The Craft Spa

Sale A Bration is here!!

2012-02-01T09:08:00.000Z

Just catching up with a few blog updates...... then I will be sharing some of the lovely projects we have been doing in classes over the past few months...

Though I thought I would quickly share this Swinging Z fold card as it is made using the free Sale A Bration Everyday Enchantment papers & Fresh Vintage Stamp set. Recipe at the bottom of this post.

For those of you new to Sale A Bration....... this is what it is all about......

Spend £45 on SU! products and get a free stamp set ( or these gorgeous papers!!) 5 freebies to choose from. Spend £90 - get 2 - and so on.
Get nearly £300's of crafting goodies for just £119 - with no further obligation!! Yes - no catch at all...
This promotion runs from now till 31st March.
our favourite time of year ....... we love nice freebies!!

Here is a link to the Sale A Bration promotion leaflet showing more details and the free stuff on offer at present. http://www2.stampinup.com/gb/documents/20120124_SAB_en-GB.pdf . It is also linked on my side bar.

And please do not hesitate to contact me for further details or to place an order!!

Swinging Z Fold Card Recipe

Stamps - SAB Fresh Vintage; Teeny Tiny Wishes

Papers - SAB Everyday Enchantment

Dies etc - Scallop Square

Punches - 1 ¾”Circle; Scallop Circle 2 3/8”;Word Window ; Modern Label

Cardstock - Pool Party: Poppy Parade ;Very Vanilla

Ink Pads - Poppy Parade; Sahara Sand & Dauber

Markers – Lucky Limeade; Pool Party; Calypso Coral; Poppy Parade

Embellishments - Mini Silver Brad

Other - Sharpie Marker Turquoise

Craft Spa classes

2012-02-01T08:39:00.000Z

Just to let you know that I have loaded up details of the classes running from now until the end of April. You can view these on the CLASSES tab above - or via the link here...... The Craft Spa Classes.

If you are interested in coming along - please just email me for further details and a full schedule.

Christmas Polar Party MERRY PENGUINS card

2011-11-27T15:42:00.001Z

Oh how cute are these penguins..... and the polar bear is gorgeous too....

I saw this card on In Love With Stamping by the very talented fellow SU! demo Margaret - and just had to CASE ( with my own twists...) as it took my breath away.....

So here is a simple A6L card using Varsity Alphabet, Polar Party & Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp sets in Real Red, Basic Black - along with 2 of the new In Colors - Island Indigo and Pool Party. I just love this colour combination for a bright, fresh and fun Christmas combination.

The only problem now is that my son wants me to make this card for all of his friends!!! Good job I love stamping and a bit of colouring then....... now how will it look using the word JOY or COOL.....

Un-Convention Challenge Gift Set - Tag and Top Note Box

2011-11-19T17:39:00.000Z

There is a suite of challenges been organised on In Love With Stamping for those of us demos not in Disneyland, Paris sharing in the annual European Stampin Up! Convention at the moment..... The first challenge was to create a gift set... so with Christmas in mind.... I created a tag and a Top Note box containing 4 decorated tea - light candles.

I have used the PINES & POINSETTIAS stamp set in both of these projects. This is a stamp set that I cannot stop using ( and it didn't appeal to me at all to start with!! But I am so glad that I bought it!!) There is also the label frame from the WELCOME CHRISTMAS stamp set on top of the box.

The Two Tags die was used to create the Tag and the Top Note die to create the box lid and base. I have also used the Holly Berry Speciality Papers and some of the new Chocolate Chip Scalloped ribbon. There is also double embossing used on the Tag using the Square Lattice embossing folder - and then the oval frame embossing folder.

The candles were decorated by wrapping a strip of paper around the side and by stamping an image on tissue paper and then punching out using the 1 3/8" circle punch and the circle hand punch in the centre for the wick to go through ( TIP - make sure you use some scrap paper behind so that the punches can work!!) These discs were than laid on the candle and I used a heat gun to melt the wax into the paper. Very clever and GREAT FUN!!! ( oh and I can just see a bit of Sticky Strip clinging to right hand front candle in the photo - how annoying!!!)

Next challenge - Repetition - I know exactly what I want to do - but time and light for any photo has failed me for today. Back to the challenges tomorrow afternoon I hope!!!

Forever Young stamp set

2011-10-06T14:22:00.000+01:00

As demos in September - we get to pre-order some of the new stamp sets and other products that are to be released on 1st October in the new catalogue . This year I have had great fun just trying things out with my new stamps instead of everything I make being just for classes ( aka workouts at The Craft Spa!!).....

So for today - here are a few of my favourites using the new Forever Young stamp set - I just love the tree image - but I have lots of ideas for the clock and the frame and silhouettes too....... these are images that suit so many occasions.........

The card above is a Centre Step card which we did in our workout earlier this week ( as it is my favourite!!) - but I tweaked the dimensions to fit the silhouette frames and so that it would fit in a 6" envelope.

And a couple of very clean simple (CAS) cards....
In the first one ... the blossom in the tree is made from the debris of the new Lace Ribbon Border punch ... which I used for the decorative strip at the bottom - along with a white Signo gel pen for the centres of the flowers.....

And the girl on the swing has been coloured in with marker pens... very carefully... before inking up the rest of the stamp in Old Olive for the leaves and then an Early Espresso marker pen for the trunk and boughs.

And in this simple silhouettes card you can see the wonderful new scalloped polka dot ribbon (YUM!!) - as well as the new Parlor Prints background stamp - which I also used on my first Centre Step card ( but it is a bit easier to see here!)

And I couldn't post about Forever Young without posting a fellow demos' Michelle's Centre Step card that I was delighted to receive in a card swap that was organised between 15 SU! demos on In Love With Stamping last week.

This card is a total WOW in the flesh so I hope that this photo does it justice!!

You can also hop around a new catty blog hop if you visit Michelle's blog..... lots of wonderful projects and talent in this hop!!

And for my next post.... that will be the brand new wonderful Pennant Punch... and the fabulous Pennant Parade stamp set that co-ordinates with it!! And don't forget I have a special offer on the Pennant punch & Pennant Parade stamps!!

And don't worry..... it will not be 5 months until my next post like it was for my last one!!!! Oops!! Sorry!! But happy to be back........

2011-10-01T10:34:00.000+01:00

Today is the launch day of this years catalogue..... lots of lovely new stamps; papers; dies; punches and co-ordinating FABRIC too...... as well as the 5 gorgeous new In-Colors....... Please find the on-line link by clicking the catalogue cover picture to the top left of my blog or you can get a hard copy from me for just £3 ( £4 posted)

And a new catalogue isn't a new catalogue without some offers from me at The Craft Spa....... so I have attached my October offers to hopefully save you some money on some must-haves....... Do check out how a few of you can get 30% off those markers...... I am planning to place orders next Tuesday (4th Oct) and then 1st November ..... These prices are all based upon collection from me at The Craft Spa in Great Ouseburn . Postage will be added just at cost should goods need to be posted on.

There is also a very special offer from Stampin' Up! for those of you that are wanting to join the Stampin' Up! family....... get all the new In-Color ink pads and cardstock ( RRP £27.95 ) as well for free if you join in October. ( so £280+ of product for just £119) Link to details here...... In-Colors for Free to New Demos

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need a catalogue, or any further information on anything or to place an order.

PS Check out that Pennant Punch ( pg 119) and the co-ordinating stamp set Pennant Parade (pg 37) - this year's must have.... and on the offer sheet too.....

PPS Lots of projects using the new stamps & punches coming soon to this blog - there are some fabulous new stamp sets for you to enjoy.....

BIg Shot Workout - Chupa Chup Daisy & Watering Can

2011-04-22T15:44:00.000+01:00

Just when you all thought my immaturity was over with the Easter Bunny box..... I just had to make a lollipop daisy!!!

We made Lollipop flowers with oval punches last year at Bev's workshop and I also made lots for my son's birthday party last year for a treasure hunt in the woods!!

