Happy Birthday Kat!

One of my friends, Kat, is celebrating her birthday this evening, so looking forward to that.  I am posting her card a bit before she will get it... so hopefully it won't spoil the enjoyment!

The card base is Melon Mambo and I have used some of the papers from the Hostess DSP pack - Cheerful Treat cut with the Labels Collection Framelits dies.  Onto this I have mounted a frame cut with Melon Mambo and then I have raised up the stamped image from the Apothecary Art stamp set from the Summer mini catalogue with dimensionals after colouring with Stampin' Write Markers.  The sentiment is from the All in the Family stamp set and I've finished off the card with a Designer Button tied with some Bakers Twine, also from the Summer mini catalogue.

The Summer mini catalogue only runs until the end of August, so why not book a FREE party in July or August and you can purchase products from both the mini and the main catalogue and get your own copy of each to keep from FREE. 

Finally I wanted to share with you an idea I came up with to utilise the bookmark that I shared with you yesterday (see here).  I've used it as a gift tag on the pile of presents that I and the girlies have clubbed together to give to Kat... and of course tied it all up with Stampin' Up! ribbon as she will be just as excited about keeping that for her crafting stash too!

No sneak peak of what is inside - Kat will have to wait until tonight :).

Fun flowers bookmark

What a lovely grey day... although at least I did see a little sunshine this afternoon after getting caught in a slight drizzle this morning :).  Off to a BBQ at my old work place tonight for a leaving do... so hope the weather holds out.

Anyway, I've been trying to squeeze in a bit of crafting all day but can't possibly show you any of the cards I have made as the recipients are both readers of my blog... so you will have to check back over the next couple of days to see what I've made for them.

I thought I would share these bookmarks with you instead.  My inspiration comes from the fact that someone received flowers at work yesterday... and everyone who didn't was a little put out so this is for all those friends and colleagues who I can safely say made this week very enjoyable indeed ;)!

Although I totally CASE'd the idea from this blog which has a great little tutorial.  All you need is some card stock and the Fun Flowers die which is my latest new purchase... I've had my eye on this for ages and finally got it as a treat after such a hard few weeks at work recently.

The colours I have used are Melon Mambo and So Saffron (sponge daubed with Chocolate Chip) and I've embellished with Designer Buttons, Brads and some Bakers Twine.

I've already got lots of ideas for using this including at my next class on Saturday 7th July, where we will be using the Big Shot and some of the many dies and embossing folders from the Stampin' Up! catalogue to make a selection of cards.  If you would like to come along and give it a try the class itself is just £8 and I still have a couple of spaces left, so contact me to book you place.  Or why not pay the full price of £20 and get £15 to spend in the catalogue as well as the class?

Finally, don't forget it's my Come and Craft session this Sunday from 2pm at my home (GU16) - just bring along your craft stash and come and have a play.  I'm hoping to set a couple of challenges using specific stamp sets and other items from Stampin' Up! to see what we can come up with so looking forward to sharing some new ideas.

Birthday medallions

I've not had much time for crafting lately... work has been crazy busy (does that ever change!?) and I continue to spend a large part of my week up in Cambridge and my craft stash isn't easy to cart back and forth all the time :(.

Therefore I have had to CASE of one of my own cards to share with you today, although I did  actually share it at a recent class as well, but it's a popular choice it seems.  The previous one was for an anniversary and in a different colour (see here) and the ladies at my class varied the numbering and also used a variety of sentiments and other shapes such as hearts to adapt the card for different occasions...



The card base is Wisteria Wonder, and I have stamped the Medallion image twice using Versamark ink and then embossed with clear embossing powder... this technique was really popular with those at my class who hadn't tried it before and it's a lot easier than it looks.

I have then tied a piece of the Whisper White Organza ribbon across the base and then cut a top note from mirror card (not Stampin' Up!) and then a Whisper White piece (which I have cut around the edge). The Whisper White piece has been embossed with the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder using my Big Shot machine and then I have added the numbering from the Timeless Junior Alphabet dies and a sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, finally a couple of Basic Rhinestones... yes almost all the same as the previous card other than the colours and sentiment.

