Hoping to be back soon.

Relaxing and Healing at the moment.

Apologies for my absence. Life has been taking up all my time. I hope to be able to get back to blogging soon when I feel better.

Marguerite

Ornate Blossoms new from CTMH

Introducing another stunning new set!

The Ornate Blossoms Stamp set D1687 also comes with matching Thin Cuts Z3227.

Loving the possibilities with this set and really enjoyed experimenting with various ways to use them. Stamping with Versamark Ink and White, Clear or Gold embossing powders on White Daisy, Colonial White, Desert Sand and Honey Card stock. I think the embossing really helped to enhance the richness of each image. To get my creative juices flowing I set up a production line, stamping, embossing and cutting each image before using the Thin Cuts (which cut beautifully each time and are a breeze to line up) getting six (6) cut with each pass. 

After stamping, embossing and cutting I used Desert Sand Ink with a Dauber to vary the tone and highlight the larger images.  I ended up using Colonial White Card Base and Card stock as white was just a bit too bright.  The embossed mat is an old Darice Embossing Folder (can't remember it's name)

This was such a very quick and easy card to make. For the background mat, I used one of the 6" x 4 " PML Cards from the Beautiful Set. The images were stamped in Black Versafine and embossed with Clear Embossing Powder.  Always a better option I find than messing about with Black embossing powder (not a pretty sight at my desk!. Hello sentiment is a Die Cut from Lawn Fawn.

I have always been a fan of yellow, black and white so, I could not resist trying out the combination. I stamped directly onto the Honey cardstock mat for two images  and stamped and cut the others, also adhering with foam mounting tape. I used the matching Honey Ink with a Dauber both on the card mat and a touch on the focal image.

I have to confess to struggling with Card four.  Finally another PML Card from  the Beautiful You set was the break through and the card was then very quick to assemble one I decided a mixture of images of gold embossing on both black and white cardstock.

That's all for today, lots more fun to be had.  Always remember you can ask me any questions via the comment section below or send me and email (the link in the right coloumn)

Until next time...Cheers!
Marg

CTMH Seasonal Expressions 2

First Sneak Peak 

Just a very quick post today.  I am so excited to start trying out the gorgeous array of new products to be released May 1st, 2016. Thought I would quickly share the card below, made as a "Get Well Soon" card for a friend who has just had a massive operation today. As she will be in hospital for a week or so, I wanted some bright and cheeful.

The Flamingos are from C1651 - Tickled Pink Stamp Set and Z3228  - Tickled Pink Thin Cuts. The  Hibiscus & Frangipani stamps from B1527 Hawaiian Hibiscus Stamp Set  and also paper from the Calypso Paper Pack.

Off to play some more, back soon with more goodies.

Marg

Using up Paper Scraps

CTMH Stamps of Approval - Love this stamps set!

The minute I saw this stamps set C1637 Stamps of Approval $21.00, I just had to have it. My mind started racing with the possibilities. For my first set of cards I chose CTMH Paper Fundamentals had scraps left over from last years designs ( cards 1, 3 and 4) and Cards 2 and 5 using 2016 Paper Fundamentals and new colours Sapphire & Pomegranate.

This stamp set is a keeper - a great star for quick and easy cards with the five different sentiment options. Drag out your beautiful scrap paper stash and go for it!

Card 1

Double stamped this sentiment in Black and Honey,and mounted on Honey and Black mats

 

Card 2

Love love the new (for 2016) Sapphire Paper and Ink - the most stunning blue.

Card 3

A more feminine approach for this card using a lacy die cut mat and the gorgeous heart paper.  Stamped 

 the sentiment twice with Slate and Pixie inks and mounted the 'Pixie Thanks" to add dimension.

Card 4

Suitable for any age male or female.  Used square mats and embossed the vertical lines with my score board.  The reverse side of the Pear paper was further enhanced using Pear ink and dauber.  Also used dauber and ink on the embossed lines.

Card 5

Again I double stamped the sentiment in Black and Pomegranate Ink and mounted on black, white and black mounts.

:Jerg

CTMH Regatta Paper Collection

It is Officially Autumn, but...
the weather is just right for boating!

