Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Zoë Tant

Stampin' Up! 's most wonderful time of the year!

2012-03-31T21:49:00.001+01:00

Please scroll down for new posts as this will remain at the top of my blog for some time!

So it's here again, yes the most wonderful time of the year......... No not Christmas that's the other time and it's not always the most wonderful for everyone, but Sale-a-bration is wonderful for everyone because everyone can be a winner. There are 3 ways to benefit from this annual promotion.

During this wonderful time of the year you can do exactly what the sign says..... spend £45 and earn a free gift.

Alternatively host a party and encourage all your friends to come and join the wonderful time of the year. Not only do they get the free gifts for their purchases, but you can earn bonuses above and beyond those normally received by hostesses. It's also a fun time spent with friends and of course me!

The final option of 3 is for the me the best one!

You can join the Stampin' Up! family and benefit from discounted products, first view and use of new products, friendship, fun and did I mention that you too get more than usual for joining my team during February or March 2012 during the Sale-a-bration most wonderful time of the year.

For more details of any of the above please do contact me. I'm happy to chat about each wonderful option and help you choose whether

You want a taste of it all
You want more than a taste or
You most definitely want it all.............

Only you can decide and that's a tough decision, but I'm here to help you make the best choice for you. You can email me martin.tant@homecall.co.uk or call 01507 525885.

Let me know if you'd like a complimentary Spring Mini catalogue or Sale-a-bration brochure.

Stampin' Up! Sale-a-bration sets for Simply Stunning

2012-01-31T18:03:00.002Z

There's a plaque on my sign wall in our family room that says 'If it wasn't for the last minute, nothing would get done around here!' and this card is no exception. I've been playing about with stamps and paper today preparing for a class and I came up with this card and have decided to put it into Shelli's 'simply stunning' challenge (the challenge ends today!). It is simple and the colour of calypso coral, one of Stampin' Up! 's 2012-2013 in colours is really the simply stunning part apart from the fact that it is now dark here and getting a good photo is not my strong point, but you can certainly start to feel the warm glow of this colour which is just perfect for the cold weather here at the moment.
I've got around to using my new designer frames embossing folders (yes even demonstrators have new kit lying around just being admired for some time before they actually use it!) and aren't they just dandy. I love this idea of having an instant frame and I like the hand torn edge that you can create around it. Hand torn always makes me think of my Dad who told my Mum he liked her card, but did she realise it was ripped!!!!!
The crumb cake seam binding is just terrific for this sort of project and its softness makes it easy for anyone to tie a bow without it looking awful, even you Paul!!! I've used a combo of SAB sets, because after all you must realise by now that they are more than worth the £45 spend to get them for FREE. The flower is from fresh vintage and the sentiment from elementary elegance. The crimper and a sponge dauber have provided the back drop to my picture and as ever my favourite accessory pearls.
Come back soon.
Zx

Supplies
Stamp Sets Elementary Elegance, Fresh Vintage
Cardstock - calypso coral, crumb cake and very vanilla
Inks - poppy parade
markers - poppy parade, lucky limeade
accessories - designer frames embossing folder, crimper, large oval punch, pearls, seam binding, sponge daubers

Two challenges in one!

2012-01-30T13:27:00.001Z

I don't support St Luke's Charity Card Challenge as often as I should and I'm late in the day for this month's. There will be a new one for next month so go along and take part and support this worthwhile cause. All you need to do is make a card following the challenge and if you can send your card with an envelope in a cello bag to the address on the challenge blog. The card will then be sold in aid of St Luke's Hospice. "Simples" as the Meerkats say!!!

This month the challenge is all about recycling, using something that you might have thrown away. I've recycled a very pretty image topper that was on a gift box I received as a swap from my lovely friend Elaine in Scotland. Unfortunately the box got damaged and I managed to salvage the beautiful topper she had made. I've added some rich razzleberry cardstock, crumb cake seam binding and a flower brad with pearl. The background stamping uses one of the gorgeous Sale-a-bration sets we have on offer at the moment; Fresh Vintage and a little texturing using my colour spritzer, sponge daubers and marker pens.

I'm also entering the So Shelli Creative Challenge where the challenge is on for a Simply Stunning Creative Card. Shelli talks about making our lives easier and sometimes although it's lovely to share elaborate designs we sometimes need something that looks stunning, but is simply put together. I've cheated a little with my ready made topper, but otherwise I think this fits the demands of the challenge and it will help a good cause too!

Do visit again and thanks for your lovely comments.

Hugs Zx

Supplies

stamp sets - growing green, fresh vintage both Stampin' Up!

card stock - very vanilla, crumb cake, rich razzleberry, watercolour card

inks - crumb cake, soft suede, old olive, rich razzlebery,

accessories - colour spritzer, basic pearls, flower brads, crumb cake seam binding, blender pens

Love with Stampin' Up! heart punches

2012-01-30T10:22:00.002Z

Why is it when you make a card that you're really pleased with you just can't seem to get the right light for the photograph....... Typically it's a grey day here and I've tried several times to show the texture in this card. It's for the sketch challenge at Less is More. I've used my crimper to follow the sketch, but I know it's not easy to see. Hopefully I'll be able to swap in another pic when the light improves.

Here's a close up of the heart. I've used Stampin' Up! small heart punch. It's such a cute little punch and my team mate Laura has fallen in love with it. She borrowed mine recently when she started as a demo and loved using it so much said " I just had to have it and ordered my own" It's a diddy little punch that you can pop in your pencil case and add some 'love' to any project. In whisper white and brushed gold cardstock it looks really effective. A rhinestone adds some bling and a a stamped jewellery tag gives identity to the recipient of the sentiment.

You can stamp on the brushed gold and silver card and here I've used basic black to send my message of congratulations from retired Cheers and Wishes.

Hope it's a brighter Monday with you.

Hugs Zx

Supplies

Stamp Sets - Tiny tags, Cheers and Wishes

Punches - Small heart, Modern label, large heart

Cardstock - whisper white, brushed gold

Ink - stampin' up! basic black

Accessories - crimper, basic rhinestones, snail adhesive, stampin dimensionals

Stampin' Up! Spice Cake Suite from Spring Mini

2012-01-14T08:55:00.002Z

Just a quick post to share this variation on a theme card with you. I've used the new Stampin' Up! Spiced Paisley stamp set from the Spiced Cake Suite found in our new Spring Mini. It includes fabric, stamps, designer series paper, velvet ribbon and 'BIG' buttons all featuring the in colours.
ONe of the things I love about Stampin' Up! is that the sets can be used in so many ways and here I've turned three of them into a family of birds to fit in with the Less is More challenge which is a one layer card with birds. I too have used in colours including pool party, lucky limeade and indigo island. The sentiment is from one of our fun hostess sets Happiest Birthday Wishes.

Have a great weekend.

Zx

It's been a while........

2012-01-13T14:29:00.001Z

It's been a while since I blogged, but life has been a little hectic. First of course there was the lead up to Christmas, which I hope you all enjoyed. Our lead up was fine and we had lots of fun, including some funny moments one of which was when some Christmassy lingerie, I ordered as a treat for myself, arrived. I showed it to DH who made all the right sort of noises, but neither of us were prepared for Charlie saying, in as raunchy voice as an 8 yr old can muster, "Santa Baby". Shock was overcome with mirth and his cute innocent face sealed the moment. I think he's going to be a 'boob' man when he grows up!
Life was ticking over nicely, we celebrated our Christmas meal number one with my folks the weekend before Christmas, at which time I CAME OUT! NO not that sort of 'CAME OUT' the sort when I finally let my family know I'd been secretly learning to play the cornet. I gathered all of my best skills of 6 weeks lessons and managed my rendition of Good King Wenceslas. It was hit and particularly shocked DH who thought it was Charlie and my father said it was me. Martin replied "No Zoë might get a note out of it, but not a tune!" He was impressed, but also wanted to know if I had any other secrets I needed to tell him!!!
We almost made Christmas and my father went to hospital for what we thought was a routine test, but they weren't happy with the results and wouldn't let him come home and so he spent 10 days in hospital. It made life a little more varied than we had anticipated for Christmas. Once home he called to talk to Olivia and Charlie to reassure them that he was OK. Charlie spoke to him first and congratulated him on living through it! Thank fully he made it home for New Year's Eve and so we shared a meal with my folks and travelled home to see in the new year with tea and cake watching the London fireworks. Not the most exciting, but relaxing and fun!
Stampin' Up! is running fast and furious now onto 2012's wonderful new offerings. There's the all new, first ever Spring Mini Catalogue which is full of products you won't want to miss, including the gorgeous necklace pictured above. As a demonstrator I was lucky enough to get my hands on the chain, charm and bauble all before Christmas and so I decorated the charm with the Pines and Poinsettias stamp set and a little bit of bling. You can decorate your insert on both sides to have two designs or even add a photo. You can then of course make inserts for different times of the year or whatever takes your fancy. All the individual pieces come in chocolate chip gift boxes so they make beautiful gifts for crafters and non-crafters alike.

In addition to the charms and baubles there are collections of crown and key charms that come with their own jump rings and lobster clips so that you can either add them to your pendants or charm bracelets or to cards and projects. They'll be perfect for 'key to my heart', diamond jubliee, and 18th and 21st birthday projects.

If you'd like a copy of the mini please do contact me.

That's me for now, will be back to all systems go very soon.

Hugs Zx

Independent Stampin' Up! demonstrator

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:56:00.000Z

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2012 and to thank you all for your support over the past year. I'm lucky to have such a lovely group of ladies in my team and also so many wonderful customers. I look forward to sharing, creating and inspiring you all next year and to also learning much from all of you.

Have fun this Christmas.

Hugs Zx

Stampin' Up! Deck the Halls Fabric Fun

2011-12-06T11:00:00.001Z

Now if you've never learnt to sew or are keen to use fabric in a project from our lovely range, but can't think of where or how to use it then this might just give you some ideas and the only sewing involved was to attach the small bows. You could even glue them into position and so it's a 'no sew' project and can decorate your home all year depending upon the accessories and fabric you use. I've used our Stampin' Up! Deck the Halls (121716) fabric which lends itself very well to this festive time of year, but Flirtatious or Beau Chateau could be used for an Easter wreath decorated with eggs and springtime flowers and bows.

It's easy to do too! Cut strips of fabric, and I found that pinking shears worked best, about 2.5cm wide and 20cm long. Then work your way around a wire wreath ring just tying the strips onto it. You can add whatever accessories you choose either by glueing or sewing them on. My accents include cherry cobbler striped grograin and seam binding ribbon, victoria crochet trim and antique brads.

It's easy and you need at least one pack of fabric. I've used approx 11/2, but it's personal choice. You can even make this one watching the TV while your dinner cooks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Have fun.
Zx

Pillar Box Treats

2011-12-05T13:35:00.000Z

stampin up demonstrator uk zoe tant

Hi readers! How are you're preparations for the festive season coming along! Mine are getting better since I realised it is only two weeks to go before my children will break up from school and I'll have no chance for getting parcels off to Santa!

However that said I've taken this morning to prepare some table favours for tomorrow evening when I'm joining some friends at my neighbours for a girly Christmas get together. It's a group that used to meet regularly under the hat of Ladies Circle, but just about all of us are now too old to continue. Yes at 45 I'm too old.............! No I don't need any helpful comments on that fact thank you. However it was decided some time ago that it would be nice to catch up as we're not a group whose paths really cross except for when we used to meet up for Ladies Circle. We're a mixed bag of personalities and lives and so we've always had fun. I was supposed to organise this and failed miserably, so I'm delighted that Jane and my neighbour Aunty Dawn took responsibility and organised this Christmas get together.

I hope they all like my pillar boxes which are a variation on Maggie's box. They look so cute and the message is simple ' Merry' from tiny tags and the flowers are spirals cut from scalloped circles cut from real red designer series paper stacks. One of my favourite bling rhinestones in the middle and some greenery from the Little Leaves sizzlit. Hopefully with this theme they'll fit in with Aunty Dawn's table decor.

Now playtime is over and the chores need doing so I'm off and hope to be back soon.

Hugs Zx

More Stampin' Up! Convention Presentation News

2011-11-29T12:55:00.000Z

stampin up demonstrator uk zoe tant

In my last post I mentioned that I was a presenter at convention in Disneyland Paris and I shared with you one project that I demonstrated. Here I have another which involves using the Big Shot to emboss fabric. Above if you look closely you can see that the melon mambo Flirtatious fabric is embossed and this is achieved by using a piece of fabric, cardstock (I used whisper white) and Big Shot multipurpose adhesive sheets. If you peel away the printed backing paper on the adhesive sheet and position it onto your fabric (reverse side of fabric) and smooth it out. Then remove the other backing sheet and stick on to a piece of cardstock. Make sure that our fabric and cardstock are slightly bigger than the adhesive sheet and it's much easier to handle. You can then use your Big Shot to die cut a shape, I used the Top Note Die and then use an embossing folder to emboss your die cut. The Vintage Wallpaper embossing folder works really well for this.

This process adds great texture and a different dimension to your project and teams up well with our new hostess only stamp set Simply Soft which is watercoloured using the blender pens and ink pads.

If you'd like to see either of these techniques in more detail then why not drop me an email to book a workshop or find out about my techniques club which will be starting in January. Enjoy a free techniques class once a month for 10 months and agree to spend a minimum of £15 at each class. For one of the months you will be the lucky person to receive the hostess spends which can be used to buy exclusive hostess/qualifying order items like Simply Soft or to buy other items from the current catalogues. You're spend will be a minimum of £25 and you'll also receive technique training, the project you make each month and a FREE copy of all current catalogues during the 10 month period. Many of my customers who have taken part in one of these clubs, join in every year as they love the opportunity to try products before they buy them as well as learning wonderful new techniques along the way.

Find out more by emailling me martin.tant@homecall.co.uk

Below I've used the same technique on the fabric. This time I've used Deck the Halls fabric and the new Petite Pennants Builder Punch to make a vintage feel Christmas card. Also included is paper from the Designer Series Paper Stack in Regals and a sentiment from Curly Cute. Sponging and an additonal top note die finish off a simply but elegant card.

And of course the Victoria lace and antique brads just add the final touch of 'vintage'.

Have a great day even though the weather's not great and pop back soon.

