Party Party - You're Invited

I'm thinking those of you with young children are in serious need of "me time" by now. After the end-of-year activities, the VERY early start on Christmas Day, the fatigue-induced whining at the end of Christmas and now the long stretch of school holidays, you deserve a respite, however brief.

I've got the perfect diversion. Come along to the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalogue Launch Party. It's an afternoon of crafty fun. Nothing long-winded, the kids and their father will barely notice you've gone. Here are the details:

Date: Sunday 17 January 2010
Time: Open house from 2 - 5pm
Place: Cherrybrook (address available when you RSVP)
Cost: $5 for make-n-takes, snacks and a glass of bubbly (refundable if you place an order)
RSVP: Please email me.

And remember, I'll also be detailing the...(drum-roll please):

***2010 Sale-A-Bration Promotion***

which gives you an opportunity to earn FREE STAMP SETS.

Hope to see you there.

Love from Crafty Kim

Hand-Made Christmas Crafts at School Fair, Waitara, Sunday 8 November

I'm back safe and sound from Fiji. In the midst of unpacking, washing and getting ready for work but I've strayed briefly to let you know about an upcoming local event which my crafty friends Suzanne and Kathy have been very busy preparing for.

I can hardly believe the day of this event is drawing near. It feels like only yesterday we were sharing ideas on which paper-craft items might be appealing for the Fair. And then I get back from Fiji and find the flyer in my letterbox.


In case you can't read the fine print, it is on THIS COMING SUNDAY (8 November), at Our Lady of the Rosary School, WAITARA, click HERE for a map. It runs from 10am to 4pm. And I almost forgot to mention, there's loads of other stalls too as well as rides for the kiddies.

I'm hoping to get along so might see you there.

Love from Crafty Kim

THINK PINK for Breast Cancer & Please ACT NOW

(Photo courtesy of charmedfavors)

Some of you will know that raising funds for cancer research and patient support has become a passion of mine since my own diagnosis with breast cancer in 2003, at the age of 34 years, when my son was still an infant. It was a tough journey but I'm one of the lucky survivors (I like to say I'm thriving). Some of my fellow patients aren't so fortunate and sadly, new cancer diagnoses are made every hour. It'd be a rare person whose life hasn't been touched by cancer in some way.

In the last six years, I've volunteered with breast cancer support agencies such as the NSW Cancer Council, National Breast Cancer Foundation and The McGrath Foundation (now led by Glenn McGrath and Tracy Bevan, in loving memory of dear Jane) in varying capacities. In this time, the month of October has evolved to become the Pink Month. There are so many rewarding ways to contribute, such as purchasing specially labelled "Pink merchandise", hosting a Girls Night In or buying Pink Ribbon Day merchandise.

I am hosting a Breast Cancer Fundraiser as part of our Get Ready for Christmas Craft Day in Epping on 10 October 2009. If you haven't registered yet, it's not too late but please get your skates on and email or phone 0402 347 010 now. Stampin' Up! has very generously donated LOTS OF GREAT ITEMS and your chances of winning will be large so I reckon that's enough incentive in itself to come along.

In the lead up to Pink Ribbon Day next month, please consider how you can make a difference in the life of a cancer patient. If you're interested, there's a link to my own breast cancer story here

as well as more information on the event.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more.

Love from Crafty KimT

Arden Fair Opens at 8am Saturday 22 August 2009

Thanks for the enquiries about when the Arden Fair kicks off.

The fun begins early, at 8am. There'll be plenty of coffee available and head over the Cake Stall for something yummy to go with the caffeine hit.

The location again is Beecroft Village Green, for a map, please click here.

Back to paper-crafting next.

Love from Crafty Kim

Christmas Card from Clever Carolyn

The new Spring Mini Catalogue contains lots of ideas and items for Christmas which will be upon us before we know it (it's like a slippery downhill slope all the way to December 25th).

