Jems Blog Hop...You Are My Sunshine

Welcome back to my blog for the Jems July blog hop! Where does the time go?

Our theme this month is "You are my sunshine", and I've chosen to interpret the theme using beautiful bright yellows and the gorgeous new Daisy Delight suite.

I had this idea in my head from the first moment I saw the new daisy punch.  It was only made possible by the Labeller Alphabet stamp set, which means you can make any custom greeting you like.  I've used the stitched shapes framelits to cut a piece of the beautiful Delightful Daisy paper and a mat of whisper white cardstock, to ground the focal point and the sentiment.  I've punched three daisies and layered them together and sponged them with daffodil delight ink.  I snipped off some petals, curled them with my bone folder and attached them with multi purpose glue.

My second card uses the same techniques, but a different layout.  I love this longer card shape. The card base uses a half sheet of cardstock, as a normal sized card, but it is scored and folded along the long side.

The daisy and sentiment are grounded with a diecut stitched circle of delicate vellum.  To add texture and interest to this clean and simple card, I've added a white mat, with a scored border.

I hope you like my sunny makes!  All of the supplies I've used are available to buy in my online shop at www.joliepaperie.stampinup.net

Allie x

It's Jems Blog Hop time again!

Welcome to the June Jem's Blog Hop!  This month our theme is "So glad this is in the new catalogue", which could apply to new products, or returning favourites.

I've chosen to highlight something very special that happened in our team this week.  One of our team, Julie Wade, had the brilliant idea of making thank you cards for the hospitals and emergency service staff who worked so brilliantly to care for the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.  She did a fabulous job co-ordinating and researching everything, and we were able to send almost a THOUSAND hand made thank you cards to the various organisations, to distribute to their staff on the ground. Amazing, right?  My cards went to the North West Ambulance Service, who were so pleased, they put pictures of our cards on their Facebook page!

Now, as the bumble bee is the symbol for Manchester, I was thrilled that the Garden in Bloom stamp set is in the new catalogue, because it has the cutest little bee image.  And the Thankful Thoughts stamp set, also carrying over, has a massive Thank You So Much sentiment, which makes a perfect focal point for quick and easy multiple makes.

And here's my card:

(Excuse the poor quality photos, but I had to snap them quickly and get them posted)

I am so proud of what we achieved, and this illustrates just how important a hand made card can be.  This is why I want to make sure the habit of sending cards never dies out in this email-driven world.  Our cards were so appreciated and we felt we were able to do something positive in the wake of an awful tragedy.  This was the Stampin' Up "Statement of the Heart" in action!

I hope you liked my cards and that you will hop on to the next blog in the blog hop for more fabulous inspiration.

Allie x

Stunning medalions

Hello and welcome back to my blog!  Today I want to tell you about the amazing Eastern Palace Bundles...a fabulous co-ordinated group of stamps, dies, papers and embellishments from the new Stampin' Up Annual Catalogue that have been released a month early.  These fabulous products are available to customers at a discount, and with free products, in two bundles, until the end of May, in advance of the new catalogue launch on June 1.

I LOVE these bundles!  The dies are amazing...probably the most versatile and unique collection Stampin' Up as ever offered. The co-ordination is, as you would expect from Stampin' Up, second to none.  The way the papers, dies, stickers and stamps work together makes creating beautiful projects a breeze.  And as a bonus, the bundles contain three of the new In Colour ink pad, and the new Thick Very Vanilla cardstock, or very vanilla notecards and envelopes FREE!

Details of the bundles and prices are available in my online store here

Don't miss out - while the products will all be available in the new catalogue on June 1, the free product with purchase ends this month!

Hello baby

Happy Hump Day!  Today I'm sharing a card made with the Love You Lots hostess stamp set.  I love this little elephant image.  The original image has a tiny mouse next to the elephant, but I only inked up the elephant part of the stamp, as I thought it would make the cutest baby card :)

I've watercoloured the image with smoky slate ink and a waterbrush, and diecut the image and the sparkly border, with the layering circles framelets.  A delicate doily sponged with soft sugarplum ink completes the focal point.   The sentiment comes from the Teeny Tiny Sentiments stamp set, which contains just about every sentiment you could ever need and is,thankfully, carrying over to the new catalogue.

