My niece recently graduated from Waikato University and I created a card to celebrate her achievement and to share with her how proud we are. On page 10 of the soon-to-be-released Occasions Catalogue you will find the Lift Me Up stamp set and coordinating Up & Away Thinlits Dies - such a wonderful bundle! On that same page there is a photographed sample that was just perfect for this occasion, so I CASE'd it for this Graduate Card...

Bundles: Life Me Up Stamp Set + Up & Away Thinlits Dies (wood: 144711, clear: 144712). Stamps: Suite Sentiments (wood: 142968, clear: 142971), Timeless Textures (wood: 140514, clear: 140517). Ink: Real Red (126949), Night of Navy (126970), Early Espresso (126974), Crumb Cake (126975), Soft Suede (126978), Pool Party (126982). Card/Paper: Whisper White Thick (140490), Shimmery White (121717), Crumb Cake (121685). Accessories: Clear Wink of Stella Glitter Brush (141897), Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246). Tools: Big Shot Die-Cutting Machine (143263), Magnetic Platform (130658), Paper Snips (103579), Sponge Daubers (133773), Mini Glue Dots (103683), Stampin' Dimensionals (104430).

The "you soar above the rest" from the Lift Me Up stamp set is so perfect. But instead of just "Congratulations" that is stamped on the original card, I use the "Congratulations Graduate" from the Suite Sentiments stamp set instead. Suite Sentiments is also a new stamp set and includes additional phrases that coordinate with suites throughout the Occasions Catalogue.

It was really fun and interesting trying to work out how the shimmery effect on the background of this card was created...

The way I reproduced it was to stamp the woodgrain image from Timeless Textures stamp set in Pool Party ink a couple of times onto Whisper White Thick card stock (stamping off first to make it lighter). I then squeezed my closed Pool Party stamp pad so ink pooled in the lid and used that with the Clear Wink of Stella Glitter Brush to wash a shimmer over the top. Make sure you wipe off the Wink of Stella Brush on some scrap paper to remove any left over ink when you're done.

This is a fun technique to play with, with stunning effect. It looks so good in real life. Come along to my Occasions Catalogue Launch Party at the start of January to see it yourself!

Come along to the 2017 Occasions Catalogue Launch Party. There will be hands-on exploration of new Occasions Catalogue AND Sale-A-Bration products, make-and-takes, spot prizes and two major prize draws!

• Friday, 13 January, 9.30 am-11.30 am (Hamilton)
• Friday, 13 January, 7.00 pm-9.00 pm (Hamilton)

Click HERE to see all the details.