Loraine's Cards and Crafts

Hip, Hip, Hooray (Create a cupcake)

2012-01-26T07:24:00.000Z

Good Morning All

Hope you're all well this morning. I thought that I'd share a card with you this morning that I've made for my friend Helen for her Birthday, which is tomorrow. She's already opened her card as she was so impatient to see it, so it's safe to show you + it was a bit of fun so here goes.............

Stamp set used: Create a Cupcake

Happy Stamping
Loraine

SAB (sale.a.bration) is back!

2012-01-24T07:01:00.001Z

Good Morning All

Well here we are again it's 2012 and the start of sale.a.brations! A very special and exciting time of year when if you as a customer spend £45.00 or more and for every £45.00 that you spend - you can get a free stamp set, or gorgeous papers, from the SAB selection here: sale.a.brations.

Give me a ring: 07733265979 or drop me an e-mail: loraine.arderne@googlemail.com, if you'd be interested in hosting a workshop during the sale.a.bration period which is from today 24th January - 31st March.

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Charming and Build a Blossom

2012-01-21T16:08:00.000Z

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all having a fantastic weekend! Lots of wind here but we're seen a little sunshine which makes all the difference to the weekend.

Today in class we made a bit of a mess................well, we stayed clean.ish, for half the class and then made a nice mess for the second half.

Our first card today was done using one of the new stamp set's from the Spring mini catalogue, Charming. Such a sweet stamp set which is part of the new Simply Adorned range of chaines, charms and baubles but can of course be used on your cards too!

Stamp set used: Charming

Embossing folders used: Textured Impressions Embossing Set and Vintage Wallpaper

For the second card we got a bit messy, we did a bit of distressing with black ink! Nothing like getting a little inky................

Stamp set used: Build a Blossom

Punches used: Blossom Petals Builder and 1/2" circle

Happy Stamping

Crochet Flowers

2012-01-17T14:09:00.000Z

Hello All

Well, I've been having a few crochet lessons of late, still very much learning to read a pattern etc but my teacher, Elaine, is ever so patient and forgives me for being so very, very silly when I dont understand what the pattern means or says.

I've managed to make two flowers and always thinking Stampin' Up! I've chosen some colours that you may recognise as Old Olive and Calypso Coral..............! I'm sure it's not just my SU imagination running away with me but frankly dont care either as I think the colours compliment each other beautifully!

Take a look and let me know what you think of my efforts, bearing in mind that one was made in class and the other all by myself as I struggled to read the pattern without my tutor at hand, eeek! I've turned them both into brooches (just in case you were curious as to what I was going to do with them).

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Envelope card and Calendar

2012-01-07T16:08:00.002Z

Good Evening All

What a fabulous day it's been in Shropshire today, beautifull blue sky and sunshine and despite the chilly wind it's certain to have lifted everyones spirits.

Being the beginning of a new year we made a calendar in class today and an envelope card! The envelope card is made by sticking a piece of stamped cardstock to the front of the envelope and cutting it in half. The focal point of the outside of this unusual card is actually fixed to the inner notecard but looks amazing when all put together and gives the recipient that little bit of mystery.

The calendar was made using an easle card and a very pretty stamp set.

Take a look and let me know what you think:

Stamp set used: Creative elements
Punch used: 1/2" circle punch
Accessories used: Mat Pack and Paper Piercing tool

Stamp set used: Happiness Shared

Loraine

New Year 2012 and New Mini

2012-01-04T07:09:00.002Z

Good Morning All

Hope you've all had a lovely break over Christmas and enjoyed your time with family and friends.

Well, it's 2012 and there are some exciting things in store for us this year. Stampin' Up! have brought out a Spring Mini Catalogue which runs from 1st January to 30th April 2012. If you want to see all the yummy products available, take a look.

Happy Stampin'
Loraine

Medallion Christmas

2011-12-17T15:19:00.002Z

Good Afternoon All

My final craft class of 2011 was held this morning and we had a great time creating two gorgeous cards, both with silver/grey tones.

The first card was done using the medallion stamp to creat a very large Christmas Bauble! Such an effective stamp and so very versatile. We used some of the very clever heat and stick powder to adhere the glitter, this means no shedding of glitter after it's heated. I do however wish I'd taken a picture of my table after class - GLITTER EVERYWHERE.

The second card used some embossing paste and a stencil from my craft stash, using dazzling diamonds and a grey glitter (same as the first card) for the star. Now you can see why there was glitter everywhere, it was used on both cards! We also used curly cute stamp set for the messages on both cards and embossed with silver embossing powder.

Stamp set's used: Medallion and Curly Cute

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Spinner Card and Box (Beautifull Season)

2011-12-10T14:34:00.001Z

Good Afternoon All

Well it's been a lovely crisp, sunny morning in Shifnal and a lovely morning crafting.

Today we did a spinner card and a box to match. Yes, using the gorgeous Beautifull Season's stamp set again - just in case you've not guessed, I'm quite in love with this new set. A big box compared to what we usually do in class but a nice size for a Christmas gift. We did however make it out of DSP (designer series paper) which means that it may need a bit of reinforcement inside should a heavier gift be put inside but absolutely perfect for a scarf or some jewelery

Take a look and let me know what you think, apologies for the dark photo but it's a bit chill's in our conservatory today for taking bright photo's.

Stamp set used: Beautifull Season
Punch used: Label punch

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Beautifull Season, card in a box!

2011-11-27T16:19:00.001Z

Good Evening Sunday

Well it's been a busy weekend which is lovely and we've even seen some sunshine in Shropshire - glorious winters day today.

Yesterday's class was great fun, everyone worked so fast on their projects, they're getting better and better every time which is wonderfull to see.

We did a card in a box. This is a fab idea for those little Christmas presents that need giving. I for one never knows quite what to do with the card so now it simply goes in and is part of the box and present!

Stamp set used: Beautifull Season
Punch used: Curly Label
Embossing Folder: Vintage Wallpaper

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Serene Snowflakes and Style Beautifull

2011-11-19T16:43:00.001Z

Good Evening All

Hope you're all well and enjoying the unseasonal weather. I know I am. Even the dogs are happy as they get to go for more evening walks!

Today's class involved 2 gorgeous projects. One Christmas, of course and one other. Quite a few techniques involved as was pointed out by the ladies but overall they had a lovely time creating their masterpieces.

Stamp set's used: Serene Snowflakes and curly cute

Stamp set used: Style Beautifull
Punches used: Scallop border and Decorative label
Embossing Folder: Square lattice

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Dasher with Serene Snowflakes and Creative Elements

2011-11-13T08:33:00.001Z

Good Morning All

Had a very crafty day yesterday so I'm a little late with yesterday's class post. We did two cards, first was using Dasher and Serene Snowflakes and the second was using the SU set Creative elements.

Lots' of oh's and ah's for the first card which is a "telescope" card. This is quite a different concept and I thought it would work perfectly for Christmas as it creates a little mystery.........I'll show you two pictures of it so that it makes sense but basically it's a circle stack that when open can be hung up! What I hear you say...........take a look below:

Stamp set's used: Serene Snowflakes and Dasher
Accessories used: crop-o-dile and 2mm handheld punch (for the holes around the edges)

As we're not quite into Christmas yet, our second card of the day used the Creative Elements stamp set which is beautifull and along with some embossing folders lends it'self perfectly to the more vintage yet elegant looks.

Stamp set used: Creative Elements
Embossing folders: Vintage Wallpaper and Textured Impressions Embossing Set (oval)
Punch used: Decorative Label
Accessories used: stamp-a-ma-jig (for border stamp)

Happy Stamping, have a great Sunday
Loraine

Style Beautifull and young vermillion

2011-11-04T15:14:00.001Z

Good Afternoon all

Not that good really as I have a blocked "dose" and am feeling a little deaf.................if I start shouting it's only because I cant hear myself. Got a cold, in case you did not guess.

Unfortunately I'm not the only poorly soul at the moment which means that I'll not have a class tomorrow as we dont want everyone sharing all their germs with everyone else, we may as well all keep them to ourselves.

I thought that I'd show you one of my recent creations anyway. Such an elegant stamp set and that gorgeous little birdie was just crying out to me from within the pages of the catalogue - so, I had to have him!

Stamp set's used: Style Beautifull and Young Vermillion

Happy Stamping

Loraine

It's a good time to be a hostess!

2011-11-01T06:28:00.001Z

Good Morning All

Up bright and early and very excited to tell you about the new hostess promotion that's on from 1st November - 15th December. If you host a workshop totalling £300.00 or more, you will receive the Paisley Petals Set and Designer Series Paper - up to £33.90 value - FOR FREE in addition to the regular hostess benefits!

Follow this link to read all about it: Hostess Bonus Promotion (1st Nov - 15th Dec)

Drop me an e-mail or give me a ring if you'd like to host your very own qualifying workshop.

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Pocket Sillhouetes

2011-10-29T13:52:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well and enjoying the weekend.

