CraftyThINKer features in Papercraft Inspirations!

Hello to old and new visitors to my blog! I'm very excited to announce that this blog was selected to be featured in Papercraft Inspirations blog round up of the year!

As many of you know 2012 has been a super busy year as I have had my son! Before this whirlwind of giggling joy came into my life I literally crafted all the time, I took it for granted. Now my crafty time is restricted and I enjoy it a little less of often. I've recently took a vacation from blogging to spend time with my little one, but I have lots of lovely projects lined up to share with you in the new year!

Other exciting news:
• Saleabration sale will be back in jan and feb! Meaning every £45 you spend in the catalogue you'll receive a free exclusive crafty item of your choosing!
• There will be a brilliant deal on the demo starter kit during this time too! So maybe 2013 is they year you finally take the plunge and share your hobby with others and make some £££!
• During this time there are also some fab additional incentives for workshop hostesses! I still have a couple of dates for workshops/ parties in jan/feb. So if you live local to the GU12 area drop me an email to arrange a date!

Any questions/queries do not hesitate to email me: amyjtidd@gmail.com

In the meantime let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!

Oh yeah, and don't forget to buy your copy of Papercraft Inspirations today!!!

A last minute project: Snow Flurry Christmas Decs

Ok, bit scary but Christmas is fast approaching so today I have a Christmas tree decoration created by a fellow demo given to me at a recent swap. You could also use this as a gift tag.

This decoration was created from some 'Whisper White' card and the wonderful 'Simply Scored Tool'. The snowflakes were created from the 'Designer Series Paperstack InColour 11-13' using the 'Big Shot' and the 'Snow Flurry Bigz Die'

Don't forget if you'd like to create decorations like these and would like to buy the materials then drop me an email to make an order: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Christmas Themed Table Favour

Another Christmassy themed project for you today! A table favour which would be perfect on your Christmas table:

This sour cream box has been created by a fellow demo at a recent swaps event and has been created from half a sheet of 'Festival Of Prints DSP'.

The snowflakes have been created from some 'Whisper White' cardusing the 'Big Shot' and the 'Snow Flurry Die'

The star was created from some 'Champagne Glimmer Paper' using the small 'Star Punch'

If you'd ever like to order any stampin up goodies drop me an email: amyjtidd@gmail.com

(online catalogues can be found on the right hand side of this blog when viewed in full mode)

Ornament Punch Christmas Card!

This fab Christmas card was created by Daneila (a fellow demo at a recent swap event)

The cardbase is 'Confetti White' card. She then glued a strip of 'In Colour DSP' down the centre with the 'Ornament Punch' cut out.

She then punched out a separate ornament shape and using a '2-way Glue Pen' applied 'Dazzling Diamond Glitter' polkadots.

Finally the sentiment is from the 'For My Family' stampset inked in 'Chocolate Chip'.

I love the simplicity of this card. It would be a perfect desogn to consider if you was planning on making a big batch of cards! If you'd like to order some Stampin Up products drop me an email: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Magnetic Calendar

Today's project has been created by my good friend and fellow demo Jade! It's a magnetic calendar which showcases a new stampset from the catty called 'Memorable Moments'

Jade started off with a piece of 'Old Olive' card. She then ran a piece of 'Crumb Cake' card through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Framelits' and then running through again using the 'Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder' to add some texture!

On this age printed the 2012 using 'Real Red' ink and the 'Memorable Moment' stampset and cut it out again using the 'Framelits'.

Finally Jade mounted a calendar onto some 'Real Red' card and to complete the project she glued a magnet to the back so it could be attached to a fridge!! These would make brilliant little Christmas gifts or maybe in different colours a brilliant party invite or save the date!

Don't forget if you'd like to order any of these products email me your order today: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Want something for FREE this November?!

Purchase the Ornament Keepsakes and Candlelight Christmas papers together and get a FREE Paper Piercing template set!!!!!

The offer is only available throughout November - click on the image above for full details and email me if you would like to place an order: amyjtidd@gmail.com 

My icecream swap!

Here's a card I created for a recent swap event that I was involved with several demos!

I used 'Wisteria Wonder' card to create a base. I then ran it through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Stripes Embossing Folder'

I then ran some 'Baja Breeze' card through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Perfect Pennants Die'.

The icecream cone was created using the 'Petite Pennants Punch' textured using the 'Lattice Embossing Folder'.

The scoops of icecream have been made using the 'Cupcake Punch' and 'Pretty In Pink', 'Very Vanilla' and 'Chocolate Chip' card.

Finally the sentiment was printed using 'Chocolate Chip' ink and the 'Itty Bitty Banners' stampset.

I just love punch art and using my punches in different ways!!

