Don't miss out!

Please make sure you pop over to my new blog to see all my recent work and also find out about the fabulous Stampin' Up! specials that started 1st December 2010.

Simply go to http://stampingwithrichelle.blogspot.com/

And don't forget you can become a follower of my new site and never worry about this retired site again :)

Thanks for looking,

Due to circumstances beyond my control I've had to make a slight change to my blog address.

Please visit my NEW blog: http://stampingwithrichelle.blogspot.com

In time, I will set up for this blog to automatically redirect to the new blog, but I wanted to make you aware of the change so you can save my new blog address and please remember there will be a new 'follow' button and a new link to subscribe to my blog.



Thanks for looking,

I'm back with stomping elephants!

Hi All,

I have made it back into my crafting room, semi-re-discovered my desk and I've done some stamping! Yay! It seems like ages but really only a week since I've posted anything on my blog.

Last week was a long week as both my kids were sick and we stayed home the entire week. Thankfully they are better now but not quite back into their normal routine - miss 3 has lain awake til 9.30pm last night and 10pm tonight. But at least she's stayed in her room, singing her baby (a toy mouse) to sleep and rearranging her bed.

Well, I've said I've been stamping so here's what I've been up to... For some reason, when I haven't been stamping for a bit and feel I'm lacking some mojo, I often revert to making kids cards and this time I created some baby cards.

I've used the Animal Stories stamp set which I was happy to see in the new Idea book - it was a mini catalogue set. The last card has the word "baby" stamped randomly over the top and bottom which is from the Tiny Tags stamp set. The "hello" sentiment on the middle card is also from the Ting Tags set and has been punched out with the co-ordinating tiny tag punch.

Colours:
Elegant Eggplant
Wild Wasabi
Pink Pirouette
Whisper White

Thanks for looking,

My view of the Perth Regionals

Hi All,

The world has taken on a brighter, faster and better view since I purchased my new computer - its only basic model but it's so much better than the old one (which had reached the ripe old age of 8 or maybe 9 years old). So I think I've installed and set up everything almost to where I was before the old one died... There's probably a few email addy's I've missed, but hopefully I can finish that off soon.

Anyway, I'm sure you didn't come hear to read about computer stuff!! On 11th September, I attended the Perth Regional Stampin' Up! Training. This was the 2nd official SU function I've attended and I was so exhausted when I got home that night. But the exhaustion was well worth it, I learnt a lot of new techniques to show you all and the bonding with other WA demonstrators is fantastic! SU demos are so nice and friendly and always willing to share an idea or have a chat. You could hear everyone laughing and chatting in the foyer before I even made it around the corner at 8.30am - everyone was excited!!

Now, in case you are wondering what half the excitement was about, it was everyone swapping cards or projects with all the other demos. As an attendee, you have the choice to make a card or project to swap with another attendee at any SU function. I made about 60 cards (which are pictured below) and received some gorgeous creations back.

This is my swap:

And this is one of the variations I made:

I've actually still got a few left so if you would like one, please email me your postal address and I'll post one out to you. They were hiding down the bottom of my basket underneath all the swaps I received.

One of the presenters was Donna Griffiths from Stampin' Up in the USA and during one of her presentations she gave all of us a little pressie - I can't show you yet as there are still Regionals taking place around Australia, but it received a big cheer from everyone!!!! 

The other thing I can't show are the make and take projects from Regionals but I will post the photos when I can - they are super cute!!

I loved going Regionals (I wasn't anywhere near as nervous this year as last!). And to have the swaps, make and take projects and the yummy lunch that was provided, it was a great social combined work day out! Did I tell you I ate potato salad? I don't normally like it, but the one served was delicious!! I wish I knew what was in it so I could attempt to make it at home. Now, if you would like to share the excitement next year, why not join Stampin Up!? If you join before October 15th, you'll receive a great bonus outlined here.


Thanks for looking,

Come see my project for the ESAD New Idea Book Blog Hop

Hi Everyone,


Welcome to another ESAD Blog Hop - this one is focussed on the release of the new 2010-11 Idea Book and the marvellous addition of the Sizziz Big Shot with all its accessories.