Stampin' Up! Convention 2011

2011-11-24T11:44:00.000Z

Wow what I honour...... Back in June I was invited by the UK Business Manager for Stampin' Up! if I would take part, as a presenter, at the Stampin' Up! 2011 European Convention. Of course I said yes and was very excited to have this opportunity. Down side I wasn't allowed to shout it from the roof tops! Stampin' Up! love their secrets and it was even another month before I was told who my partner in crime would be, and that was Hayley from Wiltshire. We then spent the following months preparing for our presentation on model workshops. The idea was to share our experiences to help new demonstrators and also refresh experienced demos.

We ran the presentation like a workshop, dropping in and out of the scenario to share our tips. One part of my section included projects to generate bookings and hostess gifts and so I was thrilled to share this project with my fellow demos and now you. I've called it Maggie's Box as the idea was given to me by my fellow Miss Big Shot winner Maggie from Germany. She used this box to show her customers the versatility of the Big Shot and isn't it cute. It uses the milk carton die and is so obvious it's not obvious if that makes sense. Sometimes we need to think outside the box or alter the die!!! That's what Maggie did. You only use the part of the die you need to make the box and then just cut your own lid. It makes boxes for wedding favours or Christmas table gifts so easy and you can see from these few examples how you can change the identity of the box to suit your needs.

Convention was a blast. It was so much fun seeing Mickey Mouse on your way into 'work' and then having dinner in the Rainforest Cafe or a German Castle. Yes it was based in Disneyland Paris and was tremendous fun with so many other demos all out for a good time.
The awards dinner took place on Friday evening and I had set myself a target to try and get a little higher in the demo of the year top 25 list. Last year I was 11th and would have been happy with 10th, but was over the moon to reach 6th Place. However the highlight for me was to watch the joy, and delight on the face of my dear friend Emma when she discovered that she too was in the top 25. Over the past year Emma has faced some tough personal challenges and so to maitain her business at the same time is a fantastic achievement. Both of us also cheered for our other lovely team mate Bridgette when her name was called for a sales award. Bridgette has worked really hard to grow her part of Stampin' Up! and has also achieved much in the last 12 months. Onwards and upwards my friends as we put The Tantalizing Stampers on the map.

I have more pics to share and will be back, but am still catching up on life having driven to and from Paris. Until next time.
Zx

Let us not forget............

2011-11-11T16:48:00.000Z

Oh my I've just been so busy preparing for Convention next week. Yes I can't believe it's almost here. This time next week I shall be in Disneyland Paris having spent a wonderful day with lots of demos having fun. At this moment in time we shall be rushing to our rooms to get dressed up for the annual awards dinner and I'm really excited as I shall get to walk the stage and receive an award or two. I'm also really pleased as two of my team will also be eligible for walking the stage although only one, Emma can actually be there to do it. Bridgette has a very busy schedule and can't make it this year, but I'm sure she'll be able to join the fun another year.

As a consequence I don't have projects I can share just right now, but this one is from a training event I attended with Stampin' Up! It uses the scallop envelope die to make the carriage and the cute new big top suite of products for the decoration. It's a really fun project that could be adapted to any occasion and I'm sure you'll love it. Let me know what you come up with.

Meanwhile the rest of life is busy too! Charlie asked us a couple of days ago why he didn't have a social worker. We explained that he's a lucky boy who has lots of love and doesn't need such support. A day later he was cheeky to me whilst I was driving him to cubs. I told him that if he was cheeky like that that I'd spank his bottom. His reply was instant "Then I'll need a social worker!" How scary that kids work it all out and know life and circumstances almost better than we do. They certainly know them sooner than we ever did!

On that note I'll head off to finish my prep for assisting one of my team with her first workshop tonight.

Remember that for our tomorrow, some gave their today!

Join the Stampin' Up! Family

2011-10-31T16:49:00.002Z

During October only Stampin' Up! is offering anyone the chance of receiving additional FREE product if you sign up for the generous starter kit which already gives great value for money and a minimal business start up fee. The In Colour ink pads and cardstock will be an additional part of your starter kit when you join the Stampin' Up! family during October 2011.

Join my team and you will also receive my support and a business pack full of useful tools and accessories.

The new colours are divine and are as usual named with some really wonderful names, we have

Lucky Limade

Pool Party

Wisteria Wonder

Calypso Coral

Island Indigo

If you decide to join the Stampin' Up! family then contact me at martin.tant@homecall.co.uk

For a no obligation chat to find out more about joining my growing team and how I can help you to grow a profitable business that fits around your lifestyle.

Chic Chick!

2011-10-26T20:08:00.001+01:00

So how are you all this Wednesday evening.......? I've been busy with half-term doing slow mornings, trips out, and some crafting while the children entertained themselves baking halloween gingerbread. I'm now ahead of myself as far as convention goes. I have my swaps made and am feeling rather smug about it.

I have a card to share with you that I made for Olivia's friend's birthday. It's perfect for the rising teens, but does have one cheat on it in that the shoe shape was cut using a die from my stash. However the gorgeous fresh and bright designer papers are one of the new hostess only purchases. The pack is called Cheerful Treats and is just lovely. Sadly the modern label punch I've used for the handbag retired in September, but you can create the same effect with some of our other punches. Itty bitty buttons are perfect for accessorising dresses like this and with the coordinating punches you can turn them into whatever colour you want them to be. The punched shapes also work well as a clasp on the handbag.

It was a great party I understand, but I can't believe how awful I now find the loud music and steamy atmosphere at drop off and pick up time. I also know that unlike the teenagers at the party, I cannot wear, well I could wear but wouldn't be able to move, shoes with killer heels such as these. I guess middle age is catching up with me!!!! Best go out and party to make the feeling go!

Have a great evening.
Zx

Almost Chocolate Heaven

2011-10-18T19:00:00.001+01:00

Oh wow when you buy these papers, like me, you'll discover it was one of the best decisions you ever made. In the catalogue I knew they looked kinda luxurious, but IRL ie IN REAL LIFE they are to die for..... So rich, elegant and sophisticated. I know wasted on me!

You don't need a particularly fancy project just something simple as these designer series papers have the luxury of expensive chocolates and the finess of top quality diamonds. You will definitely need to buy two packs; one to use and one to stroke!!!!!

They go amazingly well with the soft suede and basic black and linked with the new candy wrapper die and lace ribbon border punch you'll find yourself in DSP Heaven. Additional trinkets like the designer label punch, pearls and black satin ribbon just finish off your project. In fact I love Mocha Morning Specialty DSP so much that I really shouldn't tell you about it or it might all go and there'd be none left for me. Ok I'll make a deal with you. Tell no one how gorgeous it is and we can share the secret.

Off to stroke my spare pack.

Hugs Zx

ps just in case you think I've lost it...............................

Inspired by doors!

2011-10-15T12:01:00.001+01:00

'Oh no!' I hear you cry, 'she's doing Christmas!' Well yes a bit, but since last year when I took the photos above I've been wanting to make a card inspired by our front door! I've seen lots of other folk make beautiful cards depicting a door with a wreath and I wanted something similar but a little different and hence my front door!

The wreath is made using our new perfect pennants die and I've threaded lush real red satin ribbon through the punched holes on wild wasabi cardstock. One of the Delicate Doilies stamps has provided a super centre piece and shows once again the versatility of Stampin' Up!'s sets. I've also added some of the new mini brads to the centre of each 'flower' which you can see more clearly below.

The door itself is scored using my paper trimmer and the door furniture has been embossed with black emboss powder onto basic black cardstock and it gives a shine and a slightly hammered effect. The studs copied from our Victorian door were painstakingly punched using the cropadile and carefully sticking them on with two way glue and a cocktail stick!

You may know that Shelli Gardner, CEO of Stampin' Up!, runs a monthly challenge on her blog So Shelli and this month she's challenged folk to use the new Simply Scored Tool that Stampin' Up! has launched in the US, but we have yet to experience this useful piece of kit (patience people it will come I'm sure you just need to spend a bit more to convince the US executives to grow us a bit more each year!!!) therefore I've used my trimmer to give the effect of the old oak boards.

The final touch is a smidge of basic black taffeta ribbon to hold the door handle on and what most folk would say is just about as much of the 'white stuff' as they want to see.

Well it does now seem odd as I type this post that 10 days ago we had a heat wave, today we have a beautiful autumnal sunny day and in a week or so the weather forecast suggests snow! It was the strangest feeling recently walking to or village church for Harvest Festival to be dressed in summer frocks with sandals and yet crunching leaves at the same time.

I hope whatever the weather with you as you visit here that life is good and you have a great day!

Back soon

Stampin' Up! Frightful Sights!

2011-10-13T11:07:00.001+01:00

It's getting near to that time of year when children are getting excited about going out Trick or Treating and so at scrapbook club this month our theme was Halloween. My mojo left me completely, but I have now managed to finish a page. It's a picture from a few years ago when the children were much smaller and very much more excited by the idea of visiting our neighbours.

This year in the new Idea Book and Catalogue we have some fabulous Halloween designer series paper called Frightful Sights. It's particularly good because many of the patterns are specifically for Halloween, but several can also be used for other events with no cats, spiders, pumpkins or ghosts. The colours too are perfect for the ever elusive male cards. Colours include basic black, cajun craze and old olive.

My pumpkin evolved from that timeless classic circle maker 'the side plate' direct from my kitchen. When you don't have the perfect template cutter you can adapt and use whatever you have to hand. I've used sponge daubers and the spritzer tool to add texture and the pumpkin stalk has been crimped and sponged and the tendrils are very thin slithers of cardstock that I've spiralled around a pencil.

My new Simple Alphabet dies for my Big Shot were a bargain HALF PRICE making them affordable due to my 50%hostess benefit when I submitted a qualifying order and they were also perfect to use for the wording on this page. I covered them with fine galaxy black glitter and recut the 'o's' to make spooky eyes.

A little pumpkin stamping using a retired stamp from our first catalogue and I'm done. I've found scrapbooking a challenge, but what I really love about it is reliving the memories that the photo makes you recall. Halloween has always been a fun past time for my children and therefore it's fun as a parent.

Enjoy your memories!

Stampin' Up! ALL New HOSTESS PROGRAMME

2011-10-06T17:17:00.000+01:00

There have been lots of changes at Stampin' Up! since we transitioned from the 2010-2011 catalogue to our all new exciting (full of yummy scrummy goodies) 2011-2012 catalogue.

The biggest change for many is the new hostess benefits. Remember in the past catalogues that you always had your eye on those Level 3 hostess gifts that required huge sales and were difficult to achieve sometimes..... well now you can earn them with ease. By hosting or placing a qualifying order you can earn hostess POUNDS to spend on anything you would like in the catalogue or to buy seriously discounted exclusive hostess goodies which include those Level 3 sets.

These are now achievable by everyone.

You don't even have to have a party if you don't want one, just gather some orders from your friends and submit them to me making sure that the total (excl P&P) is at least £150 and you can earn some hostess POUNDS that will instantly buy you any one of those elusive Level 3 gifts.

Of course if you do collect a few orders from friends you might want to think about being a demonstrator and if you sign up this month you'll receive a bonus gift from Stampin' Up! of the newest 'in colour' ink pads and cardstock assortment pack worth £27.95. Look here for more details.

Today's card is made using one of those delish, exclusive hostess sets. It's called Simply Soft and I've fallen in love with it. It's a two step stampin' set and so you can use lots of colour combos and stamp combos to create your desired effect.

It only £15 Hostess POUNDS for wood mount (Retail Value £24.95)

and

£12 Hostess POUNDS for clear mount

From an order of £150 you earn £25 Hostess POUNDS and so you still have free spends left for rhinestones, pearls, ink pads and brads to name but a few of the wonderful goodies on offer with our new Idea Book and Catalogue.

Be one the of the first to earn this stamp set or one of the other wonderful new ones featured in the 2011-2012 Idea book. Contact me for more details of how to order, book a party or join my team.

Back soon

Supplies for the card

Stamps - Simply Soft, Hopeful Thoughts (sentiment)

Inks - so saffron, certainly celery, baja breeze, basic black

Cardstock - baja breeze, certainly celery, subtles dsp stack

Accessories - lace trim border punch, 1"circle, pearls, spritzer tool, markers, sponge daubers

Pennant Parade

2011-10-03T21:07:00.000+01:00

I'm just loving our new catalogue and not least the new Pennant Parade stamp set and matching punch. It's a super set that will 'do' Christmas with the cute tree, trunk and pot stamps as well as fun bunting for birthdays and other celebrations.

Here I've teamed it with an embossing technique and used colours that many overlook ie more mustard and bravo burgundy. The more mustard designer series paper makes a lovely alternative to a ribbon ruffle and my favourite rhinestones feature for sparkle on the top of my tree.

The embossing technique is something that we covered along with the ruffle at my techiques clubs recently and I have a new one starting soon which can be actual or virtual depending upon where you live. You can try before you buy, learn techniques and budget your spending for each month as well as then receive a complimentary copy of the Idea Book, free hostess spends and lots of fun and friendship. If you'd like to know more just email me.

Happy crafting.
Zx

Shop Shop Shopping!!!!!!!!

2011-10-01T08:31:00.001+01:00

The All New 2011-2012 Catalogue is live today and you can shop from today! It's full of the most wonderful goodies, lots of new lovely stamp sets and exciting accessories like glimmer brads, candy wrapper (cracker box) dies and much much more.

Hostess benefits for party hostesses and customer orders have also changed for the BETTER. Look at the chart to see that you earn spends from the whole catalogue or spends ie HOSTESS POUNDS for exclusive hostess gifts. Reach a bonus level and you also get to buy an item or two or....... at half price. It's the best time ever to be a hostess or submit a qualifying customer order. Shop now. Back soon with more. Zx

Zingy Citrus Sneak Peeks

2011-09-28T14:08:00.001+01:00

With such a beautiful day I thought I'd share a zingy citrus card with you. You'll recognise the daffodil delight and pumpkin pie colours, but possibly not the green. Look out for the new catalogue launching this Saturday and you'll find out what it is! You might also notice some new images which will also be revealed very soon. If you can't wait til then contact me to either purchase you copy of the new Idea Book & Catalogue or book a party and receive yours free now as part of your hostess gift package.

Of course I'm sure you're familiar with the popular and so useful scallop trim border punch and the scallop circle punch. One of my favourite accessories the rhinestones and the Medallion stamp is in there too adding the perfect tool for emboss resist.

