Upcoming Classes

Thursday 9th June: 10.00-12.30: Cardmaking.. cards for men using the Plane & Simple stamp set.
Thursday 23rd June: 9.30-12.30: Scrapbooking.. we'll be continuing with our 8"x8" mini book, theme: Book of Me!

Sunday 29 May 2011

Scrapbook Mini Book: two more pages

When I was a little girl, my cousin Clare and I were obsessed with horses and ponies. Between us, we accumulated a herd of Sindy and Barbie horses and made them stables from cardboard boxes, showjumps from sticks and bridles from wool. Later on, we went on fantastic horse-riding holidays in Somerset and just had the *best* fun together!

I wanted to record these happy times in my 'This is Me!' mini book.. so here's a double-page spread documenting my horsey phase..



Supplies:
Cardstock - Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie (the die-cut heart)
DSP - In Colors 6"x6" Designer Paper Stack (Hostess exclusive)
Tools - Big Shot (£87.95), Timeless Type Alphabet dies (£65.95), Top Note die (£18.95), Lots of Tags dies (£18.95)
Accessories - Certainly Celery Brads (from Subtles Brads collection, £6.25 for 100)

Thanks for visiting!

Sarah :o)

Happy Birthday Mum - a card and a jewellery project!

It's my Mum's 60th today.. so a huge Happy Birthday if you're reading, Mum!

Here's the card I made for her..


Supplies for the card:
Cardstock - Confetti White, Rose Red, Blushing Bride, Concord Crush, Certainly Celery
Dies - Flower: Daisies #2, Beautiful Wings Embosslits
Punch - Build a Blossom (for the leaf)
Stamps - Curly Cute (Happy Birthday), non-SU! tiny stamp set (MUM).
Accessories - Daffodil Delight Button from Brights Designer Buttons set, Linen Thread

And here's Mum's present - it's a necklace and earrings set I made using a kit from The Eastbourne Bead Company. (Actually I made the earrings using a few leftover beads and some earring findings I had in my crafty stash.)


It's not as short as it looks in the photo.. I doubled it up so I could fit it in an envelope! The necklace was pretty easy to make and I managed it in two or three hours. It's made from these gorgeous shiny shell beads, threaded onto pink cord with knots before and after each one to hold them all in place, four strands altogether. In hindsight I would have made it a bit shorter, or perhaps added another strand.. but hey, it's not bad for a first attempt!

While I was at the Bead Company shop, I couldn't resist buying another kit, for a silver charm bracelet complete with LOTS of very similar shell beads attached on jump rings. It'll be fantastic when it's finished but, having started it last night, I can tell it's going to take a LOT longer than Mum's necklace. Those tiny jump rings are slippery little blighters and I keep dropping them..

Have a lovely day!

Sarah :o)

Friday 27 May 2011

Scrapbook Mini Book Class: Thurs 26th May

Hello again!

Just thought I'd share a work-in-progress with you.. it's a mini-book called 'This is Me!' and was the subject of this month's Scrapbook class which took place yesterday morning. Thank you to the ladies who attended the class.. it was a productive and enjoyable morning, and as usual I was thrilled to see how your ideas took shape.

So here are my pages so far...

First the front cover:

  • To make the covers, carefully cut some cardboard (the type that's corrugated on the inside and flat on the outsides) into squares of 8-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches. You'll need a metal ruler and a large cutting mat.
  • Cut your chosen Designer Series Paper to 11-1/2 inches square, then place your cardboard square in the centre. Mark all around with a pencil then cut off the corners of the paper just at the point where your pencil lines come together (to form mitred corners). 
  • Fold the flaps over the cardboard and secure tightly with Sticky Strip.
  • Cover the inside of your cardboard cover with a sheet of DSP or cardstock cut to a tiny bit less than 8-1/2 inches square.
  • Punch holes with a regular hole punch or Crop-a-Dile .
  • Decorate your cover as you like!
Supplies:
Cardboard
Designer Series Paper: Greenhouse Garden (£8.75 for 12 sheets)
Cardstock: Daffodil Delight, Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Chocolate Chip (£6.25 for 24 smooth sheets)
Tools: Big Shot (£87.95), Timeless Type Alphabet Dies (£65.95), Beautiful Wings Embosslits (£10.50), Flower - Daisies #2 (£16.95)

Now for the first two pages of my mini-book:

All the details of my birth are tucked away in the scalloped envelope for a bit of privacy! The pages are cut to 8 inches square.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip, Confetti White
DSP: Nursery Suite Specialty DSP (£9.95 for 12 sheets)
Accent Stickers: Nursery Suite (£7.50 for 2 sheets)
Tools: Big Shot, Timeless Type Alphabet, Lots of Tags Sizzlits dies (£18.95), Scallop Envelope die (£18.95)
Accessories: Linen Thread (£3.75 for 13.7m)

And the second pair of pages...


