Special Thanks for me!

It's always nice to receive a card of thanks.

I am lucky to have met so many lovely ladies who are all so talented at making beautiful cards. I get a warm fuzzy feeling when I go to the letter box and there is a card there for me. It is as exciting receiving cards as it is making and giving them.

Here are 2 cute Thank You Cards I have received recently from 2 ladies who I am proud to say I introduced Stampin' to when I first met each of them at workshops.

(Looking at their cards you can see they have had a great teacher! lol lol lol)

Jennifer made me this pretty card to say Thanks after a workshop at her place...

Suzanne couldn't wait to make a card with her new Stamp Set 'Picture This' after she won it in one of my prize draws last month...

Both cards are adorable, I was busting to share them with you on my blog.

Thanks Jennifer & Suzanne
it's so lovely of you to make these cards for me xo

"My Street" a story of the wonderful friends you meet through the love of Paper Craft!

I love many things about Stampin' Up!

One of those things that really stand out in my mind though is the wonderful new friends I have made through sharing Stampin' Up! at workshops. I have met guests who have a shared love of Paper Craft as well as those who have never picked up a Rubber Stamp.

Many of the guests I have met have become regular customers and hostesses and over time we have together shared tips, ideas, and stories of our common love of Paper Craft.

Those that have been introduced to Stampin' for the first time have often caught the 'Bug!'. For most, I've watched their joy as they created their first ever Paper Project.

I love that I have sooooo many friends in my Paper Craft Circle of Friends, and I love knowing that it is through Stampin' Up! that have met these friends.

I also love all the gorgeous cards that I get to see that these ladies have made. Often I will get an email with a photo attached saying "look what I made today!". On many occasions I'll get a "come check this out" when I drop in with a delivery, and hostesses that share with me their craft rooms. I love it all!

Here is a card that I was shown last Sunday when I dropped by to deliver Barbara's order. I grabbed out my phone and took this pic, isn't it just adorable!

Barbara was a first timer when I met her at Margaret's (a special friend going way back 10 years of Paper Crafting Together) workshop in October 2009. She took in all I had to share that day, and from the minute she inked up her first stamp was "hooked!". Barbara has since been a regular participant in all my classes, Paper Angels events, a hostess, and a regular guest at every workshop in her circle of friends. Barbara took no time introducing Stampin' Up! to her daughter, Jennifer, and now share together a hobby they both enjoy and spend time together creating on many occasions. It goes to say that Barbara and Jennifer have built a collection of Stampin' Up! Stamps/ink/cards etc that could put mine to shame! giggle.

Margaret & Barbara both live in a street known as

"My Street" when it comes to Stampin' Up!

My car goes into auto pilot when I head in that direction for deliveries and workshops.

This street is the perfect example of why Stampin' is so much fun and a great way to meet and make wonderful friends.

Margaret No.22 held a workshop, from there I met Lesley No.4 who hosted the next. Margaret No.22 quickly put her hand up for another workshop, at which I met Barbara No.29 and Mandy No.6. Both Mandy No.6 and Barbara No. 29 became hostesses and at Barbara's I met Karen No.26 and Ros No.31. Karen & Ros have both gone on to be Catalogue Workshop Hostesses. Yes that's right 6 hostesses in 1 street! The girls in the street often get together once a week or fortnight at each other's house and hold Scrappin/Stampin' Days where they share their punches, stamps and ideas! I know what you are all thinking, "I want to move to that street!"

It doesn't stop there, but I'll save it for another time!

Stay tuned as I share other wonderful stories of the friends I've made through the wonderful time I have of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

If you would like to know more about the opportunity of becoming a demonstrator too,

drop me a line or give me a call.

Remember until the 31st July you can save 20% off when you join.

Click here to find out more!

Razzle Dazzle Friends.

When the Summer Mini first came out and I fixed my eyes on 'Razzle Dazzle', I kept thinking it reminded me of a dress I used to own with a similar pattern.

Then at our last Paper Angels Meeting when we made this 12x12 page (below) using Razzle Dazzle in Bravo Burgundy it all came back to me what dress I had been thinking of.

Pretty close match I thought. Like they would say in Bali

"Same Same, but Different!"

