31 days of Ornaments

Welcome to my cyber-abode!

My physical abode is in Sydney, Australia. We are entering our warmer months and even though we don't have snow for Christmas it still features in our decorations - especially snowflakes.

I have taken a break the past few months from creating, but now have set myself the challenge of creating and writing about ornaments for the next 31 days. I have a confession to make - I am a total tinsel junkie. I adore anything to do with Christmas and because my children have Canadian blood I have developed a keen appreciation of Halloween.

I will be making ornaments from various materials and they will be graded from child friendly through to expert.

Looking forward to the next 31 days!

Boy meets Girl - 28/1/2013

Another Boy meets Girl Challenge - same stamp, or set, to make a boy card and a girl card.  Today's theme is - baby card.  Just by changing up the colour highlights you can change the recipient.


First up - for a baby girl.

I made the colour palette a bit softer and used pink as the highlight colour. For a more modern baby you could go with hot pink, lavender or purple.

Next - the boy.

I must apologise for this looking so yellow! It is actually white (the photos were taken at the same time and on the same setting!!!) However it would look good in lemon too. The highlight colour is pastel blue.  For a more modern baby you could go with garden green or navy. The giraffe is coloured with a slightly darker palette.

If you wanted a gender neutral card I'd go with red, orange, yellow or mint.

Supplies:
Paper - whisper white, pink pirouette and bashful blue c/s
Stamp - "giraffe" from stash, "teeny tiny sentiments" (the most useful set you will ever purchase!!!)
Ink - pixie pink (ret) (current substitute - melon mambo), bordering blue(ret) (current substitute - bashful blue), various markers
Tools - Big Shot, "dots" embossing folder, word window punch, tiny flower from itty bitty punches, embossing stylus (to curl the petals)
Other - basic pearls
Adhesive - snail, dimensionals, glue dot

 It's raining steadily here - like all of the east coast.  We luckily have not had the worst of it.  Some people are experiencing tornadoes and torrential rain/flooding - like a month's worth or more in 24 hours.

For the first time in almost a week we are all going to be home for dinner so I am going to cook us a special meal.  Don't know what yet - but it will involve chicken!

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

Scrap-turday 26/11/13

Today's Scrap-turday is about using up those odd little pieces that aren't any good to be kept for sentiment panels and sometimes aren't the right shape for punch art.  I have stamped small images on them, coloured them and then fussy cut them and adhered them to small 3" x 3", or 6cm x 6cm, cards.  They are not equivalent measurements but rather two sizes that I managed to get out of an A4 sheet.

Here's an overview of the selection -

The "happiest birthday" card is a 3" x 3" and the "just for you" and "sweet stuff" are 6cm x 6cm.

Supplies:
'happiest wishes...'
Paper - whisper white, daffodil delight and pumpkin pie c/s
Stamp - candle from stash, "happiest birthday"
Ink - basic black, tempting turquoise, peach parfait (ret) and pixie pink (ret), various markers
Tools - scallop dot ribbon punch
Other - crystal effects (on the candle flame)
Adhesive - snail, dimensionals

'just for you'
Paper - whisper white, marina mist and pink pirouette c/s, silver glimmer paper
Stamp - cake from stash, "teeny tiny sentiments"
Ink - basic black, pink pirouette and marina mist ink pads, various markers
Tools - square punch, small scallop punch
Other - dazzling details
Adhesive - snail, dimensionals


This is a 3" x 3" card with envelope:

Supplies:
Paper - whisper white, pink pirouette and marina mist c/s
Stamp - from stash
Ink - basic black, various markers
Tools - Big shot, "small dots" embossing folder
Adhesive - snail, dimensionals


This is a 6cm x 6cm card:

Supplies:
Paper - whisper white, pumpkin pie, daffodil delight, marina mist c/s
Stamp - "sweet stuff" (ret)
Ink - basic black, various markers
Tools - Big Shot, "large dots" embossing folder from stash
Other - crystal effects
Adhesive - snail

So - don't throw out those odd bits. Grab your small stamps and make some gift cards!!

Happy Australia Day to everyone.  Many "shrimps on the barbie" today!!

