Christmas in June projects

Brace yourself, this is a long one as I need to show you ALL of the Christmas in June projects from Saturday’s workshop, because I think every card has something on it which retires. Some of the pix are a bit ropey because it was getting late by the time I got round to photographing them. 

If you wish to purchase anything which is retiring, you only have until about 10pm on Monday, 30th June which, unless you are a night owl who spotted this post Sunday evening, is TODAY.  Eek!

I won’t post full details of supplies, as that would take too long, but I will point out what’s going from each project. For many of the projects, I used textured or Core’dinations cardstock, all of which is retiring, but I haven’t itemised it as you could always use smooth. 

At the workshop, I set up four stations, where people could make two cards. They moved around the room at their own pace and I was very impressed that everybody managed to complete all eight projects in the time given, as I wasn’t sure that it was even possible!

1. Greetings of the Season
I love this card, CASEd from something similar I saw on Pinterest. You use Gorgeous Grunge to create a tree shape, then decorate with stars. The silver “baubles” are created using a silver ink pad and a pencil rubber as a stamp!

Which products are going?

• Pennant Parade (for the stamped stars) 
• Greetings of the Season (the sentiment) is on the Christmas carryover list and will be available until 27th August. 

2. Peace on Earth
This is a fun technique, which I’ve been sitting on for about 15 years, as I think that’s how long ago my cousin showed it to me. You use clear packing tape and press it into your Dazzling Diamonds glitter to create a glittery window. Make sure the whole of the centre panel (ie, the bit which will show) is covered in glitter, then attach it behind the aperture, glittery side out 

What’s going?

• En Francais 
• Greetings of the Season (the sentiment) is on the Christmas carryover list and will be available until 27th August. 
• Cherry Cobbler ribbon has gone - I bought this from the Clearance Rack
• Gumball Green ribbon 

3. Penguin card
I love this stamp set and wish I hadn’t wait to discover it a month before it retires! A really simple card here, with the subtle detail of some scoring along the bottom. Simply score two lines and then turn your cardstock over so that they are raised. 

What’s going?

• Zoo Review 
• Greetings of the Season (the sentiment) is on the Christmas carryover list and will be available until 27th August. 

4. Polar Bear card
Another fun card with Zoo Review. This time, I’ve created a subtle snowy landscape using torn vellum. 

What’s going?

• Zoo Review 
• Greetings of the Season (the sentiment) is on the Christmas carryover list and will be available until 27th August.

5. and 6. Tag It 
We were all given this stamp set at Convention last November but I’m ashamed to say I’ve barely used it. I don’t know why as it’s a really fun set… and now it’s going. 

What’s Going?

• Tag It stamp set
• Off The Grid stamp set 
• Core’dinations cardstock
• Stitched Early Espresso Ribbon
• Naturals Composition DSP

7. Christmas Cheer
This is one of those card designs which has been doing the rounds for years, but it’s such a good design that it never goes out of style. A bit like Lovely as a Tree, that perennial favourite!

To make it, create a panel by masking off a 2.5cm (1”) border using sticky notes, then sponge the background using Soft Sky ink and just a hint of Island Indigo. Stamp the trees using any green ink pad, then remove the sticky notes before stamping one big final tree. You can add glitter if you like, but I couldn’t settle on where to put it!

What’s going?

• Sweet Essentials stamp set
• Gumball Green cardstock

8. Christmas trees

Probably my favourite card from the whole event, so I’ve saved it to last. Very simple to make, but simple is sometimes best! You can’t see it from the photo, but there is a hint of glitter on the ground and hills, which makes this extra festive. 

What’s going?

• Sweet Essentials stamp set
• Gumball Green cardstock
• Gumball Green ribbon
• Gumball Green ink pad
• Silver Glimmer Paper (well, it’s changing)

Finally, all of the above samples were made using stamp sets which aren’t traditionally Christmas sets. The only stamp set from the carryover list from the Christmas catalogue was Greetings of the Season. I wanted to show that there ARE Christmas possibilities in the Annual Catalogue, even if all our Christmas stamp sets are now being released in the Autumn/Winter catalogue in September. You just need to look and use your creativity!

Caturday: Casper

Casper may have unusual markings but I did think it a little harsh when one visitor to the cat shelter said he looked like he’d been hit with the “ugly stick”. Rude.

Scallop Tag Topper box

I made this box several weeks ago but just haven’t got round to posting it here yet. I know it was weeks ago because those flowers behind the box (thrift?) have now died back. 

I wanted to show that you CAN use the Scallop Tag Topper punch on pieces of card which are wider than 5cm, which is the width of the slot on the punch. 

I’m not going to attempt explain how to do this, as another demonstrator called Heidi has done this for you. Click here to see her fabulous tutorial. 

Some of the items used here are retiring at the end of the month… which is alarmingly soon! So, if you need any Raspberry Ripple cardstock, Summer Starfruit cardstock or Silver Glimmer Paper (we’ll still have glimmer paper but it’s changing), get your order in now!

