Stamps Ahead

I recently travelled to Honolulu with my sister, brother and sister-in-law to celebrate my 70th birthday.  Here is a layout showing my sister and I on the balcony of our hotel.  The sun was in my eyes, that is why I appear to be squinting - that is my story and I am sticking to it. The layout was a kit I had purchased from Shop & Crop Scrapbooking (designed by Elisa Ablett) some time ago.  It is so very very hot here today.  Heatwave conditions.  Smoke from fires all around NSW make it hard to breathe, so I have the air conditioner on and have been scrapbooking.   Close up of the embellishments at the base of the photos.  What is not so evident is that I used glitter - not something I am fond off, but hey it was in the kit. The view from our balcony was fabulous, the sunsets spectacular and the general view down towards  the Zoo and Diamond Head great. Thank you for looking, keep cool and every good wish to anyone reading this for 2020. Margaret.

Here is a set 3 cards I have just finished for a challenge for Kaszazz consultants. The cards uses papers and stamps from Kaszazz Whimsical Forest collection (Sketched Birds and Little Birds uncut sets) and additional stamps from Indigo Dreams collection (Hand Drawn Words and Sketchy Blooms uncut sets). The below photos show the inserts in the middle of each card. The dictionary defines whimsical as  playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way. Merry Christmas everyone.  I hope that you have a safe time with your family and friends, especially those that are affected by the bushfires at present.   Margaret

This is the 21st layout I designed for the Kissi fundraising event yesterday.  It uses paper and stamps from Kaszazz Christmas Morning collection.   All product is available from Kaszazz.  The ladies used stamp ink to colour their chipboard pieces. Again another layout that enables many of those Christmas photos to be added. A good time was had by all and they all enjoyed learning new skills - even those that have done many scrapbooking classes with me. Thank you for looking, Margaret.

This is a double page layout using Kaszazz Tis'the Season collection of stamps and papers.  It is a modified version of a layout by Kerry Collins, a fellow Kaszazz Consultant.  Yesterday I lead a fund raising day of scrapbooking to raise funds for Skills for Life, Kissi Kenya.  The ladies completed two layouts this was the second one. All products available from Kaszazz. Yes I am a consultant.  Love the almost rustic nature of these papers.  Close up of left hand page. Close up of right hand page. These layouts give the opportunity to add a lot of Christmas photo memories. Thank you for looking, Margaret

My last card classes for the year at local community groups this week.  Here is a card I  designed for upcoming Thursday class.  It is a pop up card that will fold flat for postage.  I found the pattern for the base card on the internet.  This is what the card looks like on the side. I am adding this to Soul Scrappers challenge to use a poinsettia on a Christmas card. The papers, sequins and alcohol pens are all available from Kaszazz and the stamps are Kaisercraft. Thank you for looking, Margaret

Here is my layout using Natalie Pecovnik inspiration on Kaszazz consultant web site.  Again, I have used stamps from the new Mediterranean collection by Kaszazz. The photo was taken at Bell's at Killcare in December 2018, when my sister and I took a friend to dinner there.   My dress (which is more white in real life - the printing made it have more blue) was from Italy and has lemons on it!   Perfect. This time I double embossed the chipboard and I stamped, coloured and cut a few more lemons.  One of the lemons hides an 'oopsy' can you see where it is?  Top left I stamped to heavy and there were black lines I did not want - so one of those cut lemons did the trick. Thank you for looking, Margaret 

My sister had an operation 9 days ago, she is still recovering and whilst I am no longer needed to stay over at her place (she lives only 3 minutes away) I have been helping her with whatever she needs - taking to doctor, buying groceries/medicines etc etc.  And diversional therapy today! Today we went to local community market day at the church she atttends, she was able to catch up with her friends and have a cup of tea, scone and even egg and bacon sandwich.  After, we left it was back to her place and she made these two layouts: I was showing her some photos of the just released Mediterranean Collection.  Included was a layout by Natalie Pecovnik, my sister loved it.    It should be noted I knew she would love the collection. My sister has twigged the original layout a little (it had one photo and she likes to included more photos). Thank you Natalie. Although, both pages could work as a double page she intends to use one for photos from Spain and Italy when she visits in e

This is the second layout I created today.  Again, it was for a challenge over at Paper Issues facebook page - Create a paper project using a colour gradient (also known as ombre). I used Distress Oxides - scattered straw, spice marmalade, vintage photo - and swished them across the paper.  I then took a baby wipe and swished it across the inks to create a gradient affect - I hope! I then raided my stash and found a couple of stencils that I stenciled with the vintage photo ink and also bits and pieces to add to the layout. The photo is of my niece and her son, Oscar, when he was about 3 months old - he is now nearly 18 months - so great to get the photo scrapped. The chipboard says 'follow your dreams' what more could I wish Oscar has he grows. Thank you for looking, Margaret  aka  Great Aunt Margaret!

