Pinkies Stampin' Up! Autumn/Winter Seasonal Catalogue Blog Hop

Thank you for joining us on another Pinkies Blog Hop! We're showcasing lots of gorgeous projects using products from the new Stampin' Up!® Autumn/Winter Seasonal Catalogue. Simply use the buttons at the end of each post to keep hopping!

Welcome to those of you who have joined me from Tracy's blog - wasn't her project gorgeous?

My project is focusing on two stamp sets from the seasonal catalogue – Wishing You and Very Merry Tags.

You will see I have created a Christmas card in non-traditional colours and I have gone for a narrow card (which will still fit into a C6 envelope) using Pool Party as my cardstock base. Pool Party was one of the former in-colours that is now one of the Subtles following the colour refresh earlier in the year. So glad it came back as it is one of my favourite colours!

Recipe
Cardstock/Paper: Pool Party, Whisper White
Stamps: Wishing You, Meadow (hostess), Very Merry Tags
Ink: Island Indigo, Wisteria Wonder, Elegant Eggplant, Bermuda Bay
Tools/Accessories: Mosaic Punch, Pearls, Island Indigo Baker’s Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Reindeer (not included!)

The Very Merry Tags stamp set coordinates with 7 of Stampin’ Up’s fabulous punches – but I have obviously only shown one stamp image from the set here - the remaining stamps coordinate with different punches.  Although you get the best finish (plus it’s quicker!) if you have the punches, it’s not essential as long as you are prepared to cut by hand!

This card would be good to make in bulk, so if you would like to get started early on your Christmas cards why not contact me to book a party and I will show you how easy it is to make this simple but stunning card! Or why not click on my "shop now" button at the top of my blog to order your supplies straight away?

Have a great weekend huddled up and keeping warm now that the UK’s summery weather appears to be over.  So why not make sure you stop by Michelle Last's blog as I know she has a fab project to share with you. Click on the next button below to take a look....

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Washi Tape Christmas Card

As many of you will know one of the latest trends in paper crafting is washi tape. Stampin' Up! first introduced washi tape in their Annual Catalogue that came out in July, but have brought out more in their latest catalogue - the Autumn/Winter seasonal.

I have cased a card that I have seen in various places over the internet, but which I primarily saw on Chic' n Scratch - Angie Kennedy Juda's blog. I have done my own version turning it into a Christmas card

Recipe
Cardstock/Paper: Whisper White, Cherry Cobbler textured 12x12 cardstock
Stamps: Very Merry Tags
Ink: Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler
Tools/Accessories: Season of Style Washi Tape, Artisan Label Punch, Big Shot, Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder, Cherry Cobbler Baker’s Twine, Stampin’ Dimensionals

I have used one of the images from the versatile Very Merry Tags stamp set which comes from the new Autumn/Winter Seasonal Catalogue.  The image I have used coordinates with the Artisan Label punch, but there are also a further 6 (yes 6!) images that coordinate with other lovely Stampin' Up! punches.

After I had stuck the washi tape to the Whisper White mat (and before I matted it onto the textured Cherry Cobbler cardstock - another new product from the seasonal), I embossed it with the Modern Mosaic embossing folder.  To get a neat effect with the stamped image I used my marker pens to colour the words on the stamp in different colours.

What do you think? If you would like to see another project using one of the stamps from Very Merry Tags please come back on Saturday when you will see something completely different!

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Start getting ready for Christmas early ....

... by ordering from the new 2013-14 Autumn/Winter catalogue from Stampin' Up which has launched today!

There are some gorgeous new DSP (Designer Series Paper) as well as ribbon, embellishments and of course stamp sets!  There are also several kits, which will appeal to both the new crafter as well as those of us short of time!

You can look at a copy on-line straight away by clicking here.  Alternatively contact me and I will pop a copy in the post for you.

There are also some items that have carried over from the 2012 catalogue - click here for further details.