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

3D Thursday

On 3D Thursdays (once a month) I will post a 3D item that I have made.  This could be wall art, Off the Page or in this case - a box!  I enjoy making boxes and with all the wonderful dies and templates out there you can have a lot of fun. Today I have used box #3 from Sizzix.  It makes a lovely 12cm by 9cm box with a hinged lid.  I made it in green and yellow because this weekend it's Australia Day and these are our national colours. I am going to give it to my kids filled with some green and yellow biscuits (cookies).

This first photo is a close up of the paper bow. Watched a great tutorial on how to do this on the Stampin' Up You Tube channel. It uses the large oval punch (the simple version) and I added the scalloped oval punch and a "box" shape middle piece and a button with twine. The ribbon ends are just pieces of cardstock notched. It's all held together with glue dots.

This photo shows the whole box.

Supplies:
Paper - so saffron and pear pizzaz (ret) c/s, cheked paper from stash
Tools - large oval punch, scallop oval punch, Big Shot, Sizzix box #3 die
Other - yellow button and green twine from stash
Adhesive - sticky strip (to assemble the box), snail, glue dots

Another thing! Sale-a-bration has started and just by purchasing things (you know you really need them!) you can earn free and exclusive stamp sets, accessories and tools. It's a great deal. Check out the link on the sidebar and you can "shop the catalogues" via their links too. Just let my know via my email what you need and I will be happy to arrange delivery!!

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

Sketch madness 17/1/2013

Hi All!
This will be another regular post title from now on. What I am going to do with this is select a sketch and interpret it as a scrapbook page and as a card. Today's sketch is number 133 from Mojo Monday.  Their blog address is just below the sketch. The theme I decided to go with is Christmas because I thought it's about the time that everyone starts to scrap their Christmas photos.

Anyway here is the scrap page -

The little white squares are embossed with Christmas images.  The polka dot strip is cut into a banner shape - couldn't fit it all in!!

Here are the squares in detail -

Now to the card. It uses the same elements and papers as the scrapbook page - no waste!

Supplies for both examples:
Paper - whisper white and gumball green c/s, gumball green 12 x 12 core'dinations, silver glimmer paper, polka dot parade DSP.
Stamp - "jolly bingo bits"
Ink - cherry cobbler
Tools - Big shot, "label" framelits, square punch, postage stamp punch, various embossing folders, dotted scallop ribbon border punch
Other - red tiny twine from stash, basic rhinestones
Adhesive - snail, dimensionals

Hope you find inspiration.

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

Boy meets Girl - 14/1/2013

This will be a semi regular post title from now on.  I will use the same stamp set and collection of DSP to make a boy card and a girl card. This time they are "bloomin' marvellous" (a sale-a-bration set - it starts soon!!) and Sycamore St DSP (also sale-a-bration).

We will start with the boy card. The sentiment I used was "oh happy day" I coloured it with markers and also put a line of faux stitching around it. The sentiment is popped.

Supplies:
Paper - Card base; whisper white 21cm x 12cm. First matte; marina mist 11.5cm x 10cm. Second matte; pool party; 11cm x 9.5cm. DSP "sycamore st" 10.5cm x 9cm
Stamp - "bloomin' marvellous"
Ink - old olive, pool party
Other - wild wasabi stitched grosgrain ribbon
Adhesive - snail, sticky strip, dimensionals


Now the girl card using the same stamp set and pack of DSP. Lots of fussy cutting on this one. The sentiment is popped as well as the butterflies and the blue flower.

Supplies:
Paper - Card base; whisper white 21cm x 15cm. First matte; calypso coral 14.5 x 9.5.
Second matte; pool party 14cm x 9cm. DSP "sycamore st" 13.5 x 8.5cm. Banner; pool party
Stamp - "bloomin' marvellous"
Ink - various markers
Tools - corner rounder
Adhesive - snail, dimensionals

I hope you enjoy this challenge that I have set myself.

Sale-a-bration starts the 22/1/2013. On that date I will have the brochure and details up for you to view and order. Until then I will just tease you with some of the products available!!

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

Scrap-turday 12/1/2013

Yes! It's late! Confess had a very busy weekend so could only get my bits finished today. I have used some left over bits of cardstock and some punches to make three different styles of flower.

