Cards, scrapbooking & musings!!

Up in the Air

2012-01-27T18:35:00.001+13:00

Yes, I was “up in the air” when a dear friend gave me this lovely Hostess stamp set. So cute!

I made two cards using one of the stamps but wasn’t quite sure which I liked the best. What do you think?

Feeling a bit depressed at present. Saw the haematology specialist yesterday after spending about 3 hours having an infusion of a bone strengthening drug. Looks like the chemotherapy treatments are going to go on and on indefinitely and the thought of spending the rest of my life dealing with these treatments and their side effects is depressing. Can’t seem to get my head around this myeloma cancer. Oh well, guess I shall just have to pick myself up and carry on and stop my complaining.

Must admit it has been nice to see some summer weather (at last!) although it has been raining today but seems to be clearing up now so hopefully will be nice for the long weekend.

Have a nice one.

NZSU Colour Challenge

2012-01-20T20:58:00.001+13:00

I’m glad this challenge was extended for a further week as I never got around to doing it last week.

The challenge was to use either River Rock, Cherry Cobbler and Marina Mist or River Rock, Not Quite Navy and Tangerine Tango. I chose the second choice mainly because it put me right out of my comfort level and sometimes we need to do that, don’t we.

Anyway, here’s the card I came up with:

You can’t tell from the photo but I ran a strip of the DSP (retired) down the right side of the inside of the card so that it would show through the punched border.

Felt quite happy with the overall result.

Asian Artistry – Takes 1 & 2

2012-01-16T11:27:00.001+13:00

Had a vision for this card as I wanted to incorporate some beautiful patterned paper that was sent to me by Michelle a Stamping Sister who was at that time living and working in Japan. I wanted this card to have an oriental feel to it but unfortunately my first attempt just didn’t live up to my expectations.

Just didn’t look right at all – was it because I had offset the right hand greeting past the edge of the card or was it the base cardstock in white. I decided to change both and see what the outcome was.

Ah … that’s much better and more like what I envisaged though the photo doesn’t show the gold metallic cardstock up as well as it should.

To give you an idea of the beautiful paper, here is a close up picture.

Isn’t it gorgeous!!

Perfect Bliss in Concord Crush

2012-01-13T17:51:00.001+13:00

Saw this beautiful card on the talented Dawn Aschefske’s blog and just had to case it. Think hers is done in Elegant Eggplant but I chose to use Concord Crush and I’m really happy with the way it turned out. Really enjoyed making this card.

This card looks more blue than it should in the photo and looks even better IRL. The card base is Concord Crush and I also used Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla cardstock. The stamp set is Bliss from the 2011 Saleabration catalogue. I felt really ashamed when I went to use it and found that I hadn’t even mounted the stamps and used this set at all in the past 12 months! I am now determined to work my way through all my stamp sets and make a card using each of them regardless of whether the set is retired or not. My next card will be using Asian Artistry so watch this space!

I am still undergoing chemotherapy though on a different regime which means that I now have to go to the hospital for treatment every 4 weeks out of 5. On the 5th week I have to visit the specialist so that is my routine for the next few months. I keep hoping that they will decide to end it sooner as it is very hard and tiring trying to overcome all the side effects of the drugs. The week I had ‘off’ at Christmas was lovely and it felt great to feel normal again so it was really hard to have to go back to treatment again. However on the up side, my results have been very promising and am hoping that when they send me for another MRI scan that this comes back with good results too.

I also have our cruise at the end of March to look forward to and the specialist is going to suspend my treatment for the time I will be away so that I should be able to enjoy it. Can’t wait!!

Very windy here this afternoon so hope you are all safely indoors.

Pearls, pearls and more pearls

2012-01-07T20:38:00.001+13:00

Firstly let me wish everyone a very Happy New Year and hope that you have all had a wonderful Christmas. I really enjoyed mine and it was a lovely family day.

Now on to the topic of pearls … you can see by these two cards I have just made that I am currently using a lot of pearls to finish off my cards. I really must start using some of my other embellishments and give the pearls a well-deserved rest!

Anyway here are the latest creations – both fairly simple as my brain doesn’t seem to do elaborate or fussy these days.

Hope this rotten weather isn’t spoiling all your holiday plans. I certainly don’t envy all those campers trying to keep dry as well as coping with kids being cooped up in a caravan or tent.

Have fun.

The Last? Christmas Card

2011-12-18T22:03:00.001+13:00

Think this should be the last of my Christmas cards for this year unless I receive some more unexpected cards that I need to reply to.

I find it hard attaching vellum without the glue showing through and ended up adding a couple of pearls to hide the marks. Please excuse the quality of the photo but the this was taken in a hurry under artificial lighting.

Made 3 of these quickly as I needed more cards at the last minute but unfortunately these didn’t live up to my expectations, however they do look better IRL.

As I probably won’t be posting again this side of Christmas – I would like to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and my very best wishes for a successful and happy New Year.

Christmas has come to our home

2011-12-04T21:21:00.001+13:00

Well, sort of – we have a pathetically small Christmas tree but I still think it looks nice. Anyway, when you see the room as a whole it does have a nice Christmassy ambience.

Just a couple of photos – one with my brother Dave who is over visiting from Australia for Christmas.

Merry Christmas season all.

Beautiful Cherry Blossoms

2011-11-15T12:47:00.001+13:00

Just wanted to share these photos of our cherry blossom trees which are looking absolutely wonderful this year. For once the wind hasn’t come along and blown all the flowers away!

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Love these trees.

Butterfly Thanks

2011-11-08T22:35:00.001+13:00

I needed some more ‘Thanks’ cards so made this little card (9.9 cm square). You can get 3 of these cards out of one sheet of A4 cardstock. I used the cute little Kindness Matters stamp set and for the middle butterfly stamped it out a second time on vellum then coloured it on the wrong side and mounted to give it a 3D look.

The ribbon is Very Vanilla Seam Binding ribbon – a lovely soft and pliable ribbon – which I have dyed using So Saffron ink refill. As a hobby demonstrator I find that dying a neutral coloured ribbon is an economical way of having matching ribbons. As much as I would like to have a full selection of all ribbons in all colours it would be impractical as one spool of ribbon lasts me for ages.

Well it’s Wednesday tomorrow – my weekly chemo day. Would love to eliminate this day out of my week entirely!! I’ve only just got over last week’s meds and started to feel a bit energetic again. I still have another 15 weeks on this regime then will have to start on some different drugs for probably another 15-18 weeks. Trying not to think that far ahead as it seems to stretch too far in the future.

Cancer stinks – have been following the blog of a sister stamper in the U.S., Katie, who was diagnosed with Grade 4 stomach cancer at the end of last year and who lost her fight this morning leaving a grieving husband and 3 little boys without their mother. Her journey has been quite emotional for me as even though I have never met or spoken to her, I have been praying for her and her family but my prayers, and those of countless others, were in vain. So terribly, terribly sad. You can go to Katie’s blog if you so wish – My Paper Haven – and send up some silent prayers for her family. Katie was a fighter, and her attitude to her illness and her willingness to share her journey so openly and honestly is a tribute to her memory.

Sorry if this post has become so gloomy but it does make me appreciate and be thankful for my still being here to keep fighting. I still have a lot to look forward to.
I hope you and your family are all well and happy and enjoying life.

The WOW Christmas Event

2011-11-02T21:48:00.001+13:00

Our WOW PaperKrafters team held a great Christmas event last Saturday. Lovely projects and afternoon tea not to mention, the lovely ladies there.

Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it as much as I should have as was still feeling rotten after this week’s chemo. Normally I have mostly recovered by Saturday but as is Murphy’s Law – this week was an exception. Never mind, have had fun the last day or so completing all the projects I did not feel like doing there and for which I just brought all the kits and bits and bobs home.

Here’s the finished line up:

Bottom left are made from the SU open ended envelopes with the top cut off and decorated. By crimping the main envelope it narrows it slightly so that the top can just slide over. Great for chocolate bars, sachets of tea, herbs or bath salts etc. The box on the bottom right contains 4 small cards and envelopes to match. Really easy to make and a great pre-Xmas gift (so they can use the cards on Xmas presents). I love them all – the cute punch-art snowman and I have always loved the Winter Post stamp set – so much so that I have now given in and ordered it!!

Thanks Karen, Debbie, Sally and Lesley for creating and demonstrating these for us.

… and Christmas card making continues

2011-10-31T23:49:00.001+13:00

Another couple of Christmas cards to show you:

Above are two variations of the same theme. Think I prefer the one on the right. Have to love the new embossing colours.

Gee, this was a quick post!

Best news … ever!!!

2011-10-26T20:04:00.001+13:00

For those of you who are not on Facebook thought you might like to see this post I have just put up there. So so chuffed that I have to share it with everyone.

BEST NEWS EVER!! Have to share with you. As you know I am currently 'waging a war' with two unrelated cancers - Fallopian/Ovarian and Myeloma. At present having chemo for the myeloma in my spine and ribs. At the same time my CA125 (cancer marker) for the Fallopian/Ovarian cancer had at last count shot up to over 1400 (normal level should be under 30) so as you can imagine I was really scared at what I would be told at my oncology check up today. Such wonderful and unexpected news - my CA125 has taken a huge drop - now down to 75. Doctors are amazed as they didn't think my current chemo treatment would have any effect on this cancer. I am just hoping it continues to drop down to below 30 so that I will be in remission. Then maybe the other cancer will follow suit. Think it's all the fantastic support and encouragement I get from friends and family - THANKS EVERYONE.

Yippee!!!!

A is for Airplane (a Birthday card)

2011-10-21T18:18:00.000+13:00

Another grandson growing up too fast. Michael is turning 17 today and I naturally had to make him a card featuring an airplane. Why … because Michael is learning to fly and indeed has his own Cessna airplane. Well sort of has his own .. he still owes his father a lot of money for it!

Michael has wanted to fly ever since he was a little kid. That’s been his burning ambition in life so just want to wish him Happy Birthday and I hope all his dreams come true.

This card has been CASEd from a design by Debbie Rippentrop. I used the new striped embossing folder though and really, really like the way this card came out. Hope you liked it Michael.

Christmas Cards – Part 3

2011-10-18T18:03:00.000+13:00

This is the last one for now. Hope you have enjoyed seeing my Christmas cards so far and that it has given you inspiration to make some yourself.

The card on the left was based on a tutorial by Kristina Werner and the card on the right (not CASEd, believe it or not) is a simple card that is easy to make a few of at a time. Just stamp then while watching telly or listening to the radio, colour them in. May be simple to make but I think they are very classy and I do like a simple card with a lot of white space around it. Makes it look very clean.

Once I have another bunch of cards to show, will do so. In the meantime, happy creating.

Christmas Cards – Part 2

2011-10-17T17:56:00.000+13:00

Another couple of designs I have made recently.

Once again I have unashamedly CASEd these. It’s not my fault – I can’t help it if all that temptation and talent is paraded before my eyes!!!!! I just have to give in and recreate that card.

You are quite welcome to case my cases!

Christmas Cards – Part 1

2011-10-16T17:44:00.001+13:00

Here are a couple of the Christmas cards I have made lately when I have been feeling well enough. Trying to make at least 4 or so a week so that by the time I need to post them I will have enough. I try and make two of each card.

Sorry but both these cards were CASEd … my creative juices are a bit slow these days so pick out designs I like from other people and base my cards on them. What would we do without all those talented people out there?

Loved the way my little bird turned out, he/she looks so cute! The card on the right has been photographed lying flat rather than standing up (it’s a easel card) so looks a bit out of shape in this photo.

Hope you enjoy these.

Still struggling on with my weekly chemo treatments – last week wasn’t as bad as the previous one but then I only had to have two drugs instead of three. Back to the full regime this week. My haematologist is pleased as my levels are going down so it looks as though the treatment is reaping some benefit. I have my good days, my not so good days and my ‘b’ awful days!!! (Yes, my hair is still all intact!!)

Gorgeous weather here in Auckland today for the rugby – go All Blacks!!!

