Happy Anniversary Hunny!

Hi guys,

On Friday the 19th last week me and Karl celebrated our 5 yr anniversary. I can't believe it has been 5 years since that first date. It's amazing how much has happened and it feels like we've known each other all our lives yet it doesn't seem like time has really gone that quickly.

Anyway enough mushy stuff onto the card I made! This is the card I made for our anniversary. I made it back in August on our weekend away and figured I'd give it to Karl whenever it felt like the right time. And due to how busy things have been I never got around to giving it to him so I thought it was still nice enough for an anniversary.




Stamp Set: En Francias, Short and Sweet, Artistic Etchings
Ink: Basic Black, Ridinghood Red, Versamark
Cardstock: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Ridinghood Red
Accessories: Ridinghood red taffeta, Scallop circle punch, hemp twine, Sponge Dauber, Sticky Strip, Ridinghood red button, buttons #5 die

To make the flower I punched out 4 or 5 scallop circles in very vanilla cardstock, scrunched them up then unfolded them. To get the inked effected I simply dropped them randomly in my ink pad until they were to my liking. Went around them with a dauber, played with them til they sat the way i wanted, added some accessories and done. Vintage looking flowers!!!

Looking at this card I can see that my style is always changing. It's such a great thing. There are alot of flaws (en francias going side ways, etc) in this card but I think it all adds to the effect.

Hope you like it too,

Dani

Dashing Christmas

Hi guys,

WOWSA! 2 posts in one day! Don't fall over in shock! I'm in the middle of 3 days off so I'm on fire with actually getting some stuff done! I got to participate in another Inkspirations challenge! And they have a new home. You can find them here. I must say I am really happy with this card. I got 'Dasher' al a carte stamp set when the catalogue was released on 1st September and sadly this is the first opportunity I got to use it, Let me tell u your going to be sick of this little guy in a few weeks time! I really love how I have layered him with Season of Joy if I do say so myself. I also used 'Dot, Dot, Dot' for the first time. It was my replacement to 'polka dot' bg that retired in August. I really like 'Dot, Dot, Dot' but am not quite in love with it as much as I was 'polka dot' bg. Anyway you let me know that you think. Here is the sketch to use



And here is my card! Aren't the colours great???



Stamp Sets: Dasher, Season of Joy, Dot, Dot, Dot, Short & Sweet
Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake
Cardstock: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Naturals Ivory
Accessories: SAMJ (Big time), Dimensionals, Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Pearls, Round Tab Punch

Thanks for looking. I hope you love this card as much as I do!

Dani

Just Add Ink #42

Hi guys,

Things have been busy busy busy. Between working fulltime, job interviews and being assessed as foster carers I haven't had anytime to myself. I was fortunate enough to make this card the other week for a demo on distressing and brayering and it just happens to fit in with the JAI challenge this week. Here is the sketch for this week...



And here's the card I made



Stamp Set: Just Believe, French Script BG*
Ink: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, So Saffron, Daffodil Delight, Tangerine Tango, Versa Mark
Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Whisper White
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Brayer, Post It Notes, Dimensionals, Early Espresso Satin Ribbon, Distressing Tool, Bone Folder

This one has to be a quick one today. If you have any questions on how it's made please email me at danielle.fender@gmail.com

Have a good one,
Dani

Ornament Punch Flowers

Hi guys,

Have you purchased the Ornament Punch? Want to do something more with it then just ornament shapes for your Christmas Cards? Well I have a ripper card to show you using the ornament punch to make a flower. I have also made roses too I'll share them soon. I used the current Just Add Ink colour challenge



Pretty soft tones. Wouldn't usually put these together. I find I don't use Sahara Sand enough and really had fun with it this week. I also slightly modified Makeesha's Inkspiration Sketch to make this card. Here's the sketch...



And here's the card...



Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Sahara Sand
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue
Accessories: Ornament Punch, 3/8" Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon, Word Window Punch, Pinking Heart Border Punch, Tom Bow Glue, 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Non SU Button

I didn't want to do to much with it after I made the flower because I didn't want to draw away from the gorgeous-ness of the flower and I felt it did enough for the card already.

To make the flower I punched out 12 ornaments in Blushing Bride and one in Pear Pizzazz. I faux suede-d the pear pizzazz ornament to make two leaves. You could do the same with the flower (only punching 6 and make 12 once faux suede-d). The reason I didn't was I was having trouble with it at first using my bone folder. It works really well with the scallop circles but not the ornaments. The trick with the ornaments is to scrunch and unfold lots of times to help seperate the fibers. Anyway once they were done punching I scrunched them up (very therapeutic). I then punched a circle to adhere them too. I used tom bow and just layered them until I was happy. I then played with the petals to make them sit how I wanted. I added a button to the middle and the leaves at the back and your done. It also looks awesome as a brooch. I will try my darndest to get my ornament rose up soon also.