The above card was designed by a very clever downline demonstrator of mine, Carolyn Gibbs. She has used a set called Tree Trimmings. But not in the conventional way shown here:


Ryn has used the longer ornament stamped repeatedly in the shape of a star. The background is the smaller ornament stamped multiple times in Baja Breeze ink on the same coloured card stock. The centre of the star and the matting behind the Kraft cardboard are both from Ski Slope which is a new Christmas-theme paper.

I was very impressed with Ryn's creativity but she's taken the card above and stepped-it-up with a ribbon and brad plus some edge distressing. Check out this post on her website to see what I mean.

To see more of the new Mini, please come along to the launch party tomorrow, there's still room for more.

Thanks for your time and attention, please keep watching, I've lots more to share.

Love from Crafty Kim

Reminder of New Mini Catalogue Launch - Saturday 8 August

(Card created by Belinda Hennessey)

Yes, the new Stampin' Up! Spring Mini Catalogue is here. And to celebrate, I am hosting a launch party on in Cherrybrook on Saturday 8 August between 2 and 8pm. It's an open house format so come when you can, go when you must.

There's still room for more people to attend so if you can make it along, you'll be most welcome. Please phone me on 0402 347 010 or email me.

I've just come back from a weekend away with my Stampin' Up! family. I've got so much to show you and I still haven't posted my birthday cards yet. The beautiful card shown above was made by fellow SU! demonstrator, Belinda, using a cute set from the new Mini called Forest Friends along with Pocket Silhouettes. And she's cleverly used the new flower brads.

We'll be show casing more cards using new Mini sets, papers and embellishments on Saturday so please book in. And stay-tuned for more posts coming up.

Love from Crafty Kim

Dates for your diary

Just popping in quickly to ask you local crafters to save the following dates:


Saturday 8 August, from 2pm - 8pm, at Cherrybrook. I am holding a launch party for the new Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue which runs from August through to November 2009. More details will follow in an invitation to my newsletter subscribers (if you're not on my database, please email me.). Come when you can, go when you must!



Saturday 10 October, from 9:30am - 5pm, at Epping. It's time for the Getting Ready for Christmas Craft Day. Remember last year's event? Invitations will be issued shortly but places are limited so feel free to register your interest now by emailing me.

I hope you can join in the fun.

Love from Crafty Kim

Tuppa Anyone?

It's time to pull out those Tupperware replacements because I'm havin' a party!!!

On Wednesday 24 June from 7.30pm at my home in Westleigh (NW suburban Sydney).

ATTENDANCE SPECIALS

Each attendee receives a hand-made card or novelty from me

And the lovely Tuppa Lady, Cath,

will be making something with chocolate

If you could let me know if you can make it by Monday night before = 22 June (phone 0402 347 010 or email me), that'd be great.

Please feel free to extend this invitation to your friends. All welcome.

And if you can't come along, you're very welcome to browse the catalogue and place an order. Just let me know and I'll arrange a printed catalogue for you.

For a peek of what's on offer, have a look at the latest product range.

Thanks for reading. I'll make a craft-related post next, promise!

Love from Crafty Kim

Baroque Fireworks

(Photo and creation courtesy of Lorraine Mastalski)

Hello _FINALLY_,

Thanks for your patience while my non-stamping world has kept me away. I really appreciate that you keep checking back for new posts and haven't given up on me. A quick note of explanation....I am currently working three part-time jobs (in addition to Stampin' Up!). I've always had a few balls in the air but recently I was offered the opportunity to work part-time in my original profession of science. Paper-crafter and scientist - it doesn't have a poetic ring! But the offer to get back into the corporate world was too attractive to turn-down (I have the best boss in the world and I get a lap-top all to myself, no more sharing with hubby and kids) and is helping to keep my family in the manner to which they are becoming accustomed, i.e. lots of take-away food, an ironing lady, after-school care and a scatter-brain wife and mother. Just joking, it's not all bad. We have just bought a much-needed second car and are planning a holiday to Fiji later in the year.