Also, time is running out to join me at my Catalogue Launch Party on 12th July. At this fun event you can expect:

• Make & Takes
• Demonstrations
• Prize Draws
• Games
• Retired product sale
• Special offers exclusive to attendees
• Homemade cake

Yes, that’s right – I’m holding my retired product sale at the same time as my catalogue launch, so if you’re after bargain, don’t miss this event!

You can register for the event HERE, but registration will close automatically on Sunday, 29th June at 11pm.  

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Sneak Peek: Blendabilities and Bloom With Hope

I was surprised recently to be asked to provide a voucher for a customer’s birthday. That fact in itself isn’t surprising as I often provide gift vouchers – it was the fact that this particular customer was turning 50 which caused me to raise my eyebrows. 

Could it be that stamping keeps you looking young? Let’s hope so… and let’s all keep stamping as a precaution!

The card I made is a mix of the old and new. Some outgoing ribbons and dies, mixed with some brand new stamps and colours. It is definitely a “throw everything at it” card for a very special occasion and I do hope she liked it – I know she’ll have loved the contents at least! The colour combo is Blackberry Bliss (yum!) with its lighter counterpart Rich Razzleberry and fellow In Color, Hello Honey. 

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Become a demonstrator for just £50

There’s only one week left to take up the fantastic offer of joining the Stampin’ Up!® family for just £50. Yes, just £50!

For this amazing price you will get a reduced Starter Kit featuring your choice of £55 of craft supplies, as well as your business supplies kit including, among other things, catalogues, order forms and party invitations. 

Who is this for?

• This offer is ideal for those who want to get started in the business, and already have a lot of Stampin’ Up!® supplies. 
• It’s also great for those who want to start a business but can’t run to the usual £99 Starter Kit right now. You can get started with your new supplies and begin earning commissions on your sales right away!
• It’s fantastic for those who can’t decide whether to take the plunge or not. It’s a minimal outlay and you get to keep your supplies even if you discover that being a demonstrator isn’t for you.
• And it’s perfect for those who have been demonstrators in the past but want to return to the fold!

During this promotion, the standard £99 Starter Kit is also available – you will be prompted to choose when you begin the sign-up process. The standard kit includes a business supplies pack as well as your choice of £130 of craft supplies. 

All new recruits get great benefits such as two free months of Demonstrator Business Web Services, an additional 10% on their first £150 order placed within the first 45 days and the chance to qualify for great incentives such as Stampin’ Start and Rising Star. 

In addition, by signing up with me, you’ll be part of a friendly, active team, who meet regularly for team meetings and form firm friendship groups, taking part in other activities, crafting and otherwise. For instance, I recently completed the Pink Ribbonwalk with three members of my team – without Stampin’ Up!® I wouldn’t ever have had the opportunity to meet these great ladies! 

All you have to do to find out more, or take the plunge, is click here and then click JOIN NOW. You’ll be given the choice of the £50 Starter Kit or the £99 Starter Kit. But don’t delay – the offer ends on 30th June! 

I look forward to welcoming you into my team. 

Pink Ribbonwalk - and a simple bookmark

A really simple project today as I’m still exhausted from the exertions of Saturday, when I and three of my team completed the 10-mile Pink Ribbonwalk at Chatsworth. 

We had a fabulous day, really enjoyed ourselves, although it was most definitely a challenge in parts. Miles seven to nine were the worst for me, as my poorly foot was really beginning to show itself. 

But it was wonderful to see so many people walking in pink, snaking their way through the grounds of Chatsworth. I’m not sure how many took part but we heard a rumour that it was more than 1,000!

It was my first time taking part in an event like this so I really wasn’t sure what to expect. Along the way, there were rest stops with loos, water and snacks such as fruit, cereal bars, crisps and, bizarrely, Haribos! 

My husband and son met us halfway to surprise the others with hot and cold drinks, cake, oranges and, best of all, chairs! This was very much appreciated; the pure joy of sitting in a chair! 

At the end, we all received a medal and a goodie bag, and were treated to a hot meal in the marquee. There were even free leg and foot massages on offer, but we decided that standing in the long queue would possibly negate any benefit! 

None of us was prepared to commit to next year while in such pain, but I’m pretty sure we’ll be doing it again; if not this walk, something similar. Huge thanks to everyone who has sponsored us so far.  I have pix of the event on my Just Giving page. And if that’s not a heavy hint, I don’t know what is!

Anyway, the project… it uses the retiring Happy Day stamp set, because, even though the day was bittersweet for many, remembering those they’d lost, or who are currently fighting breast cancer, the day was very much a happy one. 

I haven’t checked if this stamp set is still in stock so I suggest you head over to the retiring lists and take a look. Time is running out to get your hands on any of the retiring products, so don’t delay! You have until the end of the month, or while supplies last. 

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