Cheryl Andrews Stampin' Up!® Independent Demonstrator

40th Birthday Gifts

2010-09-21T20:38:00.004+10:00

So many of my friends have been turning 40 lately! Or, as my sister-in-law said, 18 with 22 years experience.. I have been creating cute tote bags holding a few handmade cards for them to use for friends or family....

I have used: Concord Crush (brand new In Color), Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red and Very Vanilla card stock, Very Vanilla C6 envelopes, Extra Large 2 Step Bird punch, 1 and 3/4" circle punch, Top Note Die and Polka Dot Embossing Folder for the Big Shot (LOOOOVE my Big Shot!!!), some Die Cut Flowers that I believe are now retired (though I have a flower die arriving very soon for my Big Shot! Did I mention how I love it?), the new Scallop Trim Border Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, 1 and 3/8" circle punch, Heart to Heart Punch, Word Window Punch, 3/4" circle punch, 1/2" circle punch, 1" circle punch, Scallop Square Punch, Cheap Talk stamp set, Retro Remix wheel, Teeny Tiny Sentiments stamp set, 1/8" Very Vanilla and Silver Brads, Build-a-Brads, Flower Brad (retired), Hemp Twine, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon and Filigree Brads. Phew! I had lots of fun making these, and using my new Concord Crush ink and Marker... yes, In Colors now come in markers!!!

You'll have to excuse my dodgy photos - I had stayed up late to finish the cards, and only just remembered in time the next day as we were leaving to take some shots.... so I didn't get the lighting right, and had to do a lot of doctoring to make them look ok...

Ooh! I forgot the gorgeous Playdate DSP! Those sweet red hearts in rows are a piece from that pack... and of course Riding Hood Red, Sahara Sand and Baja Breeze ink to match the card stock... Also, sponge daubers to sponge the edges of some of the edges.
Enjoy!

Some things are running out!

2010-08-13T10:36:00.003+10:00

Here's a quick list of things running low on the Last Chance List:
Nursery Necessities Stamp Set
Eastern Influences Stamp Set
A Rose is a Rose Stamp Set
Playful Petals Stamp Set
Totally Tabs Stamp Set
Short Order Alphabet Stamp Set
Forever Flowers Standard Wheel
Bella's Border Standard Wheel
Kiwi Kiss A4 Card Stock
Real Red Stampin' Around Cartridge
I Wish Simply Scrappin' Kit
Rock-a-Bye Boy Simply Scrappin' Kit
Elegant Eggplant 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon
Star Punch
Word Window Punch (it is in the new catalogue in it's new design)
Stampin' Pastels
Pop-Up Glue Dots

Some of the neutrals card stock is already gone, but mostly it will be appearing in the new catalogue in a different form. Remember the card stock is going up in price, so you will be wanting to stock up before the end of August! Close to Cocoa is definitely out of stock now.

Don't delay! You don't want to be disappointed!

Last Chance List!

2010-08-03T10:16:00.006+10:00

The new Idea Book and Catalogue for 2010/2011 is almost here.... but this final month of the 2009/2010 catalogue will see lots and lots of things GO! The Last Chance Lis t is out, and some of the things are discounted. And a couple of things have already sold out! Be quick to make sure you get what you want.... click the title of this post or the highlighted words above to go to the list...
Just a heads up too - the price of the card stock will be increased in the new catalogue, so STOCK UP NOW on your favourite colours!
Here's a pic of my daughter's birthday invitation - I believe Taken With Teal card stock has already gone, but you could switch it for Tempting Turquoise for a similar effect...

Tools and Materials List:
Big Shot
Scallop Circle Bigz Die
Eastern Blooms Stamp Set
Taken With Teal card stock and ink
Rich Razzleberry card stock and ink
Lavender Lace card stock and ink
Whisper White card stock
Elegant Eggplant ink
Rich Razzleberry grosgrain ribbon
Clips Assortment
Not Quite Navy Brad
Boho Blossoms Punch
Snail Adhesive
Dimensionals

Email me today cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au so you don't miss out!

Retiring Stampin' Up!® Colours

2010-06-28T08:57:00.004+10:00

By now you have probably heard about all the colours that are not going to be in the new Idea Book and Catalogue in September... Colours are available while stocks last, and Close to Cocoa A4 card stock is very low!!!! If you love this colour, it is expected to sell out in the next few days... I am ordering on Tuesday night (29/6) so call or email me on 0401684938 or cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to place your order!

We are bidding a Fond Farewell to these colours (click the grey words to go to the pdf). And of course, we will not be left without beautiful colours to work with!!! The New Colour Collection is fabulous! Can't wait to get my hands on them!

So here is a last glimpse of Close to Cocoa A4 card stock in action....

This Pillar Box is a template I printed straight onto my Close to Cocoa A4 card stock. This project was for the lovely Sally's workshop last month - Hi Sal! We also used Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Kraft and Bravo Burgundy card stock, Close to Cocoa, Rose Red and Bravo Burgundy ink, Silver brads, Chocolate Chip marker, Vintage Vogue stamp set, Raspberry Tart DSP and Kraft Taffeta Ribbon. We had a play with the Big Shot as well, creating the embossed dots on the square Kraft piece behind the bird. The Two Step Bird Punch and Scallop Square Punch were included. (How could I NOT include the birdie punch? You know how much I love him!)

Don't forget to visit my Website at http://cherylandrews.stampinup.net to check out current specials and promotions, including the Starter Kit special and Ribbon and Rhinestone brads on sale.

Stampin' Up!® Starter Kit on Sale

2010-05-27T18:59:00.005+10:00

I know some of you are sitting on the fence about joining Stampin' Up! and becoming part of my fabulous team... now is the BEST opportunity ever to join! The Starter Kit contains over $560 worth and normally costs $324. Until the end of July, it will be 20% off at only $259!!!! AWESOME value! So if you want to:

earn money doing what you love
fund your own Stampin' hobby
choose your own hours to fit around family and other commitments
build a business to suit you

or all of the above, then email or call me now! Email cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au, or call my mobile on 0401684938. I would love to share with you this fabulous opportunity!
Here is a pic of what is in the starter kit. You will need to do the following:

Get an ABN -go to www.abr.gov.au to obtain one.
You can visit my webpage at http://cherylandrews.stampinup.net and join online. Contact me first for the authorization password.
Alternatively, we can meet for a cuppa and fill out the paperwork and post it to Stampin' Up! direct.
You can choose different stamp sets, ink colours and card stock colours to what is already included to the same value, so have a list of things you like!
Feel free to call me with any questions!!!! Looking forward to hearing from you.

Cheryl

I Love My Birdie Punch

2010-05-21T21:04:00.005+10:00

A friend of mine has commissioned me before to make cards for her. This time, she needed a card for a Grandma. (She needs 2 other cards too, but they will be for another day).
The Grandma in question apparently loves flowers and birds, so I was really pleased to have no excuse but to get out my Two Step Bird punch from the Autumn /Winter mini catalogue!
I actually started with the Whisper White piece and stamped the images from A Rose is a Rose in a strategic spray across the bottom and up the right hand side in Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke. (This stamp set is a Two-Step set, meaning you layer the images in 2 tone colours to get the depth.) Then I cut out the blossom buds and layered them up on dimensionals (not sure if you can tell that from the photo). I used some Crystal Effects (thick clear medium for adding dimension and shine) to add dew drops to my leaves and petals, and left it to dry. Next I tied the Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon around the whole piece, and tucked it under the biggest bud. I layered it onto a piece of Chocolate Chip card stock as the card base - I love cutting my A4 card stock down the middle long ways to make a card that either opens tall upwards, or in this case, opens long sideways. The Eyelet Border punch can also be used to make pretty corners, as you can see on the left hand side of the card.
So then I got to create my birdie. The Two-Step Bird punches out a bird body, his teeny wing, and a branch for him to sit on. I punched him in Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke. I used the small overlay leaf image from the A Rose is a Rose stamp set and added some texture to the leaves and the birdie's belly. I used the Chocolate Chip marker for his eye and beak. I layered the Close to Cocoa on the Chocolate Chip body, and the Chocolate Chip wing onto the Mellow Moss one. I used the Chocolate Chip, Mellow Moss and Always Artichoke branches. Then I sat him up on a dimensional. All done!
Except for the sentiment.... Happy Birthday (stamped in Regal Rose ink) from Teeny Tiny Sentiments in the Autumn/Winter mini catalogue fits neatly into the Word Window punch, and I stamped the base leaf image from A Rose is a Rose to tie it in with the card in Mellow Moss ink. The sweetly perfect mat for the Word Window is none other than the Scallop Oval Punch (still available from the Spring Mini catalogue!!!) with the top and bottom cut off! Cute hey!

Now whilst all my friends are at the Stampin' Up! Convention, I am terribly green with envy, but it's also nice to be home with time to stamp! I hope my friend's Grandma likes her card!

Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue

2010-04-03T08:42:00.004+11:00

WOO HOOO!!!!! How excitement! The new Autumn/Winter Mini is here... and it is FABULOUS!!!! Not only that, but I am actually blogging again! Life gets in the way of papercraft sometimes... Can you imagine?
In case you are wondering why we have another Mini Catalogue instead of a new Idea Book & Catalogue, it is because Stampin' Up!® Australia are moving to be in line with the US catalogue time frame. So, we will be getting a new Idea Book & Catalogue in September, with this Autumn/Winter Mini to tide us over...
And what a tide!!!! An absolute flood of cool new tools and beautiful products!

The catalogue includes some things like:
Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine

Gorgeous Embossing Folders and Dies for the Big Shot

Clear Mount Stamps and Acrylic Blocks (stamp sets still have the wood-mount option)

3 new In Colors

Designer Hardware

And heaps more - punches in a new flat-store space saving design and DSP and ribbon....

Anyoo, I have had a wonderful time playing - here are some projects I have already made...
This is a trifold card, tied neatly shut with some of the new Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot ribbon. Rich Razzleberry is one of the new In-Colors, and I have used the ink to stamp the image from the new Vintage Vogue stamp set. I wiped the ink off the word 'friends' and reinked it in Old Olive with a marker. A purple Fire Circle Rhinestone Brad accents the corner. The card stock is Old Olive, Orchid Opulence and Whisper White. The gorgeous triangle pieces on the background of the card are from the Cottage Wall Designer Series paper pack. This paper also has a coordinating stamp set called Cottage Garden to match it.

This pic is of a part of a card I made using the Vintage Vogue stamp set again, but I have also used the new Extra-Large Two-Step Bird Punch, and the Big Shot Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Perfect Polka Dots plus the Big Shot Sizzlits Die Little Leaves. I just LOOOOVEEEE the Birdie punch - he is so stinkin' cute! I have stitched his wings with a chocolate marker, coloured in his beak and eye with the marker, and stamped a Vintage Vogue image on his wee little belly. The punch comes with a little branch for him to sit on too, but I used this bigger version so I could play with the Big Shot some more!!!! Tee hee!
The products and colours in the card include Kraft, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa and Old Olive, with Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze and Old Olive inks and Baja Breeze striped ribbon.
If you would like to have a copy of the Stampin' Up!® Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue, send me an email at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au or call me on 0401684938. Don't reply to Feedblitz if you get my automatic updates - I won't get it!!! You have to call or email me direct.

PS - do you like my new blog design? Bit different to my old one!

Inventory Clearance Sale - selling fast!

2010-01-11T15:20:00.003+11:00

Most of you will be aware of the Stampin' Up!® Inventory Clearance Sale* if you are on my email updates list.... it finishes on the 24th January, making way for Sale-a-Bration to start. Until then, there are some amazing discounts on certain stamp sets and accessories. Already, the Jumbo Outline Alphabet has sold out! If you had been deliberating over your wish list from the Inventory Clearance Sale, then get cracking! Once the items are sold out, they will be no more. Click on the link (by clicking your mouse on the words above that say "Stampin' Up! Inventory Clearance Sale") to see which stamp sets and accessories are on sale. Some items are 50% off! Email me ASAP to make sure you don't miss out.. cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au

*All stamps are square cut. Sold out sets will still be available for purchase from the 2009/2010 Idea Book and Catalogue as die cut at the full retail price.

I know it's been a while since I posted - you know that's not unusual for me! I hope your Christmas was wonderful, and that 2010 brings all the good things you've been wishing for!

These cans were covered in Designer Series paper and filled with yummies for the teacher! Some of you know I always make a special book of quotes for my kids teachers, but this particular teacher of my daughter's actually taught my son a few years ago! So he already has a teacher book. I made him a tin for his pens (the one in the background, using retired DSP from the 2008/2009 IB&C), and the one in the foreground uses Bella Bleu and Riding Hood Red Patterns DSP, plus Cholcolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, a Jumbo Brad (still available from the Spring Mini Catalaogue), and the Trendy Trees set stamped in Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, and rock'n'rolled in Riding Hood Red. Simple circle punching with the one and three quarter inch and the one and three eighths inch circle punches finish it all off! Very quick and easy, and resealable too! I just used a gravy tin (rinsed out of course!).
These letters I covered for my nieces, Jessica and Lauren for Christmas with the new Kaleidoscope DSP from the Summer Mini Catalogue. Other things I used here include:
Five Petal Flower Punch
Boho Blossoms Punch
Rhinestone Brads, Fire and Ice
Brocade Blue grosgrain ribbon
Certainly Celery twill (unavailable - but Certainly Celery grosgrain is just as nice)
Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon
So Saffron designer ribbon from the Dress Up Ribbon Originals pack
Crystal Effects
Pixie Pink, So Saffron, Brocade Blue, Gable Green, Regal Rose and Tempting Turquoise card stock
Great Friend stamp set - Butterfly image (currently unavailable) stamped in matching inks using the sponge daubers to get the varigated colours.
Hope you like these as much as my nieces did!

Christmas Extravagnaza!

2009-11-04T12:49:00.005+11:00

Now, I know how much you love free Stampin' Up!® stuff, (and I know this because I love free SU stuff too!), so when the offer of a free Scallop Square punch or the Boho Blossoms punch is there, just for purchasing the things you need for Christmas gifts and projects, then of course you are going to take it! The Scallop Square punch and the Boho blossom punch are each worth $30.95, and one of them is yours for free when you purchase $85 worth of product from the Christmas Gift Giving Guide (click this link to see what is in the guide). You have until the 14th December to take advantage of this offer...

Meanwhile, with Christmas galloping towards us so quickly, (eek!) I do have some Christmas Stamp-a-Stack classes to squeeze in....

Friday 13th November (no, I am NOT superstitious!), at 7:30pm, at my place. 6 Christmas cards with matching envelopes for $15.

Tuesday 17th November, 10am, at my place - CHILD FREE DAY CLASS. 6 Christmas Cards with matching envelopes for $15. (My house has lots of stairs, and the playroom is not visible from the stamp room. We also have 2 exuberant dogs in the backyard....)

Wednesday 25th November, at 7:30pm, at my place. 6 Christmas Cards with matching envelopes for $15.

Just a sneaky peek at what you might be making! I just love this colour combo of Old Olive, Real Red, Chocolate Chip and Kraft! And can you believe there is only one stamp on this card? Do you know which set it is from? First to get it right can have their Stamp-a-Stack class for $10... email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to book in and/or have a guess..... (Don't reply to the Feedblitz feed you may get from this blog - it will not let me know!!! You have to email me direct...)

And, to finish off the year, the much anticipated Summer Mini Catalogue!!!! What more could you want for Christmas!!! With loads of new things to be excited about, and to stuff your Christmas Stocking with..... Come and help me launch the new Mini with a night of fun, prizes, laughter and stamping on Wednesday 9th December 2009, 7:30pm, at Narara. Cost is $15, and to reserve your place at my table, payment ASAP is recommended. First in, best dressed! I always have launch night specials, and you will also be in with the chance to win Summer Mini product. Again, email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to reserve your place....

A very Pink Reason to become a Stampin' Up!® Demonstrator!

2009-10-02T14:56:00.004+10:00

Stampin' Up! ® are such a wonderful company to be a part of - they are always wanting to support local causes and worthwhile charities. From October 7th until December 31st 2009, they are offering a pack of Raspberry Tart Designer Series Paper and a Pretty in Pink ink pad for free with the Starter Kit, as well as donating $5 from every Starter Kit ordered to breast cancer research!
Here is a pic of a piece from the Raspberry Tart DSP pack decorating the front of a concertina card file. We made the card file at my Stamp Club. The lovely Ellen showed us how - thanks Ellen! There is also Rose Red and Pretty in Pink card stock that you can see, with Rose Red ink, Old Olive and Pretty in Pink ribbon, a Rhinestone Brad, Circle Circus stamp set, and the 1 inch Circle, Corner Rounder and Eyelet Border punches. Inside, you will find 8 pockets to store your handmade cards.
There's probably not many of us untouched by cancer's cruelty, and everything helps in the fight to find a cure. If you have been thinking of joining my team, there has never been a better time, with not only you getting the amazingly good value Starter Kit, free DSP and an ink pad, but a worthwhile cause benefiting too!!!
Email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to get a free information pack, or call me on 0401684938 so we can chat about all the different ways you can run a Stampin' Up! business.

Just for Jane!

2009-09-26T09:13:00.005+10:00

My friend Jane was commenting on how I have not posted in ages, so how about 2 in a row to make up for it? I have been busy creating, just not posting!
One of my dearest friends moved to Thailand for 2 years at the beginning of August. Thank goodness for Skype, we at least get to comunicate, albeit fuzzily, face to face!
I made her this journal to record her special Thailand moments:
I used:

Stampin Up!® On Board Art Journal (binding removed, replaced by hinged rings)
Urban Garden Designer Series Paper
On Board Batch of Blooms chipboard flower and circle
Rhinestone Brads
Styled Silver Hodgpodge
Flower Designer Brads
Pewter Jumbo Eyelets
Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain ribbon
Crystal Effects
Short Order Alphabet stamp set
Rub ons
Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon
Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon
Scallop Border punch

Round Tab punch
Boho Blossoms punch
Crop-A-Dile
Word Window punch
Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze and Not Quite Navy card stock
Not Quite Navy, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze and Basic Gray ink
Not Quite Navy Marker
Forever Flowers Standard wheel

Always stamp set
Calendar Alphabet and Numbers stamp set
Calendar stamp set

Each month has a space for photos, journalling, keepsakes and a calendar to quickly record moments she doesn't want to forget, without the time required to keep a diary/scrapbook going. I added more pages with the Spiral punch (that's how you get the covers decorated too), so with 2 years worth in the Journal, it became too fat for its original binding!
Miss you Nicola. Hugs and Kisses for Garry, AJ, Bessi, Keegan and Imi...

Stamp Club Vacancies

2009-09-26T08:36:00.004+10:00

I have had the most WONDERFUL AWESOME time with my stamp club girls this past 8 months. We have laughed ourselves silly, learnt new techniques and become great friends! This first round has ended now, as everyone in the group has had their turn of being hostess. Some of the girls are not returning, and I am filling these spots from my waiting list. That will still leave a group of girls who are itching to start a new group! If you would like to join them, then email me ASAP on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au for more details.

Here are the gifts I made my Stamp Club girls to celebrate their graduation from the group. You may have seen this box on other blogs, but I copied the instructions from the lovely and talented Marelle Taylor.
All they are is 1 sheet of A4 card stock scored every 7 cm both ways! It is therefore called a 7s box. With a window punched in the front, and a stamped cello bag inside filled with goodies, it is a simple yet gorgeous gift! All the products used are available for purchase through me. I used:

Baja Breeze card stock and ink
Whisper White card stock
White StazOn
So Saffron card stock
Vellum card stock
Scribble Jumbo Wheel
Scribble This stamp set
Trio Flower Punch
Wide Oval punch
Scallop Circle punch
1 and 3 eighths inch circle punch
So Saffron grosgrain ribbon (Over 9 metres - only available until 30th September with your $100 order. Comes with over 9 metres of Certainly Celery poly-twill ribbon)
Silver Brads
Best Yet hostess stamp set

New baby.....

2009-07-31T18:11:00.004+10:00

I love holding new babies.... their smell, their sweet soft heads.... Delicious! My friend and downline Mel has a brand new pink one! And I was honoured to meet her this week, and hold her. She is beautiful! Her name is Rebecca Grace. Welcome Little Bec!
I saw this wooden 'R' in Seaweed and Sand at Tuggerah, and I was itching to get it home so I could decorate it for Rebecca. It was already prepared for me, painted a lovely smooth white.
I covered it in a sheet of the striped DSP from the Sweet Always pack, and then with some offcuts and strips cut from Washington Apple, Sweet Always and Bella Rose DSP packs, I used the distressing tool from the Cutter Kit to razz the edges and layer each piece down one side. Next I pulled a thread in one side of the Pretty in Pink Taffeta Ribbon to make a ruffle, and made it stay with Crystal Effects (tape wasn't strong enough on it's own!). I stamped the flourish from Baroque Motifs in Riding Hood Red ink in a couple of places, and dyed 2 Pretties Kit flowers in Riding Hood Red and Pretty in Pink ink to layer down the bottom. I have also got some punched Riding Hood Red, Pretty in Pink and Pumkin Pie card stock flowers, using the Boho Blossoms punch, all finished with Pink Pirouette buttons from the Bouquet pack, Pumpkin Pie and Rose Red felt Flower Fusion flowers, Rhinestone brads, silver brads and half backed white pearls. I also used Tombow Multipurpose Adhesive and Mini Glue Dots.
All items are available through me from Stampin' Up!®, and images are © Stampin' Up!®. Artwork/design is mine. ;o) Hope you like it Rebecca!

Bathroom Make-over...

2009-07-14T09:55:00.003+10:00

Some of you may be aware of my recent and long winded bathroom saga, involving leaking showers, sagging floors, and insurance claims... We have finally got a functioning bathroom again, and I had a lovely time choosing fittings and accessories, including a new soap dispenser, toothbrush holder and toilet brush and holder.... In keeping with the Chocolate Chip and Whisper White theme of my new bathroom, I chose Chocolate accessories (on sale at 40% off from Myers! Yehaa!) and prettied them up with some of the Stampin' Up!® white rub-ons from the Planter Box pack... the pack has 2 sheets of rub-ons, the other sheet being in Chocolate Chip.... Hmmmmm.... Maybe I could put some rub-ons on the tiled walls? Maybe I will exercise restraint for now. Here are some pics of what I did do!

These are the soap dispenser and tumbler I use as a toothbrush/paste holder, with the rub-ons up the side.... Rub-ons are so easy to apply! You simply cut out the image you want, and take away the backing paper. Line up the image where you want it to be, and gently rub with the paddle-pop stick provided until the image is stuck down to your project. Gently lift off the paper the image was originally stuck to, and voila! I like to gently press the image all over to make sure it has adhered properly. Rub-ons are not suitable for items you will be washing, as they are not permanent in the dishwasher or with repeated washing. They work wonderfully on all kinds of surfaces from scrapbook pages, 3D items and cards to home decor including mirrors, frames and vases. Let me know some things you would like to decorate! I have decorated some drawer fronts in my craft room, a painted ceramic flower pot, and now my bathroom accessories.... I am itching to decorate some other things, but I am exercising self-control... if it doesn't move, PUT RUB-ONS ON IT! And then stamp it..... ;o)
Here is the toilet brush holder with a pretty matching flower.... And that is my new toilet. Lovely!

July classes...

