Thursday, 11th November 2021, already!!!

Yes, it's been quite some time since I last posted.  Excuses?  Yes there's a fair few.  I've not been very well at all and so much has been going on here at Hampson's Hovel that it'd make your head spin! (no not covid, lupus and a severe skin infection and bit of mental health management too)  Isn't it wonderful how good you can feel with a good haircut and decent glasses too! Not to mention shedding kilos, at least 8 so far, possibly 10, I'll weigh my self next Monday.

We've had covid lockdowns, covid restrictions, building work started then stopped, front & backyards dug up during and then left due to the lockdowns. But finally we are starting to see our little property come back to 'average' coz there ain't no such thing as 'normal' these days around here.  I could share tons of photos. Maybe at the end of this. We had to document a lot of what was happening because quite a lot of our front & back yards were destroyed by the workmen and items from hubby's garden shed vanishing, like shovels, garden hose fittings and such. Not to mention them using his brand new wheel barrow and putting a ruddy great hole in it.  This has not made Herbie (nor Wirgie) happy campers.  We've got our front garden back and now have to be patient for the new trees to grow into hedges and sound barriers.  We've gotten so use to the traffic noise, to a point. But I now sleep with earbuds in coz it is never ending 24/7!!!

Soooooooo in the Stamping' Up! Crafting world, there have been so many new products with more on their way.  I did lose my creative mojo for a while there but it's back with a vengence and this last week or so has seen me make more cards than all of up to September this year included. Got to be happy with that!   Tonight kicks off our next Onstage@Home event.  My swag box arrived a few weeks ago and oh my goodness, this carry tote is one of the best ones I've ever received.  Want to see some of them? Why not visit my Stampin' Up! site here:-

https://wirgie101.stampinup.net/ 

OR my Pinterest board here:- 

https://www.pinterest.com.au/wirgie101/20212020-stampinup-by-wirgie-aka-virginia-hampson/

Here's a look at my Swag Box, courier delivered a few weeks ago no less, from Utah's head office in the USA!

REMEMBER: There is a great sale coming 16th to 18th November 2021 inclusive!  Mark your diaries, put a reminder on your mobile phone. You don't want to miss out on some of the fabulous savings you could make!!

  Till next time,

happy stamping, colouring and creating! 

Monday 20 September 2021, Lockdown Lament!

So here I am again, no blogging or creating since my last post either.

We are still in lockdown in much of Sydney. I've not seen my son and his little family  since early June nor my father and younger sister since then either.  The last time was when we all went to Adelaide for my niece's wedding in early June.

Since then, we've all been thrown into the bloody awful lockdown.  We had a couple of restrictions removed in the last few days but nothing much to party about so to speak.  Our 9pm to 5am curfew was lifted and some other restriction on our LGA (Local Government Area)  here in Blacktown was lifted too. HOWEVER we still can't go more than 5ks from home unless it's for work, going to a medical appointment or something urgent to do with family.  So yeah, we still are stuck at home.  Still have to only have one person go get groceries (I'm still loving Woolworths online!!!!)

Oh well, at least I am becoming a bit of a dab hand at running and attending online Zoom meetings and watching Facebook lives LOL.  I created this lovely canvas recently too.  Took me ages to hand colour all the butterflies then cut each one out individually but I got there in the end.  What do  you think?  I've used a retired designer series paper that was black and white, water colour pencils and lots of bling. Quite happy with it's outcome.

 

So that's all for now.  Remember, the Paper Pumpkin kit " Expressions In Colour" is available now at my online store but remember, it's only whilst stocks last.  It's the perfect extra kit to buy to go with all the beautiful supplies in the Expressions In Ink suite (pages 96 & 97 of the current annual catalogue). 

 

  

 

Want to be able to purchase all Stampin' Up! products at at least 20% off?  Why not join my team now, you won't regret it. Us demonstrators have the best of both worlds, great products, early access to what's coming in new catalogues. Opportunities to meet up (when covid settles down), make new friends, enjoy crafting together both in real life and online.  Click here: 

Product List

Expressions In Ink Suite Collection (English) [155459] $130.75	Artistically Inked Cling Stamp Set [154542] $42.00
Artistically Inked Bundle (English) [155456] $92.50	Expressions In Ink Ephemera Pack [155465] $12.25

Add All to Cart

Thoughts on Thursday, 26th August 2021!

