Last Christmas In July Movers and Shapers Choccie Box

This is the last day of July and so brings to an end my Christmas in July display.
I made this cute choccie box using the Big Shot Movers and Shapers die. My base is Kiwi Kiss textured card stock and i have used scraps i had left over from the I Wish Simply Scrappin Kit to decorate the bottom of the box and some Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon tied in a bow at the top. It was really easy and fitted a small Lindt Box of Chocolates in it.

Movers and Shapers Holiday Windows Christmas Cards

Here are a whole heap of christmas cards that i made using the Holiday Windows and the movers and shapers Big Shot Die.

I have tried some different layouts and different stamp sets but in all they came together very quickly.
July is almost over so i hope that you have gotten a whole heap of christmas ideas and are inspired to get a head start on your christmas creating!

Sponged Medallion Card

I just love the Medallion stamp. There is so many things that you can do with it. This is a simple sponged card that i will be teaching at my Medallion techniques class tomorrow night. I have used Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Tempting Turquoise and Taken With Teal inks to sponge on to my Medallion stamp. I love the bright and vibrant effect of these colours. The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Sentiments stamp set available in the Autumn Winter Mini Catalogue, there is only 1 month left before this catalogue ends so make sure you get all your goodies before then!

Christmas Gift Card Holder and Fancy Favour Box

This is a christmas version of the Gift Card Holder i made here.
This was one of the projects at my Christmas In July extravaganza earlier this month. We embossed Old Olive card stock with the Big Shot Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder. The front of the holder is decorated with a Belly Band featuring the Real Red Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon (from the Summer Mini catalogue) and an imaged coloured in with Stampin' Write Markers from the Christmas Classics stamp set

This is a quick fancy favour box that i whipped up. It would be really easy to make a whole heap of these and fill them with choccies for christmas.
I used Kiwi Kiss textured card stock and ran it through the Big Shot on the Fancy Favour XL die. I then simply wrapped around some Riding Hood Red Designer Series paper, some Kiwi Kiss Double Sided Satin Ribbon and grabbed a metal edged tag with the same holly as the previous project punched out and put into the metal tag.
Simple!

Bird Punch Heleconnia Card

This is a card i made to showcase the Bird Punch at a recent class. This is a heleconia flower that i have made using the body of the 2-step Bird Punch. I was really pleased with the way it turned out. I have used Pink Pirouette as my base card stock and accessorised with the Pink Pirouette Double Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.
The Kiwi Kiss leaves have been made using the Wide Oval Punch which has been run through the crimper.
The greeting is from the Teeny Tiny Sentiments stamp set which has been punched out using the Word Window punch and layered on the a Kiwi Kiss tag cut out with the Lots of Tags Sizzlet Big Shot Die.

Thomas Scrap Book Page

Late last year we had a fantastic "Day Out with Thomas" at Thirlmere. It was a fantastic day with a steam train ride, lots of thomas rides to check out and some yummy Australian food. So these photos have been waiting to be scrapbooked and i finally got around to doing it.

Most fun kids pages scream Bold Brights to me so this page is on a 12x12 Brilliant Blue base. I have layered my photos on Read Red and Yoyo Yellow and have used these colours along with Tempting Turquoise to cut out the Title using the Big Shot Timeless Type Sizzlet Alphabet.

I really like the different options you have with this alphabet, the bonus is capitals and lower case but you can cut out different coloured card stock and Designer Series Paper giving it a different look each time. Check out some of my other recent pages and you can hardly tell that it is the same alphabet because they look so different.

I haven't done my journalling yet (basically because i have to dig out the date) but i have cut out a Top Note Die with the Big Shot to do my journalling on and i will use a matching Tempting Turquoise Stampin' Write Marker to write with).

The stamp set i have used is Choo Choo and the Right on Track wheel. This stamp set was in one of our mini catalogues which is finished but i really have my fingers crossed that it makes a return in September in the 2010-2011 Ideas Book and Catalogue because it is a fantastic set for boys.

Christmas In July Scallop Envelope Box with Cards

This is one of the projects we made at my Christmas in July Extravaganza. It is a box made with the Scallop Envelope die and in it were 6 little Christmas note cards. All were decorated using the Season of Joy stamp set. The colour scheme was Riding Hood Red and Old Olive which go quite nicely together.

