A Month of Christmas Crafting 2017 - Christmas Cards with Deb

Hello Christmas Crafters!

I've decided to have a big Crafty Weekend... I'm catching up on last minute cardmaking, finishing off the shadow frames of my Advent Calendars and perhaps making a few crafty Christmas treats. Time for some inspiration!
Today Debbie from A Time to Stamp has some lovely Christmas cads to show us...... that should get my craft weekend under way :)
Enjoy!!

Hi, it's Deb here!

All my cards use mainly Stampin' Up products.

For my first card I decided it would be fun to use this 'Pineapple' Stamp from Stampin' Up! Seeing how I live in the sunshine state I thought it would be a nice way to send a bit of sunshine to friends and family I have living in other states!

I have used Blushing Bride Cardstock as the base, next layer is Whisper White Cardstock. I have then added some drops of ink onto baby wipes and used that as my stamp pad to ink up the Pineapple stamp. This gives a lovely mottled effect. 

The reinkers I used were Blushing Bride, Flirty Flamingo and Sweet Sugarplum for the bottom of the pineapple and for the top I have used Mint Macaron, Pear Pizzaz and Sahara Sand. The speckles were stamped with Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Set using Blushing Bride ink. The Merry Christmas is from Hand Penned Holidays Stamp set which is an oldie and no longer available, and I have used Pear Pizzaz ink. The 'Sunshine' die is from the Sunshine Wishes Thinlits and I have used Gold Glimmer Paper. Lastly of have used Bo Bunny Gold Glitter Paste which I purchased from Aunty Vera. 

For my next card I have used Whisper White cardstock as the base. I have then layered Vellum/Foil Specialty paper as the second layer.

 I have used Silver Glimmer paper for the banner. I have then stamped Wonderful Year stamp set using Versamark then sprinkled Emerald Envy Glitter Embossing Powder onto the stamped image and heated it with a heat tool. It comes out so sparkly, the photo does not do it justice.

For my next card the base of my card is Whisper White cardstock, I have then used Jar of Cheer Stamp set to stamp the snow in the background using the Soft Sky ink pad. 

The Greeting and the Snowman are from the same set of stamps. I stamped the snowman on a separate piece of card stock then fussy cut him out and adhered to the card using dimensionals to give him a raised effect. The Gingerbread house was fussy cut from the Candy Cane Designer Paper pack. I have placed a piece of Candy Cane Lane washi tape onto the top of the card and tied Candy Cane Lane Bakers Twine onto the side.

Now for my last card I have used PAPERTREY INK products. 

The set is called 'Make it Market: Post and Parcel Set'. The set contains stamps, dies, cut outs and paper and stencils. I have used the stencil for the snow and trees applying Wendy Vechhi Embossing Paste. The snow drifts and houses have been inked with stamp pad and sponge dauber using the stencils in the pack. 

The mailbox, presents, flowers and post were on pre-printed cardstock and cut out with the sizzlits in the pack.

Merry Christmas and Happy Stamping!

Thank you Debbie - these cards are GORGEOUS!!!! I love that you have gone both tropical and White Christmas with them!

So ........ who else is Christmas craftig this weekend?

AUnty Vera :) 

A Month of Christmas Crafting 2017 - Oh Christmas Tree

Did someone say December??!!!!! Where has the year gone??!
Well, it's been a full and busy year and now we are heading straight for Christmas which always seems to make time speed up even more. So please try to take some moments for yourself... be it to take a break  with a cup of tea and a Walker's shortbread (there's my weakness right there!!!! lol), experiment with some art journaling, sit in the garden with a good book..... or just sit and admire your Christmas tree.
Yes! It's the 1st of December and this is the day that Christmas Crazies (like me... lol again) traditionally decorate their Christmas tree. I have 2 grown boys and in my house Dan the Man has made himself the Christmas Tree Boss. Seriously!! This year I was told.... gold and red and silver and THAT'S IT!! I had to sneak some of my favourite ornaments that did not pass Dan inspection into the inner branches. Ssshhhh.... don't tell!

I think he did a marvellous job, though he tells me we need to go shopping for more silver. I told you he was bossy!!

Did you notice my special Christmas bunting? My very special friend Meli from Mayflowers Vintage Floristhttps://www.facebook.com/MayflowersVintageFlorist made it for me a few years back.......