TEXT HEAVY THIS TIME...

Well hello there everyone.  Yes I know, it's been a long break between blog posts.  No excuses really other than I just have not been creating much if anything at all.  I did loose my 'mojo' for a few months but I think it's slowly creeping back into me.  

Lock down here in the north west of Sydney has not been easy. We are heading into our 3rd month, though we were already in certain restrictions prior.  We, in my local council/government area are under some of the toughest and most strict lock down conditions than the rest of the city of Sydney, and the rest of NSW & Australia for that matter. 

We can't leave our homes for any reason except medical, food shopping or work.  Those outings are also restricted to just one person being able to go grocery shopping (no other kind of shopping other than pharmacy/chemist is allowed either)  Many shopping centres are closed or restricted.  We can't leave home to work unless within a 5k radius. If a person works outside of the 5k radius they have to be deemed as working in an essential service. That is, in a medical field, teachers, police & emergency personnel, defense personnel and a limited few other areas ie food delivery/services.  

My husband works for the department of defense so has to make the long drive over to the other side of Sydney to us, to the Navy base, every day.  He also has to have a covid test that shows negative every 3 days.  Which is hard since they can take more than 3 days to send him his results.  From this weekend he will also need to carry a permit that confirms he works where he works.  Which would be good IF the government had the website to get said permits up and running.  

Hubby has started to feel a tad jaded at the lack of professionalism in regards to getting websites up and running and such.  Only last night I heard him online making some comments within his bible study group that is proving even he, the eternal optimist, is starting to feel quite jaded over the whole thing.  He's been waiting over a week to apply for this permit only to be advised no one will have access 'til 6pm tonight Sydney time.  That's just fine & dandy he said considering there will probably be about 1million people all trying to get their permits.

Sigh, I've become quite the little hermit in the last 5 months.  I haven't left the house for nearly 3 of them!  Although I am enjoying shopping online and look forward to deliveries nearly every day ROFL.  Even been doing our grocery shop online too.  Looks like I won't be stepping inside an Aldi store any time in the future, Woolworths online has won me over LOL.  I found a solution to not being able to get Aldi Expressi coffee pods easily (Aldi really should look into having online home delivery, they are going to loose a lot of customers, they've lost me!!!!)  Any day now I will have a refillable stainless steel coffee pod system delivered.  This also will cut down the empty pods being thrown out, good for our environment.  I shall show what my new pod system looks like once it's received and put to use! 

So though I'm not creating much, you can still follow me on instagram, look for my Insta name "wirgie101", I share to it regularly.  As well as my Pinterest pages too. You'll find me here on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/wirgie101/  Just copy/paste that address.

Oh and yes, I did finally get a new computer for my birthday.  It wasn't ready for 3 weeks whilst it was being custom built so another reason I wasn't doing much online.  My old machine was so good but it just up and karked it one night.  Hubby asked how would I like a new system for my birthday.  What was I to say no to that offer  😁 

So for now I'll say cheerio and wish you all the best and pray covid hasn't been unkind to any of you.  I'll try to be back sooner with some nice creations for you!

Til next time remember,

happy stamping, colouring & creating!!

 

 

For a limited time only from ~ 8th September 2021~

 

 

 EDITED x 2: 8th September 2021

Release date changed due to delays during covid lockdown!

Dream and discover In Color! With the Expressions In Color Paper Pumpkin Kit, you’ll be introduced to our intriguing collection of In Colors for 2021–2023—and, you’ll find a familiar shade from our 2020–2022 In Color selection. This September’s ink-credible kit contains enough elements to create nine cards—and coordinating envelopes—including ink-stained paper pieces, an exclusive stamp set, and not one, but two Classic Stampin’ Spots! And, it all comes in a cute, colourful, and collectible box.

