Flying By

 

I'm excited to share that these cards are part of a creative series I've been crafting in preparation for our upcoming Stampin' Up! stand at the Sandown Picture to Page show, which will take place this weekend on the 11th and 12th of October 2024. It's always a joy to contribute to such vibrant events that celebrate creativity and inspire fellow crafters. 

The designs I've chosen feature images from the polymer stamp set, “Flying By.” This wonderful set includes a total of 12 distinct stamps, each crafted with a variety of messages that cater to countless occasions. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, sending a note of encouragement, or simply reaching out to a friend, this versatile collection has something to suit every sentiment and theme.

For this series, I opted for a minimalistic style that emphasises the beauty of simplicity. By incorporating ample negative space, the designs allow the images to truly shine and create a striking visual impact. This approach not only enhances the overall aesthetic of the cards but also draws the viewer's attention directly to the whimsical elements of the stamps. It’s amazing how such a refined style can evoke feelings and convey messages with clarity.

I can't wait to showcase these creations at the show and to connect with fellow crafting enthusiasts. If you're attending, be sure to stop by and check out our stand! 

Construction Zone

This adorably designed card features a charming stamp set from Stampin' Up!, known as Construction Zone, which has unfortunately been retired. This particular set holds a special appeal for young children, especially those with a passion for construction vehicles and all things related to building and roadwork. It's truly delightful to see the fascination in a child's eyes as they observe construction sites, with their busy machinery and hardworking individuals transforming the landscape around them. 

To capture the essence of this theme, I chose a black and yellow color scheme for the card base, reminiscent of classic construction worker attire and safety signs, which adds a playful touch to the overall design. These colors not only evoke the spirit of construction but also create a visually striking contrast that draws attention to the card.

Additionally, I wanted to add a bit of texture and personality to the card, so I incorporated gingham paper that has been carefully colored to match the vibrant hues of the construction theme. The gingham pattern adds a whimsical charm, reminiscent of picnic blankets and outdoor fun, further enhancing the card’s playful feel.

Overall, this card is a delightful homage to the world of construction, perfect for celebrating little ones who adore watching the hustle and bustle of roadwork and heavy machinery. It’s an excellent choice for birthdays, congratulations, or even just a thoughtful note to brighten someone's day!

Country Flowers

For this card, I chose to use the Dashing Designs 3D embossing folder, applying it to a piece of vellum to create a delicate and textured backdrop that adds depth to the overall design.

The floral images were coloured with Stampin' Blends, allowing for rich, smooth gradients that bring each leaf to life.

Adding a thoughtful touch, the sentiment comes from the online exclusive Sweetly Scripted stamp set, perfectly tying the entire composition together. 

This card not only showcases the versatility of the Country Flower collection but also highlights the elegance of layered textures and vibrant colors, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

Kiddin' Around

The Kiddin' Around stamp set is a treasure trove of whimsical images, perfectly suited for crafting joyful and imaginative cards. This delightful set also includes a coordinating die set, which adds enchanting elements that elevate any card-making project. For this particular creation, I decided to take advantage of the charming castle die cut, utilising it to craft a whimsical background that instantly transports the viewer into a fairytale world filled with wonder.

To bring the stamped images to life, I turned to my favorite colouring tools, the Stampin' Blends. These alcohol markers allow for smooth blending and vibrant colour application, which is essential for conveying the magical essence of this design. As I coloured each image, I imagined the fantastical scenes that would unfold within the castle walls, using a palette of bright and cheerful hues to evoke feelings of joy and excitement. From sunny yellows to vivid blues, every stroke contributed to the enchanting aura of the card.

To further enhance the overall composition, I incorporated a stunning piece of retired double-sided paper. This beautiful paper adds depth and texture to the background, creating a lovely contrast that complements the main images wonderfully. The intricate patterns on the paper help tie the entire design together, evoking a playful yet sophisticated atmosphere that draws the eye in and invites exploration.

To complete the card, I carefully arranged the elements, ensuring that the castle stood out as the focal point while the other images created a harmonious scene around it. The final touches included playful embellishments and thoughtful placement of sentiments, which added an extra layer of charm to the design.

