-04T09:00:00.001+11:00

I had my sewing machine out (and worked out lol) from this card so I decided to use it and boy, did I use it!

This was a wedding card for a friend of mine from work, and I know it isn't a traditional wedding card, but the bride wore navy so I knew a traditional card wouldn't suit the theme ;p
I used an old Mojo Monday sketch, it's the type I'd normally go running from (too much white space) but I stuck pretty close to the sketch and I think it worked for me...

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Cardstock: Brights Patterns DSP Stack, Rich Razzleberry, Pear Pizazz, Whisper White

Punches: Scallop Trim Border, Heart to Heart, Small Heart, 1 1/4" Circle, Modern Label, Word Window

Accessories: Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents, Metal Edge Tags (Just realised they might be retired?), Sewing Machine

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy Birthday Alarah!

2010-11-01T09:00:00.000+11:00

I know this isn't the typical 3yr old's birthday card but I thought it was appropriate since the little girl I made this for is 3 going on 13. She claims that "you're ruining my life!" when she doesn't like what her parents say lol.

I used the new 2-step Owl punch in Concord Crush & Blushing Bride from the new In Colour collection and dressed her in some Love Letter DSP hounds-tooth with diamante buttons. Alarah is a little girl who loves her accessories so I put the little heart behind the Owl's ear to make her look a little like an owl-Alarah.

The sketch is taken from 2 Sketches 4 You and topped it off with a little Black 5/8" Satin.

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Woodgrain

Ink: Blushing Bride
Cardstock: Love Letter DSP, Blushing Bride, Whisper White, Concord Crush, Basic Black

Punches: 2-Step Owl, Scallop Trim Border, 1 3/4" Circle, Modern Label, Word Window

Accessories: Basic Black 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents

Happy Birthday

2010-10-20T09:00:00.000+11:00

I saw this card and I just knew I had to CASE it with my SU! products. Of course that meant finding my sewing machine (read: dig it out from a huge pile of boxes), remembering how to thread it and then work out how to adjust the settings from what Justin had used last... Yup, you read that right. Justin has spent more time at my sewing machine over the last few years than I have!

I've used the Brights DSP stack for this card as well as some Pear Pizazz & Blushing Bride from the new In Colour collections. The thread through the flowers is just good old fashioned baking twine from next to the roasts in the meat section at Woolies. $4 per 100m roll so I think I'll be using it on everything I make for the next hundred years! Maybe we could start a Sound of Music thing and get a whole "brown paper packages tied up with string" fad happening...

Anyway back to the card, I made the flowers by using 5 layers of Fancy Flower punched out flowers layered, spritzed with water, scrunched and then dried with the heat tool and topped them off with a brights collection button and afore mentioned string.

Stamps: Party this way

Ink: Blushing Bride
Cardstock: Brights Patterns DSP stack, Pear Pizazz, Blushing Bride, Tempting Turquoise, Rich Razzleberry

Bigshot: Little Leaves Sizzlits

Punches: Fancy Flower Punch

Accessories: Brights Collection Designer Buttons

Other: Sewing machine & thread, Baking Twine

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Just for You

2010-10-17T09:00:00.002+11:00

I LURVE this set from the new catalogue!!! But stoopid me ordered it in clearmount but forgot to check if I had a block the right size for this beautiful feature image! So I had to wait until my next order before I could use this beautiful stamp!!!
I made a bit of a faux watercolour look to the image by spritzing the Shimmer White (I wish you could see the faint shimmer, it's so much nicer in person!) with some water before stamping a few times, then when the cardstock was mostly dry I stamped again to give the illusion of fore & back grounds to the image, there were a few places that the foreground image looked a bit "sharp" in contrast to the background so I really lightly spritzed some more water and then dabbed it dry with some papertowel.
I used one of Makeesha's old Inkspirations challenges for the sketch (another from my to-do list), with some new punches (I'm addicted to punches!) and some of the Sweet & Sour Specialty DSP to finish it off.

Stamps: Just Believe

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive & Rose Red Stampin' Write Markers, Rose Red

Cardstock: Sweet & Sour Specialty DSP, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Cake Crumb (kraft), Shimmer White

Punches: Modern Label, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

HB dad!

2010-10-14T09:00:00.062+11:00

I have to admit that this card was whipped up in the time it took for my parents to drive here from Orange. I knew they were coming over to celebrate dad's birthday with us but I ran out of time to make something the day before so when I got the "we're leaving" text message and the house was mostly clean I decided I better run into ~~my craft room~~ *ahem* our office and make something quickly.

I used the new colour coach to choose the colour combo of Soft Suede, Baja Breeze & Cherry Cobbler, after deciding to use the woodgrain stamp on Soft Suede (I stamped it in Early Espresso since Soft Suede & Early Espresso are a "Dynamic Duo" which basically means they are the same colour in varying shades).

Because of my colour combo choice I ended up using Jolly Holiday DSP because it was the only one I had in any of those colours (But apparently I needed 2 packs of varying Black & White themed papers?)

I stole the sketch from an old Clean & Simple challenge that has been on my inspiration list for a while now.

Stamps: Woodgrain

Ink: Early Espresso
Cardstock: Jolly Holiday DSP, Soft Suede, Baja Breeze

Bigshot: Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlit

Accessories: 1 1/4", 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Crystal Effects

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Convention Make & Take pt 4

2010-10-11T09:00:00.001+11:00

This is the last project we made at convention. It's a scrapbook page, that folds out like a matchbook card. You'll have to excuse the spacing on those candles, I got a bit impatient waiting for the Stamp-a-Majig to make it's way around our table lol!
I think this would be a really cute birthday present/card all in 1 to give to someone, you could add the photos, journal about what that person means to you and maybe make a little pouch for a gift card...
Here's what it looks like open:

The top half

... and the bottom half

Hope you're having a great day! (For that matter I hope I am too since I'm scheduling this post ha!)

Stamps: Party This Way

Ink: Melon Mambo
Cardstock: Melon Mambo, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Old Olive
Accessories: Bday Party Rubons, 1 1/4" Old Olive Striped Grosgrain, Clear Rhinestone Brad

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Convention Make & Take pt 3

2010-10-10T09:00:00.000+11:00

This cute little card was another make & take from convention, I had to vary it slightly as I screwed up one of my rubons so I didn't have all the right rubons left to make it exactly like the instructions, but I am still happy with how it turned out. It's hard to see in the photo, but the little arrow spins around, it's so clever!

Stamps: Party This Way

Ink: Melon Mambo, So Saffron, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker
Cardstock: Cake Crumb (kraft), Melon Mambo, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, So Saffron
Accessories: Bday Party Rubons

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Convention Make & Take pt 2

2010-10-09T09:00:00.070+11:00

This has to be my favourite convention make & take, we used the little notecards & matching envelopes that SU! carry to make this really cute & simple card with matching envelope. The centre of the flower is So Saffron textured cardstock punched out with the 1 1/4" circle (I think? maybe 1"... I should go check my instruction list but I'm typing this out just before I go to work, supposed to be there in 20mins and still have to iron my shirt, whoops!) and then we used the 1/16" punch to punch little holes all over the flower and layered it on some whisper white cardstock which we punched out again with the mystery sized circle punch.

I'm not one for decorated envelopes but it was so much fun to pop this baby in the mail when I sent this card to a friend (Hi Karen!!) who couldn't come to convention (she traded it for Bali pfft! lol). I will definitely have to decorate more envelopes in the future!

Stamps: Printed Petals

Ink: Bashful Blue
Cardstock: So Saffron, Melon Mambo, Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Heart Punch, Bday Party Rubons, Whisper White Notecard & Envelope

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Convention Make & Take pt 1

2010-10-08T09:00:00.004+11:00

As you know I went to SU!'s convention in Sydney earlier this year, (so much fun! I wish I could go next year to Melbourne but at this stage it doesn't look likely) included in our registration was a little make & take kit including 2 stamp sets, a pack of rubons and all the cardstock and embellishments to make 4 projects during the Make & Take session. Due to SU! rules we aren't allowed to show new products until the preorder period starts so I didn't show these projects at the time, and then I forgot about them with all the excitement of a new catalogue, but I found them while I was editing photo's and I thought I better post them before I forget again.

