Bloomin' Beautiful!

I have started to take my digital camera along with me to workshop events as I have often wished I’d had one handy as guests have completed their make-n-takes. Here are some cards inspired by the creations of a very talented group of ladies at a workshop last week. I invariably learn more than I teach at workshops and this one was no exception! I feel so privileged to have a job that involves sharing my ideas and creativity with others.
The featured stamp set is from the Summer Mini catalogue and is called Big Blooms.
Instead of stamping onto card stock, we stamped our flowers onto Spring Showers, Loves Me and Au Chocolate Designer Series Double Sided papers from Stampin’ Up! and embellished our cards with buttons and Pockets and Pieces Assortment 1. All these papers and embellishments (except the Spring Showers) are retiring from the current Idea book and Catalogue and are available for purchase through me until March 31st.
To accentuate the flowers and “frame” the card, we used the direct to paper technique which involves swiping your stamp pad around the edge of the paper or card stock to create a smudged effect. I love the fact that Stampin’ Up!’s ink pads are so versatile. Not only can you use them to ink up your stamps, but you can also use them for other techniques such as water colouring, smudging, and creating interesting backgrounds. To create the multi coloured flowers with the papers, the 1 3/8 inch circle punch was used to punch out the middle of the large flower (a perfect fit for this image!) and some co-ordinating paper slotted in behind. Buttons were attached with Mini Glue Dots.
Time is running out to purchase the stamp sets and accessories from the Summer Mini Catalogue. Many of these items will not make it into the 2008/2009 Idea Book and Catalogue. So, if you have any of these items still on your wish list, NOW is the time to get them!
My special offer to blog visitors this month is the chance to win some freebies from the soon to end Mini Catalogue.
Simply place an individual $100 order for any current catalogue merchandise between today and the end of March and go in the draw to win:
1st Prize Bud Basics Two-Step Stampin’ set
2nd Prize Bunny Hugs Stamp Set
3rd Prize Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin’ Pad and embellishments grab bag
(Order amount calculated before shipping, all payments must be made by 28th March,credit card payments welcome. Offer open to Australian residents and non- Stampin’ Up! demonstrators only.)
Don’t miss out. Email or phone me with your order soon!
Pre-Orders are now being taken for the new Idea Book and Catalogue.
Please reserve your copy by making your payment directly to me before then end of March ($12.95 hand delivered for local residents, $18.90 shipped to your door anywhere in Australia) or host a workshop with your friends and receive your very own copy for free!