Flower pendant

Something I have been experimenting with recently is making jewellery and beads using Stampin' Up! products.  I had seen someone using washers to make jewellery so thought I would try my own twist and see what happened.  I took the Stampin' Up blossom punch and cut it into pieces to make some petals and design a flower.  With a bit of inking round the edges and on the cardstock a flower was created.  I then used crystal effects a really good lacquer which dries clear and has an easy use nozzle and with the help of a soft paintbrush a built the flower on the washer. Oh before that I embossed some sparkly glitter to the washer to give it a little sparkle.

Really pleased with the finished pendant which I will put on a nice cord (have just used this twine for the photo as it was all I had to hand) Have got a few other ideas and will be trying them out over the next few weeks.  It is a really inexpensive idea as I bought a pack of washers at the hardware store for a couple of pounds and there are 12 so can make some lovely gifts and wear some myself.

Hope you enjoy.

Stampin' Up! have lots of crafty products which I would be happy to share with you all if you want to expand your crafting stash. Email me at allmark.j@sky.com for a catalogue and for every £45 spent before 22nd March you can chose some great freebies too.

Pinwheels with a Stampin' Up! flair

Been playing around with making pinwheels again.  This time I decided to start with a sheet on whisper white cardstock and print it up myself.  This worked really well as I stamped it on both sides so when I folded the pinwheel it would work.  I made the pinwheels into abstract flower heads by adding co-ordinating stalks and then stamped a background design using Stampin' Up! daydream medallions in the same colours to tie it all together.

Thought it might look a bit busy but quite pleased that it seems to work.  What do you think?

All of the above was made using Stampin' Up! products as I have found that they are some of the best quality on the market and make cardmaking easier (even for a beginner like me)  I loved the products so much I became an independent demonstrator so  I can share these amazing products.  So if you would like a catalogue or wish to order anything my email is allmark.j@sky.com and until 22nd March if you spend £45 you got to choose a freebie from the Sale-A-Bration leaflet (each multiple of £45 you get another freebie) stamp sets, designer series paper, ribbons & buttons, even a punch.  So if you will a bargain then you'll love this offer.

Thanks for looking and happy crafting :)))

Christmas Challenge

How exciting I have just seen craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge and have decided to have a go.  I know christmas has now been and gone, but it is never to early to start working on this year's cards and this blog seems so much fun that I wanted to have a go.

This was one of my favourite cards as I love robins and with two cheerful little chappies meeting under a heart it could even work for valentines day too.

Pinwheels

Am in the throws of redecorating the spare room and have been doing the thankless task of wallpaper stripping.  As my home was built in 1905 i have sooo many layers of paper to get off that it is taking me ages, but the end result will be worth it as the walls are being plastered so I will at last have smooth walls instead of the wibbly wobbly ones I have now.

So to destress I decided to have a go at making some pinwheels.  I have seen them before on cards and know you can buy dies to cut them with but as I havnt saved enough pennies yet for a Big Shot I thought I would have a go without.

I used some off cuts to make the pinwheels and then used alternate colours so they would stand out.  A brad in the centre of each one finished them off nicely.  Quite please as this was my first attempt and will definately make some more and maybe try something a bit more adventurous next time.

As always if you like any of the things you see and want to order a catalogue or any Stampin' Up! products and make the most of the current freebies then just email me allmark.j@sky.com

Thanks for looking

Stampin' Up! Blossom punch

This really is one of my favourite punches and I have been making some really pretty flowers an idea from one of my up line but with my own twist.

Firstly I stamped out 3 petals using the Stampin' Up! blossom punch from Whisper White cardstock.  Using Wisteria Wonder and Rich Razzleberry ink pads I sponged the petals and brushed the edges of the petals.  I scrunched them up a bit in my hand to allow the petals to stand up and then sprayed them with Smooch Spray which is a shimmery delicate spray (hard to see on photo).  The yellow stamens were a scrap of yellow rolled and cut with scissors with a little brad through the centre to hold it all in place.

