Blossom Designs

Box In A Bag

Yay!!!  I've managed to get in my studio and do something - okay, so it wasn't stamping (no stamping involved in the project below!) but I made something!!  Yippee for me.

Diana Gibbs made this Box In A Bag (as she called it) and it is just so cute!  I loved making this and plan to give it to someone for their birthday next week.  I will be making another for a birthday I missed today!!

Ok, so what do you think of my box in a bag attempt?

I really like it.  I didn't know if I would use the DSP (Le Jardin) but I have used it a couple of times now and just love it.  I do love my Soft Subtles colour family so I went straight for Bashful Blue cardstock to coordinate.

You can just about see I used my jumbo eyelets in the tabs at the top.

I thought the big flower in the pretties kit would go nicely but you can embellish anyway you like.  You could monogram someones initial for example.  We all know the possibilities are endless. 

Can you see my new watermark?  I did all by myself.  I know, I know, it is only basic but still I'm proud of myself for working out how to do it without help from hubby (Mr IT).  LOL  Eventually, I may graduate to something a bit more elaborate, but for now, basic it is!!

Happy Crafting,

.

Supplies
Paper: Le Jardin (DSP), Bashful Blue
Accessories: Blue Gingham Ribbon, Round Tab Punch, Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Pretties Kit, 3/4" + 1" Circle Punch, Bashful Blue Brad.

No Stamping

Oh no!!  I have not been able to stamp since the weekend - I am having withdrawals.  LOL  On the other hand, I have done 'those jobs' that I had been putting off.  So, hopefully after our little trip to the post office, I will be able to sit down in my studio and stamp!

Don't forget, the new SPRING MINI begins on Friday!

Happy Crafting,

.

Gift Card Holder

Ok, so here is the other project I wanted to show you!

It is again from Makeesha Byl.  A very talented Australian demonstrator.

Follow Makeesha's tutorial to make this gift card holder.  I don't think there are many gift voucher's out there anymore as most of the store's have gift cards now.  I recently gave one to my husband for his birthday for some music as he loves all genre of music (I also bought him some clothes!).

I have used Le Jardin DSP for the first time and I love the colours (I know there is no 'pink') LOL.  I don't know about you but I just think that stripes are very manly.  It helps that there is blue mixed in here!

Just a close up of the front of the holder.  You can embellish it anyway you like - using your punches, just as I have done or maybe embellish using your pretties kit (ooh, that would look nice!) for a more feminine look.

Okay, I quickly ran into my studio and took a photo of what the gift card holder looks like opened.

Happy Crafting,

.

Supplies
Stamps: Riveting.
Ink: Bashful Blue.
Paper:La Jardin DSP, Bashful Blue, Mellow Moss.
Accessories: 5/8" + 1/4" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon,  Scallop Punch, 1 3/8" + 1 1/4" Circle Punch.

It Is Almost Time

Yes, the new Spring Mini is just around the corner!!

It is packed with great Stamps, Designer Series Paper, Rub-Ons, new Hodgepodge Hardware, lovely Satin Ribbon & Chipboard.

If you would like a copy of the Spring Mini, please contact me and I will send it in the post.

.

P.S. - I have another project to show you but I have forgotten to photograph it open so I'm debating whether to post what I have and then add the open photo later or just wait and do it all together!  Oh, what to do?!

CD Cover

Today, I wanted to make some things I have been meaning to make for weeks but just haven't had the time to do it.  So while my little Oliver was in his bedroom (for being naughty and hopefully fall asleep!) I went into my studio and created this CD Cover.  Makeesha Byl has the written tutorial on her blog HERE but also Dawn Griffith has a video tutorial on her blog HERE.  This is the first time I have made a CD Cover and it is sooooooooo easy!!  I don't use Basic Gray very often and as this was going to be my draft copy, I didn't really co-ordinate things.  But I think it looks okay and turned out nicely.