Christmas cards for a caring friend

2011-09-30T19:21:00.000+13:00

You have heard me mention my bff Anne who is always doing lovely baking and meals for me when I am sick. Well I decided to start her off with her Christmas cards. I copied 2 designs that I have posted previously so won’t put them up here again but did do a third design so she could have a choice (pictured on right).

I also made a little bag to put the six cards and envelopes in and have told her I will refill it when she has used these. A rash promise as I haven’t even started making my own Christmas cards yet!!

How are you all getting on with your Christmas preparations? Seems only yesterday I was preparing for last Christmas!! Where does the time go.

PS: Hope you are really impressed with me – three posts in three days!!!

I still have my hair!!

2011-09-29T19:12:00.000+13:00

Just a quick update on how my chemo treatments are going. Seems to be settling into a pattern each week – Wednesdays are chemo treatment days then either Friday or Saturday I have a bad day then the next day start to improve then I am okay again until the Wednesday. Another downside is sleeping – can’t seem to sleep more than 4-5 hours at a stretch then wide awake – apparently a side effect of the steroids which I also have to take. Wednesday night is the worse, usually only 2-3 hours sleep at the most even with a pill to help me sleep. Never mind at least I don’t have to go out to work and can rest in the afternoon if necessary. Also with hubby taking up all the TV time watching RWC I can stretch out on the sofa in the early hours of the morning and catch up on all my recorded programs!

And yes, as you saw above – I still have my hair! Perhaps I shouldn’t be making a big deal about this as it could still all fall out but so far, so good.

Another downside – it looks like these treatments will continue on relentlessly until the New Year, then will be followed by some maintenance treatments (providing I go into remission).

Ever hopeful we are in the process of booking a 2 week cruise at the end of March so please keep your fingers crossed that it all works out and I am well enough to do it. But – if we don’t book now we won’t be able to go anyway so it’s a risk we are going to take and it is something to strive for and look forward to.

Hoping you are all keeping healthy and well.

Birthday Wishes

2011-09-28T21:01:00.001+13:00

Happy Birthday Paul (our son-in-law) for today and a belated Birthday Greetings to our other son-in-law Murray. I can show you Paul’s card but I forgot to take a photo of Murray’s. Will try and take one next time I go down country to visit.

Paul is obsessed (yes you are Paul!!!) with cars so naturally had to use this car from the new Need for Speed stamp set. Paul is a graphic designer so I tried to do something a little trendy using the distressing kit to create the background and the car is supposed to look like it has been engraved on a plaque.

Need for Speed stamps are ideal for guys – if I ever get to post Murray’s card you will see that I have used the airplane stamp (his obsession –airplanes!)

Happy stamping.

Poppy Parade Thanks

2011-09-25T18:48:00.001+13:00

I recently needed some little ‘Thanks’ notecards so came up with this design. Very economical to make as you can get three out of one sheet of A4 cardstock if you cut carefully.

Cut 10.5 cm off the end of an A4 sheet of cardstock.
Cut remaining cardstock into two measuring 10.5 cm x 19 cm
Trim the length of the first cut piece to 19 cm giving you 3 x pieces measuring 10.5 cm x 19 cm
Score each piece at 5cm each end
The inside piece measures 10 cm x 8.5 cm.
Finish as in photo above or design your own embellishments.

I used Poppy Parade for my cards – really bright and cheerful and teamed it with last year’s In-Colour Designer Series Paper to match. I have accumulated so much DSP that I am having to be very frugal and not be tempted to buy more, but it’s not easy as there are some beautiful new designs in the new catalogue. Oh well, will have to make more cards and use up my existing stock as quickly as possible!!

These notecards could also be used for birthdays, gift cards etc.

Designer Frames

2011-09-15T23:09:00.001+12:00

Think I’m in love with these new embossing folders. They are so versatile and I can see myself doing lots with them. Was a bit dubious before purchasing, but no, well worth it.

Here are two simple cards using these folders. You can see that you don’t really need a lot of other embellishments – just plain and simple does it.

For the first one I have finally made my first Christmas card (I must get on and start doing more before Christmas has come and gone!!!) I have used the shimmer paint on the frame and part of the bird which looks really effective.

The next one I feel is so cute. Here I have finally used the (now redundant?) Sweet Summer set from the last Saleabration catalogue. Not sure why I have never used it before because it is a lovely set. Can’t bear to part with a lot of my old sets so will probably hang on to them a while longer and get some fun and lovin’ out of them.

There is one thing I must remember to do, and that is to put a piece of paper on top of my folder to stop the indentations around the sides – you will see what I mean on the second card.

You can tell I am having fun gradually using all my new toys from the new catty. Hope you have got lots to play with too.

Chemo and wigs

2011-09-14T19:31:00.001+12:00

Went yesterday and got my wig in readiness for losing my hair (they say usually within 2-3 weeks of starting treatment). Today is the start of Week 2 but luckily my hair is still firmly on my head. I have some hats also ready to go but the one thing that I’m not sure what to do about is the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes which really make your face look yuck! Will have to make some enquiries when the time comes and think I might enrol for the “Look Good, Feel Better” session that the Cancer Society runs.

Today I had my second lot of chemo starting with taking 23 tablets of various drugs this morning at home and then going to North Shore Hospital early afternoon to get the other chemo drug by injection.

More …… now evening. What I thought would only be a half hour or so stay at the hospital turned into a 4-1/4 hr stint. They had forgotten to tell me that I would also be getting an intravenous infusion of a bone-strengthening drug as well. So had to drive home in the rush-hour traffic and didn’t get back until 6.15. Will insist they pre-warn me next time so that I can request an earlier appointment.

Feeling a bit jaded and tired now (it’s not even 7.30!!) – so off to bed but hope I can sleep, if not I’ve got the radio, iPod, TV and a good book to keep me company through the night and in between the odd snooze. Poor hubby will be relegated to the spare room again.

Goodnight all.

JAI 84

2011-09-13T08:34:00.000+12:00

This week’s challenge on Just Add Ink was to use white plus only one other colour.

As I had some lovely new toys to play with naturally had to use these. Bet you can pick them out!

This is what I came up with – something blue (actually Baja Breeze) and white and lacy.

Hope you like it.

Thanks a Million

2011-09-12T20:11:00.001+12:00

I have always loved Kristina Werner’s style and even now she is no longer using Stampin’ Up! products exclusively find her designs very adaptible to the SU range of products. I was therefore excited to purchase her Summer Card Camp 2011 tutorial put together in conjunction with Jennifer McGuire but what with one thing and another, have only just worked my way through Week 1.Below are the colours that were to be used this week:

On my computer the first colour looked more like our Perfect Plum as it had more of a purple hue but looking at it here it is more like Rich Razzleberry so there was my first mistake.

Found it extremely difficult and out of my comfort zone trying to juggle all these colours though of course, it might have been easier if I had used the Rich Razzleberry! Anyway, this is the first card I came up with:

Mmm – what do you think? Maybe I’ve sort of got the colours but think I will do another one later using some of the other styles and tips that are in the tutorial. Then I’ll give Week 2 a go.

A result at last!!

2011-09-05T12:48:00.001+12:00

Finally after the biopsy last Thursday on my spine I have a result. The cancer is the plasmacytoma that was also on the rib they removed before Christmas. I am to start chemotherapy straight away and my first appointment is on Wednesday over at North Shore Hospital – a real pain to get to. At this stage I don’t know the full details of the treatment regime but guess I’ll know all about it on Wednesday and what the schedule will be and over what period of time.

Still doesn’t answer the question of my rising CA125 levels for the fallopian/ovarian cancer which are sky-high now but they can’t seem to find out exactly where the cancer has returned. Guess though even if they do they can’t treat it at the same time as I am being treated for the plasmacytoma – different drugs and treatment for the different cancers.

Anyway thought I would let you all know. How do I feel about this and having to go through more chemo? I can sum it up in one word “resigned”. I knew there would be more treatments along the line and this is probably only the first of them. At least now they are doing something I guess and at least this time I don’t have to endure another operation. Just hope I get to keep my hair as I have just paid out to have it coloured!!!

One good thing happening this week to take my mind off things – my Stampin’ Up order should be arriving any day with all my new goodies. Hope I will be feeling okay to play with them.

Enjoy your week.

4 in 1

2011-09-03T15:25:00.001+12:00

Been so busy with hospitals, tests and then recovering that I haven’t had time to update my blog with all the other activities, so here are four posts in one blog. Warning: It’s rather a large blog posting so sit down with a cup or glass of something to drink.

How exciting – another new catalogue
– Stampin’ Up! 2011/2012

Just check out our latest catalogue full of wonderful new surprises. Just click on the cover picture to open your eyes to some wonderful creative ideas.

I can’t wait to get started when my first order arrives.

Mother of Pearl cards
I was unable to attend Debbie’s class using this technique so a couple of weeks ago Karen showed Joan and I how to do these lovely cards. The photos don’t really do them justice as it is hard to capture the pearl effect.

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Stampin’ Up’s Fun Day Out
Last Saturday demonstrators and their guests had a fantastic day playing with some of the new products and watching demonstrations by some of our talented ladies.

I made a few swaps using a monochromatic theme:

And look what I got back – aren’t they all fantastic!

We also received some make ‘n take kits. I have made two up so far as below. The third one which is a small scrapbooking layout hasn’t been finished yet because I haven’t been able to find a photo I want to use.

Cute aren’t they. These were made using the new stamp set Under the Big Top. Check it out in the new 2011-2012 catalogue above.

Health Update
Have been kind of busy lately with all my scans and biopsy – see previous post. Thought I was going to have an easy time of it last week but no such luck. Results from all the other tests were inconclusive as to the type of cancer so had to have a spinal biopsy on Thursday. Quite a performance was at the hospital from 7:30 am to about 2:45 and have had to rest up at home the last couple of days. They should have some results next week so am keeping my fingers crossed that there are some positive results identifying the cancer and that whatever it is can be treated though know from what they have said that it will not be curable.

A big, big thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support or rung me. This is what helps me to keep going and staying positive. I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful friends and family. xx Love you all.

Once again into the fray dear friends ……

2011-08-30T20:59:00.001+12:00

After only just getting over last week’s hospital tests I received a telephone call today from the Haematology specialist asking me to rush and get some blood tests done in preparation for yet another biopsy they want done as the results from last week’s bone marrow biopsy were inconclusive as to which cancer was now in my spine.

Having a blood test is not as easy as with most people as the only way they can get blood out of me now is through my portacath and this means setting up a special appointment at the hospital. Anyway I got this done this afternoon and had only been home an hour or so when I got another phone call from North Shore Hospital (this time the Radiology department) with the actual appointment to have this spinal bone marrow biopsy which has to be done under CT scan guidance as it is a very delicate procedure. They said that I would need a special blood test done …. what!!! Told them I had just come back from having one done but they weren’t sure whether this test was included on the form. Haven’t heard back from them yet, but hope I don’t have to go back and have it done again.

Anyway back to the biopsy – they are doing it on Thursday and I have to be there by 8 am … yes 8 am. Will have to leave here before 6.45 am to get there – don’t they know I am supposed to be sick and need my rest!!! I will be there about 4 hours apparently.

Well they sure know how to kill my ‘feel good’ feeling that I had got at the weekend after thoroughly enjoying my fun day out at the Stampin’ Up! outing on Saturday. Great time and loved catching up with such wonderful people.

Have cards to post but these will have to wait until after Thursday.

Another challenge - JAI 80

2011-08-17T00:15:00.001+12:00

This week the Just Add Ink challenge was this sketch by Bronwyn Eastley. I found this real hard but eventually came up with this card.

I used the SU Baroque Motifs stamped in Versamark and then silver embossed.

The small flowers were made with the Boho Blossoms punch then sponged with the Frost White shimmer paint which gave them a silvery appearance. I finished these off with Rhinestone Jewels.

The panel on the right actually folds over from the back of the card and is held in place by the silver ribbon which just slips over the card. The edge has been punched with the Scallop Edge punch.

This would make a great wedding or anniversary card.

