Merry Christmas to all............

Hello everyone..................

I am so sorry that I didn't get to post all of my Christmas class projects before the festive season arrived, but I was kind of busy with other things......... like the birth of my gorgeous son!!!

I was booked for a c-section on 11th December as the little man was breech, and I had plans to get posts scheduled, but things just didn't turn out that way.

The c-section went fine though, and at 11:56am on Tuesday 11th December, Isaac Peter Fox was born weighing 8lbs 7.5ozs

I have been recovering and we have been adjusting to having this little treasure in our lives, so blogging and crafting in general has taken a back seat.  

I will be back on form in the new year with the launch of Sale-a-bration and the new Spring/Sunmmer seasonal catalogue, so watch this space.

In the mean time, here is my gorgeous little man............. and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Julie 

xxxx

 

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com/

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

October Card Class - New Products Card 5

Hi there,

This is the final card we made at my October New Products card class.  It seems like we did this ages ago now, I'm not sure where the past 6 weeks have gone......

I love this triple stamping technique.  It does use quite a lot of card, but it's so simply to actually put together and gives such a great effect.

We used Elegant Eggplant card for the coloured layers, which measure:

A5 base / 12.3 x 8 cm / 9.8 x 5.5 cm

The plain layers were Very Vanilla, which measure:

14.3 x 10 cm / 11.8 x 7.5 cm / 9.3 x 5 cm

We used a little dab of glue to hold all of the Very Vanilla pieces together, which were then stamped with various butterflies from Papillon Potpourri in Elegant Eggplant and Wisteria Wonder inks.

You get little gaps where the pieces of card layer up, but one you mount them all onto the coloured layers these gaps can't be seen.

Once stamped, then glue the layers of Very Vanilla and Elegant Eggplant together, remembering to wrap any ribbon, or bakers twine in this case, around the smallest layer, before finally gluing them all together.

It's not completely clear in the picture, but one butterfly was stamped on scrap and punched out with the gorgeous new Butterfly Punch, then we daubed the edges and stuck it to the front with glue dots so the wings could be bent out a little.  Basic Pearls were added for the body.

Next I will be sharing with you all of the birthday stamp a stack projects we created in the afternoon card class for October :o)

Have a fab day

Julie x

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

What I Used:  Bitty Buttons / Wisteria Wonder Bakers Twine / Butterfly Punch / Papillon Potpourri stamp set / Fabulous Phrases stamp set / Clear Block G / Basic Pearls / Wisteria Wonder ink / Elegant Eggplant card and ink / Sponge Dauber / Very Vanilla card

October Card Class - New Products Card 4

Good morning,

Today's card I am sharing with you uses one of my favourite stamp set from the Autumn/Winter Seasonal catalogue - Owl Occasions...........  he's such a cute little fella and can be used for all manner of events and is great for male or female cards.

He's ready for a birthday party with this card, and I've used my favourite new In Colour, Raspberry Ripple for the base.

The next layer is Crumb Cake which has been run through the Big Shot with the Woodgrain Embossing Folder.

Next is a layer of Early Espresso cut with a Labels Framelit and a smaller one in Whisper White for the stamped image.

A Stamp-a-ma-jig comes in handy for lining up the different elements of the owl, like the parcel and hat, though you could free hand it as well :o)

The sentiment is from Itty Bitty Banners and cut with the Bitty Banners Framelits - I love the co-ordinated products that make putting a card together a much more simple task.

Have a wonderful day!

Julie x

 

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

What I Used:

Raspberry Ripple card, ink and marker / Crumb Cake card / Whisper White card / Early Espresso card and marker / Tempting Turquoise marker / Framelits - Labels Collection and Bitty Banners / Itty Bitty Banners stamp set / Owl Occasions stamp set / Woodgrain Embossing Folder / Stamp-a-ma-jig

October Card Class - New Products Card 3

Hi there,

Apologies for the absence, but being in the last few weeks of pregnancy has meant there's been quite a lot to do, plus finishing work, and now our little baby boy is misbehaving and sitting breech!!!!

Fingers crossed he will turn downward, otherwise all plans of a natural home birth are out of the window.  

Anyway - back to the card from Octobers class.  I shall whizz through these over the coming days and then I have lots of blogging to do about the All Day Christmas Class I held a few weeks ago.

It was my last class of the year, and it was a big one!!!!

Today card shows of the gorgeous Serene Silhouette stamp set in co-ordination with the Comfort Cafe Designer Paper.  