I have finally got around to playing with the bright and very cheery Regatta Paper Packet along with the fun My Anchor Stamp Set  and My Anchor Thin Cuts.  So far I have only used Four of the Ten 12" x 12" double sided papers plus two of the PML papers.  I thought I would get these cards posted before I experimented with the remaining papers.

Regatta Featured Colours are ... Flaxen, Glacier, Pomegranate, Sapphire and White Daisy.
I love, love love the Sapphire Card Stock, such a gorgeous deep blue and the Pomegranate Card Stock makes a sophisticated change from  really bright red that is so often used for nautical themes.

Card One - Simply the Best

The first Clean and Simple card was so incredibly quick and easy to make. I mounted the top part of the lovely ombre paper (leaving off the Pomegranate portion) I then adhered the portrait version of the PML paper- Simply the Best (trimmed to allow the background paper to show).  Finally I stamped the sentiment  (using one of the stamps from the five piece stamp set C1637 - Stamps of Approval), White Daisy,  i stamped once in Sapphire and once in Pomegranate. I fancy cut the sapphire banner piece and mounted the Pomegranate "Thanks" on top.

Card Two- You are my Anchor

Sapphire mat mounted on White Daisy Card. The horizontal rope paper is one of the zip strips, the white anchors on sapphire paper strip mounted on white daisy and the cute little paper boat scene is another PML piece. The anchor, sapphire boat, and red heart were first stamped and then cut used the My Anchor Thin Cuts as were the white waves.

Card Three- You keep me afloat!

The sentiment prompted me to make a "life preserver" frame around the nautical scene.  Again I stamped the boat, waves and tiny heart before using the Thin Cuts. Although it took a bit of time, would be very easy to replicate.

Ahoy Matey - Pirate Birthday

The minute I saw this $10.00 stamp set called Pirate Birthday, I had to have it...such a cute little guy! The striped background was achieved by cutting half inch strips of sapphire card stock and adhering to the card front. The lighthouse and ocean waves are stamped and thin cut from the My Anchor sets. I created the porthole scene on some water colour paper using CTMH Water Colour Pencils. The little Pirate and Ship were coloured with ShinHan Markers and fussy cut.
Off to come up with some more cards using the other paper in the packet. Until; next time, Happy Crafting, Marguerite.

March 2016 SOTM

Better late than Never ... on the last day of the month

March 2016 Stamp of the Month - 

Sunshine Birdies .... ooops I forgot to post this card.

CTMH Penelope & Spring Critters

Four Fun and "Cutsie" Cards 

Not normally my style of card I know, but, I just could not resist playing with this adorable stamp set. C1683 Spring Critters.  The stamp set coordinates with Z3207 Thin Cuts.  The sentiments included with the stamp set  are terrific for all sorts of occassions.

Spring Critters Card Set.

For the first two cards I decide to experiment with masking to have trios of cute little chicks and three fat frogs. The images were coloured with Water Colour Pencils and mounted on various mats using paper from the bright and cheery Penelope Paper Packet. Many people have used the Chicken and Bunny stamps for Easter Cards and there is a Happy Easter sentiment included with the set.

Three little chicks lined up and marching with a banner

Three fat Frogs arranged on top of the banner.

A cheeky trio of Foxes were fussy cut peering from their den was as cute as I could manage.  

I am still coming to terms with the "Fox Fad", and trying not to think about
the damage this introduced pest does to our native wildlife.

A bunch of bunnies up to no good!

North Shore Crafters Group

NEW way to shop on-line with CTMH
and Designs by Marguerite

IS THIS YOU ?
You live and/or work on Sydney's North Shore?
Don't need and/or want to attend classes or workshops?
Like the freedom of buying from lots of different suppliers?
Hate feeling pressured into buying product from Consultants/Demonstrators?

then ....Welcome to the Sydney North Shore Crafters Club 
exclusive to North Shore residents and or workers ONLY!

Click on this link ....and read all about it now!

ALSO ..../.WHY NOT ALSO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STAMPAGANZA?

buy 3 stamp sets and get one FREE (Free set must be of same value or lesser value)

Read about it here!