Thanks for stopping by,
Dani

Just Add Blue

Hi Guys,

This month is Depression and Anxiety Awareness Month. This is a great cause and something dear to my heart as I have gone through this myself and I know alot of people who have struggled in these areas. Please go to www.beyondblue.org.au for further info. Now to celebrate this the Just Add Ink girls have put together a great challenge this week. Just Add Blue and make it a just because card. Ie. Not a birthday, christmas, thank you, etc card a Card for no reason at all. I love that as I keep meaning to make a card like that and always forget. So this was a great opportunity to make something to send to someone for no reason. Here's what I came up with



I love the stamped vines. They turned out fab, I particularly love them because I've used 3 different images from three different sets and they blend in together so well. This card also has a few of my current things i'm in love with... Marina Mist, DSP stack, satin ribbon and rhinestone brads! I hope you like this card as much as me. Now to pop it into the mail for it's unsuspecting recipient!

Stamp Set: Just Believe, Pocket Silhouettes, Great Friend
Ink: Basic Black, Bashful Blue, Marina Mist
Cardstock: Basic Black, Marina Mist, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Marina Mist DSP Paper Stack
Accessories: Rhinestones, Dimensionals, Basic Black Satin Ribbon, Pinking Heart border punch, SAMJ

Also I wanted to share some photo's of my gorgeous daughter Riley. She finally after months of frustration and encouragement started walking last Thursday. She is doing so well. Here's a photo of her this morning walking across the lounge room.



Now she has a little dressing up obsession atm. Here's a photo of her in her favourite hat (which I'm not in love with but hey) her glasses case around her neck (they are currently broken again) and a cow puppet in her hand. Shes so cheeky!



Hope you enjoyed everything I had to share with you!

Have a great day!
Dani

More Pink and More Bling... Sorta

Hi guys,

Just a very quick one tonight as I am very tired after just getting home from an 8hr shift!

Last week we had two deaths occur within two days of each other. So unfortunately I needed sympathy cards. I whipped up this card today and as I was finishing it up I was like if i add a little bling I can sorta enter it in the current Just Add Ink challenge. So I added two rhinestone brads for my bling. Along with the luscious Blushing Bride and I think I just squeezed this one in. What do you think?



Stamp Set: Priceless, Just Because, French Script*
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso Ink pads and markers, Blushing Bride marker
Cardstock: Whisper White, Blushing Bride, Pear Pizzazz, Early Espresso
Accessories: Early Espresso Satin ribbon, Rhinestone Brads - Ice, Dimensionals, SAMJ

Thanks for looking,
Dani

Just Add Pink and Bling

Hi guys,

This weeks challenge at Just Add Ink is all about Pink Ribbon day on 25th October. The challenge is to Just Add Pink and Bling. If ever there was a challenge for me to slip up on, this would be it. I'm not what u would consider a girly girl and pink usually isn't my thing. Since I've joined Stampin Up and also since the birth of my daughter I have been embracing Pink more and more and I must say I am quiet happy with what I came up with!

A family friend is getting married today (Huge congrats to Brodie and Liz) and so I thought I'd use this challenge to make them a wedding card. Here it is...



I apologise for the photo. I must have taken 50 photo's of the card and couldn't get anything I was satisfied with. Any suggestions are welcomed!

I embossed the heart from Always in black embossing powder and then coloured in the flowers with my aqua painter and Melon Mambo ink. I then added the new rhinestones (You have to get some they are divine) to the flower centers. Here's a close up for you and also so you can actually see the sentiment.



Stamp Set: Always
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Melon Mambo, Melon Mambo Prints DSP from Brights DSP Stack
Ink: Basic Black, Versa Mark, Melon Mambo
Accessories: Black satin Ribbon, Sticky Strip, Rhinestones, Hest Tool, Aqua Painter, Black Embossing Powder, Dimensionals

Thanks for looking,

Have a great Sunday
Dani

Wedding Flowers

Hi guys,

WOW, I've been quiet. I'm so very sorry about that. I do have a great card to share though so I hope you can forgive me. I made this card a few weeks ago for a friend who got eloped and got married. This was to say Congratulations to the happy couple. I made this card using one of Makeesha's sketches from a few weeks back but didn't get this card up in time. I'm pretty sure I had a chest infection at the time. Anyway here's the card I made for them



I made the flower myself out of retired DSP. These are really fun to make. Here is a tutorial for how to make them. Apart from the flower I also faux suede-d the leaves and embossed on the background. Here's a close up so you can see the detail



Stamp Set: Basic Phrases, Baroque Motifs
Ink: Old Olive, Versamark
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Old Olive, Retired DSP
Accessories: Heat Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Scallop Edge Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Linen Thread, Bone Folder, Non SU! Button

Thanks for looking, Have a great day

Dani

It's Challenge, It's Challenge Time!

