Caramel & Cream

Simply changing the colours and sentiment you use can alter a card from being a Birthday one to a Christmas card. Same design i used the other day but this time i have used 'Cherry Cobbler' and 'Shaded Spruce' colours. You could make a lot of these in a very short time, perfect for Christmas when you have lots to make.  If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please visit my online shop HERE   Rachael x

Another card today using the 'Wishing You Well' stamp set, this time to create what i think is a really traditional looking design.  I love the way the wreaths remind me of Christmas as a child. I used 'Garden Green' ink and 'Cherry Cobbler' for the berries which come from the 'Peaceful Noel' stamp set.  You could stamp a whole sheet of the wreaths and then cut them down to create numerous cards making then super quick to make.  The pretty bow and sentiment are also in 'Cherry Cobbler' ink and mounted up on dimensionals. If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please visit my online shop HERE    Rachael x

If you like to make cards that are totally fuss free then the 'Wishing You Well' stamp is perfect.  I've used 'Pear Pizzazz' and 'Mint Macaron' inks for this card. The bow stamp is so pretty and i love the way it gives an impression of depth. I think these are lovely little note cards. If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please visit my online shop HERE   Rachael x

Slide Back Saturday - features 'No bones about it' stamp set. My little nephew can't talk yet but he loves doing his dinosaur 'roar' which makes us all laugh so this was in my mind when i created this card. The two step stamps are layered over each other to create the dinosaur detail using 'Old Olive' stamped off once for the skin of the dinosaur and then just full strength for the bones.  'Soft Suede' ink for the footprints and 'Tangerine Tango' adds a burst of colour for the sentiment.    If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please visit my online shop HERE   Rachael x

Nothing says Christmas colours more than the traditional red, green and gold. The lovely dsp 'All Is Bright' has some beautiful papers in it but i really love this particular one which looks just like a photograph. I didn't want to take away from the paper itself too much so kept it simple using a piece of dsp to cover my base card. The sentiment from the 'Making Christmas Bright' stamp set is stamped in both 'Call Me Clover' and Real red' with the circle and stars around it in 'Crushed Curry' 'Layering Circle framelits' cut out the sentiment and then a larger scalloped circle in 'Gold glimmer paper' to make a mount. Lastly the 'Sprig Punch' adds some texture to the card popping in the sprigs behind the sentiment.  Very simple and quick to make. If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please visit my online shop HERE   Rachael x

On Sunday i showed you how to make this simple card below that just uses a stamp set and inks. Today as promised i am showing you the same design but 'stepped up', so instead of just the stamp and inks i have added in a punch and framelits too. I used the 'layering circle' framelits dies to create a mount for the sentiment in gorgeous 'Joyous Noel' copper glimmer paper.  The 'Sprig Punch' cut out in more copper glimmer paper and also 'Shaded Spruce' cardstock are just slotted in behind the circle with the sentiment on. I chose Noel as the sentiment for this card and 'Blackberry Bliss' cardstock for the base card just for variation. I absolutely love this card, the glimmer paper just makes it that extra special i think.  If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please shop with me HERE   Rachael x

As demonstrators we like to show you how you can use all the different products Stampin Up has to offer. We also know that not everyone has the pennies to buy everything at once so i wanted to show you how you can create a beautiful card with just a stamp set and inks. No need for framelits, big shot or punches. 'Peaceful Noel' is a really gorgeous stamp set.  I chose 3 inks for this card - 'Sahara Sand', 'Tranquil Tide' and 'Merry Merlot' A piece of 'Whisper White' card cut to 4.5 x 4.5 inches i then stamped into the centre a 'Sahara Sand' area onto which i then stamped the sentiment in 'Tranquil Tide' Next taking various foliage stamps from the set i roughly stamped them into a circle around the sentiment centre swapping between 'Tranquil Tide' and 'Merry Merlot' inks. Stamping off onto scrap paper sometimes before adding to the 'Whisper White' to give lighter shades of the sa...

