Mel Creates

Cute Little Bunny

2009-07-31T18:00:00.001+12:00

When I first saw this set in the New Mini I could hardly believe my eyes! It took me back to childhood - and a beach towel I had when I was just a wee girl - It had some very cute disney-fied Bambi creatures on it - anyway, this wee fella looks suspiciously like Thumper! (I still have the towel somewhere around too - I would never be able to part with it!) I have to admit though I have struggled to use it...I just seem to be lacking the "I need Children" gene, and as such kids stuff is something I just have to push myself to do.

I had better get off and start packing my gear up for the big Garage Sale tomorrow - Hope to see you there if you are local!

Silhouettes & Shadows

2009-07-30T18:23:00.001+12:00

This card right from the very start was difficult! It started out looking completely different - even the colours were different!! And try as I might, I couldn't think of any stamps I wanted to use....had my mojo dried up?...perhaps I just needed to sleep on it?.....then, FINALLY as I scanned and re-scanned the Catalogue, Upsy Daisy spoke to me.....then as I was fiddling round with what colour ink to use with it, quite by chance I stamped it on top of a previous stamping and voila! I got the idea to make a shadow look.....unfortunately its not quite as clear in the photo as it is in "real life".

Just loving those buttons we have this year...and of course the ribbon - but then if you look at nearly everything I make there is always some ribbon in there somewhere:)

Enjoy your evening!

Mojo Monday #97

2009-07-29T17:44:00.001+12:00

Here's my take on this weeks Mojo Sketch.

I couldn't resist using some ribbon though - and I think it balanced the lower half of the card....and come to think of it I think its my first Christmas card this year! I've had the build-a brads sitting here to use for ages - but being the magpie I am its hard for me to part with precious metal things...but this sketch really needed them. Better go post it - make sure you check out all the other entries here.

Inkspirations Take 2 & Garage Sale

2009-07-28T18:56:00.004+12:00

ok - here it is...take 2 of Makeesha's challenge. A little more of a grown up's card this time ;)...A lot easier to make too.

Now, before I forget (as I have been meaning to post this for about a week now) there's a group of New Plymouth Demo's having a huge Craft Clear Out this Saturday (1st August) at New Plymouth Bible Chapel - Vivian St, New Plymouth....its an afternoon affair (1pm - 4pm) - so all you mum's with kids at sport on Saturday morning have no excuses - you really must come along! There will be loads of Bargains - and for a variety of crafts too - I have around 5 big apple box's of stuff on my own to get rid of - mostly scrapbooking / card making gear that I know I am not going to use - (I am still convinced that one day I am going to win lotto and have time to Spin, Knit, Sew and do all the rest of the crafty things I have stored away...I know I have about 4 teddy bears half made that I really should finish and give the kiss of life!) Hope to see you there.

Inkspirations Challenge

2009-07-27T18:11:00.001+12:00

Well, I spent nearly all day yesterday 'playing stamps' as my partner calls it....just cards though - I needed something with less measuring and thinking than the supplies kit - (scroll down to my last post if you haven't had a lookie - and yes - I will get on to instructions this week!!)

So - I have actually come up with 2 different cards for the Inkspirations Challenge, but I need to drip feed the creations this week if I am writing instructions after all LOL:)!

So here is take 1:

ok - so its nothing like bedding - but I just thought I would use the colours as a starting point - and I hadn't had a chance to use Choo Choo yet (available August 1st - not long now!!) and tada! along came a cute kids card.....or maybe a card for someone who's really in touch with their inner child :) It was fun to make - apart from all the ribbon folding and it was great to use colours I would probably never use otherwise. Now I better go post this on Makeesha's Site - and check out the other entries for inspiration.

Catch you all tomorrow with take 2.

This time its an original 3D...but Baja Breeze is back!

2009-07-25T20:18:00.003+12:00

I have been thinking for months that I need to make up a 3D item all of my own to share with the world - problem is when you get home from 8 hours of accounts / dealing with contractors / sub contractors and clients (most of which are males - do I need to say more?) your 'original' creativity kind of goes out the window. But this week I decided to take the boot camp approach with myself - Just get on with IT!!

So here it is:

Ok your thinking ....so what is it?...take a look inside:

It's what I like to think of as a Girls Night In Supplies Pack.....that's its kind of name for now until I think of something a bit more snazzy.

Inside you have everything you need to get the girls together for a night in for a movie / final of your favourite series (Grey's tomorrow night??)