I hope you like my card today and you will come back to see some more projects inspired by the retiring list through the rest of the week.

Happy stamping!

Allie x

More tropical blooms..

Hello!  Today I'm sharing a second card using my favourite Botanical Builders framelets, which are on the retirement list with a lovely 30% discount.

A similar layout to yesterday's card, yet a different look.  The frame is cut using the layering squares dies, using glimmer paper. The flowers are cut from Sweet Sugarplum cardstock, and the leaves from Emerald Envy.  A layer of petals cut from vellum adds delicate dimension.  The sentiment is heat embossed with white embossing powder. A little bit of sponging softens the diecuts and adds dimension.

I hope you like it!

Tomorrow I'm sharing a card with one of my favourite hostess stamp sets.

See you then!

Going, going, gone....

Hello and welcome!

There are only just over two weeks to go until the launch of the new Stampin' Up Annual Catalogue - which means just a fortnight left to pick up any of the retiring items you can't live without.  Whilst lots of things have sold out, there are still many bargains to be had.  I thought I would share some projects with my favourites from the retiring list.  If you would like to buy any of the items I spotlight over the coming days, I would be thrilled to have your custom.  You can order direct from my shop at www.joliepaperie.stampinup.net, or if you prefer, you can call on 0781 4451627 to discuss your requirements, or email me at alliejolliffe@hotmail.com.

So, on with the shares.  My all time favourite framelet set is first up.  The Botanical Builders framelets are reduced to  £21.00 and the companion Botanical Blooms stamp set is down to just £11.25. - fantastic bargains.

I love the dimensional quality of the flowers here, cut from Dapper Denim cardstock and sponged with dapper denim ink to add depth.  I've added white diecut stamens and silver leaves.  The frame, or wreath, is made by punching the centre from a silver metallic doily.  The card is finished off with some rhinestones and a flag sentiment.  This would make a great wedding card, or a silver anniversary card...change the sentiment and it would work well for a birthday too.

I hope you will come back tomorrow for another card.

Happy stamping,

Allie xx

Final birthday blooms

Hello there!  Today I'm sharing the last of my trio of watercolour cards using the Birthday Blooms stamp set.

This card pairs the painted image with some elegant striped patterned paper.I love the look of florals with bold stripes.

I've used some narrow ribbon to neaten the join between the papers and add interest and texture.

Thanks for stopping by!  Please do come back next week for more inspiration.

Happy stamping!

Allie

More watercolour techniques

Hi there! today i'm sharing another of my watercolour technique cards using the Birthday Blooms stamp set. This is such a lovely set for colouring, and as a bonus, along with beautiful images, there are some super sentiments.

Today's card uses Stampin' Up watercolour paper. I've stamped the image with Stampin Up archival black ink, which won't bleed when you add water. I've painted the image with ink and a waterbrush.  I've added a delicate pale blue wash around the images to make them pop.

I had such fun painting this one! I felt all artistic ;)

I shall be teaching this technique at my upcoming class in Macclesfield.  If you are local to me, why not join me?

Please do pop back tomorrow for the third watercolour card.

Happy stamping!

Alliex

Spotlight on watercolour

Good morning and welcome back to my blog!  Today's share combines three techniques and is my favourite card from my upcoming Watercolour for Cardmakers class.

The first technique is called "Double time stamping", where the image is stamped on two layers and the layers are separated by a coloured mat.  The second technique is called "spotlighting", where only a selected part of the image is coloured.  The third technique is a  "watercolour" look using an ink pad and blender pen.  This beautiful image from the Birthday Blooms stamp set lends itself beautifully to these techniques.  Some layers, stitching and sequins finish the look of this delicate, feminine card.