Medallion Techniques Class

Medallion Techniques Class
Thursday 29th July 2010 7pm
Come along and learn 4 great techniques using the Medallion Stamp
Class cost is $20 or include the Medallion Stamp with the class and pay only $40
RSVP Essential to Christies_stamps@yahoo.com.au

Big Shot Scallop Envelope Long Box

Today i have a nice box to show you that i made using theScallop Envelop BigZ Die. An envelope into a box... pretty good huh.
I have used 8 scallop envelopes to make this box and have simply joined them together using the side tabs. There are 3 envelopes across the front and the back and one envelope across each side for the width. I have then placed a liner on the bottom of the box and some co ordinating Designer Series Paper (in this case it is the Good Morning Sunshine DSP) around the box.
The flower on the front of the box is made using the Scallop Circle Punch and Designer Series Paper. I have scrunched up the punched shapes and then flattened them out again, layering them on top of each other and placing a brad in the centre. The great thing about these flowers, besides them being super easy is that you can make them as many layers as you like and scrunch them up as much as you like... a great stress reliever!

It is a nice sized little box for a range of items so would do nicely for a gift.

Inspiring Others

I had a lovely email recently from Sue. Sue shared some photos with me that she was inspired to make by something that i had made. Her cards were all so fantastic that i had to share them with you.


When i saw these cards i was so inspired to make some vintage and i have finally gotten around to making one which i will share with you on another day. Thanks Sue for inspiring me and letting me share these with others!

Sweet Stems and Embosslits

This card i made for a recent Big Shot class. It uses a few bits and peices including the Big Shot Movers and Shapers Ornament die and the Sweet Stems Embosslits. The flowers are Bella Rose Designer Series Paper from the 5-Petal flower punch which have been sponged around the edges.
I have stamped a flower from the Sweet Stems set randomly around the bottom of the card and decorated the flower pot with the swirl from the Season of Joy set (yes you read right, a Christmas set!). I have finished the card off with a peice of Baja Breeze 1" Double Striped Grosgrain Ribbon and by peircing holes with the mat pack the whole way around the card? What do you think?
This card was made for free along with the other projects on the night by anyone who has purchased a Big Shot from me. I design a class every couple of months to teach those who have purchased a Big Shot, different ways to use their new die cutting system. The best bit is its free! If you would like to know more about my Big Shot classes or other Big Shot specials i offer then email me at christies_stamps@yahoo.com.au

Bon Voyage Stamp-A-Thon

Bon Voyage Stamp-A-Thon
Say goodbye to the retiring catalogue stock with this fantastic afternoon of stamping!

Saturday 7th August 2010
3-9pm
Hambeldon Rd Public School
Bali Drive Quakers Hill
Cost $30 (includes pizza dinner and supper)

Anyone who has attended these events at the hall know they are lots of fun and this one is going to be bigger and better than ever. There are 8 great projects to complete each using the retiring products and focusing on something a little different.

There are games with prizes, lucky door prizes, a little goodie bag for each attendee and lots of retiring products to purchase at MASSIVE savings!

Bring a friend new to Stampin' Up! and recieve a gift.
Places are limited and are filling up fast.
RSVP to Christies_stamps@yahoo.com.au

Pony Party Kids Make and Take

A few weeks ago i was asked to do a workshop where the participants were a group of young girls (with their mums helping of course). I knew Pony Party was the set i had to use and i toyed with a couple of different cards finally settling on this one. It looked good but yet was not too complicated for the girls.
I chose the colour scheme of Almost Amethyst and Pretty in Pink because i thought it worked well when i did Alyssa's birthday invitations. I stamped the Pony Party in Staz On black ink and coloured in selected parts using a Pretty In Pink marker. I used the Classic Stars Wheel with Versamark in the background and i added texture to the card by crimping a strip of paper and using the Scallop Edge Punch for decoration. Of course no little girls card would be complete without glitter so we highlighted the pony's tail and mane with the 2-way glue pen and glitter.
The workshop was 'very' hectic but the looks on the girls faces made it all worthwhile.

We also made this cute little bookmark.

Inklings Christmas In July Blog Hop

Welcome to The INKlings’ Team’s Christmas in July blog hop. You may have arrived here from Rachel Jackson's blog or just be visiting my blog, whichever way once you’ve checked out my creations you can continue the hop through the link at the end of this post to the next team member.

How quick is this year going! Have you started to think about your Christmas cards and projects yet? The INKlings team has and we thought that this month was the perfect time to host a Christmas in July blog hop. You'll find lots of great ideas provided by 19 team members’ fantastic blogs.

Want to win some Blog Candy? Simply leave a comment on each blog and then email ME (Christie Kunkel) at christies_stamps@yahoo.com.au and let me know you’ve done so and you’ll be in the running for a fantastic prize of 19 handmade cards plus other goodies.

Sorry Blog Candy prize not available to SU! demonstrators but you're more than welcome to leave us a comment!

The first project i have for you today is Santa's Overalls. This is one of the projects that we made at my Christmas in July Extravaganza this past weekend. It uses the Big Shot Pillow Box die (3 of them in total) to make a bucket. With some simple punching and strips of black and white cardstock and real red polka dot ribbon they look a treat and are ready to fill with some goodies.