In conclusion, this card showcases the enchanting possibilities of the Kiddin' Around stamp set and coordinating dies. With its whimsical castle background, vibrant colours from the Stampin' Blends, and the delightful addition of retired double-sided paper, this card is not just a greeting; it’s a journey into a world of imagination. Whether it's for a birthday celebration, a congratulatory note, or simply to bring a smile to someone's face, this card is sure to spread joy and inspire creativity in those who receive it.

Dotted Circles 3D Embossing

This stunning monochromatic card makes an impactful statement with its vibrant Melon Mambo base, a colour that instantly captures the eye and radiates energy. The bold choice of this vivid hue sets the stage for a design that is both playful and sophisticated, perfect for a variety of occasions.

To create dynamic texture on the card front, I employed two distinct embossing folders that work harmoniously together to enhance the visual interest. The first, Dotted Circles 3D embossing folder, adds a whimsical and playful background, featuring a delightful array of circles that seem to dance across the surface. This textured element not only draws the eye but also provides an engaging tactile quality that invites touch, making the card feel even more special.

For the focal point of the card, I turned to the Thoughtful Moments embossing folder, which effortlessly adds a touch of elegance to the design. This folder beautifully imparts an intricate and refined texture that perfectly complements the sentiment in the centre, reinforcing the overall theme of sophistication. To further elevate the message, I incorporated coordinating dies that seamlessly integrate with the embossed background, allowing the words to stand out while still feeling like an integral part of the design.

What I find most remarkable about this simple yet effective technique is how it transforms the card into a stunning masterpiece without overwhelming the viewer. The contrast between the playful dots and the elegant textural elements creates a sense of depth and dimension, ensuring that the card is visually captivating from every angle.

Ultimately, this monochromatic card, with its vibrant Melon Mambo base and masterful use of embossing techniques, showcases the beauty of simplicity in design. It is a perfect example of how thoughtfully chosen colours and textures can come together to create a card that is not only visually stunning but also emotionally resonant. Whether given as a birthday greeting, a thank-you note, or an invitation, this card is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who receives it!

From Our Home

I’m currently immersed in card-making, where I’m particularly drawn to crafting designs that emphasize a single image, utilise ample negative space, and convey a straightforward message. This approach allows for a clean and modern aesthetic that not only enhances the beauty of the focal point but also offers a tranquil viewing experience for the recipient. 

In this particular card, I’ve chosen to feature the elegant tree from the Stampin' Up set From Our Home. The intricate details of the tree are beautifully rendered, making it an ideal candidate for my design philosophy. 

To complement the stunning tree illustration, I decided to create the message using a technique that adds depth and dimension to the card. I embossed the sentiment onto a piece of Basic Black cardstock using white embossing powder. This choice not only creates a striking visual contrast that effectively draws the eye but also infuses the card with a sense of sophistication and elegance. The glossy, raised texture of the embossed words adds a tactile element that enhances the overall experience, inviting recipients to not only read the message but to feel it as well.

What I adore about this card design is its simplicity. The ample negative space surrounding the tree and the message allows the eye to fully appreciate the intricate details of the image. This minimalistic approach helps to focus attention on the beauty of the design without unnecessary distractions, making the tree the standout feature. I believe that sometimes less truly is more; it allows the elements to breathe and provides a serene backdrop that magnifies the impact of the chosen imagery.

As I continue to explore this style of card-making, I find myself experimenting with various color palettes and materials to see how they influence the viewer's perception of the design. For instance, while the striking contrast of black and white is timeless, introducing subtle pops of color can add a different emotional layer to the card without overwhelming its simplicity. Each creation becomes an opportunity to express my artistic vision while keeping the essence of elegance and focus intact.

Racing By

A really unique stamp set is the Racing By set. 

I love the colour combination of Real Red, Pool Party, Basic Black and Basic White - it is a real classic mixture to me.

The black and white gingham double-sided paper is reminiscent of the checkered flag at a car race. While the black cardstock in strips almost feels like the racetrack itself.

The message is just one of three that comes with the stamp set. In addition, you can also change the 'painted' appearance of the car with other car patterns too.