Yes, that heat I wrote about yesterday is still with us and today there are strong winds forecast as well - just starting to get them. Just heard sirens, hope it is not fire as it is perfect conditions for bush fires. Here is a layout I have created for a challenge over at Paper Issues - the challenge, called Creature Feature, was to use a pet or animal on a layout. I have no pets, so  chose this photo of an Emu taken in Central Australia 2 years ago. This layout uses all Kaszazz product - paper from Australian collection, stamps from Flora and Fauna collection, die and stamp from Nature Lover collection and the fabulous chipboard leaves, that I love.  Archival Ink in Coffee, Leaf Green and Jet Black complete the layout - oh forgot about the scrap of blue paper from Distress Surfaces that I used. I want to recognise the inspiration for the stamping of the emus was a fellow Kaszazz consultant Yuna. Now, as I was outside taking the photo of my layout - looked up and saw these clo

It has been so hot here in Australia today, no doubt the news will tell us it was a record breaking heat. So after leading the card class I have each Friday at a local community group I quickly put together this layout. This is a clean and simple layout that uses Kaszazz stamps and papers from the Christmas Morning collection. A great way to use up scraps - these were left over from a double page layout I have created and will publish later - it is for a scrapbooking workshop I am leading at the end of November. The photo (of me) was taken 5 years ago when I visited an evening Christmas Market in Germany with my sister. Thank you for looking, Margaret.

For several years I have been making cards for Caring Hearts card drive....handmade Christmas cards that distributed to residents of nursing homes internstionally. I work with several groups to make cards for nursing homes in Australia. This year here are the cards I designed and put kits together for them to make. Glossy paper, Distress Oxide inks, Kaszazz Christmas Bell die (or Merry Christmas die not shown) and stamp from stash.  Another....just love this technique.  Impression Obsession die and stamp from stash. Washi Tape and ornament punch. Embossing folder, die and stamps from a magazine.   Thanks to all who contributed in making these cards and others that they gave me for the drive. A special thank you to a friend for donating the supply of coloured cards and envelopes that we used...a fantastic contribution. Another shout out to my sister for the donation of washi tape we used. These cards were suitable for makers with varying experience in cardmaking. E

I recently led a group of ladies to complete this double page layout.  The brief was double page, masculine and not to complicated.  Here it is: The layout was inspired by a layout by Julie Nankervis, also a Kaszazz consultant, in the current Kaszazz catalogue. I made several changes to suit the requirements of the group I was leading.  The layout uses papers and stamps from Kaszazz Distress Surfaces collection. Distress inks used for stamping. The star chipboards were coloured with Distress paint and this was also mixed into Texture paste used to make the bricks.   These are also available from Kaszazz. The ladies really enjoyed completing the layout.  It is versatile and could easily be used for travel photos as well as for the males in your life. Thank you for looking, Margaret

I was asked to create a card for lady celebrating her 80th birthday.  I was told that chrysanthemum was her favourite flower and her birthday was in November. Here is the card and box envelope I have created: As can be seen in the photo below, there are many layers to the main flower. Interestingly, my google search revealed that the chrysanthemum is the birth flower for November.  I never knew that! This card uses supplies from a many sources: Kaszazz - Leaves embossing folder, papers, pearls and envelope punch board. Stamp and die from Altenew - Build -a-flower: Chrysanthemum Ranger Distress Inks: Spun Sugar, Tattered Rose, Victorian Velvet and Aged Mahogany for flower and Bundled Sage, Peeled Paint and Forest Moss for the leaves.   Spun Sugar and Bundled Sage were also 'smooched' onto background and box card. Also available from Kaszazz. Stampin' Up - Number of years stamps and die (retired) Thank you for looking, Margaret. Fun quote: "Why don'

I recently made 2 layouts for my sister using Kaisercraft Bombay Sunset papers and embellishments. The "Happy" embellishment is a Kaszazz die cut that I have cut in black and pink and then I applied glossy accents to it.  I love the shadow effect.  Here is a close up. I have left both layouts rather simple as the colour is the 'star'.   My sister just needs to add photographs. Thank you for looking.

This past weekend Kaszazz introduced 2019-2020 annual catalogue. In my previous post I shared with you my cards that were published in the catalogue. Our Kaszazz group had a retreat on the weekend and there was a challenge to create a project using one or more of the specialised papers that we have - tissue paper, acetate, glimmer paper and watercolour paper.  Here is my entry: The photo of the sunset was taken at Ettalong Beach on 12 June this year and I had it printed and sitting on my shelf since then just looking at that marvelous sky. All products used are by Kaszazz. After playing and trying out several ideas, I finally looked at my photo once again and thought I could do a layout and card using my photo for inspiration. I used tissue paper that was scrunched and then straightened out. I then applied to white cardstock with multi-medium gel.  After allowing this to dry I applied Ranger Distress Inks Black Soot, Mustard Seed, Spiced Marmalade and Stormy Sky.  For the tree I