Everything means: Invites, coffee, chocolate (of course!!) popcorn and a handy wee pack of tissues - you know us girls - we like a weepy movie now and then!

Here's the invitations (inside & out):

It's very much a first try and looking at it now I think the next one will be fancier than this, but you get the idea at least.....I will work on putting a pdf of instructions together over the next week or two.

Soft Summer - it's Manuka, Honey!

2009-07-24T21:33:00.002+12:00

When I first saw this set in the Mini I thought 'Finally - something that looks like a NZ native!' Now, I'm not big on native's in my garden - I normally go more for flowers and fragrance - not that you would know it lately when you see the jungle it has become ;) but its really nice to be able to give something a bit of a 'kiwi feel', especially when posting overseas.

Its kind of a simple card - which suits the simple flower I think....and look - no Baja Breeze at all this time!! Not that you can see it but I have paper toled the flowers for a bit more dimension.

Tomorrow I should be able to drag myself to a supermarket (I hate supermarket shopping - I mean really loathe it!!) so I can finish off my little surprise I am posting later this weekend....stay tuned!

Pretty Butterflies:Great Friend

2009-07-23T21:42:00.001+12:00

Just a simple post tonight as I am kind of working on a grand unveiling for the weekend....I just have to go to the supermarket to get the supplies to fill the pockets.

I've been playing round again with more of my Mini pre-order goodies - the gorgeous Great Friend set and some of the Parisian Breeze Textured Paper....the whole thought of a Parisian Breeze sounds delightful right now as its absolutely crap weather here in Taranaki.....but anyway this paper is just gorgeous - sumptuous even! If you cant tell - my favourite colour lately seems to be Baja Breeze - makes me think of summer!

Hope you like the card :)

Mojo Monday on Wednesday

2009-07-22T20:34:00.001+12:00

Hi there! Well this is my second take on the Mojo Monday sketch this week - the first one is just plain not blog worthy...and it was kind of good that it wasn't as it gave me the motivation to work on a more masculine card than my normal girly-girl style.

I tried out my markers with the spritzer for the sunset look - I think I still have a bit of practice to do with these...but you get the idea. It passed muster with Aidan - so I guess even boys appreciate a touch of ribbon and shiny metal....but then he is kind of obsessed with boats - him working down at Port Taranaki just feeds the obsession!

Cute little Cookie Box

2009-07-21T20:00:00.002+12:00

A little while ago I was trawling blogs for fun new 3D projects to make and I came by Tracy Harp's Blog where I found the instructions for this cute little box / bag. Now last year for Christmas I made cookies for all the guys in the family (my kind-of famous triple chocolate chip brownie cookies - definitely no Cadbury's chocolate) and had to make do with plain old cellophane bags - largely due to leaving it to the last minute to organise them - but I think a little man-bag of cookies would have been one bag even the most blokey of Kiwi men would like to carry!

Its all Stampin' Up! except for my wee reindeer friend there - I found these little felt creatures at a Christmas decorations shop around 18 months ago - always thought I would dye them with re-inkers but the cream lightened this box up just nicely. So anyway - this year the nephews, brother's in law, and Aidan's Dad might just all be sporting a new little man-bag! :)

Card Tote Take 2

2009-07-20T21:22:00.001+12:00

As promised I did get another We Stamp tote made last night and I finished off the cards this morning before work. All nice and christmassy this time - Using the a bit of the great new designer paper from the upcoming Mini and a lot of Winter Post on the cards.

Again I have changed the joint of the strap to something a little pretty:

And the cards the middle card amongst this lot feature more mini preview goodies - the stamp set is Tree Trimmings.

Well, off to try and get a few more things made for further posting this week.

Retro Tote

2009-07-19T19:14:00.002+12:00

Hi again....ok so don't have a heart attack but I am back again, and its not even 4 months between posts!

Over on We Stamp members can get the instructions for this Cute Card Tote...I had thought I would do a couple - but I seem to be running out of weekend - maybe I will get another one done this week - a Christmas one could be a go-er. Anyway - this one is retro inspired - I was flicking through a house & garden or something similar the other day and there was a really cute wee trinket box....so here's what I came up with:

And a few cards to go inside:

Now I changed it a wee bit from the instructions not that you can see it here...and try as I might I can't get a good photo at night of this - but I have used the corduroy big buttons from the upcoming Mini to join the 'shoulder strap' to the purse....speaking of the strap - check out that big wide stripy ribbon - yep more Mini preview stuff...you might also notice a few new stamps in the mix too!...enough of my ramblings - I should be making another tote to show you all! :)

Hey! Long Time No Blog!

