I'm a Stampin' Up demonstrator!

I've joined Stampin' Up. Initially I was tempted by the Starter Kit which is great value for money! Check out my detailed post about the kit here. But really, it was the allure of being an outsider and viewing the Stapin up family with great interest. These ladies always seem to be having a ball. Besides getting a nice discount, and the ability to earn a spot, there's also the added benefit of making loads of new friends all the while doing something you love! Crafting!!

So I caved in, as a present to myself for being such a good girl :) Will keep you posted on how the journey progresses, for I'm sure its going to be a lovely one!
Till next time,

Bentley Bear - Driving along card

Along with the February 2011 issue of Card making and Papercraft magazine, I got a lovely Bentley bear stamp set.

For some reason, I loved the following stamp. I just had to colour it in! :)



I used my Promarkers with some watercolour pencils for the shading and the puffs of smoke coming out of the car.

Layered it on Holographic card for a nice shiny effect and then stuck it onto my card for a beautiful, albeit simple design.



For the greeting, I used holographic embossing powder, after stamping my image to add a little bling to the card, without being OTT.

For some reason, I had the song by the Beatles - "Baby you can drive my car" in my head while I made this card :)

I've entered this card in the following competition,
I love promarkers challenge 59 - Emboss it.

Hope you like it,

Till next time,

Art Nouveau Card

Hiya Peeps,

For today's card, I tried to keep things simple and used an art nouveau theme to create a simple but luxury handmade card.

[caption id="attachment_130" align="aligncenter" width="535" caption="Travel, Explore and Discover"][/caption]

To make this card, I used

1. 13x13cms square cream cardstock.


2. The image stamp is from the Dover art nouveau cd's printed onto Letraset bleed proof paper and coloured in with Promarkers.


3. Travel, Explore and Discover stamp from Crafty Individuals.


4. Gold printed Vellum from Papermania Signature collection.


5. Gold Mirri Board

To achieve a slightly faded vintage look, I tore a piece of paper and used it to cover 2/3rd of my card, after which I stamped my motifs using brown/copper ink pads.

I'm also loving the Dovecraft ready stick ribbons in their Christmas fancy and jolly happy Christmas collections.I've used the ribbon here from the Jolly Happy Christmas stick-on ribbon for a card that is far from christmassy.

I've entered this card in the following challenges:

• Passion for Promarkers Mega Christmas Challenge


• I <3 Promarkers Anything Goes Challenge

Hope you like it!

Till next time,

Cute Valentines

I may be a little ahead of myself here, but I couldn't help myself when I saw this little image all stamped up and coloured in Promarkers, just waiting to be used as a topper. What usually happens is, I sit in front of the telly with my stamped images in black ink, my box of Promarkers and use the time in the ad breaks to colour my images. It really is a satisfying and relaxing way to watch telly!

Anyhow I kept it simple and added a paper carnation for effect. Hope you like it!

[caption id="attachment_112" align="aligncenter" width="535" caption="Love is not what we become, but what we already are."][/caption]

I've entered this card into the Passion for Promarkers Mega Christmas challenge.

 

Till next time!

How to clean your stamps

When cleaning your stamps, you have many options. You can use soap and water, a baby/face wipe or a specialist cleanser preferably with conditioner in it so it will keep your stamps fresh and new for a long time to come.

I prefer a solvent type cleaner that removes any ink or paint I might be using. Try Papermania, Clear Stamp Cleaner. As matter of personal choice though, I do not over clean my stamps as it can damage the cushion under the stamp and loosen the adhesive in wooden stamps and may damage the longevity of acrylic stamps.

[caption id="attachment_68" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Good as new!"][/caption]

1. Apply a generous amount of stamp cleaner to the rubber stamp
2. Blot the stamp on a clea,dry paper towel and reuse as neccessary or store.

Till next time!

A Vintage Christmas

Loving this beautiful Decoupage card. I think the vintage look is starting to grow on me, and there is nothing that says a merry traditional Christmas quite like this card.

[caption id="attachment_61" align="aligncenter" width="535" caption="Victorian Vintage Christmas Poinsetta"][/caption]

This gorgeous vintage greeting card, was made using Anita's Victoriana Die-cut Decoupage Duos.

I love the fact that you dont have to use scissors, you can just pop it out as it is die cut! It really helps save time in your decoupage projects and handmade card making. Plus I think the poinsetta looks absolutely fab decoupaged and it doesn't get more traditional vintage christmas card images than that.

Till next time!

Bright and Breezy

Today, I got a tad tired of all the wintry cold. To cheer myself, I decided to remind myself of the summer days yet to come. Looking through my stash to find the brightest, summery papers inspired me to make this card, which is joining the ranks of my favorite cards simply because it is so pretty! :)





I think I'll send it off to my bestest girl pal whose birthday is in April. Till then, you guys can have a go.



If you'd like to get these beautiful glittered Rub-ons for yourself, Get it here.

Tell me what you think,

Till next time