But look at these made just using the SU! Daisies #2 die and the Square Lattice embossing folder... I am in heaven ( as I have always been a daisy fan since I first got into papercrafting!!) I don't think that this photo can truly show the difference when you emboss these daisies - suddenly they really come to life!!!

I also thought these might be an alternative idea for some as a simple Easter treat. (though don't worry friends & family..... you will always get chocolate from me!!)

And we also made a watering can for the daisy to go in..... this is made from the Mini Milk Carton die. This die is so clever... not only does it score the lines for a milk carton... but also has the lines to form a spout... The butterflies are all made using just the one pass of the Beautiful Wings Embosslit die. This die is amazing - not only does it cut the shapes but it embosses at the same time - fantastic - and there are 4 to choose from.....

And here is the more grown up version of the daisy.... as chosen by most to make... don't know if that was because it is more grown-up.... or because they all sat there with a lollipop in there mouth!!! So many sweet tooths in one room....!

If these Big Shot projects interest you - do remember to check out my Big Shot specials - there is something there for every one/ budget!! And I will be holding another Big Shot class next month too ....

Top Note Die Easter Bunny Bag

2011-04-16T12:55:00.000+01:00

So I am supposed to be making projects for my next class for Big Shot projects on Monday- but I seem to be STILL getting carried away with Easter Bunnies.

I saw these cute projects by Cristena yesterday...Bunny Bags and immediately stopped doing the pretty flowers I was doing - and did this instead!! This will be handed over to my father for Easter.... as he doesn't like chocolates - so the mint imperials will suit him better.... And thanks Cristena for sharing you great project and for diverting me SO well!!!

Most of the details are the same as on my earlier Easter Bunny Scallop Envelope Box post including the owl punch waistcoat as the teeth - though this time the Top Note die was used for the head part - along with the Wide Oval punch for the main ears and the 1 1/4" circle punch for the cheeks; small heart punch for the nose and 1/2" Circle and Itty Bitty Punch trio Circle punch for the eyes ( and the toes)

And so now back to the Flower dies and what I am supposed to be doing!!

Easter Bunny Punch Art Box - or the Owl & Ornament Punch meet the Easter Bunny!!

2011-04-14T17:10:00.000+01:00

I have finally finished the Easter Bunny Box I have been talking about in classes for weeks!! So guess what you will be making next week in our first Big Shot Workout class!! It fits LOADS of chocolate in!!!

This project is an amalgam of many inspirations I have picked up whilst blog hopping over the last 2 years with a few little additions of my own.......

So where shall I start..... OK at the top - so the head...... the main head part is punched using the Ornament punch; the eyes , nose and teeth using the Owl Punch ( yes the goofy bunny teeth are the waistcoat part!! I just couldn't resist.....) and the cheeks using the 3/4" Circle punch.. And finally the floppy ears using the Large and Small Oval punches.

The box is made using 4 Scallop Envelopes cut using the Scallop Envelope Die. You can see the tutorial by the very talented Jane at Whoopsie Daisy to make this box here. Scallop-Envelope-bigz-die-box. I have added the 2 largest circles from the Circles #2 die as the body and the back of the head. The front of the box is stamped using the Easter Wishes stamp from the new free Level 2 hostess set Something to Celebrate in the mini catalogue.

And the feet are the Wide Oval punch with a small Pink Pirouette oval and the smaller circles again from the Owl punch.

And I will finish this post with links to the inspirations I have picked up from blogland. These ladies are also so talented - and well worthwhile taking a bit of time off to visit & investigate their blogs.....Firstly the idea of an Easter Bunny box using the Scallop Envelope Box - I first saw this on Sandi MacIver's blog last year ( here little-bunny-box ) and have been itching to make my own ever since!! And the Ornament punch head shape, cheek structure and the start of some floppy ears are inspired by Mercedes Weber ( here Hop-Inspired-Bunny ) - I just took the floppy bit of the ears a bit further.....

Greenhouse Gala Workout - Circle Easel Card

2011-04-08T14:08:00.000+01:00

So here is the last card for next week's classes. I just HAD to use my new BIG SHOT!! So it just has to be a Circle Easel Card as we all really like these in classes!! Though this has to be the brightest one we have ever done!!

So I have used the newly available Scallop Circle die from SU! This is in our new mini catalogue which came out on 1st April. Just press the link at the top left of my blog top go to straight to a copy. I have embossed the flower image with white embossing powder on Daffodil Delight cardstock. The Happy Birthday greeting is from thre Party This Way stamp set. The punches for the greeting are the Word Window combined with the Modern Label. I also used the Modern Label punch to add a Pumpkin Pie tab to the top right of the stamped image. All finished off with some of the gorgeous Daffodil Delight Satin Ribbon.

And guess what I am off to do next.... start lots of projects using my new BIG SHOT!!! The classes in the week after next are the first part of a series of Big Shot classes I am running over the next few months - I have 100s of ideas of things I want to make with my Big Shot stash - so the hardest part will be deciding what to do first.... guess there will be some late night crafting sessions next week.....

And oh - the first 2 Big Shot classes are free to anyone buying a Big Shot through me...... including purchases made under the Big Shot Starter Kit offer detailed above. You can either come here OR get the prepped kit & instructions etc for use at home. So that's another £20 's worth - so hey that effectively gives you a BIG SHOT for £35....... what are you waiting for !!!!???

Greenhouse Gala Mainly Cards Workout

2011-04-07T16:55:00.000+01:00

Here are some of the projects we will be doing in next weeks' classes. I have 2 spaces on both Monday night and Tuesday morning if anyone local can make it after all. I will also have a couple of kits all prepped, made up and ready for assembly if anyone has the stamps and fancies having a go at home at their own pace..... Just click EMAIL ME at the top right of this page to contact me...... Classes or Kits cost just £10.

We will be making a boxed bag with 4 different 4" Thank You cards all made using the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper and the Ornate Flowers stamp set. These cards have all been inspired by swaps I have received from fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators and that my class-comers have expressed a particular interest in making for themselves - so I have a few people to mention and to thank for their inspiration...... I think that most of these swaps were from SU! Convention last November. As you will see - these cards all bear a similarity in layout although the original inspirations have been made by totally differemt people!!

For those of you that don't know..... we Stampin' Up! demonstrators love to swap our ideas and use every "getting together opportunity" to make lots of cards etc and swap with each other...... As the SU! motto goes it really is all about "create, inspire, share" - so we do!!!

The Box in a Bag is a tutorial by Diana Gibbs on the SplitCoastStampers web site ( Link here SCS Box in A Bag) - though I have altered the dimensions to suit the size of my cards.

And now for more pictures of the cards and the people I have to thank for such beautiful swap cards.....

This first card also uses the Elegant Thank You stamp ( available as an individual stamp) which sits perfectly over the small ornate blossom image. Oh and a large pearl.....

This card is inspired by one made by Margaret Rose (aka ayorkshirestamper) a whole year ago when last year's Mini Catalogue came out. It has sat splendidly on my display board ever since!!! - earning the well deserved oohs and aahs all year!!

The second card also uses the So Many Thanks stamp ( also available as an individual stamp) and 3 small pearls.... what would I do without the multi size SU! packs of pearls.....

This card was inspired by a Convention swap from Rebecca Chivers ( aka craftybecs ) - again it just had to be made after 5 months of oohs and aahs.....

And the third card. This also uses the Thank You Kindly stamp set - which is a gorgeous set of 4 Thank You greetings.

Thanks go to Cate ( aka blueangelcrafts - whose actual swap card is linked here) for her swap card last November.

And last but not least..... the fourth card again uses a sentiment from the Thank You Kindly stamp set. I have also used the new Textured Impressions Square Lattice embossing folder which magically turns any paper or card into a faux fabric effect. Stunning!! And very tactile. Bet my ladies want to texturise everything in site next week!!!

Thanks go to Anthea Goodman ( aka stampin-divas ) for her swap card last November.

Blog Hop - SU! UK Demos celebrate the new Mini

2011-04-02T10:02:00.001+01:00

For those of you already hopping around..... Hello and welcome to Amanda's little blog aka The Craft Spa. You should have come here from Jane's Blog- Cheshire Design House - aren't her projects just wonderful!!

