Paper, Scissors, Cardstock...

Huge Changes.....

2011-11-07T09:46:00.000+13:00

...Yes, my Etsy store has undergone huge changes. I have swapped my traditional card making to digital media. I am really enjoying designing digital papers for all your scrapping and paper crafting needs. All because I couldn't find a paper I exactly wanted. Soooo I taught myself to use photoshop. I still have lots to learn, but life is one great big learning curve, right? The possibilities are just mindblowingly endless!! Here are a couple of samples to get your taste buds going.

First one is called Traditional Christmas, all papers are printable, are 12x12 inch and at 300dpi.

Winter Wonderland, just love these colours together.

So what do you think? Do they pass? You can check out the rest of my growing collections in my Etsy Store ---> HERE

Have a great week.

WOW....

2011-10-24T12:47:00.000+13:00

...What-a-weekend!!! The All Blacks have broken their 24 year drought, with a nail biting, edge of your seat game last night. 8 points to 7, with Stephen Donald kicking the winning penalty.

Photo Credit

The whole country has been behind the All Blacks from the beginning, and it all came down to one point. Eden Park was full to capacity with 61,000 fans!!
Well Done boys, you have done the country proud.

Make it Monday #35

2011-10-10T11:16:00.000+13:00

I am fast running out of time for this one this week. But I have got it done finally!! The challenge was for custom made Washi Tape. When I saw Nichole's tutorial on this, I thought about all the possibilities using this technique. WOW!!

This is what I came up with, simple and stylish, one piece of card stock and four different stamped pieces of washsi tape. That's it!!.

Halloween Inspiration....

2011-10-09T11:57:00.000+13:00

....in New Zealand we don't celebrate Halloween to the same extent as some other countries. I know it is a big deal in the States, and celebrated with great enthusiasm. But I do just love the colour combo of Halloween. So here is a little project the I have made using those colours.

The paper is a digital download from ---> This Etsy store. A Witch's shoe, an old idea, but fitting I thought for the the occasion. The flower is made from some lilac ribbon I have and I have stitched down one side with a long stitch then pulled one end round to meet the other. Finishing it of with an orange button from PaperTrey Ink.

Ryder Family Christmas...

2011-10-04T13:55:00.001+13:00

....cards...yep, I have completed the Ryder Family Christmas card this year. I have gone for non-traditional Christmas colours. I have also used a combination of PTI stamps and dies. I have thought outside the square and used the Sweet As Can Be ice-cream cone up-side-down to create the Christmas trees.

The sentiment is from Mega Mixed Messages, a stamp set I refer to on a regular basis.

The paper is Funky Town, also by Papertrey Ink, I have also used Twinkle as the background pattern on the trees.

A Weekend of Sport...

2011-10-03T09:34:00.001+13:00

....shock horror...our star first five is out of the rest of the tournament. Dan Carter pulled up with a groin injury while preparing for the last pool match against Canada in the RWC 2011. He was doing some kicking practise during a captains run training session. We feel for Dan Carter and wish him well in his recovery. To the rest of the AB's, do it for Dan. You deserve the win and I'm sure there is a huge weight on your shoulders.
To the rest of the weekend sport. The Warriors....the mighty Vodaphone Warriors, our hearts sink for you, but you have done the country proud, even making it to the grand final.
We registered Jaden at the Rolleston Rugby Club touch rugby team, and more shock horror!!! I am also giving it ago, yes in the SENIORS!!!, the over 35's, O dear. To top it all off, I have found grey hair within my mop. I do really begin to feel old now.
Have a great week, I will be back with some more creations in due course. Quarter finals for the World Cup start this coming weekend. Go the All Blacks!!

Make it Monday #34

2011-09-30T11:45:00.000+13:00

I have used this technique before, and just love the look it creates. Who needs manufactured chipboard, when you can make your own? I am fairly frugal when it comes to my crafting and if I can't use something that I have spent a good amount of money on, more than once, I don't bother.

So on to my creation. I have created 2 different thicknesses of chipboard accents on this card. The butterfly is a punch, and I cut it out of a cracker biscuit box 6 times. The centre accent has been cut out of the same card three times.

Each has then been covered with the same punch and dies from PTI patterned paper, and cardstock.
Have a great weekend and thanks for looking.

PaperTrey Ink September Blog Hop

2011-09-26T13:42:00.001+13:00

As I mentioned in my last post, now that we are settled in our new home, I can get back into my paper crafting.

(Photo Credit)

Here is the inspiration that Nicole Heady has set for us. I decided to take the inspiration....well....literally.

Glitter and double sided glitter tape immediately sprung to mind for this one. Made more effective by running the stripes both horizontally and vertically. A simple but effective design, with and hint (OK a lot) of sparkle.

MIM over at Paper Trey Ink

2011-09-21T11:06:00.001+12:00

I have begun to pick up my card making again, and I have kicked it off with the MIM challenge over at PTI. Lisa Johnson shows us how to create frosted images, so here is my take on the technique;

I have used a combination of Turning a New Leaf and Modern Basics, I have created this card on a white background and added a black spotted ribbon, to finish it off.
Thanks for looking

I'm Back....

2011-09-09T10:58:00.000+12:00

...online with my Etsy Store. Go check it out now on ---->This Link I have my favourite items for sale at great prices. You won't be disappointed!! I will also be getting back into blogging more often again now that we are settled into our new home, and I have all my craft supplies at my finger tips again too. So keep an eye out here for some more of my creations. Have a great weekend:)

Home, Sweet, Home

2011-08-29T14:31:00.000+12:00

As promised, photos of our new home.

No gardens yet, we have a blank canvas to work with though. But it is a lovely sunny, warm homely home. And we love it. Neutral colour throughout, so I am bringing in a splash of red through the kitchen/lounge and family areas.

A couple of photos of the second snow dump in the area. Christchurch was completely shut down for 3 days. 12 inches of snow. The kids loved it, 3 days off school and play in the snow. The bottom photo is looking across the street.

10 days until Rugby World Cup...Hmm....can the All Blacks do it this time?

Unpacked and Settled...

2011-08-07T20:45:00.000+12:00

....well almost. We are finally in our new home in Rolleston. My craft supplies are not as yet, and I am still unsure when they will be. But I am looing forward to getting them out again once I have everyone else in the Ryder family sorted!! I will have some photos of our new home in time, but only after the last of the moving boxes have long gone. The kids start at their new school tomorrow and I think that they are looking forward to that. A new chapter in our lives, like us they will need to forge new friendships without forgetting the old ones. Both have gone to bed with their uniforms all neatly layed out on the beds. We will see how long that will last!! Not long I imagine.
Hello to all our friends back 'home' in Nelson, hope you are all well. We will make sure that we will write soon to let you all know what we are up to.
Nite, nite

All Packed up....

2011-05-30T12:50:00.000+12:00

...with so much on my plate at the moment, I have packed up all my craft supplies ready for the move South. It is the first box completely packed up. I really don't know where to start. I have spent a good amount of time tidying, cleaning, condensing, and throwing out stuff. Just random stuff, and I have been brutal with what has gone out. My oven is clean, and gardens tidy for the open homes that we have each weekend. Weekends just fly by and before we know it, it is Monday again. Saturday sees us all standing on the sidelines of the rugby field, and Sunday we have an open home. I am just completely over the whole process and just want it over with. I am ready for a new stage in life, as is the rest of the family. I am still in the process of winding up the business too, so there is plenty to do.

Long Time, No Hear....

2011-04-22T15:30:00.000+12:00

....I know, but I have a very good excuse. As you may remember, a couple of months ago my family had some wonderful opportunities to consider. Well....I can finally reveal that we are having a complete change of pace in life. After many months and lots of work, Phil and I have sold our business, and we are all on the move to a new city. Phil has a job with the parent company we work with at the moment in Christchurch. Christchurch!!! I hear you say. With all that shaking going on!! Well we are settling well away from the mad chaos in the centre and east of the city. Instead choosing to settle on the south west in Rolleston. It has a lovely semi-rural feel, something we are quite used to being on an 8 acre property. So now the real work begins, packing, packing and more packing. New schools, new house, new city, new life. We have been working on it for months and we now have some light at the end of the tunnel. Phil is due to start his new job in mid May, and I will stay here in Nelson until the property sells. We have been to Christchurch for a few days looking at new homes, and some of them are lovely. As a result my crafting has suffered, so therefore my blogging has suffered. I am doing the best I can, but please understand that it is a busy time for us all. I have a business to wind up, and a house to sell and pack. But we hope to be settled as soon as possible.
Hope you are enjoying your Easter Break whatever you are all doing.