Get FREE CTMH stamp sets

Stampaganza March 1st - March 31st

Buy Two Stamps Sets, Get ONE FREE

This is a fantastic opportunity to grab a real bargain. All stamps in Seasonal Expressions will be retired on March 31st, 2016. Most stamps in the Annual Inspirations will no longer available after July 31st, 2016

Stampaganza is the best time to get our top quality My Acylix® stamp sets. 

Choose from dozens of designs!

Buy any two My Acrylix® stamp sets (M-, A-, B-, C-, D-, or E-size) at full retail price and get a third stamp set of equal or lesser value FREE! That is a savings of up to $45 AUD/$54 NZD! This offer is only available during March, so start submitting your stamp orders as soon as possible, and let the Stampaganza begin!

Which Stamp Sets will be eligible for Stampaganza 2016 - the easy explanation

Personally I find the paragraphs below totally confusing.  To get the maximum benefit from this promotion. 

1.Buy 3 stamps sets that are all the same price! For example - buy 3 x stamps sets that cost $21.00 - you pay $42.00 and save $21.00.  Ordering however is very easy - just enter the product numbers and the system chooses the cheapest stamp set to be the free set which in my example is one of the three as they are all the same price.  If you would like to order more than three stamp sets, ask a friend to border three more of a different price say 3 x $27.00 each.

If you are in the slighest bit unsure please email me (see side panel) and I will talk you through the procedure. I will be setting up an Ez-Invite for on line purchases.  HOWEVER, if you live on Sydney's North Shore, make sure you check out the North Shore Crafters Group for ways to save even more and only pay $2.00 for delivery.

My Acrylix® stamps that will not be eligible for this promotion?

All Stamp sets in the Cricut Collections EXCEPT those marked with a Green NEW FLAG. 

The legal mumbo jumbo ....

All M-, A-, B-, C-, D-, and E-size My Acrylix® stamp sets currently available for purchase (excluding stamp sets outlined below) are eligible for this campaign. The free stamp set will be determined by which other stamp sets are on the order. The lowest priced stamp set(s) will always be calculated as the free item(s). For example, if you purchase two D size stamp sets at $27.00 each and one C size stamp set at $21.00, The lowest-priced set is Stamp C. You would choose this size of these stamp set to receive it for free! (saving $21.00)

My Acrylix® stamps that will not be eligible for this promotion?
Workshops on the Go® stamp sets, stamp sets included in Cricut® Collections,
Campaign stamp sets, Operation Smile™ stamp sets, supply item stamp sets, Hostess
Rewards stamp sets, and Stamp of the Month stamp sets (both discounted and full-priced)
will not be eligible for this promotion (either as the qualifying full-priced stamp set or as
the free stamp set). It is easy to identify Cricut® Collections stamps as they have a

Great Savings on Stamps

Beginning March 1st and for the the entire Month

Buy two stamps sets and get one set free

Check back on Tuesday morning for all the excitng details.

Would you also like a FREE GIFT?
One of the stamp sets available (and soon to be retired) for you to purchase is D1609 Seaside Greetings - $27.00.  The first three (3) people to purchase this or any other stamp set will receive the Paper Mats and Full Instructions to make the four card set pictured below.  You can see the original post here. Just email me ( see side panel) if for all the details

Alternew Stamp Sets

I just could not resist any longer!

I have been dreaming about Alternew Stamps ever since I saw my first card on Pinterest way back in October last year. Last week I decided I could not wait any longer, and embarked on a google search to find an online supplier.  I was aware of one store but thought I would see what else was out there. I lucked out with Kim's Craft Supplies (her website is called craftsuppliesaustralia.com.au). 

Last week when I placed my order, Kim had a huge variety of stamps and dies from Alternew (note, this week many are out of stock). The good news, two more shipments are on their way!  It is still worth checking out her store and make a wishlist. How do I know this? I called Kim to ask about a particular stamp set that was not in her store.  She is such a pleasant and helpful person, I can highly recommend her. 

Anyway, I have been playing big time.  The stamps are gorgeous. For the first two cards I have used Alternew Wild Hibiscus Stamp Set . I decided to stamp colour and fussy cut my images until I got the hang of using all the sets.  I find it much less daunting to stamp a whole pile of images and experiment with colouring. That way I am not worried about wasting card bases and card stock.

