Summer Mini Blog Hop

I cannot believe how time has flown.  No sooner has Sale-a-bration ended, and the Spring Mini has also come to a close!!!

However, that does make way for the new Summer Mini Catalogue…………  so many wonderful new products to play with :o)

You may have landed on my blog post by way of Sharon – I hoped you loved what she had to share.

My post focuses on the Bright Blossoms stamp set, and I have four cards to show you:

The first is a simple card, but very bright and bold.  I cased this layout from the very talented Teri Pocock.

Sadly I took most of these photos last night, so the pictures aren’t the best due to rubbish lighting!!!

I used Concord Crush and Lucky Limeade as the colour scheme, adding in some striped DSP, layering the top and bottom with a strip of Lucky Limeade card punched with the Dotty Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (oh what a mouthful!)  The sentiment is from the Hostess set Happiest Birthday Wishes.

Next I have a card that teams Island Indigo with Pumpkin Pie.  They work surprisingly well together.  I have used the stem image from Sweetheart stamp set.  The most solid flower image from Mixed Bunch is stamped in Island Indigo to line up with the stem, and then layered over the top is a Whisper White flower punched with the new Blossom Punch.  The little tulip image from Bright Blossoms fits perfectly inside each petal. 

I’ve used one of the new Edgelit Dies to shape one side of the card (again, apologies for the terrible piccy).  I’ve also stamped one of the flower head images over the left side of the card base to give a tone on tone effect.  The Pumpkin pie button just finishes things off nicely.

With this next card I went for a slightly retro feel.  I teamed Melon Mambo with old Olive and Basic Gray.  I used marked to ink the stamps and then punched parts of the images out with the 1 1/4” and 1” circle punches.

The sentiment of from Curly Cute.  I inked it with Versamark and then added Melon Mambo Embossing Powder which really makes it pop off the Basic Gray card.  The sentiment panel has been edged with Melon Mambo strip, again punched with the Dotty Scallop Ribbon Border Punch.

For the last card I went with a slightly Vintage theme.  I used a favourite colour combination of mine – Crumb Cake, Bravo Burgundy and Pink Pirouette.  I also added in some Confetti Cream.  I used the Distressing Tool in the Cutter Kit to rough up all of the edges, the daubed Bravo Burgundy ink around the edges of the Confetti Cream pieces. 

I embossed the Pink Pirouette card with the Oval Designer Frame image, then used one of the new Framelit Dies the cut around the frame.  The flower image was inked with markers and then punched with the Extra-Large Oval.  The sentiment is again from Curly Cute, and I added some Chantilly Crochet Trim in a ruffled manner across the bottom of the card.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing one stamp set used four different ways.  It’s a really bargain, only £11.95 in clear mount for 8 stamps, and yet so versatile!!!!  It’s one of many wonderful new products.

If you’d like to see them all, then click on the picture of the Summer Mini catalogue on my side bar to view it online, or contact me if you’d like a hands on copy posted to you.  Even better – come to my open house event this Saturday between 10am and 1pm and see the products, loads more samples and make a card to take home as well.  Full details are on my EVENTS page.

Now it’s time for you to hop along and see what Anthea has in store for you.

Thanks for stopping by – please do leave a comment and let me know what you think :o)

 

Full Blog Hop Listing

Group 1

1. AlisonP ~ www.craftyalisoninlyon.blogspot.com
2. Crafting Alison ~ www.craftingalison.blogspot.com
3. Sarnie - www.kraftybiker.blogspot.com
4. Pat - www.pinkycardsandcreations.blogspot.com
5. IOW Sarah- www.stampinsarahiow.blogspot.com
6. Frankiesue - www.frankiesue.blogspot.com
7. Anne-Marie - http://classycrafters.blogspot.co.uk/
8. Angela - www.sparklycards.blogspot.com
9. Elaine - www.thesassystampers.blogspot.com
10. Sara - www.craftingandstamping.com
11. FrenchieJo - www.frenchiejo.blogspot.com
12. Leanie - www.beautifulimpressions.co.uk
13. Michelle (ShellieStamps) - www.craftypaper.co.uk
14. Fiona - http://oakfieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
15. Tina F -http://littlewhitehousecrafts.blogspot.com
16. (9399) Amanda - http://thecraftspa.blogspot.com
17. Ruth(mamaluke) www.artfulstampin.co.uk
18. Jan (JJ66) - http://jan-crippin.blogspot.co.uk/
19. Bluedaisy (Tracy) - http://bluedaisydaydreams.blogspot.co.uk/

