JAI32 - Entries So Far!

Just a quick reminder before we get on to our Entries So Far...

Please double check the entry requirements before submitting your entry to our challenges.  We're again going through a period of multiple deletions - we don't like doing that to you!  If you're not sure of our 'rules', check out this post.

Now... have a look at the fabulous entries we have so far in this week's challenge!





If you haven't already entered, the cut-off time is Wednesday September 1st midnight WST and you can submit your entries HERE.

Just Add Ink 32 - Just Add Material

Hi Inkers!

This week we have a theme challenge for you all. I hope you're ready to give your big shot a work-out or maybe adding a little ribbon to your projects this week will be more to your taste. As long as you Just Add Material, you fit our challenge criteria!!

We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Here's what our wonderful Design Team girls came up with ...

Danielle Daws

Amanda Reddicliffe

Chantell Randall

Jo Eades

Jodene Tripp

Kim Badelt

Kirsty Jeffery

Patrice Easton

Rules & Guidelines:

• Provide a DIRECT LINK to the post on your blog where you've displayed your creation using Mr. Linky. Incorrect links, or blog links that are down-right advertising are not eligible for Top 5 picks, and will be deleted.
• Entries with 3 or more challenges listed against their creation will be deleted.
• Projects must be new.
• Please mention our challenge and provide a link back here in your post, so others can come and join in the fun too!
• The DT girls are welcome to play along and inspire, but are not eligible for the top picks.
• Make any project you like (card, layout, 3D project, etc) using our challenge as inspiration.
• While the DT uses Stampin' Up! products, you're welcome to use any products you like.

Don't have a blog or online gallery?

Email a picture of your creation to just-add-ink@hotmail.com and

we'll publish it and add it to Mr Linky on your behalf, for others to see.

Mr. Linky will close Wednesday 1st September at 23:59WST.

Just Add Ink Challenges Participants

1. Sabriena Satchwell 2. Chupa 3. Sandra Farrell 4. Shirley McAvoy 5. Megan McDonald 6. Cassandra 7. snuffermus 8. MsPlum 9. Rachel Jackson 10. Janet Katz 11. Rachel Moore 12. Katie Ridden 13. Christine Blain 14. Amanda

15. ona_i_ja [Agnieszka] 16. Naomi 17. Tracey Old NZL 18. Julia Leece 19. sharon 20. Judy May 21. Debi Ryan 22. Tui Nathan 23. Karen G 24. Kelly 25. Vannessa 26. Mariana 27. shellshearer 28. viv sawyer

29. Linda, the funkie junkie 30. Susan Joyce 31. Narelle Hoggard 32. Karen Southwell 33. Nadine Potroz 34. Megan McDonald take 2 35. Kerry Deane 36. Debbie Airey 37. Jane Blakeley 38. Kerri D 39. Sabriena Satchwell (Take #2) 40. Louise Harry

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Thank you for playing at
Just Add Ink!

Just Add Ink #31 Top Picks

What a week!  We had so many fabulous entries, with so many fantastic ideas!  Thankyou all for your support of Just Add Ink.  We love having so many talented crafters participating!

Here are this weeks Top Picks...

Kris Sobolik

Jane Blakeley

Tui Nathan

 

Karen Thomas

Chupa

Congratulations Ladies!

Here is your badge to wear on your blog:

Click here if you need help adding the badge to your blog.

Come back at midnight to check out our next challenge!

Thanks for playing at Just Add Ink!

My Space - Renee Van Stralen

Chances are, you're probably drooling right now. This is the space of Renee Van Stralen of Stamping for Sanity, and if I was to have an official happy place I think it would look a lot like this. *smile*

Renee is a mum of 5, from Canada, and has been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator since 2006. We are always in awe of Renee's creations - she always has a little magic up her sleeve and never fails to impress. Here's what Renee told us about her lovely craft space.

Has this always been your creative space?
We'd been moving every year or so (due to my hubby's schooling) so I never really had a defined space to call my own. Once we bought this house, I decided that it was high time I got a space too! So, we've gone through a few renditions of the scrap area and changed it as my needs (and stuff) grew. I started out with a few IKEA pieces of furniture with the eye for being able to add and move them around. Knowing full well that we won't be living here forever, I wanted my furniture to be easily taken apart and reassembled in whatever configuration would work for whatever space I get.



What do you use for ink storage?
All my ink, markers and ink refills are stored in cases that my father-in-law made for me. They are individual units that hold up to 12 inks, and they can be stacked, be put side by side, hang up, whatever!

And stamps?
All my SU! stamps are in cupboards on the wall (see below). I purchased an IKEA bathroom cabinet with an opaque door, and they fit the stamp cases perfectly! The rest of my collection is stored in a Bind-It-All album.