My new stamping room

2011-08-12T20:34:00.001+12:00

Have spent this week having a big change over. Previously I had converted one of the spare bedrooms into a stamping room but after much thought and mental planning have now moved all my stuff into the study area. Had a big clean out of the study area and now find that everything fits in great. It may be a smaller space but it is more compact and everything is easily accessible. It also saves on power as the office is part of the main living area which is kept heated in the winter so dont have to turn on another heater down the hall. Also now I have this bedroom back.

Also needed something major to do to keep my mind off all the other ‘crap’ that’s going on in my life. Dear hubby did all the major lifting jobs for me.

Thought you might like to see some photos – I have notated them to show you where everything lives. Some of my other craft stuff still lives on the shelves in the bedroom but as these are not being used regularly, it doesn’t matter.

Click on photos to enlarge:

Must admit that I haven’t actually made anything yet!!! But hopefully this weekend will be able to do some creating.

Have a great weekend all.

Another wobbly!!

2011-08-03T20:08:00.001+12:00

Yes, I was thrown another wobbly today when I attended my Oncology appointment. They had the results of my CT scan that was done last week and to their amazement found a hole and tumour on my spine. What I was expecting was to find out whether my rising CA125 levels were due to another tumour in my abdomen and if there was no sign of a tumour there, then they would conclude the only place it could be would be my thyroid which had previously shown up as a cancer ‘hot spot’. They were not expecting to find something else.

Now their concern is whether this is a recurrence of the fallopian/ovarian cancer, or the plasmacytoma I had on my rib (removed in December) or if it is from a metastasised thyroid cancer. Now more tests to determine what course of treatment they will follow as well as what department will need to handle this. They sent me down immediately for bone x-rays and I had 20 x-rays in total. Next will be an MRI scan then a bone biopsy (different from the bone marrow biopsy I had previously).

Must admit this time I’m scared – too many unusual things are happening to my body and if the doctors are confused … well I feel everything is spinning out of control. Apparently the bone pains I have been getting and blaming on age and not being fit enough are as a result of this pressing on the nerves. Once again my life is being turned upside down.

Thought I would tell you as some of you have been asking me to keep them updated but this wasn’t the news I wanted to relay.

If your health is good please take the time to enjoy being well. When I was well I never really appreciated it and wish I could turn the clock back.

Shapes and colour – JAI 78

2011-08-02T18:00:00.001+12:00

Challenge this week at Just Add Ink was the colours Not Quite Navy, Sahara Sand, Chocolate Chip and Certainly Celery.

(Please excuse the black shadow on the left hand side of the card – I’m not a good photographer!!)

Thought I would make this card concentrating on using the colours in different shapes and blocks of colour. This would be more suitable as a masculine card. I used the stamp set Always plus some pearl embellishments.

I used my Big Shot with the Tasteful Trim die to cut the wavy pieces and the Top Note die for the background.

Something completely different – what do you think?

What’s your style?

2011-07-26T22:04:00.001+12:00

I seem to be finding it very hard to decide on a style of card that is ‘me’! Here are two very different styles.

This is what I would term as a standard layout card where I have put a mat of DSP over the main card and run it through my Big Shot folder then matted the stamped image over another layer of card and tied a ribbon around it.

This one however I cased from Kristina Werner and for want of a better description, would call it ‘layered or grouped simplicity’. This is a tall, narrow card kept fairly simple with the two strips of DSP but then has added to it a layered group of objects. Can you give it a better description?

Actually I made this card for my daughter Nicky’s birthday which was yesterday. Unfortunately I didn’t get to give it to her until today as I had a relapse of the cough and cold I had only a week or so ago, and didn’t dare venture out last night in that freezing cold to go out to dinner with her and the family.

Hope you have a real happy year ahead Nicky.

No. 1 on my medical schedule was completed today. Nicky kindly took me into Auckland Hospital where I had a scan once they managed to find a vein to inject the contrast die. We then had lunch – real welcome after not being able to eat and drink since early morning and my fearless Stampin’ Up leader Karen joined us for coffee in her lunch break. Karen runs the Microbiology lab at the hospital.

Then dropped some more cards off at Oncology for the ‘Cards for Cancer’ basket that was already doing its rounds of patients in Oncology day stay. Must give my grateful thanks here to all those Stampin’ Up demos who have so generously contributed cards to the cause. I have also received several packets of cards from the demos in Australia which I think is fantastic. Thanks so much everyone and the feedback I have had is that the patients are getting a lot of enjoyment from these.

Then went and had my bloods done and my portacath flushed at the Acute Oncology department – then finally home! Was really tired by then but now no more appointments until next week. As my daughter said jokingly, “gee don’t you have an exciting life!”.

I definitely don’t enjoy this cold weather and seem to spend all my time going around turning on all the heating in the house, only to have hubby going around behind me turning it off!! Why can’t he feel the cold like me. Oh well, I have got the electric blankets on warming the bed so might just go and snuggle down with a good book.

Hope you have a chance to get your fingers inky this week.

JAI 76

2011-07-20T12:58:00.001+12:00

I have been meaning for simply ages to do some of the great challenges on Just Add Ink and at last have done so. Don’t know why it’s taken me so long!!

The challenge this week was to get inspiration for your card from this lovely photo:

Doesn’t this look absolutely gorgeous. Can just see myself sitting outside on the balcony in a comfy chair, drink in hand, looking out to sea and daydreaming.

The card I have made is this one. I used my brayer to get the blue effects on the left. The background paper on the right and the word ‘hello’ is SU Naturals Ivory but it seems to have come out in the photo as a pink colour.

I used my Big Shot to cut out the letters using the SU Timeless Type Alphabet sizzlet dies.

I really enjoyed doing this challenge and now I have started will attempt to join in and do more.

Hope you are all having a good week. I’m making the most of the ‘holiday’ from health issues but it will be all on as from next week with 3 appointments already lined up – next week another full body scan and blood tests, the following week an Oncology appointment, and the week after an appointment with the thyroid surgeon again – they seem determined to remove my thyroid but this will depend on the results of the scan and whether they can locate the recurring cancer elsewhere. When I went a couple of weeks ago my CA125 tumour marker had risen again, this time from 490 to 1020!! That is the highest it has ever been so this is making me a bit nervous. Oh well, just keep hoping and praying that one day they will be able to get me back into remission again. I’m still missing my little Rosie dog terribly but am able to handle it a little bit better now.

Cheers

Goodbye Rosie

2011-07-09T12:32:00.001+12:00

Sweet, adorable, loving, affectionate, mischievous, intelligent. Our Rosie left us yesterday morning Friday 8 July 2011. At the vet’s recommendation we had her put to sleep – no more suffering from the horrible Mast Cell cancer.

Our constant companion who we will miss more than words can say.

Horses

2011-07-04T16:46:00.001+12:00

A long while back I started a scrapbook for my youngest daughter Kim and put several pages in it. Thought I had better do her some more pages and this is the first one I have made of her favourite horses.

This is a photo of Kim with Wolf – his name definitely does not reflect his gentle loving nature. He is now a ‘senior’ horse and Kim let him go to the Ambury Riding School for the Disabled where he is much loved and spoilt by the children who ride there.
A lovely ending to a horses life I think.

Remember me?

2011-06-26T22:26:00.001+12:00

I wouldn’t blame you if my blog’s been crossed off your visiting list! It’s been over a month since I last posted but I have had a lot of other things going on family wise so hope you will forgive me.

Creative Inkers Team Training Day

Last Saturday (18th) I attended the Creative Inkers’ Team Training Day. A fabulous day with some great projects – see below. Thanks to everyone who organised and demonstrated.

    Ann Wills art frame                                   Rhonda’s buckle card
     Rhonda’s gift card holder                       Bron Heslop’s nautical card

Help – Do you recognise this card?

There are several scenarios, including the one where my memory loss is getting worse!

Was this an original design by me?

Did I make this at a class?

Did I case it from someone else?

Just can’t remember though I do remember making it but not where, when or how!!

Some more cards I have made

And my current favourite …………………

I love this French Foliage stamp set that is in the current Autumn/Winter mini catalogue. Such a versatile set and can be combined with so many other stamp sets.

Rosie

This is our loving little dog Rosie who I am sorry to say has been recently diagnosed with a Mast Cell Tumour. It is a high grade cancer and because the tumour is on the top of her right rear paw cannot be removed without amputating. As she will be 12 y.o. this year the vet has recommended palliative treatment and just letting nature take its course. Heartbreaking and we will have to make that final call as to when enough is enough and ensure she doesn’t suffer. We are going to miss her so very much.

Well that’s about all for now. I won’t go into all the boring bits about my ongoing cancer problems. Have to go and see the thyroid surgeon next week and then the following day have an appointment at oncology. When I know what it is they intend to do I’ll let you know.

Hope you are managing to get plenty of stamping and crafting done while the weather is so miserable.

Mother’s Day 2011

2011-05-14T19:04:00.001+12:00

Had a lovely day. Started off with a nice chatty phone call from my youngest daughter Kim who unfortunately had out of town visitors and couldn’t come up to Auckland. However, I did go to my daughter Nicky’s where her lovely husband Paul made a yummy lunch for us.

They also gave me some iTune vouchers and a CD I wanted of Hayley Westenra’s new album, Paradiso. This was accompanied by a lovely bunch of flowers and a gorgeous card that Nicky had made. If only she wasn’t always so busy I would have her signed up as a demonstrator by now. Anyway here’s the card and just look at the cute crocheted flower – which she made herself. Thanks for a lovely day.

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day too.

Big 70 Birthday Card

2011-05-14T10:07:00.001+12:00

Made this card for my husband’s cousin Bob. We were unable to attend his party due to other commitments but hope he had an enjoyable time.

I really struggle with male cards. Also for some reason I am not getting all the colours correctly photographed, i.e. the coloured squares the 7 and 0 are on are DSP in the same colouring as the green band but in the photo they look more like grey. Oh well, gives you a good idea all the same.

Easter catch-up

2011-05-11T23:47:00.001+12:00

I know I am a little bit behind with this post but just wanted to show you this little Easter basket I made as my swap for our team meeting.

Below is a card and a basket of easter eggs I took into the Oncology department to thank all the nurses and doctors for their care and kindnesses to me over the past (believe it or not!!) nearly 8 years that I have been fighting cancer.

We went down and spent a couple of days over Easter with my youngest daughter Kim, her hubby Murray and our grandson Michael (was graced with a fleeting -very fleeting- visit from Matthew the other grandson). Nice to catch up.

A bad, bad, bad blogger!!!

2011-05-09T17:50:00.001+12:00

No excuses (unless you insist) so will try and make up for lost time. What have you been doing you might ask? Well, have done a bit of creating but have mainly been getting cards ready for my new project “Cards for Cancer”.

Here is the basket ready to take into Auckland Hospital’s Oncology department (day care centre). These cards are free to patients who are undergoing treatment for cancer and hopefully will give them some pleasure looking through them and picking out one each visit to give to either family, friends or a caregiver for their birthday or as a thank you for all their help. I have already received some cards for the cause from Heather (thanks so much) and have offers from other demonstrators in both New Zealand and Australia for further contributions of Cards for Cancer. I know I have asked everyone at a most awkward time – this Thursday the annual Australia/NZ Convention for Stampin’ Up! starts in Melbourne. I’m not going, boo hoo! Hopefully once they get home and back into action, there will be more arriving in my mailbox.

Will keep you all posted as to how this project is going and whether it was well received by the recipients. If you have any spare cards you have made and would like to donate to a good cause, please email me and I will send my mailing address. These would be gratefully received as I think I am going to be hard-pressed to keep up with the demand.

Will have more posts to put up this week to make up for lost time.

I am so, so relieved …

2011-04-08T20:18:00.001+12:00

… that the results of the bone marrow biopsy I had last week have come back clear – I don’t have Multiple Myeloma but will have to still have some radiation treatment around the area of the rib resection. Then they will keep monitoring me to make sure that the Plasmacytoma hasn’t progressed to Multiple Myeloma but even it it does, that could be a few years down the track.

