This week in History

Did you know that the Teddy Bear got it's name from the 26th President of the United States, Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.


Wikipedia says, "Roosevelt's lasting popular legacy, however, is the stuffed toy bears—teddy bears—named after him following an incident on a hunting trip in Mississippi in 1902. Roosevelt famously ordered the mercy killing of a wounded black bear. After a national cartoonist illustrated the President with a bear, a toy maker heard the story and asked Roosevelt if he could use his name on a toy bear. Roosevelt approved and the teddy bear was born. Bears and later bear cubs became closely associated with Roosevelt in political cartoons thereafter"  You can read more about it here


And I'll leave you with this beautiful little card I've found

If you would like to make something similar to this or come along and check out some of our fantastic tools, just email me or give me a ring on 0419 410 255

Christmas Card Workshop

Hello All!

In the coming months I will be hosting several Christmas Card Workshops at the Moranbah Youth Centre.

Stay tuned for more details here!

Cool Tools

Recently Stampin' Up!© has come out with some cool tools!  Either they have been revamped or they are all new to our creative scene.

I love the way they have re-created the punch design I think the Two Step Bird Punch is the cutest thing but I couldn't pass up the Heart punch either!

And the release of this fantastic die cut machine is just  not one to pass up! The Big Shot is a sturdy manual die cutting machine used to die cut materials for use on crafts, home décor projects, and even clothing--it's a big deal! You'll love what the Big Shot machine--a six-time winner of Creating Keepsakes Reader's Choice Award for best die cutting equipment and dies--can do for you.

I'm right here where your at, in the Central Highlands so book an appointment with me to come around and check out these fabulous creative friendly tools.  Just email here or ring me on 0419 410 255

Frighteningly Fun!

Many of you around the world will be celebrating Halloween at the end of this month!  So to honour that I'm sharing with you the birthday of one of the worlds most well know scary people!

{Bela Lugosi}

On this date in 1882, Bela Lugosi was born.  He is best know for taking the stage  to star in a Broadway production of Dracula adapted by Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston from Bram Stoker's novel.

To read more about his life go here.

I thought I would also share this lovely Halloween card and wish you Happy Hauntings and Ghoulish Greetings!  Enjoy your Spooky Celebrations!

The supplies list can be found here.

If you would like to look as supplies like these please do not hesitate to contact me on 0419 410 255 or email me!

Christmas Candles in the Making!

I've been seeing some gorgeous yet simple candles around and I thought, "I CAN DO THAT!"  So I thought I would give it a go!  Using an ordinary candle I picked up from the cheap shop, some stamps and a special technique I found online I was able to create this:

Using the Lovely as a Tree stamp set as well as the Perfect Punches stamp set I was able to create this simple but effective candle.

If you would enjoy learning this technique or you love these stamp sets please give me a ring 

on 0419 410 255 or email me!

Fun with Clouds!

I have fallen in love with the cloud technique that I have seen several other demonstrators demonstrate and I thought I would give it a go.  I loved the rich vibrant colours of Pumpkin Pie, Rich Razzleberry, and Real Red ink pads that I used here to try out the cloud technique.  It was fun and easy!   I also paired this technique with the Elegant Eggplant and Water Colour paper.  The stamps used were Inspired by Nature and Perfect Punches.


If you would like to try out this technique or if your interested in making this very simple yet gorgeous card please contact me on 0419 410 255 or email me!

Still Thinking???

That's Great!  Did you enjoy the first Starter Kit Techniques videos?


While your still thinking about it here’s another one using another technique.



Did you know that our new starter kit has a new price? It’s now only $289!  With that you get a complete set of In Colors – that’s Classic Stampin’ Pads™, Stampin’ Write™ Markers, and an assortment of card stock – completely FREE along with your demonstrator Starter Kit

But this is only until the 15th October.

So if your still thinking about joining, why not get intouch with me for some more information?

You can email me or give me a call on 0419 410 255

Are you Tempted? Still Thinking about it?