How about storage for punches?
My punches are all on the wall on towel bard (also from IKEA).

We know you love ribbon - how do you store yours?
My hubby made me a cubby for my ribbon - it has two 12" wide sections with several rods in each section for plenty of ribbon storage. My scraps, well, I rarely have any 'cause I use it all up!

What's your best storage idea that you would like to share?
Hmmm ... best storage idea? I don’t know if I have a “best” idea, but I know this: if I want to use something, it’s got to be seen or at least in a cute container that is labeled!

What was your last major storage investment?
I didn’t buy this, but it was my Christmas gift from my father-in-law: he made me a storage shelf that’s on a lazy susan with all sorts of cubbies for my Big Shot and accompanying dies!


What are your top 3 tips for keeping things organised?

• always put things away once you’re finished using it

• if you find you’re not putting it away because it’s awkward, find a better spot for it!

• clean up completely after you’re done a project!

What do you do with all your paper & scraps?
I store all my solid 8 ½” x 11” card stock in a filing cabinet. They are all in individual hanging file folders and I’ve stapled a large Ziploc bag to the inside front of each for the scraps. My patterned paper and 12 x 12 card stocks are in paper holders on my desk top.

How do you store buttons, doo-dats, etc?
I have a couple of the Stampin’ Stack & Store turn-abouts and they are really handy. As almost all of my embellishments are from SU, they all come in those little round containers that are designed to fit in the stack & store – I do find that labeling the sides of the containers makes it easier to see what’s there as mine happen to be up on a shelf!

What's your dream set-up? Or are you one of the lucky ones already there?
I like what I have! I wouldn’t mind more closed storage to keep the appearance of neatness but in all honesty, it all comes out when I’m in there anyway and I’ll keep it cleaner because it is so visible!
What items are guaranteed to end up on your desk after you've made something?
Stamp-a-ma-jig, scissors, adhesive, sponges, and dimensional backings (those things are a pain to clean up!)

What do you do when your mojo needs a kick start? What always works?
CASE someone! I invariably will start to case but I purposely choose a card that I have NONE of the supplies for forcing me to think outside the case-ing box. It seems to help me get back into things! *smile*
Tell us 5 tools/items you can't live without when you're about to make something.
Assuming that scissors and adhesive are a given with any crafting project, I’d say...
stamp-a-ma-jig
mat pack & piercer
ribbon
sponges
dimensionals

Thank you Renee for showing us around your beautiful space, where the magic happens! We admire your work, and love the inspirational bug you share!

Thanks for visiting Just Add Ink!

JAI31 - Entries So Far...

It looks like Chocolate Chip, Real Red and Kraft (soon to be Crumb Cake) is a popular colour combo! Have a look at the fabulous entries we have so far...





If you haven't already entered, the cut-off time is Wednesday August 25th midnight WST and you can submit your entries HERE.

JAI31 - A Colour Challenge!

Hi Inkers!

We have a super colour challenge for you this week! And before you ask, yes, you are absolutely allowed to combine this with any of the Helping Hudson challenges!

We can't wait to see what you create with these gorgeous colours ...


Here's some inspiration from the amazing Design Team girls...

Danielle Daws

Amanda Reddicliffe

Paula Dobson

Tania Gould

Mae Collins

Jan Radu

Gardenia Pepworth

Delys Cram

Bronwyn Eastley

Rules & Guidelines:

• Provide a DIRECT LINK to the post on your blog where you've displayed your creation using Mr. Linky. Incorrect links, or blog links that are down-right advertising are not eligible for Top 5 picks, and will be deleted.
• Projects must be new.
• Please mention our challenge and provide a link back here in your post, so others can come and join in the fun too!
• The DT girls are welcome to play along and inspire, but are not eligible for the top picks.
• Make any project you like (card, layout, 3D project, etc) using our challenge as inspiration.
• While the DT uses Stampin' Up! products, you're welcome to use any products you like.

Don't have a blog or online gallery?

Email a picture of your creation to just-add-ink@hotmail.com and

we'll publish it and add it to Mr Linky on your behalf, for others to see.

