Ruth Bishop

I've Moved

2010-02-07T21:10:00.002+11:00

Hi everyone
Well I have been busy whilst not posting here I have been trying to update and finalise my website which is now offical. Please come and visit me at www.ruthbishop.com.au I hope you enjoy my new website and format.
I have a new tutorial on there, my first tutorial. I have also have tips & techniques as well as projects and many other things. Look forward to seeing you there.

Ruthie

Sale-A-Bration Is Here!!!!

2010-01-25T21:17:00.003+11:00

It is finally here. That time of year again where we are able to purchase stamps and receive more stamps and free product!!!!

Customers: Receive a free stamp set when your order total excluding shipping and handling is $100 or more.
Hostess: Receive a free stamp set when your workshop is $600 or more excluding Shipping and Handling.
New Demonstrators: Sign up to become a demonstrator during the Sale-A-Bration period and receive a stamp set of your choice to the value of $79.95 or less for FREE!!!

Send me an email or give me a call for any further information. To check out the Free stamp sets here!

Back soon with some more fun photos!!!

Happy Christmas and New Year

2010-01-03T20:58:00.005+11:00

I have finally got the time to post the photos of a gift I made for my daughters teachers at Day Care. This Chrismtas has been rushed in everything I have done. Prior to Christmas I had a few days off work which meant that I could finish my Christmas shopping and be extra organised. Well that didn't eventuate and I ended up working up until Christmas which meant I could only complete everything at the last minute which is very unlike me (for those that know me well).

One of the things done at the last minute were the gifts for my daughters teachers. I wanted to make them a little more however ran out of time. I hope you like the boxes and post it note holders. They are so easy.

The gift box I wrapped the present in was also really easy to make. Just a A4 piece of card. If you need a template just email me and I will send it to you.

I hope you like them! and had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year

Stamp Inventory Clearance

2009-12-17T19:11:00.003+11:00

Stampin' Up have more specials with the annoucement of their 'Inventory Clearance' between now and 24th January they have a list of inventory stamps and accessories. Send me an email if you have any questions or would like to order any products.

Summer Mini Blog Hop

2009-11-30T19:18:00.012+11:00

Welcome to the Stampers Anonymous SU blog tour! You may have just come from Sandy's blog, but if you are starting here, don't worry, you can make the complete circuit just by following the links at the end of each post. There are 14 stops along the way and we hope you will visit each one to see the gorgeous creations we have to show you!
For our first tour we decided to show case the beautiful new products in the Summer Mini, available to you from the 1st December. At the end of each post there will be a link to take you to the next stop on the tour. Feel free to 'Share the love' and leave a comment! so sit back, relax and enjoy!

Animal Stories
This card is a pop up card, it is the Second one I have ever made (the first being the same, just a test run :)). I hope you like it. As soon as I saw this stamp set I had to make a Noahs Ark!

Stamp Sets: Animal Stories, Short & Sweet, Card: Almost Amethyst, Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Vellum, Whisper White, Basic Black, Inks: Rose Red, Ballet Blue, Bordering Blue, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Other: Spiral Punch, Sponge Daubers, 1" Circle Punch, Journal Pen

Well, that's all from me. Now you're off to enjoy the wonderful creations of Lorna. Thanks for stopping by!

Inspiring Thoughts

2009-09-16T18:54:00.003+10:00

Every had ideas pop into your head at odd moments and not have the paper or pen to write them down??? I have them quite regularly especially whilst pottering around the house trying to get things done. So I thought I would cover a Journal to keep my thoughts and inspirations somewhere. And this is what I came up with.

I am running a class in a couple of weeks. This is a great chance to prepare for christmas and give the covered journal to a friend or family member if you don't want to use it yourself.

Class Date: Monday, 28th September at 730pm

Where: Strathfield

To Book: Email me to confirm your place, I need numbers by Wednesday 23rd September to ensure I have order the supplies in time.

Paper: Candy Lane, Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink. Ridinghood Red

Stamp Set: Friends 24 - 7

Punches: Scallop Circle, 3/4" Circle, 1/4" Circle

Other: Designer Brads

Springing into Spring!

2009-09-05T12:29:00.004+10:00

I love spring for many reasons. The beautiful smells of fresh flowers (after I have recovered from hay fever!!!) the beautiful sunny days to soak in the Vitamin D or E?? The colours become brighter or at least I feel like I can wear brighter colours without looking rediculous! and I always feel like I have more energy. So I thought today I would show you a quick card I made using the 'Pocket Silhouettes' Stamp set. I have many comments that this is a beautiful stamp set and very easy to use. I hope you like the card!

Stamp Set: Pocket Silhouettes

Card Stock & Ink Pads: Pretty in Pink, Kiwi Kiss, Close to Coco, Very Vanilla

Punches & Ribbon: Bravo Burgandy grosgrain, Scallop Punch

Other: Sponge Daubers, Paper Piecing

Publishing - Amazing how this work out!

2009-09-01T19:53:00.006+10:00

Hi everyone,
Hope you are all well. I have been meaning to post this for the last week, however like time does it got away again!!!!

Isn't it funny how things turn out in life sometimes. Picture this...................

Christmas Eve 2008 about 7pm in the evening. I am still finishing gifts for christmas and have just finished wrapping the presents when it occurs to me I need something more to add to two of the presents. (my mum (Hi Mum) and my sisters mother-in-law (Hi June!)), so I started to rack my brain and came up with the idea of a card gift set. I thought this could be easy and not too hard to complete. With my daughter in bed and my husband busy pottering around in his garage I thought I had all the time in the world (which I did but with a dead line of the next day!!!). So I set to work and this was the result.
A few weeks after Christmas I thought I should send a photo of the cards into Stamping and Papercraft to see if they were interested in publishing it and they were to my surprise.
Some of you who receive 'Australian Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft' may have noticed that this set of cards and the wallet are in this months issue. This is the first time I have had my work published. How Exciting!!!!! I hope you like it and find inspiration from it in many ways.

And to those who are visiting my blog for the first time. Welcome!

Stationary!

2009-08-24T19:12:00.005+10:00

Have you ever walked into a stationary store and thought 'I NEED everything they have on display!!!' well that is what I think when walking into the store. For some reason stationary is such a draw card to spending money. Now lets face it, their are only so many pens you can write with at once and so many pieces of paper you can write on. I am sure you are guessing by now our stationary cupboard at home is very full and doesn't need replenishing for quite some time. HOWEVER (I am sure at this point your thinking what else could I possibly need if I have every base covered) your talking to someone who also loves stamping and making things look pretty. (I am such a girly girly and love flowers and everything a girl loves)

Over the last few days I have been at the Rosehill Racecourse Stitches and Craft fair (hello to everyone I met. It was a pleasure meeting you all and I hope to hear from you soon) and whilst I was creating projects to display I wanted to make something that would make a square piece of white paper look appealing rather than dull and something that would look nice sitting on my desk at work and at home. So I created a little this little box. I found the white square notes at Office works and based by pattern on the size of the paper.

I am taking one the ones I have made to work tomorrow to put on my desk. It is a little plain and boring and needs a girls touch!!!!
I hope you like it.

Send me an email or write a comment to request the template.

Ruthie

Paper/Card: Chocolate Chip, Bella Rose
Punches: Scallop Circle, 5 Petal Flower
Other: Twine, Pretties pearl

Craft Show at Rosehill Racecourse

2009-08-23T08:39:00.002+10:00

What a beatiful day it is. Yesterday I spent the day out in the sun enjoying all the Vitamin D I could get as today I am back at the craft show. I did take a photo to put on my blog earlier however with my forgetful mind left my camera behind and haven't been able to pick it up since. So tonight you will hopefully see lots of photos.
I have been a little quite lately as the house hold has been sick. However I am hoping both my husband and daughter start to feel a little better after today.
I have a stack of photos to show you. As I have been busy making things behind the scenes.
So best get ready for another wonderful day at the craft show.
For those of you who have come to visit me and saw me at the craft show, Hello and welcome to by blog. I hope over the coming weeks you find it inspriational. And for those of you who visit regularly, hello to you too.

I hope you all have a chance to enjoy the sunny sunshine of Sydney today!!!
See you at the craft show!!!

