Recycling @ its finest…

I like to try new things and this is one of them!! I wondered how I could get a “vintage metal/pressed tin look” so I thought about aluminium (soft drink) cans so I gave it a go and to my surprise it worked!!

These are ao simple to make, all you need to do is rinse out your can and cut the top and bottom off then down one side so you are creating a sheet. I had this cute bird die cutter for my big shot (not Stampin Up unfortunately) so I cut these out of the sheet and then embossed them (which helps them stay flat instead of curved). Here I have used the Stampin Up “Vintage Wallpaper” embossing folder, punched a hole in the top to thread ribbon/string through and that’s it…..too easy!! Here is what you can do with them

I also did a string of them for my work and they looked lovely. You could also hang them on a tree in the garden. If you don’t want to see the colour on the back of the can you can spray paint the back – I just did mine white which was really quick and easy.
Please enjoy…happy Stamping, Sam

Merry Christmas!!

Hello!! And Merry Christmas!!! I know I’ve been incredibly slack at blogging (as usual) work and life have kept me busy. Christmas here was fantastic, you can see what we’ve been up to at my farm blog.

This gorgeous little card was one of the cards we made at the opening of my studio back in September – I can’t believe it has been that long!! It is my favourite Christmas set this year “Beautiful Season”. I have quite a fettish for birds (& owls too), I just love them!! I also quite like all things vintage and I feel he has a bit of a vintage vibe going on.

I have stamped him on watercolour paper with a black StazOn stamp pad and then used the Aqua Painters with the Stampin Up inks to colour the bird. I learnt this fabulous technique at the Regional conference in Melbourne last year and it is a great way to get a unique effect.

For the card, I folded a piece of cardstock then used the “Top Note” die. The gift box is made from a Very Vanilla C6 envelope. To make this simply stick the envelope closed then cut about 1 1/2″ off the left side (this becomes the lid of the box). Stamp your desired design on the top and bottom (I suggest something different on both so it doesn’t blend together too much) then crimp the bottom with the “Crimper” (page 148 in the catalogue) so it fits into the lid of the envelope. This design is great for little invitations and hand delivered cards. Seeing as there is a little ribbon sticking up on this card I have punched a little slot in the top of the envelope to allow the ribbon to pike through.

Hope you enjoy – please email me if you have any questions or would like any more hints!!

Merry Christmas – Sam

Worldwide Week of Workshops

To Celebrate Worldwide Week of Workshops I have deceided to have a Christmas Workshop in my new Studio in Hamilton!!! Come along and learn a few different techniques using some of the beautiful stamps out of the new Stampin’Up Catalogue and get organised with your Chrissy cards at the same time.

This workshop is FREE of charge and you will make 3 different cards. It will run from 7-9pm on Saturday 12th of November so make sure you book quickly as places are limited and will fill quickly as this is a FREE EVENT!! There will also be a lucky door prize to celebrate. Please call me to book on 0427 519 969 or email me at craft2u.sam@gmail.com I will post some photos shortly……so stay tuned!!

In the mean time….Happy Stamping, Sam!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Hi, just a quick post. This is one of my favourite Hostess sets out of the new Catalogue. I had to whip up a quick card for H to take to a party on the weekend and this is what I came up with!! It’s a bit cute.

Happy Stamping, I’ll be back soon to update some pics of my studio opening!! Sam

Welcome to the new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue!!!

Finally, the gorgeous new 2011-12 Catalogue is here!! Just when you think they couldn’t top the current catalogue, they bring out a new and more beautiful Catalogue. I now have catalogues available for purchase – $10 pick up from me, $15 posted or if you order $100+ (without postage and handling) before the end of September you will receive one for free!!

Of course if you are wanting to get together with a few friends and have your own workshop (which means you can play with some of the new goodies up close and personal!!) you will also get a free catalogue.

To celebrate this special occasion I am opening my studio in the Western District (Victoria) this Saturday, 17th of September at 7pm so I’d love to catch up with you and share all the lovely new products on offer from Stampin’ Up. You will also have the opportunity to see what I offer to feed your creativity!!

Please email me @ craft2u.sam@gmail.com or phone 0427 519 969 if you would like to attend this free event.

In the mean time……keep being creative!!! Sam

During September, you can join the Stampin’ Up! family as a demonstrator for only $169! The limited-time mini Starter Kit-valued at over $310-comes with the high-quality products.

Or, if you want the full Starter Kit, you can get it 20 percent off during September only! That’s over $610 worth of premium Stampin’ Up! products and business supplies for just $231.20!

Please feel free to email me or phone 0427 519 969 if you would like more information about this fantasic opportunity which coincides with the launch of the new 2011-2012 Stampin’ Up Idea Book & Catalogue.

In the mean time…..Happy Stamping!!! Sam

FREE Ribbon & Button Pack….this month only!!

This month there is a fantastic special for anyone who spends $100+ on Stampin Up products. This is a wonderful way to add colour to your next project featuring Pacific Point, Melon Mambo & Daffodil Delight as the sun is shining through and giving us a hint of what’s to come in Spring!!

Have a good look through the Catalogue as we approach the end of the 2010-2011 Idea Book, I’m sure you can find something you’ve been dieing to order. Please give me a call on 0427 519 969 or email me at craft2u.sam@gmail.com if you would like to place an order.

In the mean time….Happy Stamping !!!

New Blog…

My Country Mansion….

This is a blog I have created to share the other part of my life (un-related to Stamping) with friends and family. Please feel free to follow along on our journey as we create our home in Country Victoria. We have bought this beautiful Cedar Cottage on 5 acres on the outskirts of town.

With our move I had to leave my interior design course in Melbourne so this is a bit of an outlet for my other creative side!! Please stop by there and say hi and leave a comment.

I am still going to be stamping and creating away as I create my studio (I will put photos up when all the boxes are gone!!) and running classes/workshops in the fantastic space. The address is www.countrymansion.blogspot.com just follow the link on the right.

In the mean time, happy stamping, Sam

A little late for Easter, but anyway…

I know it’s a little late for Easter, but I just loved how this card turned out!! When I saw this Easter stamp set in the Summer Mini I just know I had to have it. It is so pretty and really lends itself to this “vintage” look.

I have used Old Olive, Cherry Cobbler (my new favourite red – suits anything!!), Blushing Bride and Whisper White. I have also used the little butterfly Die for the Bigshot and the embossing folder. Hope you like it too…

Happy Stamping, Sam

Tweet Birthday….

Here we go…I had a dig around!!! I just love this bird stamp and punch, they work so well together and give you a really quick and effective card!! This new border punch which has been extended from the Summer Mini is just beautiful too… one of my new favourites!!

Happy Stamping, Sam!!!!