Crouching Dog Graphics

I’m just popping in here whilst I still have the time and the sanity to wish all my blog readers a very happy, safe and blessed Christmas Day.

I’m sitting here on Aedita’s computer enjoying the unusually cool Brisbane weather for this time of the year.  The gifts are purchased, wrapped and under the tree.  The food shopping was finished this morning and as I type Dennis is with no. 1 daughter, Sharon, (who lives on the other side of Brisbane)  building her an above ground vegie garden.  Both girls decided that’s what they would like for Christmas this year.  So Sharon’s garden will be done today and Aedita’s on Boxing Day.   They have a great Dad and he’s not bad with the hammer and nails either!!!! Whilst Dennis was out shopping for the timber for the gardens Aedita and I drove Tannikah to the airport so that she could catch her flight to Perth to spend Christmas with her Dad.  It was a sad journey back home but I pray now that she enjoys her time there and arrives back safe and sound in time to commence High School at Stuartholme.

Joe is with his partner, children and in-laws, at home on the Sunshine Coast (his present is still sitting in my suitcase here in Brisbane so he may have to wait!!!)

Tony is driving from Tamworth to Sydney to be with Amber and Xavier  (who flew down earlier this week)  for Christmas, we will see them early in the New Year.  I’ll be pleased to hear his voice when he rings to say he’s arrived safely.  Our roads are such a bad place to be during this Christmas lead up.

I enjoy using this period of the year to reflect on the ‘year that was’.  So much has happened it’s almost a blur.  We continue to enjoy living in Tenterfield.  I didn’t find this last winter near as cold as the first.  We’ve met more people.  We drove to Melbourne for SU convention.  We became Grandparents again.  We drove to the Sunny coast to visit Joe, Anna and the girls.  We’ve driven the Tamworth and Brisbane legs many, many times.  We have many blessings for which to be thankful.  The most important of these being our children, our home, our friends and our fur babies.

Thank you to every one that has visited my blog this year and to all my friends and customers (now that I think about it all my customers are friends – how blessed am I?)  I special thank you to my Tenterfield class participants.  I’m so touched to have such lovely class attendees who show such appreciation for what I do for them.  I look forward to many happy, fun-filled and creative days in the coming year.  Thanks to each of you for including me in your circle of friends and welcoming me as you do every time we meet.  I’m humbled by the generosity shown to me this year.

A huge wave and hello to my gorgeous Lismore girls.  We have had a great time together this year.  Each month I’ve driven from Tenterfield to Lismore to hold a class for them.  Dennis and I use this time to stay overnight, eat out and do those bits of shopping that Tenterfield doesn’t really cater for.  Thanks Lismore girls for your generosity and kindness this year I look forward to doing it all again in 2012!!!!!  I could say lots of lovely things about this group, they are just such good mates themselves and I love each one of them to bits.  My visits to their class is always lots of laughs.

I especially would like to say a huge thank you to the girls in my SU team The Bent Ink-linations.  What a brilliant, talented and generous lot of ladies you are.  I love our get togethers, chats and times of sharing.

So I wish you all good health and happines and that sometime during Christmas Day you take time to remember the “Reason for the Season”.

Cheers Everyone!

Jacqui

When my Tenterfield class requested this class I thought to myself “Well!  It is Christmas and I’ve certainly developed the belly for it!!”  My diet will HAVE to commence in earnest early in 2012.  So what better time to concentrate on Belly Bands than the Festive Season?

The first card is a little Hope you’re Feeling Better card that holds a tea bag.  (sorry for the photo quality)

Front of the tea-bag holder.  And then with it open.

Recipe for Success:

Cardstock – Pool Party, Island Indigo, Calypso Coral and Whisper White

Stamp Sets – Share a Cup and Loads of Love

Punches – Various circles and scallop circle

Ribbon – Calypso Coral ruffled

White gel pen

The next card was an Engagement card.  I just love the black and white theme with a smidgen of red!  Says passion to me.

This pic doesn’t do this card justice.  It’s very elegant and super simple to make.

Recipe for Success:

Elegant lines embossing folder

Cardstock – Basic Black, Whisper White and Cherry Cobbler

Punches – Scallop Trim Border, Large and Small (retired) Ovals

Black Grosgrain ribbon

Stamp Set – Fabulous Phrases

The next one was a female birthday card and so I reverted to my very fave stamp set.

I’ve done this card in two colours.  I love the brown, that’s my fave.  However, I’m aware that not everyone loves the earthy colours as much as I do, so decided to do something in yellows as well.

So now for the inside.

