Crouching Dog Graphics

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’

I thought it would be fun to show you all what I did with those pics of Xavier that I took the day after he was born.  You know the ones where Amber looks so perky that she must have delivered at least 6 months before!!!! (as opposed to the day before)

Second page of the LO, showing the three Chuckies.  In the top photo I love the way Dennis is looking down at his son and Grandson and in the bottom pic the way Tony is gazing at his newborn son.  Ok!  tears now.  Happy and proud tears!  Awwwww…….look at ‘em!

Lots of the stuff in these LOs is retired but just suited these pics.  Hope you enjoy lookin’ as much as I did scrapin’

Stay happy!

I’ve had a huge clean up in my studio and now offering the stamp sets below at bargain prices:

wood mounted

Price $10/each plus postage

Tart and tangy (new and unmounted) – sold

It’s the thought (new and unmounted)

Punch Bunch – sold

Bliss

Sweet Summer (3)

Best Yet – sold

Sweet little Sentiments

Party Punch

Love Owl-ways

Live like you mean it

Picture This

Punches Three

Happy Moments

Terrific Tags

Spotlight on Christmas

In Any Event

Punched Posies

Wow flowers - (matching Simply Sent kit – additional $12) – sold

The remainder are either ‘as new’ or wooden blocks slightly stained.

Price is $10/each plus postage

Organic Grace - sold

Starring You – (matching Simply Sent kit – additional $12) - sold

Bella’s Bloom - sold

Good Neighbours

Sweet Stems - sold

Happy Heart

Boho Background (this is slightly more used than the remainder – cannot
believe I’m parting with it)

One of a Kind

Party Punch

Vintage Labels

Yummy

Happy Moments

Beautiful Thing

Think Happy Thoughts

Together Forever – sold

Friendly Flowers

The stamp sets below are Priced at $15/each plus
postage.

Fast and Fabulous – sold

Echos of Kindness - sold

Party hearty – sold

Cheep Talk

Enjoy Every moment (one new – one used)

Window Dressing - sold

Life is a breeze

Love and Care – sold

Scribble This – sold

Cause for Celebration

The stamp sets below are clear mounts and Priced at $10/each plus
postage

Birthday Bakery

Bliss (4)

Long Fellows – sold

Punch Bunch (2)

Punched Posies - sold

So Happy for you (3)

Well Scripted – sold

Sweet Summer

Punched Potpourri – sold

I also have the following A4 unopened retired cardstock: @ $5/pack

Glorious Green

Email me on jacquicrouch@iprimus.com.au if you are interested.

You all knew it wouldn’t be very long before I commenced scrapping pages of our adorable new grandson, Xavier.  (it’s actually all Claire Daly’s fault!  She started me on this scrapbooking journey, now I cannot get off the train).  It’s just such a beautifully relaxing and reward activity to be doing (I keep telling myself this as I justify whiling awaying the hours most days).

I’m having some ‘issues’ with  my camera at the moment and I don’t think they are resolvable, please excuse the quality of the shots between now and when I go shopping for a new one.

You just have to agree with me, isn’t he the most splendidly magnificent looking child?  This is the first page of the DLO,  Xavier is sleeping so peacefully in his hospital crib.   Totally unaware of the doting parents watching over him.

This is the first page of the DLO:

Page two of the DLO.  More peaceful, sleeping photos.   I could just sit and watch him all day long.

Thanks for listening to my goos and ghars over this precious babe.  We are totally in love with him………..(I wonder if Amber and Tony would notice if he went missing????)

Cardstock – Marina Mist, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White

DSP – Nursery Nest and Nursery Nest Quick Accents

Stamp Sets – Every Moment and Button Buddies

Technique – pen to rubber using Pear Pizzazz, Marina Mist and Blushing Bride SWMs

Please come on back ’cause I’ve scrapped a couple more and they are so completely different to these pages………..but still featuring the same young man of course!

Things are going to be a little busy around here this week I have a member of my team (Sue Haynes) coming to stay for a ‘team training’ time (actually my team teach me way more than I teach them – they are a clever lot!), I’ve a class on Thursday and I’ve a class next Saturday, so I must get off this scrapbooking train and get organised.

Until then stay happy and stay stampin’

Cheers!