Enjoy the Indian Summer!
Hugs Zx

Little Leaves

2011-09-27T23:54:00.000+01:00

Here's a version of the card I made on my trip to Frankfurt. The glitter on the outside of the card is just snail across the cardstock and glittered with dazzling diamonds. Chris from demo support reversed what Charlotte had put together, but we all decided that the 'snail glitter' was really effective.
Colours include pretty in pink, chocolate chip, rich razzleberry and very vanilla. The leaves are our cute little sizzlit little leaves, a Stampin' Up! exclusive.

Have a great day!
Hugs Zx

My new craft room!!!

2011-09-25T09:28:00.002+01:00

A week ago the builders finally started on our new garage where my craft room will be relocated. At 7.15am it looked like this.

Three hours later as the tree was felled it changed to......................

This

My poor boy Charlie is a real lover of nature and I found him sobbing in his room as he was sad about the tree which was home to wildlife. We intend to plant more trees to replace it which eventually consolled him, but a week on and he's still bothered by it. Honestly none of us wanted to see it go, but the planners said it must in order that it didn't affect the foundations of the new building. I'll be back in time with more pics of the progress made.

Also just over a week ago it was Martin's birthday and the children excelled themselves with the cards they made for Daddy. They made them during the holidays whilst staying with my mum. Martin was thrilled and we were both very impressed.

With love from Olivia

With love from Charlie

I'm looking forward to Christmas now to see what they make then!

Enjoy your weekend !

Celebration time again!!

2011-09-21T18:00:00.000+01:00

Wow my Stampin' Up! year has been phenominal and that is largely due to all my wonderful customers and my hardworking supportive team of Tantalizing Stampers.

Earlier this year I won Miss Big Shot UK and today it has been confirmed by Stampin' Up! reports that I have achieved the incentive trip to Vienna next June.

The biggest thank you ever goes to my team and my customers for all their continued support.

My husband and I both get to go on a very special trip to Vienna which is fab as he took me there as a surprise for my 30th birthay many moons ago, hence the guide books in the picture which I found recently when clearing up the attic!

Thank you once again to all who have helped me with my wonderful Stampin' Up! year.

Hugs Zx

Stampin' Up! Love Letter Designer Series Papers

2011-09-20T14:17:00.000+01:00

These beautiful papers along with many others will disappear from our catalogue in just a few days. I've loved this paper pack it's lent itself to so many projects and it's worked particularly well with this 'dress' card. I've seen this idea on several blogs and have so wanted to have a go. Finally time has been available and I've done it. I've also used the soon to retire modern label punch for the handbag. It's a really super punch and can be used in so many ways just like all our other punches. You'll notice that the skirt is made using the scallop circle die with the Big Shot and there's some itty bitty buttons and pearls in there too to add that little bit of luxury that every girl needs on her favourite frock.

This is a project that we made at craft club, thanks to the lovely Dorothy who showed us how to make it. Much to the delight of everyone there I made a real mess of mine and so having learnt how to do it I remade it at home once again using these wonderful papers. Perhaps the papers will not be appropriate, but the idea could be adapted as a gift for a male teacher which works out well for me as Charlie has just that this year and they really don't appreciate pretty gift bags filled with notelets!

If you've enjoyed using some of our designer series papers and want more remember that they will all disappear on 30 September. Jolly Holiday is already sold out, but you can check the availability of all the retiring products over at the Stampin' Up! website here and you can view the current catalogues by clicking on the side bar icons on the right of my blog.

More soon.

Bentley Hotel Craft Event

2011-09-12T10:53:00.000+01:00

We made this card at my craft club a few weeks ago, well one in different colours and I decided to have another go, but to make it as a card for the boys using the fabulous stamp set from the Stampin' Up! mini Plane and Simple. I'm not sure what type of card you call it, but for want of a better name I'll call it a zig zag card. To create the aged look I used my Distressing Essentials kit, but also a little bit of lemon juice. If you 'flick' droplets onto your project and let them dry first, you can create this stained effect when you heat it with your heat gun. I've also included itty bitty clear buttons which leads me nicely on to tell you about our craft event at The Bentley Hotel on Saturday 15 October at 2pm. We'll be making projects that would work really well for men and ladies, but we'll also be using these fab little buttons to great effect.

The early bird booking price is £15 if booked and paid for by Mon 26 September and thereafter it's £17.50. Your ticket price includes materials for the projects, a la carte stamp, door prize entry and a fun afternoon spent with like minded people. To book your place please email me or call 01507 525885

Remember that this stamp set is only available until the end of the month as are the Newsprint papers used here.
Back soon. Zx

Happy Birthday with Big Bold Birthday

2011-09-11T09:34:00.000+01:00

I can't let this post past without saying that I'm thinking about dear friends in Washington DC today. Having spoken with them on Friday, they explained that the tension in the US and their great city is quite understandably at an all time high. They lost a good friend who just happened to be at a meeting in the Pentagon. My thoughts are with them, their friends and everyone else who suffered loss on that tragic day.

Thinking of you.....................

Now my card today is for a friend who celebrates her birthday tomorrow. I know she will be too busy today to check in here so it's safe to share. She likes cupcakes and so I've used the retiring set from Stampin' Up! Big Bold Birthday. I've had this set since the beginning of my demonstratorship and it seems really odd to finally see it go into retirement. Bye bye BIG BOLD BIRTHDAY. The sentiment is from Curly Cute a popular greetings set and is coloured using the matching markers.

Now the colours are melon mambo, pumpkin pie, rose red seam binding ribbon and a touch of tangerine tango. You might spot some other items that interest you, but you'll have to contact me to find out about them or be patient for a while.............!

Be safe this anniversary day!

Finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-07T16:35:00.000+01:00

At last my internet connection is holding out long enough for me to add my final post about my trip to Frankfurt. Above is Charlotte Harding who works at the Frankfurt office and is the training and events facilitator. As she walked in with this 'stash' of ribbons she said " I've only got these ribbons!"

Oh to to only have those!

Of course the event of the day was getting our dear Demo Support Friend Chris to make a card. Unfortunately for my fellow Miss Big Shots they had to leave to catch trains, but fortunately for me I had time before my flight home and so Chris, Charlotte and I played!

Of course with expert (LOL) tuition Chris made a perfect card.

I am very grateful to all the team in the Frankfurt Office and Merlin Logistics who made it such a memorable day and fun experience.
Thank you all!

The final and most important thank you goes to my wonderful customers who bought the BIG SHOT from me to allow me to be crowned MISS BIG SHOT UK.

Onwards now with the Great Retired List. Don't miss your chance to own those sets that you've wanted all year. View the retiring list here which is being updated as things sell out.

The Retired List is now available

2011-09-01T01:54:00.001+01:00

IT's that time of year when we say goodbye to some of our favourite stamp sets and it maybe that you have your eye on a favourite and it is now on this list. To make sure that it becomes a favourite that you own rather than admire from a far you need to order it by the end of September. Some items on the Retired List have reductions of up to 40% and so this is also the time to grab yourself a bargain and we all like one of those!!!!!! You can view the list here and then you can place a customer order at any time and have it shipped to your door at £4.95 or you can have free shipping if you collect it from me. I will placing an order on Sunday and then again on Wednesday 7 September. Of course orders where you pay the shipping can be submitted at any time.

Last year many items sold out very quickly so please don't browse for too long or you may be disappointed.

More very soon.
Zx

A Gift with Purchase

2011-08-29T00:01:00.000+01:00

GIFT WITH PURCHASE - Last Chance to own it!!!

An exclusively designed cosmetic bag RRP priceless
A whole roll of Rich Razzleberry 3cm (11/4") striped grosgrain ribbon RRP £10.25
A clip assortment RRP £7.95

All you need to do is place a qualifying order by 31st August and you can take advantage of all these free goodies. To find out more please email me at martin.tant@homecall.co.uk

Does my bum look big in this?

2011-08-25T20:57:00.000+01:00

Compared to the other two lovely ladies it most certainly does I know!!!!! This is us pushing the shopping cart or picking trolley around the picking zone. You can see a computer with a green arrow. This identifies the fact that we have reached the right point to the centimetre for a red light (top right of picture) to shine on the box that you need to pick an item from. The trolley takes 9 orders in the red trays that you can see. One person usually pushes the cart and collects all 9 orders simultaneously. We picked 31 items in total and took at least 30mins the usual efficient staff collect 400 items per hour! I think their jobs are safe from us.

Once the orders are collected they are checked here with a computer chip in each box reporting to the printer for a delivery notice and a quick check that there are the correct number of items in the box.

From here a box is chosen and they are packed including the wonderful brown paper that we all love!!!

Once packed the delivery note goes in on top with the 'Q' number for the packer.

We all signed each others box and one or two others for our own countries fellow demonstrators.

This one went to Angela Sims.

The box is then black strapped and put onto a pallet for despatch to UPS.

It was a lot of fun and great to be able to share the day with Vanou and Maggie, who are both super ladies. I look forward to seeing them both at Convention.
My thanks go to all the staff at Merlin Logistics who could not have done more to make this a fun experience for us. They took photos for us, were patient beyond belief with our excitement and were happy for us to 'play' with all the kit. Thank you.

The finale of the day was crafting with these fab girls and Charlotte as well as a crafting session with Chris one of our wonderful demo support team. I have picture evidence and that will be here soon, but I need to put my children to bed.

Enjoy your evening.
Hugs Zx

The Stampin' Up! Warehouse Zones

2011-08-24T21:06:00.000+01:00

When Stampin' Up! stock arrives, it is checked into the 'deep storage' zone. Goes in on these rollers and to the left and then up onto one of these many shelves where it is held until it is moved to the 'buffer' zone.

Obviously all of this is computerised and coded. The warehouse staff punch in what they need a motorised forklift that goes up and down as well as across the shelves picks out the item which is rollered onto the forklift and brought back to the rollers at the front of the picture above.

It all then moves into the 'buffer' zone. Here is our 'buffer' zone.

Here stock is stored until it is moved to the 'picking' zone. The computer system is such that when an order is placed, an items availability is checked. If it's already in 'picking' then that's fine, but if stock has run low or ran out more stock is brought from the 'buffer' zone and then that is topped up from the 'deep storage' area and so the process rotates.

We couldn't resist attempts at sneak peeks!!!!!!!! ( Sorry Paula!)

Here's the 'picking' zone. There were some very interesting shelves in this isle!

I'll be back with more info about this fascinating area and will explain how your order gets picked from here.

Back soon Zx

On to the Warehouse

2011-08-22T15:52:00.000+01:00

After a tour of the offices we were driven by Axel (the European Business Development Manager) to Merlin Logistics.
Let me introduce you to the French and German winners. In the centre is Vanou and on the right Maggie.

We were met inside by Jocken who is in charge of Merlin and many of his team. This screen also welcomed us.

Merlin Logistics deal with many different companies, not least the storage and despatch of an adhesive for the motor industry which is used on items such as sticking in your windscreen. They deal with all motor companies except for Ford and Opel.
This is Jocken in the foreground.

They also handle various chemicals and items for the pharmaceutical industry.

The warehouse manager here with Vanou and Jocken very kindly took pictures for me when I was on the 'picking' line.

There is more to come, but time is against me today and so back later.
Zx

Stampin' Up! Just Believe for Less is More Challenge

2011-08-20T11:03:00.005+01:00

The Less is More challenge from Chrissie and Mandi is to make a card with something that moves on it. I made this earlier this week and with my trip to Frankfurt didn't get around to posting and it just so happens that it has beautiful flowers and grasses on it from the Just Believe stamp set from Stampin' Up! on it and also the ocean in the photograph. I've matted basic black and pacific point layers and added some boho blossoms punched flowers with some rhinestones.

It makes a really striking card.

Now I also have some more pics to share with you from my Miss Big Shot trip.

Here is Jasmin's desk in the entrance of the Stampin' Up! European office. She is Axel's right hand woman and does lots of different jobs including kindly making all the arrangements for our trip along with other events like the incentive trip.

This is the UK display board where you might spot one of your cards. There's one for each country.

The next 3 shots are only about a quarter of Charlotte's office and what would you give to have store cupboards like these!

How many ink pads does a girl really need!!!

These punches could be on their way to a training session near you!

Here's one that all the demos will want to see. Our very own Chris in 'relaxed' pose at his desk. (For any Stampin' Up! staff reading this he didn't spend the day like this it was just a pose! (well I promised him I'd say it was anyway!)
Next door to him is Eileen's desk.

I missed her on my trip she was off that day.

These are all the cards that UK demonstrators have sent for demonstrator appreciation day. Chris and Eileen really appreciate these.

Back with more shots soon. Have a great day.

Hugs Zx

Your story begins at home!

2011-08-19T13:20:00.000+01:00

They say that your story begins at home and that is exactly where mine started. You'll remember this picture

This was a delivery of many of the bigshots I sold in March through May this year to win the title of MISS BIG SHOT UK. My prize for selling more than 10 meant that I was invited to go to the Stampin' Up! European Head Office and Merlin Logistics Distribution Warehouse to choose my free product prize.

Early on Wednesday morning I set off for Manchester Airport for my flight to Frankfurt. On the way I took some shots.

Sadly not a great day here in the UK, so they don't really show the vibrant colours of the heather. All was going well at this stage and I was on time until I reached Tintwistle (What a great place to say you live) just after this small market town the traffic stopped! I had the AA routeplanner with me and no map or satnav and so when folk started to turn around I was somewhat worried, however the huge nasty accident ahead was cleared of casualties and we were directed around it.
Onwards to the airport safely then and a very pleasant flight to Frankfurt.
I spent the evening with family sitting in their garden and met a friend of theirs who it turned out runs a recruiting agency through which many of the Stampin' Up! staff were recruited. It is such a small world.

The day for picking arrived and my taxi collected me at 9.30am to take me on a short trip to the Stampin' Up! offices.

This is the view from the conference room window. This is where the team meetings take place and where training and technique videos are filmed. Any demonstrators reading this will recognise the video scene shown below.

So this is where our tour began. Back soon.