Stamps: Razzle Dazzle (Summer Mini ends 31st March 2010), Friends 24-7

Ink: Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive, Whisper White Craft, Bravo Burgundy/Old Olive/Pumpkin Pie Markers

Card: Bravo Burgundy, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Whisper White

Accessories: Bravo Burgundy Grosgrain Ribbon

Tools: Circle Scissors, Adhesives including Sticky Strip & Dimensionals

Featured in this layout are my 2 school friends and close friends now, Kirsten & Justine with their kids Angus & Joshua. This was taken at Elana's Christening back in 2007. I was trying really hard to find a photo of the 3 of us girls back in our school years or a photo of our 3 kids together that went with the colours of the page to include with the Christening photo, but none had the right colours in them. Mark thinks I've used the same photo twice, but I'd like to point out, they are 2 different shots if you look carefully.

Razzle Dazzle is on page 18 of the current Summer Mini catalogue and is only available until the 31st March 2010. RRP $33.95

A Sweet Sympathy xo

"When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help" xo

Josephine May Thompson: 1/8/37 ~ 3/3/10

Known to many as 'The Cupcake Ladies', Jo & her daughter Helen were there at every market day, making so many of us happy with the simple pleasure of one of their delicious Cupcakes.

I was lucky to have known Jo over the past 2 years as my friend, neighbour, stampin' buddy, and cupcake lady!

Jo loved purple and pink. Her coffin was purple and we all wore pink and purple to her funeral. A true celebration of a bright & beautiful life. It was fitting that I made this very special card for Jo's family during this time.

Stamps: Party Hearty, Whimsical Words (Sale-a-Bration)

Ink: Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink, Lavender Lace

Card: Pretty in Pink, Lavender Lace, Whisper White

Accessories: Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds

Tools: Paper Snips, Eyelet Border Punch, Adhesives including 2way Glue Pen & Dimensionals

"When the Lord calls our friends & loved ones home,

he leaves a gift of memories in exchange" xo

Creating Cards with Carla!

I was so lucky to have my friend Carla come over and stay the weekend (she would say she was even luckier, as she got to come child free! hee hee hee). We had plenty of time to relax in the craft room and at our leisure create some cards! (That was in between the many interruptions from my kids though, it wasn't child free for all damn it!)

Here's a few of the cards we created over the weekend together...

This was an idea I had stored away in which I can't remember where I had first seen this. It's a great way to use up your DS scraps (1cm strips). You could guarantee you would never get 2 cards looking the same with this one!

Stamps: (L) Best Yet (level 1 hostess), (R) Seeing Spots

Ink: (L) Almost Amethyst, (R) Basic Grey, So Saffron

Card: Whisper White, Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst, So Saffron, Tea Party DS

Accessories: (L) So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon, (R) Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, Bling

Tools: Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Adhesives including Dimensionals.

(L) made by Leonie (R) made by Carla

This next card was my little invention I was busting to try out after making the menus in the easel card style for my sister's wedding. Carla and I created the card front, then with a little trial and error I came up with the measurements for the base of the card to get the easel effect.

Stamps: Butterfly Prints (summer mini), Whimsical Words (Sale-a-Bration free set)

Ink: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip

Card: Regal Rose, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie, Sweet Always DS, Pink Pirouette Patterns DS

Accessories: Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Bling

Tools: Paper Trimmer with Scorer Blade, Butterfly Punch (summer mini), Eyelet Border Punch, (L) Designer Label Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, (R) Wide Oval Punch, Adhesives including Dimensionals

(L) made by Leonie (R) made by Carla

You may have seen this card design before, it was one from a set of 4 at a recent Stamp-a-Stack class of mine. I just changed the colours. Carla wanted a B'Day card for a friend who loves purple, so we came up with this...

Stamps: Circle Circus, Life Definitions

Ink: Lavender Lace, Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant

Card: Always Artichoke, Lavender Lace, Elegant Eggplant, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Mellow Moss Taffeta Ribbon, Brads

Tools: Wide Oval Punch, Piercer (for brads), Adhesives including Dimensionals

Now there is a story with these last 2 cards. Carla and I spotted this idea made by Marelle Taylor. We thought we would give it a go, so we googled to find the instructions how to tea bag fold the circle punch to get the petals. All good so far. We both folded our petals, and for some reason my 8 petals would not join to make a circle, AAARRRGGG! Mine were too skinny. Carla's were perfect. I tried re-folding them, but I will admit, this was one of those very rare occasions, when It got the better of me, and I gave up! Carla loved it so much, she took over making mine, so I can say, both of these gorgeous cards were made by Carla! (with me sitting on the side sulking. )

Stamps: Sincere Salutations

Ink: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss

Card: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, Cameo Coral, Whisper White, Raspberry Tart DS

Accessories: Rose Red 1" Ribbon, Crystal Brad

Tools: 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Oval Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Wide Oval Punch, Piercer for brad, Adhesives including Dimensionals.