Baby announcement congratulations

Last week I shared with you a new baby card featuring the little ducky stamp from the Easy Events stamp set.  Today I've used the same stamp but for a congratulations card to celebrate the announcement of new baby news - is that what you call it?

I've gone for a circular shaped card base cut with the Scalloped Circle die from So Saffron card... as the expected arrival may be a boy or a girl.



I wanted to keep the layout simple as the size of the card is so cute and doesn't want to be overloaded... so I just cut a couple of pieces using the Labels Collection Framelits dies which are in the current Summer mini catalogue, one from some DSP and one in Whisper White, which I had stamped the image onto and coloured with Stampin' Write markers.

The sentiment is a sneal peek for the new catalogue due to be released in October... but that is all I can say about that for now.

A couple of Basic Perals to finish and a few dimensional sticky pads to fix the image panel to the card base and it's all ready :).

Wedding hearts

Wedding season is upon us it seems.  I don't actually own any of the wedding stamp sets yet, although I have got my eye on the Love and Laughter stamp set in the current Summer mini catalogue.

So, for these wedding cards I have used the Heart punch and some embossing folders.  Actually amazingly simple to make once you have punched out the pieces and embossed them.

The papers are from the Beau Chateau DSP paper pack, which I am sad to say is probably up there in my favourites as it has papers which are suitable for feminine and masculine cards, and sadly I have almost used up my pieces from a paper share ...

The framelits dies make a great background, after I have embossed them with the Perfect Polka dots die, and the lovely Organza ribbon is also moving up my list of favourites as it adds the final touches to give a more luxurious feel.

Chocolates

Happy Monday!

My next class is on the 7th July at 10.30am and we will be using the Big Shot machine to make 4 cards for a variety of occasions.

If you don't have the luxury of a Big Shot machine or have recently bought one then this class is for you as we will be having a play with a number of the dies and embossing folders available from Stampin' Up!

Today I have a card to share with you that uses the Top Note die, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet dies and the Square Lattice embossing folder...



The base is A5 in size created by folding an A4 piece of Pool Party card stock.  I have then cut a Top Note die shape from Pink Pirouette embossed with the Square Lattice embossing folder (ensure you emboss the card first as it shrinks, and then run through the die) and trimmed the edge before mounting onto mirror card (not Stampin' Up!).  I've also used a strip of the embossed Pink Pirouette card along the base of the card, mounted onto mirror card as well.

Before attaching the Top Note 'chocolate box, I have added some Chocolate Chip Grosgrain ribbon and then some little chocolates which were created with the 1 inch circle punch and some 1 inch squares (cut by hand and with the corners rounded).  I have raised these up with dimensionals onto a Perfect Postage punch shape (not in current catalogue) cut from Basic Black card.  The 'icing' was cut by hand.

The numbering is from the Timeless type Junior Alphabet dies cut from mirror card and then I have added a sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and 'Mum' from For My Family, inked with Versamark and then embossed with silver embossing powder using a heat gun.

I was quite pleased with the finished card as googling a card with a chocolate theme resulted in no suggestions that were suitable, therefore I have come up with something entirely original :).

If you fancy coming along and joining in some crafting fun I have a Come and Craft session planned for this coming Sunday from around 2pm, after attending the Bracknell craft show in the morning - contact me for details.

The birds are back...

I have to admit that the Bird Builder punch (or 2 step bird punch as it was previously known) comes a close second to my favourite, the Owl punch, these days.  But it still comes out quite a bit and today I have a card unlike my normal sort of design, which to be honest I am not too sure about.  Maybe it's the colour choice?

Anyway, here you go...

Featuring two of the little birdies, punched out from Chocolate Chip card stock and a matching Word Window with an embossed sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.  The base is Peach Parfait and I have embossed the Medallion stamp in Versamark and clear embossing powder and then added some of my favourite ribbon (Organza in Whisper White). 

Jewellery making

A couple of months ago I attended a jewellery making workshop which was a gift from my friend/Mother In-law, Maureen.  I've always dabbled with jewellery making, so this was a great gift as I actually got to make everything from scratch and learn how to do it properly.  Here is some of the jewellery I made.

So, since then I have been meaning to post the photo's and I have also made a little card to attach the earrings to in order to give them as a gift, although I'm not sure I can bare to part with them...