What are In Colors, anyway? In Colors consist of a limited-edition collection of colours. Stampin' Up!®  comes up with a new collection every year, and we release it around the same time as the release of our annual catalogue! In each In Color collection, we’ll offer ink, paper, markers, and more. The catch? They’re only available to purchase for a period of two years, so stock up on your favourite In Color supplies while you can!

With the Expressions In Color Paper Pumpkin Kit, you can explore and experiment with our 2020–2022 and 2021–2023 In Color collections. Make a splash with awe-inspiring, ink-stained artistry!

Love the Artistically Inked creations I've been making over the last few months? Want to buy those products?  You can any time of the day or night in Australia at my online store.  Add this lovely Paper Pumpkin kit and you will have endless possibilities for creating many different projects! 

Starting 8th September 2021 this one-of-a-kind kit will be available for each of our global markets. But, don’t delay! It’ll only be available while supplies last.  Find it here in my online store!

https://wirgie101.stampinup.net/

 

 

Product List

Artistically Inked Bundle (English) [155456] $92.50

Expressions In Ink 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Specialty Designer Series Paper [155464] $26.00

Clear Block Starter Bundle [129851] $34.00

Thoughts on Thursday, 15thJuly2021

Well hello there everyone. Yes I know, it's been some time since I've blogged.  No excuses other than I've not been crafting much, not had a lot to say really.

Living in Sydney lately has been quite challenging, we are into our 5th week of lock down with  no end on the near horizon.  I am very grateful that I have now had my 2nd covid vaccination earlier this week.  Hubby's is due soon too.  We both are more & more becoming home bodies, we don't want to go out anywhere either. Well except the footy, the Swans games but then again, I do not miss being in a huge crowd. I don't miss being jostled about getting into & out of the grounds.

It's hard not being able to go up to visit my father & sister. Not able to visit my son, DIL and grandson either.  We are all in the same boat, can't travel more than 10ks from home and only to either go to the doctor's, get food or as in hubby's case, go to work as he's in an essential service.  Department of Defense doesn't stop for anything!  His company is very understanding and Herbie is in a unique position in that he's head of the training team at the Navy base and they can't really present training to the Navy without him.   He loves his job and he's getting to come home earlier than usual due to no traffic, shorter training days too. 

 

Last week I sat for an hour and made 20 Christmas cards.  I was very happy with them AND I got to use new products that are coming on 3rd August 2021!  Yes, the mini catalogue and next Sale-A-Bration promotion is almost upon us.  Check back here and on my Facebook page for the links to the PDF's of both PDFs.  Whilst I didn't find a lot that 'grabbed' me in the new mini, I did find some beautiful products. The Memories & More card pack with matching envelope & card base packs for a start.  20 very easy and cute cards made using them and some new ribbon. Done and ready to give/post out!

They are very basic but look quite striking.  The Memories & More ($19.25AU) pack is called Ginger & Peppermint and the matching pack of 20 envelopes & card bases ($17.50AU) have the same name.  That's $36.75 for both packs which then works out at $1.84 approximately per card.  A little more if you buy the gorgeous Cherry Cobbler metallic ribbon to add as well ($14.00AU per roll)  

A little note about the ribbon.  You can 'fray' it by pulling a thread and have fringed ribbon too, like this!  Lovely!!!

So that's all for today, I hope you are all as well as can be expected and getting some crafting done too.

I hope to be back with more samples created with new products as soon as I can.  Remember, the new mini is released on 3rd August 2021 and you can start earning free products through the Sale-A-Bration promotions from that date as well. For every $90AU order placed, you can choose one free product. Got to love those freebies!  

Do remember also, there is a Designer Series Paper promotion happening RIGHT NOW!  This goes right through to 2nd of August. Below is a list a small photos of the Papers included in the promotion.

So remember, til next time,

happy stamping, colouring & creating!

Wassuuup Wednesday!!!!!

 Surprise! Yes I know, a Wednesday post from Wirgie!

I had to share this information so you can mark it in your calendars for 11th August 2021!  There is going to be a limited time only Paper Pumpkin kit available from that date and only whilst stocks last. $37.00RR and includes not one but two ink spot inkpads!

