It's inspiration challenge week at Just Add Ink and the lovely Kelly has given us this dramatic & cosy bedroom image to work with. I have to say I'd wouldn't really want it to be mine, that is unless I was on hols in Canada perhaps, but each to their own look. However, I did make a card and this is how it turned out. The image was a bit of a challenge this week, especially as I'd seen the awesome cards the team had already created. However, once I decided to make a card for a lovely gentleman who's celebrating his 85th birthday, it came together quite quickly.
As you can probably see, I was inspired by the stacked timber wall behind the bed, and also took a bit of gold from the light & the blues from the carpet & bedhead.
To make the timber background, I punched lots of classic label punch shapes from the Wood Textures paper pack & adhered them to a piece of card covered with an adhesive sheet (so I didn't have to mess around with glue).
A big birthday calls for big numbers so I cut the 85 out of the timber look panel using my Large Numbers dies, popped the panel up on dimensionals, and backed the numbers with gold foil. The sentiment came from the coordinating Number of Years stamp set.
I'm shocked & disappointed that the Number of Years stamps & Large Numbers dies are being retired ( you too?). These are a total staple in my collection as they're perfect for all sorts of number projects. If you don't have them, please order now, as they're only available while stocks last, or until 31 May if they last that long. 
In happier news, the sentiments I used inside the card are from the Perennial Birthday stamp set, which is happily carrying over from the Occasions Catalogue to the new Annual Catalogue, coming in June.
So that's my take on the inspiration photo. I hope it inspired you in some way too. Now head to the Just Add Ink blog to check out all the cool cards the team have been inspired to create. We'd love you to play along with us too.
Inky wishes & happy stamping.
Di
Project Supplies To see & order any items used in today's projects, click on the items below to see them in my Online Store.
You can order from me if you live anywhere in Australia. I would love to help you with your papercrafting needs as your Demonstrator if you don't already have one.Important: Number of Years & Large Numbers sets are retiring & are only avalable while stocks last.Print Recipe My plans for Festive Friday posts & making my Christmas cards each month haven't been happening for various reasons. Today I have a little time to blog and have just seen some of my favourite Christmas goodies on my SU store Clearance Rack, so Festive Tuesday it is. Today I'm sharing a couple of my favourite Christmas projects from last year. Both show my favourite element for Christmas cards & gifts - shine. First up is this clean and elegant Christmas card with my favourite reindeer stamp from Santa's Sleigh. I am so sad Santa's Sleigh stamps & dies are retiring now, as they're one of my all time favourite Christmas sets. Get it now if you love it too, as it's only available while stock's last. It will NOT be leaving my collection. :( I made multiples of this design to send last year, mainly to my lovely SU team. It's a simplified adaption of this even more sparkly reindeer card I made earlier in the year. Truth be told, I like the cleaner look of this one, plus it was faster & less supply heavy than the original. An important factor when you're mass producing. I made two versions using different foil prints in the Year of Cheer paper pack. This is the second version.
Here's a closer look at that reindeer panel.
I stamped the reindeer in soft suede ink & coloured him with ivory & bronze Stampin Blends alcohol markers. Then I added a liberal dash of clear Wink of Stella. The colours work so well together don't you think? Tip: Did you know most of our classic ink colours are compatible with Stampin' Blends markers? I really like being able to stamp with colours that are closer to the image I'm colouring. The reindeer is matted onto a Stitched Shapes square die cut & teamed with a banner stamped with the Merry Christmas sentiment from Star of Light. A little copper or gold sequin from the Metallic sequins pack adds a final shiny touch. So glad these are all carrying over to the new Annual Catalogue (coming in June). So which card appeals to you more - the swirly copper mistletoe print or the check? I can't pick a favourite. I like the organic look of the swirly print, but I like the clean look of the check too. #fencesitter :) Christmas box & tag Being a matchy matchy girl from way back, I made matching Christmas boxes for my SU team lovelies using the same Year of Cheer foil paper. It's actually cardstock weight so it's perfect for making boxes and other 3d items. I teamed the box with a tag made from the gorgeous gold & silver foil snowflakes (now a $4 Clearance Rack bargain). Here's the gold version.