And for those of you starting here...... Hello and welcome to our Blog Hop to showcase the wonderful new products in the Stampin' Up 2011 Mini Catalogue. A number of us have got ourselves organised via the fantastic UK stampin enthusiasts web site - inlovewithstamping- and so here are a feast of projects as you go from one blog to another..... so thanks Erika for getting us organised!!!

So here a few projects I have made during March using some of the new products... First up is a card using the new Manhattan Flowers embossing folder perfect for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays - or indeed anything..... not only is this very "classy" but the embossing is so deep...it is just amazing.... I hope that you can get an idea of the effect in this photo.

I have kept this simple... so as not to overshadow the embossing pattern. So just a simple colour palette of Whisper White, Baja Breeze and Basic Black and use of the Ornate Flowers and Heard from the Heart stamp sets.

My second project is a Gift Card Holder Explosion Box showcasing the Fun Flowers die. Oh this die is a LOT of fun as it produces some fabulous flowers.... more of which are to come another day! The thread through the button is actually just a sliver of cardstock threaded through and tied into a knot.... I have seen this done by many in blogland....but it works a lot better than I thought it would!!!

This is a project we made as part of my Nursery Suite papers and Quick Accents classes run during March. I have designed a number of explosion boxes and mini books during February and March - and got the idea in my head that a resizing and an extra insert would enable me to put a gift card in.... and it worked like a dream......

And that is it from me.... so thank you for visiting and..... next you are going to Sandra's Wonderful Blog - check out these fantastic projects......

Here it is! Stampin' Up! New Mini Catalogue for 2011

2011-04-01T11:48:00.001+01:00

Not only does the 1st April bring April Fool's Day..... but the much more exciting release of the Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue with more new SU! products that will be with us until 30 September........ Just press the picture on the top left of my blog and you will be taken straight to it!!

Over the next few days I will be posting many projects using some of the new products - including a blog hop tomorrow Sat 2nd April at 10 am GMT amongst many of our talented UK Stampin' Up! demonstrators .

And the launch of a new mini just wouldn't be the same without a few Specials for orders during April. These are from me at The Craft Spa - not Stampin' Up.... Please see my new Specials pages at the top for further details - but I have 5 main types of offer for you......

Fancy a Big Shot for £55 ??? See my Big Shot Starter Pack Special
get exclusive Stampin Up dies etc for up to 15% off. See my Big Shot Die Pack Deals
£25 co-ordinated paper packs with 12x12 papers; buttons, cardstock; ribbons & inkpads -AND you can also add the co-ordinating stamps at 25% off. See my Mini Catty Specials.
Buy the stamp set and get 30% off the co-ordinating punch. See my Mini Catty Specials.
Share all the new mini goodies from just £14 (need 8 to share!). See my Mini Catty Specials.

As those of you that know me.... I am in embossing folder, dies and buttons heaven....... And check out those Embosslits too - they are amazing.... wonder what I did before without them ...... I am SO HAPPY that these Big Shot goodies have finally come over the pond... I just need loads of you to buy them now.... and then we can have loads more come October with the new 2011-12 Idea Book & Catalogue...... Yes I am a I WANT IT ALL sort of a girl!!!

So what you should particularly check out...my top faves are.....
1. All the dies of course!!! But particularly the Top Note, Fun Flowers , Little Leaves, Circles - and of course the Embosslits..... And the Big Shot to use them!!!! LOL!!!
2. Embossing Folders - 2 favourites being Manhattan Flowers and Square Lattice ( very clever techniques using this one!! Watch this space...)
3. Four Frames and the Decorative Label Punch - first it was the SU! circles, then last year the ovals... and now these!!!! Absolutely wonderful !!
4. Big Designer Buttons - oh WOW!!! These are SO big. Most being 1". And such wonderful colours too..
5. And ahh!! The Springtime Vintage suite - where were these papers when I was doing a Papercrafting course 4 years ago with Cath Kidston as my Designer inspiration... Think Cath Kidston... Think Laura Ashley.... Be in Vintage Chic heaven..... I may have to get that portfolio out and remake all those wonderful cards using these......

Hope that the mini has something in for you that excites me as much as I am!!! And if so - tell me what by adding a comment below.....

Just press the EMAIL ME link at the top right of my blog to contact me for orders or for further details on any of my specials.

Nursery Suite & the Baby Girl Mini Scrapbook Page & Fancy Cover

2011-03-31T14:21:00.000+01:00

So this is the other project we did in the Class with the Baby Boy Flap Mini Book. Apart from the Fancy Flower Punch flower - this is a CASED project of the one to the right ... but with a story.... and with no-one (or two!!) to attribute it to - so please let me know if you know/are the originator of this - so I can not only credit you properly - but thank you too!!

I first saw this on the Display boards at the Stampin' Up! Convention in November last year - and it just took my heart away!! It certainly inspired me to buy all my ladies a set of Nursery Suite papers and Quick Accents .... but then I couldn't find a photo of the project that I thought I had taken at Convention.

So I set too designing another project using this wonderful 12x12 Scalloped Circle piece of paper... and I got really excited about my new idea... and I had even almost finished the sample for class.... and then it was Stampin' Up's regional training event in Leeds.... and Lo and Behold - what was on the Display table but the same project I had seen back in November.... so a quick photo later.... and my class stayed as per the original plan..... one day I will finish my other circular paper project that I was so pleased with ... and post it here.... so watch this space......

Please see details of The Baby Boy Mini Book posted earlier for details on the tutorial for this project.

Baby Boy Flap Mini Book

Nursery Suite & the Baby Boy Flap Mini Book!

2011-03-31T13:36:00.003+01:00

So another project using the Nursery Suite papers and Quick Accent stickers. This is an update of another favourite project of mine - namely the Flap Book of the Newsprint mini-books. I loved this simple little book then... but I absolutely adore it now..... I knew I wanted to do another of these books as soon as I saw this gorgeous fancy scalloped edge piece of 12x12 paper - I wasn't sure it would work ( ie line up OK...) but it SO did.....

This flap book is orienteered the other way round to the original. That is to say, it opens with a top flap rather than the original's book page format. And I added punched 1" circles down the right hand side to visually pull it together when the book is closed.... a little thing that made a HUGE difference.....

And here are a couple more pictures to show you the inside of the book - this piece of paper is amazing!!! And you get 2 in a full pack......

Edited to Add: I have had quite a bit of contact about the details for this..... If anyone else would like the tutorial ...I can provide by email for £2.50 ... payable via Paypal.... ( sorry no proper Paypal/order button as yet... that is my next blog project!!) The tutorial will also contain the Scrapbook Page & Fancy Cover due to be posted soon!!

Please just press the Email Me button at the top right of this page and I will get back to you.....

Nursery Suite & Easter Bunny Punch Art

2011-03-31T13:15:00.000+01:00

March has been full of 3 classes' worth of projects using the Stampin' Up! Nursery Suite papers and Quick Accents stickers. These have been wonderful to use for Easter & Mothers Day projects as well as the more obvious baby projects.

So I have a number of quick posts for you - showing some of the projects we have made in the month. Some of the projects can't be posted until 1st April in any case.... as I was naughty and couldn't resist using some of my new stash from the Mini Catalogue which is due out tomorrow, 1st April...... Come back tomorrow to see the new Mini Catalogue and more projects using my new goodies.... and then there is is a BLOG HOP tooo on Saturday 2nd April at 10am...

So first up is an updated version of my Ferrero Rocher Treat Holder for Easter.... with the prettiest Easter Bunny ever.... I was lucky to get a gorgeous swap from Joanne of a super cute punch art bear ( which you can see here..... Joanne's Bear ) at our SU! training day in Leeds at the beginning of the month- which inspired me to make the Easter Bunny you see here. Joanne is a very talented fellow demonstrator - we ALWAYS like each others stuff - don't we Jo !!!!!

This box is soon to be filled with Mini Eggs for Molly for her Easter Treat ......yummmm!! Hope she will like it!?

