In the meantime, I don’t think Gary checks this blog… at all so I thought I would share my valentines day card I made for him tomorrow.

Hmmmm, it is pink… and a bit frilly but also a bit grungy too.  I couldn’t help but doodle around just about everything.  I used up a 6″ square of Raspberry Tart DSP, created a layered look with the  Eyelet Border and Heart Punches, 1/4 ” Grosgrain ribbon in Old Olive as well as heart stamps from the Simply Said stamp set.

I hope everyone is having a good break.  I am in the process of sending out my first ever Stampin’ Up! newsletter.  I am going to be sending out newsletters once a month and would love you to include you on my database (if you aren’t already).  My aim is for my newsletters to be informative, tell you about upcoming classes and events and hopefully include a technique or two.

Please get in touch by email: stamps at whorwood dot com if you would like me to add you to my database.   To add a bit of an incentive, everyone who is on my database at the end of 31st December 2009 will go in the draw to receive a 10% discount and no shipping charges on their next order.

Cheers
Michelle

It’s been a busy few weeks here in our household.  It definitely feels like the crazy season is upon us…. with many weekend activities and outings gone to and planned for the rest of December as well.  I hope the crazy season isn’t too crazy wherever you are.

Liam is coming up to the last few days of his first year at school.  I usually dread the holidays, but this year, I am of the belief that Liam really needs a break, a chance to refresh, time out for school.  So next year, he will be raring to go… and start Year 2 with a bang (hopefully!).  Well what goes along with the end of school… well teacher gifts have become a big big deal at Christmas.  Whilst, I agree that a thank you and a small gift is an appropriate gesture at Christmas time, a part of me wishes that it wasn’t such a big deal..  So far at school, I have seen quite large wrapped presents arriving for the teachers, not cheap ones at that.  For me, it is a gesture, a thought and a token of gratitude, not something that should be expensive.

So, I have been creating….

I have made some little boxes, filled with home-made Russian Fudge.  What I have found with the Stampin’ Up! products, is that it has made making home-made teacher gifts a breeze.  I have used gorgeous Christmas colours of Real Red and Old Olive, mixed with white and craft cardstock.  I just LOVE the new stamp set ‘For Everything’ which is in the new mini summer catalogue.  I pre-ordered this stamp set and just love how it reminds me of doodling… another favourite thing of mine to do.  It is also a great stamp set to colour in… okay another favourite pastime of mine. So I have spent just a wee bit of time creating these:

Products used:
Cardstock: Real Red, Old Olive, White, Kraft
Ink Colours: Basic Black, Old Olive
Stamp sets: For everything – $56.95, Cute & Curly Punch bundle $77.95, From the Kitchen of -$62.95
Other: Real Red Stampin’ Write Marker, Twine, Old Olive grosgrain ribbon

So far I have made about 12 of these little boxes… I do hope Liam’s teacher’s and others I am giving these too.. will appreciate the time and effort I have gone too.

Speaking of Liam… it’s almost time to get him from school!  Where does the time go.. thanks for reading and if you would like any further information on how to make these little boxes, if you would like to attend a class workshop where I can show you how to create gorgeous gifts like these please let me know.

Stampin’ Up is having a sale on the following stamp sets.  This sale runs from today, until 24 January 2010. The stamp sets are square cut, not die cut, which means there will be some rubber trimming required.  Which is super super easy.

If you are would like to order any of the above sets, or have any questions about the above products please drop me an email, leave me a comment or call me on (09) 479 9301.

Cheers

If you would like a hard copy of the new Summer Mini please email me at stamps at whorwood dot com and I will arrange for one to be sent to you.

In the meantime, if you would like to view online, please go and visit  here.

Even though, I will be sad to see these products go.. I am truly excited about the Summer Mini Catalogue! I have ordered quite a few of the new products and I am looking forward to showing you all some of the cool projects, journal pages, mini boxes and cards that I have made with them.  WATCH THIS SPACE.

