ILWS JUNE Blog Hop !!NEW COLOURS!!

!!NEW COLOURS!!

!!BLOG HOP!!

WOWEE!!! There are certainly some talented people out there!! If you are taking part in the In Love With Stamping BlogHOP, then you have come to my blog from BLUE JELLY... I don't know how I'm going to follow Victoria's lovely creations.. but I'll give it my best shot!

I am so pleased that we were able to purchase 3 of the new colours that are being introduced in October. I've had great fun playing with them, but it's such a shame that the polka dot ribbon OR the design series paper will not be coming back in October.. That's why we're making the most of them now.. and using them before they run out of stock - so if you like what you see and are the kind of person to WANT it NOW!! Let me know!! Because before you know it, it'll all be out of stock!

Here's my first card, using Rich Razzleberry & Soft Suede inks & cardstock. I've been experimenting with a new technique, using the embossing powder and daubers to cover Whisper White cardstock. I'll be highlighting this technique and how I achieved this look later in the week.

The second 6"x6" card is based on some cards that my eldest received for her birthday, I was intrigued how I could achieve this look & after a lot of experimenting (again) I was pleasantly happy with the outcome.

This is a take on my class that I did this month at my church.  I love this sweet album made with envelopes, I used the Carousel Notes envelopes, the Chocolate Chip compliments ALL of the new colours so well. I got this idea from my upline Jenny Moors (who in turn got the tutorial from a US demo Jan Tink)

Main Purse Album

And inside..........

Well, that's all from me, next on the Blog Hop is KEREN her work is so lovely !! You'll be in for a treat!! HAVE FUN!!

Boy's birthday card...EEK!

For those that know me, I have 4 lovely daughters, very pink, purpley and sparkly daughters. 

Aimee was invited to Callum's birthday today.. I almost bought a card!! I CAN'T do boys or men's cards very easily!! So I persevered and used the Right on Track set and Choo Choo wheel to make this 12" x 4" card (folded in 3 sections - to make a 4"x4" card. Nice and cute.

Aimee insisted in being in the picture..

Here's the inside

For the inside greeting I used Cheer & Wishes, and the alphabet set for Callum's name is Just Perfect Alphabet.

For the name, I trimmed the edges with the round tab punch, this has such a lovely effect, I used Whisper White & Not Quite Navy.

Come back tomorrow for a great blog hop - you'll be taken on a journey around 10 different blogs using the new colours, ribbons and design series paper.. something NOT to miss out on.

Night for now,

Hugs,

Emma xx

Humble beginnings

WARNING - LONG POST WITH LOTS OF PICTURES!!

When I started I first moved to Ipswich, I got BIG TIME interested in crafting! 

I had just resigned from a very good job with Ford to become a full time Mum & housewife in a new area. 
As my addiction to making cards, scrapbooking, diecutting & everything crafty grew, so did my stash!! 

This is what I used to store a lot of my tools and papers in, to take to my craft groups.  I also had a lovely craft table built by my fantastic husband for the spare room.  We were able to sit together in the evenings, at least in the same room!  Then Molly came along, so I was moved into the box room, then Aimee came along & I was forced into the dining room (I think most of us have been there) 

After a while Rob had had enough and planned to build me an external room to escape to!!

                                                                 

MAY 2005

 

MARCH 2009

What a great job he made of it too!! It's triangular in shape as we have a corner plot, but it has used up a waste piece of our land and made it into something useful!!  The girls love to use it too, so it could be classed as a family room I suppose!! Rob also escapes there for some piece and quiet and occasionally if he has to work from home, he will go in there!

So here's the bit you all want to see.. It's taken ages to come together, and still needs a damn good tidy up as I've retrieved hidden bags of crafting items from the house over the last year.. but you can get an idea of where I love to hide away from the children and create......

Here is a view as you walk in, you can see the shape of the room now, but having a corner computer desk at the back really makes the most of it!

The original desk that Rob made for me .                                   

Some brilliant storage I got from a DIY shop thats now closed.  They're meant to be shoe cupboards and you can still buy them from ARGOS for about £65.. I bought 2 for £25 each!! BARGAIN!  The great thing is that I used to store my bits and bobs in old shoeboxes/DVD boxes, which now fit perfectly in there!! I was going to put another workbench on top of these 2 units, but I didn't want the desk to dark as I like to do my scrapbooking there.

