Virtual card making - Christmas cards already!

I can't believe it - after finally getting to craft in person last month (it's been 6 months!), we are now in Tier 2 and not permitted to meet others indoors. Which means back to virtual crafting today... oh and Christmas cards!

Stampin' Up! making a difference and my story

During 2013 Stampin' Up! will be celebrating it's 25th birthday.  If you search on the web for what this means you will no doubt come across articles and blogs showing what a difference Stampin' Up! has made in those 25 years?!

So today I'm sharing my personal story with Stampin' Up! and how this has expanded into making a difference elsewhere.  

When I first stumbled upon Stampin' Up! products at a craft show I was already a keen crafter; making my own cards and to sell to friends and family.  The Stampin' Up! products were a real game changer as the colour groups meant lots of things co-ordinated and inspiration was easy to find just by searching online for images of a particular stamp set or designer series paper (DSP). I was hooked!

After losing my partner suddenly, I found myself a little lost and living in an area where I didn't know many people. So I signed up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and got involved in get togethers and sharing my hobby with others. This progressed to running classes at my home, making use of the empty space. I think without having done this at that time of my life I could have ended up in a very different situation!  I have met many people and made some great new likeminded friends - Stampin' Up! really made a difference to my life!

I have also taken my Stampin' Up! supplies overseas and shared my love of crafting at a Children's Centre in Sri Lanka, as well as been involved in a number of charity events involving card making and other crafts.

In the coming weeks I will be embarking on my travels once more.  After quitting my job and renting out my house I will be heading off overseas again and hope to find opportunities along the way to volunteer and/or help local communities in some way.

At the end of last year I boxed up a lot of my craft stash and had a sale for charity in order to raise money to buy bits and pieces to take with me to donate to those in need, whilst on my travels.  You will be glad to hear that I have raised a small sum of money, but that there is also a reasonable amount of stuff left for which I would be happy to receive further donations for.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to stop by at my home (GU16) and take a look. Or why not come along to my next demo (see details here) and grab some bargains, all donations will be greatly received.

I will of course keep you updated with details of the cause that I decide to donate to so keep checking back in the coming weeks :).

Stamp a stack class - Sat 2nd Feb at 10.30am

My next card making class will be on Saturday 2nd February at 10.30am, priced at £10 for 8 cards.

Stock up on cards for upcoming birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions.  Come along and make 8 quick cards for a variety of occasions, 2 each of 4 designs, all with Stampin' Up! products.

You will be provided with the materials and accessories to make these cards, although it is recommended that you bring your own adhesive, scissors and any other tools that you prefer to use.

This class is designed for those who have crafted before, as we will be completing the 8 cards fairly quickly. However if you are a beginner and would like to come and give it a try, it will be possible to make at least 1 of each design in the time available and stamp the remaining cards to take home to finish if needed.

Alternatively I can bring the class to you.  Tailored classes are also available.  Just gather a minimum of 4 people and we can hold the class in the comfort of your own home.

Please contact me at jadedcrafter@gmail.com to book you place or book a private class.  

Next Jaded Crafter demo - Sat 2nd Feb at 2pm

Some of you may already know that I will soon be off on my travels again very soon.  Therefore I have arranged for my next demo on Saturday 2nd February (at 2pm) to incorporate both the launch of the new Spring/Summer catalogue and the Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration event.

I will be hosting this event at my home (GU16) and there will be a FREE make and take project as well as a chance to look at the catalogue and some samples using the new products.

So, why not stop by and have a look at some of the new Stampin' Up! products on offer and also take advantage of the Sale-A-Bration 2013 event, where you will get the choice of limited edition stamp sets and other products for every £45 spend.

Tell your friends, book your place, it's FREE... just let me know as soon as you can so that I can make sure there are enough make and take projects available.

If you cannot make this event but would still like to give it a go I would be happy to send you the make and take project (pre stamped for you) for you to create in your own time - please just contact me at jadedcrafter@gmail.com.  I will also be happy to accept orders and can get them delivered directly to you for the flat UPS rate (£4.95) or alternatively combine with other orders that day for you to collect from me (GU16).

Hope to see you then x

New Year news

Happy New Year!