Finally there is a new release in the "Best of" - this time it is "Best of Christmas".

I just can't wait to get my own copy of this set and have a play!

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

August Offers from Stampin' Up!

Just a quick post to let you know about all the offers from Stampin' Up! for August.

Firstly there has been a new stamp set issued in the "Best of" series.  And who better to pick a "Best of" stamp set than the person who helped start Stampin' Up! 25 years ago? Shelli Gardner, our CEO and Cofounder picked her favourite stamp images from the past 25 years and helped combine them into a single set just for you! This time it is called "Best of Shelli".

The set is priced £13.95 and comes in clear mount and is available to order until 31 March 2014 or until stocks last.

The August promotion is for Designer Series Paper - buy 3 and get the 4th free!  There are no limits. Order 6? You’ll get 2 for free. Nine? You’ll get 3 for free. Check out our Designer Series Papers in the annual catalogue pages 151, 153, and 154 (offer excludes speciality papers and the stacks).  So what are you waiting for?!  Make the most of this offer and contact me to get your free paper.

Finally, when the new catalogue was launched last month there were 10 new colours - 7 former In Colors and 3 new regular colours spread throughout our colour palettes - just what you need to give your creativity a boost! And Stampin' Up! have got a few bundles of products for you that will make completing your collection of colours easy.

Here are the details:

New Colour Cardstock Bundle – 134937 - £11.50
Cardstock bundle contains 2 packs of A4 cardstock; each pack contains two sheets of each new colour; 40 sheets in total

New Colour Pad Bundle – 134938 - £42.95
Bundle contains one Classic Stampin’ Pad in each of the new colours

New Colour Cardstock & Pad Kit II – 134936 - £49.95
Get both bundles and save!  Contains 40 sheets of A4 cardstock and 10 ink pads

If you’d like to order any of these products please contact me!

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Pinkies Stampin Up Annual Catalogue Blog Hop

We’re so glad you could join us on our Blog Hop. We’ll be showcasing lots of gorgeous projects using products from the new Stampin’ Up!® Annual Catalogue. Simply use the buttons at the end of each post to keep on hopping. We love comments, so please do tell us what you think!

Welcome to those who have joined me from Nina's blog - wasn't her twisted easel card gorgeous?

My project is focusing on one of the hostess stamp sets – which you can only get if you host a party with sales of a minimum of £150 or more.  There are some fabulous sets this year – I had great trouble choosing which one to show you today.

Recipe
Cardstock/Paper: Pistachio Pudding, Whisper White, Garden Green
Stamps: Morning Meadow (hostess), Tape It
Ink: Smoky Slate, Pistachio Pudding
Tools/Accessories: Big shot, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Stampin’ Dimensionals, Large pearls

You will see I have created a birthday card using one of the gorgeous new in-colours – pistachio pudding (I just love that name!) and the versatile hostess set Morning Meadow – this has both greetings and images.

The stamp set coordinates with the fabulous new pansy punch – unfortunately I don’t have this yet, so I had to cut all the flowers by hand!  Although it was not difficult to cut out it was a little time consuming, so I think the punch will be going on my next order ....

If you would like to get this exclusive hostess set, why not contact me to book a party?

Have a great weekend enjoying our unusual (for the UK) summery weather and make sure you stop by Jenny's blog as I know she is has a fab project showcasing a different hostess set. Click on the next button below to take a look....

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

The New 2013-14 Stampin' Up! Catalogue is Here!

Yes the news you have all been waiting for - the new Stampin' Up! annual catalogue has arrived!

It is jam packed with gorgeous new stamps, DSP and some amazing new products. Some of my favourite things are:

• a magnetic platform for the Big Shot - positioning your framelits will be a breeze, no more fiddling with post-it notes
• loads of new stamp sets with co-ordinating punches and/or embossing folders too (and you even get a discount when you buy as a bundle - we all like a bargain!)
• pretty new embellishments: ribbons, candy dot brads (just love these!), buttons, clips and the fabulous new washi tape (so on trend)
• gorgeous new Designer Series Papers to stroke (and use!)
• and ......