Stampin Around Wheel Spot On

2011-08-13T17:15:00.002+01:00

Happy Saturday and oh my yet another week of the hols has flown by and having only got in with last week's Less is More challenge on Thursday this one seems to have come around awful quick! However it's a one layer challenge and you have to use 'ink'. I've done a spotlight technique which means that the ink comes in with my ink pads to stamp images, in my Stampin' Up! Stampin' Around Wheel cartridge which is bashful blue and also the marina mist which I brayered over the top once I'd wheeled, stamped and spotlit some areas by masking them with punched circles. Not only is it for Less is More, but also for the St Luke's Charity Card Challenge which asks for seaside/summer images and I fondly remember rock pooling as a child and collecting star fish and shells and the odd tiddler! Never had much luck with an octopus mind!

The second card is the same technique, but different colours and stamps. This one is especially for Chrissie and her love of music and she'll note that I've been less rushed and got it right this time! She'll know what I mean.

The colours here are old olive, always artichoke and so saffron. The stampin' around wheel is Music Notes and the sentiment is from a retired US set. I've also used Flight of the Butterfly and the Heart to Heart XL punch.

You'll be glad to know that we survived the teeny meany boys and remarkably they stayed talking and sleeping (yes they did fit in a bit of shut eye) in the tent all night even with the rain!!!! Of course the real pain kicks in later when the tiredness really catches up with my darling boy!!!

Have fun this weekend.

Hugs Zx

Supplies

Cardstock - Stampin' Up! Glossy white

Inks - pear pizzazz, pacific point, poppy parade, daffodil delight, bashful blue, marina mist, always artichoke, old olive, so saffron, night of navy

Stampin Up Wheels - Music Notes, Spot on

Stamp Sets Summer Splash, Curly Cute

Punches - circles various, heart to heart

technorati , stampin up, demonstrator uk, how to, spotlight technique, card making, supplies, SU, buy , scrapbooking,

Stampin' Up! Level 3 Hostess Set - Playful Pieces

2011-08-11T18:34:00.001+01:00

At last amongst the madness of daily life during the school hols I have found a few minutes to have a go at the Less is More challenge which is a colour challenge asking you to make a clean and simple card using the colours from your national flag. I've gone for the Union flag with it's vibrant red white and blue and I've made it a Chrimbo card for friends in the USA who say 'Happy holidays' and also of course have a red white and blue flag.

My shades of each colour are obviously whisper white, real red and night of navy. I've added a single rhinestone as a ray of light from my tree which comes from some of the lovely stamps in the Playful Pieces level 3 hostess set.

Onwards now ready for a tribe of teeny, meany boys coming to play tomorrow and stay for a camp out! Wish me luck as I think I'll need it!

Enjoy your evening.
Hugs Zx

technorati : stampin up, demonstrator uk, zoe tant, how to, playful pieces, papercraft supplies, rubber stamps, craft supplies, cardmaking, supplies

Scrapbook Club with Circle Circus

2011-08-10T21:05:00.000+01:00

Scrapbook Club started last night and everyone enjoyed it and also produced two lovely 12"x12" layouts which unfortunately I didn't photograph, but then they are very personal and everyone may not have wanted theirs on display. You will just have to look at mine and accept that theirs were all very different but very well designed.

If you missed it and were hoping to join us you can start the club at any stage. At your first session you will receive the album of your choice and the materials for that nights double page spread or mini album. You can then join in each month and add pages to your album. If you can't make the date or time then contact me and we can try to arrange something to suit us both.

Thanks to everyone who came along. I'm glad that you enjoyed the evening and am grateful for your texts and emails confirming it. See you next time.

Hugs Zx

2011-08-07T17:36:00.000+01:00

I'm so loving the time I'm having at the moment experimenting with different mediums and techniques and this time I've used another 'pop'/' soda' can to cute a flower shape and then emboss it both using the Stampin' Up! Big Shot.

The Love Letter dsp is quite striking itself and so it a great team mate for my tin can flower! The leaves are also made using my BS and the little leaves sizzlit. A bit of pizzazz with some rhinestones and a little piece of hodge podge silver hardware to frame my sentiment. Another favourite of mine and many others is the En Francais background stamp. It's just so darn useful and so effective as a backdrop to many a project.

Today I've been preping for my visit to the WI tomorrow evening where I have a class of 30 ladies all making a gift bag. We are going to have fun and Olivia has bravely volunteered to come along and help me. Any excuse to stay up longer than her little bro'.

I've also prepped my scrapbook club project for my inaugural scrapbook session on Tuesday. We'll be making two 12"x 12" layouts with the theme of family. If you'd like to join the club you can at any stage. At your first session you pay for a designer series print album and receive materials for the two layouts. It's just £22.50 and then each subsequent session is £10 and also includes all the materials for two layouts with spare to take home and carry on the theme. The club will run on the second Tuesday of every month and you need to book by the Tuesday prior to each session. There are limited spaces so please book early. I'll be back with a pic of the layout soon.

Enjoy the remainder of the weekend and make this a great week.
Hugs Zx

Stampin' Up! supplies
cardstock - naturals ivory, love letter dsp, garden green cs, riding hood red cs
ink - crumb cake, riding hood red
Accessories - Stampin' Up! Big Shot, vintage wall paper embossing folder, rhinestones, Stampin' Up! neutrals buttons, little leaves sizzlit, scallop trim border punch, fun flowers Bigz L Die, five petal flower punch
Stamps - En Francais Background Stamp, Occasional Greetings
Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

Stampin' Up! Owl Punch

2011-08-05T10:25:00.002+01:00

By Olivia

Just a quick post to share with you the fun card Olivia made for her uncle. She used tempting turquoise and some cardstock from her stash to put together this special card. The owl works really well as the zero don't you think!!! Back with more soon.

Make this a great day!
Hugs Zx

Supplies
Stampin' Up! Owl Punch
Tempting turquoise cardstock
Tombow

Sail Away for a male birthday

2011-08-04T17:16:00.002+01:00

It's my brother-in-laws 50th tomorrow and I'm confident that as he's on holiday he won't be checking out my blog and so I can share the card I've made for him with you. It's difficult to know what to do for the boys in our lives and he's no less difficult than most so I thought the sentiment was appropriate as I know that with kids and busy schedules life passes us by before we know it and we probably reflect on this more when we reach milestone birthdays. Good old newsprint has helped again with the maps that are perfect for back dropping this wonderful Sail Away stamp along with some antique eyelets and brads and a little piece of retired hodge podge hardware.

Now I've tried it out I'm finding I really like using my distressing essentials kit and it's worked well at ageing the map and naturals ivory cardstock.

We've had a quiet day cardmaking and chilling after a 5.30am start yesterday getting up to deliver Charlie to his coach stop to join a trip to London to see the Wizard of Oz. He had a wonderful day and so did Olivia and I shopping whilst my car had some work done on it! I never realised that River Island had clothes not just for skinny minnies, but mummy sized folk too! We also discovered a wonderful new range of clothes called Damsel in a Dress. The name alone is tempting and the clothes were and are now divine in my wardrobe!!!

Hope the rain hasn't spoiled your plans. Have fun!

Hugs Zx

Supplies
Cardstock - naturals ivory, chocolate chip, neutrals dsp stack, newsprint dsp
inks - tea stain, early espresso, crumb cake
accessories brads, jumbo eyelets, cropadile, decorative label punch, linen thread, early espresso taffeta ribbon, retired hodge podge hardware, colour spritzer, marker pen
stamps - full of life (us set), plane and simple, sail away

Money just can't buy this!

2011-08-01T13:18:00.000+01:00

Um I just love this gorgeous cosmetic bag and it comes with a tub of the clip assortment and a reel of rich razzleberry 11/4 inch striped grosgrain when you place an order of £75 or host a party with sales of £250 or more. Great time to order those extra supplies if you're getting ready early for Christmas or to host that party you've been meaning to book.

It's a gorgeous gift that is priceless as it just can't be purchased, not even by demonstrators so if you want to take advantage of this cute purse write out your wish list and place an order or gather some friends for an evening of fun. I look forward to hearing from you. Remember this exclusive gift with purchase is only available during August 2011.

Big Shot plus soda can = fun and whacky!!!!

2011-07-31T21:00:00.001+01:00

One final play with some inks having been inspired and intrigued by Donna as US demo. I also tried out the Big Shot on a Fanta Can. I carefully saved some pop cans and cut them apart with my craft and rubber scissors and put a piece through my big shot in the square lattice embossing folder and then teamed it with some of my ink experiment squares. It's very funky and very different, but it's been fun piecing it all together. The spiral punch has come into it's own and has allowed me to recycle every piece of cardstock or pop can. I've also used my perfect polka dots embossing folder to add more texture to the tempting turqoise layer. A couple of pieces from the brights dsp stack, some tempting turquoise brads brighten the base card of night of navy textured cardstock.

I've followed the theme through to the inside which you can see below, but here are some close ups of my 'crystal ink' squares and the use of all the pieces punched with the spiral punch.

Not sure who will receive this whacky card, but I think it's fun and Charlie loves what you can do with the Big Shot and a pop can. I think model making may loom big on our horizon soon.

Hope you've had a great weekend. More soon.
Hugs Zx

Stampin' Up! watercolour crayons

2011-07-29T19:17:00.000+01:00

Further to Marj's request for 'something with inks, markers or distressing' I also tried out my watercolour crayons. The first card you'll either love it or hate it, although the more you look at it it seems to grow on folk. I've had mixed reactions to it, but it has definitely grown on me and my daughter thinks it's fab! At least one fan then! I played around with aqua painters, water spritzing, the crayons and ink pads. A little bit of texturing with my Big Shot and I'm pleased that my strips of dsp attached down the side appeared on a card in Crafts Beautiful after I had made it so I'm on trend. The distressing is obviously my hand torn edges or in my Dad's words 'The ripped bits' and I've also used daubers to add ink in various places. A bit of 'smudging' does you good! The text is from Fresh Cuts stamp set stamped in old olive and of course the hearts are from the fab set I {heart} hearts. This set has gone down well with my friend Helen who has recently opened a shop with her fiance and friends called Kerfuffle. They sell all sorts of home decor items and restored furniture and their theme is hearts so she has lots of price tag hearts adorning her goods. If you visit Horncastle, Lincolnshire you must visit Kerfuffle on North Street; it's a treasure trove and you're sure to find something you just can't resist! ( For the eagle eyed she also has a Stampin' Up! copyright stamp!!!)
Below is a more refined version of similar techniques and this uses the age old favourite stamp set Greenhouse Garden. It's such a lovely set and I'm really hoping it remains in our Idea Book and Catalogue for 2011-2012. Whichever colour way you use, and mine is elegant eggplant and so saffron, it works wonderfully and you just can't go wrong with it. These two colours team up well with always artichoke and a little pear pizzazz seam binding just sets off my retired artichoke grosgrain ribbon and pearls.

If you don't like the first tell me why and suggest a different approach for my next experiment! If you do like it I'd love to hear from you too!

Have a great weekend.

Hugs Zx

More ink experiments!

2011-07-23T18:04:00.004+01:00

stampin up demonstrator uk Zoe Tant

In my previous post I mentioned that one of my party hostesses asked me to do something with ink. Over the past couple of weeks I have been playing about with reinkers, distressing kit and many other bits and pieces. I also recently saw a lovely card by Donna, an american demonstrator, who has done some fabulous effects with inks. It inspired me to play about with a few more products and see what I could come up with. I have no idea whether this is anything like what she did, but thanks for the inspiration Donna.

Now I've incorporated my ink and stuff technique into my Less is More entry this week. This challenge is to make and clean and simple card and include ribbons and or buttons. I've done both to compliment my butterfly. I've used the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set to add antennae to the butterfly and Every Moment for my sentiment. The other supplies are listed at the end of my post. I will come back with more examples of my 'Crystal Ink' technique. I've really enjoyed venturing into the use of products that I have until now shied away from, so really it's thanks to Marj for asking me to do something with ink that I've become a little bravier and tried something different.

Funniest thing is that unfortunately Marj's 'artist' friends couldn't make it to her party in the end because the driver was ill. However the ladies had a fun time experimenting with this card. This too fits, with the challenge at Less is More for the ribbon, but is too much for a CAS card. I wanted to share it with you anyway.

I hope you enjoy your weekend whatever the weather and find time to relax.

Have fun.

Hugs Zx

Supplies Card 1

Cardstock - whisper white

Stamp Sets - flight of the butterfly, every moment

reinkers - tempting turquoise, pretty in pink

ink pads- pretty in pink

accessories - butterfly punch, decorative label punch, taffeta ribbon, subtles buttons, rhinestones, dimensionals, daubers, scallop trim border punch

Supplies Card 2

Cardstock - baja breeze, very vanilla, neutrals dsp

Distressing Kit

Stamp Sets - Four Frames, Just Believe

Colour Spritzer

accessories - crumb cake seam binding, pearls, decorative label punch, big shot, vintage wallpaper embossing folder, brayer, daubers

Markers - chocolate chip and baja breeze

Stampin' Up! Distressing Kit

2011-07-19T17:20:00.027+01:00

I have a workshop tomorrow and the lovely hostess Marj has invited some artist friends who aren't normally 'carders' as she put it. She asked if I would do something with inks, distressing or markers and so I've been playing and experimenting. I've wanted to have a go at making one of these suitcases for a while and finally got around to having a go. I've seen pictures, but decided to have a go at my own size and so I made the dimensions to fit our note cards that come in sets of 20 with envelopes. I've only used four to put in the suitcase but you could put more with less embellishments on the cards themselves.

I've also finally got up the courage to have a go with our distressing kit. Vintage style is very in vogue at the moment and the distressing kit is perfect for adding a vintage feel to your crafting. See one go and I think I'm an expert - not, but it was much easier to use than I thought, so if you'd like to know more about the things you can do with this kit then check out my classes listed here for the distress kit class that won't distress you but relax you at a fun enjoyable session.

Here you can see the note cards and envelopes fit in perfectly and I made it just like an old fashioned case wtih ties to hold them in place. I've decided to enter this as my 'something new' for Shelli's Creative Challenge for July.

More soon. Keep smiling and make this a great week!