If you'd like to order any of these products drop me an email: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Apologies

So sorry craftythinker followers! I've been so busy I haven't posted on here in a while! I have now written and scheduled some posts so you don't feel neglected! So keep checking back to see a range of projects created using products from the new catalogue!

And don't forget if you'd like to order then drop me an email: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Happy Grandparent Day!

Today was grandparent day! So today me and Xander travelled around to visit as many of his grandparents as possible and of course we hand delivered some handmade cards all created using my trusty 'Owl Punch'.

Here's the card I made for my mum and stepdad (who is a Saints fan!):

On a 'Real Red' cardbase I layered some 'Crumb Cake' card which I had run through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Framelit Dies'. I created the owls using the 'Owl Punch' and 'Chocolate Chip', 'Crumb Cake', Regal Rose', 'Real Red' and 'Whisper White' card.

And here's the card I made for my nan:

A 'Regal Rose' cardbase with a piece of 'Whisper White' layered ontop. The owl was created using the 'Owl Punch' from 'Chocolate Chip', 'Crumb Cake' and 'Regal Rose' card. The sentiment was handwritten using a 'Regal Rose' 'Stampin' Write Marker'.

If you like the look of the 'Owl Punch' why not make an order. Email me today: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Hello New Catalogue!!

Hello to all you craftythinkers!!

 

Can you believe it! It is October! and more excitingly the new Stampin' Up! catalogue is launched today!! It is bigger and better than ever! There are tonnes of new stampsets, ribbons, dies, papers and punches that you will LOVE!!

 

I'm in the process of planning a crafty coffee morning for all my local customers to come along, look through the new catty  and have a play with the new products so watch this space! But if you can't wait until then you can view the catalogue online! Click on the link below:

 

There are a few changes in the new catalogue - the most significant being the new 'in colours' (see below) Which ones your favourite?

Please don't forget there is also the seasonal autumn/winter mini catalogue out at the mo - so you should find everything you need for your christmas makes!!

If you have any questions or would like to make an order - please drop me an email: amyjtidd@gmail.com

 

Goodbye Cupcakes :(

The 'Crazy for Cupcakes' stampset retires this month, but you won't have to go without cupcakes for long because the 'Create a Cupcake' stampset and coordinating punch that featured in the Spring mini catalogue earlier this year will be back in the new main catalogue which is released on 1st October!! woo hoo!

So today i have a card to share with that we made at Jades card class a week or so back. For this card we used some remains of DSP (papers) to create the icing, by stamping the image onto the paper and then cutting it out and fixing it onto a stamped image.  I'd like to that Jade for this idea because i hadn't thought about doing this - fab idea Jade!  We colored the cupcake using a 'Blender Pen' and inks and cut them out using the 'Big Shot' using the 'Framelits Die':



Sadly the Eyelet Border punch that we used on this card was on the retiring list aswell but it has already sold out, but don't worry there are plenty of other border punches in the new catalogue.

The colours on this card are 'So Saffron' and ' Rich Razzleberry', with some retiring 'Rich Razzleberry' 'Grosgrain Ribbon' and some blingy 'Basic Rhinestones' to finish the card off.

 

Thanks Jade for hosting such a fab card class. Crafting is a real treat for me at the mo, with very little spare time. I had a great time at the class. Why not check out Jades blog for class dates and join us for some crafty fun!

Retiring Stampset: Clearly For You

I have another card to share with you that my friend Jade designed. I made this card at her craft class last weekend. It features the the retiring ' Clearly for You' stampset and the seasonal 'Holly Berry DSP' which is also going at the end of the month. :(



The frame is from the 'Designer Frames', embossed using the 'Big Shot', and then we stamped the 'bird' image and sentiment from the 'Teeny Tiny Wishes' stampset inside the frame using the trusty  'Stamp-a-ma-jig'.

I love this stampset - it is such a shame it's going - isn't the ladybird cute!

If you;d like to order this or any other items drop me an email: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Showcasing Another Retiring Stampset: Contempo Christmas

Don't forget September is Stampin' Up! retirement month. There is a list of items that once sold out will not be returning. One of these stampsets is the seasonal 'Contempo Christmas':

Now you may think this set has limited uses around the Christmas period, but my friend Jade (aka Jaded Crafter) showed me a fab way to utilise this stampset to make a hot air balloon card:

On a 'Tempting Turquoise' cardbase we layered a piece of 'Melon Mambo' card embossed using the 'Big Shot' using the 'Stripes Embossing Folder'.

