Hello and welcome to this month’s SUBA hop as we share our team OnStage swap with you.  You may be joining me from the fabulous Caro or starting here with me. Our recent group photo is below (from left to right we have: Sue, Carrie (me), Cheryl, Gina, Sandra (popping up at the back), Caro, Katy, Leighsa and Deb).

If you are new to our hop, we are a group of ladies who met on the excellent IT training run by Pip and Louise.  We have formed this hop to put into practise what we learned on the training course.  I’m thrilled that a year on we are still going strong.  If you are want to know more about the SU Business Angels then look here on their website.

What is OnStage?

It’s the six monthly training events hosted by Stampin Up! globally across the continents it is available in and in the UK spaces are limited to around 600 demonstrators.  We get a goodie bag on arrival which always has: a nice notebook and pens, a stamp set from the new catalogue and some other bits.  OnStage means early access to the new catalogue which is due to launch, hands on experience of new products and watch presentations from a handful of demonstrators of what they produced with some upcoming product suites.  We are also encouraged to make card or 3D swaps to exchange with other demonstrators as this gives us new ideas and make new friends.

OnStage Swaps

Thank you to everyone who took the time to swap with me whether that was part of an organised swap or one of my general swaps.

I love the Tropical Chic suite and can share that the stamp set and matching dies will carry over to the new catalogue !  The colours I used are: sahara sand, soft sea foam and very vanilla as I wanted something very subtle.

 A little close up shot

I layered the die cuts up on top of the frame I created and then tied linen thread through the sentiment label to finish it off  You may notice that I teased the ends of the twine undone to give a slightly tassled edge to it.

This sentiment is perfect as my SUBA friends do inspire me personally and professionally.  We help each other out and support one another outside of Stampin’ Up!.  Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator has made such a big difference to me personally however that’s a story for another day.

The final stages

Those that regularly follow me know I think a card should always have a co-ordinating inside layer and envelope.  It gives the recipient a taster of what is inside and gives your handmade card a more professional finish.

Above, is simple stamping on and stamping off without re-inking your stamp and gives a pretty background image on your card layer.  I would repeat this on the front of the envelope if I was sending it to someone.

I’d love you to leave a comment or two below and let me know if you have any questions.  Let’s hop over and Cheryl will share her gorgeous swap with us – just click the button below.

Until next time inky hugs,

Carrie xx

Blog hop list

Caro at Craft with Caro

Carrie at The Inky Nook

Cheryl at Stampin n Crafting with Cheryl Diana

Deborah at DJC Creativity

Gina at Emerald Kreations

Ginny at Celebrate the journey

Leighsa at Leighsa’s Loft

Sandra at Sandra’s Stamp & Craft Studio

Below is a list of the products that I used and will link directly to my secure online shop if you click through.  You will also need a die cutting machine to use with the dies.  Don’t forget to use this month’s hostess code when you place your order:

Product List

Join my team

Find out more about joining my Stampin’ Up! team, the TINKies by clicking here