Stamps Ahead

On Saturday I attended the wedding of Tim and Kathryn in Crookwell, NSW. Crookwell is about 44klms from Goulburn. It was a beautiful wedding. Here are photographs of the card I made them. I have used Life's Special Moments and Beyond the Basics to create the card. I firstly stamped the main image with Black Stazon onto vellum. I then watercoloured the image with my Stampin' Write markers. I applied to card with silver brads. For the inside of the card I made an insert and popped in a gift card. Inside of card Images: (c) 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Along the Goulburn Road to Crookwell, I just had to stop and take a picture of this beautiful gum tree against the blue sky. Enjoy.

Thank you to all who sent me good wishes, I really appreciate all your cards, SMS, e-mail and telephone calls. I want to share with you the Stampin'Up! cards as well as several handmade cards I received. Images: (c) 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! Artwork: Various artists-Jayne,Kim, Cindy(USA) Artwork: Various artists-Unknown; Mel, Margaret T Now back to stamping and scrapping. I am off to a wedding tomorrow and will share my card with you shortly. Margaret

I hope that you have time well spent with your family and friends this holiday season. Here is a card I have created just for you. Images: (c) 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford The stamp set was a gift to all demonstrators from Stampin' Up! I have added the "and family" from Everyday Flexible Phrases. The images are stamped with Close to Cocoa and then I used my markers direct to the card stock. Thanks for passing by. Happy Holidays.

I know by now you are all over Candy Canes. I made these with my papermaking class, during their last class for this year. The design is not mine (from Splitcoast Stampers, if not my apologies to the original designer). If you read my blog regularly you know that I love Cranberry Crisp (paper, ink, ribbon) and it just went with the Christmas patterned paper I have had in my stash for a few years. Enjoy . Stamped Images: (c) 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

This is the card I made for my neice's birthday last week. I have used the Wild Rose (108960) stamp set and Recollections Designer Series paper for this card. I do love Cranberry Crisp Classic Ink with Mellow Moss Classic Ink together. Images: (c) 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

Last Friday my sister and I attended a scrapping evening, at a shop near where she lives. Here is one page (30cm x 30cm or 12" x12" for my USA friends) I completed. These photographs were taken whilst I was strolling down a street in Montreal,Canada and I came across this sculpture. I love the reflection in the nearby window. It is strangely evocative and at the same time thought provoking. I have kept the page very simple as the photographs and more importantly the sculpture tell the story.

Using my new Dell Inspiron laptop - colour Flamingo Pink with Microsation finish - here are first efforts at downloading from the web camera that comes with it. Off course I love pink! Here goes - wish me luck! I passed the first test!!! And much much more quicker. Next time I will download some of my pictures from my camera - that will be tomorrow. Then I will try scanning . So many options. This card was sourced from Splitcoast Stampers. I have made a few with other stamps for friends and family having birthdays this month. Images: (C) Stampin' Up! (R) 1990-2007 Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

I have been creating more of my own background paper for 15cm x 15cm (6" x 6" for my USA friends). Here are some very old photographs of my now adult nephews. I am really glad that I got the photos out of their magnetic albums, they were starting to deteriorate. I have used Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel for background and Word by Word (108965) to create punched highlights on both pages. For Joshua: Big Deal Alphabet (108751) and the star from Hung up on the Holidays (108842). For Garth: Headline Alphabet (108833). Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: © Margaret L Crawford

This is a card I have created from another stamp set available in the Summer Mini Catalogue. This time I have used Easy Elegance (111235 set of 4 $39.95). I have applied Stampin'Write Markers direct to rubber, spritzed with water and stamped onto the fabulous Stampin' Up! watercolour paper. And I just love the blue hydrangeas from my garden. Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin'Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford The quote is not very visible in this photo but it says: "How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it". George Elliston . I "googled" the author of this quote - George Elliston and it shows that she was born in Kentucky in 1883 and what an extraordinary life she led. She was a reporter for the former Cincinnati Times-Star for over 40 years. At a time when most newspaperwomen were forced into writing for the society or cooking sections, George Elliston was a hard-news reporter covering crime, murder, and local tragedies. She was known for going to...

Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford It's thyme to celebrate the holidays with a festive offer that matches the season. Stampin' Up! ® have released exclusive Holiday Thyme double-sided Designer Series paper (item 107890). It is perfect for making cards, party invitations, gift wrap, or scrapbook memories and more. And a packet is only $14.50 (for 12 sheets of double-sided paper - a bargain) for the month of November. As many of my readers know, I teach a local papercraft class. Here is a decoration that they made this week, using the Holiday Thyme papers. It does incorporate some non-SU supplies eg, wooden star, rub ons. I had fun designing this.

