Huge Stampin' Up! Inventory Sale!!

Sale runs until 24th January or while stocks last!!  There are some great stamp sets and accessories and I can't see stocks lasting long.

•There is no minimum purchase required to receive the discount.

•There is no limit to the number of Inventory Clearance Sale items you can purchase.

•All stamp sets included in the Inventory Clearance Sale are square cut.
 
Here's the list, (or click here) check it out and let me know if there is anything you want.
 
Hmmm, now what do I need..............

Where has all the time gone?

I have had such a crazy couple of weeks and have been meaning to post all kinds of things but just haven't found the time.  I should really be doing housework right now but it's just so hot so I figured a quick sit down will give me time to cool down and show you some of my latest creations and give me a chance to make sure you know about the new Summer Mini Catalogue (click here to preview the catalogue online or email me your address and I'll send you one). 
So many great sets, so many great accessories, oh how I love stamps!!  I will try, I will really try to upload some photos from the launch night soon.

Here is my swap from the recent Regional Training day using my new favourite stamp set, Butterfly Prints with the matching punch (I love punches especially when they go with my new favourite stamp set):

And another using the Butterfly Prints again:

Christmas Cards with Photos

My friend Fiona always gives photos of the children to her family at Christmas time so she asked me to design some Christmas cards using photos - here is what I came up with.  The photos aren't that great (don't know what I was expecting - it was after preschool one day, it was so bright and sunny, I think I only had one chance at each photo!! but they are my babies and they are cute nevertheless).

Upsy Daisy Christmas

I am usually quite traditional when it comes to Christmas Cards I love the red/green combo and trees, decorations and such generally feature heavily in my Christmas Cards.  I didn't have Christmas in mind at all when I started this card but once the glitter was added I just had to add a red bow and Christmas greeting not my usual style but I am LOVING it.  What do you think?  Are you a traditionalist or an experiementer?

Recipe:
Ink: Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Versamark
Paper: Sahara Sand, Old Olive
Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Fine Supernova Glitter, Heat n Stick Powder, Large Oval Punch

Punch Art Lion

When my four year old told me she wanted a lion cake for her birthday a theme was born.  This is the first time she has ever been more specific than wanting cake or a present for her birthday!!

Inspired by various punch art I have seen around I came up with this for the invitations:

I think he's cute!!

Christmas is coming....

Are you an organised Christmas Shopper or a last minute one???  I am usually finished my shopping in October but have bearly made a dent this year (must finish before December, I can't stand the thought of taking two toddlers into the mayhem of December shopping, lol) 

Spend $85 on products from the Stampin Up Gift Giving Guide between now and December 14th and you will receive a Scallop Square Punch free!  See the guide below, click the picture for a larger view.

Catalogue Workshop Special

So what's involved in this Catalogue Workshop Special??  Here's how it works:- 10 people are required to participate, place an order of $100.00 or more and you will “win” a hostess prize.

Why not show your catalogue around and let your friends join in the fun!!

Everyone will be a winner!! Prizes are based on 10 individual orders of $100.00. Prizes may increase or decrease depending on how many are participating. Prizes will be chosen by a random draw.

Prizes will be:
*Level 1 hostess stamp set – Organic Grace
*Level 1 hostess stamp set – Sweet Little Sentiments
*Level 1 Hostess stamp set – Live Like You Mean It
*Level 1 Hostess Patterns Pack II Designer Series Paper
*Level 1 Hostess set of your choice
*Level 2 Hostess set of your choice
*4 winners - $30.00 in Free Product of your choice.

Call 0403 528 522 or email me ecrowther@c5.org.au
Offer is limited to the first 10 people.

Sweet Always...