Simple Creations.....

2011-04-08T14:21:00.000+12:00

....using PTI goodness. I will be posting all these creations into my Etsy Store just as soon as I have finished updating the bloggo.

This first card has been inspired by the very talented Dawn McVey.

I just love the colour combos she uses, and I refer to them on a regular basis when I am stuck for inspiration.

Using the Polka Dot Basics Background stamp. I created this colourful baby boy card. A simple design based on the first card, just using squares instead of circles. I have heat embossed the 1.5"squares with clear embossing powder.

Simply Stamped is right, using this stamp set designed by Maile Belles. Her debut stamp set for PTI, Modern Basics is just that.

I have used Modern Basics stamp set, and Fillable Frames #1 to create this triple opening card.

What Does it Mean to be.....

2011-04-07T09:56:00.001+12:00

....American

As the world waits for the Rugby World Cup, Lil Ole Nelson is hosting some international teams. The Russians, Italians, Australians and the good old US of A. Richmond (a small suburb of Nelson) is base camp for the US team, and in their honour they are holding a 3 day gala of all things American. Three days of festivities including baton twirling, bands, burgers, classic American cars, games and 'tailgating' (a car boot picnic so I am told)
I would love to hear from my US readers, what will make the ('their') team feel at home? NZ is right behind the Rugby World Cup and as a country we need to make our guests feel welcome, from which ever country they come from.

Apologies.....

2011-03-30T19:42:00.000+13:00

.....for my absence in the last week, but I have been very busy with stocktaking for our business. It is the end of another financial year for us, so we have lots to do. I have managed to make one solitary card this time which has been added to my Etsy store.

The entire background of this card has been hand stamped. I get an idea into my head, and just have to drop what I am doing to put in all down. I just love the colour combo in this card.

My other passion is photography and I caught this photo the other morning at about 7am. A beautiful sunrise. Just perfect, I was making school lunches when I looked out the window at this.

Kia Kaha.....

2011-03-18T19:18:00.000+13:00

Christchurch.
Today was declared a national memorial day by Prime Minister John Key for those affected by the Christchurch earthquake on February 22 2011.

Having Such A....

2011-03-13T15:51:00.001+13:00

....wonderful time playing with all my Paper Trey goodness, I spent the day yesterday in my craftroom creating away on a set of cards. Such a beautiful rainbow of colour.

All so uniform, but all so different in their own way.

The set is currently up in my Etsy store with this delightful little number.
Products that I have used are; Bazzill Basics card stock, PTI stamps from Background Basics-Spots, Mat Stack #4 and Mega Mixed Messages. Plus the die from Beautiful Blooms II and Mat Stack #4. Buttons from PTI, embroidery thread, organza sheer dot ribbon, bakers twine, and felt that I purchased from Etsy.

And this.....again I have used PTI stamps from Background Basics-spots, Mat Stack #4 and Mega Mixed Messages. The PTI Mat Stack #4 die, Retro Flower punch, PTI button, Bazzill Basics card stock, Stampin UP! tab punch to create the scalloped edge.

This one I made the banner pennants using the smallest Nestibilities round die, and stamped the with PTI Bitty Background Blocks, and Fresh Alphabet stamps also from PTI. Bazzill Basics card stock, Stampin UP! tab punch, ribbon, and an old Inque Boutique stamp set to stamp 'Birthday'.

On a different note, does anyone out there know how to centre the Cutest Blog on the Block banners on Blogspot? My banner really, really annoys me way over to the left, and I would like to fix it up. Any help would be appreciated.
Have a great week.

PaperTrey Goodness....

2011-03-06T21:17:00.002+13:00

My order from Paper Trey Ink from the February release arrived last week, and I have had a marvelous time in my craft room having a play.

In my parcel was:
7 stamp sets;
Bitty Background Blocks
Button Boutique
Flower Fusion #1
Think Big Favourites
Mat Stack 4 Collection
Fresh Alphabet (which I don't have any of)
Polka Dot Basics background stamp
Dies to match;
Button Boutique
Flower Fusion
Mat Stack 4 Collection
And 3 packets of button goodness including 2 new colours

So here are my creations:

Using Bitty Background Blocks, Think Big Favourites, plus the dies from Mat Stack 4 Collection and Button Boutique. I was able to whip up this little card, and it is so simple when everything matches

NEXT....

This one using Polka Dot Basics, Flower Fusion, plus the dies from Mat Stack 4 Collection and Flower Fusion #1
AND.....

Stamps from Flower Fusion #1 as well as matching die.

PLUS....

Using stamps from Mat Stack 4 Collection, as well as the matching die, and the die from Flower Fusion.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST....

Stamps from Button Boutique, Bitty Background Blocks, as well as the matching dies from Button Boutique. I have created a patchwork design on the base of the card.
All these cards could be yours as the will be uploaded to my Etsy Store.

More Cards....

2011-03-03T09:00:00.002+13:00

...up in my Etsy Store. I have been busy creating more stock for my Store. Here are just two of the cards that I have listed.

I like the uncluttered simple style, both these cards are simply stamped card stock.

The Nation Mourns....

2011-03-01T13:06:00.000+13:00

....we have just observed 2 minutes silence for the unfortunate victims of the Christchurch earthquake. At 12:51pm last Tuesday, Christchurch was rocked by another earthquake. At magnitude 6.3 on the Richter scale, it has so far claimed the lives of 154 people. I just sat inside watching images of services from around the country including Civil Defence Headquarters in Christchurch. I didn't know or don't know anyone that is missing or deceased, but I just wanted to cry, but the tears would not flow. The huge recovery is still an ongoing task, as is the task of trying to restore some normality. Christchurch will rise from this, and we will all learn from this. The whole country and the world is behind you. Kia Kaha Christchurch.

Post #2.....

2011-02-26T16:42:00.000+13:00

....today. It is PTI Blog hop time again, and the challenge was to use scallops.

Here is what Nichole had to say;

This month we decided to dedicate the Blog Hop to scallops! We want to see your best use of scallops, of any sort, on a project! This can include scalloped borders, offset-scallops, stamped scallops, scalloped mats, scalloped frames, layered scallops, scalloped tags or anything else you can dream up! You can use dies, patterned scissors or even circle punches in a row to achieve your special look. We are looking forward to seeing all of your amazing creations!

I don't have a lot of Male cards, so used the opportunity to do just that. I know this is rushed, but I wanted to participate, and I am running out of time to post my entry.

Crafting with a Purpose....

2011-02-26T15:24:00.000+13:00

.....remember --->THIS post. Well I have my MIL's birthday coming up on the 4th of March, and you may remember --->THIS post. I have made this one for my MIL using the lavender colour scheme.

For the card I have used one of the Paper Doilies from Scrap Box NZ. They are just so elegant.

I went to The Body Shop again to find the most nicest products. All in the colour schemes, and I knew exactly what I wanted.

I have really enjoyed making these, but I am now out of mini pails, so will need to source some more from somewhere.

Our Thoughts and....

2011-02-23T19:47:00.000+13:00

....prayers are with those fellow New Zealanders and overseas guests in Christchurch at the moment. I have family down there and they are fortunate enough to be safe. Although a little beyond nervous. The great earthquake of yesterday was an unfortunate blow for a city still trying to rebuild after the 7.1 earthquake in September last year. This time there were fatalities, unlike the one in September, as it was during a busy work day. The city is in complete shutdown as rescue teams search for survivors and for those lost. So far 75 people have been confirmed dead, and 300 still missing. I know the whole of NZ is in mourning and total shock that it can happen a second time. It is nice to know that organisations and government agencies all over the world are prepared to risk their own lives and put others first. I know that from reports on TV that rescue team members have still not heard from their own families, but still have the courage to put strangers first.
Stay safe and look after each other.

Make it Monday #3...

2011-02-22T14:59:00.001+13:00

...yep, MIM time again. This weeks brief was to use score tape and glitter. I used mine to create a unique border to highlight my focal point.

I was after the crisp, clean look this time and I think that I am better at these than cards with too much on them.

More Up On....

2011-02-21T11:03:00.001+13:00

my ETSY Store. I have been busy creating for my ETSY store, and as Easter is fast approaching I have added in some nice Easter themed cards. You will need to head on over there to check them out.

Make it Monday #2.

2011-02-17T14:39:00.001+13:00

This in the second of a series of challenges that PTI have running at the moment. The brief was to use a sentiment stamped onto vellum. This piece of vellum was like gold to me, as it was the only piece I had in my entire stash...Mmmm must write note to self to get more.

