Happy Birthday Sanne!

Today, my little niece Sanne is celebrating her birthday. I was just speaking to her on Skype and asked whether she'd already received my card, but she hadn't. Lucky me, the postman just delivered today's post while I was talking to her and my card was one of them. Again, happy birthday Sanne.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon | Tag: Clothing | Twine: Kikki.K | Border Punch: Martha Stewart | Ribbon: B*Inspired | Flower: Prima Marketing | Rhinestone: KaiserCraft | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) 

Well it's Christmas Eve and we are all set for tomorrow. The table is laid for breakfast,  I've baked an apple pie, and a stollen and David made a white chocolate cheesecake. The weather is going to be warm tomorrow, but cloudy. We are doing a typical Aussie Christmas and having a barbecue with friends.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Cards

The other day, when all the work was done on the yearbook, I finally had a day where I could sit relaxed and create some cards. I managed to create six cards in one day, which is a rarity for me. Four of these were Christmas cards, my first Christmas cards this year, and quite possibly my last.

I started of with the first one using the Papertrey Ink stamp set Wreath for All Seasons. I love that set, but hadn't had a chance to break it in yet. Also, the only Christmas papers I bought this year, where those from The Girl's Paperie, Tinsel & Twig. They are simply delightful.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Papers | Patterned Papers: The Girl's Paperie (Tinsel & Twig) | Die: Papertrey Ink (Spiral Notebook Page) | Ribbon: Vandoros from B*Inspired | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Wreath for all Seasons + Big and Bold Holiday Wishes) | Glitter: Stampin'Up | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black, Blazing Red) + Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Vellum

On the second card I used the same papers, but pulled out the Christmas tree die. I had chosen the 'Happy Holidays' sentiment to stamp on it, but when I was ready to stamp it, it was vanished. I spent about 10 minutes looking for it, cleared my whole desk since it was just there. No, couldn't find it. Later that night, after I had long finished my card and chosen a different sentiment I went searching again and found it stuck on the bottom of my buttons jar.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: The Girl's Paperie (Tinsel & Twig) | Die: Papertrey Ink (Christmas Tree) | Ribbon: Spotlight | Glitter: Stampin'Up | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Tree Trimming Trio + Signature Christmas) | Buttons: Spotlight | Tag: from clothing | Twine | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black)

On my third card I didn't use any patterned paper, just a gorgeous ribbon I bought at B*Inspired on Maling Road.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (Kraft) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Big & Bold Holiday Wishes, Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers) | Rhinestones: Me and My Big Ideas | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black, Blazing Red, Cotton White), Versamark | Ribbon: Be Inspired | Embossing Powder: white

And finally I was inspired by my own Christmas decoration that I created in 2007 to use a little Robin.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: The Girl's Paperie (Tinsel & Twig) | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Lacey Circles, Circles) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Friendship Jar Holiday Fillers) | Chipboard Bird and Twig: Maya Road | Paint: Making Memories | Ribbon: Spotlight | Tag Punch: Martha Stewart | Twine | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black, Cotton White) + Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Cling Stamp: Hero Arts | Glitter: Stampin'Up

Well, that was three post in one evening. I've still got a few more things to catch up on and show you, but it's enough for tonight. Time to find my pillow. Night!

For the Graduate

Last night Rebecca was officially graduating from primary school. They had their big night, where they were all dressed up in beautiful gowns, had dinner with their school teachers from the past seven years and afterwards received their certificates during the ceremony.

