CCMC118 - A Tea Time Treat

Anyone that knows me, knows I might not drink coffee, but tea is a completely different story! It is my one true vice.
There's nothing like coming home from a busy, hectic day and unwinding with a cup of tea. Tea is a refreshment, it's fuel (it keeps me going) and it's a social institution. Whenever guests arrive at my house, nearly the first question I ask, is "would you like something to drink?" Even if I know they don't drink tea, it is an excuse to put the kettle on and have a tea myself.
My first choice is Earl Grey and I start every morning with a cup. I have to say though, that one of my friends recently gave me some tea she had got out West when she was there and I was very taken with it. It was a Stone Fruit Blend from a Tea company called Murchies. I'll be paying them a visit!

But what does tea have to do with cards?? Well, in the new Catalogue there is a stamp set made just for me (well, that's what it felt like anyway when I first saw it!). It's called 'Morning Cup', and has images of tea cups and tea pots and some coffee related images (but I just pretend they are not in the set, because it's all about the tea). So, I just had to have the stamp set which means I had to come up with something with it!

I have had an idea for some time now to make a gift box for other such tea lovers as myself. It's taken me a while but I have finally finished it. I am SO thrilled with how it has turned out. I might even go as far to say, it's as good as a cup of tea that's been brewed to perfection.
These are the four cards that are included in the Tea Box. All have water coloured images and I have left them fairly generic so people can use them. I just had to include this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt on one of the cards... "A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water". It's so true!
Also included in the box are tea bags (yes, Earl Grey) and some gift tags with tea related images on them.
So what do you think? As good as a cup of tea or just as good as a cup of coffee?!

'Scallop Me Beautiful' Class

When my customers ask me what one punch I would recommend as their first purchase, I always say the same thing... "the circle scallop punch is the one I use the most". It can turn a plain card into something special and it's a fantastic way to highlight a stamped image, especially if it's small and might otherwise get lost on a card front.

So of course, since I have said the circle scallop punch is the best, I felt I should do a class showcasing just why I think it is. With two circle scallop punches now in the SU! range, it just means twice the "bestness".

The inspiration for this scrunched scalloped flower comes from my Upline Carol (thanks Carol!!). She demonstrated it to us at one of our meetings. It reminds me of the Chrysanthemums (Mum's to all you Canadians!) that are all about at the moment. I made the wee card to fit inside the box by folding a piece of card stock and then punching it out. Teeny tiny but perfect to go inside this box with a treat.
This card showcases with a few snips with scissors, you can make yourself a garden of blooms. For the Orange flowers I have cut between each valley of the scallops and for the red flower; every second one. Super simple but super sweet!
Made using several circle scallops; folded and cut, you end up with this floral masterpiece. Isn't it just beautiful? I got this idea from the SU! demonstrator site that I have access to.

The projects for this class are made using some of the new In Colours. Mmmmmm. Not only are the colours delicious looking, but their names conjure up thoughts of food too! Concord Crush, Peach Parfait and Pear Pizzazz. Time to eat!

Class: Wednesday October 27th, 7 - 9.30 pm. $15. Email to save yourself a seat.

The Wonderful World of Watercolouring

I have been busy beavering away on some cards for a long overdue Watercolour class that I have had many requests for. Since doing a custom water colouring card order of thirty, I feel I have a pretty good grasp on all things water coloured now!

For the class you'll make three cards and learn basic water colouring techniques - how to watercolour using watercolour pencils, markers and ink pads.

CARD ONE...
As soon as I saw this set in the new catty, I have wanted to water colour it! For this card you'll be using watercolour pencils. I found the tiny end of the pencil lead great for the smaller areas.
Don't those cakes look good enough to eat?!

CARD TWO...
This gorgeous card uses the Stampin' Up! markers to achieve the rich and vibrant colour required to imitates nature's beautiful Poinsettia. I think it is absolutely stunning.

CARD THREE...
Isn't this too cute? For this image I have used ink pads. It might now be Fall but this card is a wee reminder of Summer days.

Given the nature of the class I will be running it on a Saturday as an extra to my regular bi-weekly schedule.

Date: Sunday November 7th, 1 - 4pm.
Cost: $30. (This includes an Aqua painter that you will keep after the class).

PLEASE NOTE: Because I have to pre order the Aqua painters, payment is required when you register for the class, and registrations close Friday 22nd September.

October Christmas Club Card

It's that time again... Inky Moose's Christmas Card Class for October.
This time I have used the cute tree from the 'Fun and Fast Notes' stamp set with the wood grain background stamp. Add a little bit of glitter and some embellishments and this is what you get...
Super cute don't you think?! I love the earthy colours and the simple lines of this card.
Class details: Wednesday October 13th 7 - 9.30 pm. Each card is $2 to make so let me know how many you want to make when you register.

I've been Busy!

Sorry for not posting in a wee while but I want to assure you that I have been busy!
I have a few projects on the go at the moment and have started making things for the Christmas Market I have a stall at this year.
I want to share some chipboard gift boxes I have made for the fair. They are nice and sturdy thanks to the chipboard (and thanks to Sue and Rebecca for their copious supply of chipboard!) so the recipient will be able to keep it or re use it if they desire.

Inspired By Mother Nature

Just recently I have noticed leaves on the ground when I am out and about. Only a few at first but now there are most definitely "piles". Having been here in Canada a little over a year now, I know what those "piles" mean. Fall is coming!
I'd like to say that I am sad to see Summer go, but I don't know how many more 35 degree days I want! And for me, Fall is the best season of them all.
Those rich, glorious colours, warm sunny days with cool nights. Sounds like bliss currently!
But I am getting sidetracked :).

My next class is Fall related using the lovely set 'Autumn Splendour'. After my 'Black Tie' embossing class, this set is the complete opposite. There's an earthly richness with fluttering leaves in the breeze...
and this matchbox is my version of a pile of leaves. Not big enough to jump in certainly but big enough to give someone a wonderful Fall surprise.
Class: Wednesday 29th September, 7 - 9.30 pm. Cost $15. Email me to register!