{Paper} Crafty Woman

Sale-A-Bration!

2011-01-28T08:33:00.000+11:00

It's Sale-A-Bration time again at Stampin' Up! This is the biggest sales event of the year. This year we've got four great Sale-A-Bration sets for you to choose from, which you can earn for FREE! As always, Sale-A-Bration sets are only available during this sale period (ends March 31) - they will never be released in the general catalogue.

There are three ways to earn free stamp sets:

•Spend. For every $100 you spend (net sales before tax and shipping), you can choose one Sale-A-Bration set. That means if you order $200 you can choose 2 SAB sets ... if you order $300 you can choose 3 sets plus the normal $30 free merchandise and a Level 1 Hostess set. Woo hoo!

•Host. Gather some friends and host a workshop. For every $600 in workshop sales (product sales before tax and shipping), a hostess can choose an exclusive Sale-A-Bration set. This is in addition to the already fabulous hostess rewards!

•Join. Join the fun and become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. That's what I did last year during SAB. New recruits can choose an additional stamp set from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue (valued up to $79.95) to add to their Starter Kit when they become a demonstrator during Sale-A-Bration.

December Frenzy

2010-12-01T11:17:00.000+11:00

What a wet and miserable start to summer :(

This is such a busy time of year, with end of school events, Christmas preparations and the like. A bit of summer sun seems to make getting through it all a bit easier, doesn't it? Although the wet weather gives us more opportunity to have some crafty time and get those teachers gifts and Christmas cards made ... and I need all the time I can get (should I admit to not having started on my cards yet??)
Stampin' Up has two great events to get summer started. The first is the release of the Summer mini catalogue with new products available only until end March. The second event is the announcement of December Frenzy: up to 50% of selected main catalgue items until end December.

What a great idea for last minute Christmas gifts. If you tell me that your purchase is a gift I will giftwrap for free! I also offer gift certificates if you want to make sure the recipient is able to choose exactly what they like. Feel free to suggest to the less arty attuned (ie often your husband) that they could get YOU a Stampin' Up! gift certificate. Now that sounds like a good idea doesn't it??

Just contact me to get the ball rolling :)

The new catalogue is here!

2010-09-01T17:11:00.000+10:00

Yay! I'm so excited the new Catalogue has been released and we can all purchase some exciting new products.

I'm a bit behind the 8 ball and haven't had a chance to update the blog with the link to the new catalogue or samples made with yummy new stamps yet, however if you click on the image of the Stampin' Up! logo on the sidebar, you'll be able to find lots of tempting things there.

Hopefully I'll get the blog updated tomorrow!

Additional Last Chance List Discounts!

2010-08-27T09:07:00.000+10:00

As you know, the Last Chance List is quickly coming to an end. Before we welcome many exciting new stamps and accessories, Stampin' Up! need to make room in the warehouse by clearing out some high-inventory last-chance items. For the first (and probably last) time ever, we’ve added a select number of additional discounted last-chance items for the final days of the promotion. Below are the items we have selected.

The Last Chance promotion ends 31 August, 2010. All items are only available while supplies last, and with these discounts, they won’t last long!

Get your orders in soon, before these products are gone forever!

Item # Description Discounted AUS Price
116342 Big Bold Birthday 50% off $26.98
116408 Seeing Spots 50% off $14.98
116344 Big Deal Alphabet 50% off $38.98
116208 In Color card stock (A4) 50% off $7.25
105538 Bold Brights Stampin' Write markers 25% off $43.46
105537 Soft Subtles Stampin' Write markers 25% off $43.46
105540 Rich Regals Stampin' Write markers 25% off $43.46
105541 Many Marvelous Markers 25% off $175.46
105550 Bold Brights Classic Stampin' Spots 25% off $31.46
105551 Earth Elements Classic Stampin' Spots 25% off $31.46
105539 Earth Elements Stampin' Write markers 25% off $43.46
105552 Rich Regals Classic Stampin' Spots 25% off $31.46
112042 Urban Garden Designer Series paper 50% off $8.48
112041 Bella Rose Designer Series paper 50% off $8.48
107305 Oval Large punch 50% off $15.48
113692 Eyelet border punch 50% off $15.48
109043 Scallop Circle punch 50% off $15.48
113694 Heart to Heart punch 50% off $15.48
112082 Wide Oval punch 50% off $15.48
112091 Scallop Edge punch 50% off $15.48
113693 Full Heart punch 50% off $15.48
104310 Crafters' Tool Kit 25% off $58.46
112004 1-3/4" Circle punch 50% off $15.48
116629 Butterfly punch 50% off $15.48

These are some amazing discounts! I can't resist and am going to have a place an order ... especially for some of those punches. Yay!