A couple of weeks ago we got an invitation from Rebecca and were asked to RSVP in writing. The children had chosen their graduation colours to be purple and turquoise, which was being reflected in the decorations for the event. I created a card to accept our invitation using these colours as well.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: SEI | Dies: Papertrey Ink + Spellbinder Nestabilities (Labels Eight) | Ribbon: Ribtex from Spotlight | Alphabet stickers: American Crafts Thickers (Giggles)

Because graduating from primary school is somewhat of a big event, I decided to make a card as a keepsake for Rebecca, which we gave to her last night. I chose turquoise again, as blue is Rebecca's favourite colour.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Ribbon: Spotlight | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (For the Graduate, A Little Argyle) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) + Stampin'Up (Turquoise) + Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Rhinestones: KaiserCraft + Papermania | Punch: Fiskars (Uppercrest) | Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities (Scalloped Squares) + Papertrey Ink (Double-Ended Banners)

Despite the fact that the children had chosen purple and turquoise as their graduation colours, Rebecca wanted a red dress. Here's a picture of her and her best friend Lauren.

The two of them will be embarking on their journey to their new secondary school as of February 1st. But for now relax and enjoy your holidays.

Farewell Granny

This past weekend David's gran past away. She reached the beautiful age of 90 years. As we are so far away, I made a card for David's mum to let her know that our thoughts are with her.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Ribbon: Spotlight | Butterfly: Jenni Bowlin | Marker: Kikki.K | Clear Stamp: Melissa Francis + Papertrey Ink (With Sympathy) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black + VersaMark) | Embossing Powder: white | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Labels Fourteen) | Vellum

Today was the children's last day of school. All the madness and chaos is over for a couple of months. We have almost 7 weeks of 'nothingness'. I'm so ready for the break and fingers crossed that the weather won't be too disappointing, because we haven't planned to go away. We start afresh in February 2011 for the new school year.

10 Birthday Wishes

Today my little niece Fleur is celebrating her 10th birthday. My record of immaculate timing for cards arriving on time has been scared. Not totally my fault, as it seems the Dutch post is on strike. I just spoke to Ingrid on Skype, but Fleur was at another birthday party so I couldn't congratulate her myself.

Fleur, I wish you a lovely birthday and hope that your card will arrive soon.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon 'Homemaker' | ribbon | Foam letters: American Crafts Thickers | Chipboard Frame: Tattered Angels | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Mixed Messages) | Glitter: Stampin'Up | roses | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Labels Eight)| Ink: Stampin'Up (Chocolate Chip)

I have a lot more things to show you, but I've been buried under the design of the Graduation Yearbook in the past week, which meant everything has fallen by the wayside. The deadline for the yearbook was on Friday. I handed it over to the printer on schedule, and ironically enough I was very pleased that after a full week I could get actually get back to my ironing.

We still have one busy week left before the school year finishes. Rebecca is  After that we have almost 7 weeks off! I'm definitely looking forward to that.

Lucky Number 7!

Today our little baby girl turned 7. It's hard to believe that it was already 7 years ago that she came into our lives. She's been a true blessing for all of us. Happy Birthday, Renee! I hope you had a wonderful day.

This morning Ruben woke his sister bright and early (even though he'd been told not to), which meant we were all up quite early as she naturally wanted to open her presents. We really struggled to think of a present to give her this year, but after consulting with her we bought her an alarm clock like all of us have, as she was the only one that didn't have one. Unfortunately we couldn't get the exact same one anymore, but she's quite happy with the newer version. Ruben gave her the new Professor Layton game for her DS and Rebecca gave her Just Dance 2. This afternoon they already danced to Proud Mary.

Of course I also made her a birthday card:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper + Die-cut stickers: October Afternoon (Fly a Kite) | Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Lacey Circles) | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) | Ribbon: MemrieMarie on Etsy | Chipboard Number: Basic Grey | Glitter: Martha Stewart (Peridot) | Pinking Scissors

Just before her friends arrived for the party I managed to take some pictures of the birthday girl.

At 11.30 a.m. her friends arrived for the party. We were going to Doncaster to Build-a-Bear and afterwards we would come back and have a teddy bear's picnic. I made quite simple invitation, along the same concept as her invitations last year. (I noticed I left the address on last year's invitation, but only realised after I had handed them out, that I'd put our old UK address on them, oops!)

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Cardstock: Jillibean Soup | Ribbon: Be*Inspired | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Baby Button Bits + Round and Round) | Dies: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Circles + Lacey Circles) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Chocolate Chip) | Staples | Buttons | Twine: DMC

I made the invitations for the boys with a green background, but I didn't take a picture of them.