I also had a CT scan last week in another attempt to find out where the fallopian/ovarian cancer has returned as my CA125 levels are still steadily rising. The results of this came back clear too leaving the doctors more puzzled than ever. The only area they haven’t scanned is the head/brain so I am now down to have one of these and only hope they don’t find anything there either. On a lighter note, they probably won’t find anything anyway!!! Think my brain ran away a long time ago!

All these tests and hospital visits lately are the main reason I haven’t been blogging. Actually, I was feeling rather down and depressed at the thought of trying to cope with two cancers as I am finding it hard enough with one so now that at least one worry is lifted from me I am feeling a lot more positive.

I do have some cards and other news to share with you, but just wanted to let you know how relieved and thankful I am with my clear prognosis. I will post again in the next couple of days.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that …

2011-03-13T21:45:00.001+13:00

A late birthday card made by my daughter Nicky. Didn’t she make a beautiful job of it? All hand-cut as she doesn’t own any punches etc.

The following is the birthday card I made for my hubby last week. Hope you enjoyed your birthday Nev!

Saturday 5th March was the Stampin’ Up! Auckland Regionals. The day went very quickly and we made some lovely make & takes with the free stamp set from the new Autumn/Winter mini that will be coming out on the 1st April. Can’t show you what we made just yet, but will tell you that there are some great products coming!

This coming Thursday I have an appointment with the Haematology specialist but was pre-warned when I went to Oncology a few days ago about what is in store for me over the coming days/weeks. I have already had an x-ray and will also need to have another CT scan, blood works, and they are insistent that it is vitally necessary for me to have a bone marrow biopsy (scary!!!) as the results of all these will determine what treatment I will have to undergo. This is because of the new cancer they found on the rib they removed before Christmas which could have evolved into Multiple Myeloma which would involve having chemotherapy but if it hasn’t spread from the rib then they will do radiation on that area. At the same time they are still trying to find out why my CA125 ovarian blood cancer levels are still up in the 400s and have to decide what to do about that. It is all too much to get my head around so am trying to forget it is happening. I felt so positive when I went to Oncology that my levels would have returned to normal and that the rib op would have solved the other problem but it was not to be. Will keep you all informed as I find out more … it all seems to take up so much time.

Yes I think my mojo has returned!

2011-02-28T14:23:00.001+13:00

I’m in the mood for trying out new techniques and I really wanted to case this card so this is my version of the one Debbie Martin made – yeah I know, practically identical. However I have some ideas of my own for using this embedded embossing technique so keep watching this space.

The above card was for my grandson Sam’s 17th birthday – another grandson growing up too rapidly! He really liked it and as this is his final year of college and is having to plan his future I thought the sentiment on the inside of the card was very appropriate. Also please excuse some of my photography – can’t seem to display my cards properly in my photos and they always look distorted. Are there any good photographers out there who can give me some pointers?

The second card is for a lifetime friend of mine who has always been supportive to me despite having not only her own health problems, but two major tragedies in her life that would completely destroy most people.

Apart from the flower on the second card (used for expediency) all products used are Stampin’ Up! (of course).

Think I am gradually getting my mojo back so hopefully will be creating some more this week and of course next Saturday is the Auckland SU Regionals – bring it on!!

My birthday yet again!

2011-02-25T12:54:00.001+13:00

Life doesn’t slow down as you get older – it just starts spinning out of control! Yes, can’t believe that another year has sped by. This year I spent it at the beach so still haven’t caught up with my family who apparently have got pressies and cards to still give me (well they’d better!!) but wanted to share these lovely cards I received:

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I also received a lot of lovely messages by email, text and on Facebook. Thanks so much everyone for your good wishes.

Had a lovely day with lunch in Whitianga and then back to Cooks Beach for dinner at the local restaurant & bar. Went to bed feeling spoilt!

Holiday Bliss

2011-02-24T17:57:00.001+13:00

Well we had an absolutely wonderful week at the beach with our very good friends Anne & Pete. Have posted some photos on my Facebook page but just in case you are one of the few (hee hee!!) who doesn’t do FB then here they are for you to look at – isn’t it a gorgeous place – we were right on the beach, just had to walk across the lawn and then, bliss!

All the views are taken from the house we were staying in. Do you like my empty G&T glass? Also that’s our dog Rosie soaking up the sun and the view.

Oh well, back to reality now. And this was just so close to the truth as the day after we came home that terrible earthquake struck Christchurch so have been rather tearful watching it all on the news.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who have lost family, friends and homes and also to the rest of you who must have nerves frayed close to breaking point. There is a spare room here with two beds if any of you need a break from the horror and continuing aftershocks. I believe Air New Zealand are offering cheap fares to Auckland.

Think Pink

2011-02-08T20:53:00.000+13:00

Seem to have a thing about pink lately but it is such a lovely soft and feminine colour and suits these two card admirably. I couldn’t resist getting this lovely Easter Blossoms stamp set (left) although I haven’t strictly made this as an Easter card.

The card on the right is from the Growing Green stamp set in the 2010-11 Stampin’ Up! catalogue. Just love this set also and I made this card to give to my good friend and fellow stamper, Debbie last week when I joined her at a winery for her birthday drink. Hope you enjoyed your day Debbie.

Ow(l) – another birthday

2011-02-07T20:42:00.000+13:00

Finally purchased the cute little owl punch despite my determination to wait a while longer – as usual with stamping supplies, greed, envy and my weak will overcame my commonsense!

Well, I did have a good excuse didn’t I otherwise what sort of card was I going to be able to make for my grandson’s upcoming 11th birthday if I didn’t buy an owl punch. I know, I’m very logical lol!

Without further ado and excuses, here is his card and even though his birthday isn’t until the 20th know he won’t be bothering to look at Nan’s blog.

Jacque’s Bleaching class

2011-02-06T20:32:00.001+13:00

I should have posted this days ago but still seem to be only running at 50% and this humid, clammy heat doesn’t help one bit.

We made these two gorgeous cards a couple of weeks ago at a class held by my up-upline Jacque’s home. If you haven’t tried the bleaching technique then you must try it – it’s fun!

Check out Jacque’s site here.

VALENTINE SWEETHEARTS PROMOTION

2011-01-17T21:53:00.001+13:00

Click the link below to see more details:-

http://www3.stampinup.com/nz/documents/sweethearts_flyer_1210_aunz.pdf

Summer Mini Catalogue - 2010/2011

2011-01-17T20:44:00.000+13:00

The new Summer Mini Catalogue is current from 1 December 2010 to 31 March 2011.

Check out the wonderful new exciting product here:-

http://204.228.150.61/catalogs/flash/en-AU/20101101SummerMini/index.html

A mixed bag

2011-01-14T16:52:00.001+13:00

Yes, this is going to be a mixture of everything and it will be a l-o-n-g blog to make up for my lack of blogging lately.

I am feeling better than I was but still only running at about 50% which is affecting my energy for cardmaking, not to mention everything else! Anyway I will update you on my current situation later in this blog.

This Christmas I received some beautiful handmade cards from my cardmaking friends so wanted to share these with you:

Pauline McArdle:

Debbie Lamb: Jacque Pedersen:
Carol Hallett (UK)
Joan Hallett:
Sally Williams:
Karen Rogers:
Thanks so much for these lovely inspiring cards.

Now for some photos from my very low-key (was still in a lot of pain) but enjoyable Christmas Day.

Think that’s all the news apart from the current situation with my cancer(s). Went to my hospital Oncology appointment this Wednesday. The rib they removed contained a tumour in the marrow and the biopsy report identified it as a plasmacytoma. Plasmacytoma is a solitary cancer but if it comes back or has already spread is then known as Multiple Myeloma. I am now going to be referred to the Haematology Department for assessment which may or may not also include having radiation treatment on the rib and having a bone marrow biopsy. I pray they don’t find it necessary to do either of these things. Also my CA125 levels (for the fallopian/ovarian cancer) which were up to nearly 200 before my operation are now up to 500 but scans still cannot locate where it may have spread to. Normal CA125 levels should be 20 or under! They are hoping that this level will come down after my body settles down from the op as apparently they had to deflate the lung to do the operation and this could have caused my levels to go up so dramatically. They will know in another couple of months whether that is the case.

Anyway now I am fighting two different cancers and they still haven’t definitely ruled out whether I also have thyroid cancer.

I am healing from the op and not getting the bad pain I was – just a little bit uncomfortable and sore now so that’s great. The downside is that I have no energy – feel like I am running at only 50% capacity.

Well that’s my life for now – more hospital visits, more doctors. My oncologist laughingly asked me if there was any other department in the hospital I would like to visit as I have just about been to them all now. I replied that I wish I could be like a student and just take a gap year – it would be so lovely to not have to think about all of this for a while!

New Year catch-up

2011-01-02T16:32:00.001+13:00

Happy New Year everyone. I hope 2011 will be THE YEAR that we all enjoy good health, happiness and freedom from worry of any sort.

This post is going to be a mixture of information – things I have forgotten to post about recently and a further brief update on my health situation.

First catch-up is a couple of photos of my youngest grandson Tyler who took part in the musical production of Seussical – based of course on the Dr Seuss books. He was one of the Who’s but I didn’t see much of him on stage because he is so small he kept being hidden behind the larger kids. However, he enjoyed it and it was a great production.

Tyler walking down the red carpet. The whole cast.

Tyler with his certificate.

My dear friend Anne came over before Christmas with this scrumptious Christmas cake she had made for me. And yes, it tastes as great as it looks. Thanks from the bottom of my heart Anne.

Let’s get the never-ending health report over with now. I’m still very sore after the operation though it isn’t as painful as it was. Just yearning for a good night’s sleep without waking up because I have tried to lie on my side or tummy and it is hurting me. I do so hate sleeping on my back all the time!

My surgeon rang and had the results of the biopsy. Wait for it …. the tumour wasn’t the original fallopian/ovarian cancer nor was it the suspected thyroid cancer. No, it was something different again. It is (or hopefully was) plasmacytoma – a cancer that forms in the marrow of the bone. To say I was gob-smacked is an understatement so now have to go back to Oncology on the 12th January when no doubt they will have decided what to do with me next and will explain it further. In the meantime I am making some decisions myself as I have decided that past treatments of radiation added to the radiation that I think I received as a child in England has contributed to all these cancers. So I am going to do some investigating and will start by sending a request form I have for past records from the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. That is if they have kept these records from so long ago and can find them buried deep in their archives! I need some answers as the reason why all of this is happening to me is driving me crazy!

Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. In my next post I will share with you some of the lovely hand made Christmas cards I received.

Take care and drive safely.

The last of the Xmas Cards

2010-12-18T19:30:00.001+13:00

Just a short post this time and probably my final one for 2010. Think this is the final cards for Christmas 2011 (I hope!!!)

My very best wishes to everyone for a wonderful Christmas and happiness in 2011.

Home sweet home

2010-12-13T13:35:00.001+13:00

I’m home again recovering after the operation and six days in hospital. Still quite painful but apparently it all went well and I am happy to be home again. Not doing much more than pottering around but hope to do a bit of cardmaking later today if I don’t fall asleep again – think it’s the painkillers.

Isn’t this a cute little image found on nzgreetingcards.com? Hope to be able to post some Christmas cards for you to see in the next day or so.

Guess everyone is running around frantically preparing for Christmas – I am being spared that this year! I’m leaving it all to my daughters.

Thanks for all your get well wishes – so many thoughtful and kind people out there.

Out of action

2010-12-04T09:29:00.001+13:00

Just to let you all know I’ll be absent from the blogging world for a little while. I go into hospital next Monday to have part of my rib removed to get rid of the tumour. Hopefully I will only be in there for about 4 days and then recuperate at home. If I feel okay I could be back up here again in no time!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend.

PS: Have a few more Christmas cards to show you when I get back.