2009-07-18T21:43:00.001+12:00

Yeah.... so what can I say - I have lots of excuses but none of them that great - lets just say I have been flat out at my day job - no recession when you work for a company that designs restaurants for McDonald's - the mighty Big Mac is recession proof! however that has meant that my creative mojo has been near non-existent.

So a couple of months back my dear friend Amy's little man Monte had his first birthday....being one of the child free thirty-somethings that I am, I am generally not the best with kids cards - and especially when it comes to boys - so I was actually pretty chuffed with how this came out.

Here's The Front:

And opened up: (This photo is stitched so don't look too closely!!)

I can't say that Monte was too excited by it but his mum liked it at least...his present however (a toy vacuum cleaner dog that really picks up stuff) comes out whenever mum does the vacuuming....sensitive new age guy in training - next year I think we'll get him a toy oven and a chef's uniform!

The Last of the Naki Day 7

2009-03-15T12:30:00.001+13:00

Well, by now I am no doubt having a ball in Wellington - Out last night for Cocktails, off to see the Monet exhibition at Te Papa or trawling the antique shops for treasures...but I thought I would schedule this post so you could see the last of the great Anniversary Day Cards I made.

I will be back home tomorrow - around mid day so I can do all the fun stuff there is to do after a weekend away - unpacking, washing etc and most of all spending time with my dog who I am missing very much....hopefully I have time for a little stamping too!

And mum took advantage!

2009-03-14T12:30:00.001+13:00

So, right after I finished that wedding card, mum says is a small voice, "I need another card for one of the girls at work its her birthday soon".....I of course am too soft, and had been toying with some ideas with colour combinations I had seen lately, so I thought I would just give that a try.

It was also a chance to get ink on my new (well not yet touched) stamps from the Summer Mini.

Wedding Bells - Naki Day

2009-03-13T20:29:00.000+13:00

This card was supposed to be made and designed by my mum....funny but somehow I ended up doing the lot - Funny how family get the better of you at times....mum came over to my place with a piece of fabric from my cousins Wedding Dress - taffeta tartan...so I had to come up with something on the spot.

So that explains the front...inside the rose ...well her middle name is Rose, and she is quite partial to the rose as an icon as a result.

It was rather a large card - hence kind of difficult to photograph.....again, non SU Ribbon.

ok...the next in the series...

2009-03-13T00:16:00.001+13:00

Great Anniversary Day Card # 4 is this:

Obviously inspired by a card I posted the other day for my friend (yay - am off to her place in around 30 hours for a girls weekend!) But a simplified version for those whom I can't bear to part with the 'precious bits of metal' for .

Off to bed now - aaah got to be at work in less than 8 hours!

KWerner Color Inspiration #45

2009-03-13T00:02:00.004+13:00

Hello everyone, hows your evening?....You know it's strange how life imitates art - as just tonight I have been at the hairdressers and what colours did I go for my hair but blond on top with this great black underneath...then off home I went to do this colour challenge - black, white & grey....thankfully I don't have any grey hair yet though :)

So here's my entry.....for someone who predominantly wears black this one actually seemed a little challenging - I really wanted to add a splash of something!

Just in case you can't quite see it (am increasingly dis-satisfied with my camera lately) I started with a basic black base and embossed this with clear embossing, then away I went with the rest - this card ended up coming together quite quickly! Ribbons on this one are not Stampin' Up....bargains from a clearance at Spotlight last year! Righto - must get this on to Kristina's blog....Oh my goodness its just gone midnight!

(12.34pm the next day: just updated the pics - slightly better in the day light....but still think I need a new camera....hmmm Christmas is how many months away??)

Color Throwdown #33

2009-03-11T21:25:00.000+13:00

OK - so I seem to have gone from 1 extreme to another - no posts for months then all of a sudden I seem to be non-stop stamping and blogging.....hmmmm why could that be?

Anyway here is my attempt with these colours (which to be honest I wondered what on earth I was going to do with!)

