Stampin' Creative Blog Hop - Cool for Kits

Welcome to the Summer Holidays and this month's Stampin' Creative theme of 'Cool for Kits' a theme where we wanted to showcase just how Cool our kits really are. 

If you've hopped over from the lovely Caroline's blog, you'll have already been spoilt to some fantastic inspiration and if you've started the hop here, then welcome and enjoy!

We have so many wonderful Kits available in the current catalogue, with my all time favourite still being Watercolor Wishes, which is an all inclusive kit and ideal for a gift or for a newcomer. I've been known to take one of these kits Glamping before now … 

Why am I not showcasing this amazing set? … well, for me, the gorgeous Perfectly Wrapped Kit lent itself to the project I had in mind for sharing with you this month.

This kit is just gorgeous and creates no less than 16 different gift packages (4 designs and 4 of each). You need to purchase the coordinating stamp set to complete it, but you can see here, that's its a very usable stamp set for other projects.

I was recently delighted to have been enlisted by the parents of our son's fellow class mates to come up with some pretty presentation for the combined gift we had purchased for their teacher gifts. The stand out flowers, just look so special that I just had to use them.

Having purchased a fabulous experience voucher for each teacher that came simply packaged in a square white box, my job seemed easy. 

The Striped paper was from the Pop of Pink Designer Series Paper pack and all other embellishments came in the Kit itself. 

The vibrant colour of this stunning flower and the contrast with the Black and White had me creating this striking card to coordinate with it. 

I love the little arrow line from the Perfectly Wrapped Stamp Set that sits along the bottom of this card and ties in with the Emerald Envy ribbon. 

To coordinate with the joint gift, I decided to use the box bases that come in the kit to hold a gusseted cello bag of yummy hand selected chocolates as our personal gift to the teachers from our son. The flowers to the front of these boxes were made using the same colour cardstock and various punches.

I'm often drawn to the stamp sets that coordinate with our kits, as you'd ve surprised at just how much you can create with them, aside from making up the kit that it's suggested for. 

I hope you'll hop over to see what delights Eimear has in store for you, but thanks for stopping by.

If you like any of the projects you are seeing today and you'd like to purchase the kits to make them yourself, then take advantage of the last two days of our Bonus Day Vouchers. Earn them this weekend and spend them next month. One £4.50 voucher for every £45 spent. No limits on the number of vouchers earned and you can spend them on whatever product you like next month. 

Thanks for visiting and enjoy the rest of the hop. 

Mikaela x

Blog Hop List

• Eimear at StampinColour
• Gina at Emerald Kreations
• Kim at Simply Fairies
• Pip at Queen Pip Cards
• Louise at Stampin’ Delight
• Sarah at Stamp with Sarah
• Emma at Coastal Crafter
• Caro at Craft with Caro
• Mikaela at The Crafty Oink Pen

You're so Lovely used with Birthday Bouquet

Do you ever look at a Kit and think "that's not for me", so completely dismiss the co-ordinating Stamp set? …. 

Yes? …. you wouldn't be the first to and I'm sure you won't be the last. Well next time, take a better look at the stamp set, you'll be surprised what you can create using them that's completely different to how it's showcased.

You're so lovely is a a great Kit that offers some beautiful embellishments for some gorgeous contemporary cards and gift bags, but I chose to use the Stamp Set to create my next Birthday Card for my recent All Day Event.

Coupled with some Birthday Bouquet Designer Series Paper and a strip of the gorgeous Pool Party Glitter Ribbon and hey presto …. a great card for using up strips and scraps of DSP.

Change the colours and patterned paper and you have yourself a Birthday card with a whole new feel about it. 

Have you chosen your favourite of my Stamp-a-Stack cards as yet? … Well, there are still a couple more to share, but if you've not seen the previous ones, then click HERE to be taken back in time to the first I posted earlier in the week and scroll forwards from there.

I hope you're enjoying seeing the cards I have to share. 

