Christmas Card

I have been so busy lately and I apologise for not updating my blog.  I will endeavour to get more motivated and update this more often.

If you have received my newsletter, you will know that there is a promotion on from now until the end of November 2011 on selected Big Shot dies, with a 10% discount on items.  Take a look at the details here
Stampin' Up! Big Shot promotion

I have lost a little of my mojo lately and have found it a bit hard to get back into.  I have been creating but not a lot and only when time permits really but lately, there have been so many other things to do.

Anyway, here is a Christmas card I made recently.  I have dragged out my markers, which I haven't used for a long time.  The stamp is from the Beautiful Season set ($33.95 clear mount). 

I love to use markers especially to get the elements in different colours, so old olive for the leaves, real red for the berries and elegant eggplant for the bird.  I've added some of the new 1/2" Elegant Eggplant Scallop Dot Ribbon and some old olive scallop border.  I made a few of these as well because I liked them so much.   I've been making a few of these cards smaller than the normal C6 size. You can cut your card stock into 3 on the long edge at just under 10cm and you will get 3 cards out of the one piece of A4 card stock. 

1st December 2011 the Summer Mini Catalogue will be available.  There are some great products in this catty so stay tuned.

I hope you like my card and thanks for looking.

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Flora Festival & Launch

Come and see me and some fellow Stampin' Up! Demonstrators in the Arts & Craft tent at the Flora Festival, which is being held from today until Sunday at Mount Penang, Kariong.  We have 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogues for sale, plus old Idea Book & Catalogues at reduced prices, lots of retired stamp sets and a demonstration/make and take area.  So come on along and say hello.  I will be there Friday and Saturday.  Hope to see you there.

I am also holding my 2011-2012 Catalogue Launch on Tuesday 13 September at 7.30 at the Narara Valley Baptist Church.  You will make 3 projects on the night and receive a new catalogue for $20.  You will need to email me or phone me if you would like to attend.  I have a few spots remaining so if you would like to come along for a great night of papercrafting, let me know.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

10% Discount on Retiring Products

From now until the end of August, I am offering 10% discount on any product on the Stampin' Up! Retiring List, which is in addition to any discount already offered by Stampin' Up!  Some of these products are out of stock already so if you have your heart set on something, get in quick.

To check out the current list cllick here

This offer is only available through me and will end on 31 August 2011. 

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Another Motorbike

Yes, another motor bike!!!  All males in my family are getting cards using the motorbike stamp this year!  I am having loads of fun using it.  The card below is one that I just pretty much threw together but one that I must say am really happy with.  It does use retired paper but I love the coordinating colours.  I coloured the bike in using my markers and used soft suede ink and a dauber to lightly colour underneath the bike, giving a shadow effect.  I also applied ink with the dauber to the edges of my very vanilla and baja breeze cardstock, just for a bit more of a distressed look.  I was really happy with how it turned out so I made another one!!!

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Retired List

The Retired List is here.  Get in quick as these items on sale are only available until stocks last.  Click on the link to go to the Stampin Up! Retired List

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Do you like my baby cards?

I wanted to make a baby card for a friend at work and had seen the pram and thought I would give it a go.

The card uses the Big Shot Scallop Circle, various circle punches, the scallop border punch as well as the owl punch for the hearts and some brads.  I gave the bottom of the card a roll with the Scribble Jumbo Wheel and tied some Very Vanilla ribbon on the left hand side.  I just love the saying, "A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on" from the Occasional Quotes stamp set, which is a hostess set. 

And here's another for a baby boy.  I love orange and navy together!  Although I am not altogether happy with this one!! 

I hope you like them!

Regards
Lisa


Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Elegance

Here is another card we recently made at a workshop.  This card uses the Elegance Wheel and the Always Elegant Stamp set and a colour that is becoming a favourite, Pacifc Point.

The bottom of the Whisper White card is stamped using the Elegance Wheel, in Pacific Point.  Some Night of Navy to create the border for the image and the Always Elegant stamp is on Whisper White, mounted onto the Night of Navy piece, which has one edged punched using the scallop border punch.  Add a "perfect bow" in Pacific Point 5/8" Satin Ribbon (my favourite type of ribbon).  I also made this card using the butterfly from the Strength and Hope Set, will post this for you later.

