Friday, 8 May 2026

Quick & Easy Mother’s Day Card Using the Beautiful Ordinary Life Suite

 

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to make something heartfelt, pretty and personal — and this quick and easy handmade card is just beautiful for a beautiful mother.

 

For this card, I used the bright and happy Beautiful Ordinary Life Suite, paired with the elegant Bordered in Beauty Stamp and Die Bundle. Together, they create a Mother’s Day card that feels cheerful, feminine and very special, without being complicated to make.

 

A Bright and Happy Handmade Mother’s Day Card

The Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper really does the hard work in this project. The colours are bright, fresh and happy, with gorgeous patterns that instantly make the card feel joyful and full of love.

 

That’s one of the things I love most about Stampin’ Up! suites — the colours, papers and coordinating products are designed to work beautifully together, so you can spend less time worrying about what matches and more time enjoying the making.

For a Mother’s Day card, these papers are just perfect. They feel warm, pretty and uplifting — exactly the sort of card a mum, grandmother, mother-in-law or special mother figure would love to receive.

 

Using the Bordered in Beauty Stamp and Die Bundle

To add that extra touch of elegance, I used the Bordered in Beauty Stamp and Die Bundle.

 

The border detail gives the card a soft, finished look, while the die-cut elements help create layers and interest without making the design feel too busy. It’s a lovely way to dress up the card and make it feel keepsake-worthy.

 

And that’s what makes this card so special — it’s quick and easy enough for beginner papercrafters, but beautiful enough to feel like a truly thoughtful handmade gift.

 

Why This Card Works So Well

This Mother’s Day card is a lovely project because it is:

  • quick and easy to make
  • bright, happy and cheerful
  • suitable for beginner and experienced cardmakers
  • perfect for using coordinating Stampin’ Up! products
  • beautiful enough to keep forever

 

The combination of pretty patterned paper, soft stamped details and die-cut borders creates a card that looks polished without needing lots of complicated techniques.

 

Handmade Cards Mean So Much

A handmade Mother’s Day card carries something extra special. It says, “I made this just for you.”

 

It doesn’t need to be overly fancy or difficult. Sometimes the simplest handmade cards are the ones that are treasured most — especially when they are made with love, pretty papers and a heartfelt message inside.

 

This card is one of those projects. Quick, easy, bright, beautiful and made to be kept.

 

Perfect for Mother’s Day Crafting

Whether you’re making one card for your own mum or creating a few for the special women in your life, this project is a lovely one to try.

 

Pull out your Beautiful Ordinary Life Suite, add the Bordered in Beauty Stamp and Die Bundle, choose your favourite bright and happy paper, and enjoy a little creative time making something beautiful.

 

Because a beautiful mother deserves a beautiful handmade card.

 

Supplies Used

  • Beautiful Ordinary Life Suite
  • Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper
  • Bordered in Beauty Stamp and Die Bundle 
  • All a Flutter Bundle 
  • Coordinating cardstock
  • Ink
  • Adhesive
  • Die-cutting machine
  • Embellishments, optional 


Mother’s Day is a beautiful reason to pause, create and share a little handmade love.

 

This quick and easy Mother’s Day card is bright, happy and heartfelt — the kind of card she’ll not only love when she opens it, but keep forever.

 

Shop My Store

 

Product List

Tuesday, 5 May 2026

The May–August Catalogue Is Here! Let’s Create Something Beautiful

 There’s something so exciting about a brand new catalogue… that fresh burst of inspiration, new colours, gorgeous papers, and the feeling that this might be the project that gets you back to your craft table (or keeps you happily there all afternoon 😉).

And the May–August Catalogue has officially arrived — and oh my goodness, it’s a beauty.

Whether you’re brand new to stamping or you’ve been crafting for years, this catalogue is packed with ideas, inspiration, and just enough “oooh I need that” to make it very hard to choose favourites.

✨ For the New Stamper…
If you’ve been thinking about giving cardmaking or papercrafting a go, this is the perfect time.

Everything in this catalogue is designed to make it easy to get started:
*Coordinated suites (no guesswork!).
*Matching papers, stamps, and embellishments.
*Simple projects that still look absolutely stunning.

You don’t need a craft room full of supplies to begin — just a few well-chosen pieces and you’re off.

👉 My tip? Start a wish list.
Not everything at once — just the things that make you smile and spark ideas.

💕 For the Experienced Crafter…
You’re going to love how this catalogue helps you stretch what you already have.

Think:
*mixing new papers with your stash
*fresh layouts using your favourite dies
*new colour combinations that breathe life into older supplies

This is where the magic happens — blending the new with the loved.

