DIY Stamped Fondant Cake Toppers

I'm not much of a cake decorator but I do love stamping.  So when it came time to make cupcakes for my child's birthday celebration, I decided to try my hand at mixing the two crafts to make these personalised fondant toppers.  They were a real hit at the party!  Want to make your own?  Of course you do!!

You can buy fondant in shops now, but if you'd like to make your own I used this recipe and it worked out great: https://tenina.com/recipes/marshmallow-fondant-icing
Mind you, it made SO much - I still have over half in the fridge!

And you may like to check out this webpage here by The Cookie Stamp Co.  They give some really awesome tips for working and stamping on fondant for projects just like this.

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DIY Stamped Fondant Cake Toppers

August 15, 2018

Thrift Store Garland, Let's Get Hopping Round 1

I've got something special to share with you today!  I have brought together a group of lovely paper artists who are sharing their favourite thrifty tips and tricks as part of the very first "Let's Get Hopping" blog hop.

MY TIP: Salvage those paper scraps!
I love when I've been able to put paper scraps to use on a project!  Not only it is great from a budget perspective but saving those little bits and pieces from the trash is less wasteful too!

For my project today I've chosen a selection of colourful contrasting scraps to make a gorgeous, eclectic garland to embellish this scrapbook page.

I've mixed and match different banner shapes, overlapping them along the top for a fuller look.  Before attaching the pieces to the background, I paper pierced them and added faux stitching using a white gel pen.  This unified the pieces, bringing the banner together nicely.

For a neat finish, I've added tiny bows of bakers twine to either end.

No full sheet of 12"x 12" paper was harmed in the making of this project. Try adding layers of larger panels of leftover patterns into your work.

Want more thrifty tips?
Click the link below to find out what fun budget friendly tip Sherry has in store for you!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Jar of Love, Make a Note Rotary Stamp (retired), Remember This and That Rotary Stamp (retired)
Inks: VersaMark, Real Red, Basic Black
Papers: Whisper White 12"x 12", Various patterned off cuts
Accessories/Tools: Paper piercing tool, white gel pen, white bakers twine

BLOG POST PLANNER, PAPERCRAFT EDITION
I've just put together a handy blog post planner, especially for paper-crafters! With this printable bundle, you can make sure that every blog post you write is brought together smoothly and is working hard to serve you and your audience well. Learn more *HERE*

Thrift Store Garland, Let's Get Hopping Round 1

September 21, 2017

[VIDEO] Labels to Love Lidded Gift Box

Welcome to this month's Crafty Carrot Co blog hop where we tease you with pretty projects featuring the Labels To Love stamp set, our product focus for the October interactive rewards program.

Today I'm sharing this lidded box.  It's one of my favourite gift packaging choices!  It's so quick and easy to put together!  But don't take my word for it, see for yourself in this video tutorial right *HERE*.

The box lid is made from the gorgeous Year of Cheer foil specialty paper. This paper needs no embellishing - it is just stunning all of its own.  To allow the pattern to really shine, I kept my gift tag very simple and clean with tones of black, white and silver.  With the exception of the touch of blushing bride in the leaves - this soft pink and copper is a very trendy combination!

EXCITING NEWS!!

We want to help as many people as possible get into the festive spirit!  So we have decided to share the love with customers, fellow demonstrators and the crafting public alike throughout October with a brand new subscription offer!

You can now SUBSCRIBE to join the live online program for just $19AUD.  Click *HERE* to register now!

Of course, our customers still receive FREE access with their September purchases!  Place a Stampin' up! order with us anytime this month to get free access to this fun interactive online class. Fellow Aussies can find my online store *HERE*. The exclusive host code to qualify is FR9DV2AG.