There is lots happening in the Stampin' Up! world in 2013 so here is what you need to know for the New Year:

22nd January - Sale-A-Bration starts.  This means that for every £45 you spend in the catalogues you will receive a free exclusive product from the Sale-A-Bration catalogue.  There will also be a special offer on the demonstrator starter kit during this time so maybe you would like to take advantage of this and stock up on your crafty stash for the New Year.

1st February - New Spring/Summer catalogue launched.   

Workshops - these are FREE and you will also get your own copy of the Stampin' Up! catalogues and hostess rewards if your party sales reach £150.  Why not get a group of friends together for a couple of hours of creativity.  See more details here.  I have a few dates available in January, so if you are local to me (GU16) contact me now to book your workshop/party.  

Craft sale reminder - Sunday 2-4pm

This post will remain at the top until Sunday therefore please scroll down for daily posts.

Don't forget I'm selling off my non Stampin' Up! craft stash for charity at my home (GU16) on Sunday - see full details here.

Craft stash sale for charity - this Sunday 2-4pm

For those of you that know me or have been following here or on my travel site, you will probably by now, be aware that I quit my job last month and am planning to take a bit of time out and go travelling as soon as I can.

Stage one of the plan is clearing my house and putting everything into storage - so of course that means a clear out of my crafting stash :(.

Books, magazines, paper packs

Ribbons, embossing powders, punches

There is all sorts of bits and pieces from magazines and books to embossing powders and stamps, so I thought I would sell it off for a few pennies to raise some money for charity :).

It's all non Stampin' Up! stuff as I will look to doing something else to raise money with some of my Stampin' Up bits in the new year too.  

Prices start from just a few pence, so if you fancy coming and having a rummage through a couple of boxes of various crafty bits, I will be having an open house at my home (GU16) this Sunday (16th) from 2pm until 4pm, where you can stop by and take a look and purchase anything you fancy.  

The money will be collected and put towards items for a school or orphanage somewhere overseas.  When I travel on longer trips I like to try and take items with me and donate these to a local school/orphanage or charity at one of my destinations, so of course that is what I will be doing in the coming months.  See details of past volunteer/charity visits here.

As I haven't yet planned the trip, I can't tell you where the money/items will be donated to just yet, but I promise to keep you updated as soon as I have organised things.

Do let me know via email if you are planning to stop by on Sunday so that I can let you have my address and make sure the kettle is boiling ;).  Alternatively if you cannot make it along I will still be around Monday and Tuesday next week and willing to accept any stray visitors who may be interested in anything that is left, so if you do let other crafters know.

Anyone who would like to place a Stampin' Up order in the meantime can of course contact me to do so as products can be shipped directly to you for the normal UPS flat rate of £4.95.

Three more sleeps...

...That is until the new catalogue is released on Monday. 

 

I'm off to catch up with the other demonstrators in the Blue Angels Team tonight so hope to get some ideas with some of the new products.

 

So in the meantime I have a couple of reminders about upcoming events...

 

New catalogue launch - next Saturday from 2pm, at my home (GU16).  It's FREE, you just need to contact me to book your place.

 

• Come along and take a look at the new catalogue and get some ideas/inspiration. There will be a number of special offers available.
• If you are new to crafting, why not come along and give it a go as there will be a make and take project using some of the new products.

Christmas card club - starts on Thursday 18th October at 7pm, and is just £12 per class.  Each week you will be provided with all the materials to make 12 post friendly Christmas cards (4 each of 3 different designs), including envelopes.  More details can be found on my classes page.

 

If you book to attend all 3 classes by 7th October, you will get the Christmas accessories class on 27th October for FREE!

 

Christmas accessories class - Saturday 27th October at 10.20am.  We will be making Christmas themed gift tags, decorating a gift bag and creating a gift box. Price for just this class is £8.

 

If you would like to book to attend any of these events/classes I can be contacted on 01252 834132 / 07968 951957 or via email at jadedcrafter@gmail.com

 

 

 

Big Shot class this Saturday 10.30am

I still have a space at my Big Shot class on Saturday at 10.30am.  We will be making a variety of cards using the Big Shot dies and embossing folders and each of the 4 cards uses something different so there will be plenty of new techniques to have a go at.