I have made a card based on this layout before, and just love the set Up, Up and Away. The white felt clouds add that little bit of dimension and interest. Gives the card quite a 'dreamy' feel to it.

AND.....

as doilies were also the flavour of the month over at PTI, I made this little card using my Silhouette to cut out the doily. Just beautiful isn't it?

I have also used stamps from Dot Spot, and the die from Filable Frames #1.

PTI Big and Bold

2011-02-13T14:08:00.002+13:00

The fun continues....over at PaperTrey Ink. The theme for the day was to think BIG. I originally made this card for the Tag and Frame Challenge, but I was just too late...and with the huge time difference between NZ and the US it makes it just that much harder. Hence that is why I have the Clock on my blog.

Because the tag on the card is oversize, I have decided to use this for today's challenge.

Make it Monday...

2011-02-11T10:43:00.001+13:00

As the festivities continue over at Paper Trey Ink, Nichole has now introduced a series called Make it Mondays. This starts the week in a whole new light as Mondays have to be the worst day of the week!!

This first in a series is the Go to Sentiment card. Using various stamp sets with the same theme is quite catching. I really enjoyed making this card using PTI stamps from Up, Up and Away, Mega Mixed Messages and Fillable Frames #1, as well as image stamps from Dot Spot. All very striking in Hot Pink, Black and White.

Paper Trey Ink...

2011-02-10T15:35:00.001+13:00

....4th Anniversary celebrations continue. I have joined in on a couple of the challenges over at PTI.
Day 5 was to create something using the PTI designers favourite colour combos. I chose Erin Lincoln as my inspiration for this little ensemble.

As I have said in my previous posts, I intended on crafting with a purpose in mind. So I have created a little note pad and card set for someone who is having a birthday in the new couple of months. I certainly made this with her in mind, as she often writes stuff down.

I have used my favourite PTI die set to cut out the chocolate coloured felt flowers, Basic Grey paper from the Oliver range, chocolate and kraft card stock, stamp set and die from Filable Frames and a PTI button.

This notepad and cover is easily slipped into a handbag to be used on the go.

PaperTrey Ink Favourite 2010 Project...

2011-02-06T14:39:00.001+13:00

Well the kids are back at school now, and as tradition would have it, we are experiencing the hottest days of the summer so far. I have had very little time and energy to get out to my crafting space to create much so far this year. But I have to say that one of the most favourite projects for me for 2010 has to be the last thing I made...thanks to the very talented Lisa Johnson. I just can't get enough of these little mini album books.

I made one for each of my children to use as a reminder on how quickly they change and grow up throughout the course of a year. Each book has 12 pages for me to add a photo, one for each month throughout 2011.

So first to Emma's one. I have used some pretty paper from Basic Grey plus Dotted Swiss card stock from Bazzill Basics...but I have used my most favourite die set from PaperTrey Ink. Beautiful Blooms II #1 Die Collection - Set of 3 Dies

And to Jaden's one...the die and stamp set from Up, Up and Away. Again I have used some Basic Grey paper and Dotted Swiss card stock in a matching colour. I have used my light grey marker to slightly shadow the balloon that I have cut and stamped on a piece of card stock.

I have created a belly band for both of them using Fillable Frames #1 and a PaperTrey Ink button, finished off with some Bakers Twine.

I Have Been Busy....

2011-01-25T21:06:00.001+13:00

....honest, with work, kids home for the summer holidays, (although they go back to school next Thursday), and crafting. I have been crafting. Lots of it too. So lets get right to it.
As I mentioned in my last post, I was going to craft with some purpose in mind. So I three things that I have created, all for specific occassions.

First up a mini album for each of the kids to put photos in for an entire year. This will show just how they change over a period of a year. I just have to remember to take a photo of them both each month. I have put them where I can see them as a constant reminder to do it.

Next a gift for a cousin that is now three days overdue to have a baby girl. I originally made the wall hanging, (below) first. Then decided to have a go at heat embossing on fabric. I am pleased with the results, and I have made it to match the theme of hot air balloons.

All complete with a personalised clothing tag.

and the wall hanging, just made using 4"x4"thin line MDF board.

Lastly a little indulgence for a relation that is having a birthday next month. I had the little orange pail, and have had it for sometime. It is now surplus to requirements, so I have given it a new lease of life.

I bought a few small items from the Body Shop, they have some heavenly little things of decadence in there. I just 'dressed' up the pail with some twill ribbon and tags on the pail, exfoliating gloves and soap.

Finally some more items for my Etsy Store.

Head on over there now for all the details

New Years Resolutions...

2011-01-14T12:36:00.002+13:00

....I received a belated Christmas card from an old Swiss friend of mine the other day, and it got me thinking about New Years Resolutions. So here they are.
To write to my friend more, it was one thing I said to her in my letter back. Be more productive in my crafting and not just make random things because I saw it on the net. Be organised with gift giving and major family events. If you looked at my house you would think that I am the most organised person in the world...but when it comes to birthdays, anniversaries and the like. I am the least organised. So I will put some thought into my gift giving, and give it my personal touch with a craft that I love. I hope to share my creations with you throughout the year, so stay tuned. I am currently working on one for each of the kiddos now.

2011...

2011-01-11T16:14:00.001+13:00

....is going to be an exciting year for the Ryder Family. In front of us we have two doors of opportunity just waiting to be opened. But as yet we are not sure which door is right. Time will tell, I am sure. I am not quite ready to share the information just yet, although my closest friends will know what lies ahead for us. Once we are sure of which door to open, I will share the exciting news.

Have a great week:)

WOW...

2011-01-05T17:19:00.001+13:00

...My 2011 is off to a flying start. I have just returned from holiday and found this--->POST I know I did not win, but in my heart I won just by making the What's Hot list. You may remember--->THIS post and you may remember that I made this...

Well I am completely chuffed with myself. Hope you all had a great New Year Celebration. Ours was quite although we were in Christchurch and the earth moved at about 10:45pm that night. Only a 3.3 mag but scary enough.

Happy New Year...

2010-12-31T08:43:00.001+13:00

Have fun tonight, stay safe and have a great 2011...

Post Christmas...

2010-12-28T15:04:00.001+13:00

...rest. After two days of early starts, it is finally time to sit and catch my breath. I don't have anything crafty to share today but a couple of photos from my photography portfolio. Now any professional photographer will find all sorts of faults in these, but I am just a beginner and still have a lot to learn. but I am getting the idea of how to get creative with my shots. Especially the portrait shots, to the point where I lay down on the beach and got wet to get the ones of Emma in the water. Or sit on the beach to get the ones of the horses in the distance. I would have preferred to have a clean beach and have just the hoof prints but I was only experimenting. The photos will not have the creative effect I am trying to show either, with them being of a size that Blog spot will accept.
I especially enjoy doing sports action, (like the ones in this post) close up shots of flowers,(in the same post) and insects and portrait's of children, like the one in this post. I like to capture their innocence and fun nature.

I am going to take another few days break this week so my next post won't be until after New Year. So Happy New Year and stay safe.

Are You Ready...

2010-12-22T14:50:00.000+13:00

...for Christmas? Is all the shopping and baking completed? I have finished off the last little bits now and I am gearing up to relax for a few days. I hope that all of you in Blog land have a great Christmas (Summer or Winter) and don't over indulge on the food and drink. We say that every year and yet we never listen to ourselves. Always ready for an afternoon nap after Christmas lunch because we have eaten to much and it's too hot. (Well here in NZ it is) I will be taking a break from the blogging over the Christmas break but will have a post or two for you before New Year.
Remember too to head over to Scrap Box NZ before Friday to get your holiday scrapping supplies, as I know that Fiona is taking a well deserved break too.

More Cake?....

2010-12-20T15:00:00.001+13:00

As if you haven't already had enough!!

Mmm..Mmm lovely chocolate cake. Again I have used the Silhouette to cut out all the pieces, right down to the strawberry. Can you just imagine this delectable cake on the windowsill of a country cottage?
I have enjoyed making these so much and you will find the whole Orange cake from yesterdays post as well as this slice for sale in my Etsy store very soon.
I spent a good part of Saturday afternoon in my craft room making some simple cards too, to replenish the supply I sold at last weeks Wakefield Car Boot Market.

As well as making my last Christmas card for this season, as I have so many of these...but I just can't help myself making them at this time of the year. It gets me into the Christmas spirit.

