Lots of love :-)

What's Valentines Day like at your place - a day just like any other or a wonder-filled extravaganza of romance, gifts and surprises? Whatever your feelings about Feb 14th, I think we can all agree that it's always nice to feel special, appreciated and most of all, loved.

So that's where this month's challenge comes into play! From now until 24th March, I'm asking you to think about someone who inspires you, someone you're grateful for or someone who needs encouragement, and send them a handmade card. Before you pop your creation in the post, mms or email me a photo of what you've put together. As you spread the love to the people in your life, I'll spread the love with some prizes :-) I can't wait to see what you come up with - especially if you're one of the kids who came to my holiday workshop!

It's a Sale-a-Bration!

Hooray! It's that time of year again - freebies! And since everyone loves something free, I think you'll all be excited about this year's promotion :-) For every $100 that you spend between now and the end of March, you'll be showered with your choice of goodies from the Sale-a-Bration catalogue. This year there is a great range of products up for grabs - from beautiful papers, to ribbons and brads to gorgeous stamp sets. The only trouble you'll have will be choosing which one to go for! Comment, email or call me to get your copy of the Sale-a-Bration catalogue or to place your order.

KiddlywINKS class

These school holidays I ran my first KiddlywINKs class - a workshop for kids and parents - and WOW! we had fun! We had kids ranging in age between 3 - 11 (as well as the big kids!) and all managed to make these 3 cards - a Dorothy the Dinosaur card, three tiered cake card and sparkly ice cream card.

Big thanks to everyone who came along - I hope you had as much fun as I did, and I hope to see you at another class soon! Maybe Mother's Day or Easter cards next time ...

12 days of Christmas: day 12

Ta da! Even though it's well overdue, here's my final Christmas card! I've used quite a few sets that aren't purely Christmas stamps, but I like the effect they create! I love putting up our Christmas tree each year - we always play carols and snack on something tasty as we decorate the tree together as a family. This little card reminds me of that fun family tradition - a little sneak peak into someone's world as they celebrate Christmas! The sets I've used are Window Dressing (Hostess - retired), Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories and Delightful Decorations.

I hope you have enjoyed my 12 days of Christmas - the extended version :-) Now that's out of the way, stay tuned for some birthday cards, news about my upcoming "KiddlywINKs" classes, Sale-a-Bration and more!

12 days of Christmas: day 11

Lots of very subtle details on this card that you might not be able to see clearly from the photo - the card was dry embossed using the tulip border folder, then a double frame ripped out of the centre with a pink pirhouette frame poking through the rose red. Three shades of pinks were used to ink the "Something for Christmas" stamp, then I've used glitter to create a shimmer effect over the top. A nice girly Christmas card in some non-traditional colours - and another way to use this great stamp :-)

12 days of Christmas: day 10

Whoops! Time completely got away with me and I missed posting the last 3 days of Christmas! Never mind ... they'll give you some extra ideas for next year :-) This card uses the christmas tree stamp from "Season of Joy" and a monochromatic colour scheme of old olive and whisper white. I was really into monochromatic cards this year - maybe you'd noticed? I think they have a classic, elegant and simple look to them - and it's much easier to have things matching!

12 days of Christmas: day 9

Just as there are days where everything comes together, there are days when things just don't, and with this card, they just don't! Saying that, I do love the "Dasher" stamp, and think it came up really nicely when embossed in the Cherry Cobbler embossing powder. I was also keen to try this ripped window effect, but feel that something is just ... missing. Never mind! Today's mistake is tomorrows inspiration for further creativity :-) I'll keep trying and see what I come up with!