This is a little favour box made using the Fancy Favour Bigz die (which was pre-cut in our packet so we didn't have to stand in line for hours while hundreds of demonstrators cut their boxes thank goodness!) and the cute little Bday party rub-ons. To make sure this little cutie wasn't damaged in my luggage I prepared all the individual pieces and then assembled it the day after I got home, since I was home with all of my stuff I couldn't resist cutting up a few strips of Old Olive Cardstock and running them through my crimper for the finishing touch.

Stamps: Printed Petals

Ink: Melon Mambo
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Whisper White

Bigshot: Fancy Favour Bigz XL

Accessories: 1 1/4" Striped Old Olive Grosgrain,Crimper, Bday Party Rubons, Clear Rhinestone Brad

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy 1st Birthday Jack!

2010-10-05T09:00:00.065+11:00

My baby boy turned 1 last month! Can you believe it???

Over the course of just 1 year this baby turned into this little boy!

Of course a 1st birthday required a 1st birthday card:

I tested out the new Shimmer White cardstock for the card base and the little pennants, it's such a shame it doesn't show up in the photo, the shine is just so nice, it's very subtle and when you stamp on it the slightest shine comes through the ink.

I also used 2 new stamp sets, Party this Way (one of our convention sets) and Seeing Stars, I cut the 1 using Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits die and covered it with Crystal Effects (my new favourite product combo, I love how it gives the look of a puffy sticker)

Stamps: Party This Way, Seeing Stars

Ink: Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive
Cardstock: Brights Patterns DSP Stack, Shimmer White, Pacific Point, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red

Bigshot: Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits

Punches: Scallop Border Edge Punch

Accessories: Crystal Effects, Hemp Twine

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

I'm still alive!

2010-10-02T16:58:00.000+10:00

I'm still alive, and I've been crafting, but I've just been a little lazy when it comes to uploading to my blog. I'm so far behind I have tried to do a few catch up posts but I get overwhelmed by everything that I need to remember to mention and don't finish the post, so I thought rather than try to catch you back up to date that I would just schedule some smaller posts and get a bit of a buffer so I can start posting more regularly again.

This is a card I made for my friend who had a little boy in August, I pulled out some of the (retired) Parisian Breeze specialty DSP for the card since I love this colour scheme (Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Cake Crumb) for little boys.
I stamped the train from Choo Choo (another I love for little boys) and cut out the letters for Daniel using Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits & my Bigshot, a little Crystal Effects over the letters & steam puffs for a little dimension.

Stamps: Choo Choo

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze
Cardstock: Cake Crumb, Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP(Retired), Soft Suede
Bigshot: Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits

Accessories: Crystal Effects, Cake Crumb Taffeta (Retired)

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Just Add Colour - JAI34

2010-09-13T23:01:00.002+10:00

...and she Stamps!!

I'm working on a catch up post to tell you what's been going on since the last time I blogged, but I got a chance to stamp today (and my mojo even made an appearance!) and since this colour challenge was still current (for once! I never make the deadlines) I thought I would post this now and enter while I could.

If you want to enter too, just head over to Just Add Ink and check out the challenge.

I've used the new Frost White Shimmer Paint to stamp the Baroque Motifs swirl, and I've also sponged it over all the butterflies (cut out with the new Beautiful Wings Embosslits - embosses & cuts 5 butterflies in 1 pass through the bigshot). To add some more shine I used Shimmer White cardstock.

Can you also spot the new adhesive backed Rhinestones & Pearls?

I wish you could see this card IRL! It is so shiny and pretty!

Stamps: Just Believe, Baroque Motifs
Ink: Certainly Celery, Frost White Shimmer Paint
Cardstock: Shimmer White, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Crumbcake
Accessories: Basic Rhinestones & Basic Pearls Jewel Accents
Punches: Word Window
Bigshot: Beautiful Wings Embosslits

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

you know that thing...

2010-08-09T13:01:00.001+10:00

... where I said that I'd be back to doing regular blog posts soon? You know? Last Tuesday? Well stupid me, the very next day I went and slammed my finger in the car door... my stamping finger!! and when I injure myself I don't do seem to do things in halves... I managed to get the door to stay shut. Luckily my mum & dad were with me at the time and they both volunteer with St John's Ambulance so they were able to practice their first aid before they drove me up to emergency. I had x-rays and luckily nothing was broken, although the technician said I did a good job of squishing the finger, I have a huge cut just below the nail bed and a half purple nail. The nurses said that I got lucky by jamming it below the nail because if I'd got the nail it would have fallen off.
I'm only just at a stage where I can put pressure on the finger (ie press down on a stamp) the last day or two. I have a class this weekend and I still have 1 card left to design, plus a class of (hopefully) 15-25 playgroup mum's in a few weeks AND my stand for the Parkes show to finish samples for, so it wasn't really good timing, but it forced me to spend a few days with my feet up and I think I needed that.
I'm going to spare you the photos, although if you follow me on twitter and ignored the warnings you may have already seen some ;)

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

...It's been a while...

2010-07-27T17:10:00.005+10:00

Sorry it has been so long... ~~Kids &~~ life has just gotten in the way of my stamping time. It has been just so crazy lately. Let me give you a summary:

Jack has been teething which makes for 1 clingy bubba (but as a friend reminded me today, when I was pregnant with him I was hoping I'd have a cuddly one, since Charlotte was such an up & go baby with no time for cuddles, so I shouldn't complain too much)

and teething also means lots of these (our record was 4 fresh sets of clothes in 1 day):

Add into the equation a vomity bug for Jack, a few rounds of nits (we're treating them but obviously someone at pre-school isn't grr!) and you get a mountain of washing

so that's why I've been tearing my hair out instead of stamping... I will have to get my stamp on tonight after work (blech) as it's Justin's birthday in the morning and I haven't done anything for him yet. Fingers crossed my Mojo finds it's way home by then.

If you want to keep up to date with SU! promo's etc, make sure you "like" my facebook page so it all pops up in your newsfeed. I am able to update that with my iphone so it's a little easier to grab a minute to update this page than my blog. But I am still committed to doing regular blogposts, this was just a little hiccup and once I get myself organised I'll be back to posting every few days.
I even made a little video as an exclusive for my likers, and I'm hoping to make some more, I won't be sharing the videos here so if you want to see them you have to like me! lol
Have a great week!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Welcome Archer

2010-06-18T09:00:00.001+10:00

The oh, so talented Rebecca Byers had a beautiful little boy (Archer, hence the A's) last month and since I already had her address from a birthday card swap we're both in I decided I should send her a card congratulating her on her new little bundle of joy.
I used a few challenges from my inspiration page to make this card. Including an old Just Add Ink Colour Challenge and an Annabelle Stamps Sketch challenge.
Stamps: Wild about You, Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Calendar Alphabet
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Barely Banana & Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip Patterns DSP, Kiwi Kiss, Barely Banana and Whisper White
Punches: Designer Label Punch
Bigshot: Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits Dies

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Razzleberry Medallion Birthday

2010-06-16T15:59:00.000+10:00

I had a go at vintagey stamping a few weeks ago for my mum's birthday. I decided to sponge the colour on the medallion stamp rather than inking it up with markers or inkpads, I think it gives a nice soft edge to the colour transitions.
I used En Francais for the background, but what I did before stamping was rub some scrap paper over some of the stamp to remove the ink. Then I stamped half the card and without reinking stamped the other half, that way it seems to fade as it goes across the page. Then I added some sponging since a vintage card isn't complete without sponging...
The butterfly is stamped twice in elegant eggplant, once on the card and once on elegant eggplant which I cut out added some dazzling diamonds and crystal effects to make the butterfly nice and blingy. The sentiment is silver embossed using Teeny Tiny Sentiments.
Stamps: Medallion, En Francais, All a Flutter
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Elegant Eggplant, Versamark
Cardstock: Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Accessories:Silver EDP, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds, Silver Brads, Spong Daubers.