Recipe for Success

Cardstock:  Crumb Cake, Early Espresso and Cherry Cobbler.  So Saffron, More Mustard and Cajun Craze, Whisper White

Inks –  as for the cardstock

Stamp Set (still my fave) – Elements of Style

Punches – Scallop Trim Border and Decorative Label

The next card is one for the boys!  I have to admit that the MOTH inspired this one.  There was all types of discussions on tool belts, nail belts and their dimensions and uses.  For Goodness Sake!  I just want inspiration not a sign up for a builders apprenticeship!

I just love how this card turned out and I’ve been wanting to update my blog with it so that I can now post it off to number 1 son, Joe.  He had his birthday this week so this card and the gift voucher it’ll hold is waaayyyyy overdue.

Recipe for Success

Cardstock – Crumb Cake and Early Espresso

Inks – Early Espresso and Soft Suede

Lots of White Gel pen and Early Espresso SWM

Stamp Set – Totally Tools

What would a Christmas Belly Band class be without a Christmas card?  The perfect belly band would be Santa’s belt.

This was a fun card to make and it wasn’t until it was finished that I realised that there was no stamping involved.  lots of SU products though.

Recipe for Success

Cardstock – Real Red, Whisper White and Basic Black

Inks – Cherry Cobbler

White Gel pen

Punches – Scallop Border, Scallop Circle, Petite Pennants and Owl punch

I really hope you like my Belly Band Class.  I had such fun preparing and presenting it to my girls.  They loved it.

Feel free to leave me a comment.

Until my next post stay happy and stay stampin.

Jacqui

As if I wasn’t busy enough at this time of the year, SU have just released some specials in time for stuffing your Christmas stocking.  There’s between 30% and 50% off these babies!!!  Why not let your family know what’s on your Stampin’Up! wish list.

There’s some fabulous bargains here. Email or call me if you wish to place an order.

From when this stamp set first appeared in last year’s IB & C I fell in love with it.  I’m really lovin’ each of the three stamps in this set but I particularly like these guys.  (I fondly refer to them as my Christmas Idiots – ’cause that’s what they look like!)  Some time ago Alisa Tilsner made a card using this set, she had coloured them in two greens.  I went searching on her blog for it but couldn’t locate it so decided to have a fiddle around with colours myself.  I actually love how these turned out.  Please let me know what you think.

Now for a peek at the insides.  Hmmm……..I had such fun with these.

Recipe for Success:

Cardstock:

Wisteria Wonder/Concord Crush

Certainly Celery/Alway Artichoke

So Saffron/More Mustard

Pumpkin Pie/Real Red

Blushing Bride/Calypso Coral

Bashful Blue/Marina Mist

All trimmed with Whisper White and one has some Basic Black as well.

Stamp Sets – Holiday Lineup and Snow Swirled

Ribbons were all chosen to match (of course!)

I hope you have enjoyed my first Christmas Cards that I’ve made for myself, come on back as I do have a post to show you the Christmas Fancy Folds that I did recently for a class in Tenterfield.  However I made the mistake of taking them to Lismore with me to show my class down there and they snavelled them from me for ideas.  I now need to extract them when I go visit this week!!!!!  The things we have to do?????

Until them stay happy and stay stampin’

Cheers!

Jacqui

Today I had my Christmas Fancy Folds class. It went so well.  Busy (as it was booked out) but lots and lots of fun.  I’ve decided to post some pics of the day and the girls having fun.  They are a wicked lot.  The only requirement that I ask my class participants to bring to my classes is their sense of humour and these girls certainly bring that!

The lady on the left in the pinkish top is Kathy.  Each class morning Kathy gets outta bed pearly early and makes us fresh scones with jam and cream.  Every SU demonstrator should have a Kathy in their class.  I love her to bits and not just for her scones!

Here is Hilary, Faye and Anne-Maree hard at making a Tri-shutter card.  How comes Hilary always finishes first?

This pic shows Val and Val!  (there’s lots of Vals in Tenterfield)  These two girls have the most wicked sense of humour and I just love having them both in my class.

Now for something completely different.  These pics are for my good friend Claire Daly from Melbourne.   I need to show her that we can grow lots of beautiful plants here on the tablelands!  These pics are of my garden.

This the first lavendar in full bloom this year.  Isn’t it gorgeous.  So vivid!

This is the first Lilium of the year.  Liliums are so special as they are our daughter Aedita’s favourite.  So here you are beautiful daughter a flower almost as beautiful as you are.

Us Crouchs are prolific food growers.  We don’t have our veg garden happening yet but I’ve managed to get Dennis to start my herb garden.  This is the tub containing some Mint and Thyme.  Love the smells that happen when you walk by it and brush against the leaves.   Yummmoooooo!

