Geared Up Garage - stepped up

Here are the details for our final project this week using Geared Up Garage. 

We used the large cogs die to create a background for our project cutting them from a piece of ww 5mm smaller than the card base. 

We then used Crushed Curry ink to stamp some splodges using first and second generation ink. 

A piece of Crushed Curry card was adhered behind the ww piece and then the die cut cogs were placed back where they had been cut from using tiny dabs of Tombow.

We stamped a car and coloured it with Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends and added some smaller cogs that were cut from silver foil.

The inside of the card and the envelope have been stamped to coordinate.

Here is the completed card and envelope.

Thanks to everyone who joined me this week.  We've had a variety of cars this week and even one motorbike!  Here are a few variations that were made today - I might just make some more of these and I will hopefully remember to add some nuts to my panel this time!

I will share details of the projects for next week over the weekend.

Let's hope the sun shines for the Bank Holiday (UK)!

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of any of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The brand new 2019/20 Annual Catalogue will be available shortly.  Contact me to reserve your copy now!

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 
All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me. 

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!

You're Invited! Annaul Catalogue Launch & BOGOF Sale

Hello, I would love you to come along to my Open House to celebrate the launch of the NEW Stampin' Up! Annual Catalogue.

Its going to be great fun and I hope you can come along to the event held at my home in Godmanchester on Friday 7th June, 6:30 - 9pm.

Cost is £6 per person and that includes a copy of the new Catalogue*, refreshments, a make and take project, goodies and a free raffle ticket for a prize draw!

BUT that's not all!

• You get to see lots of samples/ideas.
• You will get to see some of the new products in the flesh (and touch them)!
• You will get the chance to make a beautiful project using new items.
• Raffle
• Sign up for my new In Colour Club on the 7th June and receive a FREE stamp set when the club ends!

Team Members *

New for 2019, my team of ducklings will not receive a new catalogue instead, they will be able to choose an item from my lucky dip box!  I have lots of goodies in there; ribbon, stamp sets, embellishments .....  You will still get the other goodies so don't worry!

AND it gets better!
I will be holding my popular Buy One, Get One Free Sales at this event!  I will have my retiring items priced up and ready to be sold and for every full price item you purchase, you will be able to choose products from the new catalogue to the same value for FREE!

And more ...
Bring along a friend new to Craftyduckydoodah! and you will both be able to choose a free gift from my lucky dip box!  You will need to pre-book their space so that I can make sure that supplies and a catalogue of course are available for them.

There are loads more offers on the day too for booking a party, signing up to classes or joining my team so come along and join the fun!

Here is a sneaky peak at one of the gifts you will receive - no not the craftyducky!!

Call me on 07905 403 823, message me via my Craftyduckydoodah facebook page or email me at susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk to book your place.

I will be sharing photos and further details leading up to the event on my facebook page - make sure you don't miss anything!!!!

Keep an eye on my Craftyducky facebook page for details of a fun giveaway soon!

I look forward to seeing you.

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of any of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The brand new 2019/20 Annual Catalogue will be available shortly.  Contact me to reserve your copy now!

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 
All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me. 

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!

Geared Up Garage - quick & simple

Here are the details for our first project this week using a stamp and thinlits bundle called Geared Up Garage.  I'm afraid I have reverted back to my favourite 'white on white' cards this week!

We created a background for our card with a piece of Whisper White card (ww) that was cut 5mm smaller than the card front.

The inky splodge has been stamped with Crushed Curry ink using first and second generation stamping.  The nuts have been stamped with Memento ink.

The tool box and the oil can were stamped onto scrap ww card and then cut out with the coordinating dies.  They were adhered with Dimensionals.

We die cut different cogs from silver foil and placed around the card, adhering with Tombow.  The addition of the ribbon - well I'm not sure what I was thinking but it was attached with a mini staple.

The inside of the card has been stamped to coordinate.

Here is the completed card and envelope - apologies for the ribbon it should have been slightly skewed (see below)!

I made a landscape version of my project this morning - what do you think?

Of course I can't decide which I prefer but you will be able to choose for yourself if you join me for one of my C & C sessions this week!

I have two further C & C sessions this week, if you would like to join me to make this card and another project, you can all find the details here.  Don't forget that if you place a £25 plus order on Thursday you can craft for free!

Details of the products I used for this project can be found below.
Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of any of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The brand new 2019/20 Annual Catalogue will be available shortly.  Contact me to reserve your copy now!

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 
All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me. 

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!

Geared Up Garage for Coffee & Cards

Hello, last week I put a post up on my facebook page asking my crafty ladies what they would like to do this week.  I had several suggestion; one of which was from Val who asked if we could use Geared Up Garage again so we are!  Don't worry, I won't forget about the other suggestions.