The great Ikea kitchen cabinets which store (read 'hide') a lot of my stash.  I was going to get the obligitory EXPEDIT unit, but with the room being so exposed to the light, I felt that it was important for everything to be in the cupboards.  I could also store A LOT more this way too. 

This is where I spend the majority of my time!! We were given the worktop which fitted PERFECTLY!!  Rob trimmed down the worktop so that it was more ergonomic.  Now I have loads of space to spread out and stamp!!

Hope that you enjoyed looking, I know it's not as nice as these US craft rooms in the basements, but I love my space and look forward to putting the children to bed so that I can have a play!!

I've been waiting very patiently for this room.  We've always called it the craft shed, I know it's far from it.. but it's stuck!! 

After I've cleared my space up a bit more, I'll show you more of how I organise my space - BELIEVE me.. it keeps changing!!

Bye for now,

Hugs,

Emma xxx

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARAH!!!

My Gorgeous first born is 14 years old today!!!

I can't believe how time has flown by...
Last night I entered a challenge on the Stamp With Us Birthday Bash , we had to use

1. 3 coloured papers
2. 2 patterned papers
3. 1 stamp

of our choice..  So here's my take on this challenge

I used Going Gray 12 x 12 cardstock, with Cottage Wall Designer Series Paper and the newly introduced colours Rich Razzleberry & Soft Suede.  The stamped images were from Frames with a Flourish.
And I'm quite proud to say, with working in timed conditions, that Monica's hubby chose my layout as the winner!! I'm looking forward to seeing what arrives in the post!!

HOWEVER.....
I wasn't overly impressed with the layout.. so I had to add some bits to it as I wanted to make it into a gift for Sarah - what do you think of the newer version??

I added some inked up chipboard (On Board Loads of Letters) In Rich Razzleberry OF COURSE!! versamarked them and added heat and stick glue (HEATED) then Dazzling Diamonds.  When that had dried, I added some Crystal Effects.  Added a polka dot ribbon accent and then a journal box with a similar mount to the photo and inked up the level 2 hostess kit Itty Bitty Buds in the NEW colours too..

I made a lovely flower using the 5 petal punch, ran it through a crimper a couple of times, split the cardstock (it does this naturally), inked around the edges and added a lovely pink rhinestone brad.

So.. that just about dried and I left it on the dining table for Sarah to see it this morning when she came downstairs... bless her she cried...

I really enjoyed making this and look forward to putting on the wall for a couple of weeks before it goes into the album.

Hope you like!!
Hugs,
Emma xx

Sparkling Shimmer

I wanted to show you a couple of things today.

I am getting to like the shimmer paints that were introduced in the new Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue (page 21) more and more as I use them.

It is however, really hard to photograph and capture the amazing sparkle that it gives off.. I've had a go anyway... see what you think!

And inside

This card has been made using

• Medallion background stamp
• Special Blessings stamp set
• a border stamp from the new Vintage Vogue stamp set

Other items used

• Kraft cardstock
• Not Quite Navy cardstock
• Bordering Blue cardstock
• Kraft Taffeta ribbon
• Champagne Mist Shimmer paint

Makes for a lovely simple card, of course you can change the greeting on the front and the sentiment on the insert.

I love the Medallion Stamp. Some people are frightened to use it, as it is quite big, but ensure that it is inked up enough and you'll be well on your way!

I've just seen a new technique today using this stamp and embossing over a patterned 'inked' image, it looks amazing, so I'm going to that out whilst Kiera's asleep!

Until next time,

Hugs,
Emma xx

Twit Twoo

HAPPY NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY!!

(For yesterday! I'm still going though!!!)

I've been busy this afternoon doing what I love.. CRAFTING!! I very rarely get time to do things for me - so I'd thought that I'd have some fun.  I've even dusted down my cricut which has not been used since I moved into my craft room.

I've been taking part in a challenge day set by Robyn & her team of PINK STAMPERS!! It's been great fun!