Stay tuned for more projects from our weekend coming your way!

Sharing creativity with my best friend Kirsten xo

Thursday was an exciting day for us here at home, my best friend Kirsten and her son Angus came to stay the night. Kirsten & I go way back to year 2 in Primary School.

Last year Kirsten moved far far away out west to a huge property and we've been feeling the distance and missing each other.

Since living on a property with many km's between her and anyone else, Kirsten has found a new love of Stampin' a great way to fill in her days and be able to refocus her energies to when feeling isolated and lonely. We've spent may a time over the phone talking about our creations, and there's been the odd Stampin' Up! parcel delivered out west, but we have been busting to get together and create!

The first thing Kirsten really wanted to make on Thursday when she got here was the ever so popular Sticky Note Holder (click here for my previous post of this). Here's what we made...

Card: Rose Red, Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, Raspberry Tart DS

Accessories: Kiwi Kiss Stripe Ribbon, Crystal Brad, Mini Gel Pen, Sticky Note Pad

Tools: Paper Trimmer with Scoring Blade, 5 Petal Flower Punch, Piercer for Brad, Adhesives including Sticky Strip to assemble holder and Dimensionals

Kirsten then spotted my Envelope Card (click here for my previous post of this). Here's the creation we came up with of this...

Stamps: Butterfly Prints (Summer Mini), Three Little Words, Curvy Verses

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Almost Amethyst

Card: So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, Tea Party DS

Accessories: Pretty in Pink Stripe Ribbon, Whisper White Envelope

Tools: Paper Trimmer, Paper Crimper, Butterfly Punch (Summer Mini), 1 3/4" Circle Punch, Round Tab Punch

I wanted to share with Kirsten a quick classic card I was inspired by from Paper Angel Anna using the FREE Sale-a-Bration set Happy Moments. It looks so effective and can be created using up your DS scraps in any pattern. Stamp 3 present stamps on 3 different pieces of scrap DS, cut each present out and re-stack them to get this groovy card...

Stamps: Happy Moments (Sale-A-Bration Set)

Ink: Basic Black

Card: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, Kaleidoscope DS (Summer Mini)

Tools: Paper Snips, Adhesives including Dimensionals.

We had so much fun creating these little projects (plus a few others), we almost forgot the kids were playing in Elana's room. The cleaning up of her room wasn't so fun, but it was worth it!

Memories of a great year of Stampin' Up! 2009!

I've put together a collection of photos of some wonderful times

being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator over the past year.

I'd love to share these with you... click HERE to view my album.

(77 photos)

Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead in 2010.

May we have many Stampin' times together!!!

All the Best, Leonie

Birthday Wishes!

Today is not only the last day of 2009, but also a good friend of mine Sylvia's Birthday!

What a better way to spend my last day of the year than making her a special Birthday card.

I was inspired to make this card from a swap at our recent Stampin' Up! Regionals made by Tina White. Thanks Tina for the great idea.

Happy Birthday Sylvia

Stamps: A Rose is a Rose, Best Yet (level 1 hostess set), Friendly Words (jumbo wheel)

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Regal Rose, Old Olive, Always Artichoke

Card: Riding Hood Red, So Saffron, Naturals Ivory

Accessories: Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon

Tools: Paper Trimmer, Paper Snips, Stamp-a-ma-jig, Adhesives.

I'd also like to wish Debbie a Happy Birthday for yesterday.

I forgot to take a photo of the card I made Debbie, sorry about that.

Happy Birthday Debbie Mc

Thank you to 3 of my Paper Angel friends xoxoxo

When I think Paper Angels of course stampin' comes to mind along with fun and happiness... but there's one other very special thing that comes to mind, FRIENDS! I have made so many wonderful friends in whom I may never have met if I hadn't become part of the

Paper Angels Group.

I'd like to say Thank you to 3 of those friends for the special treats they have made me this year for Christmas...