Ruthie

Sketch & Colour Challenge of the Month - #5

2009-07-15T21:40:00.003+10:00

Can you believe twice in 2 days, I am on a Ball and can't stop!!!: )

Today I thought I would put my Challenge of the month up. I hope you enjoy it. I also have June's to put up as well, however will do a little catch up in the coming week.

Hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to leave a comment and show me the end result.

Heart Felt Thanks

2009-07-14T19:37:00.005+10:00

It has been a little silent around here for many reasons, however I am back with a stack of things to show you over the coming weeks. So don't run away too far!!!

I am sorry I have been away, life in the Bishop family has been rather hectic, however things are starting to get back to normal.

I was reflecting with my father in law the other day about commiting yourself to things and really not realising how much you have commited yourself until something happens which requires more of your attention than anything else. I have come to understand the word 'No' more than ever which is a good thing. However one thing I am Thankful of is the support friends and family. Which is really apt for the cards I am showing you today.

Todays photo is of 4 cards that I made at the start of the year for a workshop I ran. They have been made with one of the orignal stamp sets that was in the first catalogue released in Australia and I really like it. I hope you like the cards.

Stamp Set: Heart Felt Thanks

Card: Bold Brights

Ribbons: Chocolate Chip Taffeta, Rose Red Grosgrain

Punches: Scallop

Sketch & Colour Challenge of the Month - #4

2009-05-14T20:18:00.004+10:00

Life in the Bishop house hold has been extremely hectic to say the least which is why it has taken me until Thursday to finally be able to post my Sketch and colour challenge.

Life has been so hectic over the last few months that I haven't even had a chance to do the Sketch from last month. I will endeavour to do it on Saturday morning if I don't get asked to do anything else that becomes urgent between now and then.

This months sketch is rather simple really. The colours are Riding Hood Red, Pretty in Pink, Close to Coco and Kiwi Kiss. I hope you like them.

Please don't forget to post your creations as comments so I can view them. Have fun.

Missing in Action

2009-05-09T22:04:00.002+10:00

Well, the last few weeks have been very busy, which is why you haven't heard from me. I have been creating a few Sketches of the Month etc, however not much card making.
We have had a family member that hasn't been very well, which has taken up a lot of my time.
I have also been to the Stampin' Up! convention with about 300 other women and 2 men!!! It was lots of fun and many talented people.
I have a sketch to publish on Sunday night. So until then, have a great night sleep and enjoy your Sunday.

Diary Date - Book it in Now!!!!

2009-04-24T14:59:00.002+10:00

GIANT CRAFT SALE
A group of SU Demonstrators are getting together to have a Giant Craft Sale. We have cleaned out our cupboards, and have lots of Craft Goodies that need to find new homes.

There are:

Stamps (both Stampin' Up! and other)
Scrapbooking supplies
Ribbons
Embellishments
plus handmade cards and gifts too, and lots more!

Everything will be priced to sell, so come along and grab a bargain! We'll also have Lucky Door Prizes to be won.
When: Saturday, 23rd May 10am -2pm
Where: The Church Hall (Blacktown East Presbyterian) Cnr Heffron Rd and Gallop Gve, Lalor ParkHope to see you there!

Easter Been and Gone

2009-04-20T11:44:00.004+10:00

I have had a stack of photos to take and finally got round to taking them on the weekend. Todays post is of a little bag I designed for my daughters day care teachers for Easter. I placed little eggs in the bag once made. They loved them!

I just used an A4 sheet of card and created my own template (if you want a copy of my template, just email me your details and I will send you one), I then Stamped the Pocket Silhouettes images on Very Vanilla card stock, one of the images in the Pretty in Pink and the other in Rose Red, then affixed the images onto the Scrap pieces of card left over from the bag, Paper pieced the side of the coloured card and affixed to the bag.
The tags were again, punched from scrap card left over from the bag and the 'Best Wishes' punched with the oval.
I picked the colours from the Designer Series Paper that I was using for the side of the bag.
I hope you like it!
Stamp Sets: Pocket Silhouettes (115852), Short & Sweet (116410)
Card Stock: Old Olive, Real Red
Ink: Rose Red, Pretty in Pink
Punches: Scalloped Square, Oval, Word Window
Paper: Raspberry Tart (113975)
Ribbon: Taffeta Ribbon, Pretty in Pink (19067)

Sketch & Colour Challenge of the Month - #3

2009-04-04T12:08:00.002+11:00

I can't beleive how quickly the year has gone. I have decided to do things a little different. I thought about not only giving you a Sketch but also a colour challenge all in one. You don't need to use the colours where I have placed them, just use a little creativity and your imagination and see what you come up with! I hope you like it.

The colours are Pacific Point, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie and Rose Red, yes I know it is a weird combination, however I quite like a challange, especially out of my comfort zone!!!

Please post your creations under my comments I would love to see your work.

Birthday Celebrations the Native Way

2009-03-31T18:44:00.005+11:00

The last few weeks have gone like a click of the fingers, and I must apologise for not post much more, I am adjusting to part time work, as well as keeping the house in order and organising Birthday Parties, you see it was my Dad's 60th Birthday Party on the weekend and even though I didn't have to organise a lot I set it as a goal in my diary to get a lot of things done around the house etc that I needed to get done, so effectively I have been running around like a mad hatter, Anyway, getting back to the party, it was such lovely weather and everyone had a nice weekend. I found it quite relaxing.

My daughter turned 1 last week, it only seems like yesterday I was introducing her to you all, so it has been a very busy few weeks.

The photo today is of the Photo Album I made for my dad that had lots of photos of him, depicting different times in his life and adventures he has been on. He loves native flowers and as soon as I saw this stamp set (Bloom Away) I had to buy it. You can also buy it starting tomorrow. The new Ideas Book and Catalogue is out!!!!! Yipeee with lots of new things. I just can't wait.

It is a great water colour stamp set and I am looking foward to using it a lot more.

Stamps: Bloom Away (114306)

Colours: Close to Cocoa, left of scrapbooking paper

Embellishments: Antique Brass Hodgepodge, Chocolate Chip Double Stiched Grosgrain Ribbon

Sketch of the Month - #2 - Bali Breeze

2009-03-12T09:58:00.003+11:00

Lack of inspiration, this is what I had on Tuesday night when I had my stamp class. This weeks class was to make a few cards without using stamps. This can be very hard when you are so used to using stamps with all the cards you make. Which is really strange when I think about it as before I found Stampin' Up! I never used stamps for my cards. Just lots of pretty papers etc.
This card was inspired by my 'Sketch of the Month' and the colours found in the Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper pack. I love these colours. They are so refreshing and very summery.
I used the crop-a-dial to dry emboss the bottom of the card which was fun, as I had never done this before.
To make some of the flowers more interesting, I used a Gel Pen to decorate them!!! Cheap and easy.
Overall I thought this was quite a nice card for someone who had no inspiration at all!!!!
CardStock: Taken with Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Old Olive, Rose Red
Punches: 5 Petal Flower, Scallop Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch, 3/4" Circle Punch
Paper: Bali Breeze
Ribbon: Chocolate Chip Taffeta

Going Going, Gone!

2009-03-03T20:00:00.002+11:00

I am keeping this update at the top of my blog to make it easier to read. Check out the lower part for new ideas. Like my sketch of the month!!!!