My green of choice? Well I decided I needed some designer paper to help me along, and wintergreen held the key - Certainly Celery it was! I have to say I really enjoyed making this one, I finally got the chance to get my Nestabilities out (which I purchased months ago at SENZ) and also, I am loving butterflies at the moment - secretly hoping that we are getting some lovely ones in our new catalogue coming soon. Right, now off to post this on the Color Throwdown blog.

Today's Naki Day card

2009-03-11T12:45:00.001+13:00

ok - number 3 of the great Naki Anniversary day of stamping is this:

Have to fly - just quickly getting this done in my lunch break and have spent too much time searching for a new blog background! If you can't tell already - I have really been enjoying using the floral background stamp....why oh why does it have to retire?

Now for Take 2

2009-03-10T22:47:00.001+13:00

Ok - as promised here is the 2nd attempt for the night...a bit more of a simple one - and I was enjoying Wild Rose so much I just had to use it again.(sometimes us girls have to take our roses where we can!)

Now Its kind of hard to see but I used the Chunky Glitter on the rose too add a bit of glam....Not sure what I think of the effect though?!?

Right, now that's 3 posts in one day (a new Melinda record)- and I was tired when I got home from work!!! I must get off to bed just as soon as I add this to Makeesha's blog too.

Inskspirations Colour Challenge #5

2009-03-10T22:31:00.003+13:00

OK...so here goes......a first for me as I normally can't find the time to do this kind of thing but here is my first attempt at a challenge:

Apologies for the shadows - my lounge does not have great light for night time photography.....Anyway, I have wanted to give one of these pop-up cards a go for AGES!! so this was the perfect time to get onto it...also, a chance to get out the lovely Wild Rose set (I even paper tolled the rose - and I am not a big fan of cutting things out!!) and more of the precious shiny bits of metal I love so much! .....now I just need to load it on to Makeesha's blog here and its official - My first Challenge complete!!! (But wait there's more - I have a second card done for this challenge too!)

Card #2....

2009-03-10T17:50:00.001+13:00

As promised, the next card from the great day of stamping (yesterday):

My Favourite of Favourites - Chocolate Chip features in so many ways on this card - and man am I gonna miss River Rock!

Anyway - am totally exhausted today for some reason and I have something I want to work on tonight - if I can just find something to peg my eyelids open. Will post if I get it achieved.

7 cards made...

2009-03-09T20:52:00.001+13:00

...so I should be able to post once a day for the next week?!?

Well - some of them I am not so sure about so I will have to see if they grow on me.

So here is number 1....I have been dabbling with some new ideas for cards to sell so any feedback is appreciated. This was the first time I have used the Embrace Life set, and I still feel this might be a little plain.

Retiring Product List Update

2009-03-08T20:29:00.004+13:00

Hey all!

Well I thought I would jump on early this morning to see what is now sold out / no longer available - wow! People must have gone wild shopping for favourites and some really good bargains too......Remember - the designer paper is an excellent price with most of the papers down to $10.46 per pack plus shipping....a great time to stock up for Winter Scrapbooking!

Here's the availability status of the retiring list anyway:

Now Unavailable:	Now Low in stock:
Flip Flops	Rich Regal Eyelets
Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Theater Ribbon Originals
Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Soft Subtle buttons
River Rock Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Rich Regal Buttons
Purely Pomegranite Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Earth Elements & Neutrals buttons
Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Gift sacks
Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
River Rock A4 card stock	Basics Outline
Soft Sky A4 card stock	By Land
Wild Wasabi A4 card stock	Fishy
In Color 12"x 12" card stock	Dad's Day
Confetti Simply Scrappin'	It's Your Birthday
Earth Elements Eyelets	Everything Baby
Soft Subtle Eyelets	Fabulous Flowers
Basic Eyelets	Rough Texture
Best Friends Alphabet Upper	Speckled
Best Friends Alphabet Lower	Birthday
Best Friend Numbers	Stipple Rose
Short Order Numbers	Classic Backgrounds
Ahoy, Matey	Symbols of Solicitude
Mateys Map	Forever in My Heart
Gifts Galore	ABC Images
Garden Annuals	Linen
Leaf Prints	Beautiful Life
Bundle of Joy	Polka Dots & Petals
Bareback	Cheery Chat
Daisy Field
Jersey Ribbon Originals
Black Hemp Twine

And out from under a rock she came......