If you know Flight of the Conchords at all you'll know what the title is all about!!! But apart from that I got to have a break from busyness today and got to participate in challenges! How exciting. I got a card made the other week for a challenge and just never got it on my blog due to being unwell. So I feel good to have two cards to share today.

The first is The Inkspirations Challenge. This week Makeesha whipped up a colour challenge for us. Here are the colours



I wasn't sure what to do with these. They are great colours but I they were a bit of a challenge, which I suppose is the whole point really. Here's what I came up with



Stamp Set: Fox and Friends
Ink: Basic Grey
Cardstock: Whisper White, Rose Red, So Saffron, So Saffron Prints DSP Stack
Accessories: 1/2" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, So Saffron Brads, Linen Thread

For this card I wanted to use ribbon but didn't have any that I was happy with so I made my own rouged up cardstock. I did this really rough to give it a bit of different dimension. All I did was give it a light scrunch and then fold it roughly until I was happy with it. I then added some linen thread around it for some extra texture.

The next challenge I participated in was Just Add Ink. This week the challenge was Just Add Sympathy. I don't usually like making sympathy cards just because of what they represent. But I do find them easier because you can use alot of different sets. I love doing brayering on my sympathy cards though. I finally got to use one of my new sets, Just Believe. Its really beautiful.



Stamp Set: Just Believe, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Night of Navy, Whisper White
Ink: Versamark, Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Marina Mist
Accessories: Heat Tool, Clear Embossing Powder, Brayer, Dimensionals, 1 1/4" circle, Post it notes

For this card I embossed the baja background in clear. And also embossed the large image in night of navy and clear embossing. I added the circle punched from a post it note and then brayered adding colours until I got my desired effect. I originally did a sunset and then got a lovely pumpkin pie finger print on the sun so thought it was a sign I should have went with night sky. I am happy with it either way and it was just nice to sit and relax for a few hrs while bubba was at day care.

Thanks for looking!
Dani

ESAD Blog Hop

I hope you’re ready for the ESAD Big Shot Blog Hop!

Hi Guys today I have the pleasure of participating in my first ever ESAD "Happy New Catalogue" Blog Hope. And we all have lots of ideas for you using your Big Shot Machine.

What is ESAD?

ESAD stands for Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand demonstrators for Stampin’
Up!

We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends, and wonderful blog visitors but we share our love for what we do with each other as Demonstrators. We run swaps,
challenges, tutorials, product know how and cyberstamps and we are always there to help and support each other when its needed.

So if you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group.

Now you've probably arrived here from Ann Gerlach's beautiful Blog. If you haven't don't worry I've included a list of all the participants so you don't get lost.

Today I have a project to show you using a technique I've been dying to try. It's called the Faux Metal Tin Ceiling Technique. If you click the link it'll take you to a video tutorial but it's so super easy and really effective. All you do is emboss a piece of cardstock (great you scraps and off cuts cos you don't see whats underneath) in silver embossing powder. Then repeat this a second time so it's nice and coated. Run the embossed cardstock through your Big Shot Machine with an embossing folder of your choice (I used Vintage Wallpaper as my Finial Press hasn't arrived yet) and then simply punch the embossed bits out with a square punch. It is quiet delicate to get into your punch so you do have to be careful. I made mine into a Christmas Card using a new colour, Cherry Cobbler. It's absolutely DIVINE!!! Now I bet you wanna see the card?? Here it is... Ain't it fab?

Here's a front on shot to show you how shiny it is

Stamp Set: Contempo Christmas, Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Ink: Old Olive, Vera Mark

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Whisper White

Accessories: Ornament Punch, Big Shot, Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Dimensionals, 1 1/4" Square Punch, NON SU Silver Twine, Word Window Punch

I had planned to have other projects for you but due to a chest infection and a very busy week this didn't eventuate. I apologise profusely!

There will be Blog Candy offered for this blog hop and is open to any Non Demonstrators (Sorry to my demo friends). All you have to do is leave a comment here and on all the other blogs in the hop and then email Leonie Schroder and let her know you have left a comment and you could win lots of different product or projects that we have made on the hop.