2009-07-02T14:24:00.003+10:00

Hey all! Hope you haven't missed me too much... ;o) We've had a hectic and sad month with my Dad being in hospital (he will be ok) and the passing of Craig's Grandma (she has been frail and ill for a long time). Meanwhile, I have been creating, so I will put some pics up to show you!
If you host a workshop in July, and you reach sales of $600 or more, you will get extra freebies! $40 extra in fact! So a $600 workshop will not only earn you the usual free level 2 hostess set, but your total free product will be $110 instead of $70... so email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to book your workshop. Also, the new Mini is due to be released in August, so there's even more reasons to host a workshop and earn some free products. Check out the side bar on the right for my class dates too....
My downline, Kelly, and I made this 'chocolate' cake for Kelly's downline Nicole for her baby shower. We used Nursery Necesseties stamp set in Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Almost Amethyst, Bashful Blue and So Saffron to decorate it, plus the Heart to Heart and Large and Small Star punches... Each cake slice is made with Close to Cocoa card stock, and makes a sweet little triangular box which we stuffed with all things baby - singlets, socks, power outlet protectors, Panadol..... We tied the whole cake together with Bashful Blue 1" wide double stitched ribbon. We bought the curly ribbon decoration from the supermarket, but stuck punched hearts to it ourselves...

Now for the card!!! I made Nic a maternity bra card... now it does open to reveal all, (the aim was to surprise and amuse this first time mum!) but for more sensitive viewers, and for modesty's sake, I will only post the picture with the bra 'done up'. I don't want weirdos checking out my site after all!!! If you want more detail, just send me an email, and I will email you the other picture... ;o)
So I have traced the shape onto Blush Blossom card stock from a card my downline Kerry made for her sister who is an Intimo (lingerie) Consultant. The back is supposed to have a pair of knickers (as hers did) but for my purposes, I only needed the bra. The Bella Bleu Designer Series Paper makes a lovely fabric for the bra, with Very Vanilla Taffeta ribbon and 2 strips of Close to Cocoa punched with the Eyelet Border punch to create the lace trim, finished with a Clear Rhinestone Brad in the centre. The left 'cup' is scored to fold down, (there is a little sign inside that says "Eat at Mama's") and tucks back into the strap to stay in place. It's a card that is a bit cheeky, but appropriate for a soon to be Mum I think! If only maternity bras WERE so pretty....

Bling Bling!!!!

2009-05-26T18:49:00.003+10:00

I had to just quickly show you.... and it looks MUCH better in real life.... how I blinged my Stampin' Up!® Linen Album. Using the new Sticky Cuts double sided sticky shapes, I have stuck a flower to the front of my album... next I peeled the protective layer off, (stem first) and poured the new Supernova Fine Glitter in Olive over it, pressed it into the shape and tipped it off. Then the flower - first I peeled one petal at a time, and snipped it off leaving a centre piece intact... then poured Pink glitter. Next I peeled away the centre piece, and stuck down another shape - the heart - in the middle. Orange glitter made a nice complement, and then I peeled away the heart protective layer and poured Chocolate glitter on.... I felt that the glitter would not be durable in my Workshop Bag, although I have other glitter projects that are fine for display etc, so I carefully covered all the glittery bits in Crystal Effects - a lovely shiny goopy stuff that dries clear, leaving a raised glossy finish... I love it! I tied some of the 1" Double Stitched grosgrain around the album too... I did steal the idea from my upline Linda! Check out her blog here. I think she stole the idea from someone else.... But hey! It's a great idea!

DSP gift

2009-05-23T10:58:00.004+10:00

Happy Birthday Naomi!!!! Lets hope you don't check in here before I give this to you tonight... LOL!

The Designer Series Paper special has a week to go - make sure you get your orders to me by Friday! Choose 3 of the Paper packs, and get the 4th for free! (Doesn't include the Patterns DSP)

I made these cards and the box for them to be stored in with the Washington Apple Designer Series Paper - almost a full sheet of the blue flowered design, and then barely half a sheet of the other design for the box lid... The rest was a few sheets of A4 card stock, and scraps from my scrap drawers! I managed to make 6 cards, 4 smaller cards and 4 tags, plus the insert for the cello bag, and there are some pieces left over!

The colours are Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron and Bashful Blue, and the stamp sets I have used include Circle Circus, Cheep Talk, Polka Dot, Warm Words and Short and Sweet. All sizes of the Circle punches, Scallop Circle and Scallop Square punches, both Square punches, and the Word Window punch have also been used. I'm sure you can spot the Rhinestone Brads from the Fire and Ice packs too! There is also the Double Stitched 1" Grosgrain Ribbon in Bashful Blue, the 1/2" Striped Grosgrain in Bashful Blue (still places in the ribbon share for this type of ribbon! Send me an email to secure a spot.), Riding Hood Red Taffeta and Apricot Appeal 1/4" Grosgrain (which is pretty close in colour to So Saffron if you ask me! Close enough to not matter anyway....)

Do you like the little tags in the cello bag? Such a cute way to store them, and they do make a lovely little gift, or a sweet addition to a slightly bigger gift!

So many uses for DSP! The next pictures are of some chipboard I covered and used on some double slider cards.... This is the Sweet Always DSP, and the On Board So Tweet chipboard shapes... the colours are Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette and Pumkin Pie. The stamp sets are Always and Thoughts and Prayers. Supernova Glitter in Chocolate, Pink and Orange finish off the owl and bird.

Hope you are enjoying your weekend, and that it involves some time for you to stamp!

Some reminders.....

2009-05-18T14:23:00.002+10:00

I know I have probably overloaded you all with info lately!!! So much to take in... I know, because I have been overloaded getting it all together in my own head! (It's not really all that hard! I just need to take one thing at a time.. )

Firstly - to book into one of the classes in the sidebar, email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au.

Secondly - to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator this month, it is only $150 for a Scrapbooking Starter Kit - everything in the kit can be used for any papercraft, not just scrapbooking, and you don't need to run workshops or classes to be a demonstrator! Too easy.... fund your own hobby and get discounts on your own products, or run a small business if you like.. It's up to you. No penalties for not remaining active, you get to keep your kit and of course all your products, but if you want to ramp it up at a later date you can do that too! Extremely flexible conditions, hours that suit you, work from home, get paid to make cards and to scrapbook! It doesn't get much better than that! Email me for the paperwork on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au.

Thirdly - Stamp clubs are a great way to meet new friends, learn new projects, play with Stampin' Up!® products and get the products you need. Each member is committed for a minimum of 6 months (depending on your group's size and frequency of meeting) The current stamp club meets monthly, with 8 members, so it will run for 8 months. (we are half way) I have a new Stamp Club waiting to begin - I just need 2 more members! So grab a friend and email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to secure a spot.... Minimum spend is $50 per session, allowing the hostess of the month to earn at least a level 1 hostess set and $30 free product. Each member gets a turn, so the commitment for the duration of the club is essential. It can run monthly or bi-monthly depending on the group consensus, and the day/night of the week is chosen based on the whole group's availability. If you cannot make a session, then you still place your order, and the club project is given to you for later...

Fourthly - Both the ribbon shares have a couple of spots left - email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to book a spot. See the post in April below for the details....

See! Lots to remember! The month is nearly over, so get onto the Scrapbook promotion real quick - buy 3 Designer Series Paper packs and get the fourth free, sign up with a mini Scrapbooking Starter Kit for only $150, and I hope to see you soon at your own or a friend's workshop!
Happy Stampin'!

Happy Mothers' Day!

2009-05-09T11:28:00.005+10:00

To all the women who have their own kids, and to those who are involved with other kids too... to all with Mums, and to all who have lost theirs...
A Very Special Mothers' Day to you.....

Love from Cheryl xxxxxxxxxxx

Here are the cards I have made for my Mum and Mum-in-law....
Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Confetti White and Whisper White card stock, Versamark, Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy and Kiwi Kiss ink, Not Quite Navy, Bashful Blue/Certainly Celery (combined to create a Baja Breeze colour) and Old Olive pastels (applied to Versamark using Sponge Daubers), Pretties Kit flowers, hat pins, pearls and beads, Flower Fusion felt flowers, Build a Brads, Styled Silver Hodgepodge flower brads, Scallop Circle, 1 1/4" Circle, 3/4" Circle, 1/2" Circle, Eyelet Border and Word Window punches, Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Circle Circus Stamp Set, and the sentiment from Bella's Bloom Stamp Set.
Yes, I know I am on a bit of a fix with this colour scheme at the moment! You'll just have to live with it until I move on... ;o) I love making special cards for the special people in my life... so I've used lots of special products on these ones!

Designer Series Paper special

2009-05-09T10:42:00.003+10:00

Along with the wonderful Starter Kit special (see the post below - what a fabulous deal!), most of the DSP is on sale this month too! Well, it IS Scrapbooking Month!
Purchase 3 of the $16.95 paper packs (not including the Patterns range), and you receive a 4th pack for free!!!! You could even go halves with someone, and share the papers, as there are 2 of each design in each pack. Click on this link to see the beautiful designs... http://www3.stampinup.com/au/ena/default.asp
Here is a pic of some cards I have made using the Bella Rose and Urban Garden Papers..
See if you can spot Fresh Cut Notes, Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, Bella's Bloom stamp set, Friendly Words jumbo wheel, A Flower for All Seasons stamp set, Build-a-Brads and various punches....
The best way to get free products is to host your own workshop, so make sure you let me know when you are free!

Imagine....

2009-05-04T12:30:00.003+10:00

Getting all your stampin' Up! products at a 20% discount.....
Being able to run a business from home.....
Funding your own stamping hobby without interfering with the family budget.....

Imagine no more!!!!! I am so excited to announce that Stampin' Up!® are offering for the month of May a mini starter kit!!! I know many of you are really interested in joining my team, and for many reasons have not done so yet..... Let me tell you, the wait was well worth it!!! For only $150, you can purchase the Scrapbooking Starter Kit, which includes a Simply Scrapping kit of your choice, an assorted pack of 12"x12" cardstock, a stamp set up to the value of $77.95, a Classic Stampin' Pad of your colour choice, and a pair of the marvellous Craft and Rubber scissors.... In addition, all the business supplies you need are included. This is a FABULOUS deal! You'd be CRAZY to pass this one up! And if you already own a good supply of Stampin' Up! product, this is perfect to get you going....

I know you have many questions, so I will try to preempt some of them....

Q. What if I am not a scrapbooker?
A. Never fear!!! Papercraft is a wonderful thing! Anything you use for cardmaking and 3D projects can also be used for Scrapbooking and vice versa! A scrapbooking kit will make HEAPS of projects, and you would normally cut up your card stock anyway to make a card, so 12x12 is no problem. With a stamp set and ink pad included, a non-scrapbooker is still set to go...

Q. I want to join - 20% off my products is exactly what I want - but I don't want to run workshops or classes!
A. I didn't either. And the beauty of a Stampin' Up! demonstratorship is that you don't have to! If you only want to fund your own hobby (aka ADDICTION!) then that is fine! There is no pressure to run workshops or classes. Yet there is always the opportunity to step up your hobby into a small or growing business if you want to. I took that opportunity, and have thoroughly enjoyed myself!

Q. But what if I don't meet the quarterly minimum sales to stay active as a demonstrator?
A. Whilst there is a quarterly minimum requirement, most people have no trouble meeting it with their own plus friend's and family's purchases... and joining now means you will have until September 30th to meet your first quarter's minimum! Stampin' Up! have fixed quarters, and they generously allow you to include the part quarter that you join in with the first full quarter, to meet your minimum. The minimum is $500 in commissionable sales - which is about the average workshop in Australia. 1 or 2 events every quarter will get you over the line with no problems. And an event can simply be passing the catalogue around at work, preschool, school, or wherever you happen to be! Best of all, there are no penalties for dropping your demonstratorship - what you have purchased in the kit, and everything you have earned for free and received 20% discount on, is yours to keep.

Q. Is the full Starter Kit still available?
A. Yes, you may still purchase the full Starter Kit as pictured inside the back cover of your catalogue for $324, which is still wonderful value. You may also purchase the Scrapbooking Memories add-on with either the full Starter Kit or the Scrapbooking Starter Kit, for a further $75.

So what are you waiting for? Email me now for your Starter Kit information pack and order forms! cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au What an opportunity!

2009-04-18T19:17:00.007+10:00

Well! Blogger seems to be cooperating today.... I haven't used the ribbon yet that is in the ribbon share (below) but I did create today - inspired by Angela Sargeant's card. My plan was to use
some of the appropriate ribbon, but it just didn't happen that way!
Here is what I made instead.
This is a little 10cm x 10cm card (well, 9.9cm x 9.9cm to be exact - you get three out of an A4 sheet that way) using Naturals Ivory card stock. A strip of the Bella Rose DSP punched with the Eyelet Border Punch is along the bottom, with an overlay of vellum card stock punched with the Scalloped Border Punch. Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon tied in a bow masks the 'line'. I have stamped the upper part of the Vellum on one side with the flower image from Bella's Bloom using Cameo Coral and Ruby Red Markers, and used the same markers plus Old Olive to colour the image direct to rubber of the flower on the stem. I punched it out with the Wide Oval Punch, and then taking Angela's lead, have embossed the whole thing 4
times with clear embossing powder to make it real shiny! I punched the Ruby Red card stock with the Scalloped Circle Punch twice, and layered the pieces over each other to make a scalloped oval for behind the oval shape. It does look like an antique brooch!
For this card, I used Not Quite Navy and Old Olive markers to again colour the flower on the stem and stamp onto Baja Breeze card stock. The Scalloped Circle punched twice in Not Quite Navy card stock makes the oval mat, and a piece of Urban Garden DSP is the strip across the card. Not Quite Navy is the base of the card with an Eyelet Border punched strip across the bottom. I had to use the double sided Satin Ribbon in Very Vanilla and Kiwi Kiss - it is so beautiful, and tied this card together so well! (no pun intended! tee hee) And I could not wait to get my hands on the new Designer Buttons... I have 3 (yes, 3!!!!) stuck across the top of the DSP on the left, 1 in Baja Breeze, and 2 in Kiwi Kiss.... Aren't they BEAUTIFUL! Just like what I used to find in Grandma's button box!
If you like these new (and old! - but mostly new...) products, email me to purchase your own, or book in your own workshop to earn them for free!
Enjoy!

Ribbon Share

2009-04-17T17:34:00.002+10:00

Hey all!!! I have had some requests for new catalogue ribbon shares, so here are 2 for you to start with!
The first: 5/8" (1.59cm) Striped Grosgrain in the new In Colors - Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss and Tangerine Tango. These ribbons are a solid colour with a thin double white stripe down the centre... For $19.50, you will get a 6th of each colour, so that is over 2 meters of each.
The 2nd: 1/2" (1.27cm) Striped Grosgrain Ribbon - it comes in Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie and Real Red. These ribbons are striped in the colour and white in thick and thin lines. For $14.95, you will get one sixth of each roll, which will be approximately 1.5 meters of each colour.
Email me to secure a spot in the ribbon share of your choice, or both is fine of course! cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au.
Not sure what the deal is with blogger, but having trouble again uploading pictures - you'll have to look at pages 150 and 151 of the catalogue to see what they look like! ;o) The link is in the side bar on the right under 'Sites I Frequent'

For Sale

2009-04-05T16:38:00.005+10:00

*Selling fast girls!!!! Have edited the list....*
Hard to believe the Stampin' Up!® year is over, and a new one has begun.... All the anticipation and hype of the new catalogue release has been certainly justified! And in true addict form, I MUST have many of the new accessories and stamps!!!! But it makes good business sense for me to make room for the new things I need.... and you get the bargains!
And so, this year's list of my retired products is here! First to email me gets the goods....

Simply Sent Card Kit, Sending Happy Thoughts (pg 13)- SOLD

Petal Prints stamp set and matching Leaf Prints standard wheel (pg 74) - original price $53.95 and $11.95 respectively, now $45 for the bundle, or $40 for the stamp set and $7 for the wheel. Used. - SOLD

Be Happy stamp set (pg 51) - original price $39.95, now $30. Used.

It's All Good stamp set (pg 112) - original price $24.95, now $20. Used.

Hung Up on the Holidays stamp set (pg 26) - original price $29.95, now $20. Used.

Canvas Background stamp (pg 108) - original price $33.95, now $25. Used.

Wonderful Words stamp set (pg 120) -SOLD

Calendar Cues stamp set (pg 116) - original price $20.95, now $15. Used.

Short Order Numbers stamp set (pg 124) - original price $48.95, now $35. Used.

Star standard wheel (pg 28) - SOLD.

Garden Annuals standard wheel (pg 40) - SOLD.

Rough Texture jumbo wheel (pg 104) - SOLD.

Hostess sets: pages 17 - 23.
Level 1, all $25, all unused and unmounted. Oh So Lovely, (A Little Bit of Happiness SOLD.)
Level 2, all $35, all unused and unmounted. Cause for Celebration x 2, In the Spotlight x 1, Spring Solitude Bundle SOLD (set + wheel).
Level 3, SOLD.

1/4 inch (6mm) circle punch (pg 142 #8) - original price $11.50, now $8. SOLD

Assorted Designer Series 12x12 inch papers, 75c each sheet. - Some sheets remain, many already sold...

Postage anywhere in Australia is extra. Pick up or local delivery (southern Central Coast) is free.
Email me ASAP so you don't miss out! cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au

Cxxxxxxxx

Last days to get your Retiring Products!

2009-03-24T11:43:00.007+11:00

Not long to go until the 2007-2008 Idea Book and Catalogue is gone forever... and many of the stamp sets are leaving for good! Some have already been sold out, so make sure you get your last minute orders in.... especially for In Color products! All the reinkers are gone, as are most of the A4 single colour packs of card stock. (There are still assorted packs).
Here is a wall hanging I have created for my Grandma... she is 92, and lives in my Aunty's spare room, so I'm hoping she has a wee wall she can hang it on! I found the wooden plaques ages ago really cheap, and have been wanting to do something with them.... so here is the result!
Click on the image to see it larger. It says: All you need is... Sweet memories, Good Times, Family, Friends, Love. Here are some close ups of a couple of the plaques....
I have used the Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper to cover each of the plaques. The colours include Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava (retiring), Soft Sky (retiring) and Wild Wasabi (retiring). It is BEAUTIFUL paper... it is available in the Summer mini catalogue, which expires on the 31st March too. I know for sure this paper won't be in the new Catalogue, because it has In Colors in it!

Another thing I have used a lot of for this project is the Rub-ons - Cherished Memories and Urban West are just lovely for this sort of thing as well as cardmaking and scrapbooking! Heaps of wonderful sentiments, flowers, flourishes and bits and pieces that finish off a project so quickly, easily and beautifully. With a black and a white sheet in each pack, there is bound to be just the right thing for your project!

Now the only stamp sets I used were Frames with a Flourish (NOT retiring!), and En Francais (also not retiring) but I have given the whole thing a vintage look by sponging Groovy Guava, Soft Sky and Chocolate Chip ink around all the edges! I also used the retiring Spring Bouquet punch and quarter inch circle punch, as well as some die-cut letters and dry embossing with my Cuttlebug. Pretties Kit flowers were died to match, and half backed pearls add an elegant touch. All hung together with Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon! I had so much fun putting this together! I will be making another one for myself I reckon!

Now, remember to email me with your final orders for this catalogue - and don't forget that some of the retiring items are discounted!!! Here is the link: http://www3.stampinup.com/au/ena/default.asp

Happy Stamping!

What's already gone... or nearly gone!

2009-03-09T17:37:00.003+11:00

Item Number	Product Description	Availability
10756	Flip Flops	Unavailable
109020	Wild Wasabi Classic Ink Refill	Unavailable
109015	Soft Sky Classic Stamin' Ink Refill	Unavailable
109016	River Rock Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Unavailable
109017	Purely Pomegranite Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Unavailable
100381	Earth Elements Eyelets	Unavailable
100378	Soft Subtle Eyelets	Unavailable
109019	Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Unavailable
108748	Best Friend Numbers	Unavailable
107212	Mateys Map	Unavailable
105320	Basic Eyelets	Unavailable
103195	Gifts Galore	Unavailable
107561	Garden Annuals	Unavailable
109610	Confetti Simply Scrappin'	Unavailable
104279	Leaf Prints	Unavailable
110255	Bundle of Joy	Unavailable
112402	Short Order Numbers	Unavailable
109018	Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Ink Refill	Unavailable
111852	River Rock A4 card stock	Unavailable
108720	Ahoy, Matey	Unavailable
108747	Best Friends Alphabet Upper	Unavailable
111851	Soft Sky A4 card stock	Unavailable
109185	Jersey Ribbon Originals	Unavailable
105316	Rich Regal Eyelets	Low Quantity
101259	Black Hemp Twine	Unavailable
108740	Bareback	Unavailable
106662	Dasey Field	Unavailable
108638	In Color 12"x 12" card stock	Unavailable
109186	Theater Ribbn Originals	Low Quantity
105445	Soft Subtle buttons	Low Quantity
111850	Wild Wasabi A4 card stock	Unavailable
106610	Basics Outline	Low Quantity
103981	Earth Elements	Low Quantity
103981	*Earth Elements & Neutrals buttons	Low Quantity
100900	Gift sacks	Low Quantity
108763	By Land	Low Quantity
104065	Fishy	Low Quantity
112253	*Dad's Day	Low Quantity
108849	It's Your Birthday	Low Quantity
105531	Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware	Low Quantity
112391	Everything Baby	Low Quantity
112310	Fabulous Flowers	Low Quantity
107464	Rough Texture	Low Quantity
107465	Speckled	Low Quantity
107467	Birthday	Low Quantity
108923	Stipple Rose	Low Quantity
112272	Classic Backgrounds	Low Quantity
108929	Symbols of Solicitude	Low Quantity
112316	Forever in My Heart	Low Quantity
105446	Rich Regal Buttons	Low Quantity
108746	Best Friends Alphabet Lower	Unavailable
112229	ABC Images	Low Quantity
108857	Linen	Low Quantity
108998	Beautiful Life	Low Quantity
110248	Polka Dots & Petals	Low Quantity
104156	Flitting By	Low Quantity
106523	Five-In-One Card Cover Envelope Template	Low Quantity
110730	*Pockets & Pieces Office Accents	Low Quantity
108722	All I Have Seen	Low Quantity
108944	Unfrogettable	Low Quantity
111853	Purely Pomegranate A4 Card Stock	Low Quantity
105515	*Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware	Low Quantity
104829	*Light Blue Gingham Ribbon	Low Quantity

Well the list just keeps on growing! Rememeber to email me asap if you see your favourites on here.... they are going so quickly! cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au
Don't be disappointed!

Bushfire Appeal update...

