Stamps Ahead

Firstly, apologies for the poor quality of these photos - my Nikon photo editing program seems to have found a fault and will not let me edit - something to do later on today, look into why.... I have been looking at ways to use scraps and bits of paper left over from other projects.  I needed a gift bag (well, truthfully not a gift bag, just a bag to carry some goodies to a meeting!) no plastic for me. This is a close up of the rosette I made.  There are many links on how to make these rosettes out there in world wide web.  You could use Stampin'Up! (r) Designer Rosette Big Die XL but I did not of course have this die, so I used the old score and fold method. the paper is from Watercolour Wonder DSP in Occasions catalogue due for release 28 January - another sneak peek for you.  The wheel is SU Jumbo Wheel Shop Around and the button decoration is from In Colour Boutique Details embellishments. Another quick and easy project, not withstanding the folding of th...

I needed to make some simple 3" x 3" thank you cards and it was Washi Tape for me this time. This one uses Stampin' Up! (r) Watercolour Wonder Washi Tape available in Celebrate Every Day catalogue due out 28th January.  This is a sneak peak for you.  The greeting is from the Perfectly Penned set in current annual catalogue.  I loved it so much I repeated with the Retro Fresh Washi Tape available in the same catalogue. As you can see I did not measure the tape, each card is different and I carried the tape over to the back of the card. Don't you just love the flower holder - I found it in a charity shop for $2.00 - love a bargain, and I think it is vintage or dare I say Retro!! Thank you looking and have a great day.   Margaret

For the past few years I have been making Christmas cards for Australian Defense Forces overseas to send back to loved ones here in Australia.  I don't look for thanks however it is good to get a thank you in the mail and I received this one today. It reads: "To Margaret, My name is Elin and I'm the postal manager at one of the deployed post offices overseas.  I'd just like to thank you so much for the beautiful Christmas cards that were generously given to us to send to our loved ones back home.  They've had such a positive response from all the deployed personnel here, with many people commenting on the time and effort it must have taken to make such lovely cards. Thank you once again, Happy New Year! - Elin L." A great addition to my files.   Margaret

 I seem to be having a little love affair recently with the Embosslits (r) Beautiful Wings die available from Stampin'Up! (r).  I have been using little scraps of paper to run through the die and have built up a collection of what I call 'butterfly confetti' I am having guests for lunch today, and as I was wrapping the cutlery in their beautiful serviette (napkin for my US friends) I thought - 'too plain'.  So off I went to my 'butterfly confetti' and it matched....yippee just what I needed to add the Margaret touch.  I have hole punched and attached some ribbon around the serviette, with a bow so that it can easily be removed. Quick and easy. Here they are in close up.  Something cute for my guests.   Thank you for looking and have a great weekend all.

The Stampin'! Up! (r) group I belong to is called INKsomniacs and Linda has posted a challenge to create with the theme Summer. I have just received a box of new goodies from SU and of course new things mean I had to have a play. This card features many new products being released at the end of January - so you are having a sneak peek at some of them here.  What to know more you can  contact   me - but be aware spammers you will be deleted with out me reading your emails, I report you and block you.   Now for the story of this card.  The Designer Series Paper (DSP) is called Watercolour Wonder and I have used Crisp Cantalope Cardstock (CS) for card and one of the layers and butterfly.  I first distressed the DSP with distress tool, then the edges of all papers were further distressed with Crisp Cantalope Classic ink. I have used some of the new twine in Sweet Sorbet Accessory Pack that is in the Sale-a-bration catalogue due out 28th Janua...

Another great card created and received from my friend, Laura and her family who live in Missouri, USA. I have taken a few shots so you can see her creativity in all its glory.  Some great inspiration here. The greeting is embossed silver Side view Part way open Fully open (Paris sticker is mine). Love the snowflake again embossed silver and love, love the family photo on right hand side of card. I met Laura, and her mother, several years ago on a scrapbooking cruise and we have been firm friends ever since, I have visited both of them over the years and Laura and family came out here 3 years ago. I have watched her boys grow into delightful young men.   Thanks Laura.

Thank you to everyone who sent Christmas Cards, texts, emails and gave gifts to me this year.  They are all very appreciated and I love that they keep me connected with friends and family around the world.  I am sharing some of the handmade cards I got this year.   In most cases I do not know who the original card/gift makers were - so please accept my thanks for your creativity. Blue card uses Stampin' Up! (r) Calm Christmas Stamp Set, Pretty Print Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. Shaker card created by Tracey Peters (Missouri USA) using Stampin' Up! (r) Season of Style Designer Washi Tape, Christmas Collectibles Stamp Set, Christmas Ornament Punch This card using a beautiful shimmery card base - I hope I have captured it with my photo. A cute post-it note booklet with pen.  It uses Stampin! Up! (r) punches Mosaic, Scallop Oval, Large Oval and Lattice Big Z die for gold embellishment.  It was created by Deb - sorry I don't know her full name...