If you haven't attended one of my classes before perhaps this is the one for you, although it is slightly more advanced than some previous classes I will be there on had to help you through every step of each of the cards we will be making so why not come along and give it a try.  It's a great way to meet some other crafty people too...

Just contact me at jadedcrafter@gmail.com to book your place.

If you're still not sure, below is a selection of some of the items we will be using and the types of cards these will feature on. 

For a circular shaped card

For a bookmark card

For a card for someone special

For a masculine card or someone who likes to travel

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.

Summer mini catalogue launch

This evening from 7.30pm I am hosting my Summer mini catalogue launch at my home (GU16).  It's FREE, a great chance to have a look at some of the new products and you will be able to catch up with some like minded people over a glass of wine.

If you would like to come along, it's not too late to let me know... just contact me via email at jadedcrafter@gmail.com or telephone 07968 951957 and I will send you details of my address.

The make and take project will feature the new Packed for Birthday stamp which retails at just £8.95 and I will have a special offer available to help you start building up your craft stash at a discount.

If you can't make it along but want to place an order and save on postage (if you can collect from me) then I will be finalising my order on Saturday, so let me know by then.

And finally, here is the card we will be making...

Come and craft in Cambridge

Last night I had my second Come and Craft in Cambridge session... the two lovely ladies who joined me are actually friends from work, although one is leaving at the end of the week to be a full time mum!

We had a great evening and lots of cards were made...

I think my favourite has to be the beautiful wedding card with the silhouette owls.  I just love the colour combo and the sentiment from the Curvy Verses stamp set.  Here is a close up:

Wishing you love and laughter... forever after!

The colours are Wisteria Wonder, Very Vanilla and Basic Black.  The sentiments from the Curvy Verses set all fit nicely inside the Decorative Label punch as used here.

If you live close to the CB4 area of Cambridge, why not come along and join in a future Come and Craft session as I'm hoping to make these a more regular event much in the same format as the sessions I run back home in Camberley.

Bring your craft stash and come along for a few hours and make a few cards and share inspiration.

If you are a beginner or do not have your own materials, you will be able to purchase pre-prepared card packs to make and I will be available to provide any necessary guidance.

Please bring your own glue (supplies available for purchase if necessary).

 

Contact me for more details at: jadedcrafter@gmail.com



Cupcake madness

I'm just about to leave for Cambridge :( so have a quick post to share with you the cards we made at my cupcake madness class this morning.  I think everyone really enjoyed themselves, catching up and crafting, I know I did!

I was really brave with these ideas, and stayed away from my usual style and colours.  However most of the ideas themselves have been done before.  For example you may recognise the handbags from this post sometime ago, the flower shop... and of course the hot air balloon from here.

If you like any of these cards and missed out on the class today, then they will be available in pre-prepared packs at my Come and Craft evening on the 4th May from 6.30pm, so if you don't have your own craft stash but want to come and have a play... just contact me and book you place. 

And by all means if you already have your own stuff you are welcome to come along and spend the evening sharing ideas and inspiration.



Book a demo/workshop or private class

Why not book a demo/workshop or private class.  I still have 2 dates available at the end of April (so you can take advantage of the April offer), or why not book for after 1st May when the new Summer mini catalogue will be released?!

Have a FREE demo in your home!

All you have to do is open your home up and invite your friends along to enjoy a demonstration of the Stampin' Up! products.  You and your guests can create something of their own to take home.

See my Home parties page for more. 

What about a private class? 

I also offer private classes/parties that are tailored to your specifications e.g. a particular theme or hen night etc.

Just gather a minimum of 4 people, pick the theme and we can hold a class in the comfort of your own home. The pricing will be dependent on the number of cards and number of participants.  For an indication and/or ideas have a look at the advertised classes on my site.

Or contact me for more information:

Email: jadedcrafter@gmail.com

Telephone: 01252 834132 / 07968 951957

***

I must apologise in advance for the poor quality of the photo of this card... it seems to be a bit green, but I can assume you it's definitely Pacific Point from the 'Brights' Collection which features on the papers I have used from the Beyond the Garden DSP pack which you can get FREE during April when you spend £45.