2009-03-08T18:33:00.002+13:00

Yes, I have been (trying to) live the quiet life the last few months - Felt like I pushed myself a bit hard leading up to and over Christmas, but to ease myself back into all things creative (a nice change from housework!) I have had an afternoon of 'stamping just cos we can' with Sharlene...admittedly this was motivated by both of us needing to get 'little somethings' made for people who have birthdays coming up but it was so nice to just sit down and make something!

I spent a large part of yesterday mounting stamps - 17 sets to be precise - some of which I bought before Christmas, and some from the latest Mini so I thought it would be great to use them before the mini actually finishes at the end of the month and also the gorgeous Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper. What I learnt though is that I am really going to miss my 2 favourite colours at the end of this month - Soft Sky & Blue Bayou....but I have made sure I have a good supply of these to keep me going at least another year :) Anyway, enough of my ramblings, here is what I came up with

.....this friend is very special - I used some of my special stash of Styled Silver Hodge Podge Hardware (those who know me know that I am not good at sharing shiny things and this is a very big deal!!)

Will try and get on here again tomorrow - Taranaki Anniversary so I might be able to find some time to 'play stamps' (as my partner calls it) with any luck.

"Xmas Day" yesterday.......

2008-11-16T09:44:00.001+13:00

Check it out - 2 posts in one day!!

We had a great time yesterday making 3 fun 3D items and cards and gift tags, and eating, drinking and...did I mention eating?...

Here's a pic of the 3d's we made....

I got the templates from a lovely lady in Australia called Valita Reynolds....check out her blog here http://valitasfreshfolds.blogspot.com/

As I mentioned I put on food, I have also joined in the cupcake craze that is sweeping the country at present so I made these yummy spicy cupcakes with cream cheese and white chocolate icing

Yesterday was so much fun I think I will put on a repeat class, so if you missed out yesterday - I know some of my customers were busy with the Round The Mountain - How about coming over on Sunday 30th November? Numbers are limited to 6 so be in quick to secure your spot. The cost is just $25 for these items, including lots of sweets to fill them up, 2 cards and 2 gift tags....oh and I'll make cupcakes again too!!

Phew, what a crazy past 2 weeks!

2008-11-16T09:27:00.001+13:00

I have been flat out getting cards ready to sell....94 of them in fact! So that's why I have been absent around here for a while.

I have been lucky enough to talk a couple of retailers into selling my cards - so its been kind of exciting! But making so many on top of my day job has meant a lot of late nights!

Anyway, other than a couple of weekends away over the next month being support crew for my partner the Crazy Runner (I have put my foot down and demanded quality accommodation) the pressure is off at least a little bit, so I should have a chance to get some stamping and blogging in!

A little something...

2008-10-31T12:00:00.000+13:00

Its taken a week to post this - we've been busy out in the garden since labour weekend - even half filled a jumbo skip with weeds!! but last Friday night (before I got dirt under my fingernails again) I made a little something. Its a wee scrapbook - lots of pockets for hidden journalling, or extra pictures etc....as you can see mine hasn't had the pics added yet. If you've been thinking about finding something to do one night a week next year this is the sort of thing I'd like to show you at stamp club.

Send me an email / give me a call if you'd like to find out more :)

Christmas Day!

2008-10-30T21:10:00.001+13:00

While it is not yet "The night before Christmas", I'd like to bring you some Christmas Cheer early.

Saturday 15th November is going to be my "Christmas Day" for you! So...what am I on about? Well I have some treats that I want to share with you - all of which would be great to make as Christmas gifts for your families.

Come along to my house for the afternoon and you can make 3 x 3D items (filled with delicious treats and all very Christmassy and cute for under tree gifties) 2 x Christmas Cards, and a couple of gift tags...the cost will be $25.00 and I will even add in a glass of Christmas cheer and some nibbles.

Not only this, I will also have some great specials on that day if you want to place an order!....and don't forget loyalty card discount too!

So, give me a call on 06 753 2728 (you can leave a message with the lovely answer machine man if I happen to be out) to let me know if you and your friends want to come along. I need to know numbers up front so I can make sure we have all the supplies we need!

Colour Challenge

2008-10-17T18:02:00.002+13:00

Hey Everyone. Off to our Downline meeting tonight and we have a colour challenge. The colours we had to use were Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery & Soft Sky. Now, C.Celery is not a fav of mine - AT ALL. Am more into muted earthy tones - except of course for some shades of PINK! ...here's what I came up with though:

This doesn't quite show off the added bling I gave the card....the baubles are embossed with clear ep & Dazzling Diamonds, as are the tinsel(??) drops, I also made sparkly little 'strings' on the baubles with the glue pen and more Dazzling Diamonds.....Your thoughts?