This is the box and cards we made at Tuesday nights class (its a Lauren Meader designed box adjusted for our size cards).  Everyone choose their own paper and colour scheme and even though only one person actually finished their cards on the night (the rest stamped some images so they could finish them off at home) I had so much fun and think everyone else did too (it's always a good night when crafting is involved!).  I am loving the Sweet Always DSP.  The colours are so delicious - they remind me of strawberries and chocolate.  Anyway I'm off to paint - our new house (well it's a half finished house:)

Woo Hoo Over $3000 Raised for SIDS and Kids

Thanks to these girls for making it happen (that's me in the middle :) )

We had such a great night last night I was so excited that we raised over $3000 for SIDS and Kids.  Jacinda and I managed to share our stories without too many tears, I was worried I wouldn't get through it but managed to share most of what I wanted to say.  Jacinda also shared which I thought was amazing, her son was stillborn just a little over a year ago and she has a six week old baby, not sure I could've done it when everything was still so raw.

We had so many wonderful donations, thank you so much to everyone who contributed prizes, bid in the auction, bought raffle tickets, came along, bought cards, did a make n take, had supper, bought a coffee, joined the guessing competition etc etc.  I really appreciate your support.

Gratitude and Thanks

I needed some Thank you cards the other day and once I got started I didn't want to stop.  I was so excited to be using new stamps and my new white StazOn!!  Demonstrators have opportunities to earn free stamps and I recently earned some free stamp sets and got to choose 3 sets from the catalogue, I've actually earned 4 sets and I only started in May (so gratitude and thanks to Stampin Up).

One set I chose was Life Definitions (IBC pg 123).  I can't wait to see it's potential on my scrapbooking pages (when I get back to them that is!!!).  I used the Gratitude stamp by stamping on white gloss paper with white stazon then when dry sponging Baja Breeze over the top.  The StazOn 'resists the' Baja and shows through!  Isn't that neat (I learnt that little tip at a Stampin Up team meeting, thanks Nerida). 

I'm also loving the Echoes of Kindness Level 2 Hostess set.  The flowers are just so pretty and the quote by Mother Teresa is lovely.

Ink and Cardstock:  Baja Breeze, Basic Grey, Whisper White, Old Olive.

Love this butterfly

Great friend has got to be one of my favourite sets at the moment.  This is one of the cards we made at a recent workshop with the lucky door prize - a matching envelope bag full of chocolate and ribbon.  The card base is So Saffron with matching ribbon from last month's special.  I've stamped the 'twigs' with Kiwi Kiss and the butterflies with Rose Red.  Feels a bit like spring!!

Borrowed Baby & a SIDS & Kids Special!!

I borrowed the Nursery Necessities set from another Demonstrator in my team.  I've been eyeing it off for ages but couldn't decide if I really needed it!  So I thought I'd make a girly version of the Rock A Bye Baby card.  I think it's cute.

Just a reminder that I am offering a special that is available through me for this month only! Everyone that books and holds a workshop this month I will donate $20 to SIDS and Kids (read this post to find out why SIDS & Kids). I will also give you an ink pad in a colour of your choice absolutely free (and the gifts increase with workshop sales). This is as well as all the fantastic hostess gifts that Stampin' Up! offer. Call me now on 0403 528 522 before I'm all booked out!!

Make sure you also check out Stampin' Up's World Card Making Day Special and the new Demo special too!!

Three posts in one day!!! There is just so much stuff happening....

There has been and still is so much going on in my life.  But I have actually been creating!  I always seem to need baby cards so I thought I'd get ahead and make a few for my stash.  I think I quite like this one. I've got more to show you over the next few days (week?? perhaps, lol).

Become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and make a difference!

For over 20 years, Stampin' Up! has helped women make a difference in the lives of others by simply doing what they love to do--sharing creativity.

Now you too can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and make a difference! For every person who joins the Stampin' Up! family between 7 October and 31 December 2009, we will donate $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (AU) or The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Plus, until 31 December 2009, we'll give you a FREE pack of Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper and a Pretty in Pink Classic Stampin' Pad to help you get started!

My hubby signed me up in May and I have had so much fun the last few months.  I've met new people, learned new skills, made stacks of cards and had SOOOOOO much fun along the way.  It's so easy to sell something that you love because they love it to!!