I could go on, but wouldn't you rather have a copy of the new catalogue yourself to drool over?  I have had mine for nearly a month now (one of the perks of being a demonstrator), but you can get yours in a number of ways:

• host a party and you will receive your very own copy for free when your confirm a booking
• email me and  I can send one to you for £5 (this includes p&p). I will also include a voucher for you to use on orders over £30 (excluding delivery)
• or, if you just can't wait, click on the catalogue link on the sidebar

And as if that wasn't enough there is also a new "Best Of" stamp set that has been released for July - this time it's butterflies!  I can't wait to get my hands on this....

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

New Products from Stampin' Up! - The Best of Flowers & Single Stamps

More fabulous news from Stampin' Up!

As part of Stampin' Up!'s 25th anniversary celebrations, they're bringing back some of their favourite stamp images from the last quarter century and combining them into 5 sets, which will release one set per month starting June until October 2013. Even better, along with some great classic images, each "Best of" set will also include a never-before-seen image!

All "Best of" stamp sets will include 3-5 images, including a never-before seen image, and will be priced at £13.95. Only one "Best of" stamp set will be released each month (with a new theme each month) and will be available in clear mount only (so don't forget you will need clear blocks).  You will have up until 31 March 2014 to purchase any of the sets.

The first set that has been released is "Best of Flowers".

I am using the set in my upcoming class on Thursday 6 June - a few places are still available so contact me now to book your place!  Here's a sneak peek of one of the cards we will be making....

And if that wasn't enough... I have more news for you.  Earlier on in the year in the US, Stampin' Up! triakled some single stamps instead of a whole set. The response was so successful that they have decided to try it out in the UK too!

From now until 31 August 2013 (or while supplies last) Stampin' Up! are offering you 5 single-image stamps for you to choose from!  Please note they will only be available in clear mount (so don't forget to order your clear block separately if you don't already have one). The recommended block sizes can be found on the flyer.

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Stampin' Up! Retired Lists are here!

The new 2013/14 catalogue is just around the corner (mark the date in your diary - 2 July), so guess what that means?? Yes the Retired Lists for the 2012/2013 Catalogue are here!

Don't forget these items are only available WHILE STOCKS LAST , or until 1 July 2013. So don't miss out - place your order today!

Click on the links below to see the retired items:

• RETIRED STAMP LIST
• RETIRED ACCESSORIES LIST (paper/ink/ribbon/embellishments/punches/Big Shot dies/tools/Stampin' Around wheels) 

I will be placing regular orders this month so if you NEED any of these products before they disappear forever please contact me.

Anyone placing an order before 30 June of £50 or more (before p&p) will receive a copy of the NEW 2013/14 Annual Catalogue for FREE (RRP £5). This will be sent out separately towards the end of June and is an offer from me - not Stampin' Up!

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

This and That - NEW from Stampin' Up!

Is your life: Fabulous. Quirky. Exciting. Perfectly messy. And happening really fast?  If so I am excited to announce a new product range from Stampin' Up! that let's you capture it all on-the-go. This and That will debut in the 2013-2014 annual catalogue (which launches in Europe on 1st July), but for the month of May you have the chance to get this product range now plus there is a special bundle offer where you can get 15% off!

Why not watch this fun video to give you ideas of how you might use this product:

So what will you use yours for?  I have already ordered mine and can't wait to get my hands on it - I plan to use it to capture ideas that inspire me to create cards and papercraft projects as well as all my to dos from my Stampin' Up! business.  Don't forget if you wish to take advantage of the bundle offer, you must place your order by 31 May - so why not contact me now to make sure you don't miss out!

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Less is More - CASe It! - Week 116

I have not participated in one of the Less is More challenges for quite a while so I thought I would give it a go this week - where the theme is CASe It!  I was really inspired by Jen's card, and have taken the basic layout, colours, embossing and piercing to create my entry.

