April 2015 Design Team Blog Hop & GIVEAWAY!

Hey!

I'm SO happy you've stopped by the blog today as today is the April 2015 Design Team Blog Hop.... WHAT?!? I hear the regulars say! With moving house recently I have delayed the release until May 11th, my sincere apologies...BUT the team & I are here today with an awesome hop & GIVEAWAY to make up for it.

As we've quite a few new followers here, ("Hello & Thank you") I will explain what's going on! 

Here at Uniko Studio I currently only release new products every other month (apart from this month). This is for a number of reasons, firstly, being an avid paper crafter myself and knowing the current economic climate I know 'some' are on a limited budget when it comes to buying new stash, so this way you're not tempted to splurge too much every month. The second reason is that it is just me here at Uniko Studio HQ. I currently run this little business single handedly, designing, blogging, demoing, classes, packing. Alongside that I am a full time mum to 7 month old twin boys! So releasing every other month gives me chance to keep my head above water, well, just about!

So, on the in-between release months the Design Team & I take a look back at a previously released product, dust it off and give it some love!

This month we are looking back at three clear stamp sets, YEP, you read it correctly THREE! We have a theme 'Things with Wings', so we are looking back at the previously released BRIGHT Butterflies, English Country Garden - Butterflies & Paradise - Hummingbird.

Here are a few of my favourite 'old' projects using the sets...

And I had a little creative time, though my mojo seems to still be AWOL and made a couple of new projects to share with you...

For my card using English Country Garden - Butterflies I used the current CASE this Sketch! layout  seen HERE and below as a staring point.

I kept is super CAS but added some Wink Of Stella to the butterfly for a subtle sparkle...

Next another CAS one layer card using my favourite trio of colours...

Now how about some awesome inspiration from the Design Team, I know they will give you some new and fresh ideas for using these sets. So please hop along and see what they have in store for you and be sure to comment along the hop to win an in-stock revisited set or a £5 eGift Certificate to spend in store.

CLICK HERE to see more from Amber

CLICK HERE to see more from Deborah

CLICK HERE to see more from Sandie

CLICK HERE to see more from Sarah G

CLICK HERE to see more from Sarah P

So, that's all from me today, but I hope to be back tomorrow with more to share. Until then THANK YOU for sticking around and popping by today.

March 2015 Design Team Blog Hop & GIVEAWAY!

Hey!

I'm SO happy you've stopped by the blog today as today is the March 2015 Design Team Blog Hop.  As we've quite a few new followers here, ("Hello & Thank you") I will explain what's going on! 

Here at Uniko Studio I currently only release new products every other month. This is for a number of reasons, firstly, being an avid paper crafter myself and knowing the current economic climate I know 'some' are on a limited budget when it comes to buying new stash, so this way you're not tempted to splurge too much every month. The second reason is that it is just me here at Uniko Studio HQ. I currently run this little business single handedly, designing, blogging, demoing, classes, packing. Alongside that I am a full time mum to 6 month old twin boys! So releasing every other month gives me chance to keep my head above water, well, just about!

So, on the in-between release months the Design Team & I take a look back at a previously released product, dust it off and give it some love! This month I decided to dust off the previously released Flower Power #4.

With Spring peeking it's head every so often & with Easter on its way. I thought it would be nice to spread some Spring cheer to those who might not be seeing it as much as we are here in the UK.

I apologise in advance for my lack of 'new' creations, I've not had much crafting time since we moved house and my 'work' room is just a room with boxes and no desk, so I am sharing a couple of  cards I created when I released this set...

I know for a fact that the DT have whipped up some awesome creations which more than makes up for my tardiness! So please hop along and see what they have in store for you and be sure to comment along the hop to win a £5 eGift Certificate to spend in store.

CLICK HERE to see more from Amber

CLICK HERE to see more from Deborah

CLICK HERE to see more from Gillian

CLICK HERE to see more from Nicki

CLICK HERE to see more from Sandie

CLICK HERE to see more from Sarah

So, that's all from me today, but I really do hope to be back to 'normal' activity later this week :) Until then THANK YOU for sticking around and popping by today.

April 2014 BONUS Design Team Blog Hop & GIVEAWAY!

Hey!

Welcome to the April 2014 Release BONUS Design Team Blog Hop & GIVEAWAY! If you've been following events here at Uniko Studio you may remember that there were a few hiccups along the way for the April Release & my fabulous design team didn't get their goodies in time :( So, I thought it would be nice to have another Design Team Blog Hop to celebrate the release AND also welcome our newest addition to the team... N@ Ali.

