A Little Birdie Told Me...

Supposedly, I'm a lady of leisure! I fantasised when I was doing my undergrad degree about all the time I would have to scrapbook, quilt, do family history, and all other manner of creative things. Well that was almost a year ago and I find myself so busy at times that I have to schedule time in my diary to go elsewhere to craft or have people come over to me to craft.

I had spied a gorgeous die in the Stampin' Up catalogue that I lusted after. It was the Berry Basket Bigz L die priced at £34.95. As a registered demonstrator (not that I ever had done for Stampin' Up) I decided that it would be a good idea if I host my first party (and earn enough points and rewards so I could get the die guilt free) and I could get a little craft time thrown in.

It was an OK party, not as many people came as I'd hoped in truth, but I got the orders and earned my Berry Basket (still haven't opened it but it's there, patiently waiting for me!!!)

But then a few of the ladies said they wanted to come to a class and so they did - I called it "A Little Birdie Told Me" and we had a blast making these three beautiful cards. They were designed originally by Julie Kettlewell, my Stampin' Up grandma (that means she had signed up the lady that signed me up to Stampin' Up - Caroline from http://carolinescraftsandmore.blogspot.co.uk).

As part of the class the ladies all bought the Stampin' Up Hardwood  stamp which is quite large but I'm so glad I got it - it's going to be used a lot. Also used was the SU Bird Punch, Fringe scissors, Boho blossoms punch, Elegant Butterfly punch and Papillon Potpourri stamps, Scallop Oval punch, Oval punch, Petite Pairs stamps for the sentiment, and the Open Sea stamp for the anchor. Everything else was cut by hand. If you really want to scare someone ask them to cut out a cloud freehand!

The trouble is they are too nice to give away so everyone in the class made a pact that we'd send them to each other LOL.

Where did January go? I have no idea, except I have managed to get in 3 full play days of glorious crafting, all away from the distractions of home and in the company of friends. Although scrapbooking is my true crafting love I have rediscovered the joys of card making. One day did involve a level of danger I'd never experienced  before in the pursuit of artistic endeavour; I braved the snow one day to work with my craft buddy, Caroline from Carolin's Crafts And More.

It was a fairly hairy and slow journey and I learned since that the grinding sound coming from under my car was the ABS! I was seriously concerned that I was going to park  my car inside her conservatory; her drive is soooo steep. Watching the snow gently fall over her woodland garden was serenity itself and undoubtedly helped our creativity - we knocked out a stack of cards. Getting up the drive when it was time to go home however got our adrenaline levels pumping to the max. It took the best part of 15 minutes to get up her Everest like frozen driveway; I only managed thanks to Caroline's spectacular snow sweeping. We are entering her into Team GB's Curling team in 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

I've been playing with Stampin' Up products lately, especially the Sale-A-Bration items that you can choose for free with every purchase over £45,  to make some really cute cards - take a look.

What I do really like about Stampin' Up is that so many of the products co-ordinate so easily. there is a massive Stampin' Up community and loads of inspiration on Pinterest. Why not follow me on Pinterest and see loads more examples of amazing cards created by talented crafters.http://uk.pinterest.com/turner23/stampin-up/

Both cards use the Birthday Bash Papers, Ballon Bash Stamp set; a sequin trim and a bow using the Bow Builder punch finish off the cards beautifully.

I really love the little house featured on the You Brighten My Day stamp set. Its a fabulous stamp set. I aeddd some of the Calypso Coral Pompom Trim, and a piece of Best Year Ever Designer Series Paper.

Sale-A-Bration runs from 6th January - 31st of March 2015