Call me 0403 528 522 or email ecrowther@c5.org.au and I'll send you an information pack.

World Card Making Day - all month long!!

World Card Making Day is 3 October, but Stampin' Up! is celebrating all month long!
From 1-31 October, when you purchase Rock Star or Flower Power Simply Sent Card Elements, you'll get 20 percent off the coordinating stamp set!  (I don't know why but the pricesa aren't showing up on the flyer click here to see the savings.)

I am also offering a special that is only available through me for this month as well - double bonus for everyone!  For everyone that books and holds a workshop this month I will donate $20 to SIDS and Kids (read this post to find out why SIDS & Kids).   I will also give you an ink pad in a colour of your choice absolutely free (and the gifts increase with workshop sales).  This is as well as all the fantastic hostess gifts that Stampin' Up! offer.  Call me now before I'm all booked out!!

Close to My Heart

I'm helping to organise a fundraising night of Craft in October for SIDS and Kids.  It's going to be a fun night of crafting with heaps of fun things to do, check out the details by clicking on the pictures below.  This fundraiser is close to my heart as 5 years ago my first born beautiful baby girl (Amelia-Belle Josiah Crowther "Millie") was stillborn.  I received a lovely memory book published by SIDS and Kids which is a precious keepsake for us.

Stillbirth is still quite common, in our group of 7 Stampin Up demonstrators 2 of us have had a still born. You can read the poem I wrote in the days after Millie's birth/death along with Jacinda's story below (click on the picture for a larger view).

SIDS and Kids isn't just about stillbirth, SIDS and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and to supporting bereaved families.  A cause well worth supporting!  Bookings are essential and places are limited so get in early and email me at ecrowther@c5.org.au or call 0403 528 522 to secure your spot.

I wish I could photograph sparkles!!

Whilst cleaning up the Craft Room for Craft Connect tomorrow I just happened to get a little side tracked and got creating.  My favourites were these three little Christmas cards that are so much better in real life - makes me wish I spent more time learning how to take great pictures!!  I guess it doesn't help that its after 10pm with flouro lighting!!  Anyway, I love this colour combo, Real Red, Old Olive and Basic Black.  And it goes without saying that I really LOVE the sparkles!!  What do you think?

Masculine Wisdom & Butterfly Fun

We made these cards a couple of weeks ago at a workshop (hello girls!).

I didn't really like the Sense of Time set when I first saw it but now I can't imagine not having it.  I love how easy it is to whip up a masculine card with it.  I'm also busting to do a scrapbook page with it too.

Great Friend is definately still at the top of my favourites - it's such a pretty butterfly and I'm a butterfly loving girl!!  I'm also loving these fun spring colours.

I still have places for Saturday nights Christmas Stamp A Stack!  We will be using the Tree Trimmings set from the mini catalogue.

Saturday 19th September, 7.30pm
Create 6 Christmas cards - 3 each of 2 designs
$15 (all materials supplied)


Pre bookings required for all classes by emailing me at ecrowther@c5.org.au or calling 0403528522. There are limited places so book it in now!!!

The sun is shining, the birds are singing.....

Spring has well and truely arrived.  How gorgeous the days have been, bright and sunny!  I have been away at the C3 Church National Conference and am feeling very alive and excited!!  But it's the Spring in the air that inspired these cards.  Notice the new ribbon?  Best of all it was free!!

FREE RIBBON!!!!!

A free gift from Stampin' Up!

From 1-30 September, get a FREE bundle* of ribbon when you

Spend $100 on any Stampin' Up! products (not including postage and handling).

OR

Host a workshop during September which has $600 or more in sales.

That's it! Free ribbon with a minimal purchase or workshop!

*The Bundle includes 9.1 metres each Certainly Celery 5/8” poly-twill ribbon and So Saffron 5/8” grosgrain ribbon. (The Poly-twill is an exclusive new product not currently in our catalogues!)

