Its Here.... the waiting is over.....

I thought I would start off my previews with my favourite stamp set from the new catalogue. If you have a new catalogue you will notice that a lot of the stamp sets come in the normal wooden block mounted or the new clear mount which mount on to blocks. I would just like to mention that the name is misleading, they are not clear but are the red rubber mounted onto grey rubber but you can see the picture through the acrylic block so it is much easier to stamp in the right place without the use of the Stampamajig. You can also add more than one stamp at a time to create images.... The acrylic blocks are also gorgeous (can an acrylic block be gorgeous?) they have grooves around in which your fingers fit nicely and they come in loads of different sizes so that there will always be one to fit your stamp...

This first card I made because I just had to use the stamp set. I had also just grasped brayering, and although you cannot see the gradiation in the reds very much in this photograph, it does go from dark red which is the new Cherry Cobbler, to a light red which is a new "in colour" Poppy Parade. The newsprint background is the new Patterned Paper, called Newsprint. I also stamped the image from the Artistic Etching Stamp Set onto the red and black embossed it, I then stamped some of the other images onto the Newsprint PP in Cherry Cobbler Ink and Basic Black.... More images were used for the Amour and were punched out using the Oval Punch and Oval Scallop Punch. I then finished it off with Black and Very Vanilla Grosgrain Striped Ribbon which now comes in more colours than before....

This tag I made for Stampin Up Training in High Wycombe, I again used the Artistic Etching stamp set, Newsprint Patterned Paper and Cherry Cobbler, Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla and Basic Black Cardstock. I finished it off with Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon. I had to make 70 of these for swaps...... wish I hadn't of embossed the Eiffel Tower image as my whole desk was covered in black embossing powder by the time I had finished.... lol

So there you have it, the first previews from the new catalogue. I will be back tomorrow with some more, hope to see you all then. xx

Father's Day.... (a bit late)

I know, I know, this post is about a month late, but I did actually make some cards although they were a case from the lovely Jules, why not check out her blog...

Anyway, this is a card from the children to my Stepdad as he only lives about 2 miles down the road, I used the Cheers to You stamp set and the Jackpot Patterned Paper...

and here is a view from the other side, as you can see I forgot to photograph it until after the children had written in it.... ha ha

This card was made using the monkey that the wonderful Jules makes, isn't it cute... this one was for DH from the children. The monkey is made using all Stampin' Up! punches... isn't Julie clever? The cloud is from my Papertrey Ink die and the leaves are from the Stampin' Up! bird punch. I also made a card for my dad, not sure what happened to the photograph, I am sure I did photograph it, so will show you that when I find it... have a great evening all xx

More Thank You Cards....

After making that gorgeous Scrapbook at Monica and Bekka's Training Day in Peterborough, I still had quite a bit of the Sunny Day Scrappin' Kit left (well actually we only got half the kit each but there is still tons left, you definately get your money's worth with these kits).... I am determined to use it up, so after using some on a couple of thank you cards the other week, I decided to make another 10....

I did run out of cardstock so just used the matching cardstock that I had that matched the kit.... this is Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Pixie Pink and Old Olive, but I did also add some Kraft Cardstock just coz I like it....

The ribbon didn't come in the kit either, but you can get Pumpkin Pie and Tempting Turquoise in the narrow grosgrain and Old Olive in the wider grosgrain, all which match this gorgeous set...

There were plenty of stickers and patterned paper left to make these cards...

and a tip I found this weekend is when you send cards to someone, like this thank you card, write your message on a Post It Note and stick it inside, that means that the recipient can also forward the card on, so an extra little thank you gift for them.....

I did stamp the "Thank You" sentiment, this is in the Ovals All set and punches out nicely using the Scallop Punch...

I stamped the cardstock on the tall cards using the little leaf/tree stamp from the Saleabration Set Good Neighbours.... I just love this set....

and I also punched out little circles to add even more colour to the cards and stuck them on... here I have used the Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon...

These cards didn't take long to make either, probably around 30 minutes and that was because I used the Scallop Border Punch to punch along a lot of the cardstock I used.....

I have already used one of these cards already, but still have 9 left to use... I tend to use tons of thank you cards so will be making some more soon.....

Especially as I still have a load of the Patterned Paper left....

And can you believe, just before the training day I ordered my own Sunny Day Scrappin' Set, so once I finish this one up I have a whole new set to play with.... cannot wait as I want to use some of the stickers with the On Board Chipboard I won at Training Day....

Hope these cards might inspire you to use up some scraps you have laying around, I am really bad at using up scraps which is why I have set the goal of using this set up before starting my new set.... and the colours are so lovely and bright they are really great for the grey days we have had recently.... add a bit of colour to your life....

Just to let you all know, my card classes are full for this week but there are still a few spaces left for next week.... so if you are in the area and want to make some beautiful cards using A Rose is A Rose stamp set, then drop us an email at LindaLloyd@gmx.net...

Right off to make something now, the morning started badly with a dead battery on my car which is now on charge, then it has took me forever to blog, so really need to do something constructive.