What is ESAD?


ESAD stands for Extra Special Australasian Demonstrators and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand demonstrators for Stampin’ Up!


We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends, and wonderful blog visitors but we share our love for what we do with each other as Demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know how and cyberstamps and we are always there to help and support each other when its needed.


So if you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand then please feel free to click here to join our wonderful group. (Otherwise, you'll have to become a Demonstrator and then join ESAD - it's all great fun! hehehe)


Ok, so my projects are these super cute little bags that I have embossed with different textured embossing dies.


1) Polka Dot Embossing

2) Vintage Wallpaper Embossing plus Ink pad

This piece of cardstock was originally white all over... Did you know you can apply your inkpad directly onto the plastic dies and the ink will transfer to the card whilst you are embossing through the Big Shot. If you would like to know more about this, I'd be happy to demonstrate at a workshop.

Each of these dies are just $15.95


And here's a quick tutorial on how to make your own bag:

Take a piece of card or designer series paper (DSP) measuring 15x15cm, and score at 3cm along the top and bottom 2 edges and 6cm along the other 2 edges

Fold all the score lines

Fold 1 edge down from the centre of the bag to make a triangle shaped crease - this makes the bag fold nicely together. A bone folder comes in handy to get a crisp foldline.

Repeat 3 times and you get a piece of card looking like this

Optional: Run the card/dsp through the Big Shot with your chosen Embossing Die (in this case I've used the Polka Dot). Dont worry about the parts that have been missed - they go inside the bag.

Apply your adhesive to the inside of your bag as shown below and fold the sides in

You should have something looking like this pic now

In a co-ordinating card cut 2 strips the length of the top of your bag and 2cm wide. Score at 1cm along the length of your card strips. Cut 2 pieces of ribbon to make the handles. I've used my Crop-a-dile to punch the holes in my card strips as I can punch 2 pieces of card easily to ensure the handles will match on each side of the bag.

Add some adhesive and thread your ribbon through the holes - 1 piece of ribbon per card strip

Adhere your card strips with ribbon to the top of your bag. You can also add some velcro inside your bag to close it.

These bags are very versatile - I made a large one from some 12" DSP for a friend's b'day and filled it with jewellery - it was a big hit with everyone who saw it! Oh, I must add that I was originally shown how to make these bags with some Designer Series Paper by my sideline Andrea. If you have any queries please ask! :)

Now please continue the blog hop and visit Shirley McAvoy's Blog by clicking here


Or if you're are a little lost, here's all the links:
Nikki Sadler - http://www.inkyart.com.au/
Angela Purdie - http://www.kintakards.webs.com/
Richelle Fletcher - You are here right now! lol :)
Shirley McAvoy - http://stampingelephants.wordpress.com/
Carole Stedman - http://www.carolestamping.com/
Carol-Ann Torrie - http://queen-of-scraps.blogspot.com/
Sherylee Tutt - www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sherylee/blog
Clare Mcilhatton - http://www.crafty-cow.com/
Andrea Buckland - http://creatingcardswithandrea.blogspot.com/
Susan Joyce - http://www.catsinkcorporated.blogspot.com/
Ann Gerlach - http://www.discover-ink.blogspot.com/
Dani Fender - http://danifender.blogspot.com/
Bron Heslop - http://www.bronheslop.wordpress.com/
Charmaine Black - http://www.l-ink-edtopaper.blogspot.com/
Pauline Bennetts - http://stampinovation.blogspot.com/
Bev Watt - http://stampinovation.blogspot.com/
Vicki Were - http://www.stampinvickistyle.blogspot.com/
Jo Weedon - http://www.scrapandstampin.blogspot.com/
Kim Conway - http://kimconwaycards.blogspot.com/
Jane Norrish - http://www.janenorrish.com/
Jacinta Argent - http://jacintascreations.blogspot.com/
Monique Fielder - http://stamping-with-moni-q.blogspot.com/
Jan McAnulty - http://cardcaperswithjan.wordpress.com/


Happy browsing!! and if you leave a comment on everyone's blog, you need to email Leonie and you will go into the draw for our blog candy giveaway!! And if you do try one of these bags, please pop back and let me know and add a pic if you can! I'd love to see what you've made too!!




