Make your own Wedding or Engagement Cards Using Stamps

 

Embossed Vellum is beautiful for wedding cardsWide Satin Ribbon makes a great embellishment

Use pearls or crystal brads.

The card is in the shape of a garment and it is a free-standing envelope.

You can use Brads to hold Vellum onto the base card.

Simplicity

 

Use the same stamps to make place settings, guest gifts or chocolate sprinkles.

 

Stampin’ Up!® have many different products and ideas you can use to make beautiful projects.   Personally design and create your own unique wedding invitations and event stationery.    Inspiration and supplies are at your fingertips… so contact me today!

Set your own budget  then decide how much you would like to do yourself.

Consider booking a free In Home Demonstration on how to make quality cards, ask questions and discuss products available at no charge.  You get to invite your friends and family  to your demonstration.   All your guests make a card to take home, no experience required and I supply everything you need.  All you need to do is supply Tea/Coffee or drinks of choice.   For being the hostess you receive a free beautiful glossy Catalogue and Ideas Book with hundreds of samples for you to choose from.   Sales made on the day may help you earn free stamp sets and  give you free dollars towards your own DIY stationary order.  

To book your Stationary Demonstration contact me today 41245081/0402862564 or email kymsmiley@ymail.com for more details.    anniversary

Colour Challenge starting today!

Tackle it Tuesday a new Colour Challenge using the colour chart below to make your creation.  Rules for this challenge can be found in Fine Print Section.

Week 1 Colour Challange Closes on 8th December 09

Once you have completed you entry please use Mister Linky below to add you blog image address. 

Spring Mini Catalogue ends 30th November

Only a few days left till this catalogue ends.  Don’t miss out on the Scallop Oval Punch and Oval All Set of Stamps

Email me kymsmiley@ymail.com to place your order now.

Would you like to make some of the projects in this catalogue?   If so copy and paste the link below in the address bar to download a complete  list of products used.

 

Colour Challenge #2

This Colour Challenge closes on 30th December 09

Hi it’s Tackle it Tuesday again and here is your next challenge.

Colours used this week Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Kiwi Kiss.   Enjoy creating, don’t forget to use Mister Linky. 

 

Santa Chocolate Block Box Gift

For this quick easy Project you will need.

Block of Chocolate any brand.

1 Sheet of Real Red Cardstock.

Scraps of Whisper White and Basic Black

1 Silver Word Window from the Hodgepodge

Small 3/4″ Circle Punch

Small 1/2″ Circle Punch

Dimensional

Snail Adhesive for attaching embellishments.

Sticky Tape for joining box seam.

 

Method:

1. Choosing your Chocolate Block; well it is easier to buy a 200 g  rather than larger.  Recently most of the companies changed the size of their packaging and this caused me a problem in when it came to making the lid.
2. Wrap the full sheet of Real Red Card around the block, crease over the end usually about 1 cm and then make a mark at the top even with where the block finishes.
3. Measure this mark and rule a line across the full sheet and cut with paper trimmer.  This will become the lid.
4. Wrap cut Real Red around the block again and press hard on each corner to give you a score line.  Using your scoring tool and a ruler score again but don’t press too hard or it will tear the cardstock.
5. I use Sticky Tape to join the box together because it holds brilliantly.
6. Make the lid in the same manner trimming to make a neat fit.
7. Tear a piece of white down both side trim length to fit and attach to the box.  (I place this over the join in the box)
8. Cut a strip of black the same width as the hodgepodge hardware word window you are going to use.  Wrap it  around and tape it and slide it onto the box to make sure you’re fit it firm.  Remove  and position the hodgepodge with the brads sliding back onto the box and tape in position with a small amount of adhesive.
9. Place a small piece of snail in the middle of the hodgepodge.  Stamp and punch the label and slide this into position.
10. Punch out and mount the buttons in position.
11. With regards to how to fold the corners and boxes.  It really doesn’t matter which way they fold as long as they sit flat and look neat.

 

 

 

My First Incentive Trip Noosa 2009

All I was thinking about was the 5 days courtesy of Stampin’ Up! (Thanks – you guys are awesome!!!)

