Welcome Welcome to not only the greatest ever Blog Hop you’ll be on but also the very first one that the ESAD group has done!
Ok before we start … go get yourself a cuppa and a biscuit or three – this is going to be a long post!
What is ESAD? Well if youre a regular visitor to this blog then you will have seen me talk about it before so for all the new ‘extra special visitors’ today (not that my regular visitors arent special cos they just know they are!!) I’ll fill you in ….
ESAD stands for Extra Special Australian (and New Zealand) Demonstrators and it is an online group just for Australian and New Zealand demonstrators for Stampin’ Up! We so love what we do and not only do we love to share it with our customers, friends and wonderful blog visitors but we share our love for what we do with each other as Demonstrators. We run swaps, challenges, tutorials, product know how and the regular cyberstamp happens to thanks to the loverly Tanya!
So if you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator located in Australia or New Zealand then please feel free to click on the button below to join our wonderful group.
Now before I share my project with you I also want you to know that if you do make it around to all 30 Blogs involved in today’s Blog Hop and if you make a comment on each one you are then in the running for some Extra Special Blog Candy. The demonstrators from all over have donated blog candy for this blog hop and if you are the lucky winner you’ll be getting all sorts of parcels and you will truly think that Christmas has come early this year and that you’ve been a very good girl (or guy)! Now if you do get to all and comment on all the blogs shoot me an email with your name and email address and then everyone who has also visited and commented on all 30 blogs will go in the drawer for the ‘extra special’ blog candy.
Now onto the project …..
Now I must say how in love with this project I am! It was designed by the very lovely Andrea Walford who is a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator in Canada.
I’ve used the new Kaleidoscope Designer Series Papers through out this project and they are just gorgeous! Everytime my 12yo walks past my desk she stops, sighs and says “Oh I just love that paper!” She’s been very good not to take off with it I must say … its very girly and very tweeny!
Now when you open up this Friendship box you will see just how it all works inside. There is a pocket in the inside left of the Box which holds the envelopes. On the inside on the right you have clear pockets to slot in some cards.
I’ve inserted 4 pockets here but you could put in more – you may just need to secure it with something a little stronger like the jumbo brads or similar.
Here’s another view of the inside showing how the ‘pages’ flip/turn.
Pretty neat huh???
Now onto the cards …all the cards have been made using the Kaleidoscope Designer SEries Papers and the Nature’s Nest Stamp Set. I’ve used the new Chit Chat rubons for all the sentiments on the cards.
This first card is done using the dragonfly stamp from Nature’s Nest. I just love dragonflies and as soon as I saw this set I just had to have it! I’ve added a couple of flowers from the Flower Fusion kit and a clear rhinestone brad.
I’ve stamped the dragonflies onto Glossy White and then coloured with the aquapainter using the Classic Stampin’ Pads. I sponged some blue around the dragonflies so it wasnt so ‘white’ then applied the rubon greeting.
How great is this turtle??
I dont know about you but ever since Finding Nemo I immediately say ‘duuuuuuude’ whenever I see a turtle so I had to name this stamp ”Crush” did I not? I love that movie!
I’ve stamped ‘Crush’ onto Watercolor Paper in Jet Black Stazon then going from my lightest colour (So Saffron) and built up his shell using More Mustard, Old Olive and Always Artichoke. The grounding is done using Going Gray. He looks like he’s just about ready to travel along the EAC dont ya think?? I love this sentiment too as its just so very true – Friends make us strong!
See I told you it was a long post didnt I??
Now I must say that being a Stampin Up demonstrator and getting to preorder the upcoming stamps is not only wonderful but you also learn so much! I wanted to find out if there was any symbology (see i even learn new words!) and there is so much with the Peacock feathers – some of it is good and some not so good.
I was amazed to learn that Peacocks can eat poisonus berries and the like and not be affected in any way – wouldnt that be good if we could bottle that for all those that have allergies to various things.