These are quick and easy to make but super cute. I have used the retired 'Candy Cane Lane' dsp but you could make these with any papers you like. Choose 2 'Layering circle framelits' one plain and one scalloped and just one size apart. Cut the scalloped circle in plain card and the smaller plain circle in the paper of your choice. Next i took the 'Cookie Cutter Christmas' and stamped the gingerbread man in 'Soft Suede' ink. The matching punch makes these quick to cut out so you can get a real production line of these going if making multiples. Stamp, stamp stamp, punch, punch, punch!! Lastly layer all together and pop a length of bakers twine through the top to attach to your gifts.  You could also use them to decorate your tree if you wished.    If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please visit my online shop HERE   Rachael x

I was very excited earlier this week when my Stampin Up order arrived with lots of lovely brand NEW products from the Autumn / Winter brochure. I didn't have too much time to play but grabbed the 'Making Christmas Bright' stamp set and matching 'Christmas Bulb Builder' punch.  I used 'Real Red' cardstock for the base card and then some 'Whisper white' cut down to give a small red border around the edges. I wanted the bulbs to stand out so chose 4 bold inks 'Real Red', 'Crushed Curry', 'Call Me Clover' and 'Blueberry Bushel'.  I stamped the bulbs onto some scrap paper then used the punch so that i could then mount them onto the card with dimensionals to make them stand out even move.  A little sparkle is added with the 'Gold Glimmer Paper' for the base of the bulbs and behind the sentiment. Pretty happy with how it turned out and it wouldn't take too long to make lots of these either...

When i lived in Southern Ireland they really used to go to town with Halloween decorations. In the U.K we don't seem to be as big into it but i still like to make a few cards and we always carve pumpkins with our children...even thought the eldest is now 18! If you have been following my blog for a while you may know how much i used to love 'Gorgeous Grunge' for background stamping. In the stamp set 'Swirly Bird' there is also a splodge type stamp which does a great job of replacing some from the 'Gorgeous Grunge' set. Taking a piece of 'Pumpkin Pie' cardstock measuring 3x9 inches i scored it at 3 and 6 inches. The 'Whisper White' cardstock is cut just slightly smaller to give a border around the edges.  'Using 'Pumkin Pie' and 'Basic Black' ink i splodged randomly over the 'Whisper White' Black cardstock was then run through the big shot with the 'large letter' framelits to make the word...

So this card is totally different to something i would normally create and if i'm totally honest i'm not a 100% sure on how this turned out, but i wanted to still show you as it's a good way of showing how framelit dies can be used to create different looks.  Halloween was the thought in my mind but it would also work for an alien themed birthday card or party too i think. I have used the stamp set 'Swirly Bird' and matching 'Swirly Scribbles' framelits.  I stamped the eyes first in 'Garden Green' then layered over with a die cut piece in 'Cherry Cobbler' card. The mouth and hair are both 'Basic Black' and as i have a 14 yr old son a bit of gore was added using 'Cherry Cobbler' ink and the splatter / splodge stamp from the 'Swirly Bird' stamp set to make it look like blood.  I think with a bit of tweaking this idea could make a fun card.  What do you think? If you would like to order any Stam...

Last Sunday i showed you a card i made using an old favourite stamp set of mine. Today's project is a similar design but this time using 'Wondrous Wreath'. To make the wreath i used 'Garden Green' ink for the largest wreath part followed by 'Old Olive' for the part with only a few leaves and lastly 'Cherry Cobbler' for the red berry part. It looks complicated when you see 2 and 3 part stamps but it really isn't and the little tab at the top of each of these stamps helps line them up. Plus the fact they are photopolymer so you can see where you are placing them. The 'Whisper White' card is stamped on directly for the ribbon top holding the wreath and the sentiment. Layer onto the cardstock like the cards last Sunday and then the wreath added using dimensionals to give it some lift.  Lastly the little die cut ribbon is added to finish the project. I know this set is no longer available but i like to showcase projects ...

I've made a card very similar to this in the past but i've chosen to make the octopus slightly different this time. I put a couple of drops of 'Soft Sky' ink onto a clear stamping block and then added some water from my aqua painter and gave it a little smoosh together. I then pressed the block onto some 'Whisper White' paper which transferred the water colour / wash effect from the block to the paper. This when dry was simply run through the big shot with the 'Under the sea' framelit on top. It's hard to pick up on camera but it does give a more textured look.  For the rest of the card i took a piece of the 'Tranquil Textures' dsp to cover the base.  'Sahara Sand' and 'Garden Green' inks are used to stamp the seabed, seaweed and netting. Lastly the octopus is adhered with dimensionals and i used a couple of black gems for eyes to make it a fun card for a child. It looks like the octopus is waving.  If you...

