New SU Stash and a Quick Play

Yes, I know, more Stampin' Up stash. It's just that I really wanted the stamp set as I thought they looked great and very different to the type of things I have. The large word text looks great as do the swirls and flowers. I also chose to get some new colours - Real Red and Night of Navy. Really liking the navy right now but not sure what to do with it yet.


Also got some more rollers and the guide wheel. Last month I bought some thin ribbon so this time I bought some thicker ones.

I couldn't wait to try out the new stamps so made a very quick, 1 layer card using 5 of the stamps from the set. Looks very simple yet stylish I think. It's been stamped onto some smooth sparkly card from Craft Creation. I really like the variety of the stamps in this set.

The pattern on the top right of the front continues on the back. I like how the swirls can be stamped in a line and ito a corner:

Nestie Penguin

I've been seeing a lot of animals and other items made out of punched shapes lately and this morning I saw Sarah's version over on her blog. I've always wanted to have a go but don't have any large punches and don't really intend buying any as I have enough nestabilities. Anyway, I attempted to create a penguin using Ovals nesties for the body and wings and a Scalloped Oval nestie for the beak and feet. He's a bit fatter than he would be using the Stampin Up punches. Here's the result of the play about.


Why is it blue? Well, I don't have much black card left and so didn't want to waste it if it didn't work. I have a lot of these blues and so I thought I'd use it for the 'playing about' session. I still need to work on the eyes as they don't seem quite right (I used a hole punch to make them).

I made a quick and simple embossed background for him to sit on.

So what do you think of my first attempt at a punched animal? I'd really like to know your thoughts as I'm not really sure about it yet. Please let me know by leaving a comment below especially if you have other ideas on making things using nestie cut outs.

ATC Swappers Thank You

Had a panic this month as I hadn't made the Thank You ATCs for the swappers. Made them this morning and hope I've made enough. I've decided to carry on the set that I started a couple of months ago and made some more Moo-chas Gracias ones. This month's colour is LIME GREEN. My only regret about these is that I never made an extra one of each and so I'll never see what the full set will look like (don't know how many more colours I'm going to go through with these) but if anyone has received all of them so far, I was wondering if you could post a pic.

Next month over at ATC Swappers, there's going to be another double month with a choice of themes. This apparently went down well last time and so I'm giving it another go. There'll be a Sketch and another colour scheme (Black and White) and so I'm looking forward to that. Don't actually have any ideas yet. If you like making ATCs and want to join in then please visit the ATC SWAPPERS BLOG for more info.

Quick and Simple

Just a couple of quick layouts made using an old Elzybell stamp from the days before the online shop. Hasn't been out in a while so here it goes. The first I made (left) uses a thin strip of red cardstock but it looked a bit bland so I decided to send it through the Bug with the swiss dots folder for the second. Doesn't really show up in the pics though.


Here's a close up of the topper.

I also made one using some Stampin Up supplies. The topper was made using Old Olive and the strip was from the Ski Slope papers. I decided to stamp another robin on the inside and as I did it, I rubbed the front on an ink pad! DOH!!! So, what do you think of the big black smudge? Does it add to it? lol

More Christmassy Cards

Didn't think I'd be able to resisit for much longer! Finally went ahead and bought some more Elzybells as part of their celebrations. If you've been wanting to get your hands on some of the stamps then now's the time as there's 10% off all orders and special stamp bundles - I went for the angels one, over £23 worth of stamps for £10.80!!! How's that for a bargain? Head on over to the Online Elzybells shop now and take a look.
I've actually been using some of the Eskimo stamps from Elzybells today. I've adapted a quick card I made a while back on here and played with the image and colours. The main difference is the doodle border.

And here's a close up of the 2 new colours (Agean and Lime Promarkers)



And here's a card I made when I was playing with my new stash that I forgot to include in the update before. Here I was practicing colouring with the ink pad and a blender pen. I think it really adds to it and highlights the flower well.


And my final update for today, here are my ATCs for this months swap over on my ATC SWAPPERS blog. The theme this month is Call of the Wild. These weren't my original plans but I had to change it as my printer is out of action (and has been for 3 weeks now and I'm still trying to sort it out, was adding my new CISS and the printer hasn't worked since). Anyway, enough babbling, I ended up using some PP images I'd printed ages ago and some of my SU stash -Chocolate Chip and Old Olive papers and cardstock and my wheel with chocolate chip ink.

A bit of an update...

It's been a while since I've updated. Have been away again running another residential course. Think it's time I get used to them. Had a brilliant time taking the children kayaking, abseiling, climbing and team building.

Anyway, here's another Christmassy Elzybells card I made. Thought it was time to get these little reindeer out again.

And for those who have been waiting to see what I made with my Stampin' Up stash, well the truth is not much. I've been playing a lot with the things but haven't actually 'made' anything. Have been playing with the wheel, practicing sponging and inking up, punching out loads of tags and seeing what fits in them etc. Anyway, I'm waffling again so here are a couple of quick makes:

Here's a simple 10cm by 10cm card where I'd been practicing inking edges. Not really sure about it. I do love how the Elzybells words fit in the label though. Being clear stamps and having the ability to build the sentence yourself is such an advantage.

Also thought it was about time to get my lace templates out and I've been waiting to use these double sided papers to create the folds. Again a small 10 by 10 card.

And here's one I stamped using my Promarkers! It's the first time I've tried it and it matches the backing card. Also think a Pink Christmas card is a bit unusual. Background embossed on the Cuttlebug.

And last but not least (as I think it's my favourite) is this simple stenciled sponge baubles. Cut some circles out on a post it note using my nesties and used the Star stamp to create a pattern using Old Olive ink. Then simply sponged the same ink over it (actually it might have been the other way round lol!!!). Then drew on some cord and stamped an elzy greeting.