The base of the card is Midnight Muse, with a layer of Comfort Cafe DSP.  The centre strip is Very Vanilla which has been run through the Big Shot with the Fancy Fan Embossing Folder.

I used the new Doilies Sizzlit for the backing to the image, again in Midnight Muse.

The birds on the branch were coloured with markers in Soft Suede and Cajun Craze.  The colours combo was picked right from the DSP, so easy :o)

I left this card sentiment free as it's one of those that could be used for many an occasion.

Julie x

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

What I Used:

Midnight Muse card / Very Vanilla card / Comfort Cafe DSP / Circles Die / Fancy Fan Embossing Folder / Doilies Sizzlit / Soft Suede Marker / Cajun Craze Marker / Serene Silhouettes stamp set / Clear Block E

October Card Class - New Products Card 2

Hi there,

This is the second card from my October New Products class, and it was inspired by a few cards I saw on Pinterest.  Such an amazing site for inspiration, though it can eat away at the hours!!!!

I love the bright colour combinations of the Floral District Designer Paper, and it makes putting together a card so simply when you use the DSP as the colour combo is all picked out for you :o)

The base is Rose Red, a very underused colour by me, but I loved it on this card.

There is a layer of Whisper White, topped with a strip of the DSP and edged with strips of Rose Red on which we used the Scallop Border Punch.

I love, love, love all of the new Framelit collections, and we used the Window Framelits on this card.

The smaller one was stamped with the big, gorgeous flower from Betsys Blossoms set, then mounted onto a bigger Baja Breeze window.

It's so obvious sometimes just how much Stampin' Up! spoil us with co-ordinating products, such as stamps and punches.  The bird, also from Betsys Blossoms, was stamped onto Whisper White in Rose Red ink, and quite a few of the class spent a little while looking for the punch............. and then I told them they were going to have to cut it out the old fashioned way - with scissors!!!! Shock, horror...............

The sentiment is from Sweet Essentials, fast becoming a favourite of mine!  Then we finished the card with some punched flowers, topped with Rhinestones for some sparkle.

More cards to follow in a few days xxx

 

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

What I Used:

Rose Red card and ink / Baja Breeze card / Whisper White card / Rich Razzleberry card / Daffodil Delight ink / Floral District DSP / Scallop Border Punch / Betsys Blossom stamp set / Sweet Essentials stamp set / Window Framelits / Itty Bitty Punch Pack / Basic Rhiestones

What's the oddest item you've ever found in a SU delivery box????

One of my darling cats has taken a liking to a Stampin' Up! delivery box.........................  now I know it's getting a little colder out there, and well we do have wooden floors, but she has a lovely cat bed with a comfy towel lining the bottom................  apparently cardboard housing is much nicer though :o)

Cat in a Box!!!!

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

October Card Class - New Products Card 1

Hi there,

I wanted to share with you some cards we made at my class in October.  The morning session focused on new products............

It was a hard class to put together as there were just so many lovely new products in the Autumn/Winter Seasonal catty and the New Main Catty, I was spoilt for choice!

This is the first card which uses the Make a Cake stamp set for the main image and Memorable Moments for the sentiment.  I've used a few of the lovely new In Colours - Summer Starfruit and Primrose Petals, along with some of the gorgeous stitched satin ribbon in Primrose Petals as well.  It's really soft, just lush...........

The image was inked in Basic Gray and I used a blender pen to colour the cake in.  The Designer Paper at the bottom of the card is from a pack called Patio Party which co-ordinates with the Make a Cake stamp set.........  having such co-ordination really makes putting a card together so much easier.  You can already see what colour work well, then you just add your image!

I'll be back later in the week with card No 2

Julie x

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

What I Used:

Summer Starfruit card and ink / Primrose Petals card, ink and 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon / Whisper White card / Patio Party DSP / Midnight Muse ink / Basic Gray ink / Stamp-a-ma-jig / Scallop Dotty Ribbon Border Punch / Make a Cake stamp set / Memorable Moments stamp set / Blender Pen

Novembers Amazing Offers - 3 of them!!!!

November Offers

Wow, November is a really great month for everyone who loves Stampin' Up!  

So many offers - just pick a choose what suits you best!

Christmas Gift with Purchase Promotion

 

Dates: 1-30 November 2012

Promotion Details:  It’s only November, but Stampin’ Claus is coming to town! 
Get a FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack when you purchase the Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set and Candlelight Christmas Speciality Designer Series Paper Bundle. 