Thank you Felicity for this personalised diary, it will come in handy for all my workshop bookings and classes lol ;-) (What a great idea to cover a diary like this, wish I thought of that first! lol)

Thanks also goes to Bec and Julie who I caught up with yesterday at Liz's for our Leadership meeting. They each gave me a gift with chocolates (Mmmm my favourite), Bec made me the lovely cracker and Julie the funky handbag. I had to eat all the chocolates before they melted *giggle*, but lucky, cause now I have my cracker and handbag out with my Christmas decorations and they look just great!

Thanks to my Paper Angel friends for such lovely treats. I feel a little spoilt xoxoxo

3 little birds - 3 more sleeps!

This month I have absolutely loved sharing with you my

Stamp Set of the Month

Friends 24-7.

A little birdie told me we only have 3 sleeps left until October has come to an end... so I thought I better make a few more cards to add to the Friends 24-7 collection.

This card was inspired by Marelle Taylor. It was the perfect colours for stamping friend (and fellow islander), Elizabeth who's birthday it is today... so shortly after making this I popped down the road a slipped this one into her letter box!

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Friendly Words jumbo wheel

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey, Creamy Caramel

Card: Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Grey, Whisper White

Tools: Paper Trimmer, Jumbo Handle, Aqua Painter, Daubers, Adhesives including Dimesnionals

It must be a day for Birthdays here on Macleay. This card was made for another stamping/islander friend Karen.

Stamps: Friends 24-7

Ink: Basic Black, (Colouring with an aqua painter and ink from the lids of my stampin pads, I also used Ballet Blue, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, Creamy Caramel)

Card: Basic Black, Ballet Blue, Whisper White

Tools: Paper Trimmer, Aqua Painter, scrap paper for masking, Adhesives.

Here's another for you...

this is the first time I have used my new punch,

the spiral punch. I can see me getting a little addicted to it. lol

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Friendly Words jumbo wheel

Ink: White StayzOn, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand

Card: Kraft, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Kraft Taffeta Ribbon

Tools: Paper Trimmer, Jumbo Handle, Scissors, Spiral Punch,

Adhesives including Dimensionals

Has October inspired you to Friends 24-7?

There are 3 sleeps left to add Friends 24-7 to your collection

at my special price of $39

which is a saving of over 15%.

Email me before Sat night if you would like a set.

PLEASE NOTE: I will be away for the first 2 weeks of next month. I have had enquiries already as to what my stamp set of the month for November will be. Keep posted for when I return as I will be having a special like never before for November's stamp set of the month!

Pretty are my Friends 24-7!

October's stamp set of the month 'Friends 24-7',

brings such things to mind as

Pretty, Girlie, and Pink!

Today I sat down with just those 3 things in mind...

and I made 2 cards that are just that!

Loving the damask stamp from the set, I had been inspired to try it out with two inks to give a two-tone effect... here's how it turned out...

Making the background was fun, and I was really pleased with how it looked, I didn't want to take away from it too much, so I simply added some ribbon, a pretty bow, and the 'Friends' saying mounted with dimensionals in the centre of the card.

Stamps: Friends 24-7
Ink: Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss
Card: Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: Kiwi Kiss Stripe Ribbon
Tools: Paper Trimmer, Daubers, Adhesives, & Dimensionals.

One of the highlights for me this year was going to Canberra for the Stampin' Up! Convention. There the Inspiration was non-stop! One of the memorable presentations for me was the one done by Stampin' Up!'s Co founder & CEO Shelli Gardner. Shelli has a real Shabby Chic style and I sooooo love it! The 09/10 catalogue introduced a line of products that she personally has been involved in creating "Shelli's Signature Collection" and Friends 24-7 is part of her collection. (to find Shelli's Signature range, just look for the heart icon).

Shelli made this adorable card in which I have done my best efforts to replica myself, I just love it, but I must say... if you like this, believe it or not, Shelli's was even more adorable.

A couple of tips I learnt from Shelli presenting this card was that you can colour the flowers from the pretties kit with pastels and daubers. You can even stamp on them too! Don't the ribbons look so adorable? I braved the old needle and thread and gathered the pretty in pink ribbon, the ribbon above it is from 'Dress Up' Ribbon Originals, dyed in coffee.