Had a great class this morning making a card and gift box to match. Well actually this little box could have a dual purpose as you could use it as a box to give a gift of cards as the 4 x 4 cards will fit snuggly inside with envelopes as a true papercraft gift!

Take a peak and let me know what you think.

Stamp set used: Pocket Sullhouetes
Embossing Folder used: Perfect Polka Dots
Accessories used: Paper-Piercing Tool and Mat Pack

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Essington Fruit Farm

2011-10-23T06:54:00.004+01:00

Morning All

No class this week as we had friends visiting from Bristol and it was lovely to see them again - been about 8 months since we saw them last.

Today I am off to the Essington Fruit Farm: http://www.essingtonfarm.co.uk/, were I'll be taking part in their Christmas Craft Fair. This is the first time I'm going to this fair but I believe that there are loads of lovely stall's so come along if you're in the area and say Hello!

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Tree Trimings and Beautifull Season

2011-10-15T16:48:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

Hope you're all having a good weekend so far. Enjoying the sunshine as I've just read in the paper that we're going to have cold for 10 days...........yes, I'm the bringer of good news I know!

On a more cheerfull note we had a great class this morning, loads of chatter and crafting and everyone left with a couple of projects to be proud of. My husband happened to be home for a bit of class this morning and said "there was a lot of noise coming from downstairs". Just the way a craft class should be in my opinion!

We're back with Christmas again, I've had some requests to do Christmas again and actually to use the two stamp set's we used today and that's because both are really gorgeous!

For the first card we used Tree Trimings which is a two-step stamping set, so out came the stamp-a-ma-jig and away we went. Some were a bit out of practice of the stamp-a-ma-jig so I think it may have to come out more often and perhaps along with the piercing tool and mat pack! I deviate as we also used the gorgeous vintage wallpaper embossing folder and brayer to add the ink to the folder for colour transfer!

For the second we used the beautifull *new* stamp set Beautifull Season. Gorgeous set and if you've not gathered yet I think I'm in love with it. With this we used the heat and stick powder to get the glitter to adhear well so that we could glaze the top with a thin layer of crystal effects.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set used: Tree Trimings and curly cute
Accessory used: Stamp-a-ma-jig
Embossing folder: Vintage Wallpaper

Stamp set used: Beautifull Season
Punch used: Decorative Label punch

Happy Stamping

Loraine

Beautifull Season

2011-10-08T17:18:00.001+01:00

Good Evening All

Hope you've had a great day so far, mine has been productive and enjoyable, which is good!

I thought that I'd show you a card and gift box that I've been making, actually this was done at my first workshop of the new Stampin' Up! year. I absolutely fell in love with this stamp set as soon as I saw it in the catalogue as it's just beautifull for Christmas.

For the card we used the image within the set, with the gorgeous little birdie! Such a crisp, clear stamp and just gorgeous once done! This was done with some shading. I say shading, which it is but it's done using the "scraps" from the rubber that the stamp set comes in. Yip - I'm at it again. I have previously made background stamps using the rubber from the wood mount set's (cut up and stuck onto a block) and now if you peal the sticky background off the "scraps" you can actually place the section that the image came out of directly over the image and using a finger dauber get a shaded area! Very clever use of the scrap and it would work well for so very many of the stamp set's, if not all.

For the gift box, we did a little masking as we did not want the bird on the box but only the very pretty holly leaves and berries.

Take a look and let me know what you think. Any questions feel free to e-mail me and ask.

Stamp set used: Beautifull Season
Punches used: Decorative Label punch and Curly Label punch

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Serene Snowflakes

2011-10-01T14:14:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon All

A slightly better time of the day for post's now, following from my previous post about the NEW Idea Book & Catalogue being out TODAY!!!! Wooooooooooohhh, take a look at my first post of the morning or down the left hand side of my home page for the link.

On to today's class, it was requested that this week we do a Christmas card. Promise.........it was not my idea but I was not complaining in the slightest as we do all need to crack on now that it's October and think about those little gifts and cards that we're going to give to our special friends and family at Christmas time.

I chose for us to use the gorgeous Serene Snowflakes stamp set and of course Tiny Tags for the accents. We made a card and matching gift box which everyone thoroughly enjoyed and started them thinking about what they may put inside the box and for whom. Just the result you want from a fun filled class.

Take a peak and let me know what you think.

Stamp set's used: Serene Snowflakes and Tiny Tags
Punch used: Jewelry Tag

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Idea Book & Catalogue 2011-2012 is here!!

2011-10-01T06:32:00.003+01:00

Good Morning All

A very quick post this morning to tell you that the Stampin' UP! 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue is now out. We've all been waiting in anticipation for this to come out, take a look at the link below to get a taste of all the yummy goodies available and drop me and e-mail or give me a ring if you'd like to purchase a copy at £5.95.

http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-GB/20110901_0f58e77b_IBC/files/20111001_ibc_en-gb.pdf

Happy Stamping, have a great weekend
Loraine

Serene Snowflakes

2011-09-23T14:34:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon Bloggers

Hope you've all had a good week, I'm rather pleased that my work week is over this week - seems to have taken a loooooooooong time to get to Friday but now that it has, it's time to play!

I'm off to the Shifnal Craft Fair tomorrow, if anyone is local or in the area for the day do pop in and say hello.

As I've officially done a few Christmas cards now I thought that I'd show you another that I've done as I think it's gorgeous........personal opinion and all that jazz.

Stamp set's used: Serene Snowflakes and Tiny Tags
Punch used: Jewelry Tag

Happy Stamping, have a great weekend
Loraine

Plane and simple (men's) Tree Trimmings (Christmas)

2011-09-17T15:43:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well, personally I cant believe that we're half way through September and Christmas is only 70 odd working day's away.............

Today I decided that we'd use plane and simple (from the mini catalogue which ends 30th September) to make a men's card and then we'd move swiftly along to the season that's soon approaching, yip Christmas, with tree trimmings.

For the men's card we did a little shadowing which was gorgeous and we also did a little embossing. The stamping of the goggles was done before the embossing to get the lovely embedded effect that's been achieved.

The tree trimings card is a fancy fold card which is very effective with this pretty christmas set.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set used: Plane and Simple
Embossing Folder: Square Lattice
Accessory: crop-o-dile

Stamp set used: Tree Trimmings, Tiny Tags
Accessory used: Stamp-a-ma-jig
Punch used: Jewelry Tag

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Greenhouse Garden & Butterfly Prints

2011-09-10T17:20:00.001+01:00

Good Evening All

Hopefully you've all been having a fab day and are ready for a lovely evening. Between the wind and rain in Shropshire today, I'm ready to settle down and relax. Perhaps watch a little of the World Cup Rugby too.

Today's class was lovely, loads of chatting and making of two very pretty projects. Not the most difficult projects we've ever done which meant that there was plenty time for chatting, drinking tea and of course eating cake!

For the first we used greenhouse garden and did a bit of layering using punches and embossing folders, for the second we did some emboss resist.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set used: Greenhouse Garden and Curly cute
Punches used: Fancy Flower, Boho Blossoms and Scallop trim border

Stamp set's used: Butterfly Prints and En Francais

Happy Stamping

Loraine

Circle Circus Christmas

2011-09-05T08:30:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All

Ok, so.....................I've finally given in and done my first Christmas card of the year!

I thought that I'd have a bit of a play with a few stamp set's that I really like and the result is below. Circle Circus is such a versatile stamp set, anything goes really.

Stamp set's used: Circle Circus, En Francais and Tree Trimings

Hope you all have a good week, happy stamping!
Loraine

Build a Blossom & Blossom Petals Punch

2011-09-03T13:34:00.000+01:00

Dear All

Hope you're all well and enjoying the remainder of the summer weather, if in the UK! Here's to wishing it would stay till late October at the least.................

Had a great class this morning making an elegant card and gift box set. Everyone did so well, espcially my visiting lady who'd not done much crafting before. Lots of nattering and crafting, who could ask for a better morning!

Stamp set used: Build a Blossom
Punches used: Blossom Petals Punch, Decorative Label
Embossing folder used: Vintage Wallpaper

Happy Stamping

Loraine

Circle Circus and Happiness Shared

2011-08-28T09:20:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All

A little late with my class post this week. Hope you're all well and enjoying the bank holiday weekend if in England.

I find circle circus such a versatile set to use so decided to actually use it as a two step stampin set this week! Out came the stamp-a-ma-jig and away we went, such decisions when it comes to random stamping that it seems to take even longer to achieve at times, especially when doing the two step!

Our second card was using happiness shared and en francaise - absolutely gorgeous background stamp and I cant for the life of me think why it's taken me so long to purchase it. I'm sure I'll use it so often now! For this one we did a little making but stamping the flower in the centre then creating a mask to go over it and stamping the background stamp over! Gorgeous result. As as accent we used some crystal effects to highlight the main flower image, almost drawing it out of the page.