Not in Australia? Find your Crafty Carrot Co. demonstrator *HERE* or simply follow the blog hop to your region!  Next up is the talented Canadian representative, Krista Frattin!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Labels to Love
Inks: Basic Black, VersaMark
Papers: Whisper White, Year of Cheer Specialty Designer Series Paper, Basic Black, Blushing Bride
Accessories/Tools: Silver thread

[VIDEO] Labels to Love Lidded Gift Box

September 14, 2017

[PART 3] Let's Get Blogging Challenge

Of all of the Let's Get Blogging content shared so far, this topic generated the most excitement! Learn more about the Let's Get Blogging challenge and where it all began in this post *HERE*.

Week #3 Photography

The way you present yourself and your artwork in your blog has a huge impact on your blog appeal with readers.  This week's discussion focuses on tips for producing better photos for your posts.
Do be sure to check out the Let's Get Blogging facebook page.  A number of very talented Stampin' Up! Artisan Design Team members joined the fun and shared exclusive behind the scenes insight into their photography processes too.

"I have learned a few tricks in the past, but by scrolling through the posts here I have to say that this group is awesome! I think it is so wonderful that you are all so willing to share your tips with everyone! Thank you! I am so happy to be here!" Carolynn Sander

" Some great advice there, I think this is a video I'm going to be referring back to a bit." Tanya Rees

Part 3 now available on YouTube...
Week Four: Linking and Community Building

I've just put together a handy blog post planner, especially for paper-crafters! With this printable bundle, you can make sure that every blog post you write is brought together smoothly and is working hard to serve you and your audience well. Learn more *HERE*

[PART 3] Let's Get Blogging Challenge

September 8, 2017

[PART 2] Let's Get Blogging Challenge

In August I started the "Let's Get Blogging" group to provide my fellow paper-crafters with encouragement and guidance in getting a creative blog up and running.  Find Part 1 of the challenge I shared earlier on my blog *HERE*.

"I am so excited about this! This is exactly what I have been looking for! I feel so much better about starting a blog!" Nina King McMillan

Today I'm sharing the Week 2 discussion video.  View below, or head over to the facebook group *HERE* to see both the video and the full discussion thread.

Week#2 Things to consider when it comes to writing blog posts.

 "...a big thank you for this group. I'm itching to learn and share and connect with other crafters." Eva Potts

"I am so excited you started this group! I have an existing blog but need more of a "push" to consistently post"  Diana Tillery 

Ready for Part 3?
Week Three: Photography

I've just put together a handy blog post planner, especially for paper-crafters! With this printable bundle, you can make sure that every blog post you write is brought together smoothly and is working hard to serve you and your audience well. Learn more *HERE*

[PART 2] Let's Get Blogging Challenge

September 6, 2017

[VIDEO] Masking and Layered Stamping

Back in May, I shared this design in a blog hop with the Crafty Carrot Collective. Today I'm back with a video tutorial featuring the masking and layered stamping technique used to make this project.

If you love this set and want to see more, The Crafty Carrot Co have just released their Touches of Texture Tutorial Bundle!

Inside the bundle you'll find:

*A Step It Up project: how to add those artisan touches to turn a simple card into a wow project
* CASE the Cattie inspiration
* An on-trend technique project
* Off-the-card ideas: think gift packaging and gift sets!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Touches of Texture
Inks: Powder Pink, Tranquil Tide, Lemon Lime Twist, Fresh Fig, StazOn Black, VersaMark
Papers: Shimmery White, Whisper White
Accessories/Tools: Aqua Painter, Linen Thread, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

[VIDEO] Masking and Layered Stamping

July 26, 2017

In Color Card Strip Background

One of the first things my customers all want to see when a new Stampin' Up! catalogue is released, are the latest in-colours!  I designed this project for my first 2017-2018 annual catalogue class this year.  It allowed participants to play with each of the five newest tones!

It's a quick and easy layout to put together, but don't take my word for it!  View the video tutorial *HERE*.

Keep this layout in mind for the next time you have a heap of card offcuts to use up!

