Nailed It Masculine Tool Belt for the Handyman.

Are you lucky like me and have a handyman in your life? A guy who can fix things, build things, and figure out how things work?

Paul loves to tinker in the workshop on weekends, and usually has a project or two on the go, and let's face it ladies, no weekend is complete without a trip to Bunnings Hardware store! 

Am I right?! The sausage sambos are also a big draw, and I occasionally go with him if there is something I need for the home.

We are renovating our house, and when 

I say WE, I mean we have an awesome builder who project manages for us. We are getting certain projects completed in stages as money permits, and we are still a ways from finishing, but I enjoy taking time to consider different options, and I love colour and design, so that is a fun part of the process for me.

Anyhoo.....I thought you would enjoy seeing what you can do with this stamp set and framelits bundle.

Have an awesome day, and thanks for visiting my blog.

Vicki x 💝

BUY NOW Nailed It Wood-Mount Bundle	144734
Price: $85.75
Bundle and save! Buy these two coordinating products and save 10%.                                                                              Thanks so much for shopping with me!  Vicki  x 💝

How to Decorate a Gift Box

I love having small gift boxes on hand and I come home from Stamp Camp with so many lovely goodies each year with thoughtful gifts from my stamping friends.
I get some great design ideas from boxes I have seen and these little boxes are just lovely.

Scale is important when decorating small gift boxes, so look out for small-scaled greetings and punches, or small floral die cuts and  thin bakers twine, as a large bow may overwhelm the box itself!

Washi tape makes a great closure for your box, as it will not tear the card stock when you remove it to open your gift.

Have a creative, marvellous day!
Vicki x 💝

Make A Cool Treats Card in Sherbet Colours! Stamping' Up!

I am happily spending Easter Monday stamping away, making cards and tags, and eating chocolate!
I hope you are enjoying the holiday break.

 If you haven't tried the Cool Treats Bundle yet, it is really cute, and so easy to design a card around these images.
A few simple embellishments are all that is needed: some Bakers Twine, and some torn Washi Tape, then glue on a few sequins. Voila! Easy as! I have listed all the details (including the sizes) below, and they are currently available as a bundle in my Stamping' Up! Store.
                                                        (which means you save 10%!)

Cool Treats Photopolymer Bundle	145181
Price: $82.75
Bundle and save! Buy these two coordinating products and save 10%. Cool Treats Photopolymer Stamp Set You're pretty cool, but this stamp set is just a little bit cooler. Try not to eat these delicious-looking stamps, even though you may be tempted. This is a Two-Step Stampin’ set. Combine individual stamps to build the final image you want in the colors you want. * Quantity: 36 photopolymer stamps * Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, b, c, d Frozen Treats Framelits Dies Create die-cut paper treats in seconds with Framelits dies and the Big Shot. * 17 dies * Largest image: 1-7/16" x 1-7/8" (3.7 x 4.8 cm) * Use with Big Shot                                                              BUY NOW                                  Thanks so much for shopping with me!  Vicki  x 💝

Simple Hearts Card: colours with black

HELLO everyone! I hope you are enjoying my blog posts. I love to start my mornings with some creativity, and card design is the best way for me to kick start my day.
I often go to sleep dreaming of cards I am planning to make for my classes!

Black is right on trend for sentiments, and this card shows how to balance a black greeting with bright colours. When you are using fine thinlits like these, make sure to layer some waxed paper between the die and the card stock. It makes extracting the card so much easier.
Have a wonderful day,
Vicki x 💝

Happy Easter!

                               Wishing all of my friends and customers a very happy Easter.
I love chocolate, and am looking forward to my Lindt gold bunny on Sunday. Have a wonderful long weekend.
                                                                   Vicki x 💝

2 Retiring Favourites: Woodgrain and Wreaths

I have made a video tutorial for you on YouTube for this faux woodgrain door card.

The effect is doubled by using the woodgrain background stamp, then running the card stock through the woodgrain embossing folder.

The woodgrain stamp will still be offered in the new catalogue, but the woodgrain embossing folder is retiring, along with the wreath stamp sets and framelits dies.

They are still available while stocks last, so if you want to make this project, hop on over to my store and grab the embossing folder, stamp set and framelits now.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

Happy crafting!

Vicki x 💝

Wonderful Wreath Framelits 135851

Woodgrain Textured Impressions Embossing Folder 127821   

Circle of Spring Stamp Set 138964

Wondrous Wreath Stamp Set 135047

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 Thanks so much for shopping with me!  Vicki  x 💝

Loving These Retiring Framelits! Stampin' Up!

This is one of the pretty cards we made in my workshop at Menai Library.

The women who attended really enjoyed the class, and the library staff were so helpful in helping get the word out about my workshop. 

It is foolproof stamping and perfect for the beginner stamper as long as you stamp the sentiment first, that way if you mis-stamp you can start over. When using photopolymer stamps it helps to use a Stamping' Pierce mat underneath and hold the stamp down for 3 seconds in order for the ink to be absorbed by the card stock.