Take a look and let me know what you think, we had fun!

Stamp set's used: Circle Circus, Happiness Shared and En Francais
Punches used: 1/2" circle

Happy Stamping
Loraine

Silhouette Sentiments and Vintage Vogue

2011-08-20T17:36:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

Hope you're all well wherever you are and having a restfull weekend.

Today's class was the first in a few weeks as I'd taken a little study break. We're back into the swing of things now and everyone did some gorgeous work this morning creating two beautifull projects.

The first, using Vintage Vogue involved a bit of concentration with cutting out all the flowers -" WHAT no punch for those gorgeous flowers was what I heard." Sometimes we just have to work a little harder to get the results we want and this was one of them. Needless to say with a little bit of "rock and roll" added in to get the colours on the flowers we were well under way.

The second card uses the hostess level one stamp set, Silhouette Sentiments. We did a little emboss resist with this one and everyone was very impressed with the results that were achieved.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set's used: Vintage Vogue and Silhouette Sentiments and swirl from Trendy Trees
Punches used: Extra-Large Bird Punch and Decorative Label Punch

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Inspiration

2011-08-14T09:28:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All

Hope you're all well today. I know I've been taking a little break the last few weeks but yesterday I got some superb inspiration on doing something a little different. Yip I've made some jewelry instead of cards.

I watched the very talented Kaz work her majic and was so inpired that I came straight home and made my two projects.

Take a look and let me know what you think, yes something a little different and I enjoyed every minute of it! Hope the picture's clear enough for you to see them.

Stamp set used (brown): Pocket Silhouettes
Embossing folder used (silver/black): Vintage Wallpaper
Other products: Whisper white inkpad, black embossing powder, champagne shimmer paint, glass glitter

Happy Crafting
Loraine

4 You............

2011-08-11T14:20:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon Blogland

It's been a little while since I've posted anything on my blog, been having a short break but I've been caught out by one of my lovely customers! This of course sent me straight to my craft room, on return from work, to do something especially for her. Yip, Nicola this is for you................ As I know you have some of the products I've just used in creating "your" card, I hope you'll be inspired!

I've used the gorgeous blossom petals punch to create this card, along with two of the fab. embossing folders. I've "curled" the petals using the wonderfull SU bone folder and done the shading with not quite navy pastel.

I finally got myself one of the SU bone folders and it's worth every penny as it is real bone. I was so excited to discover this as a proper bone folder is the best crafting tool you can have. I've had my other bone one since I started crafting over 18 years ago and it's still much loved and treated lovingly with olive oil every few months to keep it in good shape;-)

Take a look and let me know what you think

Stamp Set's Used: Build a Blossom, Tiny Tags

Punches Used: Blossom Petals Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Jewelry Tag Medium

Accessories used: SU bone folder

Embossing Folders: Square Lattice and Perfect Polka Dots

Stampin' Pastels used

Happy Crafting

Loraine

Greenhouse Garden

2011-08-05T07:08:00.000+01:00

Good Morning

Hope you're all well and enjoying the holiday's if you're on them. Me, I'm not. Never mind, my time will come and hopefully the sun will still shine.

I used one of my favourite stamps set's for this card, actually I have many favourite Stampin' Up! sets that it's sometimes hard to decide. This set is very versatile and it looks gorgeous in so very many colours that it has to be at the top of the list.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp Set's Used: Greenhouse Garden and Afterthoughts (hostess)

Happy Stamping
Loraine

August Promotion

2011-08-01T19:46:00.000+01:00

How exciting, Stampin' Up have a new promotion for August 2011.

Following this link to find our what it is: August Promotion, if you're interested, drop me a line and let me know.

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Vintage Wallpaper and Vintage Vogue

2011-07-30T17:24:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

Hopefully you've all had a lovely day today, spent in the sunshine if you were lucky enough to get some.

Today in class we made two quite flowery cards and both with a little vintage touch. The first card was done using the vintage wallpaper embossing folder, inking it over with craft ink and embossing in clear. We then made a ribbon rose as the embelishment. For the second card we used the Vintage Vogue stamp set and all a flutter to create this simply elegant card.

Stamp Set's Used: Vintage Vogue and All A Flutter and Afterthoughts (hostess)
Wheel Used: Sandy Speckles
Punches Used: Decorative label, Bird Punch Extra-Large, Boho Blossoms Extra-Large
Embossing Folder: Vintage Vogue

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Pocket Silhouettes and Happiness Shared (wiper card)

2011-07-23T13:42:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all having a wonderfull weekend so far. Hopefully the sunshine will last a little while.

We had a great class this morning. I'm not sure I was much loved though as both cards involved quite a bit of paper piercing (pricking). I think that if my ladies could have pricked me instead of the card after I'd told them that not doing the paper piercing was NOT an option, especially on our first card, they would have gladly done this! As I pointed out though it makes such a difference to the card that it would be a shame not to do it. Besides which, I find paper piercing quite relaxing so do not understand the complaints.

Our first card was a wiper card, quite a clever card really and a lovely surprise to the person opening it up when the image, in this case a butterfly, pop's up from inside. Our second card was a very simple yet elegant card.

Stamp Set Used: Happiness Shares

Punches Used: Corner Rounder and Scallop Trim Corner

Accessories Used: Paper Piercing Tool and Matt Pack

Stamp Set Used: Pocket Silhouettes
Accessories Used: Crop-A-Dile

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Clearly For You

2011-07-21T08:03:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All

I recenly borrowed a gorgeous little stamp set from my upline Jan and it's taken me a while to have a play with it but when I did I was really pleased with the result! I managed to hold myself back from using every stamp in the box (believe me the temptation was there) on my card and I'm really pleased with the result.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp Set Used: Clearly For You

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Simply Said

2011-07-16T17:20:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon All

I trust you're all well. Strange weather about today, meant to be rain all day according to the weather reports that I saw this morning but I'm pleased to report that it's turned into a glorious evening, a bit windy but some love that sort of thing.

Today in class we used a lovely stamp set, simply said. It's a two step stamping set which means that there are various ways that you can actually use it with our without the stamp-a-ma-jig. We went for a bit of both today - may as well use the wonderfull tools that we have to hand.

We created a card and an explosion box of sorts, picture is of the closed box but if you open up this origami type box you could give it as a gift in itself should you wish to as you can stick photographs in each of the four sides which mean something to you and the person that it's going to and as it folds out flat it's almost a mini album or collage of photo's. Perfect!

Stamp Set Used: Simply Said
Punches Used: Scallop Border, Full Heart, Decorative label

Loraine

Happiness Shared

2011-07-12T06:23:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All

Over the weekend I got together with my lovely Stampin' Up! team. We had a great few hours even though Jane was not feeling too well. As a result I managed to use a few stamp set's that I dont have. Always lovely to share at such events be it idea's and inspiration or products.

I've used one of the gorgeous wheels for the background of this card and a very, very pretty flower for the middle. Needless to say, I was more than pleased with the end result.

Stamp Set Used: Happiness Shared
Wheel Used: Friendly Words

Loraine

Forest Friends and Plane & Simple

2011-07-09T19:02:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

Apologies to those of you who I know would be waiting to see what we did in class today as you could not make it but..............the sun's been out and it was too perfect to sit inside and blog, so we enjoyed a braai (bbq) and some outside time on the patio instead this afternoon.

Today we make one male card with bookmark and one cute card. We used two very different stamp set's but a bit of diversity is good for the soul! We used the brayer today.........yikes! A new tool to play with and in fact I was very impressed with everyones work, especially since nobody had actually used one before. This was used with the forest friends stamp set to create a lovely scene with a bright cloudless sky!

Our second card and bookmark was make using the plane and simple stamp set and this time around we've used very much more masculine colours.

Take a look and let me know what you think!

Stamp set used: Forest Friends
Punch Used: 1" circle
Accessory Used: Speedball Brayer

Stamp Set Used: Plane & Simple
Punch Used: Decorative Label Punch
Accessory Used: Crop-A-Dile

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Blossom Petal Punch and All A Flutter

2011-07-02T18:59:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

Hope you've all been having a gorgeous day, we've had glorious sunshine which lifts everyone's spirits.

We did two gorgeous cards in class today. I was told that the one using the blossom petal punch looked quite hard to start with and nobody had actually noticed what we were doing with the all a flutter until I pointed it out specifically.

Blossom Petal Punch card was made using the blosson petal punch (obviously) and the vintage wallpaper embossing folder. We did also use two of the stamps from the build a blossom stamp set. After embossing some cherry cobler cardstock, we then ran the same colour ink over the pattern using the brayer, this makes the colour "pop" to give it some depth and dimension. Thereafter we started our punching and creating.