Remember on Sunday when I asked "What I Would Do With An Extra $300?! "  Well, when you read that post you would know that Stampin' Up! has some fantastic tools and supplies going on!  If you're like me you couldn't help dreaming about what it would be like to be a demonstrator, even if it was for a fleeting moment.
You may think that you are lacking in creativity, or confidence, but believe me, if I can do it, so can you! I’m a self taught stamper!!

Stampin’ Up! has release 3 great videos’ to show you what you can create with your new Stampin’ Up! Starter Kit. They are full of techniques that will be sure to make great cards and gifts.

Here's the first one, check it out!  Even I get excited all over again!



Now remember, we have a fantastic promotion that runs until the 15th October. That's only TWO days!  All new demonstrators will receive 5 brand new InColor Inkpads, Markers and an assorted InColor card pack.

So if your still thinking about joining, why not get intouch with me for some more information?

You can email me or give me a call on 0419 410 255

A Few of My Favourite Books & Blogs

Feeling in a slump?  Need to get your creative Groove on?

These are a few of my  favourite books and blogs that help me get my mojo back when it has gone walk about.

When I'm lost and don't know where to turn, I turn to this book.  Kelly Rae Roberts as a reall way of helping me get things into perspective

 For soaking it all in.  I turn to the Art book.  I love that with the flip of a page I can be any where anytime.

Getting back to my roots as a scrapbooker, I enjoy just playing when playing is necessary

For that truely getting you out of your slump, lurching you back to reality, enjoying your creative life.

A little more on getting Organized

Since talking about Organization earlier this week I thought that I'd share an article that I found at Bukisa

Is your craft room a disorganized disaster? Here's how to quickly get it organized so you can better express your creativity.

If you're like me, you've had moments where your craft room was a complete disaster! When this occurs, it can really zap your creative energy making it difficult to start or complete a craft project. Plus, right brained, creative crafters aren't exactly known for their organizational skills! If you find it's taking you an eternity to sift through the stacks of craft materials you have piled high in every corner to find what you need, it's may be time to organize your craft room!

But, where do you start? If you craft room has been in chaos for awhile, it may be difficult to know how to start organizing. Here are some ideas:

1. Plan ahead!
A little planning goes a long way towards making organizing a craft room a pleasant task. Go through all of your boxes and sort craft items by category. Plan to buy a storage box for each category so all similar items can be conveniently stored together. I like plastic see-though boxes for craft storage since you can see exactly what you have without opening the box.

2. Separate your craft area from the rest of your home.
If your craft area should become messy, at least you're not exposing other members of your household to the chaos. Plus, psychologically it helps to be able have your craft room exist as a special place where you can retreat at day's end. If you can't move your crafts into a separate room, consider using a room divider to wall off your craft area.

3. Invest in a large, comfortable table to use as a workstation.
A large work space will allow you to spread your projects out so you can see what you have to work with. You'll waste less time fumbling around to find a particular item you need to complete a project. Make sure your table is sturdy and rugged and not so valuable that you're going to mind getting a little glue or paint on it. You may even want to consider getting a table at a secondhand store. Functionality is the key here!

4. Create an easily accessible tool rack.
It's important to have your tools accessible and in easy view. Take a long piece off wood from the craft store, add hooks to it, and mount it on the wall, You can now hang your tools from the hooks and keep them in easy view.

5. Consider installing shelving to organize your crafts.
Shelving that extends up the side of your walls is a great space saver. You can use the shelves to hold your clear, rubber storage containers containing your projects. It also helps to have your shelf space labeled so you can see where everything is.

6. Clear away any items that aren't relevant to your craft projects.
Make your newly designed craft area strictly for craft supplies. Don't confuse the issue by bringing in extraneous items that aren't suitable for your craft projects.

7. Clear off your workstation every night.
Don't allow craft materials to accumulate on your work table. This is almost always the first step towards developing a disorganized craft room. Clean up every evening, no matter how tired you are. If you need to, give yourself a reward for doing it.

8. Donate items you don't use.
We all have craft materials we no longer use. Don't leave them lying around your workstation to cause confusion. Donate unused items to a charity such as your local Salvation Army so another crafter can get the opportunity to use them and you can free up the space!

9. When you use a tool, put it back in its proper place.
There's nothing more frustrating and time consuming than not being able to find a craft tool when you need it! Be diligent about returning items to their proper places right after you use it. Stop telling yourself you'll do it later.