2009-03-08T13:18:00.010+11:00

Yesterday was my Mum's birthday, and tomorrow is my brother's.... At our Bushfire Appeal Fundraiser on Friday night, we raised $450 from sales and donations to benefit the people of Victoria affected by these fires. What a fabulous effort! Thank you so much to all involved, we had a really fun and successful night. A special thanks to Melissa Garland for organising the evening, and her Mum for working so hard in the kitchen... and to Kelly Jurd for helping at my table!
So what has that got to do with my Mum and brother? I digress..... At my table we made a box with the outgoing Carousel Notes and Afternoon Tea Designer Series Paper. The box was the perfect size for the gift we had bought my Mum, so I designed a matching card...
The box uses a Wild Wasabi Carousel Note, and the Soft Sky Flowered sheet from the Afternoon Tea paper. We stamped the lid in Wild Wasabi ink with the Live Your Dream set. (50% of the sale price of Live Your Dream goes to the Bushfire Appeal, until the 31st March 2009.) Markers from Earth Elements (Really Rust and Garden Green) were used to ink up the flowers and stems for the tag on both the box and the card. On the box, the image was first stamped off, and then stamped again to create the softer colours to match the Groovy Guava double stitched ribbon and Wild Wasabi lid.
See how the paler colours after stamping off match the In Colors so well? Even with the In-Colors selling out so rapidly on the retiring list (see post below), it is possible to create the colours with the regular range of Stampin' Up! inks and markers.... Everything is designed to match with Stampin' Up! - making life so much easier when creating projects!
Here is the markered image without stamping off....
Even using the deeper colours, they still work really well with the In Colors. You can try using Not Quite Navy with Blue Bayou, and Rose Red with Purely Pomegranate too....
So, I have used Soft Sky and Wild Wasabi card stock (both now only available in 12x12 textured assorted and A4 assorted packs), Groovy Guava card stock, matching inks, one eighth inch handheld circle punch (on each of the scallops on the Carousel Notes), Wild Wasabi and Groovy Guava double stitched ribbon, Afternoon Tea Designer Series Papers and Carousel Notes - all retiring, and the last 2 things are available in the current Summer Mini Catalogue... Non retiring items include the Whisper White card stock, Live Your Dream stamp set (well, we find out for sure when the new catalogue comes out!) and En Francais background stamp.
Now, I loved this layout so much, I decided to use it again for my brother's card....
This time, it is Chocolate Chip for the background with the En Francais stamp in Chocolate Chip ink on both it and the Wild Wasabi Carousel Note. A piece of Afternoon Tea Designer Paper and Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, overstamping in Chocolate Chip with the Scribble This flourish stamp, some of the retiring Hodgepodge Hardware in Aged Copper, and a Cuttle Bug R as the feature in Chocolate Chip...
Chocolate Chip and Wild Wasabi ink sponged for a more aged look. Crystal Effects to make the R raised and shiny is also used around the scallops on the Carousel Note. My husband decided it looked kinda piratey.... Hmmm. Maybe it's the 'R'? Arrrrr me Hearrrties...
Anyway! Happy Birthday Rod! You'll probably get this card late at this rate... Sorry! ;o)

A Fond Farewell....

2009-03-02T09:49:00.002+11:00

Can you believe that it's almost time for a new Stampin' Up!® catalogue? Which means that many of the stamps and accessories from this current catalogue will never be seen again! I am personally very sad about some that are going.... but it does mean there will be more yummy new things to see - and buy.... I think I am my own best customer!!!! *sigh*. Lucky I am a demonstrator and get 20% all the time!
But check out the retired list! So many things are actually reduced by 25%!!!! This is a first in Australia for the retired list! So exciting! But you have to be quick - things are already selling out fast, and some of the bargains are very good!
Two of the designer series paper sets are actually 50% off! The stamp set Looks Like Spring is on the list for the Bushfire Appeal, so 50% of it's sale price goes to Victoria, plus the matching Spring Flower Bouquet punch is 25% off, and the coordinating Spring Flowers and Spring Showers designer series paper (not pictured in the catalogue - accidently omitted) are an amazing 50% off....
One of the Hodgepodge Hardware sets (pewter) is 25% off, as are some of the Ribbon Originals packs.
So get looking, and contact me asap to order before you miss out!

Bushfire Appeal

2009-02-28T09:35:00.004+11:00

At last! It would seem I can upload pictures again...
This coming Friday, 6th March, at 7:30pm, I have some spaces available at a fundraising evening to help those who have lost so much in the Victorian Bushfires. Stampin' Up!® are donating 50% of the retail price of 10 selected stamp sets to the appeal until the end of March. The stamp sets include some that will be on the retiring list, and are available while stocks last....
Looks Like Spring*, page 76 - $58.95
The Snowflake Spot*, page 27 - $39.95
Bodacious Bouquet*, page 80 - $58.95
Polka Dots and Paisley*, page 46 - $35.95
G'Day Mate*, page 115 - $35.95
Be Happy*, page 51 - $39.95
Priceless, page 105 - $48.95
Seeing Spots, page 89 - $29.95
Baroque Motifs, page 98 - $39.95
Live Your Dream, page 3 (Summer Mini Catalogue) - $55.95

The ones marked with an * are on the retired list for this year.

So, on the night of our special fundraiser, $15 gets you a seat, some supper, a couple of stamping projects, and the entire entry fee will be donated to the appeal. 10% of all sales on the night will also be donated to the appeal.

Help us help those who need it.... email me asap to book in and to find out where and how to get there (this event is being held at Narara on the Central Coast). You can also email me your orders if you cannot make it on the night...

This is the Live Your Dream stamp set from the Summer Mini Catalogue... Basic Gray, Regal Rose, So Saffron and Whisper White card stock; Regal Rose, So Saffron, Mellow Moss marker; Basic Gray, Regal Rose, So Saffron inks, half inch circle punch....
The 3 cards across the bottom here use the Polka Dots and Paisley set (one of which is a bookmark card), the 2 on the top right use Looks Like Spring, and the one on the top left is Bodacious Bouquet.

All images are © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2009. Artwork is by Cheryl Andrews for your inspiration and enjoyment.

Watch this space for details of the Retiring List in the next couple of days!

Thinking of you and praying for you if you have been affected by the terrible fires in Victoria.....

Welcome back to 2009!!! Need some ribbon?

2009-02-09T12:16:00.006+11:00

Hope you all had a wonderful summer break (if you live in this half of the world!) and a lovely Christmas and New Year all round..

We had some sadness on New Years Day with the passing of our old doggy Holly, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Extraordinaire.... She was elderly and unwell, so it was not unexpected, but so very sad nonetheless....

Also, sending prayers up, and thinking of all the people in Victoria, Australia (and beyond) who have been affected by the terrible bushfires - so many lives lost, homes and even whole towns destroyed, brave souls still fighting the fires in earnest.... Praying for rain, and optimum weather conditions, and just plain old miracles to bring relief to all who are struggling down there...

To start off the year, I have 2 ribbon shares underway, so if you would like some 2.5cm (1") wide Double Stitched ribbon from the Summer Mini Catalogue (see page 20), you can share in the 3 colours (Chocolate Chip, Rose Red and Bashful Blue), receiving a third of a roll of each colour for $19.95. I can post your share to you if you are not local to me here on the Central Coast for an additional postage cost of around $1.50.

Here is some of the Rose Red Double Stitched ribbon, on the special book I made for my son's 5th grade teacher last year... Also used is the Bali Breeze Designer Series Double Sided paper, Pewter Jumbo Eyelets, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White and Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, and light blue Chunky Glitter....

I am also sharing the Taffeta ribbon from the Idea Book and Catalogue... it comes in Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Basic Gray, Mellow Moss, Bashful Blue and Pretty in Pink. You'll get an 8th of a share, which will give you a bit over 1 meter of each colour for $12.95, but if you want a double share, just let me know...
This is the Always set from the Spring Mini catalogue - hopefully it will be in the new IB&C in April! I have tied some of the Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon the to the heart image., which is stamped in Chocolate Chip, and sponged in Purely Pomegranate and Groovy Guava. It is layered on a strip of Groovy Guava (stamped in Purely Pomegranate, Groovy Guava and Chocolate Chip), and layered again onto a Chocolate Chip piece..

Email ASAP to be involved in these Ribbon Shares! cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au
Bye for now!

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-24T21:53:00.001+11:00

and a safe, happy and blessed New Year, from my family to yours....
Cherylxxxxxxxxxx

Summer Mini Catalogue on it's way!

2008-11-26T17:49:00.004+11:00

Just a few more days until the Spring Mini Catalogue makes an exit.... some of the things inside never to be seen again! Make sure you don't miss out on the things you have been wanting! Email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to place your final Spring Mini Catalogue orders.... I need to place all orders no later than this Sunday, 30th November.

Meanwhile, I have in my hot little hand some of the new things from the Summer Mini Catalogue - all ready to go for the 1st December when all of you can order! I still have a couple of places left in the special Launch night for the Summer Mini next Monday 1st December at 7:30pm, at Narara on the Central Coast. The cost is $10, and we will be making 3 projects. You'll get your own copy of the Summer Mini Catalogue, plus there will be prizes, and launch-night-only specials.... email me, or call me on 0401 684 938 to book your place.

This set is called Ocean Commotion, and I received it as a gift at the Incentive Trip in August at Palm Cove, where I made these things. Bali Breeze Double Sided Paper, and the Scallop Edge Punch are some other goodies used on these cards! Colours are Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie (DSP), Old Olive (ribbon), Kraft and Rose Red.
This set is called Live Your Dream, and we received this at the Sydney Regional Training in September where we made these projects... such a generous company to be involved with! Afternoon Tea double sided paper is used here, and the Scallop Edge Punch again too! Colours are Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Groovy Guava and Wild Wasabi. I haven't designed the projects yet for the launch, but that would be a secret anyway!!! ;o)

Images are © Stampin' Up!® 1990-2008.

I am going to be at The Entrance High School on Saturday for the Central Coast Country Craft Fair, and would love to see you! The school is opposite Bay Village shopping centre. I will be there all day with my lovely team member Melissa, so pop your head in and say hi!

Until next time... Happy Stamping! (Is there another sort?)

Just over 5 weeks until Christmas....

2008-11-15T13:22:00.003+11:00

Oh My Goodness!!!! If your world is like mine, you are running around chasing your tail, getting from one end-of-year event to the next by the skin of your teeth, and madly trying to think of and buy thoughtful gifts for family and friends for Christmas! Thankfully, Stampin' Up!® has some fabulous gift ideas, and with the new Summer Mini Catalogue just around the corner (December 1st), the possibilities are almost endless! I have some great ideas for gifts in the $30, $60 and $120 price ranges, or to suit any budget! Just email me for details... cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au.

Meanwhile, there are still Stampin' Up! 20th birthday celebrations happening! Until the 30th November, the Stampin' Write Markers (available in all the colour families except the In Colors) are for individual sale at only $4.95! You can buy your favourites from any colour family to suit your own tastes, and to complement what you already have.

Here are some things you can do with your markers:

apply different colours to different parts of your stamp, eg, a red flower and a green stem, and then stamp your image
as above, but then mist with a water spray bottle and stamp for a watercolour look
colour your line art images
watercolour by scribbling on a plastic lid and picking up the pool of colour with an Aquapainter or blender pen
journaling in your scrapbooks or writing in coordinating colours in your cards

Markers are dual tipped, one end being a paintbrush style tip for larger areas and for inking up your stamps, and the other a writing tip for journaling and getting into even the most fine and detailed corners. You can reink your markers too, they contain the same dye ink as their matching counterparts in the inks. Always store your markers horizontally, so as to keep each end nicely inked.

Remember you don't need to have a workshop or be a guest at one to order, (though having a workshop of your own means free product based on your workshop sales), you can call or email me anytime with your orders..

Also until 30th November, every one of the Rub-ons packs are 20% off if you purchase $20 worth of product... They are normally $19.95, but are now selling for $15.96. Rub-ons add a beautiful element to all your papercraft projects, and are so easy to use. They are kind of like a sticker, but they are very fine and delicate - you apply them by rubbing gently with a stick provided in your pack, and you can put them on anything! Vases, frames, photos, cards, scrapbooks, chipboard.... Anything you can think of!
This card uses 2 of my favourite colours - Rose Red and Old Olive. I have used Old Olive and Basic Black card stock, Sponge Dauber and Rose Red ink, Old Olive ink, Rose Red Designer Series Paper, Photo Corner, Scalloped Circle and 3.2 ad 3.5mm Circle Punches, Ribbon from the Fairytale Ribbon Originals pack,Baroque Border standard wheel, Big Pieces, Simply Said and Polka Dot and Paisley stamp sets, Rhinestone brads, and in the bottom left hand corner, a beautiful swirly rub-on from the Cherished Memories pack. There are 2 sheets in each pack, one black and another identical except in white.

Just a reminder, the Spring Mini Catalogue EXPIRES on the 30th November, so if you have been putting off your purchases, now is the time to order!!! Email me ASAP to make sure you get what you want... I also have gift vouchers available, and am happy to be the Keeper of your Wishlist, so family and friends can 'surprise' you with an inky gift....

Happy stampin'!

Reminder

2008-09-25T20:48:00.003+10:00

There is only a few more days to go of the September Promo... Free Wheelin' !!!! 6 sets, including Merry Merry (page 29), Artfully Asian (page 48), Nursery Necessities (page 59), Bodacious Bouquet (page 80), Carte Postale (page 94-95) and Priceless (page 105) all have matching jumbo wheels, which are FREE when you purchase the stamp sets! It's a great deal, not to be missed, so email me now to take advantage of it... cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au.

The Stationery Box class and the Teacher Book class are now both full. I do have a waiting list if you would like me to call you if people can't make it... There is still plenty of room in the Christmas card Stamp-a-stack on Wednesday 15th October, 6 cards and envelopes for $14, 7:30pm at my house in Narara.

October has some AB FAB specials too... Stampin' Up!® is celebrating it's 20th birthday, and 5 sets are on sale for 20% off - Big Bold Birthday (pg37), Pretty Princess (pg38), Birthday Best (pg 51), Crab and Company (pg 55) and Short & Sweet (pg 118). As soon as you spend $20 on any product, you can have as many of these sets as you want for 20% off.... Not only that, but World Card Making Day is happening on the 4th October - celebrated world wide in honour of making and sending hand made cards. Stampin' Up! are offering their Simply Sent kits at 20% off too especially for World Card making Day. But only from the 4th -11th of October. That's only 1 week!!! Email me right away to order, so you don't miss out... Great for beginners, as a gift, or if you are feeling pressed for time, these great kits have everything you need, including the adhesive, stamps, inks, card stock and accessories, plus instructions, to make at least 10 cards with envelopes. Check out pages 12, 13 and 14 in the catalogue to find your favourite...

Haven't got a catalogue? You can click on the catalogue link in my sidebar on the right, or purchase a copy from me... But the best way to get one is to have a workshop of your own... it's free to host a workshop at your place, and the catalogue is yours to keep free as well!!! Nothing beats a real copy in your hot little hand, enjoyed with a cuppa and something yummy to nibble...
Can't remember if you've seen this before! I know Eva has (Hi Eva!!) This is one of our On Board Simon Lower chipboard alphabet pieces, DSP from the Secret Garden scrapbook kit to cover it, River Rock double stitched ribbon and Pretties Kit half backed pearls and flower (dyed with Groovy Guava ink). All supplies available through me from Stampin Up!....

Ribbon Share

2008-09-19T12:51:00.005+10:00

I know some of you on my customer mailing list already got my email, but for those in cyber space who only check my blog, this ribbon share is for the 1.6cm wide Grosgrain Ribbon... it comes in 8 colours, so you will get an eighth of a roll of each colour... Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Bravo Burgundy, Real Red, Regal Rose, Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery and Old Olive. The cost is $14.95, and an extra $1.50 if you need it posted to you. Here's 3 little pics of some in use! Choc Chip at the top, Real Red in the middle, Old Olive down below. All images © Stampin' Up! ® 1990-2008 and all artwork was created by me for your inspiration and enjoyment.... Scroll down for these projects in more detail....

Don't forget the classes listed over there on the right! I have added a new one for October, so be quick! Also, stay tuned for more October specials - lots on sale to celebrate Stampin' Up!'s 20th Birthday!

Christmas Stationery Tote class

2008-09-12T14:48:00.004+10:00

Hello all!!! I have made an example of this stationery tote that I found on Jacki Topa's site (see my Father's day card post below for the link to her site) and took some pics to upload for you all... It was actually a gift for my friend Nicola for her birthday... Happy Birthday Nicola! It is so cute! You can see the different pockets in the birds' eye view that all the cards, love notes and tags fit into... I am running a class on how to make this one on Wednesday 1st October, but we will be doing a Christmas themed one. I'll make that example next! Email me ASAP if you want to learn how - details in the side bar on the right.
This is the tote closed up. Once again, the Summer Picnic double sided designer series paper features! I have also used Pumkin Pie card stock, Bashful Blue card stock, Real Red card stock, Real Red wide grosgrain ribbon, Rhinstone Circle brads (Ice) and some linen thread.
Here it is with the lid off, and the front open. It is so clever how the front folds down, with the pockets for the cards upright at the back, and the notebook, pen and postage stamp pocket on the flat section.
Here is the birds' eye view... with the cards displayed around it. I have fitted 4 standard cards (top right) in the back pocket, 4 Love Note sized cards (far left) in the front left pocket and 4 gift tag cards (bottom right) in the front right pocket. I went to the post office (where I saw Sue, Katrina and Bek!! Hi girls!) and bought some postage stamps on a strip to fold up and slip into the postage stamp pocket. I cut up some lined paper and made the notebook with some Real Red brads to hold it together. Each of the cards was very quick - a basic folded card with a layer of white card stock or the Summer Picnic paper, some ribbon or brads to embellish, and the Scallop Circle punch, other circle punches, Boho Blossoms punch and Die Cut flowers to put them together. Various sentiments from several sets stamped in Old Olive ink complete them nicely! Cool hey!
All products are available to buy through me (email orders are very welcome) and all products are © Stampin' Up® 1990 - 2008. I copied the instructions from Jacki Topa (a Canadian demonstrator) and the artwork is my own for your enjoyment and inspiration.

Fathers' Day

2008-09-04T22:54:00.007+10:00

OK, I am still working on the photos from the Incentive Trip.... I am trying to add a slideshow, but being computer challenged means it takes me 3 times as long to sort it out..... AAAAAAnyway.... It is Fathers' Day this Sunday (and my husband's birthday too!!) so I wanted to share this really cool card I found on Jackie Topa's site.... she has lots of different tutorials for some excellent ideas! This is just one of them... I have used Basic Black and Old Olive card stock, Dashing and Fall Flowers double sided designer series paper, Purely Pomegranate Satin Ribbon (mmm yummy!) and some black buttons. The Old Olive stamped image on the envelopes is from the Baroque Motifs stamp set, and I have repeated it on the inside of the cards (which you of course cannot see in the picture!) It was really easy to follow Jackie's instructions, making a couple of great cards for 2 of the great men in my family's life - my Dad, and my Dad-in-law.... Hmmm. Will have to come up with a design for my Darling Husband too!!!! He is also one of the greats in this family!!!!

Now I only added stamping because this card actually involved none! What a sacrilege! ;o) Basic Black and Old Olive card stock, black buttons, Pure Pomegranate satin ribbon (mmmm, yummy!), Dashing designer series paper, and Fall Flowers designer series paper. I think the Dashing paper would have looked better if I had oriented it the other way making the red dots and green stripes going across the shirt rather than down the shirt, therefore making them symetrical. Never mind! I then stamped the big swirl from Baroque Motifs in Old Olive ink both inside the card and on the envelope.

Hope your Fathers' Day was wonderful!

Oh..... My...... Goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-25T20:04:00.006+10:00

Last night I arrived home from the Stampin' Up!® Incentive Trip to Palm Cove (up near Cairns in lusciously warm QLD). I have to say, that even though I knew I was going to be spoiled rotten, I really did not understand the concept fully!!! Right from the word go, all stops were out to make sure we were looked after.... from presents every day left sneakily in our rooms (like Santa!) to the amazing resort we stayed in, to sumptuous meals, wonderful friends new and old, fabulous trips to surrounding attractions, eating dinner with real live lions (!!) and spending time getting to know other fabulous Australian and New Zealand demonstrators, it is a trip that I will NEVER forget!! Here are some pics.... stay tuned for more!
Here is the group of 25 of us plus Shelli (the CEO in Utah, USA). Shelli is in yellow, 2nd from the left in front. I am up the back, 4th one in.
This is our apartment... just beautiful! We stayed at the Angsana Resort and Spa in Palm Cove. I have NEVER stayed anywhere so nice! If you can ever afford such luxury, this place is a good place to go! That kitchen bench in the first picture is where my gifts were put every day..... I felt like a kid at Christmas!
This lion was sitting, pacing, fighting and roaring right beside us as we ate our Farewell dinner on the last evening. We literally ate our meal hemmed in on 3 sides by lion enclosures, with the lions mere centimetres away, separated from us by a hurricane wire mesh fence, and an electrified cable just beyond it... We could have stuck our hands through the wire and patted them!!! We of course chose instead to keep our limbs permanently attached to our bodies... It was an amazing experience! The zoo we visited was up in the Atherton Tablelands, the Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve. I want to go again and take the kids! It was great!

I will post more soon.... I have an underwater disposable camera to develop, plus photos to get from others who got different or better shots than me.... Also, I want to show you some of the presents we got, and the things we made in our stamping session... need to take daylight photos to do them justice though.
I am still feeling like it was all a dream, but I was really there! Quite surreal.

Until then!

Summer Picnic

2008-08-10T18:14:00.004+10:00

Sure enough.... another installment in my blogging batch... it's because I am having so much fun playing with all my new Spring Mini catalogue products, and therefore have new things to show you! For those who are coming to the Scrapbooking class (see my post below), the following is a tin I altered using the Summer Picnic designer series double sided paper.... and these are the colours we will be using on Thursday. The tin used to have after dinner mints in it, but they are sadly gone....
So in addition to the paper, I have used the One of a Kind Spring mini set, with the matching Boho Blossoms punch in Real Red on Whisper White card stock. I used Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue and Old Olive markers to add colour. I also punched out some of the flowers from the paper with the Boho Blossoms punch. I love the scalloped circle punch (in Bashful Blue) and the 2 largest circle punches (in Old Olive and Real Red), as you know, so they are featured again! Real Red wide grosgrain ribbon finishes off my tin! Don't forget, you have until this Friday 15th August to complete your forms to get the Starter Kit for only $299, instead of the usual $324 (with over $560 worth of products and business supplies to get you started!) Email me for information on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au, or call me on 0401684938, and start a new business or just get your own products at a 20% discount, feed your own stampin', scrapbooking and papercraft addiction, or work at your own pace to fund your hobby! It takes all kinds of demonstrators to be part of my team! Which one are you? (I am still offering a roll of ribbon of your choice too for every new demonstrator who joins with me before the 15th August 2008...).
As usual, all images are © Stampin' Up!® 1990-2008, all artwork is by Cheryl Andrews for your enjoyment and inspiration, and all products are available from Stampin' Up! through me!

Class reminders

2008-08-08T15:35:00.004+10:00

Yes, I know - I seem to post in batches with gaps in between.... I guess I have to take the time when I find it! I have also rearranged my creating area, so am feeling less cluttered and more inspired... ;-)
Just a quick reminder about the upcoming classes I have - still some spots left for Scrapbooking with new Spring Mini Catalogue products next Thursday 14th August, 7:30pm at my place - email for the address cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au if you don't have it. For those already coming, (and those who want to book in!) it will be a 12x12 layout for $10, using the new die cuts, Summer Picnic designer paper, Hodgepodge Hardware and stamps and punches. So the colours will be Old Olive, Bashful Blue, Real Red and Pumkin Pie. (check out the Mini catalogue page 10 and 12 for an idea of the colours. The cover gives a good indication too!) Suitable for boy or girl pages. We will be focussing on journalling, ie, the importance of journalling, styles, what to write etc.... 2 larger photos, or 1 large and 2 small are all you will need.... Convert to black and white, or bring photos that will work with the colour scheme... or leave your photos at home and create the page for adding photos to later...