I think the papers in the pack which feature Pacific Point are my favourites as I'm not generally a very flowery person... 

Anyway, this card gave me quite a lot of trouble... as the flowery theme isn't easy for someone like me to work with!  I think it turned out pretty well in the end.

I've used quite a few punches for this too, as seem to be getting into them a lot recently.  Why not have a look at page 116 to 119 in the main catalogue and start building up your punch collection too...

Materials:

Base - Pacific Point card stock

DSP - Beyond the Garden;

Other card stock - Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White;

Punches - 5-Petal Flower, Bird Builder (leaves), Scallop Trim Border, Word Window; 1'3/4" circle;

You will see I have mounted the flower onto the 1'3/4" circle punched from Pacific Point and then placed this in the centre of one of the shapes from the Perfect Penants die run through the Big Shot machine.  A 1/2" circle punched from the DSP to finish and it's done.

Upcoming classes

I can still squeeze in one or two more for my Cupcake madness class this Sunday, although if you want to get the stamp set included in the price (as advertised) you will have to wait until I place my next order later this month...

Sun 15th April 10.30am

Cupcake madness class - £20 (including Create a Cupcake stamp set RRP £16.95*).  Or just £8 without the stamp set. Ideal for beginners and more advanced crafters will be able to enjoy having a play with an extensive range of the tools on offer in the Stampin’ Up! catalogue and create some alternative ideas using the Create a Cupcake stamp set which may only be available until the end of April. Don’t think that cupcakes are the only thing on offer, you will be amazed at how many other things can be created with this stamp set. * clear set

I have also just updated my class schedule to include June. I will also hosting a number of FREE Come and Craft sessions at my home in Camberley and my 'other home' in Cambridge... so check out my Classes page and/or keep an eye on my Upcoming Events list.

If you would like to receive full details of any classes and events and other future offers then contact me and get yourself included on my mailing list.

Today I have a card for you that shows off the Build a Cupcake punch which is available from the Spring mini catalogue (only until the end of this month)...  I love this punch (and the stamp set too!)!

Check back for the matching bookmark that I posted late yesterday too...

Actually, thinking about it, this looks more like an ice cream than a cupcake... which got me thinking of another idea that this punch and the stamp set can be used for, I feel another project coming on :).

But for now here are the details for this idea:

Card base - Crumbcake;
Canopy - created using the Word Window punch alternately on a piece of Real Red and a piece of Whisper White card stock;
Embossing folders - for the icing and trim across the middle of the card I used the Square Lattice embossing folder, and for the bottom of the card base I have used the Stripes embossing folder;
Cupcake - created using the punch from Chocolate Chip card stock and a scrap of striped DSP from the 'Brights' collection.  I've then topped it off with a cherry punched from the red Glimmer Paper available in the Spring mini catalogue... this is great stuff as it doesn't shed all over you like normal glittery paper :).
Sentiment - Create a Cupcake stamp set.

Dates for your diary

I'm looking forward to being at home this weekend and with no major plans as such... some R&R is in order!

Just a reminder of a few dates for your diary...

• This Sunday (25^th March) - I still have a couple of spaces for my Easter Class at 10.30am – we will be making a stack of 10 cards with at least 2 different designs and the cost is just £10 per person.
• Friday 30^th March - If you sign up with me before the deadline and purchase the starter kit for just £119, I will also include pack of the lovely Everyday Enchantment designer series papers which are only available as part of the Sale-A-Bration offer.
• Next week, Saturday 31^st March - The Sale-A-Bration promotion ends. You can get a gorgeous FREE exclusive stamp set or papers with EVERY £45 ordered!  See here for further details.
• Monday 30^th April - The current mini catalogue ends on 30^th April so if you want to get your hands on the fabulous create a cupcake set or anything else then don't leave it too late.#
• Friday 25^th May – The new Summer Mini Catalogue will be released on 1^st May so contact me if you would like me to send you a copy FREE.  I will be hosting my launch party on 25^th May from 7.30pm at my home (GU16) to give you a chance to come and take a look at some of the new products and there will be some special offers of my own available too.

If you want to book to attend any upcoming classes or events, or place a order then contact me today at jadedcrafter@gmail.com.