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy Birthday Carmy!

2010-06-14T09:00:00.000+10:00

I made this card for my sister-in-law Carmen's birthday. We also work together so I left this on her desk for her to find on the morning of her birthday.
The 3 little hodge-podge collection of buttons is inspired by this card.
I've been loving the trend of decorating the insides of the cards as well, and it doesn't normally suit my style but I thought it would look great on this card so I had a go. Not up to the standard of some of the cards that you see but I didn't want to risk going overboard.

Stamps: A Rose is a Rose, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss
Cardstock: Bella Rose DSP, Kiwi Kiss, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Button Bouquet, Kiwi Kiss Satin Ribbon
Punches: Eyelet Border, Scallop Border

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy Birthday Will

2010-06-12T09:00:00.002+10:00

One of Charlotte's little friends, Will turned 6 earlier this month, this is the card I made for him. I didn't realise until I was editing the photo (and after the card had been given) that I forgot to colour the hippo's nails. Oh, well I suppose it's not really appropriate that a boy hippos has nail polish...
There is something funky with the perspective on this card, everything looks crooked, but if you follow the line of the spots the cardstock is straight.
Stamps: Pun Fun
Ink: Stazon, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Goodmorning Sunshine DSP, Water Colour Paper
Accessories: Jumbo Eyelets, Hemp Twine

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

My Convention Swap

2010-06-10T16:42:00.001+10:00

This is the card I made as my Convention swap. Apologies for the angle of the card, you only make cardfronts as swaps to save cardstock. I only got to make 12 of these (including the one I kept for my own reference) since I may have left things til the last minute...
ETA: I screwed up again so 3 posts today for you :)
Stamps: Cheep Talk, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Rose Red
Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss Patterns DSP, Kiwi Kiss Whisper White, Rose Red
Accessories:Rose Red Stitched Grosgrain, Rich Regals Brads
Punches: 1 1/4", 1 3/8", Scallop Circles, Word Window
Bigshot: Perfect Polkadots Impressions Folder

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Picture frame whiteboard

2010-06-10T16:13:00.001+10:00

We had my monthly get together the other weekend and we made these cute whiteboards. Everyone had a different paper set so they all took home something unique. We used the Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits alphabet (loving them sick!)
ETA: Whoops, meant to schedule this one, means you got 2 for 1 today :)
Cardstock: Good Morning Sunshine DSP, Kiwi Kiss, Summer Sun
Accessories: Chocolate Chip 5/8" Grosgrain
Punch: Scallop Border
Bigshot: Timeless Type Jnr Sizzlits

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

CASEing Marcia

2010-06-10T15:15:00.000+10:00

I saw this card by the lovely Marcia (which she CASEd from this card), and new that it would be a great design for a guys card since it is so geometric and simple and they seem to be 2 keys to making masculine cards.
I decided that I would flip the orientation of the card (but in truth after I decided finished I liked Marcia's way better... But oh, well you get that...)
I've used the Teeny Tiny Sentiments stamp for the greeting - love that set! It has a stamp for any occasion I can possibly imagine (well maybe not a stamp for if your spouse runs off with a neighbour haha but every other occasion lol).
I know I've been a slack blogger lately but I have been crafting, so I'm queuing up some posts today that will keep me covered for the next few weeks.
Oh, and a little housekeeping. I haven't mentioned it here since I've emailed a copy to all my customers but SU! have deals of the week running for the month of June, this week the deal is huge discounts off 5 selected DSP packs. If you want to get the inside scoop make sure you're on my email list. Also, if you haven't joined already (why not?!? huh?) go join my facebook page.
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Not Quite Navy
Cardstock: Urban Garden DSP, Kraft, Whisper White
Accessories: Twine, Button Bouquet

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Facebook

2010-06-03T14:57:00.000+10:00

I've started my own page on Facebook, if you feel like showing me some love go and click "like". In exchange I'll be able to keep you up to date with all the latest SU! info and classes or workshops that I am holding.
The badge is below but I'll also be adding it to one of the sidebars (which one I don't know yet, you'll have to come back and see lol)

Zarna Gould - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Promote your Page too

Stamps:
Ink:
Cardstock:
Accessories:

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Convention fun!

2010-05-21T22:14:00.001+10:00

I'm at convention this weekend! Having so much fun!
I drove myself to my aunty and uncle's place on thursday and after a bit of a hectic start (my alarm didn't go off until 20mins before I had to be at the train station - but I managed a super quick shower and made it with 2mins to spare!) I met with my upline Lisa and my online friend Pauline & her 2 dowlines on the train. We had a great time catching up and got to convention with time to check in do some swaps and some momento mall shopping:

I got the SU! Logo decor elements which is perfect for the car, it would also be great on a studio door or display board.

I also grabbed the card tree, the top is interchangeable, you can swap out the top with the SU! Logo if you use it as a workshop display or have an extra clip for another card or contact details if you were selling cards.

Anyway, next we headed over to general session, where we had some inspiring demonstrations and learnt about where SU! is as a business and where they want to go.
After Shannon west's demonstration she held the first prize patrol of convention and Lisa won! She got the tiny tags stamp set from the autumn/winter mini.

After a scrummy lunch we had our turn for break out classes where we were given some fantastic business tips by other demonstrators and SU! Home office staff. They split it so half had classes half had make and takes then we will swap in the morning! I have deliberately avoided the m&t ladies so I can get a surprise in the morning. I am really looking forward to making something designed by someone else!
Anyway better get some sleep soon!
I'll be back with some more convention news later!

JMS Blog Hop

2010-05-09T23:55:00.002+10:00

At JMS the DT love our mums and to show our appreciation for everything mothers do we are celebrating mothers in our blog hop this week.
The hop officially kicks off at 9 am (NFLD time zone), and ends at Midnight (NFLD time zone).
There are 18 stops along the way, some have blog candy up for grabs (but you'll have to find them for yourselves we don't want to ruin the fun!). In your travels don't forget to collect the words to complete the quote and take it back to Just My Sketches & the Blend to enter the major prize drawing worth $30!
If you have only just found the blog hop, go back to JMS to start.

If you have been hopping along you will have come from Annmaree and your next stop will be Stephanie.

The words you need to collect from me are:

"But I"

Now I am one of the ones who chose to share a little bit of blog candy! But I'm going to make you work for it!! Well, I can't be too nice, you would have thought I was sick!
What do you need to do to be in the draw?I need you to find "Always In Bloom" in the SU! (Australian) Catalogue, if you don't have a copy you can find it online here. Then for a bonus entry, link to my bloghop post on your own blog, don't forget to come back here, and tell me what page number of the Australian catalogue you found it on, and where I can find your blogpost (if you have one). So after all that, you want to know what you win? How about my undying love and gratitude? Does that work for you? No? Fine! If you win you can have "Always in Bloom", how does that sound? I'll even get it shipped straight to your door! (If you already have it you can choose something else up to the same value).
Now I do have to be mean and say Australian Residents only, since I'm not allowed to ship overseas.

Anyway, don't forget to go to Stephanie's blog to continue on your hoppy way, and come back on Monday to see the layout I did celebrating motherhood!

Have a great week!

Create Wall Art

2010-04-07T09:00:00.001+10:00

Around Christmas time I bought a 12x12" frame with the idea of maybe using it as a framed scrapbook page Christmas present for the grandparents but Christmas came and went and I didn't get around to it so it was just sitting there while I thought up something else to do with it. Then when I saw this gorgeous frame made by Bronwyn Eastley for the Just Add Ink design team, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it, so I put it on my to-do list. The main factor stopping me from doing it straight away was the fact that I had no 12x12" kraft in my stash. So anyway, while I was weighing up whether Sahara Sand would sufficiently fill the void (you know me and my Kraft obsession), I spotted Kraft amongst the new 12x12" single colour packs in the Autumn/Winter mini!!! And then, because I knew that it was coming I couldn't possibly use anything other than Kraft cardstock. But the wait was worth it, because I was able to pair it up with my newest obsession, Cottage Wall DSP!!!