In these pages, I've simply layered three wide strips of Designer Series Papers, along with one of the border stickers from the Nursery Suite Quick Accents pack.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Regal Rose, Confetti White, Chocolate Chip
DSP: Nursery Suite, Subtles DSP stack (So Saffron polka dot) (£15.50 for 40 sheets)
Accent stickers: Nursery Suite Quick Accents
Tools: Big Shot, Timeless Type alphabet, Beautiful Wings Embosslits, Circles #2 dies (£14.50)

I'll share another pair of pages very soon..

Our next Scrapbook class is on Thursday 23rd June when we'll be continuing with our mini books. Don't worry if you missed the first class, it'll be very easy to catch up! The project won't be completed in the next session but once you've got started it's something you can dip into as and when you feel like adding a page or two.

Fancy coming along? Contact me on slpiggott73@gmail.com or call me on 01323 730296 to book your place. I have two places left for this class so please book early to be sure of your spot!

Finally.. if you'd like to purchase any of the products used in this project, please don't hesitate to get in touch (details as above) and I'll happily place your order for you.

Thanks for visiting!

Sarah :o)

Quick cards with Longfellows hostess set

Phew, it's been a busy couple of weeks! I'll keep this one short and sweet.. a couple of very quick cards I made for friends' birthdays using the Stampin' Up! level 2 Hostess Set, Longfellows.






Supplies:
Cardstock - Confetti White, Pear Pizzazz, Peach Parfait
Inks - Old Olive, Tangerine Tango
Stamps - Longfellows
Tools - Aqua Painters (£12.25 for two)

I'll be back soon with pictures from yesterday's Scrapbook class. Thanks for looking!

Sarah :o)

Monday 23 May 2011

Monday in May: another chance to win!

 Hello!

Would you like another chance to win  the gorgeous Build-a-Blossom stamp set (RRP: £24.95)? As you'll probably know by now, Stampin' Up! are offering you the opportunity to win a stamp set.. and all you need to do is go to their website and answer one very simple question.

What discount do demonstrators receive on all of their sales and purchases?

If you don't already know the answer, you can find out in my previous post here.. or by exploring the Stampin' Up! website.

So why not along to the Stampin' Up! website here, fill in your name, email address and your answer to the question.. and that's it!

 If you are at all interested in becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator yourself, even if it's just to get your hands on the lovely Starter Kit, please do get in touch with me and I'll happily answer any questions you may have.

Oh.. and don't forget, if you join during the month of May, you will also be able to select a pack of Designer Series Paper to add to your Starter Kit at no extra charge!

Good luck!

Sarah :o)

Monday 16 May 2011

Springtime Vintage kit: see what's included!


Last week I did a workshop where I sold one of my kits from the Mini Catalogue.. my hostess chose the beautiful Springtime Vintage kit as part of her order. As I was putting it all together I took a few photos so I could show you what's included...


So, the Springtime Vintage kit includes:
  • Six sheets of 12"x12" double-sided Designer Series Paper (1 of each design)
  • 4 metres of Seam Binding Ribbon (1 metre of each colour: Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake)
  • 12 Designer Big Buttons (1 each of 3 designs in each of 4 colours: Pear Pizzazz, River Rock, Rose Red, Night of Navy)
  • Cardstock: Choose from 16 sheets of A4 or 8 sheets of 12"x12" textured cardstock in 8 colours: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Rose Red, Pear Pizzazz, Crumb Cake, River Rock, Very Vanilla, Always Artichoke)

Buying a kit enables you to receive a beautifully coordinated collection of products without the outlay of buying full packs of all the items individually. The Springtime Vintage kit is fantastic value at £15 (collected from me) or £18 including postage and packing. What's more, if you would like to add the coordinating Baby Blossoms stamp set to your order, you can choose a coordinating ink pad (RRP: £4.95) to go with your kit for FREE!