The second project i have is a really easy Christmas card. I have simply stamped the Snow Swirled stamp set at random over a piece of Whisper White cardstock and then cut it into strips to fit on my Pacific Point card stock. I have placed another peice of Pacific point over the top of the card (covering the top of the strips) which i have punched with the Eyelet Border Punch and stamped the greeting from the same set in Whisper White Craft ink. I think it is quite an effective and quick card. I actually got the idea for the layout from a card Becky Roberts made with Designer Series Paper. It is a card that could be adapted to any occassion.

The next project i have for you is a candle holder i have made using the Big Shot Movers and Shapers die. I have used 2 complete cards cut with the die and have cut the ornament die into each side of the card. I have stamped the card stock with the a stamp from the Season of Joy stamp set and have then assembled the cards placing vellum card stock over the punched out area. I have made a base and a lid, the lid has a circle cut with the Circle Scissors in the top. I think this little candle holder would look great with one of those battery operated tea lights in it, i just havent got my hands on one of those yet, but when i do i will make sure i take a picture at night for you.

This last idea is something that popped into my head the other day. It is a candy cane pole. I managed to find some coloured acetate sheets and i was wondering what to do with them and then "Ding Ding" i had an idea. I placed thin strips of card stock (scraps actually) over the acetate and then used my brayer and Staz On White ink to make the white stripes. The acetate was then attached to some empty ribbon spools i had lying around (note you must use Sticky Strip to stick them down) and filled with some choccies. A cute little christmas gift!

Well that’s all from me. Next stop on the INKlings’ Team Blog Hop is Dani Holland. Have fun and don't forget to leave a comment on each blog to win some great Blog Candy.

2-Step Bird Punch Class

Bird Punch Class

Thursday 15th July 2010 7:00pm

Learn how to make different birds and flowers using your bird punch. You will make 3 cards in the lesson but have the instructions and supplies to make the 4th card at your leisure

Option 1: $20 for the 4 cards

Option 2: $40 for the 4 cards and the bird punch included (nb:if you already have the bird punch you can choose another punch instead)

FYI the fourth card is this one

Decorated Box with notecards and Scalloped Envelopes

This is a really cute UStamp project that i had to make. It was designed by NZ demonstrator Tracey old. I have featured the Windsor Knot Designer Series Paper and made this cute box out of co ordinating Sage Shadow and So Safron card stock. I will probably give it to one of my lovely hostesses in the near future.

Lovely as a Tree Blue Christmas

Well it is July and that means it is less than 6 months to Christmas! Can you believe? Where has the year gone?
This is the first of a few christmas projects i will be sharing with you during the month of July. This saturday i am holding a Christmas in July extravaganza at my house and i am busily finishing up all of the preparations.
Next thursday the 8th July the Inklings Team will be holding another Blog Hop, this time it is a christmas in July theme so if you check in around 7:30pm you will be able to hop along to each blog and get lots and lots of christmas ideas. If you leave a comment on each one you will be in the running to win a whole load of christmas cards to give you a jump start on christmas.

Now back to my card. Quite a simple card. I saw a layout on Splitcoast stampers using the Top Note Die with the same stamp and sentiment and i just loved it for its simplicity and elegance. To me this speaks a wintery christmas and i know we don't have them here but i do still like to make these sorts of cards and send them to loved ones overseas. The Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder screams snow to me and so i just had to add it to this card. Finished off with a little bit of ribbon and its a quick and simple card, great for a Stamp A Stack don't you think?

2-Step Stampin' Promotion

July is here and Stampin' Up! has released another great promotion. Get 20% off the following 2-Step Stamp sets.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
116386	39	Loads of Love	$39.95	$31.96
116342	42	Big Bold Birthday**	$53.95	$43.16
115860	78	A Rose is a Rose**	$66.95	$53.56
116332	86	Playful Petals**	$52.95	$42.36
115770	98	Cheep Talk	$47.95	$38.36
115946	115	Wonderful Favourites	$39.95	$31.96
119187	14*	Tiny Tags (wood-mount)	$38.95	$31.16
118592	14*	Tiny Tags (clear-mount)	$28.95	$23.16
119163	31*	Cottage Garden (wood-mount)	$32.95	$26.36
120003	31*	Cottage Garden (clear-mount)	$24.95	$19.96

This is an easel card i made using one of my favourite stamp sets which happens to be on sale this month. It is the Rose is A Rose stamp set. I have also used a couple of Big Shot dies (the Top Note and Oval Originals Dies) to layer my stamped image. The colour scheme i have used is Ballet Blue and Kiwi Kiss (both soon to be retired) and Rich Razzleberry.
I have taken a side on image so that you can see how the card is a easel card. I made this card when designing cards for the my upcoming Bon Voyage stamp-a-thon (oops did i let that slip? More details in my newsletter)