A simple but elegant card I think.  Hope you like it.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Quick & Simple Male Card

Here's a quick and simple male card.  I am just loving this motorbike stamp, which you can buy just on it's own.  It is so handy for the quick male cards/teen boy cards.

I've used Basic Black as my base card stock.  Added some Whisper White and Real Red.  Cut a Top Note in Whisper White using the Big Shot.  Stamped the motorbike in Basic Black and a Sentiment in Real Red. 

That's it!  Quick, easy and so simple for the man who hardly even looks at the card anyway!!!

Just a reminder that the July Promotion (free Ribbon & Button bundle) is finishing on 31 July 2011.  Get your order in today to ensure you don't miss out.

Regards

Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Faux Mother of Pearl

Got some shimmer paint?  And some Glad Wrap?

To create the faux mother of pearl technique, you will need both of these items and that is it.  It is so simple! 

You can't really see this much in the photo unfortunately!  To create this look, just scrunch your glad wrap, dab a bit of shimmer paint on it and apply to your image (I dabbed it off onto scrap paper first, just to make sure there was no excess shimmer paint).  And here is the finished card. 

Hope you like it!

Want to learn this technique?  Give me a call to arrange a Workshop today.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

July Promotion

From 1 July through to the end of July 2011, Stampin' Up! are giving away one spool of ribbon and coordinating buttons for purchases of $100 or more.


Take a look at the flyer below for all the details

The bundle includes approximately 13 metres of ribbon and the buttons, all 48 of them!!!!

This offer is only valid for the month of July.

Strength & Hope Night

Silly me, took my camera, forgot to take photos.  I can say that we had a bunch of fantastic ladies on the night, there were loads of laughs, some yummy food and of course, papercrafting.  We had a jar to raise additional funds for Breast Cancer Research (in addition to the $2.00 donated by Stampin' Up! from the purchase of the stamp sets).  I was very surprised to count a whopping $100, which I have donated on behalf of us all to BCR.  Thank you ladies for a wonderful night and your generosity in paying up for those little slip ups on the night!!!

Emerging Colour

I recently had a workshop where there were a number of ladies that had pretty much seen it all so I needed something new to demonstrate.  This is a technique that I have been going to try for a while now.  I initially tried with the Medallion stamp but I just couldn't get it the way that I wanted it.  So I decided to create just a little bit of emerging colour.  Hope you like it. 

So if you would like to learn how to make this card, picture yourself at your table, surrounded by crafty friends, dessert in one hand, alternating between scissors/coffee/wine in the other, then give me a call to arrange your free workshop today.



Have a great week.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Strength & Hope Creations

I can't believe it has been so long since I last updated this blog.  I feel like a naughty school girl!!  So I would like to dedicate this particular post to my friend Gemma, who I nagged...and nagged... and nagged in the past about updating her blog.  She kept using the same old excuse, she was getting married!!!  Justifiable excuse...I think not!!!

Anyway, these are the projects that I have been busy preparing for the Strength & Hope Night on Friday 17 June (OMG, that's this Friday).  Finally, I have finished designing (some inspiration was provided by my dear friend Melissa (who I might add, hasn't updated her blog in a while, lol).

I wanted to keep the colours the same so that it looked like a set and we used only 2 stamp sets to make the whole thing, 3 stamp pads, couple of punches and some bling.  I hope you like them. 

I'm looking forward to a great night of indulgence (food, beverages, laughter and card making).  Will post some pictures of the night soon.

Regards
Lisa


Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Class 28 May 2011 & Deals of the Week

A reminder that I am holding a Class this Saturday 28 May at 2.00pm at my place at Kariong.  Here is one of the cards we will be making, which uses the Big Shot.  The second card is also on my blog, the masking card.  The third card I will leave as a surprise.  Class is $15 for 3 cards and coordinating envelopes.  There are still some places left, so let me know if you would like to attend.