But right now… I am not quite ready to let go of the Spring mini and leave you with a sample of some gift tags that I have made for Christmas presents using the Tree Trimmings stamp set.  This is a really versatile set and great value at only $28.95.

Other products used: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red & Old Olive Ink, Kraft and Very Vanilla cardstock. Word stamps: Sweet Little Sentiments and Best Yet (Hostess Gift Set)

Last orders for these products need to be in by 30th November … so if you hurry you still have time to purchase before these products are discontinued.

I am excited to let you know that I am running a Christmas card making afternoon at my place in a weeks time.  At  this class you will be making 6 christmas cards using the gorgeous  colour combinations of Chocolate chip, Baja Breeze, Real Red and Old Olive.  Not only will we be making these cards but I will take you  through making accompanying handmade envelopes  AND you will learn how to make this cute box to take your cards home in.

Class details:

Date: Sunday 29th November 2009

Time: 1pm – 5pm

Where: 124 Fernhill Way, Albany 0632

Cost: $25

What to bring: basic tool kit – trimmer, adhesives and a bone folder if you have one.

If you would like to join me in this afternoon of festive fun.   Please email me at stamps at whorwood dot com or call me on 479 9301.

Bookings are essential.

Samples of the four different colour combinations.

Because I don’t do things by halves… I am designing some Christmas tags to accompany the cards which if we have time we will do as well.

Have a great day!

Christmas Gift Giving Guide

I have signed up to become a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. I just love all the Stampin’ Up! products and have fallen in love with stamping using wood mounted stamps, why?

Because it is just so much easier to get a beautiful clear image than stamping with acrylic stamps. Joining the Stampin’ Up family for me was really a no brainer.  AND:

• Stampin’ Up! has perfected the art of designing a foam backed rubber stamps with deeply etched designs that give you crisp and clear images every time. It’s a quality product that will stand the test of time.

• Stampin’ Up! not only has beautiful stamps sets but offer coordinating patterned paper, cardstock, inks, pens, ribbons and chalks. What couldn’t make a girl happier! The Stampin’ Up! products just make life so much easier – as you are able to create beautiful cards, layouts and even presents with ease using their coordinated products.

• Stampin’ Up! has this gorgeous idea book and catalogue that has so many cool ideas and projects that are just begging to be replicated. I could just spend hours browsing through the Stampin’ Up catalogue and still manage to find more things I want and would like to make.

• l like that their products are only available exclusively through your Stampin’ Up! representative and can’t be found in retail stores. I like that as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I get to inspire others and show off how the different products work together. AND I get to meet lots of new people and pass on this knowledge to others.

• By being part of the Stampin’ Up! family, I can combine my love of scrapbooking, card making and gift making with my passion for teaching.

Of course, there are so many more cool reasons, too many to list here. If you know me, you know that when I am passionate about something I can talk for hours about it, and will do, if I get someone willing to sit there and listen.

So, I am having a bit of a get together to combine my love of stamps with my love of socialising:

You are invited:

Launch Party

Date: Sunday 8th November 2009

Time: 2pm – 4pm

Where: 124 Fernhill Way, Albany, Auckland

Details:

Come along and have a look at some of the great Stampin’ Up! products, make a small project, have afternoon tea, and browse a catalogue.

You can of course place an order, make a booking for your own party as well as have a chat to me about up-coming classes and craft nights that I will be holding.

I will be running the event as a mystery hostess party. What does that mean, well, if you place a $50 order at my launch party and we reach the minimum level for hostess gifts ($350). You will go in the draw to win your choice of a level one hostess gift. In fact, for each $50 you spend you will gain 1 entry into the prize draw, that means if you spend $150 you get 3 entries and so on. What is a hostess gift? Well, these are amazing stamp sets which are only available to our wonderful hostesses and wouldn’t it be great to be able to win a set for yourself.  Everyone who does attend will go into the draw to win a wee door prize as well.

So, if you are in the Auckland area and want to come along and see what Stampin’ Up! is all about, please RSVP to me on either:  stamps at whorwood dot com or call me on (09) 479 9301.