This card is for Challenge 4, "I like you the least", you had to use your least favourite or least used cartridge!! Well I like all my cartridges, but I bought the WILD CARD one before Kiera was born and I've never used it! So here's my effort, let me know what you think!

I had huge problems uploading this picture, but I'll hopefully upload more later today!!

All papers are Stampin' Up!

The card base is 6"x6", the tree cut at 5 1/2", the owl at 2 1/2" and the 'hello' at 2".

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! Now all I have to hope is that now I'm enjoying using my machine again... Stampin' Up! bring out a cricut!! LOL!!

Have a FUN Sunday!! I'm off to prepare to paint!!

Hugs,
Emma x

OH MY GOODNESS!!!  How lucky are we!!??

We have the chance.. YES.. You and me!! Not JUST for Demonstrators.. to purchase 3 of the new FABBY colours that we will be introducing in the new catalogue in October. I'm guessing that we will be introducing a few colours each month in the run up to the next catalogue.

Available are..

   

You can buy the

• ink pads                                               £4.25
• cardstock (24 sheets)                             £4.50
• 1/2" POLKA DOT ribbon (13.7m)               £8.95

Also available in this colour way is the

• Designer Series Paper Cottage Wall (12)    £7.75
• Flower Fantasy Window Sheets (2)            £9.50

Have fun choosing your new products, I will be placing an order in the next week and offering free postage on anyone who orders with me this week.

Keep posted for a creation this afternoon, for now I'm off to buy some paint for my bedroom... & guess which colour my lovely hubby's let me choose... OOOHHHHHHHHH!!!!  RICH RAZZLEBERRY!! (well not far off!! LOL!) how appropriate!

Hugs,
Emma xx

On a ROLL.....

I've been busy getting ready for the card classes that I run, I have one coming up on Tuesday & we're making some MASCULINE cards.. I might even be nice and show you a sneak peak tomorrow..

I also made a great swap last week, but I'm not going to show you as I'm using the design for my MAY workshops, so if you've booked up for a workshop in May you will find out then.

What I will share is how I cut out the birds using the the new XL TWO STEP BIRD PUNCH. This new punch style is so lovely, slimline and still slides through the cardstock with ease.

First of all, here is my first mistake...

I just went and punched out straight away out of the lovely Tea & Crumpets DSP.. and WASTED so much.. I was devastated about my hastiness!!

This is my 2nd attempt when I made the swaps..

Can you see how I trimmed the length of the cardstock down to 'just' fit the size of the bird, and then in turn the wings?

This worked a treat and I worked out that way you 'could' get 24 birds out of 1 sheet of A4.

I just love seeing the piles of bits ready to piece together.  When I do my swaps, I tend to work in a production line, it really helps see when you're near to finishing!!!

And here's a my birdies almost ready to take off!! LOL!! Well I thought it looked cute anyway!

Until tomorrow then... it's NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY, so I'm going to hide myself away in my craft room for an hour or two.

BUT, also, there is a GREAT announcement (for both Customers & Demonstrators) from Stampin' Up! I'm really looking forward to seeing what's happening!! WATCH THIS SPACE (I like using that phrase recently...!)

UNTIL Tomorrow,

Hugs,

Emma xxx

Offer period - between 23 April-7 May 2010

Join my team & become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and get more than £115 of free products!


If you join & become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator during this week you could save yourself 10% on the Starter Kit WOW!!.




That’s over £240 worth of stamping and business supplies for only £125 - 10% off the regular price of £139.

See here for more details

....WATCH THIS SPACE....

I'm coming back!!
I've been busy upgrading my blog so that you can get more information from me..

I am currently running 2 craft classes a month and there is a virtual workshop going on as we speak (over the next 8 months)!!

I've been told that I'm not very good at advertising myself, so I'm sorting myself out and getting organised a bit more!! WAHOO!!!

I will post some pictures later..


Hugs,
Emma xxx

I've been promoted to BRONZE 3!!!

YIPPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to offically say that I have been promoted to Bronze 3, I have 2 lovely downlines now, Pat & Cindi. They both joined me in the same week, so are keeping me on my toes!!

I met with Pat on Wednesday night, which I intended on staying for 2 hours.. but left alot later than that!! It's so great to have someone local to me who is also passionate about crafting and more importantly Stampin' Up! I want to wish her Best of Luck with her Open House and hope that she gets lots of interest!