I used the lovely Purely Pomegranate inkpad and my 'woodcut holly' jumbo wheel.  I don't have any co-ordinating DSP in these colours so I made my own.  I also used my cutter kit to make the distressed edges on the purely pomegranate and river rock cardstock.

I punched a hole using the 1/16" punch in the very vanilla ribbon and attached the tag with linen thread.

Happy Crafting,

 .

Have a good weekend!

P.S. - I have seen Taylor's Cupcake challenge so I will hopefully get onto that tomorrow.

Supplies
Stamps: Terrific Tags, Woodcut Holly.
Ink: Purely Pomegranate.
Paper: Basic Gray, Purely Pomegranate, River Rock.
Accessories: 5/8" Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Small & Large Tag Punch, Linen Thread, Cutter Kit.

Make A Wish

It seems to be the time for men cards or boy cards!  I made my dad's birthday card earlier in the week (his birthday is tomorrow) and it is my FIL birthday on Monday!  I took out my Big Bold Birthday set this time.

I CASEd this card by "ked" from SCS.  I wanted something quick and easy as I had dinner to cook.  I also knew if I didn't sit down tonight to make it, I would be rushing around trying to do it on Sunday!!

I changed the colours from ked's card (except the bashful blue).  I added the brads and the heart.

I ask you? - what did we do without dazzling diamonds?!?!  I soooooo love this stuff.

I did use my stickles for the flame on the candles and I used clear embossing powder on the candles and the base of the cupcake.

Happy Crafting,

.

Treasure Chest

I needed to come up with a card for a 3 year old.  I remembered seeing this treasure chest on a fellow demonstrator's blog (Karen Thomas) who got it from her downline (Judy) and thought, what a great idea.  Karen didn't have any measurements so I guessed and do you know what?!  This card fits into a A5 size envelope

I only have the 'Sanded' and 'Polka Dot' background stamps and in this instance, I didn't think the polka dot one would really do the job!!  LOL  So sanded it is!

I also used my hodge podge which hasn't seen the light of day in a while.  I don't know about you but I tend to go in phases with what I use to embelish my cards.

I used an A4 sheet of Kraft cardstock.  I cut the long side of the cardstock to measure 15cm.  I then scored my card stock at 11cm and 22cm.  Next time I make one, I will also cut 1cm - 2cm off the shortest side so the lid of the chest doesn't hang so far down.

Here is the treasure chest open. 

I forgot to take a photo before I wrote on it - oops!  I used my matching wheel for the background and stamped my little pirate on very vanilla cardstock. 

You could use a velcro dot to keep it closed .

If you have any questions about this, please email me. 

Happy Crafting,

.

Supples
Stamps: Ahoy, Matey, Matey's Map (wheel)
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie. Going Gray (Crayon).
Paper: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip.
Accessories: Twill Ribbon, Scallope Punch, 1 1/4" + 1" Circle Punch.

Male Card

It is my dad's birthday next week and I wanted to make a card for him.  Now, my problem is that I don't own a 'male' type stamp set from Stampin' Up! - unless you count Crab & Co or Unfrogettable.  Yes, I guess I could have used them and made a fun card but I wanted something more sophisticated.  I guess I will have to invest in more SU! stamps (oh no!!).  LOL

Anyway, I had to partly take my SU! hat off and I turned to my next favourite company Papertrey Ink.  If you remember back to February, I won the PTI competition to be the PTI Apprentice.  The stamps were released in April and this is one of them.  Can you believe that it has taken me this long to crack open the box!!  Mind you, the first delivery from the States went AWOL (it is somewhere in post land) so poor Nichole kindly sent me another package (which I got).

Ok, so I opened up the box - now what?!  My mind went blank - zippo!  So, I turned to the PTI team for inspiration. I looked at Taylor's blog and found exactly what I was looking for!  Hooray!!  So this card is totally a Taylored Expressioncreation.  Obviously Taylor's card looks much, much better than mine but I learned how to 'colour' today which I am so pleased with.  Normally my colouring is rubbish but I have impressed myself today.