The party went smooth and the children had a lovely time stuffing their teddies and afterwards stuffing their tummies with sandwiches, crisps, tiny teddies and birthday cake.

I got the recipe for the cake out of the Good Food Magazine and baked it yesterday. For the first time I managed to temper the chocolate to make the chocolate curls for on top.

Because all the children had already gotten a teddy and outfit during the party, I'd made a simple lolly bag for them to take home and the end. I decorated them with a doily, felt letter and tag with 'thank you' on it.

Supplies: Sweet Bags: Be*Inspired | Doilies: Newsagent | Felt: Spotlight | Tags: Newsagent | Thank You Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Butterfly Dreams) | Letter Dies: Sizzix (Fun Serif)

It was a gorgeous day today! I hope your weekend will be as bright and sunny as ours.

Now that the party dust has settled I can finish my advent calendar, I have 10 days to finish it.

P.S. Thank you for all your lovely comments and emails I have been receiving lately. It's great to hear from you and discover your blogs too. Some great talent out there...

Number Cards

Last weekend Rebecca had a birthday party of one of the boys in her class. I had given myself about thirty minutes to create a card, so it couldn't be all too complicated. I rediscovered some of my KI Memories lace cardstock, and coincidentally the number 12 (how old he was turning), was in the right place. So I thought: 'Why not!'

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Lace Cardstock: KI Memories | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (The Boyfriend) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 4 + Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Real Red + Chocolate Chip) | Border Punch: EK Success | Buttons: Creative Café + Basic Grey.

My friend, Beth, her mum is turning eighty on Sunday and she asked me if I could make a birthday card for her. I think when you're turning that age, you deserve a bit of glitter. I initially wanted to do something with gold, but I'm not really a gold person, so I went for silver instead. Because I've been busy with the advent calendar, I had my chipboard numbers out and I still had an extra 8 and 0 left over, which were perfect for this card.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Lush) + Amy Butler | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments + Fancy Flourishes) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Pretty in Pink) | Pearls: KaiserCraft | Ribbon | Scallop Die: Papertrey Ink | Pinking Scissors | Butterfly Punch: Martha Stewart (Monarch Butterfly) | Glitter: Martha Stewart (Sterling) | Chipboard Numbers: Basic Grey | Doily: Newsagent.

I have one more card with a number, but I won't be showing that one until tomorrow, as it's the card I made for our baby who'll be turning 7 (not much of a baby anymore, but she will always be our little baby).

I wish everyone a splendid weekend!

Paper Crafts Publications

Recently I've had two cards published for the first time in Paper Crafts. The first one is in the November/December 2010 edition. This card was based on one of the sketch calls. It's quite amazing to see your own work in print still.

This is the front cover of the magazine.

Here's a scan of the page inside this magazine:

And here's a picture of my card that I took (so happy the sun's shining at the moment, gorgeous afternoon):

And yesterday I received my copy of Card Creations, Favorite Occassions, Vol. 2 from Paper Crafts in the post.

Again, the front:

The inside page (I'm sharing the page with the mega talented Heidi van Laar):

And finally a picture of my card:

Ever considered submitting your cards for publication? You can find Paper Crafts submission calls here. The above card were respectively my first and second submissions. I guess I just got lucky.

Thanks for your visit and enjoy your Monday!

Welcome to the World

Just a few days short of a month ago, Hanneke gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Nadé. Nothing deserves a card more than the birth of a newborn, so of course I sent her and her husband a card to congratulate them.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye (Lush) | Border Punch: Martha Stewart | Border Die: Papertrey Ink (Medium Scallop) | Label Die: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 5) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 5 + Night, Night Moon) | Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug | Rhinestones: KaiserCraft | Ribbon: Bella! + Paperchase | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown) | Button: Basic Grey

I'm currently busy making a new advent calendar, which is well under way. Should hopefully be finished in the next couple of days. Will post pictures once it's done.