Well some things are already sold out, here is the list below:

107565 Flip Flops Standard wheel GONE
107212 Mateys Map Jumbo Wheel GONE
109020 Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
109015 Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
109016 River Rock Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
109017 Purely Pomegranate Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
109019 Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Ink Refill GONE
100381 Earth Elements Eyelets GONE
100378 Soft Subtle Eyelets GONE
105320 Basic Eyelets GONE
108748 Best Friend Numbers GONE
107212 Mateys Map
105320 Basic Eyelets
103195 Gifts Galore
107561 Garden Annuals
109610 Confetti Simply Scrappin'
104279 Leaf Prints
110255 Bundle of Joy
112402 Short Order Numbers
109018 Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Ink Refill
108720 Ahoy, Matey - Low Quantity
108740 Bare Back - Low Quantity
108746 Best Friends Alphabet Lower - Low Quantity
108747 Best Friends Alphabet Upper - Low Quantity
108747 Best Friends Alphabet Upper - Unavailable
111851 Soft Sky A4 card stock - Unavailable
109185 Jersey Ribbon Originals - Unavailable
105316 Rich Regal Eyelets - Low Quantity
101259 Black Hemp Twine - Unavailable
108740 Bareback - Unavailable
106662 Dasey Field - Unavailable
108638 In Color 12"x 12" card stock - Unavailable
109186 Theater Ribbn Originals - Low Quantity
105445 Soft Subtle buttons - Low Quantity
111850 Wild Wasabi A4 card stock - Unavailable
106610 Basics Outline - Low Quantity
103981 Earth Elements - Low Quantity
103981 *Earth Elements & Neutrals buttons - Low Quantity
100900 Gift sacks - Low Quantity
108763 By Land - Low Quantity
104065 Fishy - Low Quantity
112253 *Dad's Day - Low Quantity
108849 It's Your Birthday - Low Quantity
105531 Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware - Low Quantity
112391 Everything Baby - Low Quantity
112310 Fabulous Flowers - Low Quantity
107464 Rough Texture - Low Quantity
107465 Speckled - Low Quantity
107467 Birthday - Low Quantity
108923 Stipple Rose - Low Quantity
112272 Classic Backgrounds - Low Quantity
108929 Symbols of Solicitude - Low Quantity
112316 Forever in My Heart - Low Quantity
105446 Rich Regal Buttons - Low Quantity
108746 Best Friends Alphabet Lower - Unavailable
112229 ABC Images - Low Quantity
108857 Linen - Low Quantity
108998 Beautiful Life - Low Quantity
110248 Polka Dots & Petals - Low Quantity
104156 Flitting By - Low Quantity
106523 Five-In-One Card Cover Envelope Template - Low Quantity
110730 *Pockets & Pieces Office Accents - Low Quantity
108722 All I Have Seen - Low Quantity
108944 Unfrogettable - Low Quantity
111853 Purely Pomegranate A4 Card Stock - Low Quantity
105515 *Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware - Low Quantity
104829 *Light Blue Gingham Ribbon - Low Quantity

To get in quickly email your order!

Sketch of the Month - #2

2009-03-03T19:50:00.000+11:00

I can't believe it is March already and another Sketch of the Month needs to be posted. I hope you like it and enjoy the challenge, remember, I would love to see your designs so please post them on my blog in a comment.

Retired list is Here!!

2009-03-01T17:29:00.002+11:00

The retired list was released today, I was up at 630 this morning checking it out as my daughter was awake and wanted to play so I thought I should check out the retired list while I am up!!!
Click Here to check it out by page number or Here to check it out Alphabetically.
There are some things that are 25% to 50% off so make sure you review the list carefully.
Remember things can go quickly so put your order in soon!, to order just email me.
Other news is Ink Pads are increasing to $11.95 in price so if you wish to get them at the bargain price of $9.50 each make sure you put your order in!!!

Sale-a-Bration Flowers

2009-02-24T07:52:00.004+11:00

Well todays card is from the Sale-a-bration free stamp sets and I thought with only a few days left of this promotion, you might like to see a card made with one of the stamp sets, besides this is one of the cards we will be making tonight in my stamp a stack class.

I will have to fill you in on the details, I have to pop off now but will be back today. I thought you might like the card for inspriation!

Eastern Blooms

2009-02-17T14:39:00.006+11:00

Here is another card I made with my 'Sketch of the Month', I chose these colours from the colour wheel. Admittedly these aren't colours I would have chosen for myself, however they were a nice challenge.

To give the flowers a little more interest I used some crystal effects and dotted in the centre of the flowers.

Stamps: Eastern Blooms

Inks: Lavender Lace, Cameo Coral, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal

Card: Apricot Appeal, Whisper White, Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery

Ribbon: Certainly Celery Grosgrain

Punches: Scallop Circle, 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/4" Circle Punch

Other: Snail Adhesive, Dimensionals (foam double sided tape to raise the flowers)

Bushfire Appeal

2009-02-13T08:29:00.003+11:00

I am sure everyone has heard of the terrible devastation that bushfires have made in Victoria. flattening peoples houses and people losing loved ones. Stampin' Up! would like to help and have announced that 50% of the price of the following stamp sets will be donated to the Bushfire Appeal run by the Red Cross.
I am going to offer an EXTRA 20% off the stamp sets (with the aim to sell more stamp sets), however if you are willing to pay the full price of the stamp set I donate the 20% to the bushfire appeal.

Priceless pg105 was $48.95 NOW $39.16
Seeing Spots pg89 was $29.95 NOW $23.96
Baroque Motifs pg98 was $39.95 NOW $31.96
Live Your Dream pg3 (Summer Mini) was $55.95 NOW $44.76
Looks Like Spring* pg76 was $58.95 NOW $47.16
The Snowflake Spot* pg27 was $39.95 NOW $31.96
Bodacious Bouquet* pg80 was $58.95 NOW $47.16
Polka Dots & Paisley* pg46 was $35.95 NOW $28.76
G'day Mate* pg115 was $35.95 NOW $28.76
Be Happy* pg51 was $39.95 NOW $31.96

*These sets will appear on the upcoming list of retiring products, so they will only be available for the Bushfire Appeal--while supplies last.

This gives you a sneak peak into some of the stamp sets that will be on the retired list. I am thinking these may go quickly as it is only until stocks last.

To order just send me an email with your contact details and order and I will be in contact with you.

Allowah Card & Sketch of the Month

2009-02-10T14:34:00.006+11:00

Well, after blogging the Sketch of the Month I thought I would put the sketch to good use and inspire me to design a card for the Allowah Kids. This is what I came up with. I decided to use the Wild About You stamp set as it a fun and cute stamp set for all ages. I love the elephant!

I have a few other cards I have made, however I will publish those in the coming days.

If you would like to make a card for the Allowah Kids, please send me an email and I will send you all the details or check out my entry from a few days ago for more information.

Stamps: Wild About You, For a Friend (Hostess Set)

Card: Pink Passion, Certainly Celery, Ballet Blue, Lavender Lace

Ink:Ballet Blue, Lavender Lace, Certainly Celery, Rose Red, Pink Passion

Accessories: Antique Brass Hodge Podge, Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Large Square Punch

Sketch of the Month - #1

2009-02-06T18:50:00.004+11:00

It is such a long time since I uploaded a Sketch of the Month, so here is this months. I hope you like it and can make a fun filled card. I will post the card I made tomorrow. If you make a card with this sketch please drop me a comment as I would love to see them. I am going to use this sketch as inspiration for my Allowah card.

Please check out the entry from yesterday to find out more about Allowah and how you can help me.

HELP!!!! - Need to Brigthen Allowah Kids Day

2009-02-05T12:19:00.006+11:00

Have you every got excited when you see an envelope in the post with stamping all over it or a different colour or shape to the good old 'Bill'. I do, I love the feeling of who it could be from and what it will say.
This year like other years I have set myself a goal to send out cards (RAK - Random Acts of Kindness) to tell people I am praying and thinking of them.
A few nights ago I couldn't sleep, the house hadn't cooled down and I was just hot with my mind racing. I started to think about a Childrens Hosptial called 'Allowah' run by the Presbyterian Church. This Hospital is different to most hospitals as it cares for children and young people up to the age of 16 with physical and intellectual disabilities such as genetic or chromosomal disorders, birth trauma, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and diseases acquired after birth. Whilst lying there in bed I got thinking about what it would be like living at Allowah to receive a card from someone my age (RAK).
So I am arranging for all the Children at our church to send a card to each child in Allowah. Which is where the HELP comes in. I am not going to have time to make all the cards needed. So I thought I would ask you all to help me. I need about 40 or so cards, however if I recieve more than that we will use them over the coming months to send a few cards during the year.

The Brighter the better as I think hospitals can be dull places at times.
Any theme
For both Boys and Girls aged from 0 - 16
If you can include an envelope with the card, just to make it a little easier (don't forget to stamp it!!!)

If you are able to help can you send me an email or leave a comment with your email address so I can email you my address details.

We would like to send the cards in March, so could you please send them to me by the 27th February 2009.