The final Stampin' Up! Deals of the Week has been announced today.  The following items are on sale until Tuesday 31 May 2011.

Right on Track Stampin' Around Wheel (Page 62) $11.95 Now $8.37
Retro Remix Stampin Around Wheel (Page 62) $11.95 Now $8.37
Vintage Type Rub-Ons (Page 134) $15.95 Now $11.17
Play Date Rub-Ons (Page 134) $16.95 Now $11.87

Don't delay, get your order in today! 

Regards
Lisa


Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Strength & Hope Night

Strength & Hope Night

Friday 17 June 2011, 7.30 pm at Kariong

Help raise money for the

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

$2 from every Strength & Hope Stamp Set sold

will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

 We will make a couple of projects using the Strength & Hope Stamp Set (above), have light supper/refreshments, a few laughs and relax! There will be other projects on display for you to take a look at and use with your own Stamp Set, which you will use then take home with you

(that's right, you will take the stamp set home).

The total cost
(for the class and the stamp set) is

$40 for Clear Mount and
$45 for Wood Mount sets.

Prepayment is required, as I will need to order your stamp sets beforehand and is required by no later than Friday 10 June to ensure delivery.

Numbers are limited so get in quickly to avoid disappointment.

I am really excited to host this event as I am sure that this will be one fantastic night for a really worthwhile cause. So imagine yourself, coming along, with a friend, relaxing and having fun. All to help Breast Cancer Research.

Please RSVP as soon as possible - lisabowcock@bigpond.com, Ph: 4340 1118 or 0438 220 279

For further information about the Stamp Set and projects, go to http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/lisabowcock/dynamicPage?pageName=strengthandhope

Deals of the Week - Now until 24 May 2011

I am pleased to announce the latest Stampin' Up! Deal of the Week.  The following items are available from now until 24 May 2011.

Daffodil Delight 5/8" (1.6 cm) Satin Ribbon $16.95 now $11.87 (page 137)
Certainly Celery 3/8" (1 cm) Taffeta Ribbon $12.95 now $9.07 (page 137 )

Square Fire Rhinestone Brads $19.95 now $13.97 (page 139)
Square Ice Rhinestone Brads $19.95 now $13.97 (page 139)

Reminder about my upcoming class on 28 May 2011 @ 2.00pm.  We will be making the card posted on Monday 16 May, which uses the Masking technique as one of our cards and, of course, coordinating envelopes.  I will post another class card shortly.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Want $70 of Additional Stampin' Up! Products

I am really excited to tell you that Stampin' Up! have a special promotion for hostesses from now until the end of June 2011.  Host a Workshop with sales of $450 or more and you will receive an additional $70 in Stampin' Up! products (that means a minimum of $110 to spend) plus a free stamp set.  How good is that??  So if you can imagine spending $110 on free products of your choice, give me a call to arrange your workshop, today!

Here is a card that I have made using a technique I have never done before, masking.  Although it is a little bit fiddly initially (as you have to stamp and then cut the mask out), it is a really nice effect.  The flowers have been stamped using ink refills and shimmer paint.  It looks so much prettier in real life.   I have some others ready that I will post shortly.


I will be holding a class at my house at Kariong on Saturday 28 May at 2.00pm. 
This will be one of the cards that we will make on the day.  You will make 3 projects, with matching envelopes.  Cost is $15.  Please let me know if you would like to attend.


I will be posting some information shortly on my Strength & Hope Night, which will be held on Friday 17 June 2011.  We will make a couple of projects on the night and everyone will take home the Strength & Hope Stamp Set, of which Stampin' Up! are donating $2 from every stamp set sold to Breast Cancer Research, so you will also help a really worthwhile cause. 

Anyway, that's all for now.  Let me know if you would like to attend my class on 28 May or the Strength & Hope Night on Friday 17 June, which will both be held at Kariong, Central Coast.


Thanks for looking at my blog.