I had the most wonderful 7 days in Noosa.  Jason and I arrived at the Sheraton on the Monday 18^th August as I had to have an MRI done on my right ankle.  Since coming out of a wheelchair then on crutches for 12 months walking unaided for a few months, then to find out I need an ankle reconstruction on my good leg was really disappointing, but all I was thinking about was the 5 days courtesy of Stampin’ Up! (Thanks – you guys are awesome!!!).  I had been looking forward to this holiday for over 18 months.  How’s that; I was on stage with Shelli in Brisbane May 2008 receiving an award for recruiting.  I told Shelli “I will be with you next year on the holiday” and I was.  I reached my goal and achieved more than I could have dreamed.

I thought I would start by showing you some photos and share a few special things from the Incentive Trip.
Here we go…

Monday - Jason and I spent at Sun Shine Plaza, Coffee Shops and Hastings St. 

Tuesday – Noosa Junction, I found a bead shop and this is the latest mini hobby.  We had dinner at Cato’s with Jason’s sister Aimee who lives at Tewantin just down the road.  As we were walking to the restaurant I waved to the SU girls as they were sorting out some of the presents.  They got such a shock Janiel jumped up and closed the curtain.  They didn’t know we arrived on the Monday. 

A welcome gift delivered to our room

Wednesday – Jason and I had a lovely breakfast on Hastings St.  I went to the SU reception area to meet the event girls she asked me if I had seen anything I said no but I had seen the aprons hanging up but I thought they were for the make and take day.  Janiel is the most awesome organiser you will ever meet she plans everything with such precision.  What an amazing job those girls do!  Jason and I then went out for coffee and when we came back we were handed our coconut wine glasses (you know the kind made from real coconuts) with a yummy tropical concoction inside. This was my first incentive trip but it appears the best part of these trips is catching up with the other girls and their partners.   Although I did know some of the girls and it was great to relax and really get the chance to talk.  The rest of the afternoon was at leisure – shopping, coffee, chatting etc – and then that evening we shared the most wonderful welcome dinner at the hotel.  Before going into dinner we had cocktails and nibbles, chatted and I met lots of Demos I didn’t know.  I spent a lot of time talking to the NZ Girls and their partners.  SU know how to make you  feel very special and again just fantastic presentation.   Dessert was out of this world!  

Look at the dessert table, yummy!!  There were more deserts than I could manage but they all looked so inviting I wanted to try them all.  Of course in true Stampin’ Up! Style there was a surprise apron and chef’s hat awaiting us on our bed – this was to be taken with us the following day.  I was so excited to see a handmade card with the gift and you’ll never guess it was made by Shelli and she had personally written in it.

Thursday – Jason had been going for lots of walks along the beach and in the National Park, I could have been there to.  I love Noosa - it brings back lots of wonderful memories for me.  I have been going there since 1976 and oh boy it is different every time I visit.  We all met in the Lobby at 10 am ready for the surprise.  We caught a ferry up the river towards Noosaville. 

 

We were taken to Ricky’s restaurant where we were formed into teams to take part in a wonderful cooking school – each team making a different course for our lunch.  As we arrived we were all handed our knife and fork and as you can see they all had our name on a tag and ribbon around lots of different colours ours was Kiwi Kiss.  All the same colours had to cook a specific meal.  The food was unbelievably superb.  There was a prize given to the Master Chef of each group.  I was excited when they called out Kim/Kym.  I stood up thinking it was me and then the other Kim was walk up to get the prize they had forgotten me at the back.  I called out which one and the Chef said Smiley, that was me, I was really happy because I never win anything and guess what I’m not a very good cook actually really bad if you ask my family.  Anyway I was happy with my new Pretties Kit. When we got back it was still early and everybody was talking about shopping.  Some got a limo and others piled into our car, well we thought we were all going to the same Plaza but we thanks to me ended up at the biggest but not the nearest.  It was a great time as I got to know Jacinta, Danilla and another but really sorry can’t remember your name.   I felt like we had kidnapped them but they tell me they had a great time and lots of great cloths they came back with.   

That night (Thursday) was Karaoke down at the Surf Club so a large group of went down there, and I think nearly everyone got up that night onto the stage.  So much fun! Highlights of the night included Aaron and the boys doing an excellent rendition of Midnight Oil’s “Beds are Burning”, and all of the girls getting up to do ABBA’s Dancing queen (which is easily changed to “Stamping Queen”).  

That night our room gift had been what we would be using for our Make and Take session – and it was beautiful new stuff out of our upcoming Summer Mini (to be released in December)

Friday – Jason went off for a walk and I headed down to meet the other Demonstrators for swapping and stamping.  The swaps were, absolutely fantastic!