Classes have been updated

2010-08-17T14:39:00.000+10:00

I've added a little text box in the side bar that lists upcoming classes.
At the moment it has September and October classes listed.

The first event listed for September isn't a class - it is my new catalogue launch party! I'm really excited to offer the opportunity to show off some of the new products in my home in a couple of weeks. I received my copy of the new catalogue yesterday and there is nothing like sitting back and oohing and ahhing at every page (much better than looking at the online copy!). I'll add more info about the Launch Party in the next week.

Retiring Illuminations

2010-08-11T10:58:00.000+10:00

Illuminations is one of the stampsets on the Last Chance List. I will be sad to see this one go. This has been one of my "go to" sets.

These projects show some "Off the Page" uses for the stamps ... you don't always have to make cards or scrapbook pages!

The old olive and gold embossed one using the top note die is a gift box (I've stood it up on it's side for the photo). The candle, I plan to use on me Christmas table setting.

If you too can't live without this set, make sure you contact me to place an order before the end of the month.

An Indulgent Moment

2010-08-11T10:36:00.000+10:00

I had a lovely Friday night last week attending a fundraiser for Gymea Community Preschool.

The night was called a "Ladies Indulgence Night" and provided a wonderful opportunity for the parents and friends of the preschool who usually just have time to do the "kiss and drop" each day to spend child free time getting to know the teachers and other parents in a relaxed environment.

I consider crafting an Indulgence ... at times it is a wonderful escape from the rigours of daily life, other times it is a delightful way to spend special time with the kids.

I shared a simple Make and Take with the ladies at the event. I think they were surprised at how quickly you can put something beautiful together.

Supplies (all Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Watercolour Vine Wheel; Tiny Tags
Inks: Old Olive; Rich Razzleberry
Papers: Cottage Garden DSP; Whisper White; Orchid Opulence
Accessories: Old Olive ribbon; Bird punch; Scallop Edge punch

It's your last chance

2010-08-02T09:00:00.000+10:00

The Last Chance list has been released ... and it's a doozy!

The list is available HERE

To the uninitiated, the Last Chance list (previously called the Retired or Discontinued List) is released prior to each new Idea Book and Catalogue, and is the last chance several hundred items from the current catalogue will be available for purchase. If there is something you love in the current catalogue but you have put off purchasing, be sure to check the Last Chance list, as I'm sure you would hate to miss out. To make the deal even sweeter, some items on the list are discounted ... some as much as 50% !

Before you panic about the size of the list (a whopping 8 pages long), remember that some colour lines have been removed as part of the extensive Colour Renovation, so a large part of the list is dedicated to that. Also you will see nearly every punch listed. Never fear, Stampin' Up! are not giving up on punches, they are being reconfigured to the new stream lined design as was introduced in the Autumn-Winter Mini.

Please do check out the list and contact me if you would like to place an order. Remember, stocks are limited and the "Last Chance" items are only available while stocks last ... some items may be out of stock before the current catalogue expires, August 31.

It is a sad time when the Last Chance List is released as it means we will without a doubt be losing some great products ... but think how many wonderful new products must be coming our way when the new catalogue comes out on September 1.

No photos ... but been busy!

2010-07-23T10:56:00.000+10:00

The big kids went back to school this week, so I have had more time for uninterrupted crafting.

This week I have concentrated on non traditional stamping projects, creating 3D items (boxes etc) and "Off the page" projects including some home decor projects (stamping on candles and glass). I have had so much fun and really enjoyed the challenge.

Unfortunately my photo editing issues remain and I'm unable to upload pictures of the results of my play. I think it is time I look at alternative software, because Photoshop is driving me nuts at the moment. Anyone know of a good alternative??