Here is a 15cm x 15cm ( 6" x 6") scrapbook page I created today. I have used Watercolour Joy Wheel (105516 $11.95) to make my own background paper. The stamp sets are Big Deal Alphabet (108751); Looks like Spring (108864); Sweet Shapes (108927). I have also used Spring Bouquet Flower punch above the "I" and Word Window punch. Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

My papercraft class made these this week. You use an A6 envelope. What fun to receive a gift this year in one of these. They are quick to make and you could use any of your stamp sets. I have used Peaceful Wishes (108888 $45.95 Set of 5). If you would like the instructions email me. Enjoy. Images: ©Stampin' Up! ® 1990-2007 Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

A couple of more photographs taken on my recent USA/Canada holiday. On the way to Springfield, Missouri, we stopped at Big Springs. Yes, the water was as blue as it is shown in the photographs.

Here are 2 Christmas cards that my papercraft class made this week. The first card uses "Wishing You" (110245) from the Spring Mini-Catalogue and the card is displayed in the catalogue, for inspiration, I have used alternate colours. If you would like to order this stamp set from me, remember that the catalogue end date is 30th November. Email me for this and any other stamps or products available from Stampin'Up! Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford The second card uses "Merry Minis" (108870)," Sweet Shapes" (108927) and "Handle with Care" (108829). This card is a good example of using a non Christmas stamp i.e. the solid stamp from Sweet Shapes, to create a seasonal card. Stampin' Up! stamp sets are just so versatile. Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

I spent time on a friends property in Missouri, USA during my holidays. I love this photograph, that I have taken, of a creek on their farm. The autumn leaves, rocks, reeds and the reflection of the sky and trees are all magical. Enjoy.

I'm back, here is one photograph that will instantly let you know, at least one city I have recently visited. I will commence scrapbooking shortly and share more photos with you. Margaret

I am taking a short "blogging" holiday, I will be back soon. Stay tuned for more of my creations in upcoming weeks. Margaret

Here is a card I have made for a lucky couple travelling shortly. The card uses stamp sets - Office Accoutrement; World Tour and Be Happy. Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

This page was inspired by a layout in Creating Keepsakes August, 2007 magazine. It is a great layout that you can use several photographs on. I have used Stampin' Up! ® Simply Scrappin' Tickets and Tokens kit. Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin'Up Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

I have decided to get all my China photographs onto scrapbook pages this week. My journalling says: Climbing the Great Wall I passed rows and rows of locks of various sizes with mainly red ribbons attached. Couples announce their love for each other as they hang their lock and then they throw away the key, in the hopes that their love will last for as long as the Great Wall. Stamp Sets used were Artifacts and Everyday Flexible Phrases. The sun caught the page just as I was photographing it and if you look closely towards the top left you will see a friendly ant, making itself at home on Sahara Sand paper. Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

Last night I got creative and completed a couple of sketch challenges over at Elite Stampers. The first was a card and the second a scrapbook page layout: Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Stamp Set: All about U & Bodacious Jumbo Wheel Images: © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Stamp Sets: Symbols of Solicitude, Pure & Simple Alphabet Lower This is a 12 x 12 scrapbook layout, I like how the spot paper gives the appearance of shining lights along the Bund in Shanghai.

Here is a card I made for no particular reason. I used watercolour pencils for image and played around with black/red and grey for the card. Elegant. The stamp set is Artfully Asian (108738). Have a great weekend. Images © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork Margaret L Crawford

This card uses the set, All about U (You) 108721. It has the large U and sentiments Celebrate; just be; Good for; Bless; Happy for; Miss; Love; are the best and also a cute little heart and small flower. Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2007 ® Artwork Margaret L Crawford

This is a card I created for a challenge that required a monochromatic colour scheme. This colour scheme uses shades of the same colour or a single color plus a neutral. I have used Paisley background (108887), Office Accoutrement (110243) for the flower, and A is for Adorable (108714) a hostess set, but I used the stamp P is for Play, as that is what I was doing - playing with colour. Images: Stampin' Up! ® 1990-2007 © Artwork Margaret L Crawford

This card is among those I will be donating for fund raising efforts. I hope you enjoy. The stamp sets are Hung up on the Holidays (108842) and Wonderful Words (108963). Images © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artword Margaret L Crawford

I have been making cards for fund raising for a group that I gave a demonstration to on Saturday. This is one of the cards that I made, this time I have used some of my non-Stampin' Up! ® stash of background papers and ribbons. I know this would hardly have made a dent - but it is a start. The Stamp set is Wishing You (110245) set and I used the verse stamp inside the card. This set in the mini-catalogue is only $39.95 and you get 6 very versatile stamps that can be used not only for Christmas cards. That makes it only $6.66 per stamp. Enjoy Images © 1990-2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork Margaret L Crawford

Images © Stampin' Up! ® 1990-2007. Artwork Margaret L Crawford Here is a card I have made using Petal Prints (108890) stamp sets. This is one of the stamp sets that you can get for free if you are a hostess at $600 in sales party. I have also used Beyond the Basics (108750) for background on tags and Wonderful Words (108963) for the greeting.

