Author: Hannah McCurley

Posted on

Freshly Made Sketches #188 – Something to Say….

Stampin' Up! UK something to say itty bitty accents petite petals

I’m here on a Saturday again joining in over at Freshly Made Sketches, I have been really enjoying using sketches to push my cardmaking out of my comfort zone. I have to admit, when I first looked at the sketch for this week, I panicked! I don’t tend to make cards with lots of layers, I don’t really know why, because I think I should!

Stampin' Up! freshly made sketches

 

So, the very first thing I do when I get my hands on a new sketch is to stand in front of my stamp sets. This week I came up with nothing, I try and check the sketch early in the week, after its release on Tuesday. This week when I looked on Tuesday night, I stood in front of those stamp sets, and stood, and stood. Inspiration escaped me. Completely.

Stampin' Up! UK something to say itty bitty accents petite petals

I grabbed the sketch again on Friday, and took more notice of the images. I try to just see shape when I look at a sketch, and I’m always tempted to turn things around. But this week, just getting something made was more important. So the flowers jumped out at me, and I ran through my collection looking for small floral stamps with coordinating punches – Petite Petals and Something To Say. I actually started from punches, and then looked for stamps to coordinate;  Petite Petals and Itty Bitty Accents Punch Pack.

In order to keep things simple I decided to stick to two colours (plus Whisper White) and used Pear Pizzazz card stock and ink, along with Early Espresso for depth.

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

Posted on

Wedding Week – Wedding Favours

Stampin' Up! UK lided box video tutorial

I have recently put together my wedding favours, and I wish I could say that these are they, but they’re not. They are super cute little milk cartons, and I absolutely love them, but they are not these.

These would be perfect as Wedding Favours, and would hold a good amount of sugared almonds or other confectionery. I have once again pulled out the Something Borrowed Designer Series Paper – this paper retires on the 2nd June (that’s next Tuesday!) so grab it now while you still have the chance.

Stampin' Up! UK wedding favours something borrowed designer series paper

I love a monotone look for weddings, simple colours to make sure people are looking in the right place i.e.: at the bride and groom! and this paper is just perfect for that, detailed enough to be stunning, but not too complex that it shouts too loud.

Measurements:

Base – Card stock = 6 x 6 ” (15 x 15 cm)

score on all 4 sides at 2 ” (5 cm)

Lid – Designer Series Paper = 5 1/16 x 5 1/16″ (12.8 x 12.8 cm)

score on all 4 side at 1 1/2″ (3.8 cm)

Stampin' Up! UK lided box video tutorial

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

Posted on

Wedding Week – Congrats to you two….

Stampin' Up! UK wedding card

I hope you are enjoying my week of Wedding themed projects!

Today I thought we would move away from being part of the wedding party, and make a card as a wedding guest – the perfect congratulations card. I get married in August and if I receive just one hand stamped card like this one I will be a super happy bride! Saying that I won’t be opening any cards until 3 weeks after the wedding, after several members of my family have been cat sitting in my house, so I might even get this card!

Stampin' Up! UK wedding card

Its another super simple card from me, I’m loving white space at the moment. I’m not sure if that’s just my style (it always was when I made 12×12 scrapbook layouts) or whether its just because my head is so full of wedding planning and work that I need some space somewhere!

Using the Your Perfect Day stamp set (about to retire! so grab it now!) the cake is stamped in Sahara sand stamped off once. The Congrats was then stamped over the top in Versamark ink and heat embossed in gold.

So pretty

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

Posted on

Weekly deals and more……

Stampin' Up! Weekly deals

I just love Wednesdays! Awesome new Weekly Deals are released, and I get to talk to you all about some great things happening!

First of all, lets start with this weeks deals shall we

Weekly Deals

This weeks deals are a great selection of items! All are from the Spring/Summer Catalogue, and will not be available after next Wednesday! So grab them now, while you can, for a  great price!

New Catalogue

We are now less that a week away from the launch of the brand new Stampin’ Up! Catalogue! Yay! I’ve been sending out catalogues this week, but still have some left, so if you want a FREE copy there are two ways to get one!

1. Come to my Catalogue Launch Party! – 3rd June 2015 – 7pm – in Stockton-on-Tees (at my house!) – RSVP via Facebook, and I will contact you all with my details. I love doing these events, we have a bit of stamping, some bargains, and the chance to see some of of the new products before anyone else!

2. Or, if you can’t make it to the party, fill in my Request a Catalogue form, and I will post one out to you 🙂

 

News

Things are super busy around here at the moment; new catalogue launch time is always a little crazy, but I’m also finishing up an order of 75 Orders of Service, prepping to make another 70 Orders of Service for my own wedding, sorting out flowers and hen parties, trying to organise James and fit in my full time job! But it’s all good fun! I’m hoping to start sharing some more of these type of blog posts over the next few months, on a Wednesday, live blogging style!

oh, and before I go, keep your eyes peeled for a great Stampin’ Up! Joining offer coming next week!