Mr. Linky will close Wednesday 25th August at 23:59WST. Be here on Thursday 26th August to see the Design Teams top picks!
Just Add Ink Challenges Participants

1. Kim Badelt 2. Meredith 3. Ellen M 4. Jodene 5. Kris Sobolik 6. Leah Weir 7. Karen Thomas 8. crafty stamper 9. Gayatri Murali 10. Christine Blain 11. Erna Logtenberg 12. Chupa 13. Marlene Peters 14. Jeane 15. Jo 16. Lisa Jansen 17. Natasha Murray 18. Debra Weston 19. Bron Heslop 20. Belinda Watson 21. Michelle Martin 22. Monica

23. Jennifer Cram 24. Katie Ridden 25. Chantell 26. Helga 27. Carol 28. VIV'S CARD CREATIONS 29. Debi R 30. Lisa 31. Tammy Clarke 32. Julia Leece 33. Jess Doyle 34. Tui Nathan 35. Jean 36. Rachel Jackson 37. Jeane McQueen 38. Kathy Tanner 39. Vannessa 40. Diane Hov 41. erin t 42. Sylvia Phan 43. Terri Donnarumma 44. Claire Daly

45. Jess Doyle 2 46. Rachel Moore 47. Robbie 48. Michele Reynolds 49. Claire Dauncey 50. Sally Shield 51. Laurel S 52. Sue Rowe 53. Kez 54. Kelly 55. Paula Fuller 56. Christine Blain #2 57. Kylie 58. Jane Blakeley 59. Susan Joyce 60. Diane Taylor 61. Emma Kirton 62. Sandi Spence 63. Kristine Thompson 64. Stacey G.

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Thank you for playing at
Just Add Ink!

Just Add Ink #30 Top Picks

Thankyou SO MUCH to everyone who participated in our special Helping Hudson Challenge.  It is such a great cause and we really appreciate that there are so many more people who know about it now, thanks to the blinkies on your blogs!  If you haven't purchased your tutorials yet, head on over to Helping Hudson to get them.  There are only a few days left!

Here are our top picks for this week...

Chupa

Susan Joyce

Snuffermus

Karen Thomas

Tina Gillespie

Congratulations Ladies!

Here is your badge to wear on your blog:

Click here if you need help adding the badge to your blog.

And for this week's challenge, the team at Helping Hudson have a prize for one of our top picks! 

So to make it fair, we chose one at random...  The lucky winner is...

Chupa!!

Congratulations! 

Email your postal details to us at just-add-ink@hotmail.com 

and we'll get your prize to you.

Come back at midnight to check out our next challenge!

Thanks for playing at Just Add Ink!

JAI30 - Entries So Far!

Just in case you didn't catch our update to the challenge post, there's a PRIZE up for grabs this week for one lucky player, thanks to the team at Helping Hudson - get your submission in! Anyone could be a winner!

Now, here are our fabulous entries so far...

If you haven't already entered, the cut-off time is Wednesday August 19th midnight WST and you can submit your entries HERE.

Survey Results - Do You Decorate The Inside Of Your Cards?

Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey about whether you decorate the inside of your cards.  The results are in!

The question was: 

Do You Decorate The Inside Of Your Cards?

While the majority of votes was for rarely, we got quite a lot of comments from the people who do decorate the inside of their cards on how they do it...

With stamping and patterned paper

If I do (not very often) I layer a couple of pieces of card to write on and add something from the front, like a stamped image or a strip of card or DSP, or even some ribbon!

Place a lighter card inside to write on, add a border and if possible, an image that matches the front of the card.

I usually use a plain white or vanilla cardstock, whichever matches my card and then add a sentiment. I also stamp the same image, or similar, that I have used on the front of my card in the bottom corner.

I always add a paper insert to make it easier to write a message in the card. Also handy if you make a spelling mistake, easier to rip out the insert than start all over with the card. The insert also helps cover the backs of brads or ribbon ends that may be showing. Occasionally I will 'decorate' the insert but mostly I leave it blank.

Using some of the same elements used on the front of the card. I keep it simple so the giver has a place to write. Many times I put the sentiment on the inside.

always with the stamp that i am using on the front of the card, or something near.

Usually one related stamp in a corner. Sometimes some patterned paper or solid paper with fancy corners.

Matching dsp, buttons, chip, etc.

Small picture stamp, saying a small verse!

With coordinating stamps or punched images.

Flowers and or stickers and bling/pearls

More stamps and gel pens ;)

Use the front image within the inside or use a matching dsp.

If I do it is usually a top note die run through in a lighter coordinating colour

Minimal, usually just a strip of matching pattern paper or small embellishments like buttons or rhinestones in one corner. depends on the occasion :)

With stamping

A stamp in the bottom corner, a scallop border along the bottom in the same patterned paper used on the front.

Sentiments and Flower Stamps

Replicate some of the same from the front of the card. Different each time.

2 Layers of cs in same colours used on front of card and then a little stamping in the bottom right and top left corner usually and sometimes a greeting in the centre. Very boring really.

I only do 'special occasion cards and then I stamp off the image I am using on the front onto card to place inside. I don't usually colour the inside.

Matching DSP or stamp

A little bit of stamping, if its on colour cardstock then I use a Versamark stamp pad.

Layer with another colour of card and stamp a matching image.

Usually add white card if the base card is a dark colour. Try to add some part of the main image and a stip of other card featured.

