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,