And yes… there are definitely a few must-haves in there too (I won’t judge, I promise 😄).

🌸 Let’s Talk Wish Lists (Because This Is Important)

Before you rush off to order (and I know it’s tempting!), take a moment to:
✔ flick through the catalogue slowly
✔ mark your favourites
✔ think about what you’ll actually use and love.

This helps you shop smarter… and enjoy your supplies so much more.

🎁 The Best Value? The Starter Kit (And May Is Extra Special!)
Now, if your wish list is growing (and it probably is!), let me gently suggest something…

The Starter Kit is hands-down the best value in the entire catalogue.

And in May, it’s even better — because you get to choose from two fantastic bonus options.

Here’s how it works:
You choose your products (the fun part, up to $235!) and then pick your bonus:

✨ Option 1: (Best Value)
Even more value added to your kit (hello extra goodies!) in the form of the five brand new 2026 -2028 In Colour ink pads - a $112.50 value 

OR 

✨ Option 2:

Additional products of your choice to customise your kit even further - add an extra $65 of beautiful Stampin' Up! products to your starter kit!

Either way… you’re getting more for your money.

The Starter Kit is just $169, you choose up to $235 of product and then choose your bonus to get even more bang for your buck!

💛 And Just So You Know…
Joining Stampin’ Up! (and my Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees community) means:
❌ no pressure to sell
❌ no classes you have to run.
❌ no quotas to stress about.

It simply means:
✔ you get great value
✔ you enjoy beautiful products
✔ you have time to create, relax, and unwind
✔ you’re part of a lovely, supportive crafty community.

Honestly, so many of us started exactly this way — just wanting good value and beautiful supplies.

🌿 So What’s Next?
Here’s your gentle plan:
1. Grab your catalogue
2. Start your wish list
3. Decide what you really want to create
4. Have a look at the Starter Kit options

And then… take that next step when you’re ready.

No rush. No pressure. Just creativity, at your pace.

💬 I’d Love to Know…
What’s the first thing that caught your eye in the new catalogue?

Drop it in the comments or come and chat with me — I always love seeing what inspires you 💕

🛍 Ready When You Are

Whether you’re:
✔ Shopping your wish list
✔ Treating yourself to something new
✔ Or going all-in with a Starter Kit

I’m here to help you make the most of it.

Let’s make this season one filled with creativity, calm, and just a little bit of crafty joy 🌸

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

May 2026 Coffee & Cards Craftalong – Fun Fold Card Class Online

 Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees | Sunday 31st May, 7:30pm (AET)

Something beautiful is about to land on your craft table… and I’m not going to show you everything just yet .

If you love card making classes, fun fold cards, and getting your hands on brand new Stampin’ Up! products, then this is the night you don’t want to miss.

✨ A Little Peek (But Not Too Much…)
This May Craftalong features the brand new Valley in Bloom Suite, released on 5th May… and let me just say…
💐 the Designer Series Paper is unlike anything we’ve used before...
💐 the colours are soft, layered, and quietly stunning...
💐 the dies? They do something a little bit magical…
But here’s the fun part…
I’m not revealing the card designs ahead of time.
Because the real magic happens when you sit down, open your kit, and see it all come together step-by-step ✨

💌 Four Fun Fold Cards (With a Twist…)
We’re making four completely different fun fold cards — each one designed to:
• surprise you as it opens 
• showcase those gorgeous papers in unexpected ways 
• look intricate… but come together beautifully .

These aren’t your standard card layouts.
Each fold has been chosen to highlight a different feature of the suite — and you’ll discover them one by one as we craft together.

📦 Your Craftalong Kit – No Prep, No Stress
Imagine this…
It’s Sunday night.
You’ve got your cuppa ready ☕
You open your kit… and everything is already cut, prepared, and waiting.
Inside your kit:
•cardstock pieces pre-cut and ready 
• Designer Series Paper (you’ll want to savour this one!) 
• die cut elements and embellishments 
• everything you need to create all four cards.

✔️ No measuring
✔️ No cutting
✔️ No last-minute scrambling
Just sit, relax, and create.
(You’ll just need your stamps, ink, and adhesive.)

💖 Why This Online Card Making Class Is Different
This isn’t just another craft video…
This is your Sunday night creative escape.
A calm, cosy, come-craft-with-me experience where:
• you learn new fun fold card techniques 
• you explore brand new Stampin’ Up! Designer Series Paper 
• you create cards that feel truly special 
• you get that lovely “I made this” feeling again . 