Group 2

20. Nuttysgirl (Emily) - http://www.stampinmermaid.blogspot.co.uk/
21 CarolynUK - http://stampaholix.blogspot.co.uk/
22 Allyf - www.serendipitypapercuts.blogspot.com
23 Vronie www.vronstampin.blogspot.com
24 Kim www.kimfeecrafter.blogspot.com
25 Beckie (Littlebeckie) www.bextiesandstickytape.blogspot.com
26 Sally http://girliepink.blogspotcom
27 Christa http://serendipity-stamping.blogspot.co.uk/
28. DonnaM www.head-over-heels-by-dlm.blogspot.com
29 Laura http://airingcupboardstamping.blogspot.co.uk/
30. Emma H http://emma-letsstamp.blogspot.com/
31. Margaret K www.makingpapercrafts.blogspot.com
32. Kate http://stampinupwithkate.blogspot.co.uk/
33. Sarah http://esellek.blogspot.co.uk/
34. Jayne http://jaynescraftycorner.blogspot.co.uk/
35. Clare http://sparklecrafts.blogspot.com
36. Sharon http://stamps-n-inks.blogspot.co.uk/
37. Julie http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com – You are HERE
38. Anthea http://stampin-divas.blogspot.co.uk/
39. Vicky http://vickylouscorner.blogspot.com

Up, Up and Away……..

Hello and a very Happy Easter Sunday to you all.

I have been having a bit of a crafty weekend, preparing for my upcoming classes and playing with my pre-order products for the upcoming Summer Mini Catalogue released 1st May..........  How cool is it that we get two mini catalogues from Stampin' Up! this year!!!

Well I decided to have a play with the sketch over at Stamping 411 because when I saw it, my mind immediately went to a new stamp set and the card formed in my head in a matter of minutes.  I had to scribble it down on a piece of paper before forgetting all of the elements.

Now I don't normally post sneak peeks this early, if at all.  I'm usually not that organised, but here we are.

This is the sketch:

And this is my interpretation:

I am in love with this set and have already made several cards using it.  I hope to make a few more today.

I turned the sketch into a standard A5 card size rather than square.  I hope you like it :o)

Upcoming Card Class – 21.04.12

Hi everyone,

I’ve been getting myself prepared for my next card class which is being held on Saturday 21st April.

Below is a sneak peek of the morning class card we will be making – all centred around the Easy Events stamp set.

I only have a few spaces left, so if you want to book on please do it soon

10am - 1pm
Easy Events Card Class

Come along and have a fun filled morning making 5 cards using the Easy Events stamp set

£7.50

(or free with a £20 order)

2 - 5 pm
Candle Gift Class (sneak peek coming soon…….)

An afternoon class where we will be decorating a candle, making a gift box and matching card

£10.00

(or free with a £30 order)

Come along to both sessions for £15

*bring a packed lunch and have a fun filled crafty day*

(free with a £50 order)
 

Advance booking and payment (cheque or Paypal) is required
Please contact me on

07786266722

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk
 

All supplies, except glue, included in the price - please bring your own glue, both wet and dry, and anything else you cannot craft without.
 

If you would like to attend but the date / time are not suitable to you, please do let me know.  If I have enough interest I will add additional dates and times for all classes, but I need to know people are interested.

Alternatively I can bring the class to you!

Just gather a minimum of 5 people and we can hold the card class in the comfort of your own home.  The same pricing applies.

It's not an April Fool.........

We’re celebrating spring! 

From 1-30 April 2012, get one free pack of our gorgeous Designer Series Paper when you spend £45 on Stampin’ Up! products*.

Choose from the following:

 *Limit of one gift with purchase for every qualifying order.

April is the perfect time to host a Stampin' Up! Party..........

Contact me today to book, or to place an order and qualify for one of these gorgeous Designer paper packs.

Julie Halls

07786266722

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

Sale-a-bration – the final countdown!!!

Hi – I’m back with the final card we made at my morning March class.  This is my favourite out of them all.

