Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Why Women Take Soooooo Long in the Toilet!

Finally - the answer to the age-old question is found HERE!!    Seriously, I went out for coffee yesterday with some friends, and was given a copy of this to read.  Well, I laughed soooo hard that I was told to be quiet by one of my friends!   If you need to laugh out loud right now - READ IT!!    I had to find a copy of it, so googled it and found it - that's how good it is!!   Don't be put off by how long it is.... just READ IT! 

Have a wonderful night!

Next time your boyfriend asks you why you were in the bathroom so long, show him THIS!

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women,so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants!

The dispenser for the modern seat covers' (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't -so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would scream if you put it on the FLOOR! ), yank down your pants, and assume ' The Stance.'

In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold 'The Stance.'
To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, 'Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!' Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now,you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail .

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet.'Occupied!' you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try.

You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, 'You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get.'

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.
At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors,so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe.(Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe,plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, 'Here, you just might need this.'

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom.

Annoyed, he asks, 'What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?'

This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with a public restroom(rest??? you've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door!

Michelle

Online Garage Sale!

Here's my big garage sale clean-out, ready for the new lot to arrive in about 10 days!  YAY!!   All stamps are used, unless stated otherwise, and in good condition, with some minor ink staining.  You can email or phone me to hold any items for you for a couple of days.  Postage is $4 per set, or you are welcome to pick them up. 

* brand new, unused.

HOSTESS SETS :

*From the Garden (Level 1) $25
*Oh So Lovely  (Level 1) $25
*So Many Sayings (Level 1) $25
*A Little Bit of Happiness (Level 1) $25
*Infinite Goodness (Level 2) $40
*Cause for Celebration (Level 2) $40
*Spring Solitude Bundle - wheel & stamp set (Level 2) $40
*In the Spotlight (Level 3) $65
*Party Punch (Level 1) $25

Time Well Spent (Level 3) $50

STAMP SETS :
*Alphabits $25
*Birthday Best $25
Bud Basics $30
French Flair Background $30

Merry Merry $35
Pure & Simple Alphabet Upper $50
Stipple Rose $22
Tag Time $50
Take Three $28 
Whimsical Alphabet lower $50
Wild Rose $68

WHEELS :
All About Christmas $10
Leaves A La Carte $10
Basic Outline $10
*Kisses $10

PUNCHES :
1/8" Circle Punch $10

Paper Piecing Punch $15

2009 Sale-A-Bration Sets    
Polka Dot Punches $25 
Congrats $25
Yummy $25
Botanical Blooms $25

Oval Punch meets Dazzling Diamonds

Good morning!

I'm back from my weekend away in Waiuku, and had a fabulous time with the great team of women up there.  Thought I'd better post something just to let you know I'm still here!   This is a case of a card done by Louise Ryan, and I just LOVE it.  I must admit - adding the dazzling diamonds to all those ovals is a little time consuming and fiddly, but I do think the end result is totally worth it!

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Here's how to do it :

Petals : Punch 10 small ovals out of coloured card (I used Purely Pomegranate) and then punch a large oval directly over the hole created.  If you punch them off centered so one edge is a little wider than the other then the petals look more authentic!   Then punch two more ovals as above out of green card (I used always artichoke) for leaves.

Glue 5 petals on vellum (I used card, not paper vellum)  in a flower shape (overlapping the middle).   Make two of these flowers, then glue the two green ovals onto the vellum for leaves.  Cut out each flower and the leaves, and apply 2-way glue pen to the ovals, without getting any glue on the vellum.  Sprinkle over Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and tap off excess.    Layer the flowers and the petals as desired, and then punch out a 3/4" circle and dazzle that up as well.  Attach this in the middle to hide all the overlapping bits.

Enjoy!

Michelle

Friday, March 27, 2009

Just before I go...

Hi there everyone - Just a quick post before I pack the car and head up to Waiuku and spend the weekend with my LOVELY team of women up there.  This is a box made with the 5-in1 envelope template.  It's fun & fast, and very sweet.  We made this last night at Inglewood High School.  Well done girls!   If you would like to see a fabulous video tutorial on making these boxes, check out Dannie's Designs Blog posting here.  Thanks Dannie - it's a fabulous tutorial!  I just adjusted my measurements for the base a little to make it fit onto a sheet of A4 cardstock, so started with a 20.5cm x 20.5cm box base, and scored at 2.5cm on each side.  That seemed to work just fine.

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I'll be back with more to show you on Monday. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Michelle

p.s  if you have asked for my retired list, and haven't received it - don't worry - I'm STILL getting it sorted!   I WILL be emailing it out early next week. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Stepper Box

Hi everyone!   Thought I'd share with you all what we made at WITT today - it was requested that we learn how to make the Stepper (or Fantasy) box, and even though I'd already made them quite some time ago, I still REALLY enjoyed having another go at it.  Each one is different, depending on what DSP you use.  This one I used up the last of my Spring Silhouettes DSP, along with Not Quite Navy * Whisper White cardstock.  If you want to have a go, then check out the tutorial HERE.  I changed my measurements from inches to centimetres so that I could make it easier (LOL), and so my lid was 17cm x 17cm, and my inside boxes 14.8cm x 14.8cm (just a piece of cardstock cut in half exactly)  I also didn't put on the little flap bit - seems to be "excess to requirements" to me!