Such a neat day

2010-11-29T23:35:00.001+13:00

On Saturday my group of SU demonstrators – WOW PaperKrafters – had their Xmas party and fun day. And it was fun!! 6 of us did swaps from the new upcoming Summer mini – roll on December 1st – so first of all check these out:

Karen’s card: Sally’s card:

Sarah’s Pouch card:

Debbie’s card: Claire’s card:

My card:

We then started on our six projects – plenty of time and room to do them after watching the individual demonstrations. In between projects we then got to eat – everyone had brought something for the shared lunch/afternoon tea AND IT WAS ALL SO YUMMY! Then back to our projects – here are the ones I made:

Well this isn’t exactly the one that I made – this was the example card as the photo I took of mine didn’t turn out very well.

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Sorry to have made you all envious :) but it was a really great day so thanks to everyone who came and thanks to Debbie, Karen, Lesley, Sarah and Sally for the lovely projects we made.

PS: Getting a bit edgy and nervous as the appointment for my op hasn’t come yet so looks like it will be right on Christmas at this rate!

Just to confuse you

2010-11-14T20:43:00.001+13:00

Another health update … what a confusing week it has been. Firstly they line me up with three appointments for my thyroid operation (total thyroidectomy) – 23 Nov my pre-op appointment, 26 Nov an appointment with the voice clinic and 29 Nov for the actual operation.

That was on Tuesday, then on Friday the doctor from Oncology rang to say that they had been having meetings reviewing my case which they describe as ‘complex’ and have now decided that perhaps they should be operating on the rib first, not the thyroid. Note: Just to refresh everyone’s memory, they found that I have two areas where there are lesions, the thyroid and one of my ribs. At first they thought the rib lesion had metastasised from the thyroid but now from what I can gather, think that perhaps it is from my ovarian cancer.

They have set up an urgent appointment for me tomorrow morning to see a cardiothoracic surgeon at Auckland Hospital to discuss with me. They admitted they are confused as to what is going on with me – geez if they are confused what do they think I am!!!

As soon as I know more I will report back.

Also last week we went down country to my daughters and stayed Wednesday night so that we could go to my grandson Michael’s senior prizegiving. He achieved a certificate for Outstanding Effort AND …. First place for Automotive Engineering.

Way to go Mikey!! (Also thanks for grudgingly letting me take your photo).

La Luminaria

2010-11-08T17:10:00.001+13:00

These are so easy to make yet so effective. Just remember though don’t use a real tealight candle as you could end up with a major fire. I have used a battery operated tealight candle which changes colour and only costs $2 (naturally) from the Two Dollar shop.

Instructions:
* Take one A4 sheet of cardstock and cut in half vertically (lengthwise) then trim about 3/8” off the length of each piece.

* Score at 2-3/4” 5-1/2” 8-1/4” and 11”

* Decorate as required

* Use the ornament punch to punch out the shapes on each side.

* I then used my Big Shot and embossing folder and embossed on to a clear window sheet. Sand the raised part of the embossing slightly to give it an opaque look. On the top of the ornament shape I have used silver paper glittered to make it look like a light fitting and then placed the embossed piece behind.

* Finish decorating your luminaria then adhere the narrow strip to form a 4-sided open ended box.

* Turn on your battery operated tealight and place your luminaria over it .

Voila – a pretty decoration for the mantlepiece or table. Make a few of these to place around. You can also use different shapes other than the ornament if required.

Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial (my first!). Have fun.

Another Extravaganza

2010-11-08T16:02:00.001+13:00

I’m a bad blogger!!! Too much other stuff on my mind lately – mainly to do with hospitals and the lack of follow up! Anyway to cheer myself up on Saturday I went along to the Creative Inkers’ Auckland Christmas Extravaganza.

A lovely afternoon with some gorgeous projects:

Barbara Bicknell’s Embossed Ornament Card

The Ornament punch and matching Delightful Decorations stamp set are fabulous and make it so simple to put together a lovely card.

Oops I forgot to take a photo of the ornament tree decoration that went with this card.

Bundle of Gift Tags from Kelly Slattery & Sara Falconer

A great gift idea. So cute. I adore the Dasher stamp.

Bron Heslop & Kate Tobeck demonstrated these adorable little Christmas Milk Holders in a Carton.

A great idea for the Christmas table filled with little sweets or as a stocking filler.

This classy Christmas Cracker filled with sweets came from Jacque Pedersen and Dianne Millar. Won’t these impress the guests at your Christmas table.

And last, but definitely not least, this cute Christmas Owl Punch Art card demonstrated by Rachael Knight & Mandy Hunter. Just gorgeous!!!

How are all your Christmas preparations going?

Punch Potpourri

2010-10-20T14:05:00.001+13:00

The flowers on this card are from the Level 1 Hostess set – Punch Potpourri. So easy to use as you just stamp then punch out using the Boho Blossoms punch. Cute aren’t they?

I have used the Pear Pizzaz and Concord Crush cardstock and inks. I really love these two colours together. Think these are going to be used a lot in the future.

I have also used the new corner scallop punch. I am still trying to perfect making squares and rectangles using the corner and border scallop punches together. I did come across this tutorial which you may all find useful:

http://gretchenbarron.typepad.com/my_weblog/tutorial----scallop-trim-border-and-corner-punch----cutting-squares-and-rectangles/

Update:

I had a hospital visit yesterday to see the thyroid surgeon. He wants to proceed with the operation urgently (even with it being urgent could still be up to 6 weeks wait) and will be doing a total thyroidectomy. Once this is done and they have the lab results then a decision will be made as to what to do about the rib lesion. Just have to be patient although naturally, I’m not in a rush to be operated on again but would like to get it over and done with so that I can enjoy Christmas.

In the meantime have fun creating.

Hello and thanks

2010-10-17T17:31:00.001+13:00

A couple more cards I have just made – the first is a Hello card to cheer up a friend of my husband’s in Sydney who is in a rehabilitation unit after having suffered a stroke. As we are not really sure of his prognosis and condition, preferred a cheery hello rather than a more sombre get well card.

I have done the sponging on glossy white cardstock which I find easier to work with than the Whisper White. For some reason when using the WW I end up with very patchy colouring and if I sponge too much find the cardstock starts to rub off.

The second card is a thank you card I had to make in a hurry. That’s the joy of ‘wheeling’ – it is so quick and easy. You will notice that with these cards I have used a combination of current and old Stampin’ Up product. This is something I do if I am making for non-SU friends! I have so much retired stock that is still lovely so I have to use it! The wheel I have used is no longer available – it is Leaves a la Carte but doesn’t it go well with our new Sweetest Stem embosslit die – an exact match so it’s a shame that we can’t get the wheel anymore.

Hope you have all had a good weekend. Mine has been very quiet which has been good – lots of time to indulge myself with playing.

A Funky Forest and Elements of Style

2010-10-15T17:04:00.001+13:00

I got some more goodies that my courier man delivered to me from Stampin’ Up this week so naturally, I have had to try some of them out.

I already had Forest Friends stamp set and when I received my Funky Four set this week wondered how I could combine the two. The answer was there in front of me in the form of Karen’s swap card (see my previous post) so thought I would use that concept and this is what I came up with. I think it is rather cute – do you?

Another new set that I had been eyeing up and now have is the gorgeous Elements of Style & this is the card I made using it:

I still have some other stamp sets yet to be christened as well as the white shimmer paint, the Shimmery White cardstock not to mention the cardstock in the new colours that I haven’t really played around with yet. What else – there must have been more because I know it was a big boxful of ‘toys’ – oh yes, the new matching border and corner punches. Have to get to and make something using all these new things before the mini catty comes out otherwise I won’t be able to justify buying from it (and that would just not do!!)

Have an appointment at Auckland Hospital on Tuesday with the Thyroid surgeon (in the letter they call it the Otorhinolaryngology Department – now you try pronouncing that!!) Guess crunch day is looming closer.

On a happier note – woohoo Silver Ferns – fantastic win and you all fully deserve your gold medals. Talk about an adrenalin rush!!

Have a great weekend all.

Team Talent

2010-10-14T17:15:00.001+13:00

I know, I know it’s now Thursday and our team training was last Sunday – no excuses but as usual I’m all behind in my posting.

Sally invited us to have our team training in her new Stampin’Studio – Sally’s Stampin’ Studio, glad I don’t lisp! Well I think I must belong to the most talented group of stampers – check out these lovely swaps I received (the theme was Christmas):

First up is this lovely sidestep card from our fearless leader and upline Karen.

I love the Christmassy colours and the way this all fits together perfectly.

Very elegant card from Sally. Love that Pacific Point cardstock and once again the Delightful Decorations stamp is ideal for so many different types of projects.

Debbie always manages to come up with something really original as in this case where she has used the crimper just on the top portion of the card front.

Claire is limited in her Christmas stamps but still managed to come up with this lovely card. Looking forward to seeing what she will come up with when she has more stamps to chose from!

I think Christmas decorations are the theme this year as this card from Sarah shows. I really am starting to get into the festive spirit even if it is still 2 months away.

Did I tell you that I belong to a talented team of stampers – I did! Oh well, just telling you again.

We also made one of Rachael’s lovely scallop circle boxes – looky at this:

Have I missed anything – oh yes, my card that I swapped:

Glad I used a different theme to everyone else. SU’s extra-large bird punch is ideal on Christmas cards.

I would also like to take this opportunity of welcoming Lisa to our team. Check out Lisa’s blog, she is multi-talented and I am really looking forward to meeting her and seeing what wonderful SU creations she comes up with.

Thinking of you cards

2010-10-01T15:53:00.001+13:00

Well I had my oncology appointment on Wednesday – and saw a different oncology doctor this time. Good news first – my scan the other week doesn’t show up any new lesions, just the ones on my thyroid and rib which they found previously so this means that they are isolated cancers but still not clear whether they are from the ovarian cancer or whether this is thyroid cancer. Also my CA125 levels only went up very slightly this time so I’m glad that this has slowed down. The downside is that yes, I definitely have to get the thyroid removed and the pathology results of this will determine which type of cancer it is and will then enable the doctors to know whether they need to remove the rib as well or whether that can be treated with radioactive-iodine therapy. From what the doctor was saying, this op will probably happen fairly quickly (well as quick as it possibly can be in a public hospital).

Just have to be patient because, as he said, this is a complex case and they will just have to do one thing at a time because they can’t predict in advance what the next step will need to be. So I am just going to have to go along with everything and be patient.

At least it wasn’t the worse case scenario that I was dreading.

But look at these two gorgeous cards I have received recently from two very sweet and caring SU demonstrators. The one on the left is from Pauline and the one on the right is from Bron.

Thanks so much for these Pauline and Bron and for the lovely messages inside.

Receiving these prompted me to make a card for another lady who has been having an equally hard time lately so I sat down today and made this which I will post next time I’m out. For this card I used Lee Conrey’s Crimped Diamond technique (check it out on the Splitcoaststampers site) although I slightly altered mine. The cardstock and ink is in the new Cherry Cobbler colour (love it) and the stamp set is Vintage Vogue.

Thanks everyone not only for your love and support but also for letting me ramble on – it is nice though to be able to share my thoughts and feelings – much better than bottling them up!

Have a great weekend

Blown away!

2010-09-26T18:17:00.001+13:00

Not only have I been blown away literally with the terrible winds we have been experiencing lately, but I am always blown away with the support and well wishes from not only my friends and family, but from those lovely ladies I have got to know through the Stampin’ Up network. Thanks so much everyone for your understanding.

Now on to the latest cardmaking news. I was lucky enough to go to Debbie’s on Friday night and make these gorgeous cards using the cracked glass technique.

Had so much fun making these and chuffed at the way they turned out.

Now believe it or not but it took me 3 days to complete the following card. It’s for my son-in-law’s birthday – a fairly simple male card – but it just wouldn’t come together the way I wanted so I kept putting it to one side, then playing with it a bit more. Oh well, this will have to do and I don’t think it looks too bad.

Hope you all have a good week. I’m off to Oncology on Wednesday and am feeling very apprehensive about what they intend to do. Apart from anything else, I have all these dates (stamping related of course!!) on my calendar so hope I don’t get to miss out on too many of them.

