March Classes

It's never too early to book in for stamping and card-making classes.  My classes are held at my home studio in South Morang, Victoria.

Cards in the Mail

For orders of $90 or more who choose Lots of Lavender or Party Pandas as the FREE Sale-A-bration pick, I will send you the pieces needed to make two cards with envelopes. This offer is valid through to March 31st

Beginners Class

If you are just starting out, Party Pandas is a easier card with a little stamping and instructions given on how to use a punch. All pieces are cut and scored for you, colour selection, assembling and stamping is up to you. This class is held twice, on Thursday 1st March at 10 am and again at 7pm. Cost is $10 if you make one card, $15 for two and it will take an hour or so of your time.

Edit: Looks like there is a good chance that 10 am class is close to full, can do a 1.30 pm 1st March or 10 am Friday 2nd March.

Advanced Class

This class, Pink....or Not is for the more experienced crafter with a couple of techniques added in. This class involves making 3 cards, with all materials and equipment included for your workshop. It will take 2 -2½ hours and cost $20

Thursday March 15th 7pm - 6 places available

Friday March 16th 7pm - 3places available

 Book for Party Pandas morning or evening, Pink or Not Thursday or Friday by emailing rpalmieri5@bigpond.com or texting 0417500681 with your name, contact details, and which class you want to participate in.

Shop with me, remember to use the Host Code and you get a share of the bonus products.

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Eclectic Blooms CI#21

Colour INKspiration is a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators from the South Pacific, all through Australia and New Zealand. We love to get together for these colour challenges, to inspire each other, and you, to create. We love it when you join in with our challenges to share your work and all you need is a Facebook presence. You can link in here on Facebook.

I thought about this challenge for a while as I could only see the obvious, perfect colours for a flowery card. While I have chosen a favourite flower thinlet, Eclectic Layers, it has been paired with an older technique, which we have the opportunity to explore now that glossy paper has returned to the Stampin' Up!® inventory.

The black layer was cut much smaller than the polished stone layer to show more of the pretty colours, but with my other cards I've kept the two layers even. The black layer was diecut with the flowers but not using the outer edge which cuts them out. For the stems I turned a die upside down and only partially rolled it through the Big Shot. After die-cutting, the black layer was raised on Dimensionals. The Glitter Enamel Dots seemed close enough to the challenge colours to include, for a touch of 'bling'!

This technique is called Polished Stone and to do it - it's very easy! - you need glossy card, rubbing alcohol and reinkers in your chosen colours. I taught this in a class several years ago, and I think it might be a fun one for early 2018, what do you think? I cut the card to 10cm X 14.3cm and coloured in a variety of combinations. Each one turns out differently, even if you try to get the same result.

For these big butterflies the totally pink, peach, yellow piece was perfect, with a sentiment from Butterfly Basics.

Another one using a two-tone polished stone piece for a dragonfly and butterfly combo. This is one-with-the-lot! The pieces have been re-inserted, there is the lovely lacy border, Decorative Ribbon Border Punch and layers - lots of layers, inside and out!

Now it is time for you to head on over to share a project made by Jackie Aitken.

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Any orders in my online shop with the Host code receive a gift from me in the post. Since November is my birthday month, I am adding a handmade birthday card as well, for you to send to someon else. 

Coming Classes

The last June Class is also running on 1st July, due to unexpected demand. I'm very happy to accomodate as best I can, so this one is on Saturday 1st July at 2pm - 4.30pm. There are 3 spaces in this class, so if you haven't participated yet, and would like to, you can use the link on the date or click on the picture to book in via Facebook. You can leave me a message at the end of the post, or text me on 0417 500 681 with your name, the name of class and the date you want to attend. Rachel Palmieri- Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, is where I keep you updated on classes, specials and mainly things Stampin' Up!® related. I'd be very happy to get some more 'LIKES'.

Christmas In July is the class for next month and I have two dates available. Friday 7th July at 7pm and Friday 21st July at 7pm. 

The August class is Mainly Masculine, but don't let that put you off if you're not wanting masculine cards, as I've prepared alternatives. The date for this one is Friday 18th August at 7pm.

Leaves can be any background colour, there are substitute cards for the other two.

Masking and sponging is the technique we are exploring on the leafy card. The colours can easily be altered to suit your taste. The other two cards have alternatives available. The  base is changed about by using different DSP (designer series paper) and I have lots of these prepared already. There are two different sentiments from the same stamp set which can be used on this card.