(Please click on the photo to zoom in)

Recipe
Paper/Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Pool Party, Vellum
Stamps: Summer Silhouettes, Itty Bitty Banners
Ink: Whisper White, Versamark
Tools/Accessories: Pool Party Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder, Embossing Buddy, Heat Tool, Paper Piercing Tool & Mat, Paper Piercing Occasions Pack, Paper Piercing Essentials Pack, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Big Shot, Stampin' Dimensionals, Self-adhesive pearls

I really love Pool Party and am so pleased that as part of the Colour Refresh this will become a permanent edition.  I also love Crumb Cake, although I don't think I have really used the two together before, but they are definitely a match made in heaven!

Hopefully you will notice that the middle leaves (heat embossed with Pool Party embossing powder) on the card have a slight shadow effect.  I used the principle (although added heating embossing) of one of 15 techniques that I learnt recently in a class held by fellow demo Catherine at Michelle Last's Pinkie Weekend in Birmingham.  So how did I create this effect?  Firstly I stamped the leaves in Whisper White ink, allowing them plenty of time to dry (although I did help them along by gently heating with my heat tool).  At the same time I stamped the image on to the clear sheet of the Stamp-a-ma-jig.  I then lined up the image on the Stamp-a-ma-jig, offsetting slightly from the original image.  I then stamped the same image again, this time in Versamark and then put Pool Party embossing powder over the top image - voilà!

Please contact me if you want to order any of the items used on this card.

Edited to add: My card has been chosen as one of the showcased cards for this challenge - squee!  There were so many other fabulous entries that I feel really honoured - thanks Chrissie & Jen!

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Petite Curly Label Punch and Colour Refresh

Many of my customers loved the petite curly label punch (and matching stamp set) that was available during this year's Sale-a-bration.  Good news - the punch (but not the stamp set) is now available to order for £11.50.  I know several of my customers have been eagerly awaiting news of this!

If you want a reminder of some cards that I made using this punch why not visit this previous post to give you some inspiration.

 So why not contact me today to place your order for this cute little punch?

And if that wasn't enough excitement (?!) Stampin' Up! have also announced that we will be having a colour refresh when the new Annual Catalogue is launched on 1 July 2013.

However don't panic! We will be keeping the four Colour Families - Brights, Regals, Subtles and Neutrals but they will include 10 new colours (six of which are returning In Colours from previous years). Some colours have been moved around and there will be four brand-new colours. 

You can see the changes in the table below:

So what does this mean for you? Well, as from today all the card, ink and accessories in the discontinued colours will only be available WHILE STOCKS LAST so if you have any colours you can't be without do get in touch NOW - you don't want to leave it too late if you NEED to stock up on your favourites!!!

The new colours will be available from 1 July when the new Annual Catalogue is launched - I for one can't wait!


So please contact me if you would like to place an order for items in the discontinued colours or if you want to get your hands on that cute little punch!

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Happy Easter!

Just a quick post wishing you a happy Easter!

 I thought I would share with you the Easter baskets I have made for my family - they were a combination of ideas from Bekka and Vicky.

And here are the whole set!

I thought the baskets were a bit girly for the men, so I made these in more masculine colours with the fancy favour die.

Inside both was a selection of different types of chocolate eggs - yum (as the label says!).  Apologies for the poor quality of the photos - taken with my mobile phone just before I handed them out to my family!

Recipe
Card/Paper: Crumb Cake, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive
Stamps: Pretty Petites SAB 2013 (retired)
Ink: Chocolate chip marker, Island Indigo marker, Old Olive marker, Tangerine Tango marker
Tools/Accessories: Simply Scored Tool, Stampin' Trimmer, Fancy Favour die, Square Lattice embossing folder, Petite curly label punch, Tangerine Tango SAB ribbon (retired), Lucky Limeade baker's twine, Brights brads, tissue paper from own stash

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Last day to Sale-a-brate!