I have used a combination of Water Colour Pencils, Distress Inks, Coloured Pencils and watercolour paints. For the card below I stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, onto CTMH White Watercolour Paper, and CTMH Watercolour Paints. I can honestly say it was super easy to do. The trick is to build up the layers of colour starting with  a pale wash, and it is vital to let each layer dry before adding more paint.

Alternew Wild Hibiscus Stamp Set - CTMH Watercolours

For the next card I decided to experiment with my Prismacolor Premier colour pencils.  I have just invested in a set of 24 and they are divine.  I still have quite a lot of  experimenting to do and in particular the type of paper I should use. I decided to share this card anyway, despite my poor blending.  Unfortunately black card stock does not photograph very well, but the brightly coloured hibiscus flowers look very dramatic on the black background.

Alternew Wild Hibiscus - Prismacolor Premier Pencils

Off to do some more experimenting and playing.  Two more stamps sets to come.  Also, a litttle disclaimer. I have not been asked to advertise Alternew Stamps or Kim's Craft Supplies and I have paid for the supplies.  I just believe in complimenting someone who has given me excellent service and sharing products (other than CTMH),  that I am impressed with.

One more Balloon Animal

Another Balloon Animal Card

ah.... the possibilities....

Just a quick post!  I made this card the day after the Elephant Balloon Card (below) and totally forgot to post it. I personally think this cute Stamp of the Month set is so very handy for all sorts of celebrations and will be an excellent "Go To" set whenever I am in need of a whimsical card for kids of all ages.

For some crazy reason I still remember the first time I saw a Balloon Animal.  If my memory serves me correctly, the balloons were all very pale colours, sofor this card, I used a more subdued colour theme using papers and colours (Glacier, Canary and Sorbet ) from the Zoe Collection. The Glacier mat was dry embossed using the CTMH Stripe Embossing Folder. The white mat was cut from MFT Stitched Rectangular Stax Die Set.

CTMH Balloon Animals

February Stamp of the Month
lots of fun for everyone!

Its hard to believe it is February already!  Every year I manage to fritter away the month of January. I just can't seem to get out of holiday mode! Also January is my Birthday month which by the way, is far less exciting than it used to be (my Birthday that is).

I just love this cute set of Balloon Animals. They look terrific stamped in all the bright Primary Colours or any colour that suits your theme.  I am finding it hard to choose a favourite as each one sort of has it's own "personality".  For example, I think the monkey would be perfect for cheeky fun loving friends. I immediately wanted to stamp the elephant in pink (CTMH Cotton Candy Ink). I also used three of the sentiments from the set. "It's Your Day" was perfect to make the the pink elephant stand out and be the heroine. For the background, I stamped several elephants in CTMH Whisper Ink and used an acetate overlay to make them recede even more into the background.  The entire panel was attached to the White Daisy Card Base with a Slate Card Stock mat using 3D foam tape. 

The Pink Elephant a.k.a.Birthday Girl was stamped with CTMH Cotton Candy Ink, fancy cut and mounted with 3D foam tape and attached just slightly above and to the left of the grey elephant. Great shadow effect!

February SOTM - 6 gorgeous Balloon Animals

SOTM-Balloon Animals S1602 set of 13 - $27.00 . Just in case you did not know...Spend $75.00 and you can purchase the full set for $7.50 

That's all for today the first day of the year for me and the first day of February for everyone else. Happy Crafting!

Marguerite

Another Springtime Wishes Card

Still playing around....

this time with the Springtime Wishes Stamp Set and Die Sets 

Thank You Card 

Last night I held an All Boxes class. Such a lot of fun. I still have to photograph the boxes, but in the mean time I thought I would share the Thank you Card and the Tiny Gift Box I made for the Hostess.

I just can't stop playing with the CTMH Springtime Wishes Stamp Set and Springtime Wishes Die Set.  This time I left the beautiful Charlotte double sided papers and inks tucked away and splashed out with sunny yellow and white. I don't know about you but, yellow flowers make me so very happy.  My absolute favourite colour of roses is also yellow.  

