Social Stamping - Oh 2020!

Happy New Year's Eve everyone and welcome to my last blog post for 2020!! Today is another fun Social Stamping blog hop hosted by the lovely Kelly Kent. These hops were started back when the first Covid lockdown in Australia was in full swing as a weekly hop to enable people to craft together whilst we were all isolating at home. As restrictions lifted in many areas, the hop continued as a monthly event. For this last hop of 2020 the theme is very apt - "Oh 2020" as it has been a very different year and one we are likely to look back on for generations to come.

You may have come from the lovely Julia Quinn and her fabulous projects or you can start the hop here and use the Next buttons at the bottom of each post. To see a full list of participants please click on the coloured header image above.

This project is one I made back in early May for a Just Add Ink colour challenge. You can see my original post here. The Share Sunshine digital stamp set was made especially for Covid 19 related issues and I was  staying in a hotel (not for Covid) when I made this card. Looking back, I can hardly believe I was able to make a card at all let alone one I still love for it's soft and feminine details.

This card speaks to me of that time - the Basic Grey circle is a piece of smokey slate  I inked with BG as I didn't have that colour card on hand and had to improvise...and the sheer determination and touch of humour distraction we all needed to get through 2020.

And even if we were wearing "day pyjamas" or track pants it didn't mean we had to go without perfume- or roses. You just had to order them all online 😄

So it is finally time to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome in a New Year. We have all learned a lot this year. Apart from the deep and meaningful things...we learned how to sew a mask and  how to make a no-sew mask. How to make and use hand sanitiser, how far 1.5metres apart actually is, that toilet paper is an essential purchase and that any brand will do when it is in short supply!! Oh and how could I forget this big one - how to use Zoom!! So it hasn't all been bad but hopefully not all of these skills will be needed in the year to come. Wishing you all a very happy New Year and that 2021 is a fabulous year for you and all your families!!

Next you are off to see the lovely Andrea and her gorgeous projects that I'm sure you will enjoy!

Card stock: Whisper White, (Thick and Standard), Smokey Slate, Pink glitter

Inks: Momento Tuxedo Black, Rococo Rose Blends & Copics

Stamps: Dressed to Impress, Share Sunshine (PDF)

Accessories:Die Cutting machine, All Dressed Up Dies, Stitched Shapes Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies, Ribbon, Metallic Sequins assortment (retired)

Til next time,

Jan

Social Stamping - Merry & Bright

Hello and welcome everyone to another fun Social Stamping Blog Hop hosted by the lovely Kelly Kent. This was a beautiful idea that started earlier in the year as Covid 19 affected our ability to connect and stamp together and as that has inproved for us here in Australia, it has turned into a monthly event. This month the theme is Merry & Bright which is perfect with Christmas only a few weeks away. So I hope that you can grab a cuppa and hop along through all the blogs and be inspired for your own Christmas creations.

You may have arrived from the fabulous Sandra Collett and her beautiful projects or you may be starting here. To continue on the journey you can either click the Social Stamping graphic at the top to see the full list of participants or simply use the Next button at the bottom of each blog post.

I have created two cards using a combination of stamps - the gorgeous Peace & Joy bundle and Coming Home dies plus a favourite pet themed stamp set from my stash. I used a similar theme for my Just Add Ink design team card this week too.  For the landscaped card the background is sponged and then drops of water added to create the snow effect and the cute pups were coloured with Copics.

The same idea was used for this card except for the background. Before inking, some splatters of Distress Resist Spray were used to add clear, shiny, textural drops. This also seals the colour of whatever is underneath - in this case, white! And gives the snow a more 3D effect. Then the layers of ink and card stock were applied as before. 

Here you can hopefully see the texture in the background and shine too- it's a little more realistic of a blizzard. Whilst I love SU and they are always where I turn first for stamping ideas, I do like to occasionally add other ideas and stamps into my collection to help learn new things and keep experimenting with new techniques.

 Thanks for stopping by today. Next you are off to see the lovely Sheila Pybus and her gorgeous projects. 