One of my favourite co-ordinating retiring stamp and framelits sets is Flower Patch #134207 and #133731.They are available for a limited time.

The sentiments are so lovely, and it is great to be able to use 2 step stamping (on the leaves) in the background, then to be able to pop up layers on top (the flowers). A simple pearl or two is all that is needed to make a sophisticated card.

Happy Crafting!

Vicki x 💝

Flower Patch Stamp Set 134207

flower Fair Framelits 133731

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 Thanks so much for shopping with me!  Vicki  x 💝

For the Traveller : Masculine Colour Scheme

I hope your day is going swimmingly. Are you like me and love to find interesting new colour schemes for your projects?

Here is another idea for a masculine colour scheme. The simple twine bow works on this card, although I usually have a rule about "no bling" on a man's card ( yes, we do love our rhinestones and bows!) . The twine is a nod to the colour of the card base and the soft basic grey tones down the calypso coral. It's all about balance and restraint, and I love this card.

Happy {paper💝}crafting !
Vicki x

Shop and Save up to 50%!

                                               Browse the Retiring List HERE

Stampin' Up! has released the list of products retiring at the end of May. Grab your favourites before they're gone!

                                    Thanks so much for shopping with me!  Vicki  x 💝

The Retirement List is out! Grab a coffee and browse the specials in my store.

A new annual catalogue is due to be released soon, and Stamping' Up! has released a list of the retiring products.
You can save up to a whopping 50% off some items, and it's a great way to grab a bargain, but even more importantly, this is the time of year to make sure you have enough ink refills in the In Colours that will be retiring. Same goes for card stock, markers, and ink pads as these colours won't be available for much longer.

SHOP NOW

Of course there are lots of other retiring favourites, so if you have had your eye on something for a while, now is the time to grab it before you miss out.

I am busy adding several things to my list, including mini staples for my hand-held stapler, Stazon ink refills, the In colour refills, and the banners framelits, as I am making a banner for my wedding in September. Have fun shopping, and enjoy your day.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

 Thanks so much for shopping with me!  Vicki  x 💝

My Favourite Things : Banner Triple Punch.

Hello, and thanks for visiting my blog today!

I have some favourite go-to goodies that I keep near my desk when I am crafting, and one of my well-used tools is the Triple Banner Punch.

This nifty little tool  lets me make different-sized banners that I can add to a card front, or I can layer them up to make sweet little gift tags, belly bands or even bookmarks!

You can lock the punch so it closes flat, and you can then stack your punches in towers, which is my preferred method of displaying them on my shelves.

You can make banners in 3 different widths: 

1"  (2.5cm)

1 1/2"  (3.8cm)

2"  (5.1cm)

Banner Triple Punch                          BUY NOW	138292
Price: $38.00 Have a marvellously creative day, and Happy Stamping,
Thanks so much for shopping with me!  Vicki  x 💝

Another Masculine Colour Scheme

Designing for the men in your life? I am always looking for card ideas for the gorgeous men in my family. Butterflies and blooms are all very well, but sometimes you just need a bit of a blokey card.

This card has been coloured using stampin' write markers and a blending pen. The colours work well with a masculine theme and the design is simple so as not to overwhelm the image.

Colouring by hand is such a therapeutic exercise, and is a great stress-reliever. I pop my markers into a bag when I'm travelling so I have something to keep me busy.
Have a creative day!
Vicki x 💝

For the Beetles Fans!

Who remembers collecting bugs as a child? My favourites were slaters that roll into a ball when touched. I remember having a little army of these guys living in dirt and leaves in a jar on my bedside table! Beetles & Bugs Photopolymer Stamp Set #14290
Price: $29.50
This is a Two-Step Stampin’ set. Combine individual stamps to create the final image you want in the colors you want. Quantity: 32 photopolymer stamps Suggested clear blocks (sold separately): a, b

Hop on over to my store: www.AussieStampers.stampinup.net to find these little cuties.

Aren't they perfect for that sweet little boy or girl who loves collecting crawlies in their bug catcher?

Vicki x 💝

BUY NOW

Sneak Peek! Eastern Palace Suite

Here is the first of the Sneak Peeks from the new catalogue, and it's all about medallions and very detailed thinlits dies.
It's called the Eastern Palace Suite, and comes with a whole swag of accessories, including these must-have tassels and gold vinyl stickers. Wow!
For a limited time, ( April 4-30) you will be able to choose from starter and premium bundles, suitable for both the beginner and avid crafter.

I am avidly awaiting my first glimpse of the new Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue and have only a few more days to go before I can see it on the demonstrator website.
This time of year is when I go through all my current Stampin' Up! supplies and move the retiring items into a holding bay ready to sell off my pre-loved stamps and accessories to those lucky early birds who are keen to score a grab bag of discounted stamping goodness.

It is also an EXCELLENT time to have a really good clear out and de-clutter of my craft room, which I must say is looking packed to the gills with stuff LOL.

Have a marvellously creative day!