For the all a flutter card it was an Easel with a difference which everyone enjoyed and they did like the effect that was created by cutting out the butterflies, well cutting around their wings to reveal the chocolate chip cardstock below - this is a very pretty effect which gives great dimension, creating a "shadow" effect behind the butterfly.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp Set's Used: Build a Blossom and Circle Of Friendship (retired)
Punch's Used: Blossom Petal's Punch, 1" circle punch, 1/2" circle punch
Embossing Folder Used: Vintage Wallpaper

Stamp Set's Used: All A Flutter, SAB (retired)
Punch Used: Scallop Trim Border

Loraine

Card in a box

2011-06-25T14:29:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

I've been asked for some time now to do this project in class and decided that today was THE DAY.

We made a card in a box. You can make a box for any size or shape of card and this sort of project is just perfect for cards with raised area's, flowers or the like. It's especially usefull if you want to post such cards but if you're giving them by hand you can make a little window for the recipient to see the card through the lid. Gorgeous!

We used the Scallop Circle Extra-Large punch to make the flowers and the Extra-Large Bird punch for the leaves.

Stamp Set Used: Tiny Tags
Embossing Folders used: Vintage Wallpaper and Square Lattice
Punches Used: Medium Jewelry Tag, Scallop Circle Extra Large, Two-Step Bird Extra-Large

Circle Circus and Because I care

2011-06-18T16:22:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon

Hope you're all well in blogland today. I'm having a wonderfull day so far having started off with a really enjoyable craft class, a spot of afternoon tea and going out to dinner with friends tonight. That's the way all weekends should be.

Today in class we made two quite different cards and used a couple of different techniques. Our first card, a thank you card used the versamark pen to highlight small area's to be heat embossed, just adding a little extra texture, shine and interest to the card in different light settings. Of course we used some gorgeous ribbon and made a ruffle to add interest. For our second card we used another technique to take the colour out of the card, we used bleach, this gives a gorgeous effect with some clear embossing as the bleach does not seep under the embossing, allowing for very interesting project work.

Stamp set used: Because I care (hostess)

Stamp set used: Circle Circus

Happy Crafting

Loraine

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-11T16:06:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

We've been having a lovely day in Shropshire today, some glorious sunshine, a lovely craft class and then we made a trip to Battlefields in Shrewsbury for lunch at Sparrow's Cafe and a walk around the Falconry Centre.

Today in class we made a father's day card and matching pillow box. Actually the card could be used for a woman aswell given the colours that I chose, as it's fathers day on the 19th June I was making sure that everyone was prepared should they want to be.

Stamp set used: Plane & Simple
Embossing Folder used: Square Lattice
Punch used: Decorative Label

Happy Stamping
Loraine

A couple of punches

2011-06-09T06:55:00.001+01:00

Good Morning All

Hope you're all well. Ready for another day of sunshine and showers, let's hope there's more of the sunshine!

As I mentioned a couple of blog post's ago, I've been trying a few different designs. While this card is very "girly" it can just as easily be done for a man using two masculine colour's for your cardstock and masculine stamp set.

I've used gorgeous stamp set's and the co-ordinating punches. So much easier and quicker than cutting around your stamped images which is one of the distinct advantages of Stampin' Up! products, there are loads of co-ordinating stamp set's and punches. If you're thinking that everything co-ordinates beautifully, well that's because I've also used the co-ordinating stampin pastels, giving a lovely soft chalky finish.

Stamp set's used: Punch Potpourri (hostess) and Cheer and Wishes
Punches used: Two-Step Bird Extra-Large and Boho Blossoms Extra-Large
Embossing folder used: Perfect Polka Dots

Loraine

Trendy Trees

2011-06-04T15:20:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon All

I hope you're all having a good afternoon enjoying the sunshine, or what there is of it. It was gorgeous this morning, so much so that I considered taking our craft class in the garden.............maybe next time.

We used a lovely little stamp set, Trendy Trees. This is such a versatile stamp set and made for a lovely project doing a box-in-a-bag and a matching card. So effective was the stamping that one of the ladies remarked on how lovely the paper was that we were going to be using today. Of course we were'nt using paper but rather stamping those gorgeous images for maximum impact!

Stamp set used: Trendy Trees
Accessories used: Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, Crop-A-Dile
Punches used: 1" circle, Scallop Trim Border

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Waterfall Card

2011-06-03T19:39:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

What a gorgeous day we've been having in Shropshire today. Gorgeous sunshine with just a hint of wind.

I've been trying out a few "different" styles of card over the last week or so and thought I'd share one with you tonight. Not a new style but very effective indeed. It looks absolutely gorgeous using the Vintage Vogue stamp set and wheel.

Stamp set used: Vintage Vogue
Wheel Used: Very Vintage
Accessories used: Crop-A-Dile
Punch used: Corner Small

Happy Crafting

Loraine

Tissue Box

2011-05-21T13:51:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well in blog land.

This morning's class was great fun. Loads of nattering and crafting of course and because of the nattering a few mishap's along the way but still, we got there in the end and everyones projects were just "perfect".

I decided that we were going to make a little tissue box, just about the right size to keep next to your bed or on top of you "blankie" when you've got a bit of a sniffle. We made a card to go with it, which actually fit's perfectly inside the tissue box too - so you could give it all as one little gift as the circle on the card fits right in the hole of the box when the card is inside.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set's used: Greenhouse Garden and Silhouette Sentiments

Stamp set's used: Greenhouse Garden and Silhouette Semtiments (hostess)

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Vintage Touches

2011-05-14T13:56:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well. Where has that gorgeous sunshine of a few weeks ago gone? Needs to return I say.

Today in class we did a card and a box, a little box that holds 5 after eights! Yumm! Surprisingly all the boxes were still full by the end of class but I'm not entirely sure how long that would last. We did some dry and heat embossing for our card, this gives a different effect using the Stampin' Up! embossing folders, very vintage looking, we then proceeded to make a lovely flower using theScallop Circle Extra-Large Punch. Works a treat and with a gorgeous brad in the middle looked fantastic.

Stamp set Used: Tiny Tags
Embossing Folder Used: Vintage Wallpaper
Punches Used: Scallop Circle Extra-Large and Jewelry Tag Medium

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Side Step and Gap card

2011-05-07T18:22:00.000+01:00

Good Evening all

Today has been an almost perfect day. Crafting this morning whilst listening to the rain fall gloriously on the conservatory roof and then doing a bit of gardening in the sunshine this afternoon. Who could ask for anything better really.

Today we did two challenging cards and I was very proud of everyone for getting them just "perfect"! I was especially proud of Hannah, who joined us for the first time and did so very well having never done any stamping or cards of this nature before.

Gap Card
Stamp set's used: Circle Circus and Butterfly Prints
Punch Used: Butterfly Punch

Side Step Card
Stamp set's Used: Natures Nest and Curly Cute
Punch Used: Scallop Trim Border

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Very Vintage!

2011-04-30T15:14:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well, enjoying the sunshine but not blowing away in today's breeze. Perhaps you're enjoying it like my husband who is off windsurfing.

Today's class was very vintage. We made a gatefold card and a matching box set using the delicious chocolate chip and matching ribbon (retired). Everyone worked really hard at the individual aspects of their cards ensuring that they were absolutely perfect by the end.

Stamp set used: Afterthougths (hostess)
Wheel Used: Very Vintage
Punch Used: Scallop Circle Extra-Large
Accessories Used: Crop-A-Dile and Jumbo Eyelets
Embossing Folder Used: Vintage Wallpaper
Glitter Used: Glass Glitter, champagne
Distressing Essentials kit

Loraine

Butterfly Punch................

2011-04-23T13:45:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

I hope that you're all having as lovely a sun shine day as we're having in Shropshire today, it's absolutely gorgeous! I think I might just about have enough time to show you today's card projects before heading out into the garden.

We had a lovely class, we used the butterfly punch for something other than it's original use; i.e. punching out butterflies. We did use it to make a card with a butterfly and co-ordinating stamp set but we also used it to make some pansies. How BRILLIANT is that! I love it when your crafting tools are versatile, gives so much more scope. I must say here that the pansie card was inspired by the lovely Peg and what a great idea for this time of the year when they're all outside my front door.

Stamp set used: Afterthoughts (hostess)
Embossing folder used: Perfect Polka Dots
Punch Used: Butterfly Extra-Large

Stamp set's used: Flight of the Butterfly and Tiny Tags
Embossing folder used: Vintage Wallpaper
Punches Used: Butterfly Extra-Large, Medium Jewelery Tag

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Embossing Folders

2011-04-16T07:52:00.000+01:00

Morning All

Well, this morning I'm off to the Shifnal Easter Craft Fair. If any of you are in the area, please drop in and say hello, it runs from 10am - 3pm and there is also a Farmers Market in the Town today and so far, the weather looks great for both.

I thought that I'd show you a card that I've made using two of the lovely embossing folders that are in the new mini catalogue, a really simple but effective card to make and of course I could not resist using some of the yummy seam binding ribbon yet again.