On a piece of 'Whisper White' card we stamped the bauble image using 'Tempting Turquoise' ink. We then on a scrap piece of 'Whisper White' stamped the christmas tree pot and cut it out and raised it using a 'Dimensional' to raise it up. We drew the balloon strings on using a 'Stampin' Write Marker'. We layered this onto a piece of 'Tempting Turquoise' card. Finally we stamped the sentiment onto a piece of 'Whisper White' and punched it out using the 'Word Window Punch'.

If you want this stampset you need to get an order in ASAP. Order today by emailing me: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Stop Monkey-ing Around!

Don't forget the stampin up retirement sale is only on for this month. Many items are on sale and everything on the list is going for good. In other words 'you snooze, you lose'

One item that already has sold out is the favourite set 'Fox and Friends'

At the weekend I went around my crafty friend Jades and we used this set one last time to make this card:

On a 'Crumb Cake' card base (trimmed shorter on the front) we layered a piece of 'Chocolate Chip' card edged along one side using the 'Scallop Trim' Punch. We then layered a piece of 'Pool Party' card, with a stamped sentiment from the retiring 'Happiest Birthday' stampset.

We then punched out three branches using the 'Two Step Bird Punch' from 'Old Olive' cardstock and glued them into place. Finally we stamped three monkeys from 'Fox and Friends' onto 'Crumb Cake' card using 'Chocolate Chip' ink. We cut these by hand and glued them into place.

As I said this stampset is now out of stock. Don't miss out on other retiring sets you love. Check out the list on the right hand side of my blog NOW and then email over your order: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Crafty Boots Challenge: Children Stories

Hi all. It's that time again! Another Crafty Boots Challenge.

I was naughty this fortnight and forgot to upload my creation so apologies to anyone who visited my blog Monday expecting to see it!

I went a little off challenge with this one and went for a childrens nursery rhyme instead - Baa Baa Black Sheep:

A 'Night of Navy' cardbase. The sky has been created with a piece of 'Bashful Blue' card. The grass has been created by tearing some 'Pear Pizzazz' 'DSP'. To create the tree i handcut some 'Early Espresso' card to make the truck, and punched some 'Scallop Circles' out of the same 'DSP' to create the leafy part of the tree!! The Sheep himself has been created from a 'Basic Black' Scallop circle to create his body, a 'Sahara Sand''5 Petal Flower Punch' which has been snipped into two pieces (2 petals making his legs, and the remaining three petals make his head! Clever hey!?!) His hair has been punched out from some 'Basic Black' using the 'Boho Blossom Punch'. I drew his eyes on with a white gel pen and then a 'Stampin' Write Marker'.

A very clever use of a flower punch i think!!! I love it when you find a completely different use for a piece of kit!! Total crafty satisfaction!!!

Anyway sorry for the delay in posting this. I look forward to seeing your creations! And don't forget if you'd like to make a Stampin' Up! order just email me!

Baby Sock Bouquet

(Not a stampin up post i'm afraid but i'm keen to share with you my crafty creation!! I'm off to Jades this weekend so will hopefully have some new card designs to share with you soon!)

Baby showers used to be an American phenomenon but they've recently become a standard part of the pregnancy experience in the UK. The first baby shower I actually went to was my own just a couple of months ago. My sister and two of my best friends hosted a wonderful day with lots of laughs and CAKE!

Now it seems all my friends are expecting and this of course means lots of baby showers in the upcoming months!! In fact I went to I've just this weekend been.

One of the customs of a baby shower is that you bring a gift for the mum to be and baby and being crafty I was keen to make a gift. I'd seen a few photos on twitter of baby sock bouquets and decided to give making one a go!

The mother to be opted not to find out the sex of the baby so I needed to make it neutral and opted to use mainly white socks and a pair of yellow and a pair of orange socks for a splash of colour (neutral baby socks were near on impossible to find and eventually found them in H&M kids)

I googled 'baby sock bouquets' and found this fab tutorial and after several attempts this is the final product!

The bouquet got a great response at the baby shower and was one of the most unique gifts there! I'd love to know what you think!

Are you going to a baby shower soon? Do you know someone who had just had a baby? Why not get crafty and make one of these. All you need is 6 pairs of baby socks, some floristry wire and green floristry tape, some foliage (which could be picked from your garden) and something to wrap the bouquet in or a vase!!

If i have inspires you to have a go at making one please tweet me a pic: @craftythinker

Stampin' Up Retirement SALE - up to 70% off some products!

A MASSIVE reminder. Stampin' Up! has released the annual retirement list! This list indicates the products that will be leaving the catalogue when the new main catalogue is released next month.

 

I admit there are one or two products that i'm sad to see go - including 'Fox and Friends' which is one of my most favourite sets, but they have to go to make way for tonnes of amazing new goodies.