Don't they say red cars go faster? so surely this car(d) is going to be a winner. 

Saying Hey

Using just the charming apple stamp from the Saying Hey stamp set, I embarked on a creative journey to design this delightful card. 

To ensure a clean and polished look with no overlapping lines between the stamped images, I crafted three masks using Post-it note paper. This technique allowed me to strategically position each mask over previously stamped apples, enabling me to create a layered effect while maintaining the integrity of each individual image. The masks not only helped in achieving crisp lines but also added an element of fun to the stamping process as I watched the apples come to life.

To complete this card, I selected a heartfelt message from the Sweetly Scripted stamp set. The combination of the whimsical apple imagery and the elegant font of the sentiment creates a harmonious balance that speaks to the joy of celebrating birthdays.

As I began coloring the apples, I was inspired by the fact that these delicious fruits come in a delightful array of colors. Seizing this opportunity, I decided to showcase several different varieties of apples on the card. From vibrant reds and cheerful yellows to subtle greens, each apple represents a unique flavor and character, adding visual interest to the design. The top apple, positioned near the message, is especially special; I carefully fussy cut it out and elevated it with Dimensionals, which gives it a three-dimensional look that draws the eye and adds depth to the overall composition.

When it came time to assemble everything, I adhered the entire card front onto a Real Red card base. The final result is a delightful celebration of apples. With the careful combination of thoughtful techniques and cheerful imagery, we have a card that captures the essence of apple season in all its glory.

Truckin' Along

This card has used the stamp set and punch for the Truckin' Along set. 

I have coloured this image in using the alcohol Stampin' Blends, (one of my favourite ways to add colour to an image). This has given the aged look to this truck.

The background textures of this card have been done using 2 different embossing folders.

On the Basic White circle I have spritzed colour to provide another dimension to the card.

Isn't the glimmer paper used here a lovely feature. This type of paper can be coloured to coordinate with the remainder of your card. As well as the bling added to the card.

 

Sweet Peas

Using a Basic White card base highlights the image.

This delightful card was created using the charming Stampin' Up! stamp set known as Sweet Peas. This particular set has an undeniable appeal, characterised by its adorable designs and whimsical elements that truly capture the essence of sweetness. 

One of the aspects I find most gratifying about this design is the elegant simplicity derived from utilising negative space on the card. By opting for a clean layout with a singular image featured prominently on the front, the overall effect is one of sophistication and focus. The chosen image shines through unencumbered, allowing its beauty to take center stage. A gentle pop of color accompanies the focal point, enhancing the card's visual appeal without overwhelming it. Coupled with a heartfelt message, this minimalist design approach completes the composition with grace and clarity.

In addition, using a Basic White card base serves to elevate the entire presentation. The pristine white background not only highlights the vibrant image beautifully but also adds an air of freshness and simplicity to the card. It creates a striking contrast that draws the eye in, ensuring that the design elements stand out and resonate with anyone who receives the card. Overall, this combination of thoughtful design choices results in a card that is not only visually appealing but also emotionally impactful, celebrating the beauty of both the Sweet Peas stamp set and the art of card-making itself.

Free Shipping!!!

Stampin' Up! is having a free shipping day on Tuesday July 23rd.

To qualify, simply place an order of $65 or more. Use this opportunity to stock up on essentials like cardstock, papers, and adhesives. Don't forget to check for more items from the new Online exclusives and kits.

Remember to select Nicole Goding as your preferred demonstrator when placing your order. Or contact me to put an order in on your behalf. Happy shopping.

Shoe Box Swaps #2

Here are shoe box swap lovely cards designed by my fellow demonstrators that I recently made at a team day.

From left to right, the cards are designed by:

Fiona Cobbin - Citrus Blooms

Jenny Boyle - Spotlight on Nature

Rosie Spezzano - Layers of Beauty

Shoebox Swaps #1

When we as team members get together for a shoebox swap we get to make lovely cards designed by our fellow demonstrators. Here are a few examples of swaps I got to make.

From left to right the cards are designed by:

Janine Rawlins - Thoughtful Wishes

Julie Higgins - Adventurous Sky double-sided papers

Sharni Green - Spotlight on Nature

Saying Hey Stamp Set

At a team shoebox swap day recently I used the Saying Hey Stamp Set to create my card swap. 