PHEW!! Home at last! :)

2008-10-13T22:23:00.001+13:00

Hey everyone! What a whirlwind weekend it has been - I am utterly shattered! Hmmmm...now all I have to do is put away about 20 shopping bags of new toys, do a couple of loads of washing, unpack all the gear I took for our motel room classes, plan & prepare for a workshop this weekend.....but what I really want to do is sit down and play with all my new toys from SENZ!....So I thought I would let you see just a little of my new haul....among other things 90 something pieces of 12 x 12 paper / cardstock.

Really I had a fantastic weekend, made some new friends (Hi Claire & Sara) saw so much I want to do - NOW!, and got very little sleep (too much to do when back at the Motel). Now I must get to bed as I have to return to normality tomorrow - back to the day job :(.....

Congratulations Besty!

2008-10-12T01:00:00.001+13:00

Well its been a couple of months since she told me, but one of my best friends - Sarah - is engaged - and rather than just making a card to mark the occasion I wanted to do something a little special for Sarah & Hywel (that's pronounced HOWELL to us Kiwi's) so I have decorated up this box to make a wedding planning / keepsakes box...On the front of the box I have put a pic of them together - but this is hidden by a piece of Vellum (just in case they didn't want to become world famous on my Blog) prettied up with Hearts from the Always set in the Mini...it reminded me of the way wedding albums always had tissue or vellum between the pages. I will be catching up with her this weekend while I am at SENZ - hopefully she doesn't see this before I give it to her! Inside I have covered a book using more Summer Picnic paper - (this is possibly my favourite designer paper out at the moment - loving the cherries!!) so she can jot down all her ideas for the wedding...complete with a special pen - also decorated with summer picnic, and as a little idea for table settings - a wee gift box with some chocky treats inside....I couldn't get hold of sugared almonds :) Anyway - if you are interested in decorating a box, get in touch with me as I am going to run a class as soon as I have some numbers.

SENZ SPECIALS!! Hooray I'm on Holiday!

2008-10-09T17:45:00.002+13:00

While I get to play at SENZ - you get to save some serious cash!!

Great specials available only till I get home - so that's Monday afternoon till 2pm.....so be in quick.

1) Every order made while I am away that gets emailed to me here or phoned / texted to my mobile will qualify for free 5% shipping.

2) Gel Pens - Every order made while I am away that gets emailed to me here or phoned / texted to my mobile for either a Mat Pack ($22.50)or the Crafters' Tool Kit ($91.95) gets a Gel Pen for $5.00 (normally $8.95) These are just fabulous for faux stitching.

AND

3) Book a workshop - or leave me a message to let me know you want to do so, for a date in November and I will give you not only all the normal great hostess goodies, but I will throw in a full size Ink Pad worth $11.75 free! (your choice of Colour)

On top of all these great deals don't forget that for every full $50 spend you get a stamp on your loyalty card - 10 stamps = $50 off your next purchase!!

I nearly forgot!! My mobile in case you can't find the number...027 24 24 210

Ka - Boom!

2008-10-08T20:32:00.001+13:00

Well...it is getting closer to Guy Fawkes after all...but no TNT involved in this one.

This is something we did at Stamp Club last month at Sharlene's. An Explosion Box. Surprisingly fast to make - well the base of it is, its the decorating where you can lose track of time....mine's still not complete - I am yet to add pictures and journaling but I could be a while in getting that bit done and I wanted to share this with you.

I wasn't feeling very creative (or well) when I showed up at Sharlene's to make this, and when she greeted me with"choose your colours" I said the first thing that came to mind- Chocolate Chip of course!! from there I stuck with the chocky theme, with Close to Cocoa, and because I am a pink girl, thought Rose Red (More a deep pink than red if you want my opinion) would look good with it.....as luck would have it this works well with Berry Bliss Designer Paper...Lucky Me!...Now the Stamp Set - Fabulous Flowers - it's well - FABULOUS!

HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY!!

2008-10-04T00:12:00.001+13:00

No, it's not my birthday for a few months yet (thank goodness - the year has gone fast enough however it'd be nice to be 20 again) but it kind of feels like it when there are great specials like this on offer from Stampin' Up!