Here's a list of all the participants in case you loose your way...

1. Nikki Sadler - http://www.inkyart.com.au
2. Angela Purdie - www.kintakards.webs.com
3. Richelle Fletcher - http://stampinwithrichelle.blogspot.com
4. Shirley McAvoy - http://stampingelephants.wordpress.com/
5. Carole Stedman - www.carolestamping.com
6. Carol-Ann Torrie - http://queen-of-scraps.blogspot.com
7. Sherylee Tutt - www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sherylee/blog
8. clare mcilhatton - www.crafty-cow.com
9. Andrea Buckland - http://creatingcardswithandrea.blogspot.com/
   
10. Susan Joyce - http://www.catsinkcorporated.blogspot.com/
    
11. Ann Gerlach - www.discover-ink.blogspot.com
12. Dani Fender - http://danifender.blogspot.com
13. Bron Heslop - www.bronheslop.wordpress.com
14. Charmaine Black - http://www.l-ink-edtopaper.blogspot.com/
15. Pauline Bennetts - http://paulinebennetts.com/stampede/
16. Bev Watt - http://stampinovation.blogspot.com/
17. Vicki Were - http://www.stampinvickistyle.blogspot.com/
    
18. Jo Weedon - http://www.scrapandstampin.blogspot.com
19. Kim Conway - http://kimconwaycards.blogspot.com
    
20. Jane Norrish - Http://www.janenorrish.com
    
21. Jacinta Argent - http://jacintascreations.blogspot.com
22. Monique Fielder - http://stamping-with-moni-q.blogspot.com/
    
23. Jan McAnulty - http://cardcaperswithjan.wordpress.com

Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoy the hop and get lots of inspiration from our projects

Dani

Brightly Printed Petals

Hi guys,

Whilst on the weekend away a few weeks ago I got to play with a few new things from the new catalogue. Today I have a card I made using the new set 'Printed Petals.' Is a really fun set. Now I thought I'd go bright with my colours so whack on some sunnies and check out this cute little card...



The layout used for this card was a sketch challenge on the weekend. Its a really fun sketch. Do you also like the new punch we have??? It's called the modern label extra large punch and its GORGEOUS and fits really well with other punches we already sell. I punched out the happy birthday greeting from family phrases with it.

Stamp Set: Family Phrases, Printed Petals
Ink: Tempting turquoise, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi
Cardstock: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Wild Wasabi, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Dimensionals, White brads, Scallop circle punch, scallop edge punch, modern label XL punch, Crop a dile

Thanks for looking and come back soon to view something really cool I made on the weekend away and a tutorial! My first ever, very exciting!

Dani

Join the IN crowd!

WOW, New Catalogue and a New Special. I didn't expect that. Join Stampin' Up in the month of September and receive our new In Colour Bundle for free. Here's what's included...

"Join Stampin’ Up! during the month of September and get a complete set of In Colors – that’s Classic Stampin’ Pads™, Stampin’ Write™ Markers, and an assortment of card stock – completely FREE along with your demonstrator Starter Kit. The Starter Kit has over $415 worth of stamping and business supplies and is always a great deal at only $289. Add the value of the free In Colors ($84.90), and there is no better time to become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator!"

Isn't that a fab special? Add to the fact that you get 30% off your first order over $300 if your order is placed within 45 days of signing up. So you'll get 30% off all the new product in the new catalogue!

Also the starter kit has been reconfigured giving you more of a variety of the Stampin' Up range then ever before. You can sign up online in less than an hour on my Stampin' Up Business site or Contact me to sign up via paperwork or discuss this special or becoming a Stampin' Up demonstrator further.

Dani



Dani

2010 - 2011 Idea Book and Catalogue is released

And it's GORGEOUS!!! It contains 60 new stamp sets, 7 new amazing punches, Lots of ribbon, Beautiful new DSP, Lots of Big Shot Accessories, Our new Colour Palette, A new set of In Colours (And we get markers now!!!!) Stacks of new accessories, Oh I could rave on and on I'm so excited.

If you would like your copy contact me (email, phone, or msg is fine) and I will mail you one out for $15 (Thats a bargain) or you can pick one up from me. Please get in quick as I only have a few left they are selling like hotcakes.

Can't wait to get it in your hot little hands? View it online here or download your copy here.

I'll be back soon with lots more to show you!

Dani

New Catalogue Sneak Peek

Guess What Folks.... ONLY 2 MORE SLEEPS!!! And then we have a beautiful new catalogue with stacks of great ideas and beautiful stuff! So how about a sneak peek at one of the new sets??? Ok why not!