Here are the punches used -

The large one is "boho blossoms" (old style - the new ones are like the little punches) and the little ones are two out of a three piece set called "itty bitty punches" (the third shape is a small plain circle).  They are all available in the Annual Catalogue.

Here are the flowers -

These ones are made with the little punches.  The cardstock colours are pink pirouette - sponged with pink pirouette ink - and so saffron.  I curled the petals with an embossing stylus - this has to be done before adhering. They are constructed with 1 round flower and 2 four petal flowers.  They are held together with liquid glue and there is a dot of fabric paint in the centre of each - glitter yellow and white pearl.

These ones are the so saffron version of the boho blossoms punch only for the larger flower and boho blossoms and round itty bitty for the smaller flowers.  They are sponged with crumb cake ink and adhered with liquid glue. The petals are curled with the embossing stylus and they have a latte pearl from my stash in their centre.

These are the pink smaller flowers from the boho blossoms punch and the itty bitty round punch (so saffron)
The petals are sponged with pink pirouette ink and curled with the embossing stylus. The pearl in the centre is from my stash.  You could colour a white pearl with a sharpie if you don't have coloured pearls.

Punching out flowers to have a ready made stock is a great way to use up bits of card stock that are too small or an awkward shape for sentiment panels etc.

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

Spoil yourself

Today's card uses the postage stamp punch and some retired DSP. The sentiment is popped.

Supplies:
Paper - pretty in pink c/s, DSP (ret)
Stamp - "freshly cut" and "Bring on the cake"
Ink - Blushing bride and chocolate chip
Tools - postage stamp punch, decorative label punch, sponge dauber
Other - chantilly lace trim
Adhesive - snail, sticky strip, glue dots, dimensionals

Hopefully my photography will show signs of improvement from now on as I have bought a little led lamp. I have also been practicing! Today's effort was my first try with the lamp.  Think I need to angle it a little more.

Anyways....

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

Pun fun

Here's some Valentine's pun fun for you. It says "I loaf you".The unfortunate thing is that it is a retired set.

The scallop border down the bottom was created by using the offcuts (humps) from the large heart punch that I had used over Christmas for another project. Told you I found it difficult to throw things away! The greeting is popped.

Supplies:

Paper - whisper white and poppy parade (ret) c/s, polka dot parade DSP

Stamp - "comfort food" (ret)

Ink - basic black, red marker, pale brown marker

Tools - large heart punch, large oval punch, decorative label punch

Other - ribbon from stash

Adhesive - snail, sticky strip, dimensionals

It is super hot here at the moment so indoor activities only. I guess I will just have to craft - what a shame (lol)!

Happy crafting!

Cheers

Susie

it's working now

Told you I was  a techno-incompetent! I think I have finally got the link working. Here's hoping.

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

Update

Techno - incompetent moi, with much help from my upline has managed to put a link to the catalogues in the sidebar.  Happy hunting!!

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

Punch Drunk

Hi! This is a new feature of my blog.  Once a month I will be posting an example of punch art with instructions.  You may already own these punches but if you don't and wish to purchase them you can do that through my email - paperalchemy.susie@gmail.com. Postage will be quoted with order.

So here's this month's offering - A Lion

I have seen many variations of this in the blogosphere. This one is my interpretation of one taught at a class by my upline Karen.

Instructions:

Mane - 2 x Blossom punch, soft suede sponged with chocolate chip
Face - 1 x 11/4' circle punch, so saffron sponged with daffodil delight
Cheeks - 1/2'' circle punch, so saffron sponged with daffodil delight
Nose - itty bitty 4 petal flower (set of 3 punches), cut 2 petals off, black
Eyes - single hole punch, black, highlighted with white gel pen
Feet - modern label, cut in half, so saffron sponged with daffodil delight
Tail - hand cut strip, so saffron
         Boho blossoms, soft suede sponged with chocolate chip
Hand draw whisker dots with black marker
Adhesives - snail, glue dots for nose and eyes.

Very very hot here at the moment so I am off to fan camp (stay in front of the fan) and do some crafting.  Have a great weekend.

Happy crafting!
Cheers
Susie

NEW FOR 2013

No pictures today. Just what I hope you will find an exciting announcement.  I am excited! So here we go on a new adventure….