Thanks for looking,

I'm saved!

Hi All,

I bought a new laptop today which is brilliant!! It's so much faster than the recently deceased one and I can't wait to have it all set up and running. So far I've tested it on some basic emails and of course facebook... I haven't gone for an ipad although I was tempted, budget restraints were in place lol

Well, I'm off to set up more of my new computer, make sure you pop by again tomorrow for the ESAD New Catalogue Big Shot Blog Hop (how's that for a mouthful!!)

See you soon


Thanks for looking,

Hi Everyone,

This week I've had a quick play with a challenge on the ESAD site to make some Kusadama Flowers. They aren't as hard as I thought when you start with a 10cm square piece of paper... It's when you try and be clever and make one from a 5cm square that it gets trickier!

Anyway, here's 2 photos of my Kusadama Flower that was made from the 5cm square piece of paper and I'm still working out what to do with the larger one....

It's a great way to use up some of my stash of papers!!

Thanks for looking,

ps: sorry about the photos - I still don't have my own laptop and thus no photo editing or watermarks on anything for a while.... I'm working on getting a new one but these things take time in my household :P

Join today and receive the "In Color" Collection for FREE

Hi Everyone,


I'm still limited with my computer access, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to tell you about the recruiting promotion this month - "Join the In Crowd And get FREE In Colors!"



Join Stampin' Up! from now until 15 October and get a complete set of In Colors--that's Classic Stampin' Pads, Stampin' Write Markers, and an assortment of card stock - completely FREE along with your demonstrator Starter Kit. The Starter Kit has over $515 worth of stamping and business supplies and is always a great deal at only $289. Add the value of the free In Colors ($84.90), and there is no better time to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!




Talk to me today to learn more about this exciting offer!


And don't forget, there's another ESAD blog hop on this Saturday! I'm taking part in this one and it's all about the Big Shot! Now fingers crossed, I have a computer back with photo editing capabilities! lol :)

 Thanks for looking,

ps: if anyone noticed the spelling of 'in color' its because its an American based trademarked/copyrighted product name - I do know that its 'colour' not 'color' in Australia

Computer Issues

Hi Everyone,

My laptop died yesterday and until I arrange a replacement, I have very limited computer access so I don't know when I will be back to show you any pics or anything at all... If you need me for anything pls call 0407 262 452

Hopefully it won't be too long before I'm back up and running properly :)

Thanks for looking,

Extra Father's Day Cards

Hi Everyone,

Wow, I didn't realise I hadn't posted anything new for nearly a week! Oops! Guess I was too excited about the new Idea Book release last week and preparing for my Launch last Friday night.

Anyway, I have 2 cards to show that I made with Father's Day in mind... Didn't end up using them as used some other cards I showed you here.

Well, this week I'm busy making as many cards as I can to swap with other Demonstrators this Saturday at the Stampin' Up! Regional Conference!! It will be the 2nd time I've attended and whilst I'm excited, I'm not as nervous as I was last year lol :)

Look for me in my "Stampin' With Richelle" t-shirt (if it's warm enough)...


Thanks for looking,

ESAD New Catalogue Blog Hop #1

Hi All,

Me again... I just thought I'd let you know about the ESAD New Catalogue blog hop which is 25 different Australian and New Zealander demonstrators showing off a heap of new products from the 2010-11 Idea Book and Catalogue

You can start the hop here with Leonie Schroder and just follow the links all around the blogs... Happy viewing!!

And if you are a demonstrator, you can join ESAD (Extremely Special Australasian Demonstrators) here...

I'll be taking part in the 2nd part of the blog hop on 18th September and that will be all about the Big Shot! So make sure you write that in your calendar and come back to see what I create.


Thanks for looking,

2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue is now HERE!

Hi Everyone,

Its here, it's arrived!! Yay!! The new 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue is now online ready for your viewing!! Full of lots of new stamps, accessories and the new In-Color collection (and yes I know I've spelt it the American way but that's the trademarked name so I have to).