6 Days and Counting...

2010-12-19T20:25:00.000+13:00

....yep, not too many sleeps now, schools out for the summer, and along with the holidays comes the constant, fighting, arguing and picking at one another. Oh boy 6 weeks worth...but I have a creation to share with you tonight. I have seen many of these on various blogs in the last few days, that I just had to make my own. Doesn't it just look good enough to eat? It's a 12 piece favour box set, and I enjoyed making it. My Silhouette got a work out making this as the entire ensemble is cut using it. I may even make another one, as the colour combo has already worked its way into my head, I can't wait...Mmm Mmm

10 Days.....

2010-12-15T14:20:00.001+13:00

....and counting, until Christmas Day. A day of fun and laughter. We are forever hopeful that we are going to get a break over the Christmas Holidays. Just to refresh from this most busy time of the year...but running your own business from home on a 24/7 basis is not easy to escape from. I do have to admit though that I have finished all my Christmas shopping and all gifts are wrapped. I am hoping to stay well away from the supermarket next week, so completed a huge shop yesterday.
I have had little spare time to create, but I do have a set of cards that I would like to share, all thanks to this talented lady. She has developed this wonderful Make and Save section over at Papertrey Ink

So I used her basic card layout from this post to create these little tent topper cards. Aren't they just delightful. I have not completely copied her designs, but rather than take out what I wanted from the inspiration and using my own supplies to make them.
Hope you are all having a great week, the kids finish school for the summer on Friday at lunch time. I look forward to not having to make lunches in the morning, and rushing them out to the bus.

Happy Saturday...

2010-12-04T11:22:00.001+13:00

....It is a lovely warm (OK hot) day here in Sunny Nelson. We can claim that title again this year from Blenheim of being the sunniest place in NZ. But enough bragging and onto the projects.

I have been having a little trouble lately with my crafting, that I have had to revert to using inspiration from others and things around me. So here to the first project.

This first card is using an old Raspberry Suite Colour Challenge form Dawn McVey. I had some 6x6 pieces of paper from Basic Grey's Urban Prairie range. That popped into my head when I saw the colours.

And these colours from Kersten Werner always remind my of .....

These sweet delicious things

So here is my creation from those colours. Drawing on the inspiration from the liquorice allsort.

I have used a lovely stamp set from Lauren Meader's My Time Made Easy sets. Great reasonably priced stamp sets in both digital and acrylic, templates, digital paper, and the postage from the US is not expensive either.

AND...

finally a card for my daughter to take to a birthday party this afternoon. I drew my inspiration from the wrapping paper that I wrapped the present in.

I have enjoyed using these little cues to kick start the mojo, that I hunted the web for all the Raspberry Suite Colour inspirations that I could find, and made up a folder on my computer for them all. Just to keep there for future reference.

Enjoy your weekend, it is time to dust off the barbeque's, and summer clothing.

Silent Night...

2010-12-02T11:54:00.001+13:00

Enough said....

Blog Makeover...

2010-11-29T12:23:00.003+13:00

....I've given my blog a make over. Just in time for the holiday season. I am still working on a new header, but please bear with me while I sort this out.
Thanks to those who do follow my blog and enjoy looking at my creations.

A Tough Week...

2010-11-28T09:00:00.001+13:00

...a tough year. 2010 in New Zealand will be remembered by 2 numbers, 7.1 and 29. A little over a week ago 29 miners were trapped in the Pike River Mine on the Coast by a massive explosion. All attempts were made to rescue the men, but unfortunately a second much bigger explosion occurred on Tuesday. This dashed all hope of bringing the men out alive.
U2 performed in Auckland on Thursday night and dedicated "One Tree Hill" to those affected.

This comes on the back of a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch in September. Fortunately there were no fatalities.

A Holly Jolly Christmas...

2010-11-27T12:02:00.000+13:00

....See the soft focus around my card. I just love playing with this feature on my photo editing software.

Cream/Black and Gold are just a stunning combination, and I love the flocked design of this paper. I have used one of me new stamp sets from My Time Made Easy by Lauren Meader. Some of you might remember her from PaperTrey Ink, and she makes some very beautiful and detailed things. You can check out her blog--->HERE
The ribbon started out as a plane white piece of grosgrain ribbon that I have stamped with a small star using Stazon Ink. Buttons are from PaperTrey Ink and the pearl from KaiserCRAFT.

And lastly I have a lovely photo of Emma all dressed up for a fairy birthday party she went to a couple of weeks ago.

PaperTrey Ink November Blog Hop.

2010-11-26T09:10:00.000+13:00

"Recently the design team and I put together a variety of holiday tags that are perfect to keep on hand for quick wrap options. Now it's your turn to inspire us and the rest of the Papertrey community! Design a holiday tag or two using all of your favorite goodies and share it with all of us! We will all have plenty of inspiration to create a large stash and try to get ahead of the hustle and bustle of the season!"

So here are my tags, that I made.

For this tag I have used a piece of patterned paper from my stash, plus I have cut some ric rac borders from felt using the Ric Rac die from PaperTrey Ink. The buttons,are also from PaperTrey Ink.

This second tag is made from a combination of stamps and materials. To create the scalloped edge I have used my Stampin UP! tab punch.

Again using a 'scrap' of paper from my stash that I have had for so long I can't remember the manufacturer. Plus the PaperTrey Ink Beautiful Blooms Die set to cut two flowers, one from card stock and one from felt. I have some glitter tape adhesive that I have used also to give interest.

Sample Revealed...

2010-11-22T14:41:00.000+13:00

...so here is my sample of the last challenge over at Scrap Box NZ.

I have simply used the Silhouette to cut out the pennants, then embellished them to read 'Holiday Joy". These colours co-ordinate with the colour scheme over my lounge and dining areas.

Embellish Magazine Challenge...

2010-11-20T16:40:00.000+13:00

...and a sneak peek. I regularly receive the newsletter from Lauren Meader at My Time Made Easy. She is sponsoring a challenge at Embellish Magazine. I just loved the colour combo so much that I had to play along.

I have used the Silhouette machine to cut out the box first, then used Dashing Through the Show stamp set to build up my background, I just had to incorporate the butterflies because of the sentiment on the tag. I have simply built up the flowers using the snowflake image from this set.

Also a sneak peek into what is coming next for the Christmas Challenge over at Scrap Box NZ. I hope you are ready, last challenge starts Monday.

I have also used the Dashing Through the Snow Stamp set for this.
Hope you are having a great weekend.

Hope you....

2010-11-16T10:49:00.000+13:00

....are all enjoying the Christmas Challenge over at Scrap Box NZ. I had every intention of getting a sample up on the blog over there before the end of the first challenge, but....life just got in the way. So here is my sample for under the tree.

All I've done is make a cover for a brown paper pouch. So easy peasy, you could put a sugary treat such as a gingerbread man inside. or a giant cookie.

My next project is a book that Lisa Johnson created and the instructions for it can be found -->HERE

So simple and effective for all those little photos, you could make one for each of your kids for each year of their life as this book is pocket size. I have seen a lot of red and cream coming through this year, so I chose it for this project.

AND...some quick Christmas tags for adoring those Christmas parcels.

Feel Better and Merry Christmas...

2010-11-12T14:53:00.000+13:00

...I have a couple of cards to share today. Cards that I made a few weeks ago. My completed projects are stacking up, but the photographing of them isn't going so well.

This one some of you may recognise from the latest Stampin UP! catalogue. I have taken the basic design and turned it into something of my own.

This sweet little card, is just small punched circles to make flowers, I have used a stamp from Turning a New Leaf by Papertrey Ink, and the Sentiment from Mega Mixed Messages, also by Papertrey Ink.

This last card is made using one of my favourite Christmas colour combos right now. So soft and delicate. Here I have used stamps from Papertrey Ink (Turning a New Leaf) and an old set from Inque Boutique. Again the emphasis is only soft.
Hope you have enjoyed your week, and have a great weekend.

Christmas Gift Giving....

2010-11-02T12:25:00.001+13:00

....made easy. I have been fortunate enough to use some more elegant papers that Fiona has got over at Scrap Box NZ. So I took the opportunity to get a head start on the gift wrapping. You papercrafters out there all know that gifts need that little personal touch to make that special gift look well thought out.

The square box is just a papier mache box I found at Spotlight for a couple of dollars. The papers, mesh ribbon and paper roses are from Scrap Box NZ (only the roses I have used are Cream). The Christmas Cracker gift packaging is my own design, unfortunately it is a design that I won't be sharing. Doesn't the red/gold and black just look beautiful?

Ryder Family....

2010-11-01T12:17:00.002+13:00

Christmas cards....from our house to yours. The colour scheme this year is black and cream. Very striking, I had a little card makers block with these until the colour combo just popped into my head. So here they are.

I used a simple design that could be mass produced in as little time as possible. So the Cuttlebug and favourite stamp sets from Papertrey Ink and Inque Boutique got a workout. So simple yet so stunning, don't you think?