Here's a card I made using a new set called Contempo Christmas. It's super stunning and great for beautiful christmas cards. Here's a simple card I made using non traditional colours. These colours look stunning together too. I used the rock and roll technique on the ornaments and have also jazzed them up with some dazzling diamonds if you have a really good look!



Stamp Set: Contempo Christmas
Ink: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, Basic Grey
Cardstock: Basic Grey, Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, Whisper White
Accessories: Ornament Punch, Hemp Twine, Mat Pack, Two Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals

Contact me today to order your copy of the new catalogue or to host a workshop. Free catalogue for hosting a workshop (rrp $12.95).

Thanks for looking,
Dani

Fathers Day Is Just Around The Corner....

Hi guys,

Hasn't this year flown? Fathers day is in just a few weeks and if your anything like me your thinking eeek only 2 more weeks to get something for the hardest person to purchase for! Well I decided on my weekend away last weekend to get at least a start on a card for my dad. My dad is very simple, doesn't like anything over the top and likes fairly muted colours. Ie. His favourite colour is grey! Haha!

On the weekend away we were given the following colours to play with Kraft aka Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Basic Grey and Soft Suede. I would never put these colours together normally but thanks to the keen eye of Stampin' Up we have Designer Series Paper in the new catalogue in these colours and they are gorgeous. These cards are perfect muted colours for my dad so I made a card for my dad a father's day card using these colours and a stamp set I don't own but have eyed off since it appeared in our current catalogue. Here's the Clean and simple card I came up with...




Can you guess which stamp set it is?? Surely it can't be Teeny Tiny Sentiments haha! I seem to be using that set on every card I make recently, maybe I need to challenge myself NOT to use it! It is Circle Circus. This set is great and so versatile and is fab for whipping up masculine cards! So can you guess what set I'm getting my hands on soon? Haha!

Stamp Set: Teeny Tiny Sentiments, Circle Circus
Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Kraft/Crumb Cake, Basic Grey, Very Vanilla
Ink: Baja Breeze, Basic Grey, Soft Suede
Accessories: Mat Pack, SAMJ, 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1 1/2", 1 3/8" Circle Punches

Thanks for looking,

Dani

Team Weekend Away Swap

Hi guys,

Sorry for my quietness the last few weeks. I have been very busy and also have had a few problems with editting my photos lately. If anyone has any tips on good programs to use for photo editting please let me know.

So what have I been up to? Well Apart from celebrating my birthday last week, Celebrating Karls this week and also having alot of health issues going on I got to go away last weekend on my annual Inklings Team Weekend Away. This year baby free which was lovely. I had a blast creating with some really talented ladies, getting lots of inspirational ideas, lots of laughs, yummy hot chocolates, no cooking or cleaning, and lots and lots of Stampin' Up product! Was heaven! So I have alot to share with you. Firstly I thought I'd share the card I made for my Card in a Box swap. I wanted to do something fun and different and came up with this gorgeous card. What do you think??



I used the reverse masking technique to create the border of whisper white. I then embossed the tree image from 'Lovely as a tree'. I then masked the moon with a post it note. I sponged the inside of the rectangle with sponge daubers in Night of Navy and Bashful Blue ink. I prefer to use sponge daubers to create this look but you could use whatever you like. Ie. Brayer, sponges, etc. I find rubbing your sponge daubers gives a more even colour and stops you from getting circle patterns from the daubers. I like to work from the middle out to blend the colour. And I like to use lots of colour. The more colour you use the better the effect (in my opinion anyway). If you would like anymore details on this card or would like me to do a tutorial please comment and let me know.

Stamp Set: Lovely as a Tree, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Versamark
Cardstock: Whisper White, Night of Navy, Bashful Blue
Accessories: SAMJ, Clear Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, 1 3/8" punch, Bashful Blue grosgrain ribbon, mini glue dots

Thanks for looking, Please come back soon to see what else I made over the weekend and get a peak at some new stuff from the new catalogue

Dani

Last Chance List

Hi guys,

Sorry for taking so long to get this up. As you know the new Catalogue comes out on 1st September. I'M SO EXCITED! To prepare for it's release we have a copy of the Last Chance list which you can find here. The list is long to incorporate the colour renovation and reconfiguration of the punches. If there's something you LOVE on the last chance list and cannot live without you need to contact me to order it as these items will not be available after 31st August. Products are subject to availability so get in early before it sells out.

Also as the new catalogue is released on 1st September I am now taking pre orders of the new catalogue. Order your catalogue today and receive it by 1st September. Catalogues cost $12.95 however book a workshop with me and I will give you the new catalogue for free.