So you can view the new catty online here or book a workshop and receive a hardcopy for FREE!! And the online catty is in a new format which is pretty speccy!!

One word of warning - don't drool too much, it's not a good look lol!!

 Thanks for looking,

Some creating...

Hi Everyone,

Well, it ended up being a really busy week and weekend - sick kids, a migraine and just playing catch up all week really tired me out! Any downtime I've have I've flopped in front the tv and vegged out rather than made any cards (that I'm happy enough to show anyone)... That said, I did manage this card after being inspired with a Just Add Ink Challenge here to use my wheels again.

I've used the Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel again and did manage to make a few other cards but you'll have to wait until after Father's Day to see them.

Hope you find lots of time for stamping this week!! Only a couple of 3sleeps until the new Idea Book is released!! Yay!

Thanks for looking,

Additional Last Chance List Discounts!!!

Hi Everyone,

There's less than a week until the new 2010-11 Idea Book is released and Stampin' Up have announced some extra discounts of selected Last Chance List Products.

These are:

Item #116342      pg 42      Big Bold Birthday  NOW $26.98


Item #116408     pg 100     Seeing Spots NOW $ 14.98


Item #116344     pg 121      Big Deal Alphabet NOW $ 38.98


Item #116208      pg  126    In Color card stock (A4) NOW $ 7.25


Item #105538     pg  127     Bold Brights Stampin' Write markers NOW $ 43.46


Item #105537     pg  127     Soft Subtles Stampin' Write markers NOW $ 43.46


Item #105540     pg  127     Rich Regals Stampin' Write markers NOW $ 43.46


Item #105541     pg  127     Many Marvelous Markers NOW $ 175.46


Item #105550     pg  128     Bold Brights Classic Stampin' Spots NOW $ 31.46


Item #105551     pg  128     Earth Elements Classic Stampin' Spots NOW $ 31.46


Item #105539     pg 128     Earth Elements Stampin' Write markers NOW $ 43.46


Item #105552     pg 129     Rich Regals Classic Stampin' Spots NOW $ 31.46


Item #112042     pg 132     Urban Garden Designer Series paper NOW $ 8.48


Item #112041     pg 134     Bella Rose Designer Series paper NOW $ 8.48


Item #107305     pg 152     Oval Large punch NOW $ 15.48


Item #113692     pg 152     Eyelet border punch NOW$ 15.48


Item #109043     pg 152     Scallop Circle punch NOW $ 15.48


Item #113694     pg 152     Heart to Heart punch NOW $ 15.48


Item #112082     pg 152     Wide Oval punch NOW $ 15.48


Item #112091      pg 152     Scallop Edge punch NOW $ 15.48


Item #113693      pg 152     Full Heart punch NOW $ 15.48


Item #104310     pg 155     Crafters' Tool Kit NOW $ 58.46


Item #112004     Autumn Mini pg28    1-3/4" Circle punch NOW $ 15.48


Item #116629     Carry over flyer    Butterfly punch NOW $ 15.48


 
If you would like to order anything from the Last Chance List, please email me your order by 31st August (which is the final day for the Autumn Mini catty too).



Thanks for looking,

Stamp {Day} Camp

Hi Everyone,

Over the weekend, Andrea had her annual stamp camp. Once again I was only able to attend for the day, but what a day it was! Thank you to Andrea and everyone else there! My mum came with me and we decided that we wouldn't take anything extra with us to do as last year we filled the entire day by making all the Shoebox Swaps.

For those that don't know what a Shoebox Swap is, its when you design a card and provide everything needed to make the card on the day (so basically what I do for anyone who attends my classes/workshops). The idea is to make everyone's card and then you have a gorgeous collection to add to your stash. We had about 18 to make and got 14 of those done. Mum and I didn't worry about making one another's cards as we decided we could do that any time and had 2 left to complete after tea but a phone call came through from my hubby about Miss 3 being sick so we had to race off home.