This pic shows the main herb garden.  Rosemary, Coriander, Basil, Chilli, Parsley (flat and curley) and Chives.  It’s so fabbo to be able to just pop out to the garden and snip fresh herbs for your salad (just what I did this evening).

And now! for something completely different………..

Dennis was washing the car to go to my class in Lismore tomorrow and Pickles thought that maybe if he helped he would be allowed to come along too.  He’s such a precious member of our family.  Poppy doesn’t get to wander to far from young Mr. Pickles.

Be sure to wander back and visit me.  I’ve got a scrapbook class tomorrow night and then I’m working at a charity day in Casino on Saturday.  This day is hosted each year by Sue Haynes who works tirelessly for Prostate Cancer.  So come on back and I’ll have pics of my class today of the Christmas fancy folds and perhaps of Sue’s fundraising day.  Until then,

Stay happy and stay stampin!

Cheers

Jacqui 

My very favourite toy in my studio is my Big Shot.  This month Stampin’ Up! have a special for you which lets you own your very own Big Shot.  This amazing piece of magic equipment is an essential to your cardmaking/scrapbooking supplies.  It cuts shapes, letters and numbers.   It cuts a plethora of materials from paper, cardstock, leather, fabric, felts, plastic, aluminium sheeting, corkboard………..heaps of stuff.   It embosses with the turn of a handle and it has an extra wide mouth to allow you to do so much more and so easily too.  To those purchasing a Big Shot from me I offer free lessons so that you can be acquainted with your new machine.

Stampin’ Up! haven’t forgotton that some people have already purchased a Big Shot, so those of you that have already know the advantage you have.  So!  SU have placed lots of folders and dies on special so that you can stock up on your ‘bits and bobs’ that go with your Big Shot to make your Christmas preps even easier.  All these babies are 10% off the retail price!

Check out the specials below and contact me if you wish to place an order.

These are the dies and folders on special at the moment.

Page	Item	Description	Retail Price	10% Off
156		Scalloped Heart of Hearts Embosslits Die Now $19.75	$21.95	$19.75
156	114515	Flower Burst Embosslits Die Now $19.75	$21.95	$19.75
157	114517	Manhattan Flower Textured Impressions Embossing Folder  Now $13.45	$14.95	$13.45
157	116824	Petals-a-Plenty Textured Impressions Embossing Folder  Now 13.45	$14.95	$13.45
157	119277	Elegant Lines Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Now $13.45	$14.95	$13.45
158	113440	Buttons #5 Sizzlits Die Now $8.95	$9.95	$8.95
159	113466	Pillow Box Bigz Die  Now $33.25	$36.95	$33.25
159	114507	Beautiful Butterflies Bigz Die Now $35.95	$39.95	$35.95
159	120903	Scallop Square Duo Bigz Die  Now 35.95	$39.95	$35.95
160	115953	Mover & Shapers Punch Windows Now $49.45	$54.95	$49.45
160	120893	Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die  Now $62.95	$69.95	$62.95
160	121810	Petal Cone Bigz L Die  Now $53.95	$59.95	$53.95

For those that don’t yet own their very own Big Shot, here is a specia for you!  Why not let your family that you’d love a Big Shot for Christmas and I’m happy to place your order so that it arrives in lots of time to be gift wrapped and under your Christmas tree in time for Christmas morning playtimes.  Not just the kids get toys for Christmas you know!  this is a fabulous package so take advantage of it whilst you can.

SU had Regional Training in Brisbane last week end and nine of my team (The Bent Inklinations) were there.  It was really exciting for me to have so many of my team at training all at once!  EEeeekkkkkk excitmeent!  In honour of the occasion I asked my team member Dianne Pickford (Alstonville) to design a badge for us to wear.  The criteria was that it needed to depict who we and what we are.  It needed bling (of course!)  It needed to be stylish (as we are!)  So here is what Dianne not only designed but made for us!

An owl, dressed in a melon mambo tutu, with bling and a FASCINATOR!  How bent is that?  Suited us to a T.  Thanks heaps Dianne.  Mine will live on, on my SU apron and I’ve already named her after Dianne.  She’s Miss P from here on.

The fabulous Bent Ink team.  From left to right.  Joanne Stewart (Lismore), her guest Chris, Therese Azzopardi (Tamworth), Moi (Tenterfield), Sue Haynes and Sylvia Cooling (Casino) and standing is Dianne Pickford (Alstonville).  Missing is Shirly (Grafton) and Margaret (Mullumbimby) who were off socialising -  regionals and convention are great places to form friendships and catch up with demonstrators from all over Oz.  Also missing is baby Emily.  Jo’s gorgeous little baby who was on her very best behaviour for the day.

