An Elegant Eggplant creation

I recently saw a post about making vintage style roses using the large flower stamp from Vintage Vogue on In Love With Stamping. I thought I would have a go. I have to admit to casing the card design from Marlene's blog but I am so pleased with the result all the same.

The photo doesn't quite do the flowers justice. They work really well as a lovely 3d element to the card. I think if I made them again though I would probably ink both sides of the inner petals as I had a lot of white showing through.

Colour: Elegant Eggplant (ink and cardstock) & Whisper White.

Stampset: Vintage Vogue.

 Here is a close up of the 3d flowers.

Hope you're having a fantastic Saturday. Where is this lovely long weekend going to? It cannot be Saturday afternoon already?

Happy crafting ;0)
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What a lovely day

Now I'm happy to admit that until today I was indifferent to the Royal Wedding. But the moment I turned on the news this morning I was hooked. I could not take my eyes off the guests and their hats, the family arriving, the cars, the parade, the salutes, the brothers laughing together, the 'You look beautiful' moment, the crowds of well wishers, and just the simple sheer Britishness of it all. I got so caught up in it all that just driving from my home to my Mums seemed like a lifetime away from the BBC (but luckily all we missed were the first few guests arriving at the Abbey). I had such a perfect day watching the wedding with Mum and Dad (refreshments provided by Dad- a cuppa and a ham sandwich- I did my patriotic bit from the comfort of Mum and Dad's sofa ;0). Who knew I would get so caught up in it all. I'll remember this for the next time (Harry maybe? Although he doesnt look like he'll be settling down anytime soon) and ensure I get my act together for a street party. I hope you all enjoyed it however you celebrated.

Right, now on to a bit of  crafting. Here are a couple of pages I created in the week for me 'Tales of 2011' journal. I've had to be creative with the photography again to hide most of the writing. I hadn't realised quite how therapeutic keeping this journal was going to be (a bit like keeping this blog is also). There has been a lot of change around me recently and things going on. And keeping my weekly bit of creativity going has been a tonic focusing my mind on the positive and on the things I'll want to remember from this year.

You'll probably notice my theme here. I am just loving the new Springtime Vintage DSP from Stampin' Up! I used up a lot of my leftover squares from this months card class projects on the second page. I love using lots of little scraps of this paper as put all together they look like a lovely vintage quilt. I'm also a bit addicted to making those little butterflies using my Big Shot embossing and cutting folder.

This first pic shows last weekend in all its twenty something degree glory. We couldnt have asked for more perfect weather for a long weekend (*fingers crossed* it holds out for the rest of this weekend too). These were just random photos I took of my sisters and Dad at last weekends Easter BBQs.

 This was my summary page for Week 14 in which I took a trip to London to visit my friend Francesca. I didnt have any photos to share on this page. So I created a focal point with my DSP and butterflies (and those gorgeous pink glittery thickers too). I love having this alternative journal to creatively keep all my tickets and bits and bobs in.

Right, I have a few more things to share that I have been working on but you'll have to come back on Sunday and Monday to see those as they are my birthday projects for my Dad and sister (this is our family weekend of two birthdays).

Any questions about Stampin' Up! or to just chat crafting, please feel free to get in touch: poulton_sarah@yahoo.co.uk or 01983 609249.

I'm off to watch the highlights of the Royal Wedding all over again......

Happy Crafting ;0)

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Craft Room Update

Well things have certainly been quiet from me recently. And even quieter on the crafting front. But rest assured I am still here and miss blogging incredibly. I've been busily working away on my craft room getting things organised. So while I havent got any projects to show you (although I have made a FAB project today for my sisters birthday which I can only show you on May 2nd!) I thought I'd share a bit of peak into my new craft space. I've been so contented in here today (would you believe it is actually too hot to go outside? In April! Unheard of in the UK) tidying and crafting with music playing in the background.

So here goes. This first pic is my ink pad shelf and my lovely new tool caddy I found online last weekend ;0)

 My window ledge which houses envelopes and all my lovely bits and bobs for the Big Shot.

 And lastly, my rehomed stamp cupboard. It loves its new home upstairs. Its also now just solely for stamps. Instead of me trying to cram everything in there. Now i have organised it into current sets, hostess sets and my favourite retired sets. I'm so much happier having everything to hand and in the same place (well almost! There are a few stray sets awaiting rehoming in various places around the house!)

I was pleased to be able to show off my new space to Paige on Thursday when she popped round for coffee. Now I've just got to work on the details (few more storage solutions needed- still working on what to do with my punches).

Hopefully now things are settling in at work and I have my bits all organised I'll be able to get back to what I love.... crafting and making things messy again.

