Happy New Year

Hello all.
I trust everyone had a lovely Christmas.
Sorry for being quiet since my last post but since Christmas Eve I have had the flu.
I had planned on classes resuming this week but am still not up to speed so will be postponing the classes until next week. I will post photos in a few days.
I wish everyone a happy happy New Years tonight and may 2013 be filled with much crafty goodness :D

A Wee Message

Just a wee message for you and yours ...

May the spirit of Christmas fill your heart -now and always.

Merry Christmas everyone! :D

Dashing With Dasher!

Hello all :)
On Tuesday I discovered I had sold all of my Christmas cards at the crafters cooperative I am in. That meant I had to make a mad dash to make some more.
Here's one of my "dashing" creations ...

Even though the Dasher stamp is retired, I couldn't part with him. I love reindeer images and this guy is no exception. I heat embossed him with white embossing powder and added a 'Merry' in gold at the bottom of the tag. It's a little difficult to see in the photo.
I then stamped various Christmas sentiments on the tag to give it a collage effect. I'm really pleased with how it turned out.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek, and I hope the holdiday season is a happy one thus far! :D

Oh Those Gorgeous Fancy Pants

Happy Tuesday :)
I have been working on the projects for my much anticipated 'Fancy Pants Christmas Cards Class'.
I like to finish the Christmas card "season" with some more intricate cards for those of us that love to create something extra special for the extra special people in our lives.

My first creation has a definite WOW factor ... it's a four - way easel card. If I do say so myself, this card is gorgeous!
I've used shades of blue and a hint of gold, and merrily stamped snowflakes with them.
The card lies flat for posting too...

 

Want to see the entire finished project open?

Here you go...

So what do you think? Gorgeous with some WOW factor?!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)

 

 



Frame It and wrap It Pretty!

Happy Monday all.
It's a beautiful Autumn day here. It is chilly but the sun is out. Stepping outside takes one's breath away but boy it's exhilerating!
These photos are long overdue. They are of the upcoming class I have this week (yes this week ... I know).
With Christmas just a month away I thought a gift would make a nice class. My wonderful upline Carol showed me how to create a fabulous photo frame and I thought it would make a lovely gift.

 I have co-ordinated it with with a gift box (It's one of the SU! Kraft gift boxes ... it doesn't fit the frame but it's cute!) and a gift tag.
I kept the white frame of the tag blank so you could stamp whatever sentiment or image you needed on it.
Here's a photo of them ...

 I have used the gorgeous 'International Bazaar' DSP from SU!. The colours and patterns are so rich and striking.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek. I hope my creations inspired you!

Signing On...

Happy Sunday all:)
I have been busy lately making stock for the upcoming 'Christmas At The Market' that I participate in. A while ago I came across an idea using wooden paint sticks to make Christmas decorations and thought they were too cute not to try myself.
These are just a few of what I came up with...

 

I love how they turned out!
I hope your weekend has been a good one and thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)

Sensational Snowflakes

Happy Sunday all :)
I have pics of this weeks class projects to share with you today. I have used the new 'Snow Flurry' die for the Big Shot to create them all.

Above is the card I made using the negative piece of the snowflake cut-out. I sponged over it several times then dry embossed the piece of cardstock to give it some texture. I added some handsome Midnight Muse ribbon and silver embossing powder. Not your conventional Christmas card but striking nonetheless.

The second project uses the same snowflake image ... yes I do mean that the flower is made with snowflakes!
This wonderful idea came from a fellow demonstrator on the SU! Demo site. I love that you can use something so winter related to create something else. That's definite value for money!

 

 

Lucky last is the 3D snowflake ornament...

 

 

I had a couple of snowflakes cut out and was trying to decide what to make with them, when one of my DD's came into my room and said "They'd make a great 3D ornament Mum".

Thanks DD for your inspiration and thank you my readers for stopping by and taking a peek :)

 

The Christmas Class Is A Go!