Here is a card I made for my Dad for his birthday in July. I struggle with man cards, but this one he really loved! He usually says thanks etc, but this time he was impressed!!!! Might have to make more for Fathers' Day! Not for him of course... I will have to come up with another for him...
I have used Touch of Nature (the bird), One of a Kind (the sentiment) and Be Happy (the dotty tag). It's funny how some cards come together... this card was literally scraps lying around on my desk! Taken with Teal, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla and Creamy Caramel card stock, Watercolour paper, Stazon ink, Taken with Teal, Creamy Caramel, Going Grey, Basic Grey, More Mustard ink, Basic Grey Taffeta ribbon, eyelets, crimper, aquapainters, crop-a-dile, cutter kit, envelope.... all sitting around on my desk, unconnected in any way! All images are © Stampin' Up!® 1990 - 2008, and artwork is by Cheryl Andrews (me!) for your enjoyment and inspiration....

Spring Mini Catalogue

2008-08-07T14:09:00.004+10:00

Yahoo!!!! More stamps and papers and accessories and ideas and... and... And now you can actually purchase from it! I have been having my Mini Catalogue launches (last Friday night, and this Friday night), and in my current workshops we have been using the new things too!!!! Wanna see? Here are the 3 projects we have been making at the launch nights.....
This card uses the new One of a Kind set and the matching Boho Blossoms punch, which perfectly and quickly punches out the triple flower stamp so you don't have to laboriously cut them out yourself! Gotta love that! I have also used: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Real Red and Pumpkin Pie card stock, the new Summer Picnic designer series double sided paper, Real Red ink, Bashful Blue, Real Red and Pumkin Pie markers, Rhinestone Brad Circle (Fire) and Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon. Also the corner rounder with the guard removed for the scalloped edge, and a handheld punch to make the decorative holes and the half inch circle punch for the centre of the big flower.... Sounds complicated, but tools always make your job a lot quicker and easier!
This is the little gift box found on page 5 of the Mini catalogue - if you would like the template, just email me and I will mail or email it to you (cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au) It is super quick and easy to make, and I have used River Rock card stock, River Rock and Purely Pomegranate ink, Purely Pomegranate Satin ribbon (oh so yummy!!!!) and the A Beautiful Thing stamp set.... I loved using this set (Thanks Nic for the loan!) - the River Rock flower row of four perfectly coordinates with the Purely Pomegranate florally spots row of four so you can stamp one inside the other! So cute and easy! Oh, and I've used the large oval punch too with Very Vanilla card stock for the sentiment....
And last but not least, a bookmark using the Always stamp set..... my personal favourite set. Groovy Guava textured cardstock and ink, Chocolate Chip card stock and ink, Purely Pomegranate ink, sponge daubers, Whisper White card stock, Chocolate Chip wide grosgrain ribbon, one and three eighths inch circle punch, one and a quarter inch circle punch and the White gel pen complete this bookmark, and my three launch projects!

All images are ©Stampin' Up!® 1990-2008, and all artwork is by Cheryl Andrews for your inspiration and enjoyment....

I have more samples, but that will do for now... Meanwhile, don't forget, you have one more week to take advantage of the discounted Starter Kit - now only $299 for $560 worth of products to get you started in either a new career, or fulfilling hobby - email me today for information and Starter Kit order forms - cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au, or call me on 0401684938. Orders must be received by Stampin' Up!® by the 15th August, which is next Friday!

Happy Stamping!

Welcome to the world....

2008-07-18T19:45:00.005+10:00

.....little Megan Grace. And congratulations to one of my oldest and dearest friends, Kerry, and her husband Michael and their 2 boys. A baby girl, precious, small and beautiful. Blessings to your newly expanded family!

And of course, the perfect time to give a card is at the birth of a brand new person! So of course I did! And because she is such a special little person, I had to make a special card!!!
So of course all products are Stampin' Up! and can be purchased through me... Soft Sky card stock and ink, Rose Red designer series paper, Pretty in Pink card stock, Purely Pomegranate double stitched ribbon, So Many Sayings hostess stamp set, So Swirly jumbo wheel, and the Pretties Kit. I have threaded the pearl and clear beads onto the hat pin and adhered it to the card with glue dots (in case you were wondering), and dyed the flowers from the kit to match the card with my aquapainter and ink pads. There is also a sneak peek of one of the gorgeous new patterned silver brads from the Hodgepodge kit in the Spring Mini catalogue. (that's the silver bit in the centre of the flower.) I love to make matching envelopes too! And yes, I am aware that the colours are the same as the card below, but I really do love them together at the moment! Enjoy.... All images are copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2008, and all artwork is by Cheryl Andrews for your enjoyment and inspiration.

A long awaited ribbon swap.....

2008-07-15T18:40:00.004+10:00

"At last!" I hear you say.... she hosts a ribbon swap......

Here is the deal.... the first ribbon swap will be the new In Colour double stitched ribbons.... There are 6 beautiful colours, including Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Groovy Guava and Purely Pomegranate.... you can see them on page 146 of your 2008-2009 Idea Book and Cataloue, or check out the online catalogue if you don't have one of your own... (click on the catalogue link over on the right there...) Here is how it works.... email me ASAP on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to register your desire to be included. Each roll is $16.95, so once I have 6 people willing to be involved, I will collect your $16.95, and purchase 1 of each colour.... I will divvy them up accordingly (please note ribbon lengths are approximate - I will divide each roll evenly) and deliver them to you in a mutually arranged manner.... If you do not live on the Central Coast of NSW, postage costs will be added to this. This offer is only available to those living in Australia.... First in, best dressed!
Here is the Soft Sky double stitched ribbon, teamed with the Soft Sky card stock, Rose Red designer series double sided paper, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White card stock, Rose Red and Soft Sky ink, Big Pieces stamp set, Baroque Border wheel, Short and Sweet stamp set, scallop circle punch, plus the 2 largest circle punches...

All images are copyright Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2008, and artwork is by Cheryl Andrews for your inspiration.... All products are available through me from Stampin' Up!......

Check out some more double stitched ribbon in my previous posts (scroll down) and stay tuned for some other ribbon swaps coming up... Taffeta, wide grosgrain, striped.... lets do it all!!!

Quick Update

2008-07-03T12:49:00.002+10:00

Just a quick post - the Spring Mini Catalogue launch dates are filling fast. Due to some switcherooni goings on, the August 8th launch night is now FULL. If you ladies could get your $10 payments to me ASAP so I can order some new goodies, that would be excellent....

Which means the August 1st launch night has some more spaces now..... be quick!

Also, the new Stampin' Up! July promotion of the discounted kit - I quoted the Starter Kit as being valued at $590 in my last post, but my 9 was upside-down.... it is valued at $560, at the even further discounted price of $299 (normally $324). But I will be offering my own little bonus if you are wanting to join my team before August 15th, of any roll of ribbon of your choice from either the 2008-2009 Idea Book and Catalogue, or the new Spring Mini Catalogue.... I can't do without ribbons on my projects! Love them all......

July Special

2008-07-01T17:43:00.003+10:00

Hello Everyone! Can you believe it is July already! Amazing..... but true! And with the new month comes a new Stampin' Up! deal..... Until the 15th August, if you sign up as an Independent Demonstrator, you get the kit for $299 (normally $324), which includes product to the value of $590! It's a great deal..... If you have been putting off joining my team until a special comes along, then now is the time! July is a great time to join (email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to find out why!) and with the new Spring Mini catalogue available from August, it's perfect to start getting your own Demonstrator Discount on all those yummy new things.... Hmmmmm. New stamps..... new papers..... new accessories.....
Wanna see the new catalogue? I bet you do! Book your own workshop for August to get great hostess deals and free new things, or come to my Spring Mini Catalogue Launch. I have 2 nights available, Friday 1st August at 7:30pm (2 spots left), or Friday 8th August at 7:30pm (book now to secure your spot!) The cost is $10 for 3 projects using new mini catty stuff, (bit of lingo there!) and there is a lucky door prize, supper including tea and coffee, and LOADS of fun to be had.... Look out for the Prize Patrol! Anyone who has been before will tell you that you simply can't miss this event! Pre-payment is required to secure your place....

Classes for July and August are as follows:
Christmas in July card Stamp-a-Stack night, 6 cards for $12, Tuesday 22nd July at 7:30pm.
Please pre-pay for this class. Get started on your Christmas card stash!

Scrapbooking class, building on the previous classes, (no need to have been to those though!), Thursday 14th August, 7:30pm. make a 12x12 scrapbook page with new Mini catalogue papers, stamps and accessories. Focus on journalling. Cost $12.

Christmas card Stamp-a-Stack night, 6 cards for $12, Wednesday 27th August at 7:30pm.
Please pre-pay for this class. Add to your stash to beat the last minute Christmas chaos....

Now for some pics of a special book I made for my daughter's teacher who is retiring this week.... I do something similar for my kids' teachers at the end of every year, but this teacher needed hers a bit early! I have simply covered some squares of card board, and made a mini book filled with quotes about teachers and teaching, embellished with the Berry Bliss double sided designer series paper, scallop punch, circle punches, spring bouquet punch, buttons, ribbons, inks, card stock, eyelets and stamps from various sets. The colours are Close to Cocoa, Pretty in Pink and Purely Pomegranate. I love how everything coordinates with Stampin' Up! No more hunting for just the right coloured piece.... Enjoy! All images are copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2008. All products available through me! Email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to place your order or book your workshop or class spot. Artwork by Cheryl Andrews.....

Fall Flowers Card Tote

2008-06-23T14:50:00.006+10:00

Hello all! I have to say how much I love the range of Designer Series Double Sided Papers in our catalogue, but it is only recently that I have actually managed to acquire some and then play with them!
Lots of card makers say to me "Oh, I don't do scrapbooking", or scrapbookers say to me, "I don't have time for my scrap booking let alone making cards!" For you card makers out there, you don't have to be into scrapbooking to make use of beautiful papers - especially with Stampin' Up! All the colours in the Stampin' Up! range of card stock and inks match the colours in the papers perfectly, so you can make your 12x12 inch paper go a long way on several cards! And they are so super quick to make when you use paper already patterned.... and just as an added bonus, many of the papers coordinate beautifully with the Stamp sets! It doesn't get any easier than that! Scrapbookers, you will find your pages coming together beautifully with the coordinating papers at your fingertips!

These pictures are of a Card Tote with 3 matching cards and envelopes I put together as a door prize at the recent St Phillips College Community Fair at Narara. I have drawn a winner, and congratulations go to Robin of Narara! I shall be calling you Robin to arrange to drop off your prize.....

This is a pic of the tote, with the 3 cards and matching envelopes...

Here are 2 of the cards......

This is a close up of the 3rd card.....

And finally a slightly blurry close up of the patterned paper and the dangling embellishment. So what have I used?

The Fall Flowers designer series paper has Really Rust, Old Olive and Soft Sky as the main 3 colours in the pack. These are the colours I pulled out of it anyway to use for the base of the tote itself (Really Rust), and the 3 cards (Really Rust, Old Olive and Soft Sky). With one sheet of the paper I managed to decorate all 4 items and still had pieces left for other projects. The beautiful flower and curly vine design is complemented with the soft sky spotted pattern on the reverse of the paper. I used the Baroque Border Stampin' Around Wheel (standard sized) to subtly pattern the card stock on each piece with the matching ink. Each Whisper White envelope is decorated top and bottom with this wheel to match its card. I have used strips of the patterned paper to stick across the cards, and then added ribbons to complement -Groovy Guava and Soft Sky double stitched ribbon, and Old Olive wide grosgrain ribbon. I have created the embellishment for 2 of the cards and the dangly bit on the front of the tote with the scalloped circle punch, one and three eighths inch and one and a quarter inch punches, and the one inch and half inch punches. The stamp sets are Big Pieces (the Really Rust flower on the Old Olive card) and Circle of Friendship, which you will recall is part of the special for June with the one and a quarter inch circle punch and the Love Notes (see post below). The Jumbo Pewter eyelet was set with the Crop-a-dile of course, allowing me to thread and tie off the ribbon to hang the embellishment on the front of the tote.....

Well, that should do for now! ;-) All images are copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2008, and all artwork is by Cheryl Andrews....

Don't forget my Wednesday class if you want to come - email me right now! cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au

Love Cxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Fabulous Specials!!!!

2008-06-02T09:46:00.004+10:00

Wow!!!! Now is a fabulous time to have a workshop!!!! Until the 15th July, all workshop sales that total more than $700 (not including postage) earn an extra $50 in hostess rewards!!!! That's on top of the standard hostess rewards..... so for example, a hostess who has workshop sales between $700 and $799 normally gets a level 2 hostess stamp set, and $80 in free product. With this great deal, that is now $130 in free product! The $50 applies as extra product for each sales level above that too, so BOOK NOW!!!! I do have SOME spaces left in my diary before the end of this promotion..... email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au and we can sort out a date.

In addition to this fabulous deal for hostesses, it is time to eScape, with Stampin' Up! and myself to help you!!! Put down the phone, turn off the computer, and break free from the 'e'! Remember when you got letters in your mailbox (not just bills!) instead of text messages and emails? eScape with me, and reconnect with the ones you love by sending a HANDMADE CARD. To celebrate such a momentous occasion, Stampin' Up! has another fabulous deal saving you 25% off the eScape bundle - a packet of Love Notes (includes envelopes), the Circle of Friendship stamp set, and the one and a quarter inch circle punch for $58.80 - normally $78.40!!!! You save almost $20.

So here are some cards to look at, and soon I will post some samples with the Circle of Friendship stamp set. (You can click here to see the flyer with some samples of the set....)

I love the new catalogue set Baroque Motifs. It is so easy to use, looks beautiful every time, and is well priced at $39.95 too! This card uses one of the new In Colors too - Soft Sky. I have used Soft Sky card stock and ink, Chocolate Chip card stock and ink, and some Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, which I have tied around a hat pin from the new Pretties Kit loaded with pearl and clear beads. There is also some silky flowers from the Pretties Kit, and a clear Rhinestone Brad too in the centre of the flower on the top right.

These 3 cards also use Baroque Motifs, all with Chocolate Chip, alternatively with Groovy Guava and Blue Bayou (new In Colors) and Regal Rose. They are stamped onto very Vanilla card stock, layered onto the base card, and trimmed with coordinating ribbon ..... the Photo Corner punch, eyelets, Crop-a-Dile, and Short and Sweet Stamp set have all been used too..... Quick and simple cards for any occasion. Stampin' Up! is a registered trademark. All images are copyright Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2008. All artwork is by Cheryl Andrews for your inspiration.....

Looking forward to seeing you soon at your next workshop!
Cheryl xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Long awaited classes...

2008-05-16T19:16:00.004+10:00

Has it really been that long since I posted? Scary.... we've had an eventful couple of weeks, but that is what you get in life sometimes!!! Never a dull moment, that is for sure.

First up - some new classes for the next little while - those of you keen on my Beginners Scrapping Class, I think it is time for adding to that. Some of you at the last one are keen to come again, and we will build on what we did last time. If you missed it, I am sure you will be able to catch up, and I can give you the notes I handed out last time. This time, we will be using the Stampin' Up! simply scrapping kits to make a 12x12 page for $10. This includes all materials. It will be Thursday night 5th June at 7:30pm - let me know if you can come at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au and I will book you in. Bring some photos, but I recommend you bring black and white to make sure your shots don't clash with the kits I have on hand. More than one photo is fine for a 12x12 page.

Second up - a Stamp-a-Stack Class, where we will make 6 cards for $12 - 2 designs, 3 of each- or 10 cards for $20 - 2 designs, 5 of each. For you budget concious people out there, yes, the price has gone up, but the price per card is only 33c extra, and we are making extra cards for your stash.... Book in now for Wednesday 11th June, 7:30pm, at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au. Let me know how many cards you want to make when you book in....

Now for a pretty picture... or 2!

This is one of the projects we made at the Idea Book and Catalogue launch on the 2nd May. It is a square notebook mounted inside a really cute cover made with the new In-Colour range - in particular, Purely Pomegranate card stock, ink and double stitched ribbon, Groovy Guava card stock and double stitched ribbon, and river rock ink and double stitched ribbon. The stamp set is Baroque Motifs, and the Baroque Border standard wheel is rolled in the background. A pewter brad from the Hodgepodge Hardware kit, and a pewter Jumbo Eyelet set with the new Crop-o-dile tool complete the project, along with a hinged ring bought from a newsagency to tie the 3 colours of ribbon onto. The Scalloped circle punch and one and three eighths inch circle punch were used to embellish the bottom right corner.

This cute gift bag is made from a Whisper White C6 envelope. It isstamped with another of the new in-colours - Soft Sky - using the Baroque motifs set again. The Scalloped Circle punch, one and three eighths inch, one and a quarter inch and three quarter inch circle punches in Chocolate Chip, Soft Sky, Whisper White and Soft Sky again respectively create the monogrammed centrepiece, with the glittered 'C' stamped in Chocolate Chip with the Short Order Alphabet set. The topper is Chocolate Chip cardstock, set with eyelets and tied shut with Chocolate Chip Tafetta ribbon.

All images are copyright of Stampin' Up! 1997-2008. All the artwork is by Cheryl Andrews for your enjoyment and inspiration.

More pictures next time, but for now, email me or call to book in for my 2 classes coming up in June.....

just an update on my retired stock

2008-04-29T15:03:00.003+10:00

Just a quick post to update my retired stock for sale list..... I was, as you may recall, going to sell the remainder on ebay, but I'm a bit ebay-phobic, so have been procrastinating... this is what i have left......

In Any Event - hostess level 2 - $30

Merci - Sale-a-bration 08 - $20 (2 of them)

Lots of thoughts - Sale-a-Bration - $20 (2 of them)

Friendship Blooms - Sale-a-Bration - $20

Small Sayings - Summer Mini - $24, was $29.95

Beyond the Basics - IB&C - $19, was $23.95

Dream Come True - IB&C - $36, was $45.95

In Full Bloom - IB&C - $40, was $49.95

Wishing You - Spring Mini - $32, was $39.95

Rough Around the Edges jumbo wheel - IB&C - $12, was $15.95

Very Vanilla Craft Stampin' Pad (pigment ink) $10, was $13.95.

Email me if you want them.... cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au

How about a picture? Makes the post more interesting..... ;-)

This is one of the projects they demonstrated at convention.... it is so pretty!!!! And so easy to make.... if you would like to come to a class on how to cover tins and make beautiful and useful containers out of them, then let me know... send me an email, and I will arrange a date if there are enough of you! ;-) This lovely set of matching tins fit neatly into one of those lazy susan thingies you can buy from Howards Storage World and other such places. You don't need one of those, but how cute would it be sitting on your desk? I was super impressed with this demonstration, as the Crop-o-Dile was used to punch holes straight through the can to mount the metal Hodgepodge Hardware oval on the side... perhaps I am easily impressed, but it was a Workshop Wow for me!!!! Get into the soup this winter, and keep the tins. If you open them with a Tupperware or other similar can opener that leaves a smooth non cutting edge on the tin, then there will be no nasty accidents..... :-0

Happy Stamping Everyone!!!!

At last....

2008-04-27T18:01:00.003+10:00

.....a moment to post! What a life. Gotta love it! The last 2 and a half weeks have been a whirlwind! It all started with the Stampin' Up! Convention in Brisbane on the 11th and 12th April. I had an absolutely FABULOUS time away with some of the girls from my own team, plus meeting other demonstrators from around Australia and New Zealand, and catching up with friends I met at last year's convention. Some highlights: The Brisbane backpackers resort, with its foam mattress on the double bunk (I was on top - my choice), and backpackers from all over the world that made me feel quite old.... LOL!!! Breakfast every morning at a GORGEOUS cafe just down the road from the backpackers, called the Lily Bean. It was a beautiful gift shop and florist as well. If ever you are in Brisbane, you have to drop in to the Lily Bean and say high to Belinda and the gang. Belinda creates the most amazing floral designs, and the array of gifts is fabulous too - and very affordable. The Lily Bean is at 8/92 Vulture St, West End, and has only been up and running for a few weeks. The food was fabulous, the service fantastic, and the atmosphere kept us returning each morning for more.

And so to Convention itself! What a buzz! Just amazing, with all the sessions to help us with new ideas on products, creativity and business building. Brilliant! My head is swimming with all the new ideas I could use, and I will definitely be implementing some of them. But the coolest fun was the Awards Dinner on the Saturday night. We were treated to an elegant meal, and a band during dinner with some funky music, and most of all free rubber...... For achieving certain levels in sales and recruiting, stamp sets are awarded, and I managed to achieve one award in each of these categories. Yay me! You'll get to play with these sets at your own workshops over the next 12 months.... There were 3 major highlights for me on this night, 2 of which I could not have enjoyed without my wonderful team members, and all my fabulous friends and customers (and some of you are both!) Every year Stampin' Up! provides several ways for demonstrators to earn an Incentive Trip - an all expenses paid trip for 2, this year to Palm Cove!!!!! I am pleased to say that I will be going in August with my husband, which many of you already know. That was highlight number 1. Also, Stampin' Up! awards its top 25 demonstrators of the year- and I came in at number 21 in Australia!!!!! That was highlight number 2. Highlight number 3 was watching from the stage whilst I waited for them to call my upline Linda's name - because I knew she had gotten into the top 25 as well - and as they worked their way up through the numbers, getting more and more excited for her, I could hardly contain myself as they called her name at number 6 in Australia!!!! How cool is she! That actually put her at number 1 in NSW!!! I'll get her autograph for you if you like.... ;-)

Here are some pics.....

Here is my face when they called Linda's name for number 6 demonstrator of the year.... They called us in order up from 25, so I was already on the stage with my rose and certificate. My wonderful downline Kelly commandeered my camera.....

Here is Linda hugging Shelli, the co-founder of Stampin' Up! 20 years ago this year in the USA, so overwhelmed to be named number 6 in Australia....

This is a picture of the 2 of us with Shelli, who is amazingly humble, real and down to earth - and beautiful! Hard to believe she is a grandmother!

If you want to join me and my team at convention next year, then now is a great time to get the best bargain in the Idea Book and Catalogue - the Starter Kit. Not only do you get nearly $600 worth of product for $324, but being the beginning of the Stampin' Up! year means you can have a better chance to earn these cool awards too! Next year, convention is in Canberra, and I will be there with bells on..... Join us, either as a business venture for yourself, or to support your own stampin' hobby.... either way, we have loads of fun!!!

More space.... for new stamps!!!!!

2008-04-07T12:46:00.003+10:00

Tidying up is good for the soul.... I have more space, and I can think more clearly.... and you get more bargains!!!

I have the entire set of 2007-2008 In-Color Classic Stampin' Pads plus the reinkers (unused) here for sale... There are 6 in the set, and they include Cranberry Crisp (used), Cool Caribbean (used), Marigold Morning (used), Buckaroo Blue (can't remember using it), Vintage Violet (hardly used) and True Thyme (can't remember using it). Normally they were $9.95 each, and the reinkers were $4.95 each, but you can have the whole lot for $60 (or otherwise $12 each ink pad and matching reinker). There are also some odd assortments of matching card stock that I will throw in, plus some other matching paper assortments and stickers in the In-color range.

I also have a near new Very Vanilla Craft Stampin' Pad here for $10. (was $13.95)

Just an update on what I have left in my Bargain Basket....