This is a very quick and easy card. The Peacock feather is stamped on whisper white in black stazon and then I’ve just used the Taken with Teal Ink to colour in the feather and my markers to colour in the ‘eye’. Its a bit hard to see all the colours in the eye from this photo but I did try to make it as realistic as I could. another great sentiment from the Chit Chat rubons.
Now the last card I made for this set is of a birds nest with eggs.
Now I’m not sure why but I ‘had’ to paint them blue – then I thought what bird lays blue eggs??
Now I was going to tell you but I wont – I will give an extra prize to the first person to guess that right! So when you leave your comment just add the answer at the end.
Can you see that I snuck in my Baroque Motifs?? I do love that stamp with all the swirls and leaves – its just gorgeous!
I do hope you like this project and if you would like to make one of these I’ll be doing classes in the new year so contact me before Christmas to book your seat.
Now before you click on the next blog to visit as part of this Blog Hop I thank you for putting up with such a long post and I thank all the other Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators participating in this blog hop!
Now dont forget to pop a comment in so youre in the running for the awesome blog candy!
Your next stop on the ESAD Summer Mini Catalogue Blog Hop is Lisa Ryder – she’s a lovely lady and a dear friend and I just know you will love whatever she’s made!
Heather McCarthy
I have to say I wasn’t planning to get this set, but your cards are beautiful, I might consider it now! thanks for sharing
Jeannie
Fantastic project, your cards are always so lovely and inspirational.
Hugs Jeannie
Leanne
I wasn’t going to get nature’s best but it is has created some lovely artwork. Now I know my wish list is going to be growing again and this is only my first stop on the bloghop. thankyou for arranging 🙂
JoBee
Fabulous works of art, I love the colour combinations… I also love the peacock feather.,..You gotta love blog hops they are so
ink-spirational…. Off to the next stop.
Claudette
WOW!! Love the card box!! Been to see all the blog stops and they were very inspiring. About the blue eggs, they might be robin’s eggs…their eggs are a beautiful soft greenish blue…hence the color “robin’s egg blue”. I don’t know if you have Robins in Australia or not, I know my husband’s from Italy and they have a similar bird, but not really a Robin. It really seems funny with you talking about summer and us here in Michigan, USA are awaiting snow this evening. I hope I will be in the running for some blog candy. Love your work and your blog…visit it often when I need new inspiration. : )
Joyce Spear
Oh my goodness, Leonie, this project is GORGEOUS!! I have some of the Kaleidoscope DSP, and I’m inspired to pull it out to work with this week! Every single one of your cards is fabulous, and I’ve never seen such perfect coloring with this stamp set. WOW!
I’m starting the blog tour late, so I don’t know if all the links will still be working today, but I’m looking forward to seeing as much as I can from my fellow SU! demos “down under.” So far I am SO impressed!!
Smiles,
Joyce Spear a.k.a. StamperJoyce
USA
ROBYN LITTLE
What a mega blog hop! Such a fun thing. I love the peacock feather as well. Thanks Leonie.
Regards,
Robyn
Tui
Hi Leonie, this is certainly a WOW ….. project. It has not been my choice in stamp sets, but you have brought it to life beautifully. Awesome job!!!
Rebecca
So beautiful – I especially love the turtle.
Fiona Harvey
Wow, some terrific samples. Love the peacock feather! Thanks for sharing!
Jacqueline Tennant
Wow Awesome – I love what you’ve created.
Oh and Robins and thrushes amongst others lay blue eggs.
Alishia Gaff
WOW lots of lovely samples thansk for sharing!
becky manning
I love what youve done here, but my favourite is the dragon fly!
Robyn
LOVE how you snuck in Baroque Motifs! Beautiful touch!! TFS!
Kathryn Forster
This set is definitely on my wishlist. Love the turtle.
joanie
Hi Leonie, love your work. This is the sweetest card holder thank you for sharing.Have a GREAT DAY.
Jill
Lovely well done.