Stamps: Friends 24-7, Friendly Words jumbo wheel
Ink: Pretty in Pink, Sahara Sand, Basic Grey, Kiwi Kiss, Creamy Caramel
Card: Pretty in Pink, Sahara Sand, Confetti White
Accessories: Pretties Flower, Crystal Brad, Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Dress Up Ribbon
Tools: Paper Trimmer, Needle & Thread, Coffee for dying, Scissors for distressing, Jumbo Wheel Handle, Aqua Painter, Daubers, Pastels, Spritzer Tool, & Adhesives

Fallen in love with Friends 24-7?

Friends 24-7 can be found on page 81 of the 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalogue RRP $45.95

As I love each and every one of my friends... and that includes you... I am offering you the opportunity to add Friends 24-7 to your stamp collection at my special price of $39
That's a saving of over 15%!

Only available at this fabulous price until the end of this month!

Inspiring 'Friends 24-7'

I really love this month's stamp set of the month 'Friends 24-7'.

Here is a card I made for a stampin' friend Helen for her Birthday using this set...

Inspired from one of the swaps I received at Convention 09 - by Vanessa Webb.

Stamps: Friends 24/7 & Friendly Words Wheel
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Sahara Sand, & Pink Passion
Card: Sahara Sand, Pink Pirouette, & Kraft
Accessories: Pink Pirouette Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brad
Tools: Paper Trimmer, 2mm Circle Punch, Sponge Daubers, & Adhesives incl Dimensionals.

Another friend of mine, Paper Angel Fiona Dunlop of Townsville, had posted a challenge on her blog for October with the theme 'Many Thanks'. So I thought I would combine 'Friends 24-7' with the Thank you stamp from 'Lovely Labels' for this challenge... and it came together like this...

As you can see I have only used one stamp from Friends 24-7 here to create the background, the Damask. I must say this stamp alone is one of my favourite stamps in the entire 09/10 Idea Book and Catalogue. I also love Stampin' Up!'s DS papers as they do the thinking for me of what colours to use. I find most times if I choose a DS I like for a project I can stick to the colours of that DS for what I am making, and it always looks great!

Stamps: Friends 24-7 & Lovely Labels
Ink: Sahara Sand & Not Quite Navy
Card: Kraft, Very Vanilla, & Not Quite Navy
Accessories: DS paper Bella Bleu & Very Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Paper Trimmer, Eyelet Border Punch, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, & Adhesives.

Friends 24-7 can be found on page 81 of the 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalogue RRP $45.95


As I love each and every one of my friends... and that includes you... I am offering you the opportunity to add Friends 24-7 to your stamp collection at my special price of $39
That's a saving of over 15%!

Creating many HAPPY friends this month!

Look NO STAMPS!!!!

A stamp-less card... *gasp*

No i'm not kidding, and yes I am feeling okay!

I have been itching to make a card using only rub-ons,

so when my friend Shelley had her birthday last month,

out they came!

And dah dah dah DAH....

What a super cool card this is if I do say myself. *giggle*

The centre of the card is Whisper White, and it has a layer of 'overhead transparency' over it. I have placed rub-ons on the outside on the OHT and under this on the WW card. The rub-ons are 'Summer Love' in the Spring mini.

Okay, okay... so it might have been a little much for me to not squeeze some stampin in there somewhere... so I decorated the envelope to match, just couldn't resist! The 'Great Friend' stamp set co-ordinates with 'Summer love' rub-ons... so why not!

Rub-ons are so easy...

just select, cut, rub, and peel!

Materials used to make this card: Summer love rub-ons, whisper white card stock, Overhead transparency paper, Baja Breeze stripe ribbon.
(Hidden under the ribbon I used a couple of glue dots to hold the OHT to the WW securely.)

This card was inspired by the front cover of the Spring mini!

Friends 24-7 in October!

Spring is well and truly here!

The flowers are blooming,

colour filling our gardens.

The birds are singing,

baby birds are peeping out from their nests.

What a wonderful time of year!

But there are many reasons why I love this month other than Spring.

October brings the fun of our Christmas Card Charity Workshops,

a bonus as it will bring together friends enjoying a great day together,

maybe some new friendships will become for some.

It is also a great month to join Stampin' Up!

with our Breast Cancer Awareness Promotion.

As I reflect upon my own experience joining Stampin' Up! this months featured Stamp Set 'Friends 24-7' reminds me too well of the impact it has had on my life...

"The HAPPIEST business in the world is that of making FRIENDS"

and that's just what I have made so many of since joining Stampin' Up!

I am proud to present to you the Stamp Set of the month

for October 2009

Friends 24-7!