I'm full of cold and have a sore throat and spent most of the afternoon yesterday in bed. After a slow start this morning i decided to cheer myself up by wrapping up snug and heading to my craftroom to make some Christmas cards.  I haven't got any of the new Christmas products yet so i reached for an old favourite stamp set  'Wonderland' I picked 3 ink colours 'Garden Green', 'Crushed Curry' and 'Cherry Cobbler' I firstly stamped the tree in 'Garden Green' onto some 'Whisper White' cardstock leaving enough space underneath to stamp the wording in 'Cherry Cobbler'.  The stars are scattered above the tree stamped in 'Crushed Curry' Next taking a piece of 'Cherry Cobbler' cardstock slightly wider than the 'Whisper White' i mounted them together before mounting them onto my base card in 'Garden Green' I really love this stamp set and even thought i will purchase ...

How cute is the 'little elephant' stamp set and matching punch? I've used it here to create a welcome baby card. The 'Tufted Dynamic' embossing folder is run through the big shot with a piece of 'Pink Pirouette' card sandwiched inside. You can only see a hint of it on this card in the background but it really is a lovely folder, giving a deep impression.  Choosing a mix of inks i stamped the 'Pear Pizzaz' along the bottom, and the 2 elephants, one in 'So Saffron' and the other 'Wisteria Wonder' before punching them out. I mounted them on dimensionals so they stood away from the card.  The little hearts and sentiment are the finishing touch.  Quick and easy for beginners too!   If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please pop to my online shop HERE   Rachael x

The days are becoming cooler and the nights darker as Autumn is upon us. I actually really like Autumn, I love the leaves changing colour but i also love getting cosy at night with the log burner roaring too.  'Rooted in Nature' is a lovely set, one of my go to stamp sets used to be 'Lovely as a tree' but this set is a great alternative. What's more it also comes with matching dies so no more fussy cutting required, yay! For this card i've taken a piece of the beautiful 'Nature's poem' dsp and used it to cover my card base.  A strip of different dsp is mounted onto some 'Tranquil Tide' cardstock and placed towards the bottom of the card.  Using 'Soft Suede' and 'Tranquil Tide' inks i have stamped some trees, leaves and the tree stump. To get lighter tones of the same colours i simply stamped off onto some scrap paper before stamping onto my 'Whisper White' card. The 'Nature's Roots' fra...

Stampin Up have launched a BRAND NEW catalogue today for Autumn / Winter, perfect timing for those of you with children heading back to school this week. You can find the online version by clicking the tabs top left on my home blog page.  So grab a cuppa, make yourself comfy and go browse all the fabulous new products available. This catalogue runs until 2nd January 2018 only.  If you'd like to place an order through my online shop you can do so HERE   Rachael x

Create simple cards using up scraps of DSP Taking a piece of 'Blueberry Bushel' cardstock and matching ink i randomly stamped the number one all over to create a background. Next taking some of the 2018-2020 paper also in 'Blueberry Bushel' i cut a smaller square of it to layer at an angle.  2 circles cut using the 'layering circle framelits' one in 'Whisper White' the other in 'Smoky Slate' The white circle i stamped on the sentiment also in 'Blueberry Bushel' and the leaves in 'Call Me Clover'. The stamps come from the 'World's Best Trophy' stamp set.  Lastly i used some dimensionals to layer the circles together before adding to my card. Quick and easy and makes use of the scraps of paper.  If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please take a look in my online shop HERE   Rachael x

I'm trying to be good and use up some of my current stash of papers.  The 'Naturally Eclectic' dsp hasn't really been touched so after flicking through the pretty designs i chose this one covered in gems.  It offers lots of  colour choices but i picked 'Tranquil Tide' for the sentiment as well as the base card. A hint of 'Night of Navy' is layered behind the sentiment and with the cut outs created from the 'Eclectic Layers' thinlits it allows the paper behind to come through.  For the diamond shapes i didn't think anything else was as appropriate as the 'sparkle glimmer paper', it really does catch the light beautifully.  So ok maybe you can't afford diamonds for your best friend but the thought is there with this card. If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please hop over and browse my online shop HERE Rachael x