Mikaela x

Stampin' Chat Episode one Part two and behind the scenes

How many of you saw Episode Two of Stampin' Chat? …. Had you entered the competition? Did you win? … Well if you've not had a chance to watch it yet, then grab yourself a cuppa and prepare to enjoy.




The Watercolour Wishes kit is just so gorgeous. I even purchased it for my Mum as a Birthday present and funnily enough … I was filming this very series on the day of her Birthday, which was exactly why I could suggest this kit as a great gift idea.

I was so lucky to be a part of a great panel of ladies … we all had so much fun.
It's been an amazing few months for me with Stampin' Up! and taking part in this mini series has most certainly been the highlight. It all started back in July, when I returned home from holiday and it's been a whirlwind of events ever since.

This was us behind the scenes choosing our favourite card from the Watercolour Wishes kit and by the concentration on our faces, I think you can see that we had a struggle to find just one favourite … They are all just so gorgeous!

Some pre filming test runs … 

… ensuring the lighting and sound were as they should be … 

… and we're ready to start filming … Loose Women style.

If you like the look of this gorgeous Card Kit, that comes complete with a very usable Stamp Set, Ink Spots and embellishments, then be sure to pop over to my SHOP. Apply my current Hostess Code, which can be found to the top right of my page, at Check out and ensure I have access to your contact details and I'll send you a little something from me by way of a Thank You. 

Now who do you know that would appreciate this gorgeous Card Kit?

Mikaela x

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

Cottage Greetings Card Kit - Cards for under £1

Do you find it difficult to buy a beautiful greetings card at a sensible price? 

What would you say if I told you that you could make these for less than £1 each?

Right now I believe Stampin' Up! have some amazing kits on offer and this is just one of them. These three card designs are those that come in the Cottage Greetings Card Kit that gives you 15 cards, 5 of each design with beautiful lined coordinating envelopes, for just £14.50. I absolutely adore the thin wood veneer that you can see appear on each card.

There is just enough detail and embellishment for these handmade cards to look polished and professional, without being heavily weighed down. 

The fresh colours and vibe are so current and at just 97p per card, you really can't go wrong.

I used a coordinating stamp set called Cottage Greetings for the sentiments, which offers cute little flowers to tie in nicely with the patterned papers within the kit.

With step by step instructions and clear photographs to follow, I was surprised just how easy the kit was to put together. There really is no crafting experience necessary. Now, who wouldn't welcome beautiful cards at sensible prices?

If you've never crafted before or you just need something to help give you some inspiration, then here's your kit.

Be sure to use my current Hostess Code, listed to the top right of my Blog, with any online purchases and for anyone purchasing this kit, I will send you some Dimensionals for free to help with your assembly (just be sure to allow me access to your contact details). 

Mikaela x

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog

I Think You're Great - Treats and Cards

A few sweet treats for my ladies and these cute little treat holders were made using the Scalloped Tag Topper Punch and the new stamp set, 'I Think You're Great'. 

Well I have to say, I think the new In Colours are Great. In fact, I don't think I've taken to a set of In Colours as quickly has I have these. 

Mint Macaron, Tip Top Taupe, Delightful Dijon and Watermelon Wonder offer this gorgeous combination.

Sometimes a cute little treat is all it takes to show your appreciation ...

… and sometimes you just need a matching little card as well.

Isn't this font gorgeous?! … This 'Thanks' can be found in the Cottage Greetings Stamp Set, which coordinates with one of the many Card Kits on offer in the new Annual Catalogue.

I'm looking forward to assembling this Card Kit, which offers great value for money at just £14.50 for no less than 15 cards. That's less than £1 a card. Aren't they gorgeous!

You couldn't get this quality or price, anywhere on the High Street for this number of cards. It really is a knock out set and with full instructions, suitable for all level of crafters. I'll share the set with you further once I've completed it. 

Until then … 

Happy Crafting

Mikaela x

Built for Free Using: My Stampin Blog