Eagle eyes may see I decorated the ornament with some washi tape from the coordinating Year of Cheer washi tape pack - probably my most used washi pack ever. So excited it's now on the Clearance Rack for just $6.30. Bargain! The tag is made from gold & silver foil snowflakes. I added a Stitched Shapes circle, heat embossed with sentiment from the Ready for Christmas stamp set. Some white classic weave ribbon attaches it to the box.
Here's one of the silver snowflakes & copper embossed sentiments used on one of the other Year of Cheer paper prints.
Here's another view of the box in the pretty gold & silver snowflake print, so you can see the box & top closure a bit better. To attach the tag, I simply punched a hole in two of the top flaps using my retired Cropadile & tied with ribbon. The tag is attached to the main bow with a thinner ribbon. 
Box Measurements The box is made like a regular tab style box, scored & cut at the tabs to form the box. I custom sized it to fit the ornament. Finished box dimensions: 2-1/4 x 2-1/4 x 3-1/4 inches Cutting measurements: Cut 9-1/2 inches x 6 inches (Year of Cheer paper or other card). This gave me 2 boxes per 12 x 12 inch sheet of card, with enough left for 2 of the reindeer cards. Scoring measurements:Score long side (9 inches) in 2-1/4 inch increments, eg. at 2-1/4, 4-1/2, 6-3/4 & 9 inches. Score short side (6 inches) at 1-3/8 inches from either end. Tip: why score at 1-3/8 inches? - this is the magic measurement that enables you to use the punch in the Gift Bag Punch Board to make your box flaps look neat, finished Simply punch at each score line at the top & bottom of the box. Of course you don't need the punch board to make the box, but it's one of those little things that makes your boxes look soooo professional. Note: For those who know I usually work in metric measurements, sometimes when I'm making lots of boxes with the Simply Scored & 12x12 inch card, it's quicker & easier to use inches as the board has 1/4 inch increments. If you'd like more info on either my reindeer card or box, just leave a comment & I'll try to help. That's all from me today. I hope seeing my projects has given you some ideas to get your Christmas cards started. Pin them for later inspiration too. You'll get a bargain on lots of the supplies I used too if you shop the Clearance Rack now. All items are only available while stocks last so they may not last long. If you're a fan of Santas's Sleigh to, see more of my past Santa's Sleigh projects hereUntil next time, inky wishes & happy stamping. Di Project Supplies
To see & order any items used in today's projects, click on the items below to see them in my Online Store. Items I used are listed first. You can order from me if you live anywhere in Australia. I would love to help you with your papercrafting needs as your Demonstrator if you don't already have one.Important - All 5 items in top row of supplies are only available while stocks last. Order ASAP.
- Stampin' Blends not available to order at post publish date - available again from June '18
- Additional supplies for Christmas box listed after Gift Bag Punch board below.
It's no secret that I LOVE colour so I'm beyond excited to share a peek of our new colour collections AND new stamp case design, that we'll officially welcome in June when our new Annual Catalogue launches. Read on for more info about the 2018 colour revamp.
New Colour CollectionsThis is our full new colour collection for 2018-19. Each collection has its own spectrum of colour & coordinates within the whole collection. Isn't it gorgeous?
Colour revamp - just the facts
• 53 colours in new collections - 10 In-colors, Brights, Subtles, Regals, & Neutrals, plus 3 Basics • 27 current core colours will stay - some have moved to a new collection where they fit better. • 3 colours moved to a new 3 colour Basics collection - whisper white, very vanilla & basic black. • 10 brand new core colours added. • 6 previously retired in-colors are returning as core colours. • 5 brand new in-colours added for 2018-2020. • 13 core colours are retiring.
