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Friday, December 20, 2013

12 weeks of Christmas: Week 12 - Christmas Tree tags


Hi there Stampers, Crafters and Blog Followers,

Here's my final post for this years 12 weeks of Christmas. These are what we are using as Christmas tags this year. A simple double batch of Salt Dough made into Christmas trees. My niece came over one day and helped by cutting out the Christmas trees, passes the tree to my daughter and she has pressed her finger into the tree and says "the tree has baubles on it!" so proud of herself. That wasn't what I had planned to do, but when you've created your own little crafter - you go along with it! I put a hole in the top with a straw - worked really well too.

We left them for a few days and then painted them and sprinkled with glitter over many days! 

Now we have threaded "ribbon" - I'd say more of a cord onto them and my daughter has carefully placed the ones not yet used on the tree - yes mostly in one spot! I wrote on the back with a black texta and made it just from my daughter - I figured most people know who the gift is from and then if they want to keep the tag as an ornament for their tree then they can, if they don't want to, no stress, didn't cost much money and it was great entertainment.

SALT DOUGH RECIPE:
4 cups Plain Flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups water

* Mix ingredients together. Knead for as long as you can be bothered (we didn't do any longer than 3 minutes and it worked - but we were told to do it for something like 15-20 minutes!)
* Roll out and cut into desired shape. (Check out the handprint ones on Pinterest!)
* Place a hole where you want them to hang from. I used a straw.
* Cook in oven about 120 degrees C for about 2 hours or so.
* Allow to cool and decorate as desired.

I hope you've enjoyed my 12 weeks of Christmas and that it might have given you a little inspiration for something handmade this Christmas - if not, we can try for next year. Thanks for your beautiful words on some of the items I have showcased here for you - I do enjoy hearing from you :).

Keep leaving your mark,
Brooke

Monday, December 16, 2013

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 11: Small little gift

Hi there Stampers, Crafters and Blog Followers,

Sometimes we like to have a small gift for some people in our lives, nothing too over the top, but something that shows that we didn't forget about them and that we took the time to make something for them. Here's the elf that I made from the gift bag from Week 1. But check out the legs! They are filled with M&Ms... just the green and red ones to add to the Christmas feel!

I found this beautiful little poem... (I've typed it here so all you have to do is copy and paste - hopefully that works and saves a little time for you!)
As you hold these candies and turn them,
You will see
The M becomes a W, an E and then a 3.
They tell the Christmas story
It’s one I’m sure you know.
It took place in a stable a long time ago.
The E is for the East
Where the star shone so bright.
The M is for the Manger,
Where baby Jesus slept that night.
The 3 is for the three wise men,
Bearing gifts, with which they came.
W is for Worship,
Hallelujah! Praise His name!

So as you eat these candies
Or share them with a friend,
Remember the meaning of Christmas:

It’s a love that never ends.

And I wanted to share it... so there's an elf. I also found these plastic baubles at Spotlight. A bauble filled with M&Ms from Spotlight - someone in my house is loving this one! Perhaps we should save one for her!

Next week - the final Christmas post... and a very special one with nothing Stampin Up!

If you'd like to make an elf but don't have the supplies please contact me and we might be able to help you out - best purchased in kits to make two. 

Keep leaving your mark,
Brooke

Monday, December 9, 2013

Clearance Rack Blitz

Hi Stampers, Crafters and Blog Followers,

Here's a deal if you like to save. Up to 80% off retired items. I have no idea what is on the list - I'll be seeing it for the first time when you do too... this is a first in first served list. So you can place an order online if you're really really really wanting the stuff.

You can access the list from midnight on the Stampin Up Australia page - http://www3.stampinup.com/home/en-AU/Home

Keep leaving your mark,
Brooke

Sunday, December 8, 2013

12 weeks of Christmas: Week 10 - Tidings of Joy

Hi there Stampers, Crafters and Blog Followers,

Christmas isn't Christmas without Christ. So much of our time is consumed by purchasing the right gift for those that we love, planning what we're taking to the various Christmas parties and break-ups that seem to clog up our calendar for December. Sometimes we just need to take some time and really focus on what this season is really about. That's one thing I really love about making cards - the ability to focus on who I'm making the card for or why I'm making the card. 

This card is really quite a simple card using a monochromatic type inspired look. It simply uses an aqua painter and basic grey, smoky slate stamp pads. Clearly, I still need to work on my use of the aqua painters for a quality water colour finish... well perhaps I need to go off and make some more of these cards! 

This stamp set is retired, but if you really like it, contact me and we can make a date to stamp and colour together.

Keep leaving your mark,
Brooke

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Stampin Up Promos

Hi Stampers, Crafters and Blog Followers,

Just a quick little post about some specials from Stampin Up.

CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ:
A new Clearance Rack Blitz begins 10 December. Retired products-up to 80% off-will only be available while supplies last. Best to check the Stampin Up website on December 10.


A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE:
We love Valentine's Day! And why wouldn't we? It's a chance for us to say "I love you." And it doesn't just have to be about romantic love. This holiday is a time to share the love with anyone and everyone. We're here to help you prepare with the A Whole Lot of Love products.
Dates: Available 1 December -27 January or while supplies last.
The fine print: These are exclusive products that will not be available after the promotion. No limits on this promotion.

 Item Description Price
 131850 Love You More Stamp Set (Wood) $37.95
 131853 Love You More Stamp Set (Clear) $29.95
 134611 Follow My Heart Stamp Set (Wood) $27.95
 134614 Follow My Heart Stamp Set (Clear) $21.95
 134617 Flowerfull Heart Stamp (Wood) $16.95



 Item Description Price Includes
 134610 Sweetheart Treat Bags $8.95 12 heart sacks, 12 die-cut labels, 12 pre-cut pieces of  Pool Party Baker's Twine
 132162 Monster Hugs Boy $9.95 18 boy monsters, 18 googly eyes, 18 adhesive hearts
 132163 Monster Hugs Girl $9.95 18 girl monsters, 18 googly eyes, 18 adhesive hearts
 134609 Sweet Sayings Cards and Envelopes $9.95 12 printed card bases, 12 envelopes (four Real Red, four Pool Party, four Crisp Cantaloupe)

Once again, you can check the Stampin Up website for more details.

BEST OF DECEMBER: LOVE

SALE-A-BRATION:
If you're interested in having a card making party or in freebies this is the time for you. January 28th - March 31. I am taking bookings for parties during this time. If you'd like more information please email me, I'm more than happy to help.

Oppps, that was supposed to be a short post! Sorry.

Keep leaving your mark,
Brooke



Sunday, December 1, 2013

12 Weeks of Christmas: Week 9 - Place card or a gift tag

Hi Stampers, Crafters and Blog Followers,

Sorry for the delay, I got a little caught up in the Christmas Wish List competition and with the spirit of Christmas - our Christmas tree is up and decorated. Yes, my daughter did help but I was very surprised that the decorations were spread out and she asked us to help her put them up high! Baubles, tinsel and lights are big hits. Infact, so much so that at the Post Office "I need tinsel Mummy". Oh, how much I love this time of year!

Here's one that you could use as either gift tags for those pressies you are wrapping, ywp, those one's that you've bought already or the one's you're thinking about buying! Or you could even use them as a place card at your table as we did for my family Christmas lunch last year. I just wrote names by hand with a white gel pen - however the new Chalk pen from Stampin Up would work a treat!

So simple - Real Red Top Note with some basic black Itty Bitty circle punches, a strip of basic black and a square of my favourite, Glimmer Paper.

Keep leaving your mark,
Brooke