 You will make three cards as usual for $20. If you are a particularly fast worker, you can purchase additional cards at $3, stamp the sentiment and finish the card at home. This is special cash and carry for this class only, as I have prepared a LOT, due to the fact I only arrive back from holiday a few days before this class.

Super Duper is a fun and versatile stamp set. These are other versions of the two sentiments, made with more masculine-type colours and patterns. There's a dramatic YAY! as well.The bonus with this easy design is that you can add to it for a bit more 'dash'. Numbers for a special birthday, flowers for the ladies, an anchor for a sailor, and ice cream cone for a special little girl.

I'd love to give you some help in your creative journey, so let me know if you want to attend a class. I hold them at my home studio in South Morang, Victoria. I can send you further information on request.

Hope you've had a crafty weekend

Rachel

Favourite Bundle AWH Bloghop

Today the Art With Heart Team girls are showing you their favourite bundles from the 2017 Stampin' Up!® Catalogue. Bundles make creating a breeze, because of the perfect coordination. It's a bonus that you get 10% off by bundling the products together too. There are 24 bundles in the new catalogue, so ask us about them, or ask for a catalogue today!

Wood Words from the Wood Textures Suite was my pick to share with you. I fell for the whole suite back in April when we saw it at Onstage. When you take a look at it on pages 158-9 of the catalogue you will see it in lovely country and wood tones.

What about changing them up a bit? There are some shapes included in the stamps and dies, and there are scratches on the surface of these shapes to give a lovely weathered feel.To continue that feeling, I used second & third generation stamping as well. That's only a fancy way to say, 'stamp on scrap first, then stamp twice more without inking in between.' The first card used Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, Peekaboo Peach and Lemon-Lime Twist. It has been left quite plain, with just a few Glitter Enamel Dots scattered about. It's a good card for beginner stampers, but can be jazzed up a bit for more advanced crafters.

Next I tried the berry shades. Fresh Fig was the base and the stamping was Flirty Flamingo, Sweet Sugar Plum and Berry Burst. I used some of the other shapes this time, and stamped the small stars across the circle using the same colour. Again, a few Glitter Enamel Dots, I love the was they glimmer with different shades. Also, not a very difficult card.

I also used the most popular part of this die set - the crate. It's such a cute little item and can be filled with edible treats or small gift cards. These were fun to make with the circle stamped three times without re-inking. The three flowers are from Daisy Delight stamp set. That stamp set and punch bundle has been overwhelmingly popular and it looks like July before they'll be able to supply more punches. Would you believe they usually expect to sell about 7000 punches of one type per year, but we have already exhausted a year's supply, so I am holding back on sharing my samples from that one for a while until you can buy as a bundle. The stamp set is still available in the meantime.

It's a simple matter to construct this crate, and the cards are super-easy too. Cut white card at 7cm by 14 cm and fold in half. Decorate any way you'd like. I've heard some people who think they won't get the Wood Works stamp set, because all they want is the crate, but it's a mistake I believe. The Farmers Market stamp is very cute, and the straight font sentiments not only fit on the slats of the crate, they make perfect sentiments on these petite cards.

I went all out with my last card!  You can put anything in a crate, can't you? I've seen them made with puppies & kittens, and bunches of flowers, so I think next on the list was the pig. This pig is a pampered pet, and her crate has been adorned with flowers.She's enjoying being the centre of attention.

This Little Piggy isn't a bundle, it doesn't have any punches or dies to cut things out, but it does have some awesome pigs. You'll find it pictured on page 48 of the new catalogue. I'm not a country gal, and I've had very little to do with pigs, but I've fallen for this stamp set too.

Now it's time to head on over to Caroline Manwaring

Cheers, Rachel Palmieri

1. Rachel Palmieri - you are here
2. Caroline Manwaring
3. Kate Morgan
4. Alisha Watson
5. Claire Daly
6. Rachel Woollard
7. Rebecca Jacovou
8. Kimberly Hern
9. Judy May
10. Tina Gillespie
11. Catherine Proctor
12. Andrea Roberts
13. Sharon Davern
14. Monika O'Neill
15. Ros Davidson

Pretty Kitty Pop 'n' Twist Card

 For quite a while now I've been wanting to try a Pop 'n' Twist card. My dear cat-crazy friend was having a birthday, and it seemed a fun way to include lots of kitty images onto one card.

