Wendy Todd - Independent Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator

Last Chance for Sale-A-Bration freebies!

Tomorrow is the end of Sale-A-Bration {sob}. It seems to have gone so quickly, but there is still time! If you've got your eye on any of the fantastic free sets on offer this year, don't delay! Contact me today to place your order and ensure you get your free set(s)!!! To order, you can email me or give me a call on 0402 120 972. Credit card payments welcome!

I decided to enter this week's CPS Challenge, and being the end of SAB, I decided to use Botanical Blossoms for the challenge. I'm not entirely sure I made the right colour choices, but I think this card shows the versatility of this cute set. I've cut out the individual flower images (excluding stems) and created a bouquet with them, using stampin' dimensionals to give the bouquet a 3D effect. The sentiment is from the set "Much Appreciated", which is retiring on March 31st (only available while stocks last!). This is such a great set, at a fantastic price. Being someone who gives quite a few thank-you cards, this set is a much-valued part of my Stampin' Up! collection!

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Whisper White

Stamps: Botanical Blossoms, Much Appreciated, So Many Scallops

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Old Olive

Accessories: Corner Rounder, Scallop Border Punch, Antique Brass Hodgepodge

Bodacious Bye-Bye

I was really sad to hear that Bodacious Bouquet is retiring. It has been one of my fave sets since I became a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. I know I will find some new favourites in the new releases, too, and space has to be made for them, but I will definitely miss my trusty old friend, Bodacious Bouquet! I created this card back in 2007 and it has long since arrived with its recipient, but I wanted to share it with you, because I really love the summery look of this card and I thought it was a perfect pick-me-up with all the rain we have been having here lately! The technique I used on the background stamping is called "faux embossing". It's so easy to do -you just stamp your image in the same colour ink as the cardstock you are using and then use the stamp-a-majig to stamp again in whisper white, but you off center the second stamp image slightly. I love the look it gave to this card.

Paper: Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Whisper White

Stamps: Bodacious Bouquet, Polka Dots & Paisley

Ink: Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, Whisper White

Accessories: Stamp-a-majig, Paper Distressing Tool, Celery Grosgrain, Stampin' Dimensionals

If you would like to order any of the products used to create this card, please email me or give me a call on 0402 120 972 -but be quick! Both of the stamp sets used on this card are retiring and only available while stocks last or until March 31st, whichever comes first! 

Bud Basics Single Layer Card

Time for a new card! I created this card a little while ago, but it's such a quick, easy card, I thought I would share it with you. It's a "single layer" card, which just means there are no mats or layers or cutting to do. You just have your card base and stamp straight on to it. This is a great way to get several cards made in a short amount of time!

Paper: Whisper White

Stamps: Bud Basics, Sincere Salutations

Ink: Regal Rose, Sage Shadow, Lavender Lace

Accessories: Stamp-a-majig (for placing the sentiment)

If you would like to order any of the products used to create this card, please email me or give me a call on 0402 120 972 

PTI Final Night

  The last challenge in the PTI Countdown was to select a colour scheme from Dawn McVey's posts this week and create a card using that same colour scheme. I chose this card because it really appealed to me and it's a colour scheme I never would have thought to use myself. I kept the base of the card the same (Kraft with sponged white edges), because I loved the effect that Dawn achieved with that, and then I pulled out my new Embrace Life stamp set again and played around until I acheived the soft, pretty look I was hoping for. It's a very simple card, but I think it works well.

Stamps: Embrace Life, Carte Postale

Ink: Almost Amethyst, Whisper White

Paper: Kraft, Lovely Lilac, Almost Amethyst, Whisper White

Accessories: Stampin' Dimensionals, Sponge Dauber

New Feature - Sketchy Saturday!

Welcome to the weekend, everyone! And, of course, Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm introducing a new feature today. Sketchy Saturday! The plan is that I will upload a Sketch (on Saturdays) that I have created and a sample card I've made using that sketch. Then you create your own card from my sketch and upload a link directly to that card. I can't promise that there will be a sketch every Saturday, but hopefully I'll manage to keep them coming fairly regularly! I'll also prepare a sketch gallery where I'll upload all of my sketches, so you can access them all in one place anytime you need them.