Hugs Zx

supplies

Cardstock - baja breeze, soft suede textured, subtles dsp stack

inks - baja breeze, crumb cake, distress kit inks

accessories - 13/4" circle punch, cropadile, 1/16th" circle punch, five petal flower punch, rhinestones, pearls, rhinestone brads, itty bitty punches, 1" circle punch, baja breeze seam binding

Stamp Sets - Baroque Motifs

Circle Circus for Less is More Challenge

2011-07-16T15:13:00.003+01:00

I can't believe a week has already passed and I seem to still have an ironing mountain, I'm still running the children everywhere and I'm still chasing my tail. Anyone else feel this way?

However it's been a good week with Charlie gaining his badge 2 at gymnastics, he only has one more to achieve to have the full set and he also picked up 4 badges at Beavers and also news that he can move up to Cubs in September. So we have one happy gymnastical Beaver. Olivia has also had a good week with a trip to London to ride the London Eye and see Billy Elliott. She was so excited, but I can't say we felt the same excitement getting up at 5am to make sure she was at school by 6am! Thursday was a long day.

I've also had a good week as Stampin' Up! have announced some very promising changes to the business that will make life as a demonstrator even more rewarding with the promise of lots of fun and interesting rewards. If you'd like to know more and join in with the fun then contact me for a no obligation chat about being a demonstrator running it to your entire satisfaction at your own pace.

Now the other reason I know a week has passed apart from my tiredness level is there's a new challenge at Less is More. It is no less fun than any other that the ladies have set and this week it has a theme which offers so much choice - CIRCLES. I've used clear embossed circles from the Circle Circus and Medallion Background stamp sets to showcase some gorgeous buttons from the brights collection along with the odd one or two from the Oh Sew Suite big designer buttons in the mini and some circles from the simple understated bitty buttons. For inside the card I have stamped Circle Circus circles (good excuse for alliteration or what!) in rich razzleberry ink to match the base card. I love the simple but dramatic effects that the process of clear heat embossing achieves.

If it's not wet with you as it is across most of the UK then enjoy the sunshine and if you're getting rained on too then enjoy the perfect excuse for wallowing in your craft space!

Have a good one!

Hugs Zx

Flower Daisies #2 Die

2011-07-14T10:43:00.000+01:00

You've probably seen these Gerberas on lots of blogs, but I forgot to post my pics. I made these for our stand back in May for the Sincerely Yours Show at the Lincolnshire Showground. They take some time but are very easy to do and are fabulous to cheer up someone in hospital where they seem to rarely let you take real flowers and others are affected by pollen so these are the perfect solution.

All you need is the Flower Daisies Die #2, kebab sticks, cardstock, crystal effects and a sharp pair of scissors and of course a die cutting machine.

I hope they brighten your day!

Hugs Zx

More Legs!!

2011-07-13T15:14:00.000+01:00

Wow what a busy day. I've been making calls and chatting with friends, but have also been liaising with Stampin' Up! about my upcoming trip to Frankfurt to collect my prize for becoming Miss Big Shot. I'm really excited at the prospect of seeing Chris and Eileen our wonderful demo support team and the other staff members in the office. Also meeting the winners from France and Germany and I will get to see the inside of the European warehouse and choose my new stash! I will take photos and share them with you in due course, but in the meantime I'm trying to keep my mojo and do some crafting. I've had yet another try at the Less is More one layer challenge and hopefully Chrissie and Mandi will whole heartedly approve of this one. It has one layer, lots of 'white' space and although you can't actually see Mr Bee's legs you know he has them!!

This simple card involved a little bit of stencilling and sponging with a touch of spritzing and to maintain the white of the wings I used a Watercolour Wonder crayon in white to prevent any sponging or spritzing getting where I didn't want it. Mr Bee himself is from Nature Walk that beautiful set from the mini and the sentiment is from a set now retired.

Have a great evening.

Hugs Zx

Happy Birthday Wendy!

2011-07-12T17:20:00.003+01:00

Yesterday was my good friend Wendy's birthday and I made her this card which is a variation of the one I made here. This time I've used the fancy flower punch to make some lovely flowers. I scrunched and spritzed them with a little water to distress the card and make it malleable and for the centres I used sticky strip on punched circles to fold the ribbon around from the outside inwards. I also used the fork/two finger method for my striped grosgrain ribbon bow. I'll do a tutorial at some point if you aren't sure! To seal the ribbon ends I whizzed them through a candle flame. Be careful if you do this though!

The spiral punch is understated in our catalogue, but once you've seen it used there are no end of ways to showcase it and here it makes a fab frame to my Love Letter DSP.

If you haven't checked lately my new class list is available to view via the 'craft classes' link at the top of my blog. Come and spend a couple of hours forgetting your worries with a bunch of folk doing the same and therefore it's always fun!

This also fits in with the creative craft challenges, challenge of pretty blossoms.

Take care now and make this a great week.

Hugs Zx

Celebrate and Win with ME!

2011-07-12T00:48:00.000+01:00

You may think I've lost it showing this picture, but not really. This is a pic of one of my Stampin' Up! deliveries which arrived in May. It contained 14 big shots for my lovely supportive customers and friends. They chose to buy their big shots from me during a Stampin' Up! demonstrator competition. To be Miss Big Shot you had to sell the most big shots during March - May and I'm proud to say I sold the most and so

I AM MISS BIG SHOT

Perhaps not a title everyone would choose, but believe me if you are a demonstrator it's not a bad one to have achieved.
Thank you to everyone who helped me win this title. Without the support of my customers, friends and team I would not be a winner today. I'm over the moon and will very soon be travelling to the Stampin' Up! offices and warehouse in Frankfurt to personally select my prize of £150 worth of product. How exciting!

To celebrate this success I want to give you my readers the opportunity to be a winner too! If you place an order of £30 or more from today until 12 July I will enter you into a draw to win your own BIG SHOT die cutting machine, including multipurpose platform and cutting plates. You must email your order to me by 10pm (GMT) on 12 July to be in with a chance of winning. I will then contact you for payment prior to placing the order. If you are local you can collect your order, but for those further afield the shipping charge is £4.95 unless you place a £60 order and then it will be free and you'll have two entries in the draw. You can send your order to me at martin.tant@homecall.co.uk

Don't forget that there's also an amazing Stampin' Up! promotion running whereby if you host a party with sales of £250 you can earn an additional £20 worth of product on top of the normal hostess gifts. If you like the BIG SHOT why not book a party to see some of the fabulous items you can make using it and take advantage of this top notch promotion. Contact me asap to book your party on 01507 525885.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Hugs Zx

PS
Please note that this is an offer from me and not Stampin' UP!. To enter the draw you must place your order through me.

I'm liking this leggy theme!!

2011-07-11T15:05:00.002+01:00

When I first came across this weeks challenge at Less is More I was not sure where to start. However as times gone on I've really got into the swing of it and have also tried out a technique which I read about in our demonstrator newsletter that we receive from Stampin' Up!. Now you might think that stencilling isn't new and you'd be right of course, but it was suggested that we use the curly label punch to create a stencil which I've done below and used the dimensions suggested in the newsletter. I also decided to experiment with my new decorative label punch and came up with the stencil I've used in the card above for my second entry into Less is More one layer challenge themed with legs! Of course the Eiffel Tower (from Artistic Etchings as well as Paris, France) has legs and fits in perfectly with my stencilled background which I achieved with a brayer and sponge daubers. I stamped the tower in black initially and added some colour to the bushes at the bottom then used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to stamp the tower again on top of itself inorder to emboss it in clear, thus safeguarding my greenery and making sure the image itself remained crisp. I've used some basic black striped grosgrain ribbon which narrowed by cutting the width I wanted and sealed the raw edge with a lit candle. You need to move it quickly through the flame to avoid overmelt!!!!! That's then fixed with a couple of staples and the sentiment is from Occasional Greetings.

Now for the East Coast Stampers Get Together, (a fun meet and greet session for all demos in Lincolnshire and surrounding counties) I made the Christmas card below to show how easy this homemade stencil technique is and it became my swap for the afternoon with this being an upgraded version to show what else could be done with the basic card on crumb cake. I can't believe I've even mentioned the 'C' word or made a card but I guess I need to do better than I did last year so it's a start.

Have a fun day.
Hugs Zx

Happy Birthday Gracie!

2011-07-10T09:21:00.000+01:00

Today Charlie's at his friend Grace's birthday party. She's been his friend since they were born, her mum and I were in the same ante-natal class with our first two and then the friendship has continued between us all. They will be celebrating the party at a falconry centre and so I couldn't resist the urge to use our cute owl punch. You can turn this little fellow out in all sorts of colours and outfits and all you need in addition is the two step bird punch for his wings. My bunting is from the Party This Way set and the lettering is Just Perfect Alphabet set which is really useful as it big enough, but small enough if that makes sense. Balloons are always good for parties and so these are from Crazy for Cupcakes with the sentiment from the same set and I used a marker pen to pick out the parts of the sentiment I required.

My butterflies from the new Beautiful Embosslit turned out to be perfect to mask a little hiccup, because whether you are a beginner or a little more experienced we all make mistakes, but the beauty of papercrafting is you can usually find a way around those inky finger smudges!!!!!

Have a great party Gracie and you all have a wonderful Sunday!!!!

Hugs Zx

One layer with legs - oh er!!!!!

2011-07-09T11:19:00.001+01:00

The Less is More Challenge ladies Chrissie and Mandi continue to vex us and most definitely challenge us. This week is no exception as you need to produce a card with a single layer of cardstock and include something with legs. I decided to use my All in the Family stamp set which has set on my shelf for a while now, but I've remembered today why I bought it, it's great fun and you can create all sorts of folk with it. It's also full of legs which has helped with this challenge. My sentiment is made up of a retired rub on for the 'family' and the 'from our' is part of a stamp from the US set Sweet Season which was a gift last Christmas from a US friend.

I used my stamp a ma jig to get all the legs and arms etc in place and then I've coloured the figures in using my pastels, an aqua painter and blender pen. These too are something that I've not used in a while and so thanks Chrissie and Mandi for indirectly getting me to use them.

A reminder that there's still time to win a big shot from me as I'm celebrating being the first UK Miss Big Shot and want to share my success with you. Click here for more details on how you might take advantage of my success. Also please don't forget to visit St Luke's Charity Card Challenge where you can make a difference.

Back soon with more.

Hugs Zx

Shades of blue

2011-07-03T12:12:00.002+01:00

Happy Sunday and welcome to my entry for the Less is More challenge of Shades of Blue. You can use any shades of blue and some white. I've included baja breeze, bashful blue, marina mist, night of navy and pacific point. The I {heart} hearts stamp set has been stamped and the small heart punch has then been used to take just a small section from each larger stamped heart. Can you spot the one different heart though that isn't from I {heart} hearts?

My matting layers are made up using a whisper white card base, baja breeze designer series paper from the subtles paperstack and finally a piece of whisper white textured using the square lattice embossing folder. The ribbon is night of navy satin.

Now I've mentioned using the Big Shot and if you'd like to win a Stampin' Up! Big Shot then visit this post to find out more! Alternatively visit this post to find out how you can win a stamp set and help St Luke's Hospice Sheffield.

Finally a big thank you to everyone visiting my blog and the lovely comments you leave on my challenge entries. It really gives a warm glow and is very much appreciated.

Until next time
Hugs Zx

St Luke's Charity Card Challenge - July 2011

2011-07-01T09:00:00.007+01:00

Hi isn't it exciting this month I am the guest designer for the St Luke's Charity Challenge. The theme for the challenge is to use black, white and one other colour. As you can see I've used pink, pretty in pink in fact and the beautiful stamp set Strength and Hope which is Stampin' Up! s charity stamp set. For each set sold worldwide Stampin' Up! will make a donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation which aims to find a cure during our lifetime. It's quite appropriate therefore that as Guest Designer I am also this month's sponsor and I'm offering a brand new set of Strength and Hope as the prize for the winner of the challenge this month.

I'm also offering to match Stampin' Up! s donation and give it to St Luke's for every set bought from me via the challenge. The set costs £15.95 for wood mount and £12.95 for clear mount. Shipping will be £1.50. If you would like to take advantage of this wonderful stamp set and benefit cancer research and St Luke's Hospice then please email me at martin.tant@homecall.co.uk with your order and a contact number in order that I can arrange for payment. Thanks in advance for supporting this wonderful cause.

Check back later today for another exciting offer I have for you!

Happy crafting

Supplies

Stamp Set - Strength and Hope

Cardstock whisper white, basic black

DSP - Subtles paperstack

Ink - Pretty in pink

Accessories rhinestones, pretty in pink taffeta ribbon, black satin ribbon, bigshot, perfect polka dots embossing folder

Wow what a fabulous offer

2011-06-30T00:18:00.002+01:00

This post will stay at the top of my blog until 30 June 2011

Please scroll down for newer posts. Thank you for visiting.

Stampin' Up! have released details of their latest promotion for June and July 2011. Host a qualifying workshop during these two months and you could benefit from an additional, yes additional £20 of free spend. To find out more visit http://www.stampinup.co.uk/ or contact me to book a date. Don't forget you might also like to think about the benefits of being a demonstrator and the extra items you can earn as a demonstrator. I earn many of my stamp sets and new tools for free and receive generous discounts on the rest. If you'd like me to help you find a demonstrator arrangement that works for you and your lifestyle, then please contact me for a no obligation chat.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Zoë

Surf's Up!

2011-06-28T21:37:00.001+01:00

Here's a fun card that I made for a party that Charlie went to recently. I've used Summer Splash which is a fab set and very fun and funky. The colours are tempting turquoise, real red and pacific point. I used markers to colour the stamp and get different surf boards. Also included is some of the fabulous brights designer series paper stacks. The sentiment is from the Level 2 hostess set in the mini Something to Celebrate.

More soon

Hugs Zx

Success at the Weekend!

2011-06-28T20:34:00.000+01:00

I forgot to share this card with you which I made for my Dad for, you guessed it, Father's Day. I virtually cased it from the mini catalogue using the Plane and Simple stamp set. I used different colours in the form of not quite navy, crumb cake, cajun craze and old olive. My Dad really liked it I'm pleased to say and it reafirms what I tell all my lovely customers that copying is good and you don't have to be creative genius to make super cards!

I'm also pleased to say that our running around at the weekend proved to be very successful. On the way to the Beavers Connect 4 competition we did the "It's all about the taking part and having fun" talk. However on this occasion it wasn't necessary as Charlie is now the Sleaford District Beaver Connect 4 Champion. Needless to say he's very pleased with himself and is glad that he played Mummy several times before he went. I'd like to say that my weary state helped him, but he wiped the floor with me!