The Baby Blossoms stamp set comes in Wood-mount (£26.95) or in Clear-mount (£21.95). It enables you to create beautifully delicate floral designs using the Two-Step Stampin' technique (for more information on this, click here).. if you're a fan of Cath Kidston, you will love this set!

You can buy your Springtime Vintage kit right now simply by choosing the option you require and clicking on the Buy Now button below!

Any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.. you can contact me by email - slpiggott73@gmail.com - or phone - 01323 730296 or 07970 615390.



Options




If buying the stamp set along with your kit, don't forget to let me know which colour FREE ink pad you would like!

Thanks for visiting,

Sarah x

Sunday 15 May 2011

Mondays in May: Win a FREE Stamp Set!

 SORRY - THIS POST SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE LAST MONDAY.. FOR SOME REASON IT SEEMS NOT TO HAVE APPEARED.. THERE'S STILL TIME TO ENTER THE WEEK TWO DRAW IF YOU'RE QUICK! 
THERE'LL BE A NEW QUESTION TOMORROW! :o)

It's the second Monday in May.. and so we have a second chance to win a FREE stamp set from Stampin' Up! All you need to do is visit the Stampin' Up! website - click here - and answer one very quick question to secure your entry into the Prize Draw.

This week's question is..

"What would you like most about being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator?"

If you're thinking.. "I've no idea! I don't know what it's like being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator..", please allow me to tell you what I like about it!
  • I have my own business, working from home, working the hours that suit me and my family.
  • I receive a 20% discount on all goods from the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue and Mini Catalogue, along with cash back when my sales hit certain levels.
  • I get to preview and order new products a whole month before they are released to the public.
  • Joining Stampin' Up! has prompted me to start card-making and scrapbooking classes, enabling me to meet some wonderful people and have lots of fun.
  • I love to design projects for my classes and workshops.. it's fantastic being paid to be creative!
  • I love the support, friendship and inspiration I get from my fellow demonstrators.. both those in my team and the wider Stampin' Up! community.
So there's just a few things that I love about being a demonstrator! If it sounds like something you would enjoy, why not get in touch with me and I'll be happy to talk it through with you. You can also find more information here.


Thanks for visiting!

Sarah x

Loving those Long Fellows!

Today is my niece Caitlan's 11th birthday.. so to celebrate I made her a card using the Level 2 Hostess set Long Fellows.. It's a pretty clean and simple one for me..


I coloured in the cat using a Blender Pen (£7.95 for three) and a bit of Tangerine Tango ink.. to do this I squashed the ink pad between my fingers before opening it.. this leaves a smudge of ink on the inside of the lid which you can then pick up with the Blender Pen. The Blender Pen helps you get the ink just where you want it without being too heavy.

Caitlan's present was wrapped with some orange tissue paper and topped with a big flower made using the Flower, Daisies #2 die from the Mini Catalogue (£16.95) and a few layers of hand-made paper in a lovely So Saffron colour. The tag was made with a scrap of Confetti White cardstock, stamped again with the Long Fellows cat. This time I coloured him in using an Aqua Painter (£12.25 for two). I scribbled a bit of Tangerine Tango marker pen onto a saucer and picked up the ink with the Aqua Painter. This gives a more water-coloury, fluid look than the Blender Pen which I really like!

Can you see the difference? LOL.. I've gone over the lines a bit in this one!

Here are the card and present together.. don't they look cute?!


Supplies:
Colours: Tangerine Tango, So Saffron, Very Vanilla (card), Confetti White (tag)
Stamps: Long Fellows (level 2 Hostess set - free with £300 in workshop sales)
Punches: Scallop Trim Border - £14.25, 1" Circle - £9.75
Die: Flower, Daisies #2 - £16.95
Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots - £6.95
Accessories: Silver Elastic Cord - £3.95, Basic Pearls - £4.50, Crop-a-Dile - £23.95

Sunday 8 May 2011

Thursday 12th May: Wedding Card Class Sneak Peek

Hi there!