PS Check out my new page (you can also find a link in the sidebar<==), I have created a page to link up my list of projects that I want to CASE in some way in the future, I was keeping track of them all in tabs in a firefox window but everytime I had to restart firefox it would take for-EVAH so I made this page for personal reference but I thought I would share the inspiration. I will be deleting them as I use them and adding them as I find them so keep checking back regularly.
Stamps: Lovely Letters Alphabet
Ink: Versamark
Cardstock: Cottage Wall DSP, Kraft 12x12, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Pale Plum
Accessories: White EDP, Hemp Twine, Jumbo brads, Whisper White Taffeta, Flower Fusion, Fluerettes II, Jumbo Rivets, Build-a-Brad, Button Latte Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Vintage Brads, Ice Rhinestone Brads (minus the brads)
Punches: Boho Blossom, Scallop Square, Flower Trio

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

You're Too Kind

2010-04-04T09:00:00.000+10:00

I saw this great card by Sue Madex and I just had to CASE it! I took the opportunity to make the thank you card for Nangar Gems who donated the Pandora bracelet that I won at the trivia night to other day. I also had to use the new Cottage Wall DSP. I'm addicted to that stuff!!!
Sorry I've posted this after Sale-a-Bration is over, I'm still working my way through the cards I haven't posted yet.
Stamps: Whimsical Words
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Cardstock: Cottage Wall DSP, Kraft
Punches: 1 3/4", 1 3/8", 3/4", 1/2" Circle Punches (I think that's all of them. There could be a 1 1/4" circle in there too...)

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Just My Sketches & The Blend - Bad Day

2010-04-01T22:30:00.003+11:00

This is my layout for the April 1 reveal. I chose the song Bad Day because I had taken these photo's of Charlotte throwing a monster tantrum the other day (well not MONSTER monster, it didn't involve eye gouging, etc but still a big one...). I took the photo's because I was actually having trouble not laughing at her. This little "event" was all because she woke up from her afternoon nap a little cranky and I offered her a banana and she obviously didn't want a banana (normally when she's a bit fragile in the afternoon a snack and "Play School" or "The Night Garden" will do the trick).
By the time we got to the close up pic, she had spotted the camera and was milking it a little, but the rest of the photos aren't staged in any way...
Anyway, head on over to Just My Sketches and check out the challenge and the great monthly RAK you could win.

Stamps: Jumbo Outline
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Cardstock: Cottage Wall DSP, Kraft 12x12, Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive
Accessories: Old Olive 5/8" Grosgrain, Whisper White, Flower Fusion, Fluerettes II, Ice Rhinestone Brads
Non SU!: Peacoat Felt Thickers

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy Anniversary Mouse

2010-03-29T09:00:00.037+11:00

Dad wanted me to make an anniversary card for him to give to Mum. His only request was that it includes a mouse since that's what he calls her.
Since I don't own any of those housemouse stamps (honestly not a huge fan... they're cute but just not me. I know shoot me now!) I did a search on SCS for mouse punch art and found this little cutie, so I copied it, making a few changes to adapt to the punches I own.
I also took the opportunity to test out some new Autumn Winter mini catalogue products. It starts this Thursday! I used Rich Razzleberry Ink, Cottage Wall DSP and Teeny Tiny Sentiments (clear mount!!).
It took a bit of spywork to get this card to Dad since he's in Orange. Mum comes over every Wednesday but Dad's usually at work. So I had to sneak out to Mum's car (using the excuse of checking out the problem with her stereo) and hide it in the boot in that little underfloor storage area that dad keeps the tarp and ropes etc in. I couldn't resist the opportunity to send a coded text message after it was hidden lol
Stamps: Teeny Tiny Sentiments (with block "G")
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Basic Grey, Going Grey
Cardstock: Cottage Wall DSP, Basic Grey, Going Grey, Blush Blossom, Whisper White, Pale Plum, Kraft
Accessories:Earth Elements Brads, Playground Designer Buttons, Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain, Linen Thread
Punches: Wide Oval, 1" & 3/4" Circles, Small Heart
Big Shot: Lots of Tags Sizzlits

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

2010-03-25T09:00:00.000+11:00

I wanted a housewarming gift for friends, so I bought a bottle of cleanskin pink sparkling wine (the bottles have a really small label and no other markings, so they are perfect to alter) and made this band for the bottle. I designed it so it slips off so when they chill it the bottle the label won't go all soggy.
I used a scallop circle punch for the flower and the small heart punch for the handmade button. I used sparkle for the sentiment because I just couldn't help myself :)
Stamps: Warm Words
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Cardstock: Cottage Wall DSP, Pale Plum, Old Olive
Accessories:Crystal Effects, Linen Thread
Punches: Small Heart
Bigshot: Little Leaves Sizzlit, Lots of Tags Sizzlit

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Trivia Night Prize

2010-03-22T13:26:00.000+11:00

Friends of mine were organising a trivia night for last weekend and I offered to donate some prizes so as well as a few hostess sets I donated a voucher for a free class for the winner and 4-6 of their friends. Can you guess what I used as the base for the voucher??? I used the flap off one of the boxes my orders come in. I cut it out with the Scallop Circle, then sanded it back to give it some texture. I topped it off with a little flower made using the boho flower punch and the Little Leaves sizzlit. The greeting is made using the Lots of Tags sizzlit and the Word Window punch with Teeny Tiny Sentiments stamp set. Some Soft Suede Ribbon (loving that stuff).
Here is the reverse of the voucher (ignore the smudgeys - I forgot to take the pic before I wrote out the voucher so I edited it in photoshop)

I had a great time at the Trivia Night, they did a great job organising everything and it was so much fun. I even won a Pandora bracelet!!! There were spot prizes throughout the night and there was one where she had a Camera House bag sitting on the podium so I thought I'd try hard to win since I assumed it would be a photo frame and I love photo frames! Anyway I won and Jacquelyn called me over to collect my prize and when I got here she said she had a confession to make that while it was in a Camerahouse bag it wasn't a Camerahouse prize and she pulled out a smaller Pandora bag from inside it and announced that it was actually a bracelet worth over $100! My hands were shaking when I got back to my table and opened it up!
I'm going to have to make Nangar Gems (who donated the bracelet) a thank you card, because I really am very grateful for their generosity!
Stamps: Cheep Talk, Teeny Tiny Sentiments (Clearmount + Block G)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Old Olive, Soft Suede
Cardstock: Cottage Wall DSP, Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Old Olive
Accessories:Soft Suede Grosgrain, Ice Rhinestone Brads, Jumbo Brads, Circle Scissor
Bigshot: Scallop Circle Bigz Die, Lots of Tags & Little Leaves Sizzlits
Punches: Word Window, Boho Blossoms punch

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Just My Sketches & The Blend - How has time changed you?

2010-03-18T16:06:00.000+11:00

I'm back with my DT project for the March 15 reveal. Like I mentioned before I didn't think I would have it ready in time, then I did but I didn't have a chance to get it uploaded in time because I needed to spend some time with friends who lost their dad.
So a huge thank you to Deanne & the rest of the DT for being so understanding.
If you want to play along for a chance to win this month's prize check out the sketch and song list over at Just My Sketches & the Blend.
Stamps: Jumbo Alphabet
Ink: Old Olive
Cardstock: Old Olive, Cottage Wall DSP
Accessories: Felt Fusion, Pretties Kit, Ice Rhinestones, Fleurettes II, Crystal Effects
Punches: Scallop Circle, Small Heart
Non-SU!: Rootbeer Float Thickers

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Just My Sketches & The Blend - 15 March reveal

2010-03-16T17:09:00.000+11:00

I just wanted to stop by and apologise to Deanne & the rest of the JSM design team for not having my layout and reveal post ready for the reveal last night.
Last week was just one of those weeks where nothing got done, my mojo was AWOL and I had Zarna Gould Designs deadlines for a wedding etc so Deanne was very understanding when I said I'm not sure if I'll get it done in time. Even though I managed to get my layout done I'm glad I contacted her since friends of mine got devestating news yesterday so I spent time with them last night and today I have been doing what I should have done last night so I haven't had a chance to photograph and photoshop my layout.
Tonight we're off to a BBQ at Charlotte's pre-school then I might see if my friends need some company so I'll be back tomorrow night with my layout. In the meantime why don't you check out what the rest of the DT did and play along with the sketch?