Have a great day all xx

Mojo Monday Challenge Cards...

Well I was so excited that I had got my A Rose is a Rose Stamp Set out again that I did loads of images to use on cards so thought that I could use this image for the Mojo Monday Challenge. But this week you could pick between a round card and a square card. Me being me couldn't pick so made one of each...

And here they are......

And a close up of each one... I am just loving this stamp set....

For this card I used Pink Flamingo Patterned paper, Pretty in Pink, Rose Red and Whisper White Cardstock. Rose Red with White Stitching Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Oval, Oval and Scallop Border Punches, and the Rose Red Cardstock I stamped using versamark and the rose from the A Rose is a Rose stamp set. The sentiment is from the Happy Moments Saleabration Set. Oh yes, the buttons are also from Stampin' Up! and tied through with Pink and White Gingham Ribbon and the Gold Elastic Cord.

I cut this card blank using the largest Scallop Circle Nestie, then used Patterned Paper from the Rose Red collection, Pink and White Gingham Ribbon, Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip Cardstock. Word Window Punch and sentiment from Happy Moments Saleabration Set. The Happy Moments set is so popular at the moment it has sold out in US, if you would like to get your hands on a set all you need to do is spend £45 or more in the current SU brochure and you can pick the set for free.... as a special offer I will ship your order to you free of charge if you order through me before the end of February. Contact me with your order at LindaLloyd@gmx.net.

Thats all for now folks, I am working hard and have loads to show you over the next few days, and look out for my video tutorial which will be up and running either later today or tomorrow...

Have a great day all xx

Happy New Year Everyone

Well I just wanted to wish all my blog readers a very Happy New Year, hope this year is filled with everything you hope for, that you will fullfil your dreams and you will all have good health.

Me and DH held a New Year's Eve Party at our church and everything went really well, no catastrophes, everything went to plan, there was enough food and drink and it even snowed whilst we were taking my son and girlfriend home afterwards and I just love the snow..... so definately a brilliant evening had by all....

Anyway, today I want to finish up with my Christmas things, this time it was a gift for my Mum, pennies were very tight this year and I wanted to make special things for special people. I used to make jewellery a few years back and my mum used to love my earrings so I decided to make her 3 pairs for Christmas.

I decided that I would use 3 different colour metals and stones so they would all be completely different and would match with more of her outfits. The first pair (I did make 2 although there is only 1 in the picture) I made in gold using brown and cream coloured stones.

The second pair were made using silver and more cooler colours of purple and blue, in fact I think these are my mums favourites as she was wearing them when she popped round on Tuesday...

This pair I used antique copper wire and turquoise stones, I wasn't sure if they were a bit longer than my Mum would normally wear, so I offered to shorten them but she said she likes them just the way they are, so I think they were a hit. In fact I like this pair so much I may have to make myself some similar.

And of course I had to make a box to put them in... unfortunately I underestimated the length of the long ones and they hung slightly below the edge of the box, though not to worry, once the box was shut you couldn't see. I used Bordering Blue and Kraft coloured cardstock from Stampin' Up! and Bella Bleu Patterned Paper also from Stampin' Up!

On the outside of the box I used Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon and the Scallop Oval and Oval Punch and the Oval All stamp Set all from Stampin' Up! and Bordering Blue, Kraft and Not Quite Navy Cardstock.

If you would like to purchase any Stampin' Up! items from me, for the next 2 months for every £45 you spend you can order a free limited edition stamp set. With a choice of 4 to choose from there should definately be at least one that you would love to own. Click on the Saleabration Leaflet on the left hand column to find out more details or email me on LindaLloyd@gmx.net.

Have a great evening all xx

A Birthday Card for my Daughter

It was my daughter's birthday last week and here is the card I made for her. The image is from The Greetings Farm and was coloured in using Copic Markers, the paper is Basic Grey and the punches are Dovecraft, Stampin' Up! and Martha Stewart. The ribbon is also Stampin Up, in Old Olive. Anyway, my daughter loves daisies, so although I thought this card was a bit daisy overload she loved it, so another happy recipient.

My poor little 8 year old is off school today, he was sick last night but has not been since, although he does carry his bucket around with him. He has also had something to eat today and all is well and good. He is complaining of headache, sore throat and the sickness, his brother had the same thing last weekend, but no sickness thank goodness.... I am not a very good sickness person... lol Thank goodness for half term next week when they all have a whole week to recover from all the little things they pick up from school.

I have a favour to ask. Does anyone have or can purchase for me some Hanglar and Stanglar stamps. I absolutely love these stamps but they will not ship to UK, so can I beg, steal or borrow some from someone please. I can do some Greetings Farm stamps as a swap, or I am willing to pay if anyone is selling, or can purchase on my behalf, I will meet all costs. Okay begging over.

Have a great afternoon and evening everyone xx

Not so nice Monday....

The weather here has been apalling this afternoon, it has winded, it has rained and all at once too and just at the time the children come out of school, funny enough now it is evening, the sun has come out at last. My daughter drove down to Cornwall yesterday and she says the weather is lovely there, infact I saw for myself as she sent me photos, the sky is blue, the sun is shining, but they also have the wind, which was just as well as she was going surfing today.