Card stock: Whisper White, Thick and Standard, Silver Foil

Inks: Momento Tuxedo Black, Magenta Madness

Stamps: Peace & Joy

Accessories: Die Cutting machine, Joy Dies, Home Together Dies, Metallic Sequins (Retired), Wink of Stella

Non SU: Stamps: Deck The Howls (MFT), Distress Resist Spray (TH Ranger), Copic Markers, Distress Inks

Til next time,

Jan

Social Stamping - Celebrate

Hello and welcome to another fabulous Social Stamping Blog Hop. These hops were originally started as a way of staying connected when all of Australia were under lockdown because of Covid 19. Mostly this has eased except for those of us in Victoria where the restrictions now are even tighter than before so these hops are a lifeline for me! This month the theme is "Celebrate" which is perfect for Spring birthdays or any festive theme so I am sure there will be a wonderful variety of projects for you to enjoy!

You may have just arrived from the lovely Julia Quinn and her fabulous projects or you can start the Hop here and continue by just by clicking the Next button at the bottom of each post. To find a full list of participants, you can click on the Social Stamping image at the top of this post.

This is the first of two cards I created using the gorgeous Celebrate Sunflowers Bundle which recently arrived for me. Being a lover of all things Pink I had my first play with the new Majenta Madness and water coloured the main bloom and the lovely Just Jade for the leaves. Embossed in Shimmery Black it gives it a crisp black sparkle that is much more obvious in real life. 

My second card was inspired by a lovely white on white creation by Angela Meiritz-Reid. I loved the background and thought it would compliment my favourite coloured bloom. 

Here the bloom is coloured as though through a pink lens...that was the feel I was going for. All the different die cut leaves and flower frames are used in the background to create a textured white on white effect. 

Thanks for stopping by today! Next you are off to see to visit my lovely friend Chantell Randall and her beautiful projects that I know you will enjoy!

Card stock: Whisper White (thick and standard)

Designer Series Paper: Samper Pack 6x6 (SAB)

Inks: Versamark, Daffodil Delight, Majenta Madness, Just Jade, Cinnamon Cider, Early Espresso

Stamps: Celebrate Sunflowers

Accessories: Die cutting Machine, Ornate Layers Dies, Sunflower Dies, Shimmery Black EP (retired), White EP, Basic Rhinestones, Silver Sequin Trim, In Colour ribbon (MM)

Til next time,

Jan

 

Social Stamping - New Normal

Welcome to another blog hop of Social Stamping hosted by the lovely Kelly Kent to enable people to be able to create together whilst we stamped alone during Isolation. We have all been having so much fun with this that we've decided to keep it going for a little longer. Yay! 😀

This is week Eleven and Kelly has chosen the theme of New (Normal). Here in Australia - and throughout the world - restrictions are easing and we are allowed to meet in small numbers. Social Distancing will remain and be part of the "New Normal" post Covid life but restaurants, cafes and physical shops are all opening and online shopping is no longer the only option. 

You may have arrived here from the lovely Lou Kitzelman and her stunning projects or you can start the hop here and click on the Next button at the end of every blog post to make your way around.

For my card I decided to feature a stamp set that I had hoped to use a lot more but high heels and lipstick haven't really been seen during Isolation. Most people have been relaxing at home in trackies and trainers.Just venturing out for maybe a walk in a nearby park for exercise and necessary trips to the supermarket. But now that we are allowed out again for small girlie catchup's it's time to go looking through our wardrobe and at least bring back the lipstick if not the heels just yet. 

I've used a recent Just Add Ink sketch for my layout and coloured the background with a scribble of Mint Macaron Blends and then the individual images were also coloured with Blends.

Next you are off to see Jo Weedon and her fabulous projects.  I hope that you enjoy your time hopping around to see all the gorgeous creations we've made to inspire you.