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy Winter Olympics

2010-03-10T15:45:00.000+11:00

I made this for Krista, a good friend of mine who moved to Australia from Canada (our gain, Canada's loss in my opinion!) a few years ago and the poor thing has been missing all the winter sports they loved over there so she was really looking forward the Vancouver Winter Olympics, and I thought I would take the excuse to use some of those awesome wintery techniques that just aren't appropriate for our climate and make her a "Happy Olympics" card. I picked Red for the background since I was already using so much White for Snow I thought it was only fitting to use Red and make it Canadian colours...

No stamping on this one since (funnily enough) SU! don't make a "Happy Winter Olympics" stamp. So I went onto my computer and printed up the sentiment...

Ink: Bashful Blue, Stampin' Write Journaller
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Garden Green, Pacific Point, Yoyo Yellow, Basic Black, Only Orange
Accessories:Sponges, Vintage Brads, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds
Punches: 1", 1 1/4", 1 3/8", Scallop Circle Punches. Word Window, 1 3/8" Square, Flower Trio Punches

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Zarna Gould Designs - Just Moved take 2

2010-03-07T09:00:00.000+11:00

This is the "girly" house warming card I made when I should have been making a more blokey one. I used an old Mojo Monday sketch (well it was current at the time, I've just been slack with posting...)
I love these stamps for housewarming cards, the little truck is just so cute!
Anyway have a great day!
Stamps: Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories
Ink: Rose Red, Stazon
Watercolouring- Aquapainter w/ inkpads: Real Red, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Coral
Cardstock: Raspberry Tart DSP, Kraft, Cameo Coral, Rose Red, Whisper White
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Distresser Tool (Cutter Kit), Circle Scissor Plus
Punches: Large Oval, Scallop Oval

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Zarna Gould Designs - Just Moved

2010-03-04T09:00:00.002+11:00

Here's a card that was custom ordered through my Zarna Gould Designs online order form. The instructions were to make a house warming card for a guy who has just bought his first home. I made one then looked at it and looked at the order again, realised it was specifically intended for a guy and decided the card was way too girly, so back to the drawing board and this is what I came up with. I'll show you the other card next time.

Stamps: Good Neighbour, Loads of Love Accessories
Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey
Cardstock: Urban Garden DSP, Kraft, Whisper white
Accessories:Jumbo Eyelets, Hemp Twine, Crop-a-Dile, Paper Crimper

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Just My Sketches & The Blend - Jack

2010-03-01T23:00:00.000+11:00

Here is my DT layout for the latest JSM & the blend challenge. It doesn't look heaps like the sketch, but the basic elements are there:The railway tracks are for the stripes, the birds are instead of the 3 brads, the branches are for the flower embellishment, and the title and journalling are in the right places.
The song I chose from the list (and it's so obvious but I couldn't help myself) was "Sweet Child o' Mine"...
Here's the sketch & songlist:

~One Heartbeat

Smokey Robinson
~Amazed

Lonestar
~The Motown Song

Rod Stewart
~Chances

Five For Fighting
~Sweet Child o' Mine

Guns N' Roses

Stamps: Jumbo Outline, Choo Choo, Cheep Talk, Right on Track
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Garden Green, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Pacific Point, Riding Hood Red, Summer Sun, Baja Breeze, Whisper White Craft Ink
Stampin' Write Markers: Chocolate Chip, Garden Green, Old Olive
Cardstock: Good Morning Sunshine DSP, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Garden Green, Brocade Blue, Ballet Blue, Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Whisper White
Accessories: Paper Snips, Sponges

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Gift Voucher

2010-02-24T17:02:00.001+11:00

A pic I found in my archives that I haven't shared yet. This one was a gift voucher that I was asked to make for a customer, so I didn't share it straight away until she was given it. Sorry the pic isn't very good quality, obviously I no longer have it to take a better one.
I used a Jumbo Grommet & Designer Button layered on a few punched circles as the centre for my ribbon flower.
Behind is the matching envelope I decorated to match
Stamps: Best Yet
Ink: Going Grey
Cardstock: Urban Garden, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze
Accessories:Baja Breeze 1" Stitched Grosgrain, Jumbo Grommet, Button Bouquet Designer Buttons
Punches: Scallop Circle, 1 1/4" Circle

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Valentines Day 2010 - a la Justin

2010-02-18T09:00:00.001+11:00

So, on Valentines Day eve I let Justin loose at my desk to make me a card. Here is the what he came up with.
Very clever but when I first got it I couldn't work out how on earth that possibly took him an hour, then I opened it up (Warning, you might want to swallow your coffee/tea before you scroll down!!!):

>
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You ready?
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How cute is that? I mean once you get over the fact that Justin made the card moon me, that is! He did it all by hand, told me that he used the cardstock he could find that looked like denim (I'm guessing Blue Bayou from last years in colours). The only other details that he gave me was that he used a pen for the stitching that had (and this is a direct quote): "Stampin' Up! written on it so it must be fancy" haha

(the black scribbles in the corner are where I've used photo shop to scribble out what he wrote to me)

Ink: Stampin' Write Journaller
Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red, Basic Black, Blue Bayou

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Justin Gould

Just My Sketches & The Blend - Summer 09

2010-02-16T00:00:00.013+11:00

Time for another JMS & The Blend sketch reveal. This time our choices for songs were:

-NO SURPRISE Daughtry
-THANK YOU Dido
-THE REASON Hoobastank
-THE CLIMB Miley Cyrus
-SUMMER BREEZE Seals and Crofts
I chose Summer Breeze and picked out these photos of Charlotte from last summer. I used hand-stitching with coordinating embroidery floss colours for the detail on the layout. I was inspired by the dotted lines in the sketch. Not 100% happy with my choice of DSP for the top corner piece, but it's sewn on there so it's not like I can just pull it off and glue something else on haha.
As always if you want to play along you can find the details of the sketch at JMS & The Blend. And if you leave us a comment telling us where to find your creation you can go into the draw to win a great prize pack.

Stamps: Calendar Alphabet
Ink: Tempting Turquoise
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink, Kaleidoscope DSP
Accessories: Sherbet Designer Buttons, Playground Designer Buttons, Lots of Letters On Board Chipboard, Supernova Superfine Glitter
Embroidery Thread: DMC #602, #3846, #3822, #992

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Love You

2010-02-11T09:00:00.003+11:00

Here's the card that i have made for Justin this year. I wasn't sure if I could pull off pink for him but I think by combining it with Choc Chip & Baja Breeze I've managed to man it up a bit...
I used Mojo Monday #123 for my sketch, and the Stampin' Up! Haitian relief set "I {Heart} Hearts". A little Crystal Effects (and I mean a little - I really need to remember to order some more!) and dazzling diamonds for the punched out hearts.

Stamps: I {heart} hearts, Short & Sweet
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip & Pink Pirouette Patterns DSP, Urban Garden DSP, Candy Lane DSP, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Accessories:Riding Hood Red Taffeta, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds
Punches: Full Heart & Heart to Heart Punches, Horizontal Slot Punch (for threading the ribbon through the heart)

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy Birthday Narelle

2010-02-08T09:00:00.002+11:00

This card is for Narelle Hodges as part of the Birthday Card Swap I joined. It's a great group of demonstrators who have joined up together to send each other a handmade card on our birthdays.

I used an old Mojo Monday sketch for this card, any time I'm stuck for an idea I go back through their archives and use a sketch that I didn't get the chance to use during the week it was current.

The Rose has crystal effects over the red highlighted areas to give it some dimension. I dyed the Fleurette with a few drops of Riding Hood Red reinker and a few drops of water from my aquapainter in the lid of the inkpad. I then used my Aquapainter to "paint" the fleurette.

