Crafting Up A Storm

Calorie Free Cupcake class - Saturday 14th January

2012-01-11T05:43:00.000-08:00

Right I have finalised what we are going to be making this Saturday - I can't wait.

Card stock used - Crumb Cake, Basic Grey, Pool Party & Calypso Coral.
Papers used - Domestic Goddess
Punch - Cupcake, Scallop Trim Border
Ribbon - Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon

New Spring Mini catalogue - calorie free cupcakes!

2012-01-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year, we had a quiet one just family which was lovely. Back to the routine now though, kids don't go back to school until Mon 9th Jan so they're still under my feet!

Stampin' Up have put together a fabulous Spring Mini catalogue, click on the link here to check it out or contact me via email and I'll send one to you free of charge.

My next class on Saturday 14th January will be featuring one of the lovely stamp sets and matching punch.

Here's the first card we'll be making:

I'll be back with more samples soon :) x

2011-12-04T01:41:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share a couple of cards I've made recently, this first card I made for my daughter. She was 14 on Thursday, where does the time fly! I used Naturals Ivory for the base (definitely one I go to most often), I then cut some butterflies in Naturals Ivory, Pretty in Pink and Wild Wasbi using the Sizzix Beautiful Wings embosslits die. I love this die, they are so pretty. She really liked it :)

I'm also entering this card in the Fab n Funky challenge #101 Anything goes

I also made the following card for someone who came to a stall I attended recently, the lady wanted some nice Thank You cards to send out after Christmas.

Again the base was Naturals Ivory, I stamped the swirl from the Trendy Trees set in Crumb Cake. I stamped the trees in Marina Mist and Crumb cake using my fabby Stamp-a-ma-jig onto Very Vanilla card stock. I lightly went around the edge with my Crumb Cake ink pad and added some Marina Mist grosgrain ribbon (retired but other colours are available). She was really pleased with the cards.

I also entering this card into the Creative Card Crew Monochromatic challenge

I hope everyone is having a good weekend, my daughter and I are off to Birmingham today for a girlie shopping day out, her birthday money is burning a hole in her pocket!

N x

Christmas Combo class

2011-11-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

Apologies I have been a bit AWOL recently, life just seems to have got in the way of blogging!

I shall be doing my last class of the year on Saturday, I've called it Christmas Combo as we'll be using a variety of stamp sets and punches to create some great Christmas cards.

This card is made using the Artistic Etchings stamp set to create a gorgeous snowflake, I cased this from a demo in America but can't remember her name to credit her.

This card is really simple but very effective, made using the bird punch and the new Holly Berry Bouquet papers.

Another really simple card using the Holly Berry papers and the Ornament stamp & sentiment stamp from the Contempo Christmas stamp set.

I'd seen a variation on this card somewhere and have given it my own twist, I love the Crochet trim it really makes this card.

A twisted easel card using the Sweet Snowglobe stamp & finished off with some very cute penguins, made with the owl punch.

Hopefully my ladies will enjoy making these cards, I have 9 coming Saturday which is the most I've ever had so it will be a busy one. Really looking forward to it.

Simply Soft class Sat 8th Oct

2011-10-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist getting the 'Simply Soft' stamp set when I realised I could get it on pre-order. I've used the new In-Colours, which are really pretty. My favourite is Wisteria Wonder which is just a fab shade of lilac, almost a grey shade of lilac (if that makes sense!).

I'm really pleased with how they turned out, we're making 3 cards and a money wallet.

Stamp sets used were - Simply Soft (new hostess set) & Sincere Salutations.
Card/Ink/Markers used: Crumb Cake, Chocolate Chip, Wisteria Wonder, Calypso Coral, Pool Party & Island Indigo
Paper: Brights Designer Paper stack
Ribbon: Whisper White Organza Ribbon

Have a good weekend everyone :)

Out with the old and in with the new.......

2011-09-23T02:34:00.000-07:00

I've made a card this week for my Dad to give to my Grandma, she'll be 84 at the beginning of October. Happy Birthday Grandma :)

The card base is Wild Wasbi with paper from the Springtime Vintage Designer paper pack (retiring). The punch I've used for the lace border is from the NEW catalogue, this has been interlaced with Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon (retiring).

The stamped image is a NEW SU Hostess set called Simply Soft and I love it, definitely one of my new favourites. I've coloured the flowers with one of the new In-Colours too.