Happy Wednesday :)
Today I'm excited to share with you the projects for my upcoming All Day Christmas class.
I had given you a sneaky peek of the wreath project, but here it is in it's entirety. Isn't it gorgeous?!
I love the Candy Cane feel the colours and patterns have. It is a "sweet" project for sure!

The wreath is the main (most time consuming!) project for the day.

The second project is this adorable decorative hanger ...

 

Each stocking can hold a small chocolate bar or Candy Cane. I have used the same handsome Bronze buttons and DSP as the wreath but have used the new cotton ribbon as the hanger.

Here's a closer pic...

 

Notice the embossing on the body of the stocking? I wasn't sure it would fit in the embossing folder but luckily it did!

Lastly is a cute wee project. At my last ASI Team meeting in Truro, one of the lovely ladies (Hi Linda!) showed us a sweet chocolate holder idea. Here is my take on it ...

 

This time I have used the cute Snow Festival DSP. Add some ribbon and these are the perfect gift when you want to give something small.

And what's inside?

Hmmmmm, that's not a hard question ...  all good gift boxes should contain chocolate!

 

So there you have it, my 2012 All Day Christmas Class projects!

 

Class Details

 

Date: Saturday 1st December, 10 - 5 pm.

 

Cost: $70.00. This includes supplies and lunch. If you have any dietary restrictions please let me know so I can try to accomodate them. If you would rather not have the lunch that is included, email me for a separate price.

 

Registration: To secure your spot, a $35 deposit needs to be made to me before 15th November. The remaining $35 can be paid on the day.

 

Tools: You will need the following tools for the class - scissors, pencil and adhesive (BOTH double sided adhesive tape and a glue. I recommend Tombo glue). A score board and a glue gun would be handy but not necessary as I will have mine available for use. 

 

Any questions just email them to me at inkymoose@gmail.com

 

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



A Sneaky Peek

Happy Sunday all :)
Today's post is a sneaky peek at one of the projects for the upcoming All Day Christmas class.
I had said I was going to include a wreath as one of the projects and here's a photo of part of it.
I've used the delicious 'Be Of Good Cheer' DSP, Gumball Green ribbon and handsome Brushed Bronze buttons. This wreath makes quite a statement!
I will post more photos over the next few days so make sure you come back and visit!

Easy Envelope Album

Happy Sunday :)
It's been a wee while since I last posted and I do apologise. I have a friend visiting from NZ who has been unwell so she has been a main priority. It's bad enough being sick in your own home but in another country is on another level again!

I realised today that I haven't posted what my class is going to be this coming week so here it is.
It's a photo album made from envelopes. It is just the right size to fit in your handbag if you want a brag book. The album holds 6 photos in total.

Here's a look at the album opened up...

You can decoarate your album to suit whatever occasion you might like. It would make a gorgeous Grandparent Brag Book or a simple gift to send someone from your wedding. I haven't stamped anything in the small pink ovals but you could either stamp a sentiment in them or handwrite the names of the people in the photographs.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)

 

Class Details

 

Dates: Wednesday 17th October / Thursday 18th October, 7 - 9.30pm.

Cost: $15.00

Email to register your seat.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Awesome ASI Challenge

Happy Wednesday :)
Today I'm sharing the awesome challenge fellow ASI team member Louise, came up with.
We were to make a card kit for each team member and send it to them. We then had to make a card with said kits. At our team meeting last weekend we got to see each others creations.
It was amazing to see how differently people interpreted the kits and in some cases how freakily similar some were!
Here's the card I made, the kits I sent and the cards that were created by my fellow ASI team members...

Inky Moose Club Card For October

Happy Monday :)

Today's post is the Inky Moose Club card for October. Can you believe it will shortly be the tenth month of the year? I know I can't. But, October will soon be here and with it another Christmas card class.

I've taken a Real Red card base and added a few banners (made from Christmas DSP) for contrast. The green ornament is stamped and cut out with the awesome Ornament Keepsake Bundle from SU! Say goodbye to cutting around images!
For something different I embossed my sentiment rather than stamping it in ink. I think it makes a nice change.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!

