Caramel & Cream

As we are about to hit October I thought a project involving Halloween would be good. This card uses the 'Cookie-Cutter Halloween' stamp set (and the matching punch). To update it slightly i have added some of the new dsp from 'Spooky Night' and also the sentiment comes from the 'Spooky Cat' stamp set which i simply punched out using the 'classic label punch'  The base card is 5x5 inches and simply covered with dsp.  Next a layer of 'whisper white' measuring 4x4 was added. Cutting another square of 'whisper white' this time measuring 3x3 inches i then sliced it on the trimmer at random angles.  Flipping the pieces so they didn't quite line up again i used a sponge to 'dirty' the paper with 'Crumb Cake' ink for an aged bandage look. (doesn't show as good on the photo as it does in real life) The mummy image was stamped using 'basic black' ink before being sponged lightly with some ...

For todays project i have gone back to the annual catalogue.  It's easy to get caught up with the excitement of Christmas projects and we forget some of the gorgeous products we have available all year round. 'Loyal and True' is mainly aimed at servicemen or woman but it could also be just to tell someone how proud you are of them. Maybe they have a new job, passed an exam etc.  I have used a 5x5 inch card blank in whisper white then taken some dsp from the 'colour theory' paper stack to layer on top. Choosing coordinating inks i then stamped over some kraft card using the little star stamp from the 'Loyal and True' stamp set.  Using the 'Best Badge' punch to cut these out and also the stamped loyal and true sentiment gives the perfect shape with minimum fuss. A strip of ribbon folded is glued between the badges to give some added interest.  The first card uses 'Dapper Denim' and 'Real Red' as the main colours...

I've been wanting to try the 'eclipse technique' for ages after seeing lots of different designs from fellow crafters. I don't currently have the big letter dies so i decided i would give it a go with the large numbers instead. I've chosen the 'Cheers to the Year' stamp set and taken both of the snowflake stamps. The larger i stamped randomly in 'Night of Navy' and the smaller snowflake in 'Smoky Slate' The sentiment i placed in the top corner also stamped in 'Night of Navy' Next i took the numbers and lined them up carefully before running through the big shot. Using a whisper white card blank, layer 'Night of Navy' cardstock that has a length of silver ribbon wrapped around it. Make sure you tie the ribbon before gluing so that it holds everything into place. The beautiful silver embellishment is also from the 'Year of Cheer' suite. Lastly i popped the numbers up on some dimensionals before placi...

How super cute is the 'Foxy Friends' stamp set? 29 photopolymer stamps in this set giving you plenty of options to create different looks.  I've taken one of the tree images and stamped it a couple of times before cutting out.  The little fox himself is stamped in 'Calypso Coral' then cut out using the matching 'Fox Builder' punch. I used dimensionals under the head to give it a more 3D effect. 'Basic Black' ink is used for the face details.  For the background i used a couple of things, firstly the base layer is from the 'Wood textures designer series paper stack'. Lovely wood grain effect images for that natural / rustic look.  The second layer i used some cardstock and run it through the big shot with the 'Woodland embossing folder' creating these realistic tree impressions.  A twist of gold trim and a scattering of gold sequins add the finishing touch.  No sentiment added means this card is perfect for lots of d...

Today i have a fishy themed slide back Saturday and that is because this morning we had some beautiful discus fish arrive for our aquarium fish tank. My partner and both sons keep tropical fish, each with their own tank....infact my eldest son has 2 tanks in his bedroom. My dad says we could start our own seaworld up and invite people in haha! Anyway they were the reason i decided to choose this project from some time ago to show you. It uses the retired  'By The Tide' stamp set. Simple to make, stamping off the seaweed to create lighter and darker shades then choosing more vibrant colours for the fish. I chose 'Dapper Denim' and 'Calypso Coral' for these 2 cards. The fish are fussy cut but really don't take long at all.  Great for children but also mens cards too.  Here are a couple of photos of some of our new fish, such pretty colours. If you would like to order any Stampin Up products you can do so using the links top lef...

How super cute are these lovely mittens? From the NEW stamp set 'Smitten Mittens', it comes with 17 photopolymer stamps.  3 large mitten images, 2 small and a mixture of decorative images including a snowflake and a cross stitch heart. I've kept this design simple. Using an embossing folder for the background i used the matching 'Many Mittens' framelits dies to cut out 2 large mitten shapes. I cut them from the 'Year of cheer' speciality designer series papers (which i must say are just gorgeous). To edge the top of the mitten i simply used a small strip of washi tape also from the 'Year of cheer' suite.  A little gold trim tied into a bow is the finishing touch. These would be great if you have a lot of Christmas cards to make, mix and match the colours and add different accents to create a whole new look. If you purchase the stamp set and framelits together as a bundle you can save yourself a lovely 10%.  If you would like to...

I don't usually post on a Tuesday but as promised i wanted to show you some of the new products from the Autumn / Winter catalogue. This stamp set is called 'Christmas Sweaters' and comes with 6 different jumper designs and one stamp with the wording on. You can simply stamp the images in your chosen ink colour or step it up a little and then colour them in using your markers. I chose just to colour the Santa hat in 'real red' to make it pop out against the 'night of navy' background. I've used the gorgeous 'Cable knit' embossing folder to give detail to the background. It gives a really deep impression, perfect for those snug sweater looks.  To the sentiment i added a couple of strips of washi tape in gold so it didn't all blend into the background too much. I think cards made with these designs will be great for the festive season once everyone starts wearing their Christmas jumpers to the office! If you would lik...

I really like this stamp set, with multiple stamps and matching framelits you can mix and match the design making it suitable for all sort of occasions. Here i've taken the simple option stamping out the bike frame in Dapper Denim and the wheels in Lemon Lime Twist. The background paper also in Dapper Denim is from the Eastern Beauty suite as is the sentiment. My old favourite Gorgeous Grunge provides the track / tyre effect. If you wanted to take things further you have the option of adding a basket, apples, pile of books or even a cute little dog. An added extra with this stamp set is that you can purchase it along with the matching dies as a bundle and save yourself 10% If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please do feel to get in touch.  My email is rachhome@msn.com Rachael x

Sorry i've been missing the last while but i have had a lovely family break in the Lake District. Now however with school returning after the Summer it is a sure sign that Autumn is on it's way. The brand NEW catalogue is available online and you can order ALL the fab new products as you wish. The link to the online catalogue you will find top left of my homepage. I will look forward to sharing some of the new products in more detail over the coming weeks. If i can be of any help please do not hesitate to get in touch. rachhome@msn.com Rachael x