Dovecote & Moving House GIft

2011-02-25T20:18:00.000Z

And now for something completely different - and a labour of love for 2 very special people..... namely my parents!! They moved house this week... after nearly 50 years in the same house!!!

My mother has always wanted a white wood dovecote - so this is what I made instead of the more usual Good Luck in Your New Home Card..... They were both chuffed to bits!!!! Though unfortunately she still wants a wooden one.... which will prove slightly more expensive!!

The template for the birdhouse part is one of Adela Rossol's templates - and is called Home Tweet Home. As soon as I saw this template I knew a dovecote was soon going to be made..... You can find Adelas' fabulous templates here. http://creationsbyar.com/.

The rest is using Stampin' Up products. The doves are created using the Bird Punch. The ledges for the doves to stand on with the 1" circle punch scored in half. The scalloped edge under the birdhouse is using the Scallop Edge Punch. The base is created using the Petal Card Punch and the Scallop Square Punch.

You can't really see them on the photos....but note the detail on the birdhouse to resemble slats of wood - just simple scoring after I had cut the template out.....

Team Meet Swaps Jan 2011

2011-02-15T09:00:00.001Z

I am delighted to share the Craft Therapists team swaps from our January meeting. The theme was anything using Sale A Bration stamp sets or cards suitable for Valentine/ Love . The girls made some gorgeous cards as you can see here........

First up is Carol' s card using the SAB Sweet Summer stamp set - this was inpired by a card by fellow SU! demo and friend Monica Gale

And then Beverley's card using the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set.

And this is Lisa's card using the Punch Potpourri hostess stamp set.

And this is Sally's card also using the Punch Potpourri stamp set. More details can be found on Sally's blog.... Valentine Card on Sally's Blog - girliepink

And finally Kaz's card also using the I {Heart} Hearts stamp set

Oh apart from my little Ferrero Rocher Treat Holder using the SAB Punch Bunch stamp set - very simple way of giving people chocolate!!!

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T10:49:00.002Z

Just a quick posting with 3 projects made for my boys!

Firstly my son's favourite... and that was before he discovered it was also full of chocolate!! ( which has now all gone - good job I took a photo of this before he got his hands on it!!!) This was inspired by a project here - Family Fun Rock Candy though I made up a little box rather than just wrapping a chocolate bar. Anyone would think that I have a thing about iPods looking at this blog!!

Then a couple of cards we have done in classes......

The first one is using the Celebrations DSP which is the paper being used for all my February classes - and the I Love Hearts & Tiny Tags stamp sets .

The mount for the Modern Label punched greeting is done using 2 black punched modern labels; cutting one in half lengthways and one in half widthways & then sticking them to the back of the punched greeting. So simple and works a treat!

And the central section is cased from a beautiful swap card from Convention last year by Fiona Duthie who is linked here - Fiona's Convention General Swap cards Having looked at Fiona's blog I love all her swap cards...... and would very happily have swapped with her quite a few times!!!! She is a very talented lady!

The second card is a Centre Step card and is made using the fabulous Love You Much stamp set and another of the chocolate hearts - now also gone!!

Vintage Vogue Love Letters Treat Bag

2011-02-10T20:46:00.000Z

Just a very quick post to share the gorgeous treat bag made by Sally (girliepink) who is in our Craft Therapists team.

http://girliepink.blogspot.com/2011/02/vintage-vogue-and-love-letter-paper.html

Sally was lucky enough to win the raffle in our Team meeting last Saturday - and so I am delighted to see her goodies being put to such good use straightaway.

I have lots to post from our team meeting as we made a card and a treat bag using the Sale A Bration Sweet Summer and Bliss stamp sets - which are proving SO popular...... Only 3 more weeks to get your hands on them!! Free when you spend £45.

We also swapped some gorgeous cards - which are also coming up soon!! It is lovely to be amongst such a talented bunch!!

Just need to get my 6x6 scrapbook pages finished for my class on Saturday - and then I will be back on the blog!! Having never done any scrapbooking before I can't believe that I have done a progressive page as my first ever page - and now I am doing some simple 6x6 pages- and I am loving them........ I think I have discovered a new passion!!!!

Elegant Soiree & Hopeful Thoughts Sympathy & Get Well Cards

2011-01-31T20:19:00.000Z

Here are 2 of the cards we have made in January classes.

Both use the Hopeful Thoughts stamp set which proved to be VERY popular - as well as the Elegant Soiree DSPs again.

I purposely kept these really simple - apart from making everyone use the thin end of the markers on the very tips of the branches of the trees!! Not so easy but well worth it..... but do remember to switch back to the thick end asap... or you will be there all day!!!

Elegant Soiree Tri Shutter Album

2011-01-31T09:00:00.003Z

So here is the Tri Shutter Album we made in classes during January.

I used the Elegant Soiree DSP along with the smallest and largest of the Paper Daisies ( 4 sizes x 10 each in a pack - scrummy!!) and the wonderful flourish and butterfly stamps from the SAB Bliss set - along with the SAB So Happy For You stamp set for the wording and the SAB Punch Bunch set for the rivet on the large daisy. I really have found these 4 SAB sets so wonderful to mix and match - I already know I can't do without them!!

The main album is in Baja Breeze cardstock with mats of Early Espresso on the front and Soft Suede or Very Vanilla on the inside - all tied off with the GORGEOUS Early Espresso 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon. ( By the way - I still have some shares left of the 11 colours in this ribbon - £11 for 11colours x 1yd - including P&P)

Here are some pictures of the inside - though I have to say that these do not do the album justice ( as anyone knows that has tried to photo a Tri Shutter Album.....) Again I have used the SAB Bliss stamp set to add a feature to the area that was blank for photos. Though then everyone admitted that it was going to stop them putting a photo over the top!!!

Elegant Soiree DSP & SAB Punch Bunch Ferrero Rocher Treat Holder

2011-01-30T12:30:00.001Z

Edited to Add 30 March 2011: I just had to do an Easter version too.... see here...Easter Bunny Treat Holder....... perfect for Mini eggs, Ferrero Rocher or indeed anything chocolate.... yum!!!

During January I have been busy designing projects for classes using the Elegant Soiree Designer Series Paper ( or DSP for short!!) So I have lots of projects to show you using Elegant Soiree DSP and the 2011 Sale A Bration (SAB for short!!) stamp sets....

Remember that these stamp sets are exclusively available only until 28 Feb and are free when you spend £45 on SU! products. And they are just wonderful..... they work with each other so well and give you great flexibility in images, styles and wording......

So the first project I have to show you is the Ferrero Rocher Treat Holder. This uses 2 stamps from the SAB Punch Bunch stamp set - inked up in Soft Suede and Baja Breeze on Very Vanilla cardstock. The rivet is punched out using a 1" Circle Punch and the For You scallop using the Scallop Circle Punch.

This project holds 3 Ferrero Rochers and stands beautifully as a table setting decoration. I used the Treat Box Card tutorial on Split Coast Stampers ( Link here........ Treat Box Card Tutorial on SCS ) - though I altered the sizes to fit the Ferrero Rochers and I didn't create any front flap to the right - just leaving that portion to fold over/doubled so as to give the holder rigidity to stand up above the box instead of to the right as per the original tutorial.

A small piece of striped 1 1/4" grosgrain ribbon in Marina Mist finished off the holder.

Next post will be my Elegant Soiree Tri Shutter Album - this album was a very popular project in my classes last year - and as soon as I saw these papers - I knew I had to do another one using the Elegant Soiree papers ...... but the SAB Bliss set just took it to another level - with lots of oohs and aahs as a result!!!! You will see........

SU! Petal Card Punch - Little Treat Bags - Tutorial

2011-01-29T16:16:00.000Z

We had our first Craft Therapists team meeting of the year last week and I challenged myself to come up with a new use for a SU! punch; a new technique and to use a stamp from at least 3 of the 4 free Sale A Bration stamp sets...... So no mean treat there.....

And this little treat bag is what I came up with!!! - suitably sized for the smallest of chocolate "bars"..... I absolutely love it....but hey I am biased..... though everyone else was WOWed by it too!!!