I've cut two Top Note die shapes from Wisteria Wonder and Pool Party and then embossed the Pool Party one with the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder, before trimming off the edge and mounting onto the Wisteria Wonder piece.

I've then cut a Wisteria Wonder butterfly from the Beautiful Wings embosslits to cover the holes which I made with the Crop-A-Dile and stuck this on with dimensional sticky pads.  To finish I have added some Basic Rhinestones and a sentiment from the Just Believe stamp set.

A ducky for baby Elodie

Today I have a new baby card to share with you that I made for my friend Lee and his wife Christine to congratulate them on the arrival of their cute little baby Elodie... and what a beautiful choice of name.  Congratulations to you both x

This card features the very versative Top Note die in Pink Pirouette and Wisteria Wonder, I've embossed the inner piece with the Stripes embossing folder and trimmed off the edge before mounting onto the frame piece.

The ducky from the Easy Events stamp set has been inked with Wisteria Wonder ink (to co-ordinate) and stamped onto Whisper White, which I have then embossed with the Designer Frames embossing folder and cut out and coloured with Stampin' Write markers.

You will notice that my cards are becoming very Big Shot orientated... it's just totally addictive to use it for cuttig and embossing and with som many lovely dies and embossing folders there is very little cutting out by hand like the old days ;).

I've tied some Organza ribbon around the Top Note and then adhered the frame with dimensionals to raise it up slightly.  All of that has then been stuck onto a Whisper White card base... which I do keep going back to because it's so 'clean'.  Then I've added a designer button tied with Bakers Twine to finish.  The colours could be changed to suit a boy too... why not give it a try. 

The Easy Events stamp set is just £23.95 for the clear set and you get 8 fab images with sentiments that you can mix and match :).

Contact me to place an order via email at jadedcrafter@gmail.com.

Medicinal box

If you don't know already the Apothecary Art stamp set is named in conjunction with a Pharmacy...?  I'm assuming it is something to do with the 'labels' which would work on herbal fusions or the like, perhpas someone will read this and enlighten me?

I've used this odd named stamp set to create the label for another long box that I have made using the pillow box, similar to the one I showed you earlier this week.  Apologies another poor photo, but you can just make out the label inked in Rich Razzleberry and the DSP from the Paisley Petals paper pack.

 

The box is created with 2 pillow box die cuts taped together... One in Old Olive and one in Rich Razzleberry, I've then attached a strip of DSP round the centre to hide the join and added the label... yes, it is as simple as that!

Travelling at sea?

This is one of the cards that we made at my last class.  It features the Open Sea stamp set from the Summer mini catalogue.  I just love the background stamp, which could be used for all sorts of cards to create a background on a base card like I have done here...

The card base is Baha Breeze, and I have inked the background stamp with Pacific Point ink and stamped twice on the right hand side.  The 'boat' image has also been stamped with the same ink pad onto Whisper White and then I've used an embellishments box (buttons or brads will do) to draw a circle round and then cut this out.  For the outer circle I have stamped a piece of Crumbcake card stock with the Wood stamp in Chocolate Chip ink and then drawn round the inside of a reel of red sticky tape which fits nicely round the central panel.

It just goes to show you don't need lots of tools all the time...

For the wheel 'cogs' I have punch out pieces of the Wood stamped card with the Word Window punch and then adhered these to the back of the circular panel and then raised it up with dimensional sticky pads.

The sentiment is of course Teeny Tiny Wishes inked in Pacific Point onto Whisper White and punched out with the Word Window punch.

Here's a slight variation that I made for Father's Day...

Reminder about hosting a party before the end of July

When you Host a Stampin' Up! Party you will be rewarded with a Free Products.  However it’s also a chance to get ideas and inspiration, make something and have a wonderful time with your friends.

During June and July Stampin' Up! have added an additional £30 of Free Products when you host a party with sales over £325 so check out the link above to see what you can get. 

All you have to do to get these rewards is get your friends together - I will do the rest! Yes it really is that easy, so contact me today to book your party.

