A new direction...

Hi there,

I'm just popping in to let you know that I've started blogging again, but I felt like doing things a bit differently going forward. I decided to create two new blogs; one for Stampin Up only creations and one for all the other things that I make. In case you were wondering why, well I know that some SU demos as well as customers want to look at SU only creations and I feel that as a demo I should be directing my customers to my Stampin Up creations in order to honour the company I demonstrate for. On the other hand, I do own a lot of products from other companies and I love creating with them as well and for some reason (as I've discovered over the last 6 months) I seem to create more (and better quality!) things when I share them with others on my blog. I am always encouraged by the kind comments people leave and these spur me on to make more.

Anyway, if you want to check out my new blogs, here are the addresses:

www.whitehousestamping.blogspot.com (my SUO blog)

www.expressionsofencouragement.blogspot.com

I do hope you'll stop by, and even become a follower if you want to keep tabs on what I'm doing!

Thanks so much for your support on this blog - hope to see you at one or both of my new addresses!

x Amy x

Time to say goodbye...

Hi there,
I'm just stopping in to let you know that I am stopping blogging for the foreseeable future... Life has changed quite a bit in the last month, with the main change being that I have left my teaching job so I can carry on studying. As a result, I am starting up a couple of creative ventures from home to try to build up a work-from-home business. I'll be focusing on designing wedding stationary and doing children's creativity parties, which is exciting! As a result I have decided I need to spend less time on the computer and more time focused on creating and marketing. I will still carry on being a Stampin Up demonstrator and running classes twice a month at my home, but I have to reorder my priorities and make some decisions that are not easy. I love looking at other people's blogs so I know how important inspiration is, so I'm sorry not to be sharing my creations with you. I really appreciate all the people who have subscribed to, followed and/or commented on my blog to date - I am always warmed by your kind words and appreciate everyone who takes the time to drop in.

I hope you continue creating and being inspired by others and the beauty around us.

Thanks for stopping by...

x Amy x

You are a blessing...

Hiya!

When I saw the inspiration pic for the PTI blog hop I immediately thought of these bargain papers I picked up last month  - a perfect colour match! I used one of this month's Viva la Verve sketches for the layout and the papers kinda did the work for me!

I die cut a couple of felt butterflies and stitched some buttons to the centres with linen thread. The sentiment is from Sigature Greetings - so useful for so many people!

Thanks for stopping by!

x Amy x

Mojo 200 Anniversary...

Hiya!
I played along with this week's Mojo Monday sketch and used the layout to make an anniversary card for my hubby... it's our 10th wedding anniversary on Thursday so I figured I better make it a good one!

There is very little stamping on this, which is unusual for me. I pulled out some Kaisercraft papers and matching die-cut elements that my Mum bought me for my birthday this year and from there it came together fairly quickly. I stamped a decorative element from Verve's Kindred Spirits set on the top and bottom of the card, over the patterned paper pieces. I added some matching charcoal grosgrain ribbon and some buttons threaded with thin pieces of Sahara Sand cardstock along the scallops.

Here's a shot of the inside:

The inside is just a few more die-cut elements and paper from the dsp pack, distressed using SU's distressing kit. The sentiment is from Verve's Swan Song set - very appropriate for us as I met Richard at a musical theatre club!

That's all from me - thanks for stopping by!

x Amy x

Thinking Shabby...

Hiya!
Just popping in to share something I made this week for the Waltzingmouse sketch challenge. I dug out some papers that my sister bought me back from the States (I'm on a mission to try and use up some of my ridiculous stash of DSP!!).

The stamps I used are a combination of WMS sets, including a new addition to my stash (the flourishes in the background). I added some random pink ribbon  found in my ribbon box along with some lace and buttons. The edges of the DSP were sanded using SU's distressing kit - love this effect!

I have the day off today and plan to do some crafting so I should be back soon with more to share!

Thanks for stopping by!

x Amy x

Sweet Scrunched Flower...

Hiya!

I got my hands on some new (to me!) stamps this week so I thought I'd break them out and have a play. I combined the current ColourQ challenge with this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch to create this:

I used the stem and leaves from the Sweetheart stamp set, stamped in Pear Pizzazz on Confetti White card. The flower was created using a combinations of flower punches and Peach Parfait cardstock.  added some crystal effects and dazzling diamonds glitter for a bit of sparkle. I added a Real Red button to the centre. I stamped the leaves again and cut them out popping them up with dimensionals. The Marina Mist background was stamped with the Music Notes wheel and Marina Mist ink then sponged around the edges. The banner shape in the background is cut from some Botanical Gazette DSP and layered on Real Red cardstock. I added some pearls and Pear Pizzazz ribbon with some tiny tags to finish.

Thanks for stopping by!

x Amy x

Sweet Trees...

Hiya!
Long time no see... I know! Sorry about the long absense from the blogosphere, it's been a crazy few weeks with family here, graduation and finishing up at school - but the fog is beginning to clear and I managed to find some time yesterday to create a little something - I combined this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch with the lovely CR84FN colours:

I dug out my Trendy Trees set, which I haven't used in a while and ended up this this:

I stamped the three different trees with a combo of Real Red, Blushing Bride and Soft Suede on Confetti Cream then sponged some Crumb Cake ink on for the earth. I used some Real Red DSP (Play Date) in the background and added some Blushing Bride ribbon, a Real Red button and some pearls for a few extra details.

That's all for now - thanks for stopping by!

x Amy x