So here is the low down on how this was made....!!

I punched 4 pieces from Baja Breeze cardstock using the Petal Card Punch to make the bag sides & the box in between.
I folded over a tab on 2 of the pieces ( to make the little bag shape) I then stamped the SAB Sweet Summer floral spray at random in Chocolate Chip ink
Then a New Technique......that I will call the White Magic Technique....
I coloured in the flowers, leaves & berries using the Uniball Signo white gel pen ( my most used pen in the world!!). I then allowed it to dry and went over the leaves with an Old Olive marker pen and the berries with a Pretty in Pink marker - so so pretty!!! And I think very chinoiserie ( is that a proper word???)
I then inked up & stamped on Very Vanilla cardstock....
The rivet greeting from the SAB Punch Bunch set in Chocolate Chip. ( then punched out as 1" circle)
The flower from the SAB Punch Bunch set For You scallop tag stamp in Baja Breeze & Chocolate Chip
The Twill Tape for the bag handle was also stamped using Chocolate Chip ink with a greeting from the SAB Happy For You stamp set and the Sweet Summer floral spray stamp.
The leaves and berries were also coloured in using the Old Olive & Pretty in Pink marker pens.
TOP TIP: use a bit of Snail adhesive to temporarily adhere the ribbon to a flat surface before you attempt stamping the greeting - easier to get the word straight when fabric is held straight in the first place!!!
Then a little box to hold the mini treat...
I snipped off a flap off each of the other 2 Petal Card Punch pieces and glued the other 3 flaps together as 2 sides and a bottom - to make a little 3 sided box.
TOP TIP: make yourself a simple little box guide to really help this glue/assembly bit - cut a 2" x 3 1/4" piece of cadstock ; with panel landscape - score at 2"; 1 1/2"; 2 1/2" and 3". Adhere using small tab side.
I then glued the 2 bag sides onto the box front & back ( with the unstamped tab to the base)
I finished the bag off with the twill tape adhered using Sticky Strip from the bottom, up one side, looped over to form the handle and then back down the other side & onto the bottom.
I then covered the twill tape ends on the bottom with one of the tabs I had snipped off before

It's Stampin' Up! Sale A Bration Time!! And FREE DELIVERY offer from The Craft Spa

2010-12-31T13:09:00.002Z

Yes it is that great time of the Stampin' Up! year where we get to SaleABrate and earn free stamp sets. Simply put.......

Spend £45 on Stampin' Up! products and get a free limited-edition stamp set (c£18 value)
Spend £90 for 2 free stamp sets etc.
4 sets to choose from.
Here is the leaflet showing you the 4 sets that you can choose from Sale A Bration Leaflet 2011- but (hopefully) they are also pictured below

In addition...... spend over £70 and you will get free delivery ( normally £4.95) This free delivery offer applies until 24 Jan 2011. This is an exclusive offer from The Craft Spa and is not associated in any way with Stampin' Up!

I will be placing an order tomorrow (1st Jan and then 25 Jan..... but orders can be placed at any time with delivery direct to you.

Or for those of you thinking about joining my Craft Therapists team and signing up with Stampin' Up!.
Choose an extra stamp set worth up to £44.95 with your starter kit. So that's over £290's worth of goods for just £119
And 20% discount on all you SU! goodies thereafter ( 30% on your 1st order)
Just contact me for more details and an order form......

So here are this years' limited edition stamp sets. Only available until 28 February 2011.

PUNCH BUNCH -

SO HAPPY FOR YOU

BLISS

SWEET SUMMER

(don't know why this image looks more faded!! Isn't in real life!!)

2010-12-24T21:22:00.001Z

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year for 2011.....

This was an idea inspired by the beautiful non-Christmas card made by Teneale Williams back in September 2010 - check Teneale's card out for a lovely wedding or anniversary card.

http://www.tenealewilliams.com.au/wp02/2010/09/17/no-longer-an-inkspiration/.

My card is made up using a Craftwork Cards 8" scalloped card blank and the Stampin' Up! Bird Punch and Welcome Christmas stamp set for the greeting.

Santa After Eight Treat Holder - The HOW TO !!!

2010-12-04T16:34:00.001Z

As promised earlier in the week I am finally posting the details for the Santa After Eight holder. Sorry for the delay... but snow is still affecting life!!!

So the box is as simple as it comes...... just .....

Cut a 10 x 14cm panel of Real Red cardstock
Score Landscape at 6 and 8 cm ( ie 14cm across the top)
Score Portrait at 2 and 8 cm ( ie 10cm across the top)
Score, cut & adhere to form box

The punches used are detailed in the original post below but I have also attached a Punch Card Sheet for those of you that prefer something visual!!

And just in case you can't see the dimensions on the card - the white scallop trim is 3/4" x 6 1/2" ( then scallop edge punched) and the ribbon is 6 1/4" long .

May your Christmas table be full of Santas too!!!!

Santa After Eight Treat Holder

2010-12-01T19:28:00.002Z

Gosh I am getting lots of lovely comments and emails about my little Santa box... thank you one and all... I am well chuffed!! Keep them coming..... lovely comments about things I have made always make me feel SO happy......

So I will aim to get some details on here in the next few days as he really is pretty simple to make!! Though if the 2 -3 hour school runs continue this week it may be the weekend......

Newsprint DSP Mini Books

2010-11-17T19:43:00.004Z

Just a quick post with quite a lot of photos....

This is the class we are doing this Saturday - though I am afraid that I am fully booked for the session. So we will be doing 3 mini books using the combination of Newsprint DSP; Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla and Basic Black cardstocks - with a bit of Baja Breeze on one of the projects.....

Edited to Add 30 March 2011.... I used some basics of this book with a lot of tweaks.... for my Baby Boy Mini Book using the Nursery Suite of papers & Quick Accents - just see the inner page with the wonderful scalloped border 12x12 page!!!!

The Notably Ornate Frame book is inspired by a design from Kimberly Van Diepen from the Holiday Helper series that Debbie McNeill offers. This was just perfect for what I had in mind.... so I followed the tutorial and made up my book... and then LOL!!! There was an alternative book at the end of the tutorial... using the Newsprint DSP.... and the similarity of the front cover is SPOOKY!!! Thanks Meg Loven, Kimberly and Debbie - I like your taste!!

If you are a demonstrator you can sign-up to receive the Holiday Helper series at http://debbiemcneill.com/store/?p=341.

The Fancy Goods book is using a clear DVD case with the insert taken out. I bought a load of these DVD cases for clear stanp storage....and I haven't got around to sorting those clear stamps yet... so thought it was time for an alternative use. The actual booklet is just made up of clear card protection bags.

The Road Trip book is made using a tutorial for a Scrapbook Wallet to be found in the Resources section of Splitcoast Stampers. Hopefully a link here. http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/scrapbookwallet/

The travel related stamps I used are not Stampin' Up!

Christmas Sweet Treats

2010-10-03T12:49:00.000+01:00

Just finished 3 of the projects we will be doing in next week's session so thought it was time to post something for a change!!

So it is chocolate treats time! We will be making a Xmas Pud punch art holder, an After Eights Santa box punch art holder and a simple wrapped chocolate bar.

So first of all Santa holding 3 After Eight mints - I will be making more of these for my Christmas Eve table!! Check out the new black 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon - I have been waiting for SU! to stock black ribbon since becoming a demo - so I am SO happy to see this! And even better SU! are now carrying all of the ribbons in black.

( apart from the 5 In Color ribbons - of which more details will be coming soon)

What you can't really see on the photo is that Santa is also wearing small oval black boots!! Yes we finally have the smaller oval punch in the UK new catalogue too..... The arms are also made using this smaller oval punch ( along with the 1/2" circle punch for the hands and the small heart punch for the cuff) But sadly the 1/4" punch used for the buttons is not available anymore!

And here is my favourite - my little Xmas Pud.... originally designed to hold a Ferrero Rocher but it got even better when I went to Tescos and found.... yes a chocolate Christmas pud! Perfect....

