Butterfly Thanks

Did you go and have a look at the new Stampin' Up! goodies? I know I promised a card using products from the new Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue but that's work-in-progress :)

While you're waiting, I want to share this card I made for Ryn Gibbs, one of my SU! team members. I've seen a few variations on this butterfly theme but this one was inspired by the lovely Linda Higgins. Thank you Linda for prompting me to use one of my favourite colours, Rich Razzleberry, teamed here with Elegant Eggplant.

Again, I've used the Elements of Style stamp set and then die-cut a butterfly before water-colouring (so easy to do with this stamp set, lots of clues on where to shade heavily or lightly). The butterfly was placed on a large scallop circle (using a punch which I hope will continue to be available after it first appeared in the Summer Mini catalogue). Some subtle bling in the form of rhinestones and the sentiment from Teeny Tiny Sentiments (how did I survive before I got this set?) finishes it off nicely.

And, if you can't wait for my creativity to be displayed (and who can blame you for being impatient, we all know I'm not the speediest card-maker), please go on a blog tour showcasing creations using new SU! items. Click HERE to start the The Inklings blog hop or click on the icon above. Try to leave some comment love if you have time, I'm sure the girls will appreciate it.

Thanks for looking.

Love from Crafty Kim

Stampin' Up! Autumn/Winter Mini starts today, 1 April 2011

I'll be back with a card using a new stamp set from Stampin' Up!'s new mini catalogue but for now, here's a link (or click on the picture) so you can go and see the new goodies. Hope you enjoy the eye candy and if you see anything you must have, please email me or phone 0402 347 010.

Thanks for looking.

Love from Crafty Kim

Back on the Stampin' Up! wagon

Some of you will remember that I joined Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator in 2006 as a way to finance my paper-craft hobby (more likely, my addiction). It proved to be great fun and for nearly 4 years, it was my part-time job. In 2009 other employment opportunities presented and I found myself overwhelmed with work and family responsibilities.

By 2010, I had reluctantly taken a step back from running Stampin' Up! workshops, classes and events. However, I remain very involved in paper-craft as a hobbyist and thanks to my loyal friends who have supported me with their Stampin' Up! orders, I have been able to continue as an active demonstrator. While the discounted product is useful, it really isn't about the money. It's about my love of Stampin' Up! products, the Stampin' Up! friends I've made and the Stampin' Up! resources available to me.

And so to 2011 where life continues to be busy but I recently found myself in a position to run a Stampin' Up! demonstration for a paper craft friend. Nothing like jumping in the deep-end, with a party of 12 including some ladies completely new to the craft. The hostess was terrific, truly made my job easier and the guests lovely. Soon I was back on the Stampin' Up! wagon and the result was a very enjoyable session.

Above is one of the make-and-take cards from the gathering. I had in mind the upcoming Mother's Day when I planned it but it would suit most occasions. I chose a monochromatic colour scheme because I wanted to show those new to the craft that you can start on a small scale and still make a pretty card. This card uses a very popular set called Elements of Style. It really is so versatile, especially if you like to colour-in. I'd have to say it isn't my usual style of stamps but I really love it. I've also used the Square Lattice embossing folder which is in the current Summer Mini catalogue (ending today, 31 March 2011). Again, there is so much you can do with the embossing folder and your BigShot.

Thanks to those who have contacted me asking about my Stampin' Up! involvement and my future intentions. I plan to remain as a demonstrator. In amongst general paper-crafting, I will be updating this blog with Stampin' Up! creations and special offers. And I will gratefully process any orders you might consider placing with me. Of course, I understand if you already have a preferred Stampin' Up! supplier and welcome your friendship regardless :)

Before I go, I want to thank my fellow Inklings stampers, Jayne Mercer, Carolyn Gibbs and Malyn Mawby for their loan of handy items for my workshop. I really appreciate their help.

Thanks for reading and please visit again soon as the new Stampin' Up! Autumn-Winter mini catalogue goes live tomorrow (Friday 1 April). I love autumn, especially the colours of autumn and the "festival of the falling leaves".

Love from Crafty Kim

Punch Art Animal Cards

I do love my animals and my punches so....punch art animal cards are a natural outcome of this. Above is my lady bug card, with thanks to my friend Frances for her gift of the black rick-rack (ribbon) - the card wasn't the same without it.

And with Easter on the horizon, I got busy and made this:

And possibly my favourite card of this batch was this one:

With thanks to another Kim (Score) for the hippo inspiration.

Thanks for dropping by, I'll be back with more soon so please visit again soon.

Love from Crafty Kim

Cricket Card Inspired by Coke Zero

One Saturday morning, I found myself in a hurry to make a birthday card for one of my son's friends ahead of his party. Like Ashley, this kid is into cricket. I spied a can of Coke Zero in the kitchen as I tidied up after breakfast...and so I copied the relevant graphics from the can and came up with the above card.

Here is the inspiration:


And for the animal lovers out there, here's my furry cricket fan - don't get between her and the bat - just joking...

Thanks for visiting.

Love from Crafty Kim

CRAFT SALE

UPDATED

KEEPING THIS POST AT THE TOP
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR NEW POSTS

Well finances in our household are a bit tight at the moment with my (paid) working hours reduced indefinitely and my husband's job about to be made redundant. And I really do have too much craft stuff. So it's come to the equivalent of "selling the family silver". I'm quite sad to see some of these stamps go as most have served me very well (the exceptions being those in brand new one condition). Hopefully they'll find loving homes where they'll get used often (can you tell I saw the Toy Story 3 movie recently?)

I've still got LOTS more stuff over the next few days/weeks so please check back. There are many bargains to be had. CLICK on the stamp set name for usage ideas.

Occasions

Card made with Birthday Whimsy (Marelle Taylor)

Birthday Whimsy set of 5 but incomplete, only 3 images remaining - no words, used wood (v. good condition) $7

Party Punch set of 6 used wood (very good condition) $12


Greetings / Words

Hard to Say set of 6 brand new wood (unmounted) $15

Card made with Picture This (by Amy V)

Picture This set of 8 brand new wood (unmounted) $18

Expressive Flexible Phrases set of 56 brand new wood (unmounted) $25


Family / Love

Love Matters set of 12 brand new wood (unmounted) $25

Card made with You & Moi (by Jen Clendineng)

You & Moi set of 6 brand new wood (mounted) $15


Nature / Flowers

Simply Said set of 11 used wood (very good condition) $20


Novelty

Card made with Treat Yourself

Treat Yourself set of 13 used wood (good condition) $20

To buy or make a near offer, please email me or leave a comment. First in, first served. I will accept PayPal, bank deposit, cheque or cash. Once an item is sold, I will remove it from this web site. I will post to anywhere in the world and happy with drop-off or pick-up if you live local to me.

Thanks for looking and considering.

Love from Crafty Kim

Birthday Star

Here's a card I made for my husband's recent birthday. I've had the chipboard stars for a L O N G time. Same goes for the paper. I've also got lots of coloured twine and recently bought a ticket-shaped die with co-ordinating stamp set. I liked how it all came together in the end.

Next month I'll be teaching a card class on male cards so this was a bit of a practice run. I don't find the ideas for male cards come easily but there's more boys in my family than girls so I get plenty of chances to improve.

Thanks for looking,

Love from Crafty Kim