So how about a couple of cards (I apologise in advance for the poor quality photos, the weather here has been so dull, rainy & overcast I had to resort to the false light in the bathroom!)...

I decided to focus my attention onto Flower Power #4 as it has been some what out shadowed here on the blog by Background Builders: Vines! Also I know that the Design Team have an array of FABulous creations to show you using the Background Builders: Vines set. For both my cards I needed a mojo spark and decided to use the current Color Throwdown colours seen HERE and below. A trio of colours I wouldn't normal grab from my supplies.

And another giving the same set some love...

And seeing as it's a Design Team Blog Hop how about some inspiration from the FABulous Design Team:

Amber

Erika

Gillian

N@ Ali

Nicki

Ren-Yi

Taheerah

How about a GIVEAWAY...? 

Simply comment along the hop for the chance to win the April Release (Background Builders: Vines & Flower Power #4) or a Gift Certificate to the same value if you already own them. If you comment on each of the blogs listed that'll give you 8 entries & chances to win. You have until Midnight Wednesday 30th April to comment and I will announce the winner here on the blog Thursday 1st May.

Happy Hopping!

Supplies
Card Stock: White (Boyes) SU! Blushing Bride
Ink: SU! Blushing Bride, Perfect Plum & Kiwi Kiss
Stamps: Uniko Studio All Occasion Sentiments #2, Background Builders: Squared and Flower Power #4
Accessories: Buttons & Ribbon PTI, Foam Adhesive & Embroidery Floss

Ditsy Florals

Hey & Happy Monday!

Well you've all done a good job at keeping me busy in the studio today with all your lovely orders - thank you SO much :) Your custom & support is truly appreciated.

Seeing as Background Builders: Vines is currently now out of stock I can safely say it's been a hit! I certainly can't stop using it & neither can Gillian! If you missed the announcements I put on Facebook over the weekend sharing Gillian's creations be sure to stop on by her BLOG for more inspiration. 

For those of you that missed out on ordering the set has been re-ordered and is due back in stock in 2-3 weeks. Don't forget there is still chance to win a set HERE just by commenting on the post. I will be drawing the winner tomorrow evening and announcing the winner on Wednesday.

Ok, so how about a card...

Yep, it's Background Builders: Vines again! I did warn you that you'd be seeing a lot of this set! This time I paired it with one of the sentiments from Flower Power #4.

I guess I should get back to packing orders to post this afternoon! I'm looking forward to a lovely walk there too as the sun is shining today :) I hope you all have a great day & thank you for stopping by.

Supplies

Card Stock: White (Boyes) SU! Orchid Opulence (Retired)

Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black, VersaMagic Spring Pansy, Aquatic Splash, Turquoise Gem & Tea Leaves, SU! Cameo Coral (Retired)

Stamps: Uniko Studio Background Builders: Vines & Flower Power #4

Accessories: Embroidery Floss

April 2014 Reveal, Release & GIVEAWAY!

Hey & SUPER Happy Friday!

Yay! The day is finally here & I get to reveal the two new products lining the Uniko Studio HQ shelves in their entirety. If you've been joining in on the fun since the Sneak Peeks you might want to check HERE to see if you are a mystery prize winner! 

Now grab a drink & let's get to the fun and see these two new clear stamp sets...

Flower Power #4 £4.95

Copyright Uniko Studio 2014

www.unikostudio.co.uk

First up is Flower Power #4, the next in the Flower Power Series. As you can see the set features a 2 step stamping flower, Spring themed sentiments and a couple of fun accent stamps. 

The last product being released this month is a new Background Building set...

Background Builders: Vines £9.95

Copyright Uniko Studio 2014

www.unikostudio.co.uk

Background Builders: Vines is a new and exciting background building set with the usual long stamp images which can be used to create an all over background design. I've also added two non linear 2 step stamping images and a variety of 2/3 step stamping flowers and leaves to be used on their own or pair with the vines. 

Ok, now all the formal introductions have been done how about some samples using the new sets...

First up is a card using some of the ditsy flowers contained in the Background Builders: Vines set. When I saw the new sketch at CAS(E) this Sketch! seen HERE and below the idea just popped right into my head!

I started out by die cutting 9 squares and then randomly stamped the blooms, just sticking to 1 step and 2 step stamping for them. Here's a close up of the detail...