Stamp set used: Afterthoughts (hostess)
Embossing Folders used: Vintage Wallpaper and Square Lattice
Accessories used: Crop-A-Dile

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Circle Circus and Build a blossom

2011-04-10T09:52:00.002+01:00

Good Morning All

Apologies for not posting my class projects yesterday afternoon BUT it was such a lovely afternoon, with glorious sunshine so I found myself doing other things outdoors, wonderfull!

Had a great class yesterday, in fact I always enjoy my classes and so do my ladies that attend which makes it extra special for me. We did two cards, one very feminine and the other more masculine, mainly because of the colours.We did some distressing, some punching and a little glittering, of course that's as well as the stamping. We also used some of the lush glass glitter, new in the mini. Very chunky glitter but gorgeous to work with.

Stamp set's used: Circle Circus, Build a Blossom, Cheer and Wishes and Curly Cute
Punches used: Blossom Petals Punch, 1/2" circle, 1" circle and Scallop Circle Extra Large
Accessory used: Stamp-a-ma-jig
Crystal effects and glass glitter used for accent

Off to enjoy the sunshine once again.
Loraine

Build a Blossom and Medallion with flower

2011-04-07T08:40:00.001+01:00

Good Morning All

Hope you're all well. Last night I had a workshop with a lovely group of ladies and we used the new Build a Blossom stamp set and Blossom Petals Punch. This is a two-step stamping set which meant that everyone got a really good practice with the stamp-a-ma-jig as we used 3 of the large flowers. I did in fact make a template for everyone to work with so that it was easier to use the punch and not waste any of the gorgeous cardstock. We also used a piece of the lovely seam binding ribbon in crumb cake. Very yummy indeed and that's not just the sound of it!

We used the medallion stamp for our second card. I do love this huge background stamp. Along with this we made a gorgeous flower to co-ordinate and used some of the new glass glitter, very chunky and gives a fab effect.

Stamp set's used: Build a Blossom, Medallion

Punches used: Eyelet Border, Blosso Petals Punch, 1/2" circle, 1" circle
Accessories: Stamp-a-ma-jig

Happy Crafting

Loraine

Very Vintage Wheel

2011-04-02T19:16:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

Better late than never.................as they say. I've had a very busy afternoon out visiting friends, which has been lovely, this means that I have only just got around to posting this morning's craft class makes.

We made a card and a gift. For those that needed a mothers day gift it was perfect and for those who were organised enough for tomorrow's occasion, they have chosen to use their's as thank you or birthday cards and gifts. We did a candle today, something my crafting ladies had not tried before and using the very vintage wheel was just perfect for a matching set. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set's used: Tiny Tags
Wheel used: Vergy Vintage
Punch Used: Medium Jewelery Tag

Loraine
P.S. Pop over to my Non SU page over the next few days as I've had a few new toys to play with.

Mini Catalogue is here

2011-04-01T06:39:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All

The lovely Mini Catalogue is here, follow the below link and let me know if there's anything you'd like to order.

http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-GB/20110301_bc1728d8_Mini/index.html

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Medallion

2011-03-26T13:20:00.001Z

Good Afternoon

Where has the glorious sunshine gone? We've had a beautifull week and come the weekend.........., dull outside.

At least inside all was sunny and bright for another lovely class. We used the LARGE medallion background stamp and not just for the background but as the main focus of the card and matching bag-a-lope. Fantastic to see everyones creativity emerging as they each decided how best to hold this rather large stamp to get the best effect for their projects. We also used a piece of ribbon, which to some of my class members strikes pure dread through their hearts, however I am happy to say that they loved the technique used to make this ruffle ribbon.

Stamp used: Medallion and circle of friendship (retired)

Loraine

Knives and FORKS at the ready

2011-03-20T07:49:00.001Z

Good Morning

Yesterday's craft class was loads of fun. I'd "set" the table with knives and forks, this of course caused a little alarm when the ladies arrived. We made two cards, one using products from my stash - see my Non SU projects gallery, at the bottom, for the gardening bear. Our second card was the reason for the fork (the knife was only on the table for effect). We used the fork to make the bow, a really clever technique and very effective for small bows and the SU tafetta ribbon is PERFECT for the job.

Stamp set used: Punch Potpourri
Punch Used: Two-Step Bird Extra-Large
Ribbon: Very Vanilla Taffeta

Happy Crafting
Loraine

March Frenzy

2011-03-01T13:48:00.000Z

Good Afternoon All

Well, Stampin' Up! has something special going on again this month and that's the March Frenzy. You can get 20 - 30% off certain products during this month.

Take a look here: http://www2.stampinup.com/gb/documents/March_Frenzy_UK_Flyer.pdf

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Z Fold card and gift box set

2011-02-26T15:06:00.000Z

Good Afternoon All

Here's to another glorious afternoon spent in the sunshine, in the conservatory. It's a welcome relief from the rain of this morning but saying that, the rain is always a reason to craft as you're stuck indoors.

Today's class was enjoyed by all the ladies attending, we did a Z fold card, easy enough really as it's similar to an easel card but on it's side, with a matching gift box. The fold of this box is rather fab in that it can be used in at least two different ways or 3 if you do it "inside out" as one of my ladies started to do. There is no glueing required for this box either which makes it a bit origami like.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set used: Sweet Summer (SAB 2011)
Punches used: 1" circle and Eyelet Border

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Spinner Card...........

2011-02-19T14:13:00.000Z

Hello Everyone

Hope you're all having a good weekend. It's rather damp in Shropshire today but about the right weather for a bit of crafting this morning.

We had a great class this morning making a spinner card using the lovely Vintage Vogue set and one with a different ribbon technique, just two bits tied together but gives the illusion of being one piece of ribbon tied in the middle. Quite an easy way of showing off a bit of beautifull satin ribbon. Along with some piercing around a circle, another small challenge but something that is so effective once you get the hang of it.

Stamp set used: Vintage Vogue
Punch used: 1" circle punch
Accessories used: Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

Stamp set used: Butterfly Prints
Punches Used: 1-3/4" Scallop Circle Extra-Large, Butterfly Extra-Large, 1" circle
Accessories used: Paper-Piercing Tool, Mat Pack

Loraine

Bag-A-Lope and card set

2011-02-17T17:49:00.002Z

Good Evening All

Luckily for me, you dont need a voice in blog land, mine's gone.......again. Not sure I like this loosing my voice every time I get ill, some people would say it's peacefull.

I had a workshop last night where I met some lovely crafting ladies. We made a card and a bag-a-lope. If you're wondering what this is, it's where you turn an envelope into a bag. Most usefull when you need something in a hurry. Needless to say the ladies were very dissapointed when they realised that I had a healthy snack (some dried mango) in my bag instead of some tasty treats.

We used the gorgeous Natures Nest Stamp set. This is a very versatile set and we really did enjoy playing with it, everyone choosing the stamp they wanted as the "main attraction". We also used blender pens to draw out some of the ink from the image, just a little to give a subtle effect and painted a little champagne shimmer paint around the distressed edges of the crumb cake cardstock.

Stamp set used: Natures Nest
Wheel Used: Sandy Speckles
Punch Used: Boho Blossoms Extra-Large
Accessories: Distressing tool from cutter kit,
Shimmer paint, brads and blender pens

Loraine

Medallion and Bliss

2011-02-12T15:34:00.002Z

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all having a wonderfull day in the sunshine - isent it gorgeous, we're even sitting in the conservatory for the first time this year and looooooong may that continue.

Today's class was loads of fun, everyone enjoying the two cards that we made.........well let's say they enjoyed most elements of the card but that the ruffle ribbon on card two was a bit of a challenge. The first was using the SAB set Bliss and making a cut out with the Scallop Circle Extra-Large punch to see through. We also used a thin layer of crystal effects to coat the inner scallop as well as using the aqua painters to add the chocolate splatter background. The second card, which could be used as a masculine Valentines, used the background stamp medallion and of course the piece of ribbon. I hasten to add that every card was beautifull at the end.

Stamp set used: Bliss (SAB 2011)
Punch used: Scallop Circle Extra-Large
Accessories used: Aqua Painters, crystal effects

Stamp set's used: Medallion and Circle of friendship (retired)
Punch used: 1" circle

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Greenhouse Garden

2011-02-09T06:25:00.000Z

Good Morning All

Hope you have a lovely day today, half way through the working week.

Yesterday I had a workshop with a lovely group of ladies, we used some gorgeous cardstock, ink and ribbon and everyone had a great time using the Greenhouse Garden Stamp set. We did use the stamp-a-ma-jig, or at least give it a go as the ladies prefered the freestyle that you can achieve with this set too.

Stamp set: Greenhouse Garden, Tiny Tag's
Punches: Medium Jewelry Tag, Scallop Trim border
Accessory: Stamp-a-ma-jig

Loraine

Pop Up Card, Garden Whimsy.................

2011-02-05T14:40:00.002Z

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well and enjoying the weekend so far.