Off to finish of getting organised for tomorrow - Kim is teaching a group of demonstrators how to make her fabulous Stationery Box - watch here for more details!

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Tower Box 1

Oops - sorry, somehow my watermark has disappeared from my photos!!  NOT going to go back now, so enjoy!

Michelle

Monday, March 23, 2009

Cute (& SIMPLE) Easter Egg Basket

I'm BACK!!   I've finished my guest blogging spot on Lindsey's blog, and it was fun to challenge myself to post something on a regular basis - hope you missed me..  !   ANYWAY - here's a cute little Easter Egg basket - this one is SUPER simple.  Don't you LOVE simple - I know Trudi does - check out her cute & simple card she posted today.  It's very sweet!

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I used the soon-to-be-gone Ginger Blossom DSP, and the Styled Silver hodgepodge.  Don't ask me how I DIDN'T eat these little Crunchie Eggs - maybe because they take so long to peel the wrapper off, and are hardly worth the effort??!   LOL. 

Goodnight!

Michelle

Saturday, March 21, 2009

A peep at the new in colours & PAY IT FORWARD

A little time this afternoon to just play - with my new in colour cardstock & inks.  LOVE them.  I even made markers with all the in colours (something I meant to get around to last year, but never quite did).  If you don't know how, leave me a message 'cos it's VERY cool to have in colour markers to use on your stamps.   YOU SIMPLY HAVE to come along to the catalogue launch party on the 8th of April and see how very cool the new catalogue is, and hopefully win the gift basket of goodies from the new catalogue.  I did a wish list this afternoon - OUCH!  LOTS of things I absolutely LOVE, so lucky for me we get such a good discount as a demonstrator!   If your wish list tends to get a little out of hand as well, then talk to me about just HOW good a discount you get on your orders - you don't have to do classes or workshops if you just want to place your own orders and some for your friends that's all good as well.  Let me give you a hint... how's 30% off your FIRST order, then a minimum of 20% off each order after.   Of course, there's a little fine print, but I promise you, we are very well looked after. 

Here's a little peep at the card I posted over on Lindsey's blog today.  I've got another couple of days blogging for Lindsey while she is away at her Retreat, and it's been fun - good to keep motivated that's for sure!

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Now - I played along with a Pay It Forward that was on Wanda's blog TWO WEEKS AGO {{SHAME}} and have finally got around to posting it on mine.  It's such a fun thing to do (and get).  Here's how it works - the first five people who respond to this post, will receive a handmade surprise from me! The catch is that you have to pay it forward, post this on your blog, and send out five handmade surprises of your own. What a fun way to spread some Autumn good cheer!
Now - I'm going to limit this to NZ only players (sorry overseas ladies!), so go ahead, and leave me a comment.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend - my DH is out with our eldest son shooting possums (YUCK) and I have been feeling a little "off" today - played a terrible game of squash where I might as well have been playing in gumboots for all the running I did, then came home and sat out in the sun to read a book, and fell asleep. Woke up feeling odd, and think I've got an ear infection judging by my deaf ear & sore neck & head.  Sent the others off to my sister-in-law's birthday dinner and now I'm going to watch Mama Mia by myself before a relatively early night.   Hope I last through the movie - tend to fall asleep when I'm not doing something in front of the t.v, so might mount some stamps or something! 

ANYWAY - enjoy YOUR evening.

Michelle

Friday, March 20, 2009

KWerner Colour Inspiration #46

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Hey there everyone!   I just HAD to do the KWerner Colour Inspiration Challenge, even though it was one of the toughest ones so far - I struggled with the colours, and where to put everything again!  Think it might have been working with Riding Hood Red (one of the brand spanking new in-colours!), but I persevered, and managed to fit in ALL of the colours required, although I did have to throw in a little white to break it down just a little!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         This is a cute little box I designed to hold a box of Guylian Chocolates.    Don't ask where all the chocolates are though - I think both you AND I know the answer to that one!!   

Speaking of chocolate....  there is a stamp set that I'm simply dying to get from the BRAND NEW CATALOGUE I RECEIVED TODAY that says "Coffe, Chocolate, Men - some things are just better rich."   Think I'm going to have to get that one!

 

Enjoy your night!

Michelle

You know that feeling??..

Ducky  

I signed up for an exercise class and was told to wear loose fitting clothing.

If I HAD any loose fitting clothing, I wouldn't have signed up in the first place!!

 

Hope you are all having a fabulous day!

Enjoy your weekend - I'll see you back here on Monday.

Michelle

Peep for a gift box

Good morning everyone!   Thanks for stopping by Lindsey's blog, where I'm guest blogging the rest of this week.  Here's another peep of what I've posted over there today. 

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Don't forget to register for Stamp Camp which is coming up on 25th April from 10.00am - 4.00pm before 1st April if you would like to get a free pack of cardstock (RRP $12.50) - makes for a fabulous day stamping, and creating wonderful projects with others who love to stamp!

I'm going to be sending out MY list of retiring stamp sets from my collection, which has dwindled significantly to make way for the FABULOUS NEW STUFF!   If you would like me to email you through the sets I'm selling with prices, then please let me know.

Enjoy your Friday - I hope you are impressed that I had  two brownies in the oven this morning by 6.30am.  My DH thought I'd lost my mind when he woke to find me baking at 6am!  LOL - the things you do.   Hope it tastes half as good as the mixture!  That's what I call a good start to the day.  Coffee & brownie.  YUM! 