If you’re still unsure, here are some tips to ensure your party goes to plan:

• Invite everyone! It really is a case of the more the merrier. When you have more people you are likely to get a higher sales total and therefore to get more free products. People often think they don't know anyone who crafts and then are surprised at how many of their friends do. Parties are also a great way to introduce friends who have never crafted before, so get them to give it a try…
• Refreshments - just tea and coffee is great, or you could have a few glasses of wine and make an evening of it after the demonstration. You want people to have fun, so don’t go to lots of trouble, it’s a great way to socialise whilst making a card and catching up.
• Share the Idea Book and Catalogue that you get FREE for hosting a party, to any friends who are not able to come and see if they would like to order anything. Their orders count towards your total and can help you get additional FREE products.

Long pillow box

Today, I thought I would share with you a gift box idea.

The pillow box die is great for creating little boxes very quickly, but sometimes you need something a little bigger for a gift.  Well, there are a number of other ideas that this die can be used for, one of which is a longer box created with 2 die cuts.

I've used Melon Mambo and Basic Black card stock to create this box and simply attached one end of each box to the other with red sticky tape and then covered the join with some DSP.  I've used a strip of the Cheerful Treat DSP from the hostess section of the catalogue and then cut out a piece of the same with the labels collection framelits die (smallest one) before mounting a butterfly cut with the Beautiful Butterflies die.  I've actually used some fabric from the Flirtatious range, which has been stuck to a piece of card using the multipurpose adhesive sheets, before cutting out.  Finally a couple of Basic Pearls to finish.

10% off orders placed today

You will have to scroll down for today's project post...

I am offering 10% off any orders placed today, if you are able to collect your products from me.  Please email me or telephone on 07968 951957 before 6pm to ensure you take advantage of this special Jaded Crafter offer.

Happy Father's Day Dad

Well, I hope my Dad is having a good day... he's not really into celebrating Father's Day but of course it's another reason to make a card and I know he does secretly appreciate them :).

Thanks Dad for all your help with everything, especially the house x

Dad has always (at least in my time lol) owned a Harley Davidson... so the motorcycle stamp set is ideal for him.  This card was inspired by my crafty friend Amy, when I saw her make it I just had to CASE it too!

Just a square of Whisper White, stamped with the image, 3 times starting from the right hand side and without reinking the stamp... it creates a lovely effect that looks like the motorcycle is moving (?).  The ribbon (retired) has been stuck with red tape and then I have then mounted the card onto Early Espresso card and then the Crumbcake card base and added the Happy Father's Day sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set.

Here's another using some of the Early Espresso Grosgrain ribbon which is available in the current catalogue... and using a sentiment from the Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set instead...

Foiled motorcycle

The a la carte stamps on pages 14-16 of the main catalogue are very reasonably priced if you just want to build up your collection slowly, and there are plenty of choices for different occasions. 

With Father's Day tomorrow the a la carte Motorcycle stamp set is getting a bit of use, as I have it featuring on one of the cards that we will be making at my class this morning and also the card I have made for my dad (check back tomorrow).

I've created a 5 x 7 " card base from Soft Suede and then attached a piece of kitchen foil which I have run through the Square Lattice embossing folder to create the background panel.  It's a bit fiddly and you need to be careful you don't tear the foil when sticking it down, but it creates a lovely metallic effect ;).

I have then added a strip of Old Olive card stock with the sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes and Happiest Birthday Wishes stamp set's inked with Chocolate Chip, attaching 3 silver brads before sticking this down.

For the image panel I have used the Labels Collection Framelits dies to cut a Old Olive frame and then a Whisper White one around the Motorcycle image.  I've inked the Motorcycle in Chocolate Chip and coloured with an Old Olive Stampin' Write marker pen and it's ready... I hope the class attendee's like it.

Another Father's Day card

2 days to go till Father's Day, so here's something appropriate for the occasion...



I braved the All in the Family stamp set for this card, which is a great set (as long as you have a Stamp-a-ma-jig) but a bit fiddly to line all the body parts up :)!  I've stamped a little guy with a shirt and tie onto Whisper White and then cut him out, along with the dog.

The card base is Pool Party and I have adhered a strip of DSP from the Beau Chateau paper pack on one side and then added lettering cut from Marina Mist using the Timeless Junior Alphabet dies... and then attached the characters using dimensionals.  The sentiment is from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set inked in Marina Mist and then I've added a button tied with linen thread to finish.