A big thank you to the talented Steffi Helmschrott for the inspiration for this project, please do see her original creations *HERE* for more ideas.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Confetti Celebration, Birthday Blooms
Inks: Berry Burst, Fresh Fig, Powder Pink, Lemon Lime Twist, Tranquil Tide, VersaMark
Papers: Berry Burst, Fresh Fig, Powder Pink, Lemon Lime Twist, Tranquil Tide, Whisper White, Crumb Cake, Basic Black
Accessories/Tools: Heat Tool, White Embossing Powder, Rhinestone Jewels

In Color Card Strip Background

July 19, 2017

[VIDEO] Watercolour Pencil Play

I'm sharing a video tutorial today for this watercoloured project.  Join me as I use the Stampin' Up! Watercolor Pencils to colour this beautiful pink Birthday Bloom!

This card featured in my Watercolour class earlier this year.  I'm so happy that the Birthday Blooms stamp set, which contains the gorgeous flower image you see here, is continuing over into the new catalogue due to be released in June.

What's not continuing is the Suite Sentiments stamp set I've used to create the little text background strip.  You can now find Suite Sentiments in the Stampin' Up! retiring sale.  It's a truly versatile set that's great to have on hand.  Wanna get your hands on some exclusive inspiration using this set? Why not pick up the Suite Sentiments Tutorial Bundle by The Crafty Carrot Collective!  For more information click *HERE*.

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Birthday Blooms, Suite Sentiments, Confetti Celebrations
Inks: Archival Black
Papers: Whisper White, Shimmery White, Basic Black, Brights Designer Series Paper Stack
Accessories/Tools: Watercolour Pencils, Classic Label Punch, Stitched Shapes Framelits, Delicate White Doilies

[VIDEO] Watercolour Pencil Play

April 19, 2017

January CASE Challenge, The Crafty Carrot Collective

Good morning!  I'm all packed and ready to head to my first cardmaking class for the year.  One of the projects we will be making is this birthday card featuring the Weather Together stamp set.  This stamp set has been having quite a workout at my desk this month, let me tell you!  It's the product focus over at The Crafty Carrot Collective's FREE January program.  This week, my talented friend Susan Wong shared a CASE inspired tutorial and I loved her project so much I wanted to play along straight away.

How adorable are the little presents in this set?  I've followed Susan's lead and used them to create a background.  Then I've embellished with a little peek-a-boo peach ribbon which I've paired with the sentiment from the Suite Sentiments stamp set from the catalogue.

Watch me put this project together over at my NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

The Suite Sentiments stamp set will be The Crafty Carrot Collective's February product focus.  Shop at the online SU store of any of our participating demonstrators in January to qualify for FREE ACCESS to this next program of tutorials, classes and challenges featuring this fun set.  Learn more HERE.

I hope that you join us this week for the CASE challenge!  I can't wait to see what you come up with.  Don't forget the #thecraftycarrotcoJAN17 hashtag so we can find your project.

Have a wonderful weekend!!
Jenn

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Weather Together, Suite Sentiments
Inks: Memento Black, Pear Pizzazz, VersaMark
Papers: Whisper White, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Black
Accessories/Tools: Stampin Write Markers (Peek-a-boo Peach and Basic Black), Heat Tool, Pool Party Embossing Powder (retired), Peek-a-boo Peach Ruffled Ribbon, Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies (available again June 2017)

January CASE Challenge, The Crafty Carrot Collective

January 14, 2017

Weather Together, The Crafty Carrot Co Blog Hop

Hello, happy 2017!!  The excitement of Christmas is now behind us but I'm thrilled to start the New Year with some creative fun as part of The Crafty Carrot Collective.  Today we are bringing you a special blog hop of inspiring samples featuring the Weather Together stamp set.

Stampin' Up! have released a set of Watercolour Pencils in the brand new Occasions catalogue (on sale this week).  I've had so much fun experimenting with these pencils to create this multi-toned background.