Here is a card I have made this week. It is an example of a card that can be made without flowers. I love the crimped strip and how it appears to match the texture of the gingham ribbon. I have used Lexicon of Love (108855) and Jumbo Wheel Speckled (107465) Images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2007 ® Artwork Margaret L Crawford

I have been busy baking and making for Christmas in July tomorrow. I have baked a boiled pineapple fruit cake, it sure makes the kitchen smell divine. Instead of bon-bons for each guest this is what I have made for them. They are called "sour cream" containers, and I must thank Jayne for showing how to make them. Inside I have placed a couple of "fun" novelties from $2 shop and a chocolate. How cute and they match the serviette rings I made earlier. I have used Leaf Prints (104279) standard wheel and Wishing You (110245) stamp set from mini catalogue. Have a great weekend. Images: 1990-2007 © Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

Tomorrow I am teaching a papercrafting class at a local community centre - here are the cards that they will be making. Images: © Stampin'Up! ® 1990-2007 Artwork: Margaret L Crawford

Just right for your Christmas in July. For a fun addition to the table I have made serviette rings. I have used stamp set "Wishing You" from Stampin' Up! ® mini catalogue just released. Have a good weekend. Images: © Stampin'Up! ® 1990-2007 Layout: Margaret L Crawford

Stampin' Up! ® release their new Spring Mini Catalogue on 1st August. There are some great stamp sets and accessories available. If you email me, with your details, I will send you a copy. You can then order by email or by getting together with your friends. Here is a card I made using one of the sets - Polka Dots & Paisley and the new Jumbo Wheel Petals. Images © 1990 - 2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork Margaret L Crawford.

This photograph shows detail of an old wall in Zhouzhuang Water Town, about 2 hours out of Shanghai, China. It is strangely evocative and I love the layers of old paper - advertising or propaganda? The stamp set is Ancient Asia (108736) and I have used a paper distressing tool to further suggest layers on this layout. Images: 1990-2007 © Stampin' Up! ® Artwork & Photography: Margaret L Crawford

Here is a card I made on the weekend. The stamp sets - Good Things Grow (108826); Wonderful Words (108963); French Script (108816). Images © 1990 -2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork Margaret L Crawford

I recently participated in a 15cm x 15cm scrapbook page swap. Here is mine. The journalling tag slips in behind the photograph. The stamp sets used were: Kanji (108851) for the symbols and Stamp of Authenticity (108920) for the tag. Images © 1990 - 2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork by Margaret L Crawford

Last Tuesday I travelled down to Canberra for a friend's birthday. Here is the card that I made for her. I used, one of my favourite stamp sets - Wild Rose (108960) and Warmest Regards (108946) for greeting. All images © 1990 - 2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Warmest Regards is one of a range of hostess sets that you may be able to receive if you host your own Stampin' Up! ® party. Contact me by email if you would like to organise at a time and date to suit you and your friends.

Just playing around this afternoon with Wild about You stamp set and cardstock colours that I have not used previously. Always smile at a crocodile! Have a good weekend. All images © 1990 - 2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork by Margaret L Crawford Stamp Sets: Wild About You (108958); Favourite Teddy Bear (108789)

All images © 1990 - 2007 Stampin' Up! ® Artwork by Margaret L Crawford Stamp Sets: Happy Hearts (108832) and All Year Cheer 1 (108731) This Saturday I will be at my sister's church, in the inner city, for a fund raiser for their mission work. I will be demonstrating and guests will be making several cards. This is one that they will be making .

I recently participated in a card swap where we were required to make suitable to be given to a male. Here is my card, it could be used for a birthday or Fathers Day. Enjoy. Images © 1990 - 2007 Stampin' Up! Artwork by Margaret L Crawford Stamp Sets: Stamp of Authenticity (108920), Artifacts (108739), Weathered Background (108948), Expressive Flexible Phrases (108786) and Rough Texture Wheel (107464) I used my favourite Stampin' Up! tool the paper distressing tool from Cutter Kit (106958) - just love those roughed up edges. The inks were, Really Rust Classic Stampin' Ink (102549) and Basic Brown Classic Stampin' Ink (104315).

I got my photos developed yesterday and I am ready to start scrapbooking. But first I have sent some photos off to a friend in Narrabri. Her husband and my sister went off to visit a Beijing university, as part of their study tour and we walked to Bei Hai Park, about 30 minutes from our hotel. We had a fantastic day on the lake, strolling through the park, watching the locals relax and climbing up to the White Pagoda. Here is the card that I made to send with the photos: Images © 1990 - 2007 Stampin' Up! Artwork by Margaret L Crawford Stamp Sets : Ancient Asia (108736) & All Year Cheer 1 (108731) Here is one of the photos - we hired a pedal boat for 1 hour and this is a view from the boat: And here is the White Pagoda, another view from the boat:

I have been in China for the last fortnight. Firstly Shanghai, then Xi'an and finally Beijing. Lots of inspiration for cardmaking and scrapbooking. Here is a photo of me on the Great Wall. Far below you can just make out the carpark. I climbed even higher than this! The steps were very uneven in most parts and it got narrower the higher you climbed. A magnificent and awe inspiring experience. I have taken lots of photographs and will begin my scrapbooking of them this week. Stay tuned.