If you hold a workshop or join my Stampers 6 club you too could get your hands on one of these stamps sets.

The sentiment is from Sincere Salutations, stamped in Chocolate Chip and edged with Chocolate Chip ink too.

I'm also entering this card into The Ribbon Girl Colour Challenge #11 which is Greens and Browns.

Have a good weekend

New Stampers 6 club starting soon - spread the cost

2011-09-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Stampers 6 Club Starting Soon
A 'Stampers 6' club is an opportunity for you to build your collection of NEW Stampin' Up! product and spread the cost.

So how does it work? 6 people get together and form a club which runs for 6 months (I'll advertise for those people you don't have to provide them yourself). Each member agrees to place a minimum order of £25.00/month plus p&p.

This gives us the minimum qualifying order we need every month. Each month a DIFFERENT member in the club is the hostess and collects all the free benefits associated with that month's total.

By the end of the 6 months all the members in the club will have had their turn to be the hostess.
When it is your turn to be the hostess:

You get £25 to spend in the Idea Book & Catalogue

Therefor you get hostess benefits without having to host a party or put in a large order.

Each month a box of goodies will drop on your doorstep. You'll receive a FREE copy of the catalogue and any mini catalogues released throughout the club duration.

If you fancy taking part then email me NOW to secure your place.

Butterfly Birthday Card

2011-09-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

I've managed to get in some crafty time today and made a card for my Mother in Law, it's her birthday on Sunday so actually I've been quite organised and done it before the day and not 5 minutes before we leave the house!

It's using one of my favourite Stampin' Up! stamp sets - Strength and Hope, I love this butterfly image and I know she will too as she loves butterflies.

I've used Wild Wasabi card stock as my base with Basic Grey and Whisper White. The ribbon is Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon. The sentiment is from the Occasional Greetings set. I've used Wild Wasabi and Pretty in Pink ink.

I'm also entering this into the Simply Stamping Challenge #24 as their theme is Flutterby Butterfly :)

Nic x

September Class sneak peak

2011-09-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

Well I've done my samples for my class on Saturday. I can't wait, I've got 4 new ladies coming this month. I hope they enjoy papercrafting as much as me :)

We're doing a cute Multi Pocket Page Book, I found the tutorial on Youtube by a very talented lady called Marla Venette, her site is http://www.lakeavenuedesigns.com/ definitely check her out she does some lovely Mini Books.

The colour combo I've used is Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Wild Wasabi and Basic Grey. Stamping of course on Whisper White.

The stamp sets I've used are Greenhouse Garden (which is gorgeous) and the Strength and Hope set from the Mini Catalogue. This set donates £1 from every set sold to Breast Cancer Research Foundation until 31st September 2011.

Last chance list

2011-09-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately Stampin' Up! are retiring some of their products, click on the link under the picture below to see what is going. I'm happy to place an order for you but items will be limited availability - if you place an order of £50 or more the postage is FREE.

Last Chance List

but don't despair this is to make room for more fabulous products. I've been lucky enough to get a sneak peak and they are lush :) - watch this space.

If you want a new catalogue get in touch here and I'll pre-order one for you and make sure you're one of the first to see the new products when the book launches. It will be £4.50 inc postage.

Thanks

N

August Class

2011-08-12T05:28:00.000-07:00

It feels like an age since I did a class, and in fact it is! 5 weeks in fact! The extra week has been lovely as it's half term and with 2 children at home we've been busy, busy, busy!

My next class is a little different as I've done something I've not done before.

We shall be making a mini book and a card.

The album uses the gorgeous Play Date designer papers and the cardstock colour combo of Chocolate Chip, Old Olive and Real Red.

The card using the cute 'Trendy Trees' stamp set which is fab as it comes with 2 sentiments :)

So I'm just finishing off my class prep and then I've got some errands to run before an early night tonight to make sure I'm on the ball tomorrow :)

August promotion

2011-08-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

The latest promotion from Stampin' Up! is this cute cosmetic bag that comes with a reel of Rich Razzleberry Striped Grosgrain ribbon and a selection of 24 clips to use on your projects.

All this can be yours if you place an order of £75 or host a workshop that totals £250.

This promotion is for August only, if you'd like to place an order contact me here.

In addition to this promotion I am still offering a free inkpad on orders over £45.

So if you place an order for £75 you would get the bag and contents AND a free inkpad.