Cindi picked up the Stampin' Up! bug from America when she lived there and initially only got in touch with me to buy some more cardstock!! But within 24 hours she had decided it would be worth her while to become a demonstrator. I'm really looking forward to meeting her in person next Wednesday.

There is an offer at the moment, inline with the NEC Hobbycrafts show, saving 10% on the Starter Kit when you become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. I wanted to let you all know, as it only runs until 16th November.
That’s over £240 worth of stamping and business supplies for only £125--10 percent off the regular price of £139.
If you are interested in seeing what is in the Starter Kit look here

Please feel free to ask any questions if you are interested.

Missing Convention... But I'm still happy!

Well this weekend is the 1st European Stampin' Up! Convention for Demonstrators... Unfortunately I was unable to make it to Frankfurt this year, but next year the convention is in the UK.. so already looking forward to that!

HOWEVER, there is lots of fun and games being held at my favourite forum In Love with Stamping.
Simply head towards the Challenges and Tutorials section.
If you are not already a member, simply register and join in with the FUN!!

I'm looking forward to taking part.. and hope that you are too!

Emma x

NEW CATALOGUE!!!!!

Well... from today, noon, you will be able to buy from the all new Stampin' Up! Catalogue!!
HOW EXCITING!!!!!
If anyone is interested in getting some new goodies and being one of the first to play.. let me know and I can order them for you.

There have been 3 very lucky ladies who have been privileged to receive a BIG parcel to play with.. the only proviso was that they had 6 hours to play and post on their blogs... some GLORIOUS creations are to be seen.. hop on over to their blogs

Lousette Ashton - http://andthenicraft.blogspot.com/
Jenny Cocks - http://jennyscreations.blogspot.com/
Suzanne Torr - http://fruitysuet.blogspot.com/

Have fun!!
I will post a link to the new ONLINE Catalogue as soon as it is showing on the Stampin' Up! website..

Keep posted for some new creations.

Bye for now..
Emma x

NEW card!

• 
  This is a new card I created!! WOW!! Getting back into the swing of things slowly..
  MOJO seriously took a hike this year.. BUT I will get back to things eventually.
  
  All items used were Stampin' Up! (of course) I made this from Di Hickman's card sketch from last week. here
  
  It was also made using the recipe challenge from a new blog called Cook up a Card, here created by a lovely lady called Susie, I'm going to 'try' and keep up with her blog and challenges as I enjoyed creating my last card!!
  
  ingredients:
• Chocolate Chip & Natural Ivory cardstock,
  
• Whimsy Stampin' wheel,
• versmark inkpad,
• Stampin' Pastels,
• Chocolate Chip & Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon,
• Chipboard from Batch of Blooms collection,
• Flower fusion flowers with a pewter brad topped with a dot chipboard
• & finally lovely dazzling diamonds!

Gone AWOL

I'm coming back very soon!!

Birthday Photo Book

It was my brother's birthday and you know what men are like.. I didn't know what to get him.. so I made this for him.. really nice and quick to put together, just goes to show that the Simply Scrappin' sets are absolutely brilliant.. everything you need with lovely colours to match.

I didn't use much from the kit at all, in fact the strips that I put besides the girls pictures are trimmed to half the size, so that I can get even more out of the kit!

I love Kiera's smile on this picture.. it's so cheeky!!
Molly isn't great at taking pictures... so .. what's the word.. rebellious! (I wonder where she gets that from!) I love her to bits.

There... so just goes to show, Stampin' Up isn't always cards.. and isn't always stampin'!! I LOVE IT!!

Bye for now xx

Em x

Update on craft shed

After speaking to Jenny, I thought that I'd better put up a picture of the new improved craft shed.. I keep on getting told off that it's not a shed anymore.. but sorry.. the name's just stuck!!

Here's the front of it, Rob's now put some more shiplap on the front, but it's purely for show as it's really watertight and draughtproof now.. even with one window missing still! Oh well the glazing company came and boarded it up until they deliver the last bit - can't believe it's been nearly 6 months since we ordered it.