And the waiting goes on ….

2010-09-21T17:38:00.001+12:00

and on, and on!! In case you are all wondering ‘what on earth is she going on about’ I am talking about my life with cancer. I haven’t mentioned it up here since I went to see the Thyroid clinic where I learned that I not only have the fallopian (ovarian) cancer but they now suspect I have thyroid cancer as well. They are basing this on the results of the PET scan I had in Wellington a few weeks ago which showed lesions on both the thyroid and the rib. I won’t go into all the details but I had another scan last week, I’ve got a blood test this week then an Oncology appointment next week. In the meantime I am waiting for an appointment to see the thyroid surgeon. This doesn’t solve the problem of where in the abdominal region the ovarian cancer has returned as my CA125 levels 3 weeks ago were nearly 200.

I cannot believe that I can be so unlucky as to have two different types of cancer at once. Keep hoping it’s all one big mistake.

Anyway I am keeping busy making cards, reading books – in fact, anything that keeps my mind occupied and not thinking about “the other”.

First off is a card I made for my daughter to give friends of hers who have just had a wee little baby girl. I have kept it very pink and feminine.

I made this using the round stamp from the Just Believe set. The colours are Marina Mist and Cajun Craze – first time I have used these new colours but they go beautifully together.

Love my embossing folders too – you will be seeing a lot more of these in the future.

I just made this one today for one of my blogging sisters in England who sadly has just lost her father.

Don’t like making sympathy cards – I am never quite sure whether what I am making is appropriate and of course, would much rather be making for a happier occasion.

Hope this weather improves soon, it is so depressing! Happy stamping all and take care.

Just believe

2010-09-17T15:56:00.001+12:00

First time I’ve used this stamp set and I’m loving it!!! Enough said – here’s the card.

Colours used for this are the lovely new Pear Pizazz – I think I will be using this a lot. With it I have used Rich Razzleberry – don’t they go well together.

I am still using up some of my retired supplies as you will tell by the ribbon but feel these are too lovely to abandon just because they are not in the new catalogue.

I think this new stamp set is going to be a winner!

Weather forecast is not good for this weekend, so a good excuse to stay indoors and stamp the weekend away! Have fun.

The good, the bad and the ugly!

2010-09-15T20:54:00.001+12:00

I’ve been playing with some of my new goodies with mixed results. Do you agree with my verdicts? Please excuse the poor quality photos as these were taken under artificial light.

1) THE GOOD:

I was very happy with the way this card turned out. Love that stamp set – gorgeous!

2) THE BAD

What can I say about this one except that I’m not too pleased with the way the colours went together – oh well, it’s all about trial and error!

3) THE UGLY!

Tried to use my colour coach with these new in-colours. This is one of their suggested colour combos but somehow it didn’t quite work for me. I don’t think it was the fault of the colour combo – just the way I put them together, so back to the drawing board!

Is this how you would rank them?

Our WOW team

2010-09-06T20:08:00.001+12:00

It was a week ago that we had our team training at Karen’s house and I should have shown you these gorgeous swap cards immediately after, but they are well worth waiting for.

From our team leader, Karen: Sally’s card:

Debbie’s card: Sarah’s card:

Lesley’s gorgeous box:

Aren’t they fabulous? I think this must be the ‘bestest’ SU team (oh boy, I’m going to get a bit of flak over this remark!!)

In case you have been wondering

As I haven’t updated you since the end of July when I found out that the PET scan showed two areas of concern – one in the thyroid and one in a rib bone, thought I should let you know where I am at. Well actually, nowhere different really. I had my ultra sound on my thyroid and have an appointment (at Greenlane Hospital) on Wednesday with the Thyroid Clinic so am wondering what they are going to say. I have had my biopsy on the rib but this was a disaster. Despite trying for nearly 2 hours they couldn’t get the needle into the bone to take a specimen, so all the pain and discomfort was for nothing. Also I will never believe them again when they say they are going to give me something that will make me sleepy and relaxed – I have never felt so wide awake and alert in my life!!

On my most recent visit to Oncology they now want another scan (next Monday at North Shore Hospital) and the report from the Thyroid Clinic before deciding what to do. They have suggested that they may operate and remove the rib bone if I am agreeable – am I? – not sure that I want another operation but then I want to stay alive a bit longer so I guess no contest. This would be followed up by either radiation or chemotherapy treatment.

Went to Auckland Hospital last week to have my portacath checked and have to go back there on the 23rd and then to Greenlane Oncology clinic on the 29th.

As you can see from the above, think I intimately know all the hospitals now.

Will report back after the 29th. They have to make a decision soon as my CA125 levels are rising more rapidly – they went up from 136 to 198 in 4 weeks (should be under 20).

Thanks to my WOW paperKrafters team and all my family and friends for their understanding and ongoing support. The above is the reason why I have decided to stop doing my classes and workshops – found it really hard to concentrate on organising with all this going round in my head also my energy levels are really low.

Card catch-up #2

2010-09-05T10:06:00.001+12:00

These cards were made by me leading up to the launch of the new catalogue and using the new stamp sets that I got at convention and regional training, also those stamp sets which, as a demonstrator, I was lucky enough to be able to pre-order.

Stamp set: Perfect Punches                                      Stamp set: Cute by the Inch
Embossing folder: Perfect Polka Dots                        Other: Leaves from Large Bird Punch, Pretties Kit
Stamp sets: Printed Petals and Perfect Punches                       Stamp set: Every Moment
Other: Sweetest Stem Embosslit Die                                         Other: Vintage Wallpaper Embossing Folder

Stamp set: Artistic Etchings                                                               Stamp set: Party this Way
Other: Newsprint DSP                                                                       Other: Eyelet Border Punch

The card using the Every Moment stamps was CASEd but for the life of me I can’t remember from where. It is a lovely card so thanks to the original creator.

Keep watching because I have some beautiful cards made by my team members coming in the next post.

Card Catch-up

2010-09-03T18:09:00.001+12:00

I promised I would have some cards up here for you to look at. This is my first post featuring some of the cards I couldn’t show you until the new catalogue came online because they featured some of the new product.

At last I can start posting them. I will start with the cards we made way back in May at the Sydney convention where we were lucky to be given 3 of the new stamp sets, also two cards we made at the Auckland Regional Training.

Stamp sets used: – check them out in the new catalogue (see link on right).

Every Moment (p.72)
Printed Petals (p.74)
Party this Way (p.35)

You will also notice a peek of the new colours in some of these cards. Yummy!!!

Watch this space … more cards to come.

Update on classes & workshops

2010-08-31T22:57:00.001+12:00

Due to health issues I will not for the foreseeable future be holding classes or conducting workshops. I apologise for this but would like to recommend that you contact one of my fellow team members who run excellent classes which I know you will enjoy. They are all located in West Auckland and if you visit their blog site you will find their upcoming classes listed there - alternatively don't hesitate to ring them. Details are:

Karen Rogers - Located in Henderson
Phone: 021 361 365
Website: http://www.karenstampz.co.nz/

Debbie Lamb - Located in West Harbour
Phone: 021 260 6680
Website: http://debstampinstyle.blogspot.com/

Sally Williams - Located in Massey
Phone: 021 725594
Website: http://sallystampingdelights.blogspot.com/

If you want to contact me re the above please don't hesitate:
Judy Beetson - Independent Stampin' Up Demonstrator
Phone: 838 7660 or 021 739 137
6 Braestar Court, Henderson
Email: beetson@xtra.co.nz

I will be continuing my blogging and actually have a number of cards to show you, so please keep visiting. It is only doing classes and workshops that I am dropping at present, but will continue as long as I can as a hobby demonstrator.

Now for the big countdown to tomorrow’s launch of the new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue – can’t wait to place my order!!!

You’re a STAR!

2010-08-13T14:41:00.001+12:00

I made this card for my 16 yr old grandson Sam who took part last week in the production of Spamalot (a Monty Python musical). I was so proud of him – he was a STAR!

He played the part of the dashing Sir Galahad. This is a photo of him singing the duet The Song that Goes Like This with Lady Guinevere. They both sang so beautifully. In fact the whole production was so professionally done you wouldn’t think that these were teenagers performing, they could have been taken for seasoned performers.

Bravo Sam – you fully deserved all the accolades.

Catching up

2010-08-11T14:57:00.001+12:00

Seem to have got behind in my blogging so will combine them on this post.

CIA (Christmas in August)
Last Saturday my Stampin’ Up group of demonstrators – WOW paperKRafters led by our fearless leader, Karen (aka Karensa slayer of the Alpha Mephistopheles!!) – held our annual Christmas in August event. Look at all the demos working hard.

Karen teaching her project – see here Lesley with her project.

Sally – see her blog here Debbie – check out her project here

This is a little box containing 4 note cards that I made for a door prize. This was won (together with a stamp set) by Elaine Mobberley – congratulations.

The afternoon was a great success despite the pouring rain.

ATCs – Artists Trading Cards
I took part along with some other demonstrators in an ATC swap. The theme was childhood. Check out my entry (top row on right) along with the cute and clever ATCs I received back.

Oops, somehow I seem to have got the same card up twice. Never mind!
Contributors are:
Top row L-R: Wendy Herbert, Vicky-Lee Mueller, Carol McCready, Me
Bottom row L-R: Kristine McNickle, Lisa Bullock, Deborah Ryan (I think!! – no name on back)

They are all so great aren’t they?

Circle Brayered card

I made this card using the Circle Scissors to create a mask which I then brayered and stamped. A very simple and yet effective card which was ideal for, in this case, a male birthday.

Well think I must be just about caught up now.

Have fun – wishing you inky fingers and lots of glitter!

A fond farewell

2010-08-01T21:48:00.001+12:00

Only one month to go before the launch of the new 2010-11 Stampin’ Up! Idea Book and Catalogue. EXCITING!!!!!!

However before we bid the current catalogue goodbye, we have been given a list of all those stamps and accessories that are retiring. YOU ONLY HAVE UNTIL 31 AUGUST TO ORDER BEFORE THEY ARE GONE FOR GOOD!

Here is the link to the RETIRING Stamps and Accessories - if last year is anything to go by things sell out very quickly (like in hours) - so do keep checking back here for an update of what is happening and what is sold out.

The page no. refers to the Idea Book & Catalogue, if you don't have your own copy the on-line catalogue can be viewed HERE.

Shipping costs are 5% or $9.95 minimum delivery to your house.
Free shipping on all orders over $200.

Remember GST rises are coming, they're only a small increase but we've already been told that paper worldwide is increasing in price and this will be reflected in the new Catalogue and there will also be a small increase in the punch price. You'll notice most of the punches that are on the retiring list, if they have an asterisk they're being reconfigured to the newer slimmer style punch, same as the extra large 2-step bird. As a minimum I'd stock up on Whisper White & any of your favourite colours that are staying.

So don’t delay and be disappointed.

The Week that Was …

2010-07-26T19:47:00.001+12:00

My life seems to be a mixed bag at the moment. Last Wednesday it was my oncology appointment at the hospital. I was feeling very apprehensive and nervous as to what they found when I had the PET scan in Wellington. Instead of finding another secondary tumour in the abdominal area where it was last time, and where this type of cancer normally appears but instead two hot spots were found – one in a rib bone and one in my thyroid. Won’t dwell anymore on this though until they know for sure what is happening. Now waiting for a biopsy on the rib and an ultra sound of my thyroid and perhaps even a biopsy there as well if they suspect it is needed. My CA125 levels meantime continue to rise – now 136.

Friday was a much nicer day. We met with some neighbours and ex-neighbours (we still all keep in touch) for lunch which also extended into afternoon tea!! Lots of talk and laughter.

Then Saturday night it was out for dinner (Nicky’s birthday). Really nice Indian restaurant (Chapati’s in Lincoln Road).