I had a lovely Mother's Day (well actually I did more work than ever and even cooked my dinner for everyone) and got some lovely presents, 2 CDs that I wanted, the new Tim Hughes, Happy Day and the new Delirious Album which is possibly their last ever. I also got a gorgeous blue toiletry bag full of Dove toiletries, some chocolates and wine, 3 books, 1 of which I asked for and the other 2 were surprises, my 12 year old son bought me a rose and then weeded all the overgrown garden and planted it for me, and my 6 year old made daddy go out and buy me some flowers..... from my son of course... lol I also got some gorgeous flower candles, but they are truly too beautiful to burn, so am going to have to think on that one.... lol because what is the point in having candles if you dont use them...

Today I have been making a bag and card for my Sister's birthday tomorrow, they are totally matching, and I have no idea how she is going to open the bag. It started off as a brown lunch bag, I folded the top over and then put panels on the front and back and joined them at the top, so I am thinking she is going to have to cut it open... lol not my problem. So here they are...

I have been using new stash from the New Mini Catalogue which comes out on 1st April, and the new items are truly scrummy... I used So Saffron and Certainly Celery Cardstock, the new Playful Petals Stamp Set plus the Ovals All Stamp Set along with the Oval Scallop Punch and the Oval Punch, these are proving to be really popular, I have sold 3 sets of these already. The Patterned Paper is called Tea Party and the ribbon is Certainly Celery Grosgrain. On the bag I actually used the stamp from Ovals All, but on the card I used the stamp from Ovals All but only coloured in the flower part with my Stampin Up Marker in So Saffron, then using my Stamp a ma jig I stamped Happy Birthday from the Very Versatile Stamp Set and punched it out using the Oval Punch. How versatile are these sets when you can just mix and match.

I have one place left in my Paper and Ribbon Share, this will be sent to you at the beginning of April sometime as some of the paper and ribbon is from the new Mini Catalogue and I cannot order this until 1st April, but I promise you, the items will be ordered on 1st April, so you dont have long to wait now.

Dont forget the fantastic offer on the Starter Kit, just £125, and if you add just the stash up it comes to £217, so one really big bargain here, and all you have to do after signing up as a demonstrator and receiving this kit is to meet a target every quarter (and guess what, the first quarter doesn't count, you dont have to reach your targets until your second quarter, but you do need to sign up this evening, or tomorrow to get the Starter Kit at this price).

Off to Beavers now, sewn on the badge I need to and I will be staying to help, so need to get dinner ready so that they can just put it in the oven and cook it... have a great evening all xx

12 Gifts of Christmas....

Well here we go, over the next 12 days I will be showing you 12 Gifts that you can make in your own home with items that I have bought from local shops (mainly Tesco....)..

Some are original, some I have seen over the last year whilst browsing other peoples blogs, but I have altered sizes to fit the items I have so today we will start with....

A Teabag Card


There are 2 little packets of fruit teabags, one in either side pocket. For this item I have used part of the I Wish Simply Scrappin' Kit and a small piece of Kraft Taffeta Ribbon

To start with I cut a piece of brown textured card to measure 7 1/2" x 3 1/2".

I then scored it at 3 1/4" and 4 1/4" and ended up with the picture above... I next wanted to decorate the outside of this little folder, so cut out some of the Patterned Paper from the I Wish Kit. 2 Pieces of paper were cut at 3 1/4" x 3" and the piece for the spine was cut at 3/4" x 3 1/4".

I then stuck them to the card using Snail Adhesive....





My next job was to make the little pocket that holds the teabags. For this I took some matching Patterned Paper, again from the I Wish Kit and cut it to 6" x 7". I then scored it along the short side at 2 3/4" and 5 1/2".


I used my 3/4" punch and punched some little tab holes so that the teabags can be removed more easily... if you see I punched 4, but really you only need to punch 2 on opposite ends of the first 2 3/4" part. Then use double sided tape on the 1/2" piece and stick the pocket together to form a long pocket. I then scored it along the long length at 3" and 4", then stuck the double sided tape to the back...

And stuck it centrally inside my brown folder, making sure the score lines lined up with the score lines on the brown folder.

Next we need to punch 2 holes and put eyelets in them so that we can thread our ribbon through and tie a bow along the spine... for this I used the Stampin' Up! Metallic Eyelets and my Big Bite Cropadile...

I punched the hole 1/2" from the top and again 1/2" from the bottom and set 2 gold eyelets into the holes. I then thread the piece of Kraft Taffeta Ribbon through the holes from the inside outwards and tied a bow along the spine.


I then decorated the inside (shown at the top of the post) and the outside with Stickers from the I Wish set and put my teabags in either side of the pockets. Voila a nice quick little pressie to give to your office friends at Christmas ( dont forget to add a business card inside one of the pockets too... lol).



I will be back tomorrow with Day 2 of 12 Gifts of Christmas....

Have a good day all xx