And here's the arty farty closeup ;)  I love the delicate pink pirouette and smoky slate colour combo and the stitched detail...lots of white space around the focal image allow these subtle details to shine.

I hope you found this useful.  Please do come back tomorrow for another share. And if you are interested in the products I've used, you can visit my online store to browse or buy 24/7 here

Happy crafting!

Allie x

I love a twofer!

Hello and welcome! Today's blog post is all about stretching your supplies - and your time.  I love a good two for one offer, and I often try to make two cards at once, rather than just one.  It's just as quick to make two cards, and it is often more economical on supplies. Here's an example:

I wanted to use a scalloped yellow border around my focal image to compliment and tie in the yellow of the flowers.  A diecut from the nesting circles framelit collection is the perfect design element to add interest to this clean and simple card.  But instead of diecutting the circle from any old piece of card, why not cut it from a card panel and use the waste to make another card?  And that's a twofer!

The scrap becomes a window to frame our focal point.  The front panel can be popped up on dimensional adhesive to create dimension and interest.

These are the last of my daffodil cards made with the Sheltering Tree stamp set.  I hope you've enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed making them.  All the supplies used can be found in my online shop here

Please do come back tomorrow where I will be sharing a card from my upcoming watercolour class.

Allie x

More Masculine Cards

Hello and welcome back to my blog.  Following on from Saturday's post about ideas for masculine cards, I've two more to share, this time aimed at the younger men in your life...especially teens and children.  Here I've used bold primary colours and funky stamps and some texture to give the cards a younger, but still male (or gender neutral) feel.

First up  is a bright rainbow card using the Work of Art stamp set and a whole rainbow of colours...real red, pumpkin pie, daffodil delight, wild wasabi, pacific point and perfect plum.  A bold black sentiment and some bright candy dots complete this fun look.

And for a funky "teen" or "tween" card, I've used a graffiti style with the Watercolour Words stamp set on a background embossed in the Brick Wall embossing folder.  I've used Pacific Point and Emerald Envy inks and some candy dots.  Some sponging with Sahara Sand ink and splotches from the Touches of Texture stamp set, grunge the "wall" up nicely. This is such a versatile design and I've used it over and over again.

I hope you've found some useful information and inspiration for your masculine cards. Thanks so much for dropping by.

If you are interested in any of the products I've used, they are all available in my online store, with shopping 24/7 at www.joliepaperie.stampinup.net, or if you prefer you can email me at alliejolliffe@hotmail.com or telephone on 0781 4451627.

Jems Blog Hop - Something for Men

Hello and welcome to the Jems May Blog Hop!  Perhaps you've joined me from the lovely Gill Arnold's blog.  This month we are talking "Something for the Men".  Yes, masculine cards, eek. I've heard so many people say they struggle with making cards for guys, so I thought I'd give a few tips that I've picked up along the way.   Art and design are subjective, of course, there are no hard and fast rules, but these are principles that have served me well.

CAS works
Clean and simple (CAS) cards always work for the guys.   No "faff", bows, rhinestones, just minimal embellishment and lots of clean "white" space.

Colour
A masculine colour scheme makes all the difference...not just shades of blue though...also earth tones, neutrals, bright primaries and metallics will work....just stay away from pastel pink and you should be good!

Focal Point
The usual cars/bikes/boats/tools are all good if you have specific masculine stamp sets.  But if not, try bold graphic images, pattered paper in stripes/plaids, big bold sentiments as a focal point, nature  or botanical themes work well. Remember a card for a man doesn't HAVE to be overtly masculine...it can be gender neutral.

Sentiments
Simple sentiments in sans serif fonts will give a more masculine feel, rather than flowy script, although a bold plain font can look good paired with script.

So, keeping all that in mind, here are my cards for today.

First up, a one layer CAS card using the Lovely as a Tree stamp set (nature).  I've done a faux torn edge technique, where I've masked off a section with torn paper and ink blended between the masks.  A slightly retro looking sentiment is all else it needs.