Also my Olivia and her Dad had a great day on No 2 Court at Wimbledon on Saturday. They saw some great play including Maria Sharapova.

That's all for now folks! Check back soon for more.............

Hugs Zx

Less is more challenge

2011-06-25T16:00:00.003+01:00

Wow am I weary today. Last night DH and I attended the Lincolnshire Ball at the historic Petwood Hotel in Woodhall Spa. Here there is a bar, which became known as the Dambusters Bar as it was frequented by those famous flight crews. We were also lucky enough to have a Spitfire Flypast early on in the proceedings as we enjoyed pre-dinner drinks on the Terrace. It was a fabulous night as you can see from our grinning faces below. Although raining, we braved the short walk to the carousel to have a surreal ride on the horses.

Today I'm not really with it especially as we had to get up early to see Olivia and DH off on a trip to London as Olivia won tickets for Wimbledon. Meanwhile I took Charlie to the usual trumpet lesson and tomorrow he and I will do our bit for the Beavers when Charlie takes part in the Inter Beaver Colony Connect 4 Championships. Life is never dull in this household!!!

Luckily today's Less is More Challenge is a sketch and thankfully not a difficult one. I find these easier to do when you've partied hard the night before.

Have a great weekend.

Hugs Zx

Supplies

Stamp Sets - Artistic Etchings, Occasional Greetings

Ink Cherry cobbler, crumb cake, basic black

Cardstock - Cherry cobbler, very vanilla

DSP - Love Letter

Accessories - 13/4"circle punch, pearls, sponge daubers, colour spritzer

Colour Q Challenge

2011-06-23T19:33:00.001+01:00

I decided to have a go at a new challenge. It's Colour Q Challenge and the clue is in the name. You follow a colour scheme set by the challenge team. I find this quite a difficult one as sometimes you get an idea in your head and then it's not easy to fit the colours into it and so you may have to rethink the whole thing. However I've done it and here's my entry and I've enjoyed the mental stimulation to come up with an idea.

Now I don't have anymore brilliant blue cardstock so I've substituted it for pacific point to go along with the bashful blue, poppy parade, tempting turquoise and whisper white. My big shot was used to get the polka dot background behind my beach huts and the scallop border punch adds some waves! I used my white gel pen to add some stripes and the sentiment is from Curly Cute, a great sentiment set. Living not to far from some historical victorian seaside resorts I couldn't resist the beach hut theme.

Thanks for checking in and all the lovely comments you leave on my blog.

Have a great week.

Hugs Zx

More Monogram

2011-06-22T11:43:00.002+01:00

stampin up demonstrator zoe tant

As a child I was always disappointed to discover that 'Z' or 'Zoe' didn't feature in the manufacture of mugs, keyrings or necklaces with initials or names. As I've matured (some would not agree!) I've got less disappointed, partly through a lesser desire to have a mug or whatever with my name on, but also when the moment does take me Zoë is a more popular name these days and there are other names starting with Z. However that said I thought I'd give the Less is More challenge another go and use my initial for some clean and simple thank you notes.

Baroque Motives is such an adaptable stamp set with this lovely flourish and it looks fab in basic blace with a few rhinestone accents. The initial is from Broadsheet Alphabet which is great for projects like this because each letter has it's own special design and although different to the other letters in the set it goes.....! I've also matted the 'z' onto basic black and whisper white cardstock to add definition to the monogram.

Simple elegance exudes with a finishing touch of basic black satin ribbon and rhinestones on the monogram block.

Have a great day!

Hugs Zx

Team Training

2011-06-22T10:57:00.000+01:00

Earlier this week we held a team meeting at my house and I showed everyone how to make one of the gift card holders that I made for my friend's son's birthdays. This time I used some bright girlie colours and made a very flambouyant version with bling and wow factor ribbon. Don't you just love rich razzleberry stripe grosgrain. It's not only the name of this colour, but everything that comes in it that is wonderful. It teams particularly well with old olive and marina mist too! The image is another favourite of mine from the Ornate Flowers Stamp Set and that too lends itself well to being coloured with markers to create a grand effect in these vibrant colours.
The gift card holder is so easy to make and makes more of a gift than just a plain card or cheque.
Make this a great day!
Zx
Supplies
Cardstock - rich razzleberry, old olive, very vanilla
DSP - marina mist brights paper stack
ink - rich razzleberry, marina mist, old olive marker pens
big shot - top note die
punches - scallop trim corner, 13/4" circle, scallop border, word window (inside for card holder)
accessories - rich razzleberry grosgrain striped ribbon, rhinestones, sponge daubers

Moving On!

2011-06-21T10:56:00.000+01:00

stampin' up! demonstrator zoe tant

I can't quite believe it's nearly the end of yet another school year. It only seems two minutes since Olivia moved up to 'senior' school back in September and soon she will be in year 8 and not one the first years anymore. Charlie will move classes too and will go on his first residential school trip and of course if you have sons you know how quickly boys lose the will to kiss you goodbye at school each morning.

Anyway the upshot is that I'm fast realising that the term will end sooner than I care to think about and I need to think about a few thank yous. So yesterday I was playing about with a bevelled window pane that I had decorated using crystal effects and baja breeze glass glitter a few weeks back when I decided to put it together with a few other bits and pieces and turned up with a card that Olivia can give to her viola teacher. My tinkering involved trying out a new technique which was featured in the demonstrators newsletter that we receive each month.

Using an embossing folder, designer series paper, versamark ink and some embossing powder you can create the black and vanilla backdrop in the bottom of the card above. Of course it includes my lovely new toy the Big Shot which is fast becoming my favourite tool. I've also used one of the stampin' around standard wheels in the same way as a brayer running it over an ink pad several times to ink it up and in this case I was happy for the ink to slowly fade on each run across the cardstock. The violin is stamped in basic black and the stamp is from a retired US set some years ago.

Strings of pearls added a little more glamour and some coordinating dsp from the subtles paper stack brought the colours together. I also decided to decorate the inside and that's below.

If you'd like to learn more about this technique or the big shot and it's attraction, then consider joining my stampers 6 or stampers 10 groups where you can try before you buy and budget your purchasing over 6 or 10 months and also receive free product, free exclusive gift, monthly project and training and an idea book for this year and next. To find out more contact me on 01507 525885.
Off to prep for my owl punch class now so have a great day and I hope you miss the showers.
Happy crafting.
Hugs Zx
Supplies
cardstock - marina mist, old olive, very vanilla
ink - basic black, marina mist, versamark
stamp sets - musical notes stampin around wheel, thank you kindly
accessories - bevelled window pane, crystal effects, pearls, old olive grosgrain striped ribbon, marina mist taffeta ribbon, sponge daubers
punches - scallop trim border
big shot
brayer
vintage wallpaper embossing folder

Come and join the party!

2011-06-20T22:09:00.000+01:00

Stampin' Up! Experience Event

Come and join the fun at

The Bentley Hotel

Newark Road, Lincoln

Wednesday 6 July 2011 7pm - 9.30pm

Demonstrations, make and take projects, door prizes grand raffle

included in one night of stampin' fun

£17.50

includes all materials, a la carte stamp set and door prize entry

Contact me on 01507 525885 to book your place.

Limited Spaces so book soon to avoid disappointment.

Not only did I want to tell you all about the Stampin' Party detailed above I wanted to share with you a card I've made for the St Luke's Charity Card Challenge. This is a great challenge blog and one everyone should consider following and joining in with the challenges. All you need to do is make a card for the challenge and then try to send at least one card with envelope and cello bag to the Charity Card Challenge organisers. You can find the details on the blog here. The cards are then sold to help with fundraising for St Luke's Hospice. Please try to follow this blog as they are also looking for sponsors to make it more fun for us all to enter and need to have plenty of followers to encourage sponsors. It's a monthly challenge so the commitment isn't great so please try and join in. Next month I will be sponsoring the challenge so please pop back to see my guest design entry and more importantly the prize you could win if you enter the challenge.

This month's challenge is 'Come fly with me', hence my butterfly card on shimmery white cardstock, brayered with baja breeze and decorated with rhinestones onto the emboss elegant bouquet backdrop. The butterfly is also there for a reason as it's from the Strength and Hope stamp set which is from our mini catalogue and is Stampin' Up! 's charity set. For each set sold in all their markets a donation will be made by Stampin' Up! to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Here in the UK, £1 from every set sold is donated. So here's your chance to help two worthy causes that affect the lives of so many; join in with the challenge over at St Luke's and contact your Stampin' Up! demonstrator to buy this beautiful stamp set.

Thanks for visiting me and signing up to follow St Luke's Hospice Charity Card Challenge.

Hugs Zx

Monograms and Special Birthdays

2011-06-18T08:35:00.003+01:00

Tonight DH and I are going to a party to celebrate the 18th and 21st of our friends sons. The boys have their birthday on the same date in August, but with all their friends celebrating this year also and trying to fit all the parties in, it was decided to go for a mid summer celebration. Now it's one of those dilemmas what do you give to brothers sharing the same birthday on their 18th & 21st!!!!!!!!!!! I spoke to their Mum who said that like many of us they hope to go to the Olympics and so money would be appreciated. However it's nice to give it in a slightly more interesting way. So I've made my own version of this gift card holder that US demos were given on their recent incentive trip. I've adapted it to UK measurements and instead of a gift card I've added the cheque.

I started making this around 7am this morning and have found quite by chance that it also fits in with the challenge set by Chrissie and Mandi at Less is More. They've asked for Monograms this week and that's fitted in really well with my gift card as I'm making two obviously, I want them to be personal and so have monogramed them, well this one so far as the other is yet to be made!

The party tonight is in a marquee so wish us luck with all the rain! Hope you have a fun filled weekend.

Hugs Zx

ps Please don't forget to follow and join in the St Luke's Charity Card Challenge. It's a really worthwhile cause.

Supplies

Cardstock - bashful blue, pacific point, whisper white

Ink - real red

Dies - top note exclusive to Stampin' Up!

Punches - 13/4"circle, word window

Stamps - Party this way, Varsity Alphabet

Accessories - Celebrate dsp and quick accents, real red satin ribbon

What can you do with rubber gloves!!!

2011-06-13T11:33:00.000+01:00

Whilst on holiday in Italy at Easter, we watched street artists produce an array of different pictures, not least some chaps who used spray paints on glossy card. I decided that I would have a go when we got home with our reinkers and this is what I came up with using a surgical glove and some tempting turquoise ink. Of course the beauty of the spray paint is that it is oily and doesn't dry quickly and so the reinkers are not quite so versatile as the ink dries quicker. I wasn't sure about this effect, but several folk have noticed it and commented on how much they liked it.

The Sail Away a la carte stamp is great for those elusive masculine cards. I stamped in staz on and then paper pieced the sails using scraps from the brights dsp stack. The base card is pacific point and I trimmed a piece of the real red striped grosgrain and sealed the raw edge with a lit candle. You of course need to be careful doing this that you don't set your house on fire or burn your fingers. The spiral punch as ever was useful for some texturing along with silver eyelets.

Just Believe

2011-06-11T09:57:00.001+01:00

One layer with a theme of ' in the frame' is the challenge at less is more this week, but as usual my challenge is to get children through their social lives. We've done trumpet and now I'm off to sunny Skegness to take Charlie and his friends to a birthday party. Oh joy!!! At some point I'll have time to finish a cuppa and eat food sat at the table with polite conversation, something I don't expect with a bunch of 8 year old boys in Skegness!!!
My card today uses the beautiful stamp set Just Believe and some emboss resist. I've made one frame by masking the card with sheets of paper. The colours are wild wasabi, baja breeze and not quite navy for the sentiment. The base is textured whisper white cardstock.
If you'd like to learn more about emboss resist then why not join one of my technique clubs where you can try before you buy, make new friends and earn free product as it works like a stampers 6, 8 or 10.
Have a great day.
Hugs Zx

Wow I've been showcased!!!!

2011-06-10T19:36:00.001+01:00

Well I'm chuffed to have been showcased for my card last week in the Less is more challenge of Pick a Square with this card. Thanks Chrissie & Mandi for choosing my card. I'm honoured when there are always so many fabulous entries on your challenge. Keep up the good work and challenge us.

Second Attempt

2011-06-09T12:49:00.001+01:00

You may recall that a few days ago I entered this week's Less is More challenge and said that I started my card, struggled, revisited the challenge to check on the detail, discovered I hadn't read it correctly and so started again. Well I don't like to waste cardstock so I played around with my original design and finished up with this which is very definitely shades of green but I confess when I enter it over at Less is More I think that Chrissie and Mandi will not find enough 'white' space, but it conforms in other ways of monochrome, so sorry Ladies if it doesn't work completely with you, but I just wanted to remind folk not to throw away disasters as you can always find a solution.
Have a great day!
Hugs Zx
Supplies
Cardstock pear pizzazz, always artichoke
Stampin around wheel - very vintage
Stamp sets - Strength and Hope, Just Believe
Big Shot
Embossing folder elegant bouquet
Ribbon - pear pizzazz seam binding
Accessories - pearls, scallop trim border punch

Happy Birthday Olivia

2011-06-07T13:18:00.008+01:00

It's a big day here as Olivia celebrates her birthday and has also gone into verbal diarrhea mode with the excitement. Heaven only knows how her teachers have coped with her today. Her mouth hasn't stopped moving since yesterday evening except briefly to sleep. I'm so pleased for her and only hope that I can keep up with the pace this afternoon after school.

Above is the card I made for little bro Charlie to give to her. It's pink, girly but funky too and just what he wanted for his big sis. I'm really glad my husband persuaded me to choose this as one of my free saleabration sets as it's proving to be fun.

This on the other hand is very funky and she loved it when she opened it this morning. I've used stars everywhere as she is our little star! The image is from a retired US set in my stash. The broadsheet alphabet is just perfect for this sort of project as it's so flambouyant just like Olivia. I punched stars out of melon mambo and then stuck them close together on a matting layer of mambo which I then whizzed through the big shot using the top note die. I've layered it with matting layers and added it to my wheeled back drop. More stars and a bit of dazzling diamonds to set off the sentiment.