These are so pretty and can be used on a parcel/present or as a table decoration, wedding favour or as I have done is put a whole pile of them in a pretty bowl on my coffee table. Mine look like wild dog roses(one of my favourites) but you could use brighter colours for an Easter/Summery feel.

The blossom punch is in the current annual Stampin' Up! catalogue and is £15.50 together with all the other products I have used.  If you would like a catalogue, wish to buy any of the products or learn more about Stampin' Up! then just email me allmark.j@sky.com

Happy crafting :)))

Stampin' Up! One Stamp set & 3 circle punches

As promised here is everything on one page of my latest challenge of using 3 circle punches and one stamp set with a sheet of designer series paper to make lots of different look cards and still have some over for later.

What I used : -

• Four Seasons stamp set (8 stamps) hostess set
• Ink pads Island Indigo, Lucky Limeade & Calypso Coral £4.95 each
• Designer Series Paper 12 sheets double-sided £9.95 over a dozen different styles to choose from. (the one I used I am afraid is now retired)
• Cardstock Wisteria Wonder 12 sheets 12"x12" for £5.50
• 1" circle punch £11.50
• 1 1/4" circle punch £14.25
• 1 3/8" circle punch £14.25

Please get in touch if you would like to place an order or be sent a catalogue. You can get in touch via email allmark.j@sky.com

Thanks for looking :)))

Stampin' Up! Four Seasons

Over the past few days I have been experimenting using 3 different circle punches and one stamp set to see how many cards I can make using every and wasting nothing. Have a look at my last two blogs. Day one I used designer series paper which being printed differently on both sides gave two great cards.  Yesterday I used some of the circle punched pieces and today I have made a card with whats left over. 

The little birds make a good edging for the leafy border and with one of the circles put in the centre with a happy birthday sentiment make yet another card.

I still have some pieces leftover which I will use in some other cards.

If you've always wanted to have a go at card making or crafting but like many of us don't have a huge budget then I hope these ideas have shown that with just a few products there are endless possibilities.

Tomorrow I will put everything I have shown over the past few days on one page and hope that it will inspire everyone to have a go. Don't forget that as we are in Sale-A-Bration time for every £45 you spend on Stampin' Up products you can choose a freebie. Please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com

Happy crafting :)))

Stampin' Up! Tips - Waste Nothing

As with everything I try to waste as little as I can and crafting is no different.

In my last blog I was showing the way designer series paper is so good as there is a different pattern on each side of every sheet (twice the fun).

Well stamp sets can be used to make more than just one card.  The stamp set I used is a hostess set called Four Seasons.  By using 3 different sized circle punches I cut out the circle borders (on the left side card) and the piece left offer I used for the Happy Birthday border (on the right side card)

These are some of the pieces probably a bit easier to see what I am trying to talk about by showing this.  The very inside piece are the cute little birds which I can use on yet another card.  So hopefully it is easy to see how one stamped image can be used for three different cards.

So if like me you are on a tight budget and can't afford to buy too many products you can make a large range of different cards with just one stamp set and a bit of craftiness.

Happy stamping everyone and as always please get in touch if you would like to know more about Stampin' Up! My email is allmark.j@sky.com

Stampin' Up! Tips - Designer Series Paper

One of the great things about Stampin' Up! products is that absolutely nothing goes to waste.  All the designer series paper is printed on both sides with a different pattern on each. This means that you can get two totally different looks with the same piece of designer series paper.

The above cards are an example.  One side of the designer series paper had these pretty birds on and the other had stripes.  Two totally different effects using the same sheet of designer series paper.  This particular paper is now retired but there are a dozen to use from the current annual catalogue and others to come in the Spring/Summer catalogue (launched soon) and you can even get some for FREE if you spend £45 on any current products.

Please check back tomorrow as I will show you how to use one stamp set and three punches to make lots of different styles of card again wasting nothing.

Thanks for looking and if you want to get in touch my email is allmark.j@sky.com

Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration has begun

How exciting Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration has begun.  From the 22nd January until the 22nd March 2013 for every £45 you spend you can choice a product from the Sale-A-Bration leaflet.  There are 17 different products to choose from. Stamp sets, ribbon & buttons, designer series paper even a punch and they are all absolutely FREE. Ordering is really simple, get yourself a catalogue from an Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator like myself, make your choices and for every £45 you spend you get a FREEBIE.