Next up is a card with botanical images in masculine colours (black, Pacific Point and smoky slate), using the Vintage Leaves stamp set.  I've added interest with a pop of colour in the layer and some candy dots, and a stitched oval diecut to hold the sentiment. This card was inspired by the fabulous and talented Kylie Bertucci at  http://www.craftykylie.com/

Here are the two cards together.  I'd love for you to come back on Monday, when I'll have some more masculine cards, but this time for the younger men in your life.

Please click a link below to continue on the hop.  Next is the uber talented Amanda Bates.

#MakeACardSendACard

Good morning!  Today I'm sharing some  cards I've sent out recently.  I've been enjoying the brighter Spring weather and the blossom, flowers and leaves making an appearance, and that is inspiring my card designs.

First up a pretty blossom card using the Sheltering Tree stamp set.  I love this versatile set and by stamping the "leaves" in blushing bride and sweet sugarplum ink instead of green, we get a totally different look.  I've used the spotlighting technique here, along with the double time stamping technique to get this cool look.

Sheltering Tree set take centre stage here.  The grass stamp becomes stems and the leaves become daffodil flowers in this fresh, simple spring card.

Here's a closeup of the focal point. with the sentiment changed up to make an Easter card.  I love the little details...the ink blended background, the stitched oval framelit, the pretty layering of the doily and  washi tape, and the butterfly accent stamped with the rock and roll technique.

I hope you like my shares today.  If you'd like to order the fabulous Sheltering Tree stamp set,  with 14 versatile stamps for just £23, you can visit my online store and shop any time here.

Jems April Blog Hop..Easter

Hello and welcome back to my blog for the Jems April Blog Hop! This month our theme is Easter, and I am so happy to welcome Spring!  I've been so inspired by the few bright days, bright green leaves budding on the trees and this week, the magnolia trees have started to flower, daffodils are nodding their bright heaads in the breeze and the delicate pink cherry blossom has arrived.

I thought I would talk today about stretching your stamps for different occasions.  I haven't bought a specific Easter stamp set this year (it has crept up on me, this year is going so fast), so how do you make Easter cards without an Easter stamp set?  If you have a good sentiment set which covers all of the year's holidays and events, like the fabulous Teeny Tiny Wishes, you are good to go.  Pair the Easter sentiment with floral or nature images and soft spring colours to make an Easter design.

I've used an old favourite, Sheltering Tree to recreate the cherry blossom I am loving so much this week.  This is a two step stamp set, which affords so many possibilities.  I've stamped the grass swoosh image in mint macaron (oh how I'm going to miss this colour when it retires in June), and the trunk/branch stamp in chocolate chip.  I've then added the leaf stamp, but instead of stamping in green, I've used blushing bride and flirty flamingo to create the blossom.  I added the little swing image to the tree, and the separate little leaves stamp to mimic blossom blowing in the wind, to create a little movement,  A sentiment, a bit of matting and layering with flirty flamingo card and a thick whisper white card base, and we're done.  /Simple, soft and pretty.

I hope you've found this useful. Thanks for visiting, and please continue on the hope to see all the other Jems' fabulous creations.

Happy stamping!

Allie xx

Stamp everything!

Hello and welcome back to my blog! Apologies for the lack of posts this last week, by little lad has been in hospital with norovirus...scary times! Glad to be back to my stamping nook, sharing what I love :)

Today I thought I would share a couple of the other things I use stamps for, apart from cards! I love stamping and colouring, so I incorporate it into all sorts!

First, my new business cards...I order them as plain text, and then stamp pretty images to decorate, which means I can change them up whenever I fancy.

My second share is my bullet journal, which is a kind of planner/ productivity tool.  It helps me practically to plan my life and business, but there's no reason why it shouldn't be pretty and inspiring!

I hope you enjoyed this different kind of post, showing you the versatility of stamps.  What else could you use stamps for? Why not leave me a comment with some ideas!