Now, first there's some fineprint. I've created this sketch, spent the time to plan it, put it together and all of that. Please do not steal it! You're free to use it to create your own original works, submit them for publication, do what you like with them, but PLEASE do not steal my image to use as your own. It's watermarked anyway, so everyone will know you stole it! Thanks!

So, without further ado, here is today's sketch!

I really like how this sketch came together. These digital papers and elements by Cherie Mask for 2peas are just gorgeous! They're one of the free digital kits that 2peas offer. This kit is called "All Twitterpated" -how cute is that? You can view the 2peas digital range here. You may need to register with them to access their free kits, but it's free to register and well worth the effort!

And now for my card using this sketch. A friend in the US sent me a birthday surprise of images from the US Stampin' Up! set called "Love You Much", with some samples of matching papers. I was so excited to get this parcel! I wasn't expecting it at all, which just added to my excitement all the more! Here is the first card I've created with these yummy goodies:    

I won't post all of the supplies here because we can't buy them here! Other than the too-cute bucklet I've used from the Stylish Silver Hodgepodge set! How adorable! There just is not enough of those bucklets in the set!

So, once you've created your card using my sketch, post it on your blog or fave online gallery then pop back here with a direct link to your image or blog post. Please don't link to your blog's main page. No one likes having to scroll through post after post trying to find your card. I reserve the right to delete links that are not posted correctly.

Have fun! I can't wait to see your creations!

Stampin' Up! Joins the Bushfire Appeal Effort

To help those victims of the bushfires that have ravaged Victoria, join with us in supporting the Bushfire Appeal.

Here are the details:

From 12 February through 31 March 2009, Stampin' Up! will donate 50 percent of the retail value of all sales from a select group of 10 stamp sets to the Australian Red Cross Victorian Bushfires 2009 Appeal. 

Here is a list of the Bushfire Appeal sets:

Stamp Set	Item Number	Page Number in Catalogue	Retail Price
Priceless	112312	105	$48.95
Seeing Spots	108909	89	$29.95
Baroque Motifs	112380	98	$39.95
Live Your Dream	114261	3 (Summer Mini Catalogue)	$55.95
Looks Like Spring*	108864	76	$58.95
The Snowflake Spot*	108934	27	$39.95
Bodacious Boquet*	108756	80	$58.95
Polka Dots & Paisley*	110247	46	$35.95
G'day Mate*	111973	115	$35.95
Be Happy*	108744	51	$39.95

*These sets will appear on the upcoming list of retiring products, so they will only be available for the Bushfire Appeal -while supplies last.

During the donation period, I will periodically update my blog with the amount of money we are collecting from the sales of these sets. Check back here frequently for the most up-to-date information.

If you would like to order any of these products to help the Bushfire Relief Effort, please email me or phone me on 0402 120 972. 

The Devastating Tragedy

I just don't know where to begin this post. Words fail me, but I feel compelled to share with those of my readers who live outside of Australia what we are seeing unfold here in our beloved country. You may have heard about the devastating fires that have been ravaging Victoria over the past few days. They continue to do so in many areas, but the havoc they have already wreaked in many areas have literally wiped out entire communities and families. I am not exagerating. There are some towns (yes, plural) that have just one or two buildings left. Hundreds of people have lost their lives, thousands their homes.

I grew up in country Victoria, very close to one of the towns that lost almost 20 lives. My brother rang yesterday with the news that his mum's house is gone (we have the same dad but different mums). Thankfully my family and loved ones are safe at the moment, but many people I know are unable to get hold of their loved ones. Some have already had their worst fears confirmed. The death toll currently stands at 173, but authorities fear it will rise far beyond this as they go into the fire ravaged areas to investigate and recover the bodies of those people who unfortunately didn't make it out.

I know that it's a tough time financially for a lot of people right now, but if you can spare even just a dollar or two, please visit the Red Cross website and follow the links to make a donation. The Red Cross has pledged that every cent donated to the bushfire appeal will go directly to those affected by this tragedy. They won't be deducting anything for administration charges or costs. Please give as generously as you are able to and please also join me in praying for everyone affected by these fires.