Happy Birthday to You, Ingrid!

Today my SIL, Ingrid is celebrating her birthday. Something tells me that her card might not have made it there on time, because I posted it on Monday and I had in my head that her birthday (the 14th) was on Tuesday, which it is obviously not! Happy birthday Ingrid, unfortunately I won't be able to be there in person, but nonetheless I hope you have a great day.

In case you haven't received your card yet... here's what it will look like:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Clear card: Sheetload Shortcuts | Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (Urban Prairie) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Year of Flowers: Roses, Damask Designs, Background: Text Style) Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black), Staz'On Opaque (Cotton White) | Label Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities (Lacey Squares) | Ribbon: Paperchase | Pinking Scissors: Spotlight.

Have a great Sunday.

Happy Birthday + Just for You!

After my previous post where I showed you the boy cards I created, I've also got two girly cards still unblogged. For both cards I used Cosmo Cricket's Early Bird papers.

The first card I created for Rachel, who celebrated her birthday in September. I remember it took me a lot of time to create this one. It seemed to go in a different direction than I'd planned out. Nonetheless I'm quite happy with the end result.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Cardstock | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Early Bird) | Border Punch: EK Success | Ribbon: MemrieMare on Etsy | Chipboard Elements: Cosmo Cricket | Pearls: KaiserCraft | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown) | Marker: ZIG by EK Success

For the second one I decided to use a clear card base. I haven't used them for a while, but they still have a special feel about them. I love how you can stamp on them to give it that extra depth.

Supplies: Clear Base: Sheetload Shortcuts | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Early Bird) | Border Punch: EK Success | Circle Border Die: Papertrey Ink | Ribbon | Sticker: Cosmo Cricket | Rhinstones: Me and My Big Ideas | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Fancy Flourishes) | Ink: Staz'On (Cotton White)

That's all for now!

Boy Oh Boy!

During the month of September two of David's three brothers celebrate their birthday, as well as a nephew. I always quite enjoy making cards for boys. Earlier today I went through my iPhoto library and dug up the cards I haven't shown you yet. Here's is a few of what I created.

This one was for Paul, David's eldest brother:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Bella Blvd. (Man of the House) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments + Fillable Frames #4) | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown) | Frame Die: Papertrey Ink | Buttons: Basic Grey | Border Punch: EK Success | Embossing Folder: Papertrey Ink (Picnic Plaid) | Twine: B*Inspired.

The second one was for Glen, David's youngest older brother (David's the baby in the family):

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Enjoy the Ride) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) | Star Dies: Sizzix | Chipboard Arrow: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Button: Basic Grey | Border Punch: EK Success | Decorative Edge Scissors: Fiskars.

And this one was for our nephew Benjamin:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Enjoy the Ride) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) | Star Dies: Sizzix | Chipboard Arrow: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Button: Basic Grey | Border Punch: EK Success | Decorative Edge Scissors: Fiskars | Circle Die: Spellbinder Nestabilities Circles.

And finally my friend Beth's hubby, Stuart celebrated his birthday earlier this month as well:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: VersaColor (Pinecone) | Star Die: Papertrey Ink | Frame Die: Papertrey Ink | Chipboard Arrow: Cosmo Cricket (Joy Ride) | Button | Border Punch: Fiskars (Uppercrest) | Corner Rounder Punch: Woodware Designs | Twine: B*Inspired.

Hope this has inspired to make some boy cards yourself, they sure come in handy at times. Have a great day and thank you for stopping by and your lovely comments. It's nice to know you're still there.

Let's Blog!

I can't believe that it's been more than six weeks since I last blogged here. I've been meaning to blog more than once, but somehow I never did. During my absence, my dad and his wife visited us Down Under for three weeks. While they were here we headed on a road trip to Sydney during our Spring break. This was our first outing in Australia since we moved back in January. I felt real good.

Since my last post I haven't been very crafty, but I've still got quite a few cards to show you which I created over the last couple of months. Here's a few...