I am excited! Why? I have had a set of  3 cards accepted into new 2019-2020 Kaszazz catalogue just released. Here they are, To say I am chuffed would be an understatement! I submitted them with instructions back in May. They use papers and stamps from Kaszazz Christmas Morning collection. The images have been embossed in gold and sequins added for extra bling. Thank you for looking and sharing my excitement, Margaret

Last post I showed my Stellar slider card.....well, I loved the idea of the slider card I made anothet this time a Christmas card. Again, all Kaszazz product from Christmas Morning collection. Love it! Thank you for sliding aling with me, Margaret

With papers left over from a recent project today I created this slider card. All products are from Kaszazz and yes, I am a consultant. The range is Stellar collection. The ladies in my Friday class will be making this oh so easy to make card. Thank you for looking, Margaret

Here I have been playing with my gel plate again - should have been cleaning up the table - but guess what was on that said table? Yes, my gel plate so I got distracted!  Nothing new.  Here is a card I created with today's efforts.  Using masks to create trees. I love the multiple layers of colour I created.  This time I used the little tubes of acrylic paint to get the background and added white to tone down the colour.  When I was happy with my background I then applied masks of triangles/trees  to pull off some of the colour.  To finish off I highlighted the shapes with black marker, used a stencil to get the circles and then coloured with crayons (I had loads of packets of watercolour crayons so went with those).  Finally, a little bit of glossy accents over the circles and 'joy' stamp as it has a 'christmassy' feel to it. Here is a close up showing the glossy accents: I was inspired by a blog post I found by Itsamistry Design Studio from 2014

It is raining on the Central Coast today.  Yippee - let's hope that the country areas of Australia are getting it as well. This weekend I am off to a wedding.  I have known the bride-to-be since she was born.  So happy for her for her special day.  Here is the card I made for them. and I made a matching envelope using Envelope Punch Board. I used a much loved Stampin' Up! sets that I have had forever - I just cannot part with them.  They are so versatile, especially for elegant wedding cards. The medallion  is from a set of the same name and the words are from Wonderful Words, this has a date of 2004! I have white embossed the medallion image and applied Distress Oxides in Scattered Straw and Fossilized Amber.   Thank  you for looking, Margaret “What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here are the cards I designed for the community group I lead on Fridays. One of the ladies requested a card that featured an owl. I have been working with many of ladies for awhile now and have got to know what techniques that they like and what maybe their favourite.  Some of them do not like colouring in - so for these cards I chose techniques that did not require any colouring in.  Here are the cards close up. For this card you stamp the stamp image on to patterned paper/s, fussy cut out then apply to card.  The stamps and gold tapes are from Kaszazz. The rest from my stash. This card uses what is called the direct to paper method in that you take the stamp pad (in this case it was turquoise) and you slide it across the paper.  You get a different result each time you do it.  The owls are made with an owl punch in two different colours again - no colouring in on this card!  This card was inspired by one I found by Michelle Zindorf on the internet from 2013! Thank you Miche

A set I designed for a class I led on Thursday night. First the explosion card inside details.  Instructions for the card fold I got from the internet....just goggle....how to make an explosion card.  The set The ladies had fun making it and lots of laughs as they managed the fold. All product is available from Kaszazz...the papers and stamps from Stellar collection. Thank you for looking, Margaret

Here is a card I designed for our Kaszazz team meeting make and take yesterday: I have used all Kaszazz products, that are available through me (yes I am a consultant) or your consultant of choice, on the card.   The card uses stamps and paper available with the Resort Collection.  As  you can see this card as a fancy fold - see below.  There is masking of leaves on the inside of the cards. Also, there is some fussy cutting involved.  The colouring has been done with Kaszazz Alcohol Ink markers and Aqua Noir black marker. Here are the images that will be fussy cut and applied to the card. Not sure how to mask? Firstly stamp your image onto a piece of scrap paper or post-it note cut around this just inside the lines.   You then place the masks over previously stamped image on your card (or scrapbook layout) as you can see I used a small piece of washi tape to hold down mask whilst I stamped the next leaf images - see first photo for the result.  Magic. Thank you for look

There is currently a challenge over at Soul Scrappers to create a layout with the theme Travel. Here is what I came up with: One of my most favourite places to travel is to Disneyland/Disney themed parks.  This photo was taken at Disneyland in California, USA last year. In my last post I had photos of my experiments with my gel plate.  I used the pink/purple prints I made. The stamps, papers and chipboard are from Kasazz. The stencil was in my stash. I was inspired by a layout I saw on Pinterest to create the squares and place onto card stock. Of course, I cannot find the layout despite several hours once again searching for it and getting distracted by all the inspiration out there. I really like the finished layout and I hope you do as well. Thank you for looking, Margaret