⏰ Limited Kits – Don’t Miss Out
These kits are prepared by hand, which means numbers are strictly limited.
And once you see this paper in person… you’ll understand why it won’t last long.
👉 Order early to make sure your kit arrives in time
👉 Secure your May Valley in Blooms craftalong kit before they sell out

🌿 Craftalong Details
🗓 Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
⏰ Time: 7:30pm (AET)
📍 Where: Live on YouTube – Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees

✨ Ready for a Little Creative Surprise?
If you’ve been craving a night to yourself…
If your craft supplies have been quietly waiting…
If you love the idea of creating something beautiful without the overwhelm…
This is your moment.

✨  Order your May Coffee & Cards Craftalong Kit here ✨

Pop the date in your diary, order your kit, and get ready…
Because this one is going to be just a little bit magical.

Wednesday, 8 April 2026

Where the Magic Starts… (It’s Simpler Than You Think)

 

It doesn’t start with perfection.

It doesn’t start with a perfectly organised craft room or every tool imaginable.

Most days… it starts like this:

Just me, a cup of tea

and a little pile of cardstock.

And that’s where the magic begins.

 

Simple Supplies, Simple Moments

There’s something very calming about sitting down with just the basics.

A few pieces of cardstock.

A stamp or two.

Maybe some scraps you’ve been saving.

Nothing fancy. Nothing overwhelming.

Just enough to begin.

 

The Quiet Joy of Creating

In a world that can feel busy and rushed, this little pocket of time matters.

No pressure.

No deadlines.

No need to rush.

Just the gentle rhythm of:

  • folding
  • layering
  • creating

And watching something take shape in your hands.

 

It Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

It’s easy to think that beautiful cards need:

  • lots of supplies
  • expensive tools
  • complicated techniques

But they really don’t.

Some of the loveliest cards come from:

  • simple layouts
  • soft colour combinations
  • and a relaxed approach

Because when you’re calm… your creativity flows.

 

This Is Where It All Begins

Every card—whether it’s simple or a fancy fold—starts the same way:

With a decision to sit down and begin.

That’s it.

No waiting until everything is perfect.

No needing more supplies.

Just starting.

 

Come Sit With Me

If you’ve been thinking about crafting but haven’t quite started…

Let this be your little nudge.

Pop the kettle on.

Clear a small space.

Gather what you already have.

And come craft with me.

 

Tell Me…

What’s on your craft table right now?

Or what would you create if you had a quiet hour to yourself?

I’d love to hear 💕


Monday, 30 March 2026

Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees Classes Are Changing: Crafting Smarter During the Cost of Living Crisis

Let’s be honest — things have changed quickly.
Fuel prices have surged, household expenses are climbing, and budgets are feeling tighter than they have in a long time. What once felt manageable now requires more thought, more planning, and more intention.
And when money feels stretched, the first things we tend to cut are the “extras.”
But here’s the thing…

Crafting Isn’t an Extra — It’s Essential

Papercrafting isn’t just a hobby.
It’s your pause button. Your creative outlet. Your quiet space in a noisy world.
It’s the time where:
    • Your mind slows down 
    • Your hands stay busy 
    • Your stress melts away 
And right now, that matters more than ever.
So instead of stepping away from crafting…
We’re changing how we craft together.

Why Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees Is Moving (Mostly) Online 
With fuel prices doubling and travel costs adding up, getting to in-person classes has become harder — and more expensive — for so many of you.
Many of you travel long distances to attend classes, and every single trip now has a real impact on your budget.
So I asked myself:
How can we keep crafting together… without the extra cost?
The answer was simple.
👉 Bring the craft table to you.

What’s Changing (And What’s Staying the Same)
✂️ Classes & Workshops Are Going Online
Most Stampin’ Among the Gum Trees classes and workshops will now be held online.

That means:
    • Join me from the comfort of your home 
    • No travel costs 
    • No fuel expenses 
    • No rushing out the door

We’ll craft together via:
    • Live YouTube tutorials 
    • Pre-recorded classes and craft-alongs 
    • Unboxing videos and inspiration sessions 
You still get the same experience — just more flexible, affordable, and accessible.

📦 Class Kits Delivered to Your Door
You won’t be missing out on the hands-on experience.
Every class includes a beautifully prepared kit, delivered straight to your door.
Here’s how it works:    

    1. Kits go on sale 1 month before the class 
    2. You’ll have 2 weeks to order 
    3. Kits are posted no later than 1 week before the class 
    4. Plenty of time for delivery via Australia Post 
    5. You’re ready to craft along on the day
    6. You supply your favourite adhesive and the stamps and ink, or you can order them as add-ons to your class.