Click HERE for the leaflet

 Choose from the following options:

Item	Description	Retail Value	Special Price
132260	Christmas Gift Pack (wood-mount) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (wood-mount), Candlelight Christmas Speciality Designer Series Paper, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	66,70 €/ £49.70	57,20 €/ £42.45
132261	Christmas Gift Pack (clear-mount) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set (clear-mount), Candlelight Christmas Speciality Designer Series Paper, Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	58,70 €/ £43.70	49,20 €/ £36.45
132262	Christmas Gift Pack (wood-mount bundle) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (wood-mount), Candlelight Christmas Speciality Designer Series Paper, and Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	83,70 €/ £62.70	74,20 €/ £55.45
132263	Christmas Gift Pack (clear-mount bundle) Includes Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (clear-mount), Candlelight Christmas Speciality Designer Series Paper, and Festive Paper-Piercing Pack	77,25 €/ £57.70	67,75 €/ £50.45

The Fine Print 

• You have to use the order numbers above in order to get your FREE Festive Paper-Piercing Pack.
• You can get your FREE paper-piercing pack by purchasing the Ornament Keepsakes Stamp Set and Candlelight Christmas Speciality Designer Series Paper or the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle and Candlelight Christmas Speciality Designer Series Paper. Remember: the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle gets you an additional 15 percent off the set and the Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies. So many options!
• This promotion has no limits—for every bundle you buy, you’ll get a free Festive Paper-Piercing Pack. They make great Christmas gifts!
• If you want your free gift, make sure you place your order by 30th November 10pm

INK-redible Hostess Promotion

 

 

Dates: 1 November -16 December 2012

 

Promotion Details: Hostesses who hold a minimum 475 €/£325 party during the promotion period will receive a FREE collection of Classic Stampin Pads
Choose from Brights, Subtles, or Regals—a 59,95 €/£44.50 value!  
Plus, the free ink is in addition to the regular hostess benefits—INK-redible!

 

 Click HERE for the leaflet 

Your Party Sales**	Free Ink Collection	Hostess Credit	Items at 50% Off
475 €/£325	Yes!	70 €/£50	1 item
550 €/£400	Yes!	90 €/£65	2 items
675 €/£500	Yes!	110 €/£80	3 items
1,000+ €/£750+	Yes!	150 €/£120	4 items

The Fine Print

• To get free ink, the order total must be at least 475 €/£325 before shipping and handling.
• This special offer isn’t incremental. That means if you place a 950 €/£650 order, we’ll be excited for sure—but you won’t get two free ink collections. But really, isn’t one free collection of ink incentive enough?
• Hostesses can still use their additional hostess pounds to get free products from the current annual and seasonal catalogues.
• Deadlines for qualifying orders - 16th December 10pm

*Neutrals Collection not eligible
**Does not include shipping & handling

Become a Demonstrator Promotion

FREE Designer Paper Packs - for 6 months!!!!

Dates: 1 October – 30 November 2012

Details: New demonstrators who join during October and November, will get a FREE package of Designer Series paper every month for SIX MONTHS!

CLICK to view full size

 

Contact me to talk about signing up as a Demonstrator and don't miss out on this exclusive offer running to the end of November only!

Rules of the deal

• New recruits who join in October or November will receive one free package of Designer Series Paper of their choice per month starting November or December 2012 and going through April or May 2013. 
• New demonstrators may choose from any Designer Series Paper in any current catalogues. Designer Series Paper that is part of a new-catalogue preorder is not eligible

This offer does not include Speciality Designer Series Paper.

New demonstrators who join during the promotion period will be eligible to start redeeming their free Designer Series Paper on their first demonstrator order in November (if they recruited in October) or December (if they recruited in November).

New demonstrators must place a demonstrator order each month to redeem their free Designer Series Paper. If a demonstrator order is not placed in a given month, that month’s free Designer Series Paper will be forfeited.

If a new demonstrator’s order only contains the free Designer Series Paper, she will pay shipping charges.

If a new demonstrator drops her demonstratorship at any time between October 2012 and May 2013, she will forfeit her remaining free packages of Designer Series Paper.  

Contact me to place orders, organise a workshop, or to talk through the opportunity of becoming a demonstrator and joining my team!

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com/

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

Hello!!!

 

So, with the launch of the new catalogue it's only natural that as a Demonstrator I would hold an open house event for all of my lovely customers to attend :o)

 

Well I had that open house a little over a week ago now and thought I'd share with you the quick make and take card I prepared.

 

I actually used a stamp set that's in the Autumn/Winter Seasonal Catalogue, but I just love it, and with Christmas just around the corner it seemed appropriate.