The pud is made from the 1 3/4" circle punch with part of a scalloped circle to represent the white sauce - along with "merry" from the gorgeous Tiny Tags stamp set punched out with the small Jewellery Tag punch and a berry using the 1/4" circle punch. Looks good enough to eat!!

And then finally we have the wrapped chocolate bar. I have purposely kept this VERY simple and I have also used some Christmas papers that are sadly no longer available.

But check out the scallop circle stamp in the new Perfect Punches stamp set ( page 66) - one of my favourite new sets as there are lots of different greetings that co-ordinate with the SU! punches - built for speed!!!

Better go and finish my other project(s) for the class.... My biggest problem now is that I have loads more projects that I really want to do ( and the chocolate/treats to do them with!!!) .... but we will only be able to complete another 1 or 2 in the 2 1/2hours session....... Maybe I will have to squeeze a Sweet Treats II session in...! Or maybe I just decide which chocolates Joe and I prefer to eat - and just eat them....!!

New Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue 2010-11

2010-10-01T17:47:00.000+01:00

Well finally it is the 1st October ..... and I have the new Idea Book and Catalogue to share with you. Lots & lots more stamps, papers, punches, ribbons and embellishments galore.......

Just click the picture of the catalogue on the left hand side to go straight to the on-line copy or email me to get a copy posted straight out to you for £4.50. ( £3 if you can collect) - or I will give you a free copy if you place an order of more than £50 or join one of my Stampers Clubs..... just email me for more details.....

I intend to post a few projects and more details of new products in this catalogue over the next week - though I am busily finishing off my Christmas Little Treats projects for the class on Monday first.....

But the first news I will share is that Stampin' Up! now do the extra option of CLEAR MOUNT STAMPS for us in the UK. Great price, great packaging and awesome clear stamp blocks...... The Clear Mount option is available for many of the stamp sets...... though not all...

House Box Class Sat 21st August - Home Made

2010-08-09T16:37:00.000+01:00

I have just finished the project for the House Box class so thought I'd post a peek here. There are still spaces if anyone would like to join us - or I can easily prepare a Kit to Go for you. Both will be £10 plus any relevant postage.

Slight departure from the norm here - as the template and the main stamp set are both from Papertrey Ink - both of these are called Home Made. Another early birthday present from America.......

I have also used Flowersoft for the first time - both on the window ledges and the topiary bushes at the front door.

The house is made from Stampin' Up! Sahara Sand cardstock; the ribbon is also SU! - Soft Suede polka dot which I love! and I have used the tree from the SU! Forest Friends set on the back - this is double stamped and layered up to make it appear taller than it really is!!!

Just need to make up a clean & simple card to match - and then we are good to go!

Craft Spa Workout - Stationery

2010-07-25T18:00:00.003+01:00

Now don't faint.... yes.. I am actually posting something.... and I am actually posting the projects from this week's session a whole day before I do the first session!!

So this week is Stationery - and we will be doing a mouse mat; a double notebook and pencil holder; a post it note holder - and a notecards booklet.

So first off is the mousemat. I have used the On A Pedestal stamp set and the gorgeous Night & Day speciality papers along with Real Red and Old Olive. The flower is from the Die Cut Blooms pack ( flowers also in Bashful Blue; Pumpkin Pie and Old Olive) The leaves are punched using the 5 petal flower punch.

Secondly the notebook and pencil holder. I have used the Sweet Pea paper pack along with Taken with Teal cardstock ( which I will be SO upset to see retire in September) The stamps used on the front are from the Take Note set by Papertrey Ink.. which I was sent as an early birthday present. Mmmmm!

The pencil is wrapped with just a 1" wide strip of the Sweet Pea paper. Our Tombow glue just can't be beaten for gluing stuff like this!! I didn't even have to use pegs to hold it all together - it really does just take a few seconds for this glue to grab and hold.....

Inside I have used the Trendy Trees stamp set ( which is still one of my most used and favourite Stampin' Up!stamps!!) - along with some more stamps from the PTI Take Note set.

This double notebook and pencil holder was inspired by a similar one posted by Nichole Heady using the PTI Take Note stamp set when it was released in January 2010. However the sizes are different to her template as the notebooks are a different size and I wanted a higher pencil holder so it kept a tighter fit around the pencil.

And then my handbag post it note holder. I used the Brighton inspired handbag template from Becky Roberts blog. (aka Inking Idaho) This template was a perfect fit for a standard 3" square post it note pad and it is one of a set of 3 of the most gorgeous TRES CHIC handbags for which Becky does a tutorial. So 2 more of these will be appearing on here at some point!!

The papers are from the Sunny Day Scrappin' Kit.

The Stamp set is Hello Again - which I have used on the bag closure and on every page of the post it note pad.... this set is lovely little useful one ( 5 stamps for just £9.95). Though the Jot this DOWN wording is another stamp from the PTI Take Note set.

And last but not least - the NoteCard Book - this is just a supermarker bought little booklet containing 4 colours of study cards.

I used various papers from the Tea & Crumpets paper pack to cover the front and back of the book along with the PTI Take Note stamp set again - and the gorgeous All A Flutter butterfly stamp. The Spiral punch was great for this project - the holes lined up perfectly with the rings on the book - making the job of covering the booklet SO easy!!!

A few little flowers using the One of a Kind stamp set and the Boho Blossoms punch - and 4 tabs for each of the colour cards inside - and it was ready!

And lastly - did you notice this gorgeous butterfly...... I have embossed it using the white embossing powder on the vellum cardstock and then just cut it out - very simple but stunning ( and I am not even a butterfly fancier which I know so many of you fellow crafters are!!!)

Spa Workout - Playing with Inks and Brayers

2010-06-07T16:07:00.001+01:00

Just a quick posting of the projects we will be working on this week. I have never been a inky/messing kind of girl.... but I have really enjoyed doing these 4 projects. And I now wouldn't be without my brayer - or my daubers!! I can't believe that I had the finger daubers for 4 years... tried but not really used... and then something clicked.... and now I can't stop using them - so thank goodness Stampin' Up! sells them in packs of a dozen.......

Firstly, a card that I have CASEd from fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Jo Dumbleton

Jo's cards are linked here .http://stampin-n-stuff.blogspot.com/2010/02/brayered-pocket-silhouettes.html This has to be my all time favourite brayering sample... so I couldn't ignore it when asked to do a brayering class. I just simplified the base and used the 1/2" circle punch to round the edges. So thank you Jo...... a gorgeous card!

The second project uses the Baby Wipe technique to make a custom ink pad. This was then used to ink up the pheasant from the Autumn Days set - I guess I would get about 25 images from this ink pad... saves a lot of time colouring individually with markers.......

The Field of Corn panel was created using the Emboss Resist Technique and applying Soft Suede ink over the top with an applicator. I then overstamped the corn in Soft Suede ink over the moon and the long grass in Elegant Eggplant. DSP from the Sunny Days kit - and some of the beautiful new Soft Suede polka dot ribbon.

And then we have the Background Stamped & Brayered Emboss Resist Technique ( I think I have probably just made up that name!) But I just loved making this card.

Quick resume... ink up & stamp French Script background; ink up & stamp Baroque in Versamark over the top & add clear embossing powder, heat. Then brayer over the gorgeous new Rich Razzleberry ink & wipe off with a cloth to reveal the Script background within the Baroque shape. Add the Elegant Thank You greeting punched out as a 1 3/4" circle and the Vintage Vogue flower......

This is the taken to another level by also stamping Melon Mambo flowers & Old Olive leaves from the Vintage Vogue set over the French Script background before applying the emboss resist Baroque image over the top.

And lastly a simple treat bag with a Trendy Tree on the hills with a sun..... but this one was daubed and not brayered... which still works for me....

And now I need to rush off.... my son needs picking up from school an hour earlier than planned..... so I have to be off!!