Here's the deal....Its's Stampin' Up!'s 20th Birthday so if you spend just $20 on regular catalogue merchandise and then you can get any of the following 5 sets at 20% off!! Woohoo!

Item

Page #

Description

Retail Price

20% Off Promotion

112594

Big Bold Birthday

$63.95

$51.16

108894

Pretty Princess

$53.95

$43.16

108753

Birthday Best

$29.95

$23.96

110246

Crab & Company

$62.95

$50.36

112318

118

Short & Sweet

$35.95

$28.76

Couple this fantastic deal with Loyalty Card Stamps and the savings just keep on growing!

Margaritas Anyone?

2008-10-03T22:38:00.001+13:00

When I saw what Sharlene did with Tart & Tangy - it took me back a few years - to my fond memories of living in Dunedin as a student drinking Margaritas and dreaming of a warmer climate!!! So with the weather we have been having lately here in the 'naki it seems to me its nearly Margarita time again :) with this in mind here's the other card I have prepared for tomorrow (thanks for the inspiration Sharlene):

HMMMM...Xmas is Coming....

2008-10-03T22:21:00.001+13:00

So I am working on an Advent Calendar....No kids in this household - unless you count my partner - you know what most guys are like - they're all big kids when it comes to surprises / gifts / treats...ok just generally!! Candy leading up to Christmas will be well received I am sure! I hope to have something to show you by the end of the weekend so keep on watching... If it all goes well I am thinking of having a class to make it in early November.....In the spirit of Christmas though here is one of the cards I have prepared for tomorrow's drop in day.....

My Swap from Saturday's Training Day

2008-09-29T22:35:00.001+13:00

It just occurred to me that I haven't shared my swap card with you from Regional Training on Saturday.

It might look really basic - but it sure did take me a while - I guess that's down to doing 20 in one go!!....not sure if you can see it here, but on the leaves on the blossom branch (from Artfully Asian set) I have put a little Crystal Effects to make them glisten. Colours I used here are Blue Bayou & Soft Sky on Basic Black Background, and the sentiment is stamped in Blue Bayou with soft sky sponged around the edges....very subtle but nice and soft.

World Card Making Day - This Saturday

2008-09-29T22:10:00.001+13:00

ok....so I have to admit I haven't been terribly organised when it comes to this event....take a look at my craft room some day and you will totally understand!! So what I thought might be fun was a drop in day - well not a total drop in out of the blue like, but if you happen to be in New Plymouth on Saturday give me a call or email to get my address and directions - and pop on over to make a card! I will just be mooching about probably anyway....just don't call before 9am - A girl needs her beauty sleep!! I may even be persuaded to bake my trade mark Peanut-less Peanut Brownies!! Stampin' Up! are offering a great special for this day (up until the 11th October) see here for details...so what could be better... You can make a card for just $2...have a fabulous (if I do say so myself) cookie, a cuppa and a chat...and I promise I will only gently push you towards checking out a catalogue just in case there is something you can't do without!! :) You'll also get to meet my fur child Winnie....this is her

- I know - she's not a handbag, but has been called a handbag dog!! To be honest though she's a little big for that now - I'd probably dislocate my shoulder!! I hope I see you Saturday!

OK - When you're on a roll you should go with it right??

2008-09-28T20:59:00.001+13:00

Now, I really should be heading to bed soon - on account of it being stinky daylight savings changeover and I am already an hour sleep deprived from last night - but I just had to show this off....

Coming soon to anyone who wants to attend the class - we are going to decorate up some boxes - this is just a tiny version I tried to practice - I will post the real McCoy just as soon as I get a chance to do the sample.....hmm - sometime between workshops, work, SENZ and meetings for Stamp Camp - I promise you won't have to wait toooo long! I still have the details to work out, but watch this space!

Just one more.....

2008-09-28T20:44:00.001+13:00

Hey - so I had to show you a very cute little gift bag I made last night. I had been meaning to do this for AGES....I had a surplus of ribbon and a very helpful Upline / Mentor that I wanted to give a little gift to....and after feeling all inspired from training I put this we bag together to 'wrap' it up.....you beginning to see that I love bags???? Here it is:

I have used limited edition goodies on this one - from the mini - Season Of Joy for those little snowflakes I put together for a tag, and the designer paper is Holiday Harmony....the mini catalogue simply does not do this paper justice....if you would like to see it for real let me know. It matches the limited edition In Color's River Rock (just behind the des.paper), and the Purely Pomegranate Double Stitched ribbon from the main Catalogue too - and being that Purely Pomegranate does happen to be Sharlene's FAVOURITE colour, could I really use anything else? Plus I am the biggest sucker for Christmas hence the whole 'holiday feel' of this bag - If I was allowed, I would have a Christmas tree in my house all year long....rest assured you will get to see my Christmas tree on the blog once I go get one from Santa's Tree's in December - I'm counting down already!