 

 

The tree is from the Scentsational Season stamp set which has a co-ordinating Framelit Die set called holiday Collection.  These two items can be bought as a bundle with a 15% saving!!!!  Perfect for making lots of lovely Christmas cards to send this year.

 

I used the new Be of Good Cheer DSP from the main catalogue, which features the gorgeous new Gumball Green In Colour, along with Cherry Cobbler and Very Vanilla.

 

The Gumball Green strip under the tree was punched using the Dotty Scallop Ribbon Border Punch (what a long name!), and the sentiment is from Petite Pairs.

 

My favourite bit of the whole card is the star on the tree.  It was cut using the Holiday Collection Framelits from some Real Red Glimmer Paper.  I love this paper!!!!  And you can get it in Silver and Champagne too. 

 

Right, I'm off to do a workshop at a craft group shortly, so best grab something to eat before I go.  I don't think baby bump will appreciate me missing my lunch!

 

 

I will be back later in the week with some samples from my open house event, made using the Perfectly Preserved stamp set and beautiful Orchard Harvest DSP.

 

Take care 

Julie x

 

 

Julie Halls 

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator 

07786266722 / 01256 335270 

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com 

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

New Catalogue - BLOG HOP

 Hello everyone!!!

Today is finally the day when the new 2012/2013 catalogue gets released and there are so many lovely new products to add to those already available last month from the Autumn/Winter Seasonal catalogue.

Stampin' Up! are really spoiling us.......

So, a whole bunch of us thought we'd do a blog hop and show you some of these lovely new products in action!

You have probably landed here by way of Clare.

The complete list of stops on this blog hop is at the bottom of this post, so if you get lost along the way you can start from the very beginning and work your way through, or figure out if you've missed anything.

So, I am going to showcase products in one of the Suites - this particular one is called Patio Party.............

This first card uses some of the new In Colours for 2012/2013.  Very yummy indeed!

The base is Midnight Muse, the gorgeous yellow colours layer is called Summer Starfruit, and the cake image is layered onto a piece of Raspberry Ripple (my favourite!)  Top and bottom are pieces of Patio Party DSP.  There is one design that is rows of difference patterns, which is great to cut up and use on sections like this. 

I have stamped the cake images from Make a Cake (a bit of 2-step stamping in this set) in Basic Gray, then used a blender pen to add colour, and of course I could resist stamping those little butterflies from the same set onto the cake.

The ribbon is new - 1/4" Stitched Grosgrain in Whisper White.

The sentiment is from the Itty Bitty Banners stamp set, which co-ordinates with the Bitty Banners Framelit Dies.  It makes things so simple!!!

Lastly I added the decorative edge at the top and bottom by simply punching some Whisper White card with the Decorative Label Punch.

This next card teams the classic Melon Mambo with the new Gumball green............ plus a little So Saffron on the cake.  Again the cake has been stamped and coloured with a Blender Pen and So Saffron ink.  The heart image comes in the same Make a Cake stamp set, and I have covered this with some Dazzling Diamonds Glitter.  Who can resist a bit of bling?

The top and bottom of the card have been embossed with the scallop from Adorning Accents, and I have used the Dotty Scallop Ribbon Border Punch for the edging down the sides of the image.
There are lots of lush new ribbons, and I have used the 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon in Gumball Green.
The sentiment is from Itty Bitty Banners again, and I popped it onto the card with a few Dimensionals.

Lastly is a really simply looking card, though it did take a little time as I used markers to colour the butterflies image from Make a Cake in different colours!
I went with an all In Colour combination of Gumball Green, Primrose Petals and Summer Starfruit.

I used my Corner Rounder Punch on the layers, and the Dotty Scallop Ribbon Border Punch for the edge.

The sentiment comes from Memorable Moments which is a fabulous numbers set, which also includes some sentiments for Birthday and Anniversary.

I finished the card of with a scattering of Basic Rhinestones. 

So there we have it - three cards based around the Patio Party Product Suite.  Let me know which is your favourite before you hop along to see what Jane has been creating!!!!

http://www.janeiowcraftycreations.blogspot.com/

If you are interested in getting a copy of the catalogue or ordering any products, please contact me by phone or email noted below.