Here is my colouring up close.  Better than my 'usual' colouring but I still have lots to learn!  You can see the outline around the whole of the tree I did in 'going gray' crayon.  I know that the 'Copic' markers are the ants pants at the moment in the USA or is that in the stamping industry? but I don't own any and I'm not sure I will (in the foreseeable future) so I used my SU! markers and crayons.

Everything on the card (except the stamps) are SU!

Hope my dad likes his birthday card and it puts a smile on his face.  He is still in pain from his operation (over a week ago) and his huge bruise is just starting to fade so hopefully he will be back to his normal self soon.  I guess after having 6 stents put in, you are bound to be sore!!

Happy Crafting,

.

Supplies
Stamps: PTI - Father Knows Best.
Ink: Versafine - Vintage Sepia.
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Brocade Background DSP.
Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Old Olive Brads.

Make A Wish Double Challenge

I decided to do two challenges today, Taylor's Cupcake Challengeand also my very first Colour Inspiration Challenge by Kristina Werner.  So, I put the two of them together and came up with this card!

           

So, here is my card.  The card base is Very Vanilla but I think it is a little hard to see.

I wasn't sure I was liking this at first but it has quickly grown on me.

I love the scheme and the sketch is something different for me as I would not normally put circles on the card like this so thanks girls.  I don't know why I haven't as it looks great.  All these great sketches that I will use again and again.

Here is a close up of the parcels with a bit of dazzling diamonds on the middle one.

I just liked the artistic shot of this so I thought I would include it !  LOL

Happy Crafting,

.

 

Supplies:
Stamps: Big Bold Birthday.
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery.
Paper:Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie DSP.
Accessories: 3/4" + 1" + 1 3/8" Circle Punch.

Rockin Blogger

Allison from Stampin' When I Can has given me the "I'm a Rockin' Blogger" award!  How sweet of her!  Thanks Allison.

My fellow SU! demo, Lin Mei gave me the "Arte y Pico" award on Sunday.  Thank you Lin Mei!  I am supposed to award this to 5 other bloggers. I think most of the one's I would pick have already been awarded this so feel free to play along.  One person I would award this too (I've just checked her blog) is my lovely friend Kari.

Happy Crafting,

.

P.S. - have a great weekend.

Celebrate

I'm still not 100% happy with my photograph of this card, it's just not quite right (to me!) but I didn't want to keep you all waiting any longer.  Aren't I nice to you!  LOL

We have a christening to go to on Sunday and I had no idea what type of card to make.  It took me 2 hours just to make this!!  Seriously, I went through my cards and looking for the 'right' sketch - I ended up with two.  The only thing I did know was that I was going to use pink.  So, then what stamps to use?!?!  I had boho backgrounds out on my table and thought 'can I use it?'  I did and this is what I came up with.  No, it is not a 'traditional' christening card but this is a hand made card after all.

I also used my diamond stickles for the centre flower.  You can see the shimmer!

I also used the 5/8" grosgrain ribbon in regal rose.  I think that the pretty in pink and regal rose go so nicely together.  I have used these colours before and loved the result.

As you can see I have lifted the image off the card as it would never sit flat adhered on top of the ribbon.

Happy Crafting,

.

Supplies
Stamps: Boho Backgrounds, Warm Words.
Ink: Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink.
Paper: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink.
Accessories:5/8" Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Brads, Diamond Stickles, Scallop Circle Punch.

I Have A Card To Share.....

.......but I cannot get a good photo of it!!  ARGH!!  I'm hoping that the lighting will be better tomorrow.  Sorry guys.  Mid way though the week and so far it has been an enjoyable one - how has yours been?

Happy Crafting,

.

TECC #24 - Make A Wish

Well I didn't think I would get much stamping done this weekend but in the quiet times, I have managed to sneak away.

This is for Taylor's Sketch Challenge.  I didn't know what colours to use today so I opened up my Idea Book & Catalogueto find some inspiration.  Page 42 was where it opened and these were the colours used.  Not my normal colours but I thought 'what the heck' and went with the flow.  I had originally thought to use Taken With Teal as my base card but changed my mind half way through and went with Old Olive instead.