Michelle

Thursday, March 19, 2009

CATALOGUE LAUNCH 8TH APRIL

Hi to you all - I haven't slipped off the face of the earth, but have been super super busy creating loads of stuff that I will be sharing on LINDSEY'S BLOG over the next couple of days while Lindsey is away having a ball at her stamp retreat, just like this one...  which uses one of our BRAND NEW STAMP SETS that is going to be in the new catalogue!  WOOOHOO!

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I DO have some fabulous news for you all though - Sharlene and I are getting together to do a HUGE CATALOGUE LAUNCH on Wednesday 8th April at the Westown Bowling Club.   You can come along and check out some of the new stamp sets and the awesome new in-colours that will be featured in the brand new catalogue!  
For just $15 you will receive your very own copy of the new catalogue, you will also get to make two make & takes with the new stamps sets, and enjoy some nibbles and of course good food! 

During the evening some lucky person will win a basket full of goodies, including ink pads and cardstock in the brand new in-colours!    You'll be able to order on the night, so even if you don't win the basket of goodies, you can still order your own new in colours and new stamp sets, punches, Designer Paper & MUCH MORE!! 
Call me now to save your spot and your place will be confirmed on receipt of payment.

Date:  April 8th, 2009  from  7:00 - 9:00pm
Location:   West End Bowling Club, Cutfield Road, Westown
Cost:  $15 (pay for your catalogue and get everything else free!!)

Have a wonderful day.

Michelle

Sunday, March 15, 2009

And the WINNER OF THE USTAMP SPRING 09 PASS is...

Pam!   Congratulations Pam - random.org picked you as my winner!   If you would like to send me an email at o2bstampin@hotmail.co.nz then I can organise your membership in plenty of time for the new UStamp Spring 09 sessions.    THANK YOU to the ladies who took part - I hope you had fun, as I sure LOVED getting all your comments. 

UStamp Spring 09 starts on 24th April, and promises to be packed full of amazing ideas and creations.  If you wish to purchase your membership then click on the blinkie on my sidebar, and you'll be all signed up in just a couple of minutes.  Don't forget to tell them that Michelle sent you, and that will earn ME another pass to GIVE AWAY to one of YOU again!

Enjoy your Sunday.  I'm going to be busy getting ready for my Guest Blogger position on Lindsey Blackhurst's blog, Stamp With Linz next week - I'm so excited, and just a little nervous! 

Michelle

Friday, March 13, 2009

LAST CHANCE TO WIN & A CATALOGUE LAUNCH PARTY.

Hello!  Sorry, again a crazy busy day - should have been a lovely quiet catch-up type of day that I was really looking forward to, but as it sometimes happens one thing leads to another, and I had no time for catching up on anything!  Never mind - I was really pleased that I was able to quickly do the KWerner challenge first thing!    So, THIS is going to be my last question for you to enter for the FREE UStamp Sping 09 pass ...

Who is the Australian Dream Team Member for UStamp, and whose challenge (#61) has she just completed? 

You have until midnight Saturday to enter - I'm really looking forward to drawing out a winner and announcing it on Sunday - Thank you to you lovely ladies who are playing along!

The last UStamp Super Special for you is ...

Heat Tool OR a Paper Cutter - (ESSENTIAL's for your cardmaking!)  just $45.00 each plus shipping.  This special ends at midnight Saturday!

My Stampin' Up! Pre-Order arrived today - Yippee!    There are some VERY cool stamp sets, and the new in-colours are just gorgeous!   Speaking of gorgeous...  Sharlene & I are having a little party - OK, a BIG PARTY to launch the new catalogue & have a little fun!   I'll post the details tomorrow, as I'm needing SLEEP right about now!

OH BUT WAIT - I haven't told  you my VERY VERY exciting news.....  check HERE TO SEE WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT ...

Goodnight!!

KWerner Colour Inspiration #45

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You can check out the other entries for Kristina's Colour Inspiration HERE.

LOVED this challenge, thanks Kristina!  Elegant colours - something that I thought of for a wedding card, or anniversary.  

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En Francais, Eastern Blooms, Together Forever.  Basic Gray, Basic Black, Whisper White, Scallop Edge Punch, Designer Label Punch, Large Oval Punch, Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Versmark, Heat Tool, White EP.

Enjoy your day!

Michelle

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Easter Egg Box

This is SUCH a sweet little box, found originally on www.starlightstamper.com.  The ladies all LOVED making it - it was SOOO easy.  OK, not quite so easy today, as nothing seemed to fit quite right on the inside, but I think we all got there in the end!  Well done to you ladies who persevered, and I hope your eggs are all safely sitting in their little boxes.  There was one egg left over somehow.  Was...   No prizes for guessing where it went shortly after I returned home from a birthday lunch with my Mum (HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!).  She still looks 50 to me.  I have told you I should be wearing my glasses more, right!?   No really, Mum's so good to us, and it's just fabulous to have my Mum living just a 5 minute drive from my home.  Thanks Mum for all that you do - hope you had a wonderful night at Dawn's place - I know she was going to be spoiling you!  Sooo, without further ado, here's the box!