I will keep you posted on how we go.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Ruthie

A New Year

2009-02-03T09:31:00.004+11:00

The year has started off to be very busy, which means I need to be super organised. Yesterday I spent most of the day trying to clean up our study which I did slowly. I feel like it will never end. However I will embark on doing a little more today.

As promised in my last entry I said that I had done quite a lot of stamping and scrapbooking before Christmas but didn't get a chance to take photos of the projects. Well this morning I did.

Today's photo is of my daughter. I scrapped this page for a desk calander that we gave to my husband for Christmas. The photo was taken by my youngest sister in November.

Stamps: Eastern Blooms

Paper & Card: Rose Red, Ballet Blue, So Saffron, Bali Breeze Designer Series Paper

Other: Rhinestone Brads

I'm Back

2009-01-31T10:45:00.004+11:00

What a month!!! I have been away on holidays with my husband and daughter which was such a lovely time together. We went to the beach and caught up with friends and just had a nice time together.

Prior to that was Christmas which was full of family activities and lots of Stamping!!!! I think I was still stamping on Christmas eve quite late!

I have to take some photos of all the cards and things I have made recently which I will endeavour to do on Monday. So until then you can enjoy the photo I found. You see I have been tagged by my friend Sam. The idea is that you dig deeply into your photo folders, specifically to the 6th folder. Then pick up the 6th photo and publish it on your blog, telling the story behind it.

The photo I have uploaded is of my daughter at just 4 weeks old (I can't believe she is 10 months old now!!!) My sister and I use cloth nappies and we asked my other sister to take some photos of my neice and daughter so we could enter them in a photo competition for a calender (promoting cloth nappies) which we won!!! See my previous blog entry. This photo was one of the photos taken. She is so cute just lying there in one of my dad's wool fleeces. I hope you like it!!!

Christmas Parties II

2008-12-09T19:08:00.002+11:00

Getting back to our Stampin' Up! party last week, we also had a lucky door prize. So I decided to make this box. (Again if you would like the template, feel free to email me and I will send it too you.)
It is a very easy box to make and to be honest I have modified it a great deal since making this box. You see I actually made it all without the stamped images on the side, scalloping on the lid and embellishment on the top. So you can image it was quite plain and boring. It wasn't until the late afternoon of the party that I realised I needed another box and thought the pressure is on to decorate it.
I thought it turned out quite well given the pressure I was under at the time and lack of inspiration!!!

Calendar Girls

2008-12-08T11:33:00.003+11:00

Sorry for taking so long to blog again about the Christmas party will get back to that later today, however some exciting news.
My daughter Annabelle and niece Sophie are calendar girls for the Australian Nappy Network 2009 Calendar. Check them out here. They are the ones surrounded by the wool bales with sheep on the bottoms.
My sister and I use cloth nappies and the Nappy network was asking for photos, we asked my little sister if she wouldn't mind taking some and that was the result. Annabelle is only 4 weeks old then. Hard to believe given she is now 8 1/2 months old!!!
Well must go shall post a little later.
For those who have asked for the box template it is being sent to your email box today.

Christmas Parties and Preparations

2008-12-04T10:41:00.008+11:00

Well, what a week. Today is the first day in about a month that I feel I can relax without any pressing chores to do. I think the silly season has definetly started. Which means lots of eating and socialising and this is exactly what I have have been doing. Starting last Saturday night.

My husband and I had 13 people over for a nice little dinner party, I hope they all enjoyed it as much as I did!!!!.
Last night was Marelle Taylors group Stampin' Up! party. This year I volunteered my services to host the event instead of going to a restuarant. You might think why. Well we (my husband and I) are very privelidged and blessed to own a table that can seat up to 20 people and I love a good dinner party. So it just went from there.

I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Kirrily created some games for us which were fun and Marelle and I won!!!

However the reason I haven't had a chance to blog lately is I have been busy creating the decorations for the table. I hope you will understand why when you see the photos.

Firstly at each placing was a box below filled with Chocolates I had made. (If you would like the template for the box, just send me an email.)

I then made napkin rings for each setting

and finally yesterday it occured to me that we didn't have any Christmas Crackers and you can't have a christmas party with crackers so I set out to make someI also organised a lucky door prize and created a box to hold the present inside.

Mostly Flowers Christmas Card - Design II

2008-11-28T09:11:00.003+11:00

Christmas without using a Christmas stamp can be hard, however I challenged myself again by looking through my stamp sets to see what I could find and mostly flowers stuck out again.
I love this stamp set becuase it is so simple yet elegant and can go with anything. We made this card in our stamp a stack classes on Thursday nights.
I can't believe it is nearly December which means I need to start writing in the cards rather than stock piling them!!!!
Stamps: Season of Joy, Mostly Flowers, So Many Sayings (Hostess Set)
Inks: Whisper White Craft Ink
Card/Paper: Dashing Designer Series Paper, Old Olive, Real Red

Greetings Galore Christmas

2008-11-27T10:45:00.005+11:00

As December is just around the corner I thought I would post a few more Christmas cards we have been making at my Thursday night card class.

I have had these cards photographed for quite a while however just not got around to downloading to my computer, so rest assured that in the coming days I will be posting quite a few different bits and pieces.

This card was made using the 'Greetings Galore' stamp set which has been around in the Australian catalogues since Stampin' Up! started in Australia. It is a great stamp set that can be used for all year round.

Ink: Old Olive

Stamp Sets: Greetings Galore

Card: Confetti Cream, Old Olive, Real Red, Dashing Designer Series Paper

Punches: Corner Rounder, Paper Piecing Tool

Ribbon: Very Vanilla Grosgrain

Summer Stamp Sale

2008-11-18T17:30:00.004+11:00

Well I have been doing a little spring cleaning of late and found some retired stamp sets (Brand New and Used) I need to sell to make way for some Summer Mini Catalogue sets.

If you would like more details or wish to purchase any of them please email me. If you live close by (in Sydney) I can deliver them to you or I can post them to you (charging whatever Australia Post charge).
If you need to see the listing a little clearer, just click on the picture/listing and it will load a large version to your screen.

Live Your Dream

2008-11-09T19:29:00.003+11:00

Well the title of this one happens to be the name of the stamp set used which is in the New Summer Mini Catalogue which should be the in the post by the end of the week. For those of you interested in recieving a mini catlogue just send me an email and I will post you one.

However the reason I have used this title is becuase the jar that I have decorated is for a close family friend who has just finished her HSC and is about to embark on another exciting part of her life. She will be going to Tocal Agricultural College (which is up near Maitland) to study a Diploma in Agriculture (at least I think that is what she is studying) she will be moving out of home for the first time and my husband and I thought we would give her a few practical items to start her on her way, one of which was this jar with some $1 coins ready to be used on one of her first loads of washing!!! Rather exciting.

Sarah we wish you all the best next year and hope you can 'Live your Dreams!!!' and look back on your experiences in a few years time as positve fun ones!!!

Stamp Set: Live your Dreams

Ink: Elegant Eggplant

Colours: Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White and Old Olive

Other: Scallop Circle Punch. 1 3/8" Circle punch, Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Brads

My Only Stamp Set

2008-11-02T19:23:00.004+11:00

I am sure you have all realised by now that 'Season of Joy' is my only Christmas Stamp set, however over the next few days I will show you some more Christmas cards made from stamps sets that are not Christmas themed at all and can be used throughout the year for different themed cards.

Todays card is another 'Season of Joy' Christmas card, using the 'In Colors' for 08 which I really do like, especially Purely Pomegranate. I have dipped the brad into some glitter to give it a little sparkle and I have used vellum for the flower.