Night & Day Cantilever Box

2010-05-19T15:05:00.001+01:00

Here is the cantilever box (or sewing or tool box) that we will be doing in next weeks workouts. So this is what you will (or can ...) be making next Monday night and Tuesday morning (24/25 May) This box uses the gorgeous Night and Day speciality papers & Taken with Teal and Basic Black cardstock. Just a little addition of some diecut felt from my stash and a stamped Circle of Friendship greeting - and voila!

A big thanks needs to go to Sarah Bonsell for her fabulous tutorial on this Cantilever Box. Find it here..... http://wwwcardoasis.blogspot.com/

I just love this box - though I added the handles to Sarah's work ( just by scoring and gluing two 9" by 1" pieces of cardstock in half and then scoring at 2 1/2" and 6 1/2")

Here are some other photos to show the box partly open and fully open. What will you put in yours???

BLOG HOP Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue...New Products!

2010-03-28T08:53:00.001+01:00

Welcome to The Craft Spa for those of you that have hopped across from Keren's blog and for those of you starting here..... just a few words to explain!!

A group of 15 extremely talented Stampin' Up! demonstrators have got ourselves organised ( via the forum In Love with Stamping) in the form of a blog hop to show you some projects using products from the new Stampin' Up! mini catalogue. These products are available from 1st April.

Firstly I have a little birdcage to show you..... I have used the NEW Solid Stripe background stamp ( Page 23; item code 115707) to stamp the bars... and the fabulous NEW punch - the Extra Large Two Step Bird ( Page 6; item code 117191) to punch the bird and the wings ( there is also a lovely leaf/branch as part of this punch as well....mmm!) I have then stamped the bird and wing using the NEW Fine Flourish background stamp ( page 23; item code 115709) to just give a bit more fine detail.... The cage door is made using the Tag punch and the hook using the 1/2" circle punch and then the Scalloped Oval punched around ( all of these are on pages 88-89 in the main catty) This is all produced using one of the 3x3 Love Note Cards... so cute!!

And now a couple of treats for Easter....

A wrapped large Aero Bubble bar where I have used the leaf from the Bird Punch and the fantastic Jewellery Tag punch. The papers are from the 48 page Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper Stack ( page 13; item code 117161) These papers are all wonderful... I think you will be seeing a lot of these......

And lastly a super box using Lauren Meaders In A Pinch Template with the new Vintage Vogue stamp set ( Page 14; item code 117690)

And now it is time to pass you onto the wonderful creations of Hayley - you can either press the Blog Hop icon below

(or in case of any problems with that link......go here..... Hayley's Blog )

Clippy Photo Bag Revisited

2010-03-26T18:05:00.001Z

Oh what an exciting week I have had as a result of the photo bags we did a few weeks ago.

Firstly the bag is going to appear soon on the Clippy web site .... WOW!!!! How exciting!! And I got to speak to Calypso of Clippy bag fame herself......

Also lots of people have asked me to run the workshop again - so I am happy to oblige.....!! I have managed to secure further supplies of the bags and so I can still charge £25 for a Craft Spa Clippy Photo Bag. I can also supply extra workshop kits for those interested too.

Please press the Email me button at the top right of my blog if you are interested in attending a workshop for these bags.

I have no actual dates scheduled yet... hopefully towards the end of April and beginning of May. I will provide more details in about 10 days time......

Signing off for now

Easter Treats & Cards Workshop

2010-03-20T17:01:00.002Z

At last a miracle has occurred....!! I have finished all of my samples for next weeks workshop 3 days prior to the first workshop!!

So ladies... here is what you will be doing next week... a couple of cards and 3 treats..... My son says our house looks like a chocolate shop at the moment... but the worst shop ever....as he can't have any of the stock!!

So you have the choice of a Tent Topper Card either with the cross from the Special Blessings stamp set ( page 29) or the flowers from the Simply Said set ( page 59) with some extra beautiful flowers using the One of a Kind stamp set ( page 56) punched out with the Boho Blossoms punch.

Also a Centre Step Card using A Good Egg stamp set ( page 25) which has to be my favourite set ever for easter cards. I just think that chick is SO sweet!!

And 3 different Easter treats...

..... a good sized box for filling with loads of chocolate for someone special!!! This is made using Lauren Meaders In A Pinch template... and the Vintage Vogue stamp set (coming soon!!)

..... a pair of caramel bunnies in a Bunny Treat Flap Holder

.... and last but not least.... a large Aero Bubble chocolate bar in a SWEET wrapper using the Spot On wheel ( page 40) and die-cut wording and felt flowers

The observant amongst you will notice a few new stamp images, punches and papers amongst these samples... these are coming from Stampin' Up! on the 1st April with the launch of the new mini catalogue. But as always I just couldn't wait to play with my new products... and so they just "snuck" into my workshop samples........!

Girls & Ladies Workshop

2010-03-17T19:33:00.004Z

I am quickly trying to catch up with the posting of this year's workshops and some other stuff I have done this year! I am have been suitably told off by many many people for not updating this blog... so I will try to behave from now on!! So first it's catch up time....

So last week we made 3 cards...

A circle easel card for Mothers Day using the wonderful Greenhouse Garden ( page 43) and Frames with a Flourish ( page 53) stamp sets . In the wonderful colour combi of Elegant Eggplant; Almost Amethyst and Old Olive in the ribbon! The flower is all made from scallop circles.....

And there were some very happy Mothers last Sunday!! Mine was almost speechless..... ( and that is unusual!!)

An iPhone card for the girls..... using images from the Occasionally stamp set

( page 22) and the greetings from A Bit of Birthday Cheer ( page 63)

And last but not least... our Girl on a phone card where we got to play with the Copic pens..... and make pretty handbags from the Circle Circus stamp set ( page55) using the 1 3/8" circle, large oval, scalloped oval and scallop circle punches. Image stamp by Lili of the Valley.

Clippy Photo Bag Workshop

2010-03-16T20:13:00.001Z

Here are some photos of a photo bag project we did as a one-off workshop last week. The original concept of the Clippy Bag was to put Polaroid photos in... but armed with the Stampin' Up! Sunny Day Simply Scrappin kit ( page 78) we turned it into a scrappin' special!!

And here is a photo of Bev's alternative using the same photo... but printed in different colours... how cool is that!!

And a couple of close-up photos of the flowers on my bag ... these were created using just the SU! circle punches; scissors and water! Oh... and a button on one of them!

Just hello!

2010-02-23T20:03:00.001Z

Thought it was about time I posted something and removed the reference to Christmas at the top of my blog!! I cannot believe that it is 3 months since I last posted an entry on my blog!! Gosh how those 3 months have flown. I don't think I have ever been so busy - and apart from Christmas celebrations it has almost all been crafting time ... Shame!!!

So I haven't any inspirations to show today ..... as .....as usual, time is pressing - but I have the fruits of 6 classes to post shortly .... plus some other stuff I have been working on. So I will be back with you very shortly... and I have lots and lots of pictures to post.......

12 Blogs of Christmas

2009-11-21T09:18:00.017Z

Hello and welcome from The Craft Spa to our 12 Blogs of Christmas cruise whether you are starting here or have arrived from seeing Michelle's wonderful creations... Please press the icon at the end of this posting to cruise on to the next stop.

This blog cruise has been organised by a bunch of very talented Stampin' Up! demonstrators that all meet in the cyber space at the In Love with Stamping forum.... A particularly big thanks must go to Carolynne for inspiring us and getting us organised!!

My first project is one that I have wanted to make for a long time.. a Gingerbread House made from my wonderful Stampin' Up! punches and stamps. So I am delighted to have finally achieved it!!

My second project is particularly for those with 4-12 year old children who are immersed in the web or trading card world of Club Penguin.... or for those who just like penguins!! The little pot holds a lollipop... so a double treat for kids everywhere.

I will be posting a full recipe and directions for these projects during next week so please feel free to leave me a comment and join my followers.... It will really spur me on to finishing the directions!!

In the meantime, please press on the icon to go to the next stop for Kara's wonderful creations to further inspire you. (www.kimberlight.net)

Christmas Cards

2009-11-11T12:39:00.007Z

So here are 4 of the 5 card designs we made at our Stamp A Stack session back in September. Everyone made 2 of each of these cards. My favourite was the Silent Night church.... it was super quick & easy to colour in with the Watercolor WonderCrayons, plus some dabs of the glue pen followed by glitter! It really sparkles.