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I've been stamping (and eating) all day, apart from our lunch out, (which was great) catching up on the projects that people needed made for them, and I'm very nearly THERE!  YAY.  Just in time to make the projects for tomorrow night's Inglewood High School class!  LOL.       NOW - did you all see the Stationery Box that Kim made  HERE and HERE?  It's just fabulous, and we have finally got Kim to book a date for us to come along and make this amazing project!   Kim is holding two classes (maximum of 10 per class).   Details are :

Wednesday 25th March 10.00am at my place (New Plymouth) AND  Friday 29th March 7.00pm at Kim's place (Inglewood). 

COST $20.00 per person (or $15.00 for a pre-cut kit with step-by-step instructions).  You will need to book and pay to confirm your place.  This class is open to anyone, whatever level of stamper you are, I'm sure you'll just love this box.    You can register through me, or leave Kim a message on her blog.  THANKS Kim - I'm SO pleased that we've got some dates booked in.  I just can't wait!

Well - just pretend this post is really tomorrow, as I think it's going to be a busy day, and I may not quite get to blogging... sooo here's Thursday's UStamp Question to enter the draw for the FREE UStamp Spring 09 Pass...

What is the full name of the co-founder of UStamp.  One of them is Dawn Rapsas, who is the other one?

Today's Super Special is...

Stampin' Write Markers (Family Set of 12 markers - your choice of colour) just $55.00 plus postage!

There's just two more days to enter the draw, and 2 more Super UStamp Specials!

Thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Well done everyone!

WOW - You sure are getting good at answering these questions... Don't forget - you don't have to answer all of the questions each day, but the more you answer, the more entries you get into my draw!

Today's UStamp Question is ...

You can get a FREE UStamp Pass by introducing some "new to UStamp" friends.  How many friends need to use your name to earn you a FREE UStamp Pass to the next event?

And seeing as yesterday I forgot to put on a Super UStamp special (that is available to ANYONE, not just UStamp members!) here's a great one for today ...

Purchase two ink pads, and receive a re-inker of your choice for FREE!    

I'm putting in an order tonight, so make sure you email your order through to be before 9pm if you want to take advantage of this (or any of my other) UStamp Super Specials.

NOW, look at this!!!  I was delight & mortified yesterday when I opened my mailbox to find a parcel all the way from Canada!  Delighted, because this adorable gift set is just so gorgeous, and mortified, because I realised that I had taken part in a UStamp Secret Sister Swap that I hadn't done yet!   Oooooh!   So THANK YOU to Michelle Hanway for this gorgeous package - yours is IN THE MAIL TODAY!  

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I'd better get a hurry on - boys need to get to school, and I have Stamp Club starting in just over an hour!

Have a fabulous day.

 Michelle

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Today's question to WIN a FREE UStamp Spring 09 Membership is...

OK, so I'm just a little little bit late posting this, sorry!  What I'm doing is every time you answer the daily question correctly this week, I put your name into the draw to win a FREE UStamp Spring 09 Membership, which starts on 24th April.  I'll be posting some more information about UStamp later this week, but for right now, just a quick question...

"What is the spelling mistake regarding ME on UStamp's blog?"

Check out the sidebar for information on the Dream Team Members!  Answer this simple question by leaving a comment on this post, and I'll put you in the draw!  I won't be posting any answers until the end of the week, so make sure you keep answering my questions, and you'll get ANOTHER entry into the draw - so long as you're correct of course!  LOL

Sorry, no cards to put on here again today - I'm in the "survive" mode, which I LOVE, but HATE!   LOVE being busy busy, but HATE feeling slightly rushed... I'm sure you know what I mean!   Anyway - Stamp Club tonight, so am really looking forward to making our projects together.

Have a fabulous night

Michelle

Monday, March 9, 2009

Enter to WIN with today's question..

OK, so this morning I set out for half an hour to pick up two of my boys who stayed away from home last night, and I ended up coming home 5 hours later!   What a great day - stamping with my Sister and creating the coolest e.... - well, I can't possibly tell you and spoil the surprise for my Stamp Club ladies tomorrow and Wednesday, so I'll be sure to post it at the end of the week!  So, nothing new to show you just yet - but here's today's question to enter the UStamp Spring 09 FREE membership draw..

What is the name of Dawn Rapsas' blog?   Dawn is the co-founder of UStamp, and a very talented lady.  Check out the UStamp blog on my sidebar to go and find out the answer - I'll post your answers at the end of the week!  No cheats for you today!  LOL

While you are blog surfing, check out Wanda's blog on my sidebar - she's got a fabulous "Pay It Forward" going on (plus some wonderful creations) that you can enter! 

TODAY'S SUPER USTAMP SPECIAL IS : ...

Hodge Podge Hardware - receive half a share of Hodgepodge Hardware (Either Pewter, Copper or Brass) for just $25.00 INCLUDING SHIPPING!    That's 69 pieces of Hodgepodge, plus 50 brads!

The pewter & brass Hodgepodge are low quantity, so please have an alternative colour in mind in case it sells out super quick this week!  Please note : The tin is not included.

Subject to availability - while stocks last.

Hope to post something a little later - depends how much of my re-organising my wardrobe I get completed before my DH comes home!

Enjoy your afternoon.

Michelle

Sunday, March 8, 2009

I LOVE it when that happens...