 

Click the link below to see the stampset and accessory retiement lists:

 

RETIREMENT LISTS

 

The retired list also indicates the annual Stampin' Up! SALE! There are some amazing sale prices - up to 70% off - so work your way through the list - jot up your wish list and make your orders NOW via email: amyjtidd@gmail.com

 

Products on the retirement list are first come, first serve. In other words once they're gone, they're gone! Don't delay order today!!

Crafty Boots Challenge: ONE!

It's that time again - another Crafty Boots Challenge and i have to admit when i saw the theme i was a little confused!! The theme this fortnight is ONE... and it is as open ended as it sounds! The reason for this theme is because Crafty Boots Challenge is now ONE year old!!!

With my very busy schedule of being a new mummy i haven't been very adventurous and have interpretted the theme as 'ONE' brand of crafting products AND YES UNSUPRISINGLY THAT BRAND IS OF COURSE STAMPIN' UP!!

I started with a 'Blushing Bride' cardbase which i ran through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Manhatten Rose Embossing Folder'. I placed a strip of 'Whisper White' cardstock along the top of the card which i edged using the 'Eyelet Border Punch', before gluing it down i tied a piece of 'Baja Breeze' 'Seaming Ribbon' around and tied a bow!

The sentiment is from the hostess stampset 'Tagtastic' inked in 'Baja Breeze' and then punched out using the 'Decorative Label Punch. I placed a couple of tiny 'Basic Pearls' on it (although the photo doesn't pick these up well - sorry) and then layered it on a 'Baja Breeze' 'Decorative Label' which has been snipped in half to elongate it.

If you would like to order any Stampin' Up! products and you don't have a demonstrator you can order through me regardless of your location as all orders are delivered by UPS! The catalogues are available to view of the righthand side of my blog. There is a BRAND NEW winter mini catalogue available and also Stampin' Up! retirement list with some amazing sale prices!! If you like what you see email an order over to me today!! My email address is amyjtidd@gmail.com

I look forward to seeing your interpretation of the theme!

A Couple More New Baby Cards!

Morning all! Today i have two final cards to share with you that my lovely friends made to congratulate us on the arrival of Xander! We have been overwhelmed by the amount of beautiful handmade cards and gifts that we have recieved so thankyou so much for your creativity and kindness! It means alot and will all be presented in Xanders scrapbook!

First up a card from fellow Stampin Up demonstrator Julie:

I love this card. Julie used a 'Baja Breeze' cardbase on which she layered a piece of 'Very Vanilla' card which has been ran through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Stripes Embossed Folder', which she ran some 'Baja Breeze' 'Taffeta Ribbon' around. Next she layered three squares of 'Crumb Cake' card on some slightly larger 'Baja Breeze' squares. Then using punches she created the sailing boat (from '1-1/4" Circle Punch' and some handcut triangles, the star has been cleverly created from the ;5 Petal Punch' cleverly snipped and the moon from the '1-3/8" Circle Punch' - all out of 'Baja Breeze' and 'So Saffron' card. Although you can't really see it Julie 'spongue daubed' the edges of these and also raised the star using 'Dimensionals' to create a 3D effect. Finally the sentiment (from 'Teeny Tiny Wishes' has been stamped using 'Baja Breeze' ink onto 'Very Vanilla' card and punched using the 'Word Window Punch' again 'Sponge Daubed' around the edges!

Andhere is a card from Jane (aka @janesgrapevine):

I LOVE this card! The embossed bear is so cute! And i absolutely love the sentiment!! Thankyou Jane!

Stampin' Up! News...

Hey everyone! I post today with fabulous news! The arrival of the a new seasonal catalogue as well as the Stampin' Up! retirement list - basically next month Stampin' Up is releasing a new main catalogue which means that some of the products - stampsets, paper, ribbon, fabric etc will be retiring - i.e. no longer available after the end of the month - so if you want these products you need to order ASAP to avoid disappointment...

 

So without further ado... introducing the new autumn/ winter mini catalogue:

 

Full of wonderful goodness including some AMAZING christmas sets! So if you've started thinking about your christmas cards take a look through this - there will be plenty of products - festive stampsets, DSP ribbon etc to inspire!!

As well as the new mini catalogue products the retiring products from the current main catalogue were announced today!! Click HERE to view the retirement list. I'm so upset as some of my most favourite stampsets have been removed from the catalogue!! On the upside many of the retirement products are available at SALE price so get your orders in NOW to avoid disapointment!

 

Also.. i have had a sneaky peek at the new catalogue which will be released 1st October and there are plenty of amazing products on their way! Oh i can't wait to share these with you!!

You can contact me today to place an order for any of these items, and remember they are first come first served. So to avoid dissapointment order today: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Only 1 Days Left - August Promo: Reason To Smile!!