Busy Weekend - But Great Things Accomplished

2008-09-28T20:07:00.002+13:00

Well what a very busy weekend I have had. Saturday we had regional training - cards swapped, new stamps played with and ooooh new punches are coming out soon - 2 words for you- Scallop Square!!! Am very excited and can't wait to get my wee paws on one! That and the scallop edge will be available in the next mini - out December 1st - How will I wait till then?? I guess I will have to keep myself busy making lots of new cards - and maybe you can help me out by booking a workshop?? - that ought to keep my mind otherwise occupied till December!

Here's a couple of things from training:

Trudi H made a great pop up card - this is my version though (which is almost an exact copy - if it ain't broke why fix it??) (I raced home from training, quickly made dinner then popped down to Nadine's place and we re-created all we could remember (thanks trusty camera) (Above is a close up of the detail)Here's the front:

and here's the the surprise inside:

We all learned how to make a very cute Handbag - those who know me will know how much I love handbags, and how I have an extensive collection so you can imagine that I was keen to learn this one!! The weirdest thing....A guy showed us how!!! Thats right - Dave from SU in Utah showed us this little delight - not to mention some techniques as well, but I was a bit blinded by the handbag! Here's one of his samples:

If you want to learn how to make this (perfect size for gift cards, ipod, jewellery etc) or the pop up card, book a workshop with me soon and we'll create it together!

There was plenty more to show you but I will post more later on this week.

A Year in a Day - 6" x 6" Scrapbooking Day!

2008-09-25T18:14:00.006+12:00

Hi there! Who would like to come and get a whole scrapbook of work done in just one day? Maybe get someone special's christmas pressie sorted nice and early?

Maybe you would like to scrapbook but either don't have the time, or don't know where to start, then this class is for you.

You will make a 2-page spread for each month and go home with a completed album ready for you to just stick your photos in and it's done! How about that - a whole scrapbook completed in just 1 day?

Date: 15th November, 2008

Time: To be advised

Cost: $45 for first set of pages, $40 each for second set (cost includes everything to create the pages, it does not include an album. Albums can be purchased prior to class through me if you wish)

Location: To be advised

You will complete 25, 6" x 6" pages, more than enough to fill a complete album in one day! During the day you will complete a title page, and a double-page spread for each month from January to December. Then all you will have to do is stick your photos in when you get home or wrap it to give as a gift. It's so super easy you will wonder why you haven't done this before!

E-mail me at mel.aidan@xtra.co.nz , or call me on (06) 753-2728 to secure your spot.

Keep watching this space for more info and sneak previews of somew of the pages!

STAMP CAMP - FEBRUARY 2009

2008-09-22T20:23:00.002+12:00

You asked for it, so we're giving it to you!

We have 7 demonstrators who are working together to give you an incredible stamp camp in February 2009 here in Taranaki.
You will enjoy a full weekend away from kids and husbands to focus on our obsession - stamping and scrapping!!

Cost: $200 for stay-in stampers (or $150 for day-stampers)

Date: Evening of Friday, February 14 to afternoon of Sunday, February 16th

The $200 cost includes all food, accommodation, and 6 incredible classes where you will learn all sorts of new things!! ($150 includes everything except accommodation, breakfast, and supper)
Come and join us - you can bring a friend, or make one at camp, it's totally up to you! Us 'Naki girls are a really friendly bunch that like to meet new people and make new friends, so drive up or down from wherever you live and meet some new people, learn some new things, and stamp till you can't see straight!

ONE SMALL "PROBLEM"
The only thing is that right now I have only been allocated 10 places for all my customers (there may be more spaces if other demos can't fill their places, but from what I'm hearing, things are filling up fast!), so I'm a little worried about people missing out who want to come, so make sure you get your $50 deposit to me asap so that I can register you.

Contact me quickly - ph 753-2728 (hm after 5.30pm or leave a message with the lovely man on the answer phone) OR text / call my mobile - 027 24 24 210 OR email me - mel.aidan@xtra.co.nz