Stamps Ahead

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Date: 13th September, 2008 Location: Daniel's Patisserie Shanghai, China This stamp from Sale-A-Bration set "Yummy" says it all "A little Yummy for your Tummy" - yes yummy, delicious, fabbo, scrumptious and many more words to describe finding a bakery - no a real French patisserie. I stayed for so long enjoying the food prepared by a wonderful French chef. Not even the rain on the day dampened my excitement. The owners were fantastic, they had only just opened the day before and treated me like one of their family (well a cash paying family member!). And I took some goodies back with me to enjoy later. The bright colours of Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper were just right - this was a bright and fantastic day and one not to be forgotten easily.

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin' Up (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford No, not a senior's moment! I have been reading a book, by Alison Houtte & Melissa Houtte, called "Alligators, Old Mink & New Money" about one woman's adventures in Vintage Clothing. And this started my creative juices flowing - why not make a vintage style card. This is the result. I love old lace and have a large collection that I just cannot part with and I have used some on this card. An update from Stampin' Up! (r), as at Friday they had so far donated $15,744.85 from the sale of stamp sets mentioned in an earlier post. And the special offer is still current so there is still time to buy and remember SU is donating 50% of the sale of the sets to the Australian Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal.

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Yesterday, The INKlings had an afternoon/evening of stamping together. Here is a project that I demonstrated - it is based on an idea seen in a bakery shop in China. Why not make some and put easter eggs in the them for extra special presentation. Email me with your home address and I will sent you the template. Until later, Margaret

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Here, I am back with two of the sets from my previous post. I have used the greeting "Thanks" as this is appropriate for all those assisting with people affected by the worst natural disaster in Australia. I have used similar layout for both cards. The first card uses Bodacious Bouquet - you get 9 stamps in this set. I have used current in-colours River Rock and Purely Pomegranate and a little bit of Stampin' Glitter from current mini-catalogue. The second card uses - Live Your Dreams. You get 8 stamps in this set, including a stamp suitable as a journalling box when scrapbooking. Thanks and the little butterfly, on the first card, are from this set. Thinking of others, Margaret

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford At this time in Australia we are experiencing great devastation with fires in the south and floods to our north. This is a good time to reflect on how we can help others in our own way now and throughout the year. As a stamping group The INKlings donate cards to Camp Quality each month, here are some of my cards for February. It is a small contribution but it all helps.

Images: (c) 1990-2008 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Last week I taught a class of 11 year olds from Sichuan Province in China that were here on a study tour. There were 20 in the class and one of the lessons was on Australian food. Here are some of them enjoying Vegemite and Lamingtons - just love the look on their faces. Once again it is hot here in Sydney and today I have been able to catch up on some scrapbooking in the cool of the air con.

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Carol's next challenge was to use the design of a card featured on page 41 of current Stampin' Up!(r) catalogue . The card I made looks much better in real life and is departure from the usual colours that I use. So it was a challenge.

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork/Photography: Margaret L Crawford Carol is setting the challenges tonight. The colours to use - Cameo Coral, Groovy Guava, Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip. I have used stamp set "In the Stars". And take a look at sunset tonight from my front porch - beautiful.

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up! (r) Artwork: Margaret L Crawford It is hot in Sydney, so I have the air-con on and I am trying to catch up on scrapping my photographs (read many) of my time in China and other times. I have completed 5 pages today. Here is the page of the morning it snowed in Xiangtan. I have used 2 of the current "in colours" - Groovy Guava and Blue Bayou, and the snowflake is from stamp set "Occasionally". Tonight there is a cyberstamp with the INKlings, watch for more creations later. Keep cool, Margaret

Images: (c) 1990-2009 Stampin'Up!. Artwork: Margaret L Crawford Each month our Stampin' Up! group - The INKlings make cards for donation to Camp Quality. I was excited to start making them this month, as I got to use a great stamp set - Eastern Blossoms. If you would like to own this set yourself and you live in Australia, why not email me and you can order, from me, for $39.95 plus postage. You will get 5 versatile die cut stamps to use over and over.