Want to learn how to create an effect like this? Catch my free video tutorial this week over on The Crafty Carrot Co facebook page.  Don't forget to like the page and turn on notifications so you don't miss any of the free classes, projects and prizes we are sharing as we celebrate our launch all January long!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Weather Together
Inks: Memento Black, VersaMark
Papers: Whisper White, Sweet Sugarplum, Shimmery White
Accessories/Tools: Watercolour Pencils, Aqua Painter, White Emboss Powder, Heat Tool, Classic Label Punch, Delicate White Doilies

Next up in the blog hop is the talented Krista Frattin from Canada. You are going to love what she creates for you!

Want the free classes, samples and prizes to continue in February? It's easy! All you have to do is purchase the Suite Sentiments stamp set (or product/s of equal or greater value) with your country's Crafty Carrot Demonstrator. Remember to use their unique host code. Fellow Aussie's - your shopping info is below!

Weather Together, The Crafty Carrot Co Blog Hop

January 3, 2017

I'm new to papercrafting - where do I start?

This weekend I was approached by a new customer.  She had just signed up as a demonstrator under one of my team but did not know what to place in her first order.  I still remember the first time I came across the hobby of stamping and papercraft.  It was January 2011 when I attended my first Stampin' Up! class. Straight away I was hooked!  Stampin' Up! gave me exactly what I needed at the time... fun, creativity and friends outside of parenting. The products featured in the catalogues were so inspiring, I wanted it all!  But I was also overwhelmed - so back to the original question, where to start?

I'm new to papercrafting - where do I start?

April 3, 2014

7 Tips for taking photos of your cards

When my son shares with me something he has made at kinder I feel so very proud.  I was surprised to feel a similar sense of maternal delight when my class participants began sharing their gorgeous creations with me as part of the recent DIY card kit challenges.  It is such a joy to see their work!

For many participants, this is the first time they have ever needed to photograph their cards. Of course, the better the quality of photo, the better you are able to do justice to your design. So I thought I'd share some insight into how I take my pictures. Let me just say upfront that there are so many ways one might go about doing this and I'm not saying that this is the right way - it's just what I practice at the moment. I hope you find these tips useful!

7 Tips for taking photos of your cards

March 1, 2014

How to tie a twine sailors knot

For me, embellishing male cards is not as easy as decorating cards for ladies.  It doesn't quite feel right to add pretty ribbons, fussy bows, jewels and flowers in my designs for guys.  The nautical theme of my project was based around the Stampin' Up! Set called 'The Open Sea'.  I liked the idea of adding some twine and creating a 'sailor knot' to feature on the design.  I wanted to share the following tutorial with you to try in your own nautical themed papercraft projects.

Step 1. Create two even lengths of twine.  The length you need will depend on your card.  I created a card using the Stampin' Up! Circle Thinlet die and made my lengths about 35cm each.  Take the first length of twine and create a loop in the centre. Cross the loose ends so that the bottom strand lies on the top strand, as shown.  Leave this loop lying still, it will become the 'standing part' of the knot.

How to tie a twine sailors knot

February 7, 2014

How to Make a Magic Slider

In classes this month I featured this Magic Slider card.  Here the black and white tree image 'magically' becomes coloured as you slide up the tag.

I first saw the concept on Amy Wanford's blog.  She provides a detailed tutorial here: http://craftingconfessions.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/colour-my-worldill-show-you-how.html
As I didn't have any of the dies Amy used I created my own die-free version of the magic slider pocket and wanted to share it with you here.

Step One - Create a pocket

How to Make a Magic Slider

September 28, 2012

How to Make Your Own Amazing Shimmer Spray

I love adding a splash of shimmer to projects, such as the lovely flower featured in this month's Class by Correspondence. 

Glimmer sprays, such as the Smooch Spritz now available through Stampin' Up! are a great way to do this. But for those of us that like to do-it-ourselves, this little tutorial will have you creating your own affordable shimmer in no time!

How to Make Your Own Amazing Shimmer Spray

October 15, 2011