Happy crafting ;0)
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Happy Thursday Crafting

Here are another couple of makes from this months card class. I designed the first card to match the handbag in my earlier post. It once again uses Baja Breeze and Springtime Vintage as its theme colours (with Rose Red and Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon to finish). I've cut the Top Note with my Big Shot and embossed the quilted patches with the Square Lattice Embossing Folder. The Twisted Easel card is then finished with the Decorative Label Punch and a stamp from the Four Frames Stamp  Set.

This second card is inspired by a beautiful card I spotted on the samples board at the recent Stampin' Up! training I attended. It was then sent to me as part of a Demonstrator swap by the inspirational Jo over at Stampin' N Stuff. I decided to give it a go and so far my card class ladies have really loved it. It is supposed to have a section of map from the Newsprint DSP along the bottom but this piece ended up not to actually show any part of a map so looks a bit peculiar. I antiqued the map using my distressing kit to give a bit more  of an old-y world-y look. This showcases the Plane and Simple stamp set so beautifully. I just adore the sketch book look of this plane and compass.

Happy crafting to all.  Hope all is still well out there in blogland. My creativity is taking a bit of a backseat at the moment. But hoping you'll all still check in with me from time to time.  I'll be back to my best asap. And on that note I'm off to put the finishing touches to 70 handmade Stampin' Up! wedding invites......

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A little card class make

Amid my crazy new worklife I have been busy prepping for my Wednesday and Saturday card classes this month. Here is a little sneak peak of one of our class projects for April.

This is a gorgeous handbag made with Baja Breeze cardstock and the beautiful Springtime Vintage Desisgners Series Papers. I followed a tutorial over on Becky Robert's blog, Inking Idaho to create this. I just love the pearl closure detail ;0)

If you'd like to come along and make this little Stampin' Up! Designer Handbag just get in touch on poulton_sarah@yahoo.co.uk or 01983 609249.

Happy Crafting ;0)

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What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Well this is my contribution to the fantastic What's On Your Workdesk over on Julia's blog. This is my celebration of that fact that I actually now have a workdesk. Its not so tidy or at all functional. It is a work in progress. But i finally have somewhere to keep my crafting bits and pieces and a room to create in. Hooray!!!

I finally sold the big bulky bunkbeds taking up unnecessary space in my spare room which has given me the room to finally get a desk and few bits of crafty storage. You can see from this photo that I havent got so far with unpacking (I started a new job Monday which leaves me little time or energy!). The big box contains all my Stampin' Up! stamps from downstairs. I had to unpack my craft cupboard so it could be moved upstairs. You can also see I've already solved my stamp pad problem in the background. They fit perfectly in this old bathroom shelf that my Dad painted for me. I've also moved the essentials- my Cricut and printer!!

Here is my actual workdesk. I half inched it from my recently retired Dad's office. It is glass topped and I have a plan for this desk. I am planning a huge scrapbooking layout in a patchwork style to lie under the frosted glass. But in the meantime I was playing with my Stampin' Up! In Colour Designer Series Paper and decided to make the desk more colourful with it. It isnt perfect. Sam and I tried loads of times to straighten the sheets, but everytime we let go of the glass they just did their own thing. So I kept the messy look.

So thats this weeks workdesk for you. Hopefully by next week I might have something a little more creative to share (and not just a box and some mess!).

Happy crafting ;0)

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Weekly Journal Update

Firstly, I just have to say a big thank you to everyone that stopped by over the weekend to check out my Blog Hop post. I had a Stampin' Sarah record 28 comments ;0) This brightened my weekend no end.

Well things are still busy here which is stifling my mojo a little bit at the mo. And after starting my new job today I'm too tired to even do any more work on my lovely pink craft room (I have done some work on the desk though- its got a glass top so I patchworked In Colour DSP underneath). But I did choose some lovely photos to do some  work on my weekly summary journal (while I'm feeling creatively challenged I've relied heavily on my pictures!). I promised some up to date photos of my journal a couple of weeks ago and never got around to posting. So here goes.....

Week Eleven- Sam's Birthday page

For this page I used Kimono Kids and Poppy Parade as the theme for my birthday celebration summary. I paper pieced the lanterns again as this is my new favourite technique (and works so beautifully with these lanterns). The photos show the sushi hamper I bought Sam for his bday pressie. We then spent the evening together attempting to make sushi (it was surprisingly successful and a lot nicer than the mayo filled over processed sushi you get in the supermarkets these days).

 Weeks 12 and 13- Spring Has Sprung

For these pages I used photos to capture the start of spring on the IOW. I used one  of Mum's pics of Kala again. The daffodil pic was taken in my Mum's garden. Seeing the daffodils coming out all over the island always makes me smile and makes me feel like summer is only just around the corner again. I matted the photos onto a sheet of Sunny Garden DSP (love those colours).

 I used the second page to catch up on my journalling and write about everything thats been going on with the job change, hospital appointments, Zumba and hynotherapy (I live a crazy life some times! You couldnt write these storylines in a soap opera). But i did include this photo of my favourite Highland Cattle near my Mum and Dads house. I love this time of year when they all have their gorgeous hairy baby cattle (calves to you and me). They have such friendly faces. Although I do wonder how they see out from under all that hair ;0)

 And finally, here is my March summary......