Regards
Lisa
Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
 http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Off to Convention

Well, I did create but I am a bit time poor at the moment so have not posted any cards, sorry!!!!!  I'm off to Stampin' Up! Convention today in Melbourne and I am madly trying to get everything done (and organised for hubby/kids...failing miserably, although I am sure they will cope with the minor things that I won't get done before I go).

I did make a few cards last Tuesday and this one is my favourite.  This card is using the Strength & Hope Set from the Autumn/Winter Mini Catalogue and is becoming one of my favourite sets!  I have embossed the butterfly used shimmer paint as well as basic stamping plus dazzling diamonds with the butterly, all beautiful effects.

Don't forget to check out the Stampin' Up! Deals of the Week - a new one is available today.

Hope you like it and I look forward to sharing what I learn at Convention with you!

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator ...And lovin' it!! http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Deals of the Week are back and the Autumn/Winter Catalogue is here too

During the month of May, Stampin' Up! are announcing details of the Week.  The first is from 1 May until 10 May and includes stamp sets at reduced prices.  Cottage Garden (one of my favourites), Tag Along, More Monkey, Compliments to the Chef.  Check out the sale prices here :-http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/lisabowcock/promotions

Tomorrow is creation day, so I will hopefully post a creation or two for you tomorrow.

The Autumn/Winter Mini has also arrived (sorry for taking so long to let you know).  Take a look at what's available on my website:-
http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/lisabowcock/catalogs

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Elegant??

I just love the look of Black and White.  It just has a nice touch of elegance to it don't you think?  This card is another CASE for SU demonstrator, Narelle Farrugia.  Thanks Narelle.

Quite a simple card to make, basically using squares mounted on each other.  A scallop square cut using the Scallop Square Duo Embossing Die.  I have distressed the top white square in Rich Razzleberry.  The stamp is from the Clearly for You set.  I just love the Vintage Brad on the Black & White Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

This is another card that I am showing at my Workshops.  Want to give it a go? 

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Big Shot Tulips Embossing Folder

This card uses the Big Shot Tulips Embossing folder, which is just beautiful.  I would like to play a little more with this and have a few ideas in mind for this little folder.  The card uses Early Espresso, Rose Red, River Rock card stock.  I have stamped the Upsy Daisy in Chocolate Chip (this stamp looks fantastic too using markers to colour the stem and a different colour for the flowers).  Add some butterflies, which have been cut and embossed using the Beautiful Wings Big Shot Die.  The Big butterly has one of the smaller butterflies mounted on top and I've added some Basic Pearls for a bit of bling.  The ribbon is Early Espresso Satin ribbon and is folded back onto itself and stuck using double sided tape.  I hope you like it!!

Thanks for looking.  Feel free to leave me comments on any of my cards.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Friends 24-7

This would have to be one of my favourite stamp sets.  The little bird is so beautiful and versatile.  The card is CASEd from Alisa Tilsner, another SU demonstrator because I fell in love with how she had done it and couldn't wait to create my own version.

Card stock used is Rich Razzleberry base, River Rock (I'm lovin' this colour), Soft Suede and Very Vanilla.  Stamp the River Rock mount in your choice of background stamp (I have used Wedding Sweet) in River Rock.  Cut out a scalloped square using the Big Shot Scallop Square Duo die, a square Very Vanilla mount, stamped again in river rock and the Friends 24-7 Bird stamped in Soft Suede with the edges distressed in Soft Suede.  A piece of Rich Razzleberry Tafetta Ribbon through the middle, add on a bow and some Basic Pearls in the top right hand corner.  Then just add a sentiment. 

Thanks for looking at my blog. 

Regards

Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

A little bit of Rock 'n Roll

I have been trying out the Rock 'n Roll technique lately and I just love the difference it can make to a stamped image.  This is a technique that I am focussing on at the moment in my workshops so if you would like to give this a go, give me a call.

Take a closer look at the Vintage Vogue flowers, which are stamped in pumpkin pie and then rock 'n rolled in real red.  I am not a fan of orange and red normally but when I was asked to do a card in red, this is what I came up with.  I love the ribbon technique and the jumbo eyelets (one of my favourite products).  A Basic Pearl in the middle of the flower just gives it that lift. 