Sunday was my turn to help Sally man our table at the Craft Out West show. So, so busy but very successful. There were times when they were lining up to have a go with our makes and takes. These were mine here:

Mmm why is the second picture blurry? Couldn’t possibly be the photographer could it? lol

Go here to see Sally’s gorgeous butterfly make & takes - http://sallystampingdelights.blogspot.com/2010/07/flight-of-butterfly.html

Finding that I haven’t got the same energy levels as I had and by today was really tired so wasn’t impressed that I had to get up early to go and pick up some tubes from Labtests then be at the hospital by 9 am for them to take bloods via my portacath … and that didn’t go smoothly either! Then drop the 4 tubes back to the lab so that they can get the results to oncology.

Gee I’m glad I’m retired – don’t think I would have had the time to be ill if I was still working!

Anyway that’s my ‘week that was’. As I say a real mixture but yes, the good did outweigh the bad. Tomorrow I’m going to indulge in a well-earned sleep in.

Two daughters, two birthdays

2010-07-25T23:05:00.001+12:00

Both my daughters were born (2 years apart) in the same month with just 9 days between their birthdays. Kim’s was nine days ago and Nicky’s was today – so Happy Birthday to you both – love you.

Kim’s card was a slight variation on one I did last weekend for a class -

and for Nicky’s card I attempted to do something a bit shabby & chic -

Oh where did all those years go and what happened to my two sweet little girls!! (They’ll kill me for saying that) ……..

Embossed Hearts and Paper Bags

2010-07-19T15:03:00.001+12:00

I should have posted this yesterday but was a bit slow hence my friend Karen beat me to it! On Saturday I held an embossing class at my home. These are the projects we did.

Embossed Hearts card:
Supplies used: (all Stampin’ Up)
Stamp sets: Whimsical Words and
Always
Cardstock: Pretty in Pink & Ruby Red
Other:
Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder
Big Shot machine
Top Note die
White embossing powder
Black embossing powder
Versamark Ink
Corner rounder punch
Ribbon

Embossed Paper bag gift holder: (based on a project by Paula Dobson)

Supplies used: (all Stampin’ Up unless otherwise stated)
Cardstock: Soft Suede, So Saffron, Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Versamark, Chocolate Chip
Stamps: Upsy Daisy
Other: Kraft Paper Bag #3, Sticky Strip, Large Oval Punch, Suede Ribbon, Flower brad, Clear embossing powder (could also use clear embossing powder & Sparkling Diamonds mixed together).

If you want a class making these projects please get in touch and I will be happy to arrange one for you.

Scallop circle thanks

2010-07-11T12:50:00.001+12:00

Yesterday we had our Regional Training Conference here in Auckland. A really great day full of interesting and useful demonstrations, make and takes, lunch and lots of chatting with friends and acquaintances. Must say Stampin’ Up definitely know how to organise a well-run event. Thanks SU too for the stamp set we were all given – will share this with you nearer the release of the new 2010/2011 catalogue – can’t wait!!

I didn’t do swaps this time though I did make about 5 of this card using the new scallop circle die that came in my order last Thursday and gave these away. Really love this die and know I am going to find lots of uses for it. Also thought it was about time I gave my Fun & Fast Notes stamp set a christening. This set was part of my Demonstrator starter kit that I got when I signed up last February and up to now haven’t had the opportunity to use it but now that I have know that these cute 8 stamps are going to get a lot of use.

You could buy this versatile (and yes it’s fun) set cheaply – how? - do you know that you only have until the end of this month to save yourself 20% on the Demonstrator Starter Kit? Check out this fabulous opportunity out -

Starter Kit Special Offer:

All the supplies you need to get stamping at a fabulous price and no you don't have to become a demonstrator to partake in this fabulous offer!

From 21 May-31 July, get a 20 percent discount on the Starter Kit when you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator! Many demonstrators are hobby demonstrators who join up solely to get their product at a discounted price.

Description Regular Price Discount Price
Starter Kit $379.00 $299.00

This Starter Kit is great value - bought individually there is over $655 worth of product - how great is that!! Hopefully any questions you may have can be answered on this page HERE but I also love to chat so feel free to phone or email me for any questions you may have - 021-739 137 or beetson@xtra.co.nz

By joining the Stampin' Up! family you will get:

20% discount on all your purchases
A selection of versatile stamp sets (4) (your choices)
Regular Stampin' Around wheel + an ink cartridge
Stampin' Pads (5)
Blender Pens
Stampin' Scrub + Stampin' Mist
Snail
VersaMark Ink
Stampin' Pastels

When is the best time to join Stampin' Up! Now that our catalogue release has been moved to September, July is probably the best month to join. Why?

It's the start of a quarter, so there are no sales quotas to meet until the end of December.
You will get your FREE Demonstrator copy of the catalogue mailed straight to you in August.
The Retirement List and New Catalogue make it easy to meet your first quota
Christmas is just around the corner, which is the perfect time to hold classes and workshops for your friends
You'll get the new Summer Mini Catalogue mailed directly to you in October, and you'll be able to pre-order in November.
When it's time to meet your second quota, it will be Sale-a-Bration time!

REMEMBER - this offer is only open until the end of this month.

We have a winner …

2010-07-03T16:30:00.001+12:00

The winner of my draw (orders placed from Apr 1 to Jun 30) for a free stamp set (and a couple of other goodies) is:

Heather McCrory - congratulations Heather and I hope you have lots of fun with this.

I will be giving away another stamp set to be drawn September 30th so make sure you have placed plenty of orders before then. Each order placed goes in the draw, so the more orders, the more chances!! Good luck.

Two quick & easy cards

2010-07-03T16:24:00.001+12:00

These cards were so quick and easy to make – ideal for when you’re busy and need a card in a hurry.

The first one features the Medallion stamp – ideal as a feature on a card or as a background stamp. Here I have stamped it over some DSP (think this is a retired pattern). The second utilises punches – the oval punches from the main IBC and the lovely bird punch that can be found in the Autumn/Winter mini catalogue. Once again I have used the designer series paper for the background.

Come to my classes and learn how to make these for yourself. Go to the link on the right to find out days and times.

2-step stamping special for July

2010-07-03T13:05:00.001+12:00

The June weekly deals may be over but the fun goes on - look at all these lovely 2 step stamping sets that are 20% off in July even TWO from our latest mini - I'm not sure why Cheep Talk is on special as it's not a true 2 step stamping set but who cares! I’m really sad to see A Rose is a Rose going – I love it. So get in quick and buy this set before it goes. Also pleased to see Tiny Tags in this special offer – I’m definitely buying that and the punch that matches – Medium Jewellery Tag punch in the Autum/Winter mini.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
116386	39	Loads of Love	$46.95	$37.56
116342	42	Big Bold Birthday**	$63.95	$51.16
115860	78	A Rose is a Rose**	$77.95	$62.36
116332	86	Playful Petals**	$62.95	$50.36
115770	98	Cheep Talk	$56.95	$45.56
115946	115	Wonderful Favourites	$46.95	$37.56
119187	14*	Tiny Tags (wood-mount)	$45.95	$36.76
118592	14*	Tiny Tags (clear-mount)	$36.95	$29.56
119163	31*	Cottage Garden (wood-mount)	$38.95	$31.16
120003	31*	Cottage Garden (clear-mount)	$30.95	$24.76

*From 2010 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue

**Retiring stamp sets!

Remember you only have until the end of July to take advantage of these great prices. (Shipping costs apply $9.95 or 5% of order, whichever is the greater).

Is it … shabby, chic or vintage?

2010-06-25T17:06:00.001+12:00

I have just finished my two layouts from last Saturday/Sunday classes with Delys Cram. Have decided that this style does not come easily to me. I think I am more of the balanced and precise school of scrapbooking (think this comes through in my cards as well). I love seeing layouts and cards like this but when it comes time for me to use this style something in me says no, you can’t do that it is scruffy and undisciplined! Perhaps I just need more practice and as teenagers would say - ‘loosen up’. What do you think?

PS: On the health front – went to Oncology on Wednesday and they have now set up an appointment for me on the 6th July to fly down to Wellington for a PET/CT scan. Really not looking forward to this as I know what is involved having had one previously when they sent me to Melbourne. Hoped I wouldn’t have to do this again! Depending on what they find they will then give me options as to what they can or can’t do. Surgery is the main option at the moment (this would be the 7th op in as many years) but I am not making any decisions on this as I need to know what sort of surgery. I am very, very reluctant to have a repeat of the last op, particularly if it involves having to have another ileostomy bag. Don’t think I could handle that again.

Anyway, I’d better not jump the gun – just wait and see what eventuates after this scan. You would think it would get easier each time, but I find it is harder to accept and deal with.

Anyway, still lots to look forward to – Regional Seminar on the 10th July so hope to see some of you there.

Deals for June - Week 4

2010-06-23T23:40:00.001+12:00

We girls like a bit of sparkle and bling, don't we? More importantly, we like to put it on our cards and scrapbook pages - makes just the right finishing touch. Check out this final week of June specials and stock up while you can.

The page number refers to the Idea Book & Catalogue, if you don't have your own copy the online catalogue can be viewed HERE.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
109113	149	Square Ice Rhinestone brads	$23.50	$14.10
109111	149	Circle Ice Rhinestone brads	$23.50	$14.10
109112	149	Square Fire Rhinestone brads	$23.50	$14.10
111848	150	Bashful Blue 1" double-stitched grosgrain ribbon	$23.50	$12.93
109050	151	Certainly Celery 5/8" grosgrain ribbon	$17.95	$10.77

You will need to place your order with me before 10 pm Monday 28th June. Shipping costs are 5% if you're happy to pick up from my place - otherwise 5% or $9.95 minimum delivery to your house.

Mark the date
Christmas in August - CIA is back
When: Saturday August 7th 1-5pm
Where: West Harbour (NOTE this is a different location to the norm).
4 projects, 50 ladies, afternoon tea, handout & door prizes all for only $35 - plus any orders over $50 on the day receive a $10 credit to spend. Please note your place is only reserved when payment is received in full. This event is starting to fill up already so don't forget to reserve your spot.

Play Day

2010-06-21T19:38:00.001+12:00

On Saturday all demonstrators belonging to Jacque Pedersen’s “Creative Inkers” extended group (downlines of downlines of downlines etc!!!) had a really great “play day”. Thanks to Jacque for organising this, Paula for showing us how to make really stunning sponged cards, Julia for reminding us of all the neat tricks we learned from Shelli at convention, Joanne for showing us how to “Dress for Success” and keeping us in fits of laughter, and last but not least, Delys for showing us how to create memorable eye-catching scrapbook pages.

This is one of the sponging cards we made. Well it’s not actually a card, but a bag designed by Paula. It’s so effective – really striking.

Congratulations to all those demonstrators who received flowers, recognition and in some cases a cash reward for all their hard work. These were awards given out by Jacque and I think we should all recognise the hard work that she puts in too.

A small group of those of us that are lucky to be downlines of Karen (the WOW PaperKRafters) gathered at her place on Sunday morning for breakfast - yummy blueberry pancakes!! We were then given a hands-on scrapbooking session with Delys before she headed off home again. There’s no limit to the way you can use Stampin’ Up products to create fantastic layouts. Thanks Delys for all the inspiration – my enthusiasm for scrapbooking has been revived. (I will post my pages here when I finish them – I never seem to finish anything in classes these days, must be old-age!!)

Hearts and flowers

2010-06-21T17:23:00.001+12:00

I’m probably like a lot of you – have to buy all those wonderful new stamp sets but somehow never have time to use them all. Well I have decided to remedy that and try to make a card at least every other day using stamps I haven’t used at all or haven’t used more than once. Two cards I have made over the last couple of days feature the Cottage Garden, Always and Heard from the Heart stamp sets.

I do love that Top Note die – it is so versatile and as a background really shows off the hearts beautifully.

Deals for June - Week 3

2010-06-16T15:53:00.001+12:00

What a fantastic deal we have this week. Just check out these stamp sets - up to 50% off the normal retail price.