Hey everyone. I'm sorry that i haven't been blogging as regularly as usual. Being a mummy is very busy work! But we're getting into bit of a routine now, so hopefully i will have a little more free time to craft and blog!!

I wanted to remind you all that there are only 2 days left of the Stampin' Up! August promotion: 'Reason to Smile'

The Reason to Smile stamp set that is available during August is a definate must have. Retailing at just £14.95 for the clear set (£18.95 for the wood set) it's a bargain because there are 7 different stamps (3 images and 4 backgrounds)
And the best news is that if your order is £60 you can get your hands on this stamp set for FREE. Check out further details here.

Unfortunately i haven't had any time to play with this fab stampset myself yet but Jade (a fellow demonstrator) has shared this card with me to share with you all:

Jade coupled 'Poppy Parade' with 'Lucky Limeade' to create this get well wishes card. The stamps in the set are in 2 parts, the background stamp and the outline stamp, for this card she used the outline stamp and then coloured the images in with 'Stampin' Write Markers' using a 'Blender Pen'.

She then used the smaller flower background stamp to create a background pattern on the 'Lucky Limeade' card base before adding a border strip (punched with the 'Eyelet Border Punch') and then the image panel which was matted onto 'Poppy Parade' card stock.

I just love this card - fab layout and colour combo! If you'd like to make an order and get this stampset for free you only have 2 days left. Email over your order NOW: amyjtidd@gmail.com

 

Finally i thought i'd share with you my reason to smile at the mo!! A little pic of my gorgeous son Xander:

 

 

Awwwwww ... i love him so much!! :)

AUGUST OFFER! Need a Reason to SMILE???

Please note - this post will remain at the top of this blog for the whole of August - scroll down to view other CraftyThINKer posts!

If you're mourning the loss of the Stampin' Up! July promotion DO NOT CRY! Here is a reason to SMILE!!

Throughout the month of August you can earn an exclusive stampset for FREE with all orders of £60 or more!!

If you love this set - but simply can't justify spending £60 to get it for FREE you can FOR THIS MONTH ONLY also buy it at the RRP:

Woodmount: £18.95 (130826)
Clear: £14.95 (130828)

I just love this stampset!! Don't you? Why not get your order in ASAP! Remember this offer is only on through August!! Email me: amyjtidd@gmail.com

An Elegant Peacock Feather Card!

Today i have a card to share with you that i made for my good friend Jen for her birthday! I just love how it has turned out!!

It features the beautiful peacock faether image from the 'Natures Nest' stampset:

I stamped the feather over the 'Indigo Island' cardbase using the same colour ink to create a background. Then on  square of 'Whisper White' card i stamped the feather image twice using 'Island Indigo' and 'Elegant Eggplant' 'Stampin' Write Markers' and placed some tiny 'Basic Pearls' to embellish. I stamped the sentiment (from the 'Happiest Birthday Wishes' set) using 'Elegant Eggplant' ink and then mounted it all onto a piece of 'Elegant Eggplant' card. Before gluing this onto the cardbase i cut a strip of 'Whisper White' 'Satin Ribbon', folded it over and pierced an 'Antique brad' through it.

I hope Jen likes the card and has a brilliant birthday!! And don't forget if you want to order the beautiful 'Natures Nest' stampset do it today by emailing me: amyjtidd@gmail.com

An 'It's a Boy' card from Stephanie-Emma

Hey all! Sorry i haven't blogged in a while - i have been super busy being a Mummy! I haven't had much time to craft in the last three weeks but luckily for me and Xander we have had a lot of visits from the postman who has been delivering a lot of beautiful handcrafted cards for me to post and share with you!

Today i have a card to share with you made by Stephanie-Emma (AKA Crafty Boots) who has used the beautiful 'Baby Prints' stampset from the Summer Mini Catty - WHICH IS ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL THE END OF THIS MONTH!! (As well as a few non-stampin up products) to make this FAB card!

I love the super cute handprint stamp! It reminds me that this week i must make prints of Xanders hands and feet - that's if he stops wriggling long enough to let me!!

Don't forget the 'Baby Prints' stampset is from the Summer Mini Catalogue - so if you want it in your craft stash you have to order it before the end of this month - get your skates on!! Email your order over NOW! amyjtidd@gmail.com

More handcrafted cards for Xander!!

Hey all, I'm so sorry i haven't blogged that much recently - i have been a bad blogger and a very busy Mummy!

Dave (my hubby) went back to work last week so i have been adjusting to daytimes just me and Xander!!

Saying that you probably won't be suprised to know that i have had very little time for crafting - only managing to make my crafty boots 'Tweet Tweet' DT card since Xanders arrival. But some of my lovely crafty friends have been creating on my behalf so i have something to blog.