I believe this stamp set might be retiring in September, so if you want to get your hands on it before then just contact me to place your order.  And don't forget that during June Stampin' Up! are offering a FREE pack of papers when you buy 3 packs - see here for more.

For my Mum

Today I have a card to share with you that I made for my Mum who will be having surgery this afternoon for cataracts.  Hopefully a straightforward procedure. but I will still be thinking of her and just wanted to let her know...

I've stamped the Medallion stamp directly onto the Basic Black card base with Versamark ink and then embossed it with clear embossing powder melted with a heat gun, which creates a lovely shimmery background. 

Onto this I have adhered the lettering cut out of Whisper White from the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet dies and then added a couple of Real Red flowers created with the largest and smallest flowers from the Boho Blossoms punch (layered up and then added a Basis Rhinestone in the centre).  Then to finish I have used the sentiment from the Just Believe stamp set, inked in Versamark and embossed with White embossing powder.

Cards for all occasions class this Saturday

I can still squeeze in a couple of people for my class this Saturday from 10.30am if anyone is interested.  We will be making 4 cards for different occasions and using a variety of techniques.  The class is is £20 (including £15 to spend in the catalogue) or you can pay £8 to just make the cards only.

The class is designed to cater for those who have done a little crafting before, but beginners are also welcome.  Don't be afraid to come along and give it a try as I will be on hand to help you.

Here are the stamp set's for the cards we will be making:

Medallion

Motorcycle

Open Sea

Contact me to book your place.

Don't forget Father's Day

Don't forget it's Father's Day this coming Sunday (17th)...

Ok, so Dad's aren't keen crafters, but I am sure they will still appreciate a handmade card! 

Here is a quick and simple idea which will work for any dad really... especially if you find it hard to come up with something to suit a particular hobby or interest.  You can always use the colours of his favourite sports team for the 'outfit' and it's a great way to use up scraps of DSP.

I've used a Crumbcake base and created the little owl with Chocolate Chip card stock and scraps of Whisper White and Basic Black for the eyes.  The 'outfit' was created with a scrap of DSP, and I have then punched out a matching scallop circle to mount him on.

Trusty Teeny Tiny Wishes provided the sentiment, inked with Chocolate Chip... this stamp set is a life saver!

Of course this is my favourite punch of all time, you can check out my other ideas if you go to the 'owl punch' label to the right hand side of my blog :). 

If you would like to place an order, contact me at jadedcrafter@gmail.com.

Baby shower invite

I received this cute little invite from my crafty friend Amy, so just had to share it with you.

This babygrow design was created by folding a Whisper White cardbase at the top and then punching using 1-3/8 circles to create the neck and leg-holes.  After cutting the arms the card has been run through the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder using the Big Shot machine. 

For the 'lace' Amy has punched out Bashful Blue scallop circles and then punched the centre usingin a 1-3/8 circle punch.  The teddy bear is from the Every Little Bit stampset inked with Bashful Blue onto Whisper White and then punched out using a 1-1/4 circle punch before being mounted onto a 1-3/8 circle of Bashful Blue card.

Now I just have to create a baby shower card and think of a present idea...

Anniversary medallion

Well, despite having to work somewhat this weekend, I am still planning to get my crafting mojo back up and running so I can feel a little more human again!  So the daily posts will return :).

Today I have a card I made for a 40th Wedding Anniversary which uses the Medallion stamp set in the main catalogue, which I haven't had a play with before... and now I have so many ideas I want to try it out with. 

The card base is Riding Hood Red, and I have stamped the Medallion image twice using Versamark ink and then embossed with clear embossing powder... I'm stretching myself a bit for a change as I don't usually use heat embossing as it can get messy, but it does create a luxurious feel to a card.

I have then tied a piece of the Whisper White Organza ribbon across the base and then cut a top note from mirror card (not Stampin' Up!) and then a Whisper White piece (which I have cut around the edge).  The Whisper White piece has been embossed with the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder using my Big Shot machine and then I have added the numbering from the Timeless Junior Alphabet dies and a sentiment from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set, finally a couple of Basic Rhinestones...