Anyway, enough of me, you didn't come here for a soap opera but I felt some explanation was necessary and I thank you in advance for your patience until I get into a new routine. Today, I'm plugging a community event. If you're in Australia, do you miss Firecracker Night? Maybe you're too young to remember it but I have very fond memories of bonfires and crackers on our long weekend in June to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday.

Schofield's Public School is holding their Annual Fireworks festival TONIGHT = Friday 29 May 2009. If you're in the area, and would love a kid-friendly afternoon/evening out, then take the kids along, and be sure to drop into the Stampin' Up! stall. Sadly, I can't be there (I'm working elsewhere) but my good friend and team member Ryn Gibbs will be there with a display, catalogues to browse, and paper-crafted treats to buy. There are also Carnival Rides, sideshows, entertainment, a BBQ and a Showbag Stall, so there is something for everyone! And you'll be supporting children's education while having all this fun.

Where: Schofields Public School - St Albans Road, near Junction Road. Click HERE for a map.

When: 4.30 pm - approximately 8pm (fireworks when darkness falls)

And lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to Lorraine Mastalski for her fireworks card (shown above) made with one of my favourite ever sets, Baroque Motifs. Visit Lorraine's website for more card details.

But you know me, I couldn't end it there, in my search I found this cute journal cover from Pat Sell. Thanks for sharing your talent Pat.

(Photo and creation courtesy of Pat Sell)

Well, my time really is up now. I'm off to make lasagne and butter chicken, I am helping my dear friend and new Stampin' Up! demonstrator Carolyn (note this is a link to Carolyn's Facebook Page, register or login to view) to cater for her Winter Warmers luncheon tomorrow. Have a good weekend, squeeze some stampin' in.

Love from Crafty Kim

Important Diary Date

Here's an important date for your diaries. I have been kindly invited to participate in a....

CRAFT SUPPLIES

CLEARANCE SALE

For sale will be all things crafty as myself and several other Stampin' Up! demonstrators clear out our cupboards of both SU! items and goods from other manufacturers. Papers, stamps, punches, embellishments, in great condition, all priced to go.

So please come along and grab yourself a bargain. There will be lucky door prizes to win too.

When: Saturday, 23rd May 10am -2pm

Where: The Church Hall (Blacktown East Presbyterian) Cnr Heffron Rd and Gallop Gr, Lalor Park (near Bella Vista and Blacktown). I will post map/directions closer to the date.

- DON'T MISS THIS -

Hope to see you there on the day.

Love from Crafty Kim

You could win this Fresh Cuts Stamp Set

Hello,

Well it's been a busy week at Stampin' Up! My first order with the new catalogue goodies hasn't arrived yet (I'm patiently waiting - not) but I had the opportunity to play with a new set called Fresh Cuts. Like many stamp sets in the SU! range, it has other items designed to work with it. In this case, the related product is Fresh Cut Notes and Matching Envelopes. These are die cut cards, with a large flower cut out from the front. Here I have placed two layers of card stock behind the die cut flower. One layer (Baja Breeze) is a rectangle stamped with the background stamp of the set. The other layer (Kiwi Kiss) is the 5 petal flower punch. I've also used my 1/2 circle punch for a mat behind a Styled Silver Brad from the Hodgepodge Hardware. A White Taffeta Ribbon finishes the card nicely. I must remember to decorate the envelope, "never a naked envelope".

Now this Fresh Cuts stamp set is also one of the stamp sets that those who purchase the new catalogue from me go into the draw to win. The new catalogue is $10 for local pick-up or drop-ff (North West Sydney suburbs) or $12 posted to anywhere in Australia. The catalogues are available for the whole year but the lucky draw offer closes on 30 April 2009.

Lastly, did you notice my use (above) of the New In-Colours? Readers of my newsletter received a full run-down of the new colour offerings. If you'd like to learn more, please subscribe to my newsletter by sending me an email or phone me on 0402 347 010. While you're in the sign-up mood, why not sign up for website updates too, the sign up box is over there ------>

Better go but I'll be back with some more Fresh Cuts ideas. And I really must get cracking on Easter novelties.