Shelli wanted a group photo as this was the only time we would be together as Demonstrators. Stirling took a photo of the group then Shelli calls out let me check it please, This was a bit funny as Stirling took lots more photos so  Shelli  would have lots to pick from Angie. Karen and Janiel had the huge task of making sure everyone had a shot taken on their camera.

At the end of the session “Morning Tea” was served – an Ice Cream/Gelato cart arrived with lots of different flavours of Ice Cream, as well as things to add to your bowl – smarties, freckles etc. A bit like the Cold Rock idea, but we just helped ourselves.  That afternoon we just relaxed and did what we wanted.   

I decided long before the holiday that I was going to ride a camel but I you have to be less than 90kg to do it so Jason was going to have to take the photos.  I was sitting in the lobby with a few demos and Shelli came over and asked me what I was going to do in my free time. I told her my goal was to ride a camel but I was afraid of heights. Then Megan Finer from NZ said that would be cool and Helen her friend said ok.  We booked, paid and no pulling out I thought to myself………….   

I decided I wanted to go to the bead shop at Noosa Junction.  Well I got there and told Jas he could leave me and pick me up in an hour; but he didn’t hear me say hour.  I was happy in learning a new technique and we he was outside getting sunburnt and hostile to say the least.   We went to our favourite Pizza Place Zackary’s he ordered dinner and we did not speak for several hours well at least three, then I said well I don’t care what you take but I want custody of Charli (our Chocolate Labrador).  We both laughed, made upand  had lots of Cocktails and listened to the band a Sheraton Hastings St bar.

Saturday – Well today was the dreaded Camel ride and silently I was really frightened.  Getting on and off was really scary as you think you are going to fall off and you have to hold on so tight, but I think you are supposed to let go during the ride, but I never did.  There were lots of funny moments my camel spent his time trying to get to Megan, Jason running up the beach with cold water for us and taking pictures all along the track.  He even popped up in the middle of the bushland.  I am glad I did it but I think it will be a onetime only.

The clue we had been given was “a journey back in time and we had to make sure we had something warm to wear for latter as part was outside and may get a bit cold as the night went on.  We boarded a bus which took us to our first destination Cooroy – a row of vintage limo’s just awaiting our transfer to the next surprise.  You can just image the squeals of delight (from both men and women) it was quite amazing! 

They were for our trip back in time dinner destination which was this beautiful home called the Plantation.

 

Janiel had created an unforgettable night for us all; on arrival we drove up in a convoy along a tea light lit driveway we were greeted with drinks and take lots of photos.

We walk out the back I was amazed at the set up for our evening dinner. Where each demonstrator was sitting, was another gorgeous gift a cameo cream shawl so soft, for us to wear as the night got colder.   All the flowers on the tables had apples in them everything was done so beautiful. This is what it’s all about just having fun and relaxing with friends and being spoilt by SU.  After Dinner we meet up with an astronomer with his massive telescopes to show us the planets and the moon.  Shelli made a farewell speech our lovely night was coming to an end.  Before we left the Plantation I finally gave Shelli her Swap and a gift bag.  In it was a cake of amazing soap that looked like piece of pie.  I gave all the GM’s, their wives, Janiel and Angie a piece of different flavoured pies and a bracelet I had them.    Before we knew it was time to get back on the coach the driver dimed the headlights as we headed down the amazingly tea light lit long driveway. it was wonderful and really beautiful to see in the dark (hundreds of tea lights with a white paper bag around each one I don’t think I would like to of been the one to light them all).  It was a sad feeling leaving the Plantation and on the bus coming home it was a drone of soft voices. 

Arriving back to the Sheraton Noosa Resort and saying our goodbye’s to all that had to get up early. I said to Jason going back to our room I am going to buy another bag to fit everything in and GUESS WHAT our last surprise was a gorgeous brown bag its even has the Stampin’ Up! Logo printed in it and on the bench was a mini red hat box with cookies and milk for our bedtime snack and a wonderful way to end our night.

It was just the best holiday and I hope to be lucky enough to win another one in the future.  Even Jason said he enjoyed himself and would like to do it again.

All work is © Stampin’ Up! ® 1990-2010

Card of the Month for December.

This is my version a card given to me by Teresa Brown on Incentive Trip 2009.