Can't wait to share the beautiful few catalogue with you all
Dani

Just Add Ink #28

Woo Hoo! I got to participate in a challenge! This week at Just Add Ink it's a double challenge... Just add a man card using Chocolate Chip, Kraft and Baja Breeze! Stunning colours but what to do with them? Any card maker will agree that men's cards are ALWAYS the hardest so I wanted to do something different. I remember seeing a tutorial by Rachel Capps on how to do a Punch Art electric guitar. So I tweaked her tutorial slightly to make an acoustic guitar. This is what the final product looked like...



Stamp Sets: Sanded, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Cardstock: Kraft, Chocolate hip, Baja Breeze
Accessories: 1 3/8" circle punch, 1 1/2" circle punch, 3/4" circle punch, word window punch, large star punch, sponge daubers, pewter brads, non SU silver thread

Thanks for looking
Dani

Fun with embossing

Hi guys,

Sorry for being so quiet over the last week or so. Things have been busy. Over a week ago I had my downlines over for the afternoon for some stamping. I wanted to show them some techniques and other things you can do with embossing rather than just embossing an image. It was also about giving them ideas and tips so they can share these fun techniques with there customers and add them to there next projects. So we made 3 fun cards. Here they are for you.

Card One - Faux Metal

I love doing the faux metal. The technique is all about building layers and layers of embossing. I generally do 6 layers. It gives you a nice thick image to give the illusion of metal but not so thick that it won't fit into a punch. The biggest tip I can give you with this technique is to work quickly. especially at the last layer. When your ding your last layer you want to have your image already inked up on versamark ready to go. As soon as your last layer has all melted you need to put your stamp on straight away and you need to push it down and hold it there for at least 30 seconds. This will give you a nice and clear image. If you don't get the image right the first time you can add more powder and re heat it to get another layer so you don't loose all the layers you just did. Here's a close up of what the technique will look like at the end...



And here's the card we made. Simple put I really like it. Silver and blues work great together and it's a great non traditional Christmas Card too.



Stamp Set: Season of Joy
Ink: Versamark
Cardstock: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze
Accessories: Heat Tool, Silver Embossing Powder, Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder, 1 1/2" 1 3/8" Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch

Card Two - Embossing Resist

Probably one of my FAVOURITE techniques. It's lots of fun, gets you nice and inky! This technique involves stamping your image randomly in versamark onto whisper white cardstock. Heating it. Then using sponges or daubers sponging on as many or as little colour as desired. I find this technique is great with kids. They love it. Tips for this technique is using lots of colour. The bolder your colour and the more you use the more the your image will stand out. It also works well with a backgound stamp (such as en francias) stamped first and then embossed over the top.

Here's the card we made. Simple and quirky! I used Wild Wasabi cardstock and ink as I am so excited about its return and wanted to give my downlines a sample with it.



Stamp Set: Priceless
Ink: Versamark, Wild Wasabi, Tempting Turquoise, Elegant Eggplant
Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Accessories: Heat Tool, Scallop Square, 1 1/2" Square punch, Sponges, Clear embossing powder

Card Three - Cracked Glass

This technique I've never done before but it's so gorgeous and gives your card something different. It's great for vintage style which is very in atm. So this technique again requires lots of layers of embossing. First you stamp your image and have the whole area cut out and ready to go. Then you emboss layers and layers of clear embossing powder. 6 worked quiet well to give it a really good surface. Once it's done you need to cool it down. I found putting it in the freeze for a minute or so gives it enough cold to give it a nice crack. You then need to crack it as little or as much as possible. Give it a rub over with some darker ink (I used Close to Cocoa) to give it a 'worn' look and it should look a little like this....



And the final card...



Stamp Set: Upsy Daisy, Sanded BG
Ink: Rose Red, Close to Cocoa, Rose Red, Always Artichoke and Regal Rose Stampin' Write Markers
Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Rose Red, Regal Rose, Whisper White
Accessories: Heat Tool, Clear embossing powder, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Hemp Twine, Always Artichoke Brads

Thanks for looking and I hope I've inspired you to use your embossing powder in a different way next time you pull it out!

Dani

Thank you gifts

Hi guys,

Something I love doing is making little Thank you gifts for my hostesses for having a party. Last night I hosted a workshop for an old friend who I haven't seen in 8 (or so) yrs. She found me on Facebook and started looking at my blog through my facebook page. It was so great to rekindle the friendship and do a great party for her and her mum so I had to make them something extra special and beautiful.

Here's a card and double pillow box gift I made for them.