My camera really hasn’t picked up the gorgeous Calypso Coral colour very well.  I should have waited for natural light to take the photos!

This card uses the Elementary Elegance stamp set which co-ordinates with the Curly Label Punch.  The frame stamp has various elements to it, including a crown, butterfly, bird and key.  The set also includes a little single stamp of each of these things!The base here is Calypso Coral, with a layer of Soft Suede.  The Very Vanilla card has been stamped with the frame image in Calypso Coral ink, and sponge daubed around the edge with Soft Suede ink.  The bottom section of the card is layered with some Everyday Enchantment DSP, a strip of Calypso Coral punched with the Dotted Scallop Ribbon Border Punch, and also some of the lush Crochet Trim Ribbon.

The sentiment was stamped in Soft Suede ink onto Very Vanilla card and punched with the Curly Label punch, then daubed around the edges before being added to the card with Dimensionals.  Lastly a flutter of butterflies were added across the card.Have you got all of the lovely sets that have been available during Sale-a-bration?  No………  well there’s only a few days left to get those £45 order in!

Call 07786266722

Email craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

More Sale-a-bration

I have a couple more cards to share with you today :o)

The first cards uses the Sprinkled Expression stamp set.  I have stamped the star image in Versamark Ink and added Clear Embossing Powder over the top.  Once heat set I have then used Peach Parfait ink and sponge daubed all over.  This is mounted onto a 2 3/8 Scallop Circle of Poppy Parade.  The base is Poppy Parade, layered with Soft Suede and then three strips of Everyday Enchantment DSP.  The sentiment is stamped in Poppy Parade ink and mounted onto a 1 3/8 Circle of Poppy Parade card.

The next card uses the gorgeous Fresh Vintage stamp set, along with one of the sentiments in the Elementary Elegance set.  The card starts of with a Poppy Parade base and a Pool Party layer.  I’ve added some Everyday Enchantment DSP and used the 1/2” Circle Punch to bite into the corners where I’ve then added a Basic Pearl.  The tag was cut from Very Vanilla card and sponge daubed with Soft Suede ink.  I used markers to colour the image, and underlined it with the wavy image in Poppy Parade ink, with the sentiment in Soft Suede to one side.  Lastly I punched a hole and added some Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon.

 

If you have yet to get some of the wonderful Sale-a-bration sets, then don’t delay.  Order today as they are only around for a few more days!!!!

Julie halls – 07786266722 – craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

Sale-a-bration - Last Chance Class

Hi there

Back in January when Sale-a-bration began it seemed like it was stretched out before me and set to last and last………….  How quickly the time has gone by, and now we are in the final week!

If you have fallen in love with the collection of stamp set or those gorgeous papers but have yet to get your hands on them, well now is your final chance.  The stamp sets and papers will not be making a return after 31st March.

If you’re not sure what you need to do, it’s really simple.  Place an order for £45 and you can pick one of the five items for FREE.  Place an order of £90 and you can pick two items………………….  you get the idea.  For those last minute orders, please get in touch – 07786266722 or craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

For a bit of inspiration I wanted to share with you some cards we made at class last week, all featuring the Sale-a-bration collection

This card uses Lucky Limeade card for the base and is then layered with some Pool Party on one side.  The Pool Party has been embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, and lined up alongside some of the Everyday Enchantment DSP.  I added some Lucky Limeade Ruffled Ribbon, and then the sentiment is from Outlined Occasions.  I inked it in Basic Gray and used a Blender Pen and Peach Parfait ink to add some colour.  The butterflies are made using the Beautiful Wings Embosslit with Peach Parfait card, and I added some Rhinestones for the bodies to finish them off.

 

This was one of my favourite cards.  The card base is Soft Suede layered with a piece of Calypso Coral that has been embossed with the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder – love it!  

Strips of Everyday Enchantment DSP have been layered on top, cut into banners, and backed on either side with a strip of Pool Party which was punched with the Scallop Border Punch.  The banners were finished off with a few Basic Rhinestones.  

The sentiment is from the Sale-a-bration set Elementary Elegance, inked in Soft Suede with a Pool Party little bird.  The frame is made by passing some Calypso Coral card through the Big Shot in the oblong Designer Frame Embossing Folder and then cutting around the edge.

