It is actually me posting on my blog, LOL!

So what have I been doing since my last post way back in May, I hear you ask???  Well, if you remember we were house hunting for a bigger house and renovating the unit were we used to live.  Notice I used the term ‘used’ – that’s because we found a new house – YIPPEE.  We moved to beautiful Upwey in August.  We have nearly finished renovating the unit – hopefully that will be ready to put on the market next weekend.

So you’d like me to tell you about our new house – well, OK.  It is much, much bigger than our 2 bedroom unit that we were squashed into.  But one of the best things about the house is that I now have my very own stamp room or ’studio’ as I’ve decided to call it.  Here’s a couple of photos, it’s not quite finished yet but I love it none the less

So you’re looking at my current workspace, with room for 2.  I’ve got room to add another 2 tables, which will give a total of 4 workstations in this area.  There is also another area about 2 m x 4 m that will be my class area.  The 2nd photo is of my cupboards , which are directly behind my work area, the smaller one is my ‘contraband cupboard’ and has all my PaperTrey, BG and other assorted items of fancy.  The bigger cupboard currently has my SU stamps, DSP and other assorted accessories.  Eventually I will add another cupboard beside it to house other stuff that is currently in A4 sized stackable drawers.  On the floor are a couple of Ikea chest of drawers which I am painting and once finished will sit on my desk and house adhesives, bone folders, scissors etc.

I also wanted to tell you about another new development – I have a new Stampin’ Up! website – www.joeades.stampinup.net   This is where you will find current Stampin’ Up! specials (check it out now to find out the November specials), my class calendar (once I update it – I’m aiming for classes to start around end of November).  You can even join my team online!  Whilst I’m not stopping my blog completely, the DBWS will have the most up to date SU! info (because SU! update it for me, lol)

Now before this becomes a 1,000 page epic, I will leave you with a photo I took a week or so ago from our balcony.  Hope you like it!

2009 was my very first time at Convention and it did not disappoint.  I had such a great time and really needed another few days off from work to recover, LOL!  I travelled with my good friend Marlene and we met up the the girls from Gail Force Stampers.  Marlene and I dubbed ourselves the Gail Force Groupies and had so much fun hanging out with Gail (aka Gale Force 1), Felicity, Karen, Coral, Chris, Gina, Anne-Marie, Steph & Julie.  Before we left we had arranged to do a shoe box swap and I just wanted to say how fantastic the staff at Rydges Lakeside were in accommodating 11 noisy women in their foyer whilst we stamped.  Here’s a few photos:

From L to R:  We have the side of Karen’s head, Coral, Felicity and Marlene

From R to L is Chris, Gina  (I know you can only see her t-shirt) and Steph.  I don’t think I’d ever had so much fun stamping but by the end of the night my eyes felt like they were about to fall out of my head.  I’ve still got Marlene’s swap to finish and I still have to take a photo of mine.

I need to take some more photos of my convention bag and my goodies from Momento Mall so I think I’ll leave it there for tonight.

I will say that Convention 2010 is pencilled into the diary already.  I can’t wait!

In celebration of National Scrapbooking Month, join Stampin’ Up! as a demonstrator for only $150 with our limited-time (May 1 to June 1, 2009) Scrapbooking Starter Kit. The Scrapbooking Starter Kit contains the following:

*Substitutable for any stamp set up to $77.95 value.

Please note: Each of the products listed above may be substituted for like items.  Please see the Scrapbooking Starter Kit Order Form for details.

The Scrapbooking Starter Kit also contains all the business supplies contained in the standard Starter Kit:

• Getting Started DVD
• Getting Started Guide
• Guest Invitation Postcard (100)
• Idea Book & Catalogue (8)
• To My Hostess Envelope (10)
• Project Sample Sheet
• Recruit Brochures (20)
• Hostess Brochure (20)
• Hostess Benefits Form (10)
• Customer Order Form (50)

 This is an absolutely fantastic time to join Stampin’ Up! – never before has it been so affordable.  It is also a wonderful time for all of you who already have a great supply of stamps and accessories to join.  When you become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, you also receive access to a fabulous website full of inspiration and information, full colour monthly newsletters, 20% off all your stamping supplies, (30% off on your first order placed within 45 days of joining), plus you have the opportunity to attend all the fantastic events, such as Convention (which I attended over the past weekend – more on that another time – I’ve got heaps of photos to share).