The beautiful card was made with Friends 24-7. I used one of my much loved colours which will be retiring in September (tear), Mellow Moss teamed up with the beautiful Rose Red and Choc Chip. Such a beautiful combination. Here's a close up of the goodies



The Pillow box was made as a double box by starting with an A5 halved and cut out in the bigshot leaving half of the top tab over lapping so it connects the box and doesn't fully cut it out. I then covered the middle with cardstock so you couldn't see the middle score lines of the box. (I hope that makes sense) Email me if you want more detail. I then put a hot chocolate sachet inside which fit perfectly.



Stamp Sets: Friends 24-7, Trendy Trees
Ink: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Timber Brown Stazon (Non SU!)
Cardstock: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss, Watercolour Paper
Accessories: Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Aqua Painter, Rose Red Brad, Mini Glue dots, Sticky Strip (for pillow box)

Have a lovely and fun weekend
Dani

Happy 1st Birthday Ethan

Hi guys,

One of Rileys friends (and sort of boyfriend) Ethan turned one during the week and had his birthday party yesterday so I had to make him a card to go with his present. I was going to go punch arty and make a Winnie the Pooh card cos his mum is a little Winnie the Pooh crazy but I didn't have all the punches I needed so I decided to pull out one of my much loved sets 'Wild About You.' My Spidie senses are telling me this set may retire at the end of this catalogue so I wanted to get a little more use out of it before it does. Here's the card I came up with...



Isn't that colour combo divine? Its' So Saffron, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery and Basic Grey. I was really happy with those colours! Will be using those again! I have seen Makeesha Byl do that gorgeous ribbon out the side with button attached for a while now and keep meaning to give it a go. After seeing her tutorial this week (found in this post) I was inspired to do it. This is the 3rd card this week I've made with it. It just gives the card something extra. Please note though this card won't fit into an envelope like this though. The button especially makes it to bulky!

Stamp Set: Wild About You, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Ink: Basic Grey, So Saffron, Certainly Celery
Cardstock: So Saffron, Basic Grey, Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery Prints DSP*
Accesories: 1 1/2" square punch, dimensionals, certainly celery ribbon, Non SU button, Sticky Strip, linen thread

Thanks for looking

Enjoy the beautiful Sunday weather we have today!
Dani

Inkspirations Challenge #31

Hi guys,

As I stated the other day when I saw this sketch I had another idea I wanted to try. Now I must say I'm not 100% happy with the outcome but still thought the card was cute so I thought I'd share it anyway. Here is the sketch we had to work with...



My team are currently doing a swap using the technique "suspension cards." As I have only ever made one of these before I thought this sketch gave me the perfect opportunity to practice. I am glad I did because there is alot of tweaking that needs to be done before I am 100% happy with it. This card also took alot of work because I haven't replaced all the punches I lost when my stuff was stolen so I cut all the squares for this card with my cutter and not a punch or big shot dye!

Here's the card...



The suspended "bugs and kisses" square spins to reveal a picture on the other side. Here is the card with the other side of the suspension



Too cute huh??? Here's a close up of the suspension mid twist.



Stamp Set: Bugs and Kisses
Ink: Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red
Cardstock: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Summer Picnic DSP*
Accessories: Dental Floss, Sticky Strip, Scallop Edge Punch, Tangerine Tango Ribbon, SAMJ, Paper Cutter

Thanks for looking,
Dani

Christmas Stamp A Stack

Hi guys,

With all the Christmas in July stuff happening I thought now would be a great time to get organised for Christmas so I am starting Christmas Stamp-A-Stacks.

What is a Stamp A Stack? Quick and simple class where participants get to ‘stamp a stack’ of cards in a small amount of time. These cards are usually simpler in design and are great for people of any card making ability. These can be held at my place or yours. Usually make 8-10 cards for $20 but this can be changed to meet needs and time constraints of group needs.

I am holding a Christmas Card Stamp A Stack Class at my place for the next few months leading up to Christmas. The aim is to get all your Christmas Cards made and ready to send out before Christmas rather than cramming them in at the last minute like I often do.
Here are the details of the first one:

When: Friday 30th July 2010
Time: 7pm -9:30pm
Where: My Place in St Marys, Please call 0420 974 200 to confirm your attendance and I will give you my address
Price: $20 for 10 cards, 2 of 5 designs
Please bring your own double sided tape or SNAIL adhesive. Alternatively SNAIL can be purchased from me for $12.95 or $8.50 for a refill.

Any orders placed on the night will have free shipping. Bring along a friend who hasn't attended any of my classes before and get your class half price. Hurry only limited spaces. I will run another one if there is enough interest or get your own group together.