  

I’ll be back tomorrow with a couple more of the cards from class to showcase some more of the Sale-a-bration loveliness!

Cupcake Class

Back in January when the Spring Mini Catalogue first launched, I couldn’t wait to get started with the simply yummy Create a Cupcake stamp set and co-ordinating Cupcake Builder Punch………  So that’s what my first class of the year was based around – 5 cards showcasing all of the things you could do with that stamp set and punch…….  and there’s a lot!

I can’t believe I haven’t posted about these long before now, especially as all Spring Mini products are only around until 30th April……….  after this time you cannot order them, unless of course they make a re-appearance in the main Ideas Book and Catalogue 12/13 when it launches in October.  That’s a long time to wait, so don’t delay in getting your hands on this lovely duo :o)

As I’ve been such a bad blogger of late I am going to try and make up for it by posting all five cards we made in one hit! 

So first we have a cute little basket of flowers.  This is a 4” x 4” card base with a layer of DSP.  One of the cupcake wrapper images has been stamped in Marina Mist, then punched out for our basket.  The flowers were stamped and hand cut, and I used a Mini Glue Dot to adhere each button over the top.  Notice the little leaves still poke out from behind.  I used the sprinkles image to stamp around the edge of the Rose Red layer, which has been double punched with the 2 3/8” Scallop Circle Punch.  The simple sentiment has been inked in Rose Red and punch out with the Word Window Punch.

Next up we have three lovely handbags!  Each of the handbags is made from an upturned cupcake wrapper.  I stamped the wrapper image in Melon Mambo and Elegant Eggplant onto the same coloured card stock before punching.  The handbag flap is made from the Small Oval Punch and the handles from the Medium Oval Punch, with a Mini Brad for the fastening.  The handbags have been mounted onto a piece of card punched with the Scallop Square.  I finished the card of with a strip of Elegant Eggplant Dotted Scalloped Ribbon and the sentiment stamped in Melon Mambo ink directly onto the Crumb Cake card base.

The ballon card is one of my favourites and would make a great boys card!  I used a scrap piece of card and punched a cupcake topping, then used this as a mask for the clouds which I daubed into the Whisper White Top Note piece with Pool Party ink.  The basket of the balloon is a cupcake wrapper punched out of Soft Suede card and then run through the Big Shot in the Lattice Square Embossing Folder.  The balloon is 3-dimensional and made from 5 punched 1 3/8” Circles – 2 x Daffodil Delight / 3 x Real Red.  I linked the two up with Linen Thread and stamped the Happy Birthday in Real Red ink. 

I love the colour combination for the ice-cream card :o)  Pool Party / Island Indigo and Pretty In Pink, with a splash of Chocolate Chip thrown in.  The cone was punched using the Pennant Punch, though you could easily cut a triangle for the cone.  This was embossed like the balloon basket, then I sponge daubed over the edge to give it a more life like quality.  The ice-cream scoops are actually cupcake toppings!  The two 2 3/8” Scallop Circles help the highlight the ice-cream, and I’ve mounted it all onto a piece of Pretty in Pink that’s been embossed with the Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder.  Add some Island Indigo Ruffled Ribbon, tie a bow, and pop in an In Colour Printed Designer Brad and your done!

Finally we have my favourite card – Cupcakes as Cupcakes, looking very yummy and ready to be eaten!  The base is Crumb Cake, with some scrumptious So Saffron Designer Paper layered on top.  The windows were made from a piece of Soft Suede card topped with 4 Blue Bashful squares punched with the 1 1/4” Square Punch.  A little lazy as they’d be easy to cut, but if you have the tools you may as well use them!  The awning was made with a strip of Regal Rose card, scored twice and folded, then I used the Scallop Border Punch along one edge.  I did the same with the table piece, which was a Regal Rose piece punched with 2 3/8” Scallop Circle Punch.  Then I had fun with the cupcakes, using different wrapper stamps and colours, adding multi coloured sprinkles, a cherry and some of the tiny Basic Pearls.

I really love how versatile this stamp set and punch are.  The sentiments are cute and I love the actual font, it’s delicate and refined.

I you have been pondering on getting these items, then I hope seeing these cards might have helped you realise you NEED them!  I sincerely hope they make it into the Main Catalogue in October.

Have a fabulous Saturday

Julie x