This is just one of the stamp sets you can get for FREE. It is called Bloomin Marvelous and there are 8 stamps in the set : -

• A flower (as shown on above card)
• A butterfly (as shown on above card)
• A humming bird
• A leaf
• bloomin marvelous (sentiment)
• Oh happy day! (sentiment)
• So glad we're here for each other (sentiment)
• Miracles happen (sentiment)

If you look back at my blog over the past week you will see how I have used some of the other stamps in this set on various cards.

This is just one of 17 different products you can choose from so don't delay get in touch and start collecting these fabulous FREE products. Just email me allmark.j@sky.com  If you are local to Farnham or the GU9 area I can arrange to pop round and help you choose or if you have some friends that are interested or want to host a party I am happy to oblige.

Happy crafting and thanks for looking :))))

Cards for the men folk

Well it is still cold and dreary and the snow is taking it's time going.  Really don't like the snow once it turns to ice and is so slippery.  I walk out with dread as I am sure I will end up sliding down the road on my bottom in a very ungainly fashion.  So in between work I have been busy cheering myself doing what I love best crafting.

I am lucky to sell quite a lot of cards at work and as the workplace is predominantly female most of my cards have been quite girlie.  However, I have been asked to make some cards for the men in people's lives so the Stampin' Up! Feeling Sentimental set is just perfect. This stamp set is a freebie when you spend £45 on any other Stampin' Up! products in their catalogues.  I am a real bargain hunter so was delighted when Stampin' Up! launched their Sale-A-Bration leaflet.  There are 17 different products from stamp sets, designer series paper, ribbons & buttons and a punch and for every £45 you spend you can choice one free.  It is such a great offer and it begins TODAY 22nd January until 22 March 2013

With a sharp blue background using designer series paper I have used a telephone box and a water wheel from the Feeling Sentimental stamp set.  These lovely images are really clear and sharp and by just using some water colour pencils they really stand out.

If you are looking to add to your crafting collection or are someone like I was only a few months ago and had never tried stamping then I highly recommend giving Stampin' Up! products a try.  I can send you a catalogue, help you with your choices and don't forget with every £45 you spend you get to choice something FREE from the Sale-A-Bration leaflet.

I'd love to hear from you so please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com

Happy Crafting and thanks for looking :))

Stampin' Up! Bloomin Marvelous

Not long now before Stampin' Up! launches their Sale-A-Bration and their Spring/Summer catalogue and it is jam packed full of yummy things and with lots of freebies too I just can't wait.

Here is a sneak peak of one lovely stamp set Bloomin Marvelous

Pretty little leaves which I have cut out and stamped in some lovely autumn colours.  The background was stamped using the sentiment So Glad We're Here For Each Other.

There has never been a better time to look at Stampin' Up! so please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com

Thanks for looking :))) and keep crafting x

Homemade beads

Well with all this snow still on the ground and it starting to fall again the best thing to do is stay in the warm and get crafty.

I have been experimenting with making my own beads using some of the Stampin Up! designer series paper and crystal effects which is a lacquer which dries really hard and clear and is perfect.

Firstly I cut lots of long triangular shaped pieces of paper and using a cocktail stick rolled them up. Then I covered them with several coats of crystal effects lacquer and left to dry.

I am really pleased with the results and have made a necklace and hope to do some bracelets and earrings too.

The Stampin' Up! designer series paper is so pretty and colourful and it just goes to show that there are so many more things to do with Stampin' Up! products than just card making.

As always allmark.j@sky.com if you would like to know more about Stampin' Up! products, order a catalogue or buy any of their great ranges.

Thanks for looking :))

Stampin' Up! Feeling Sentimental

Beautiful watery blue designer series paper taken from the Fan Fair series 12 double sided sheets of 12" x 12" for £9.95.  There are lots of different patterns and style to choice from but this one is my current favourite.  This sheet has a world map on with lovely washy shades from earthy browns to watery blues.

