Farewell Botanical Blooms! CI#07

My head is in a whirl, after spending 10 days in wonderful West Australia! I will give you a bit of a rundown toward the end of this post. I was very tired yesterday after having a longer than usual flight home. Landing was delayed due to a bank up of aircraft after storms. Suddenly I realised I was due to have my Colour INKspiration project made and photographed and linked up with the rest of the crew, so while the washing machine also whirls away, I've put together a card using a BIG fave of mine, Botanical Blooms. 

 It was a shock to see that stamp set and the matching Botanical Builder Framelits in the Retiring List, and what's more, they're reduced. I doubt they'll be in stock for very long!  One reason I was able to put my card together quite quickly is that when I have a lot of paper scraps, I roll them throught the big shot with Botanical Builder Framelits and keep them in plastic containers, sorted into colour groups. This challenge features Mint Macaroon, Daffodil Delight, Pink Pirouette and Tip Top Taupe. You might even be able to grab a pack of Tip Top Taupe and Mint Macaroon cardstock before they retire!

Surprisingly, the Banner Framelits leave the catalogue too. The've been price cut to $36 AU for the set. I find them helpful when layering tags. You'll find that Suite Sentiments, which currently features on the last page of the Occasions Catalogue, (hoping your day is perfect) has not been included in the Annual Catalogue. Linked to the stamp name is the clear mount version which is reduced in price, there is also a wood mount version, still at regular price. Suite Sayings in the Annual Catalogue is retiring also. Celebrate You is the sentiment on the tag, and the link is to the reduced clear mount version. All these links are direct to the individual items in my online shop. It would be great if you added the Host Code 3VS77ZH6 and I will send you a gift in the mail.

It was my first trek across our great island continent and I must say, it was well worth it. Initially I was travelling with my husband and we explored around Perth on foot, before hiring a car and heading off for three days in the Margaret River region, staying at Busselton. We saw a large pod of dolphins frolicking near the shore on this evening. Did you know that the jetty there is nearly 2km long and has a train to take you to the end if you choose?

 We enjoyed exploring vineyards and breweries, lighthouses and caves. We even met a Quokka or 3 at Rottnest Island. At the end of my husband's holiday leave, he flew back to Melbourne and my Stampin' Up!® buddies from Adelaide came over to join me. 

Kathryn, Andrea and Caroline are all Adelaide Stampin' Up!® demonstrators, and you may recognise Kathryn from the design teams on Colour INKspiration and CASE-ing The Catty. We toured the Swan Valley for wine tasting and chocolate. Yummo! We went to Fremantle on the train for some sight-seeing, and ate out lots. Kings Park and Botanical Gardens is well worth a visit with delights to uncover around every corner.

                                                                                         

Last Saturday was Stampin' Up!® Onstage in Perth, where 200 demonstrators gathered at the Hilton Hotel for some training and most importantly, the reveal of the next Annual Catalogue. We saw fabulous samples and even had a chance to play with some new products. My suitcase was quite a bit heavier coming home with new stamp sets and swaps inside. We made sure we took a photo of the four Colour INKspiration team members at Perth Onstage. From left it's me, Kathryn Mangelsdorf, Kelly Kent and Nicole Wilson. Our next Onstage is on November 11th and I'm hoping that some of my team members will join me for this one. If you join my team, South'n Stampers before then, you'll be eligible for a fun day of stamping and a bag full of Stampin' Up!® products. There is more information here, or email/call me. I'm Rachel Palmieri, in South Morang, VIC

Cheers, Rachel   

Now you are going to hop on over to the blog of   Bronwyn Eastley                  

Bronwyn Eastley - http://addinktivedesigns.com/2017/04/12/colour-inkspiration-07/

Lou Kitzelman - http://withabowontopbylou.blogspot.com/2017/04/colour-inkspiration-challenge-07-blog-hop.html

Kelly Kent - http://mypapercraftjourney.com/2017/04/12/colour-inkspiration-07/

Nikki Spencer - http://nikkispencer-mysandbox.blogspot.com/2017/04/colour-inkspiration-07.html

Elizabeth Gross - http://lillylovespaper.blogspot.com/2017/03/ci07-colours-from-easter-wreath.html

Rose Packer - http://wp.me/p6g0iC-DN

Jo Stubbings (Guest DT) - http://jostubbings.blogspot.com/2017/04/colour-inkspiration-ci07-colour.html

Denita Wright - http://denitawright.blogspot.com.au/2017/04/colour-inkspiration-blog-hop-ci07.html

Kim Badelt - http://kimsstampingspot.blogspot.com/2017/04/colour-inkspiration-07.html

Jacque Williams - http://wp.me/p65baO-2ph

Rebecca Scurr - http://thepaperandstampaddict.com.au/2017/04/12/ci07-flowers/

Nicole Wilson - http://nicolejuliewilson.blogspot.com/2017/04/colour-inkspiration-07.html

Narelle Farrugia - http://wp.me/p1ikRV-1xk

Rachel Palmieri - http://stampinpals.blogspot.com/2017/04/farewell-botanical-blooms-ci07.html

More Happy

Everything about this card says 'happy' don't you think?  I made it using the large stamp from Hello Life, from the Occasions Catalogue and now carried over into the Annual Catalogue. Initially I resisted buying it, but not for too long! {wink,wink}
It's big, bold and bright, so I used a Designer Series Paper Painted Blooms, with the same big. bold, bright feeling.  Its also from the Occasions Catalogue, so unfortunately no longer available, unless it turns up on the Clearance Rack, you never know your luck. Even I have to take a look from time to time to see if there is some embellishment or ribbon that I just 'have to have.'