Today i have a couple of cards made to celebrate Xanders arrival - note: these use non-stampin up products but they're so lovely i just had to share them with you!

First up a beautiful card from Dionne (a member of the Crafty Boots Design Team):

I just love the beautiful image - it has been so beautifully coloured. I also love all the additional details! Thanks! xx

And also a card made by one of my husbands colleagues, Linda:

Thankyou once again to everyone who has sent cards and gifts for Xander. I especially adore all the handcrafted gifts/ cards - it really means a lot that someone has taken time out of their busy schedule to create something unique. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Crafty Boots Challenge: Tweet Tweet!

Hey all! Another Crafty Boots Challenge for you and this one has been set by ME!! The challenge is called 'Tweet Tweet' and what i'm looking for is a card that features a bird!!

I managed to actually find time in my very busy schedule of being a new mummy to make this card for my Mum's birthday, so here is my DT offering:

On an 'Island Indigo' cardbase i stamped the circle image from the 'Mixed Bunch' stampset to create a background. I then layered a strip of 'Whisper White' card and then a thinner strip of 'Elegant Eggplant' card ontop. Onto this i layered a 'Island Indigo' flower punched out using the 'Blossom Punch' and then ontop of this i stamped a flower image from the 'Mixed Bunch' set using 'Island Indigo' ink, punched it out using the stamp and secured it in place using 'Dimensionals' to raise it 3D. I embellished the flower using 'Basic Pearls.

Next i cut a strip of 'Island Indigo' card and punched along on edge using the 'Eyelet Border Punch' and glued this across the card. On top of which i layered a piece of 'Whisper White' card with a sentiment stamped on it from the 'Happiest Birthday Wishes' set (inked in 'Elegant Eggplant')

Finally to comply with the bird element of the challenge i punched two birds out using the 'Bird Builder Punch'. I stamped the centre of the flower image from the 'Mixed Bunch' set onto the birds wings before securing them in place with 'Dimensionals' and placing some teeny 'Basic Pearls' in the centre. Finally i drew some eyes on the birds using my 'Elegant Eggplant' 'Stampin' Write Marker'.

I look forward to seeing your 'Tweet Tweet' birdy creations!! And don't forget if you want to make a stampin up order drop me an email: amyjtidd@gmail.com. DON'T FORGET THERE IS A PROMOTION ON THIS MONTH - CHECK OUT THE TOP OF THE BLOG FOR INFO ON HOW YOU CAN GET A FREE STAMPSET WITH YOUR ORDER!!

'Button Buddies' card from Fiona!

Hey everyone, hope you're having a lovely weekend and enjoying the sunshine! Today i have another new baby card to share with you. This card has been created by another fellow Stampin' Up! demo - Fiona, who sent this card all the way from America!!

Fiona layered a piece of 'Pool Party' card onto an 'Island Indigo' cardbase. Then on a piece of 'Whisper White' she stamped the congratulations sentiment from the 'Curly Cute' sentiment stampset (in 'Island Indigo' ink and glued it in place onto the 'Pool Party' card. She then cut a piece of 'Island Indigo' 'DSP' and wrapped some 'White Bakers Twine' around it, tying it in a bow.

On a seperate piece of 'Whisper White' she stamped the rattle image from 'Button Buddies' stampset using 'Pool Party' ink, she bordered this onto a piece of 'Pool Party' card before securing it onto the card using 'Dimensionals' to create a raised 3D effect.

I love this card and the colours that Fiona used! I'd like to once again thank my crafty friends for all the beautiful cards they have made to celebrate Xanders arrival!!

If you would like to order any of the products featured then feel free to drop me an email: amyjtidd@gmail.com

An 'Every Little Bit' New Baby Card From Hannah!

Today i have another New Baby card to share with you created by one of my fabulous crafty friends Hannah using the fab versatile 'Every Little Bit' stampset:

Hannah started off with a 'Whisper White' base and layered some 'Tempting Turquoise' 'DSP' on to it. She then punched out three 'Scallop Circles' from 'Bashful Blue' card and glued them onto the 'DSP'. On some 'Whisper White' card she stamped out the teddybear, cat and dog images from the 'Every Little Bit' stampset using 'Basic Black' ink and then coloured in using 'Blender Pens'. She punched these out using the '1" Circle Punch' and then secured them into place using 'Dimensionals' to create a raised effect. Finally she punched out a heart using the 'Heart to Heart' punch and then covered it in Versamark and then 'Silver Embossing Powder' and then finished it off with the heatgun!

I love this card. Fab layout and completely versatile! There are so many images in the 'Every Little Bit' stampset that you could customise this card depending on the recipient. Thankyou Hannah for being so thoughtful and sending this fab card! Another one for Xanders scrapbook!! xxxxx

A Monkey New Baby Card From Jade!