Kick starting this month's most gorgeous stamp set I created this card

with the floral theme of spring in mind....

Using Raspberry Tart DS as my background, I went with the 'think pink' theme, selecting Rose Red as my main colour. I decided to water colour the flower using the ink from my Stampin' Pads, Certainly Celery being my choice for the stem. To compliment this I added a small addition of CC to my scallop framed quote. 1" Rose Red Ribbon trimmed with a white eyelet border edge made for a nice subtle finishing touch!

Friends 24-7 can be found on page 81 of the 2009/2010 Idea Book & Catalogue RRP $45.95

Like what you see?

This is the first of many inspiring ideas I will share with you throughout the month of October of how fabulous 'Friends 24-7' really is.

As I love each and every one of my friends... and that includes you... I am offering you the opportunity to add Friends 24-7 to your stamp collection at my special price of $39
That's a saving of over 15%!

That should create many HAPPY friends this month!

My friends love Circle Circus as much as me!

I received a lovely email from my special friend and Paper Angel Ursula this morning sharing that she is in love with

Circle Circus as much as me!

Here are two fabulous cards of Ursula's made with Circle Circus.

This one she explains she had spotted at Bec's house (Bec is who had made the Christmas one on my previous posting). Ursula loved what she saw so much she re-made it herself and didn't change a thing. How's that for inspiration!

It has been created with White StazOn ink,

new in our Spring Mini Catalogue.

Ursula also shows here a fabulous male card using Circle Circus.

It really is an ALL ROUND stamp set!!!!!!

Remember during this month Circle Circus is on show as my

Stamp Set of the Month...

You can bring the circus to your place to play with for only $45.

A saving of over 15%.

8 days left until the 'Big Top' is taken down!!!!!!

Memories from a fab day on the 1st August!

On the 1st of August I rolled up at Ursula's new craft haven namely'Angel Ave', in Rochedale South, armed with lots of fun crafting gear for a great day... and what a day it was!

I had a group of 8 join me for my Christmas Blitz Class from 12:30-4pm, each making 12 Christmas cards (3 designs - 4 of each)... We used the Snow Swirled set which was my stamp set featured in July and teamed it up with the gorgeous new DS Papers in the mini catalogue called Ski Slope. Everyone had a great time, and now each have started off their Christmas card stash for this Christmas! Congratulations to Debbie Mc & Shelley T on each winning a funky red storage holder for all their Chrissy cards.

Why stop there though?.. Straight out of Christmas Blitz mode... and into Spring mini catalogue launch mode!!!!!! From 4-6pm we celebrated the launch of the new mini catalogue. This was a joint celebration with Ursula and her lovely guests also. We had some fabulous specials that were only available on the day, and everyone made a cute card featuring little handbags made from punches with the new DS papers 'Walk in the Park' and the new stamp set 'Oval All'... and... my favourite part... the new Scallop Oval punch! One of the handbags even had a cute flower designer brad,

also new in the Spring Mini.

This card would look great in any of the fabulous DS Papers Stampin' Up! has to offer... here it is in another of the papers in the mini, the Parisian Breeze Specialty Designer Series Paper.

Congratulations to Robyn B, one of Ursula's guests, on winning a fabulous Walk in the Park prize pack up for grabs on the day,

and to Carla M and Kristy J

for being the lucky door prize winners.

After both events you would think us girls would just need to put our feet up! Well what better way to do that than have a surprise craft room warming party!!!!!!! Ursula's new craft room is absolutely fabulous, and the floors, walls etc had only been finished days before. Hours of love and devotion has gone into the makings of "Angel Ave" by Ursula, her husband Aaron, and their two boys. I know how excited I was about their new haven, and the many classes we will be able to hold there doing what we love best...

stampin' and being with our friends,

so I can only imagine Ursula & Aaron's joy.

Just after taking some pickies of Ursula in her funky new room to end the day off (or so she thought), in rolled some Paper Angel friends Liz, Kathy, and Kate, with pizza, chocolate treats, and bubbly. Surprise Ursula!!!! Happy Craft Room Warming! Being a part of our group is a wonderful thing, not only do we keep inspiring each other in so many ways, we have made some great friends, so a girls night in with friends was the best way to end what was

an absolutely fantastic day!

Thank you to all who joined us on the 1st August...

it was certainly a day I will remember for a long time to come xo