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

 

Posted on

Wedding Week – Create your own Envelopes

Stampin' Up! UK Envelope Punch Board Something Borrowed

I think the Envelope Punch Board is awesome! I really do, it’s such a great tool and I use it all the time; not only for envelopes but boxes and bows too! I was putting together the blog posts for this week, and realised how perfect it would be to have all your wedding stationary completely coordinating – even down to the envelopes. And then I thought, we have the most perfect tool for that! So, here we are; How to Make an Envelope using the Envelope Punch Board!

Stampin' Up! UK Envelope Punch Board Something Borrowed

What great Designer Series Paper to work with too, I have been loving this Sahara Sand / Whisper White combination recently, and I think it makes great neutral wedding stationary. In fact I have some of this paper hoarded away ready for the Wedding Album! (Its getting rather close now!)

Measurements:

To create an envelope perfectly sized for a A6 card, you will need a piece of Designer Series Paper that measures 8 1/4 x 8 1/4″.

Now, I know, normally I try to give you both metric and imperial measurements, however, when your using the Envelope Punch Board, the imperial measurements are much easier to see and use, so this time, I’m sticking with inches!

Insert you Designer Series Paper into your punch board punch, and line the left hand side of the paper up with the 3 5/8″ mark.

Punch and score using the scoring tool provided.

Turn your Designer Series Paper a quarter turn and line the previously made score line up with the guide on the punch, and punch and score again. Repeat this on all 4 sides.

Turn your Envelope Punch Board around and use the reverse side of the punch to round the corners of your envelope.

Fold and burnish your score lines using the side of the scoring tool.

Use your adhesive of choice to stick your envelope together, using a glue dot to secure the top flap (once your handmade card is inside, of course!)

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

 

Posted on

Retiring List Information

Stampin' Up! UK Retiring List 2015I’m sorry, I don’t have a card post for you today, but I wanted to pop in and remind you that the New Annual Catalogue launches on 2nd June 2015 (that’s one week away!) and the retiring list ends on the same day!

Check the list out now – HERE

Stampin' Up! UK Catalogue 2015

If you have managed to miss the news that the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue launches on 2nd June – where have you been!!!! I just wanted to let you know about my Catalogue Launch Party – held at my home in Stockton-on-Tees, this FREE event gives you a chance to get your hands on the new catalogue on 3rd June 2015, featuring a great make and take, my bargain basket, and some great stampin’ company! RSVP today!

 

 

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

Posted on

Freshly Made Sketches #187 – Just For You!

Hello!

I am so sorry I missed my challenge Saturday last week, but I was at Stampin’ Up! Regional Training (having heaps of fun!) and in my excitement I completely forgot! Shocking I know, But I am back this week playing along with Freshly Made Sketches #187, and this fabulous sketch:

FMS Final 187-001

 

I love this sketch, it really pushed me. I’ve been stuck in a bit of a craft rut recently, or, as my darling mother said the other day “your cards are always muted!” (thanks mother!), and so I grabbed for a set of super bright colours; the new In Colours Watermelon Wonder and Cucumber Crush!

I will admit to being a little scared of the brightness of these two; Watermelon Wonder is an almost Neon Corally Orange, while Cucumber Crush is a vivid green, definitely not colours I would have chosen of my own accord, but absolutely one of the reasons I love Stampin’ Up! and playing along with challenges, so….

The Card!

Stampin' Up! UK Freshly Made Sketches Cherries on top

I decided seeing as I was using new colours, I might as well go the whole hog and use new stamps and Designer Series Paper too!

The Designer Series Paper is Cherry on Top; and is a fabulous mix of bright colours and birthday prints, paired with the coordinating Washi Tape. While the stamp set is called You’re So Sweet – I love this set, its great for adding a special something to a present, or using as a card accent, and it coordinates (and is available bundled with….) the Mini Treat Bag Thinlits dies! Awesome!

The heart is punched from Watermelon Wonder card stock and adhered with half a dimensional before I covered it in Crystal Effects for a super shiny look.

All these products will be available to purchase from the 2nd June (or now if you choose to become a demonstrator!). I will be sending catalogues this coming week, to get your FREE copy (UK only – sorry) fill in this form!

speak again soon

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

Posted on

Stampin’ Up! UK Regional Training Swaps

One of the many many great things about being a demonstrator for Stampin’ Up! is the opportunity to attend Stampin’ Up! organised events. This past weekend I drove the 180+ miles to Telford for this years demonstrator training event. I will share the full details with your soon (well, as much as I can!) but for now, I thought I would share what I made for my Swaps!