Have you been watching my Facebook, Instagram (#wirgie101)  & Pinterest pages in the last week or so and caught a glimpse of the gorgeous Artistically Inked stamp set I've been creating with?  No?  Well feast your eyes on some of these beautiful cards I've made all with ink, stamps & card!  Oh and a little bit of glue & gold gilding leaf too ;-)  

 

 

Well this new limited edition Paper Pumpkin kit will only add to the creativity you can have!  So please, mark your calendars for 11th August 2021, and buy this beautiful kit! 

til next time, remember,

happy stamping, colouring & creating!

Product List

Expressions In Ink Suite Collection (English) [155459] $130.75	Artistically Inked Cling Stamp Set [154542] $42.00
Artistically Inked Bundle (English) [155456] $92.50	Gilded Leafing Embellishment [154560] $15.75

Fabulous Fridays @5'o'clock'ish, 14thMay2021!

 Welcome back to another Fabulous Fridays at 5'o'clock'ish, known as FF@F'ish to many!

I'm so sorry it's been such a long time since posting anything new, like I've mentioned before, life happens and it's been a long road to wellness and stability for me since last July.  I'm happy to say I've been working my way through many issues, one of the major ones being nearly loosing my life last year due to my dodgy heart.  I have the all clear from my cardiologist for 6 months now and the pacemaker clinic for 12 months. Yay no more visits to Blacktown Hospital for 12 months. That was one of my triggers to unhappiness and panic.  I've never had good experiences in that hospital and never want to end up there in emergency ever again.  Thank goodness for health insurance and my beautiful hubby's well paying employment!

Anyway, on with some show and tell with a little video tutorial to boot!

Stampin' Up!'s new annual catalogue is well and truly out there for all to see.  Have you seen it? No?  Well if you want to see it in PDF format, take yourself over to this link here and browse on your big computer screen, it's gorgeous!

 https://www.dropbox.com/s/46bvxvbe8zcaim1/2021_NewAC_21-22_en_SP.pdf?dl=0

 

Want to see Sara & Shelli take a tour through it?  Have a look at this clip here, it's nearly 20 minutes so you might want to grab a cuppa first! 

Aren't there some amazing new products!  As I type I am awaiting a delivery. I couldn't wait to share with you one particular product so I have made a tutorial video using supplies I have here already. I'm not showing  you on screen what brand I have used but I have attempted to use as close to the Stampin' Up! colours as I possibly can.  I hope you like this tutorial, it's one I've been doing for many years, even before Stampin' Up! came to Australia. It never gets old and it will always delight in it's results!   Let's go.....

Colouring in with the New Soft Pastels by Stampin' Up!

 

So I finished the card as you can see below.  A couple of other tips, brush a sponge dauber over the pastels to pick up the chalk and blend on for a nice soft background. I did this with the darker blue (Night of Navy shade) to get a soft background.  I then picked up some of the same colour with my blender pen and edged the whole piece of Fluid 100 water colour paper. I've layered on to Night of Navy cardstock that has been die cut out using the new Scalloped Contour Dies.  This die set can be purchased as a bundle with the Colour & Contour Stamp set for 10% off.   I coloured my pearls using the dark Night of Navy Blends alcohol ink marker too.  Little piece of White polka dot ribbon under the sentiment, done!  Please see the links within the list below of all products used.

 

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope to have a lot more ideas, tutorials and shares once my delivery has arrived.  It's nice to be back!  So until next time, remember

happy stamping, colouring & creating!

__________________________________ 

  Product List

Soft Pastels Assortment [154585] $15.75	Blender Pens [102845] $21.00	Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper [149612] $15.75
Color & Contour Bundle (English) [158356] $88.00	Basic White A4 Thick Cardstock [159230] $14.25	Night Of Navy A4 Card Stock [106577] $15.25
Sponge Daubers [133773] $9.00	Night Of Navy Classic Stampin' Pad [147110] $13.00	Pearl Basic Jewels [144219] $8.75
Night Of Navy Stampin' Blends Combo Pack [154891] $15.50	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653] $209.00	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $6.00
Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755] $7.00	Whisper White 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon [146912] $13.00