This month's card-making class is taking place this Thursday (12th May) at my home in Eastbourne and we'll be making wedding/anniversary/engagement cards. We'll be using the new Wedding Wheels single stamp from the Mini Catalogue (£6.95), along with sentiment stamps from Tiny Tags, Baroque Motifs and Always Elegant stamp sets.

Here are the cards we'll be making...




These cards were made using Confetti White cardstock, a hand-made style of cardstock containing tiny flecks of flower petals.. beautiful for wedding cards! The third card was inspired by a lovely one I spotted on Julie Kettlewell's blog, it's here if you'd like to see.

If you fancy coming along to this class, please let me know by Tuesday. Details about classes are on this page.

Thanks for visiting!

Sarah x


Supplies
Card 1:
Colours - Confetti White, Concord Crush, Blushing Bride
Stamps - Baroque Motifs
Punch - Scallop Oval, Scallop Trim Border
Die - Beautiful Wings Embosslit
Accessories - Adhesive Pearls


Card 2:
Colours - Confetti White, Baja Breeze, Soft Suede
Stamps - Wedding Wheels, Always Elegant
Punch - Scallop Oval, Oval
Accessories - Baja Breeze Seam Binding


Card 3:
Colours - Confetti White, Rose Red, Crumb Cake
Stamps - Wedding Wheels, Tiny Tags, So Swirly Wheel
Punch - Jewelry Tag, Scallop Trim Border
Accessories - Linen Thread

Saturday 7 May 2011

Three Birthdays and an Anniversary!

I'm celebrating three birthdays and an anniversary today!

Firstly... Happy 34th Birthday to my dear hubby Gareth...



He's a fantastic drummer and used to be in a rock band called WhiteStar before the little 'uns came along.. for now Gareth has to be content with 'pounding the skins' in my craft room/study/general junk room. Oh yes, it's loud..


Second... Happy 15th Birthday to my nephew Torin...



He is currently collecting apps for his ipod.. I stumbled across this image while looking for a picture of an ipod and thought it would do just fine for his card!


Third... Happy Birthday to my dearest upline and friend, Pat...


Pat, I hope you are having a fabulous day after all the stress preparing for your Eve Appeal event last night.. enjoy!!!

And the anniversary..? Well, today I have been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for exactly one year. It's been an amazing year, in which I've started running card-making classes, a scrapbook club, expanded my craft collection like you wouldn't believe (unless perhaps you attend my classes..), survived my first Convention, made many wonderful friends, in Eastbourne and way beyond.. Here's to many more years of Stampin' Up! fun.. :o)

Have a fantastic day, everyone!

Sarah x

Supplies
Gareth's card:
Colours: Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie, Real Red
Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots
Stamps: Basic Phrases 
Accessories: Silver Brads from Hodgepodge Hardware; Clip from Clips Assortment
Photo:  http://www.sodahead.com

Torin's card:
Colours: Elegant Eggplant, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White
Embossing Folder: Square Lattice
Punch: Spiral
Stamps: Basic Phrases
Accessories: Silver Eyelets
Photo: http://jon.blogs.com

Pat's card:
Colours: Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Pear Pizazz
Embossing Folder: Perfect Polka Dots
Die: Beautiful Butterflies
Punch: Scallop Oval
Stamps: Sincere Salutations
DSP: In Colors 6"x6" Paper Stack (Hostess Exclusive)
Accessories: Pear Pizazz Seam Binding, Linen Thread, Button from Neutrals collection


Friday 6 May 2011

Beautiful Butterflies: a Get Well Card


Here's a card I made to wish my Nana a speedy recovery from her recent operation. Sending hugs, Nana!

I used my Colour Coach to find inspiration for a colour combination..

The colours I used were Poppy Parade (one of the In-Colours), So Saffron and Baja Breeze. The butterflies were cut on my lovely Big Shot with the Beautiful Butterflies die - definitely one of my favourites.

Supplies:
Colours: Poppy Parade, So Saffron, Baja Breeze
Die: Beautiful Butterflies
DSP: Baja Breeze from the Subtles DSP stack; Poppy Parade from the In-Colours 6"x6" Hostess stack
Stamps: Sincere Salutations; Notably Ornate
Punch: Decorative Label
Accessories: So Saffron Button; Linen Thread; Baja Breeze Seam Binding

Thursday 5 May 2011

Test Drive the Stampin' Up! Starter Kit!