 I only use Stampin’ Up! Products.  If you wish to purchase any of the products I have used please email me kim_smiley@gotalk.net.au 

 

Supplies:

 

Stamp Set:  Lovely as a Tree

 

Cardstock:  Kraft, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip.

 

Ink:  Old Olive, Chocolate Chip  OR  Markers or Ink Spots:  Chocolate Chip, Artichoke, Old Olive.

 

Accessories:  Aqua Painter, Oval Scallop and Large Oval Punch, White Gel Pen, Paper Snips, Ruler, Rubber, Pencil, Scalpel, Dimensionals.

 

Method:

 

1. Kraft base card is 15 x 21cm. 
2.  The picture below gives you an idea of where to sketch these on your card first before you cut, especially the first time you make this card.  It is easy to cut and fold in the wrong place.  You also want to avoid having a crease line in the front where the 2 trees are. 
3. 

   These measurements are in inches

    

4. 4.  Using a Chocolate Chip Marker or Ink Pad add some brown randomly onto the trunk and some into the   foliage. Use Old Olive, Artichoke add these randomly into the more of the foliage.   Don’t worry if you miss some as I used my Aqua Painter and washed it over the trees lightly.
5. Cut out all trees.  I did cut the branches out finely.
6. Prior to card assembly I used the Gel Pen to give a snow effect.  When doing this don’t go overboard and make some finer than others.
7. Cut a piece of Chocolate Chip 9.5 cm x 7.5 cm.
8. Using Lovely as a Tree multiple tree stamp ink it with Chocolate Chip and stamp it twice onto the Kraft.  I use a technique called masking to do this but it looks ok with Random Stamping.  Mat this onto piece of Kraft 9 x 7 cm.  This is attached to the last step with adhesive.
9. Trees are attached with Dimensionals, to give a 3D effect, but remember to make sure these are put down low and not visible from the back. 
10. 10.  Label is the Level One hostess set 2009 – 2010 on Very Vanilla using Chocolate Chip and mounted on Chocolate Chip card using punches.

This card design is very adaptable using stamps.

 

 Happy stamping till next month.

 

Paper Tole with Stamps

This Tutorial will show you how to make your own 3D images. I love doing paper tole but purchasing the decoupage sheets becomes expensive. Stamps I feel are the way to go, because once you have them they are very versatile and easier to cut out giving you a better finish.

Stamp & Cut.  Choose a stamp that has  many different images within the stamp itself as this will denote the number of layer possibilities, e.g. the flower stamp I have used has seven images on it giving me six layers.  Stamp multiple images of the same stamp onto whole sheets of A4 card stock you have chosen and remember to re-ink each time you stamp. Now cut out each image in as many different ways as possible using sharp-pointed scissors as close to the lines as possible.  Cut until you have cut out all the images.

Build it up.  First, you need to choose the largest cut out and work your way up decreasing the size of the cutouts each time and mixing the different colours you have cut out.  I prefer mounting with Stampin’ Up! Dimensionals for large projects and Glue Dots  for smaller areas. To assist you with the process of layering view the step-by-step guide for constructing your embellishments’.

No rules.  The scope, diversity and final appearance of your cards is limited only by your imagination as any stamp lends its self to this technique.  Variations of finished embellishments are achieved by changing the cutting area, colours and texture of card you use.  

An important tip.    You must watch the height of your embellishment if you are using foam dimensional adhesives as it comes in many different thicknesses and if too high, your 3-D will look  out-of-place.

Note Pad with 3D Flower. Flower is 6 layers high.Sample of how to cut a 6 layer flower out.

Alternate different colours when layering.

An Extra Free Tag Slider Card Project for Christmas.

This is my design

Materials:

Cardstock:   2  x Real Red 10.5 x 14 cm  for Base Card.

                         1  x  Whisper White  7.5 x 12 cm to make the sliding Tag.

                         1  x  Whisper White 10.5 x 5 cm crimped horizontally and tear roughly.

                         1  x  Whisper White  10 x 12.5 cm has the greeting on it. 

                         1  x  Baja Breeze 10.5 x 5 cm crimped horizontally and tear  roughly.

Accessories:  Ribbon, Snail Adhesive, Dimensionals. Scalpel, Ruler and Pencil. 

Step 1.   Stamp and colour your images first.

Step 2:   Attach Baja Breeze and Whisper White together.   I put the White on top because when you pull the card the 

 insert is white and I wanted a definite water line.

 

The measurements are in cm.