Yep - a card that comes together "just like that", and that you LOVE when you have finished.  That's what's happened today.  This card took me no more than 30 minutes to come up with from "I've got absolutely no idea where to start" to completion, and I am thrilled with the end result!   Wooohooo!!  I used one of my last 2 pieces of DSP from Bali Breeze - the piece that I HATED, and thought I'd never use - well, what do you know - I actually used it, and like it!  

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And here's a close up with the pastels...

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So, I'm not sure of the "offical" way to use Pastels, but this is what I do...  The secret is to use the daubers.  I used to think that you could get away without them, but NO - they make sure the pastels go exactly where they are supposed to, and they are the right density to ensure a fabulous colour from your pastels.  I inked up En Francais with versamark, and stamped it through a square (homemade) stencil to give the white frame around the image.  Then I inked up Eastern Blooms with versamark, and stamped that over the top, again through the stencil I had made.  Then I started with my softest colours I was using, and using the daubers, applied the pastels to the stamped images by gently "scratching" with the dauber on my finger, over top of the image.  Does that make sense?   What I mean, is I don't rub to hard, because then your pastel colour smudges all over your white cardstock, where you don't want all the colour - you just want it to go onto the stamped images, right??  So by gently scratching the colour on, you get a beautiful coloured image.  What do you think?  Can you understand what I've done, or do I need to be more specific?   BTW - I heard that using hairspray will set your pastels so they won't rub off, so hopefully that is correct, as my card now looks AND smells lovely!!  LOL.

Well - off for some more creating - I'm on a roll now!

Enjoy!

Michelle

WIN ** WIN ** WIN

That's right - you can win a FREE UStamp 09 Spring Pass right here - all you have to do is answer the question I post each day on my blog, every day from today until next Saturday, and for those dedicated followers, one of you will win a Free UStamp Pass (Valued at US$25.00).  So leave a comment on this post, and make sure you check back tomorrow for the next question!   How easy is that?  (I won't be releasing the comments for publication until tomorrow, so you can't check what everyone else has answered!)  You can find all the answers by visiting the UStamp web page (click on the UStamp Logo on my sidebar).

TODAY'S QUESTION IS : ....

What is the date of the Grand Opening for UStamp Spring 09?

Each day this week I will also be posting a "Super UStamp Special" (which you can purchase either one or all of).  You can pay by direct credit, or Paypal, and I'm happy to post to out-of-towners!   If you join up with UStamp and list me as a referral, then you'll get a bonus treat in with your order!

TODAY'S SUPER USTAMP SPECIAL IS : ....

Purchase Stampin' Pastels $57.95 (plus 5% postage) and receive a free blender pen!

I'll be posting a card I have made using these wonderful Pastel's later today to give you some inspiration!

Enjoy your Sunday afternoon!

Michelle

 

 

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Playing with Carousel Notes

Well - I've had a wonderful evening playing with things I've been meaning to make for such a long time, but never quite seem to have enough time, so tonight, my DH was out, and the kids were all asleep, so I put on the radio, sang along, and played!  FUN!   This is one of the projects I made - it's a Carousel Notes Bag, which I originally saw on Cambria Turnbow's blog, and have just changed it around to make a box base rather than using the Carousel Notes envelopes.  The measurements for the base are :

24cm x 21cm.   Score at 9.5cm in from each short side, then score at 5cm in from each long side.  (couldn't get the stupid template to draw lines properly, and I've spent way to much time getting frustrated, so may replace the instructions with a picture shortly....!)     You can check out Cambria's tutorial HERE.  I'm intending to fill this with some of the infamous mini crunchie bars that I have now deemed fit to give away (I've checked them many many times...) to a lovely friend who is due to have a baby any day now.

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Enjoy your weekend!

Michelle

Mojo Monday & KWerner Colour Inspiration Challenge

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Hello!   After a week that left me to busy to do any challenges, I have had time to play today, and decided to do my first Mojo Monday challenge (which was so much fun!) and combine it with a KWerner Colour Inspiration.

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Pretty in Pink/Chocolate Chip/Close to Cocoa cardstock.  Vellum, Markers, Fire & Ice Brads, Chocolate Satin Ribbon, Pink Taffeta Ribbon, White Gel Pen.  Embrace Life Stamp Set.

Enjoy your afternoon - the sun's out finally (after standing in the pouring rain for cricket this morning), and we're off for a game of squash, to wear off a few of the crunchie bars I have had to test to make sure they meet the standard before I use them in my classes....   Yeah Rite!

Michelle

Friday, March 6, 2009

Mostly Flowers. Mostly.

These are the photos of two of my cards that we will be making this month at my $2 cards/Retirement Party.  I have sorted out 45 sets - yes 45 - that are going to be retiring that need to GO.  My Stamp Club ladies will have the first option on them next week, then they'll be out for you to have a look at on the 17th March.  Come along and check out what you can pick up for a bargain!

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Mostly Flowers is one of the retiring sets that I have borrowed from Helen at the moment, and am really wishing that I had bought it earlier now.  It's SO cool!  Have you ever seen Tea Bag Folding?  I kid you not - that's what it's called (who knows why), but it is just amazing, and I'm going to be showing how to do it at my WITT class on Tuesday, then at Inglewood High on Thursday, and maybe, (if Helen lets me keep her set for another week!) at $2 cards on the 17th March as well!  This card is one that Helen made and brought along to our beach retreat last weekend.  It's so easy to make, and I love the effect.   I'm going to have a little play and see what else I could do with this cute layout.