I repetitively stamped the little penguin in black ink across the card front on a raised piece of card. I used the masking technique to cover each previous image to ensure the finished look I got looked like a huddle of penguins.

The message is from the online exclusive stamp set Sweetly Scripted.

A little bit of information for you. A collective noun for a group of penguins depends on where they’re situated and what they’re doing at the time.

Other names can be a formality of penguins: huddle of penguins, an icing of penguins, march of penguins, muster of penguins, parade of penguins, parcel of penguins, pride of penguins, rookery of penguins, shiver of penguins, tobogganing of penguins, town of penguins and tuxedo of penguins.

Golden Greenery Suite - Coming 3 July 2024

Iconic Celebrations Suite - Coming 3 July 2024

 

Scenic Route Travel Journal Kit

Make a handmade travel journal with the Scenic Route Travel Journal
Kit. This kit is great for memory keeping. Use it to document a special moment or trip spent with loved ones and friends! You can arrange the included fold-out pages the way you desire, as well as the sentiments and images, and create the words of your choice using the adhesive-backed alphabet sheets. The sticker sentiments are available in English, French, German, and Dutch.

Kit includes:
* Step-by-step instructions and guided layouts
* Precut pieces (No prep work! Get right to crafting)
* Make 1 travel journal
* 2 fold-out pages with pockets
* 2 tri-fold pages
* Size of the travel journal: 5-3/4" x 9-1/4" x 7/8" (14.6 x 23.5 x 2.2 cm)
* Printed adhesive-backed die-cut alphabets, sentiments, and images
* Paper die-cut journaling pieces
* Enough adhesive to complete projects

Product colours: Calypso Coral, Early Espresso, Lost Lagoon, Petal Pink, Wild Wheat

Kits by Stampin’ Up! are perfect for new crafters, busy crafters, or crafters who want quick and easy projects. All-inclusive project kits have everything you need in one box! Give as a gift or try them yourself. Kits are while supplies last. Order today!

 

Save on Stamp and Die Bundles

Between 5 - 30 June 2024 (AEST)get an additional 10% discount on stamp and die bundles only (that’s a total of 20% discount on stamp and die bundles!). This excludes suite collections, stamp and punch bundles, bundles not yet released to customers, and any other bundles.
Save 10% on Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine and Mini Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine (white and Boho Blue). 

The 10% discount applies automatically to stamp and die bundles in all orders including Starter Kit orders.

 

Sketched Butterflies Card

This shoebox swap card design came from Janine Rawlins. It uses the Sketched Butterflies stamp #163490 with Spot On Nature Dies #163580 and the Timber 3D embossing background #156406 on the card front.

Those dies are gorgeous - so many different patterns, each on a different sized circle. They are currently sitting in my wish list for a future purchase - I can see so many varied uses of them in my card making. They just add that little bit extra, rather than a plain circle.

This card base is the lovely Berry Burst colour. So very vibrant and coordinates so well with the other colours featured in those die cut circles.

Tune In Card

It has been a little bit since I last posted. We are currently undergoing renovations in our house that have disrupted everything. Believe me it is no fun living without a bathroom for 6 weeks and showering alfresco on the back deck in the midst of winter. Brrrrrr.

I was lucky to just get back from 5 days away at a craft retreat (yay - indoor showers)!!! Each of us created a shoebox swap to participate in. I used the brand-new stamp set called Tune In, which has the option to come in a bundle with coordinating dies #163637.

The papers used in this card may surprise you as they come from the new set of Lily Pond Lane double sided paper #163342. I have used the reverse side of these papers to get the patterns, not the lovely ducks.

The embellishments used are the Glossy Dots #158827, which I have coloured to match my card with the Stampin' Blends. This is a great way to have embellishments in many colours.

Embossing and Wink of Stella have been added to form additional texture. I am really happy with how this card came out.

The television is quite a large stamp and I think it would also look great in a landscape card format. Now I am thinking wood effect wallpaper, funky 1970's carpet....the imagination can go on. 

I look forward to seeing what you create with this new stamp set.