I hope you like it!  Thanks for looking.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Summer Mini Carryover Products

Some of the products from the Summer Mini are still available for purchase.  So if you would like any of these products or earn them for free by hosting your own workshop, contact me today.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Not sure, what do you think?

I think I like this card, well I do, but I'm not sure???

Pretty much standard colours, Early Espresso, Baja Breeze, CC (Cherry Cobbler, of course) and Very Vanilla.  I can't get past Cherry Cobbler at the moment, I love it with just about everything. 

Run a piece of Cherry Cobbler 14cm x 9.5cm through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing Folder.  Cut out the Scalloped Circle in Baja Breeze using the Big Shot and cut it in half.  Using your Versamark, stamp the flourish from the Vintage Vogue Stamp Set anywhere on the Scalloped Semi-Circle.  Cut a piece of Very Vanilla 14cm x 6.5cm.  Again, stamp the Vintage Vogue flourish with your Versamark onto this piece.  The Happy Birthday sentiment is from the Well Scripted set, stamped in Cherry Cobbler. 

Place your Very Vanilla strip on top of the Cherry Cobbler piece, stick your Baja Breeze Scalloped Semi-Circle on top of these pieces, lining up your cut edge against the edge on the left hand side of these pieces.  Trim off the excess and stick this to your card. 

Run your the Blossom Party Die through the Big Shot using Cherry Cobbler, Very Vanilla and Baja Breeze.  Assemble the flower according to your preference.  Stick this on top of the Baja Breeze Semi-Circle.  I have added some Basic Pearl Jewels to the middle of each petal on the base flower, just to add a little bling. 

I have then placed some Very Vanilla 5/8" Satin Ribbon along the bottom edge of the Very Vanilla card stock and wrapped an Antique Brad around the right hand end of the ribbon, leaving a little tag on the end.

I'm just not sure that it's not missing something?  What do you think??

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Another trifold Card

My sister Trisha, is planning a joint 40th and 50th for her and her husband this year and wanted an invitation where she could put one invite on one side and one on another.  So a few weeks ago we spent the day making up something that would suit what she wanted.

We initially dragged out the Colour Coach for some colour ideas - she didn't want them too feminine because it was for both male and female.  We also did a search on the internet and came up with this. 

The card is made using Elegant Eggplant, Pear Pizazz and Peach Parfait.  Cut a piece of Elegant Eggplant card stock in half along the short side (at 10.5cm of the 21cm side).  Score in the middle.  This piece will form the base of your card. 

Cut another piece of Elegant Eggplant card stock 24cm x 8.5cm and score at 12cm.  This will form your front panel. 

Cut a piece of Pear Pizazz, 11cm x 7.5cm and a piece of Peach Parfait 10.5cm x 7cm.  We ran the Peach Parfait through the Big Shot using the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder.  Apply both these pieces to one side of the 8.5cm x 12cm Elegant Eggplant piece (your front panel) - your fold should be on the right for your front panel.    We added Jumbo Eyelets in the middle and threaded some 5/8" Whisper White Organza Ribbon across the front (use your Crop-a-dile to punch out the hole and set the eyelet). 

You can then line up your front panel so that the fold is along the right hand side of your card.  Boy, this is where it gets confusing!!  You should have your base card open and your folds should be on opposite sides here (your base card fold on the left and your front panel fold on the right!!  Stick the back of your front panel onto the right hand side of your base card.

Cut another piece of Peach Parfait approximately 12cm x 9cm and punch using the Scallop border punch along one of the long sides.  Apply this piece to the back of your front panel so that your scallop border is poking out from behind when you are looking at the front pane.  If you look at the back of this piece, it just looks like you have mounted this onto youre piece of Elegant Eggplant.  This will also cover the holes from your eyelets.

We then cut another piece of Peach Parfait and Pear Pizazz (14cm x 9.5cm) and stuck one on each side of the card base (The Pear Pizazz piece should now be covering the piece of your front panel that you previously stuck to your base card).