WOW....has it...

2010-10-31T12:16:00.001+13:00

....really been two weeks since I last blogged. Oh dear I am slacking a little. But I have been creating, and lots of it too, so I am going to spread what I have been up to over several posts.

I can't believe that Christmas is only around the corner. In light of that fact I have been creating Christmassy items and my classes this term are dedicated to the festive season, that is fast approaching.

This is what we made two weeks ago in class, and they all looked so beautiful lined up together.

Doesn't it just look so stunning, you could make three or four of these to line the centre of your Christmas table setting...and the colour combinations are just endless. Just imagine blue and silver....Mmmm...mmm!!

Remember to stay tuned over the next few days to see what else I have come up with. Hope you enjoy your week:)

A Small Sneak Peek...

2010-10-09T14:46:00.000+13:00

....at the beautiful layout using some of the new Lost and Found Papers that Fiona has got over in the Store

You will need to wait until tomorrow for the full reveal over on the Scrap Box NZ Blog

Its been sooooo much fun to do some scrapping again outside of the class kits. Something that I do still enjoy.

More Sneak Peeks...

2010-10-01T15:16:00.001+13:00

....of upcoming classes. I can't reveal all, so if you are interested please email to book your place.

Don't they look interesting?

I sat in the craft room yesterday while it poured outside. We have had some serious flooding in the area with 142mm falling in 24hrs. These are what I came up with.

Plus a Christmas card to add to the collection. It won't be long before I need to start thinking about the mass production of the Ryder Family Christmas cards. Mmmmmm need to think about that a little.

Sneak Peek...

2010-09-21T21:05:00.000+12:00

....of one of the classes next term. If you are interested in more then contact me by email on the top right of
my blog.

This is all I can show you now, but stay tuned.

I have also been having a play around with the camera too, and these are what I have done.

I am still learning the art of photography, but I enjoy doing close shots of flowers and sports action shots such as these below.

I am having fun with it and enjoy getting out and bird watching!!

A Wonderful...

2010-09-20T15:08:00.000+12:00

....weekend in Hanmer with the girls. We woke up to snow on Saturday morning, and this is the view we had.

While we were tucked up in our little cottage at Albergo Bed and Breakfast. Just a lovely place, lovely setting and great friendly hosts. We had an indulgent girls weekend with pedicures, massages, soaking in the hot pools, just wonderful and relaxing.

Thia was the scene from the Nelson end of the St James Walkway on the Lewis Pass yesterday.

Just amazing views.

To the paper crafting, I did a few more embellishment sets to put in my Etsy Store. I made these last week with some of my favourite stamps.

Using a combination of PaperTrey Ink, KaiserCRAFT and Basic Grey stamps I created this beautiful little set just ready to adorn your cards, tags and scrapbook pages.

And these sweet little baby boy card toppers using stamps from Inkadinkadoo. Hope you have a great week, remember my classes in this post.

If You Are...

2010-09-14T13:40:00.000+12:00

....interested in my classes here is a schedule of the classes on offer in Term 4.

Please appreciate that booking a place in my classes is essential so I can make up enough kits for the group. Also if you do book and are unable to make it, the kit will be made available for purchase as I have gone to the trouble of making them up.

Cost: $15-00 per class. (Except where stated)

12th October Catch Up Week

This is your chance to catch up on any of the projects that we have done, that you may not have completed. Class supplies will be available for this time. You may also wish to bring along your projects that you are having problems with, a problem shared is a problem halved.

19th October Cuttlebug Christmas Cards

We will make a set of Christmas Cards using the Cuttlebug/dies and embossing folders.

26th October Paper Christmas Tree

See how simple it is to transform a polystyrene cone/strips of paper and pins into a beautiful decoration.

2nd – 23rd November Advent Calendar

A four week class to make a lovely hanging advent calendar. This class will be a one off

$60-00 fee.

30th November Christmas Banner

We will make a ‘joyous’ banner to decorate your home for the festive season.

2nd December The Art of Gift Giving

Learn how simple it is to turn a piece of plain packaging into something hand decorated and personalised. (This class to be finalised)

9th December Paper Cones
We will make a paper cone as a Christmas Decoration; we will embellish it with a fan fold flower and lots of glitter

16th December End of Year Morning Tea

N/C But bring a small plate to share with everyone.

Please email me if you are interested in any or all of my classes.

Here I Am...

2010-09-13T12:00:00.001+12:00

....again. Finally over my Strep Throat, and ready to go with class again. I can't believe that we are into September and Spring has supposedly sprung. Two more weeks until school is out again.
I have completed samples for my last class-'Elegant Cards'

Simple and elegant are two element that compliment each other well. Your card doesn't need to be full of embellishments to be elegant. All these cards are suitable for weddings/engagements and anniversaries. I have broken out the flower soft for two of these cards. It adds interest and makes the flowers look real.

Over stamping is a technique that I like to use too. Building up one piece of stamping with several stamps in different colours.

Simple and stylish in mint green, black and white. Double tied ribbons add interest.

Finally a paper pieced card using various types of patterned paper and card stock, in black and white. Added interest is with the red ribbon. You could add any splash of colour you like to suit your mood or theme.

I have managed to do some more embellishments for my Etsy Store as well. Inexpensive handmade embellishments and cards for all occasions.

Lovely in Hot Pink and Lemon, I have used my Beautiful Blooms dies from Papertrey Ink and some Bakers Twine which Fiona now has in store. Be quick as it is selling fast.

And even though we don't celebrate Halloween as widely as the Americans do I just love the colour combo of Halloween. So came up with these little tags.

I have used the Print and Cut feature on my Silhouette to make the 'Boo' embellishment. as well as the bats. The lined stamp is an old one that I dug out the other day while looking at left over stock from the shop. These types of stamps seem to be making a come back.

Sunday Again...

2010-09-05T15:47:00.000+12:00

...and I am home on the couch with a sore throat, feeling a little sorry for myself. The TV is on and we are about to sit and watch the delayed coverage of the Springbok playing the Wallabies (South Africa and Australia for those non-rugby people. I also have some things to share with you for this week's and next week's classes.
This week we will be making cards for the men in our lives-masculine cards.

Stars, spots and squares were the theme for the day. Great colour combos and a set of masculine cards for your stash.

Lots of detail in this shadow box made from an old hardcover novel. The paper roses, the 'Love' charm and leaves are from Scrap Box NZ. The rest has come from my own stash of goodies.

For those of you doing my classes, I will see you on Tuesday, if I can shake this cold.

Cute Watering Cans....

2010-08-27T09:00:00.001+12:00

....bold and bright and oh sooo cute. We will be making these little gift boxes next week in my class.

Now aren't these just sooo cute. I have used Festive, Limeade and Bubblegum Cardstock from Bazzill Basics. I have also used the Martha Stewart Butterfly Punch which Fiona has in store at Scrap Box NZ. As they are selling fast as she gets them in, you may need to contact her to reserve yours.

Don't forget to check out her Spring Clearance Sale too. Starts today and finishes on Tuesday, so be quick.

Friends to the End....

2010-08-26T16:38:00.000+12:00

....I was soooooo inspired by the colour and texture of Dawn McVey's Bible, that I had to make a card straight away. Now I am not into this whole going to church thing myself, but this hot little book was such an inspiration.

So this is what I came up with....

I created the background using clear embossing powder on Bubblegum cardstock. All it does is gives a darker shiny look. I then coupled it with some black (Raven) and Smooth White cardstock. I have used my embossing tool around the edge to create a border. If you are wondering how I got the embossed image in just the centre of the card. Well all I did was make a mask to go around the outside of the card. Then I stamped my images using Turning a New Leaf from Papertrey Ink.

Cards With a Difference...

2010-08-22T20:34:00.000+12:00

....is this weeks class. I will show you how to make 4 cards that are less than conventional.

First a free standing pop-up card, looks stunning in lime green/pink and black.

An Easel card, lovely in patina/black and a touch of red. Using one of my favourite stamp sets from Papertrey Ink. Up, Up and Away.

A Flower Pot card, this concept has been around a little while, but it is a great card if you want something different.

Finally an acetate card. These are fun to make and can be made in soooo many ways.

AND

just something out of the blue...(or grey and lemon)

I was having a sort out of my scrap stash during the week and came across this colour combination. I pulled them out and left them sitting on my desk for a couple of days. Before coming up with the above design.

It is inspired by Dawn McVey. Her work is clean and simplistic and her colour combinations are always so striking.

Finally....