Class Details

Dates: Wednesday 3rd / Thursday 4th October, 7 - 9.30 pm.

Cost: $2 per card. Confirm the number required when you register your spot.

Falling For Fall

Happy Friday all :)

Fall (or Autumn as I was brought up saying) is my favourite season. The slighter cooler weather and the rich vibrant colours win me over time and again.

My lovely upline Carol came up with an amazing tutorial to make an Autumnal wreath. I took one look at it and just HAD to make one of my own.
I didn't have all the supplies Carol used so I improvised a little, but the outcome is the same... I have a spectacular wreath to adorn my front door!
Here's a photo of the entire wreath...

Isn't it stunning?! I'm really pleased with the result.

Want to make one of your own?
Click on the link above and it'll take you to Carol's blog where you can purchase the instructions. It's worth every penny!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek and thank you once again Carol for your amazing creativity! :)

Triple Layer Embossing

Happy Monday :)
It's a beautiful Autumn day here. The sun is out, there's a slight breeze in the air and the leaves are rustling. It's a great way to start the week.

Today I have a technique card to share. It's one of the projects in an upcoming class. The class is all about embossing and the wonderfully creative ways you can use it.
The card above has been embossed three separate times to give the result you see. The photo doesn't do the card justice as the depth and texture is amazing in real life.



Class Details

Dates: Wednesday 19th / Thursday 20th September, 7 - 9.30 pm.
Cost: $15

Email to register.

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)

Pretty & Preserved

Happy Tuesday :)
Today I'm sharing these cute gift tags I've made. It is jam and relish making season here and if you are really lucky you'll be given a jar of such a homemade goodie from a friend or neighbour.
I was inspired to make these tags with this in mind.
The Strawberry is obviously for Strawberry Jam, but the Orange and Lemon? They're for Marmalade (my favourite!) Mmmmmmm.
You could change up the colouring on the Strawberry and turn it into a Blackberry too and from the new 'Perfectly Preserved' stamp set, you could use the Apple, Pear or Corn.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)

 

Fishing For Compliments

Happy Labor Day :)
I had meant to post this yesterday in honour of Father's Day  (in New Zealand that is) but with one thing and another I didn't get to it. I'd like to say Happy Father's Day to my dear ol' Dad in NZ ... Love you Dad, and miss you!

This tin is a project I have had on my mental "drawing board" for a wee while now and I'm so pleased to be able to finally share it.
It's a gift for the fly fishermen in your life. The salmon inside the tin is actually holding a handmade 'Green Machine' fly that can be used to fly for Salmon. Not only does the gift look good, but it's practical too (this is afterall, important to men ;)).

The Salmon images have been water coloured and hand cut. I researched on the internet to get the colouring as authentic as possible. The Salmon inside the tin is raised with dimensionals and this is what the fly is attached to. The fly can be easily removed for use.

I have four of these for sale so if you are interested, drop me an email.
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)

Everyone Knows His Nose!

Happy Thursday :)

Today I'm sharing the September Inky Moose Club card with you.
What's the Inky Moose Club?
Once a month during the leadup to Christmas, I run a class that is aimed at making more than the usual 2 or 3 cards that my classes usually have. Christmas traditionally means more cards and many people don't have the time or resources to make them. That's where my IM Club classes come in!
An IM Club card is something easily reproduceable, has minimal layers (for cheaper posting) but is still handmade (MOST important! ;)).
Class attendees let me know ahead of time, how many cards they want to make and I have the supplies ready for them. It's that simple!

This months card uses the cute reindeer image from the 'Joyous Celebrations' set. I added a hint of red glitter to the nose that sparkles and shine. I just couldn't resist having him look like Ruldolph!
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)

Class Details

Dates: Wednesday 5th September/ Thursday 6th September, 7 - 9.30pm.

Cost: $2 per card. (Please confirm number when registering!).

Crayons Aren't Just For Kids

Hello all :)
I've been having fun these past few days ... I've been playing with crayons!
Not colouring IN with them, but rather colouring with them.
I love the vibrant rich colours that the crayons create and the texture is amazing. I was very tempted to keep this creation ... I thought I could work it into my crafting space somehow ;)
Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!