Since I can't upload pics, I'm instead concentrating on finalising my class schedule for the rest of the year. I will be offering a range of monthly classes including specific techniques and projects, as well as "Triple C" days (ie Cupcake, Chocolate and Crafting ... although on special occasions we might have to add/substitute "Champagne" as well!!). Will keep you posted :)

School holidays = Crafty Kids

2010-07-06T13:34:00.000+10:00

(Oh, I've been trying to post this entry for DAYS! First, issues with my photo editing software, then blogger issues. Sigh!! In the end I've uploaded the photos without editing them, apologies that they are not better quality.)

Yay! A crafty day with the kids!

My kids' interest in craft ebbs and flows.

Amy (11) used to love stamping and scrapbooking, but has more recently become obsessed with beading and jewellery making.

Thomas (8) hates drawing and art, but begs to use the BigShot to make birthday cards for his friends.

I was taken by surprise when they both asked if they could do some stamping. Before they could change their minds I said yes, and suggested they make some birthday cards for two dear little friends (sisters) who had recently had birthdays.

Here is Thomas' effort.

Supplies:(all Stampin Up!, unless otherwise specified)
Stamp sets: Party Hearty; Alphabet (he inked part of the i for the 1. Clever!)
Inks: Rich Razzleberry, Stampin' Write markers: So saffron, ? Elegant Eggplant
Card: Whisper white, Rich Razzleberry, Pink Pirroutte
Accessories: scallop circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch

And here is Amy's:

Supplies: (all Stampin' Up!, unless otherwise specified)
Stampsets: All in the Family; Occasional Greetings; Fast Flowers Stampin Around Wheel
Inks: Basic Black; Rich Razzleberry
Card: Whisper White; Pink Pirouette; Rich Razzleberry
Accessories: Scallop Circle Punch; Circle Scissor; Stampamajig; micro-eyelets (non SU!)

I asked Amy is she would like to write a brief blurb about this card, as she was so proud of it. Evidently she had been studying how to write procedures at school, as she had written a very detailed 3 page description. Her teacher will be proud!

Here is the abridged version:

I had a lot of fun making this card, and did some stuff for the first time. I wanted to make a girl from the "All in the Family" stampset that looked like the girl the card was for. To do this, I had to use the Stampamajig. Mum showed me how to do it, and it was a lot easier than I thought. I coloured the girl with pencils then cut out the image using the Circle Scissor and layered it on the scallop circle punch. For the big scallop circle, I learnt how to use the same punch and "stretch" it so it fits around big circles. For the strip I used the Fast Flowers Stampin Wheel. I hope you like it!

Well done to both my crafty kids!

On "holiday time"

2010-07-05T10:45:00.000+10:00

I DID have good intentions to put up some pics of 2 step stampin' over the weekend, but as is often the way family life took precedence.

I had completely forgotten that my brother and neice were visiting (more like a transit stop on the way to/from airport). I come from a large and independent family who live scattered around the country. It is rare that we get the opportunity to see each other. I am really feeling the pull of family lately, so hope to take an active role in getting more of our family on the same page and strengthen some tenuous links. I think sending a card to a long lost family member is a great start.

Anyway, the upshot of all this is there are no photos to upload today. Sorry!

School holidays have also started, so I may not be able to spend as much time crafting and blogging as I had hoped. We have started holidays with a "pyjamas day". I think the relaxed theme will continue, while not exactly the same as "island time", "holiday time" is a low cost alternative!

July Promotions!

2010-07-02T13:44:00.000+10:00

Stampin' Up! has yet another wonderful promotion for the entire month of July. We all love cheap stamps, and this month there is 20% off selected Two-Step Stampin' Sets from both the full 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue, and the current Autumn- Winter mini catalogue.

Choose from the following sets:

116386 Loads of Love (p39) RRP $39.95, Sale Price $31.96

116342 Big Bold Birthday ** (p42) RRP $53.95, Sale Price $43.16

115860 A Rose is a Rose ** (p78) RRP $66.95, Sale Price $53.56

116332 Playful Petals **(p86) RRP $52.95, Sale Price $42.36

115770 Cheep Talk (p98) RRP $47.95, Sale Price $38.36

115946 Wonderful Favourites (p115) RRP $39.95, Sale Price $31.96

and from the Autumn-Winter mini ...

