Inspiration - Solitude by Sharlene M

I wasn't planning to post again today, especially as while I'm typing I have a stinky 2 year old climbing all over me.  But I came across Sharlene's card while I was checking out what you all have been up to.

I love how she's used the ballet blue and layered her stamp sets.  Check out the details of her card by visiting her blog Magpie Creates.

Inspiration - Another Altered Tin by Lisa

I wanted to share another tin with you.  This by Lisa who is fairly new to blogging but seems to have caught on well.  I love the scalloping she's used on this one.  Visit her blog Stampin' Up! With Lisa.

Inspiration - Altered Tin by Karen

Tins are always a great thing to alter.  I've got an altered money tin that I did for Baylee, it'll be a shame when we eventually have to cut it open so she can bank the money she's collected in there.

Anyway here's a very cool tin that Karen altered.  She's used Spring Showers and Spring Flowers.  Both sets of DSP are still available but aren't published in the current catalogue.  Check out Karen's tin in more detail here.

Embossing Challenge - Louise's Wild About You

Here is my card for Trudi's embossing challenge, it is a basic resist technique card that I made to do in Stamp Club last night.

Lot's of stuff ups that I tried my best to disguise.

You can read about the mistakes here

Inspiration - Truckloads by Sharlene M

Since it's only a few weeks until Father's Day I thought I'd keep an eye out for cards for guys.  And today I came across this one made by Sharlene, although it's not intended for Father's Day it's still a fantastic card and I'm sure Sharlene's husband will love it.  Truckloads of Love is such a great set for masculine cards.  Check out more great cards on Sharlene's blog Magpie Creates.

Inspiration - Sharon's Mini Album

This is Sharon's gorgeous mini album. She has made a fantastic job on this using "Outlaw" dp and a selection of stamps and cardstock.

You can check it out in more detail on her blog "Lemon Delicious"

Introducing - Anna from the deep south...

I received an email from Anna this morning requesting that I add her to the blog.  I'm so glad she did - this is one seriously talented lady!  Check out Anna's blog, which lives up to its name Funky, Fresh and Fun.

Inspiration - Tag by Lisa

Lisa's one of our newest bloggers and despite her frustrations she's doing really well getting her blog going.  To see what she's achieved checkout her blog Stampin' Up! with Lisa.  It's great that she's started blogging, as you can see by her tag, her creations are beautiful, so I'm glad that she'll be sharing them with us.

Inspiration - Shaker by Rachael Knight

Here's another late night post.  I was checking what you all have been up to while I've been at work.  Rachael created this very cool shaker card for her daughter's birthday.  I love the red and the DSP she's used. To see more details on her card check out her blog Impressions of a Late Knight Inker.  Also you can check out her new layout.

Link list

This is frustrating me so much!!!!
Lisa has just started blogging and I've been helping to set up her blog this evening. Everything is working fine except for one thing. Her link above. It's not linking straight to her blog. If anyone knows how to fix it PLEASE let me know. I don't know what else to try.
Thanks for your help.

addit: Thanks for your comments - good to hear it's working for you.  It must be my computer, because now its doing it to everyone's links.

addit: 9/8 I think its a blogger issue, cause now the links have disappeared completely.  I'll add another links list in the side bar, so everyone can still access blogs from here until blogger sort themselves out.

Inspiration - Celebrate LO by Shelli

So I know she's not even in NZ but I thought this LO deserved to be an Inspiration - not just because Shelli's the CEO of SU but because I thought her LO was gorgeous!  Shelli's just started her own blog and she's got a monthly challenge going.  The challenge is to create something using the word 'Celebrate'.  If you take part in Shelli's challenge we'd also love to see your creations.  Check out Shelli's blog and challenge HERE

Inspiration - A Box by Megan

Ok so it's not just a box....  surely it's got some amazing name to go with it, but I have no idea what it is.  I'm sure it's not as complicated as it looks, but doesn't it look awesome.  Megan after over a month between posting on her blog has been very busy, creating boxes cards and lots of layouts.  Check out her blog The Stamp House to see what else she's been up to.