Today's class was absolutely brilliant, we made two very different projects and besides sticking together fingers and thumbs, everyone went away very proud of their projects. We used a few different techniques today, some distressing, blending, rock and roll (ing) and that was besides the burnishing and "smooshing".....

Stamp set used: Garden Whimsy
Rock and Roll technique used here for the butterfly

Stamp set's used: Butterfly Prints, Cheer & Wishes
Wheel Used: Very Vintage
Accessories Used: Blender pens (to "draw ink in" on butterflies of background, 7 sided distressing tool from cutter kit ), Stamp-A-Ma-Jig

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Clean and simple baby card

2011-01-31T17:05:00.001Z

Good Afternoon

Hope you're all well in blogland, been a beautifull sunny but crisp day here in Shropshire and as long as the sun's out I'm one happy crafter.

One of my close friends has just had a little baby boy, so I thought that I would show you the clean and simple card that I made for him. Not a lot of fuss for a little boy but just about enough for a baby card.

Stamp set's used: Fun & Fast Notes, Schoolbook Serif Alphabet
Punch used: Small Heart Punch

Loraine

Trendy Trees Class

2011-01-29T16:03:00.000Z

Good Afternoon All

Hope you've all been having a great day, we've seen the sun a little which is rather nice. I dont mind the cold as much if the sun's shinning.

Today in class we used one stamp set to make two cards, we also used Stampin' Pastels and the stamp-a-ma-jig. Lots to keep everyone busy and enjoying themselves. One card is soft and subtle and the other bright and bold, two very different looks using pastels.

Stamp set used: Trendy Trees
Punches used: Scallop Trim Corner, Scallop Trim Border
Accessories used: Stamp-a-ma-jig

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Tiles (using Natures Nest)

2011-01-26T06:51:00.001Z

Good Morning All

Hope your week is treating you well.

I've been having a little fun playing with a technique/effect. Actually playing is the right word because the first two attempts went in the bin! Unusual for me as I usually make things work but there was absolutely no way with my first attempts. Luckily I was happy with my last attempt of tile making. I love the way my card has turned out, no bias there. I've stamped the images onto a piece of very vanilla cardstock and then cut them into squares. Thereafter I've stuck them down to my card (in the right order) left it to dry and then used crystal effects over the top to give them the tiled (glazed) effect.

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set used: Natures Nest
Wheel Used: Sandy Speckles
Product used: Crystal Effects

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Double slider card and gift bag set

2011-01-22T14:55:00.002Z

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well and enjoying the weekend.

Today we had a wonderfull class, projects took longer than I actually imagined BUT everyone had a good result in the end. There were cheers all around when the double slider card's worked as I'm not sure anyone believed me that they were quite capable of making one themselves. Great fun.

Stamp set used: Punch Bunch (SAB 2011)
Punches used: Full Heart Extra-Large, Scallop Trim Border, 1-3/4" (4.4cm) Scallop Circle Extra-Large
Twill Tape and VV Ribbon Used

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Stampin' Pastel's and SAB

2011-01-17T17:33:00.002Z

Good Evening All

Well, I've been having a bit of a play using the gorgeous stampin pastels - I love using my pastels and always find the effects just gorgeous. You can either have them soft and subtle, just for shading or you can have them bright and bold using versamark ink.

Take a look at my tag and let me know what you think.

Stamp set used: Bliss (SAB 2011)
Products: Stampin' Pastels, Versamark Inkpad

Loraine

Green house Garden and a bit of Vintage Vogue

2011-01-15T13:05:00.001Z

Good Afternoon All

Today's class was one filled with techniques again, this was thoroughly enjoyed by all and I was very proud of my new class member who kept up brilliantly. We used various tools today including embossing folders and nestabilites to add to our projects, so all around a very busy couple of hours.

The first card was done using Greenhouse Garden, with some lovely ribbon to match and with some pricking around the circle. This was enjoyed by all and some even found it theraputic they said. The second card was done using an embossing folder from my stash and some of the words from the Vintage Vogue set, for this we used a marker and each word was marked seperately and then punched out to get the desired effect. There was distressing used on both cards both ink distressing and using the distressing tool, as you may be able to tell everyone was kept very busy inbetween nattering.

Stamp set's used: Greenhouse Garden and words from Bliss (SAB set 2011)
Accessories: Piercing tool and Mat Pack and stamp-a-ma-jig
Punch used: 1" circle

Stamp set used: Vintage Vogue (words)

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Simply Said and Butterfly Prints

2011-01-11T15:45:00.000Z

Good Afternoon

I thought that I'd show you a couple of cards that were done in my recent workshop. The request from my hostess was to do something along the Valentines lines and secondly to use pastels. Both of these were achievable and everyone at the workshop had a great time creating two lovely cards. We used a variety of techniques with the pastels as well as a bit of braiding of ribbon and masking of the word stamp on the first card.

Stamp set used: Simply Said
Punches Used: Full Heart Extra-Large, Heart Small, Scallop Trim Border
Other materials used: Blender pens, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds

Stamp set used: Butterfly Prints
Punch Used: Extra-Large Bird Punch
Accessories: Mat Pack and Paper-Piercing Tool
Other materials: Basic Pearls

Loraine

Craft Class using Sale-A-Brations 2011 sets

2011-01-08T15:25:00.001Z

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all having a good weekend so far, we've had a bit of sunshine and blue sky today. Hardly remember what it looked like.

Today in class we used two of the sale-a-brations set's for our creations. We used Bliss for our resist card and we used Punch Bunch for our easel calendar card. We also did some distressing. I decided that we were having a techniques class and by the end of the second card the distressing was getting better and better by everyone and the resist technique, well........what can I say, it always provides the wow factor.

Stamp set used: Bliss (sale-a-bration 2011)

Stamp set used: Punch Bunch (sale-a-brations 2011)

Loraine

Can you Resist?

2011-01-02T17:44:00.000Z

Good Evening All

Not feeling very well at present, have "the lurgy" but got a little inspiration this morning after having a conversation with Jody about emboss resist. Well, this is for you Jody.

This is a rather clever technique which can provide some lovely effects. I've combined it with a bit of distressing to give the finished effect. If you'd like to know any more about this technique, please get in touch.

Stamp set used: Pocket Sillhouettes
Punch Used: 1" circle punch (for the shadow moon)

Happy New Year and Happy Crafting
Loraine

It's Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration Time

2010-12-30T02:38:00.002Z

Good Morning

It's that time of the year again! With a spend of £45.00 (product sales, before shipping and handling), or hosting a workshop of at least £300.00 (product sales, before shipping and handling) you can earn one free Sale-A-Bration set in addition to any other benefits that you may be eligible for. Follow this link to see this gorgeous sale: http://www2.stampinup.com/gb/images/SAB11_UK.pdf which is on from today until 28th February 2011.

Happy Crafting
Loraine

A couple of mugs

2010-12-29T17:35:00.002Z

Good Evening All

Even though it's the festive season and time for a little rest I've not been able to resist doing a little crafting and the below just seemed like a very good way to showcase some stamp sets. It's a couple of mug's, very clever idea - sold to put photographs in but, that's clearly not what sprang to mind when I saw them. Take a look and let me know what you think.

One of my fellow SU demo's, Sara, has previously done some of these, using mugs from a certain coffee shop too. Take a look at her blog as she's put some instructions on if you'd like to follow them.

Stamp set's used: Greenhouse Garden and Natures Nest
Wheel used: Sandy Speckles

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-24T09:22:00.000Z

Good Morning All

Wishing you all a wonderfull Christmas with family and friends. Thank you for visiting my blog throughout the year and best wishes for the New Year 2011.

Loraine

Dashing through the snow..............

2010-12-22T06:11:00.000Z

Good Morning All

Well more snowfall for us last night in Shropshire and another day walking to work for me, only because I'm too scared to take the car out of the garage really, never the less it is beautifull out there. Perhaps this year I'll experience my first truly white Christmas and this, for me at least, is very exciting.

I've been doing a little more wrapping, this time using Dasher for the wrapping and the tag. There is something very theraputic about sitting stamping Dasher again and again until you're happy with the wrapping paper you're creating.

Stamp used: Dasher

Loraine

Bags and Tags

2010-12-20T14:38:00.000Z

Good Afternoon all

Well I thought that I'd show you what I've been up to, once again with my Serene Snowflakes stamp set. Stamping is such a versatile hobby and there are so very many things that you can stamp and improve, as you'll see in a minute. One plain very dark grey paper bag transformed along with a matching tag!

Stamp set used: Serene Snowflakes

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Last Class of the year (Serene Snowflakes)

2010-12-18T13:53:00.001Z

Good Afternoon All

Well, we managed to squeeze in our last craft class of the year this morning before the snow really started to come down. We had a great time creating a "cracker" and a matching card. The cracker idea came from a fellow SU demonstrator Zoe Tant, who did a wonderfull tutorial to make this gorgeous little box.