The insides are almost there now. I've been tinkering again today, moving bits about and reorganising cupboards. Initially it was a 'get all craft bits out of the house' mode.. and now its.. 'aagghhhh!! my craft room's a mess!!' Here's what it looked like to begin with..

It is esssentially a triangle shaped room on the side our house - we have a corner plot, which explains the triangle element. The corner desk at the far end was where I first set up and was typing and stamping all in the same space! The desk to the right was also built by Rob when I had space in our -was then- spare room.. that is now in between the 2 storage cupboards (shoe cupboards) and is great for when my friend Helen comes to craft with me.

Now that I've had a tidy around and have to clear some space for Rob to put up the bars to hold my punches.. I'll take some pics tomorrow and give a more 'guided' tour of my lovely room.

Bye for now,
Em x

HOLD THE FORT - I'm still alive!

PLEASE DO NOT WORRY!!! I've not gone AWOL.

I can't believe that it's been a year since I last blogged. So much has happened in the last year.. I have lots to tell you!! -BUT for now, I'm going to tease you and leave some pictures.

I shall fill you in very very soon!!

Love and Hugs,

Emma x

I've been tagged!! Middle Name Game

I've been tagged by Jenny from http://stampingmoments.blogspot.com/ in the Middle Name Game!

WHY ME!!! My middle name is just too long.. so I've spent a long time thinking about this one.. can't you tell!

These are the rules:
You must post the rules before you give your answers.
You must list one fact about yourself for each letter of your middle name.
Each fact must begin with that letter.
If you don't have a middle name, just use your maiden name.
After you've been tagged, you need to up-date your blog with your middle name and answers.
At the end of your post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name.(Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and need to read your blog for details.

My middle name is Rebecca so here it goes.

R - Rob, he's the LOVE of my life.. My best friend. He's one of the reasons that I live.. We're still looking for the perfect opportunity so that he doesn't have to go out to work - so that he can be around his family all day long!

E - Everyone around me, I really value my friends. A couple of my friends from Uni, have recently found me again after **** years!! It's been lovely, as Jane and Jen both came to our wedding last year - made the day really special! Jane also came down from Lancashire and we met in town and caught up!! BUT, my bestest friends are my crafting buddies.. well... you have to share your passion with someone don't you!! (For one, your OH's don't listen!) Seems ages since we all met up! (NOTE TO SELF! - Doesn't help EMMA when you hide yourself away!)

B - Beautiful children, my wonderful 3 girls, the other reasons that I live!! The smiles on their faces, their loving hugs and bundles in bed first thing in the morning.. all put the biggest smile on my face. I'm so lucky!

E - Ebay, I seem to spend alot of time on there.. it's totally addictive!

C - Crafting!! Rob calls me a crafty woman.. and most of my friends know my absolute passion for making things!! Mostly papercraft these days,

C - Car, I don't know where I'd be without my car.. I'm quite naughty, and use it alot when I'm late picking the girls up! BUT also, wouldn't be able to go to my craft groups without it! Ever since Rob and I moved in together, we made the decision NOT to get rid of my car, he insisted that I still have my independance (little did he know I'd be out most days going to craft shops!!LOL!!)

A - Airline.... I wished that I could have my own airline, that way I could also go and see my Mum & Dad whenever I wanted... and travel the world, wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted! Unfortunately Rob doesn't have that travel bug, and doesn't want to venture out of the country for holidays, apart from to France of course!!!


Thats me!
I don't know many people who haven't already been tagged!! So feel free to take this challenge on!

Blue card

Here's a card that I attempted to be like one of the recent challenges - can you guess which one!?

I couldn't match up the colours on the bottom half - meant to be another panel on the bottom, but, instead I just left it as it was - looks OK I think!?

I put a pink petticoat image on the top half. I cut it out using my nestabilities, and then embossed it.. by the way, those of you who have the nestabilities, I use the magnetic sheet and find it really helpful, helps keep everything in place. (I use my cuttlebug to cut them out.

This went to Sarah's friend Ellie, it was her birthday yesterday. We had a bit of a birthday party weekend really.. more next weekend too.. oh joy! Lots of birthdays this week too, Belated wishes to Jenny who celebrated a big bday yesterday (##Hugs## Jen!)