All Year Cheer 1

Trimtastic

Wishing You(Spring mini)

Open for Trade

French Flair (Summer mini)

Dream Come True

In Full Bloom

Beyond the Basics

Small Sayings (Summer mini)

Rough Around the Edges Jumbo Wheel

Lots of Thoughts x2

Birthday Whimsy

Merci x2

Friendship Blooms

In Any Event

As you can see, they are disappearing, so anything you want, get in quick! Any remaining will be put up for sale on Ebay - just wanted my customers and loyal bloggers to get a bargain before then....

Happy Stampin'!

PS - I am waiting (im)patiently for my new catalogue stamp sets to arrive so I can put up some new samples for you to see!!! Soon..........

Woops! More Bargain Basement things...

2008-04-02T20:36:00.002+11:00

Hmmmmm..... perhaps my subconcious is not allowing me to be ruthless and business-like! Just realised 2 sets did not make it onto the list...

Newsprint Alphabet (upper- and lower-case) - $62, used. Was $77.95
Small Sayings - $24, well used. Was $29.95

Just for the record, Terrific Tags has been sold to a good home... Congrats Deb!

Some Dates for your Diary....

2008-04-02T13:41:00.002+11:00

Yes, I know, I've gone a bit mad blogging today, I feel better for the first time in 3 days (had a flu thingy - all get well cards will be gratefully accepted.. :-)), and I finally got some of my computer issues sorted! Something to do with cookies.... Can't I just eat them and be done with it? If you have no idea what I am talking about, just read on.....

Put these dates in your diary.... this coming Saturday, 5th April, I am going to be at the Narara Valley Baptist Church, 127 Narara Valley Drive Narara, for the annual Car Boot Sale and Markets. I will have a lucky door prize, bonuses for booking your workshop on the day, demonstrations and more!!! There are heaps of other stalls going to be there too, so come prepared to get some bargains and beautiful treasures.

Also, one of my fellow demonstrators, Kelly, and myself are having a 2008-2009 Idea Book and Catalogue Open House Launch Day on Saturday 26th April, from 10am - 4pm. There will be a project for you to make using new products, prizes, and cool bonuses for booking a workshop with me. You can place your new catalogue orders then too! The Open House will be at Kelly's centrally located and peaceful home in West Gosford - email me if you would like to pop in - cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au .

The final date for your diary is only for those of you who are quick! Our 2008-2009 Idea Book and Catalogue Launch will be a fun-filled evening on Friday 2nd May, 7:30pm at the Narara Valley Baptist Church Hall, 127 Narara Valley Drive, Narara.... the cost is $10 for the night, and you will get to make 3 projects using new products, have an opportunity to support the Cancer Council, and win some cute and cool prizes! Email me now to secure your place - prepayment is recommended, as places are limited, and waiting lists will be eagerly established for spots at the table... cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au . If you have been to one of our Catalogue launches in the past, you will know how much fun we have - and you won't want to miss out! If you have never been, now is your chance to see first hand what all the fuss is about!

See you there!!!! ;-)

Bargain Basement

2008-04-02T11:03:00.004+11:00

Now that there is such a new and beautiful catalogue to console myself with, I have made a ruthless business decision to sell the sets I own that have retired. :-( But this is great news for you! The prices I am selling my sets for are 20% off the original catalogue price! Here is the list:

All Year Cheer 1 - $48, hardly used. Was $59.95
In Full Bloom - $40, well used. Was $49.95
Headline Alphabet - $63, used. Was $79.95
Open For Trade - $51, hardly used. Was $63.95
Trimtastic - $43, used. Was $53.95
French Flair background - $27, well used. Was $33.95
Wishing You - $32, well used. Was $39.95
Beyond the Basics - $19, used. Was $23.95
Dream Come True - $36, used. Was $45.95
Rough Around the Edges jumbo wheel - $12, used. Was $15.95

I also have some retired hostess sets available, if you didn't get around to earning the one you really wanted.....

Reason to Smile - $30, new.
Terrific Tags - $25, hardly used.
Blooming with Happiness - $30, new.
In Any Event - $35, new.

My Sale-a-Bration left over sets are walking out the door....

Birthday Whimsy x2 new - $20 each
Merci x2 new - $20 each, x1 used $15
Lots of Thoughts x2 new - $20 each, x1 used $15
Friendship Blooms x2 new - $20 each, x1 used $15

Email me to hold a set for you - cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au - payment can be by credit card, cheque, cash or direct deposit. I will post anywhere within Australia (postage costs will be added to your purchase), or I can arrange delivery or pick up if you are local to me here on the Central Coast, or even in Sydney to some areas. We can work something out I'm sure!! This sale is only available to residents of Australia - sorry, no overseas customers! :-(

Grab a bargain, and book your new catalogue workshop at the same time ;-)

It's here!!!!!!!

2008-04-01T16:00:00.004+11:00

And it is beautiful...... The new 2008 - 2009 Idea Book and Catalogue has begun... and my wishlist is enormous!!!! You can link to it here, or email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au and I will deliver a copy to you - remember, if you book a workshop with me, your copy is FREE!!!! Not to mention all the other benefits such as free stamp sets and free products...

I have some other exciting news too!!!! Stampin' Up! are such a generous company to work for, and the benefits of being a demonstrator stretch far and beyond just selling stamps and stuff. Meeting new people and gaining new friends have been some of the greatest rewards of my new career - and you girls know who you are! It is because of you, my customers and fellow demonstrators alike, that I have this announcement to make - I have qualified for an all expenses paid trip for 2 to Palm Cove in QLD, staying in a really lush resort, to be pampered and showered with gifts by Stampin' Up!, and where I will get to spend time with some of my fellow demonstrators and their guests, including my fabulous upline and friend Linda and her husband.... Of course, I am taking my own husband, as he has been such a support for me in my new venture! He minds the kids when I do weekend and evening workshops, he helps with deliveries, and he also set up my bookkeeping system, because I have a maths phobia... :-) He is my rock and voice of reason when I have a bit of a meltdown trying to organise my disorganised self on my disorganised days.... I know there is a long line of you willing to come with me, and I would love to take you! But I didn't hesitate in choosing him - without him, I could not be doing what I do.

But I do want to thank you all especially! My wonderful customers, who have made it possible for me to build such a fun and fulfilling business, and my fellow demonstrators, who have supported and encouraged me, cheering me on until the end!!!! Yippee!!!!

And now I have sorted out my internet problems..... a card!!! There was a teensy oversight in the retired list, and 3 sets did not make it onto the retired list... All About You, Business Boosters, and the background stamp Aida Cloth. As a result, these three sets are available, unless sold out, until the 15th April.....

This card uses the All About You set, (plus the Paisley background stamp and Expressive Flexible Phrases, which are still in the new catalogue). I have also used the Round Tab punch, the Crimper, a Creamy Caramel Button and Linen Thread. The colours are Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue, Really Rust and Very Vanilla. The card was made for my Dad for Father's Day last year, but could serve the purpose for any occasion a man needs a card I think! I'm certainly going to miss this set.... I think I will have to console myself with some new sets from the new catalogue! What a shame... :-)

Some housekeeping issues....

2008-03-22T09:30:00.000+11:00

I am having some IT nightmares, as you are aware from my post below (scroll down a bit) and now I have my new computer, it's not quite over - It seems I am unable to access the toolbar here on the blog to include links and pictures! Typical, is all I can say!!!! Just when I want to update you all, I can't seem to do it properly!!! Grrrr.
Also, when all my data was retrieved from my old dead hard drive, some of the email addresses did not reappear in my address book... so if you have not received an email from me regarding retired sets, then could you please send me an email so I can save you into my address book. I'm not ignoring you, I promise! I've just lost you... And I am sad.... email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au . Thanx!!!!!

Hope your Easter is very special.

Conspicuous by their absence.....

2008-03-22T08:49:00.000+11:00

How utterly EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!! I have the new catalogue right here, and spent several hours I believe DROOLING over the gorgeous new things..... wishing I could order them now!!!!! In my excitement, it did take me a while to realise that there are a few things conspicuous by their absence in the new catalogue, in particular from the Summer Mini Catalogue..... Love Matters, Shore Thing, Edgy Eloquence, Big Blooms (Oh My Goodness!!!), Stem Silhouettes, Long-Time Friend, Sage Advice, Easy Elegance, French Flair, Happy Thoughts, Sweet on You, Best Bar Codes, Bunny Hugs and Small Sayings.... not to mention the accessories - Au Chocolat Designer Series Double-Sided Paper, Enchante Designer Series Double-Sided Paper, Loves Me Designer Series Double-Sided Paper, Flirty Ribbon Originals and Pocket Notes in Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip. These things will NEVER be available again after the 31st March, so make sure you email me THIS WEEK to order anything you have had your eyes on.....

Also, the retirement list was not quite complete, it would seem.... Just in case you had breathed a sigh of relief to discover that All About U and Aida Cloth were not on the retired list, here is your Heads Up! They are NOT in the new catalogue either!!!! So check out the retired list again to make sure there is nothing you have missed, place your final orders for these Going, Going, GONE sets ASAP, and book your New Catalogue workshop with me NOW!! I have limited spots in April and May going fast..... Email me direct on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au

Loving and hating my computer...

2008-03-10T17:51:00.002+11:00

Hello all in Cyber stamp land! You may or may not have noticed that I have not emailed or blogged for a while.... because my computer has gone to the big computer shop in the sky! Poor computer - it served me so faithfully keeping me in touch with you.... and now it is gone. This computer is a borrowed one! (Thanks Kel!) I have a new one on it's way to me now, but I am too impatient.....

I have no access to my photos or address book, so I need to rely on my blog for news getting out there... And I have a Beginner Scrapbook Class on THIS WEEK, Thursday 13th March at 7:30pm at my place.... with some spots still available! $10 gets all you need to make a 12x12 scrapbook page, with some great tips for beginners! Let me know if you want to come by emailing me ( I can still access the emails, just not the addresses) at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to secure your spot....

You don't need to bring photos, but if you do, I have all the Stampin' Up! colours for you to make a match.... Black and white photos area good option too....

If you know of anyone who gets my emails but doesn't always read my blog, please let them know about this class..... I know quite a few said they were interested, but I am unable to send emails without my address book information... :-(

On the bright side, I will be running more of these classes if you miss out this time...

Chat soon Friends!
Cheryl xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Retirement Party!

2008-02-22T13:46:00.008+11:00

Hello All! This is it! The Stampin' Up! Retirement List is OUT!!!!!! Oh My Goodness! Quite a few things are going, and some are ALREADY SOLD OUT!!!! So be really quick! To see the stamp sets that are retiring, and the list of retiring accessories, check out the list below. If there is anything on your wish list, then don't wait! THESE ITEMS WILL NEVER BE AVAILABLE AGAIN, and are only available while stocks last.

Meanwhile, a party should include gifts! So with this in mind, any orders that include retired products will receive free postage until the end of March.

Orders over $100 that include retired product and which are finalised by the 8th March will receive a free Classic ink pad valued at $9.95, as well as free postage! Make sure you check with me when ordering to ensure what you want is still available. Email me now at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au, or call me on 0401 684 938 to place your order. This offer is only available to Australian residents, and those who are NOT Stampin' Up! demonstrators! :-) ;-) Sorry Gals!

This is one of my favourite sets - Roses in Winter. It is on the retired list! For this Card I have used Mellow Moss card stock and ink, Apricot Appeal ink, Perfect Plum ink and Very Vanilla card stock. Perfect Plum Stampin' Pastels, Moss Gingham and a piece of Hodgepodge Hardware complete the look. All images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2008, and Artwork is by Cheryl Andrews.

Stay tuned for more Retired List examples!

Retired Stamp Sets List
Item #
Product Description
Catalogue Sets
108715
A LITTLE LOVE
108717
A NEW LITTLE SOMEONE
108718
A TO Z ACCENTS
108723
ALL IN A ROW
108724
ALL MIXED UP
108725
ALL NATURAL
108727
ALL THE BEST
108729
ALL WRAPPED UP
108730
ALL WRAPPED UP ACCESSORIES
108731
ALL-YEAR CHEER I
108732
ALL-YEAR CHEER II
108737
ALPHADOT NUMBERS
108735
ALPHADOTS
108736
ANCIENT ASIA
108739
ARTIFACTS
108741
BABY FIRSTS
108745
BECAUSE OF YOU
108749
BEST OF CLUCK
108750
BEYOND THE BASICS
108752
BIRTHDAY BEAUTY
108759
BUGGIES & BOOTIES
108762
BY DEFINITION
108766
CHEESECLOTH
109073
CLASSIC ALPHABET
109074
CLASSIC NUMBERS
108770
COLLAGE ALPHABET
108771
COLLAGE NUMBERS
108773
CROSSHATCH
108775
CUTE AS A BUG
108776
DAY-TO-DAY FLEXIBLE PHRASES
108777
DO THE HULA
108778
DOTTED
108779
DOWN TO BUSINESS
108780
DREAM COME TRUE
108782
ECLECTIC BACKGROUNDS
108783
EPHEMERA
108784
ESPRESSOLY FOR YOU
108788
FARM FEVER
108789
FAVORITE TEDDY BEAR
108808
FINIALS & FRAMES
108810
FLANNEL PLAID
108812
FLOWER FEST
108813
FLOWER FILLED
108815
FONTASTIC
108816
FRENCH SCRIPT
108817
FRESH FILLERS
108818
FRIENDSHIP FLOWERS
108819
FUN FILLED
108821
GIFTS OF JOY
108823
GLAD TIDINGS
108824
GLAM GIRL
108826
GOOD THINGS GROW
108827
GORGEOUS GRAPEVINE
108829
HANDLE WITH CARE
108830
HAPPILY EVER AFTER
108832
HAPPY HEARTS
108833
HEADLINE ALPHABET
108834
HEADLINE NUMBERS
108836
HEBREW HOLIDAYS
108837
HOLIDAY PRINT
108838
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
108843
I DID IT
108845
IN FULL BLOOM
108846
IN THE WILD
108848
IT'S SNOW TIME
108851
KANJI
108852
LABEL CLASSICS
108853
LETTERPRESS ALPHABET
108854
LETTERPRESS NUMBERS
108856
LIFE'S SPECIAL MOMENTS
108858
LITTLE HELLOS
108859
LITTLE HOLIDAY WISHES
108861
LIVELY LEAVES
108867
LOVING HEARTS
108868
MADONNA AND CHILD
108870
MERRY MINIS
108871
MIXED BOUQUET
108872
MON AMI
108873
MONKEY BUSINESS
108876
MUCH LOVE
108878
NEVER-ENDING JOY
108879
NEWSPRINT ALPHABET
108880
NEWSPRINT NUMBERS
108881
NICE & EASY NOTES
108882
NICE & NARROW
108883
OLIVE YOU
108885
ON WALKABOUT
108886
OPEN FOR TRADE
108889
PERENNIAL FAVORITES
108891
PETAL PUSHERS
108892
PLAY BALL
108893
POCKET FUN
108895
PRINT PATTERN
108896
PURE & SIMPLE ALPHABET LOWER
108897
PURE & SIMPLE ALPHABET UPPER
108898
PURE & SIMPLE NUMBERS
108899
QUICK THINKING
108901
RENAISSANCE ANGELS
108903
ROSES IN WINTER
108907
SEASIDE SKETCHES
108908
SEASON BY SEASON
108910
SET SAIL
108911
SIMPLE SAYINGS II
108912
SIMPLE SKETCHES
108914
SIMPLY CIRCLES
108917
SLEIGH FULL OF TOYS
109072
STAMPED FROM THE HEART
108922
STIPPLE CELEBRATIONS
109022
STIPPLE SHELLS
108925
SUPERSIZE SYMBOLS
108926
SWEET & SASSY
108928
SWEET TALK
108933
TERRIFIC TULIPS
108935
TIDY ALPHABET
108936
TIDY NUMBERS
108938
TRADING COLLECTION
108939
TREAT YOURSELF
108940
TRIMTASTIC
108941
TYPESET ALPHABET LOWER
108942
TYPESET ALPHABET UPPER
108943
TYPESET NUMBERS
108947
WATERCOLOR MINIS
108952
WELL-WORN ALPHABET
108953
WELL-WORN NUMBERS
108955
WHIMSICAL ALPHABET LOWER
108956
WHIMSICAL ALPHABET UPPER
108957
WHIMSICAL NUMBERS
108959
WILD HEARTS
108961
WINGED THINGS
108964
WONDERFUL WORDS II
108965
WORD BY WORD
108966
WORLD TOUR
108968
YULE BITS & BORDERS
Hostess Sets
108714
A IS FOR ADORABLE
108743
BASKET FULL OF FUN
108754
BLOOMING WITH HAPPINESS
108758
BOTH WAY BLOSSOMS
108814
FLOWERS FOR A FRIEND
108844
IN ANY EVENT
108865
LOVE IT
108900
REASON TO SMILE
108902
RIVETING
108919
SPRINGTIME STEMS
108932
TERRIFIC TAGS
108946
WARMEST REGARDS
Stampin' Around Wheels
101420
BABY TIME
104070
BLOOMIN'
105951
BOLD SNOWFLAKES*
105750
BOUQUET*
106749
BRIGHT BULBS
105518
BUILDER BITS
107481
BUTTERFLIES & BLOSSOMS
103094
BY THE SEA
103296
CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS
104312
HOT TO DOT
107463
LEAF FEST*
106062
LEAVES AWASH*
102254
LOVE SWIRLS
103543
ONLY ORNAMENTS
101090
PAW TRACKS
107476
ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES*
105448
SIZE IT UP
104160
SQUARE PEGS*
107480
TRUE HEARTS
104893
TWINKLE
103749
WASH DAY*
105033
WINGS & THINGS
* Stampin' Around Jumbo wheels

Retired Accessories List
105094
BOXES & TAGS BOOK KIT ACCORDION ASST 4
105093
BOXES & TAGS BOOK KIT ACCORDION ASST 5
105092
BOXES & TAGS BOOK KIT ACCORDION ASST 6
105091
BOXES & TAGS BOOK KIT ACCORDION ASST 7
105101
BOXES & TAGS BOOK KIT SADDLE STITCH ASST 4
105100
BOXES & TAGS BOOK KIT SADDLE STITCH ASST 5
105099
BOXES & TAGS BOOK KIT SADDLE STITCH ASST 6
105098
BOXES & TAGS BOOK KIT SADDLE STITCH ASST 7
106581
BOXES & TAGS PETAL CARD BOLD BRIGHTS & EARTH ELEMENTS
105074
BOXES & TAGS PETAL CARD WHISPER WHITE & VERY VANILLA
105067
BOXES & TAGS POCKETS & PIECES ASST I
105068
BOXES & TAGS POCKETS & PIECES ASST II
108632
BOXES & TAGS TINY TAKEOUT BOLD BRIGHTS & EARTH ELEMENTS
107245
BOXES & TAGS TINY TAKEOUT CONFETTI WHITE & KRAFT
104583
BRADS VINTAGE
108624
CARD STOCK BUCKAROO BLUE A4
108625
CARD STOCK COOL CARIBBEAN A4
108628
CARD STOCK CRANBERRY CRISP
106562
CARD STOCK GOING GRAY A4
106683
CARD STOCK IN COLOR 12X12
108629
CARD STOCK IN COLOR A4
108627
CARD STOCK MARIGOLD MORNING A4
106531
CARD STOCK SAHARA SAND 12X12
108626
CARD STOCK TRUE THYME A4
108623
CARD STOCK VINTAGE VIOLET A4
107231
CLASSIC STAMPIN' INK REFILL BUCKAROO BLUE
107228
CLASSIC STAMPIN' INK REFILL CRANBERRY CRISP
107230
CLASSIC STAMPIN' INK REFILL COOL CARIBBEAN
107227
CLASSIC STAMPIN' INK REFILL MARIGOLD MORNING
107229
CLASSIC STAMPIN' INK REFILL TRUE THYME
107232
CLASSIC STAMPIN' INK REFILL VINTAGE VIOLET
107225
CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD BUCKAROO BLUE
107222
CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD CRANBERRY CRISP
107224
CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD COOL CARIBBEAN
107221
CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD MARIGOLD MORNING
107223
CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD TRUE THYME
107226
CLASSIC STAMPIN' PAD VINTAGE VIOLET
104302
CORD COPPER
104303
CORD GOLD
104304
CORD SILVER
104328
CRAFT STAMPIN' INK REFILL VERY VANILLA
104308
CRAFT STAMPIN' PAD VERY VANILLA
107405
DESIGNER SERIES FOUR SEASONS
105366
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER CAMBRIDGE 12X12
105365
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER OXFORD
104136
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER POOL PARTY
107295
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RECOLLECTIONS
107062
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SARAH
107308
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY
104135
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SLUMBER PARTY
107406
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER TREEHOUSE
103280
EMBOSSING KIT
104281
ENCORE INK REFILL COPPER
104280
ENCORE PAD COPPER
105317
EYELETS BOLD BRIGHTS II
105315
EYELETS SOFT SUBTLES II
100395
FANCY FIBERS BRIGHTS
100396
FANCY FIBERS EARTHS
100397
FANCY FIBERS NEUTRALS
100393
FANCY FIBERS REGALS
100394
FANCY FIBERS SUBTLES
103321
GIFT SACKS OATMEAL
103890
METAL EDGE TAGS BRASS WHITE CIRCLE
103888
METAL EDGE TAGS BRASS WHITE SQUARE
103894
METAL EDGE TAGS COPPER WHITE CIRCLE
103892
METAL EDGE TAGS COPPER WHITE SQUARE
104184
POST EXTENDERS
103378
PUNCH CORNER ROUNDER SMALL
102686
PUNCH HANDHELD RECTANGLE
104407
PUNCH NOTCHED CORNER
104406
PUNCH PAPER PIECING
104405
PUNCH SQUARE CONVEX
101637
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" APPLE GREEN
102712
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" BLACK
100538
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" BLUEBIRD
105372
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" BURGUNDY
105373
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" CELERY
105374
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" CHOCOLATE
100455
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" CREAM
101666
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" LIGHT ORCHID
101926
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" LIGHT PINK
105378
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" NAVY
102682
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" RED
103064
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" TANGERINE
101156
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" TAUPE
102119
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" TURQUOISE
102819
RIBBON GROSGRAIN 1/4" WHITE
104257
RIBBON ORGANDY NARROW GOLD
100589
RIBBON ORGANDY NARROW IVORY
103019
RIBBON ORGANDY NARROW LIGHT PINK
104256
RIBBON ORGANDY NARROW NAVY
104258
RIBBON ORGANDY NARROW OLIVE
104253
RIBBON ORGANDY NARROW SILVER
101613
RIBBON ORGANDY NARROW WHITE
104260
RIBBON ORGANDY NARROW WINE
106807
RIBBON ORIGINALS PREP SCHOOL
106809
RIBBON ORIGINALS RUSTIC RETREAT
106806
RIBBON ORIGINALS SEASIDE
106808
RIBBON ORIGINALS SWEET SHOP
107453
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' ALL THE TRIMMINGS
107456
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' AT HOME
107454
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' OUT & ABOUT
107457
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' PARTY PIECES
107455
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' TICKETS & TOKENS
107460
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN' TODAY & ALWAYS
108509
SIMPLY SENT A WISH FOR YOU
108511
SIMPLY SENT FRIENDSHIP SHAPES
108512
SIMPLY SENT GOOD THINGS
108510
SIMPLY SENT REMEMBERING YOU
105580
SPECTRUM PAD BLUE FROST
101492
SPECTRUM PAD CELEBRATION
105579
SPECTRUM PAD COTTON CANDY
101336
SPECTRUM PAD PUMPKIN PATCH
103953
STAMP-A-MA-JIG IMAGING SHEETS
101460
STAMPIN' AROUND CARTRIDGE & REFILL WHISPER WHITE
103017
STAMPIN' AROUND INK REFILL WHISPER WHITE
101040
STAMPIN' EMBOSS POWDER BLACK DETAIL
100442
STAMPIN' EMBOSS POWDER CLASSY COPPER
101428
STAMPIN' EMBOSS POWDER CLEAR DETAIL
103342
STAMPIN' EMBOSS POWDER GOLD DETAIL
101781
STAMPIN' EMBOSS POWDER SILVER DETAIL
100963
STAMPIN' EMBOSS POWDER WHITE DETAIL
103174
STAMPIN' PASTELS APPLICATOR REFILL
105543
STAMPIN' PASTELS BOLD BRIGHTS
105544
STAMPIN' PASTELS EARTH ELEMENTS
105547
STAMPIN' PASTELS NEUTRALS
105545
STAMPIN' PASTELS RICH REGALS
105546
STAMPIN' PASTELS SOFT SUBTLES
103648
STAMPIN' STACK
107239
TAG SHEETS CONFETTI WHITE & VERY VANILLA
107240
TAG SHEETS KRAFT
105369
TIMEWORN COLLECTION PAPER HEIRLOOM
105368
TIMEWORN COLLECTION PAPER RUSTIC
105367
TIMEWORN COLLECTION PAPER WEATHERED
105395
WIRE WORKS METALLICS
105812
WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL I

Classes, Sale-a-Bration and My Valentine

2008-02-17T17:44:00.003+11:00

Hello Cyber Stampers! Hope your life in the real world is treating you well....