Card Stock: Whisper White Thick and standard, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Saleabration

Stamps: Dressed To Impress

Inks: Momento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Die cutting machine, All Dressed Up dies, Metallic Sequin Assortment, Wink of Stella

Til next time,

Jan

Social Stamping - Animals

Welcome to another hop at Social Stamping a fabulous idea by the lovely Kelly Kent to enable us to be able to create together whilst so many are stamping alone during Isolation.

This week the theme is "Animals." Be it a pet, a wild animal or a new rescue, animals have all noticed the changes to our lifestyles during this time whilst we all spend more time at home. So many shelters have had an increase in the adoption of cats and dogs as people realise they are such good company especially when they have more time to give - and all our beloved pets will be enjoying having us around more during this time too.

You may have just arrived here from the lovely Peta Stephens and her fabulous projects or you can start the hop and click on the Next button at the bottom of each post to make your way around.

Not great photos today with Melbourne's fog and rainy weather but I created a fun puppy Wedding Card using two retiring sets - my all time favourite, Happy Tails and the versatile Piece of Cake. 

You may notice that the two dogs are facing each other - and there is only one such image in the stamp set. I used the Stamparatus and Silicone Sheet to create a mirror image of the stamp and used Blends and Copics to colour the dogs and flowers on the cake. Some sequins from the Peaceful Poppies complete this CAS card.

This is of course the perfect time to introduce you to my current best furry friend - Sally (Jr). Sally is a special girl who graduated from Guide Dogs Victoria last October as a Companion and with extra training helps me as an Assistance Dog. She enjoys both her work in harness and her play time out of it very much and always asks for her bed to be moved to beside the craft table when I'm making cards and finds it the perfect excuse to sleep the afternoon away! 😀

Next you are off to see the gorgeous projects that Julia Quinn has created to inspire you.

I hope that you enjoy your hopping around blog land and enjoy the coming week.

Card Stock: Whisper White, Gold Foil

Designer Series Paper: Lilly Impressions 

Inks: Momento Tuxedo Black, Versamark 

Accessories: Die Cutting Machine, Subtles EF, Black Shimmery EP, Peaceful Poppies Sequins Assortment.

Til next time,'

Jan

Social Stamping - Sunshine!

It's time for another hop over at Social Stamping, a fabulous idea of the lovely Kelly Kent to enable us to be able to create together whilst we still have to stamp alone. 

This week the theme is "Sunshine." Sunshine is something that seems to make everything better  doesn't it! Whether it be the heat of Summer or, as it is here in Australia at the moment, a comfortable warmth in late Autumn. With everyone staying at home we have more time to appreciate the sunshine and all that goes with a beautiful day outside.  I have a dog - sometimes two to walk -  and we are seeing so many more people at our local park that has a great walking track. It's great to see people out and about whilst distancing and enjoying the current slower pace of life.

You may have arrived here from my lovely friend Chantell Randall's blog and her fabulous projects or you can start the blog hop here by clicking on the Next button on the bottom of each post.

So I decided to create a fun "Sun" for the Sunshine theme and create a male 50th birthday card. Recently, I saw these fabulous Retro inspired cards by Laura Bassen and several Cases of this over facebook and blogland and decided it was time I had a go myself! I am a fan of a rainbows and sunshine-y  bright colours but it took a bit of fiddling to to get a balance even I was happy with here.

The swirl design is a lot easier to create than you might think. It is simply a matter of layering the different circles on top of each other, cutting them in half and then swapping out the colours from another circle created the same way. Below are the left over circles from this card ready to be used for the next one. A little space between the circles does allow the best match up of the swirls.

Seeing as this gives a real Retro vibe, I thought it would work well for a 50th - someone old enough to know about Austin Powers, yeah baby!😆😂😂The sentiment comes from the latest generations' texting abbreviations... so a few years covered this week! Each letter and number has at least 3 layers to give them height impact and strength.

Next you're off to see the gorgeous projects that Shannon Kissane has made to inspire you. Enjoy your hopping around the different blogs this week and I hope that you are able to take some time out to enjoy the Sunshine this week. If you get lost along the way, just click the Banner at the top of the page to go to the full list of participants.

