I've moved

Hi followers

Just to let you all know I have moved my blog.    My new home and first entry can be found here

Hope you all make the move and come join me for a fresh new look.



Julz

Scrapbook paper - not just for scrapbooking

Today I had a little spare time on my hands and wanted to do something a little different than cards or boxes.   I have had this project in mind for a while.   I usually write my notes on a white board but it is a little sterile so I pulled out an old picture frame and set to work.

Here is my before

I just got a new pack of the gorgeous this and that epic day paper.   Stampin' Up! have a fabulous special on at the moment - buy three packs of DSP and get a fourth one absolutely FREE.   Who can turn down free.   I was drawn to this pack by both the colours and the grunge feel.

I cut a piece of the DSP to fit into where the original art work was and did a little extra stampin directly to the paper in Calypso Coral using my new gorgeous grunge stamp set.   I then used the opposite side of the dsp and covered the matt frame, adding a small amount of epic day washi tape at the edges.     Some daffodil delight letters cut using my big shot finished the frame off.    Since my walls are a lighter shade of yellow it really complements the wall when I hold it up and I can't wait to mount it.   Here is the finished frame

If you want to purchase any of this paper (or any other packs) please flick me an email.   I would happily help you out.   Offer is available until the end of August.

Hope you enjoy.


Julz

Rainbow

Hiya followers

Long time no post.   One day I might get good at this but for now hope you are all still watching.

I ran a techniques class last weekend and we created some gorgeous cards using a smashing acetate technique.   This is not the card we made (that might wait until another day) however this piece was sitting on my desk after I designed my card and I saw the challenge sketch for Create with Connie and Mary here.   I came up with this as my take on the sketch.   It didn't quite photograph as pretty as it is in real life - the lighting washed the depth of the colour out.   However I did want to post my entry.   Gotta be in to win right!

I really like the pastel like effect I got.   I mounted the whisper white onto the new smoky slate and finished with a little smoky slate chevron ribbon and a little bling.

Julz

MDS!

So by no means am I anywhere near being proficient in the use of MDS (MY Digital Studio) which is the newest and most awesome addition to the Stampin Up range but I wanted to share this wee inspirational quote that I made tonight.      I am still teaching myself how to use MDS.   Decided that rather than watch the tuition videos that I would just start playing around.    Sure it may end up being the "long way" around buy it sure it fun at the time.     It is FAR from perfect but I still wanted to share in the hopes that other novice users may be inspired.    MDS is actually quite easy once you get that hang of things.

This entire picture is dedicated to those friends of mine who do really accept me as I am - all my flaws and all.   Love you all.  xxx

Just add technique

Over at Just add ink this week they have a great challenge.    Just add a new technique you haven't tried before.

I needed to produce a couple of mothers day cards for an order and thought that this card I saw recently by the amazing Catherine Pooler would be a fantastic one to case.    Im not even certain that there is a name for this technique but I want to call it "paint meets ink".   I kept my case fairly similar, using different colours inspired by the few test pots of paint that were lying around the house (yep thats regular old house paint).

This card is also very special because it is a hybrid card.   What is a "hybrid" card.   It uses a combination of old fashioned ink stamping and the new digital stamping program Stampin Up have just released.   It is called My Digital Studio (MDS) and you can check it out here  I must say I am extremely taken with the program.    It is FREE to trial with a 30 day trial and less than thirty dollars to purchase.    If you wish to purchase it follow the links and don't forget to put my name in as your demonstrator   (Julie Butler).   

I used MDS on this card to print the tree and the sentiment.   I didn't have either of the stamps and for a minimal charge I could download them to add to my collection.   This is a fabulous way to build up your sentiment collection and with a good colour printer the sky is the limit when it comes to printing stamp images.

Anyway - I hope you like the card, the purchaser certainly did.

PS - check out all of Catherine Pooler's videos.   She is a fantastic inspiration.



Julz

2 posts in one night!

But only because I wanted to join in with the  still addinktive  challenge.

They came up with a gorgeous combination sketch and colour challenge.   While I am still keen to play with the colour challenge I had a few bits and pieces sitting on my table that were left over from another project I had been working on and wanted to add another card to my stock for markets.

This is the resulting card.   I flipped the sketch sideways and then also flipped the sentiment panel but I am really quite please with the resulting card.

Julz

Love is in the air

In the form of wedding invitations.................

I was asked by my good friend Gemma to design her wedding invitations, which was a huge honour but also incredibly scary at the same time.

I came up with a few different designs but on consultation with the bride to be we settled on the eventual invitation.

70 odd invitations later - and a few extra grey hairs,not only was the bride happy with the final result, but word on the street is that recipients also think they are great which is a huge rush.

Anyway - thought my blog followers would enjoy seeing some pictures of what I have been up to.    If you are interested in having me design your invitations please contact me for a quote.    I am happy to work in with your budget, colour schemes and design ideas.



Julz

Simple and yet elegant (eggplant that is)

Insert - printed on silver paper

Just a selection