A few of you have commented how my blog has not been updated recently.... Sorry! My life in the real world has consisted of settling into the new year at school etc....

The Brayering class will now be held on Thursday 28th February at my place, at 7:30pm - I have a few spots left, so be quick to book in! It costs $10, and all materials are supplied. Coming up in March I also have a scrapbooking class and a photo wallet class, so watch for those dates to happen! For examples of Brayering, scroll down and check out the Moon at Sunset card.....

Sale-a-Bration is drawing to a close, with all orders needing to be processed by the 29th February, payments and all.... if you have been holding off, now is the time to book your Sale-a-Bration workshop, order some supplies, or join my team of Demonstrators. On that note, Welcome to Michelle and Karen who joined my team in January with the Sale-a-Bration promotion..... What a great deal with 10% off the kit thanks to the Scrapbook Creations promotion, plus an extra free stamp set of any value from the current catalogues! Up to $670 worth of products for only $291.60!

The idea for this card was taken from 2 girls in the Elite Stampers team - check out Jayne Mercer's blog (click on Elite Stampers in my favourites list to find her - it is called {ME}) and my lovely upline Linda Higgins' blog (click on the link in my favourites list). Gable Green base card, with the Jumbo wheel Flitting By rolled in the same coloured ink up one side. A strip of Basic Black punched up either side with the Spiral Punch from the Summer Mini Catalogue to look like a film strip, then the butterfly image from the Sale-a-Bration set Merci, watercoloured with the Pink Passion and Gable Green inks and Aquapainters. A touch of Dazzling Diamonds glitter on the bodies and wings, and a large black oval layered under the small oval stamped in Basic Black with the word Sparkle form the Warm Words set. Pink Passion flowers edge the oval, plus more Dazzling Diamonds and some Black grosgrain ribbon to finish...... It's a birthday card for my 7yo niece, Izobelle. Hi Izy! Happy Birthday sweetie!

This is a close up of Sparkle, so you can catch the glitter dazzling in the sun... Yes! The sun did come out briefly for me to take these photos!

All images are © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2008.

And THIS card.............. From my very own Valentine! My wonderful husband made this card whilst I was at the gym on Valentine's Day night.... What a sweetie! The kids helped him out, and told him how and what to use.... He matched all the colours with the Loves Me paper from the Summer Mini all by himself, chose a stamp set or two, and even used dimensionals! He was particularly wanting me to take note of the fact he used patterned paper and dimensionals! What a clever Valentine he is! Do you think he is up to running a workshop or teaching a class yet?

Meanwhile, get your orders in, book your workshop today or get some info on joining my team of Demonstrators by contacting me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au . Happy Stamping!

Cute as a Bug!

2008-01-24T12:58:00.000+11:00

Just a quick post - My friends Cassy and Stephen have just had a new baby, and here is the card I made for him. Little Felix Lawrence, welcome to the world!

I have used: Gable Green, Tempting Turquoise and Brilliant Blue inks and card stock, as well as Whisper White card stock, plus the teeny handheld hole punch and the corner rounder (guard removed) to make the scallops. I also used the same colour markers to ink the words and to add colour to the caterpiller. Stamp a matching envelope and Voila!

1st Class of the year...

2008-01-23T14:32:00.000+11:00

Now, it seems I rarely get to advertise when my classes are on! They get filled up by word of mouth before I even get to put them here!

So to kick off the year, I am running a class by popular demand on how to make the Moon at Sunset card using the Brayer..... plus a bit of a play with the brayer and various things you can do with it.... The class will be $10, and you will take home a completed project, plus get to practice some skills and take with you all the things you practiced to make another couple of projects when you get home. This class will be on Wednesday 6th February - if you are free, email me now! cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au

Stamp Club

2008-01-23T13:44:00.000+11:00

Hello all! Just a reminder I am still filling a couple of spaces for the Stamp Club. Why join a stamp club? I'll explain how it works.....

Each participant agrees to spend $50 on Stampin' Up! Product every 2 months.
Each time we meet, a name is drawn from the hat - in this way we take turns being the hostess, and therefore reaping the hostess benefits and rewards.
Everyone is more than welcome to spend more than $50 of course! Setting a minimum limit ensures that each Stamp Club meeting reaches a hostess benefit level.
If you cannot make a particular Stamp Club meeting (we will rotate meeting times to make sure all can attend at some point!) that is fine! All you need to do is place your order to make sure the whole group still benefits.
Each Club meeting will focus on something different... new techniques, old favourites and special products, including a project or two to take home.
Each Club meeting will have mystery prizes, special deals and bonuses exclusive to club members.
The Club will close when all members have received hostess benefits, so for example, with 6 people involved, we will finish in December.

What better way to build your stamping and scrapbooking supplies! So book your place at my table now! The first Stamp Club meeting will be on Wednesday 20th February at 7:30pm (my place), so be quick! - email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au .

Want free stuff? Of course you do!

2008-01-21T19:34:00.000+11:00

At last! I have some freebies to give to my lucky bloggers..... Here's how it will work. We need at least six people to play. This is a one off workshop where everyone shares the benefits!

The rules of engagement:

1 - Each participant will spend $100 on product, and automatically receive the Sale-a-Bration set of their choice.

2 - The 1st person who emails me to play will receive an extra $30 worth of free product OR a level 2 hostess set of their choice.

3 - the 2nd person will receive an extra $25 worth of free product OR a level 2 hostess set (limited choice)

4 - the 3rd person will receive a level 2 hostess set (limited choice) OR $20 worth of product.

5 - the 4th person will receive a level 2 hostess set (limited choice)

6 - the 5th person will receive another Sale-a-Bration set of their choice.

7 - the 6th person will receive a level 1 hostess set (limited choice)

OK! The first people to email me by the 4th February are in - cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au Those who email me by the end of January will receive a free inkpad with their order as well! If there are more than 6 of you, I have other mystery stamp sets to be won. I want you all to win something........... So get your wishlist out, and top up your supplies, or treat yourself to a new stamp set. This blog workshop is ONLY available to Australian residents, and is not available to other Stampin' Up! Demonstrators..... All orders will incur the 5% postage and handling charge ;-) of course! The level 2 sets available in limited choice are: Both Way Blossoms, In Any Event, A is for Adorable. The level 1 hostess sets available are: Reason to Smile, Blooming with Happiness, Springtime Stems, Rivetting. Customers will be given the choice in the order in which they reply to me.

Workshop time....

2008-01-21T15:25:00.000+11:00

I have really been enjoying being relaxed and creative... Whilst I have had some workshops going on over the holidays, everything else has been in suspended animation, so I have had time to play....

At our team meeting last Thursday, Melissa from my team (check out her blog on the right there) taught us a new technique - Bleaching. We had a play with some different ideas, and I brought home some of the samples I made so I could create a card or 2 with them. And here is one!

The flower in the square (top centre) is the bleached image. Mel embossed the image from Carte Postale with versamark ink and clear embossing powder onto Chocolate Chip card stock. I used an aquapainter filled with bleach instead of water to bleach out certain aspects of the design. The middle had too much bleach, which ate through the embossing, and therefore blurred the detail here, so I hid it with a brad! (teehee!) The colour faded the longer I left it. At home, I cut out the square shape, and mounted it on Very Vanilla and Apricot Appeal card stock. Using a variation on a theme (see the Carte Postale card with choc and celery below), I scalloped a half circle of the Au Chocolat Double Sided Designer Series Paper with the corner rounder (guard removed) and layered it onto Very Vanilla. Next, I stuck it onto a folded piece of Apricot Appeal, which I stamped with some more images from the Carte Postale set in Apricot Appeal and Chocolate Chip. I repeated the square flower image on to Very Vanilla cs in Choc and Apricot, and cut them out, layering them onto some Chocolate grosgrain ribbon in the corners. The bleached image then was mounted as you see it.... and here is a close up of the bleached image.....

This next card is a simple design at the request of one of my lovely hostesses (Hi Sally!) for a wedding she is attending.... I think it is a great card for other occasions too! I am going to use it as a Christening card.

Things I used: Barely Banana, pretty in Pink and Very Vanilla Card Stock, Jet Black Stazon Ink, Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral and Certainly Celery ink, aqua painters (NOT the ones I used for bleach!!) mat pack and paper piercer, light pink grosgrain ribbon, oval punches. The stamp sets are Warm Words and Bothway Blossoms. Bothway Blossoms is a level 2 hostess set, which means only hostesses are eligible to get it based on the workshop sales. So if you like this set, then you need to have a workshop! All it takes is a handful of friends or family, a place for them to sit, and a cuppa and a bikkie. It's the easiest way to get free stamps I can think of! So book your workshop right now - remember you have until the end of February to get great Sale-a-Bration deals too! Email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to book.

10% Offer Extended!!!!

2008-01-16T09:33:00.000+11:00

This is a CaSE of a card I saw on Alisa Tilsner's blog (Check out the Elite Challenges site over in my list of Faves!), but I reckon hers is far more artistic than mine..... I have a brayer, and had not used it much, but here is a wonderful use for it! Want to know more? I am going to run a class on brayering in February or March, so let me know if you are interested ;-). It's easier than you think!!!!

Exciting news!!! If you missed out on the Australian Scrapbook Creations magazine special offer of 10% off the price of the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit, then here is your chance! This is the best Starter Kit deal yet, and includes not only the regular Starter Kit valued at $585 for the discounted price of $291.60 (regularly $324), but also during the Sale-a-Bration promotion, new demonstrators can choose another stamp set up to any value from the current catalogues absolutely free! So, up to $665 worth of products and business supplies for only $291.60! It really is a great deal... So what are you waiting for! It takes all kinds of demonstrators to be in my team, whether to build a successful business, or just to supply your own hobby, or to sell to family and friendss, or to run classes at your place.... You can choose how to make Stampin' Up!® work for you! Email me now to get more info on this fabulous opportunity... cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au

Meanwhile, some more Summer Mini Catalogue sets - Carte Postale and French Flair, plus a Happy Hello from the Sale-a-Bration exclusive collection as well...

Hmmm, experimenting with the macro setting on my camera! Hence the slightly bulgy look.... Anyway, you get the idea! I just love things that match and coordinate, and the French themed stamps and accessories in the Summer Mini are really beautiful! The Carte Postale stamp set coordinates beautifully with the Enchante Designer Series Double Sided Paper, and here I have used Certainly Celery, Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip card stock and inks with the half circle scalloped piece from the Enchante range..... Accessories include the smallest handheld hole punch to make a hole for the silver brad in the centre of the flower, the Stampin' Pastels in Chocolate Chip to create the soft edge on the Mon Amie sentiment image, the one and a quarter inch circle punch on the chocolate chip flower, the corner rounder with the guard removed to create the scalloped edge on the half circle, and some Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon. Not that you can really tell, but the Mon Amie piece is raised on dimensionals, and so is the swallow. This design was inspired by quite a few cards I found on the internet.... noone in particular! All images are © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2008, artwork by Cheryl Andrews.

This card is a smaller square, and I have used the French Flair background stamp in Cool Carribean ink on Cool Carribean card stock. My wonderful upline Linda gave me the Flirty Ribbon Originals pack from the Summer Mini Catalogue as a gift, and I have used some of this beautiful pink ribbon from the pack. (Thanks Lovely Linda!) There is also some Whisper White card stock distressed on the edges with the distressing tool from the cutter kit, plus the small Oval punch for the Bonjour sentiment. The word and the bird are in Not Quite Navy ink, and Pretty in Pink card stock mats Bonjour with the large oval punch. Bonjour and the swallow images are from the Carte Postale set.

Using the same colours, I have created a Friendship Blossoms card with the Happy Hellos sentiment from Lots of Thoughts - both exclusive sets in the Sale-a-Bration catalogue. The only addition is the regal Rose ink to define the flower outline a bit more on the Pretty in Pink card stock.

Happy Stamping!

Sale-a-Bration

2008-01-11T17:37:00.000+11:00

Sale-a-Bration is well under way, and I'm not the only one who has already benefited from the free stamp sets on offer! Have a peek here at the beautiful sets you can earn simply by purchasing $100 worth of product! As a hostess, you also earn great benefits when your workshop sales exceed $600. And if you are wanting to join my wonderful team of demonstrators, either as a hobby, to feed your own stampin' addiction, or to run a successful and rewarding business, during Sale-a-Bration you can choose an extra stamp set of any value to go in the already fabulous value Starter Kit! Everybody wins in January and February!

So here are some things I have been making so far with one of the Sale-a-Bration sets - Friendship Blooms.

I made this at a fellow demonstrator's house for a stampin' get together. (Hi Jayne!) I challenged myself to use a colour or two that I rarely ever choose - Cameo Coral from the Earth Elements range, and Blush Blossom from the Soft Subtles range. Both colours are actually quite lovely when used in the appropriate setting, I decided! So here is my creative effort - Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Cameo Coral and Blush Blossom card stock, Cameo Coral, Chocolate Chip and Very Vanilla ink, Dimensionals (the flowers stand up on the base card) and the paper piercing mat and template.

This cute little card is one of the Vanilla pocket notes from the Summer Mini Catalogue. I have used some Pale Plum card stock, Perfect Plum, Pale Plum and Certainly celery ink, the 3mm handheld circle punch, a mini glue dot, and the Dazzling Diamonds glitter. (See the sparkly centre in the flower?) I also used the Perfect Plum Marker to isolate the word 'friendship' from the sentiment stamp. (You can see the sentiment in the above picture)

This is one of the Pretty in Pink pocket notes. My Secret Santa from Angela's demonstrator forum sent me in my parcel some stamped images of the Friendship Blossoms set (among other things - Thanx Marelle!! Big kiss...) and so I got to play before I even got my own set! I watercoloured the 2 flowers (one big, one tiny) in Regal Rose and So Saffron. I cut them out, and layered the tiny one on the big one, securing with an Always Artichoke brad. The leaves are watercoloured with Always Artichoke. The sentiment is from the Summer Mini Catalogue set, Small Sayings, as is the teeny weeny flower stamped on the envelope and across the bottom of the pocket card. I have used: Basic Black and So Saffron card stock (Marelle stamped the images in black on Whisper White), Basic Black, Regal Rose, So Saffron and Always Artichoke ink, the paper piercing template and mat, and the corner rounder punch.

These next two are using the sets I have from the Summer Mini Catalogue - just in case you wanted some more reason to own them yourself!

This is the Chocolate Chip pocket note - the third colour in the available range for these - and I have used the leaves from Carte Postale stamped in Very Vanilla ink on the pocket note, and in Chocolate Chip on the envelope. The sentiment is from a level 1 hostess set called Warmest Regards, and I have used some Very Vanilla card stock with some Creamy Caramel card stock. I overstamped the swirl from Carte Postale in Creamy Caramel on the leaf image on the envelope, and added some Cream Grosgrain Ribbon with a tiny buckle from the Aged Copper Hodgepodge tin. It has been given to a male friend of ours - a good Man card I think! Not too girly!

This card uses Big Blooms from the Summer Mini. I love this set - it just lends itself to bold, bright, strong colours! Well, I think so anyway! I will have to challenge myself to use earthy or subtle colours now..... Meanwhile, here I have used Elegant Eggplant, Summer Sun and Whisper White card stock. The inks are Summer Sun, Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant, Orchid Opulance and Pixie Pink. I have used a technique called Rock 'n' Roll on the 3 Big flowers, and I've used my 2 oval punches for the sentiment, and some gold cord to finish it off. The sentiment is from Small Sayings, as is the teeny weeny flowers in the centre of the flowers on either end.

Hope you like my holiday creations! Remember to email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to place and order, book a workshop, or get some information about being a demonstrator on my team!

Christmas past..........

2007-12-26T16:47:00.000+11:00

Hello and welcome to my blog post-Christmas 2007...........

At last, the hype and rush is over, and as usual I feel a little sad and a lot relieved! Keep an eye out here for the new stuff coming up in January and February.........

Stamp Club - expressions of interest now being taken to join my 2008 stamp club, to begin February, my place, bi-monthly, at least 6 people, ending December 2008, with the hostess drawn each workshop to get the hostess benefits.... A committment is required to purchase at least $50 worth of product before postage to make the club work......... watch this space for details - 1 spot already filled - (Hi Janelle!)

Sale-a-bration catalogue - including all the free stamps for customers, hostesses and new demonstrators!!!!! Remember the 10% off the starter kit until 12th January........ I have the magazine and the code number.......... All Sale-a-bration free sets are available right through until the end of February......

Classes and workshops commence in January - book yours in now to benefit from Sale-a-bration!

Here are some pics of the Advent Calendar boxes we made for our tree - I filled them with lollies and toys for the kids to open each day. Loads of fun!

Just in Thyme Double-sided Designer Series paper, Glorious green card stock, Confetti White card stock, Elegant Eggplant card stock, Rose Red ink, Sahara Sand ink, Cranberry Crisp ink, Elegant Eggplant ink, Silver ink, Silver embossing powder, Headline Numbers stamp set, Hung Up on the Holidays stamp set, Only Ornaments wheel, gold and silver cord. Cute little triangle boxes from Angela Sargeant's gallery, thanks to Hollie Curruthers. Artwork by Cheryl Andrews ('twould be ME) and images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007.

I hope you all had a wonderful, peaceful Christmas, and that you got to catch up with the ones you love, and relax. I also hope you got lots of cool presents! Happy New year to you all, and I will post some of the things I make while I am on holidays and all nice and relaxed.......... ;-)

New Mini stuff + a Great Deal!

2007-12-13T12:23:00.000+11:00

Hello All! Finally a moment to post..........

Let's cut to the chase.... These are the pics of what my lovely ladies made at my Summer Mini Launch table last Tuesday 4th - HELLO LOVELY LADIES!!!!

We made a card, a tag and a gift box. And I even managed to ignore how ghastly I felt! Hope you lovely ladies are still feeling well and fighting fit.... I tried not to breath on you!

This card features the Big Blooms set from the Summer Mini Catalogue. I have also used Small Sayings . The colours are: Pumkin Pie, Gable Green, Cool Carribean and Rose Red in card stock, ink and markers. There is also some Whisper White card stock and the White gel pen for the faux stitching. There is a So Saffron brad, Bashful Blue button, and we used the Word Window punch for the Small Sayings sentiment.

This yummy chocolatey tag is made with the Very Vanilla card stock, Au Chocolat Double Sided Designer Series paper, the new wide Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon, and the Small Sayings set. The ink is Chocolate Chip, and the Word Window punch has been used again to punch out the sentiment. The tie is the normal Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon.

This cute gift box is made with a half sheet of A4 Confetti White card stock (so therefore A5 size!). It is the easiest little box, and can be made using any sized rectangle piece of card stock or paper. Measure halfway on all 4 sides, and score across from one long side to the other. Then score diagonally from the midpoint on each end to the midpoint on the sides, creating a diamond shape on the rectangle with a fold across the middle. Crease all 5 score lines, and simple push the two halves together, making sure the 2 triangular flaps on one side slide inside 2 on the other side. Punch a hole through all 4 layers of card stock or paper, thread ribbon and tie a knot or bow. Done! No sticking required. This box is decorated with the Leaves A La Carte jumbo wheel in Certainly Celery ink, and then there is a strip of Orchid Opulence card stock layered under a strip of the Enchante Doube Sided Designer Series paper. The ribbon is Light Orchid Grosgrain. Voila!

All artwork is by ME! (Cheryl Andrews) and the images are © Stampin' Up!®.

So what is the great deal? If you have been tossing around the idea of being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, either just for the discount or to run your own business, then January is the time! Get yourself down to your local newsagents and buy a copy of the Australian Scrapbook Creations magazine. Inside is an advertisement for Stampin' Up! with a special code for 10% off the already great value Starter kit! Also in January and February is the much anticipated Sale-a-Bration promotion, with free stamp sets for customers, hostesses and demonstrators alike! So becoming a demonstrator has never been so affordable or such great value! With Sale-a-Bration, new demonstrators can choose a free Stamp set of ANY VALUE from the current catalogues on top of all the other sets in the kit, and PLUS the 10% discount! So what are you waiting for! It takes all kinds of demonstrators to be part of my team.... Discount, Career, Hobby, Short term.... In the mean time, watch this space for more Sale-a-Bration updates!

Alien Steals Boy's Face

2007-11-26T16:18:00.000+11:00

This news just in.... on Sunday 25th November, 10 year old Samuel Andrews was swimming in a backyard swimming pool in suburban Sydney, when aliens attacked. They infiltrated his face between his eyes, also trying to gain access through his right inside elbow. The aliens have been identified as Wierd Alien Striped Pests, otherwise known as WASPs.

"At the time of the attack, we thought he was OK", said his distraught mother today. "It was only when he awoke this morning that we realised the WASPs had actually infiltrated his face. Something has to be done before his whole body is overrun!"

The pictures below show a before shot of a happy school boy from the Central Coast of NSW, and then the increasing likeness to a Wierd Alien Striped Pest as the day has progressed.

Samuel Andrews, aged 10, May 2007.

Samuel, aged 10, November 26th, the morning after the attack, when it first became apparent that the Aliens had indeed infiltrated his face.

Samuel later the same day, with the WASP infiltration almost complete.

Samuel's parents, Craig and Cheryl Andrews, will be seeking expert advice this afternoon with the family doctor who it is speculated has been involved in other Alien sightings, infiltrations, and kidnappings. He was unavailable for comment this morning.

Parents are warned to keep their children locked up and in front of the TV instead of running and playing in the great outdoors, as Wierd Alien Striped Pests are likely to be everywhere at this time of year, and will attack at the slightest provocation. Any sightings should be reported to the WASP control team closest to you (listed in the Yellow Pages under 'Pest Control').