I also have some additional offers of my own including the chance to get your hands on the full instructions for a gift box and cards including this hot air ballon idea.



Created using some of the In Colours for 2010-2012 which will only be available until September, this card also uses the lovely Everyday Enchantment papers only available with an order of £45 before the Sale-A-Bration event ends next week.  You will still be able to get the Create a Cupcake stamp set that I have used for this card, until the end of April but why wait - get it all now, save £'s, get FREE papers and full instructions too :).

Charity cards

The charity event at work in aid of Sport Relief went well on Friday lunchtime.  A few ladies came along to make a cupcake card and some of them wanted to adapt the design and use some different stamps to make other cards too...

Aren't they cute!?  And all of them hadn't made cards before but clearly have a creative side :).

Grey is not my colour, but....

...the Fresh Vintage stamp set available FREE during Sale-A-Bration is fabulous and works so well with a grey card base - check out the card below that we made with this set at the last Blue Angels training event.

If you want to attend a similar event and share ideas with other crafters using current Stampin' Up! products, then why not come along to my next event.  I'm having a crafty get together at my home (GU16) on Saturday 3rd March from 10am to 3pm - it's FREE and full details can be found here.

I need to confirm numbers by the end of this week so just email me if you want to come along and I'll send you my address.

So, the base card for this sample is a piece of Basic Grey card stock that has three medallions stamped on it in Basic Grey ink. The piece of Whisper White card stock has been stamped with Pear Pizzazz and stuck onto a piece of Pear Pizzazz card stock, before adding it to the Basic Grey base leaving a little of the medallion poking out.

The Pink Pirouette flower was made by punching some card stock with the Fancy Flower punch. I only punched one but then scrunched up the flower. If you do this a few times the paper will start to fray at the edges. You are then able to pull the flower apart into two layers and the inside looks like suede. This is a great way to give added texture to a card. The flower was finished off with an Antique Brad.

The message at the bottom comes from the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set and the tag was finished off with a couple of the mini pearls. This is a simple card that could be used for a number of different occassions and the sentiments in the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set (of which there are 24) is a great buy as they cover so many different events.

Remember if you spend £45 between now and 31 March you can get your choice of Sale-A-Bration stamp sets or paper pack FREE.  Choose from any of the following with every £45 worth of orders:

Fresh Vintage
Sprinkled Expressions
Outlined Occasions
Elementary Elegance
Everyday Enchantment DSP pack

Event reminder - Sat 4th Feb

Sale-A-Bration coffee morning this Saturday 10am to 12 noon.  At my home (GU16).  Just let me know if you intend to come along so I can ensure there are enough bits and pieces for the make and take project.

Please scroll down for daily posts...

Crafty get together - 3rd March 10am-3pm

So, it's a new week and with any luck everything is on track for my more permanent move to Cambridge.  I am on my second attempt at renting the same property... so with any luck (!) this time next week I should be picking out a few bits of furniture and some cutlery :).

You will need to scroll down to the next post for today's project as I wanted to let you know that I am having a crafty get together on Saturday 3rd March from 10am to 3pm at my home (GU16).  The only criteria if you want to come along are as follows:

1) You bring along a project that uses current Stampin' Up! products, and enough of the materials needed, for everyone else who attends, to make it.  Pre cut everything if possible but if there is die cutting or embossing to do my trusty Big Shot will be on hand if needed.  I will confirm final numbers to you by the 17th Feb so you have plenty of notice to prep :). 

2) You bring along some sort of food contribution that we can all share at lunchtime.  Please advise what this will be when contacting me to confirm that you will be coming, so that I can ensure we don't end up with too much of the same food.

3) Finally, once your attendance is confirmed please post details of the stamp set/punch that you intend to use for your project at the bottom of this post.

You don't need to be a demonstrator, and if you need any ideas or help then I'm available via email or on the phone in the meantime... so just get in touch and don't be afraid to ask.

PS. If you need to order anything from Stampin' Up! in order to create your project and kits I will be placing an order at the end of the week so just let me know if you want to purchase anything before then.

That's it for now - any questions you know where I am.  Ooh and please pass on the details to any fellow crafters that might not be reading my blog.