I stamped some Painted Petals around the greeting and another pair of flowers inside the card, along with a strip of those lovely bright spots, you'll notice.

Don't forget to regularly check the Clearance Rack, we never know when it will be updated, and there are new Weekly Deals every Wednesday morning. Have you checked this week? I'll add the link to my online shop and you can take a quick peek, and if you choose to purchase any of your supplies through me and use the Hostess code, 36JSEMF6 I'll send you a small gift from my stash during September.

Cheers
Rachel

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

A BIG Week At Stampin' Up!

It all began yesterday, when the Occasions Catalogue and SALE-A-BRATION supplement went live to the public. Not completely without a hitch, as the computer system had some difficulties coping, but it seems to be sorted today.

A New Catalogue


On the left is the cover of the Occasions Catalogue, and yes, you can make the paper bouquet on the cover! Would you like to make the kit up in a workshop, or go-it-alone at home?

What I love about the kits in this catalogue is the "completeness" of them. Yes, you need ink, and with most of them a stamp set too, but at a workshop those items can be shared by all participants.


Through out this catalogue there are a mix of wood mount, clear mount and photopolymer, with at least one stamp set made in all three.



SALE-A-BRATION! 

On the right is the SALE-A-BRATION supplement and everything in it is FREE! That's right, you can't order them, they don't go on clearance and they are highly sort-after stamp sets, paper, ribbons & buttons. In addition, there is the option to collect packs of current Blendabilities for FREE, usually $20.95.

You earn these bonus products when you place your normal order for Stampin' Up! products. For every $90 spent, you can claim one item. I joined up as a demonstrator four SALE-A-BRATIONS ago because I wanted to have it all! You can purchase from the Annual or Occasions Catalogue, Weekly Deals, Clearance shop and it all counts toward your totals, before shipping.

$90  = 1 SAB item
$180 = 2 SAB items
$270 = 3 SAB items
$300 = 3 SAB items and $50 hostess dollars
$360 = 4 SAB items and $50 hostess dollars
$400 = 4 SAB items and $60 hostess dollars PLUS a bonus $40 hostess dollars!!!!

You can flick through these catalogues online, of course, there are icons on the right if you are reading my Stampin' Pals blog. If you read this on my Stampin' Up! blog, you need to back track to the home page and catalogues are under 'Products'.

Want it posted?

Better than that, is to have a copy in your hand, so you can CASE some cards or packaging, post-it note the things you like, so if you aren't already working with a demonstrator, leave me a message with your name and mailing address via email or txt (0417500681) and I'll get one of each in the post for you.

Here Are The Weekly Deals 

If you are keen to own the Envelope Punch Board, this is the week to take the plunge. Now its not $2 cheaper than a popular retail chain's price, it's $10 cheaper! WOW! And if you are thinking it might be nice to have lovely paper to make envelopes and gift boxes with, Stampin' Up! is doing a great deal on paper this week too! For extra-special cards, I love the Gold Soiree Specialty DSP, so rich and elegant.

If I see you order an Envelope Punch Board through my online shop this week, I will send you some instructions for an upcoming project using the Envelope Punch Board, airing on 23rd January for CASE-ing The Catty, plus a spool of ribbon.

Happy crafting!
Rachel

Peaceful Thoughts Of You FMS 134

I've decided that Bermuda Bay must be my all-time favourite colour! I do seem to use it such a lot, and I am always happy with the cards I make in that hue, more so than any other.

The rumour mill has been working overtime since some Stampin' Up! demonstrators in the US collected their new catalogues this week. There is a whisper about that Peaceful Petals didn't make the cut for the next catalogue, so if you love it as much as I do, you'll need to order before the end of the Occasions Catalogue (30 June for Australia). Now, I have to say, I was surprised, as it has some lovely floral images, just perfect for watercolouring, as I did, with this stem of small flowers. I used the Aqua painter and a small amount of ink squeezed onto the lid.
There's a hint of Bermuda Bay on the petals, Pistachio Pudding on the leaves and stem and then I used the thick end of a Stampin' Write Marker to place some Crushed Curry in the centres.

The patterned paper is gorgeous, Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper comes in Smokey Slate, Coastal Cabana and Crushed Curry and this was such a nice 'understated' pattern. Of course, all the DSP retires at the end of each catalogue, so that will be going too.

