What's on my Shopping List: Christmas Edition

It's the most wonderful time of the year!
With the Studio Calico Park Ave Reveal just around the corner, and Christmas fast approaching I thought I would put together a special holiday edition of what's made it into my shopping cart this month.

• 25 Days Class with Stephanie Bryon

Not being the most diligent of participants in creating a December Daily (I'm still working on my 2013 album!) I thought it can only help me stay motivated if I sign up for a class. And knowing that anything Stephanie Bryon puts her hand to is going to be stunning, this one was a no-brainer. Class has already began and we're going through building foundational pages at the moment. But enrollment is ongoing and the actual album pages from Stephanie and the other contributors begin on December 5th. It's quite quite exciting!

• Christmas Craft Die

Cheating a little bit with this one because I already have my hands on this die and it's a firm favourite in my Christmas crafting this season. You can see an example of where I've used it here. It's making my card making SO MUCH EASIER and it's going to be a breeze to put together Bethany's last minute annual "I want to give something to every kid in my class" freak out. I'm still waiting on that to hit. But I'm sooo ready :-)

• Filled with Joy Letterpress Plate

Finally I've succumbed to the Letterpess craze and now I can see why everyone is obsessed with it. I tried it out for the first time this week and I'm in love with the embossed rich colours it's promising. Anticipating I would quickly need more plates I've already invested in quite a few! And inks! Here's my first little experiment on Instagram if you want to check it out. But searching the hashtag #scletterpress will show you so many more stunning examples.

• Holiday Joy Stamp

I've said it before but I think if you're only going to invest in one new Christmas stamp set this year then this one has to be high on your list. It's already sold out a few times before at Studio Calico, but is currently restocked, so if you want to get your hands on it then now is the time. I can't wait to start playing with this. There's also a few awesome alternatives to choose from such as this one designed by Cathy Zielske, and this one designed by JJ Bolton that I'm in love with. It's a tough choice :-)

• Gold Glitter Washi Tape

And lastly, just because no Christmas crafting is complete without a touch of gold and glitter I though this set of washi tape would cover all bases. So so pretty!

On My Shopping List: November

The Walden Kits have been revealed, bundling has well and truly begun for subscribers, and the new shop items have been stocked. Sharing a little insight into what made it into my cart this month:

1. Holiday and New Year's Stamp Set
Designed by Hello Forever, I can see this stamp set easily being used for all types of projects, obviously cards - but easily on layouts and Project Life cards as well. And even though it's a holiday themed set I think most of these would be equally usable for other projects as well.  

2. Mint Hint Handbook
The new system Handbooks have been released and this is one of the two colours currently available. These have narrower spines, smaller rings and better plastic pockets (or so it's been said) than the last system. Well that's something I want to check out!

3. Gold Glitter Zing
Christmas is coming and since I've just rediscovered the joys of stamping and embossing I needed to add this one to my collection.

4. Hello Love Craft Die
This metal die was originally released a couple of months ago. It was one of those rare items that I set an alarm for 3am so I could get up and try and nab it at release. Unfortunately it sold out within minutes and I was too late. But now a second chance has become available and I didn't waste time popping this in my cart and proceeding to checkout. Success!!

5. Xmas Project Life Card Set
I admit, Christmas crafting is probably my all time favourite. Magical isn't it? And of course, anything with a reindeer on it captures my attention immediately! Love these Project Life cards designed by In a Creative Bubble and Life.Love.Paper - so lovely just by themselves, or they look like they could withstand a bit of glitter and embellishing too ;-)

October Shopping List

My top 5 choices of things to add to your Studio Calico shopping cart this month. If you're a subscriber you will want to wait for bundling to begin of course... but there's no harm in just checking things out right? ;-)

Color Theory Ink Pads
The latest addition of 6 further colours to add to your Color Theory Ink Pad collection have been released and I didn't need to think twice about adding the whole bundle to my cart. I've certainly given Inky Black, Flamingo and Lime Light a good workout already on my October layouts. The label stickers come separately but are essential if you plan on stacking them so you can easily identify which one is which. I've now got my stack of 18 colours piled high on my desk, but they don't seem in any danger of falling.

Totally Awesome Die and Stamp Set
I know I've had the metal dies on my list for a few months running now but that's because I've fallen back in love with them recently. I used to think after I got my Silhouette that I'd never have to buy a metal die again, and in many ways that's true. But there's just something about the bevelled edge and smooth contours of a metal die cut image that appeals to me. And when that image comes with a coordinated stamp set it allows for so many possibilities. I've used this Totally Awesome set in my October projects not once but twice! It also comes with an alternate stamp set called 'Be Awesome'.

Transparency Pad
This is one of the many reasons why it pays to be a subscriber. Every month there is an exclusive SC release which is only available for subscribers to order, and this month it's a 16 page 4x6" transparency pad printed with gold foil and white designs. It's clearly awesome (pun intended!) and went straight into my shopping cart the minute I spotted it. 