We also clear embossed the front of the base card using Clear Embossing powder and the flourish from the Wedding Sweet stamp set.

So, now you should have a normal sized card with a front panel that folds over the front of your card front. 

I hope these instructions make sense.  (I certainly got confused typing it).   If they don't and you would like to make this card, please give me a call to take you through the steps.

Thanks for looking and I hope you like what you see.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Free Workshop/Class

I am holding a Mystery Workshop this Saturday at 2.00pm at my house.  It will be run similar to a workshop so there is NO FEE, with orders over $50 (otherwise $10).  You will make 2 different cards (the first being the last male card posted on my blog (below).  As well as another that I am yet to publish but will do so shortly.

Numbers are limited so let me know asap if you would like to come along.  I will be gving away one Stamp Set to a lucky guest on the day.  So come and join me for a few laughs, some creativity and your chance to win a stamp set.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!! http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Final Male Card

Well, I must say, this would have to be my favourite.  A CASE (copy and share everything) of a card made by Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Teneale Williams (her work is amazing).  Anyway, I am pretty happy with my final result.

This card uses Basic Black card stock, Cherry Cobbler (of course), Love Letter Designer Series Paper.  It also uses a smaller piece of Cherry Cobbler and Love Letter DSP for the square on the front.  The tree from the Lovely As a Tree Stamp Set is stamped onto Very Vanilla using Chocolate Chip Ink.  I have used a Dauber and River Rock to add some sponging to the edges and then used the distressing tool from the cutting kit to distress the edges and curled one corner.  The sentiment is from the Ocassional Quotes Stamp Set (current hostess stamp set) .  Some Basic Black Ribbon where the DSP and Cherry Cobbler card stock meet, with a Vintage Brad wrapped around the end of the ribbon.  I've added some Choc Chip Jumbo Brads to the top left hand side (think I would like this better in the Metallic brads - note to self - get some of these).

I would like to know what your favourite is.  So, I will be giving away a free Stampin' Up! Ink Pad to the person that leaves what I think is the best comment in relation to all the male cards made to date.  You have one week from today to leave me your comment.  The winner will be notifed asap following this date. 
Offer not available to existing Stampin' Up! Demonstrators!!

Once again, thanks for looking.  Stay tuned for some nice, girlie cards!

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!! 
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Sponging on a Male Card

I think I have just about exhausted the Male Card area for the time being.  I do have one more to post after this and then I will move onto the pretty cards again.

I have attempted the sponging technique on these three cards.  Can you guess which one is my favourite???

I have used Wisper White Card Stock for the sponging.  All of the cards have been sponged in Chocolate Chip and the top card I have added some (can you guess which colour??), that's right, Cherry Cobbler to give a red tinge.  To sponge, grap your inkpad and dauber, just dab off the excess on your dauber on a scrap piece of paper then apply to the Whisper White card stock using a circular motion.  Use as much or as little ink as you like but best to keep the bottom portion darker and lighten as you get towards where you want it to finish.    There is no hard or fast rule as to how high up to take your colour, just wherever you want it to finish.  I have then applied the ink using the same technique with Basic Black ink at the top but have only done this very lightly as you don't want it too dark, leaving a blank white space in the middle. 

To stamp the trees, grap an everyday post it note and have handy.  Ink up the tree from the Lovely as a Tree Stamp Set (page 83) in Basic Black.  Place your post it note on yoru stamp, over the bottom portion of your tree and then stamp your tree so that the bottom of the tree is in the area that you haven't sponged. Reink your stamp and stamp again, as many times as you like, remembering to place your post it note over the bottom portion of your stamp before applying to your card.  By making sure that you stamp the base of your tree in the ink free area, it will give the appearance that the base of the tree is covered in snow. 

The deer is using the Dasher Stamp (page 161), which I have stamped in Chocolate Chip and, again used a post it note and covered his antlers.  I have then added just a bit of Whisper White Ink with a dauber to blend the colour and give a misty look to the snow on the ground. 

Lesson Learnt In the Making?? 
Make sure you stamp your dasher before you apply your Whisper White Ink to avoid dasher looking like he has a no neck!!