I don't have the 1 1/4" circle punch so my punches go from 1" to 1 3/8" and quite frankly, I'm liking it.  I will order the 1 1/4" punch - don't worry!

I also seem to be favouring dazzling diamonds too.  I love to use glitter but I hate it that it goes everywhere!  Since finding Stampin' Up!® I don't seem to have that problem.  The Heat & Stick Powder along with Dazzling Diamonds work really well together.  I had no idea how to use them at first and didn't bother asking anyone either.  I had seen projects that used them and one day I just had to ask!  Thank goodness I did.  It really is simple.  If you don't know and are curious, please ask me and I will be only too happy to tell you.  I'm guessing that those of you who look at my blog already know!!

Here is Taylor's sketch to follow.  Give it a go.

Happy Crafting,

.

Supplies
Stamps: Big Bold Birthday.
Ink: Old Olive, Basic Black, Taken With Teal (+ marker).
Paper:Old Olive, Summer Sun, Taken With Teal, Whisper White, Old Olive DSP.
Accessories: 5/8" Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Punch, 1" + 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Rhinestone Brads.

Challenge Time

Yes!!  I have completed the 3rd challenge from last weekends cyberstamp night.  Better late than never - right?!

Kari's colour challenge was to use Ballet Blue, Soft Sky, Not Quite Navy, Pink Passion and Really Rust!

Okay, so this is not my usual style at all.  It is very 'busy' but you know what - I like it.

I started off thinking 'what on earth am I going to do with these colours?'.  I was thinking of using some of my DSP but I don't have any in the colours of the challenge so I figured I'd make my own background paper.  What threw me was putting Pink Passion with Really Rust.  I ended up stamping off with the Really Rust to make it just that little bit lighter.  Stamping off (or repetition) is something I don't normally do (in fact I cannot remember when I did it last!) but I will do it more in future.

Can you see the dazzling diamonds I used on the rose?

I only got to use my Soft Sky card stock by punching out the scallop circle.  I am waiting for my Soft Sky ink pad to arrive (next week).

Let me know what you think of this card!

Happy Crafting,

.

P.S. - thank you to those that have asked how my dad is.  He is home, a little sore but he is ok.  Now he just has to rest and heal.

Supplies
Stamps: Mixed Bouquet, Riveting.
Ink:Pink Passion, Not Quite Navy, Really Rust, Ballet Blue, Versamark.
Paper: Ballet Blue, Really Rust, Whisper White, Not Quite Navy, Pink Passion, Soft Sky.
Accessories:Scallop Punch, 1" + ! 3/8" Circle Punch, !/4" Whisper White Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, Heat & Stick Powder.

Only Days Left For The Extra, Extra Promotion

That's right, the Extra, Extra Hostesspromotion will end on the 15th July.  If you would like to take up this offer but cannot host a workshop, have a catalogue workshop instead.  Collect the orders from your friends, then you will be the hostess and you will get the hostess benefits.  Contact me and I will place your order and have it delivered to your door!  Simple!

Happy Crafting,

.

P.S. - I will try and stamp over the weekend but I may not have time.  My dad had a big operation yesterday and has had to stay in hospital another day due to the doctor not being 100% happy with him going home, so my head is all over the place and not quite ready to stamp.  Thanks for your patience.

Another Spring Mini Card

Here is another peek at the stamps in the new Spring Mini coming up on the 1st August.

Anyone would think that this is my favourite stamp set!?!?  Do you know what - I think it is!  LOL

I did CASE this card from the mini.  I often just look at the cards in the catalogues but never really LOOK at them properly - until recently.  I seem to be more aware of the sketches used so I am trying out a few.

If you look very closely, in the background is the new Spring Mini Catalogue (I cannot give too much away!).

Happy Crafting,

.

P.S.- I am working on some swap cards at the moment and I promise to get my #2 challenge from Saturday's cybertstamp done.