Would you like a gift that keeps giving in 2011 and beyond?
Do you have a wish list from the Stampin' Up! catalogue of more than £100?

If so, why not take a "Test Drive"?

The Stampin' Up! Starter Kit offers you at least £240 of products for just £119 - that's a 50% discount off the retail price - and you can personalise it to your own tastes!

PLUS you get the benefit of taking the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator discounts and benefits for a "test drive" through to the end of September if you join in May and June - with NO obligation to sell or purchase anything further.

If your motive is simply to get the kit, that's ok!

Did you know..?
  • You can choose items from the *new* Mini Catalogue to personalise your kit!
  • During May only, you can add a pack of Designer Series Paper (RRP £8.75) to your Starter Kit for FREE!

  • When you purchase the Starter Kit, you become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and a member of my Seaside Stampers team. You are NOT obliged to purchase anything further, hold workshops, run classes or sell products.
  • You receive Stampin' Up! Demonstrator discounts and benefits through to the end of the next FULL quarter.. so if you join in May or June, the end of the next full quarter is the end of September!

So, what are these discounts and benefits?
  • Receive a discount of 20% on all products from the Idea Book & Catalogue and Mini Catalogue!
  • See and purchase new products before anyone else!
  • Gain access to masses of project ideas and business support on the Demonstrator Website and in the monthly Impressions newsletter.
  • Gain access to the Demonstrator side of the In Love With Stamping website, which is an invaluable source of inspiration, support and fun!

Tell me... what's in the Starter Kit!
  • 3 wood-mount stamp sets - value: up to £67.85
  • 1 clear-mount set with clear block - value: up to £20.95
  • 1 Stampin' Around Wheel with ink cartridge and handle - value: £14.25
  • 1 ink refill - value: £2.55
  • 1 assorted colour smooth cardstock pack (up to 24 sheets of A4) - value: £6.25
  • 1 cardstock pack Very Vanilla or Whisper White (40 sheets of A4) - value: £7.50
  • 1 Patterns Designer Series Paper stack (40 double-sided sheets) - value: £15.50
  • 4 Classic Stampin' Pads - value: £19.80
  • 1 VersaMark ink pad - value: £5.95
  • 2 Stampin' Write Markers - value: £5.90
  • 1 spool of 5/8" Satin Ribbon - value: £6.75
  • Stampin' Dimensionals (300 foam pads) - value: £3.25
  • Stampin' Scrub - value: £13.50
  • Stampin' Mist - value: £3.25
  • SNAIL Adhesive - value: £5.50
  • Blender Pen - value: £3.98
  • Paper Snips - value: £7.95
  • 8 Idea Book & Catalogues - value: £21.95
  • 8 Mini Catalogues (between April and September) - value: £4.95
  • Business supplies, forms and tools - value: approx. £25
 Yes, you really can have all of this for just £119!


And as if that wasn't enough.. 
you could also take advantage of the
 Stampin' Memories Add-On Kit (optional)

This wonderful kit is just £50 for over £80 of products! 
It is only available when you purchase the main Starter Kit and is well worth the investment if you love your scrapbooking.

Here's what's included:
  • One stamp set -  value up to £44.95
  • 1 textured cardstock pack (12"x12") - value £10.50
  • 1 Designer Series Paper pack (12"x12") - value £8.75
  • 1 Quick Accents pack (self-adhesive die-cuts) - value £7.50
  • 1 Designer Printed 12"x12" post-bound album - value £16.95
TOTAL VALUE: £88.65!

If you'd like to take advantage of these offers, click the link below to reach the Stampin' Up! website where you can download the Starter Kit Order Form, Independent Demonstrator Agreement and Independent Demonstrator Application form.

Click here for the Stampin' Up! website.

Any questions? Please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'll be very happy to help!

Sarah x

Tel: 01323 730296
Mobile: 07970 615390
Email: slpiggott73@gmail.com

Monday 2 May 2011

Win a Free Stamp Set from Stampin' Up!

 Every Monday in May, Stampin' Up! are offering you the chance to win a FREE stamp set! All you need to do is pop over to the Stampin' Up! website and answer one very quick question, leaving your name and email address.. and that's it!

Questions will be updated weekly, so go back every Monday in May to enter again.

Good Luck!