Stampin' Up! UK Telford swaps 2015

Swapping is another great part of being a demonstrator. Each time we get together we make things to share; they are a great way of getting inspiration when you’ve lost your crafty mojo, and are a wonderful way of meeting new people. I found some cute little chocolates during a recent dash to Home Bargains (there’s one at the end of my road, perfect for those chocolate emergencies! they sell other stuff to, but chocolate is my main reason for a visit!) and knew they would have to be part of my swap!

Stampin' Up! UK Telford swap mini chocolate gift bag

Aren’t they just adorable! I loved making them, although the Typeset Designer Series Paper is interesting to work with! Its a lovely thin weight, and acts a little bit like vellum when you score it. You have to keep a tight hold otherwise it has a habit of moving and shifting – resulting in wonky bags!

Measurements:

Designer Series Paper – 4 3/4 x 3 1/2″ (12 x 9 cm)

Score on the long side first with the print facing the right way at 1 3/8, 2 1/8, 3 1/2 and 4 1/4″ (1, 4.5, 6.5 ad 10 cm)

Score on the short side at 3/4″ (2 cm)

Cut the little rectangle from the bottom corner, and cut up the other score lines just to the horizontal score

Use Fast Fuse to stick your bags together, applying the glue along the long thin edge. Then work out which side is the back (the one with the seam), fold in the bottom – sides first, then the back, then the front – applying Fast Fuse to the inside of the front flap.

Insert your chocolates

Use the 1/8″ Handheld punch to create a hole in the middle near the top.

Thread your ribbon from the inside through to the front, and then over the top and in through the back and through to the front. You should end up with both ends of the ribbon at the front.

Tie a bow! (I know, that makes it sound a whole lot easier than it is!)

Stampin' Up! Telford swaps basket

I couldn’t leave you without showing you my swaps basket (it doubles as my Bargain Basket!), don’t they look cute!

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

Posted on

Collage stamping

One of my favourite stamp sets from the current Spring/Summer catalogue is Butterfly Basics. I have created a whole heap of cards with this set, and I’m sure I have plenty more cards with this set left to create (yes, it’s in the new Annual Catalogue too! Yay!)

Stampin' Up! UK butterfly basics collage

I have really enjoyed the pieces of this stamp set, both individually and collaged together  – like the card here. Almost all the stamps from the set are stamped on this 5 x 5″ square card in Sahara Sand. The only different colour used is Early Espresso for the Happy Birthday.

The card is finished with a beautiful butterfly die cut from Early Espresso from the Butterflies Thinlits dies. I usually bend the wings of these butterflies to create some dimension, however, this time I decided to use my bone folder to create a curved wing. To create this look run the wings of the butterfly around the bone folder as if you were curling ribbon. I love the effect this gives.

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator

Posted on

Watercolour Stamping

As you may be able to tell I love watercolouring with my stamps; either sprintzing water onto my inked stamp, adding water to a stamped image or using my inks to colour an image, and I just couldn’t let this card onto the blog without a very short video!

Stampin' Up! UK watercolour butterfly basics

Isn’t this card just so pretty!

I do have a bit of a top tip for using that sentiment; use the top edge of the stamp to ensure your stamp is stamped straight, if you line the top edge of the stamp up with the top of you block when positioning, you can then line the block up with your card stock to ensure your sentiment is straight.

Stampin' Up! UK butterfly basics video tutorialHow to:

Cut your sheet of Early Espresso card stock in half, and fold in half to create your card base. Measure the front or your card and cut a piece of Stampin’ Up! watercolour paper to half a centimetre (or 1/4″) shorter and narrower

Ink the fern stamp up with Sahara Sand ink and stamp 3 times in the bottom right hand corner of your watercolour paper.

Ink you flower stamp up with Rich Razzleberry, and mist with water, the amount of water you mist the more the ink will move, causing the two different effects as seen above, stamp over the top of the ferns. Allow this to dry, either naturally or with the assistance of a heat tool.

Ink the postage label in Early Espresso and stamp three times around the flowers.

Stamp the sentiment in the bottom left using Early Espresso.

Mount the watercolour paper to the front or your card base using Fast Fuse adhesive.

Shop Now button-001Join my team button-001

To purchase any of the items featured in my projects please use the links above. To join my team of Stampin’ Friends select ‘Join My Team’ or send me a message!

Please support StampinByHannah by using the Hostess code featured in the top right hand of my blog. For orders of over £150 please do not use this code, as you are entitled to your own Hostess benefits!

Sign up to my newsletter here – http://eepurl.com/2if59

Hannah Wilks

Stampin’ Up! UK Independent Demonstrator