I am a HUGE Fringe fan hence the exclamation of joy at its return on Sky.  I also thoroughly recommend Consolation by Anna Gavalda. Its a really hard book to get in to. But i am glad I kept reading as it turned out to be a hugely joyous and emotional read. I have read a fair few books recently that have been translated from their original French and there is something in the language that I find beautiful.

And on that note I'm off to bed ready for another new day at my new job.

Happy Crafting ;0)

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Mini Catalogue Open House Saturday April 2nd

Just a quick reminder that I am holding my Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue Launch Open House next Saturday. All are welcome to come along and have a play with the new stamp sets and have a go at a Make and Take.

If you'd like any further info, please get in touch on poulton_sarah@yahoo.co.uk  or 609249.

Happy Crafting ;0)

-XXX-

Mini Catalogue Blog Hop- April 2nd 2011

Good morning and welcome to my little part of the 2011 In Love With Stamping Mini Catalogue Blog Hop organised by the lovely Erika. Hello to all that have hopped here from Laura's Blog. I am looking forward to checking out all the lovely projects my fellow Demo's have created.

My apologies to begin with. I did have a lovely big scrapbooking LO planned for this Blog Hop. However life has taken over a bit recently. I start a new job on Monday and have been helping my Dad wind up his business over the past couple of weeks. So preparation and Mini Catalogue playing time has had to take a bit of a backseat. So instead I have a few smaller projects that I have been working on.

Project one:

I created this 4x4inch mini card for a Demonstrator Swap I joined in with through In Love With Stamping. I wanted to have a go at creating a masculine type card using the single Sail Away stamp which can be found on the last pages of the Mini Catalogue.  For this it was time to dust off my brayer and break open my Stampin' Up! glossy paper. I used Peach Parfait and So Saffron to brayer the sunset  (with a 1 inch Pumpkin Pie circle punched to create the sun). I then tore strips of Bashful Blue and Marina Mist and sponge daubered White Craft ink onto the edges to create the crests of the waves. I finally stamped the Sail Away boat in Basic Black onto Stampin' Up! Vellum and attached over the image with 4 complimentary coloured brads.

Project Two:

This was a beautiful project I cased from the samples board at the recent Stampin' Up! training tour. The moment I saw it I fell in love with the Springtime Vintage DSP, seam binding ribbon, Four Frames set and the gorgeous Decorative Label Punch. This card sums up ALL the things I love the most about the Mini Catalogue.

The colour combination for this card is Rose Red and Pear Pizzazz on a Very Vanilla Cardstock base. It is such a great card for showing off the designs of the Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper.

Project 3:

I probably shouldnt be posting this one just yet. But I've made my Mum promise not to come online till tomorrow. So I might get away with it. This is my Mum's Mother's Day card which I have created using my shiny new Big Shot and the Elegant Bouquet Embossing Folder. I've used Soft Suede and Marina Mist Card Stock with a strip of Springtime Vintage and Basic Pearls. I've created the spiral flowers using Elegant Soiree offcuts (which beautifully compliment the Springtime Vintage DSP). The 'Mum' is stamped using the Broadsheet Alphabet in Marina Mist.

Thank you for stopping by my blog on todays Hop. Now jump on over to Natalie's blog to continue with the Mini Catalogue creativity....

Happy Crafting all ;0)

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The Mini Is Here!!!

Well I realise I am a bit late in the day posting this. But the new Stampin' Up! Mini Catalogue is now live (and I can finally start posting pics of the lovely things I have been making....).

I've been busy today moving things around and starting to get things sorted in my new craft room (formally a spare room but I have sold the furniture to make way for a desk and my lovely Stampin' Up! supplies- photos to follow). So I didnt get a chance to link to the Mini earlier. But I am pleased to provide you with the link to the catalogue here.

I am super excited to point out that we finally have the Big Shot!!! And even better, all the exclusive Stampin' Up! dies and embossing folders. So even if you already have the Big Shot you can still benefit from all the lovely exclusives the Mini has to offer ;0)

So for anyone coming along to my Mini Launch Open House tomorrow be prepared for lots of exciting hands on previews of the lovely new products (and I'll also have a Mini Catalogue here waiting for you to take away). Some of my favourite things about the Mini.... the long awaited Owl Punch, the Four Frames Stamp Set, the Decorative Label Punch, The Top Note Die (love this for scrapbooking), Springtime Vintage DSP and the Bitty Buttons ;0) (and thats just to name a few!!).

Any questions or to place an order, please get in touch on poulton_sarah@yahoo.co.uk or 07830 343830. And please check back tomorrow to participate in a HUGE Mini Catalogue Blog Hop I'm a part of.

Happy Crafting ;0)
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