24 hours Free Postage on Monday 11th

Just in time for Christmas, Stampin' Up is offering free shipping if you place you order on Monday 11th December 2017. Click on this link to go to my shop.  I am off to get my order in now!

Christmas Card Class

Yesterday I ran a Christmas card class.  Here are some photos from the class... which we had so much fun creating.  The next class is this coming Thursday. 

Online Extravaganza!

Stampin' Up are having a limited sale on some items today (20th November) and a sale on some items for the rest of this week.  See below what is on special.   Click here to view the products on sale for 24 hours and here for the products on sale from 20th to 26th November 2017.  If you are interested in any of the items and have any questions please feel free to click on the first picture or leave me a comment below.  If you click on the second picture it will take you to my online store.

 

The New Stamparatus from Stampin' Up

The new Stamparatus from Stampin' Up.... very excited!  Reservations start tomorrow 17th November at 8am AEDT.  If you reserve between 17th and 30th, while stocks last the item will be shipped around the 1st February 2018.  There will be other dates to reserve your Stamparatus... I will post more details soon.  Any queries please post a comment below.

 

Photos from the April 2017 Classes

Projects in the April Classes

In my April classes we made a beautiful feminine card and box.  The box was a little fiddly but they all looked amazing with the hand made bow on top using the envelope punch board.... Well done to all who came to the class and tried making the box! Pictures are below showing some of the fantastic work completed in the classes.

If you would like to know about any of the products used please feel free to leave a comment or you can shop at my online store.
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Bike Cards

I have always loved bike riding.  Most of my early life it was a practical way of getting around with mum and my brother as we only had one car that dad took to work.  We would ride with mum who was always watching us to make sure we were safe (as a child she had grown up riding a bike).  Then later on as a teenager (before gaining my driver’s licence and a car) it gave me the freedom to be independent.  I used to ride to school and to my hockey games.  I have a very fond memory of when I was about 6 or 7, my mum worked night duty in the weekends as a nurse so dad would take us to an orchard where he used to prune the trees.  My brother and I would have our bikes on the orchard so we could ride around (perhaps my parents hoped that we would be worn out at the end of the day lol).  One day my brother and I decided that we would ride our bikes home.  Dad did try and talk us out of it but saw that he was wasting his time (he must have also known what was going to happen).  We rode out of the orchard with dad driving the car slowly and our little legs madly peddling..... we must have only ridden about 600 metres before my brother and I decided that we had ridden far enough and wanted to hop into the car, which like any good parent, dad stopped, put our bikes in the boot and us in the back seat and off we went.   

Used: Bike Ride Bundle - stamp set and framelits (145314), Sheltering Tree stamp set (137163) and Seasonal Layers Thinlits (143751) to make the fence.

My worst experience wasn't falling of my bike....oh no.... my brother who is 18 months younger than me received a brand new 2 wheeler bike for his birthday and I still had the "baby bike", the tricycle!  I was so upset.  A few weeks later a beautiful red 2 wheeler bike arrived for me, all was forgiven.  Another fond memory was traveling to UK to see my Grandparents.  I woke up in the morning to find fresh grapefruit for breakfast.  My Grandfather who was in his 80's had ridden his bike 9.2 miles (14.8 km) just so I had fresh grapefruit.  He still rode his bike up to his 90's.  So bikes have been a big part of my life.  My partner and I ride our bikes for about 18 kilometres each Saturday, stopping half way for a chai/coffee.  We are very lucky to live close to a bike path around the Moonee Ponds creek.  So it was a natural thing that I would be drawn to the Sheltering Tree stamp set (which includes a little bike), the new Build A Bike Framelits and the new Bike Ride stamp set by Stampin'Up.  Below are some of the cards I have designed using these stamps and framelits.

Used: Bike Ride Bundle - stamp set and framelits (145314), At Home With You Bundle (145351) and the new Embossing Paste (141979) with the Pattern Party Decorative Masks (144103) to create the bricks.

 

 

 

Used: Sheltering Tree stamp set (137163), Layering Ovals Framelits (141706) and Stitched Shapes Framelits (145372)

Used: Sheltering Tree stamp set (137163), Layering Ovals Framelits (141706) and Stitched Shapes Framelits (145372)

Used: Sheltering Tree (137163), Labeler Alphabet (141936), background; Aqua Painters (103954) with ink pad

Used: Sheltering Tree (137163), Swirly Scribbles Thinlits (141497), Layering Ovals Framelits (141706).  The T-Shirt Builder Framelits are no longer available.....

Few Problems with New House - Classes had to be put on hold

After moving into a new house we have encountered a few problems which has meant I have had to put the classes on hold during May.  First we found out a pipe had been leaking for the past 8 months.  