My instructions came from a few sources, but mainly a US demo, France Martin. She made her sample using the Butterfly Basics and a few other butterfly related sets. It might be an idea to watch her video a couple of times before you attempt one. I am planning to hold a Saturday class in May at my home studio in South Morang, Victoria. It will be the one card and an envelope, everything supplied, $20. You'll have a choice of images to use, so don't worry if cats aren't your 'thing'.

After choosing a DSP, I elected to use Mint Macaroon as the main colour. If this is a favourite shade of yours, it's time to check your stock and order, as this is one of the five colours which will drop at the end of May. Blushing Bride and Watermelon Wonder also co-ordinate with Birthday Bouquet DSP. That DSP is no longer available, but I did have some hoarded away!!!

The mechanism of this card isn't as hard as it may seem, and once you've made one, you'll be pumping them out all the time. It's quite amazing seeing the images unfold, and the colouring of these is very relaxing too. As this card featuring Pretty Kitty (page 101, Annual Catalogue) has already left my house, I have partly-made another with Bella & Friends, (also page 101, A.C) which has a cute wee dog. They are two sets which are perfect to mix 'n' match together.

More of the Birthday Bouquet DSP featured inside, and the colouring was done with the new Watercolour pencils from the Occasions Catalogue. I even made a matching Mint Macaroon envelope with the In Colour Envelope Paper, it's only $4.20 AU in the Clearance rack for a pack of 20 12inch square sheets - bargain!

If you do shop in my online store, use the hostess code 2RFDUTSY,and I will send you a thank you.

Let me know if you're interested in a Saturday afternoon class. I have 6th May and 13th May free at present.

Happy crafting

Rachel

Butterfly Basics Colour INKspiration #02

Tonight we're blog hopping with the Colour INKspiration Crew. Our aim is to inspire you to get creative too. You may have arrived here from the lovely Lou at 'With A Bow On Top'. If not, make sure you hop all the way round to see some amazing cards and projects.

We have some beautiful colours for this challenge, but I admit I rarely use Garden Green or Wisteria Wonder. I began by bringing out the 4 ink pads and studying them for a while. Soft Sky and Mint Macaroon are so pretty together that I chose them for the card stock. I also decided to head back to my shelf and select a much-loved but recently-neglected fave, Butterfly Basics. With the addition of the Bold Butterfly Framelits and Butterflies Thinlets, you have some magical possibilities.

Butterfly Basics is such an easy stamp set to use, and it is ideal for birthdays, weddings, sympathy all by changing the sentiment. It comes with two great sentiments, the 'Happy Birthday' you see on my card, and 'Sending Wishes Your Way'. Such a lovely font with this one.

I've been enjoying water colouring so much of late, I decided that was perfect today as well. After pressing hard into the ink pad lid (when closed) a puddle of ink forms which you can use to dip an Aqua Painter or Blender Pen into. It was an Aqua Painter for me today and Garden Green for the leaves and stems. Of course, water colouring does seem to reduce the density of the colour. With the fern leaves, I stamped off onto scratch paper, then stamped a second and third time for my art piece. Baker's Twine in Soft Sky and Elegant Eggplant (the closest I had to Wisteria Wonder).

It is always nice to finish off the inside of cards, and you get a glimpse of the layers and stamping on the inside of the card here. Would you like to join this challenge? Link up with our FB Colour INKspiration page.

You can go and check out Nikki Spencer now

Cheers, and happy crafting,

Rachel

Thoughtful Branches

Thoughtful Branches is a versatile stamp set with matching framelits, which Stampin' Up!®
released for sale during August. What is great is that the stamp set can stand alone if finances can't stretch to purchasing the bundle, and I have found it suitable for birthdays, sympathy cards and even Christmas cards.

This birthday card borrowed a sentiment from Butterfly Basics and a generous splattering of gold Wink of Stella. You can spy the Sweet Sugarplum glitter ribbon which is coming in the Holiday catalogue, 1st September. Loved using the stamp to colour the tree leaves in all different pretty colours.

 For the 'thank you' card I used the Moroccan Designer Series Paper behind, to showcase the glorious colours in that suite. The sentiment is included in the Thoughtful Branches stamp set, along with a lovely 'Thinking of You' and others.




Again, it was just so easy to 'pull' colours from the paper to use on the foliage of this trio of trees. Aren't the colours so rich and luscious, totally like those gorgeous tiles all through that part of the world. The Burlap ribbon adds another earthy touch to this card.

