Hop on a boat and sail away...

One of the many birthdays in July was for one of my sister-in-laws. She turned the magical number of 40! She decided to celebrate this milestone she would go on a cruise with some of her family. So I jumped on board (at least in spirit) and thought I would make her a birthday card with this theme in mind. Perfect use for the Traveler Stamp Set.

Taking into consideration her favourite colour, purple, her recent adventure and her love of all things bling- this is what I came up with. The bling was coloured in using Rich Razzleberry Blendabilities to keep with the use of shades of purple.

Blendabilities meet Flower Shop

I have been playing some more with my beloved Blendabilities. This time I decided to use some smaller images to see how I would go.

So far Cherry Cobbler is my favourite colour set, but there is so many more to try.

Card using Cherry Cobbler Blendabilities, Sassy Salutations, Flower Shop and Petite Petals

Close up of the flowers

Inside view

Blendabilities + embossing powder = lots of fun!

I am certainly a little behind the times. I have seen this technique making its appearance all over Pintrest. Very simple, yet very effective. I have no idea who first had the idea but I'm ever so grateful. Its an easy way to use Blendabilities on those days when we have an unsteady hand or just to use a different affect.

You simply stamp with Versa Mark and use white embossing powder over it, heat set and colour over. Just as easy as that, particularly if you use it on black card stock.

Blendabilities- the new craze?

I've noticed that since Stampin' Up! released their new alcohol markers, Blendabilities, that the net has been full of lovely blended colourings.

I also noticed that different people use different techniques to colour, yet somehow they all look great. I have never considered myself very artistic yet I was happy with the outcome right from my first flower. And here is it.

Blended Bloom Stamp Set

I colour from dark to light, in small sections. I found that by colouring in small sections the ink is still dry enough to blend nicely. Here is a card I made using Blendabilities. This one uses Cherry Cobbler.

Close up of the flower

Stamp is from the Hello There (Hostess) Stamp Set

Inside view

Stampin' Up! South Pacific Convention 2014

Its been a long hard year in my world, full of both sadness and excitement.

In May I was lucky enough to go to the Annual Stampin' Up! convention which was held in my home town, Melbourne. I wasn't too sure what to expect. The atmosphere was electric.  I meet so many amazing and creative people.

It is a strange feeling to see in person some of the talented people who's blogs I have been reading and creations I have been casing over the last 9 months. Yep, to me these are the famous people! They are the same people who I had been hoping that one day I would craft with, and there I was amongst them, crafting along. Pretty amazing. But not only that, I had the opportunity to meet the personalities behind the paper.

Convention was not only a huge social event, but was also an early opportunity to not only see the new Annual Catalogue but to have one. Throughout the three days we were also given stamp sets and new products. Blendablities, Project Life, and stamps, stamps, stamps. By the end of the convention I had quite a stash!

2014-2015 Annual Catalogue

Items received at the 2014 Stampin' Up! Convention

I learnt so much is such a short amount of time. Increasing skills, chatting and ink, what more could a girl want :) The other wonderful thing about convention was, I got to meet some of the members of the Crazy Crafters team, which I am part of! For those of you that don't know, the Crazy Crafters are the NO 1 performing team in Australia.  I must say that my decision to join Stampin' Up! has been even further enhance by this group of people. Always supportive, both personally and professionally.

A make and take from convention using Amazing Birthday

The note cards using Amazing Birthday

Make and take from convention using Kinda Eclectic

Now something special to share!

Stampin' Up! currently have a joining promotion. You can join Stampin' Up! at one of two great prices. The traditional starter kit priced at $169 ($235 product value), and until the 30th June 2014, a reduced price kit of $85 ($90 product value). No matter which kit you choose, both come with free business supplies, valued at $80. As a further incentive, every person that joins as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator through me,  between now and the end of June 2014, will receive a free gift.

Your starter kit is totally your choice. You choose the products that you wish to start out with. Who wouldn't want the opportunity to receive 20% off every order, access to demonstrator only community, receive the exclusive "Impressions" magazine and join a team of supportive and fun, like-minded people!

It doesn't matter if you are a hobbyist, wanting to receive discounted supplies, or if you are wanting to build a business. Your business, your way!

So, if you would like to join Stampin' Up! or even if you are just wishing to place an order, send me an email. rosalie.desmond@hotmail.com