Card Stock: Whisper White, Blueberry Bushel, Balmy Blue, Real Red, Poppy Parade, So Safron, Pretty Peacock, Coastal Cabana, Cajun Craze, Terracotta Tile, Crushed Curry, Basic Black, Gold Foil, Black Glimmer

Inks: Versamark

Stamps: Lined Alphabet (retiring)

Accessories: Die Cutting machine - Layering Alphabet Dies, Large Number Dies.

Non SU: SSS Stitched Circles Dies.

Til next time,

Jan

Social Stamping - Families

Hello and welcome! We are hopping again over at Social Stamping where the lovely Kelly has set the theme of "Family." With everyone keeping Social Distancing regulations most of us are missing family catch ups and hugs. Tomorrow in Australia and New Zealand it is Mother's Day - one of the biggest family days of the years so instead of catching up in person maybe we can send some handmade love in the form of a card instead. No, it will never be the same but it is a good start.

You may have arrived here from the lovey Liz Gross and her stunning projects or you can start the hop here by clicking the Next button at the bottom of each blog post.

For my card I have not made a Mother's Day card,  instead I've made a card for one of my sisters. She has a beautiful garden full of flowers she can pick throughout the Summer months and so hopefully she will like this.

I am more of a Clean and Simple style lover rather than ornate and vintage so I tried to create a white on white look with the different frames around the bouquet to keep it fresh. Blends were used for colouring and a good splash of Wink Of Stella sparkle is one of the  finishing touches.

The sentiment panel was cut with the Stitched Rectangles - a set that compliments these ornate dies and it's trimmed down further by using the side of a longer rectangle to continue the stitched effect.
I've already decided I need to CASE myself here and just swap the Blue and Petal Pink flowers around -it is a good when just occasionally you can inspire yourself. 😁

Next you're off to see the fabulous projects that Michelle Strazds has created for you. Enjoy your hopping around the different blogs and I hope this encourages you to make a card for family members too!

Card stock: Whisper White (thick and standard) Basic Black

Designer Series Paper: Ornate Garden Specialty

Inks: Momento Tuxedo Black, Versamark

Blends: Balmy Blue, Daffodil Delight, Lovely Lipstick, Old Olive, Calypso Coral (light), Petal Pink (dark)
Accessories: Die cutting machine, Stitched Rectangle Dies, Ornate Layers Dies, White EP

Til next time,
Jan

Social Stamping - Birthdays in Isolation

Hello and welcome! We are hopping over at Social Stamping and this week the lovely Kelly has set the theme as "Birthdays in Isolation". The timing couldn't be better with Stampin Up releasing a digital download stamp for all your Isolation needs!

With Social distancing restrictions currently across every state and territory in Australia and indeed around the world, birthdays are being celebrated differently than we have ever known them. We can't  give a birthday hug let alone have a special party. This is Kelly's birthday month - and today also happens to be one of lovely sister's birthdays in NZ too so this theme has come just in time to help us all celebrate whilst social distancing.

You may have arrived here from the lovely Sheila Pybus blog and her gorgeous project and you can also hop around all the different posts by clicking on the Next button on the bottom of each blog.

For my card this week I used DSP and images from the All Dressed Up bundle to compliment the sentiment which is from the Share Sunshine Digital Download. 

The flowers are coloured using Blends and then die cut - I don't mind fussy cutting but it is much quicker to build a spray of florals if you don't need to 😀The Sentiment and backing panel are both cut with the same Stitched Rectangle die and slight trimming of the stitching enables the main panel and not the backing to be the focus.

Thanks so much for popping by and Next you're off to see the stunning project that Andrea Sargent has made! Enjoy your hopping around blog land.😊

Card Stock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Vellum

DSP: 6x6 Sampler

Stamps: Dressed to Impress, Share Sunshine

Inks: Blends -Mint Macaron, Rich Razzleberry Rococo Rose

Accessories: All Dressed Up Dies, Wink of Stella, Stitched Rectangle Dies, 3D Lace EF