Using a White Gel pen, I have added snow flakes to the tree tips and sky and a little on the ground. 

To embellish, I have used a few different ideas including the Big Shot Vintage Wallpaper and Square Lattice Embossing Folders, Scallop Edge Punch, Scallop Trim Border, Eyelet Border, various ribbons, Jumbo Eyelets and Brads.  Basically, anything you can find in your Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalogue.

Well, maybe one more male card to come??

Thanks for looking at my blog and I hope you enjoy it!  Keep your eyes peeled for loads more projects coming your way!!

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Male Tri-Fold

I really like the look of this card, which is quite versatile for both a male and female, you only need to change the picture or the Designer Series Paper.  I like it because it is different from normal folded cards.  If you are looking for a bit of a WOW factor, this is a great card.

To make this card, cut a piece of cardstock (I've used Basic Black) approximately 15.5cm x 28.5cm.  Score the 28.5cm side at 9.5cm and 19.5cm then fold.  Cut a diagonal line on the front panel from 7.5cm, measuring from the bottom of your card, all the way to the scored line (that you have scored at 9.5cm). 

I have then cut 2 pieces of  Designer Series Paper 8.5cm x 15cm.  I have used the Love Letter DSP from the 2010-2011 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalogue (page 125) and stuck one piece to the last panel and the other to the second panel on the opposite side.  If you lie the card flat you should have the front piece (where the diagonal cut is) as the first panel on your left, a plain second panel and one piece of DSP on the third panel.  Turn your card over and lie it flat and you should have one piece of DSP on the middle panel.  (I hope this all makes sense). 

Decorate the front panel as you wish.  I have used Cherry Cobbler (have I ever mentioned that I love this colour???) and Very Vanilla, distressed using my River Rock Inkpad.  A mount in Cherry Cobbler and the surfer from the Seaworthy Stamp Set (page 73) stamped in Basic Black onto Very Vanilla.  The saying is also from the Seaworthy Set, which I have stuck on with Dimensionals.  The clip is from the Clips Assortment set (page 139) and the ribbon is Very Vanilla 1/8" Tafetta Ribbon (page 137), tied in a knot around the Clip.   The clip was then just clipped to the Sentiment (dimensionals used just to hold it in place).

I hope you like it!!!  I would love your feedback.  Feel free to leave me your comments!

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

...And lovin' it

http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Another Male Card

As promised, here is another male card. 

This one uses Bravo Burgundy as a base card, Baja Breeze mount run through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing folder, River Rock mount, a Baja Breeze belly band and Bravo Burgundy again run through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice Embossing folder .  I cut this piece into pieces of 3cm wide (x2) and 6cm wide and mounted on top.  The square is using Baja Breeze as a base and Very Vanilla.  The boat is stamped in Pacific Point (stamped off once) from the Seaworthy Stamp Set and I have distressed the edges using the distresser from the Cutting Tool on both the Baja Breeze and the Very Vanilla pieces.  A little curl on the bottom right hand corner just because I can!!  The "4U" is cut using the Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Set in Baja Breeze.  Not a pretty card by all means but fairly masculine I think.

I hope you like it!!

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

Mens cards are such a challenge.  Designing something that is not too pretty, doesn't have bling, masculine without the usual "golf clubs", "ties", "cars" that are on shop bought cards always presents a challenge.  So I have been desiging a few male cards lately.  Here is the first of them. 

I started making the card using Soft Suede as my base and a Baja Breeze mount, run through the Big Shot using the Square Lattice embossing folder.  I have also been doing a bit of distressing lately because I really like that look.  The white mount card is distressed using Soft Suede (the easiest way I find to distress is the lay your card onto your inkpad and gently touch the card to the inkpad).  I then created another mount using Baja Breeze and stamped the tree from the Lovely As a Tree stamp set.  The letters were cut using the Stampin' Up! Big Shot Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Sizzlit Die (my new favourite toy).  The card was missing something so I pulled out my Colour Coach and matched the Soft Suede and Baja Breeze with colour suggested by Stampin' Up!, another favourite, Cherry Cobbler.  The match was perfect.  What do you think????