PTI Countdown Challenge

The countdown to release day continues on Nichole's blog. Today's challenge was to create a card for your best friend. I've created this card for my mum. She's always there for me when I need advice, support or just to talk, so this is for Mum, to say thank-you for all of that.

Paper: Afternoon Tea DSP, Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Stamps: Live Your Dream, Occasional Greetings

Ink: Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Antique Brass Hodgepodge, Scallop Edge Punch, Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker

If you would like to order any of the products used to create this card, please Email Me or phone me on 0402 120 972

Embrace Life!

When I saw this week's sketch on CPS, I knew I just had to play and that it was time for me to finally have a play with my new Embrace Life set from the Summer Mini Catalogue. I adored this set the first time I saw it, but with Christmas and everything else that has been going on around here, I hadn't had a chance to play with it yet. I love how this card turned out. The gorgeous Ginger Blossom DSP just sets it off perfectly, I think. So here it is!

Paper: Ruby Red, River Rock, Groovy Guava, Ginger Blossom DSP

Ink: Ruby Red, Versamark

Stamps: Embrace Life

Accessories: Cherished Memories RubOns, Stampin' Dimensionals, Fiskars Lace Border Punch, Kaisercraft Adhesive Pearls

If you would like to order any of the products used to create this card, please Email Me or give me a call on 0402 120 972.

Have a great day! 

Yes, two posts in one day!

I've been creating today. Nichole Heady is running a HUGE promotion to celebrate Papertrey Ink's 2nd birthday and I decided to create a card to enter today's competition. There's a comp each day until the next product release on Feb 15th, so you'll be sure to see me there most days. I love PTI products. Like my other faves, Stampin' Up! and Kaisercraft, the quality of there products is outstanding and so many yummy things on offer that are just to die for! So, you can find the details of today's sketch challenge here on Nichole's blog. And here is my card;

Paper: Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Outlaw DSP, Watercolour Paper

Stamps: For Father, Wanted, Everyday Flexible Phrases

Ink: Black StazOn, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust

Accessories: Antique Brass Brads, Paper Crimper, Round Tab Punch

I'm on a bit of a masculine card bender right now. I'm trying to build up my stash of birthday cards for men, so I will always have plenty on hand, ready to go. I find mascuine cards the hardest to create, so having a stash on hand will be very useful! Hence, we'll be creating at least one "man card" at all of my Stamp-A-Stacks in the forseeable future!

If you would like to attend one of my classes, please email me or give me a call on 0402 120 972. 

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching!

I can't believe I already have my Valentine's Day card for hubby done already! I'm very much one of those "night before" creators that leaves everything to the last minute, so to have this card done a week early is very exciting for me! I whipped this card up on Friday when the boys were napping. I'd been planning it out in my mind for several days, so it came together very quickly and I'm pretty happy with it. I'd like a bit more red at the top (maybe an extra knot but with Real Red Wide Grosgrain -a shame I don't have it!), but I think it works as is.

Stamps: Polka Dot Punches, Lovely Labels

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Real Red

Papers: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Whisper White

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 1/4″ Circle Punch, Stampin Dimensionals

As always, if you would like to order any of the supplies used to create this project, please Email Me or phone me on 0402 120 972. 

A cute little birthday bag

A friend is having a birthday next week, so I wanted to create a "little something" gift for her. I remembered this little bag template I had from easter last year and thought it was perfect for putting together a few choccies for my friend. I created a matching card from the same DSP and here is the finished product.

I'm thinking I might swap out these chocolate almonds for some yummy Dove individuals, but I have to go to the shop for those!

Paper: Whisper White, Mellow Moss, Ruby Red, Ginger Blossom DSP

Stamps: Warmest Wishes

Ink: Ruby Red

Accessories: White Organza Ribbon, Gold Cord, Scallop Edge Punch

The card is CASEd from one I saw on SCS, but my computer died and I lost the link, so I'll go find it and come back with it later. Have a great day!