Freebie

2011-07-30T00:37:00.000-07:00

I'm currently offering customers a FREE inkpad with any order over £45.

If you would like to order simply email me here.

If you don't have a catalogue I can send one out to you.

This offer from myself and not Stampin' Up!

Birthday Card commission

2011-07-27T01:48:00.000-07:00

I recently did a stall at a Ladies Night in the town - one of the ladies there told me that her mum & dad where due to celebrate their 60th birthday on the same day and she wanted a card to give to them both.

Here's what I put together:

She was really pleased with it and so was I, I love these owls and have made loads since I got the Owl punch. I tried to make the card pretty without being too girly and I think I've managed it :)

Catch up!

2011-07-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the absence in posts! It's been busy, busy, busy! We had a week's holiday in the Isle of Wight at the end of June (which was lovely) then when I got back I came down with Tonsillitis!

I did have a class on Saturday 9th July which was 'Christmas in July' see photo below for what we made.

We did 3 cards and a box to keep them in using the gorgeous 'Contempo Christmas' stamp set. Card stock was Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Naturals Ivory and Very Vanilla. Which complemented the Jolly Holiday Designer papers perfectly.

On to other news I shall have a stall at Park Vet Group Summer Fair. It is a family fun day in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind. There will be lots of dogs shows but also a fire engine and a pamper tent! There's lots of stalls and I believe there is a BBQ too.

It's only £1 for adults and children are FREE!

I hope to see you there :)

Paper Crafting Class - Saturday 11th June

2011-06-04T00:51:00.000-07:00

I've been putting the final touches to the next class I'm running on Saturday 11th June at the Millennium Hall in Burbage.

I've used the Four Frames stamp set, Wedding Wheels stamp set and the Springtime Vintage Papers from the Mini Catalogue. These are all really pretty and I love the cards that I've put together. The colour combo is Rose Red, River Rock and Pear Pizzazz.

I have cased the shadow stamping and little bag from my lovely upline Linz, thanks for the inspiration :)

If you'd like to come along email me and I'll make sure you have a place :) x

Birthday Cards

2011-05-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making Birthday cards this week, the card is for my Mum. I've used Naturals Ivory as a base for the card and stamped the butterfly image from the Punch Potpourri using Crumb Cake and then stamped the flowers using Rose Red and punched out and layered onto the card.

This is a card I did for my daughter to give to her friend, again Naturals Ivory as a base, using the I {heart} Hearts stamp in Crumb Cake and Rose Red. With the flowers from the Punch Potpourri set again.

This card is for my Mum from the kids! The base card is Crumb Cake with the flourish from Baroque Motifs stamped in Crumb Cake with the small flower stamped over the top (using my trusty Stamp-a-ma-jig!) in Rose Red and Wild Wasabi. The frame is from the Four Frames set, stamped in Wild Wasabi and the Just for You sentiment is from the Oval All set, stamped in Rose Red and punched out and layered onto the frame.

I think the last card is my favourite, I love the Four Frames set. I can't wait to have a proper 'play' in the week when the house is quiet :)

Sat 11th May class - Male theme

2011-05-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's time for another class already, what fun I've had this weekend making samples for this class. I think Crumb Cake is one of my favourite colours.

I've put together 3 cards, one is a Father's Day card and the others could be for any occasion. There is also a decorated storage jar and a page marker, which could both be used as pressie's for Father's Day. Or to keep! :)

I've used Not Quite Navy and Crumb Cake card stock with the Newsprint designer papers (which are great for Vintage cards). I've used Crumb Cake, Marina Mist and Wild Wasabi inkpads with Marina Mist striped grosgrain ribbon and some twine around the storage jar.

The stamp set that I've used is the Baroque Motifs with sentiments from the Occasional Greetings and Oval Punch set.

I can't wait for the class on Sat, there are still places left so if you're in the Hinckley, Leicestershire area get in touch and come along :)

Latest

2011-04-27T23:55:00.000-07:00

I meant to upload these pictures before but the Easter holidays and with the kids being off school and of course the glorious weather got in the way.

This is my ladies from my April class - they were all beginners so it was good to see how well I'd written my instructions! They throughly enjoyed it and said they wanted to come back again so that was lovely.

The venue was perfect and even though it was a very sunny day we were really cool inside.

I'm busy preparing for my next class which is Sat 14th May and this will have a male theme to it. A Father's Day card with a decorated storage that could be used as a pressie and 2 other male cards.