119187 Tiny Tags (wood mount) (p14) RRP $38.95, Sale Price $31.16

118592 Tiny Tags (clear mount) (p14) RRP $28.95, Sale Price $23.16

119163 Cottage Garden (wood mount) (p31) RRP $32.95, Sale Price $26.36

120003 Cottage Garden (clear mount) (p31) RRP $24.95, Sale Price $19.96

** Retiring Products!
The 3 sets marked with the asterisks will be retiring at the end of this catalogue period (ie end August). Stay tuned for info in early August on the "last chance list" - the complete list of products to be retired!

Two-step stamping is a great technique - much simpler than it looks/sounds!

I hope to post some samples over the weekend.

If you would like to learn this technique, please contact me to organise a class or demonstration.

Update: Deals of the week end June 30

2010-06-29T21:25:00.000+10:00

I've just double checked and the deal of the week promotion (Rhinestone brads and ribbons; see previous post) actually ends close of business tomorrow June 30.

I'm not sure how I got the date wrong, but at least that gives an extra day to place your order :)

Deal of the week #4: Bling! (Brads & Ribbons)

2010-06-23T11:54:00.000+10:00

OK, so the final "deals of the week" promo for the month of June has been released. Stampin' Up! is ending with a glitzy party and giving over 40% off on selected "blingy" embellishments

Here they are:

Rhinestone brads, p.149 (reduced from $19.95 to $11.97)
109113 Square Ice Rhinestone brads
109111 Circle Ice Rhinestone brads
109112 Square Fire Rhinestone brads

And to wrap things up ... some beautiful ribbons:

111848 Bashful Blue 1” double-stitched grosgrain ribbon, p.150
Reduced from $19.95 to $10.97
109050 Certainly Celery 5/8” grosgrain ribbon, p.151
Reduced from $14.95 to $8.97

Don't you love adding a bit of sparkle to your work? And now you can do it cheaper. Who doesn't love that!!

This promo ends next Tuesday 29th June. Contact me before 6pm to place your order.

Enjoy Every Moment

2010-06-19T17:09:00.001+10:00

Enjoy Every Moment is one of the 5 stamp sets heavily discounted as part of the Deals of the Week promotion. I LOVE this set! So much so that I selected it as one of the four sets included in the customise-able (is that a word??) Starter Kit when I joined Stampin' Up!

Here is one of the first cards I made with this set. Nice and simple. I upped the ante a little by creating some dimension in the scallop circle to make it look like a flower. Unfortunately you can't see how much it pops up in this pic.

Supplies
Stamp sets: Enjoy Every Moment
Paper: Real Red, Old Olive, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink: Real Red
Accessories:Scallop circle punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Hemp Twine, Scallop Border punch, Perfect Polka Dot textured Impressions folder, BigShot

Deal of the week #3: 40 - 50% off these great stamp sets

2010-06-17T21:32:00.000+10:00

Gosh, I wasn't expecting stamps as this weeks promotion - and I certainly wasn't expecting Stampin' Up! to offer such a huge discount on them.

Take a look:

What amazing prices. It is worth noting that in September a new catalogue will be launched and some (much?) of the current catalogue listings face "retirement" to allow the introduction of new product. It's possible that these stamp sets may be on the retirement list (which is announced in August). Now is definately a great time to get these stamps if you like them, as they may not be available after August, and you can't go past the savings!

As per usual this month, this promo is only valid for a week. Final orders will be placed next Tuesday 22 June 9pm.

Deal of the week #2: Designer Series Paper (DSP)

2010-06-10T14:00:00.000+10:00

Here is this weeks special deal from Stampin' Up!

Haiku Designer Series Paper Sale Price $10.17
Pink Flamingo Designer Series Paper Sale Price $11.02
Tea Party Designer Series Paper Sale Price $10.17
Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper Sale Price $11.02
Sweet Slumber Specialty Designer Series Paper Sale Price $14.92

Shortcuts to the catalogue images of these papers can be found here, flip through to pages 132, 133.