I've just spent a lovely few days with family on the Lincolnshire coast so this card is very apt. I, like most of us crafters struggle to make cards for men but this lovely stamp set really is perfect for both male and females. I saw the inspiration on Pinterest - you can hop over and see the ladies original blog post HERE , and i really like the way she had used just one ink colour to create her card. My card is very similar in design except i added a few more birds to the top corner. The colours i chose were 'Pool Party' and 'Crumb Cake' Changing the sentiment these cards would be suitable for all sorts of different occasions.    Which colour do you prefer? Perhaps making a few more in different colours would make a lovely gift set to give to someone too.  If you would like to order any Stampin Up products i'd love you to shop with me SHOP   Rachael x

If you need a last minute birthday card in a hurry this is a really pretty but simple card to make. Taking a strip of 'Whisper White' cardstock i randomly stamped the floral images from the 'Perennial Birthday' stamp set by Stampin Up! I used 'Wisteria Wonder', 'Blushing Bride' and 'Pear Pizzazz' inks. Next i chose a strip of 'Wisteria Wonder' cardstock to mount my stamped strip onto allowing a small border of colour to show either side. Lastly i adhered this to my base card and added the sentiment also in 'Wisteria Wonder' to the bottom right corner of the card. This card is great if you have multiples to make and you could swap the sentiment to suit a variety of occasions.  If you would like to order any Stampin Up products i'd be delighted if you'd shop with me HERE   Rachael x

How pretty is the 'Tropical Escapes' designer series papers? I really like the green and pink combination, so fresh and summery.  Very simple card which shows off the DSP perfectly, simply using a sheet cut down to cover my card blank and then another piece cut to make a band along the bottom. The sentiment comes from the 'Tropical Chic' stamp set inked in 'Blushing Bride', the same colour used to make the little flowers. The leaves are cut using the coordinating thinlits. A sprinkle of 'Basic Pearl Jewels' add the finishing touch.  If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please visit my online shop HERE   Rachael x

If you follow my blog or Pinterest etc you will know i loved the 'Moon Baby' stamp set which is now retired so i was delighted to see in our new catalogue that we have some other lovely new stamp sets which can be used for baby cards. 'Little Twinkle' is lovely for baby cards but i also think it could be used for Valentines, Wedding cards too. I chose a piece of the 'Twinkle Twinkle' dsp and randomly stamped some of the little stars onto it using 'Night of Navy' ink. The sentiment i added top right then stamped the lovely heart shape onto some 'Whisper White' cardstock. I used the heart framelits to cut this out but you could easily cut it with scissors. I also cut a heart from 'Night of Navy' cardstock to layer behind. Using dimensionals to give a little depth i lastly scattered some metallic sequins to add some sparkle. Super simple but very cute and you can of course easily change the colours to suit a baby gir...

Today i spent a lovely afternoon with friends celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary. The sun shone brightly on their wedding day and it didn't let us down today either. We enjoyed a delicious lunch then sat outside having a drink and chatting.  I wanted to make them a special card and even though the 'Number of Years' stamp set is now retired it was the perfect choice especially when combined with the matching 'large number framelits'. The soft pastels of 'Wisteria Wonder' and 'Blushing Bride' inks with a little 'Old Olive' help create a really pretty card. The paper with it's flecks of 'Wisteria Wonder' came from the 'Have a cuppa' dsp set. I knew there was a reason i'm such a hoarder and don't throw things away...there is always a sheet of Stampin Up paper that will fit an idea i have.  I hope my friends have many more happy years of marriage.  If you would like to order any Stampin...