I cannot believe it is that long ago - and I apologise for not posting them earlier. I will also post the 5th snowman when I locate the photo!!!

Please contact me by the email link if you want any product details... they are all made using Stampin' Up! stamps, punches and card/inks etc

Cards & Treat Holder - Autumn Days stamp set

2009-11-07T11:51:00.008Z

Finally got round to loading up some of the samples I made for my Open House and one made for a SU! demo swap hosted on In Love With Stamping.com last month.

This first lot are all made using the Autumn Days set released in October. ( Page 45; Item Code 115452; £19.95 plus P&P) The pumpkin treat holder is made using the Large Oval punch to form the pumpkin( Page 88 , Item Code 115156, £12.50 plus P&P) and the Square Scallop punch ( Page 88; Item Code 113653; £12.50 plus P&P) to make the bat.

Spa Time - Small Gifts

2009-10-25T16:55:00.012Z

Thought I would share the little gifts we made earlier this week . They are all holders - for teabags, notebook, post it note pad and chocolates....

Upon request... I am running an extra workshop next week when you can make either these OR the mini pizza box and small cards shown below. The workshop will be on Thursday 29th October from 1 till 3.30pm

Do let me know if you want to come on Thursday - also which project you would like to do....

New SU stamp set - Medallion Background

2009-10-13T15:38:00.009+01:00

I had a quick break from making cards etc for Christmas classes, ILWS swaps and more samples with my new sets today.

I needed to get a sympathy card off in the post pronto! And then came the block.... but I was quickly saved by the UPS man turning up with my much awaited new Medallion background stamp ( Page 60; code 115223, £14.95 plus P&P) And oh do I love this one!! You may get fed up of seeing it over the next few months.....

So my new fave Elegant Eggplant ink came out again and minutes later I was off to the postbox!! I used the new 1 3/4" circle punch (Page 89; code 117405; £12.50 plus PP) for the centre Taken with Teal medallion. The flower is from the Pretties kit ( Page 85, code 109887, £23.25 plus for a box of 10 sets - or £2.50 for 1 full set from me!) and the clear rhinestone brad is from the new box of 84 clear brads (page 85;code 113144; £7.75 plus PP) or in the Pretties kit as before... And my favourite oval punches came into use again ( Page 85, codes Large Oval 115156 and Scallop Oval 115429; both £12.50 plus PP)

Just a little detail - I coloured the rhinestone brad with my trusty purple Sharpie pen.... so you can have these fabulous brads in any colour that you have permanent marker pens for!!! So I think these brads will be in continuous use too.....

More new stamp set samples- Say It With Scallops

2009-10-10T17:27:00.010+01:00

Another day... another new stamp set. This time it is the Say it With Scallops set ( Page 58; Code 111678, Price £14.95 plus PP)

Some of you will recognise these as they were a quick & simple set we made in a session the other week along with the mini pizza box - and a session I have been asked to repeat for those that missed it! So watch this space!

Please do email me if you are interested in coming to papercrafting sessions and you live in the North/West Yorkshire area - I will be delighted to send you the current schedule.... ( I have not worked out how to put it on my blog yet...but in time I will!)

New SU stamp set samples - Circle Circus

2009-10-06T18:00:00.012+01:00

So it is time for some more samples using the new stamp sets.

This time it is Circle Circus (Code 115778 on Page 55, costs £23.95 plus P&P) I just can't stop using this one... these circles are just so good... and can you spot the golf ball!? And the new large 1 3/4" circle punch made punching those large circles very easy ( Page 88; Code 117405; £12.50 plus P&P)

I also used

the SU! 1 3/8" punch to make the little handbags. I just cut across the top of the circles!

the SU! scallop circle punch to make the foldover on the bags. Just cut across 3 of the scallops

the SU! oval and scallop oval punches to make those bag handles

the SU! tag punch and tag stamp from the Merry Moments set (Page 16) on the topiary card... I just cut off the top of the tag!

the SU! large star punches on the kraft card

NOTE - you can now buy packs of 12x12 kraft cardstock from Stampin' Up! too. Hooray!! 20 sheets for £5.95 plus P&P. Details on page 80....

More new SU stamp set samples - Flight of the Butterfly

2009-10-04T15:23:00.011+01:00

And here are some clean & simple (CAS) cards etc I made using the new set called Flight of the Butterfly. You will find this set on page 43; item code 111564; and it costs £23.95 plus P&P.

This is one of the new sets I most expect to"fly"off the shelves... especially as it has a punch to match ..... which is on page 88 ; item code 117404; costing £12.50 plus P&P.

I absolutely love this set... which is amazing seeing as I usually do not like butterflies...! Yes I am in that strange 1% minority ..... And it will be even better when I receive my punch!!

The mat pack ( page 91; item code 117395 for £7.50) was essential for easily achieving the pricking on this black & white card

New Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue

2009-10-01T14:31:00.005+01:00

Drum Roll please!!! Here it is .... the new Stampin' Up! idea book and catalogue for 2009-10. Lots of new stamp sets, punches, tools, adhesives, papers and accessories.

Just click on the image to the right and it will take you to the catalogue on the Stampin' Up! web site. And for those of you (like me!) that need a hard copy... just contact me to order one....

Happy browsing... and I would love any feedback on your thoughts of the new products....

Remember too... that you can come and see many of these new products at my Open House on Sat 10th and Sun 11th October. Just let me know that you are coming so I can ensure there is a Make n Take for you!

New SU stamp set samples

2009-10-01T09:59:00.020+01:00

So whilst I am waiting to update my blog with the new Idea Book & Catalogue.... Thought I should finally upload some of my projects using some of the new stamp sets. So here are some I made using the Good Friend set. (This is on Page 48 of the new catalogue; item code no. 113740; and it costs £22.95 plus P&P)

Stampin' Up! New Idea Book & Catalogue

2009-09-30T14:10:00.005+01:00

It is only hours away from the new catalogue launch. I have the new catalogues available and ready to go for tomorrow, 1st October 2009. So please don't hesitate to order one from me or come and get one at my Open House events on 10/11th October.

I have had some of the new stamp sets to play with over the past few weeks - hence why I have gone very quiet on the blog front... I have had great fun and will be posting some samples on this blog very soon.....

Blog Candy - Quickutz Silhouette!

2009-09-30T14:01:00.004+01:00

Fantastic opportunity here to win £299's worth of kit if you live in the UK. See Jak Heath's blog Crafters Kitchen to take your part.... http://crafterskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/09/amazing-blog-candy.html

Last Chance List

2009-09-09T12:00:00.000+01:00

As each catalogue year comes to a close, Stampin' Up! provides us with a Last Chance List of stamps and accessories that will be retired and no longer available from 1st October. These are all only available while supplies last - and some items have already gone!

Unusually - this year many of these items are being offered at a discount - even up to 50% off!! so click on the link at the top RHS of this screen for more product information. Please order asap to avoid disappointment!

Gift Card Holders

2009-09-08T08:14:00.001+01:00

So my first posting of some of my cards. I made these the other week for a swap on In Love With Stamping hosted by Alex...... Thanks again Alex!

These are Gift Card holders all made from Stampin' Up! products - their punches just make my life so much easier! And aren't those Bold Brights colours just fab!

Blog Candy

2009-09-08T08:06:00.001+01:00

Helen has posted some fab blog candy over at http://ellephantasticcards.blogspot.com/ - up till 20th September. She is also opening her online shop on 16th September - I hope it is a wonderful new venture Helen.....

Now what shall I try to do next on my blog! I think it must be adding an image - I have so many cards to show you! I have my very bright gift card holders from the last In Love With Stamping swap(thanks Alex!) and I have the 8 Clean & Simple Christmas cards from this week's classes chez moi!

2009-08-18T13:53:00.000+01:00

Hi. So this is my first post. Hopefully the first of many - as I start off on my journey in Blog Land!