Stamp: Seaon of Joy

Ink: Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White

Card: Vellum, Blue Bayou, River Rock, Purely Pomegranate, Wild Wasabi

Ribbon: Double Stiched Purely Pomegranate

Snowflakes Spinning - Season of Joy

2008-10-31T21:10:00.003+11:00

Its funny isn't it, last Saturday I ran a card making class at a Sydney Community College and as I was preparing the night before I thought of the cards that I was making and wondered if the attendees would think they were a little plain. So in true Ruth style I decided at the '11th' Hour to create another card and this is what I came up with.
I had seen some examples over the last few months or 'Spinner' cards, and thought the snowflake circle in the 'Season of Joy' stamp set would be perfect. I have since found out that the way I have created this card is very different to the way alot of other card makers have made theres.
I have cut the card stock length ways rather than the normal A5 way and folded the card into thirds. Stamped all over the card with Whisper White craft ink using the swirl and stamped the word image on Whisper white card using the Bravo Burgandy ink. I have also placed 3 gold brads in the center of the flowers to give it a little more 'Bling!'
I hope you like it. Please let me and comment and tell me what you think, I would love to know if you like it or not.
Stamps: Season of Joy
Inks: Whisper White, Always Artichoke
Card: Bravo Burgandy, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke
Other: Brads

Mostly Flowers Christmas Card

2008-10-30T10:36:00.004+11:00

I have been a really bad blogger in the last few weeks. Last post I made I mentioned I was going on holidays camping with my Daughter and Husband well I declare it was a success and my daughter loved it. She did get a little cold however we fixed that problem with a blow heater. I really can't say that I camp properly as we have a camper trailer that we use and we can camp on a powered site at a caravan park, hence the blow heater.

Anyway I have also been down to the farm and had a great time stamping with my mum and her friend Janet (Hi mum and Janet!!) which is where I had the opportunity to stamp a stack of Christmas cards which I will endeavour to show you over the coming days and weeks. Yes weeks I got a little excited.

Todays card is made from 'Mostly Flowers' Stamp set which isn't a Christmas Stamp. I don't have many Christmas stamps at the moment so I thought I would try and use one that isn't Christmas and I am quite impressed how well the card turned out given it isn't Chrimassy (is that a word??)

Materials include:

Stamps: Mostly Flowers, Season of Joy (Swirl) and Party Punch (Hostess Level 1 Set)

Ink: Whisper White and Real Red

Paper/Card: Real Red, Old Olive, Dashing Designer Series Paper

Ribbon: Very Vanilla Grosgrain

Stamp a Christmas Stack

2008-10-03T10:23:00.004+10:00

I am just about to embark on our camping holiday with our daughter for the first time, so I thought I had best post another card I have made for our Christmas Stamp a Stack. This one was made from 'Always Artichoke', 'Rose Red' and 'Elegant Eggplant' colours. With some 'Very Vanilla' Grosgrain Ribbon and the 'Season of Joy' stamp set. To put the glitter on I have used some Crystal Effects and then poor glitter over the top. I hope you like it.

This card will be the 2nd card we make at my Christmas Stamp a Stack classes. If you come over week until the end of November you will have 60 Christmas Cards!!!! You make 10 each week. If you are interested in coming please send me an email to book in. I would love to see you.

For those of you who live out of the Sydney area but are keen to have a stamp a stack class, please send me an email I am more than happy to run one in your home.

Oh I would also love to receive your comments. So feel free to leave one!

Christmas is Coming!!!

2008-09-28T21:59:00.006+10:00

Ok, you must be thinking where or earth did she get this idea when it is only the end of September. Well my Birthday has just passed by and that means the Christmas decorations will be out in the shops in the next week or so if they haven't already been displayed. So I thought I would give you a preview of one of the cards I am offering in the stamp a stack classes I am holding until Christmas. If you attended a class each week you would walk away with 60 Christmas cards. Not bad for an evening or mornings work!!!

This card is made using the the 'Season of Joy' & 'Party Punch' stamp sets found in the Spring Mini catalogue & 08/09 Ideas book and catalogue. It is made with Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranet and whisper white cards stock.

I have used the Star, Designer Label and Sqare punches and to add a little bit of an element I used Purely Pomegranet Double-Stiched Ribbon and 'Holiday Harmony' Designer Series Paper.

If you would like to come along to one of the classes please send me an email. If you don't live in Sydney but are still interested in a Class and want to get your friends together send me an email as I would be happy to come to your house and run a class instead.

Spring Fever

2008-09-25T14:11:00.001+10:00

I am sure you have all noticed that I have a few more posts than normal. Well I have been a busy beaver, with the spring fever setting in and warmer weather, I have been able to sit at my table and get back into my card making. I think becuase my craft room is warmer now!!!

Anyway, today's card is made from the hostess stamp set 'A little bit of happiness' I needed to create a card for my Father In-Law as he so kindly made me a raised veggie garden and fixed my washing line so I don't lose any more diamond earrings, yes you read correctly somewhere in my backyard is a diamond earring. My washing line was too low and I kept getting my ears caught on the line. One day a few months back, I got my ear caught like every other day of the week and stepped back to get untangled and in the process caused my earring to gain wings and fly somewhere into my garden bed. We still haven't found it however I am sure it would be a good selling point if we ever decided to move house!!! 'Treasure Burried' So to cut a long story short I had to make a card and thought the 'Thank You' stamp with leaves would be quite appropriate as he loves gardening.

I watercoloured the leaves in Autumn tones and used Bravo Burgendy, Always Artichoke and 'Mellow Moss' as the background card. The ribbon is 'Cerntainly Celery 5/8" Grosbrain Ribbon and the stiching is done with a paper piecing tool and white gel pen. I did a little sponging on the Mellow moss to give it a little more depth. I hope it doesn't look too girlie and he likes it.

Memorable Gifts

2008-09-24T10:22:00.001+10:00

On Monday a group of us got together to do some stamping (it was our team meeting) and I taught everyone how to make the Photo Album I have posted in July. We all had lots of fun whilst the children investigated all the non child proof areas of my garden. I am still mastering the art of Child proofing the house and garden as my daughter gets older!!!

I used Rose Red Designer Series paper and water coloured one of the images from the hostess set 'Oh, So Lovely'. The colours used are Certainly Celery, Barely Banana and Cameo Coral. I punched several circles using the 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" punches and used the Scallop Circle as well.

The Ribbon is Certainly Celery and Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon. And just to add that little bit of Metal I used the Silver Hodgepodge from the Mini Catalogue.

Have you been wondering what to purchase for Christmas presents, well this may be your solution. This would be a nice gift form Grandparents or overseas relatives that haven't seen your family for a while. I have kits available, either basic or complete kits with your choice of Scrapbook paper. Please send me an email for further details if you are interested in purchasing one.

Spring has Sprung

2008-09-23T16:01:00.001+10:00

Well I had a wonderful time down at the farm. It rained most of the week, however I didn't mind in the slightest as the ground really needed it. I also had the opportunity to spend quite a lot of time with my Grandparents with my daughter so that was fun.

I ran a class whilst down at the farm (hello to all the girls) and used the 'Priceless' stamp set that is one of the specials currently running at the moment. If you buy the stamp set you get the 'So Swirly' large wheel as well. Over the next few days I will show you some of the cards I have made with it. However as per my last post I gave you all a challenge to make a card with my Sketch of the Month. So here is mine.

I have used the 'So Swirly' wheel in Certainly Celery and then stamped the small flower all over the stamped image with Rose Red, Barely Banana and Cameo Coral. Then using the 1 3/8" Square Punch, punched out 4 squares.

Using the 1" and 1 1/4" circle punches I punched out the ring after stamping it with the flower image.

The butterfly was created using the 'Rock and Roll' Technique, stamp in the lighter coloured ink and the roll the stamp in the darker colour to get the effect I have.

I used the stamp set 'Life Definitions' for the sentiment and stamped it onto some Vellum and just to add a little metal I used 3 gold brads to affix the vellum to the card (the Vellum is straight on the card, for some reason the close up photo doesn't look that straight??). I hope you like it.

I would love to see your creations for my Sketch of the Month. So please write a comment and include a link to your website or site where you have uploaded your photo.

The Promotion includes the following stamp sets:

Merry Merry Stamp Set & Christmas Jumbo Wheel- Page 29
Artfully Asian Stamp Set & Watercolor Vine Jumbo Wheel- Page 48
Nursery Necessities Stamp Set & Nursery Letters Jumbo Wheel - 59
Bodacious Bouquet Stamp Set & Bodacious Jumbo Wheel- Page 80
Carte Postale Stamp Set & Leaves A LaCarte Jumbo Wheel- Page94-95
Priceless Stamp Set and So Swirly Jumbo Wheel - Page 105

Feel Free to send me an email if you want more details as it is a fantastic way to get organised for Christmas and make your Christmas Cards.