Here is a sneak peek of one of the cards we will be making.



Look forward to seeing you all soon!

Thanks for looking,
Dani

Inkspirations Guest Designer

Hi guys,

I was so super excited this week. The card I made for the Inkspirations sketch challenge (You can find it by scrolling down a few posts of click here) 2 weeks ago won! I never enter challenges with the hopes or thoughts that I will or want to win but merely for the sheer fact that I get to stamp for myself. I also love seeing what other great ideas others come up with. There's so much talent out there! So when I saw my name that I had won I was absolutely blown away! The great thing about winning is you also get the great privlege of guest designing and having your card on Makeesha's blog, Such an honour. Here's the layout I got to work on for my guest design spot



I saw this sketch and was really intimidated at first, I think it was more the prospect of being a guest designer than it being a tough sketch. Once I got going it was really easy to whip up a card. I had a really great and fun card I wanted to do but with the busy-ness of also preparing for the blog hop yesterday and returning to work this week it just didn't get done. Hopefully I'll have a bit of time in the next few days. Here's the card I came up with instead.



I love the cute little cake in this stamp from Greetings 8! If you look closely you'll see the cake icing has a bit of bling. Looks so pretty IRL. I also have been having heaps of fun playing around with ruffling ribbon and different ribbon effects and I just love the cute little ruffled ribbon on this card. Gives it something extra without taking over the whole card.

Also apologies for the crap photo. I took over 40 photo's of it and just couldn't get it right. The sun hasn't been shining here in Sydney this week :-(

Stamp Set: Greetings 8
Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Watercolour Paper, Sweet Always DSP
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Pink Pirouette, None SU! Timber Brown Staz On
Accesories: Aqua Painter, Chocolate Chip Ribbon, Two-Way glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Dimensionals

Thanks for looking,

Dani

The Inklings Christmas In July Blog Hop

Welcome to The INKlings’ Team’s Christmas in July blog hop. You may have arrived here from Kari Hughes's blog or just be visiting my blog, whichever way once you’ve checked out my creations you can continue the hop through the link at the end of this post to the next team member.

How quick is this year going! Have you started to think about your Christmas cards and projects yet? The INKlings team has and we thought that this month was the perfect time to host a Christmas in July blog hop. You'll find lots of great ideas provided by 17 team members’ fantastic blogs.

Want to win some Blog Candy? Simply leave a comment on each blog and then email Christie Wallace and let her know you’ve done so and you’ll be in the running for a fantastic prize of 17 handmade cards plus other goodies.

Sorry Blog Candy prize not available to SU! demonstrators but you're more than welcome to leave us a comment!

Well I don't know about you but I always have heaps of trouble at Christmas Time finding something to get for some people on my Christmas List who seem to already have everything. I then end up giving them chocolates or a gift card which is a little impersonal. So I thought this year it'd be great to give those people something from the heart. Something handmade. And something they can use. I made a Christmas Stationery Box. Which would be great to give as a gift a month before Christmas as a Getting Read for Christmas Stationery Box. You'll see why...

Here's the box closed with the lid on...



Take the lid off and you get... Oooh Pretty! Everything you could need for Christmas.



There is a bunch of Christmas Cards to give out... (I plan on making more but just didn't get the time this week)



Here's a pile of them



Next there's some cute little love note sized (3"x3") cards to add to presents



And a cute handmade notebook to write Christmas Present lists in, Card lists, Anything you like. I haven't secured it in properly so it can be removed to be written in or kept in your handbag. Please mind my handwritting!



There's also some little gift tags in there which I forgot to photograph, a little spot to put stamps to post your cards and there's also a Pen which wasn't attached when I took the photos. Yes it's been a really hectic week! If you are back on my blog in the next few days you'll find out why! I really hope you enjoy my project and get lots of inspiration to get you Christmas Projects started soon!

Well that’s all from me. Next stop on the INKlings’ Team Blog Hop is Beth Stewart. Have fun and don't forget to leave a comment on each blog to win some great Blog Candy.

Here is a list of all the blogs involved in the Hop just in case you loose your way

1. Christie
2. Dani H
3. Carol
4. Michelle D
5. Jayne
6. Kylie
7. Kari
8. Dani F
9. Beth
10. Nicky A
11. Clare
12. Amy
13. Fiona B
14. Michelle Frost-Stevenson
15. Fiona Poirier
16. Divya Rao
17. Rachel Jackson

Have Fun and hope you get lots of inspiration! And please (regardless of weather your a demo or not) give all the girls some comment love. They have all been working hard to give you some great projects.

Dani