Leather Album
With a new baby coming and my very first pregnancy layout having been scrapped for the October reveal it has dawned on me that I'll probably need a new album. The way my albums are organised at the moment is to have a separate one for each of the girls for each year (plus an extra one for everything else). So yeah... I'll be needing to add a new colour to the lineup and this Aqua one seems like a good neutral choice since I don't know the sex of the baby yet ;-)

Watercolour Papers
I know these aren't new to the SC shop.. but they've only recently just been restocked, and even more recently reached my eager hands. These really are as awesome as you have imagined! This set comes with 40 sheets of paper saturated with colour that readily discharges when activated with water (a waterbrush is perfect). What that means in real terms is mess-free painting! For example they've even been packed up with us on our holiday trip so the kids can augment their travel diaries.

September Shopping List

In what can only be considered as the worst timing ever when you're hanging out for the Studio Calico new kit reveal, an unfortunate incident with a bulldozer has left the SC site running too slow for the appropriate shopping frenzy that's normally happening right now for subscribers.

What it means is that the Subscriber Presale has been moved up until an hour before the full Reveal. That means 1pm Aussie (Victorian) time for subscribers, and 2pm for the reveal... which is when everyone gets to go shopping! Read the full details on the blog here.

But once it's up and running... here's a preview of some of the products I've had my eye on this month:

• Everyone is super excited about the new set of Color Theory Inks that have just been released! Half of the excitement is finding out what fun names they've been called, and the the other half is knowing these will be in the same great quality and juicy brights that you've come to expect if you already have the other Inks. 

• Two new classes are being advertised for September. One is called Pen & Paper by Laura Kurz and will focus on telling your story, and the other is called Snapshot by our very own April Foster and will be a photography class. Since these classes will complement each other perfectly, there's also an option to purchase these as a bundle.

• Get a little sneak peek into what you can anticipate in the upcoming Poet Society Kits by checking out some of the coordinating Printables. This one by In a Creative Bubble is a great mix of watercolour arty, and clean graphic lines. I love it!

• With your new Ink Pads, you might also want to add to your stamp collection hey? I'm hanging out for Summer and this Love Story Stamp Set is making me wish for it even harder. I can see a thousand uses for something like this. 

• If you saw my sneaks earlier in the week you would have seen my newly found crazy obsession for sequins (yes I know.... a little late in the game!!) so now I'm backtracking and adding all my favourite colours to my cart this month!

I'll be back for reveal!!

August Shopping List

Yay for bundling time which has already begun! That means if you're a Studio Calico subscriber, anything you add to your cart between now and the end of the month will get shipped in the same package for the same price. It doesn't matter how many times you check out... it's still all the one package. I think my record is 7!

So here's what's top of my list for August....

• Color Theory Acrylic Paint Bundle

The first 12 colours to be released in the Color Theory line have really got all your basics covered - these will match almost anything in your stash. First there was the Inks, then all the papers and embellishments, then there was the Ink Refills, and now there's the acrylic paint set! That's pretty much got all the standard techniques covered now. And don't forget that there's a $5 discount on the Paint Bundle if you enter the code at checkout.

• Workspace Class

I do so enjoy the classes at Studio Calico, they're always so inspiring and I always come away having learned new techniques and improved my existing 'skills'. Well this class seems like it'll go a step further and actually whip my butt into gear by getting me to organise my craft room. This is a long overdue task for me. One that I am happily putting off at the moment. But I'm hoping if I do the class it'll force me into action ;-)

• Brighton Pier 6x6" Paper Pad

When the newest collection 'Brighton Pier' was released a week ago it sold out pretty much straight away - this has been such a popular and well-received line. The 6x6" Paper Pad is nearly the only thing left, which I find slightly strange in a way because I love these smaller size pads. You still get all the patterns, but on a smaller scale which is helpful for layering on layouts and card making too. So this was a no-brainer for me! 

• Howdy Stamp and Die Set

This is a re-release of a previously sold-out set. It went so quickly last time that so many people were left without one, so Studio Calico listened to their customers once again and have ordered in a new bunch! There's also the Aloha Stamp Set which faced a similar crisis and has just been re-released again too.

• Number Badge Set

I figure if I'm going to get even slightly serious about Project Life then I better start looking at PL type of supplies. (Any excuse to go shopping hey!?) These number badges look totally cute and would be just as good on birthday cards too I reckon.

Happy Shopping!