New & returning colours
Here's how the brand new in-colours, core colours and returning in-colours fit within the collections.
Retiring coloursThese are the retiring colours that will leave us on 31 May. I know you'll be sad to see some of these as they'll be favourites of yours. Some of my most used colours are on the list too, (hello soft sky, pink pirouette and pretty much all the blues), but I'm excited to find new favourite combinations with the new collections. If your faves are on the list, I'd recommend you stock up on card etc as soon as possible. Stampin' Up! have guaranteed stock of retiring ink pads & refills until 7 May to ensure you can get any missing ones in your collection, then they'll be while stocks last only until 31 May. All other items in these retiring colours, including cardstock are only available while stocks last. See this post for more info & to order retiring colours
Ink pad redesignOur ink pad redesign is one of those fabulous gifts you never thought you needed but absolutely love when you get it. They'll make our new colour collections & your stamped projects shine even more. What's new?• Streamlined, modern design • Easier to open & close • Stackable • Tighter fit between the lid & base • New labelling & extra label, so you'll see the colour when the pad is open • Ink formula changes to give smoother coating on stamps, better lay down ink, & reduce ink bubbling • Foam pad is almost the same size as current - maybe a few mm's shorter Ink Pad ComparisonI was lucky to receive a new style pad at Onstage, so here's a comparison of both pad styles. I hadn't added my labels when I took the pics, but the main label goes under the thumb grip (front of top right pic). The solid sticker goes in the slot below the actual foam pad (see bottom left pic). Good to know• Size - actual foam pad is almost the same size as current. • Changeover date - Ink pads & refills purchased from 1 June will be the new design. Any refill received lately with our new branding look also has the new formula. • Storage - New style pads will fit into the Color Caddy – just not as tightly as the previous ink pad style. Be careful not to turn it too fast! SU are working on a new storage solution but don't yet have a launch date. The current caddy design is retiring with the current catalogue. • Ink refills - new style ink refills are fine to use in old style pads. Old style ink refills are fine in new pads - they just won't have the new formula ink. Except for basic black & basic gray pads - use old with old & new with new.What to do nextI hope you're as excited as I am to see the new colours & pads in person. I'll share more as we get closer to launch. For now, • Download the new colour collection chart pdf as a handy reference to what's happening. • Check you have ink refills for retiring colours • Check your cardstock supplies for retiring colours Of course, please a comment or contact me to share your favourite new or retiring colours and ask away if you have any questions about these changes. Inky wishes, Di PS: Check out everything you need to know about the full retirement list here on my blog.
Today Stampin' Up! shared which items are being retired from our current Annual & Occasions catalogues to make space for our new Annual Catalogue coming in June. Retirement time is always bittersweet as I love having new goodies to play with, but it's sad to say goodbye to favourites too. So what's retiring? Lots & lots of stamps, ink, papers, accessories, punches & Big Shot goodies. This is your last chance to get the goodies on your wishlist before they disappear for good. Check out my top retirement picks below to get you started. The most important thing to know is that most retiring items are only available while stocks last from now until 31 May when they officially retire. Many popular items will sell out quickly so check your wishlist & order what you need. Bundle Tip: Remember to look at all stamp & die/punch bundles, even if the items are not retiring, so you'll get the 10% bundle discount. This only applies until 31 May when the catalogues end. See all current Annual & Occasions catalogue bundles here
Retiring ColoursThe biggest retirement news is that 13 current core colours and 4 in-colours will retire, as the new 2018-19 Annual Catalogue coming in June will introduce you to a fresh, new palette of colours plus a brand new & improved ink pad design. I'll tell you more about our new colour collections & new ink pads next time, since there's so much retirement news to share now. These are the retiring colours. See what's available in each colour by following the colour links at the bottom of this post. Any current product in these colours will also retire, plus multi-coloured cardstock & Stampin' Write marker packs & accessories. Essentially, anything that includes these colours will go. All retiring colour items are only available while stocks last until 31 May, with the exception of ink pads & ink refills in retiring colours which are guaranteed available until May 7, then while stocks last until 31 May. Note: Ink pads in continuing colours are available while supplies last too, until new style ink pads become available on 1 June. So if you want to complete your collection in the current style, order them soon. I know some of your favourite colours may be on this list, but please trust me that our new colours and collections are gorgeous and will work even more beautifully and cohesively for you than they do now. In the meantime, stock up on ink refills & cardstock in your favourite retiring colours. My Occasions Catalogue Retirement PicksI'm happy to say that some of my favourites are carrying over to the new catalogue. Sadly, some real gems are not. Be sure to check out the full retirement list to make sure you get your favourites. Stamp set supplies are guaranteed until 7 May, but all other items are only available while stocks last. Remember to look at all Occasions Catalogue bundles if you want to get the 10% bundle discount, as it only applies until 31 May when the catalogue ends.