2010-08-17T20:07:00.000+12:00

....a blog update. It has been an incredibly trying time for the Ryder family unit in recent weeks, unfortunately I can't divulge any details as my private life stays private.
I do, however have a couple of little projects to share with you. So sit back, relax and enjoy!!

Thia is the set of tinned embellishments that we made in my class today. It is always handy to have some ready made embellishments on hand eh?

Each tin is unique and is filled with four co-ordinating embellishments to match the lid.

Just perfect when you are pushed for time and don't have a ready made card on hand.

Looking for a perfect gift? These well decorated note pads are just the thing you could give as an inexpensive handmade gift.

I will be listing these on Etsy soon. So check them out -->HERE

Plus a handy little card made from my scraps. Nothing goes to waste.

Backing Black....

2010-08-08T15:55:00.000+12:00

...at AMI Stadium on Saturday night. A good game, great atmosphere, and the All Blacks retain the Bledisloe Cup. There was the typical Trans-Tasman ribbing going on. That was part of the fun. Here are some snapshots of the game. We were sitting in the upper level of the Dean's Stand.

We actually went to Christchurch for the Hydraulink Fast Fix Conference. The rugby was the prearrange entertainment for the evening. Christchurch was full of people and the whole city is almost in complete shutdown. Conference on Rugby weekend was a little trying, with so many people about.

I also have a little creation I made just last week, I have shown you how you can put them on a card in

this post--->HERE

I just love the chocolate brown and baby blue together with the cream coloured tags.

Collage Canvas...

2010-07-31T14:18:00.000+12:00

...for those of you doing my classes here is a taste of what you will be making next week.

We will be creating this lovely black and white home decor piece using paper napkins and mod podge. It is important to book your place to my classes so I can source enough materials for the class kits. You can find a schedule of the classes in this post. Please email if you would like to book. I have one condition for my classes. If you have booked a class and you are unable to make it, the kit will be made available to purchase, as the kit will be made up for you. Thanks for your understanding in this matter.

Mother...

2010-07-29T20:45:00.000+12:00

....I made these two cards a number of weeks ago, but have finally got round to sharing.

This particular card was inspired by one that Nichole Heady from PaperTrey Ink made.

I used the print and cut feature on my Silhouette to create the library card. The rest is created using a variety of stamps from my collection.

This next one is based on a sketch that I came across while surfing the net. I don't have too many masculine cards. So this was a great sketch to use as inspiration.

Plus I have been having a play with my new camera too. As you can see by the photo of the Wattle, hayfever season is not to far away....A-choo!!

Plus a couple of Pipi, that I couldn't resist taking after we had been for our morning walk.

I am enjoying checking out what the SLR can do, and can't wait to unleash my creativity on Jaden's rugby game on Saturday.

July 2010 Papertrey Blog Hop...

2010-07-26T14:24:00.000+12:00

Using everyday office supplies is the 'in thing' at the moment, and over the last few weeks I have been scrounging around the home office for what ever I can find.

These giant paper clips had been sitting in my craft supply cupboard for a long time, and upon cleaning up one day left them out on my bench to do something with. So here what a came up with using them and some bright 'scraps' that I also had forever. They make great bookmarks or card toppers.

Also some sweet embellishments made with some of my most favourite PaperTrey Ink products. The Beautiful Blooms II #1 Dies and the Mega Mixed Messages Stamp Set. Plus some graph paper and old dictionary pages.

Thanks for looking, it's great to see so many other wonderful creations.

Post Number 2...

2010-07-24T19:59:00.000+12:00

for tonight, don't forget to scroll down for the first post.

Fiona wanted me to showcase some papers from KaiserCraft, Prairie Lane. This is also the class we will be doing on Tuesday. We are altering a simple child's board book into a lovely keepsake. In this example I have added some acetate pages, but we won't be doing this in class.

AND

out of the scraps three cards

I fiddled around with the tags first, not actually knowing what I wanted to do. But all aspects seemed to come together very well. I have added some vintage lace, calico, buttons, ribbon, embroidery thread and cotton string.

It's Been a Little While...

2010-07-24T19:43:00.000+12:00

....Since my last post. I am finding that my life is just getting busier and busier. I am not sure why, maybe it is poor time management. I find time to craft, but have trouble getting to my laptop to update my blog. I have got a number of things to show you tonight though, so sit back and relax.

Firstly a new set of embellies. These are made with some scraps from this card

Some of you may know that I went to SENZ last weekend. It wasn't as big as the one in Wellington 2 years ago. However I didn't cram in classes this time, so had more time to look and shop!!

I bought a water pen, and I just love it. I find it so much more easier than the Copics. Simply just fill with water and then dip onto your water based Ink pads. The Hydrangeas on this card are coloured with said pen.

Next a sweet Baby card, in lemon and black on a background of Kraft Card stock. I don't have very many Baby Girl cards, so I have added to that along with this one as well.

I have another post for you showcasing some of these papers.

Term 3 Classes...

2010-07-19T11:30:00.000+12:00

Just a quick note today, to advise of upcoming classes this term.

20th/22nd July Memory Box

Embellish a plain box then fill it with memories

27th/29th July Altered Board Book
Alter an inexpensive board book for those precious memories

3rd /5th August Collage Canvas
Alter a canvas with napkins and Mod Podge

10th/12th August ATC’s
Make a set of personalised Artists Trading Cards using olde worlde techniques

17th/19th August Embellishment Tins
We will decorate 3 mini tins for embellishments or food items

24th/26th August Cards with a difference

Make 4 cards that are a little different
- a free standing pop up card
- a Flower Pot Card
- an Easel Card
- an Acetate Card

31st Aug/2nd September Watering can gift boxes
Make 3 bright and cheerful gift boxes shaped like a watering can

7th/9th September Cards for the Men in our lives
Make 5 masculine cards for the Men and Boys in our lives

14th/16th September Shadow Box
Make a shadow box form an old hard cover book!!

21st/23rd September Elegant Cards
We will make a set of cards ideal for wedding/anniversary/engagement.

Class 1 for this Tuesday is already full, but there are spaces available for all others. If your are local to Nelson and would like to join in the fun, then please email me. Alternatively if you are outside the area, kits can be made available to you. Please let me know ASAP so I can source enough materials to make up your kit. All kits come with detailed instructions and coloured photos. All classes and kits are $15.00 each.

First Class of Term 3

2010-07-08T19:43:00.002+12:00

...Well, it is July already, and we will kick off term 3 of the classes with this little project.

A memory box for you to place your little treasures in. Whether it be photos, ticket stubs, jewellery, whatever. It is beautifully presented using these papers, from Scrap Box NZ. Plus a few little extras from my own stash, as well as little vanity handles from Mitre 10 Mega.

I have been enjoying using my new camera, it shows magnificent details.

If you are interested in any of my classes, then please contact me. Unfortunately class 1 is already full, but there are places available for the rest of the term.

Look at this Baby...

2010-07-06T19:14:00.000+12:00

I now own one of these babies. Hence the new blog header, and header for my Etsy Store too. I am having so much fun playing with it and when I saw it, I couldn't pass up the special deal the store had on it.

A Sony, DSLR A230 Digital camera. I have been wanting a good camera for a while now. So finally took the plunge.
I have a couple of things to share soon, and a sneak peek is in my header. They will be up in my Etsy Store in the next day or so.

Independence Day...

2010-07-03T20:34:00.000+12:00

....is tomorrow for those in the US. As they are a day behind us here in NZ, they have another day to wait. But to all of you in the US of A Have a great day, enjoy your celebrations and time with you family.

I haven't got a lot to share at the moment, although I have some new additions up in my Etsy Store. My cards and embellishments are affordable and it's great to give something handmade. Stock up on your card stash for any occasion.

Here are the new cards up for sale.

This first card started with the handmade rose buds. The rest of the cards was built around the tag.

A baby boy card with a difference, I have used wide ribbon tied with a button to add some interest.

Clean contrasting colours and clean lines, using my favourite stamp set: Up, up and Away.

A bright focal point on this card, is just stunning, again using Up, Up and Away

Etsy Update

2010-06-17T20:25:00.003+12:00

I have added a couple of new items to my Etsy store. Please let me know if you reqiure any custom items, by convo-ing me.

Another Wet Weekend...

2010-06-06T11:17:00.001+12:00

....here in Sunny Nelson (ha-ha), I have been beavering away in my craft room again. So here are a few examples. Most of these will be up in my Etsy Shop soon.

I started with making the embellishments first on these cards, but I didn't stop there. I then created the cards around the embellishments. I was cutting up some class kits and used the scraps to make the embellishments. I have used Mega Mixed Messages from Papertrey Ink for the sentiments, as well as the Ric Rac Die.