You have about a week to check out this stamp set before the offer ends on August 31st. I do have a sneaky suspicion that Thoughtful Branches might reappear in a future catalogue because it has been so popular, but then again......
Don't forget, if you're making an order through my online shop, it will ask for the HOSTESS Code before you check out. August 21st - Spetember 20th it is P2KYFUU9



Cheers, Rachel

Timeless Elegance - Papers We'll Miss

I'm on a mission to use up DSP, preferably NOW! I have an enormous pile of unopened DSP, but as well as that, I have a huge number of partially used packets. SUO Challenge seems to understand my predicament by challenging us this time to share the papers we'll miss. Well, I have to say this time around, there are so many lovely papers but this is one I actually used this week.

Timeless Elegance DSP, which I adore, has many subdued patterns which lend themselves to a little jazzing up. I had used most of the black lace to make a card and gift bag for my youngest son's girlfriend, but apart from that, only a small portion was used.

 Last week I cut a number of the sheets and mounted them on slightly larger rectangles of black card, so they are ready to work with whenever I have time. A sponge dauber into ink (Watermelon Wonder) has been used on the roses on this piece of paper, while a sentiment from Rose Wonder was stamped inside the label stamp and cut with the matching die. A few Basic Jewel pearls were added and after it was mounted on a Watermelon Wonder base, it was complete.

The colouring on the card at right was done with ink and an aquapainter. It needed a couple of light coats to get enough colour, and for a bit of fun, I've stamped some splodges of  Sweet Sugarplum (new colour) about. Gold Wink of Stella on the stamens added a lovely touch and this sentiment has been heat embossed in the new copper embossing powder onto a Sweet Sugarplum banner.

This black and vanilla stripe is another of the papers in Timeless Elegance DSP. It is a great background to show off the gorgeous flowers from Botanical Blooms. I'm stamping on them more, and shading with sponge daubers and finding that the possibilities with these dies and stamps are endless. As well as the old favourite Melon Mambo, you see Flirty Flamingo at the back and Sweet Sugarplum in front. I've just ordered some more sponge daubers for the new In Colors after realising I'd reached the end of my supply.
                                                                                                         

Do you use your DSP or hoard it like I used to?
If you live in Australia, and want to place an order you can go to my online store anytime of the day or night. The Hostess Code for this month is ZGGAABEE

Have a great crafty weekend

Cheers

Rachel

Bountiful Butterflies CTC#74

This week at CASE-ing The Catty we are CASE-ing pages 30-33 of the Occasions catalogue, the Shine On section. There are only a few pages, but those pages are saturated with inspiration. I turned to pages 32 & 33 where the project kits feature, At Onstage last November in Melbourne I received the stamp set Enjoy The Little Things as a gift for attending and I've made good use of the stamps on my cards since then.







Looking at the pictures of the Project Kits, I noticed butterflies featuring in both kits. Also decided I might as well use the Shine On paper  so I've ended up with mostly Watermelon Wonder, Calypso Coral and Pumpkin Pie.
This card at left, with rows of butterflies was styled on one from Enjoy The Little Things Kit. There is endless inspiration there in that particular kit.

The sentiment comes from Butterfly Basics and of course the butterflies were all punched  with the Bitty Butterfly Punch.

This card with the silver die cut butterfly is similar to one in the You're So Lovely Project Kit. They are very neutral with a kraft or black label over the butterfly, star or gem, so I guess this kraft with silver 'v's' isn't too far from the mark. It is pretty and sparkly, but oh-so-hard to capture in a photograph!












The third card isn't strictly a CASE, it's a 'just because' card. Just because I had these supplies and stamps out, I was inspired to make another card, but that is the way it often goes when you begin CASE-ing. This time I grabbed a sentiment from Enjoy The Little Things 'Love This Life'. I certainly do!

You can buy all the supplies you need to make these projects on your own from my online shop, or would you rather come and do a class? Three cards for $20, everything supplied.
Since most of the crew are heading off to various onstage events that Stampin' Up! is holding this coming weekend, we have taken next Sunday off from CASE-ing The Catty. I am flying home on Saturday night, so I will have a little something to share with you, but unfortunately not the new Annual Catalogue yet - that's top secret for a while longer!!!


Now you'll want to hop on over to Julia Quinn unless you like to bloghop in reverse, when you'll be popping back to The Paper & Stamp Addict, Rebecca

   

Cheers, Rachel