Love from Crafty Kim

The New (2010) Stampin' Up! Catalogue is Here

That's right, lots of new stamps, paper and accessories to browse and many ideas to use and enjoy. You can view it online here.

But it's really better to have your own hard copy beside your bed or on your craft desk. Catalogues can be purchased from me for $10 (local pick-up or drop-off) or $12 posted to anywhere in Australia. And remember, if you host a Stampin' Up! gathering any time in this coming year (April 2009 - March 2010), you will receive a free catalogue and idea book as one of your hostess gifts. So check your diaries to see when you can get some friends together.

The names of all catalogue purchasers will go into the draw to win a free stamp set (limited choice of sets). This offer closes the 30 April 2009 so please email me or phone me on 0402 347 010 to take up this offer.

Samples of New Catalogue Goodies

I'll be back soon with more new catalogue excitement.

Love from Crafty Kim

Making Christmas Cards from Non-Christmas Stamps

So you thought I was here to persuade you to purchase Christmas-themed stamps, right? Not exactly*, please read on.

I guess I've been in the Christmas frame-of-mind for weeks now because Michelle Dyson and I have been busy preparing for our Get Ready for Christmas Event coming up this Saturday (25 October 2008) - only 5 sleeps to go. When you consider it, many images from various Stampin' Up! stamp sets can be used to create Christmas cards. Here's a Christmas card where I have used Baroque Motifs:


And here's another where I have used Little Pieces:


Of course, it helps to stamp a Christmas greeting to make the festive connection abundantly clear but there's no doubt even in my muddy mind that these are Christmas cards. What other SU! stamp sets do you like to use to make Christmas cards? Here's one that another demonstrator (who will remain anonymous for now) thought of:

(Photo courtesy of a mysterious but very talented stamper)

Stamp sleuths out there, which stamp set is this image from? And for the technically-minded, how did the stamper create this image? Please leave a comment or email me to let me know. I will reward the first three correct readers with a surprise prize (in keeping with the element of mystery). Offer is not available to those who already members of the Stampin' Up! family but overseas entries most welcome.

And at the Get Ready for Christmas Event on Saturday, I will be demonstrating how to use masking and circle punches to create Christmas cards. If you want to find out more, we'd love you to come along. We're still looking for more people to attend so please don't be shy, phone me on 0402 347 010 or email me!

Love from Crafty Kim

* I happily sell any SU! stamps :)

Get Ready for Christmas Craft Day - Save the Date

Hello from Queensland where I am visiting my close friend, Cassandra. I'm using her camera and computer to make this post - thanks for sharing Cass.

Now that I've re-stocked my supply of PINK Columbines (not sure what happend to the blue ones), I can show you one of the projects for an upcoming event. It's a double purse made from SU! Designer Series Paper and Satin Ribbon, filled with sweets and embellished with a stamp from the Season of Joy stamp set. By using different paper, ribbon and embellishments it can be made to suit kids, men and anyone who loves confectionery. Or fill it with other goodies like bath salts, lottery tickets or a gift card.

If you're on my mailing list, you should have received an email invitation recently inviting you along to our "Get Ready for Christmas" Stamp and Scrap-a-thon on Saturday 25th October. My good friend and fellow Stampin' Up demonstrator, Michelle Dyson, and I are getting together to host this great day, to help you prepare for Christmas! We'll be demonstrating some gorgeous Christmas projects, and providing our stamps and a selection of tools for your use, and there will be plenty of tables to spread out your projects. There will also be challenges to participate in if you wish and prizes to be won, along with a goody bag of Christmas project materials for each guest.

Where: Pennant Hills Bowling Club, 52 Yarrara Rd, Pennant Hills

When: Saturday 25th October 2008, 9.15am - 4.45pm, come when you can, leave when you absolutely have to!