With a Neutral mat, and some basic stamping, or maybe a strip of DSP across the bottom...

I base the inside on the outside. I will use the same images and colours or the same patterned paper

Stamp a verse and a coordinating design with the front. Sometimes ribbon.

As I sell most of my cards at a craft fair I keep them very simple. If I have used whisper white or Very Vanilla for the card Ieave it that colour, but if I have used coloured card then I put a sheet of Whisper White or Very Vanilla on the inside. Then I usually use the stamp I have on the front and either put it in the corner or stamp it several times along the side or bottom of the card. I also repeat this on the envelope so everything matches. Simple but very effective.

I generally add a strip of DSP that I have used on the front or some stamping in the corners.

A piece of whisper white or very vanilla cardstock stamped with a sentiment or a design following the theme on the front

I love coordinating the inside with the colours and images from the front--usually a small matching element from the same stamp set. Often a little something in the bottom right corner. http://nanceleedy.blogspot.com/

White cardstock and a small stamp in the bottom right corner

Sometimes with a strip of matching DSP or a small stamp that matches the front. I always put a piece of card to write on and sometimes layers this to match any layering on the front of the card.

Simple insert

A sentiment, a stamp that complements the card front, and sometimes edge punches, depends on the card.

Sponging and a coordinating stamp to external design

Smaller stamped image on the inside left from the same set as main.

To match the front...

Because it follows the theme through and adds a huge impact..... I love it. Plus I am know for doing it
:) Teneale Williams

I always put a decorative cut of white reflex paper inside for people to write their message and occasionally I might put a flower or something to match the card on that sheet.


We hope you get some ideas for the inside of your cards!  Do you have a topic that you'd like to see surveyed?  Leave a comment with your suggestion and we'll get on to it.  :-)

Just Add Ink #30 - Helping Hudson

Hi Inkers!

This week our challenge is extra special. It's all about the Helping Hudson fundraiser! If you haven't already read about this brave little two-and-a-half year old, you can read this post and find out all about him, and why he needs YOUR help!
Click on Hudson's logo (above) if you would like to go to the main blog and check out the awesome challenges, fantastic prizes, and incredible tutorial packages available for purchase at the blog. He really is an amazing little guy - go and say hello if you haven't already.

Thanks to Genna from the Helping Hudson crew for suggesting this quirky and fun idea for our challenge this week!

Just Add ... Wheels

Stamp images, punches, Stampin-Around wheels -
if it's circular it fits the criteria!

Update 15/8: There will be A PRIZE up for grabs for one lucky player, thanks to the team at Helping Hudson - get your submission in! Anyone could be a winner!

Here at Just Add Ink, little Hudson has touched each and every one of our hearts, so we have all designed something this week ...

Amanda Reddicliffe

Danielle Daws

Bronwyn Eastley

Delys Cram

Jan Radu

Gardenia Pepworth

Jo Eades

Sarah Klass

Jodene Tripp

Mae Collins

Patrice Easton

Kirsty Jeffery

Kim Badelt

Paula Dobson

Chantell Randall

Rules & Guidelines:

• Provide a DIRECT LINK to the post on your blog where you've displayed your creation using Mr. Linky. Incorrect links, or blog links that are down-right advertising are not eligible for Top 5 picks, and will be deleted.
• Projects must be new.
• Please mention Helping Hudson in your post, and include a link to the Helping Hudson blog - the more that know about him the better!
• The DT girls are welcome to play along and inspire, but are not eligible for the top picks.
• Make any project you like (card, layout, 3D project, etc) using our challenge as inspiration.
• While the DT uses Stampin' Up! products, you're welcome to use any products you like.

Don't have a blog or online gallery?

Email a picture of your creation to just-add-ink@hotmail.com and

we'll publish it and add it to Mr Linky on your behalf, for others to see.

Mr. Linky will close Wednesday 18th August at 23:59WST. Be here on Thursday 19th August to see the Design Teams top picks!

Just Add Ink Challenges Participants

1. Karen Thomas 2. Lisa Jansen 3. Jess Doyle 4. Noelle M 5. Brenda H 6. Christine Blain 7. Jenny Williams 8. Laurel S 9. Kris McIntosh 10. Monica 11. Rachel Jackson

12. Natasha Murray 13. Katie Ridden 14. Bron Heslop 15. Julia Leece 16. Rachel Moore 17. Kris Sobolik 18. Sue Rowe 19. Chupa 20. Susan Joyce 21. Snuffermus 22. Kooky

23. Tania Gould 24. Naomi 25. Tina Gillespie 26. Erica Cerwin 27. Vannessa 28. Sharnee Torrents :0) 29. Luana 30. Megan McDonald 31. Richelle 32. Leoni 33. Sandybeaches

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Thank you for playing at
Just Add Ink!