If you are interested in any of the products I use, you can visit my online store here or if you prefer, you can call me on 0781 4451627.

Peace, love and stamping!

Allie x

More Reverse Words

Hello and welcome back!  Today I'm sharing the second of this month's team training cards, and the second card using the FREE  Saleabration stamp set Reverse Words.  This is such a great stamp set for making quick backgrounds and beautiful colour blends can be achieved by applying different ink colours to the stamp using an ink dauber or using the rick n roll technique.

I'm hoping to start filming some video tutorials for my Blog and YouTube channel soon, so look out for those...I'll be exploring crafting basics for beginners, as well as techniques and start to finish project videos.

Thanks for stopping by.  If you are interested in any of the products I've used, you can buy them in my online store here or you can contact me to order by email at alliejolliffe@hotmail.com or telephone on 0781 4451627.

Happy crafting!  Allie x

Cheers for Saleabration!

Hello and welcome back to my blog.  Today I'm sharing a cheerful card using the FREE Saleabration stamp set Reverse Words.  This is one of the cards we made for monthly team training.

If you are wondering what Saleabration is,well it's the most exciting promotion of the Stampin' Up year, running from January to March, and for every £45 you spend in my online shop, you get to choose a FREE product from a selection of fabulous special edition stamps, papers and embellishments!  And who doesn't love free stuff?  If you'd like to see the range of free products on offer, click on the catalogues link in my sidebar and check out the Salebration and Salebration extras leaflets.  And if you would like to purchase any of the items you've seen me use, you can visit my online store her
I'll be back with another project for you on Friday. Until then, happy stamping!

Allie x

Happy anniversary card

Today I'm sharing an anniversary card that I made for my friend Julie, whose lovely craft studio, The Paper Haven, is celebrating its first anniversary.  Julie is my Stampin' Up team leader and provides wonderful support and inspiration to me in trying to build my business, so I wanted to mark her special occasion. (Please excuse my photos, I'm struggling with lighting at the moment)

I stamped the flower images from the /Flower Patch stamp set in an oval wreath shape, using classic ink in sweet sugarplum, mint macaron and bermuda bay, layered on a diecut stitched oval and a happy diecut from the Hello You thinlets, and an anniversary banner.  A sprinkling of rhinestones and a bit of wink of stella glitter complete the look.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the items I've used, and you don't have a Stampin' Up demonstrator, I'd be thrilled to help you.  You can shop 24/7 at my online shop here, email me at alliejolliffe@hotmail.com, or call me on 0781 4451627.

Thanks for dropping by, I'l be back with another post on Wednesday.

Hello and welcome to my blog, and the March Jems Blog Hop! This month, our theme is a colour challenge...using Bermuda Bay, Sweet Sugarplum and Mint Macaron.

I thought I'd try something a little different today and make a decor project.  A dear friend is celebrating an exciting anniversary and I wanted to make her a little gift to mark the occasion.  One of the things I love about Stampin' Up is the opportunity to make unique handmade gifts.

So, first up is a little decorative wooden door I bought at The Works, which I felt was crying out for stamps and ink!  I primed the surface with some vanilla coloured acrylic paint, and when it was dry I stamped the flowers around the door with our challenge colours and the Flower Patch and Blooming Love stamp sets, before adding some dimension with flowers from the co-ordinating framelets.

A few rhinestones and enamel shapes complete the makeover, along with hand cut flowerpots and a little sign....which might give you a clue who the gift is for!  It's gone out in the post, but I don't know whether it will arrive before she sees the blog hop!

My second project is some matching mini wooden bunting, which I stamped with the word CELEBRATE using the Labeller Alphabet stamp set and more flowers.

I hope you've enjoyed my projects.  I will post my matching card next week.  And now, please use the buttons below to continue on the hop, for heaps more gorgeous inspiration from my fellow Jems.  Thanks for visiting, and I'd love it if you leave a comment.

Allie xx