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And this card, which was originally made by Leah Sinatra, is using our lovely Level 2 Hostess Set Spring Solitude bundle.  I used watercolour pencils to colour the flowers, then the 5 petal flower punch and Polka Dot Punches SAB set. 

Enjoy your wet Friday - looks like cricket might once again be cancelled tomorrow.  Shame.  NOT!

Michelle

Thursday, March 5, 2009

PRICELESS!

Good afternoon - the camera is all up & charged, so I'm back with some photos - finally!   I have only recently got Priceless, and I am really loving it!   I'm not exactly sure what kind of fold this is - it's not a joy fold, but is kind of similar, so today, it's a "Michelle Special Fold"... maybe you can tell me what it's really called?!  This is one of the cards we are making at Inglewood High School class tonight.   If you would love to make a set of cards using this (or any other) stamp set, then give me a call - I offer classes at my home or yours for just $10 for 4 cards using the same set for a group of 6 or more.

RECIPE : Cardstock/Ink : Groovy Guava, Chocolate Chip, River Rock, Whisper White.  Accessories : Double Stitched Ribbon, Eyelet, Crop-O-Dile, Versamark, Heat & Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds.    I rock 'n rolled the butterfly to get the multiple colours on the wings, then applied heat & stick powder over top of versamark, heated it, then applied dazzling diamonds on top.

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Enjoy your night, and thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Updated retiring list - more sold out!

List of sold out items updated 4th March:

SOLD OUT  LOW QUANTITY REMAINING 

River Rock A4 card stock
Ahoy, Matey
Rich Regal Eyelets 
Black Hemp Twine 
Daisey Field Wheel
In Colour 12"x 12" card stock 
Theater Ribbon Originals
Soft Subtle buttons
Wild Wasabi A4 card stock
Basics Outline Jumbo Wheel
Earth Elements & Neutrals buttons
Gift sacks
By Land
Fishy wheel
Dad's Day
It's Your Birthday
Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware
Everything Baby
Fabulous Flowers
Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel
Speckled Jumbo Wheel
Birthday Jumbo Wheel
Stipple Rose
Classic Backgrounds
Symbols of Solicitude
Forever in My Heart
Rich Regal Buttons

$2 cards Retirement Party - found the camera!

Yes, I can hear you asking - "$2 cards, WHAT $2 cards?"   After lots of people asking why I'm not having $2 cards this month, I decided to combine a retirement party & $2 cards on one night.  Here are the details:

When: Tuesday 17th March, Open Home from 6.30pm-10.00pm
Cost: $15 - make 8 cards of your choice from 5 different designs.  You can make additional cards for $2 per card.

BYO adhesive - Nibbles will be provided.

Come and have a last play with some of my much-loved but soon-to-be-gone forever stamp sets.  I will be having a silent auction where you can bid on some retiring goodies from my own collection so I can clear some room for some fabulous new stamp sets that are coming next month!   

Register by Saturday 14 March by phone or email : 06 7533736 / o2bstampin@hotmail.com 

I've just ventured into the area known by most as a son's bedroom (also know as "pigsty" and "that tip where you sleep") and found the missing camera, so I can post two of the cards I've already made for $2 cards...  I KNOW!!   I'm super organised, which is amazing for me right!?   Usually it's the early hours of the night before that I finish preparing.   I don't know what has come over me!!

 

OK - soo even though my day got better when the courier delivered my 24 FAMILY PACKS OF CRUNCHIE BARS - (all for use in classes of course) the battery on my camera is, of course, FLAT, so it will be a little while until I can post the promised photos, but I did get the 6x6 pages posted before it died!

Enjoy!

Michelle

Happy Mental Health Day.

So some days, you just need a laugh to start the day, as there isn't much else to laugh at, so here's one for all those women who heaved a sigh of relief when their darling cherubs walked out the door to go to school this morning, or who walked with 16 children on the Walking School Bus to school, all the way yelling "keep up with the person in front of you."   "Stay off the road"   "Don't lay down on the footpath where other people are trying to get past" and "If you don't stop sulking, I'll leave you here on the side of the road"  (the latter was one of my cherubs!)

 

Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool. Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there.    Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out.  When the Head Nurse Director became aware of Edna's heroic act she  immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she now considered her to be mentally stable. When she went to tell Edna the news she said, "Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness. The bad news is, Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead."   Edna replied, "He didn't hang himself, I put him there to dry.   How soon  can I go home?" 


Happy Mental Health day!

 

Ok, so once I stopped laughing, I thought I'd better find something to post today, instead of just rambling, so here it is!   (FOUND THE CAMERA!)  This layout was inspired by a page that TONI created, then once again, someone else changed it just a little, then someone else did second page for a double page layout, then I recreated it with my own colours & DSP.  LOVE it! 

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RECIPE : Purely Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White & River Rock ink & cardstock.  Holiday Harmony DSP, Oval Punches, Double Stitched Ribbon, Pretties Kit, Corner Rounder, Lovely labels, French Flair & Baroque Motifs stamp sets

Enjoy your day!

Michelle

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Updated Retiring List - Sold Out items & a Treasure Box

Hi there - just a quick update on the retiring list.  I will update daily items that are sold out.  Once again - act quickly if you don't want to miss out on any stamp set or accessory before it's to late! 

 

The following items are either sold out, or low in stock.