Lisa Huff
Love how you have show-cased the new DSP, great to see some fresh summery colours and designs. Thanks for your ideas. Lisa
Mae Collins
Hi Leone
Love the ideas and cards you shared. I have the Nature’s Nest stamp set on my wishlist too as I think the polished stone technique would be a great one to use for the turtle. Blue eggs are laid by thrushes, robins, bluebirds and starlings and I think a few other varieties of birds. TFS!
Wildflower
hi, robins lay blue eggs and so do some duck breeds as well. I thought all your creations were just lovely. I especially liked the peacock feather (reminds me of my dad’s – he has five peacocks and I don’t know how many peahens.)
Chantell Randall
Great project Leonie. Crush is my fav. Thank you for putting this Blog Hop together….it’s been awesome. Chantell
Tania Salvati
Just love this project. Great colours and love the stamps.
Lisa K
Hi
I just recently joined ESAD. Thanks for setting up the blog hop and now I like that dragonfly stamp!
Oh and is the answer Bluebirds LOL
Ta
Andrea
love your cards Leonie, Im running very late starting this blog hop but I hope to get to all of them.
Karen Lea
You are very talented. I must admit, I didn’t like that stamp set (in fact I don’t usually like many of the “sketchy” stamp sets because I didn’t think you could make them look colourful enough, but wow, I’ve been proven wrong. P.S. I also think emus lay blue eggs! Loved reading your comments too, very entertaining.
Corinna
I really LOVE what you have done with this set. NOt one I was drawn to at first, but I think you’ve swayed my into another purchase. Thanks again for initiating this “Hop” it’s been a blast!
Annette
Leonie. Turtles, dragonflies and peacock feathers – all my favourites. Love what you have done with them.
Annette
Sherry
I love what you did with all of these but my favorite is the peacock feather one! I love the simplicity of it.
Kim Conway
Lovely project. You are so clever. This blog hop is fantastic. Well done!!
Mel
Great job on what I originally thought was a pretty “blah” set – you make it look great
Dotty
I love the turtle too!
Nikki Stalker
Great project Leonie. That set didn’t interest me before but I’ll be giving it a second thought now.
Nikki
Claire Harrison
Hi Leonie,
Love the card folio, I have the instructions for this one myself – you have inspired me to sit down and make one! Your turtle card is particularly stunning. TFS
Teresa Leggo
Great projects, love the turtle and the feathe, they look fantastic
Diana
*LOL* I saw that DSP and went nahhh not for me – now I’ve seen the projects and I HAVE to have it!!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing such a terrific project
Margaret Knoops
OMG! I just love the colours you used on your cards.
Especially lovin’ that Turtle – I’ve got a crush on him!
Thanks for sharing!
Lynda
Emus lay blue eggs too I think….dunno if anyone else guessed that. LURVE this DSP Leonie. Too much fun to be had with this I think!!. Brilliant job on all your projects and such a massive HOP!!! 😉
Susan Joyce
Emu’s lay blue eggs too. Love your album and I love this Nature’s Nest stamp set, one of my favourites in the Mini.
Tina
Your cards set is fantastic. Thanks for organising the blog hop.
Rebecca O'Gorman
Great work Leonie. Thanks for organising the blog hop.
Sally
What lovely ideas.. Thanks for sharing.. off to the next hop!
Cynthia Ferenz
I love the peacock feather and the especially the dragonflies. I too, LOVE dragonflies. Here in the US – Robins lay little blue eggs. Don’t know if you have Robins there. Thanks for the invite to your hop!
Cynthia Ferenz
Fredericksburg, VA
http://[email protected]
Proud Parent of 2 Soldiers
Sarah S
I love your nature theme–especially the turtle & the peacock feather—you use colour really well! I am really enjoying the blog hop—thank goodness I put my boys (4 & 2.5yrs) in front of a movie–its Nemo—go the EAC!!
Yvonne Walker
Great idea to have a Blog Hop. I love the Friendship box it will make a great gift. Well done.
Liz
Love this idea! off to do the Blog Hop. LIz
Liz
Duuuuude!! Made me laugh out loud! I have the same response to turtles! Very sweet little card – thanks! I also love the friendship box – a lovely gift – and your background paper is my all time favourite (so far) I’m mourning it’s loss with the finish of the spring mini – I love Parisian Breeze!