What's provided?: Morning and afternoon snacks, tea, coffee and water. Other drinks and lunch will be available to purchase from the Club bistro, or take a short stroll to the local cafes. Use of our tools and stamps, a goody bag and prizes are also on offer, along with loads of inspiration and fun!

What to bring?: Your projects to work on, basic tools and adhesives, lunch if you'd like to picnic at the nearby park.

Cost and registration details: The early bird price is $30, payment is required at the time of registration. We can accept cash, cheque, bank direct deposit, Paypal or credit card (Mastercard or Visa) Early bird registrations close Sunday 28th September. To register, please phone me on 0402 347 010 or email me. Full price registration fee after the 28th September is $35, and registrations close Friday 17th October 2008.

Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Didn't get an invitation? Contact me with your email or mailing address and I'll send one straight out!

Mint Pattie Anyone? Come Along & Treat Yourself at My Open House

Just a quick reminder that my Open House is on from 7:00 - 9:30pm tonight (Friday 29 August 2008). There's still room for more people if you can make it along.

Above is one of the fun little projects we'll be making. I've used the One of A Kind stamp set and the co-ordinating Boho Blossoms Punch with Sage Green and Close to Cocoa colours to decorate mint patties. Yum!

Most of the items in the new Stampin' Up! Spring Mini Catalogue will be on display for you to view and/or try out.

There'll be more make-and-takes, a demonstration and give-aways. All for $10. Please call me on 02 9484 0117 or 0402 347 010 or email me to let me know you're coming.

Hope to see you tonight,

Love from Crafty Kim

It's Beautiful, It's Versatile & It's Postponed

Here's another card I'm planning for guests to make at my Open House. It was inspired by a card made by Angela Parker for our crafty weekend away. I've used the It's Beautiful Jumbo Wheel from the new Stampin' Up!® Spring Mini Catalogue. Stamp wheels are versatile; they can be used as the feature or the background. They're also quick and inexpensive. Once you have the wheel handle (priced at $7.50 for the standard size or $10.95 for the jumbo), you can add any standard or jumbo wheel to your collection for $11.95 or $15.95.

This card has a monochromatic colour scheme, meaning shades of one colour only are employed. I love it in Purely Pomegranate teamed with the co-ordinating double stitched ribbon but it would work equally as well in a variety of other colours. Another feature to note is the paper piercing which follows the swirls in the stamp pattern. Here's a close-up to show you what I'm referring to:



The greeting comes from Circle of Friendship and I've used the scallop and circle punches to mount the greeting and distinguish it from the busy background. I scalloped the corners with the Slit Punch and added some Pretty in Pink Brads to each corner. To reduce the starkness of the white card stock I used my ink pad and sponge daubers to lightly sponge ink around the stamped images.

The invitation to my Open House planned for the afternoon of Saturday 16 August generated lots of interest. Thanks to those readers who replied to me. Unfortunately, many ladies just couldn't make it along on this date so I've decided to postpone the event in the hope of more people being able to attend. I apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience this change generates and thank you for your understanding. New invitations will be sent out by email to my newsletter readers this weekend and I will also publish details here early next week.

I'll be back later today to show you another use of this lovely stamp wheel.

Love from Crafty Kim

Coming Soon....Your Invitation to our Christmas Theme Craft Day

In October this year, my fellow paper-craft addict and Stampin' Up!® demonstrator, Michelle Dyson, and I will be hosting a day-long Christmas card-making and scrapbooking event in the Hornsby / Hills district of Sydney (Australia).

It's a great way to get your Christmas cards made, or to catch up on some scrapbooking. There will be plenty of space for you to spread out your supplies and stay all day. Michelle and I will be demonstrating some gorgeous Christmas projects, and we'll issue challenges to participate in. As well as prizes to be won! You will receive a goody bag of materials to make Christmas projects.


And Michelle and I will have all of our Christmas stamps and associated tools available for your use. Trust me, that's alot of stamps to choose from. And there will be plenty of cards and other items on display to inspire you.