107565 Flip Flops SOLD OUT
109020 Wild Wasabi Ink Refill SOLD OUT
109015 Soft Sky Ink Refill SOLD OUT
109016 River Rock Ink Refill SOLD OUT
109017 Purely Pomegranate Ink Refill SOLD OUT
100381 Earth Elements Eyelets SOLD OUT
100378 Soft Subtle Eyelets SOLD OUT
109019 Groovy Guava  Ink Refill SOLD OUT
108748 Best Friend Numbers SOLD OUT
107212 Mateys Map SOLD OUT
105320 Basic Eyelets SOLD OUT

MORE that have SOLD OUT- added 2nd March
103195 Gifts Galore SOLD OUT
107561 Garden Annuals SOLD OUT
109610 Confetti Simply Scrappin’ SOLD OUT
104279 Leaf Prints SOLD OUT

Added 3rd March
110255 Bundle of Joy SOLD OUT
112402 Short Order Numbers SOLD OUT
109018 Blue Bayou Ink Refill SOLD OUT

Added 4th March
111852 River Rock A4 card stock SOLD OUT
108720 Ahoy, Matey SOLD OUT
105316 Rich Regal Eyelets Low Quantity
101259 Black Hemp Twine Low Quantity
106662 Dasey Field Wheel Low Quantity
108638 In Color 12″x 12″ card stock Low Quantity
109186 Theater Ribbon Originals Low Quantity
105445 Soft Subtle buttons Low Quantity
111850 Wild Wasabi A4 card stock Low Quantity
106610 Basics Outline Jumbo Wheel Low Quantity
103981 Earth Elements & Neutrals buttons Low Quantity
100900 Gift sacks Low Quantity
108763 By Land Low Quantity
104065 Fishy wheel Low Quantity
112253 Dad’s Day Low Quantity
108849 It’s Your Birthday Low Quantity
105531 Antique Brass Hodgepodge Low Quantity
112391 Everything Baby Low Quantity
112310 Fabulous Flowers Low Quantity
107464 Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel Low Quantity
107465 Speckled Jumbo Wheel Low Quantity
107467 Birthday Jumbo Wheel 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

5th March:
108747 Best Friends Alphabet Upper SOLD OUT
111851 Soft Sky A4 card stock SOLD OUT
112229 ABC Images Low Quantity
108857 Linen Low Quantity
108998 Beautiful Life Low Quantity
110248 Polka Dots & Petals Low Quantity
108765 Cheery Chat Low Quantity

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This was the cute Treasure Box we made today at WITT.   It was one of Makeesha's UStamp projects, and a VERY cute one!  I changed the size from using a 12x12 piece of cardstock for the box base to a standard A4 piece, then just amended my measurements as required. I used the Rose Red Prints DSP, Purely Pomegranate & Certainly Celery cardstock & ink, Bold Butterfly wheel & double stitched ribbon.  The stamp set I used is Think Happy Thoughts & the flower from Eastern Blooms.

 

Have a wonderful day!

Michelle

Monday, March 2, 2009

Classes for March

Whoops!!  I realised that I sent out my customer email, but haven't put up my classes on my blog, so just to remind you - here they are :

Take 10 Class - Sunday 15 March 2.00pm-4.00pm  COST : $20.00.  If you purchase the Lovely As A Tree stamp set then you will get a $10 discount off the cost of the set. (RRP $57.95)

We will be making 10 cards (5 different designs) all using the LOVELY AS A TREE stamp set.    Register by Tuesday 10th March.

Stamp Clubs Choose which time suits you - the second Tuesday  of the month at 7.30pm, OR the second Wednesday of the month at 9.30am.  Simply purchase $35.00 worth of product and attend this stamp club for free.  The club runs for 4 more months, and this month we are making a magazine card holder, plus a matching set of 3 cards to go in it, similar to this set :

P3020073

P3020074  P3020076

So if you would like to come along to either class or stamp clubs, give me a call 06 7533736 and join in the fun.

Have a wonderful day!

Michelle

Some scrappin' from the weekend.

Hello!   Hope you are all managing to get hold of what you really really want from the retiring list before it is sold out!  I've just been playing - finishing off a double page spread that I cased from one of the girls in the weekend.  To be honest, I THINK this page was first cased from a page that TRUDI originally made, then someone made it using different DSP, then someone else changed it a little, and I cased that!   Make sense??  Probably everyone that was out at our Team Retreat had a part in creating this page....   Anyway - some really old photos (well before digital, so the quality of the photography is on the ho-hum side) from our honeymoon!    I took all these photos out of the old magnetic album a couple of years ago to stop them from deteriorating, and have not even scrapped one single photo.  So today - I started!   We went on a cruise for our honeymoon (ask me about THAT story one day!) and this is us just leaving the port of Sydney enroute to Vanuatu. 

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I have used the lovely (soon to be gone) Bali Breeze paper, Purely Pomegranate & Tempting Turquoise cardstock, and rub-ons.   

NOW - a BIG tip for you all - the price of DSP AND INK PADS will be increasing in the next catalogue, so if you are like me, and need to get a few more to fill the gaps, make sure you put in your order before the end of the month. 

Now, on with some work!!

Have a great day
Michelle

Sunday, March 1, 2009

A quick goodbye to some old favourites

WOW - soooo much has happened since my last posting, and with me spending the last two days stamping and scrappin and singing and eating.... with our team out at our beach retreat, I'm just trying to catch up on a bit.   Here's the important stuff for now - I'll post some more cool stuff from our time at the beach later on!