Summer Mini.........

2007-11-25T16:40:00.000+11:00

Hey there! Just thought I'd quickly post some pics of the cute little Art Journals that have been continued in the newest Mini Catalogue - the Summer Mini Catalogue. All the beautiful stamps and accessories will be available from the 1st December 2007 until the 31st March 2008. This of course means that all the sets and accessories from the Spring Mini Catalogue are unavailable from the 1st December! Email me quick if you wanted any of those and had been putting it off. You could take a chance that the set you are coveting will be in the new 2008-2009 Idea Book and Catalogue next April, but of course we won't know until March if that is the case, and it will be too late then!

Meanwhile, the sets in the new Summer Mini will be showcased at our launch on the 4th December - see the post below for details. Book in quick! I'm almost full!

So here is a pic for you - The small sized On Board Art Journal was in the Spring mini, and has been continued in the Summer mini. You can also still buy the Spiral punch to make the patterned paper fit perfectly around the spiral binding of the journal.

I have used the Au Chocolat double sided designer series patterned paper from the new Summer mini to cover them, and the Big Blooms stamp set from the Summer mini to decorate them in Pixie Pink and Yoyo Yellow. I have also used some aged copper Hodgepodge, cream grosgrain and chocolate grosgrain ribbon as embellishments, plus some clear buttons. Don't miss the wide Cream grosgrain ribbon down the side! It also comes in Chocolate and Celery, and is new in the Summer mini catalogue! Other sets make an appearance here, including the Expressive Flexible Phrases set, and the Newsprint Alphabet set. Artwork is by Cheryl Andrews, and all images are © Stampin' Up!®

The journals are a present that a friend and I have made for our dancing teachers - yes, we do an adult dancing class, including tap and jazz, and a bit of modern and ballet thrown in. No, you may not come and watch and point and laugh!!! But we do appreciate our beautiful, patient, talented teachers - Katie and Kerry - who identified their favourite colours as bright pink and yellow respectively. Hi girls! Love you lots..........

Summer Mini Catalogue Launch

2007-11-20T20:13:00.000+11:00

Hello Hello!

Just a very quick thanks to all who have already purchased the All in the Family stamp set. Remember that all the proceeds of the sale of this stamp set WORLD WIDE go to the Abbot family here in Australia. Check out my post below regarding the details, and remember that I am offering this stamp set with my demonstrator discount. Hopefully it will make it an easier decision to purchase this set. It will be in next year's catalogue, but not at this great price! You have until the 30th November to purchase this one for $59.15 (+ p&h)

And for those who have been waiting with bated breath for new Stampin' Up!® product......

HERE IT IS!!!!!!!!! The new Summer Mini Catalogue is here, and we are having a launch to let you play with some of the new things..........

So, the details are:

Tuesday 4th December - 7:30pm

Lion's Club Community Hall

Russell Drysdale St, East Gosford

Cost: $10, refundable with your order of $50 or more on the night. (not including postage and handling)

A gold coin donation on the night would be greatly appreciated for the Cancer Council

*3 projects to make and take home!

*Mini catalogue and Technique booklet

*Raffle - raffle sales donated to the Cancer Council

*Prize Patrol!!!!

Light refreshments provided

Email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to reserve your place. Payment is required to secure your spot at the table...........

All in the Family

2007-11-03T20:44:00.000+11:00

In regards to my post below, and the passing of our beloved General Manager of Stampin' Up! in Australia, Dave Abbott, I am pleased to announce the release of this very cute set of stamps. There are 28 in the set, and all the pieces work together to create all the people in your family! Heads, arms, legs, bodies, dog, cat..... they are all there! All the proceeds from the sale of this set are going directly to Dave's young family, and to ensure that as many people as possible are able to purchase this set to benefit the Abbott family, I am passing on my Demonstrator discount to all who purchase it.

The set will be in the 2008-2009 Idea Book and Catalogue in April next year, but Stampin' Up!® are prereleasing it just for November, just for Cathy, William, Madeline and Molly, in memory of Dave.....

So for this month only, you will be able to purchase it from me for $59.15, plus postage and handling, and delivered to your door anywhere in Australia.... It retails at $73.95 for the set of 28 stamps.... Click on the link to Stampin' Up! over there on the right, click on the Aussie flag, and then click on the Specials and Promotions link. The All in the Family promotion is there, and you can probably see a bigger picture of this flier.........

In Memory......

2007-10-25T17:37:00.000+10:00

.... of Dave Abbott - General Manager of Stampin' Up!® Australia. Aged only 41, Dave passed away last week after battling a rare blood disease for almost a year. He is survived by his wife and 3 young children. He was like a father and a friend to the staff at Demonstrator Support, and was a genuinely lovely man. I had the privilege of meeting him at the Stampin' Up! Convention in May, and of speaking with him on the phone at Demonstrator Support when things were so flat out that the extra person manning the phones was a real help. He is already dearly missed.

In honour of Dave's life, Stampin' Up! are going to release a new Stamp set in November called "All in the Family", a set I have not yet seen, but I am told is very cute! All proceeds from the sale of this set will go to Dave's wife and young children to give them a helping hand.

I hope to have this set in my possession very soon so I can make some samples for you to see... plus, if you would like to buy it too, you know the proceeds are going to a very worthy cause. Watch this space for details.........

Looks Like Spring is in the air....

2007-10-17T13:04:00.000+10:00

Hello to all! In case you were confused by the weird weather we are having locally (stinkin' hot one day, howling a freezing gale the next...) it is actually spring in the Land Downunder! And to celebrate, Stampin' Up!® have their Looks Like Spring stamp set, matching Spring Bouquet Flower Punch and Double Sided Designer Series paper bundled as a special..... buy the Stamp set and the Punch, and get the Paper for free!

This pic shows the lovely stamps in the set, the punch (note that it punches out the triple flower stamp perfectly! - no need to cut those teeny things out!) and the Spring Showers paper... The Spring Flowers paper is the same, except instead of Bashful Blue and Creamy Caramel, it has Cameo Coral and Mellow Moss. Here are some things I have made with my Looks Like Spring set, Spring Bouquet Flower Punch and the Double Sided Paper....

The three cards in the front are all basically the same sketch (layout), but I have used different colours to get 3 very different results! The far left is Almost Amethyst, Lovely Lilac and Barely Banana, and the paper is Barely Banana with white dots. The middle one is the Spring Flowers paper (Coral and Moss) with some flowers in Barely Banana and Pretty in Pink. Far right is a card I designed for a male themed Stamp-a-Stack, and has the Spring Showers striped paper (Basful Blue and Creamy Caramel) with Sahara Sand, Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip ink. In the back is a little card using Chocolate Chip and Bashful Blue.

Here is a scrap book page I did of my lovely Lilli on her 6th Birthday... all in Kraft, Lovely Lilac and Lavender Lace - with a bit of Cocoa and Vanilla thrown in.... so glad I did not cut out all those little flowers! Go the Flower Punch! I have also used Big Deal Alphabet and Rough Edges Alphabet, and on the cards, there is the Hostess Set from this years Catalogue called Warmest regards.....

If you would like to take advantage of this month's special, then email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au, and we can arrange it! Make sure you get your order to me by Monday 29th October to avoid disappointment..........

One more thing! The Stampin' Up! Regional Training for Sydney will be held at Darling Harbour on the 17th November (a Saturday) and they have opened the doors to guests now! This means that I can take you with me! The cost is $75 for the days training sessions, plus a free stamp set (this year it is Simply Said). If you have been thinking of becoming a demonstrator (and therefore part of my wonderful team!) then this is an opportunity to see it all first hand! Kind of a try before you buy thing.... Stampin' Up! events are not to be missed - loads of fun and new things to see and try....... email me ASAP so I can book you in!

Happy Stamping!

An interesting couple of weeks...

2007-09-25T20:02:00.000+10:00

Hi All!!! Our family has had some interesting moments over the last little while, including the removal of Darling Son's (10yo) appendix! It seems the dreaded lurgy has also not left us unscathed - the flu has brought down 3 in our family of 5 so far, as well as both my parents in Sydney, and of course many others we know!!! We finally got to give my Dad his Fathers' Day card on the weekend just gone..... You remember the one I have in a post further down about Fathers' Day? Yeah... Ages ago....

So here are some more offerings from me.... including another with the All About U set used in my Dad's card....

This one has a base of Confetti Cream - a lovely recycled card stock that has a bit of texture. It also has a background of Certainly Celery wheeled with the Petals Wheel from the Spring Mini Catalogue. The two largest circle punches came in handy for the images from the matching Polka Dots and Petals set, which are stamped in Regal Rose and Rose Red on Vanilla Card Stock. Believe it or not, the ribbon is Light Pink Grosgrain Ribbon!!!! (Looks white on my screen) A silver brad finishes the Thank You sentiment from the Seeing Spots set.

This card has the All About U set, Paisley Background, Everyday Flexible Phrases, Trimtastic and the Warmest Regards hostess set. I have also used the Tab Punch, Corner Rounder (with the guard off to make the scallop), Chocolate grosgrain ribbon, White Organdy ribbon and the Pumpkin Pie marker from the Earth Element set. The colour scheme is Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Almost Amethyst, with Whisper White.

I was on a bit of a roll with the Amethyst and Chocolate thing, and the Paisley Background and Trimtastic scalloped edging..... Also here is Certainly Celery, Whisper White, the white gel pen, tab punch, Expressive Flexible Phrases, Cheery Chat, Touch of Nature, the largest circle punches, spiral punch (for the notebook page effect) and some Celery grosgrain ribbon. All images are © Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. All the artwork is by Cheryl Andrews, and inspired by the likes of Linda Higgins (my gorgeous upline) and Teneale, one of the Elite Stampers (who inspired the colour scheme on the last card there.)

Don't forget, this is your last chance to get a free set of Hodgepodge with the Starter Kit if you have been dreaming of doing what I do, and having LOADS of fun at the same time.... Applications must be in to Stampin' Up! head office by this Friday 28th September... Call me now! We can express post.... It's been done before! ;-)

Happy Birthday to Me.........

2007-09-05T19:27:00.000+10:00

And you thought I was modest and humble..... seriously, just wanted to share about my birthday, which was **********. Did you catch that? I'll say it louder.... my birthday was ***********. Make sure you remember it for next year...... Anyway, the point is that I got 8 cards, and all of them, with the exception of one from my Craft group, were Stampin' Up! creations! Yes, even my friends are now using the products I sell to make GORGEOUS cards for ME!!!!! How cool is that! Talk about great returns. So here is a pic.

Hope it is not too fuzzy. Woops! How talented are my friends and Stampin' Up! team? Don't forget, if you would like to host your own workshop and earn your own free stuff, as well as learn how to USE it all, then email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au so we can book a date.... Also, don't forget the marvellous deal this month with the Starter Kit - the Hodgepodge Hardware! It takes all kinds of demonstrators to make up my team, including Discount Demonstrators (just in it for the benefits), Hobby Demonstrators (in it to support their habit, and to run a few workshops and classes here and there) and Business Demonstrators (committed to putting the work in to build a successful business). You get to decide..... and this month is a good time to start. Email me for all the info you need to sign up today.

And here is one more pic of a FABULOUS picture my darling son, who is 10, drew for me for my birthday... it is a picture of a goose that he copied out of an encyclopedia...... I just LOVE it!

Isn't it tops! He even created a frame for it by stapling pieces of black cardboard around his finished masterpiece... I will definately be hanging this one up in pride of place... What a talented boy.

Happy Fathers' Day...

2007-08-27T12:47:00.000+10:00

....to all you Dads and Significant Male Role Models out there.... Here is a card made in honour of you, which I am actually giving to my own Dad and Dad-in-Law...

I used the All About U set, which is available to Hostesses this month and until the 15th September as an EXTRA FREEBIE when their workshop sales exceed $600. Cool hey! I have also used: Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue, Confetti Cream and Really Rust card stock, the Paisley Background stamp, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust and Brocade Blue ink, Linen Thread, Tab Punch, Earth Elements and Neutrals Button, and the Paper Crimper (My new toy!!!) Images © Stampin' Up!® 1990 - 2007. Artwork by Cheryl Andrews.

In addition to the Hooray for Hostesses promotion which concludes on the 15th September (you know, the free EXTRA stamp set deal!), Stampin' Up! have a great deal for those of you who have been putting off signing up to do what I do (and LOVE) - Demonstrating and using Stampin' Up! products and getting PAID for it!! If you sign up in September, you will not only get the fabulous Starter Kit, which is already great value, but your choice of 1 of the 3 sets of Hodgepodge Hardware valued at over $50 for FREE. This is a much saved for and coveted item on my customers' wish lists, and is something that will make beautiful cards and scrapbook pages even more special... Check out some of my creations below that have Hodgepodge on them.... (the metal photo anchors, brads, book plates, clips etc) All images © Stampin' Up!® 1990 - 2007. Artwork by Cheryl Andrews, or CaSEd from the 2007-2008 catty. Remember that you don't have to 'do' workshops, or do the sales thing if you don't want to... you can be a discount demonstrator (ie, get the 20% discount for you and your friends), or run classes from your place if you can't get out.... email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au right now to make the most of this great offer...

Hope you liked my Hodgepodged cards.........

More Things to Drool Over...... and another competition!

2007-08-15T21:26:00.000+10:00

The Spring Mini Catalogue is in full swing, and our launch on the 31st July was a whole heap of fun! Lots of People, Prizes and Projects...... If you missed it, do not fret, I can still show you all the things in the Mini catalogue at a workshop at your place, or at a class at my place.... I have one space left in my Card Compendium Class (scroll down to look at a previous post with a picture of a Card Compendium) on Wednesday 22nd August (one has had to pull out), and a Santa Stack on Wednesday the 19th September (6 cards for $10 - get ahead on your Christmas cards). I am also hoping to run classes on embossing and watercolouring - email me if you are interested in these.... $10 per class, all supplies provided, one completed project and lots of time to experiment and practice....

One of my favourite projects is the On Board Art Journal - we have 2 sizes, one pictured below, and a smaller one in the Mini Catty - 5" x 5". This weekend I am going away on a Women's Retreat, where I will be running a short workshop on how to go about covering these gorgeous journals. They have heavy duty chipboard covers, spiral binding, and actual card stock for the pages inside.... pefect for scrapbooking, or any other special project. Post here, or email me with your brilliant ideas for how to use these fabulous books (eg, address, recipes, birthdays), and you will go into the draw to win one of the 5x5 inch journals for yourself.... I will also publish all the great ideas on here. Please have your entries in by 15th September 2007, 5pm Australian Eastern Standard Time, no entries from outside of Australia will be accepted (although I still would love to have your brilliant ideas!!), or entries from other Stampin' Up!® Demonstrators (I definitely still want your brilliant ideas too!)

Here is my journal.....

All products are available through me from Stampin' Up!®. Images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007. I have used the On Board Art Journal from the Idea Book and Catalogue as mentioned above, as well as the On Board Accents and On Board Simon Lower chipboard (flower and letter 'C'), Aged Copper Hodgepodge, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Olive Organdy Ribbon, Old Olive Ink, Pretty in Pink Ink, Tempting Turquoise Ink, Newsprint Alphabet Stamp Set, Expressive Flexible Phrases and Everyday Flexible Phrases Stamp Sets, Large Oval Punch, 1 3/8 inch and 1 3/4 inch circle punches, and from the Spring Mini Catalogue, the Petals and Paisley Double Sided Patterned Paper, Petals Jumbo Stampin' Around Wheel (on the oval piece), the Spiral Punch (to fit the paper perfectly onto the cover) and the Tab Punch (to label sections inside the journal). The Spiral Punch is an absolute gem - it is sized to allow you to not only cover your journal with beautiful paper, but also to add more pages to your journal as needed, which is particularly handy if you need more pages for an address book, or if you left out a photo in your scrapbooking, or if you fill up your journal and want to do more in it! And the Tab Punch is extremely cute for plenty of other projects too, especially scrapbooking and card making.....

One more picture of a card for my Sister-In-Law (Hi Belinda!!) for her birthday......... it uses embossing and watercolouring if you are interested in those classes I mentioned.......

This card uses Elegant Eggplant card stock and ink, Perfect Plum ink, Pale Plum card stock and ink, Basic Black Card Stock, and Whisper White Card Stock and Ink. It also has the Scribble This Stamp Set and matching Scribble Wheel, and the Cheery Chat Stamp Set, plus some black grosgrain ribbon. (and a non SU! bit of bling in the centre of the flower - sshh!) I have embossed the Scribble wheel image in the background on the Pale Plum card stock using the Whisper White Craft ink (pigment ink) and White embossing powder. The big Scribble This flower (cut out and double mounted with a dimensional in between the layers) is watercoloured with the Aqua painter using Perfect Plum and Elegant Eggplant inks. It is also Stamped in Jet Black Stazon Ink, which I find is best for watercolouring - it doesn't bleed into your pretty colouring in!

My email is cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au if you want to enter the competition to win a journal for yourself to cover and enjoy, or to book a workshop or come to one of my classes......

Bye for now!

New Mini Catalogue samples, and a Piano....

2007-07-18T13:30:00.000+10:00

Hmmm that got you looking, didn't it!!

Have been playing with the new sets I preordered from the Mini Catalogue, and here are some of the results.... The first is one of the designs for my Christmas in July Stamp-a-Stack, using the Wishing You set from the Mini Catalogue.... I will have the Mini Catalogues very soon and will be giving them away upon request..... Want one? Lots of yummy things to see! Just email me.... cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au . I also still have a couple of spots left in the Mini Catalogue Launch that a few of the members in my team and I are planning for the 31st July.... Cost is $10, which you can put towards your order of $50 or more on the night, and there will be things to make, things to win, and lots of fun to be had!!!!!!

I have a couple of spots left in my next Christmas Stamp-a-Stack on the 25th July too... email me and let me know if you would like to come...

Ok, the Christmas card on the left here uses Very Vanilla and So Saffron card stock, with Gold ink, Gold brads and Gold cord. We also made another design which I will post another time..... All images © Stampin' Up! ® 1990 - 2007, Artwork by Cheryl Andrews.

This next card I made using some

of the leftovers from the Stamp-a-Stack.... I have used the Polka Dots and Paisley set from the new Mini, and used So Saffron, Always Artichoke, Regal Rose and Very Vanilla card stock. The ink is Regal Rose, Always Artichoke, and both the markers in these colours too.... There is also some silver cord, and an aluminium small round tag... All images © Stampin' Up!® 1990 - 2007, artwork by Cheryl Andrews (Got the tag idea from the Mini Catty)

You can purchse all these thrings through me as well....

So! What about the piano, you ask... Well, I have an old upright piano here that I want to get rid of for $100. It is in ok condition, however it is a semitone flat, so only suitable to bang around on, not for teaching or learning with a mind to develop ones ear.... My kids have had a great time with it, and are seeming to be more serious about piano lessons, so I am actually investing in an electronic keyboard with weighted keys, which will never go out of tune.... I have not had it tuned for a couple of years, and the piano tuner I had out just the other week said it was well enough in tune with itself, just not able to be tuned up the semitone anymore.... So sadly, it must go in the name of my children becoming concert pianists..... ;-) You will need a trailer, and my hubby will help you load it..... if you are reasonably local, he will also help you unload it....

More Watercolor Wonder Crayon Techniques

2007-07-07T10:12:00.000+10:00

Thanks to my upline, the Lovely Linda, (check out her blog over there on the right) I have a really cute design showing off another use for the crayons... (Thanks Lovely Linda!)

On a Sahara Sand base card, I have layered a Cranberry Crisp piece, stamped in Cranberry Crisp with the tree branch from Touch of Nature. Along the bottom is stamped the scalloped lace image from Trimtastic again in Cranberry Crisp, with a strip of the stripey Treehouse paper scalloped with the corner rounder punch (remove the guard). A tag stamped with the branch in Sahara Sand and finished with some linen thread adds the sentiment using the black marker to highlight the appropriate words from the William Shakespeare quote from the set. The butterfly is stamped in Basic Black ink on vellum paper, and when dry, coloured roughly on the reverse side with the Watercolor Wonder Crayons to give this beautiful effect... A one and a quarter inch circle punch creates the window, with a slender frame created by punching first the one and a quarter inch circle, then the one and three quarter inch circle around it on Sahara Sand card stock.... Images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007. Don't forget the Just Add Water promotion, with 25% off the Watercolor Wonder Crayons and/or the Watercolor Pencils for each $50 spent on Stampin' Up! products. (Scroll down for more info)

Don't forget to book in for my Christmas in July Stamp-a-Stack this month! The 12th July is already full, but I still have spots on the 25th....

Also, the new Spring Mini Catalogue will be available soon, and we are having a Mini Catalogue Launch on Tuesday, 31st July, 7:30 pm, to celebrate! Cost is $10, refundable with your purchase of $50 or more.... Let me know ASAP if you want to come, as space is limited, and prepayment is required to secure your place. Lots of fun, with things to make, and prizes too... If I don't already have your email address, then email me (cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au) and I will email you back with all the details....

2007-07-01T17:46:00.000+10:00

A very big Welcome to the newest member of my team - Kerry is based in the Southern Suburbs of Sydney, so if you need a workshop down in that area, she's your girl.... Hi Kerry! So my little team is growing.... now there are 5 of us! If you have been umming and arring about becoming a demonstrator yourself, let me assure you that it takes all kinds - A full-on business, a chance to make 'pocket money', a hobby, a discount demonstrator, selling to friends and family.... I am making some 'pocket money' to pay for my own stampin' habit ;-) :-) :-0 and to cover things like piano lessons for my kids.... perfect for me! I even covered the cost of my Starter Kit in the first 3 months.... even better!! Besides that, I am having SO MUCH FUN!!! I've made heaps of great friends, become part of a company that has a philosophy that puts people and relationships FIRST (fits right in with my own outlook on life), and get the most fantastic support and encouragement from my upline, sidelines and downlines..... not to mention all the other girls in the Elite Stampers team.... (Hi Gang!) I find it hard to call what i do "Work"! Surely one shouldn't get PAID to do this???!!

Email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to get an information pack.......

And the Winner is.........

2007-07-01T17:09:00.000+10:00

Hello Hello! How exciting! It's the 1st July and it would appear that we have a winner for the 'Around the Block' retired hostess set from the Stampin' Up!® 2006-2007 Idea Book and Catalogue.... Drumroll...... Congratulations to MICHELE JUTRISA from the Southern Highlands! Woo Hoo Michele! Thanks for subscribing to my blog, Lovey! It's definitely paid off for you..... I'll actually be seeing Deb on Friday, so I will give it to her then, and she can pass it on to you... (Hi Deb! Thanks Dearest.....;-))

So to all of you who subscribed, I am honoured and humbled that you think my blog is worth looking at more than once! I wish I had a free stamp set for all of you..... Instead, I have another card for you to look at....

I really love the set 'Roses in Winter'. I made this one for my Mother-in-law for her birthday. I've actually used the same sketch for quite a few cards, including baby cards and sympathy cards. I CASEd the sketch from a card the lovely Claire from Elite Stampers made for her new baby niece. You can see more of Claire's work in the Elite Challenges Blog, and check out her blog too - it's in the Elite Challenges Blogroll.... I have used......Apricot Appeal, Whisper White, Almost Amethyst card stock and ink, Mellow Moss ink, and Moss Gingham ribbon. I also used Everyday Flexible Phrases in addition to the Roses in Winter Set. The three quarter inch circle punch created the scalloped edge. All images © Stampin' Up! 1990-2007. You can make lots of different sized scalloped edges with the different sized circle punches, as well as the slit punch AND the corner rounder!!!! The corner rounder makes a more subtle curve..... very nice. I'll have to get me one of those!!