Meli is in love with all things vintage and chose a fabulous vintage paper as the background for the pieces. (Discontinued now but I think it was from Crate Paper). I love the tinsel and ribbon and fringes......

It looks so special on my tree!

We look forwards to seeing you throughout the month as we showcase Christmas craft from our friends and designers. All the team at Aunty Vera Land are super excited! Our favourite bear has even got into the spirit!

Christmas Crafting! Bring it on!!

Aunty Vera :) 

Dylusions Permanent Mixed Media Ink Palette

Hello Happy Crafters! 

We have time for just one more 'normal'  post before we start our Month of Christmas Crafting.... so here's Amira having a fab time with Dyan Reaveley's Dylusions Mixed Media Ink Palette.......

I love this new mixed media palette by Dylusions for many reasons.

You have 4 colors already chosen for you so you don't have to decide what colors you are going to use. They are also conveniently placed in 1 box so you don't have to go searching for them among your pile of inks.

I grabbed this palette and 4 little ATC sized white card stock (2.5"x3.5") and decided to make a background to test it out. 

I chose a small scroll stamp and started stamping away:

After that, I stamped an image onto another piece of white card stock and fussy cut around it and glued it to the background. I left the image black and white because the background was enough color for me.

I added a sentiment

I also added gold washi tape to see how it looked:

This is how my ATC turned out :)

I'm happy with that!!

Thanks for joining me :)

xxAmiraInOz

Thank you Amira! I love those colours... they make for a brilliant background.

Aunty Vera :) 

What's New in Aunty Vera Land - Kori Kumi by Santoro

It's the start of another great week here in Aunty Vera Land and we have just unpacked some awesome new goodies!

Introducing shimmering sun and a spoonful of fun - the new Kori Kumi collection from Santoro!
With its vivid-hued palette, soothing imagery and dreamy nature, Kori Kumi will transport you to a blissful dream world; to a place of endless warmth and colour; to a land of infinite possibility.

Four designs have been released in the launch and we currently have all the stamps, plus embossing folders, the 8x8" paper pack and a few really special add ons. We'll be adding to the collection if it proves popular!

Here's what's in stock so far:

The stamps....

The embossing folders......

The 8x8" paper pack (I love the extra bonus toppers printed inside the pack!).....

Decoupage and Memory Pockets.....

I have to say... I'm in LOVE!!!!!

Please be sure to check back in tomorrow when our 2016 Design Team end the year by revealing their creations with this very special collection! I can't wait!!

Wishing you a brilliant week ahead
Aunty Vera :)

Aunty Vera's Kitchen - Coffee & Hazelnut Cake

Hello Happy Crafters! It's the weekend! And that means it's time for......

I know, it's been a while since we brought you yumminess from our kitchens. So I thought we could sit out in the garden today and enjoy the lovely weather we are having down here in Oz..... and share a cup of tea and perhaps a slice of this lovely Coffee and Hazelnut Cake......

First of all - credit where credit is due........ I actually got this recipe from a Coles Magazine - you know, that freebie that you pick up on your way out of the supermarket that often has the bonus of being full of really great recipes! Like this one!
It was actually supposed to be a gluten free recipe, but I have changed it over to being a glutony one (lol). For gluten free - simply switch the flour and baking powder to gluten free varieties.
I love making this cake becuase it is SO easy to make... but looks (and tastes) really impressive!

I'm into visual aids (lol) so here's the recipe in pictures.....

* Using an electric mixer, beat 3 eggs with 1 cup of sugar for about 10 minutes, or until light & fluffy and tripled in volume......

* With the motor on low, slowly pour in 200ml of oil (the original recipe calls for olive oil but I used canola)

* Mix 200g hazelnut meal, 2/3 cup plain flour and 1/2 tspn baking powder in a large bowl and whisk to combine well (this also sifts the flour) Gently fold this mixture into your batter........

* Whisk 2 tspns instant coffee granules into 1/4 cup hot water in a jug until dissolved. Let cool a little and then stir into your cake mixture.

* Pour the mixture into a prepared cake pan and bake at 170 degrees C for about 50 minutes, or until your cake passes the skewer test

* When cooked, stand in the pan for about 5 minutes before popping the cake out and cooling completely.

* When cool, top with whipped cream. You can flavour the cream with a tablespoon of coffee liquer or a teaspoon of coffee dissolved in a bit of hot water. Then sprinkle all over with chopped haszelnuts and shaved chocolate.......