Today is the last day of Stampin' Up!'s annual Sale-a-bration event, so I thought I would share with you some projects which use two of the freebies - the Pretty Petites stamp set and the co-ordinating petite curly label punch.  Both of which have been firm favourites with my customers.

Here are some quick cards made with both of these SAB items:

So what items were used:

Item No	Catalogue & Page No	Description	Price
127548	Main p152	In Colours 2012-14 A4 Cardstock	£6.25
106550	Main p156	Very Vanilla A4 Cardstock	£7.50
126856	Main p152	In Colours 2012-14 Markers	£11.75
119247	Main p175	Pearls	£4.50
129312	Spring p16	Print Poetry DSP stack	£6.25
119851	Main p182	Curly Label Punch	£15.50
129722	Main p180	Stampin' Trimmer	£25.95
104430	Main p177	Stampin' Dimensionals	£3.25
110755	Main p177	Tombow Multi-purpose glue	£3.25
124262	Main p172	Baker's Twine, Whisper White	£2.50
106588	Main p160	Envelopes - Very Vanilla	£5.75
			£92.45
129405	SAB	SAB - Petite Curly Label Punch	FREE
129639 (w)	SAB	SAB - Pretty Petites Stamp Set	FREE
or 129642 (c)

So would you like to get one or both of these freebies?  If so you will need to quick and place an order with me by 6pm (UK time) today.  So why not contact me now?

It's also your last chance to get an extra 25% in your new demonstrator starter kit!  So that's £162.50 worth of products for me only £99 - bargain!  I joined as a demonstrator 2 years ... just for the discount .... and I'm still doing it - having fun, earning some money to pay for my supplies and meeting some amazing crafters!

A la prochaine!  Amitiés!

Nicole

Sale-a-bration 2013

Edited to add - this post is a sticky..... please scroll down for more recent posts...

Yes it's official - it's here!  Stampin' Up!'s most keenly awaited annual promotion and this year it's better than ever!

From today - 22nd January - until 22 March 2013 there are 17 FREEBIES up for grabs.

Yes you did read that right - 17!  So what are the details?

• For every £45 (before P&P) that you spend on catalogue products you will earn a free product from the Sale-a-bration Leaflet!  
• Unlike some offers, there is no limit to the amount of free products you can earn, so if you spend £90 you can choose 2 items, spend £135 and you can chose 3 items and so on and so on!
• This year there are 11 exclusive items including stamp sets, patterned paper, ribbon & buttons, an embossing folder, a card kit and a punch. 
• And for the first time in the UK you can also choose from 6 products from the Main Catalogue.

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

I am sure you will agree there really is something for everyone!  So contact me asap to place your order as you really don't want to miss out on this fabulous offer!

Do you want to boost your freebies even more? Why not host a Stampin' Up! Party?

• Invite your friends round for a crafting party and any of your friends who spend £45 will receive a free Sale-a-bration product of their choice.
• If your friends spend a total of £150 then you, as hostess will receive a FREE pack of Silver Glimmer paper (to celebrate Stampin' Up!'s Silver Anniversary) and £25 of free products - choose from the Hostess exclusive products or goodies from any current catalogue).
• If sales at your party reach £300 then you as hostess as well as receiving the FREE pack of Silver Glimmer paper, £50 of free products, 50% off any full priced catalogue item, you will get a FREE bundle of Sale-a-bration products (the Madison Avenue Stamp Set, Sycamore Street Designer Series Paper as well as the Sycamore Street Ribbons & Buttons).

For more information on hosting a party please contact me.

And as if that wasn't enough there's more!

If you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator during Sale-a-bration you can choose £162.50 worth of product from any current catalogue for just £99.  That is an extra 25% of product (to celebrate Stampin' Up!'s 25th Anniversary - hopefully you're seeing the theme....) in your starter kit!  You will also receive a business supplies pack worth £45.