P.S.S. - those of you that subscribe to my blog, are you getting emails to say it has been updated??  I am querying because I did one for myself to see what it was like and guess what??? - I haven't received one and now I am concerned no-one else is getting them.

Supplies
Stamps: One Of A Kind, Sanded.
Inks:Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Pretty In Pink, White Stazon.
Paper:Chocolate Chip, Close To Cocoa, Whisper White.
Accessories:1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Boho Blossom Punch, Rhinestone Brads.

Challenge Time

As I said in my previous post, Kari set the challenges this month for our cyberstamp night yesterday.

The next challenge I completed was the sketch challenge - this was #3 challenge!  #2 is still a little daunting!  You'll see why when I tell you the colours! Ballet Blue, Soft Sky, Not Quite navy, Pink Passion, & Really Rust!!  OMG.  Anyway, the sketch Kari chose was from the lovely Lauren Meader.  We could make a card or scrapbook page - look what I chose!!  Yes, I made a scrapbook page.

This is only my second page I've ever made and decided to go with Pooh & Tigger photo with my little boy, Oliver.  The other page I made you can see HERE.  It too is from our holiday to Disney World.  I will eventually get all the pages done from our holiday!!  LOL

Oliver loves his Pooh Bear & Tigger.  The yellow 'Disney' paper came with the kit I bought while at Disney World so I wanted to match a photo with it and Pooh was the closest character I could get.  I used Only Orange cardstock along with Real Red.  This could be the first time I have used Only Orange.

I am really pleased with how this turned out.

Here is a close up of all three characters!  LOL

I look at this photo of Oliver and see how he has changed.  His little 'baby' face is growing up but he still pulls that same face - I hope that never goes away.

Happy Stamping,

.

Supplies
Stamps: One of A Kind.
Inks: Real Red, Only Orange.
Paper: Only Orange, Real Red, Whisper White.
Accessories:Orange Rhinestone Brads, Dazzling Diamonds, Boho Blossom Punch.

Challenge Time

Every month, my fellow INKlings and I have a challenge night.  There are 3 challenges set and tonight, the lovely Kari is our hostess with the mostess!!!  LOL  Yay, Kari!

So challenge #1 is to make a pyramid box from this template HERE.  We are to pick a colour we don't use very often to make our pyramid.  I don't use acetate very often at all and even though it is no colour to it, I decided to try it out.

EDITED: I forgot to touch up the photos and they were a little too dark so here are the updated one.

Well after cutting out my pyramid, I was going to stamp on it but I changed my mind.  I decided to use my Wintergreen DSP instead.

This is so cute.  What a great gift to give to someone whether it be for Christmas, birthday or just because!  This is really quick and easy to put together - have a go!

Here is a close up of my flower.  I stamped it in Sage Shadow and then again in Versamark so I could use my heat and stick powder and my dazzling diamonds. 

This is the view from underneath.  I didn't cover it but I may still do.  Now, what to put in it - chocolates maybe?!?!

Happy Crafting,

.

P.S. - I will post my next challenge when I can photograph it in the day light.

Supplies
Stamps: One Of A Kind.
Ink:Sage Shadow, Versamark.
Paper:Sage Shadow, Sky Blue, Wintergreen DSP.
Accessories: 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Pewter Eyelets.

TECC#23 - Happy

Yay!  I was able to do Taylor's Cupcake Challenge today!

Being Independence Day in the USA (happy 4th to all my US friends), Taylor went with Red, White & Blue colours.  I hadn't intended to go along the same line but I did want to use my Briliant Blue DSP.  I was going with all the blue shades but it didn't look right so I added the red.  So I ended up adding more red!!  What do you think?

I got to use my 'One of a Kind' trio flower stamp and punched them out with the Boho Blossoms punch.  I don't think you can see but the brads are the rhinestone brads in red (of course!).

I did take a couple more photos but as I am on my laptop and using XP, I cannot get the colours right when editing.  I had to get hubby to pause his game he was playing so I could edit just this photo on his pc as he is using Vista.  I may have to go back to using my desktop until hubby finds the right driver for my laptop!!  You gotta love IT!