The stamp set is Feeling Sentimental and it is a sneak peak as the set isn't available yet but launches with Sale-A-Bration and you can get the whole stamp set free.  To find out more or order a catalogue then get in touch allmark.j@sky.com

Thanks for looking :))

Stampin' Up! Feeling Sentimental

Stampin' Up! will be launching their Sale-A-Bration at the end of this month as they are celebrating 25 years so it will be even more special than previous years.  There will be lots of bargains, free stamp sets and lots of new things.  The Spring/Summer catalogue also launches soon and it is jam-packed with new things with some lovely stamp sets, papers, fabric and embellishments.  So it has never been a better time to look at Stampin' Up! products.  I really do think that they are one of the best on the market and because the quality is so good they give really sharp images.

Today I am giving you a sneak peak of the Felling Sentimental stamp set.

 

This lovely penny farthing can be watercoloured and I have used a subtle yellow (difficult to see in the photo) It really is a lovely stamp as it is a lovely line drawing.  The background paper is Fan Fair which I am so pleased with and thought a series of bicycles from all era's would work well with the penny farthing.  If you would like to purchase any Stampin' Up! products or browse through a catalogue please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com

 

Thanks for looking :))

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow! snow! snow! snow!

I am surrounded with the white stuff.  I must admit I am not a great fan of snow.  It looks beautiful when it falls and covers everything with a sparkly whiteness, but unfortunately the UK is just not equipped to handle snow.  The road's become impassable and the small amount of grit which is put down only on the main roads makes everywhere impossible to navigate.  I live on quite a steep hill and whenever snow falls I am stuck.  The last time in 2010 my road was impassable for 10 days although the main road was clear.  So I have lots of logs a roaring log fire to keep one and keep the spirits up and a massive park and woodland to walk in wrapped up warm and watch all the kids and adults trying to be big kids with their sledges, ski's and snowboards having fun zooming up and down on the many slopes.

My thoughts are always with the elderly and vulnerable as the pavements are treacherous and so many people end up in hospital with broken bones.  Please if you have an elderly neighbour make sure they are safe and warm as they will be unable to venture outside, may be unable to afford to turn the heating up, and may need your help in bringing food supplies in.

So my card today is from Feeling Sentimental stamp set to be launched at the end of January and is an old fashioned telephone box as a reminder to pick up the phone and call all the people who may need your help in these wintery times.

Stay safe and warm everyone.


Thanks as always for looking allmark.j@sky.com Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator for all your Stampin' Up needs.

My Craft Area

Well haven't been on here for a week as had a few disasters which ground everything to a halt.  Firstly this nasty noro-virus hit and I spent 24 hours being very ill and took a while to recover from the weakness that it brings (no details but it wasn't very pleasant). Then my poor other half had his van broken into and they stole the driver's door. YES the driver's door!  Evidently there are some sick people out there that steal car parts to order and his van was targeted.  So I have had him staying with me for the week while his van was in the garage having another door fitted and the quarter light repaired where the glass was smashed to gain entry.

So with all this madness going on I really haven't had time to think about my blog.  Now however it has been snowing since early this morning so I am snowed in so have plenty of time to start up my blog again.

I have a lovely craft area now as my sweetheart built me a bespoke shelf unit for all my lovely Stampin' Up! bits

The shelving is perfect as there are separate little cubby holes for everything I have and a little room for more bits to come.  The beautiful old wooden box houses all the smaller things and was my grandfather's so is a nice reminder of the other crafty people through the generations in my family.

As you all know I am a Stampin' Up! demonstrator so if there us anything that you need or would like to browse through a catalogue please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com

Stampin' Up! Glimmer Paper

There is something quite umptious about sparkly things and this glimmer paper by Stampin'Up! is so sparkly and shiny that it makes any card come to life.  I like using it with one of the Stampin' Up! punches as it punches sharply and cleanly and unlike so many other glitters it doesn't rub off or peal and stays really bright.