My Belgian friend, Karolien asked me to create a card with hearts for her sister:

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon | Ric Rac: Maya Road | Heart Punches: Martha Stewart | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown); Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Label Die: Papertrey Ink | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink | Ribbon: Paperchase | Buckle | Doily | Corner Rounder Punch: Woodware Designs

This one I sent to our little niece Amelia in England:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink | Border Punch: Martha Stewart | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) | Button: Basic Grey | Ric Rac + Ticket Die: Papertrey Ink | Brad

And finally this one I sent to my dear friend Claire for her birthday back in August (I might be very late posting them here, but I did sent them on time in the mail):

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon + Making Memories | Vellum | Stamps: Papertrey Ink | Bling: Prima Marketing + KaiserCraft  | Lace: Spotlight | Brad: Basic Grey | Tag: Newsagent | Ink: VersaColor | Tag Die: Papertrey Ink | Corner Rounder Punch: Woodware Designs | Flower: Silhouette Digital Craft Cutter

Let's see if I can get back into the swing of things, as I've got some more things to show you. One of which is my first publication in Paper Crafts Magazine's latest issue, which turned up on my doorstep last Monday. Hope you're all still there, and thank you stopping by. Have a great weekend!

A Layout

It almost feels I've got to put the word layout in capitals, as it's been such a long time since I've made one. I've been intending and even started several layouts, but for some reason none actually came to fruition. I had all these great ideas in my head, but when I started actually creating it took a totally different direction. One I wasn't satisfied with, so I gave up.

To make sure I wasn't stranding on this one again I decided to use a sketch from Pagemaps to give me the groundworks. I intended to use all Echo Park papers, but somehow ended up with none. Enough said, this is how it turned out:

I used a Maya Road envelope to hide the journaling inside. Hopefully you'll be able to read the text below (click on the picture to enlarge it, if you're having trouble reading it):

It felt pretty good to actually finish a layout again. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time!


Supplies 'One Dozen'
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper |Patterned Paper: October Afternoon, Amy Butler, KI Memories, Creative Imaginations | Envelope: Maya Road, Doilies: Martha Stewart |Border Punch + Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts | Journaling label: Jillibean Soup + October Afternoon | Felt: Papertrey Ink | Buttons: Basic Grey, SEI | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Embellishments) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Pretty in Pink) | Scallop Circle Punch: Marvy Uchida | Corner Rounder: Zutter | Dies: Papertrey Ink

Happy Aussie Father's Day!

Today it's Father's Day in Australia. After having had Mother's Day in March (UK for my mother-in-law) and May (Holland for my mum and myself), followed by Father's Day in June (Holland for my dad) this is the last for 2010. Not sure if I can ever get used to having four rather than two occasions a year...

You would think being in the Southern Hemisphere, that we would be having nice weather. In fact the last three months have been extremely wet and cold (extremely only applied for wet, as I can't really call 15 degrees Celsius cold). Last night we also had a bad storm, which kept both David and I up for most of the night.

Despite all that the kids couldn't wait to give David his presents. We bought him new crocs and a casual shirt. I also made him three picture frames with profile images of the children. It's nice to see their how they are and aren't alike.

Of course I made him a card too:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Belle Blvd (Man of the House) | Die Cuts: Papertrey Ink (Mat Stack 1 + Fillable Frames 4) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 4) | Twine (B*Inspired) | Buttons | Border Punch: EK Success | Ink: Stampin'Up (Chocolate Chip)

Thank you for the lovely comments and emails I've been receiving lately. It's great to see who lurks and visits my blog frequently. Enjoy your Sunday!

Happy Birthday Bro!

Today marks the last day of Winter in Australia. I'm ready for Spring, because the last three months have been way too wet. We've been struggling with lots and lots of colds. We need some warmer weather to eradicate it all.

Besides it being the last day of Winter, it's also my brother's birthday. Hartelijk gefeliciteerd, Eric. I've already spoken to him briefly on Skype this evening (morning for him) to congratulate him, since we live 10,000 Miles apart.