This Too Shall Pass

Happy Thursday all :)
Today's post is made using my favourite set from the new catty... 'From My Heart'. There was a stamp in the set that I just wasn't sure how I would use so  I challenged myself to create something with it. I wanted to make something encouraging and uplifting; something to brighten the recipiants day. Here's what I came up with ...

 Inside the card I stamped 'Hang In There'. Simple, straightforward but sincere.

 I haven't used 'Rich Razzleberry' for some time and I do love how striking it is when teamed up with 'Old Olive'. I added a little bit of lace to give it a slightly vintage feel... for me, the sentiment is from days of old. The DSP was from my retired stash so supplies were limited. Sometimes I find it easier to be more creative with limited supplies!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)

Corny and Cute

Happy Wednesday all!
Today I'm sharing the remainder of the projects for my 'Pretty Preserves' class.
The corn image in the 'Perfectly Preserved' stamp set inspired me to create something for Thanksgiving. I made a cutlery holder and a cute wee gift box. I just love how you can colour the corn in various colours!
I positioned the corn in such a way so you can add a name or message if you want to.

Here's how the class will work...
The class fee is $15 and this includes the card posted yesterday and 5 of the cutlery holders OR  5 gift boxes. If you will require more than five, just let me know and additional kits can be purchased for $2 each.
Can you mix them up? Yes you can. If you'd like (for example) 3 cutlery holders and 2 gift boxes the class fee covers five so you're all good!
The reason for doing it this way? If you want to have enough for a table setting you can, otherwise you can make them for fun!
I'm sure this is as clear as mud as we say in NZ!
Here's some closer pics to show you the corn in all their cuteness.
The cutlery holder...

The gift box...

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek!

Pretty Preserves

Happy Tuesday everyone :)
The 'Perfectly Preserved' and 'Cannery Set' in the new catty are just too cute ...I couldn't resist them!
I wanted to use them to come up with something Fall related since we will be heading into Fall (and Thanksgiving) before too long. The colours of the co-ordinating DSP are so luscious and rich. I was inspired to use them.
When I saw the mason jar stamp in the set, I thought it would be neat to stamp it on acetate to create a "glass" effect, so that's what I did.
I also stamped the image on Whisper White cardstock and stuck the acetate jar to it with glue dots. I placed the dots in such a way so they would would covered later on (by the jar lid and the flower).
Using the new Framelits with the co-ordinating stamp sets is just so easy!
I cut the jar, lid, flowers, tag and even the label behind the mason jar, with them.
Add some of my favourite linen thread with one of the new super cute wooden buttons, and there you have it... some pretty preserves to brighten someone's day :)

Class details:

Dates: Wednesday August 22nd / Thursday August 23rd, 7 - 9.30pm

Cost: $15.00

Email me to register your spot!

Military and Masculine

Hello and happy Monday :) For those of you in NB, happy New Brunswick day as well!

Recently a friend of mine requested a birthday card for her hubby. He is in the Reserves (I hope I got that right!) so she asked if I could make something with a military feel to it.
I have never made a military card before so did some searching on the internet. I didn't find anything I really liked so I racked my brains as to what the word "military" conjures up for me. Camouflage was the first thing that sprung to mind! I went through my bucket of scrap paper and ripped and tore pieces that I thought resembled the colours in camouflage (in my mind at least!). I then sponged the pieces and stuck them down on a piece of neutral cardstock. I dry embossed this to provide texture.
Wanting to add something else, I made some "dog tags". I cut two tags from chipboard and painted them with silver shimmer paint. Once dried I heat embossed a letter on each. Luckily I had a ball chain in my stash so I joined the tags together and adhered them to the card. I find when making masculine cards, the fewer the embellishments, the better so I added some eyelets (to balance the tags) and some khaki coloured twine I had.

My friend was thrilled with the card and she emailed later to tell me her husband loved it too (phew!!!)

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by and taking a peek :)