Back again with another beautiful handmade new baby card. This time a card made by the wonderfully crafty Jade!

She actually used my own stamp set, 'Fox and Friends' to create this card with the cute little monkeys (very sneaky!)  Jade carefully stamped them using her 'stamp-a-ma-jig' so they 'hang' from each other. You will see the middle one has been cut out by hand and raised up with dimensionals and his tail is looped into one of the letters, i love this effect!

Jade used the 'Top Note die' cut from 'Whisper White' card stock and mounted this onto a 'Bashful Blue' 'Top Note' and then added the lettering cut with the 'Timeless Type Junior Alphabet dies', of course stamping the cheeky monkeys first.

Jade the stamped out  out the 'hello baby' sentiment from the 'Teeny Tiny Wishes 'stamp set placed just above the 'BOY' inked in 'Bashful Blue', and then she mounted the panel onto 'Shimmery White card; and added a 'designer button' to finish.

I just love this card and of course with changing of sentiments and wordings it could be a fab kids birthday card too!

Thanks Jade!!This card is fab and will most definately be going in Xanders scrapbook!  xxxxxxx

Hand-made New Baby Cards (Non-Stampin Up)

After announcing the safe arrival of Xander the New Baby cards came through the letterbox thick and fast! It's so lovely that so many friends and family wanted to wish us well.

The most special cards i recieved were those that were handmade. I have several crafty friends and always appriciate handmade designs. Over the next few posts i will share some of these thoughtful beautiful creations with you.

Today i have a couple of non-stampin up (shock horror!) cards to share with you.

First up a card made by Zoe (a member of the Crafty Boots DT team):

I just love the image she has used and the colouring is fab isn't it!!?!

Next up a card made by my lovely friend and neighbour Poppy:

I just love the layering of the super cute bear image on this card and the colour combo!!

Finally a card created by Audrey:

The photo here doesn't do the card justice - sorry Audrey! I love the embossed bear on this card and the jewels!!



 Thankyou to all the lovely ladies who have put aside time to create these beautful cards!!

Introducing Alexander William Tidd!

Hey all,

A quick post from me today to announce the safe arrival of baby Tiddlywink - alexander (Xander) William Tidd.  He actually arrived two weeks ago today - on the 1st August at 5.16am, weighing a teeny 5lb 10oz.

As you can imagine life has been a little hectic since his arrival - not much time for crafting or blogging. I have some posts scheduled for the rest of this month - but hope to get back up and running in September.

Feel free to email me over any orders - don't forget there is an August promotion on - check out the top of my blog for details and make sure you don't miss out!!

Up, Up and Away! A hot air balloon card!

Hey all! Last month my good friend Ruth came round for a crafty sesh! She shared with me a card that she had made for her hubby and as soon as i saw it i knew i just had to CASE it!

It features the 'Up, Up and Away' stampset - which is in the mini catalogue - and possibly only available until the end of this month! So if you LOVE don't forget to get your order in ASAP!

So heres the card:

This card started life as a 'Basic Grey' cardbase! I then found a piece of 'Baja Breeze card' which i stamped the clouds and bird images from the fab 'Up, Up and Away' stampset, using 'Basic Grey' ink (and three hot air balloon baskets) I coloured the clouds in using my 'Uniball White Gel Marker' and stamped the sentiment also in 'Basic Grey' ink. I glued this onto the card base and then underneath placed a piece of 'Basic Black' card which i ran through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Stripes Embosisng Folder' to create some texture, finishing it off with a  strip of 'Daffodil Delight' 'Grosgrain Ribbon'.

I then stamped the balloons on  some scraps of 'Whisper White' using 'Real Red' and 'Daffodil Delight' ink. I cut these out my hand and then secured them in place using 'Dimensionals' to raise them and make them 3D!

I just love this card and this stampset! So thankyou Ruth for sharing with me!! Don't forget if you would like to have this stampset in your crafty kit you really should order it this month as it features in the mini catalogue and there is no guarentee that it will feature in the new main catalogue. Don't miss out!! Email me your order today: amyjtidd@gmail.com AND don't forget there is a promo on throughout August - a free exclusive stampset - see the top of this blog for details!

Happy Birthday Nan! A bookmark card!

Yesterday i shared with you a beautiful bookmark we created at Jades 'Big Shot' craft class last month:

See yesterdays blog for details on how to create this bookmark!

Jade showed us how to transform this lovely bookmark into a card, which i intend to give to my Nanny Hazel as today is her birthday!!