I'm sure she's having a ball today which will continue tonight. Hope you have a great day too!
I'm also entering this in the Corrosive Challenge Blog where they've asked for summer colours. Also the Crafty Hos' Challenge where they say "Let the summer fun begin". Finally KB Cute Monday Challenge which is bright colours.

Hugs Zx

Stampin' Up! Vintage Wallpaper

2011-06-04T11:50:00.001+01:00

Well today is Less is More Day and I've spent ages fiddling, but couldn't get anything I was happy with until I revisted their challenge and read it properly and discovered that I could use white as well as a single colour in varying shades. You can't believe the mess I've made trying to make a totally green card! Finally I came up with this and it's showcased our lovely vintage wallpaper embossing folder. I embossed some pear pizzazz dsp from the in colour stack and then sponged with dauber to highlight the embossed pattern in always artichoke. I've used the reverse of the dsp to stamp in different green shades one of the flowers from Ornate Flowers stamp set and used the decorative label punch to frame it.

For the scallop trim border to fit just perfectly around your centre strip you need to cut your background cardstock 1/2 inch wider than the decorative strip. This gives you a lace effect along the edges and some structure and strength if you use dsp for the decorative centre.

Ruffled pear pizzazz seam binding and a triple bow just add a bit of luxury along with those elegantly useful pearls. The sentiment is from Just Believe a gorgeous stamp set that I defy you not to love. You can place a customer order for any of these products with your local demonstrator or me at any time. You don't have to wait for a party! Do email me if you need any help with that. martin.tant@homecall.co.uk

I also promised some pics from our day at the Sincerely Yours Show last Sunday. It was such a successful day and great to see so many Stampin' Up! fans. This is the team from left to righ Emma, Me, Mandy and Bridgette. You can visit their blogs via my sidebar.

It's a lovely sunny day here at the moment so I'm off to enjoy it with a family bbq while it lasts. Have fun all.

Hugs Zx

Summer Splash Octopus

2011-06-01T15:07:00.000+01:00

Just a quick post as it's half term and we're keeping busy! This is a take on a card from a US demos blog and I'm sorry, but I've lost it at the moment, but I thought it was fun. I've adjusted it slightly but the idea of taking a partial circle out appealed to me.

supplies

Summer Splash stamp set

brights dsp

spiral, modern label and word window punches

real red taffeta ribbon

glossy white cardstock

surgical gloves

spritzer tool

real red, tempting turquoise, daffodil delight and pumpkin pie inks

Off for more games and shananigans!

Hugs Zx

USA National Scrapbooking Month

2011-05-31T21:17:00.004+01:00

Click on an image for a closer larger view

In the USA this month it's National Scrapbook Month and although I'm a tail end Charlie I have finally got around to putting a couple of pages together which is still quite a challenge for me. I've not done a lot of scrapbooking, but following our fabulous holiday in Italy visiting Rome, Florence and Pisa I couldn't let some of our fab photos go unnoticed.

Top above is I think one of my favourite shots of Olivia. Like most girls she's happy to pose and this shot was taken in The Forum under the beautiful wisteria. I've used some retired dsp and buttons along with basic black stripe grosgrain ribbon and my trusty Spot On stampin' around wheel. The whole page has so much of life wrapped up in it. To start with there's this wonderful picture of my darling (well most of the time she is....) daughter, memories of a wonderful well spent family holiday and my Stampin' Up journey as this wheel was in my starter kit! It also shows that we can blend our old stash with new and bring it all to life.

The bottom two pictures are of my page featuring Cheeky Charlie! We were on a train journey at the end of a long sightseeing day trip to Pisa. Charlie had finished his lolli from the pound shop (dollar store) and made us all laugh as he pretended to smoke the stick. Of course as a mother it then brings home the realisation of how much others and the world around us influences our children and at that moment I prayed he'd never take up smoking for real!

This page includes celebrations quick accents and designer series paper along with varsity alphabet stamp set and journalling by my own fair hand in pacific point marker.

The next set of photographs are my next scrap page/s challenge with the following titles.

Hand of young girl!

Not quite feet of small boy!

Finger of God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ???

I have to say that the visit to Pisa was a fun day. Martin, faced his fear of heights as he shimmied around the top of the tower. The children enjoyed posing for the right shot and the rest of the visitors to Pisa took part in the weirdest tai chi class you have ever seen! I let you work that bit out but just think about lots of people standing around with their arms in the air!

On that note I'll leave you and go to sign up to Shelli's Creative Challenge.

Happy crafting.

Hugs Zx

Summer Fun at Sincerely Yours

2011-05-29T00:15:00.016+01:00

Today I've been at the Sincerely Yours Show with some of my team and it was lovely to see so many familiar faces and also to meet new customers and have the opportunity to introduce them to the wonder world of Stampin' Up!.

We took on the theme of Summer for our display using the Brights Collection. I made some fun summer items as you can see above. Down on the beach a girl needs cute shoes, sunnies and a bucket for her shells!!

The bigshot was used for the funky foam flowers on the flip flops and stamp set Summer Splash features on the bucket. I'm pleased to say that they were at hit at the show today.

Hugs Zx

One of my favourites - Pocket Silhouettes

2011-05-28T18:20:00.001+01:00

stampin' Up! demonstrator Zoe Tant

It's been a busy week as some of my team and I have been preparing for The Sincerely Yours Craft Show at The Lincolnshire Show Ground tomorrow. We have a stand and look forward to welcoming all to our display, demonstrations and make and take table. It's on from 10am to 4pm with plenty of parking and inexpensive entrance what more could you want on a Bank Holiday weekend!

I have now just about got everything ready and so have taken some time out to christen my river rock inkpad, can't believe it was still in the cello wrapper, to make a card for this weeks challenge at Less is More. The lovely ladies have set an interesting challenge in that you need to divide your card into squares and choose one to decorate. If you fancy ago click on the link and check the exact details and lots of fab entries. I've gone for the centre, but have added a twist by decorating the centre square inside my card and have just added an embossed frame on the outside. I've stamped with my favourite set Pocket Silhouettes in early espresso, river rock (what a fab neutral!) and soft suede. I used my paper trimmer to cut the aperture in the card and the frame. The light is awful today so I've taken a few shots in the hope that you get the picture!

Time for a cuppa now and to pack my bags for the show where if you visit our stand you can find out about how you could win your very own BIG SHOT! Can't make it then you can always email or telephone an order to me.

I look forward to seeing you.

Happy crafting

Sincerely Yours Craft Show

2011-05-27T12:39:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone just wanted to let you know that you can visit some of my team and I at the Sincerely Yours Craft Show at the Lincolnshire Show Ground this Sunday. Following the success of last year's show the organisers moved the event to the Showground where there is more space and plenty of parking.

We shall have demonstrations with the new Big Shot and Stampin' Up!'s exclusive products as well as make and take and grab bags for sale. You could also win a Big Shot. Come and see us to find out how!!!!

Fluttery Butterflies for Less is More!

2011-05-21T11:58:00.001+01:00

zoe tant stampin' up! demonstrator

Happy Saturday everyone. I'm glad it's sunny, but missing my little 'big' girl who is away on a school trip in France. They left at the ungodly hour of midnight Thursday and are scheduled back on Monday evening. Although we have our moments, teenager looming, I miss her dearly and can't wait to hear all about her trip. In the meantime Charlie keeps us busy and was thrilled this morning when he called on our neighbour, Aunty Dawn, to see if she'd been able to get any of the free lego models that were accompanying one of the newspapers this week. She'd done really well and for £1.30 I now have an entertained son! We live at least 20 miles from the nearest WHSmiths or Toys R Us and so it's not worth the drive to get the paper, but Aunty Dawn goes to work near the right store!

With the children busy, I've jumped into my craft room to make my card for the Less is More challenge. Chrissie and Mandi have left us with a wide open choice today as the title is simply Butterflies which I think most of us can deal with somehow. I've chosen to use Strength and Hope again to remind you all that if you buy this set from any demonstrator you will be doing your bit for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For each set sold Stampin' Up! will donate £1 to the charity. So contact your demo and not only will you end up with a fabulous stamp set you'll also be doing something good and let's face us I don't there can be many of us who don't know someone who's been affected by this cancer.

Whatever you do this weekend have fun!

Hugs Zx

Recipe

Cardstock - Whisper White

DSP - Subtles Paper Stack - Baja Breeze

Ribbon - Whisper White Taffeta

Ink - Baja Breeze

Bling - dazzling diamonds, rhinestones

Punches - Boho Blossoms, Scallop Circle, Word Window, Scallop Trim Border

Stamps - Strength and Hope, Basic Phrases

Bigshot and the Square Lattice emboss folder

More from Stampin' Up! Manhattan Flowers

2011-05-19T10:44:00.000+01:00

zoe tant stampin' up! demonstrator

I told myself I wasn't going to buy this beautiful embossing folder as I thought I'd seen lots of cards made using it and it wouldn't appeal to anyone, but I then saw examples of it used at Stampin' Up! training events and by other demonstrators in real life and decided that I couldn't really live without it. It was good decision to need it as I've really enjoyed using it, not least in this example where I've used it on shimmery white cardstock and really it needs very little else as it is just so striking, elegant and beautiful. I have however matted it onto designer series paper from the brights stack (real red) only 39p per double sided sheet, and basic black cardstock. I cut the flower down slightly and then used the offcuts for my sentiment which is from Thank You Kindly. I've also used a stamp from Strength and Hope to enhance the real red backdrop and you can see it more clearly on the image below which is the inside of the card. Rhinestones, real red satin ribbon and crochet thread from my stash have just added the final touches for one of the many thank yous I need to send for all the gorgeous birthday presents I received at the weekend.

Of course I had money for my birthday too and so can indulge my 'NEEDS' further. The only difficulty is choosing what to have next! You probably have this problem with Stampin' Up! products too! Make a wishlist and dream and soon it will be yours. Of course you could have it sooner if you think about being a demonstrator and then you get it much cheaper, with early access to new products and training to show you how best to use it! You can tailor it all to suit your lifestyle and your needs. Contact me to find out how I can help you to get the most out of being a demonstrator. Let the fun begin......................

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Back soon

Hugs Zx

Strength and Hope from Stampin' Up!

2011-05-18T16:20:00.004+01:00

zoe tant stampin' up! demonstrator

Please click on the image for larger view

Now here's a really pretty stamp set called Strength and Hope. It's in the mini and is sold in aid of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For every set that Stampin' Up! sells worldwide it will donate the equivalent of £1 to the Foundation.

Here I've used it with blushing bride and sahara sand ink with the same cardstock and additionally basic black and confetti white. The scallop trim border punch has softened the black base along with some pretty pearls. The sentiment of 'birthday wishes' is from the level 3 hostess set Occasional Quotes which you can earn for free if you host a fun Chicks and Chocolate qualifying party. Sound like fun then please do contact me for more details. You will receive a complimentary copy of the Idea Book (RRP £5.95) and a 'mini' catalogue and a special booking gift from me to say thank you. Once you host your party you can earn lots more so contact me for details of how to get the Party Started!

More soon.

Dry and Heat Embossing with Stampin' Up! Folders & Stamps

2011-05-14T08:40:00.001+01:00

I've been meaning to use my new Nature Walk stamp set since I received it as a freebie for my sales during Sale-a-bration and finally the challenge at Less is more has prompted me to get on with it and use it. The challenge that the lovely Chrissie and Mandi have set this week is embossing with either dry embossing or heat embossing. I've used both. I also used my new elegant bouquet exclusive embossing folder to set up my background on this basic black card and then heat embossed the white moth firstly on the card in white and then onto vellum paper before cutting out part of the wings and adhering just the bottom with crystal effects to give the impression of flight. I got the idea from US demo Linda. I will try later with better light to improve the photograph.

Now off to do the usual rush of Saturday morning taxi service collecting Charlie from sleepover, delivering him to trumpet and then onto his gymnastics competition. Tonight thankfully is ours!!!

Make this is great weekend!

Love Zx

Never buy party bag favours for girls ever again!!!!

2011-05-10T13:58:00.000+01:00

I'm so excited I've finally found some time to hunt through the attic and find that fleece that I bought years ago. My intention (years ago!) was to be a good mummy and make dresses for Olivia, but now she is bigger than the piece of fleece and so I decided it would be best put to use trying out my new Bigshot and dies and to show that you don't have to use it for papercrafting. In 10 minutes you can make these brooches and have your party bag favours sorted very inexpensively. The buttons in the middle are the new big designer buttons. So I'm still a good mummy well at least today!!!!!
More soon.
Zx

Stampin' Up ! Manhattan Flowers Wow

2011-05-07T09:52:00.002+01:00

zoe tant stampin up demonstrator

We are so lucky as demonstrators and customers to now get our hands on the Big Shot and all the fabulous exclusive accesssories that Stampin ' Up ! has to offer. Manhattan Flowers embossing folder is no exception and it lends itself so well to helping us make cards with wow factor that are clean, simple and elegant. I didn't want to buy it, but once I saw all the fabulous swaps that other demos made for our recent training sessions and how it was demo'd by Stampin' Up! I could resist no longer. It's worked well as this week's challenge from Mandi & Chrissie at Less is More is for 'White on White'. I can tell you that the whole idea of clean and simple and less is more has challenged me for sure over the past few weeks. We are all guilty in life of going one step too far and so this has helped me to focus on a different repetoire in my card making and I have to say I've really enjoyed it. Today I was aghast at their challenge, but am glad to say I'm pleased with the result. I must confess that the thanks has been done using the Big Shot with a gift sizzlit from a US friend, but I hope that come October and our new Idea Book, that we'll have a wider selection of all these wonderful accessories.

Now if you like parties and crafting why not join my team mate Emma and I for our Stampin' Up! party at the Bentley Hotel in Lincoln on Wednesday 6 July. Book by the 15th June and it's only £15, but thereafter £17.50. Ticket includes materials, a la carte stamp and more. Contact me at martin.tant@homecall.co.uk for more details and to book.

Happy weekend and crafting everyone.

Hugs Zx

Click on the image for a larger view.

Recipe
Whisper White Cardstock
Whisper White Organza Ribbon
Basic Pearls
Manhattan Flowers Embossing Folder
Thanks sizzlit (US)

The Big Shot is just so much fun!!!