Don't lose heart now that the prize has been drawn, and you have not won.... I will have more competitions coming up very soon.....

For those of you who are local, I have two Stamp-a-Stack classes coming up in July..... the Class on the 12th (Thursday week at 7:30 pm) still has a couple of spots left, and the class on the 25th (a Wednesday night at 7:30pm) has spaces also.... be quick! I am waiting for confirmation from a few girls, so let me know to secure your place!!! We are making 6 Christmas cards (3 each of 2 designs) for $10.... There will be more every month now until Christmas, so you can build up your supply....

Happy Stampin', Cyber Friends!!!!

Wow! 2 Posts in 1 day!!!!

2007-06-25T13:44:00.000+10:00

Aren't you guys lucky:-) I had to share this great idea that some girls in the Elite Stampers team have been making (check out the Elite Challenges blog and see Jenni O's blog, and also Linda's blog over here on the right) It is the cutest little card compendium, and I have made mine for a friend's birthday pressie (Happy Birthday Georgie!) I will be running a class on how to make these soon - just need to work out dates and costs.... So here are some pics!

I have used three of my favourite sets - Paisley Back Ground, Roses in Winter and Touch of Nature. There are 6 cards, each with a matching envelope. The colours are: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Apricot Appeal and Mellow Moss ink and card stock, as well as Very Vanilla and Blush Blossom card stock. There is also Twill Tape, Olive organdy ribbon, Moss gingham ribbon and Celery grosgrain ribbon. The Hodgepodge Hardware is Aged Copper. All images are © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007. All artwork is by Cheryl Andrews. Email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au if you want to know how to make it, and I will set up a class for July and/or August - Georgie now has a beautiful stash of cards to send to her friends and family all stored in the cutest box!

As June comes to a close..............

2007-06-25T12:56:00.000+10:00

Hello Cyber-Friends! Not long now until June ends, and we are half way through the year... OH MY GOODNESS!!! How fast has the year gone! Before we know it, it will be Christmas! Speaking of Christmas, I am going to be having a Christmas in July Stamp-a-Stack at my place on Thursday 12th July at 7:30pm. We will be making 6 cards for a cost of $10 - 3 each of 2 designs...... I only have space for 8 people, so first in gets the places!! Email me on cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au to secure your spot at my table, and due to high demand, you will need to PAY me in advance as well... If there are enough people on the waiting list, I will make another night for the same deal on Wednesday 25th July at 7:30pm. This is a child free night of stamping and fun, and probably chocolate, so email now!!

July brings with it a new special from Stampin' Up!®. In July, if you spend $50 on product, you get 25% off the Watercolor Wonder Crayons or the Watercolor pencils. This makes them really affordable - Each colour family of Crayons comes down to $29.21, with the Neutral family being only $14.21, and the Pencils come down to $28.26! (If you scroll down, you will see a card I have coloured using the Crayons and the Aquapainters - the one where I have used In Full Bloom flowers...) Here is a picture of the Watercolor Wonder Crayons, complete with their very cute tin. The special applies to every $50 you spend, so if you spend $100, you can choose 2 sets of Crayons or Pencils at 25% off...

Also in July, I will be sending out a very special little catalogue to all my customers.... The new Spring Mini Catalogue will be available to gaze at and drool over by the end of the month. I have a copy in my hot little hand, and it is DELICIOUS!!! I will be preordering a set or two and some accessories from the new Mini to show off in July, and all the products will be available to you from August 1st until November 30th... So book your workshop NOW for August!!! There are some new Christmas stamps, some gorgeous papers and some awesome new accessories....

In the meantime, remember to subscribe to my blog before this Saturday, as I am drawing the winner for the stamp set on Sunday, 1st July, and will post that lucky person's name right here!

Things to remember: *Book your workshop for July or August now*

*Email me to book in for the Christmas Stamp-a-Stack on 12th July*

*Subscribe now to be in the running for the Stamp Set (scroll down to see the terms and conditions)*

Happy Stamping!!!!!

ANOTHER WINNER!!!

2007-06-11T18:23:00.000+10:00

YAY!!! Congratulations to ROSEMARY of Wyoming (NSW Australia, not Michigan USA!) who is the latest winner of my 50/50 competition which has now closed. The first 50 people who spent $50 with me got an automatic entry into the draw. Rosemary has won the Happy Harmony Stamp Set from the Sell-a-bration promotion back in February... plus a Handsome Hunter ink pad and the Going Grey card stock which she chose for herself. Thanks for being such a great customer, Rosie, and Happy Stamping! Stay tuned for more competitions coming up, and don't forget the current one which finishes on June 30th. Simply subscribe to my blog for a chance to win (Details and conditions of entry are posted below). And for those who are very sad because they didn't win.............. here's another card to make you feel better ;-). I have used Mello Moss and Pixie Pink card stock, and the watercolour paper which is a lovely creamy colour. Jet black Stazon ink, and Mellow Moss ink too. I have water coloured with the Bold Brights Watercolour Wonder Crayons, and the aqua painter. In Full Bloom and Wonderful Words are the stamp sets. There is also some Moss gingham ribbon there. All images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007. Artwork by Cheryl Andrews. You can buy all this stuff too from me! Just send me an email - I can have it shipped anywhere in Australia. cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au

I've been busy....

2007-06-04T16:35:00.000+10:00

Hi all! Bet you thought I'd gone on holidays or something.... I wish! My Stampin' Up! business has been keeping me very busy with workshops galore and new recruits. So in addition to Melissa - Hi Mel! - (make sure you check out her blog too) I now have a growing team that includes 3 downline and me! Debbie and Tahnee both joined up last week. Deb is in the Southern Highlands, and Tahnee is up here on the Central Coast with me. Hi Deb and Tahnee!!

If you would like to join my team too, just send me an email - cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au . We have soooo much fun!

The Stampin' Up!® promotion for June is a great one if you are a fan of the Stampin' Write Markers. These markers are not just kiddie textas - they are artist quality, odourless and double ended markers with a brush tip on one end and a writing tip on the other. They contain dye ink in our exclusive Stampin' Up! colours, and can be used for inking your stamps in different colours before stamping (ever tried to ink up your stamps in different colours with the ink pads? Much easier with the markers!) You can also watercolour, journal, and colour-in with your markers, as well as use the spritzing tool to get a splatter effect.... Very versatile indeed!

So what is the special you ask (read, GET ON WITH IT WOMAN!!)

If you purchase one of the packs of markers (12 in a pack, 4 colour families to choose from) for $57.95, you will get 30% off 4 selected stamp sets - Greetings Galore (down to $40.57), Eat Cake (down to $34.97), All the Best (down to $27.97) and Heartfelt Thanks (down to $40.57) So email me with your order by 28th June so I can put it through in time.... cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au .

OK! So here is why I have been so busy - some cards I have been making..... enjoy! This one is a black and white and glitter card that a friend asked me to do for her workshop last Saturday (Hi Cass!) It uses Basic Black card stock, marker and ink, Whisper White card stock, and Dazzling Diamonds glitter as well as black and white grosgrain ribbon. The stamp sets used are Pretty Princess and Petal Pushers. All images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007. Artwork by Cheryl Andrews. It's such a cool card! I used the Cutter Kit to make a perforation down the black wavy strip behind the centrepiece, and whoever receives the card can tear it off and use the side piece as a bookmark! Fabbo!

This card I made for Tahnee's workshop last week, just before she signed up, as I know she is a fan of Bold Brights (me too!) The colours are Pixie Pink, Green Galore, Whisper White, Apricot Appeal, Barely Banana, Tempting Turquoise and Lavender Lace card stock, with Pink Passion marker and Only Orange, Tempting Turquoise, Summer Sun, Green Galore and Lovely Lilac ink. We also used the half inch circle punch, the three quarter inch circle punch, Petal Pushers stamp set and Everyday Flexible Phrases stamp set. All images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007. Artwork by Cheryl Andrews

This card was also for a workshop, and uses So Saffron, Bravo Burgundy, Mellow Moss and Very Vanilla card stock, Bravo Burgundy marker, Summer Sun ink, and Stazon Jet Black ink. The sets are Touch of Nature and the Floral background. There is also some Hodge Podge Hardware and Moss gingham ribbon. We watercoloured the flower using the ink pads and the blender pens. I CASEd the card from the 2007-2008 idea book and catalogue, just changed the colours and the Hodge Podge detail. All images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007.

Don't forget to subscribe to this blog for a chance to win a stamp set (see below for pictures and conditions of entry). Make sure that when you subscribe, you send me an email as well as letting me know who you are! I love to know who is taking a peek, and where you are from, so don't be shy! Let me know who you are..... :-)

Subscribe Now!

2007-05-20T20:47:00.000+10:00

Hello loyal blog readers! Hey, do you like my new header? Looks a bit more funky now, I think... I am slowly getting a little more computer literate every day........ And so you may notice a new page element over there on the right up the top. It is a spot to enter your email address, and so every time I update my blog, you will get an email to tell you that I have... Cool huh! So you won't have to keep on checking anymore to see if I have or not, and being disappointed because I am slack :-). To celebrate me becoming more computer literate than before, (though still quite a dunce relatively speaking), everyone who subscribes to my blog before 30th June 2007 will go into the draw to receive this stamp set.... It is called Around the Block, and is a retired hostess set from the Stampin' Up!® 2006-2007 Idea Book and Catalogue. There are 4 stamps in the set, and in case you cannot see them very well, they say: W is for Wonderful, B is for Bliss, T is for Thanks and G is for Genuine. Great for cardmakers or scrapbookers! So get subscribing to be in the draw.... Competition only open to Australian residents, (but a big G'day to all of you in the big wide world) and is not available to other Stampin' Up! Demonstrators..... Hope you win!

Some fabulous news....

2007-05-09T14:11:00.000+10:00

Well, for two lucky people anyway!

Firstly, my 50/50 promotion has now got a winner! ALEX HUGHES of Lisarow (http://scrapalley.blogspot.com) has won one of the Sell-a-bration sets from the January/ February promotion (she is yet to pick which one) plus a soft subtles assorted A4 card stock pack and a Pretty in Pink ink pad (her choice of colours - amongst my faves, I must say!) Don't be sad if you missed out - I am continuing the promotion for one more round. So if you have my little yellow cards - HANG ON TO THEM!! they will still be valid. As soon as my next 50 customers spend $50 each and fill my sheet, I will draw again for another of the Sell-a-bration sets, an A4 assorted card stock pack, and a Classic Ink pad of your colour choice.... So book your workshop today, or place an order to go towards you entries in the draw......

Also, we drew a name from all those who put their details down at the CAR BOOT SALE at Narara Valley Baptist Church to be on our mailing list..... Congratulations to LOUISE GRATTAN of Narara who won a stamp set, some card stock to make cards, and a Basic Black ink pad..... happy stamping Louise!

May Special

2007-05-09T13:40:00.000+10:00

The Stampin' Up!® Convention for 2007 is OVER! The excitement and build up were agonising, but well worth it! It was everything I expected and dreamed it to be, and then some! I learnt soooo much to help me in my business, and not just about making money - the thing I loved most was the way that even the most high up executives actually care more about the people they are getting to know through their business than about the money they make. This was so appropriately demonstrated by the co-founder and CEO, Shelli Gardener, who was there with her husband, and who was so excited and emotional about meeting US! She also spoke about how it Starts with Heart (the theme for the convention) and actually demoed as well some lovely things... I love being part of a company that fits in so well with my own life philosophies of caring about other people, and not pushing people to buy things, and going at my own pace (incentives are there for attaining goals, but everyone is encouraged and applauded for their own successes) and supporting and helping each other..... Such a breath of fresh air!!!
This month, Stampin' Up! are offering a discount on their already discounted Starter Kit - $299 for over $500 worth of product! That's an excellent deal.... and it is such a good time to join up as the Stampin' Up! year begins in April, which means there is still more than 10 months to achieve some great goals by March 2008, and collect awards at the 2008 convention!!! By the way, the 2008 convention is going to be on the 11th and 12th of April in Brisbane, so I am already planning a family holiday in the sun.............. If you'd like to join me, email me at cherylandrews@optusnet.com.au and join with a huge group of fellow stamping and papercraft addicts.... oops!... I mean artists.... The support is fantastic - you won't be left out on your own to find your own way. Regular training and support is offered to enhance your business and keep the creative juices flowing, both from the company and from within the group I belong to - the Elite Stampers (check out our creative blog over there on the right).

Well, I've raved enough. Soon I will put some pictures up of the things we made at convention so you can drool some more - not to mention the free stamp sets we got, the convention bag, the pen, badges and key chain wallet, and all the cool things we could buy in Memento Mall... Only a person addicted to rubber could understand........

It's been a while....

2007-04-23T12:22:00.000+10:00

...so I thought it was about ime I let you know what I have been up to! April has been an extremely busy month with the launch of the new catalogue, and I have had quite a few workshops keeping me on my toes. Topped with a good dose of Selmonella from eating a chicken kebab (me and a significant number of others it seems!) the time has just slipped away..... But I have not been idle. On the 28th of April, four of us Stampin' Up! demonstrators are going to be at Narara Valley Baptist Church's Car Boot Sale. We will have a stall selling cards and Stampin' Up! products, and booking in workshops. Here is one I created to sell....

Colours: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Rose Red, Pretty in Pink and Old Olive. Roses in Winter stamp set. I found out about the technique of turning the stamp on the paper to get this lovely smudged effect from one of my fellow Elite Stampers, Alisa Tilsner. All Images © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007.

So come along and join in the fun! 8:30am to 1pm, 127 Narara Valley Drive, Narara.

Also, the Elite Stampers (the group I belong to headed up by Angela Sargeant - see her blog in my list of sites I frequent) have started a blog called Elite Challenges, which you can take a look at.... http://elitechallenges.wordpress.com. Challenges such as Colour, Stamp Set, or Sketch will be posted every fortnight or so, and the Elite Stampers will upload their creations, so you can get some great ides for your own projects and also some new ideas for colours and sets you have! Due to all the hooha this month in my own life, I have NOT done the current challenges, but keep looking! I will get to it.

Here are some other recent projects for you to enjoy looking at.... The photo is of a make-and-take project I did at a couple of workshops recently. The cute little box will hold a chocolate, or a jewellery box! (Give it to your loved one to fill for you....) Colours: Taken with Teal, Whisper White and Lavender Lace. White Organdy Ribbon, Confetti White tag, copper brad, Word Window punch.

Stay tuned for more projects and updates! Classes coming up in May include a Stamp-a-Stack (6 cards for $10) and a Spinner Card class... Don't forget, you can purchase these products from me, or book your own workshop to learn some great tips and techniques for your own creations.... Post a comment here, and it will be sent to my email address before being published. I will delete your personal details, and only publish your comments. I can then contact you!

What's new

2007-04-06T14:53:00.000+10:00

Hi y'all! It has been a while since I posted, and thought it was about time I did. April has marked the beginning of a new Stampin Up!® year, and therefore the launch of the new 2007 - 2008 Idea Book and Catalogue. And oh boy, is it YUMMY!! There are lots and lots of things on my wish list, including chipboard, new scrapbooking papers, card stock in single colour packs in EVERY colour, storage solutions and of course new stamp sets!! And some of my favourites from the mini Catalogue that expired in January have made it into this new one! Yay! So, book a work shop with me before the end of May to see the new range, and get a lucky dip to redeem with your workshop order.

I am also still running the 50/50 promotion, which means for every $50 you spend, you get an entry into my draw to win an exclusive Sell-a-bration Stamp set (now retired), a pack of assorted A4 card stock and a Classic Inkpad of your colour choice. When I have 50 people on my sheet, I will cut it up and draw a name out of a hat. Easy!

Here are some new things I have made too....

This card was for a colour challenge during a Cyber Stamp on a forum I belong to. It uses Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand and Bashful Blue, and my beloved Looks Like Spring stamp set, which is now in the new Catalogue. I have also used some Hodge Podge hardware in aged copper (even though the photo anchor looks silver, it is actually aged copper too) All images are © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007.

This next project is a 'J' I decorated for my Mum for her birthday (I gave her the card above too!) The patterned paper is not Stampin' Up!, not sure whose it is, but the ribbons, tags and ink are all SU, as are the stamps I used. I have used Pretty in Pink ink, Confetti White tags, Certainly Celery ink, Pink and Celery Grosgrain Ribbon, White Organdy ribbon and Looks Like Spring, Simply Said and Wee Watercolours (retired) stamp sets. The first two sets mentioned here are in the new Catalogue.The brads and clips are not SU either. I have used one of our fabulous circle punches here too, with the Certainly Celery card stock. All Images are © Stampin' Up! 1990 - 2007

Hope you like! I had fun making them....

I have lots of workshops booked for April already, so if you would like one of your own, be quick! May is already filling up.... But there is always June..... and soon I will be starting the Christmas Card Madness to avoid the chaos in December. Christmas in July with a twist - a get organised twist!
Post here with your contact details - I view them before publishing, so your private details will not be published here....

World's Greatest Shave

2007-03-08T13:56:00.000+11:00

Hey! Hope this post finds you well and happy.

Two that I know of are not. They both have diseases related to leukaemia, and so I am going PINK to raise some funds. Click here to check out my Shave Page and to sponser me.. http://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/profile.php?id=314023
I will very soon post a 'before' photo, and of course some after photos for you to admire (fluttering eyelids). My hairdresser friend tells me that pink is IN, so I'm safe. (All the stars are doing it.)
So visit my Shave Page and get sponsoring!

My Big Colour Day will be Tuesday, so check out this site again on Tuesday evening to see me PINK.....

Cheryl xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

See Ya Later, Alligator!

2007-03-01T21:19:00.000+11:00

Well the long awaited Stampin' Up! 2007 - 2008 Idea Book and Catalogue is almost here... April 2nd is the day we can start to buy the cool new things inside...... Meanwhile, there are 139 stamp sets and accessories that WILL NOT make it to the new catty! Thankfully, Stampin' Up! let us know in advance, so for the month of March, stamps and accessories from the retired list can be purchased for the last time..... If you want to see the retired list, contact me by leaving a comment, which will go to my email address. I will not publish your personal details on this blog. Your personal details are for my use only to contact you.

Furthermore, I will be selling the current IB&C at cost price + postage while stocks last - only $6. The new catalogue will be the usual $10. Host a workshop from April, and the new catty is yours free. Plus, if you book a workshop for March or April, you will receive a 'Lucky Dip' envelope with a surprise inside - but you have to Book to Look!

As there is no official SU! promotion other than the retired list, I am running a little competition called a 50/50. For every $50 you spend, you will receive an entry to win a prize - the prize is a Sell-a-Bration set (Delight in Life or Very Punny) + an assorted pack A4 card stock + a Classic Stampin' Pad of your choice - and I have 50 squares to fill. First in, best dressed! Also, for smaller purchases and odd amounts over the $50 mark, I will issue you with a punch card, so you can receive an entry in 10 $5 increments, getting you closer to your goal - but be quick! When my 50/50 sheet is full, I will draw a winner!

So contact me now, and be part of the fun...

Birthday Aftermath

2007-02-26T10:07:00.000+11:00

Grandma's 90th Birthday Bash was a wonderful day! There were lots of family to catch up with, story swapping, and of course, cake!

Today though, poor old Haley is a tad crook! Methinks there was too much cake, too many lollies and not enough sleep over the weekend..... Meanwhile, of course, kids only throw up in their beds when it's pouring rain and you can't hang out the washing.....

2007-02-19T12:03:00.000+11:00

Hi y'all! Sorry it's been a few weeks! Craig is home safely from Thailand, and life has returned to normal - the house is a mess, noone knows what to cook for dinner, and school steals a huge chunk of my children's day from me...

But there is always time to party!! Sam had his 10th birthday celebration on the weekend, which involved 5 friends ice skating with Dad, then pizza back at our place. Afterwards, two of the little darlings went home, and 4 cherubs, including our own, 'slept' in a tent in the backyard. Despite the limited sleep, they were such well behaved boys! Some highlights for me were: one of Sam's friends dressed in Lilli's hula skirt, swishing the matching pom poms around in a very provocative manner; Lilli working for about an hour and a half on a bird in a tree sculpture as a present for Sam; Sam opening the bird in a tree sculpture present with all his other cool presents, and openly admiring it in front of his friends, and telling her what a wonderful job she did... and those friends also openly admiring the sculpture and letting her know how clever she is... it was a teary moment for me, when all the years of speaking peaceful, encouraging words to my children (amongst the regretted ugly words) are spilling out into real life.... And, that his friends took the cue, and that I know their parents have the same values as me.... Makes it all worthwhile. Sigh. What a relief that despite the ugly words from my mouth, the good words do take their place as well. Their is hope for my babies yet!!

I am looking forward to my Grandma's 90th birthday bash this weekend. My Grandma and my youngest daughter share a birthdate, though 88 years apart. That makes Haley 2, for those of you who are mathematically challenged! And it is so special that Grandma is still alive, and has all her faculties, and can delight in my children, and they in her.... We are very blessed to have such wisdom and serenity in our lives from her - and what a fabulous link to our ancestry! She has tons of great stories and rememberings from her younger days..... Very precious indeed.

So check out my latest stamped offerings below all the ramblings..... See anything you like? Simply post a message here, and an email will be sent to me (so your private details won't be published here) and I can contact you about how to get some goodies.... Don't Forget! The Sell-a-bration promotion finishes on the 26th February!!

Doin' the Single Mum Thing

2007-01-29T14:29:00.000+11:00

Ho Hum! Hubby has gone away over the sea for two weeks! He left this morning at 5:40am for Thailand with a team of fellas from church. They are going to help out a missionary couple over there with some maintenance work at some orphanages and schools. He didn't really want to go when it came to crunch time - very sweet! He didn't want to leave US! But I know he will have a ball, and two weeks will go very fast what with school and all the other activities starting back up tomorrow. Plus he has his mobile on roam and access to email, so that's cool. Might get more scrapping done! Maybe even some cards. I'm sure those long lonely nights I'm imagining without him will be shorter than I think!

So, here are some more offerings from my craft table - if you like what you see, I can demo it at your house, or everything is available for purchase from ME! Just post a message with your details, it goes to my email, and I will get back to you ASAP - by the way, I won't publish your details on the blog, it's all kewl!

HELLO AND WELCOME

2007-01-09T16:19:00.000+11:00

Hello and Welcome to my blog! My name is Cheryl and I am a stay-at- home mum with three beautiful children aged 10, 6 and 2. I have a passion for all things papercraft, in particular stamping and scrapbooking. I am also an Independent Demonstrator for Stampin' Up!. Stampin' Up! supply beautiful unique stamp sets, coordinated cardstock and accessories. I can demonstrate fabulous techniques at a Workshop in your own home with a few of your friends and family if you are lucky enough to live within cooee of me (Central Coast of NSW), or you can view the catalogue online by clicking on Stampin' Up! in "Sites I Frequent" over there on the right.

You can leave a post here and I will get back to you ASAP if you have anything at all you would like to ask. Posts come to my email address first, so your personal details will not be published on this site. I will send you a private email or call you back if you want to know anything more!