I hope the card I made for him made it on time, as I kept forgetting to post it...

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (Kraft) | Patterned Paper: The Girl's Paperie (On Holiday) | Buttons: Basic Grey | Rhinestones: Me and My Big Ideas | Ink: Staz'On (Timber Brown), Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Twine: B*Inspired | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 4, Birthday Bash Sentiments) 

And believe it or not, I actually made a layout this evening. My first one since February I think. I'll post it soon. Thank you for your visit.

One Dozen

Quite a milestone today... as Rebecca turned 12! She was not in the mood for any pictures today, and at the time I tried to take some the sun was really too bright and impossible to keep her eyes open. Instead I shot a few with her eyes closed and not looking directly at the camera.

It's been quite busy over the past couple of weeks and as usual things are happening in my head, but are being left to be executed right at the last minute. Can you believe it I made her birthday card last night? Definitely not my best work.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Pearls: Prima Marketing + KaiserCraft | Butterfly punch: Martha Stewart | Clear Stamp: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) | Corner Rounder: Woodware Designs | Border Punch: Martha Stewart.

We also took a lot of time deciding on what kind of party to have for Rebecca. Finally two weeks ago David and her found chocolate workshop party at a shop nearby. Last Thursday I made these invitations for the 5 friends she wanted to invite. Of course I had to make a spare one for the archives.

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink + Bazzill Basics Paper | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fancy Flourishes, Friendship Jar, Just the Ticket) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) | Tools: Silhouette Digital Cutter | Brad : K&Company | Border Punch: EK Success | Software: Photoshop CS | Fonts: Avenir + Sweetheart Script.

Then this week the task was also to create some party boxes. I always enjoy making them. I decided on one of the designs from Lauren Meader which she created for Papertrey Ink. The original design was just a little bit to small to fit in the little notebooks which we bought at Smiggle. I needed to make some adjustments to make them fit. They are gorgeous boxes, but I underestimated the time it needed to assemble them. Nonetheless I finished them today. I made two different colour combinations.

Blue with green ones:

And pink with green ones:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: Echo Park | Box Design: Papertrey Ink (Keeping Tabs) | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Fillable Frames 5, Butterfly Dreams) | Pearls: Martha Stewart | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise), Staz'On (Timber Brown) | Ribbon: B*Inspired.

The party will be tomorrow afternoon. This should be a nice opportunity for some great pictures with her friends.

Birthday Cards

Last night and today I've been a little crafty again and made a couple of cards. The process seems to be a bit slow at the moment, but at least I'm getting finished. I thought I needed to create a bit of a stash of birthday cards for the upcoming months, but instead I sold both of them today to one of the mums at school. I guess I'll have to create some more.

This one I made last night:

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper + Labels: October Afternoon (The Thrift Shop) | Ribbon: MemrieMare on Etsy + Making Memories | Scalloped Circle Punch: Marvy Uchida | Pearl Buckle: Fimpres.com.au | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments + Fancy Flourishes) | Ink: Staz'On (Jet Black) + Papertrey Ink (Pure Poppy) | Border Punch: EK Success

The next card I made today on which I used the Martha Stewart Lace Die Tags, which arrived in the post this morning. I love happy post.

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper | Patterned Paper: October Afternoon (Fly a Kite) | Lace Die Tag: Martha Stewart | Felt: Arts & Crafts | Clear Stamps: Papertrey Ink (Birthday Bash Sentiments + Fancy Flourishes + Fillable Frames 5) | Ink: Stampin'Up (Turquoise) + Staz'On (Timber Brown) + Rangers Distress Ink (Antique Linen) | Dies: Papertrey Ink (Flower + Leaf + Medium Scallop) | Ribbon: American Crafts.

I'm really in the mood for crafting at the moment, but I'm gearing myself up for make either a layout or a mini album, but something is stopping me and I'm not quite sure what. I think I just need to take the plunge and do it. What do you think?