September Sketch of the Month

2008-09-13T17:16:00.000+10:00

Well I have been neglecting my Sketches of the Month over the last few months. In fact I have been creating them just not posting them which is very slack. So here is Septembers Sketch. I hope you have fun in making a card or 'Off the Page' project with it.

I will be posting my design in a week. I am off to the farm for most of the week and hope to get some card making in with my mum.

Tart & Tangy

2008-09-09T20:17:00.000+10:00

One of the new stamp sets out of the mini Catalogue is Tart & Tangy. As soon as I saw it I thought that would be a great stamp set to do up a Recipe box that I have. I have finally been able to cover it and this is what it looks like.

I used the Summer Picnic Designer Series paper with the Scollop Punch, 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" punches. I used the Stampin' Write Markers to colour some of the fruit images in. And last but not least the Silver Hodgepodge Hardware.

I couldn't just leave it there as the Recipe cards looked plain and boring. So I stamped some of the images, punched them out and surrounded them with the Scollop punch affixing them to the cards in different places. As you can see below. I hope you like it.

I asked my husband if he liked it and his comment was 'I liked the wooden box!!!' and smiled...

Another Beautiful Day

2008-09-01T08:53:00.000+10:00

Well I thought becuase it was such a beautiful day today I would post the other designed card that I made on Friday for a friend. It is made from Brilliant Blue cardstock and Designer Series Scrapbook paper. I also used the sentiment from the 'So Many Sayings' Hostess stamp set. This stamp set is fantastic as it has so many different sentiments or 'Sayings!' you can use for various cards.

The design idea came from my friend Karen . We conducted a stamping class at Mosmon Community College a few weeks ago and Karen demonstrated a similar patchwork design with some Designer series paper that was sold for a promotion a few months ago. Thanks Karen.

Till tomorrow, enjoy the sunny weather if you live close to Sydney. It looks like a fantastic day outside.

Brilliant Blue

2008-08-29T15:23:00.000+10:00

So I have finally got the computer up and running with all the photo software etc. I have the camera back from my husband and have just had a chance to take this photo of a card I just made. We have people coming to stay with us from overseas so I thought I would buy then an Australian type of gift and make the card. Very quick and easy lots of punches and scrapbooking paper.

Brilliant Blue Designer series paper and colour card with Whisper white. I hope you like it. There will be plenty more card ideas loaded next week after our busy weekend.

Missing in Action

2008-08-26T21:59:00.000+10:00

Well I am sure you have all been wondering if I am still alive and if I will ever make anything again. Well I at least hope that someone does out there. It has been nearly a month since I posted something. Alot has happened.

I have been away for about a week or so running classes as well as destroying my computer courtesy of a computer virus, which has taken me a week and a half to fix. The last hurdle to get over was to obtain our camera from my husband to take photos of all the creations I have made recently. Finally tomorrow is the day. I have a stock pile of photos to take and then over the coming days and weeks I will post them up. I hope you like them. So stayed tuned and tomorrow you will start to see some more creations and hopefully some inspiration.

Berry Bliss

2008-07-29T09:45:00.000+10:00

What a month! I suppose you have been wondering where I have been well, where do I start!

My husband and I togther with my daughter went on a holiday for a week which was lovely. Right in the middle of school holidays (yes we are mad given the fact we can take holidays any time of year!). We had a nice time of relaxation and walks though. Then we came home and my daughter and I went down to my parents farm. In fact I feel like it has been my second home for about a month or two nice which is really nice. Especially to spend time with my parents and Grandparents.

Besides wanting to spend some good quality time with my family I have been holding quite a few classes down there (Thank you to the ladies of Crookwell). The last class I did was to make a photo album. So I thought I would show you a photo of one I made as an example.

In a previous blog I mentioned how much I love this colour combo and that it reminds me of Cherry Ripes. Well here it is again, decorating the photo album that everyone made.

I am currently catching up on all my office work and taking photos of all the creations I have been making. I will catch up on my blog over the next few days and show you some of the creations I have made. So, if you have been bord with my blog of recent times. Be sure to check it out over the coming week or so as I will bombard you with ideas!

If you are interested in purchasing a kit to make a photo album please send me an email with your contact details. There are two types of kit:

Basic Kit - Provides the interscrews, coverboard and corners for you to create your own design
Album Kit - Provides all the materials to make a full photo album.

Super Starter Kit Savings

2008-07-01T19:56:00.000+10:00

Have you ever thought of joining the Stampin' Up! family? Well now is the time to do so with a $25 Discount on the Start Kit from the 1st July to the 15th August. That means you get over $560 worth of stamping products for just $299 that is a savings of $261.

Once you have purchased the Starter Kit you can become a Demonstrator whether you are a :

Discount Purchaser: Likes the idea of buying stamps for personal use at a discount, and occasionally sells to Friends and Family.

Short-Term: Sells for a short period of time to earn a specified amount of money and stops when the goal is reached.

Seasonal: Works hard at the business during September, October and November for seasonal money and maintains minimum orders and sales during the balance of the year.

Hobby: Loves doing demonstrations and earning extra money when it's convenient; Works a lot some months and very little other months; Likes to do workshops that are easy to book; and doesn't like to work too hard to book workshops.

Career: Views Stampin' Up!as a viable income with long term career potential; Pursues management and wants to move up the career ladder; Loves attending Stampin' Up! events, and has developed a close social relationships with other demontrators; Works at the business in a consisten and outgoing manner.

I have been with Stampin' Up! for 12 months and have loved every minute of it. It has been a great chance to meet new people and make some wonderful friends as well as start a career in something I find challenging. For more information regarding Stampin' Up! please email me for a free information pack.

Cherry Ripes

2008-07-01T19:46:00.000+10:00

I don't know what is is about Cherry Ripes but I have found that I have become quite partial to them since being pregnant and having my daughter. I never used to be that interested in them. Now you are most likely thinking why is she talking about Cherry Ripes??? Well I have just finished a little 'On Board' journal for my sister who is embarking on a 5 year plan to live in England (once she gets her passport) and the link to Cherry Ripes is that the colours I have used remind me of Cherry Ripes!! 'Close to Coco, Purely Pomegranet and Pretty in Pink'. I recently bought the 'Big Pieces and Little Pieces' stamp set and haven't been able to put it down since. I love it! I also purchase several punches to compliment this set and I have a new found love for punches. They make life so much easier.

Once finished the Journal I put her favourite recipes in it so she can take them with her. The book is small enough not to be a hinderence. I hope you like it!!!

Stamping in the Pantry

2008-06-17T10:44:00.000+10:00

Well I have had my head stuck in the pantry of my kitchen!!!! for the last week or so, I am sure you are wondering why..... well I got thinking early one morning whilst feeding my daughter, 'how could I make nicer labels for my storage containers in my Pantry?'. Then I thought 'how can I make labels that I can change easily when the contents of the container changed???' Well the answer to both questions was Stamping. I know, I know I have taken stamping to a new level and to the pantry which I am sure many of you never thought would even work. Well it has.

I have made labels with the wonderful colour families of Stampin' Up and used a flower stamp from the 'Simply Said' stamp set to make a little embelishment. I then laminated the labels and stuck them on the container with velcro, this meant that when the contents changed I can easily change the label without having to peel off a sticker and soak the container in water for an hour so the sticker comes off.

I hope you like it and feel inspired to label everything in your pantry now!!!! I am sure my husband thinks I am mad!!!

eScape

2008-06-09T11:22:00.000+10:00

Have you ever got into a situation or had an experience where you just wanted to escape! Well this month you can escape but not that type of escape. The type I am talking about is eScape!! That’s right put down your keyboards turn off the monitors and pull out the pen and parchment! Or in this case a card, a stamp and get creating.
One thing I have done for a couple of years now is sit down and right cards to friends, family and strangers telling them I am thinking of them. I started doing this as I always loved receiving hand written cards or letters in the post and figured that if I enjoyed it I am sure others did too.
The other reason I like sending cards is that it puts a smile on peoples faces. Especially when the card arrives after a bad day at work etc.
I had an email from a lady I sent a card too once who was so thankful for the thoughts and encouragement. The day she received it was the one of the days she was struggling with being alone after her husband had died. The card cheered her up giving her a little more hope that she needed at the time.
So why not try it., Stampin’ Up! are giving everyone the opportunity to cheer people up and send notes of encouragement with an offer to get you started. It includes:
· Circle of Friends Stamp set—$33.95
· Love Notes Assortment—$13.50
· 1—1/4” Circle Punch—30.95
That is a total non bundled cost of $78.40 and you only have to pay $58.80.
Why not hold an eScape event at your house. Gather a few friends together and make cards, then post them out to people you haven’t seen in a while or come along to my eScape even I am having on the 14th June. The cost is only $10 with your own snail adhesive or $15 using my Snail Adhesive. You will make 8 cards with two different designs. Afternoon Tea is included. Call to book your spot now!