If you would like to place an order or book a workshop you can email me at ecrowther@c5.org.au or phone 0403 528 522.

Kitchen Tea Invitations

My friends daughter is a bridesmaid for an upcoming wedding (you know you're getting old when your friends daughters are old enough to be bridesmaids at their friends weddings).

I was asked to make the invitations for the kitchen tea. My friend had the idea of them being shaped like a dress. Dazzling Diamonds has always reminded me of Crystal Barbie (the best Barbie EVER!!) I just had to team it up with this gorgeous ribbon that just screams Crystal Barbie!!

This is the invitation I came up with. I'm just waiting to see if the Bride and her maids approve.

The Front

In different light

The Back

I got a template from The Cutting Cafe and just changed it a little bit.

Card Recipe
Stamp Set(s): Baroque Motifs
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Very Vanilla
Accessories: Heat n Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Corner Rounder and Crystal Barbie Ribbon from my stash

Great Friend

I had so much fun on Friday at the Stamp, Crop and Choc night. I helped my friend Charlotte make baby thank you cards using the Choo Choo set from the mini, they were so cute. I didn't get any photos so I'll have to wait for my thank you card to arrive so I can show you!

The Fathers Day Wallet Album class is on this Friday night you can see all the details here including a sneak peak. I still have some places left so let me know if you'd like to come.

I can't post without leaving you with a pretty picture!! One of my favourite (like I don't use that word very often) stamp sets at the moment is Great Friend. I love the butterfly - she is so beautiful. So I teamed it up with my other favourite accessory - Dazzling Diamonds and got two very beautiful and very sparkly butterflies.

Card Recipe
Stamp Sets: Great Friend
Ink: Versamark, Basic Gray
Paper: Kraft, Basic Gray, Walk in the Park DSP
Accessories: Corduroy Buttons - Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, Heat n Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds, Vintage Brads

Upcoming Classes....

I've got a few classes coming up....

Stamp, Crop & Choc
Friday 21st August, 7.30pm
Bring along your supplies to make...whatever you like. It's up to you - let your imagination run wild, bring an unfinished project or start something new!!
$5 (includes chocolate, use of my stamps and ink and some of my tools and supplies). You need to bring cardstock, DSP, embellishments, photos etc etc).

Fathers Day Wallet Album (easily adjusted for birthday or all occasion)
Friday 28th August, 7.30pm
$15 (all materials supplied plus instructions with optional brad share available)
You need to bring photos and/or journaling (more details when you book)

Christmas Stamp A Stack
Friday 3rd September, 7.30pm
Create 6 Christmas cards - 3 each of 2 designs
$15 (all materials supplied)

Pre bookings required for all classes by emailing me at ecrowther@c5.org.au or calling 0403528522. There are limited places so book it in now!!!

FINALLY.....

......a sneak peek of the Fathers Day Wallet Album.....
There is even room for cash and gift cards/vouchers.

Spring Mini Launch Night

I had so much fun on Friday night at our Spring Mini Launch Night. We made some fabulous projects and thought you might like to see what you missed out on, I mean what we made!

The first project was this cute waterfall card using the Choo Choo set with the coordinating Right on Track wheel and also the Birthday Wish single stamp. I saw a waterfall card using this set a little while ago whilst blog surfing and thought it would be a great project for the launch. We all had so much fun making this card - it's just too cute!!

Then we made this cute little bookmark gift using the Oval All and Great Friends stamp sets with the new Scallop Oval Punch and matching Large Oval Punch (don't you just love how easy Stampin' Up! makes craftin for us??). The cover is made with the Parisian Breeze DSP which is just lovely.

Here it is closed....

Then opened with the bookmark...

And finally my favourite stamp of the mini, the butterfly from teh Great Friend set. I'm also loving the Walk in the Park DSP which we also used.

There is no use pretending, I love this Mini Catalogue....so many beautiful things!!!!