I used the bird punch, the blossom punch and the daydream medallions stamp set.  This card has proved very popular and I have sold quite a few in different colour variations (hence me making some more)  I hope you like it and if you would like to buy any of my cards or want to buy any of the Stampin' Up products to make your own then please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com

Thanks as always for looking :)

Bloomin Marvelous

January is always a long month and for all of us that suffer from lack of sunshine it seems to be just that little bit longer. Although I am glad that the weather is still relatively mild and there had been none of the dreadful 's' word snow it is so dark.  Getting up in the morning in the dark and it being dark by 4pm is certainly a challenge and I often wish I could be a dormouse and just curl up in a ball and sleep until the light returns.

However one thing that really keeps me sane is my crafting.  Every day I take time out to make a card and as most of you already know I use Stampin' Up! products as they really are the best quality I have come across.  My card for today is using a stamp set called Bloomin Marvelous and it is part of the new range which will be launched at the end of January in their Sale-A-Bration.  This really is a great time to but Stampin' Up! products as they offer many free bargains when you spend £45 or more.

I really like the sentiment bloomin marvelous and it makes a great background for this card. I stamped and cut out the pretty flowers and put a pearl in the centre and then used the other sentiment Oh happy day as it is a rather nice quirky one & makes a change from the normal happy birthday.

Please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com if you would like a Stampin Up catalogue or would like to know more about the Sale-A Bration and all the yummy things you can get for free.

Thanks for looking :)

Bloomin Marvelous

Sometimes technology defines logic. I have been able to post pictures here for the past month with no problem. Now all of a sudden I can't add pictures in the same way & have had to use my mobile phone & a really round a bout way but eureka! I now have a picture Bloomin Marvelous!

This is one of the pretty butterfly stamps in the Bloomin Marvelous stamp set which is part of the Sale-A-Bration set which launches along with a whole load more at the end of January.

I really like butterflies as they have always symbolised freedom to me.  The metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly soaring away, pretty profound to me.

The sentiment is 'Oh happy days' and I definitely am looking forward to lots of happy days in the coming year.

As always all the products I use are from Stampin' Up! and if you would like to know more then please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com

Thanks for looking :)

Oh dear

Really sorry guys but I cannot seem to upload any pictures at the moment, blogger is playing silly wotsits with me, so until I can find out why, this week's blogs are sitting waiting but without pictures not really worth putting them up.

Hopefully I will find the solution, in the meantime happy crafting.

Sneak peak Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration

How lucky am I being a demonstrator for Stampin' Up! as I get to buy stamp sets and have a play before they are officially launched.

Sale-A-Bration starts towards the end of January and there are some really exciting offers. Sale-A-Bration is an annual party with loads of free products.  This year's party is better then ever - as it is their 25th anniversary.

There really has never been a better time to start using Stampin' Up products and I'd love to help you choose, whether it is just products for your own craft collection, want to host a party, want a catalogue or are interested in becoming a demonstrator? Please just email me allmark.j@sky.com

Bloomin Marvelous a sneak peak of this really pretty stamp set with leaves & flowers, butterfly, humming bird & great sentiments.

Four Seasons - Stampin' Up!

Well with all this wet drizzly weather and constant rain & floods my thoughts are turned to Spring & Summertime.  This little card was inspired with warm sunny colours and the bright freshness of the lengthening days of Spring and Summer.

The stamp set I used is the hostess set Four Seasons.  It is a great set that you can purchase or even get for free if you hold a hostess party.  There are 8 stamps in the set depicting all four seasons with butterfly, leaf, snowflake & flower embellishment stamps.  I love this little robin with the spiral on his tummy.  I cut the robin out using a little circle punch and then popped him out using dimensionals.  I really like the little butterfly so stamped the envelope & inside of the card.  A simple little card with a sunny feel.

If you would like to host a party then please get in touch via email allmark.j@sky.com

Thanks for looking :)

Stampin' Up! trimmer

This is by far my favourite tool. It has only recently been launched by Stampin' Up! and it is a cutting and scoring tool with crafters in mind.