Colour Challenge

2008-06-01T22:32:00.001+10:00

Well I have never done one of these before, so I thought I would give it a try. Kristina Werner has posted a colour challenge on her blog site. I have been making cards most of this rainy afternoon and stumbled across the challenge. Was struggling with inspiration and she help me find it!!!

Here are the colours we can use.

I thought since Stampin' Up! is trying to eScape this month with a fantastic promotion to help you eScape from the hussle and bussle of life and get back to the simple yet ellegant art of writing to people I would take the opportunity to make a card.

I have used the 'Heartfelt Thanks' & 'Circle of Friendship' stamp sets with a Rhinestone brad with a few Dimensionals. I also used the Round Corner punch to scallop the edge, 1 1/4 round punch for the 'Circle of Friendship' stamp and the Crafters Tool Kit to make the Faux Stitching. I hope you like it. I had some fun making it!

Brag Books

2008-05-22T10:55:00.001+10:00

So I am sure you have been wondering where I have been. I have been around, stamping too, however I have had a few technical difficulties recently. My husband disconnected the cradle that connects to my computer to download my photos. As a result I haven't been able to download my latest creation.

The photo today is of a photo album I have made. My mum had a small photo album with the title 'Brag Book' on the front of it that she was given when my neice was born. So I thought I would make one for her Mothers Day Present. However I didn't take a photo of it. Infact I have made Three of these books in the last week and the photo you can see if the third one!!! Everytime I thought of my blog I had already given the 'Brag' book away as a gift and not taken a photo. So I had to make a third one to show you all!!! so that is the other reason why I have been quiet over the last 2 weeks.

This Album has been made with the 'Wild About You' stamp set, 'Fall Flowers' Designer Series Paper, HodgePodge Hardware and Twill Tape.

I am planning to hold a class in June in you are interested in coming to learn how to make one. Please email me your contact details. The dates for classes in June and July will be confirmed next week. I hope you can come.

I've Been Tagged!!!

2008-05-06T11:33:00.000+10:00

I've been tagged, how exciting!
Thanks for the compliment Kirrily! http://kirrilymatthews.blogspot.com/
The rules are...

Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog .

Well, now to the thinking part...........7 random and weird facts.....
1. I grew up in the country on a farm near Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia

2. I am the oldest of 3 girls, in fact the majority of my extended family (cousins etc) are girls!!! and my sister and I have had a girl each as well, so my dad is praying for a miracle in the years to come if we have more children!!! or when my little sister has her first!

3. Whilst at School I had computer classes that I was hopless with to the point where I think the teacher dreaded having the weekly class with me in it!!! When I left school I did a Secretarial course and some how ended up in the IT industry, I am sure if my teacher found me he would be amazed!!! and maybe slightly glad that something he taught helped me path the way to a career!!!

4. March 25 this year my husband and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl called Annabelle!
5. A holiday desitnation I would love to go to one day is Antarctica.
6. I would eat Raspeberries, Blackberries or Blueberries over Chocolate any day
7. I can play the Piano and Flute
Sites to Tag........ well

A fellow card maker Vanessa http://vanessawebb.net/

I have never met Dawn, however I like her ideas and creations http://dawnsstampingthoughts.typepad.com/

My upline, upline Marelle, brilliant work! http://marelletaylor.blogspot.com/

Julie, whom I have never met, but again love her work!! http://paperpleasing.typepad.com/my_weblog

I think I will need to break the rules and just go with 4!

Ruthie

Wild About You

2008-05-01T16:03:00.000+10:00

Last week I held a card class down in a town called Crookwell (hello everyone from Crookwell!!!) The class made these 4 cards with the 'Wild about you' Stamp set and the 08 colours that Stampin' Up! has released this year. I hope you like them.

I still have some stamp sets for sale if you are interested. Please email me your details and I will send you a pdf document containing photos of the stamps left and the prices.

Project Class

2008-04-19T16:54:00.000+10:00

Well I am off to the country for the week to visit my parents, so it will be a little quiet around here. I hope to post something even if there isn't a photo as my parents do have the internet!!! (they aren't that backward!)

I am also running to classes down there. So I thought I would give you a sneek peek at what they will be making.

This project has a Tote Bag with 4 cards. They are made with the new colors out in the new Ideas Book & Catalogue. The cards are made with the 'Simply Said' stamp set which is my favourite!!! I hope you like it. I think it turned out well and I just love the new colors for this year.

I still have quite a few stamp sets for sale if you are interested. Please email me.

Stamp Sale

2008-04-15T20:29:00.002+10:00

As the new Catalogue is out, I have a few retired stamps sets, both brand new and used that I need to sell to make way for the new ones. If you would like any of them listed or need more details please email me. If you live close by in Sydney I can deliver them to you or I can post them to you charging whatever Australia Post charge.

If you need to see the listing a little clearer, just click on the picture/listing and it will load a large version to your screen.

Sketch of the Month - April

2008-04-11T14:28:00.000+10:00

I can't believe time has gone so quickly. I haven't had much time to make cards as Annabelle is keeping me very busy. However I have had time to make the Sketch of the Month for April. I hope you have fun using it. I will endeavour to post my creation up in the next week.

I will also upload another photos of Miss Annabelle in a couple of weeks. I really can't believe how quickly they change!

And then there were Three!!!!

2008-04-02T16:21:00.000+11:00

I am sure you have all been wondering where I have been the last week and a half. Well for those that didn't know my husband and I were expecting a baby on the 31st March 2008, however she came early. Last Tuesday 25th March 2008 at 620 in the morning Annabelle Marion Margaret Bishop was born. She was 6 pnds and 5 oz (2.8 kgs), 49cm long.

Everyone says she looks like her father!!! So there is no card today just a photo of her.

I hope you can understand why I haven't been around or stamping lately. I am sure alot of you can tell me I won't be stamping for a while!!! So keep watching this space.

Sketch of the Month

2008-03-20T08:09:00.000+11:00

I can't believe a week has gone by and I haven't updated my Blog. I have been aiming to update it twice a week, however this week I failed. Never mind there is always next week to try!

I thought I would upload the card I made for Sketch of the Month. This has been made with the 'Heartfelt Thanks' stamp set and Earth Elements card. I used the slit punch to scallop the edge and Versa Marker to make the water mark. The ribbon is being discontinued, which I am very sad about, however rest assured there are some great ribbons coming out in the new Ideas Book and Catalogue 2008 - 2009.

If you would like to receive the new 'Ideas Book and Catalogue' please email me your details.

Sketch of the Month

2008-03-14T08:59:00.000+11:00

In my monthly newsletters I include a 'Sketch of the Month', this was the Sketch for March.

You can make a card or any other creation using the ideas of the sketch. You can make it as fancy or as simple as you like. I thought you might like to use it for some inspiration on those days you are struggling!
I would love to see what you create, so feel free to email a photo of your card or other creation you make.

I am going to use my sketch today to create a card, so watch this space for an updated blog with my creation.

If you would like to receive my monthly Newsletter, please feel free to email your contact details.

Nearly Gone

2008-03-09T16:56:00.001+11:00

I thought I would post one of my favourite stamp sets that is retiring this year (very sad) and also let you know there is a pdf list of all the retired stamps and accessories on the Stampin' Up! website, just click here to view the list.

I have used Soft Subtles card stock, with the 'French Script' stamp as a background. To add a little more detail I used the cord which is also retiring.