I was so pleased when I discovered that Geared Up Garage would be staying with us in the upcoming Annual Catalogue.  Currently the Geared Up Garage stamp set and the coordinating Garage Gears thinlits are available as a bundle = a 10%.  So, if this great stamp set is on your wish list you might want to think about getting it before the 3rd of June as the 10% saving on the bundle will no longer be available.

We are using a simple but striking colour combination this week.

Basic Black

Crushed Curry

Silver Foil

Whisper White

Here are the projects we will be making - two cards suitable for the men in our lives!

You will be able to choose whether you would like the Mustang (shown above) or the car below - no idea what it is (if you know, do let me know)!

This week we will be stamping, die cutting, colouring with the Stampin' Blends and trying an inlaid die cut technique.  If you prefer the car above it will need fussy cutting!

As I am looking at the photo of the projects above, I am wondering why I did not stamp any nuts on the second project - I'll try it on Monday to see what it looks like!

If you would like to join me, you can find me at the following locations next week.  

Please note - places are limited on Monday so let me know if you would like to join me asap. 

Monday - single project (shown on the left) or both!

Venue:   Peate Close, Godmanchester

Time:     10:00 - 12:00 pm

Cost:      £4.50 - includes all materials and tuition to make 1 project or

              £6.00 - includes all materials and tuition to make 2 projects.

Tuesday - both projects
Venue:  Bests Cafe, 7 Kings Hedges, St Ives (PE27 3XS)

Time:    2:00 - 4:00 pm

Cost:     £6.00 - includes all materials and tuition to make 2 projects.  

Thursday - both projects

Venue:    Bests Cafe, 7 Kings Hedges, St Ives (PE27 3XS)

Time:     2:00 - 4:00 pm
Cost:      £6.00 - includes all materials and tuition to make 2 projects.

I will be posting more details of these projects and the products I used to create them later this week.  Although Mediterranean Moments is retiring at the beginning of June it is still available.  Did you spot the new In Colour I used?

Hope you can join me for a crafty coffee this week.

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of any of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The brand new 2019/20 Annual Catalogue will be available shortly.  Contact me to reserve your copy now!

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me. 

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!

Bloom By Bloom - SBTD 05/19

Hello and welcome to the latest Stampers By The Dozen blog hop!  If you are joining me from Judi or starting here with me, welcome!  I hope you enjoy our projects and find lots of inspiration as you hop around with us.

Our theme this month is flowers, flowers and more flowers and was chosen by Tashana.  So, I decided to do just that and use a stamp set with lots of flower images that will be retiring shortly called Bloom By Bloom.

I used a random colour generator - this is what it came up with.  If you need some colour inspiration these tools are good fun - you can find the one I used HERE.  If you are not keen on the results you can keep going until you find something that appeals.  My colour combo popped up in the 'surprise me' category!

Lovely Lipstick

Pineapple Punch

Pretty Peacock

Rococo Rose

Seaside Spray

Something else I have not done for absolutely ages is a 'one sheet wonder (OSW).  I decided to challenge myself to see just how many cards I could make from one A4 sheet of card.

If you look on Pinterest you can find lots of variations of OSW's, some using 12" x 12" and others A4 card stock.  

I started with an A4 sheet of card and just stamped using a variety of images and the colours above.

Top Tip

Ensure that you stamp a selection of each of the images on all four quarters of the card. 

Cut card stock according to OSW directions.

I cut my card into two 10cm pieces which left a 1cm strip and played around with my trimmer to create different sized pieces of card.

Once you cut your sections of card if necessary, you can add additional stamping in any blank areas.

Here are the first two cards I made using Pretty Peacock for the base - its one of the upcoming In Colours and, its my favourite!

For the next cards I reverted to my favourite white card base with lots of white space.

I had a single rectangle measuring 2.5cm x 7.5 cm left over so I used one of the narrow note cards for this next project - I have forgotten how cute these mini cards are!

Here are all the cards I made - a total of 5 made from less than half of my stamped piece of A4!!

I wonder how many cards I can make using my leftovers?

I really enjoyed using the OSW technique for my projects - if you have never tried this before why not give it a go and see how many cards you can make?  Bloom By Bloom although retiring soon is still available - you could also look at other stamp sets to see new ways of using them.

Thanks to Tashana for choosing our theme this month.  Next up is Tricia - I can't wait to see what she had come up with.  If you get lost along the way a list of hoppers can be found below.

Details of the products I used for this project can be found below.  

Happy hopping!

Susan xx

Hop Participants

Judi Anderson

Susan Simpson

Tricia Butts

Courtenay Heuston

Tashana Lundy

Carly Middleton

Anastasia Radloff

Laura Mackie

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of any of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The brand new 2019/20 Annual Catalogue will be available shortly.  Contact me to reserve your copy now!