Now that you know how to organize a craft room, you can get back to your creative projects and enjoy them all the more!

At Stampin' Up we have great little caddies to store your stamping wheels as well as your Ink Pads!  If you would like to have a look feel free to email me or contact me on 0419 410 255!

Always Elegant

I found this gorgeous design somewhere online and I thought I would share with you.  Although this looks complicated it's dead easy! 

Stamps: Always Elegant (121476), Cardstock: Old Olive (106576), Early Espresso(121686), Naturals White (106549), Marina Mist(121682)  DSP: Greenhouse Gala (117167)
Ink: Early Espresso (119670)
Accessories: Scallop Edge Border punch (119882), Curly Label punch(119851), Needle , Mat Pack (105826), Antique Brass Metallic Brads, 1/8"(117273) Marina Mist Taffeta ribbon, (119257)Stampin' Dimensionals,(104430) Markers: Marina Mist,(119672) Pear Pizzaz(119801)

Spring has Sprung!

Yes Spring has definitely sprung here in the Central Highlands and to honour that I've been in the midst of enjoying my fantastic new stamps from the new catalogue launch!

Here's some cards I recently made

The stamps I showcased in this card was the  Friends Never Fade Set of Clear Mount Stamps (120618) the patterned paper Green House Gala (117167) was a new release as well I think it's great for all occasions!  Also used were Baja Breeze from the Subtels Collection (121997), Pumpkin Pie & Real Red from the Bright Collection (121698) and Whisper White (119952)

If you would like to make cards like this give me a ring on 0419 410 255 or email me!

Long Live the Peanuts Gang!

Peanuts was always a good time for me as a kid.  I really loved watching them when they would come on around the holidays.  My favourites would have to be, "Play it again, Charlie Brown", "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", and "You're in Love, Charlie Brown"  What's your Favourite? 

The last few days have been exciting and full of inspiration, animation and entrepreneurial great stuff!  Are you tapping into your inspirations?

If you'd like to give me a ring on 0419 410 255 or Email me and we can tap into your creative self!

Are YOU a Muppet Lover too!

This is one of the first places that I tapped into my creative side!  I remember watching Jim Henson's fabulous creations every day after school and I LOVED them.  On the anniversary of his birthday I thought I would share.  The 1st Muppet Show which came to be a much loved program to a lot of school kids after school.

Enjoy!

Jim Henson was also the creative genius behind this well loved show as well!

Enjoy!  And don't be afraid to revisit those well love childhood memories to remember how it felt when you got involved with your creative side!

Would you like to join me and have a go of getting in touch?  Just Email Me or ring me on 0419 410 255!

Happy Vernal/Autumnal Equinox Day!

Did you know?  The September equinox (my Vernal here in Australia , but Autumnal for my friends in the Northern Hemisphere, is on September 23 at 03:09 GMT!


What's an Equinox you say?


Well Wikipedia describes it saying, "At an equinox, the Sun is at one of two opposite points on the celestial sphere where the celestial equator (i.e. declination 0) and ecliptic intersect. These points of intersection are called equinoctial points: classically, the vernal point and the autumnal point.


I also thought this was interesting:

• In 1931 the September equinox fell on September 24th, and the next time this will occur will be in 2303.
• A modern urban legend claims that on the March equinox day (some may also include the September equinox day rather than leaving it out), one can balance an egg on its point.^[9][10][11] However, one can balance an egg on its point any day of the year... if one has enough patience.^[12]

What are you going to do to celebrate? Me?  I'm heading off on a road trip!  I'm off to see the Great Outdoors and to shoot some amazing pictures!


I'll try to post from the road!


If you have any photos or Equinox info you'd like to share I'd love to see or hear about it!

Individually Made Christmas Cards!

Are you worried that you are going to run out of time to get Christmas Cards out to your family and friends?

Well Not to worry any more!  I have a great collection if Christmas stamps and supplies that will make beautiful cards in no time!  Let's get together and make some  fantastic cards together or I can assemble a kit for you that you can do it at home!  Just Email Me or ring me on 0419 410 255 and let me know what you are needing!