We began with a square 'Whisper White' base which we folded along the top. On which we mounted a piece of 'Early Espresso' card and then a piece of 'Whisper White' card which we ran through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Square Lattice Embossing Folder'. We wrapped the bookmark around the card, securing it in place with a couple of glue dots (allowing the recipient to remove the bookmark with ease and make use of it!!) Finally we embossed the 'happy birthday' sentiment' from the 'For My Family' stampset using 'Versamark', 'White Embossing Powder' and a 'Heat Gun'. We punched the sentiment out using the 'Word Window Punch' and then secured it in place using 'Dimensionals' to create a 3D effect.

I love this idea! A fab way of incorporating a gift and a card - don't you think?! Thankyou to Jade for sharing this idea with me! I will most definately be making more of these cards in the future!!

A Flower Bookmark!

Last month i made this beautiful bookmark at a 'Big Shot' craft class hosted by Jade and i just had to share it with you:

We created this bookmark by running some 'So Saffron' card through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Fun Flowers Die'. We distressed the edges of the flower using a 'Sponge Dauber' and some 'Early Espresso' ink and then glued all the components together. We secured a 'Designer Button' threaded with 'Bakers Twine' to the centre of the flower using 'Red Sticky Tape'. Finally we glued a piece of 'Satin Ribbon' to the back of the flower!

Check back on my blog tomorrow to see how we used this bookmark to create a beautiful card!!

Creating butterflies from the 'Mixed Bunch' stampset!!

As soon as i got my hands on the 'Mixed Bunch' stampset i HAD to have a go at creating butterflies from the stampset!!

I made this card for my good friend (and crafty partner in crime) Jade, as it is her birthday today!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JADE!!

This is how i made the card:
I used the 'rock and roll' technique using 'Daffodil Delight' and 'Pumpkin Pie' ink to stamp three flowers from the 'Mixed Bunch' stampset and punched them out using the 'Blossom Punch'. I snipped two petals off of each one to create some butterflies and then placed three 'Basic Pearls' down the centre of each one to create the butterfly bodies!!

The cardbase is 'Pumpkin Pie' which i folded over the top and ran through the 'Big Shot' using the 'Stripes Embossing Folder'. I stamped the sentiment from the 'Happiest Birthday Wishes' set using 'Lucky Limeade' ink on the top of the cardbase, then wrapped some 'Lucky Limeade' 'Ruffled Ribbon' around the base and tied a bow and then glued the three butterflies in place!!

I just love the idea of using the stampsets and punches in an alternative way and just love the way these butterflies have come out!! I can't wait to make some more!!

Don't forget if you LOVE this 'Mixed Bunch' stampset and coordinating 'Blossom Punch' as much as me then make sure you get your order in ASAP as they're in the summer mini catalogue and there is NO guarantee that they will be in the the new catalogue that will be launching next month - so email your order over today: amyjtidd@gmail.com

Waterfall Album!

Last month my crafty friend Jade attended a craft class held by another fellow demonstrator and learnt how to make beautiful waterfall albums! Unfortunately due to being heavily pregnant i was unable to attend however Jade kindly shared this technique with me at a recent crafty sesh at her house and i made one for my friends Jen and Andy for a wedding gift!!

Here's the front of my completed 'Waterfall Album':

The colours are 'Pool Party', 'Island Indigo' 'Crumb Cake' and 'Whisper White'. You can just see in the photo there is a panel of 'Pool Party' which has been run through the 'Big Shot' using and then the 'Stripes Embossing Folder. I have also used some 'Crumb Cake' 'DSP'.

To create the image on the front i (well ... if i'm honest, Jade) printed the 'Congratulations Jen & Andy, 21st july 2012 on the computer and then stamped the image from the 'Apothecary Art' stampset in 'Island Indigo' ink - i had to carefully line this up using my trusty 'Stamp-a-ma-jig'. I cut this image out using the 'Big Shot' and the 'Labels Collection Framelits Die' and then mounted it onto a larger 'Island Indigo' label! Here's a close up:

Here is the inside of the album:

I kept the pages inside treasonably simple with the view that Jen and Andy could add some photos from their wedding reception and some captions in themselves. I simply embellished the album with 'Crumb Cake' DSP', 'Island Indigo' card which has been punched using the 'Eyelet Border Punch' and the beautiful butterfly from the 'Clearly For you' stampset inked in 'Island Indigo'.

The other pages fold out like a 'waterfall' when you pull the tab (which was created from a 'Decorative Label Punch')

The mechanism to create this card is very technical and difficult to explain - i suggest you google waterfall cards/ albums and you'll find a range of tutorials to guide you though it! I was lucky enough to have Jade's guidance!

I have to admit this project was completely time consuming but i'm thrilled with the final product - although i think it is fair to say  special people will receive one of these made by me as they are hardwork to complete!!!!