Thia next card I cut using the Silhouette Machine, then I used the cloud dies from Papertrey Ink to cut the clouds from felt. The balloon is from Up, Up and Away set as well as the matching Die Set. I have used pearls around the top of the balloon. The sentiment is also from the Up, Up and Away stamp set.

The next three cards were cut from the Silhouette as part of last weeks class, called Simplicity with the Silhouette. No hand cutting was involved in the class.

Crafting Frenzy...

2010-05-30T20:12:00.001+12:00

...I have had a couple of good solid afternoons in my craft room.

I received my new stamp sets and dies from Papertrey Ink yesterday, and I couldn't wait too long to break them out. So this top card is using the new Fillable Frames #1 with matching Dies I have also got the Up, Up and Away stamp set and Dies...Yummo.

A card with a difference...New Baby card in a tin. Open the lid and out pops a new baby banner.

All occasion card embellishments. Here I have used my favourite colour combination, felt, card stock, buttons, graph paper and pages from an old dictionary. Each embellishment has a different sentiment. I have also used my new Beautiful Blooms II #1 Die Collection - Set of 3 Dies

Papertrey Ink May Blog Hop

2010-05-26T13:18:00.000+12:00

This little challenge is right up my ally...I am so obsessed with felt on my cards. I couldn't choose just one, so I have included two in my post today.

My first card is one of my favourites, considering I don't use a lot of these colours. Purple especially, but I love how the black felt butterfly just makes the whole card pop. I have also used Dot Spot stamp set too.

This next card was inspired by the paper I have used. An old paper line from Autumn Leaves. I kept the background neutral by using kraft as all the colour is in the felt flower created using different size scallop circles from my nestabilities set. The flower is finished of with a white vintage button also from Papertrey Ink

Thanks for looking

Class Kits For Sale...

2010-05-24T13:29:00.000+12:00

....I have two kits left over from my classes. One is the Star Mini Album, and the other is the Rubber Band Book. Both come with full instructions and materials. You will only need to use your own tools. Both of these kits are $15-00 each or purchase both for $25-00.

Please email me if you would like one or both of these kits.

This is the Star Mini Album that we made last term.

I don't unfortunately have a photo of the Rubber Band book. I will try and get one for you soon.

Pheeeew!!

2010-05-23T19:35:00.000+12:00

....what a week. So So busy, lots happening in my life at the moment. Lots of work related stuff, kids sport and never enough hours in the day. But I have managed to do some crafting. So here is what I have been up to.

My first card is a card inspired by Melissa Bickford. She stamped onto plain cream coloured fabric, I have done exactly that with calico. Then I followed her tutorial on gathering the circles of fabric up to make flowers.

And this one inspired by Dawn McVey's Coffee Cup Cozies I just love the felt butterflies, I am just soooooo obsessed with felt die cutting at the moment. These cards along with some others are now up in my Etsy Store

Another busy week ahead, but I will try to update the old blogo before the end of the week. No promises.

Rain, Rain and EVEN....

2010-05-16T10:57:00.001+12:00

....more rain. Yep, since Wednesday last week. Even though we need it, I think we have had enough now for a while. I also need to get the washing dry!! But I had ALL day in my craft room yesterday, and man it felt good. I have been so busy with work that the craft and blogo have been seriously neglected.

This first piece I have made a few times before, but it is a great way to organise photos, and makes a lovely surprise. I have constructed the flower from several layers of a plain napkin using the scalloped circle nestabilities. Inked the edges of each layer, then pushed a brad through then all. To prevent the brad from tearing the napkin, I have cut a smaller circle out of cardstock for the back. This is one of the classes we are doing this term.

This next one is also a class that I am teaching this term, called Itty Bitty Cards. It is a design of my own and I just love the black with the green and a touch of red. There are ten cards, each with a different sentiment. and they all pack neatly into the little co-ordinating box.

Next I ploughed into making some more cards. I was on a mojo roll yesterday, so kept going while I had it.

This first card was inspired by the paper from Autumn Leaves. An older paper line, but still a goodie. The flowers is made from various size circles cut from felt. I have a sudden fascination with die cut felt. It only needed a neutral colour like kraft to set it off.

Using my new PaperTrey Ink stamp sets. I went on a stamping frenzy. I inked up the stamps from Dot Spot to create this little number. Again the butterfly is cut out of black felt.

A combination of stamps from PaperTrey Ink (Turning a New Leaf) and Basic Grey as well as Mega Mixed Messages from PaperTrey Ink.

Red and Black...always very striking, again using Turning a New Leaf and Dot Spot. This time I have added Background Basics-Script to this one as well.

Last but not least in my crafting marathon. A plain white card using the same stamp from an Inkadinkado stamp set I have. I have also used glitter tape and silver glitter for the borders, plus a sentiment from Mega Mixed Messages.

Saturday Afternoon Crafting...

2010-05-09T16:12:00.001+12:00

...I spent the afternoon in my craft room, playing with my craft supplies. I had a go at 'antiquing' the scalloped circle after cutting. All I did to achieve this was to leave the nestibilities scallop circle die in place then gently rubbing the inside with ink on a piece of cotton wool. It gives the circle a soft look.

This second card is an experiment with using different media for the background. I have ripped a rectangle from a napkin to create the first layer. Then cut several circles from that same napkin to create the flower.

It gives a lovely dimensional look.

Creations, Pooches, and Oranges at Half Time...

2010-05-03T09:05:00.003+12:00

...Yes so much to say today. I thought I'd better catch up on the old blogo. I haven't had a lot of time to create, but I do have a couple of things to share. Along with a new addition to the Ryder family, and Saturday morning sport.

This is my 5yr old daughter at half time from her game of Rippa Rugby. She only wanted to play because big bro is. I am not sure she really likes it, but we had to let her have a go. Her rugby jersey, when tucked into her shorts is actually sticking out the bottom of her shorts leg.

This is our latest addition to our family. A three year old Jack Russel Terrier called Pipi. She was rescued from a very hostile background and retrained to come here, sit, wait, and down. She has a character all of her own. Probably to make up for her small size.

AND...to the creations.
A couple of cards I have made in the last few days. The first one using my new Papertrey Ink stamp set, Turning a New Leaf
The next card is a 'cardlifted' card from Michelle Wooderson I had some netting in my stash and some 6"x6" paper from Basic Grey that I have been waiting to use. So this was the perfect opportunity. I ran the netting through the cuttlebug using the scalloped circles nestibilities. Punched a smaller circle from an old dictionary, added a button and some ribbon.

I have been busy with my weekly classes and work. Big changes going on with business, and lots to work through. Will be able to give more info at a later date.
Have a great week.

ANZAC DAY - 25th April 2010 - Lest We Forget

2010-04-25T19:54:00.001+12:00

For those of you who are not familiar with ANZAC Day...it is a very important part of Australian and New Zealand history. Here are a few pieces from articles that I found on the net.Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand. This is a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name.

Each year on 25 April – Anzac Day – New Zealanders (and Australians) mark the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings of 1915. On that day, thousands of young men, far from their homes, stormed the beaches on the Gallipoli Peninsula in what is now modern Turkey. For nine long months New Zealanders, Australians and allies from France and the British Isles battled harsh conditions and Turkish opponents who were desperately fighting to protect their homeland.By the time the campaign ended, over 120,000 men had died: more than 80,000 Turkish soldiers and 44,000 British and French soldiers, including over 8500 Australians. Among the dead were 2721 young New Zealanders, about a quarter of those who had landed on the peninsula.In the history of the Great War, the Gallipoli campaign made no large mark. The number of dead, although horrific, pales in comparison with the number that died in France and Belgium during the war. But for New Zealand, along with Australia and Turkey, the Gallipoli campaign played an important part in fostering a sense of national identity.

I am Still Here!!!

2010-04-18T10:32:00.003+12:00

....just been really pre-occupied. We have been frantic with the end of financial wind-up, our Aussie holiday, which was fantastic!! BUT very hot for this kiwi-girl. I will have have some photos soon, but first lets get back into the crafting. Classes begin again next week, and our first one is a wall hanging with a twist.

Here I have used a page from an acrylic album and used the new Lush collection paper from My-Minds-Eye. Some of the collection is flocked and comes in a range of colours. You can check out the paper at Scrap Box NZ

If you are interested in my classes, there are still places available, I only have one place left on Tuesday, but have places available for Thursday. If you are interested, please email me from the link at the top right hand corner.

Hope you have a great week.

Not Too Many...