Have a wonderful Monday
Julie x

Julie Halls 

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator 

07786266722 / 01256 335270 

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com 

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

1 - CreativeIdeas_Laura http://laura-creativeideas.blogspot.com
2 - Margaretk21 - http://makingpapercrafts.blogspot.com
3 - Angela www.sparklycards.blogspot.co.uk
4 - Leanie - www.beautifulimpressions.co.uk
5 - Alison - www.craftingalison.blogspot.com
6 - Beckie - www.bextiesandstickytape.blogspot.com
7 - Gill - http://lilybygilly.wordpress.com
8 - Diane - http://craftwithstyle.blogspot.com
9 - Dawn - www.tartanstamper.blogspot.com
10- Zoë http://www.stampingscene.blogspot.com
11- Fiona W - http://oakfieldcrafts.blogspot.com
12- Elaina - http://moulinrougestamps.blogspot.co.uk
13- Anne-Marie - http://classycrafters.blogspot.co.uk
14- Sarah - http://esellek.blogspot.co.uk
15- Vronnie - http://vronstampin.blogspot.co.uk
16- Christa - http://serendipity-stamping.blogspot.co.uk
17- RuthE - http://pearsonifiedcrafting.blogspot.co.uk
18- CarolynUK - http://stampaholix.blogspot.co.uk/
19- Amanda - http://thecraftspa.blogspot.com
20- Patricia - http://stampinbeckscraft.blogspot.com
21- Tara - http://ihaventgotacleverblogname.blogspot.co.uk
22- Emma (Citaborca) - http://cocktailofcard.blogspot.co.uk/
23- Emma H - http://www.emma-letsstamp.blogspot.co.u
24- Sarah Scribbles - http://card-delights.blogspot.com
25- Sarnie - http://www.kraftybiker.blogspot.com/
26- Sharon - http://all-inked-up-sharon.blogspot.co.uk
27- Lynn - http://www.heavenlycrafts.com/stampinheaven/
28- Emma - http://www.emma-daye.blogspot.com
29- Erika - http://twintroublescreations.blogspot.co.uk/
30- Elaine - http://thesassystampers.blogspot.co.uk/
31- Nicky - http://nickyjohncock.blogspot.com
32- Jane - http://cheshiredesignhouse.blogspot.com/
33- Kara - http://karascraftycorner.blogspot.com/
34- Ally - http://www.serendipitypapercuts.blogspot.com
35- Clare (Sparkle) - http://www.sparklecrafts.blogspot.com
36- Julie H (craftybug) - http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com
37- Jane (browniow) - http://www.janeiowcraftycreations.blogspot.com/

The time has come to say goodbye........

(please note - this post will remain at the top until 30 September - please scroll down for new posts)

RETIRED LIST PROMOTION

Dates: 1-30 September 2012 (or while supplies last)

Details:

 
Hundreds of stamps and accessories from the 2011–2012 catalogues are retiring, and this is your last chance to get them before they’re gone. All products are only available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early! 

To view the stamp sets retiring - click HERE

To view the accessories retiring - click HERE

Things to Remember:

• All retiring products are only available while supplies last.
  • The lists will be updated daily with availability information.
  • Because these items can go quickly, I would recommend you order fast or you may not receive all the items ordered.
  • Where possible, select a substitute item in case the original item is no longer available when your order is placed.
• Order deadlines:
• Sunday, 30 September 2012; 10:50 PM (GMT)

  

Contact me with any questions, or to place your order

Julie Halls

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

07786266722 / 01256 335270

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com/

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

New Catalogue - Coffee Morning

Stampin' Up! NEW 2012/2013 Catalogue Launch

 Come along to this FREE event and find out all about what's going on with Stampin' Up!!!!
 

The new catalogue is packed full of gorgeous new stamp sets, fabulous new dies and designer papers, new In Colours, and so much more.........

Come along for a fun and friendly get together with other crafty people. Bring your friends, and have a good time browsing the pages, and get a first hand look at some of the products on offer.

Event Details

Sunday 30th September

10am - 1pm (drop in anytime)

NEW Catalogue Launch Coffee Morning 

Location - RG24 8TZ

 

• Make and Take Card Project
• Lots of lovely samples to view made with products from the new catalogue
• Check out new catalogue products in the flesh
• Retired Stamp Set Sale
• Free Prize Draw to win some Stampin' Up! goodies
• Gift bags with Stampin' Up! goodies for any Workshop bookings made on the day
• Come talk to me about signing up as a demo - either to get great products with a discount, or to run as a business
• Drinks and Nibbles
• Meet other crafty people and have fun.................

Please contact me to book for this event.  
This will help me with preparing nibbles and the make and take project.

Contact me

Julie Halls - 07786266722 

craftybugjules@yahoo.co.uk

http://www.the-crafty-bug.blogspot.com