Happy Crafting,

.

Supplies
Stamps: Polka Dots & Paisley, One Of A Kind.
Ink: Real Red, Bashful Blue
Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Real Red, Brilliant Blue DSP.
Accessories: Red Rhinestone Brads, Red Gingham Ribbon, 5/8" Brocade Blue Grosgrain Ribbon.

Bag-A-Lope

How do you like my bag-a-lope?!?!

You know my card I made in yesterday's post (below), well I actually made a few of them - very quick and easy.  I gave them to my fitness instructor who took me out for lunch last week to thank me for helping her out in her classes each week.

She loved the bag-a-lope and couldn't believe I made it out of a envelope!  I told her to open it as there were some things inside (she didn't want to ruin it!).  She loved the cards too.  Now she just has to give the cards to her friends!

I have seen these around on some blogs but never made one.  One of those things where you think 'Oh, I like that.  I'll make one' but  never quite get around to doing it.  If I don't do it right then and there, I forget!  I still blame my 'baby' brain - can you still do that, even after 3 years!?!?  LOL

I used the Circle Of Friendship stamp here and punched out the centre piece (after stamping it in close to cocoa) and stuck it down with a mini glue dot.

I also used the One Of A Kind stamp on the Close To Cocoa cardstock.

Happy Crafting,

.

P.S. - I'm not sure how much crafting I will get to do over the weekend - have a busy one planned.  Might have to be late Sunday night after Oliver is in bed.  Until we sort out the issue with his window, his room is very stuffy, so tonight I have the fan in the hall way (out of reach!) to circulate the air.

Supplies
Stamps: One Of A Kind, Circle Of Friendship.
Ink: Close To Cocoa, Pretty In Pink.
Paper: Close To Cocoa, Pretty In Pink, Whisper White.
Accessories: Light Pink Gingham Ribbon, Large Tag Punch, 1" + 1/2" Circle Punch.

You Are One Of A Kind

I wasn't feeling too creative today but I do have my demo's copy of the new Spring Mini Catalogue that is coming out next month.  An added bonus of being a demonstrator is that we are able to pre-order the stamps and accessories to show you what is in the mini and naturally, we love to play with new toys!  LOL

So, my creation comes straight from the catalogue with the 'One Of A Kind' set.  There are 6 die cut stamps in this set.....did you get that, "DIE CUT".  It means YOU won't have to cut around the stamps to then mount them on the wooden block.  They are already cut for you.  Easy!

This mini has lots of lovely stamps in it with gorgeous rub-ons and brand new satin ribbon in two colours.  The Designer Series Paper is to die for.  I bet there are a few demonstrators out there ordering everything in the mini catalogue!!  LOL

Did you notice the tearing on my card?!  I don't know why, but I never tear paper!!  I should do it more often as it looks nice.

As you can see, I've raised the top layer which I think is the same as the card I am CASEing - at least it looks like it is raised.  I'm liking it anyway! LOL 

Happy Crafting,

.

 

Supplies
Stamps: One Of A Kind.
Ink: Close to Cocoa.
Paper: Pretty In Pink, Pulley Pomegranate, Close To Cocoa, Whisper White.
Accessories: Light Pink Gingham Ribbon, Boho Blossom Punch, Pink Brad.

Super Starter Kit Savings

From the 1st July to the 15th August, you get $25 off the already fabulously priced starter kit.  Instead of paying $560 worth of Stampin' Up! stamping products and business supplies, you will only pay $299.

Have you been thinking of joining the Stampin' Up! gang?  Why not take advantage of this offer.  Don't forget that you can change the stamps and ink pads if you don't want the one's that come in the starter kit.

Signing up in July means you get 6 months to meet your first sales quota.  That's December!!  Not only that but you will get to meet lots of new people and make loads of new friends who love to stamp too!

Have a look HERE for the different types of demonstrators.  Which one would you like to be?

If you would like to take up this amazing offer, please contact me.

Happy Crafting,

.