If you decide to take advantage of this fantastic promotion, you will have to the end of September to make the minimum sales requirement of $500 ($550 inc. gst per quarter).  If, after you join, you decide that Stampin’ Up! is not for you, you can walk away with out any penalty, so you really have nothing to lose.  

If you are interested in this fabulous promotion or have any questions, please contact me and I will send you out a free, no obligation information pack.

The 2nd promotion offered in the month of May is - buy three packs of select Designer Series paper ($16.95 each), and get one FREE! See selections below:

If you are interested in either of these fabulous promotions or have any questions, please feel free to contact me .

Hi, it’s been a while hey?   Life just took over ……you know how it is.  Anyway, the reason for my post, and yes, there is one, is to submit my card for Kristina’s Colour Inspriration Challenge.  It’s number 39 this week and the colours were Basic Black, Whisper White, Real Red, So Saffron and Green Galore.

Here’s what I came up with.  I should let you know that there is NO stamping at all.  I finally used my SU RubOns that I’ve had sitting here quite a while now.   Whilst I love the idea of rubons, I find them hard to work with.  That being said, I’m pleased with how this turned out.  I also used my few favourite embellishment – buttons.

Also, I need to make an apology for the photos from now on – my camera seems to be dying a slow death.  We’re looking into getting a new one, so please bear with me.

Supplies:

Cardstock:  Basic Black Textured, So Saffron, Real Red, Green Galore, Whisper White

Accessories:  Anchored and A Perfect Day RubOns, Button, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Another quick post so I can link up – will be back later to add in all the details.

This is the card I made for this week’s 2 Sketches 4 You sketch challenge.  It is also a bit of a CASE of a sample in the 07 US Fall/Winter IB&C.  I love the colours and this card is for one of Harry’s little friends who is having her 2nd birthday party in less than 1hr (which is why I have to dash)

 Sorry about the photo, it’s a little blurry – batteries in my camera are almost flat so it was a choice of a bit blurry or crooked!

Off to link to 2S4U site

Hi there

This is going to be quick, will be back later to add all the details in.  This is for Kristina’s colour challenge, Whisper White, Basic Black, Basic Grey and another of our choice.  I chose Yo Yo Yellow.

Here it is:

Catch you later.  Off to link to Kristina’s site before the deadline!

I’ve sat here for about 5 minutes now trying to think of a witty title for this post – just not happening.  Anyway, this week’s card for the sketch challenge at 2 Sketches 4 You.  I really enjoy the challenges that Kazan and Laura set  – I don’t know what it is about them, but for some reason they take my work to the next level (well, in my opinion anyway, LOL).

This week’s sketch was by Laura and after looking through my stuff, I decided to make it a Father’s Day card for Jarrod.  Since it’s only 3 weeks away and the next 2 weekends I’m playing chauffer to Harry for the birthday party season, it’s one thing crossed of my never ending list of things to do!

 The finished card is 14 cm x 14 cm Very Vanilla.  The papers are from the Basic Grey Archaic 6×6 Paper Pad.  The sentiment has been stamped in Chocolate Chip Classic ink on SU twill using Rough Edges Mini Alpha.  The stars were punched using SU Star punches and the brads are Antique Brass.  The stars have been adhered to the card using dimensionals.

While this is a really simple card it took a while to make.  The first time I stamped on the twill I had got all the way to the ‘e’ when I accidently stamped it SIDEWAYS – OMG, absolutely NO way to fix that, except to start again.  I’m really pleased with the way it turned out.

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Rough Edges Alphabet

Cardstock:  Very Vanilla, Basic Grey Archaic 6×6″ Paper Pad

Ink:  Chocolate Chip

Accessories:  Star Punch, Large Star Punch, Twill Tape, Antique Brass Brads, Dimensionals, SAMJ

Hope you’re all having a great weekend - thanks for looking!

This week I’ve combined the Kristina’s colour challenge and the sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You  for this card.

This is Kristina’s colour inspiration – Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red and I’ve chosen Summer Sun.  Pretty bright colours, aren’t they?

This is what I came up with.

I started with the idea to sponge the colours on the embossed (with black EP) heart from Always (from the Spring Mini).  The heart came out well, then next thing was to decide what to do with it!  That’s where Kazan’s 2S4U sketch came into it – I thought the heart would work well as the accent.  Actually, the layout is SO versatile, I’m going to be using it again!

