International Blog Highlights - MAY - Dragonfly Garden

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I am participating in the International Blog Highlights that Kylie Bertucci holds each month. This showcases ideas from around the world
 PLUS
 Our peers (YOU) get to vote for your favourite projects!

You can VOTE for my project HERE

My card for Voting is #5 in the gallery.

Each month has a different theme.

This month the theme for MAY is Maling a difference in others lives and sharing what we love. One way to do this is through Random Acts Of Kindness  (RAK)
We are all sending a card to Sara, our CEO of Stampin'Up!

Sara came to Sydney for the Stampin'Up!® Onstage event and the Crazy Crafters team was lucky enough to meet her. She is such a lovely person and works so very hard. Sara is one for giving back, whether it is to her community or her business. She also encourages us to give back and to try and make a difference in others lives in a positive way.
 Me, I volunteer my time to our local primary school. My Mum volunteers her time helping at an aged care facility.
What ways do you try to make a difference in your community?

I was terribly ill the day I got to meet her, due to an impulsive over indulgence of tequila. In my defence I do not normally have sugar in my diet as I don't drink fizzy cordials, eat many lollies etc and had no idea that having so much sugar could make you so physically ill!

Well thats my story and I am sticking to it 😶😶 lol 

Ahem....

Back to the project at hand.
 I must admit I am a little daunted at the prospect of Sara receiving a card from me....
What if she doesn't like it 😱
But I have sent it with the hope that it brings a smile and brightens her day in some small way.
And that after all is the objective of R.A.K

Here is my Project.

Dragonfly Garden

#KOCreationsCards #RAK #Vintagecard #Techniques #retiringproducts #useyourscraps #backgroundstamps #StampinUp30

This gorgeous little vintage style card came about whilst I was demoing for a recent class.

This front piece of cardstock on my card above has proved useful insofar as it was used for a class to demonstrate techniques. It shows a couple of different techniques that we were working on during the class plus one that I used to complete the card. Then it helped me reduce waste, as it used up a piece that would otherwise be thrown away. And now hopefully it will bring a smile to someones face (Sara's) and make them feel special. Not bad for a piece of cardstock, eh!

Techiques used during my class

•  The Two Step Stamp process (the dragonfly) 

• How to Ink With Stampin' Write Markers and then Water Colouring (the rose).

When the class was finished and I was packing up I started looking at the images and how good they looked.....I started to think about using it.

• This where the technique of Masking came into effect.

Here's How

• I created a mask for each image by die cutting the images from thin note paper using the matching thinlits. (Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits plus the Petals and More Thinlits)
• I applied the masks over the images with a glue dot.
• And then stamped the 'Post Script' Background Stamp over the top in Early Espresso.
• I then grunged the edges of the card stock a little by sponging lightly with Marina Mist and Early Espresso
• I trimmed the card stock and added a layer of Marina Mist card stock behind.
• Glued these two pieces into position onto the Thick Very Vanilla card base.
• I then added a mixture of retired or retiring products (plus some carry over items too) to the front for that eclectic/vintage feel. 

and there you have it, a finished card.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite projects (like mine) by clicking the blue circle below.

My card for Voting is #5 in the gallery.

Thank you for visiting today x

When shopping with me for the month of MAY please use the hostess code below.

 S3CN7DWF

The carousel has all items used listed and is linked directly to my store for your convenience

As an added bonus you get Free with any product purchase of $50 during the month of May is this fabulous tutorial bundle using CARRY OVER products.
(Carry Over products are items that carry from one current catalogue to the next)

Free with product purchase of:  $50 AU 

Or 

You can purchase this bundle separately just by clicking below.

Please add a note with your payment with the word 'MAY' for my reference. 
I will then email you the complete tutorial bundle within 48hrs

This is TUTORIAL available for purchase world wide.

Thank you so very much for visiting today. I you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask in the comments section below.

I always respond to questions 😊

Random Act Of Kindness RAK Blog Hop

 

"Welcome to the Random Act of Kindness (RAK) Blog Hop. You are visiting Kim Oliver in from Australia I am showcasing the cards I have given and or received as part of the Random Act of Kindness Card Group on Facebook. 