No last-minute scrambling. No supply stress.
Just open your kit and enjoy.

Price remains the same: $30
You can also add on the coordinating stamp and die bundle if you’d like to keep creating beyond the class.

💕 In-Person Crafting Isn’t Going Anywhere
We’re not saying goodbye to face-to-face crafting — not at all.
Every four months, with each new catalogue launch, we’ll still gather together for:
    • Catalogue Launch Events 
    • Card Buffets 
    • Creative days around the craft table 
These will be special, intentional, and something to truly look forward to.

Why This Change Matters (More Than Ever)
This isn’t just about classes.
It’s about:
    • Supporting your budget 
    • Reducing unnecessary spending 
    • Keeping creativity accessible 
    • Staying connected as a community 
Because crafting shouldn’t disappear when life gets expensive.
It should adapt.
And that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Plan Ahead and Book Your Spot
All class dates and workshops through to August are now available.

👉 Visit the Classes & Workshops page
👉 Choose your class
👉 Order your kit
👉 Get ready to craft (without the travel cost)

A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need to give up the things that bring you joy.
You just need to find a smarter way to keep them.
And this?
This is ours 💕

FAQs
Are all classes now online?
Most are online, but in-person events will still happen every four months for catalogue launches and special events.

Do I still get a kit?
Yes! Every class includes a posted kit so you can make the cards - just add the optional stamp set or use what you have. 

What if I can’t attend live?
You’ll have access to recordings and the step-by-step PDF instructions so you can craft in your own time. 

Is the price changing?
No — classes remain at $30, including your kit and bonus gift - postage free, delivered to your door.

If you’ve been feeling the pressure of rising costs, you’re not alone.
But we’re still crafting.
Still creating.
Still finding joy — just in a way that works better for right now.
And I can’t wait to craft with you 💖

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

OnStage 2026 Sydney – Was It Worth It?

 

Oh yes… it absolutely was!

Attending Stampin' Up! OnStage 2026 Sydney was a first for me—and I can honestly say I walked away completely inspired, energised, and already looking forward to the next one.

From the moment it began, it was three full days of creativity, connection, and that unmistakable Stampin’ Up! excitement.

A Head Full of Ideas (and a Heart Full of Inspiration)

I came home with my head spinning—in the best possible way.

Not only do I have fresh ideas for using the beautiful Stampin’ Up! products already in my craft room, but I’m also bursting with inspiration for the gorgeous new products that are heading our way soon.

If you’ve ever wondered whether attending an event like this sparks creativity… the answer is a big, resounding yes.

Fan-Girling Moments (Yes… Plural!)

One of the absolute highlights?

Meeting my Stampin’ Up! heroines in person.

Everywhere I turned, there was a familiar face—demonstrators I’ve followed on Facebook and YouTube for years. And yes… I was definitely fan-girling!

I even worked up the courage to say hello to a few—and every single one was kind, welcoming, and happy to chat. That sense of community is something really special.

And I have to tell you… I was so excited I could hardly talk for a few minutes when I met Donna Gray, Chris Andrew and Janelle Russell in person!

They’re from Queensland—two states away from me—so being able to spend a couple of hours chatting, laughing, and learning from these incredible women I’d only ever seen online was just wonderful.

A Very Special Moment

And then came the moment…

I looked up and there she was—Teresa Brown.

Teresa was an accountability buddy of mine for some demonstrator challenges a couple of years ago and while we aren't that far apart, and I quite often drive almost past her house, we had never met in person. It was so special to be able to hug and laugh and talk in-person (are you getting the idea that OnStage is special because of the in-person meet-ups?). I also met the lovely Caz, and while we didn't have long to chat, it was a highlight of OnStage for me.

 A surprise highlight was meeting Kimberley Smith from The Papered Chef. She travelled all the way from the USA to attend OnStage in Sydney!

I first discovered Kimberley through her Brother Scan N Cut videos, then realised she was also a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator—and I’ve followed her ever since.

Meeting her in person in Sydney? Absolutely surreal.

And yes… we swapped!

I now have a Kimberley Smith OnStage swap, and if I had a pool room, that’s exactly where it would go 😉

Three Days with My Team 💕

Another standout was spending three days with my upline Genna Gifford and team.

We laughed, crafted, learned—and most importantly, cheered each other on during recognition sessions.

Stampin’ Up! does such a beautiful job of celebrating their demonstrators’ achievements. Being there to clap, cheer, and celebrate those milestones together was incredibly special.