• Cutting & Scoring -Cut anywhere in any direction. Full 305cm cut or score. Keep scoring & cutting blades on the track at the same time (1 cutting & 1 scoring blade)
• Measuring -Extended 15.9cm base. Extended metric ruler to 36.5cm
• Storing -Compartment under base to store blades, scoring stylus & more!.

It is the easiest cutter I have ever used as I find  lot of cutters very stiff to use and they take a lot of muscle power in your hand to use.  This I can use with two fingers and the fact I can cut tiny little pieces as well as larger ones is fantastic.  I wanted something that would cut and score and wasn't too expensive and this is perfect.

It is really neat and lightweight too.

It costs £25.95 and replacement blades are £4.50 for two and scorers are £3.50 for two.  The blade seems to last a long time and stay sharp & crisp so I haven't bought any replacement blades yet.

So impressed with this cutter so if you are thinking of buying one then I would highly recommend this one by Stampin' Up!  Get in touch at allmark.j@sky.com if you would like to purchase one.

Thanks for looking :)

Hare totem Native American Flute

I am truly blessed in knowing and being in a relationship with a wonderful man who oozes talent from his every pore. Yes I might be a little biased but he has an affinity with wood and magically creates some beautiful things.

For Yule this year he made me a native american flute.  I love playing the flute & although a beginner there is something deeply moving sitting and letting the notes transport you to a different plain. The flute is made from cedar so as you play it fills body, soul & surrounding space with aromatic cedar.  I have had a connection with hares for as long as I can remember and have a hare tattoo on my wrist. The flute has a hare totem hand carved which is simply WOW.

This is the first flute to be made & several more will be made during the coming year if time allows.  Should you wish to have one of your own then please get in touch allmark.j@sky.com as commission pieces can be made.

A Jar Full of Happiness

Well the New Year has begun in earnest & am starting to get back into my daily routine.  I work at a wonderful day centre for the elderly which is a drop in centre so get to spend my time talking and learning from the wise (hardly work as it is so rewarding) My aromatherapy massages are going well and I have a good client base of lovely people ageing from 20's to 80's  I do a couple of cleaning jobs (which are quite boring) but bring in the pennies to allow me to indulge in my Stampin' Up! obsession and buy lots of crafting bits and best of all the cards I make I sell at the centre & get to make one-off bespoke cards for people who are looking for something special (my recent baby naming ceremony card was a huge success & was the talking point which was very humbling).

So it is time for me to get back to doing my daily blog and sharing with you all what I am up to in my crafty world.

The first thing I want to share is a jar idea which was posted up on facebook several months ago.  Take any jar (I used an old coffee jar) decorate it (I used flowers & ribbon in bright summery colours) and then during the year fill with happiness & all the special little things that happen during the year.  Then during the festive season, or New Year next year, or even during the year when sometimes your feeling a little down or want to be reminded how great life is, open the jar & read.

I used the Stampin'Up! New In Pursuit of Happiness stamp set which is 5 stamps with the most lovely wording & I find that I use it all the time.

• Now and then it is good to pause in out pursuit of happiness & just be happy.
• Do you little bit of good where you are. It's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
• A grateful heart is the mainspring of happiness.
• Everything will be ok in the end. If it isn't ok it isn't the end.
• Live in the sunshine

The stamp set comes in wood or clear to mount onto your own acrylic block £15.95/£12.95

Well I began filling my jar at Winter Solstice this year 21/12/12 I went to Avebury with my besties and saw a beautiful dawn & then went & had breakfast in Marlborough at The Polly Tearoom. My gorgeous partner bought a huge homemade Yule Log, very chocolaty & indulgent, which we scoffed over the next week.  The Yule log was tied with a cute ribbon which has gone into the jar.  I am intending to open my jar at Winter solstice this year to see all the things I have collected during the year and my mantra is definitely going to be,

" Now and then it is good to pause in out pursuit of happiness & just be happy" and I intend to spend most of this year being happy.

If your interested in any stampin' up! products or would like a catalogue then please don't hesitate to get in touch on my email allmark.j@sky.com

Thanks as always for looking :)