June Ink & Inspiration hop

Welcome to the Ink & Inspiration Blog Hop. 

You are currently visiting Rachael Merrick from Australia. I hope you enjoy my version of the theme.

The brights collection of inks really screamed out 'colour explosion' to me and so I've chosen to use them for my card.  I stamped most of the Forever Fern stamps using a different colour for each image.  The layering effect created a great 'background' for the sentiment.  

And of course I can't forget the glitter!  I used a scrap of old glittered paper to die cut the fern image and place behind the sentiment.  

I hope the projects you've seen here on my blog today have inspired you & brightened your day. I've included images of some of the Stampin Up products in the current catalogue used on my card.

You are currently visiting Rachael Merrick. Please see the list below & hop through all of the people on the list to see all our projects. You don't want to miss any!"

Forever After - Pride inspired card

I participated in a tutorial bundle this month.  The inspiration was PRIDE.  I loved creating this card, the colours pop against the black background.  The sentiment in this stamp set was perfect.

The colours I've used are :Poppy Parade, Pumpkin Pie, Daffodil Delight, Garden Green, Pacific Point and Gorgeous Grape.

If you would like a bundle of fabulous card tutorials from talented Stampin Up Demonstrators, reach out to me.  

And I did come out of my comfort zone a little and create a tutorial that is on YouTube HERE.

Happy Stamping,

Rachael xxx

Just Thinking of you = a simple box

I've been meaning to create a simple box for a while.  They literally take no time, just a few score lines and snipping then glue them together.  This one measures 4 inches square and is 2 inches high.   

Handy to have on hand when you want to give a simple gift to someone because you can!  

I used champagne foil to cut the background label.  Most other elements are from the Forever Ferns line of dies and papers.  Now I need to find a place to hide it until I need it so someone doesn't think its theirs to play with!  Don't forget that the papers used in this project are currently on sale this month.  Contact me if you would like to order some and create your own box.  

Rachael xx

Global Design Project #261

 

This week over at Global Design Project, the challenge was to use the above 3 colours.  Finally, a colour challenge where I actually own all the colours!  

I used the Forever Fern stamp set for this one and die cut the leaf and blossom images.  The sentiment is from the same set.  

A simple card finished with some whisper white seam binding ribbon, which is lovely in real life.  I have to admit, I wasn't sure that these colours would go well together but I really like the final result.  

If you haven't been over to their page, pop over and join in the fun of a challenge.  Click on the challenge image at the top of this post to be redirected.

Happy stamping, Rachael xx

Same card, different colours

When you make a card that you like the look of, try doing it again in a different colour way for a totally different feel.  

This simple card was inspired recently by a few fellow demonstrators who have been using their acrylic blocks as a background stamp.  I used a square 1 1/4" block that I've had for a very long time and inked it up then pressed it straight down onto the whisper white cardstock.  I used the Forever Fern Cling Stamp Set to stamp over the top of the 'blocks' background.  I added a HELLO sentiment from the same stamp set which I raised with some dimensional dots. 

Originally I stamped using Gray Granite for the image and sentiment with a background of Petal Pink.  Then I repeated with Caypso Coral and Mint Macaroon for the background and memento black for the image and sentiment.  

I'm not sure which I like better.  What do you think?

The FOREVER FERN CLING STAMP SET is available from Stampin Up in our Annual Catalogue.  Let me know if you want to try this method of simple card making and need to purchase the stamp set.  

Happy crafting everyone,

Rachael xx

Sunday FB challenge

 I'm pretty sure I haven't posted my version of Tracy's challenge for this week, which was based around a sketch.  It made for a quick card, using up more of my designer series papers.  I used vellum to cut out a fern shape using the dies also, which added a subtle layer to the other greenery die cuts. 

Supplies include:

Whisper White, Garden Green and Pear Pizzazz cardstock

Forever Fern Stamp Set and matching dies (Forever Flourishing0

Greenery Embossing Folder

Forever Greenery Designer Series Papers

Basics Pearls

We spent the afternoon at the local duck pond with the family.  It was a beautiful afternoon out and about.  Making memories whilst we can! 

Happy stamping, Rachael xxx

Simply stamped Forever Fern card set

 I have wanted to use this stamp set for a simply stamped card since I joined. It arrived the other day!!! 

So easy and quick, I used the Peony Designer Series Papers as a mat for the stamped images. To coordinate, I use Granite Gray and Petal Pink inks. The images layer so well and are very detailed. Of course there is the first that go with it that I have used on a little project but I liked this idea of fast and easy, which meant 2 sheets of cardstock became a set of four 4x4 cards in less than half an hour. 

Now to wrap them in a cello bag and gift them 😉

It’s cold and windy here today but we are off to get fish and chips in the park with the family. Enjoy your weekend.

Rachael xx

Inspired by another blog

I received a box of new stamping goodies this morning. I also went looking through some fellow Stampin up demonstrators blogs when I came across this tutorial by chick n scratch... 

Here is my version:

This little treat box will come in handy for a spreading some love very soon! The tutorial was so easy to follow!!! Go check it out and and have a go yourself! 

Stampin Up! Supplies: 

• Pear pizazz cardstock 
• Soft sea foam and pear pizazz ink
• Forever Fern bundle (stamps, dies and designer series paper)
• Small craft peg 
• Basic rhinestones 
• Adhesives and dimensional dots 

Now to go and clean up my craft desk... again! 

Rachaelxxx

Color throwdown challenge 611

I was too late to enter but I created this card using kraft, white, grey and green as a part of the Color Throwdown Challenge. I used some older Stamping Up! Products on this including the floral stamp (on the new Peony DSP) as well as an old sentiment. I’m struggling with sentiments, wishing for a bigger variety so I may have to invest in one or two sentiment stamp sets. 

We are loving the holidays here! I’m taking our eldest and our grandson to the shops for a while this morning... wish me luck, it’s bound to be busy! 

Rachael xx

#colourthrowdown #ctd611

4x4 cards

 I love a square card!  

I created these two 4x4 inch cards this afternoon to try out some new things that arrived.  

To create this card, I used the following:

• Old Olive Cardstock
• Whisper White Cardstock
• Forever Fern Designer Series Paper
• Pretty Peacock ink
• Versamark Ink
• Greenery Embossing Folders
• So Sentimental Stamp Set
• So Much Love Stamp Set 
• Stitched So Sweetly Dies
• Rhinestone Basic Jewels

To create this card, I used the following:

• Petal Pink Cardstock
• Whisper White Cardstock
• Peony Garden Designer Series Paper
• Gray Granite Ink
• So Sentimental Stamp Set
• Stitched So Sweetly Dies
• Rhinestone Basic Jewels

Thanks for popping in.  I hope you are finding a spare hour to craft too.

Rachael xx