Crafting o'clock

Finally, after working some seriously long hours this week... I managed to spend the evening doing something I love, and I have some of my very lovely friends to thank for a last minute gate crash of my evening which I had planned to be working through :).

So, I now have a few projects to share with you.  But first I have to show you this brilliant card created by my friend Tori, whome has slowly been getting the crafting bug since taking on the task of making her wedding stationery...

Using some DSP and card stock scraps, mainly from the Beau Chateau paper pack, and her new toy - the Owl Punch... she has created something really lovely and completely her own design :).  Nice one and thanks for making my week end on a good note x

Scalloped envelope box idea

Well, I got back safely from Sweden yesterday and then had a frantic rush to get myself to Cambridge... and this is the first chance I have had to have a moment to myself.

What a lovely weekend... I can highly recommend Gothenburg for something laid back and full of things to do and see, but be warned it is very expensive to eat/drink there.  We managed to keep within a reasonable budget so I can still afford to go away again sometime :).

Anyway, with so much to do and so little time I didn't even manage to bring much craft stash with me here, so please forgive my fleeting post.

I've created a box using the scalloped envelope die, with some little gift tags, which would make a quick gift.

The box was created with Pool Party card stock, very easy to make with just 2 shapes cut with the die using my Big Shot machine.  I've then added a designer button with some of the bakers twine (current summer mini catalogue) tied through it.

Inside the box I've made some little gift tags/cards with the Packed for Birthday stamp set (also from the current summer mini catalogue), coloured with Stampin' Write markers.

Apologies in advance for any period of radio silence that follows... I haven't had a chance to make anything for a few weeks and this weekend looks like another working one, but I will do my best and get some new ideas posted as soon as I can :).

With the right shoes...

I can do anything!

I'm not sure that the photo does the colours used on this card justice...



I've created a card based measuring 5 x 7 inches from Real Red card stock and then embossed a piece of Whisper White with the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder... to do this I had to run it through the big shot twice as the folders are not big enough for a piece this size, however if you line it up right you can't see the join/overlap.

I've cut a shoe shape from Real Red and embossed this with the Square Lattice embossing folder and then added flowers cut with the Boho Blossoms punch.  The sentiment was printed onto Whisper White and then matted onto Real Red.  The 'Daughter' stamp is from the For My Family stamp set, punched out with the Curly Label punch.

Gothenburg, Sweden

I didn't get much of a chance to create many projects before leaving the UK for the weekend.  So instead today I thought I would share with you what I am up to.

See here for the highlights of my trips - that is assuming I have gotten around to writing about it :).

Needing something quick

Need a quick card for a man...

I've used Sahara Sand card stock for the base and the co-ordinating DSP in the background.  The stamp is from the Need for Speed stamp set which I have punched out with the Perfect Postage punch which was in the Spring mini catalogue and you can't get currently, but I'm hoping it will feature in the new catalogue in October.  You can easily use a Square punch instead.

I've mounted the squares onto Island Indigo squares and then coloured in the image with the co-ordinating Stampin' Write marker.  Finally a sentiment from my go to stamp set - Teeny Tiny Wishes.

A bit of drama

I'm away in Gothenburg over the bank holiday weekend so have scheduled a few projects for you in case you get time to craft amidst all the Diamond Jubilee events or whatever you are doing...

This card was created following a special request for a drama lover, so I'm hoping it is well received.  Apologies for the lack of Stampin' Up! products but at least you can see how it's possible to work with other bits and pieces from your craft stash sometimes.



The base is Basic Black folded into a square and then I have adhered a square of Real Red embossed with the 'Stripes' embossing folder.  My current favourites, the labels collection framelits had to be used :).  I've cut 3 frames, alternating between Real Red and Basic Black and then embossed the central piece with the Square Lattice embossing folder.

The embellishment was created from shrink plastic and then raised up with dimensionals.  

Summertime offers

Throughout June Stampin' Up! are offering a FREE pack of designer series paper when you buy 3.  Click on the above for more details.

If you have a party during June or July you can get an extra £30 for products for FREE if your sales exceed £325.   That's on top of the £50 of products that you currently earn and the 50% off any item.

Contact me today to place an order or book a party at jadedcrafter@gmail.com.