We're just finalising the venue and timing at the moment ahead of sending out invitations. If you are not already receiving my Crafty Kim newsletters by email, please make sure you sign up for my newsletter in order to receive your invitation with all the details.



Now, about these three cards; more treasures from my crafty weekend away. They are designed by Fiona Poirier, Michelle Dyson and Alana Galagher respectively. Thank you to these ladies for allowing me to share their card designs with my blog readers.

All cards feature the funky Christmas set in the new Stampin' Up!® Spring Mini Catalogue, called Season of Joy. If you're tempted to invest in a new set of stamps for Christmas this year, this is the one to go for. It is really versatile, with a tree, a swirl, a star, a snowflake, two flowers and various greetings. And don't forget to get a jar each of Heat 'n' Stick Powder and Dazzling Diamonds, they really add Christmas sparkle to your projects, as seen in the last card. And on this same card, do you like the Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon? It comes in Chocolate Chip too. Both are perfect for wrapping gifts as well as for embellishing your cards and pages.

Better get back to making cards while watching the Olympics. I'm working on Father's Day items at the moment so I'm trying to complete them "on the sly". Shouldn't be too hard to escape husband Bryan's attention, he's very absorbed by the sport.

Love from Crafty Kim

Treat Yourself to A Wonderful Afternoon at My Open House

This Popsicle card is one of the projects we'll be making at my open house (in Westleigh, NW Sydney suburb, NSW, Australia) on Saturday 16 August. I've used the Tart and Tangy stamp set (on loan to me from my downline Lesley Annabel - thanks Lesley) from the new Mini Catalogue to make these. The Scallop Circle punch made the bite marks and I added some Striped Grosgrain ribbon to decorate.



Colours are Real Red, Pumpkin Pie, Summer Sun and Wild Wasabi. Hopefully you can see the frosty edge in the (first) picture, this was achieved by sponging the cardboard edges with Whisper White ink using sponge daubers. To see how we'll be doing it, have a look at this tutorial from Patty Bennett.

I'd love it if you can come along, from 12:30 - 3:30pm. I'll be show-casing products from the new Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue. There will be a demonstration of how to make a Scratch-And-Sniff version of the above Popsicle card, more make-and-takes to complete and prizes to win. You'll also receive a printed copy of the new Mini. Chocolate and other sustenance will be in plentiful supply.

There will be an entry charge of $10 each to cover costs. This is fully redeemable if you place an order for $50 or more on the day.

Please RSVP by Friday 15 August by email or phone 0402 347 010. I will give you further details when you reply to me.

I really hope you can make it along. If you bring a new friend, your entry price will be reduced to $5 so please ask others along too.

Love from Crafty Kim

Beautiful New Stampin' Up! Products - The 2008 Spring Mini Catalogue

Well I don't know about you but I haven't worked through my Wish List of items from the Stampin' Up! main catalogue yet. But this didn't stop me from pouring over the new Mini Catalogue, items from which go on sale today (1 August) until the 30 November 2008.

In my humble opinion, it's Australia's best Mini Catalogue yet. There are some great new stamps sets in it, including a groovy Christmas set, Season of Joy. In fact, there's lots to get you going on your Christmas paper-craft. Stamps, Decorative Paper, Chipboard, Embellishments and gorgeous Satin Ribbon. You know you can never start making your Christmas items too early.

If you enjoy water-colouring, there's Bloomin' with Beauty - I can't wait to colour these images. There's also a really funky little set called Tart & Tangy which is loads of fun and inexpensive as well.

Want to see what I'm raving about? The new Mini is now online. If you'd like a copy to hold in your hands, or an Adobe PDF of the catalogue, please email me.

Now I'm excited to be heading away for a weekend of paper-crafting with other Stampin' Up! demonstrators. While I'm away I'll be working on projects which I'll demonstrate at my open house on the afternoon of Saturday 16 August 2008 to showcase items from the new catalogue. I'll give you more details soon but please, save the date in your diaries.

Love from Crafty Kim