Perhaps that 25cm of snow predicted for our area may yet fall today! My husband has been stuck coming home from the gym for about an hour/hour and a half now and it's only about 5 miles from home.........oh dear, I'm glad I stayed indoors to craft.

What about a White Christmas? It's so beautifull to look at the snow falling from the sky....just gorgeous, just not so great when it melts and turns to ice though. I think I'll just hibernate inside and finish off my Christmas wrapping.

Stamp set used: Serene Snowflakes
Punches used: 1/2" and 1" circle punches
Accents used: Brads and ribbon

Stay Safe and Warm
Loraine

Natures Nest

2010-12-11T16:45:00.001Z

Good Evening All

Well we had a fantastic craft class this morning, many belly laughs had and at least two people went home with sore sides from that much laughing, what can I say it's a great way to spend 2 hours on a Saturday morning.

We made a card and a bookmark, everything was going to plan with the card, everyone worked well minus a few wonky pricked lines (which can always be covered up if necessary - no mistakes in crafting, only solutions to accidental mishaps). Then we moved on to the bookmark, well...........this is where all the problems began and ended. I decided to use an alphabet set from my stash but as with all alphabet sets, there are not enough vowles to go around. Perhaps if I'd suggested the stamp-a-ma-jig everything would have gone to plan, saying that though we were using versamark ink which is "invisible" so maybe not. We got there in the end though and everyones bookmarks looked lovely, each and every one was different it has to be said.

At this point I suggested a techniques class to which everyone agreed but also agreed that they would probably forget the technique by the time they next came to use it if we did not actually create with it in the same class as it was learned.

Take a look at what we created and let me know what you think.

Stamp sets used: Natures Nest and Curly Cute
Wheel used: Sandy Speckles
Accessories used: Matt Pack and pricking tool

14 days to Christmas, Happy Crafting
Loraine

Love is like a butterfly

2010-12-07T06:35:00.001Z

Good Morning All

Hope you're all well this chilly week, we're back down to about -9 this morning which is a bit too frosty for me and I'm not even sure the dogs will want to go out for their walk, yesterday was a bit of a skate already!

I did a couple of craft fairs this last weekend which were most enjoyable. There really are some creative people out there. To keep myself busy and my fingers warm while at the fairs I made a few things and I really liked the simplicity of the below card..........so pretty, even if I do say so myself.

Stamp set used: Butterfly Prints
Accessories: Mat Pack and Piercing Tool

Loraine

Shifnal Christmas Fair

2010-12-03T06:08:00.002Z

Good Morning All

Just a quick post this morning to tell you that I'll be at the Shifnal Christmas Fair (held in the village hall) tomorrow 10am-4pm. If anyone is in the area, pop past and say hello, it would be lovely to see you.

Stamp set's used: Dasher and Tiny Tags

Punch Used: Medium Jewelery Tag Punch

Loraine

Serene Snowflakes

2010-12-01T15:41:00.001Z

Good Afternoon All

Well today's card is all about what's outside my window..............yip, that's it some lovely snow and snowflakes. I love the snow, I guess that comes from growing up in sunnier climes and not seeing any as a child.

I have only just discovered a lovely product that Stampin' Up! do and that is heat and stick powder. Brilliant product for sticking glitter as it does not "shed" once it's on your card. This of course is a bit of a bonus at any time of the year but mainly at Christmas time when it's always nice to add a bit of sparkle or in my case, a lot!

Stamp set used: Serene Snowflakes
Product used: Heat & Stick Powder and dazzling diamonds

Keep warm and happy crafting
Loraine

Butterfly Prints

2010-11-28T13:08:00.002Z

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well. We've slightly thawed out from the -9 of this morning and frozen snow left on the ground from Friday night......brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Saying that, it is beautifull outside now and the sun is shinning brightly with blue, blue skies.

Yesterday in class we made two lovely cards, one of which is on my non-SU projects page and the other of which is below. I really love this butterfly set and the fact that you can choose to either put the antenna (feelers) on the butterflies or not as it is a two-step stamping set. Some of my ladies in class yesterday had not used the stamp-a-ma-jig before but they soon got the hang of it and loved using it to make their gorgeous cards. This was after they'd finished laughing at me for calling them antlers the whole way through class instead of antenna or feelers. What can I say it's all in keeping with the Christmas spirit.

Stamp set used: Butterfly Prints
Punch Used: Butterfly Extra-Large
Accessory used: Stamp-a-ma-jig
Accents: Basic Rhinestones and Champagne Shimmer paint

Loraine

Tree Trimmings

2010-11-23T16:29:00.001Z

Good Afternoon All

Hope you're all well on this chilly day. Time to get out the winter woolies I feel.

Well, since we've had the bit of news that Stampin' Up! have withdrawn the Ornament Extra-Large punch from purchase until further notice, I set about thinking what people could do should they wish to create a 3 dimensional Christmas card or even "bauble" for their tree. There are of course the lovely stamp set's: Contempo Christmas and Delightfull Decorations but alternate to that you could also use Tree Trimmings which is a gorgeous little set with many uses.

Stamp set's used: Tree Trimmings and Curly Cute
Wheel Used: Soft Holly
Shimmer Paint used

Loraine

Garden Whimsy

2010-11-20T18:18:00.002Z

Good Evening all

We had a lovely class this morning, everyone enjoyed themselves and went away with two projects to be proud of. We made a card and a gift card holder using garden whimsy. These two projects could either be used together or given as seperate cards.

I think that most of my class members had two people in mind for their projects which is absolutely brilliant and even better was the fact that each person's card was slightly different. I'm always pleased when they have the confidence to use the same stamp set but do things a little differently to what I'm suggesting, it is after all their card that they have to be proud to give away.

It was a bit of a dull day here today, so apologies for the darkness of the pictures.

Stamp set used: Garden Whimsy
Other products: Stampin' Pastels and brads

Loraine

Christmas Gift Tags

2010-11-18T16:05:00.000Z

Good Afternoon All

Well, we're fast aproaching Christmas and as I have been doing over the past weeks, I thought that I'd show you another idea but for Christmas Tags, I've used two gorgeous stamp sets. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamps used: Serene Snowflakes and Dasher

Loraine

Sweet little birdie

2010-11-17T15:07:00.000Z

Good Afternoon All

I hope you're all well on this dull day. Yukk, but on the bright side it's all the more reason to spend some time crafting.

Stamp set used: Punch Potpourri (level 1 hostess set)
Punch Used: Extra-Large Two-Step Bird Punch
Accents: Champagne Shimmer Paint and Basic Pearls

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Gift box and card

2010-11-14T13:00:00.000Z

Good Afternoon All

This week in class we made an Easel card and pizza style box, gift set. It all turned out very well and everyone really enjoyed themselves creating, chatting and eating a gluten free cake. Yumm, yumm this was really delicious and since one of my class atendee's is coeliac she very kindly made us a cake, it's always such a shame when everyone else is having cake etc and Jill cant join in so for a change - yayy, she could!

Take a look at what we created with some lovely papers from my stash and a gorgeous stamp.

Stamp sets used: Dasher, Curly Cute
Accessories: Stampin' Pastels

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Serene Snowflakes (gift box and card)

2010-11-09T15:19:00.000Z

Good Afternoon All

Well, I've had a busy few days, starting last Wednesday evening when I had a lovely workshop with a great group of crafting ladies. Thursday I went to the NEC for the Craft Fair and then went away for a quiet few days to Anglesey, I've not been before and it's lovely there especially when the sun shines - which it did every morning we were there! Horay!

I thought that I'd show you the projects that we made last week in our workshop, we used a lovely Christmas set with some gorgeous paper, ink and ribbon. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set used: Serene Snowflakes
Accessories used: Mat Pack and Paper Piercing tool
For accent: pearls and champagne shimmer

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Bundling up for Christmas

2010-11-02T06:37:00.000Z

Good Morning All

I thought that I'd share some wonderfull product news with you all today. If you order a Christmas bundle, you can get a FREE spool of ribbon. How exciting and it does help that these ribbons look really scrummy. Follow the link below to see what I'm taking about.

http://www2.stampinup.com/gb/documents/Bundle_Up_Christmas_1010_UK.pdf

Loraine

Greenhouse Garden

2010-10-30T14:51:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon All

Hopefully your weekend is treating you well. I have the house to myself this weekend as my husband has gone to Aberdovey for a weekend of windsurfing. Hmmmm, now how many cards can I make before he comes back??

Today in class I had 4 lovely ladies join me and we made a card and gift box set. This little box was so easy to make - well compared to some we've tried. There is only one side to stick down and as much as I love using Tombow or sticky strip a nice easy box is fab at times, especially as there's then more time to play with one of my favourite stamp sets.

Stamp set's used: Greenhouse Garden, All A Flutter and Curly Cute.