Welcome Chloe!!!!!

A huge welcome to Chloe Danz, our newest demo in Wanganui. And man are we lucky to have such a talented lady join us demos. I have been following Chloe's "other" non SU blog for a while now and she has just started her new SU blog and you can check it out here. I am sure Chloe would be really stoked if you visited and left a comment to welcome her and show what a bunch of super people you all are.

I am doubly stoked as Chloe loves challenges and I am sure that her entries in the ones on here will inspire you all to join in.

RAK - for me

I got a lovely surprise when I checked the letter box today (and despite all the rain it was still dry). I received this stunning card from Tracy, she's made a beautiful job of it using one of my favourite sets. To see more of Tracy's creations check out her blog Stamping All Seasons. Thank you Tracy, it really did brighten my day!

RAK - For Karen

This card is beautiful, but it's not your ordinary card.  To check it out in full you need to check out Karen's blog The INKredible Journey.  Karen was very lucky to receive this card from a Napier Demo, Pauline.

Inspiration - Altered Notebook by Jacque

I saw this Notebook on Jacque's blog earlier but didn't have time to post it as we were rushing off to Hockey.  So now I'm home and thawing out I've got a few minutes to post before the girls start demanding lunch.

One of the things I love about stamping and SU products is you can personalise everything.  Jaque has done a beautiful job of this notebook, she's turned some cheap and plain into something special.  For more details, check out Jaque's blog Stamp Happy.

Inspiration - Kwerner Challenge Entry by Judy

Isn't this so pretty??  I love the girly colours.  Judy's made this card for the current Kwerner challenge.  I love these challenges but just don't seem to find the time to take part.  Check out Judy's blog for more details.

Inspiration - Always by Sharlene M

This is another of my favourite stampsets from the NEW Spring Mini, Sharlene's made this very cute card. I love the soft colours she's used. Don't forget you can order products from the Spring Mini from the 1st August - not long now! Check out Sharlene's blog Magpie Creates

Inspiration - Janine's family stamping

While surfing around all the NZ demo blogs on the weekend I came across a lovely post on Janine's blog. It shows the cards that she and her children made for her husbands birthday. I thought it was so lovely to see cards that her children hade made themselves for their dad. As it's the holidays it might be fun to see what your children can create for someone they love. Remember not to be to precious about our stamps (I am soooo guilty of this) at the end of the day they can be cleaned and as long as the children are supervised your ink pads are fairly safe. It's worth it to see how proud they are of what they make.

Inspiration - Stevie's Wheeling

if you have been an observant little demo, you will have noticed a new blogger on our list.... Stevie has just started her blog, and there is some really great stuff on there already.

I think that the way she has used an SU wheel on this layout combined with colouring the images looks fantastic.

To see more of Stevie's creations, go and check out her blog

Inspiration - Bloomin' with Beauty by Sarah

I think any card made with this stamp set would be beautiful but what Sarah's done with it is gorgeous!  I love how she's coloured and layered it.  To get the recipe and full instructions on how Sarah made this card, check out her blog thINKing Stamps.

Inspiration - Best Friends Layout by Michelle

OK so I'm a little biased towards this layout because the photo includes my daughter Baylee.  What I find amazing is both Michelle and I have a same photo but the layout and colours we've chosen are completely different.  Michelle's done an amazing job and I think the simplicity keeps the focus on the photo.  Check out the rest of Michelle's blog O 2 B Stampin

Inspiration - Michelles Box in a Bag

Isn't this just FAB!!!! I spotted this on Michelles blog "O 2 B Stampin" .

Wouldn't this be great as something to demo in a masculine theme for Fathers Day, filled with as Michelle used fudge or similar?

Michelle got her instructions from Paula Goffs Blog.

To see the Michelles recipe and more of her fantastic cards and projects go visit her blog

Inspiration - Bloomin by Sharlene

So here's a sneak peak at one of the stamp sets available in the Spring Mini (starts 1 August). I love pretty much all the stamp sets in it, including the wide satin ribbon, the rub ons ... ok pretty much EVERYTHING. This stamp set is top of my wish list.