Stamps: A Rose is A Rose, Happy Everything
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss
Cardstock: Bella Rose DSP, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White
Accessories: Fleurettes II, Build-a-Brad, Crystal Effects
Punches: Scallop, 1 3/8" & 1/3" Circle Punches, Corner Rounder Punch

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Happy 1st birthday Jack!

2010-02-04T09:00:00.001+11:00

No, I'm not that organised and no, my Jack isn't 1 already!!
Friends of ours also have a "Jack" and he turned 1 last week so I needed the perfect card for him...
I haven't used my bigshot much lately so I decided this card had to be a bigshot project and I'd say I did well with that little challenge to myself, wouldn't you? It's pretty self explanatory, the only thing I want to mention is that I used a little crystal effects on his nose so that he had a shiny rounded nose like a real teddy...
Stamps: Jumbo Outline Alphabet
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa (sponging on muzzle)
Cardstock: Washington Apple, Kraft, Bashful Blue, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Crystal Effects
Bigshot: Build-a-Bear, Beary Essentials, Beary Boy, Topnote, Stars Cuttlebug folder

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Just My Sketches & The Blend - The More Things Change, The More They Seem To Stay The Same - 5 Yrs On

2010-02-01T23:00:00.078+11:00

I'm so excited to be back doing DT work!!! The song that I chose from the list was "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. There's a line in the song that says "The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same" and I thought I'd use that line as an excuse to scrapbook about Justin & I, and how even though we're older and we've changed we're still just as much in love as we were when we got married.
Ok, that's getting too sappy! I won't tell you what the hidden journalling says or you'll throw up!
I'm not 100% happy with how the title turned out... I wanted something Collage-y to go with the strips of DSP but I'm not sure I got it quite right.
I stole my colour combo from this card by Sarah Gough, a demo in NZ. She isn't always a regular blogger but when she does have something to post, can you say WOW?

Here's the sketch Deanne created, and as usual if you play along with the challenge leave us a comment on JSM & The Blend telling us where to find you. (PS you should head on over there anyway just to check out the amazing job the rest of the DT have done!)
The song/s you need to use as your inspiration are:

I WILL REMEMBER YOU Sara McLachlan

BLESSED Elton John

TIME OF MY LIFE David Cook

PUT YOUR RECORDS ON Corinne Bailey Rae

ONE STEP AT A TIME Jordin Sparks

I'm not sure if this is going to work or not but I've included an MP3 player with the song I chose below:

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

Stamps: Baroque Motifs, Short Order Alphabet, Calendar Alphabet, Jumbo Outline Alphabet, Lovely Letters Alphabet (My, that's a LOT of alphabets!!)
Ink: Close to Cocoa SW Marker, Baja Breeze, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red
Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Candy Lane DSP, Bella Rose DSP, Urban Garden DSP
Accessories: Button Bouquet Designer Buttons, Clips Assortment, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla & Bashful Blue Taffeta
Punches: Round Tab Punch, Scallop Circle Punch

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

It's official!!!

2010-01-27T08:39:00.005+11:00

I've been waiting for Deanne to make the official announcement so that I can share with you that I'm on a Design Team!!! I am a layout DT member for the new "Just My Sketches and The Blend".
I was previously on Deanne's Sketches DT when it was "Just My Sketches" so when she put out the DT call for this new challenge concept of combining a sketch with a song inspiration I knew I had to apply (I mean, how cool is that concept?!?), and I'm so excited to be accepted!
I have to say a HUGE thank you to Deanne for not only accepting me again but also thanks for all the hard work you put into creating your sketches and coordinating the DT month after month!

ETA: Go check out the talented girls that I am honoured to be working alongside:

Happy Australia Day

2010-01-26T19:22:00.003+11:00

Happy Australia day everybody!! I should have made my card today something Aussie themed, but I wasn't thinking that far ahead... I made this card ages ago and I got word the other day that the recipient received it so now I can share it...
This is based on an old Mojo Monday sketch, I loved it so much that I made 3 more of this design and then another 4 using every pack of DSP I own! Talk about instant card stash...
Stamps: Pun Fun
Ink: Stazon, Tempting Turquoise
Watercolouring: Aquapainter, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink
Cardstock: Kraft, Kaleidoscope DSP, Tempting Turquoise, Pixie Pink
Accessories: Bold Brights Brads
Tools: Circle Scissor Plus, Paper Piercer
Punches: Scallop Border Punch, 1 1/4" Square Punch (to dovetail the strip)

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Sale-a-bration starts today!

2010-01-25T11:01:00.003+11:00

Sale-a-Bration starts today!!!! Are you excited??? I had my order placed nice and early this morning.

There are 3 ways to earn free stamps during the Sale-A-Bration promotion:

Spend: Any customer who spends $100 or more* will earn an exclusive Sale-A-Bration stamp set with no limit to the amount of stamp sets you can earn
($100 = 1 Set, $200 = 2 sets, $400 = 4 sets etc)
Host: Hostesses of $600 or more workshops* will also earn an exclusive Sale-A-Bration stamp set in addition to the usual SU! hostess benefits
Join: Thinking about starting your own business? or simply want a 20% discount on every SU! purchase? Any new demonstrators who sign up during Sale-A-Bration will get a free stamp set of their choice** from the IB&C.

You can combine any or all of these ways to earn free sets. So, say you host a workshop of your own with me? You order $100 worth of products and 5 of your friends order $100 worth of products as well. You and your friends would each be able to choose a free set from the Sale-A-Bration brochure, then as the hostess you would be able to choose a 2nd set from the SAB brochure PLUS you would earn your normal hostess benefits of either a level 1 or level 2 hostess set and $70 of free product.
That would give you 3 exclusive Stamp Sets (2 SAB, 1 Hostess) plus $170 of SU! product for an initial outlay of only $105 (inc P&H), I'll let you do the maths but I think you'll agree that there really is no better time to be a SU! hostess!
View the brochure here

Just adding that you can use Hearts for Haiti towards your $100 sale-a-bration order so you can earn free stamps while helping others, how great is that?
Have a great day!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Haitian Disaster Relief

2010-01-22T10:24:00.001+11:00

On 12 January, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, leaving in its wake devastation so overwhelming that the Haitian people and their leaders can only look for help from the outside to cope.
From now until 28 February 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set sold will be donated to the Red Cross' Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Since I don't want to profit from the misfortune of others I am removing my demonstrator commission from this stamp set bringing the price to only $34.36*

The I {Heart} Hearts stamp set is designed to coordinate with both the Full Heart & Heart to Heart punches (RRP $30.95) so in addition to SU!'s generous offer I will donate 20% of the purchase price of these punches to the Red Cross' Haiti Relief & Development fund for the duration of this offer.

To see how Red Cross are helping in Haiti or to make an additional donation you can visit the Red Cross Website:
http://redcross.org.au/howyoucanhelp_Haiti_Appeal.htm

Thank you in advance for your support of the Haitian People.

*plus p&h of $5.95 or 5% whichever is greater, RRP of I {Heart} Hearts is $42.95 as featured in the Summer Mini Catalogue
Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Teacher Gifts Part 4

2010-01-22T09:00:00.000+11:00

One last set. This one was for Miss Kerrie (I know yesterday's was for Miss Kerry too but that was Miss Kerry with a "Y" and this is for Miss Kerrie with an "IE" I think the centre has about 4 Miss Kerrie/Kerry's lol).