Karen Sullivan
Love the project and great coloring Leonie. Thank you for letting us across the “pond” (USA) know about your blog hop. I am looking forward to visiting all of the others.
Linda Fitzgerald
Great cards, Leonie! Fantastic bloghop! What more can I say? I must admit to being curious whether your answer is Robins or Bluebirds or Snowy Egrets! LOL My answer would have been Robins.
Lou
Fantastic stuff Leonie! What a great gift idea. You’ve worked wonders with these papers.
Thanks so much for organising our first ESAD Bloghop. It’s been such fun!
Meegan Dale
This is lovely – i know my daughter would like this project.
You are very talented at colouring the images.
Well Done.
Keegan Rigby
Love the card box!! And am loving the blog hopping! Great idea!
Julie Putland
Leonie, the DSP really didn’t do it for me until i saw these projects today. Thanks for sharing
Vanessa Garrahy
WOW! They are amazing.
What a great project to make
Thanks
Shirley McAvoy
Hi Leonie, love this set and love the way you have coloured in each individual stamp. I bet that was very soothing for you (or not!). Hee hee. PS Robbins & Bluebirds both lay blue eggs. Thanks for the free education as well….
Carol
Onie… I love your latest creation, the friendship card!
I’m also having fun Blog hopping today! Caz <3<3
Charmaine Black
I’m in awe! This is fantastic work Leonie, I luurve everything! the colours are so Summer. Your work is absolutely stunning, thanks so much for sharing and organising this hop…You’re a genius. Lots of inky hugs from Charmaine 🙂
sandie carter
Lovely cards and thanks for organizing this great blog hop – so many inspiring ideas everyone is sharing.
Bev Mantle
Just love it Leonie, the folder is beautiful done with this dp.
Tracy Clarke
Hey Leonie,
Great Idea to have a Blog Hop, maybe next time I can get involved if life allows me time. Hope this brings like a million hits for all your hard work you do at ESAD. I love being part of this group, and all we learn from others who share there. I also luuurv your Friendship box with cards. Especially the turtle, he is sooooooo on my wish list now.
Luv Tracy xx
Deena Dobinson
Well, Leonie, I am going to echo your 12yo ..”oh, I love that paper” too! It is so pretty. I love the way you used the Nature’s Nest set! It has all come together so well. Thankyou
Shaz Meara
Hi Leonie, For some reason my comments have been flicked and keep coming up with an error…hmmm… Will try again! I just love what you have done with your project. Much fun and definitely will be one high on my TO DO List! I wasn’t sure about this stamp set, but seeing what you have done makes me think that it would make a really cool set to use for many occasions, and for males as well.
To answer your question….. SNOWY EGGRETS lay blue eggs! Interesting hey…. goes to show we learn something new every day!
Hugz
Shaz 🙂
Louise
This paper has really grown on me thanks to lovely projects such as this…very fresh!
Sonia
Leonie,
You are wonderful for organising this blog hop – it’s a great way to showcase the summer mini!
Your cards are just stunning, as always.
And the friendship box is beautiful.
Cheers
Sonia
Robin Merriman
Beautiful box and cards too! Great job!
Jenny
Leonie,
These are just gorgeous – the watercolouring is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Jenny xx
Kym Byrne
Hi Leonie
Didn’t like that stamp set but gotta say love what you have done with it. Thanks for sharing.
Kym Byrne
Madonna
Duuuudde!! That’s like totally awesome!!! You know now i’ve got that voice in my head don’t you?? (along with the others!! mwahhaha) Love your project!!
Steph
Hey Leonie,
This turned out beautiful! I really really like what you’ve done with it!!
Steph X
Louise
Beautiful job Leonie! I’d overlooked this stamp set, but now I love it – thanks!
carol marbach (udi)
gorgeous projects leonie. love the feather and turtle the best.
(robins lay blue eggs)
xoxo