Sharlene has pre ordered it and made this card along with a couple of other beautys. To see the others and check out how to WIN this SET FREE! check out her blog Stamp With Sharlene.

Inspiration - Fall Flowers Set by Kim

I love the muted tones in this card from Kim. Even better, she has a whole set of cards, envies and a box to put them in on her blog! Jump on over to INKin Fun to see the rest of the set!

Inspiration- One for the Boys by Sharlene M

I love this card!  The colours are fantastic together, until I got the new IB&C in April I would never have thought of putting these colours together.  Check out Sharlene's blog Magpie Creates to see her matching scrapbook layout and for her recipe.

Inspiration - A Cute Bundle by Tracy

Ok it's not really a bundle, but she has made a bunch of cards.  You'll have to keep checking her blog as she posts them.  This is just the first and it's adorable!  I can't see what else she's made.  I love this set, it's my favourite for baby cards.  Check out Tracy's blog Stamping All Seasons.

Mini Pizza Box Tutorial

Hi everyone, I came across this Mini Pizza Box the other day and I wanted to share it with you all as it's so cute but so easy.  Email me at trudi.hopkinson@xtra.co.nz with your Mini Pizza Boxes and I'll upload them.

Cut an A4 piece of card to 6" x 11"

Score along the pink lines at 1" 5" 6" & 10" widthways and 1" & 5" lengthways.

Cut along the purple lines up to the score lines.

Fold and tape tabs and all done!

Traces Christmas Criss Cross

This is Tracy from over at Stamping Seasons criss cross card for the criss cross challenge.

I love festive favourites, and I think you have to agree Tracy's card is FABULOUS!

Inspiration - Scallops by Sharlene T

Here's a very cool card by Sharlene.  I love the colour combo she's used and the large circle and scallop she's done.  If you want to know how to do the large scallop, it's really easy, just check out her blog Stamp With Sharlene, for instructions.

Trudi's July Challenge Entry

Thanks Louise's for this month's Challenge. 

Stamps - Baroque Motifs

Ink - River Rock, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip

Card - River Rock Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip

DSP - Brocade Backgrounds

Accessories - Tab Punch, Scallop Punch, Choc Chip Wide Grosgrain, Vintage Brads.

 

Doncha just love that Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain - I can't wait to get my hands on the satin ribbon in the new mini!!!

July Challenge - CrissCross Card

Your challenge, should you wish to accept, is a criss cross card, I am going to be doing a sketch every month starting in August. I thought I would ease you all into it nice and slowly with an easy first one, so hence a criss cross. I have loaded a picture so those of you that may not know what a criss cross is can have a look. Also if you need some instructions here are some really good ones.

It would be great if everyone (including you Aussies that visit) could have a go, it would be a nice way to share ideas, and see some new "faces" on here.


You can email me a picture of your card here and I will upload it.

I look forward to seeing what you all come up with.

Inspiration - Simply Bodacious by Jacque

What I love about this card is how simple it is, yet it's still a fantastic card.  Jacque's turned it up by using a different fold (yep Jacque I'm pretty sure it is a Z fold).  That's another thing about stamping, you can make a card sweet and simple or go all out - it's completely up to the designer (or CASEr in my case) and there are no rules.  Visit Jacque's Blog Stamp Happy NZ to see what else she's been up to.

Inspiration - Tracy's Fishy Friends

This is a card from Tracy Jackson's blog "Stamping All Seasons"

I think this is a fab colour combo and one not usually seen with this set, but it definitely looks great.

Tracy has loads of great cards and layouts on her blog so make sure and go and check it out.

Inspiration - Definitely Pretty by Louise

I'm sure you'll all agree with me that this one SOO deserves to be an inspiration post.  It's simply gorgeous.  Louise has used her Pretties Kit to make this dragonfly.  I'll definitely be giving this project a go in the near future.  Visit Louise's Blog by clicking HERE.