For this card I stamped with black ink on CTMH Canary Card Stock,White Daisy Card Stock and Pear Card Stock.  I used CTMH Water Colour Pencils to add colour to all die cut pieces.  The Canary panel was dry embossed using the CTMH Confetti Embossing Folder Z3118

Tiny Gift Box, Card and Envelope

The gift Box literally took me two minutes to make. I stamped in black ink and added Buttercup Liquid Pearls for the centres.  I glued an extra flower and leaf to the outside of the envelope as I was handing everything to my gracious Hostess as a thank you for organising a group of her lovely friends to come along to the class. I learnt to make easy boxes combining ideas from several on Pinterest and I plan to share via video tutorial A.S.A.P.

FOOTNOTE: Yes that's right! I have decided that I must start posting video tutorials on my Blog and YouTube.  I have absoultely no idea of how to film, edit and upload.  Not to mention how to overcome my fear of talking on camera.  I plan to start tomorrow....lots of research and practice to come.

If you are interested in seeing some video tutorials, I would love to hear what type of things you would like to see.  Post a comment or email me.  See right side panel for details.

#Charlotte Love Affair Continues...

...and how to get FREE instructions for all cards

It's easy... just make a $20.00 purchase from my on-line store
or .......If you live on Sydney's North Shore JOIN the Nth Shore Crafters jan2016 "Gathering

You will need to register you email address when you log-in or you can email me to advise.
You will also receive a FREE copy of the new Seasonal Expressions Idea Book with your order

Charlotte Four Card Set

I actually started "playing with the Charlotte Paper Packet" with these cards.  As there are six (6) different double sided BandT papers in the range ....the sixth being the PML "card" papers horizontal/landscape format on one side and vertical/portrait on the other side, I have posted three cards using those papers here. 

I decided I wanted to experiment with the other 10 paper designs using just one patterned paper plus plain card stock for each card - four done and six to go. Also I wanted to share what I have created so far before going on to the next few. For all four cards I used the Springtime Wishes Stamp Set (set of 18 C1641 $21 AUD) and the NEW and very exciting for me Springtime Wishes Thin Cuts (set of 11 metal dies Z3201 $21 AUD).

In preparation, I  stamped the flowers and leaves using the following combinations:

A) On White Daisy card stock - stamped with the Charlotte Featured Colours (Black, Slate, Whisper, Champagne and Sorbet Inks) and Versamark and White Embossing Powder. I also used the White Watercolour paper and new Watercolor Paints. I painted a variety of washes in pale gray, pink and pale sorbet.  The next day (when the paper was completely dry) I stamped with Black, Slate and Whisper .

B) On Black card stock - Versamark and  Gold or White Embossing Powder.

C) On Sorbet card stock - I stamped with Black, Slate, Whisper Inks and
Versamark and White Embossing Powder.

D) On Champagne card stock - stamped with Black, Slate and Whisper Inks Versamark and White Embossing Powder.

E) I also experimented stamping with Black, Whisper and Slate on both the pale pink and pale sorbet side s of Paper #5 

I also die cut them all before I started making up the cards.  A great way to experiment with different combinations, and a terrific time saver!

For the purpose of describing the papers, they are numbered from One (1) through to Six (6) - number 1, 2 and 3 top row remainder second row of this image on the website or Pages 4 - 9 in the Idea Book show the whole Charlotte range

Card One using Paper #1

I used White Daisy card base, and Slate card stock. For this card I used two flowers stamped with Versamark and White embossing Powder  colour them with Sorbet Ink using a dauber,
  

Card Two using Paper #4 (reverse side)

I used Champagne card stock for the card baseand foam mounted the two panels of the BandT. The two large flowers are white embossed on champagne and I used my gold pen to highlight some of the flowers. The Sentiments are from the Spingtime Wishes Stamp Set and the darling little gold hearts come in the Treasures Puffies Packet (Z3203 $6.50 AUD or included in the WYW Kit)

Card Three using Paper#2

I love this paper, but with all papers with a strong all over pattern, embellishments have to be kept to a minimum. I mounted a Black card stock mat on the White Daisy card base, followed by a smaller mat of paper #2. The White Daisy rectangular mounted on a Black mat provided a perfect spot for the sentiments and a place to group the flowers.

