Christmas Wrapping...

I have a very special group of girlfriends that I met about 15 years ago, when we all worked together.  Four of us had our first child within 5 months of each other - great for us, but not so good for our employer!!  We've kept our friendship going over the years, and do try to get together for birthdays and meet up with the children in school holidays.  I always host the Christmas get together as, not only do we have food (I ordered a Chinese this year - is that cheating?), I always do a Christmas craft.  Last year we made a decoration, the year before we made silk brooches, but this year had to be a Stampin' Up! effort!  Well, here is what we made.  It had to be quite quick and simple as we spend a lot of time catching up with each other and just chatting about anything and everything!!

These are actually the bags that I made as my camera wasn't working when the girlies were here so I had to take these after they'd all gone home!

These are so simple to do - all you need is the Petite Cafe Gift Bags and the Under The Tree Accessory Pack from the Autumn/Winter catalogue.  

I've added a little detail with the Endless Wishes stamp set.  Don't forget, products from the Autumn/Winter catalogue are only available until 5th January.  Click on any of the product images below to go straight to my online shop!

Happy Wrapping!

ali

Stampin᾿ Up! Supplies

Table built by craftingbecky.com

Petite Café Gift Bags	Under The Tree Tag A Bag Accessory Kit	Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set

Where does the time go...

I can't believe that 10 days have gone past without a blog post (slap my wrist!).  Life is hectic, as always, but I din't realise it was that long.

Well, I'll do my best to make up for it with a few pictures of why I've been busy....

Last week I was kindly invited to hold at workshop in South Molton for the 'Women Do Business' group. It was held at KK Design Originals in Griffins Yard. Firstly, it was a pleasure to meet everyone, but secondly, the venue was amazing!! Thank you so much to Kath for letting us hold the workshop at her shop/studio. If you like anything at all to do with sewing, you must visit KK Design. She holds workshops to make the most stunning pieces, and you can find all her details here...

http://www.kk-design.co.uk/

We used the Endless Wishes stamp set and everyone made a card and a little gift box (Tiny Treat box).  

These Tiny Treat boxes are fantastic value for money at only £6.25 for 25 boxes.  I think they're great so  my challenge for this Christmas is to find little presents for everyone! 

More details of what I've been up to coming soon!

Happy Stampin'

ali

Last Weekends Activities...

Here is a picture of what I got up to last weekend!  My dear friend Sarah came to play and brought some of her friends too!  It was a really lovely evening - with just the five of us there was plenty of time for a bit of stamping and a lot of chatting!!

Everyone made a card, two gift boxes and a matching tag using the Endless Wishes stamp set and the Tiny Treat Boxes and the Kraft Boxes.

If you have a group of friends that would like to have a creative evening together, just let me know. I can tailor the project to suite your requirements!

Happy Stampin'

ali

Wisteria Wonder Wishes...

This colour combination is Wisteria Wonder and Smokey Slate.

As in the previous colourway, I have only used two ink pads, but have 'stamped off' to create the two shades of purple.

I have since ordered Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant so these could have been used instead - well, they were on special!!

I would love to know which is you favourite colour combination - what other colour mixes have you tried?

Happy Stampin'

ali

Stampin᾿ Up! Supplies

Table built by craftingbecky.com

Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set	Wisteria Wonder Classic Stampin' Pad	Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' Pad	Wisteria Wonder A4 Card Stock
Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents	Clear Block D

Alternative Colour Combinations - Endless Wishes

Here are a couple of cards made using previous designs, but just changing the colours.  I love how simple these cards are (perfect for making a job lot at Christmas!), but I also like how different they can look just by changing the colour combination.

These are made with the Endless Wishes stamp set, plus Real Red and Crumb Cake ink pads.

The lightest snowflake has been stamped using Crumb Cake that was 'stamped off' on to scrap first to make it lighter, so I was able to have three colours, but only use two ink pads!

As before, I've added a bit of Christmas sparkle with some Rhinestones.

Click on the images below for more details, or to go to my online shop.

Happy Stampin'

ali

Stampin᾿ Up! Supplies

Table built by craftingbecky.com

Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad	Crumb Cake Classic Stampin' Pad	Real Red A4 Card Stock
Whisper White A4 Card Stock	Real Red 3/8" Satin Woven Ribbon	Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents	Clear Block D

Endless Wishes...

Another favourite from the new Autumn/Winter catalogue is the photopolymer Endless Wishes set.  This is excellent value at only £13.95.  It gives you lots of different Christmas phrases that can be mixed and matched, plus three different sizes of snowflakes.

The above picture is an idea of a bundle that you could buy if you were new to cardmaking, to get you started with your Christmas cards.  It includes a set of white notelets, three ink pads, a roll of ribbon and the Endless Wishes stamp set.  In addition to this you would need an acrylic block (size C would be fine for this set) plus a packet of rhinestones.  For more details on each product, click on the product images at the bottom of this entry.

Here is an example of what you could make with your set of goodies!  These designs were inspired by my fellow team member Amanda, and my SU mum Julie!  It's a privilege to be part of the 'Jems' team and a constant inspiration.  If you would like to find out more about becoming a Jem too, just contact me!

This one stamp set is so versatile, there are so many variations that you can make.  Keep following my posts for more ideas!

Happy Stampin'

ali

Stampin᾿ Up! Supplies

Table built by craftingbecky.com

Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set	Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin' Pad	Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad
Basic Rhinestones Jewel Accents	Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes	Lost Lagoon 3/8" Silky Taffeta Ribbon	Lost Lagoon A4 Cardstock

Oh Christmas Tree...

This is my second version of this shaker style card, inspired by Allie Joliffe.

 

The colour combination for this one is Pear Pizazz (which is my current favourite!) and Real Red.

These are great fun to make, and I'm sure anyone would be glad to receive a card like this to place on their mantelpiece at Christmas!

As always, click on the images below for more information  or to go to my online shop.

Happy Stampin'

ali

Stampin᾿ Up! Supplies

Table built by craftingbecky.com

Festival Of Trees Photopolymer Stamp Set	Tree Punch	Festival Of Trees Photopolymer Bundle	Endless Wishes Photopolymer Stamp Set
Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad	Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad	Gold Sequin Trim	Shaker Frames