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Tree Trimmings with a bit of shimmer

2010-10-25T17:10:00.000+01:00

Good Evening

I've been "playing" with a lovely little Christmas set this afternoon and put together a pretty dark but sparkly card. To be honest, I got the inspiration from a catalogue that was put through our door today showing shop bought cards, personally I think this one is soooo much better. Unfortunately the layering of the baubles is not that visible in the picture but actually creates a lovely 2D effect

Stamp set used: Tree Trimings
Wheel used: Soft Holly
Embossing Powder: Black and Gold
Shimmer Paint: Champagne Mist

Loraine

Flowers

2010-10-24T13:01:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon

What a beautifully sunny afternoon we have here in Shropshire today, just gorgeous. Just looking out of the window (from inside the warm house) you feel as though you could go out in your shorts and T-Shirt but at 4 degrees, I dont think so.

This week in craft class we did two very different cards, one a Christmas card and the other a general thinking of you card. To see the Christmas card, please pop over to my Non SU Projects gallery to see the cheeky snowman (scroll down to the bottom of the page). For the thinking of you card we made a flower out of a 3" x 3" square piece of card which caused many giggles and looks of disbelief when I started explaining how to do it, to looks of amazement and delight when it actually turned out as it should have and as promised by me at the beginning of class. We also use the Extra-Lage Two-Step Bird Punch to create the leaves and "fronds" of the flower. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Stamp set's used: Curly Cute and Simply Said
Punch Used: Extra-Large Two-Step Bird
Accessory used: Crimper

Loraine

A quick Christmas Card

2010-10-21T18:03:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

Well, my computer is working on and off and while it's on I thought I'd post a quick card, really it is a quick card using a cute litte stamp, I've used blender pens to pick up the ink to colour the tree and used some champagne shimmer paint for the star.

Stamp set used: Fun & Fast Notes
Accessories: Blender Pens

Loraine

Saturday's class - Christmas

2010-10-18T17:18:00.001+01:00

Good Evening All

I hope that you're all well. I'm having a bit of trouble with my computer, actually I think it's pretty much broken but have just managed to get it working again long enough I hope to post.

This week in class we made a card and a box, both for Christmas - surprise, surprise we're in full swing now! The box was made of paper from my stash but I did use SU brads, linen thread and the Extra-Large Boho Blossom punch to make the tie closure. Take a look and let me know what you think of the two quite different projects. I say this because usually when we do a card and a box, they match. Not in this instance though.

Stamp set's used: Tree Trimings, Curly Cute and Serene Snowflakes
Punches used: Scallop Trim Corner and Scallop Edge Border

Punch Used: Boho Blossoms Extra-Large

Happy Crafting and if you dont see me here for a while, I've not dissapeared but just dont have a computer that works!
Loraine

Level 1 hostess set

2010-10-15T17:12:00.000+01:00

Good Evening All

Not posted anything this week so thought that I'd show you a quick card using one of the hostess level 1 set's and a few others.

I LOVE this set, it's just gorgeous and can be earned if you hold a party with a spend over a certain amount, what makes this set even more special is that it can be used with co-ordinating Stampin' Up! punches. There is one more stamp in this set which is a butterfly but that was just going a little too far to put that one on my card too and besides I dont own the butterly punch yet and was far to lazy, in this instance, to cut it out!

Stamp set's used: Punch Potpourri (level 1 hostess) and Curly Cute
Punches used: Full Heart Punch, Extra-Large Two-Step Bird Punch, Boho Blossoms Extra-Large Punch, Scallop Trim Corner and Scallop Trim Border

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Workshops and Class

2010-10-09T16:54:00.000+01:00

Good Evening all

I trust that you're all well. I've had a busy week this week with two workshops and my Saturday morning craft class but I've met some lovely crafty ladies along the way and we've all, from beginner to experienced, had a good time crafting and nattering.

I'll show you two of the cards that we've done this week as the other done in class today was by request and already on my blog about a week ago (Vintage Vogue with a "yo-yo" and button).

Stamp set's used: Dasher, Serene Snowflakes and Tiny Tags
Wheel used: Soft Holly
Shimmer paint, dazzling diamonds and basic pearls used for accents

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Vintage Vogue (Roses)

2010-10-04T07:11:00.000+01:00

Good Morning All

Hope you're all well and ready for the dry day that we're supposed to get in many parts of the UK today.

I can finally show you this lovely card - biased opinion or what! This card was given to one of my dear friends for her birthday and although made over a week ago, I could not show it to you before she received it. I love this stamp set as there are so many creations that can be made using it.

Stamp set used: Vintage Vogue, Tiny Tags
Punches used for leaves: Extra-Large Two-Step Bird and medium jewelery tag
Accessories used: Piercing tool and mat pack

Loraine

Greenhouse Garden (fancy fold card)

2010-10-02T12:39:00.001+01:00

Good Afternoon All

It's been a lovely morning here in Shropshire today, I started my day with a dash up our local hill (or mountain depending on who you ask), The Wrekin, it was absolutely gorgeous at the top which compensated for the 25 minute dash up. 50 minutes in total up and down.

Then on to craft class which was brilliant as always, a few new techniques today in paper folding and some distressing. The stamp set used can be used with the stamp-a-ma-jig but we chose not to use it today, for effect. I love teaching new techniques and then watching my class members grow, become more confident and get better and better at it when we do them again!

Stamp set used: Greenhouse Garden

Loraine

2010-2011 Idea Book and Catalogue

2010-10-01T13:36:00.000+01:00

Good Afternoon All

Yes, it's true it's the 1st October today and I can now share the brand new Idea Book and Catalogue with you. If you'd like to order your very own copy of this wonderfull glossy book, please drop me a line or send me an e-mail but if you cant wait to dive right in, please follow the link below: http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-GB/20100901/

Happy Crafting
Loraine

Vintage Vogue

2010-09-28T16:42:00.001+01:00

Good Evening All

I hope you've had a very good day. It's been a dull, wet and cool day here in Shropshire today.

The card that I'm going to show you today is a fairly simple one that I made while doing my demo's at the craft fair this past weekend. I've used one of my favourite stamp sets. The embelishment in the bottom left hand corner was created by my crafting friend Elaine who kindly sewed the button on for me too. Me and sewing are still not very good friends and Elaine creates some lovely cards using her yo-yo's. The shimmer on the chocolate chip cardstock is done using the champagne shimmer mist which I've used as a spritz and there are some dazzling diamonds on the F for just a little more bling.

Stamp set used: Vintage Vogue
Accessory used: piercing tool and mat pack
Shimmer mist and dazzling diamonds used

Loraine

******Loraine's Cards and Crafts******

Hip, Hip, Hooray (Create a cupcake)

SAB (sale.a.bration) is back!

Charming and Build a Blossom

Crochet Flowers

Envelope card and Calendar

New Year 2012 and New Mini

Medallion Christmas

Spinner Card and Box (Beautifull Season)

Beautifull Season, card in a box!

Serene Snowflakes and Style Beautifull

Dasher with Serene Snowflakes and Creative Elements

Style Beautifull and young vermillion

It's a good time to be a hostess!

Pocket Sillhouetes

Essington Fruit Farm

Tree Trimings and Beautifull Season

Beautifull Season

Serene Snowflakes

Idea Book & Catalogue 2011-2012 is here!!

Serene Snowflakes

Plane and simple (men's) Tree Trimmings (Christmas)

Greenhouse Garden & Butterfly Prints

Circle Circus Christmas

Build a Blossom & Blossom Petals Punch

Circle Circus and Happiness Shared

Silhouette Sentiments and Vintage Vogue

Inspiration

4 You............

Greenhouse Garden

August Promotion

Vintage Wallpaper and Vintage Vogue

Pocket Silhouettes and Happiness Shared (wiper card)

Clearly For You

Simply Said

Happiness Shared

Forest Friends and Plane & Simple

Blossom Petal Punch and All A Flutter

Card in a box

Circle Circus and Because I care

Happy Father's Day

A couple of punches

Trendy Trees

Waterfall Card

Tissue Box

Vintage Touches

Side Step and Gap card

Very Vintage!

Butterfly Punch................

Embossing Folders

Circle Circus and Build a blossom

Build a Blossom and Medallion with flower

Very Vintage Wheel

Mini Catalogue is here

Medallion

Knives and FORKS at the ready

March Frenzy

Z Fold card and gift box set

Spinner Card...........

Bag-A-Lope and card set

Medallion and Bliss

Greenhouse Garden

Pop Up Card, Garden Whimsy.................

Clean and simple baby card

Trendy Trees Class

Tiles (using Natures Nest)

Double slider card and gift bag set

Stampin' Pastel's and SAB

Green house Garden and a bit of Vintage Vogue

Simply Said and Butterfly Prints

Craft Class using Sale-A-Brations 2011 sets

Can you Resist?

It's Stampin' Up! Sale-A-Bration Time

A couple of mugs

Christmas Wishes

Dashing through the snow..............

Bags and Tags

Last Class of the year (Serene Snowflakes)

Natures Nest

Love is like a butterfly

Loraine's Cards and Crafts