Have you thought about becoming a Stampin Up demonstrator? You don't have to run classes, make Youtube videos etc but you can earn yourself fabulous discounts and other perks.  Now is a great time to join because for just £99 you get £130 worth of products, you pick items (anything you want) for you 'starter kit' but then you also get to choose a FREE set of ink pads!! What an amazing way to kick off your new journey with Stampin Up!. If you'd like more information please email me rachhome@msn.com offer end 31st July so don't miss out Rachael x

Honeycomb Happiness was a cute stamp set from sale-a-bration a while ago.  We have had lots of sunshine and warm weather here in the UK recently so the ice-cream stamp from it seemed a perfect choice. I randomly stamped over some 'Whisper White' cardstock then once more onto a piece of scrap which i then cut out using the 'stitched shaped' framelits. 'Pool Party' and 'Blushing Bride' are the colours used for the ink and cardstock.  I used and aqua painter to colour in the main ice-cream top.  A twist of silver fine thread is placed between the two oval framelit dies to add a little more interest. Super simple and quick to make, they might be cool for party invitations. If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please visit my online shop HERE   Rachael x

Father's Day is very near in the UK so today i'm showing you another of my cards using the 'Wood Textures' and 'True Gentleman' DSP Simply layering papers onto cardstock 'Night of Navy' in this case and adding a sentiment from the 'Truly Tailored' stamp set i've been able to create a stylish look.  The 'Tailored Tag' punch fits around the sentiment perfectly and i punched another out in 'Night of Navy' cardstock to give a slight border so it lifts away from the background dsp. Lastly a scattering of 'True Gentleman' buttons give texture without taking away from the masculine feel of the card.    If you would like to order any Stampin Up products you can do so HERE   Fancy becoming a demonstrator? Enjoy the perks of discounts without the pressure to sell, blog etc. Drop me an email to rachhome@msn.com for more information. Rachael x

I was really pleased to see the stamp set 'Sheltering Tree' had been carried over into the new annual catalogue. It's such a lovely set and easy to get great looking cards with not a lot of effort or experience in cardmaking needed. Taking a piece of 'Whisper White' cardstock i stamped the tree in 'Early Espresso' and the blossom in 'Powder Pink' to match the dsp i had chosen. A little tuft of grass is stamped in 'Old Olive' around the trunk of the tree.  The sentiment from the same stamp set is simply stamped along the top of the card. Layering this onto some 'Powder Pink' cardstock to give a slight border at either side i adhered this onto my card base covered in the dsp leaving a slightly wider edge to let the pattern of the paper show. I think this card would make a nice get well or sympathy card but you could change the sentiment and it would be suitable for a birthday card etc too.  If you would like...

When you have pretty papers such as the ones from the now retired 'Whole Lot Of Lovely' you really don't need much else to make a card. I've taken a piece of dsp to cover my card base then wrapped a length of silver ribbon around the centre. Taking the stamp set 'Lots of Love' i stamped the sentiment onto some 'Whisper White' then cut it out using the 'Stitched Shapes Framelits' and again in a larger size from 'Pool Party' cardstock to layer behind.  Mounted on dimensionals to add depth and slightly to the left to let the gorgeous ribbon and paper be shown.  Really easy to copy this design with papers and stamp sets you already have.  If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please pop over to my online shop HERE   Rachael x

Finally the waiting is over and you can see and purchase all the fabulous new products Stampin Up has to offer in the NEW catalogue. I am super excited to share this with you and already have a very long list of items on my wish list.  Use the tabs along the top of my home page to view the catalogue or simply click HERE  to be taken to my online shop which has all the new products for you to see. I honestly think you are going to LOVE it! Rachael x

Today i'm showing you the last of the 5 NEW in-colours launching in our annual catalogue. This one is the fabulous 'Blueberry Bushel'  I've used the 'Sea of Textures' stamp set and the matching framelits 'Under the Sea' to create this card. I love the netting effect from one of the dies, i used 'Sahara Sand' cardstock for that and the same colour ink to create the background. I glued the netting under the octopus but left it loose in other areas to give a more textured look. The seaweed i used 'Old Olive' ink stamping once then again without re-inking to get lighter areas of the same colour.  'Blueberry Bushel' takes centre stage with the amazing octopus and with the help of the dies you don't need to worry about being handy with a pair of scissors either!  I've left this card sentiment free as i'm not sure who i am sending it to yet. If you would like to order any Stampin Up products please sw...