Each month, we each select a few people from the Group to send a RAK card to, to brighten their day. 
Please feel free to join the Group if you would like to participate in the RAK cards movement (blogging is not mandatory).
#imbringingRAKcardsback

To join the group please click HERE or the #hashtag above

These are the cards I have made and sent for this month, May.

#KOCreationscards #ImbringingRAKcardsback #Randomactsofkindness #Sharingthelove #Rubberstamping #Creativeideas #RAK

Giving and receiving cards is such a joy for me. 

The feeling of going to the mail box and getting something other than a bill is awesome. It brightens my week and brings a smile to my face every single time 😊

#KOCreationscards #ImbringingRAKcardsback #Randomactsofkindness #Sharingthelove #Rubberstamping #Creativeideas #RAK

#KOCreationscards #ImbringingRAKcardsback #Randomactsofkindness #Sharingthelove #Rubberstamping #Creativeideas #RAK

The other reason I love giving and sharing what I create is I am sharing my ideas world wide with other like minded people who love Stampin' Up!® as much as I do.

#KOCreationscards #ImbringingRAKcardsback #Randomactsofkindness #Sharingthelove #Rubberstamping #Creativeideas #RAK

These are the cards I have received for the month of May so far

WOW!!

#KOCreationscards #ImbringingRAKcardsback #Randomactsofkindness #Sharingthelove #Rubberstamping #Creativeideas #RAK

The stunning cards above come from as follows:  Top row: Melinda Brown, Natash Easton, Shelley d'arcy, Shelley Young,

Bottom row: Amanda Higgin, Terry Hamilton, Anna Krol and Tracy Bish.

Oh nearly forgot one! And it's another pretty one too! 

From Shirley Jones Taylor

here it is

#KOCreationscards #ImbringingRAKcardsback #Randomactsofkindness #Sharingthelove #Rubberstamping #Creativeideas #RAK

These are just a few of the gorgeous cards I have received!

There are loads more from earlier months...You can click HERE to view these from an earlier blog I did about this fabulous group 😍

Each card I have received is as individual as the person who created them.
Their style and personality shine through in their creative efforts.
I love seeing everyones beautiful creative ideas in such a hands on way. It is so inspirational too in so many ways. To know that these fabulous people are willing to share what they create with a total stranger and share kindness and love so willingly has helped me to feel good about the world again. Especially with so much bad news from all over the world.

#ImbringingRAKcardsback (By Kylie  Bertucci) and #makeacardssendacard (started by Sarah Douglass)
These are two hashtags you can use if you receive a card as a Random Act of Kindness, This will enable peple who are searching for RAK to be able to see the love being shared all over the world!


I hope the projects you've seen here on my blog today have inspired you and have brightened your day. 
 Please see the list below and hop around all of the people on the list to see all our projects. You don't want to miss any!

If you would like to be updated on special deals, hostess codes and even tutorials then sign up to my monthly news letter below.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting with me today. If you ahe  any questions please ask in comments below. 

I always reply

Resist Embossing - Happy Mothers Day

Welcome back crafty peoples  😍

Today I went LIVE on my FB page to sahre a techniquecalle Resist Embossing..

I have used this before technique number of times, but It's nice to go back and show again how to do these techniques and how to create with them after wards..

I was reminded of this technique yesterday while I was actually creating for an upcoming blog post, due to be published on the 7th of May...The Crazy Crafters will be hopping with Lea Denton on that day. I was using our now retired Irresistable floral paper that comes pre embossed and the cards I created turned out awesomely ... even if I do say so myself hehehe.

Ok enough bacj ground on what bought me to todays post and video.

 You can watch the video by clicking 

RESIST EMBOSSING

Here are my cards created from the paper I made this morning.

Happy Mothers Day

#Resistembossing #KOCreationscards #Techniques #Fallingflowers #RAK #ImbringingRAKback #Customerappreciation

 2 of the colours I used are NEW incolours and will be available for purchase from the 1 June 2017 from the new Annual Catalogue.