VIRTUAL STAMP CLUBs

I will be running two virtual stamp clubs this year. You won’t even have to leave home to have crafting fun.

Kits are also available without the stamp sets, upon application.  This however will change the end product as the instructions will be for those particular stamp set/s. Stamp sets can be viewed in the Annual Catalogue from Stampin’ Up. These can be viewed on-line at the Stampin’ Up website.  The kits include a copy of the catalogue.

If you would like a copy of the catalogue it is available for $5.  The purchase price will come off the dollar value of your first order (kit or catalogue merchandise).

To order a kit or a catalogue please email me at paperalchemy.susie@gmail.com. Let's go on an adventure together!

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• CLUB #1: Monthly club.

            I design a kit for you to purchase for use in the next month.

            It will include the stamp set, papers, cardstock and embellishments.

            All instructions and measurements will be included.

            All you need to provide is the adhesive.  If you wish I can include

            It as an addition to your kit.

Price will vary from month to month. You purchase the project kits that you are interested in. Photos of each month’s kit will be posted in the previous month and sent to your inbox. The closing date for each month’s order is the second last Wednesday of each month.  You will receive notice in your inbox.

KIT CONTENTS –

* Price for stamp sets in wood mount are available on request

Virtual Stamp Club – February

Available separately but 5% discount if purchased as a kit

Kit also includes – free catalogue, 4 sketches and instructions for 3 cards and a favor.

Stamp set               “Delightful Dozen”                                             $49.95 *(clear mount)         

Card stock

1 piece A4 real red                                                               $0.50

2 pieces A4 whisper white                                                  $0.75

1 piece A4 not quite navy                                                  $0.50

1 piece A4 certainly celery                                                 $0.50

1 piece A4 regal rose                                                           $0.50

10 envelopes – whisper white                                                            $2.80

6 6x6 sheets DSP “more amore”                                                         $2.75 +

4 heart die cuts – 2 pink, 2 red                                                           $0.50 +

4 6x6 sheets “twitterpated”                                                                $1.60

4 6x6 sheets DSP “parkers patterns”                                                $1.60

Small heart punch                                                                                $9.95

Ribbon sampler

                2 x 24cm piece white organza                                             $0.50

                2 x 24cm piece scallop dot                                                  $1.00

2 colours, 1 of each

pretty in pink, chocolate chip

                8 x 1m piece bakers twine                                                    $1.80

4 colours, 2 of each

early espresso, island indigo

whisper white, cherry cobbler

                1 x 24cm piece of ruffled ribbon                                         $0.50

                                pool party

                1 x 24cm stitched satin ribbon                                            $0.50

                                primrose petals

Kit price: $70 + $8 postage                

+ only available together

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·          CLUB #2: Quarterly club – Festive Friday 

                                                              (get a head start on next Christmas)

                        I design a kit for you to purchase for use over three months.

                        It will include the stamp set, papers, cardstock and embellishments.

                        All instructions and measurements will be included.

                        All you need to provide is the adhesive.  If you wish I can include

                        It as an addition to your kit.

Photos of each month’s projects will be posted once a month and sent to your inbox. The closing date for each quarter’s order is the second last Wednesday of every third month. You will receive notice in your inbox.

KIT CONTENTS –

* Price for stamp sets in wood mount are available on request.

Festive Friday Kit – January through to March.

Not available separately but 5% discount on kit

Kit also includes –        free catalogue, 4 sketches and instructions for 2 cards

                                    Instructions for a further two cards emailed each month

Card stock

6 x A4 sheets gumball green                                                             

6 x A4 sheets cherry cobbler                                                             

4 x A4 Whisper white                                                                         

Ribbon sampler

5 pieces of 24cm gumball green stitched satin               

5 pieces of 24cm cherry cobbler seam binding               

20 pieces of 6 x 6 double sided DSP “be of good cheer”                                              

Stamp sets x 2                       “No Peeking”*                    (clear mount)

                                    “Delightful Decorations”*                (clear mount)                                        

20 x white envelopes                                                                                          

Dazzling details                                                                                               

Kit price: $85.00 + $8 postage

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There are some more big announcements to come over the next few days, but I promise there will be pictures tomorrow!

Happy crafting!

Cheers

Susie