Card Four using Paper # 3

It is a bit hard to see in the photograph but  the reverse side of the black and white print paper is a gorgeous soft apricot/pink with a very subtle uneven white stripe.  I even used the Zip Strip from the same paper adhered diagonally.  The leaves are black stamped on champagne cardstock. Very quick and easy.

Final post for today, I made an this A2 Card Box.  It holds the eight cards (created so fa) and envelopes. The instructions and measurements for making this box are available for FREE when you make a $20.00 purchase on my website (Australia only).

A2 Card Box using Paper #3

For the box I wanted to keep the decoration to Black and White only. Honestly though it looked too flat.  I was happy with the addition of some Gold embossed on Black elements and a stip of out new Gold Foil Tape (Z3129 $7.50AUD). The roll is 15 yards inlength and .25 inches wide. 

If you have any questions or comments please leave a note below or you can always email me - see right hand side.

Until next time - Happy Crafting.
Marg

Beautiful New Products

A Match Made In Heaven

January 2016 SOTM

The base and shade images on January’s Stamp of the Month set make it easy to get beautifully textured images. Here's how: stamp the solid base in a light colour of ink and the matching detail image in a darker colour directly over it.

The My Acrylix® Beloved Bouquet set is only available during January. Normally $27.00 AUD 

Get it at for just $7.50 AUD with your qualifying order

Available this month only, the Picture My Life™ Live Your Day scrapbooking program fits right in with your Everyday Life™ 2016 planner pages. Don’t have the planner pages yet? Get them now at a 50% discount!

All of the above and lots more.  The new Seasonal Expressions Idea Book/Catalogue is out.  I don't think I have ever been this excited about new products.  You can get a FREE Copy now when your order from my web-site or you can download the PDF version here.

NEW way to shop on-line with CTMH

NEW way to shop on-line with CTMH
and Designs by Marguerite

IS THIS YOU ?
You live and/or work on Sydney's North Shore?
Don't need and/or want to attend classes or workshops?
Like the freedom of buying from lots of different suppliers?
Hate feeling pressured into buying product from Consultants/Demonstrators?

then ....Welcome to the Sydney North Shore Crafters Club 
exclusive to North Shore residents and or workers ONLY!

Click on this link and read all about it now!

ALSO ..../.WHY NOT ALSO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF STAMPAGANZA?

buy 3 stamp sets and get one FREE (Free set must be of same value or lesser value)

Read about it here!

Happy New Year

...and welcome Charlotte

I hope you and yours all had a wonderful Christmas and fun New Years celebrations.  We were particularly blessed in Sydney this year as the weather was gorgeous and not stinking hot.  Love a summer Christmas except when the mercury rises - I still shudder to think of 40 degree celsius Christmas Days. 

I have been happily ensconced in my craft space playing with ALL the wonderful New Charlotte WYW (Workshop Your Way) Kit G1104 and Charlotte Paper Pack X7205B...

You can also find more information on the entire Charlotte range below in my post from December 15th..

Three cards all using The PML paper 

I am posting these first as I just can't believe how quick and easy they were to design and make using the PML (Picture My Life) BandT papers. This is an exciting new addition.  The paper is exactly the same format as the PML Cards portrait on one side landscape on the other. The Charlotte Featured Colours are Black, Champagne, Slate, Sorbet, Whisper and White Daisy and I have used  the CTMH Cardstock in these colours throughout.

For this card White Daisy Card Base and mat and Sorbet Cardstock.  The two cute chipboard pieces are from the Charlotte Complements pack which is included in the WYW Kit G114 or separately X7205C

Black Cardstock Card Base, mats in White Daisy, Black, Whisper and Black Banners and the pink mat & circle made from one of the papers ( the reverse side of which i used in the card below).  I am loving the New Springtime Wishes Thin Cuts (Z3201) and Springtime Wishes Stamp Set (C1641) both are just $21.00 each.

Card three also which is included in the uses a Black Card Base (a bit hard to see sorry), the lovely new Black and Gold Ribbon, which is included in the WYW Kit G114 or sold separately Z3197 $9.00