 If you would like a copy of this catalogue then please use the catalogue request form above so I can add you to my mailing list.

Here are the

Customer Thank you cards and a little RAK card too!

#Resistembossing #KOCreationscards #Techniques #Fallingflowers #RAK #ImbringingRAKback #Customerappreciation

You can see that I chopped up the piece of embossed paper and I made 3 cards from 1 little piece!

Front view 

of 

Happy Mothers Day

#Resistembossing #KOCreationscards #Techniques #Fallingflowers #RAK #ImbringingRAKback #Customerappreciation

If you would like a full list of items that I used then I have added them all to the carousel beolw for your convenience.

Just click any picture you like to be taken to my store.

The HOSTESS CODE for May is

33EJUTN4
If you use the Hostess Code from now until the 29th of May you will go into the draw to win awesome prizes!!

Thanks so much for visiting my blog today..

I will see you all again soon 😊

R.A.K

Welcome back crafty people :)

Please note that due to school holidays here in Tasmania my posts will be a bit fewer for the next 2 weeks. I want to spend as much time as possible with my children during this time. 

But, right now 

I have something I want to share with you!

It is something close to my heart and gives me my dose of feel good too!

Random Acts Of Kindness....

I am part of a group that sends out cards made from current catalogue products to randomly selected people from a list of participating people that are also part of this fabulous group...Sound interesting??

Then you can take a look and perhaps even join HERE

This wonderful group was founded by Kylie Bertucci, who is still part of the group and an active member, as am I, plus around 500 others!!!

To be part of the group you do need to have access to Stampin' Up!'s current product, but you do not need to be a demonstrator! You could be a customer who just loves Stampin'Up! and sending smiles all around the world. There is no set limit to how many you send...It can be 1 card or 50 cards the choice is yours!

This picture below is of recent cards that I have received from all over the world over the last couple of months..

Each one has bought a a wealth of happiness and filled my heart. And also my head with fab ideas too!

#Imbringingrakcardsback #RAK #Sendingsmiles #Snailmailisthebestmail #Nobillsmorelove

The next shots are some cards that I have made and sent or are sending soon to people within the group.

#Imbringingrakcardsback #RAK #Sendingsmiles #Snailmailisthebestmail #Nobillsmorelove

I select names randomly from the month it is (example this month April) there is a list of people who have said they are be participating ... Select some names, find their address on the list and send your envelope of smiles to them

#Imbringingrakcardsback #RAK #Sendingsmiles #Snailmailisthebestmail #Nobillsmorelove

This was my last lot, sent for the month of April..
You have until a certain set date (normally close to the end of the month) to send your RAK cards.

#Imbringingrakcardsback #RAK #Sendingsmiles #Snailmailisthebestmail #Nobillsmorelove

Just a reminder, if you would like to participate then you must have access to Stampin' Up!'s current items and be willing to send cards for free just because you love the idea of making someone happy.

To Join you our group can click HERE

 I hope you enjoyed this post and the idea of the group.
Perhaps it's something you can think about starting within your own community? It doesn't have to be based around Stampin' Up, it can be just people sharing card making ideas...

Or even try a craft swap?? Share crafty ideas and smiles with other people..The possibilites are endless!

On that note I will now leave you, as I am heading out with my family. We are off to the movies to see the Smurfs  The Lost Village :)

Bye for now and look after each other xx

Random Act Of Kindness and #GDP081

Welcome back crafters :)

#Helpingmegrow #Specialreason #Bermudabay #Richrazzleberry #Delightfuldijon #Realred #Melonmambo #KOCreatiosncards #Stitchedshapes #Layeringovals #Touchesoftexture #RAK

Today's blog is about Random Acts Of Kindness.
I have made this set of cards for the group that I am part of on FB called Random Act Of Kindness Card Group. If you love the feeling that giving gives you, then you will adore this!
 When I joined the R.A.K group I was asked to add my address to an International Address file. Then each month we decide whether we are participating and if so, add our names to the list in each monthly event. We then choose Random names from the list, find the corresponding address in the file and send out Happy Mail...Who doesn't love receiving something nice in their mail box, especially a hand made card from the other side of the world! I received one from the Netherlands only the other day! That was so special.
If you love sending out smiles (cards) then you can ask to join the group too...Click HERE

These cards are also my entry for Global Design Project #GDP081

The design Team have for us this week a colour challenge.
I do enjoy a good colour challenge :)

The colours are Night of Navy and Whisper White

with a free colour choice :)

If I am the lucky person to get chosen as the winner then I will be given this opportunity !!!