The card came together as a few different elements, the black scalloped embossed edge was next, followed by the embossed Pumpkin Panel.  Well, that actually took 2 goes, originally I thought it would look good black (I used Staz On) but it just wasn’t dark enough so I tried clear embossed.  The sentiment panel took a few goes too! 

I have a few other workshop samples to share too, but I’ve got to iron my clothes for work tomorrow, so it will have to wait until tomorrow.

Thanks for looking, hope you’ve all had a great weekend.

Supplies: 

Stamps:  Always, Baroque Motifs

Ink:  Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, VersaMark

Cardstock:  Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White, Summer Sun, Rose Red Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Black Detail Embossing Powder, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Sponges, Corner Rounder (guard removed), Dimensionals

I

Hey, I’m back – last week I was just too tired to even think about making ANYTHING.  This week I’m cheating a little because I’ve covered 2 challenges with the one card- Kristina’s Colour Inspiration Challenge and 2Sketches4You sketch challenge.  (Well, I’ve missed the cut off for Kristina’s but I’m still in time for 2S4U)

Here’s Kristina’s inspiration piece – the colours are Rose Red, Regal Rose, Sage Shadow & Whisper White.  You can see Kazan’s sketch here.

 This is what I came up with

As soon as I saw Kazan’s sketch I knew I wanted to used Always – from the New Spring Mini which starts on August 1, 2008 and when I saw the colours in Kristina’s challenge, I had the idea of stamping the bird with Versamark on white then embossing with clear EP and then colouring the details using my markers.  I wasn’t sure how it would turn out but I was really happy with the result.  The rest is pretty self explanatory – no complicated techniques here!

Thanks for looking – hope you’re all having a great weekend and keeping warm (the nights have been particulary cold here in Melbourne this week)

Catch you next week!

PS:  I have received my copies of the BEAUTIFUL new Spring Mini – if you would like a FREE copy, leave a comment or send me an email with your address deets & I’ll get one out to you!

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Always, Occassional Greetings

Ink:  Sage ShadowClassic Ink, VersaMark, Regal Rose, Rose Red, Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip Markers

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Sage Shadow, Regal Rose, Rose Red 6×6 Pallete O’ Prints

Accessories:  Clear EP, White Gel Pen, Corner Rounder, Rose Red 5/8 Grosgrain Ribbon, Dimensionals

Firstly, a bit of housekeeping.  My montly newsletter is running late, but I guess you’ve already realised that by now.  I started it last week, but the words just weren’t flowing.  Hopefully, I should have it finished next week.

Secondly, I just wanted to thank  you all for the lovely comments that you’ve been leaving me.  It’s much appreciated.  Special thanks to Curt, who was the first guy to leave a comment!

Thirdly, I’ve got some Spring Mini Cataglogues on their way to me.  If you’d like one, please send either leave me a comment or send me an email with your address details and I’ll put one in the mail for you.  There are SO many beautitul things…….you’ll find it hard to decide what to get first!

OK, so now for today’s card.  I’ve used the sketch posted at 2 Sketches 4 You.  This is a fantastic blog and I’m having so much fun working with Laura and Kazan’s sketches.  This week it was Kazan’s sketch.    I’m not sure if I can post a copy of the sketch here on my blog so here’s a link so you can see if for yourself.

I’ve used some more things from my Spring Mini pre-order.  See that BEAUTIFUL Purely Pomegranate Satin ribbon.  I have been hanging out for this since it was realeased in the States last year.  It also comes in Chocolate Chip – yummy!  As soon as I laid my hands on it I knew it was going to be used for this sketch.  The Baroque background stamp I have wanted for AGES, it just gorgeous.  I have stamped it in VersaMark and embossed with black embossing powder.  The sentiment is from Always (you can expect to see more of this set – it’s another that’s been on my wish list since it was released in the US.)  The flowers are from One of a Kind and are punched out using matching Boho Blossoms punch.  One of a Kind, Always and Boho Blossom punch are in the Spring Mini and will be available for purchase on August 1, 2008.

Well, that’s all for tonight, it’s late and I’m tired.  Hope you’re all having a great weekend.  Thanks for looking

Supplies Used:

Stamps:  Baroque, Always, One of a Kind

Ink:  VersaMark, Purely Pomegranate

Cardstock:  Whisper White, Basic Black, Purely Pomegranate

Accessories:  Black embossing powder, corner rounder, Purely Pomegranate Ribbon, Boho Blossoms Punch, dimensionals