By the way, the reason Sweet Slumber is called "Specialty" is because it is made of a heavier, textured card stock. It's perfect for cards or 3D items (boxes etc). Of course you can use any of the DSP as accents or layering on cards, as well as using them for scrapbooking.

Remember these great prices (a discount of between 30-35%) are only for one week. Contact me before 9pm Tuesday 15th June to place your order.

Join the Stampin Up! Family

2010-06-01T08:40:00.000+10:00

Become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator today and get your customisable Starter Kit with a variety of products to help you jumpstart your creativity!
You can enhance your kit by adding scrapbooking products with our Stampin' Memories add-on for only $75.

So contact me today to begin a fun and flexible career with Stampin' Up!
or simply enjoy getting a fabulous product discount.

STARTER KIT

Stamp sets (4 sets: Eastern Blooms, Fun & Fast Notes, Big Bold Birthday, and Basic Phrases, OR 4 sets of your choice at the same or lower price.)

Fast Flowers Stampin' Around™ wheel OR wheel of your choice (standard size only)

Stampin' Around handle (standard size)

Real Red ink cartridge OR colour of your choice (standard size only)

Stampin' Pastels™ (1 case has 51 colours, 6 applicators, 1 eraser)

Assorted card stock (A4) Bold Brights™ OR colour family of your choice
Card stock (A4) Whisper White OR A4 card stock of your choice at same or lower price

Blender pens (1 pkg. of 3)

Craft & Rubber Scissors

SNAIL Adhesive™ (1 pkg.)

Stampin' Scrub™ (1 two-sided scrub)

Stampin' Mist™ (1-2 oz. bottle)

VersaMark® pad

Classic Stampin' Pads® (4: Green Galore, Real Red, Pixie Pink, and Brilliant Blue,
OR 4 colours of your choice, plus 1 Basic Black pad)

BUSINESS SUPPLIES

Catalogues, business forms, and other printed materials to get your business started off right!

Retail value of products and business supplies is over $560. Starter kit is usually available for $324, however until July 31st you can save a further 20% and join the Stampin' Up! family for only $259. That's a huge saving, and you are under no obligation to host workshops. Bargain!

June promotions: week 1 - punches!

2010-06-01T08:12:00.000+10:00

Throughout the month of June, Stampin’ Up! is bringing you a new deal every week! With the Deals of the Week, you’ll get up to 30 percent off a selection of products from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue!

Be sure to check my web site each Wednesday in June to see what new deals are up for grabs that week, then contact me to place your order!

This week’s deals:

Item Page Description Regular Price Sale Price

114889 n/a* Scallop Oval punch $30.95 $20.12

112081 152 Scallop Square punch $30.95 $20.12

109183 153 Trio Flower punch $30.95 $20.12

110711 153 Boho Blossoms punch $30.95 $20.12

*From Carryover flyer (was in the limited release summer mini catalogue)

This special just launched this morning, and only lasts until next Tuesday 8 June. I've updated this blog post with pictures of the punches today, but feel free to browse through the catalogue to add to your order.

What a deal! I'll think I'll be taking advantage of this special myself :)
Please contact me for more information or to place an order.

I am a {Paper} Crafty Woman

2010-05-24T08:01:00.000+10:00

Welcome to my blog.

I am a crafty woman ... a paper crafty woman!

I hope to use this blog as a showcase for some of my creations, and also to promote classes that I will be running.

I have enjoyed paper crafts for many years. I have memories of making paper lanterns and cut snowflakes in art in primary school and thinking it was the best thing ever. I think my intro to cardmaking can be traced to origami where I loved learning intricate folds and construction techniques.

Fast forward to 2010 when I finally joined Stampin' Up! After moving back to Australia I needed to restock some of my craft supplies that hadn't survived the move overseas. I couldn't resist the lure of such gorgeous, well co-ordinated stamps, inks and accessories any longer.

While I initially joined Stampin' Up! with the sole intent of being a hobby demonstrator, purchasing products for myself at a discount, it's hard to avoid sharing the Stampin' Up! love. I've been so impressed at the ease of use of these products I can't help but tell everyone I know.

If you'd like to know more, or see some of these products in actions feel free to contact me and we can organise a no obligation workshop.