Now that would be an honour! ... Want to join in? Then click HERE and check out the requirements

#Helpingmegrow #Specialreason #Bermudabay #Richrazzleberry #Delightfuldijon #Realred #Melonmambo #KOCreatiosncards #Stitchedshapes #Layeringovals #Touchesoftexture #RAK

I made 5 cards almost identical except for the FREE colour choice. 

Each card has a different colour. 

I am really struggling to choose just one card to enter, so I decided to enter them all! 

Whoops lol

The card colours above are as follows.

Back row: left Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Delightful Dijon.

Front row: Bermuda Bay and Real Red. 

Individual cards with Front and Inside Views

#Helpingmegrow #Specialreason #Bermudabay #Richrazzleberry #Delightfuldijon #Realred #Melonmambo #KOCreatiosncards #Stitchedshapes #Layeringovals #Touchesoftexture #RAK

Doesn't that single colour stand out against the white and Navy!!!. 

It reminds me a little of the 'In The Lines' DSP

For the focal images I used the stamp set 'Helping Me Grow' stamped onto a Whisper White an oval stitched shape. Then this backed with a layer of Night of Navy cut with the largest scalloped framelit from the Layering Ovals framelits set.

#Helpingmegrow #Specialreason #Bermudabay #Richrazzleberry #Delightfuldijon #Realred #Melonmambo #KOCreatiosncards #Stitchedshapes #Layeringovals #Touchesoftexture #RAK

The background stamp I used is the splash from the 'Touches Of Texture' stamp set. 

It gives a spritzed effect with the colour. 

I have used Night of Navy plus the same colour as the focals for each card.  

#Helpingmegrow #Specialreason #Bermudabay #Richrazzleberry #Delightfuldijon #Realred #Melonmambo #KOCreatiosncards #Stitchedshapes #Layeringovals #Touchesoftexture #RAK

All cards except the one below have a Night of Navy card base. 

Each card sentiment is from the 'Special Reason' stamp set (wowser I am using this set soooo much!) and has been heat embossed in Whisper White onto Night of Navy.

#Helpingmegrow #Specialreason #Bermudabay #Richrazzleberry #Delightfuldijon #Realred #Melonmambo #KOCreatiosncards #Stitchedshapes #Layeringovals #Touchesoftexture #RAK

This card above has a Whisper White card base, because I placed the Whisper White layer on to the Night of Navy crooked and had to trim it! The joys of creating hahaha

But it still looks good, Doesn't it ?

#Helpingmegrow #Specialreason #Bermudabay #Richrazzleberry #Delightfuldijon #Realred #Melonmambo #KOCreatiosncards #Stitchedshapes #Layeringovals #Touchesoftexture  #RAK

I have added 5 sequins to each card front, just to add a touch of bling.

Just to keep each card a little different, I have added the sentiments in different positions and in differing style banners.

I hope you have enjoyed these cards.

Just a little bit of information for you.

I have just started a monthly newsletter. 

If you would like to be updated on special deals, hostess codes and even tutorials then.

If you live in Australia and are thinking of joining Stampin' Up!
Then I would be honoured to have you as part of my team, please click the picture below to join.
Earn money doing what you love! 

If you would like to purchase anything you can find my shop here

The Hostess code for April is 7CEYPST2 

If you use this code for the month of Aril for any purchase you will go into the draw to win the Pretty Pocket Card Kit

BUT if you place an order to the value of $50 or more you will enter the draw to win the Nailed It Bundle!!!

But remember to be entered you must use the HOSTESS CODE 7CEYPST2 when at checkout stage of your purchases.You must RESIDE IN AUSTRALIA and you MUST enter your CONTACT DETAILS.