On My Shopping List

It's true... the Studio Calico Penny Arcade reveal is in less than 24 hours. In fact it's less than 12 hours for the lucky subscribers that get advance opportunity to purchase the Add Ons and shop items, and bundling has begun... so now is the time to go shopping! Here's what's in my cart this month:

 

1. Kit Alpha Stamp Set. There's no one that does alpha stamps quite like Studio Calico, and I love the extra personal touch that they're always named after children or pets from the Foster family. This one is in honour of the latest addition to their family, their gorgeous new girl Kit. 
2. Brighton Pier Bundle. Studio Calico have just revealed a new collection called Brighton Pier which is filled with a color palette of summery blues, fresh greens, and bright pinks, oranges and yellows. I love the mixture of themes such as clouds, sunrays, brushscript and maps, and you'll see some of these designs in the Penny Arcade kits. But if you want to get your hands on the entire collection then you have the opportunity to pre-order the bundle right now. It's very reasonably priced, great shipping deals and rewards members will get a free gift too!
3. Inked 2.0 Class. Are you like me and have about a thousand stamps but barely use them? Perhaps it would be really useful to learn some new tricks and techniques so you're inspired to get them out of storage and onto your projects? That's what I figured anyway, and I eagerly signed up to this class. There's a free stamp set actually included in the class which will ship free (whilst stocks last)... and currently they're still lasting! 
4. Penny Arcade Cut Files designed by Kim Stewart. You can't help but fall in love with Kim's soft and delicate hand-drawn designs and whilst they look absolutely awesome when they're cut out, they're also pretty fabulous when combined with Sketch Pens ;-)
5. Days of the Week Badge Set. I've always had a soft spot for badges (flairs, buttons... whatever you want to call them) and I consider them one of my favourite go-to embellishments. This set is going to particularly perfect when I properly commit to Project Life!

What's on your Shopping List?

My Reveal Day Shopping List

The countdown for the reveal of the Studio Calico Hello Hello kits is on! Have you figured out which Add Ons you want so you can be first in line to nab them when they go live? And what about your shopping list? Have you got that all worked out? Bundling has already began which means if you're a subscriber you can start purchasing things now and they'll ship with your kit. You can put in as many separate orders in before the end of the month, and only pay the one shipping cost! Love that option!

But subscriber or not, I wanted to share with you what's on my Shopping List this month, and top of my list are products that have no postage involved anyway!

1. Hello Hello Digital Templates created by Shanna Noel. I may have just about shared it everywhere already... but I am continuing to scream from the rooftops how much I've loved working with the templates this month. It's not something I've considered before to be perfectly honest. But I am soooooo glad I took the plunge into hybrid scrapping with these little beauties because I've just made my most favourite layout with them! But there are so many possibilities with these, and the Creative Team have put them to good use in lots of variations.
2. Next on my list is the Digital | Beyond the Basics Class taught by Shanna Noel. See, the way I figure it... if her templates have just blown my scrappy world wide open, then I better let her teach me how to use these things properly. Plus the other million tricks that I know she's got up her sleeve. Have you seen all the bonus digital files that come with the class for you to practice with? I'm trembling with excitement!
3. Now I admit I've been avoiding the Letterpress trend. Too much effort and mess has been my impression. That is, until Nicole Reaves shared on the blog last week how to use your letterpress plates with plain ol' ordinary ink such as the Colour Theory pads, and now I'm thinking I could really get on board with that idea! This Adventure Card Toppers plate has got a thousand possibilities designed into it :-)
4. I'm thinking it's the people like Lisa Truesdell who are on the right track with doing their Project Life in Handbook form. The 6x8" format seems like it might be more achievable for someone like me who is only very tentatively setting foot in PL territory. And hey... if I don't use it for Project Life, I could always use it for storing my stamps in!
5. A little slow on the uptake, I've been meaning to add the Mister Huey's Watercolour Set to my cart for the last 3 months or so now and for some reason it keeps slipping my mind. Not this time though!

What's been catching your eye lately?

My Reveal Day Shopping List

So the countdown is on and the May Studio Calico Camelot Kits are going to be released real soon! Love this time of month don't you? The excitement is building and my fingers are itching to get clicking. I always use this time to start bundling things into my cart so I can just hit "Checkout" after I've popped in an Add On (or two!) I may or may have 14 things in my cart already... not even joking! Let me share some of the things that have caught my attention lately....

1. Kelly Purkey designed this fabulous Craft Die for her upcoming Sketchbook Class. It punches out these cute 1" circle embellishments that I just want to sprinkle everywhere!
2. I'm really excited about my Sketchpens again after using them in my experimental card I shared earlier in the month. These new Glitter Pens have got my mind whirring with possibilities.
3. Studio Calico are on the verge of their new release "South of Market" with product expected to start shipping in mid-May. You can pre-order the Whole Bundle now though (yes, every paper, letter sticker and embellishment!) for a very reasonable price and with FREE domestic shipping!
4. The members started talking about the Zig Wink of Stella Brushes on the boards one day and before the sun set Studio Calico had promised to order them in! They've arrived, but I anticipate they're going to go really fast. Better get yours now ;-)
5. I've been falling more and more in love with the Cosmo Cricket Patterned Vellum Pad every time Julie Comstock adds a new picture on her Instagram account. So many things I want to make with this.
6. Coming full circle I'm ending my list with another Kelly Purkey designed product - this time it's her Journal Cards. Can you tell I'm really REALLY excited about the Sketchbook Class?