My Annual Catalogue Retirement PicksThe Annual catalogue is huuuuge so the retirement list is huge too, so I've split my favourite retiring items into groups of unique, essential, or much used and loved items that you don't want to miss. Perfect pairingsI can't tell you how shocked I am that the numbers, Santa's Sleigh & rose stamps & dies are on the list. These are all amazingly useful additions to your crafting stash & I can't recommend them enough. Of course there's lots more to love that's going. Which of your faves are going? Big Shot top picksAgain, the first row are some of most loved and go-to dies. They're unique & work on so many projects. see my Bloomin' Heart projects (lots teamed with the number stamps & dies too, or some of the many butterfly cards I've made. The others give useful, unique or fun options. Top stamp picks
Where would we be without our stamps? The first row are my absolute essentials from the list - Birthday Blooms is my favourite all time flower image to colour and the sentiments are brilliant. See my Birthday Blooms projects to get you started. - The Watercolor Wings butterflies are of course a perfect pair with the butterfly dies, but fabulous on their own. Really don't want these ones to go either. See my past projects- My class lovelies could tell you how much I love the single Stylized Birthday stamp. That one is never leaving my collection. Perfect for inside, outside of just about any project - The others are ones I think work well in everyone's stash. Great images and/or sentiments Shop Retiring ColoursWhich colours will you miss the most? For my, I think pink pirouette, soft sky & pretty much all the blues. Supplies of individual ink pads & ink refills for retiring colours are guaranteed available if ordered until May 7. All other retiring colour items are only available while stocks last, until 31 May when they'll retire for good. Click on a colour to shop all available items
or Well that's a ton of information for now. Just ask if you have any questions about retirements or the colour revamp. I'll be back soon to share some projects. Inky wishes, Di
It's time for colour challenge at Just Add Ink and Rochelle had chosen this very elegant combination. This is what I came up with. As I played with the combination & a design it became clear that gold was going to be the star, accented by the fig & bermuda bay. The fresh fig was easy to incorporate as it works so beautifully with gold, but adding in the bermuda bay too was more of a challenge - even though it's normally one of my faves. Overall, I kept to a very simple design, repeat stamping and gold embossing the three pen stamp from the Crafting Forever stamp set and Best Wishes stamp from the Petal Palette stamp set. For the background I used a bold gold foil print from the Bundle of Love paper pack. I brayered another piece with fresh fig ink to provide some more colour and contrast. So hard to see the beautiful gold in my early morning pics. Anyhoo, I hope my card has given you some ideas to try. Thanks for visiting today. You must also check out all the Design Team's projects on the Just Add Ink blog. We'd love you to try the challenge too. Until next time, happy stamping. Ink wishes, Di Project SuppliesTo see & order any items used in today's projects, click on the items below to see them in my Online Store. Items I used are listed first. Alternative stamp mount & bundle options listed at bottom of list.
You can order from me if you live anywhere in Australia. I would love to help you with your papercrafting needs as your Demonstrator if you don't already have one.Print Recipe
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