Inspiration - Berry Bliss LO by Rachael

Once again I was blog hopping yesterday and I hopped onto Rachael's blog.  She had this beautiful LO posted, and isn't her little girl just beautiful as well??  Rachael's Blog has just been added to our links list so go check her out.

Inspiration - Boatloads by Kim

Kim's big on sponging and has got me into it more as well.  She used sponging on this card and it looks fantastic!  Checkout what else Kim's been up to, she's been busy, on her blog INKin Fun.

Inspiration - Petals by Louise

Isn't this just gorgeous??  I still don't think I've seen an actual flower made with this set, but that just shows you how versatile it is.  Louise has made this stunning dragonfly and used a sketch challenge - for more details check out her blog HERE.

Hi everyone.

What do you think of the new links list???

I've added the new one so that you can see instantly who's updated their blogs recently.  It also show up who's been slacking.  Hope this saves you a little time blog hopping and encourages those who haven't updated in a while.

Please let us know what you think.

Hope you're all keeping warm & dry - a perfect night to stamp!

CC #1 by Trudi

Here's my entry for the colour challenge.  It didn't come out quite how it looked in my head, but I think it's ok, a little more green than I had intended. Sorry I've used Stem Silhouettes, but it's one of my favourites, shame it's retired, it could easily be substituted with Artfully Asian but I don't have that set - yet.  The layout was CASEd from a card I saw a while ago on Amber Hight's Blog.

Stamps - Stem Silhouettes (Retired)

Ink - So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Black Marker

Cardstock - Sahara Sand, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron, Whisper White

Accessories - White Grosgrain, White Brads, Cuttlebug, Crop-A-Dile, SAMJ, Sponge

A Colour Challenge for the Last Week of the Month

I've seen so many fantastic cards using these colours and cards from K Werner's other challenges. She's so talented at putting together great colour combos. Here's her current Colour Challenge.

Sahara Sand, So Saffron, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Have fun with it and email me with your cards with the subject NZSU CC 1.


Don't forget - this is the LAST week to enter in for blog candy. Leave your comment and go in the draw.

Inspiration - Sharlenes Baroque Motifs

This gorgeous creation comes direct to us to us from Sharlene Meyer's blog "Magpie Creates"

I love this set, and from what I understand from alot of your blogs so do you, I love that this is so simple and still so effective, and only uses two colours.... sweet.

Anne Marie's June Challenge Entry

Here's a card and a layout by Anne Marie for the June challenge of doing a 'masculine' project.  She's done a fabulous job with both.  She's also been busy making some bright and colourful children's cards you can check out on her blog Stamping Galore.

Sorry my computer's playing up so will try and publish the card in the morning.  And sorry Anne Marie that's it's taken me so long to get them published.  

Lets try again

Here's Anne Marie's card that she made for the challenge.

 

Stamps - Canvas BG, Circle of Friendship

Cardstock - Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, River Rock

Accessories - Twill Tape, Hodgepodge & corner rounder punch.

Thanks for being so patient.

Inspiration - Louise's Mates LO

Aren't children and animals great to scrap?  I know that's what most of my scrap albums contain, although our cat usually disappears when the girls appear. lol  

Louise has captured both in this lovely LO.  I love the colour combo she's used and her use of hodgepodge and it works for our June challenge!  Check out more of Louise's creations on her blog PunknScrap.

Blog Hits 5000+

Yay we've had over 5000 hits!  I thought I'd let you all know that we're averaging over 120 hit's per day with yesterday a high of 206!!!  Hopefully many of those who visit here are then browsing the blogs listed.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your creations and inspiring people.

If you're an NZ SU demo or SU customer with a blog and you want it linked on this blog, just email me with your details and I'll add you to the links list.  And remember ANYONE can take part in our challenges.  Keep your cards, LOs, 3D items etc coming, we love seeing them!!

And for those who haven't commented on this blog yet, there's still plenty of time to go in the draw for the Blog Candy.

Hope you all are having a fantastic weekend.

Take care and happy stamping.