2010-03-22T19:58:00.002+13:00

...more sleeps now until we are into school holidays again. Gee the term has gone just sooo fast. It is autumn now and the days are getting shorter and the nights longer and cooler. We have a holiday in Australia in a couple of weeks, and we are all looking forward to it. We have had a very full on year and a great one too. Both the kids and the Grandparents are looking forward to a little time out, as it is one great big adventure for us. Our annual holiday, hopefully one we can make every year. Since going to Australia last year, we are now trying to make it an annual event. Something to strive towards, and look forward too. For us, in New Zealand, it is almost cheaper to fly to Australia, than it is to fly domestically. Sounds ridiculous, but true. We are hiring a car again, and taking in the sights of the Sunshine Coast. Although Phil and I have done this before, the kids and in-laws have not, so it will be extra special for them. I think though, that after this trip to Queensland, it will be our last there. We will look at other parts of Australia instead next time.
Must fly for now, Kids are in bed, awaiting the good-night kiss. Hope you all have a great week:)

Poppy Seeds Challenge 2...

2010-03-21T16:19:00.004+13:00

...Happy Sunday, if you can call Sunday happy. Because tomorrow is Monday, and the beginning of the week is never nice.

But to make things a little more pleasant, Lisa Johnson is holding another of her challenges.

The challenge this time was to use, buttons, polka dots and light moss. Although this looks grey in photo, I can assure you that it is in fact light moss (or the Bazzill Basics equivalent). I have created the polka dots with my large dots embossing folder, made a flower from vellum, using the Silhouette and a matching light moss button in the centre. I have capped it all off with white grosgrain ribbon.

Next Weeks Class...

2010-03-19T11:16:00.006+13:00

...Only two more classes left for the term. So today I will be sharing what we are making next week, and revealing the class list for term two.

This is the Star Mini Book, that you will be making. A great keepsake or gift to store those precious photos in.

Here is the class list for term 2, it is an 11 week term, so we will get lots made. Classes a $15-00 and begin at 10am on Tuesday and Thursday. Please email me at JPRyder@xtra.co.nz to register. I already have ladies lining up to do these, so you will need to be quick.

20th/22nd Apr Wall Hanging
Create a wall hanging complete with photo of that special occasion for your home.

27th/29th Apr Rubber band Book
We will be creating a book that is held together using a rubber band

4th/6th May Altered Mini Clipboard
I will show you how easy it is to alter a mini clipboard made using a piece of thin line MDF.

11th/13th May Photo Block
Make a photo block using a 3 ½ “x 3 ½ “ wooden block

18th/20th May Accordion Mini Album
A very simple way to display your precious photos. Neat and compact.

25th/27th May Explosion Box
No, this is not sinister, it is a great little surprise made from cardstock.

1st/3rd Jun Simplicity with the Silhouette.
We will be creating a 12x12 layout using elements cut from the Silhouette. This is your chance to check out how this amazing machine works.

8th/10th Jun Elegant Cards
We will be making 5 cards suitable for a wedding/anniversary/engagement

15th/17th Jun Inspiration in the Everyday.
We will be using fabrics/soft furnishings/tableware, as inspiration to make 5 quick and simple cards.

22nd/24th Jun Shaker Boxes.
We will make three very different cards using the shaker box technique. These are a great interactive aspect of scrapping!!

29th Jun/1st Jul Back Pack Mini Album.
A mini album with a twist, lots of fun, great as a display.

I also have a couple of extra things to share with you, first a paper shoe. Which just looks so elegant with all the embossing/lace and pearls.

Cardlifting...You have heard of scrap lifting. Well this is the same principal, only with cards.

So above is the Nichole Heady original, and mine version underneath. They are so similar, yet so different.Last but not least, my OWN creation. I just love how striking black and pink are. The butterflies are actually embossed with clear embossing powder, buy my camera wasn't going to play nice. So I couldn't get the close up shot.

Better Late...

2010-03-09T19:59:00.003+13:00

...than never, for posting a preview of this weeks class.
But this is what we made in today's session. An envelope book, that can be filled with photos, journaling and memorabilia. Unfortunately the kits are now also sold out, along with the kits from the photo-less layout class. Classes have been popular and Tuesday's are now full. But for those that are still interested I have spaces left on a Thursday morning. I will have a preview for next week's class in the following post. Hope you are having a great week:)

Week 5 Class...

2010-03-09T19:55:00.000+13:00

...boxes, bags and tags. We will be making some simple gift packaging for those Easter goodies. Enough said, here are the samples. If you are local and are interested, Thursday next week is still available.

Pull Treats Pocket...

Easter Basket...

Box in a Bag...

Easter Card...

2010-03-07T16:06:00.002+13:00

...Madness. I have been hard at work in my craft room, stocking up on my card stash for the next Foxhill Community Market. As the next one is just before Easter, I have been making as many Easter cards as possible. Here are three with the same concept and design, but all in different colour ways.

AND...I have been putting my newly found passion for embossing to creative use with this Sympathy card. I have used neutral colour tones of Kraft and Olive Green with White. The leaves down the left hand side have been embossed with white embossing powder. A printed sentiment from the computer and a couple of white butterflies makes this card a calming combination.
Hope you all have a great week, I am busy busy with another class on Tuesday morning, which my ladies seem to enjoy. They have already asked about term 2 class lists, and the feedback is positive. Thanks ladies!!

Compose a Card..

2010-03-05T14:11:00.003+13:00

...with Becky There is just something about all the challenges out there at the moment. I think it is keeping me motivated and inspired. So if it works, why not?

Create a Card 6 is to use various elements that Becky lists. details of this one can be found at the above link. Using cardstock in specific colours (Bazzill Basics equivalent of Enchanted Evening and Soft Stone), white embossing powder, satin ribbon (I scraped the bottom of the barrel for that) and a button. I am short of Sympathy cards so it was a good excuse. This is only my second attempt at embossing, even after all these years of Scrapping and Card making.

Thanks for looking.

Class Kits...

2010-03-04T21:31:00.002+13:00

...are now up for sale. Week 1 and 2 are available now. You will see them on the right, and I only have 1 of each left. All kits include instructions and coloured photo of finished product. You will only need some adhesive and a few tools to complete the project. Cost is $15-00 plus $5-00 postage nationwide.

Poppy Seeds Challange..

2010-03-03T14:16:00.000+13:00

...but first, look at my Papertrey Buttons. I found these mini preserving jars for $3-00 each at The Warehouse. I have simply cut a scalloped circle using the Nestibilities in the matching button colour, then cut a smaller white circle and then placed a button from the jar on top. What better way to display all that goodness.

...Next, another little Easter card using my favourite stamp sets at the moment. I have stamped the egg separately then adhered it to the card using foam tape.

...now on to Lisa Johnson's Poppy Seeds Challenge. Using a flower stamp, gems, and 'light yellow' I created this little number. It is just so sweet with the Pinata Pink and green ribbon.

Luck Would Have It...

2010-03-02T09:08:00.008+13:00

...and I can't believe my luck with this one. Remember THIS post. Well I just happened to have this card made in Dawn McVey's colours!!! Subconsciously I must have known there was a Papertrey Ink Challenge coming.

So here is my card in those pretty pastel colours. I have substituted the original colours using Bazzill Basics colours, but close enough. Easter for us in New Zealand is in Autumn. (I know, completely backwards to those of you in the US) But...hey... we still have Easter, Easter Bunny still comes to my 5 and 8year old. Although I think my 8year old has us sussed.
Have a great week.

Post Number 2...

2010-02-28T13:48:00.002+13:00

...today

I made both these cards a number of weeks ago, I am just becoming a little slack on the photo taking and blogging. This first card i made using some inspiration from--->HERE
I have had the stamp sets I used here for sometime. But sometimes a particular card just catches my eye and I have to cardlift it.

And a pretty Easter card, in soft pastels. Again a stamp set that I bought in Australia last year that has had its first outing.

Hope you have had a great weekend and have a great week.

Finally Another...

2010-02-28T13:32:00.006+13:00

...update!!! I have a couple of things to share today, but firstly for those of you who are coming to my classes. I thank you for your support. Speaking of classes here is what you will be going to create for week 3. This is the photo less layout class, I know some of you have partaken in the challenge over at Scrap Box NZ this past fortnight, and tomorrow another challenge will be set. I will share what else I have created in my next post, as for some reason my laptop won't let me move pictures to where I want them. So stay tuned.

Short and....

2010-02-27T11:13:00.002+13:00

...sharp. Check out the sale over at Scrap Box NZ--->HERE. 15% off Bazzill Basics Cardstock and 30% off everything else. Sale ends tomorrow night and excludes gift vouchers. So be quick as it has gone completely crazy.