Itty Bitty Shapes Punch Pack (118309), the two floral shapes and one tiny circle are on the US retired list too. I can't imagine what we'll do without them. I trimmed the strip of Whisper White card that has been embossed with  Modern Mosaic Embossing Folder. At least that seems to be staying for another year.

What a nice 'clean' sketch Karren has provided for the challenge at Freshly Made Sketches. I used the Circles Collection Framelits to cut the white circle and the large scalloped circle is from that set too. It stays too, Yay!

We're really settling into Autumn here now, and it has been raining and rather chilly as I write my blog. I was very glad I did all my shopping earlier when it was still fine. Looking forward to catching up with friends tonight.

Rachel

Thank You Banners

Do you have a favourite stamp set in the Occasions Catalogue? I'm beginning to think mine just might be Happy Watercolor. There are just so many different ways to use those two flower stamps and the font on the words is such a nice one. I've put together a card today using both the flowers, for a thank you card. I hadn't planned to combine RetroSketches with the colour challenge at Create With Connie and Mary, or the Paper Players 'thank you' challenge but somehow the three of them just came together!

I have resolved to try to use Summer Starfruit more frequently, and it seems that those who dream up color challenges have the same mindset too - how strange!

I also thought I would give my Starburst Framelit Dies a rest, and pulled out the Banners Framelits Dies. I KNOW they will be a big favourite too, especially when I start using the Perfect Pennants stamp set with them.

Paper Players are thankful for spring, and I totally understand that, after the horrible winter they've had in the northern hemisphere. Those of us in the southern hemisphere (I live in Melbourne, Australia if you don't know yet) are thankful for autumn and some respite from the heat and  bush fires, and yet our temperatures are still over 30°celsius!

Thanks for dropping by my blog,
happy crafting,
Rachel

Envelope Punch Board Boxed Cards

Now that life is beginning to settle back to normal routine, I've had a chance to have a big play with my Envelope Punch Board. I tried out various sizes of envelopes, a bow for a card, a bonbon (mine is more a Valentine's Day version) and some gift boxes. All good fun, but I wanted to try out some small boxes or large envelopes to hold a set of cards. There are lots more samples at Just Add Ink's blog, they're setting the Envelope Punch Board or Thinlet card as their challenge.

I wasn't sure where to go until a fellow demonstrator pointed me here, to Stamp & Scrap with Frenchie. Frenchie has sorted out the formula for making boxes of any size, its well worth taking a look.
 So, for some reason I decided to make a set of cards 5½ inches square. That's WAY big really, and it meant I had to search out a piece of 12" by !2" card for the box. Never mind, I had some So Saffron that size and even though it isn't listed as a co-ordinating colour on Watercolor Wonder DSP, like most of the Stampin' Up! colours, it fits in beautifully. These papers are gorgeous, you'll find them in the NEW Occasions mini Catalogue, so I mounted a 4½ inch square of DSP onto another shade of card and kept stamping to a minimum. Did you notice the rounded corners? The Envelope Punch Board has a corner rounder incorporated, so now I don't have to go searching everywhere for my long lost corner punch. Some of the cards are stamped with an image or two from Happy Watercolor, also in the new Mini catalogue. Others have a greeting from A Dozen Thoughts. Between those two stamp sets you have things covered. The envelope is quite easy to construct, fits 4 cards and 4 envelopes very comfortably (could possibly fit more) and then you get to decorate.

Envelope, Bonbon & Bow

I decided to go crazy with my flower punches and the leaf die from Secret Garden. I crumpled the flowers and worked them with my bone folder to soften the paper fibres and you get a softer looking flower. That is attached with dimensionals, and then you can slip the tip of the envelope under neath to hold it all closed. I added a belly band, only for decoration in this case. I love the gelati colours, what do you think?



I have a lot more crafting and blogging to do before I head back to my "other" job next week. Would you like to leave a comment so I know you visited?

Catch you soon
Rachel

The Secret of Life

I've interrupted my destashing/organising of my workroom to put together this card for the Friday Mashup. I have followed the sketch because its such a terrific one and the theme - Tic, Tock. My eldest son sprang to mind immediately, he makes me laugh with his obsession to encourage his Dad and I to use our time wisely.

I used Clockworks for his card last year too but this one is quite different. I've also used the quotation by James Taylor, included in a stamp set called From My Heart. I was thrilled to find a couple of clock embellishments when I was stocktaking, one made it onto this card adhered with glue dots and a piece of Linen Thread to finish it off. They came from the Tea Time embellishments from the mini catalogue from early last year.  My demonstrator order for the Occasions Mini Catalogue will arrive this week and I'm looking forward to playing with new goodies.


I used Elegant Eggplant, Crushed Curry and Baked Brown Sugar and the new Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (love it!!) from Sale-A-Bration (starting January 28th in Australia, as is the Occasions Catalogue).

Now, off to do more sorting
Have a great day!

Rachel