As you can see from the state of the table make and takes were in full swing.

It’s been a very hectic time for me as it was a flying visit to Brisbane for Therese and myself, home and change suitcases then drove to Tamworth to mind wee Xavier whilst our son and his wife went to the Cold Chisel concert, home via Inverell is have a quick visit with Miss Marion in Inverell.  Marion is a member of the Bent Inks but couldn’t quite get to Brisbane for training, then home again.  Now it’s the endless washing, cleaning, unpacking etc.

Be sure to come back and visit me ’cause I’ve got new stuff to show you!  Some of which is my samples from the fancy folds Christmas class that I’ve got in Tenterfield this Thursday.  (Sorry girls but it’s booked out)

Until then stay happy and stay stampin’

Jacqui

This is the card that I made to welcome Xavier into our world.  I  haven’t been able to post it because Amber has been in Sydney with Xavier and I didn’t dare pose it until I knew she was home and opened the envelope.  I just loved making this card.  Turning a Christmas stamp set into a baby card wasn’t really that difficult really.  That’s the beauty of SU!

This pic shows the inside of the card.  I chose the stronger blue of Marina Mist (over the softness of  Bashful Blue) as I feel that Xavier already has shown that he has a strong personality so I thought the stronger colour suited him better.

Be sure to come back and visit me again soon.  I’ve a Christmas fancy-fold class in Tenterfield shortly.  (If you’re interested I’m sorry it’s booked out, but if you want to contact me I’ll schedule another class.)  I will have samples completed soon and will post them as soon as I’ve finished them.  Excitement!

Recipe for Success:

Cardstock – Marina Mist and Whisper White

Inks – Marina Mist

Stamp Sets – Stitched Stockings and Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Punches – Stitched Stocking, Small Oval,  Large Oval, Scallop Oval and Open Scallop Border

Ribbon – Narrow Taffeta Marina Mist

Bling courtesy Dazzling Diamonds

Until you visit again.  Stay happy and stay stampin’

Cheers!

Jacqui

I know the title of this post sounds like an ice cream flavour.  Sorry if I disappoint you, but it’s also the name of one of the Stampin’Up! a la carte stamps.  I’ve really fallen for this one.  It reminds me of a Nordic design for some reason.  Anyways it’s not seen near enough ink in my studio so I decided today that I’d give it a whirl.  I’m really quite chuffed with this one.  The colours are very different to what I’d normally reach for, but I like them just the same.

Front of the card shows the layers.  The bottom layer is inked in Cajon Craze, then the next layer is done with pen to rubber using island indigo and pumpkin pie SWMs, and then layered onto stampin’ dimensionals.

Inside the card I’ve stamped and overstamped the Triple Treat design in the two colours, added a piece of the pumpkin pie cardstock and tied some Island Indigo ruffled ribbon (yummo this stuff!) around it.

Recipe for success:

Cardstock – Whisper White, Cajun Craze, Island Indigo, Pumpkin Pie

Stamp Set – Triple Treat (works a treat!), Teeny Tiny Sentiments

Punches:  Five petal, 1/2″ circle, Fancy Flower

Ribbon – Island Indigo ruffled, Pumpkin pie taffeta (retired)

I’m also delighted to say that my next class in Tenterfield, we will be doing some Christmas ‘stuff’, is booked out…..already!

Be sure to come back and visit again, until then stay well and stay stampin’.    Cheers!

Jacqui

Yes, I know.  I’m going overboard on the scrapping of our new grandson……..but you have to admit, he’s a stunner!

SU’s DSP Beau Chateau is perfect for a baby boy photo.  I just couldn’t resist using it for this adorable photo of Xavier and his mum, Amber.  Xavier is sleeping so peacefully on his mum’s chest.  He actually is very good at three things.  Eating.  Sleeping and Pooing.  He’s gaining weight and I think it’s about time we drove down to see him, according to Tony he’s growing like wildfire.

DSP – Beau Chateau

Cardstock – Soft Suede

Punch – Blossom Bouquet Triple layer (DSP was then sprayed with silver smooch)  Yum!  in real life they look sensational.

If you are wondering what the little lace edge around the bottom of the photo is.  It’s a tiny piece of sentimentality.  My mum had crocheted a white linen handkerchief and the centre of the hanky wore out, so I’d trimmed the edge and kept it for some time.  I sprayed it with the silver smooch and it looks terrific around this pic.  What do you think?

Also I’ve left the journaling block vacant.  I was going to write Xavier’s name in it but thought his parent’s should really do that and they may want to put something else in the space.

Thanks for visiting and I promise to get on with something else other than Xavier scraps………..soon maybe.  I’m enjoying it at the moment.

Stay well and stay stampin’