If you would like a list of items I used or perhaps you would like to purchase something? Then I have added them all for your convenience to the carousel below

Thank you so very much for stopping by today. If you have any questions please ask in comments below.

I always reply.

#Loveitchopit for Customer appreciation

Welcome back happy stampers :)

There is this mantra going around atm!!! #loveitchopit started by Kylie Berucci (she is my Granny in SU)

This is not a one sheet wonder tutorial, and this is not an entry into anything. 

It's a way to encourage us and you to love our papers and chop our papers :) 

Make use of it, you know, not hoard it!!!

#Floralboutique #Loveitchopit #Customerappreciation #KOCreationscards #Thankyou #Fromtheheart #RAK #randomactofkindness

I am a serial hoarder, seriously! lol

 I am probably like any other of the million of you out there, who store their papers for that time when the perfect opportunity to use it arives...!!!

Well I am still waiting for that opportunity and I keep buying more beautiful papers. 

It's time to use it!!!

What better way to use it than to create Customer Appreciation and R.A.K cards..

I started these 3 days ago, hahaha! And have only just completed them. 

But I am so happy with how they turned out. 

What do you think?

#Floralboutique #Loveitchopit #Customerappreciation #KOCreationscards #Thankyou #Fromtheheart #RAK #randomactofkindness

I love my customers and I am always looking for ways to let them know how I appreciate them. 

For without them I wouldn't be here.

Here is something else I love!

See the card at the centre bottom (pic directly above)??? 

This was created using my scratch paper that I stamped off onto. I used to use my grid paper, but now I use this for classes only. I have so many pieces of paper laying about that I have cut the wrong way or I have die cut a piece from. And this is what I reach for to scribble, stamp and paint onto.

Well today it was just stamping. 

#Floralboutique #Loveitchopit #Customerappreciation #KOCreationscards#Thankyou #Fromtheheart #RAK #randomactofkindness

Sometimes like today, I start to notice how good the scratch piece looks!!!

I then finish what I am creating and make something with it. Like below.

#Floralboutique #Loveitchopit #Customerappreciation #KOCreationscards #Thankyou #Fromtheheart #RAK #randomactofkindness

To finish this card all I did was stamped the largest flower from the stamp set Special Reason...it has fast become a favourite stamp set of mine. I die cut it and layered using dimensionals. 

No bling, no sentiment. 

I think it looks perfect just the way it is!

I made the inside (not pictured) by just layering whisper white and stamping to of the smallest flwoers over the top of the flourish from Timeless Textures.

#Floralboutique #Loveitchopit #Customerappreciation #KOCreationscards #Thankyou #Fromtheheart #RAK #randomactofkindness

Not one of these cards has any more than a sentiment, a piece of ribbon or twine as an embellishment.

These colours really do just make for such an attractive card. 

I do so love the Floral Boutique DSP so  #loveitchopit happened lol

This will be an ongoing battle for me. One I am willing to keep trying at. I will share the journey with you as I try to use more of my beautiful papers!

One last group shot of them all together

#Floralboutique #Loveitchopit #Customerappreciation #KOCreationscards #Thankyou #Fromtheheart #RAK #randomactofkindness

I have just started a monthly newsletter!

If you would like to be updated on special deals, hostess codes and even tutorials then.

If you live in Australia and are thinking of joining Stampin' Up!
Then I would be honoured to have you as part of my team, please click the picture to join.
Earn money doing what you love! 

If you would like to purchase anything you can find my shop here

The Hostess code for April is 7CEYPST2 

If you use this code for the month of Aril for any purchase you will go into the draw to win the Pretty Pocket Card Kit

BUT if you place an order to the value of $50 or more you will enter the draw to win the Nailed It Bundle!!!

But remember to be entered you must use the HOSTESS CODE 7CEYPST2 when at checkout stage of your purchases.You must RESIDE IN AUSTRALIA and you MUST enter your CONTACT DETAILS.

If you would like a list of items I used or perhaps you would like to purchase something? Then I have added them all for your convenience to the carousel below.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. If you have any questions, please ask in comments below. 

I always reply :)