Aunty Vera's Handy Hint - for an easy way to shave your chocolate try a potato peeler!

Now just put the kettle on and enjoy!!

Did you notice the Kaisercraft gold die-cut paper? It makes a lovely doilie for special occasions!

xx Aunty Vera :) 

2017 Design Team Call Out

It's an exciting time of the year - we are looking for up to 5 designers to join us in Aunty Vera Land as our 2017 Design Team!

Do you love playing with the latest and greatest in papercrafting? Are you a mad scrapper, card-maker, mixed media artist or general papercrafter and love sharing your creations and helping other crafters with ideas and inspirations? Then this call is for you!

We're mixing it up a bit next year in Aunty Vera Land - all our DT members will receive the same Care Package..... Aunty Vera's Kit of the Month. This could include papers, dies, stamps, stencils, paints....... all sorts of new and exciting goodies with a different theme each month! Designers will be asked to use the kit in any way they like.... creating their own brand of art with the included products.

What we'll ask from you:

• At least 1 major project per month (cardmakers - each project should feature 4 to 6 cards). You will be given admin rights to our blog where you can upload photos of your project and a brief write-up, or link to your youtube video

• One tutorial at some point during your year as a DT member. This will include step-by-step instructions if written up as a blog post, or else  be a step-by-step process on a youtube video

• Run one challenge sometime in your year as DT member....... this challenge will be run on our facebook page and Crafty Group simultaneously and can be a sketch challenge, tag challenge or anything you have a passion for.

•  Sharing your projects on your own blog and social media channels, and linking back to our blog and / or website

• Be an active and positive presence in our facebook group Crafty Vera and Friends, and be available to help members looking for advice on products and techniques

What you'll get from us:

• Your monthly kit - absolutely free!
• A fabulous discount on all your purchases from our website
• Your photo and link back to your blog / youtube channel / facebook page on our blog page
• Your projects featured on our various social media pages and perhaps in the papercraft magazines that we advertise in.

We are also looking for Road Testers -

If you love playing with new products but can't commit to Design Team duties, we need fortnightly Road Testers to try out new products. We send you a new product - you try it out and send us pics along with a brief write-up of your experience and opinion.




This call is also open to international crafters. So don't be shy... give it a try!

How to Apply:

• Email your application to info@auntyverascrapandcraft.com.au with your name and either DESIGN TEAM or ROAD TESTER in the subject line.
• Please include a few photos of your work so we can see how you play
• Include your name, email and phone number as well as links to your blog, youtube channel, online galleries and any social media channels
• Please list any other DT experience that you may have, and any commitments that you have for 2017 (Don't worry - no experience necessary!)

Note: We do not claim exclusive rights over our designers, but ask that you do not promote other retail sites on our pages, and always link any products used from our site back to us.

Applications must be received by November 30th, 2016.

You will be contacted via email if you are selected for our team and will receive your January Kit by mid December.

Hoping to see some of our old friends and some new faces apply!
Have fun!
Aunty Vera :)

Road Test Friday - Uchida Liquid Applique

Hi everyone! Welcome to another Friday Road Test! We'll be giving our Road Testers new products to try out and reporting back the results and (hopefully) great experiences.

Today Debbie from A Time to Stamp tries out Uchida Liquid Applique......

This product is amazing, I just love it! It goes on really easy, then once you have applied all  you have to do is hit with the heat gun, watch it bubble up and it’s done! Another aspect I really like about it is the colour underneath does not bleed through to the Liquid Applique  like some other brands that I have tried.

 One thing you do need to make sure is that you are not too heavy handed with it, as once you have heated it with your heat gun it expands quite a lot.

I can see this being my favourite product for many Christmas projects this festive season.

The box and cards that I have made are not entirely my idea, I saw them on Pinterest by Monica Gale of My Stampin’ Passion and just had to case them as I just loved the designs. If you would like to make the box yourself here it is on youtube HERE.

All other products I have used are Stampin’ Up! 

Wow! Thank you Deb!  What a fun product! I just love your cards and card box.... totally dreaming of a White Christmas!

So - how's the Christmas card making going dear crafters? We've all started, right? (lol) I hope this post has brought you some inspiration.

Have a fabulous, crafty weekend

Aunty Vera :)