I hope to see you there! :)

Another Birthday Card

2011-04-15T06:05:00.000-07:00

I've made a card for yet another birthday, they all seem to come at once, I've managed to have a play with some stuff from the new mini catalogue. The base card is my trusty Old Olive card stock mixed with some Melon Mambo designer paper and Daffodil Delight card stock. The frame and the tape measure and the tailors dummy come from the Sew Lovely stamp set and the buttons are from the Button, Button stamp set. Both of which I love! The flowers inside the frame are from the Punch Bunch Sale a Bration stamp set, I didn't ink the scallop circle surrounding the sentiment. I've used Crumb Cake seam binding on the base.

This is my alternative Easter Bonnet for my little boy, it's using the A Good Egg stamp set and Nursery Suite papers.

Finally this is my completed class for Saturday, I've got the cakes already, hopefully I won't be too tempted before tomorrow! :)

Quick Birthday Card

2011-04-12T04:35:00.000-07:00

I'm always so last minute with my cards, it's my friends birthday today and I needed to make her a card. So whilst the little one was at playschool I set to work.

Straight away turning to my favourite stamp set - Baroque Motifs and I decided to try using different colours than I would pick normally. I fancied trying Rich Razzleberry and I wasn't disappointed! Love this colour :)

The base is an A6 tent style card in Rich Razzleberry, I have teamed this with a panel of Pretty in Pink with a small section of Rich Razzleberry across the middle. I stamped one of the stamps from the Baroque Motifs set in Early Expresson onto Whisper White card stock and punched out with the 1 3/4" scallop circle punch. This has been adhered with dimensionals. The Happy Birthday is from the Occasional Greetings set and is also stamped in Early Expresso. The card has been finished off with a rhinestone in the mddle of the motif and 3 in the top right hand corner.

I'm really please with it and I hope my friend will be too.

The new mini catalogue

2011-04-06T03:01:00.000-07:00

The new mini catalogue is out! And Stampin' Up! have teamed up with Sizzix to give you the Big Shot, I'm definitely going to be getting myself one of these.

The catalogue also includes some embossing and cutting dies that are exclusive to Stampin' Up!

Not only that there are some beautiful new stamp sets, papers and accessories that are well worth a look. If you would like a copy email me at nicdutton@virginmedia.com and I can pop one in the post to you.

I've already started my wish list :) x

April class - sneak peak

2011-03-17T03:15:00.000-07:00

I've been having another play with my goodies and have come up with some cards for the next class. We'll be using the Greenhouse Garden Stamp set and using the sentiments from the Occasional Greetings set.

The main colours will be Old Olive, Real Red and Pumpkin Pie, though I have thrown in Early Expresso for good measure.

We're going to be making 3 cards - a top fold C6 card.

A side fold C6 card.

And a twisted easel card - these are my favourite at the moment. So easy to make but look so good.

I've paid my deposit at the venue so it's all systems go getting ready for the class.

It's going to be at the Millenium Hall, Burbage on Saturday 16th April from 1pm to 4pm.

Can't wait! x

My first make

2011-03-04T02:11:00.000-08:00

I managed to have a quick play with my starter kit yesterday, it is a friends birthday so an ideal opportunity to get going. I used Early Espresso as my base card, which is a C6 card with the fold at the top. I really like this style as it seems to stand better. The paper is from the Patterns Designer Series paper pack, Pumpkin Pie. I have used the largest stamp from the Baroque Motifs stamp set with a Real Red inkpad. I cut a strip from the Real Red card and stamped Happy Birthday from the Occasional Greetings stamp set.

I can see where I could have made it better but for my first attempt I'm pretty pleased. The colours look really lovely together. I used the Color Coach to help me. I didn't think I would like the Pumpkin Pie but actually it does go.

I'm off to have another play now, more pictures to follow

March Frenzy!

2011-03-02T05:25:00.000-08:00

Check out the latest Stampin' Up offer, up to 30% off selected products until the end of March!

Click on the link in the right side bar for all products covered in the promotion.

I've taken the plunge

2011-03-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I've decided just to go for it and become a Stampin' Up Demonstrator. Eek!

My starter kit arrived yesterday and is currently taking over the whole of the kitchen table. I can't wait to get stuck in and make some samples. Pictures to follow.

Thank you Linz for taking me under your wing :) x