Vicki x 💝

Happy Birthday Using the Fry Box Die. Stampin' Up! Australian Demonstrator

Will you have fries with that?

This versatile gift box uses the Fry Box Framelits, and is perfect paired with a cello bag of lollies. It's so good to be able to make something that is quick and easy, yet has a wow factor of cuteness! Here are the supplies you will need to make this project.

Stamps
• Amazing Birthday Stamp Set

Paper
• Pistachio Pudding Cardstock
• Whisper White Cardstock
• All Abloom Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink
• Lost Lagoon Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Pistachio Pudding Classic Stampin’ Pad

Stampin’ Up! Accessories
• Gusseted Cellophane Bags
• Pistachio Pudding Thick Baker’s Twine
• Stampin’ Dimensionals
• 1-1/4" Circle Punch
• Big Shot
• Fry Box Bigz L Die 

Everything is available from my store: www.AussieStampers.stampinup.net
Happy Stamping!
Vicki x 💝

Pop of Paradise : Flamingos at my Wedding!

A little birdie told me there will be flamingos (yes, real live ones!) at our wedding in September.
(Paul and I are tying the knot after 5 years of happy times together).

I will have to pop a flamingo card or two into my luggage just for fun, as I want to have some thank you cards on hand for our wedding vendors, and for the hotel staff.

The pop of paradise suite is such a fun combination, and Flirty Flamingo ink is obviously the perfect choice for this cheeky bird.

The images on the stamp set are perfect for our wedding, too, and I love the sentiment "a very special day" as our wedding day will indeed be special!

Have a creative ind inspiring day.

Vicki x 💝

                                                             BUY NOW
                                                  Pop of Paradise #141581

Dragonfly Card : Dragonfly Thinlits Bundle.

Dragonflies are buzzing around my garden pond at the moment, and I still have 2 waterlilies in bloom even though the weather is much cooler at night here on the river.

Here is a card made using the Dragonflies stamp set, cut out using the matching thinlits.

The vellum has been stamped and heat set using gold embossing powder to give a gossamer effect, just like you might see on a dragonfly's wings! 

Vicki x 💝

Stamps
• Dragonfly Dreams Stamp Set*

Paper
• Tip Top Taupe Cardstock
• Vellum Cardstock
• Whisper White Cardstock
• Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper Stack*
• Delicate White Doilies

Ink
• Calypso Coral Classic Stampin’ Pad®
• Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin’ Pad
•  VersaMark Pad™

Accessories and Tools
• Gold Stampin' Emboss®Powder
• 3/8" (1 cm) Metallic Ribbon Combo Pack**
• Metallics Sequin Assortment
• Stampin’ Dimensionals®
• Big Shot™
• Banners Framelits™Dies
• Large Numbers Framelits Dies
• Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits™ Dies*

BUY NOW

Masculine Cards for the Beach Lover.

High Tide Photopolymer Stamp Set Item number 143006 Price: $45.00 

I love living by the sea! Paul and I are so lucky to be living right on the Hacking River here in beautiful Sutherland Shire. I wanted to make some cards for Paul and couldn't go past these gorgeous designs. They are certainly manly, and how about this cute little box of biscuits in the shape of a sail boat!
Stampin' Up! certainly provide us with so many inspiring products, and the colour coordination makes putting your projects together so easy. I am going to get cracking making my own versions of these for my sons as well.
Below I have added a photo of the view from my home studio where we make cards and paper crafts.
Inspiring, right?
Have a wonderfully creative day, and thank you for visiting my blog.
Vicki x 💝

Sending out Thank You cards!

The So Very Much stamp set makes a beautifully easy way to thank a friend for their kindness. I can never have too much kindness in my life, and I rate it as one of the finest virtues anyone can possess.

A large stamp like this makes a great background too, and you can create a repeated pattern without having to do too much lining up with your Stamp-A-Majig. If you have a steady hand try stamping randomly, but aiming for a little distance between the words so you don't overlap.

Now, I would just like to say say, "Thank you" to you for visiting my blog, and comments are always appreciated!

Enjoy your day, and may it be marvellously creative in every way.
Vicki x 💝

Swan Lake Stamp Set. Romantic in every way!

I absolutely LOVE the ballet "Swan Lake" and have been lucky enough to see it performed by the Australian Ballet Company. Romance, tragedy, intrigue, it has the lot!

Here is a project using this stamp set. The card recipe is below.
Vicki x 💝

Stamps
• Swan Lake Stamp Set*

Paper
• Pool Party Cardstock
• Whisper White Cardstock
• Subtles Collection Designer Series Paper Stack

Ink
• Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad®
• Old Olive Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Pink Pirouette Classic Stampin’ Pad
• Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad®

Accessories and Tools
• Whisper White Baker’s Twine
• Stampin’ Dimensionalsreg;
• Aqua Painters®

*From the 2017 occasions catalog, available January 4-March 31, 2017

Here are some more cards made with this set: Adorable, yes?
Have a wonderful day,
Vicki x

Swan Lake stamp set : rubber #142974 $AUD49.00 wood blocks included 

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