 All the furniture close to the wall had to be removed.  The wall was pulled down and the pipe was fixed.  For the next 2 weeks we had to wait for the wood to dry (not a great thing as winter has hit).  The wall and 2 door frames have been replaced (that didn’t take too long…. one evening).  We are just waiting on the painter to come in and paint the walls and frames so we can put the house back together and I can start my card classes again.

Along with the disaster in the lounge/dining area we discovered another leak in the main bathroom.  All the grout had to be taken out and the floor left to dry.  Last Friday the tiler came in to replace the grout…. Hopefully the leak has been fixed.  Thankfully this will not affect the running of the classes.

Suggested Products To Get You Started

I love products that I can use for multiple cards, whether it is for Christmas, a birthday, a thank you or male or female cards.   Below are some of the picks that I have found multiple uses for.  I have also included some of the things that I have found useful for creating my cards.  In the list I have included some Christmas products as Christmas cards seem to be the most popular.  I will be posting later on cards that I have made to give you inspiration using the products below.

When you place the order through me you will have a chance to order a few items free (this depends on the amount you spend as to how much you can use on the free products).  I usually use my free credits for the smaller items, like the glues, the smaller clear blocks, etc.  Please use the link below.  If you spend over $250.00 you are entitled to purchase the “Hostesses” stamp sets.  These stamp sets are usually cheaper than your standard stamp sets and are purchased with your credits.  Stampin’ Up also offers periods when you spend a certain amount that you receive a free product…. During February / March 2017 they had some great freebies….. I did go a little crazy lol.  I will let you know when they next do this.  Click on the below link to shop.

A Paper Paradise Shop

The top of the page should show Helen Reeve…..

The catalogue(s) and specials can be viewed by clicking on the catalogues at the side.  On the list of items (below) I have included the page number in the current catalogue and the new catalogue.  The current catalogue will end 31^st May 2017 and the new catalogue starts on 1^st June 2017.  Where I have NEW under the Current Catalogue heading means that the product will be available to purchase on and after the 1^st June 2017.

Happy shopping and I hope you find this helpful to get you started.  If you have any queries please feel free to write a comment.  I do run classes in Oak Park, Victoria, Australia if you wish to learn how to use some of the items below (and use them before purchasing).  I list the classes under the “Class” tab on my blog.

The below items are my own personal suggestions (A Paper Paradise) and what some of what the ladies have enjoyed using in my classes.  There are so many other products that may appeal to you personally… please feel free to browse through the catalogue on line or contact me for a catalogue.

