#simplestamping

One of the challenges we have been set by Stampin'Up! for the coming year is to ensure we cater for all levels of stampers at our classes, whether they be avid crafters, casual crafters, or complete beginners.

Part of this is the launch of the #simplestamping movement - projects using just ink, paper and stamps.  No frilly bits, no need for special equipment, just the joy of a simple, professionally finished design at your fingertips.

As you can see, simple doesn't have to be boring!  Some stunning designs can be achieved with just these simple tools, and as a beginner stamping experience what could be better than taking something so pretty home with you?

I will be re-jigging some of my classes in the new year, so look out for more #simplestamping coming very soon...

 

Oh, I do tend to get a little bit overexcited about Christmas!  The Stampin'Up! Autumn/Winter Catalogue is my favourite of the year (and I incorrectly but unfailingly refer to it as the "Christmas Catalogue" from the moment I get my sticky mitts on it, which probably says everything you need to know about me and Christmas crafting!) and it is jam-packed full of gorgeously festive stamps, colours, embellishments, papers... you name it. 

But the really lovely thing is that most of the sets are incredibly versatile and can be used all year round.  Take Flourish Filigree, for example: this card could just as easily be a birthday card, or even a wedding or christening card.  I've used this so much since I got it, and it's definitely a keeper, especially as I "just had to" buy Label Me Pretty too, so I had both sets to coordinate with the Pretty Label Punch... 😂

How Lovely Are Your (Pink) Branches!

Does anyone else enjoy using non-traditional colours for Christmas Cards? 

These were part of my monster charity drive, and were really based around using up some retired colours of cardstock, but I've had so many positive comments about them by sharing this photo on Facebook!  I think doing something a bit different sometimes stands out from the crowd a bit, and I have to say, I do like the results. 

Will my own Christmas cards be pink this year?  Well, no, I've already designed them for this year, but who knows what 2019 might hold...?

In This We Make A Difference

It's time!  You can expect a slew of Christmas projects from here on in!

You may remember that I am part of a group that supplies greetings cards to charites, either for them to use or to sell for fundraising.  This year I decided to have a mammoth push to send as many as I could by using up some of my retired stash of DSP, embellishments, cardstock and Memories & More cards. 

To date I have sent off just shy of 200 Christmas cards, and I hope to do a few more before the end of this year, but I've had to tell myself very firmly that I am not to do any more charity cards until I have sorted out my own Christmas cards! I'm a hard taskmaster, I tell you...

Sunset Waterfront

I have only recently discovered the Impossible Card design - I know, where have I been, right?  I have two ladies who come to my classes who are sisters and have their birthdays very close together, and I umm-ed and ahh-ed over what kinds of cards to make them, but plumped for making a pair. 

The paper I've used is retired, but it's an old favourite, so I paired it with a slightly unusual colouring for the Waterfront stamp set, and I was pleased with the results.  I think my ladies liked them too which is, of course, what counts!

Birthday Expedition

A birthday card!  Not a colour challenge, but a bit of a challenge for me nonetheless because I actually cut into my Animal Expedition DSP - shock horror! 

I think it was worth it, though.  I love these papers, and they are my current go-to for children's cards - not to mention that I'm threatening to frame full sheets and display them in my house!  I think the designs are both artistically gorgeous and fun, and really do appeal to all ages.  It's no coincidence that this is my best-selling paper from the Annual Catalogue. 

It's worth mentioning the Leaf Ribbon too - it was right at the top of my wishlist when we got our sneak preview of the catalogue, but this is the first time I've actually used it.  Maybe I was scared to cut into that, too 😂