The page number refers to the Idea Book & Catalogue, if you don't have your own copy the online catalogue can be viewed HERE.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
114263	34	A Happy Heart stamp set	$49.95	$24.98
115792	57	Greetings Eight stamp set	$58.95	$29.48
116330	78	Bella’s Bloom stamp set	$28.95	$17.37
113009	97	Enjoy Every Moment stamp set	$62.95	$31.48
114283	105	All Scallops stamp set	$66.95	$33.48

You will need to place your order with me before 10 pm Sunday 20th June. Shipping costs are 5% if you're happy to pick up from my place - otherwise 5% or $9.95 minimum delivery to your house.

Don't forget to check back here next Wednesday for the deals for Week 4. Happy stamping everyone.

No excuses …

2010-06-12T22:30:00.001+12:00

No I haven’t really got any excuses for not finishing off my convention posts. I haven’t even taken the photos of all the lovely swaps I received. Perhaps I should just redirect you to Karen’s site – she is more on the ball than me, hee hee!!

Now this is a workshop I held 9 days ago – see I’m not to be relied on for my prompt postings!

This is the box I did as a demonstration. I wrapped some bath bombs in cellophane, tied with a bow and put inside. I gave this box to the hostess. I used the lovely Baja Breeze cardstock which I am really glad is going to be one of our new colours.

I made the flower by punching out the DSP twice with the round scallop punch, then cutting in between each scallop to make a petal. I then used my paper? to break down the fibres so that each leaf curled slightly. I then used the five petal flower punch to punch out the centre flower using the contrasting DSP colour. I finished it off with one of the lovely flower brads.

Below are the 2 different orientations of the make and take. They had a choice as to which orientation they wished to make. The credit for this design has to go to Anabel Welch as it is one she did quite a long time ago but I thought it was such a nice simple little card for a workshop and also introduced them to the double stamping and the two square punches.

Deal of the Month – Week 2

2010-06-09T12:11:00.001+12:00

One of my favourite items are the beautiful designer series papers (double sided). I can’t resist buying these even though it is going to take me forever to use them up. Now you can buy some of these beautiful designs for a very special price – check these out.

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
112470	132	Haiku Designer Series paper	$19.95	$11.97
113976	132	Pink Flamingo Designer Series paper	$19.95	$12.97
113992	133	Tea Party Designer Series paper	$19.95	$11.97
113975	133	Raspberry Tart Designer Series paper	$19.95	$12.97
114037	133	Sweet Slumber Specialty Designer Series paper	$27.95	$18.17

The second deals of the month are from 9 June through to 15 June but to make sure your order is placed in time I will need to receive it before 10 am on the 15th June.

Check these gorgeous papers out on my Stampin’ Up site - http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/judy_beetson/catalogs or if you would like to own your own catalogue, please contact me.

1st deal of the month

2010-06-01T11:28:00.001+12:00

This week’s deals:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
112081	152	Scallop Square punch	$35.95	$23.37
109183	153	Trio Flower punch	$35.95	$23.37
110711	153	Boho Blossoms punch	$35.95	$23.37
114889	n/a*	Scallop Oval punch	$35.95	$23.37

*From Carryover flyer

This deal only runs for 1 week and orders must be placed with me before midday on the 8 June. Great prices so don’t miss out – this is an over 35% reduction.

I will be posting Deal #2 next Tuesday so keep watching.

Matching butterfly box and card

2010-05-30T12:45:00.001+12:00

Had a class yesterday with 3 people – nice and relaxed. They are all new to cardmaking so tried to give them something nice and simple to make – a matching gift box and card.

Not particularly good photos I’m afraid and I am still not sure about the colours – they’re so not me! However I hope that Pam, Christine and Stephanie liked them.

Convention 2010 – Day 1, part 2

2010-05-26T20:03:00.001+12:00

Did I tell you that I not only spoke to THE Shelli Gardner, founder and CEO of Stampin’ Up! but I also had my photo taken with her – check this out – that’s me on the left, Shelli then my upline, Karen on the right. Sorry that the photo is a bit blurry but at least I’ve got one!!

Then I also got to speak to and also another photo shoot with the absolutely adorable Bonnie Thurber (you can see her on YouTube). Poor Bonnie had lost her voice and had to give her presentation by whispering into the microphone but despite that it was a big hit and she had everyone in fits of laughter. Yuk I look ghastly in that photo!

The day went so fast and it’s still mainly a blur!

That night (Friday) we met up with other NZ demos and some of the SU people for dinner and drinks and were lucky to have timed it on the first night of the Jazz Festival which was kicked off with a big fireworks display.

Haven’t taken photos of the swaps I received as yet but will do so – may take me a few days. In the meantime watch out for my post detailing the events of Day 2.

Convention 2010 – Day 1, part 1

2010-05-24T17:11:00.001+12:00

So much to share I don’t know where to start! After 2 days here in Sydney exploring, eating, retail therapy, eating, meeting up with other demos, eating – you get the picture – eating was a big part of it – we finally came to the exciting part – first day of convention. Arrived at the Sydney Convention centre along with approx 480 other demos at the (for me) ungodly hour of 7:00 am to register. Received our convention badges plus a large bag (you can see a couple in the pictures below) with 2 new stamp sets, a cap, IB&C and mini catalogues, orientation leaflets etc. etc.

Then the mad rush into Memento Hall for some more retail therapy. I was very good – only bought the card tree, a gorgeous cardigan, a few packs of pens, and a shopping bag.

After this it was swap time – here are the two swaps I made for convention:

I have brought back with me some gorgeous projects which I still need to sort and photograph so that I can show them to you. So keep checking back for this.

Then it was time for Shelli Gardner (such a genuinely friendly lady) to conduct the opening session , followed by lunch served in these nifty individual containers.

After lunch we broke up into our groups and attended classes – gee the SU staff are fantastic. Think I spent the whole day in a dream, not believing that I was actually at a SU Convention!!

This is the team I belong to – the WOW Paperkrafters. It’s slightly confusing because I am also with the Creative Inkers. This is how it works – Karen (2nd on left) is my upline, and her upline is Jacque Pedersen whose team is the Creative Inkers – this means that by way of progression I belong to both teams. Anyway let me introduce them to you. From left to right: Donna, Karen, Debbie, Sally and little ole me (the granny of the group!) Note our matching Creative Inkers shirts.

Well that fills you in on our first day though to be honest I can’t relay to you the buzz and excitement – you will all just have to become demonstrators and go to the next convention which is being held in Melbourne next May and experience that for yourselves!

Just a quick post

2010-05-18T13:05:00.001+12:00

This is just so you know I haven’t disappeared! Thought I would show you a couple of cards I have done recently. This is a reflection card. We did one at Karen’s class a couple of weeks ago which I mucked up!!! Decided I would have another attempt but as I didn’t have the same stamp set we used previously, brought out my well-loved Lovely as a Tree set.

Another card we did at Karen’s recently was the cracked glass technique card (below left). Really liked it so decided to do another one (below right) this time using the current Autumn/Winter mini Level 2 Hostess set Asian Artistry. Really pleased how this turned out too.

Well, just one more sleep and I’m off to Sydney and the SU convention. When I return I will show you the 2 cards I made as swaps and hopefully will have lots of photos to show you including all the swaps I return with. So exciting!

I know I didn’t enlighten you as to how I fared at my oncology appointment last week. They are getting a more senior radiographer to look at my scan as they haven’t managed to find where the tumour is and are hoping she can find it. They are also exploring a couple of different treatments and testing them with my tissue specimens to see how they react. I go back in about 3 weeks time when they should have all their findings (hopefully!). All very confusing - in the meantime I’m going to have fun in Sydney! Hope you are all having a fun time too!

Sandy’s Bloomin’ with Beauty!

2010-05-14T16:42:00.001+12:00

Our friend Sandra’s birthday card using the gorgeous Bloomin’ with Beauty stamp. I always enjoy colouring this one up and of course, you have to apply some Sparkling Diamonds to make it really glitter. I have also used the Top Note die with my Big Shot and used the Perfect Polka Dots embossing folder.

Happy Birthday Sandy.

Funny how things work out …

2010-05-11T19:07:00.001+12:00

I had a workshop organised at my house at 11am today for a couple of people. Here’s the timeline:

8 am – Only one attending now

8.30 am – Remaining prospect rings and cancels due to circumstances beyond her control. Oh well, nice quiet day for me.

10:10 am – Phone rings – is it too late to accept invitation for workshop. Goodness no, says I but it will be just you at the workshop. No, says the caller, I would like to bring 2 friends.

Panic stations – rush around re-preparing and laying out.

11 am – My 3 guests arrive. Thanks Alicia, Reannon and Laura for making this such an enjoyable workshop. I loved your enthusiasm and originality.

No sales on the day, but do have one workshop booking so looking forward to that.

Now I just hope tomorrow is full of pleasant surprises for me too. I have an oncology appointment at Greenlane Hospital. On my last visit I was told my tumour marker levels had doubled so have since had to have another scan and will get the results tomorrow. They were talking about more chemo, etc. but hopefully a miracle has happened and my levels have decreased instead of increased – will let you know.

Mother’s Day 2010

2010-05-10T17:11:00.001+12:00

Went to Nicky & Paul’s for my Mother’s Day dinner which was cooked by Sam (16). He is a real fan of Jamie Oliver and used his recipes for this dinner. Just lookee at this gorgeous Guinness & Hotpot Pie that we had for our main course.

That’s Sam’s back! And that’s hubby getting tucked in – it was really tasty and one of the nicest meals I’ve had in a long time! This was followed by a Fruit Crumble – also made by Sam.

Nicky & Tyler (10) made me cards and they picked me this lovely bunch of flowers from their garden. In the blue envelope is …. Aussie dollars for me to spend in Sydney – yahoo!!

Close-ups of the 2 cards – Tyler’s says “Happy Birthday Nan” and inside are portraits of each person in our family! Didn’t Nicky do well – says she’s not good at making cards – ha ha!! She’s a natural and as you can see I have been converting her to SU products.

Hope you all had as a nice a Mother’s Day as me.

May Classes and Workshops

2010-05-05T00:05:00.001+12:00

I will be holding during May one cardmaking introductory workshop, a cardmaking class and another scrapbooking class. Please click on the link on the right to find out when these are being held.

Do hope you are able to attend as I have some fun projects planned for you.

I have just won an award!

2010-05-03T15:17:00.001+12:00

My Stampin’ Up upline, Karen, a very lovely and extremely dedicated, talented and sharing person has awarded me The Sunshine Award. Thanks Karen and please do all go to her site which is crammed full of gorgeous projects and helpful information.

The "rules" for the award are:
1. Put the Sunshine Award on your blog and/or within your post.
2. Pass the Award to other bloggers.
3. Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let them know they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

I would like to nominate the following whose blogs always inspire me. None of these ladies are from New Zealand and they probably have never heard of me – I am just a ‘lurker’ on their blogs!

Stamp-a-Memory (Scrapbooking with Stampin’Up!
Kerin Sylvester – Stamps, Paper, Glitter
Mary Fish – Stampin’ Pretty

Do click on their names to go to their blogs and say hi.

Thanks again Karen for the honour.

Scrapbooking class by ME!

2010-04-25T17:21:00.001+12:00

Last Wednesday I held my very first scrapbooking class. A little bit chaotic, but I have learnt heaps from it and hopefully the next one will run much smoother. All in all though felt it was a big success though the proof will be by how many come back next time!

We used the Simply Scrappin’ Petal Party kit to make a 12x12 layout. This was my suggested layout (cased from somewhere??).

I also put out quite a few other bits and pieces for them to use, as well as a variety of punches but now feel that I gave them too much choice considering that most of them were new to scrapbooking and could probably have felt more comfortable with just a few materials to work with. Next time I will set a specific project for them and give them individual kits ready to make up with their own photos (will let them know beforehand what the theme will be).

I had also done four vintage type layouts on 6x6 cardstock (I used the 12x12 Kraft cut into four) as I am starting to put together an album using old family photos. Was really pleased with how these turned out so must finish doing more for this album.

Now isn’t that little toddler above (left) with her parents a gorgeous chubby cheeks? Hee hee it’s me. Oh I absolutely adore old photos, they are so fascinating.