I have been a demonstrator for 2 years now (I joined during Sale-a-bration just for the discount) and love it!  Stampin' Up! really has something for everyone.

If you would like to find out more you can click here or contact me for more information.

But don't forget these offers only last until 22 March....

A la prochaine!  Amitiés!

Nicole

Stamperama

Yesterday I had a stand at the bi-annual stamping and papercrafts show held in Stevenage - Stamperama.  I have been many times as a customer so it was slightly surreal to be there as an exhibitor.

Did you come and see me?

A BIG thank you to my upline Michelle for letting me borrow some of her samples, to my Mum for helping me set up the stand on Saturday and to my lovely customer Audrey who manned the stand with me.

We had lots of lovely people come and visit us - we were on our feet non-stop from 10am until 4pm!

Here are some of the quick samples I demoed on the day using the SAB sets Madison Avenue and Bloomin Marvelous.  Although they are very simple I still think they are still very effective and showcase Stampin' Up! products.

Don't forget you still have time to get your SAB freebies (click here for more details) - just make sure you hold a party or place an order by 22 March.  Or why not become a demonstrator?  Contact me for more details.

Thanks again for visiting me at Stamperama.

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole

Pinkies Blog Hop - Spring Summer 2013 Seasonal Catalogue

We’re so glad you could join us on Part 1 of the Pinkies Spring/Summer Blog Hop. We are showcasing lots of gorgeous projects using products from the new Stampin’ Up!® Spring/Summer Catalogue. We have so much inspiration to share with you so we will be offering two Blog Hops - Part 2 will be tomorrow (Sunday 10th February). Simply use the buttons at the end of each post to keep on hopping. Do come back tomorrow to see what Part 2 has in store. We love comments, so please tell us what you think!

Welcome to those who have joined me from Sandie's blog - weren't her projects gorgeous?

My projects are focusing on the new Just Married stamp set.  My first project is a card to congratulate the married couple.

Next is an invitation using the same colour scheme and idea, but with the "his" and "hers" sets of shoes - actually I probably should have shown the invite first - oops!

Recipe
Paper/Cardstock: Very Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Versamark, Crumb Cake marker, Pretty in Pink marker, Soft Suede marker
Stamps: Just Married, Teeny Tiny Wishes, Flowering Flourishes, Make a Wish
Tools/Accessories: Heat gun, clear embossing powder, gold embossing powder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Self-adhesive pearls, modern label punch, Very vanilla seam binding ribbon, blender pen, 3/4" circle punch, 1/16" punch

Besides the 2 sets of shoes and the wedding cake, there are 2 other stamps - a car and some champagne glasses.  Although all the stamps in the set have a wedding theme, I also would like to show you how I came up with something entirely different when I tried to think 'outside the box'!

Recipe
Paper/Cardstock: Shimmery White, Brushed silver cardstock
Ink: Versamark, Illuminate Glimmer Watermark inkpad, Real Red marker
Stamps: Just Married, Make a Wish, Flowering Flourishes
Tools/Accessories: Heat gun, silver embossing powder, rhinestones, Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details, corner rounder punch, Stampin' dimensionals

Hopefully you grasped that when I made this card I was thinking of Judy Garland as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz when she clicked her ruby slippers together saying "There's no place like home, there's no place like home......"!  Just click on the image to get a close up of the ruby slippers and the soft background effect of using the Illuminate Glimmer watermark inkpad with the stamps from Flowering Flourishes - it creates a beautiful subtle effect on the shimmery cardstock.

If you would like to order any of the products I have used to create these projects please contact me and I will be happy to help.  And don't forget for every £45 you spend between now and 22 March, you will get to choose one of 17 fabulous free products in Sale-a-bration!

Have a great weekend and make you sure you stop by Paula's blog as I know she has some fab projects to share with you using the Secret Garden stamps and coordinating dies.  Click on the next button below to take a look....

A la prochaine! Amitiés!

Nicole