Recognition, Ribbons & Celebrations

Speaking of recognition…

I proudly collected my achievement ribbons and added them to my lanyard—and I’ll tell you what, I’m already looking forward to adding more each year!

And 2026 made it even more meaningful…

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Stampin’ Up! in the South Pacific, and it was truly an honour to be part of that celebration. The commemorative pin attached to our bags made it even more special.

The Swag Bag (Yes, I’m in Love!)
Let’s talk about the swag…

I am absolutely in love with the beautiful soft blue bag we were given—very close to the new In-Colour Hydrangea Hue (and you know blue is my colour!).

It’s honestly like a Mary Poppins bag—so roomy, with pockets everywhere, and perfect for carrying all the goodies collected over the three days.

The Swapping Frenzy

And then… the swaps!

It was an absolute whirlwind of creativity.

Talented demonstrators swapping handmade cards and 3D projects—it was inspiring, exciting, and just plain fun. I came home with a collection of beautiful, handcrafted projects that I’ll treasure (and draw inspiration from) for a long time.

Sneak Peeks & Pre-Orders

One of the perks of attending OnStage is access to the Product Purchase Premiere—and yes, I placed my order!

That means getting my hands on brand-new products before they’re released to customers in May.

👉 If you’d love early access too, let me know—I’m happy to show you how you can get your hands on the new catalogue goodies ahead of time.

The Big Announcement 🎉

Now this…

This was the moment that had the entire room cheering, screaming, and jumping for joy:

Paper Pumpkin is coming to Australia!

From 1st April, you’ll be able to subscribe and receive your monthly kit right here.

And if you subscribe through my online store, you’ll also be invited to my exclusive Paper Pumpkin Party each month, where we’ll:
Craft the kit together
Create alternative projects
Stretch the kit even further

It’s going to be so much fun—and incredible value too.

Final Thoughts – Was It Worth It?

Without a doubt… yes.

OnStage 2026 was:
Inspiring
Energising
Creative
Community-filled
And just plain fun

I’ve come home motivated, excited, and ready to share everything I’ve learned and discovered with you.

So stay tuned… there is so much more to come!

Want to Join Me? 💗

Shop with me

Join my team

Follow along on Facebook

Monday, 16 March 2026

Paper Pumpkin Is Coming to Australia – Starting April 2026!


I have some very exciting news to share with you today…

 

Paper Pumpkin is finally arriving in Australia — and it launches on 1st April 2026!

 

If you’ve ever watched Paper Pumpkin unboxings online and wished we could join in here in Australia, that wish is about to come true. Stampin’ Up! is bringing their hugely popular monthly crafting subscription to Australian crafters, and I could not be more excited.

 

What Is Paper Pumpkin?

Paper Pumpkin is a monthly subscription papercrafting kit delivered straight to your door.

 

Each kit is beautifully coordinated and includes everything you need to create stunning handmade projects. Depending on the month, that might include:

• Handmade cards

• Gift packaging

• Tags or small paper projects

• Exclusive stamps

• Ink spots

• Pre-cut pieces and embellishments

 

The best part? You don’t need a huge craft stash to get started. Everything is designed to work together so you can simply open the box and begin creating.

 

It’s perfect whether you are:

  • A beginner who wants a simple way to start crafting
  • A busy crafter who loves quick projects
  • A Stampin’ Up! fan who enjoys exclusive products and beautiful surprises

 

Why I’m So Excited

One of the things I love most about Paper Pumpkin is that it makes creativity incredibly easy.

 

You get the fun of opening a surprise crafting box every month, and the projects are designed to be quick, relaxing, and satisfying to complete.

 

For many crafters around the world, Paper Pumpkin has become a monthly creative ritual — a little pocket of crafting time just for themselves.

 

And now Australian crafters get to join the fun.

 

What Happens Next?

Paper Pumpkin officially launches in Australia on 1st April 2026, and I’ll be sharing more details very soon, including:

• How the subscription works

• What the first Australian kit will include

• When you can subscribe

• Special launch events and craft-alongs

I’m also planning some Paper Pumpkin Craft Along sessions and unboxings, so we can enjoy the kits together.

 

Want to Be the First to Know?

If you’d like to be among the first to hear all the details when subscriptions open, keep an eye on the blog and my social media.

 

I’ll be sharing updates, sneak peeks, and everything you need to know to join in.

 

One thing is certain…

 

April 2026 is going to be a very exciting month for Australian papercrafters.

 

Stay tuned — more Paper Pumpkin news coming soon!

 

Happy crafting,

Cath