I will be posting more male cards soon so thanks for looking at my blog and stay tuned.

Regards
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Ahhh! Bliss

How beautiful is the Bliss Stamp Set that is one of the Sale-A-Bration sets??  I know so many people that are loving it and using it on everything. 

My mum was asking me the other day about colours and how hard she found it to create different looking cards when you tend to use the same colours.  So out came the old colour wheel (or Colour Coach) to take the guess work out of complimentary/coordinating colours.  Once we were pointed in the right direction, Mum had lost her motivation so I made this card using the colours that she had chosen from the Colour Coach and using the Bliss flourish.  The colours chosen were Elegant Eggplant, Old Olive and More Mustard.  I added Whisper White and stamped the flourish in Elegant Eggplant.   I really like the way the colours just gel together.  Maybe I need to use the Colour Coach a bit more often????

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

A little Black Magic

Here's the new technique that I have been trying to master.  I made this one today and I am really quite happy with how it turned out, considering it is only the second card I have made using this technique.  Out of the cards that I made today, these are both my husband's and Matthew's favourite.

The technique is called "Black Magic" and has probably been around forever but I have only just discovered it.  It is so simple really.  You only need to stamp your chosen stamp in Whisper White Craft Ink and colour with your favourite watercolour pencils (I used the heat gun on mine just to make sure it was dry enough to colour).  Once coloured, I added some white gel pen to give the effect of snow on the trees and ground.  Pretty simple but quite effective.

What do you think??

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Too Cute Owls!

Another card that I made at my sister's on the weekend. 

The base card is Early Espresso.  The mount is in So Saffron and embossed using the Lattice Big Shot Embossing folder.  The Top Note is in Early Espresso and I have cut out another Top Note using some old designer series paper.  The two Owls are punched in Early Espresso and So Saffron and stuck with Dimensionals.  I haven't put a sentiment on it yet but I think that I will add that later, maybe a Word Window Punch underneath the owls.

I hope you like it!

Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Retired Stamp Sets for Sale

I have a couple of Retired Stamp Sets for Sale.  If you would like these sets, give me a call.  Please add $5.00 for postage if required.

Fine Lace $25.00

Live Life Like You Mean It - $20.00 

 Punch Pals - $20.00

Not sure of this one but it is a Two-Step Set - $20.00

Lisa

Lisa Bowcock Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net

Big Shot Blossoms Party

I fell in love with this die when I saw my friend Melissa's scrapbook page and well, I just had to have it.  I can't wait to do some scrapbook pages with it for my little girl, Elie. 

I threw this card together yesterday while playing around at my sister's place.  I started off with something completely different in mind, but it's always the way isn't it?  You like to put your own spin on it.

The card uses Soft Suede as the base, a mount of Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White.  The top note is in Rich Razzleberry, embossed in the Big Shot using the Vintage Wallpaper Embossing folder.  A whisper white piece on top, stamped in Rich Razzleberry (after stamping off twice) with the flourish from the Bliss Sale-A-Bration set.

The flower is using the Big Shot Blossoms Party die in Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede and topped with a gold brad.  I am hoping today is going to be a productive one for me and that I will be able to share some with you again soon.

In my last post, I was trying out a new technique called Black Magic.  I have finished one card using this technique but would like to do it again before I post my card.  Watch this space.  I have also been researching some other techniques as well that I am hoping to master.  Of course, I will share them all with you.

Thank you to those of you who attended our Stamping Spectacular.  We were run off our feet for most of the day and I hope that you enjoyed it and liked our demonstrations and the projects that were on display.

A reminder that Sale-A-Bration has just over one month to go, finishing on 31 March 2011.  Now is the time to place an orderor host a workshop to be eligible to earn your free stamp set.  The Bliss Stamp set in this card is a Sale-A-Bration set. 

Here are the Sale-A-Bration sets on offer.

Hope you have a creative week!
Lisa

Lisa Bowcock
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
...And lovin' it!
http://lisabowcock.stampinup.net