 Step 3:   Measure down 2cm from the top and in 2cm from each side.   Now cut  vertical lines 10.5 cm down.  Do this on both Sides then join the cuts to make a flap.

Step 4:    Score 1.5 cm from the bottom cut (only on the flap)  Then at 4.5 cm and the last score line is at the top of the card between the beginning of the cuts.

Step 5.   Place adhesive along the bottom of the white tag.  Then attach the tag to the 1.5 cm scored section of the flap only.   This becomes the working mechanism.

Step 6.   Attach the second piece of white  to the base card and then stamp a greeting  towards the top. 

Step 7.   The back and the front can now be stuck together.  

Step  8.   All that is left to do is decorate the card with your crimped card and attach the coloured image. 

Step 9.    Last of all attach the ribbon to the tag.  This just makes it easier to push in and pull out.

Enjoy and keep stamping  Kym

Happy Christmas Mate! Slider Card

Very Merry Slider Card with an Invisible Mechanism.

  By Kym Smiley

Card Starts in this positions

Intermediate / Advanced 

Materials:  

Stampin’ Up! Products

• Real Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White Card, Watercolour Paper
• Blush Blossom, Baja Blue, Ballet Blue and Real Red Ink
• Happy Christmas, Mate! Short and Sweet Stamp Sets
• Crimper
• Paper Snips
• Sticky Tape
• Stampin’ Dimensionals
• Small Oval and Wide Oval Punch

Step 1.  Cut and fold real red base card 15 x 21cm.

Step 2.  Stamp Santa onto Watercolour paper with Stazon, colour and cut out Santa.

Step 3.  Tear in half a piece of horizontal pre-crimped whisper white 15 x 10cm.

Step 4.  Tear the top off Baja breeze and whisper white 15cm x 4cm.  

 

Step 5.  Place the blue card between the white pieces and keep tearing till they look like water and waves.

Step 6.  Sticky tape is super sticky.  Add tape to both sides of the other torn pieces and stick them together.

Step 7.  On another piece of scrap white card trace around the Santa cut out.

Step 8.  Using Sticky Tape attach a second cut down outline to the back of the painted Santa.

 

Step 9.  Add a Dimensional to the back ready for them next step.

The Mechanism

Step 10.  Punch two Wide ovals and attach together with a dimensional near the bottom.

Step 11.  Slip the joined white and blue card down between the ovals and the crimped white in the front space between the Santa and the other side of the wide ovals. 

Step 12.  The ovals may need to be trimmed off level with the waves if they can be seen.  This depends on the type of image you are using.  Make sure your waves are not too small and keep the tape down low on the crimped card or the mechanism will get stuck in the tape at the bottom.

Step 13.  Place it on the sides and base of the crimped card.

Step 14.  If it is not slipping smoothly trim some card from the straight edge of the blue and white it should be around 2 cm wide.  It is not seen so it could be small if necessary.

Step 15  Attach all three pieces of card together with the Santa in position.  I had not put the Santa on when this photo was taken so refer to the picture of the finished card.

 Step 16.  Stamp the word and punch it out pop up behind the Santa.

 I have several more Slider Cards to share with you soon.  I have a series of Happy Christmas Mate Cards published in Issue 20 of Simple Cards Australian Edition.  (The Slider card instructions are not in the article).

Till then happy stamping.      Kym

Breast Cancer Awareness Program

Dates: 7 October-31 December 2009

For over 20 years, Stampin’ Up! has helped women make a difference in the lives of others by simply doing what they love to do–sharing creativity.

Now you too can become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator and make a difference! For every person who joins the Stampin’ Up! family between 7 October and 31 December 2009, we will donate $5 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (AU) or The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Plus, until 31 December 2009, we’ll give you a FREE pack of Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper and a Pretty in Pink Classic Stampin’ Pad to help you get started!

Click picture to go to promotions

 

Special Christmas Extravaganza

 Free Gift with purchase of $85 from this Special before 14th December!

Special Christmas Gifts for you.

Make Stampin’ Up! your one-stop Christmas shop for all the special people in your life!

The Gift-Giving Guide has ideas for kids, teens, neighbours, scrapbookers, and more! Plus, from 1 November-14 December 2009, receive a FREE Scallop Square punch (a $30.95 value!) when you spend $85 on products from this guide.

If you wish to order any products from this flyer email on kymsmiley@ymail.com

My New Online Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator site now available.

 

Click picture to visit the new site