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me. 

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!

Mediterranean Moments - stepped up

Here are the details for our final project this week using Mediterranean Moments.  I have to say I love this particular image - I can just imagine sitting on the bench reading a good book, perhaps with a long cool drink for company ...

As with our first project this week the image has been stamped in Stazon ink  onto water colour paper.  I used my Stamparatus to ensure I achieved a strong image.

I used Crumb Cake ink to add a thin layer of colour and then once dry, I went back and added additional layers to give me stronger browns where needed to add depth and shading.

I used a black water colour pencil to add details/colour to the bench and the railings.  

Top Tip
Make sure the card is dry before you add the water colour pencil otherwise the colour will 'bleed'.  Ask me how I know!

We used two of the rectangle stitched shape framelits to create a frame which was adhered to the card using foam adhesive strips.  Pretty Peacock is my new favourite colour.

The painted panel was adhered with Tombow.

Here is the completed card - sentiment free so I can use it as a notecard.

Every time I colour this image, it turns out differently.  There are so many little details and of course the colour variations are endless too.  

I do have to wonder what I was thinking when I added Daffodil Delight to the lamp - it would not be lit up during the day would it?

Thanks to everyone who joined me this week.  Next week we will be having a 'crafers choice' for Coffee & Cards.  Head over to my facebook page to let me know what you would like to do.  Perhaps you missed a particular project or there might be a stamp set you would like to use.

I've had three deliveries so far this week from Stampin' Up! - one of which were the new Annual Catalogues!!  If you would like one and you can't get to my launch/BOGOF event on the 7th June let me know and I will pop one in the post for you.

I'm back again at the weekend hopping with Stampers By The Dozen - our theme this month is flowers, flowers and more flowers!

Have a crafty weekend.

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of any of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The brand new 2019/20 Annual Catalogue will be available shortly.  Contact me to reserve your copy now!

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me. 

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!

Paper Pumpkin is coming!

Hello, just a quick post from me today with exciting news - Paper Pumpkin (PP) in coming to the UK for one month only!  Crafters in the USA have been able to order for many years but it has never been available in Europe before.

What is Paper Pumpkin?
The Shelli Kit has been design by Shelli Gardiner, founder and former CEO of Stampin' Up!  Its a kit in a beautiful box (you'll want to keep it) that contains everything you need to create 12 stunning cards.  Think elegant and feminine and full of springtime details.  It also coordinates with the Bird Ballard Suite that will be released in the upcoming Annual Catalogue.

What makes Paper Pumpkin special?
Stampin' Up! never release what is inside or what the projects are before it is released - that way you receive a lovely surprise when you open the box.  However, at Onstage I was able to see and make one of the cards!

What's inside?

• an exclusive stamp set not available anywhere else
• one Classic Stampin' Spot (from the Classic ink collection)
• paper and crafting materials to create 12 cards (3 each of 4 unique designs)
• 12 exclusive coordinating envelopes
• adhesives and embellishments for all 12 cards

Coordinating Stampin' Up! colours: Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Old Olive, Petal Pink, Pool Party, Pretty Peacock, Soft Suede and Very Vanilla.

Everything in the kit is pre cut and ready to go.

What's not included?

The only items you will need to complete this kit are basic tools (scissors, poky tool) and a 'D' size block.  The decision to not include a stampin' block helps keeps costs down.

The Shelli Paper Pumpkin kit is released tonight at 11pm and will available only whilst stocks last.  I am sure it will sell out very quickly - if/when it does, perhaps Stampin' Up! will release PP in the UK ...

I will be placing an order tomorrow evening - you can order directly through my online store HERE or, if you are local to me and can collect, you are welcome to piggyback my order to save on postage.

The kits costs just £20 and you can order as many as you like!  They are perfect for the beginner or avid crafter and wouldn't they make a lovely gift?

Paper Pumpkin Party

Because I am so excited to share this gorgeous kit with you I am having a PP Party!!

Saturday 1st June - 2pm - 4pm in Godmanchester*

Join me for a fun afternoon of crafting  cost is just £25 - includes exclusive Hugs from Shelli Paper Pumpkin kit and refreshments - there will be cake!

*Venue subject to change if lots of crafters want to come - it will probably be in St Ives.

You will need to bring a basic tool kit and a size 'D' block if you have one - everything else will be in the box!

Places are already limited so please let me know asap if you would like to join us so I can order your kit before they sell out.

Hope you can join me and share in the excitement of Paper Pumpkin!

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of any of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The brand new 2019/20 Annual Catalogue will be available shortly.  Contact me to reserve your copy now!

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me. 

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!