Code	Description	Price	New  Catalogue	Current Catalogue	Notes
145301	Happy Birthday Gorgeous Bundle	$64.75	Pg 77	NEW	This set has plenty of options for birthday cards.
140609	Balloon Bouquet Punch	$31.00	Pg 207	Pg 187	This coordinates with the above set.  Has a small and large balloon.
141491	Classic Label Punch	$31.00	Pg 206	Pg 187	This also coordinates with the above set but is also very useful label to use on yours cards (I have used the label to hide a mistake on the card ops!).
144111	Be Merry Designer Series Paper	$19.25	Pg 113	NEW	13” x 13” Christmas paper.
140386	Oh, What Fun photopolymer stamps	$37.00	Pg 115	NEW	Christmas words stamp set
142110	Star of Light photopolymer	$45.00	Pg 122	NEW	Great set for Christmas as it also has words and designs.  I have used this set also for other cards eg birthday.
141840	Starlight Thinlits	$49.00	Pg 216	NEW	Die cuts for the Star of Light stamps.
12855	Lovely as a Tree	$49.00 Wood $39.00 Clear	Pg137	Pg 130	This stamp set can be used as a Christmas scene, again a set that is easily changeable for Christmas or just a general birthday, thank you, etc card.
141784	Blooms & Wishes	$37.00	Pg 139	Pg 139	I like to have a flower set.  One of the flowers could be used as a Christmas poinsettia.
140514	Timeless Textures	$49.00 Wood $35.00 Clear	Pg 154	Pg 120	This is a favourite.  I have used this stamp in a lot of my classes as a background stamp.
141749	Swirly Bird photopolymer	$44.00	Pg 171	Pg 152	I really like this set.  I can use it to create backgrounds or use to create a beautiful card.
141497	Swirly Scribbles Thinlits	$45.00	Pg 126	Pg 194	Coordinates with the Swirly Bird Stamp Set.
142353	Swirly Bundle	$80.00	Not Available	Pg 152	The bundle is a great way to save 10% on the stamp and thinlit set.  I really love this set.  I have used the stamps and thinlits for Christmas, Birthday and Easter cards.  This set is available until 31st May 2017… after this date the stamps and thinlits will be sold separately.
Stampin’ Pads
106576	Classic Stampin’ Pads Old Olive	$11.50	Pg 186	Pg 171	Can purchase in a bundle set Brights.  I have picked a few of my favourites from different sets.
126970	Classic Stampin’ Pads Night of Navy	$11.50	Pg 185	Pg 170	Can purchase in a bundle set Regals.  I have picked a few of my favourites from different sets.
126949	Classic Stampin’ Pads Real Red	$11.50	Pg 186	Pg 171	Can purchase in a bundle set Brights.  I have picked a few of my favourites from different sets.
126982	Classic Stampin’ Pads Pool Party	$11.50	Pg 186	Pg 171	Can purchase in a bundle set Subtles.  I have picked a few of my favourites from different sets.
131182	Classic Stampin’ Pads Brights Collection	$98.00	Pg 186	Pg 171	This was the first set I purchased.  I thought it had the right mix of colours to start me off.
144081	2017-2019 In Color – 5 ink pads in the set	$47.50	Pg 184	NEW	Good mixture of colours.  Can be bought individually but you can save by purchasing in a bundle.
140933	Neutral Bundle x 6 colours	$58.50	Pg 185	Pg 170	This is a great bundle to get as it has all your basics…. Greys, brown and sandy colours.  The stamps can be purchased individually at $11.50 each.
140931	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad	$12.25	Pg 201	Pg 180	Great basic.  Can purchase the refills.
Card Accessories
140490	Whisper White A4 Thick Cardstock x 40 sheets	$12.25	Pg 194	Pg 175	Use to make the base of your folded cards.  You can get 2 A6 cards out one sheet of A4
106588	Whisper White C6 Envelopes x 40 envelopes	$11.50	Pg 195	Pg 176	Envelopes to coordinate with the cardstock above.
121717	Shimmery White Card A4 x 10 sheets	$14.00	Pg 194	Pg 175	Has a sparkle in the card.  Works well with blending and water colours.
144220	Rhinestone Basic Jewels x 140	$8.75	Pg 197	None Left	Come in 3 different sizes
144219	Pearl Basic Jewels x 140	$8.75	Pg 197	None Left	Come in 3 different sizes
Embossing Tools
102283	VersaMark (clear pigment ink – embossing)	$15.00	Pg 200	Pg 180	Use this ink pad for embossing
Refer to Cat. for colour code	Stampin’ Emboss Powder	$8.75	Pg 201	Pg 181	Comes in clear, copper, gold, silver and white.  They last for a long, long time…..
103083	Embossing Buddy	$10.00	Pg 201	Pg 181	This will last you for a long time.  I have had mine for over 12 years.
129056	Heat Tool	$50.00	Pg 201	Pg 181	This is used to heat the embossing powder…. Hairdryer isn’t hot enough.
110755	Multipurpose Liquid Glue	$7.00	Pg 202	Pg 182	This is a liquid glue and very strong.  It has a small tip and a larger end.
138995	Tear & Tape Adhesive	$9.00	Pg 202	Pg 182	Double sided tape.  Great for adhering layers together.
104430	Stampin’ Dimensionals	$6.00	Pg 203	Pg 182	Double side foam tape used for the 3D look.  There is a new Stampin’ Dimensionals coming out which are smaller.
Dry Embossing
102300	Bone Folder	$12.00	Pg 204	Pg 185	Great investment.  Use it for scoring and makes a crisp fold.
143263	Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine	$159.00	Pg 209	Pg 190	A necessary machine to enable you to use the thinlits and the embossing folders.  I have had mine for 5 years and still going strong!  I now have invested in a second one!
141634	Holly Embossing Folder	$13.00	Pg 210	Pg 195	Great Christmas design
139672	Softly Falling Embossing Folder	$15.00	Pg 211	NEW	This can be used as a snow effect for a Christmas card… or just some detail on the bottom of a card.  I have used the folder on a few wedding cards.
Stamp Accessories
118486	C Clear Block	$12.00	Pg 217	Pg 183	This is a useful even for the smaller stamps (A or B).  Used for your clear or photopolymer stamps.
118484	E Clear Block	$20.00	Pg 217	Pg 183	This block is a common with the stamp sets I have suggested. Used for your clear or photopolymer stamps.
118489	G Clear Block	$8.00	Pg 217	Pg 183	This block is great for word stamps. Used for your clear or photopolymer stamps.
118483	F Clear Block	$29.00	Pg 217	Pg 183	This block is also great for the larger images.  Used for your clear or photopolymer stamps.
102394	Stampin’ Mist Stamp Cleaner	$8.00	Pg 217	Pg 183	This cleans and conditions your photopolymer and clear stamps.  The refill can be purchased.  It seems to last a long time.  I like to look after my stamps I have lost some stamps because I didn’t clean and condition them.
126200	Stampin’ Scrup	$30.00	Pg 217	Pg 183	There are other things you can use to clean your stamps with but this product used long with the Stampin’ Mist Stamp Cleaner cleans in the gaps and in between the imagine so there isn’t a build-up of ink in the area that doesn’t stamp.  It has 2 sides, one to clean and the other to dry… great if you want to swap colours and use the same stamp.