This first design uses a jumbo grommet. I threaded the ribbon through the grommet before sticking the grommet down then tied the knot in the centre.
For this set I left the box detail fairly simple since the DSP pattern was so nice I figured I may as well let it be it's own feature. The 1st photo shows better how the label on the front is nice and wavy. I just bent it before using glue dots to stick it on the box.
Another simple card. I love how this stamp from "Best Yet" looks so good in a layered scallop circle, I'll be sad to see the set go when the new catalogue is released later this year. (Ok, who am I kidding? I'll be so excited over new product I'll find something else to love... I'm such a fickle stamper lol)
Stamps: Best Yet, A Rose is A Rose
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Blue, Whisper White
Accessories: Baja Breeze Striped 5/8" Grosgrain, Jumbo Grommets, Button Bouquet Designer Buttons
Punches: Scallop Edge Punch, 1 1/4", 1 3/8" and Scallop Circle Punches

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Teacher Gifts Part 3

2010-01-19T09:00:00.002+11:00

This was the set I made for Miss Kerry, Miss Kerry will be moving up to the "Sunshine" room with Charlotte this year so the transition to a new room will hopefully be a little easier if Charlotte knows one of her teachers.
This set is pretty self explanatory:

Oh, and I've been meaning to post this link from Allison:
Using Picasa to Perk Up Your Photos This is a great tip for people who don't have photoshop!
Stamps: A Beautiful Thing, Best Yet
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive
Cardstock: Washington Apple DSP, Bashful Blue, Riding Hood Red, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Whisper White
Accessories: Blooms Die Cuts, Playground Designer Buttons, Linen Thread, Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain, Build-a-Brad
Punches: Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop, 1 3/8", 1 1/4", 1/2" Circle Punches

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Teacher Gifts Part 2

2010-01-16T14:52:00.003+11:00

So, I totally meant to come back and show you the rest of the Teacher Gift sets that I made but I flaked so I'm sorry :) Anyway, enough excuses! Here is the 2nd set I made:I made this set for Miss Michelle (Or Mist Shell as Charlotte says...) Michelle is actually a friend of ours that I have known since I was about 10 and her kids were babies (those babies that I used to babysit now babysit for us how freaky old does that make me feel?!?) so it was really nice to have her in Charlotte's room last year, just the little things like when Charlotte was sick with high temps and I had to come in early to get her, she was sitting on the couch having cuddles with Michelle and seeing that instantly made me feel less guilty about sending Charlotte without realising she wasn't well. Michelle is on float this year so she doesn't know for certain yet if she'll be in Charlotte's room when Charlotte is there but it will be nice if she is...
Michelle has a really eclectic kind of taste, she has this shelf ("the shelf") in her house where she puts all the funky little bizarre kitschy things that she finds around the place that is always so cool to checkout, and I knew that the perfect DSP for her would be the new Kaleidoscope DSP with all the bright colours and butterflies!
I used the Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die layered with the new Butterfly punch for the detail on top of the box. With all the sets I tried to keep the cards generic occasion cards so they could be used for whatever the teacher wants, but with each box I tried to include a little quote to let them know how important they have been to us, and I thought this quote from Flight of the Butterfly was perfect for this set and Michelle.
Now onto the cards, I made 2 of each design:

Stamps: Short & Sweet, Flight of the Butterfly
Ink: Lovely Lilac
Cardstock: Kaleidoscope DSP, Pixie Pink, Gable Green, Lovely Lilac, Whisper White
Accessories: Whisper White Taffeta, Pretty in Pink Taffeta, Fleurettes, Build-a-Brad, Sherbet Designer Buttons, Linen Thread
Punches: Butterfly Punch, Large & Small Oval Punches, Word Window Punch
Big Shot: Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die, Divine Swirl Cuttlebug Folder

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Just My Sketches are back!!! With a twist!

2010-01-11T16:38:00.003+11:00

Deanne is bringing back the "Just My Sketches" sketch blog and she's bringing it in with a twist. She'll give a list of songs with each sketch to inspire you. She's also doing a DT call so why not try out?
I saw the first sketch and list of songs and I just had to play along! I chose "Hands" by Jewel because I've always loved the "My hands are small I know, but they're not yours they are my own" line and I thought it would be perfect to use for a layout about Jack discovering his hands. I wanted the journalling to fill most of the star but that was the best publisher or word can do. I've since found a tutorial on using photoshop to journal in shapes so I'm going to have a go and re-do the star and try again. I know I should have fixed it before posting but I realised how long it had been and I just loved this sketch and layout so much that I had to put it on straight away!

Here's the sketch if you want to play along (over on the original post there is also a card sketch if you'd prefer):

Stamps: Jumbo Outline Alphabet
Ink: Chocolate Chip Inkpad & Marker
Cardstock: Good Morning Sunshine DSP, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip, Pacific Point
Accessories: Star Designer Brads, Jumbo Brads, Paper Crimper
Punches: Large & Small Star, 1" Circle

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Thought it was about time I brought you all up to date on the latest SU! happenings

2009-12-31T22:13:00.000+11:00

***This is a sticky post until 31/12/09, please scroll down for new posts***

With all the excitement of having a newborn in the house I have been really slack in letting you know what's happening in the world of SU!, so I thought it was about time I put some info up for you. I won't have a proper newsletter this month but will get back into the swing of things with a January Newsletter.

Stampin' Up! are having an inventory clearance, these items are overstocks and leftovers from the days when all stamp sets came square cut. There are huge savings to be had but only while stocks last (or 24 January 2010, whichever comes first) so place your order today to make sure you don't miss out.
View the flyer here.
Sale-A-Bration is coming! (25 January - 31 March 2010) I am currently taking bookings for Sale-A-Bration workshops, so contact me if you want to earn free sets! As usual there is also a free stamp set to anyone who choses to sign up during Sale-A-Bration so if you would like to join my team, even if you just want to earn a discount on your own sets let me know!
Spring Mini Catalogue: Although the Spring Mini has finished SU! have announced a few items that will continue to be available:
112534 5/16" Jumbo Brads (Neutrals Assortment) $15.50
112533 5/8" Jumbo Brads (Neutrals Assortment) $13.50
114889 Scallop Oval Punch $30.95
106960 Stazon White Inkpad + Refill $22.95
109196 Stazon Cleaner $9.95

Well, I think that about covers it... If you have any questions or would like to place an order, just remember I'm only ever a phone call or email away!

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T09:00:00.001+11:00

Hope you all have a great day today! Look after your loved ones and if you are travelling away make sure you stay safe!

With love

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 24

2009-12-24T09:00:00.000+11:00

I made it!!! 24 days in a row for Christmas cards!! Are you proud of me?
I made this cute little wreath with the small star punch and a few buttons... The glitter in the middle of the buttons didn't really turn out how I want but I'm really happy with the rest of the card.
Hope you all have a great Christmas eve and that the kids leave out lots of yummy scotch for "Santa" :)
Stamps: Short & Sweet
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Kraft, Old Olive, Real Red, I Wish SS Kit
Accessories: Button Latte & Playground Designer Buttons, Red Gingham Ribbon
Punches: Small Star Punch, Word Window Punch

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 23

2009-12-23T09:00:00.002+11:00

I know that isn't a Christmas Card but it was just too cute not to share... Jack has been spending a bit of time in his jolly jumper lately, and I took some photos of him last time. Anyway, on to the real reason you're here:
Now I know it sounds horrible but the person I'm giving it to knows that if I were nice to her the world would end and since nobody likes an apocalypse at Christmas I really had no choice...
I really love this card and I'm thinking about finding a way to make it nice enough for the general population (like ho-ho-hope you have a great Christmas but with less individual alphabet stamps) so that I can use it next year. Since I've made the buttons myself (5 layer button technique - love these so have to make more!) the only thing I'd have to substitute to make it economical would be the clip.
Anyway, back tomorrow with one last card, thanks for hanging in there with my Advent Calender of Cards (I don't care if anyone read it, I'm just impressed that I managed to post a card a day for this long!) and after Christmas we'll return to our regularly scheduled programming :D
Stamps: Lovely Letters & Short Order Alphabets
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss
Cardstock: Kraft, Urban Garden DSP, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White
Accessories: Clips Assortment, Linen Thread, Crystal Effects, Anywhere Glue Stick
Punches: Small Star Punch

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Tutorial: Resizing Box Tutorials to make the box size you need

2009-12-23T09:00:00.000+11:00

I wanted to make some mini pizza boxes for Teacher Gifts, but the SCS tutorial was the wrong size, so I quickly scanned the tutorial then made my own guide to make a box 9.5cm L x 9.5cm W x 2.5cm H.
I thought I'd share how to make a guide since I know that alot of box tutorials need to be resized because of the difference between US and Australian Card sizings.