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The retiring list is out, and Stampin' Up! have reduced some stamp sets and accessories by a whopping 25% (2 of the designer papers have been discounted by 50%)!  The list below is NOT a complete list of everything that is retiring, you will have to check the links for that, but this is just the sets that have been reduced by Stampin' Up!. 

STAMP SETS REDUCED BY 25% (price shown is the discounted price).   You've got to be super quick, as there are already lots of things that have been sold out completely, so email me to place your order before you miss out as well!

Pg   Stamp Set

26    Hung Up on the Holidays  $26.96
28    Holiday Wishes  $40.46
29    Merry, Merry  $40.46
29    Snow Flurries  $18.71
30    Solemn Stillness  $51.71
31    Keep Christmas  $33.71
33    Dad's Day  $38.21
34    All-Year Fun  $50.96
40    All Through the Year  $29.96
42    Eat Cake  $43.46
48    Artfully Asian  $40.46
53    Like It a Latte  $41.96
56    Greetings Galore  $51.71
65    Bronc Buster  $32.21
68    Go Team  $29.96
68    Just Golf  $21.71
68    Just Tennis  $21.71
78    Bud Basics  $29.96
79    Blossoms Abound  $40.46
83    Sassy Stems  $32.21
90    Office Accoutrement  $53.96
91    Stamp of Authenticity  $53.96
92    Happiness  $29.96
93    Sweet Shapes $43.46
95    Finest Flourishes  $32.21
96    Labelicious  $32.21
100  Sweet Sampler  $26.96
102  Background Sampler  $26.96
107  On the Spot  $29.96
107  Floral  $29.96
107  Linen  $29.96
108  Well-Worn Words  $29.96
108  Paisley  $29.96
108  Friendly  $29.96
108  Canvas  $29.96
108  Fine lace  $29.96
111  Alphabits  $26.96
113  Lexicon of Love  $26.96
117  Expressive Flexible Phrase  $70.46
122  Kia Ora  $27.71
126  Rough Edges Mini Alphabets  $35.21


IN-COLOUR ITEMS REDUCED BY 25%

129  Blue Bayou classic ink pad  $8.81
129  Groovy Guava classic ink pad  $8.81
129  Purely Pomegranate classic ink pad  $8.81
129  Groovy Guava classic ink pad  $8.81
129  River Rock classic ink pad  $8.81
129  Soft Sky classic ink pad  $8.81
129  Wild Wasabi classic ink pad  $8.81
129  In Colour A4 cardstock  $12.94
129  In Colour 12x12" textured cardstock  $19.46
146  Blue Bayou double-stitched grosgrain  $14.96
146  Groovy Guava double-stitched grosgrain  $14.96
146  Purely Pomegranate double-stitched grosgrain  $14.96
146  Soft Sky double-stitched grosgrain  $14.96
146  Groovy Guava double-stitched grosgrain  $14.96
146  Wild Wasabi double-stitched grosgrain  $14.96
146  Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain  $13.46

MISCELLANEOUS ACCESSORIES REDUCED BY 25%

12   Lifelong Notes Simply Sent   $70.46
13   Friendly Notes Simply Sent $89.96
13   Sending Happy Thoughts Simply Sent $89.96
14   Simple Delights Simply Sent   $70.46
14   Three Thoughts Simply Sent   $70.46
133  Days to Remember 12x12 Calendar   $18.71
133  Pockets & Pieces Office Accents  $14.96
137  Crew Kids Boys Simply Scrapping Kit  $32.96
138  Winter Bright Simply Scrapping Kit  $32.96
140  On Board Accents  $18.71
141  On Board Blossoms & Basics  $24.71
141  On Board Ginormous Pieces  $24.71
141  On Board Simon Lower  $18.71
141  Anchored Rub-Ons  $17.63
141  Cherished Memories Rub-Ons  $17.63
141  Urban West Rub-Ons  $17.63
142  1/4" Square Punch  $10.13
142  Spring Flower Bouquet Punch  $26.96
144  Pewter Hodgepodge  $46.46
146  Caramel Gingham Ribbon  $11.96
146  Light Blue Gingham Ribbon  $11.96
146  Light Pink Gingham Ribbon  $11.96
146  Moss Gingham Ribbon  $11.96
147  Bold Brights Buttons  $12.19
147  Earth Elements & Neutrals Buttons  $12.19
147  Beachfront Ribbon Originals   $21.38
147  District Ribbon Originals   $21.38
147  Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals   $21.38

DESIGNER PAPERS REDUCED BY 25%

134-136  Designer Papers $10.46
       Berry Bliss   
       Brocade Background 
       Brilliant Blue Prints
       Certainly Celery Prints
       Close to Cocoa Prints
       Dashing
       East Coast
       Fall Flowers
       Le Jardin
       Notebook
       Old Olive Prints
       Outlaw
       Petals & Paisley
       Pumpkin Pie Prints
       Spring Break
       Spring Fling  
       Spring Silhouettes
Even more savings on these 2 papers:
       Spring Showers  $6.98!
       Spring Flowers   $6.98!

If you want to see the complete retiring list, then click HERE.   I am offering free shipping on any order over $50.00. 

Have a fabulous night!

Michelle