Anyway, this is my card for the Shoebox Swap and I'll photograph the ones we made and post that another day...

Materials Used:
Big Shot & Top Note Die
Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Only Orange & Handsome Hunter (Only Orange and Handsome Hunter are both retiring at the end of the month)
Red Gingham Ribbon (retiring)
1" Circle, 1/2" Circle, Heart to Heart & Oval Punches
White Gel Pen

In amongst the card making, we also had morning & arvo tea, lunch and a 2 page quiz! Even as a demonstrator, I didn't get all the questions right... It was a marvellous day,only dampened by having to leave early and the trememdous amount of rain we had in the afternoon - there was massive puddles to drive through on the way home across parts of the road. And Miss 3 is fine, just a tummy bug, but she was back to herself by breakfast time - kids are amazing how quickly they bounce back from being sick!!

Oh and I did see this card somewhere out in blog land, I just can't find the right person to credit the idea... I'll keep searching through my notes and if I find it, I'll update my post.

Have a great day everyone!

Thanks for looking,

Happy B'day Lee-Anne

Hi Everyone,

Today I thought I'd show you a card I made for a dear stamping friend Lee-Anne... It was her b'day last week and whilst I was a little late posting her card, she should have it by now and I hopefully won't be spoiling the surprise by showing you all a photo...

This was the first time I've used any of the flowers from the little bundle sent by Fiona Platzer, my secret sister earlier this year.... I think I'll have to get some more of these flowers as they are such a 'wow' :)


Thanks for looking,

New 2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue Launch Night

Hi Everyone,

Please join me for my

Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogue 2010-2011 Launch Night

on Friday 3rd September

Location: Canning Vale, WA (full address will be provided via email)

No charge - just come along to view the new IBC and make a card

Any new workshops booked at the launch will receive a bonus gift as well as many other great hostess rewards.

Please RSVP by 31st August

 

 

Thanks for looking,

Last week for Helping Hudson Challenges

Hi... I'm back.....

This is the last week for the Helping Hudson Challenges and I've actually managed to do all three last night...

Ok, Challenge #7 was to use this sketch:

And this is my card:

Challenge #8 was to use sponging and embossing, so this is the card:

I've used my Big Shot and Manhattan Embossing Folder for the focus point, and I've even tried stamping my sentiment in Versamark and then using white embossing powder. The flower is also layered on some rich razzleberry but I didn't realise it isn't really showing in the pic until now.... Oh well, you'll just have to take me word for it :)


And the final Challenge #9 was to use 1 colour and 1 neutral (but different shades are ok)....

I've used White as my neutral and then different shades of black through to light grey as my colour....Now I know there's always debate as to whether black and white are even colours but hey, I was really happy with this card and my aqua painting so I'm entering it!! lol :)  Oh and the sentiment meant says "miss you so much".

Now if you'd like to take part in these challenges, pop over to the Helping Hudson website, you have until the weekend to join in. And if you'd like any info on my cards, please ask.


Thanks for looking,

Just Add Ink - Just Add Wheels

Hi Everyone,

Here's a super quick but really effective card using one of the Jumbo wheels and a little bit of ink...

The challenge this week at Just Add Ink was to use a wheel somehow on your card... I decided I would use an actual Stampin' Up wheel, in this card its the Friendly Words Jumbo Wheel. I've inked my wheel with Black Staz-on ink, rolled onto a strip of white glossy card then sponged So Saffron and Riding Hood Red all over it. Add a little bit of ribbon and some card punched with the eyelet punch and voila, an easy card ready to go.

Ok, I'll be back with more later on today (hopefully! the girls are a little restless on this wintery day here in Perth).

Thanks for looking,

Another of Makeesha's Challenges

Hi Everyone,

Well it finally came together... This card was one that just didn't want to work for me... I had so many bits of cards and different centre images it was getting crazy!!! Anyway, this is what I came up with for Makeesha's Sketch Challenge #34

And this was the sketch I was using:

In the end, I'm happy with the result - now to work out what to do with all the leftovers... Can I take the easy option and just pop them into my daughters's craft box? hehhehhe


Thanks for looking,