Clear as mud? Leave a comment if you have any questions

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 22

2009-12-22T09:00:00.008+11:00

Another card that Nikita helped me design. I love this design, so simple, and you could easily pump out millions from 1 sheet of DSP.
On a side note, I'm watching The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button as I write this, has anyone else seen it? I know it's not exactly new so I'm probably the last one to see it, but I'm really enjoying it! Such a sweet story.
Stamps: Best Yet, Season of Joy
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red
Cardstock:Whisper White, Kraft, Old Olive, I Wish SS Kit
Punches: Scallop & Large Oval Punches

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Teacher Gifts Part 1

2009-12-22T09:00:00.004+11:00

I'm making a few of these sets for Charlotte's preschool teachers, each set is going to have 4 Cards (2 of each design) in a mini pizza box made using a different DSP to suit each teacher's personality. I've kept the cards as "For You" cards so that they can be used as gift tags, cards for birthday's or thank you's or just because cards.
The cards are 9x9cm and I have resized the SCS Mini Pizza Box tutorial to fit. Here are close ups of the box and cards:

I'll share the other sets later, and a tutorial on how to resize box tutorials to suit your project.
Stamps: One of a Kind, A Rose is A Rose
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss
Cardstock: Bella Rose DSP, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain, Flower Fusion Too, Pretties Kit, Linen Thread, Buttons Latte
Punches: Eyelet Border, Scallop Punches, Large & Small Oval Punches

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 21

2009-12-21T09:00:00.002+11:00

This is one of the cards I made on my cardmaking afternoon with Nikita. We had so much fun that she has asked me to organise a day with her mum that she come and craft with me again, I can't wait!
Nikita helped me design this one and we made one each, it's a very simple design, just a piece of DSP from the I Wish SS Kit and some diecuts.

Cardstock:Kraft Cardstock, I Wish SS Kit

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 20

2009-12-20T09:00:00.002+11:00

I've been wanting to stamp straight onto Kraft Cardstock as my focal piece for a while now and I was excited to be able to do it on this card. If the greeting looks slightly pink that's because I opened up my Pink Passion inkpad instead of my Real Red and inked up my stamp and stamped without paying attention, it looks pretty red IRL thank goodness but next time I have to read the ink colour and not take for granted that I know where it lives in my ink caddy...
Stamps: Season of Joy
Ink: Pink Passion, Old Olive
Cardstock: Kraft, I Wish SS Kit, Old Olive

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 19

2009-12-19T09:00:00.005+11:00

I call this one "Rudolph the Red Nosed Teddy Bear". I was fortunate enough to be able to get my hands on this great SU! exclusive die from the US and this is the first thing I made. As soon as I realised that his nose could be cut seperately I decided that he needed a red nose and antlers like a build-a-bear reindeer.
We don't know what dies will be available when SU! bring the bigshot to Australia but I'm really hoping they bring these build-a-bear ones, they're so cute and the possibilities are endless!
Stamps: Season of Joy
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Cardstock: Bella Rose DSP, I Wish SS Kit, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red
Punches: Corner Rounder Punch, 1 3/8" Square Punch
Bigshot: Bigz Bear, Beary Girl & Scribbles Swirls Sizzlets

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

One Sketch 2 ways

2009-12-19T09:00:00.001+11:00

I needed 2 birthday cards for sisters and I wanted to make them pretty fast but also wanted them to look fairly different. So I chose a recent Mojo Monday sketch as my starting point, then picked out 2 completely different DSP's for my colourschemes and these are the cards I came up with:
This first card was made for Olivia and since she's a bit of a girly girl I used Bella Rose as my colour scheme, then because I was using Bella Rose, of course I had to use "A Rose is a Rose" for my main image (just that slight OCD thing that I have going on...). I used the Circle Scissor Plus to make the circles. On this card they are all the same sized circles.
This next card is for Karin, she's not as girly as her sister so I used Good Morning Sunshine and the more retro colours (doesn't this DSP remind you of a 70's kitchen???). I kept with the circles and the same placement but unlike on Olivia's card I have made each of these circles a slightly different size.
Hopefully these cards are different enough that it won't bring out that old "just get them identical presents/cards since they're identical twins" complex that they've grown up with....
PS I should mention the order, since Olivia is the oldest (by a few minutes) I have posted her card first, this isn't an indicator as to who I like better, OK girls!?!
Stamps:
Ink:
Cardstock:
Accessories:

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 18

2009-12-18T09:00:00.002+11:00

I've been determined to use some non-Christmas DSP for Christmas Cards, I think we get so caught up this time of year in having everything "Christmassy" that we forget about what we already own that still suits the season, and I figured a go at a Tri-Fold Card is perfect to try it out, so on this card I have used Christmas coloured DSP from Raspberry Tart, Good Morning Sunshine and Washington Apple.
Here's a shot of the card open:

Stamps: Season of Joy
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip Marker
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Real Red, Good Morning Sunshine DSP, Raspberry Tart DSP, Washington Apple DSP
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 17

2009-12-17T09:00:00.000+11:00

A little rudolph card I made using the Topnote Die. This card is going to Charlotte's pre-school teachers as well as our playgroup leader (who has no small children of her own she just keeps running it out of the kindness of her heart) I was inspired by Sam Post's Card as well as Amy Manhart's Topnote box and I kind of just took the elements I loved from each to make the card I wanted. Bigshot dies will easily cut through 2 layers of cardstock, the only thing was that the perferations around the edge of the topnote only cut through the first layer fully so I just made sure that the side i put face down into the die was the side i wanted for the front of my card.
I have included a list of punches used and I think it's fairly self explanatory but if anyone wants specific info let me know as I'm more than happy to share how I made this card with you.
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: Dazzling Diamond Glitter, White Gel Pen
Punches: Wide & Large Oval Punches, 1 3/4", 1" & 3/4" Circle Punches, Corner Rounder Punch
Bigshot: Topnote Die, Divine Swirl Cuttlebug Folder

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Birthday RAK's

2009-12-16T09:00:00.005+11:00

I thought I'd share with you some birthday cards I got this year, this first card is from Lisa, she has used the beautiful Bella Rose DSP along with Chocolate Chip Patterns DSP. I think the stamp is one of Rachel Greig's Darkroom Door designs. ETA: The paper is Bella Rose and the "Happy Birthday" stamp is from the "On Your Birthday" SU! set... This is what I get for prescheduling posts and typing them up late at night lol
Now I know it's customary to only put up photos of the handmade cards that you receive but as you know I love cards of any description and there were 2 that were so hilarious I just had to share:
This one is from my twinnies, please note that I am WAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYY more normal than they are, plus I'm 6 days older so I am also heaps more wise and clever and stuff!
Now this handsome fella here, he is from my ~~good~~ friend Rhonda... She was also kind enough to buy me a pair of pliers to go with it and go through them all especially to find a pair for me that didn't work properly... (I showed her though, I fixed them!!) Anyway the inside of the card reads "I gave him your number. Expect a booty call on your birthday." Isn't she kind?!?

Some Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 16

2009-12-16T09:00:00.000+11:00

I know I've said it before about other cards, but out of my favourites from the 35 for $35 class these are up there near the top of my list!
Did you know you could get 48 of this style card out of a single simply scrappin kit and still have some DSP and all the diecuts left over! All you need to add is some kraft bases and scrap cardstock for the punchies.
These are the last 3 cards from the class, the rest will be cards I've made just for the fun of it.
Stamps: Season of joy
Ink: Chocolate Chip, real red, old olive
Cardstock: Kraft, I Wish SS Kit
Punches: Scallop & large oval Punches, Scallop Edge Punch

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould

Advent Calender of Cards Day 15

2009-12-15T09:00:00.002+11:00

Stamps: Season of Joy, Best Yet
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red
Cardstock: Kraft, I Wish SS Kit
Accessories: Gold Brads, White Taffeta
Punches: Scallop Square Punch, Scallop & Large Oval Punches

Images © Stampin' Up!, Designs © Zarna Gould