2011-05-06T14:34:00.000+01:00

Well I've had a play and this is what I came up with yesterday in readiness for my demonstration to North Somercotes WI. It's a technique that was shown to us at our recent training event and I think it's kinda special. It really shows off the beautiful Manhattan Flowers embossing folder that is exclusive to Stampin' Up! and also lets you use one of my favourite papers, Newsprint. The ladies watched me demo a couple of techniques and then they all made a card, all 32 of them!!!! We set up a conveyer belt with them starting at one end of the laid out tables and moving on to the final one where they added dazzling diamonds to their stamped butterflies, the table, the floor and themselves, but had a thoroughly good time. Let's face it we all love a bit of cut and stick even as grown ups and Grandmas!!

More soon

Happy Crafting

Congratulations with Stampin ' Up ! Curly Cute

2011-04-30T15:05:00.001+01:00

zoe tant independent stampin up demonstrator

Hi everyone, how's you today? I'm fine and enjoying chilling after a fabulous holiday which I will share with you very soon when I have put some srapbook pages together. Today it's taken me a while to get in the mood for crafting as I've not done any for a while and so I'm slow off the mark with this weeks Less is More challenge. Chrissie and Mandi are challenging you to make a clean and simple card with the theme of either 'thank you' or 'congratulations'. For the moment I've managed 'congratulations' what with so much love in the air at the mo I've taken on a wedding/anniversary theme with my congrats.

I've finally been brave enough to open my lovely pack of Springtime Vintage Designer Series Papers and use a small scallop trimmed piece to set off my theme. For the hearts I first used sponge daubers to add colour (pear pizzazz and baja breeze) to some very vanilla cardstock. I then used the spritzer tool with the same colour marker pen to add a little bit of texture. The baja breeze seam binding ribbon is just perfect for twisting and then gathering by fraying the ends slightly before pulling on a single thread in the middle to gather it. I've tucked the ends away after tying my knot. Basic pearls highlight my Curly Cute sentiment. For my pear pizzazz matting layer I also used the cutting tool kit to distress the edges. I've also finally had the sense to invest in some textured cardstock and my very vanilla base is exactly that. You can click on either picture for a larger view. I hope to get around to try the thank you out later in the week.

Back soon with some holiday pics and stories.

Ciao Bella

Emboss beauty

2011-04-29T09:45:00.004+01:00

I know this isn't a wedding card which it should be today, but I've used an anniversay stamp from Cheers & Wishes to add a simple sentiment to this elegant card which I've created using the Elegant Bouquet embossing folder in my big shot. It's an exclusive to Stampin' Up ! folder and on it's own creates beatiful back drops for simple elegant cards and used with other stamps and embellishments it can be wowed further. I'll be back soon to show you how, but I like this simple look for now. I've added some wow with pearls and rhinestones and a piece of organza ribbon simply tied in a knot. Appropriately for today the base card is blushing bride!!

I'm going to enjoy ooohhing and ahhing at the blushing bride hope you do too!

Happy Wedding day to Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton!

Hugs Zx

Origami basket

2011-04-24T10:00:00.003+01:00

stampin up demonstrator zoe tant

Recently for the ILWS Stampin' Up ! Summer Mini 2011 blog hop I made this pretty origami basket. Since posting it here and showing it to customers, friends and others I've been asked by several folk for a tutorial. Hence the reason for this post. You could make it in any of our designer series papers and I did think that one in co-ordinating colours from our paper stacks would look fab. I must give it a try, but with the Easter hols already here that may prove difficult. Maybe you can beat me to it and take a picture and share it with me.

Start with a square of dsp. I've used greenhouse gala for the full example above and my single petal below and my square is 6"x 6"

Fold it in half diagonally.

Open up your diagonal fold and then fold in both sides to meet the centre fold as shown above.

Fold over the top triangle.

Open the side panels, but keep the top triangle folded over.

This time fold in the side panels so that the edge of the folded down sides meets the centre fold.

Do this with both sides.

Halve the project by folding the right-hand side back underneath to the reverse side.

Fold the bottom triangle of paper upwards away from you, making a crease along the edge of the flap.

Open the top layer and tuck the bottom triangle under the top triangle.

Close the top flap again and fold over the small triangle left at the top of the project as you see it positioned above.

Open up the project and push the top triangle through the middle to make an inside fold.

Make a crease at the bottom, as shown in the photo below.

Open up the project into a petal/boat/dish shape.

Make 5 and stick them together to make the finished flower shape as seen at the top of my post.

Once complete all you need to do is fill it with treats!

Happy Easter to all my readers

Easter treats

2011-04-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

It's always nice to share chocolate with friends, but it much nicer to present it packaged in Stampin' Up! finery and here's a simple but attractive project that some of my customers have made at recent workshops.

You will need

medium cello bag

top note die

big shot

designer series paper stack colour of your choice here I've used peach parfait

peach parfait & daffodil delight cardstock

two way glue pen

dazzling diamonds

fun flowers die

modern label punch

a good egg stamp set

peach parfait ink pad

daubers

sticky strip

Cut a piece of dsp to line the bag. Cut a top note shape as the topper for the bag and score it length ways. Also cut the fun flowers and used the two smallest shapes to make the flower here. You can distress it by scrunching which also looks good or just use a dauber to add a contrast to the petal edges. Punch a 3/4" circle for the flower centre and cover with glue and dazzling diamonds. Adhere to flower centre. Stamp Happy Easter in peach parfait and punch out with modern label punch. Adhere that and the flower to your topper. Use sticky strip to adhere the outside of the bag to the topper. Once your treat bag is filled add more sticky strip to seal the topper on either side of the cello bag. You can then finish off your piece with a chick! Of course this project is a year round useful gift presentation idea as you can change the theme and colours to suit the occasion.

Have a go it's really quick and easy and will impress your friends or children at your child's birthday party.

Back with more soon.

Hugs Zx

Wow Nanny - great card

2011-04-17T10:09:00.002+01:00

My mum always tells everyone how amazed she is that I am now a Stampin' Up! demonstrator as to quote her "She was never creative as a child and I don't know where she gets it from now!"

But I think I have an idea as look at this fab card my mum put together for Charlie. She used the Loads of Love set and cut out trees from last year's Mini Paper Stack and what a fab card. Another one to thrill Charlie. I love how she also added pearls and ribbon to make such fun balloons. I also like how she got around writing 8 using circle punches and rhinestones. Even my dad commented and suggested she did a bit of colouring to make the truck stand out more.

A great team effort!

Have a great weekend.

Hugs Zx

Happy Birthday Charlie

2011-04-14T11:57:00.017+01:00

My son at the grand age of 8 decided that he wanted a grown up card and fell in love with the new Sail Away stamp from the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini 2011. It's a fab stamp, but I don't want him to get too old too quickly so for his birthday today, I made this card and added a fun whale under the sea from Fox and Friends. I've also used a treat cup to make a shaker card with some of the baja breeze glass glitter which is chunky and doesn't stick to everything like your face as dazzling diamonds so often does. It's great for boys too!

I'm delighted to say that he loved it.

Happy Birthday Charlie

Busy with kids on Easter hols so must dash.

Hugs Zx

Thank you Team

2011-04-09T11:28:00.002+01:00

zoe tant stampin up demonstrator uk

Good morning everyone, and welcome once again to my entry for the Less is more challenge which this week is for a single layered card with the theme of 'sentiment' . I've decided to dedicate my card to my lovely team who have all achieved so much with their Stampin' Up! businesses whether they are a hobby demo or are working it as a business. They are all wonderfully talented ladies and I'm honoured to know them and have them in my team.

I'd also like to thank Mandi & Chrissie over at Less is More for setting up such a great challenge blog that encourages lots of folk to leave comments on entries not only leaving a warm glow for the maker of the project, but also thanking them for taking the trouble to share their creativity with everyone else. Thanks girls!!!

Thanks, thank you, a note of thanks and even 'ta' for a baby are all so easy to say and yet it's often not said enough. We have so much to be thankful for and often forget to count our blessings. As you read this think of what you have rather than what you don't and make sure you give an extra 'thanks' to someone today!

My card is on whisper white, with real red and pacific point ink and markers. I used our new decorative label punch from the Stampin' Up ! UK Summer Mini 2011 to make a mask to highlight the english translation of this versatile word amongst all the other languages using the So Many Thanks individual stamp from our main idea book and catalogue. The stamp a ma jig helped me to position all the images.

Have a great day and remember 'thank you'.

Thanks for visiting me today!!

Hugs Zx

An award for me!

2011-04-07T11:39:00.000+01:00

Well I'm honoured I've received an award from Sylvie .   Thank you for visiting my blog, your kind comments and in particular this award. I'm delighted that you like my blog.  Sylvie has some inspiring projects on her blog also so please do take a look.

Part of the award is to participate in certain tasks which are as follows
Step 1 - Make a post linking back to the person who gave you the award!
Step 2 - Share 7 random things about yourself.. Apologies now..........!!
Step 3 – Award 7 bloggers with this award
Step 4 – Contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve won the award

Random facts about me! O er missus!!!
1. I love shoes!!!
2. I skied for the Royal Navy
3. I sleep with a tea cosy from my childhood - random and embarrassing eek! Except at convention when I   wear ear muffs - remember I share a room with Monnie!!!
4. I love the Stampin' Up! Summer Mini 2011
5. I plan to re-visit Vienna in 2012
6. I love ostrich stroganoff - buy it online here
7. I once contemplated nookie on a beach in the Falklands surrounded by penguins and landmines until we decided the sand was not conducive!!!!

New blogs
1 Mandy
2   DaisyDaye
3 Cherry Hill
4 Dorothy
5 Abi
6   Sandra
7 St Lukes Charity Cards Challenge Blog

These are all super blogs and in particular St Lukes which is encouraging everyone to be creative to inpire others and as a consequence share good things for a good cause.

I also received this award from both Abi and Sandra with a similar remit to send you to others lovely blogs for a browse. Thanks girls I really appreicate it. Please do visit their blogs and have a look.

Thanks for stopping by. Back soon with a new project or two!

Hugs Zoë x

A touch of red!

2011-04-02T10:05:00.001+01:00

stampin up demonstrator zoe tant

Thanks for stopping by to see me and if you're on the ILWS blog hop a particular welcome and please scroll down to see my blog hop projects and find the link to the next step.

Over at Less is more today they've set a colour challenge of 'a touch of red'. I so wanted to use this stamp, Motorcycle, when they had their masculine card challenge, but it was before the launch of the Stampin' Up !summer mini and so I was not allowed. However today it's worked out well and now I can share it with you. I've used cherry cobbler marker and cardstock for my touch of red and have added crystal effects with the tip of the paper piercer to give my motorcycle shine! The image itself is stamped with Staz on to stop any bleeding with the crystal effects.

I also wanted to do one for the girls and this is so simple but striking. I love Pocket Silhouettes as it's so easy to use. You can stamp it anywhere and it looks great. It's a fab set for beginners as you can't really go wrong. My touch of red is real red grosgrain ribbon and a little reverse stamping inside. On the cover the flowers are embossed in white using our craft whisper white ink pad.

There will be more MINI tasters with 4 ILWS blog hops where demos will be sharing with you some fabulous projects made with stash from the new mini. Why not take a peak! You can start with the post below.

Have a great weekend and I'll be back soon with more mini heaven.
Hugs Zx

Stampin ' Up ! Summer Mini 2011 Blog Hop

2011-04-02T10:00:00.077+01:00

zoe tant stmapin up demonstrator

Welcome to my blog Stamping Scene.

With the UK Stampin ' Up ! summer mini 2011 now up and running the demonstrators of In Love with Stamping are running several blog hops today to showcase all the fabby new products on offer. If you're on my link you've come from Anthea's blog and so welcome to my little offering of Mini Heaven. Above is an origami pattern I followed in greenhouse gala dsp and it's decorated with a flower made using the new build a blossom stamp set and blossom petals punch. The daffodil delight taffeta ribbon is really easy to tie into cute little bows which finish off this fun 'dish'.

This gift set features the use of the big shot, beautiful wings embosslit, beautiful butterflies die, scallop envelope die, decorative label punch and four frames stamp set which are all new products in the MINI!

Here's a closer view of each project.

Finally here's a card I've made specially for my mum for Sunday. She doesn't 'do' the internet and so I don't need to worry about sharing it with you.

Here you can see another example of the build a blossom stamp set, blossom petals punch and bitty buttons which are clear but can be customised by using the co-ordinating punches to add your own colour.

If you like what you've seen and would like a closer look or even a play with some products then why not consider joining my new techniques club starting in May. Email me for details and you can either be an internet virtual player or visit me for a monthly technique class. You will earn free product, free catalogues and idea book and hostess spend. It's great fun and you get to try before you buy.

If you particularly like the big shot and decide to buy it from me from now through May I'll include in your purchase the standard premium crease pad or an embossing folder of your choice. You'll also be entered into a prize draw with prizes ranging from stamp sets to ribbon to big shot accessories.

I hope you've enjoyed my mini offering and now I'll pass you over to my lovely team mate Emma who has some other wow samples to share with you. Emma's also got links to the 3 other blog hops.

Thanks for checking in and see you again soon.

Happy crafting

The New Summer Mini is here!!!

2011-04-01T10:43:00.001+01:00

zoe tant stampin up demonstrator

The all singing all dancing Summer 2011 mini catalogue is now live! You can place an order at any time just email me or call. Click on the catalogue image and have a browse because the new products and stamp sets are really fantastic. The Big Shot, a die cutting machine, is a must if you want to expand your crafting tool kit. It's a more than useful tool for papercrafters, quilters and stitchers! It gives flexibility and variety to your projects and can speed up the process often being able to cut through up to 8 layers of fabric, cardstock or other materials. There are also several exclusive dies, embossing folders and embosslits which as usual co-ordinate with other Stampin' Up! products. Take a look you wont be disappointed.

Above is a quick project to get you in the mood.

Using the greenhouse gala dsp I've made a simple backdrop to my card. I've used the versamarker to highlight the centre of the flowers and embossed them with clear emboss powder. The butterflies have been created using the big shot and beautiful wings embosslit and I've added pearls. My sentiment is a retired rub on and my base card is peach parfait with pear pizzazz matt layer. Quick and simple!

If you'd like a hard copy of the mini please contact me a martin.tant@homecall.co.uk

Back soon with some more examples and there'll be a blog hop here tomorrow so even more inspiration available. Don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Hugs Zx