Retired Listing

2008-02-26T17:36:00.001+11:00

I have an updated retired listing available if you would like one, just Email Me. Remember you have until 29th February (including payment) to get your orders in to take advantage of the Sale-A-Bration free stamp sets with all orders over $100 (excluding S&H).

If you get together with some other friends and your orders total $300 you are entitled to free stamp sets and $30 of free product.

This photo is a Tote bag I made using some of the double sided scrapbooking papers out of the March mini catalogue, with some Certainly Celery ribbon and the butterfly stamp from the 'Merci' free Sale-a-bration set. I have watercolored the butterfly. I hope you like it.

Wedding Album

2008-02-20T19:55:00.000+11:00

This is an album I made for some friends of mine that got married last June. They used this album at the wedding reception for people to sign and write messages. It is made with the 'Heartfelt Thanks' stamp set, using a versa marker and some pastels.

I have also used the Recollections Designer Series Paper as well. I then printed on the computer their names and used some hodgepodge hardware to frame a verse from a Sale-a-bration stamp set from last year. I hope you like it.

Simple Thank You

2008-02-19T18:23:00.000+11:00

Today I thought I would show you a card I made for a workshop make and take recently. I used the 'In color' range of card with the 'Be Happy' stamp set I recieved last year when I attended the Stampin' Up Conference.

I have made the front of the card into a bookmark as well using the 'Cutter Kit' which is fantastic, so not only is it a Thank You card, but a bookmark as well.

I used a White Gel pen to 'Stitch' the edges of the 'Vintage Violet' card stock and a little ribbon and a few gold brads to finish it off.

From Old to New

2008-02-18T19:29:00.000+11:00

I can't believe a week has gone by without me blogging, however when I think of the week gone by I do realise why, too many things to do with such little time. When I think of my diary this week there shouldn't be any excuses as I am free every night this week!!!!!

A few weeks ago I found an old fashioned clip board in a pile of papers in our study, so I thought it would look a little nicer with some stamps and card!!!! You can see the result, I was quite impressed (and so was my husband) at the result.

I used In Colors, Vintage Violet, True Thyme, Cranberry Crisp, Marigold Morning. With the stamp Set 'Time Well Spent' which is a beautiful stamp set given to all the demonstrators in Australia as a Thank You from Stampin' Up They are such a special company to work with.

I coloured the butterfiles in with Stampin' Write Markers - Rich Regals and used a White Gel pen to colour in some of the words of the stamp verse. I also aqua painted some of the flowers I had stamped on the 'Marigold Morning' card stock.

I hope you like it.

Barcodes

2008-02-05T21:45:00.000+11:00

Over the weekend I finished a set of 4 cards that I created from the 'Best Bar Codes' found in the Summer Mini Catalogue. I really don't know why I purchased this stamp set becuase when I first looked at using it I thought what an earth could I do with this stamp set!!! To my surprise I have been able to create something that I think turned out quite well surprising my original thoughts.

I used the 'In Color' & Whisper White card stock with a 'Chocolate Chip' ink pad, White Gel Pen and a piece of 'Twill Tape' that I had as scrap (a great way to use some of your scap pieces but add that little extra)

I hope you like the card and find inspiration to use this stamp set!!!

A little Something with Natural Beauty

2008-02-04T19:52:00.000+11:00

I made a card or two about 12 months ago with a friend who had this stamp set (Thanks Marelle) and loved it. So I purchased it for myself and it sat in the cupboard until this last week when I finally had a chance to make a card set for a workshop I am holding in a couple of weeks.

Here is a sneek peek of what one of the cards looks like. I have made the card with Elegant Eggplant and Pale Plum Stampin' Up! card stock, I have water coloured the flowers of the 'Natural Beauty' stamp set on a piece of Whisper White and then overlayed a piece of Vellum and stamped the Bird image over the top. Popped a few brads on to frame the image.

Challenge

2008-01-21T21:59:00.000+11:00

The Stampin' Up! demonstrators group I belong too has a challenge going at the moment. We needed to make a card that used:

1 Stamp

Designer Series Paper

As many embellishments as you like

I created two cards, one of which is above. I have used: Good Things Grow Stamp (I am a little addicted to this stamp set!), Elegant Eggplant Card Stock, Designer Series Paper , Gold Brads, Hemp Twine

It was great fun being challenged like this as it really helps you create something without having to think of what to use.

Memories with Elegance

2008-01-15T20:27:00.000+11:00

Well, I am back to updating my blog and hope to do so on a weekly basis at the least.

I thought I would start the New Year by upload a photo of a photo album I made for my Aunty for Christmas. It is made with the following Stampin' Up! products:

Good Things Grow Stamp Set
French Script Stamp
Recollections Designer Series Paper
5/8"Grosgrain Ribbon
Hodgepodge Hardware
In Color card stock - Marigold Morning, Cranberry Crisp and True Thyme
Chocolate Chip card stock

I am planning on holding a workshop in February/March on how to make this type of photo album. If you are interested please feel free to email me for more information

If you want to purchase any of the products listed above please contact me via email to order.

Time Flys!

2007-04-27T07:08:00.000+10:00

I Can't believe it has been nearly a month since I created my blog page. Alot has happened since then, however I not had the opportunity to focus on my creative work which is a little disappointing. However, I thought I would load some photos of some cards I made for an order that was placed. These Cards are made with 'Very Vanilla' card stock and use embellishments and Japanese papers that I have picked up over the last few years.

This weekend will be rather busy since I am attending the Stampin' Up Conference on Friday and Saturday next week. So I need to make some cards and tags to give out as gifts.

Hand Crafted by Ruth

2007-03-31T16:08:00.001+10:00

Welcome to my Blog page. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I like writing it. I have attached a few photos of some Photo Album or book Covers I have made plus some other cards I have designed.

I love creating and wish I had more time to do it. If you want to find out more about my creations please don't hesitate to call or email me.

This is the cover of a photo album or guest book I have just completed. It is made with Stampin' Up! Rich Reagals card sock and 'Art of Life' stamp set.

Place an Order

2006-12-28T22:20:00.000+11:00

Order a Catalogue
To obtain a catalogue you can view the online catalogue here
or
send me an email with your postal address and I can post you a catalogue out for $15.

Place an Order
To place an order you can email
or phone me on 0425 223 537
Just have ready the product codes and description of the item you wish to order. Shipping and Handling is just 5% of the order total, or $5.95, whichever is greater.

Gift Vouchers
I also have Gift Certificates available. Just send me an email to request one.

About Me

2006-03-09T23:00:00.003+11:00

I live in Sydney with my husband and daughter. I have been making Cards and other papercraft items for most of my life. My mum taught me (and my sisters) how to make cards and stamp at an early age and have loved it ever since.
I became a Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator in 2007 and haven't looked back since. I love the opporutnity of meeting so many people that share my passion for papercrafts.
I hope you enjoy perusing my blog and gain many ideas to inspire you.

Classes and Workshops

2006-03-09T21:58:00.002+11:00

I offer 3 different types of classes and workshops (sometimes known as Parties)

Workshops are Free and hosted by someone (maybe you) at there house. They invite friends around for a Morning, Afternoon or Evening full of creativity and fun. I will demonstrate a few technicques and then everyone gets to participate by making something (normally a card) for themselves to take home. Orders are placed from the current catalogues and the Hostess has the opportunity to receive free stamp sets and merchandise.
Stamp a Stack classes are exactly that, stamping a stack of cards. There is normally 3 - 4 designs and you make 6 - 8 cards depending on the design. These classes are held fortnightly in my home and can also be held in yours. You just need to get some friends together to join you. The class costs $10 with your own adhesive or $15 using my adhesive. Envelopes are not included in the stamp a stacks, however can be purchased at the class for a nominal charge.
Scrap n Chat - Are held every 3 weeks at my house. See below for class dates. The class costs $5 plus any supplies you purchase from me.

Class Dates

Scrap n Chat - 1030 - 1230

Bring your own scrapping supplies. I have supplies you can purchase on the day.

27th July
17th August
7th September
28th September
19th October
9th November
30th November

Project Class

Monday 28th September, 730pm - Journal Class

Contact Me

2006-03-09T21:55:00.000+11:00

Ruth Bishop
Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator

Phone: 0425 223 537
Email: ruth.bishop@optusnet.com.au