Next up I decided to give Flower Power #4 some love...

First up is a remake of a card I shared a while back HERE. I just loved making it so much the first time it seemed fitting to do so again! On this card you can see another of the Spring sentiments can be seen, which is embossed in white.

Lastly I decided to use the 'April Showers Bring May Flowers' sentiment for my next card which is quite a fitting sentiment for the weather we've been having recently here and also for the current CASology challenge HERE who's cue word is WET! 

The background is stamped with the circle accent stamp randomly which when I look at it now looks like random raindrops! I used the solid flower on it's own which I fussy cut out and embellished with a large pearl.

Usually we would have a Design Team Blog Hop but due to *hiccups* the team are still waiting for their goodies. Instead we have a BONUS Design Team Blog Hop on Saturday 26th April where ALL of the DT will have samples to share using the April Release. This means that there will be more PRIZES up for grabs!!

*Edited to add* Amazingly the postman was on my side & delivered Gillian her goodies for her to whip up a quick card to share with you today, be sure to stop by Gillian's blog HERE and see what she has created.

*However, there is still the ENTIRE Release up for grabs for one lucky commenter & if you can't wait & purchase the new goodies and you win, you will be given a Gift Certificate to the same value OR refunded for your purchase!*

NOW if you didn't think that was enough I have one more piece of happy to share with you all, we have another new Design Team member joining us this month :) I am super happy to have N@ Ali from Just Cards by N@Ali join the team. I'd LOVE you to give N@ Ali a warm welcome & be sure to stop by her blog for tons of wonderful inspiration.

Ok, I think that is all the FUN for today! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for more inspiration :) I have a scheduled post for you all as I am at The Paperlane tomorrow running two classes AND we're using the NEW goodies! Be sure to pop along if your in the area or book a last minute place in a class I'd LOVE to see you :)

Supplies
Card Stock: White from stash. SU! Retired Orchid Opulence and Cameo Coral.
Ink: PTI Hawaiian Shores, Raspberry Fizz, Summer Sunrise & Smokey Shadow. SU! Pumpkin Pie & Cameo Coral> VersaMagic Tea Leaves, Spring Pansy & Sea Breeze. VersaMark. Versa Fine Onyx Black.
Stamps: Uniko Studio Background Builders: Vines, Flower Power #4 and All Occasion Sentiments #3.
Accessories: Sizzix Framelits Square Dies, Embroidery Floss, Papertrey Ink Notebook Die, SU! Vellum. Foam Adhesive. Stampedous! Detail White EP.

April Release Sneak Peeks!

Hey!

This release seems to have crept up on me & I am not organised at all. The Design Team don't have their goodies yet :( so I'll be changing things a little this month, but more on that later. Anyway, it's time to show you sneak peeks at what is being released this month...

I'm sure this first Sneak Peek doesn't need much explaining, as it is the next in the Flower Power Series! 

Sneak Peek 2 is of a new Background Building set which has SO many building plus mix and match options. Just a little release this month, but it sure packs a punch, both sets are very versatile with endless possibilities!

Now there have been a few hiccups along the way with preparation for this release due to the manufacturer causing annoying delays, which has resulted in the Design Team not having their goodies in time :(

Sneak Peeks Today - These little teasers give you hints at what is in store!

Introducing... 9th & 10th April - Here you'll get to see the soon to be released products in action! 

Release Day! Friday 11th April you will get to see all the products in their entirety and purchase them HERE on the website! As tradition holds there will be  a mini Design Team Blog Hop with a chance for a lucky person to win the ENTIRE release!

BONUS Design Team Blog Hop - As only the DT members in the UK will have their goodies and I also have a NEW Design Team member to introduce to you on Friday I decided to organise another Blog Hop on Saturday 26th April where ALL of the DT will have samples to share using the April Release. This means that there will be more PRIZES up for grabs!!

Now, you won't want to miss out on any of the fun from the 8th - 10th April as I will be drawing totally random winners for mystery prizes! I'm not giving any hints as to the prizes or their value, you'll just have to comment along the way to be in the chance of winning!

Places to join in on the fun & possibly win a prize are, the Uniko Studio Facebook Page, Following on Twitter and Pinterest! 

How about a card before I go...

I love the colour turquoise & if you've been a follower for sometime you might have noticed I use a lot of Papertrey Ink's Hawaiian Shores, it is very rare that the ink pad leaves my desk! So as the colour at "Less is More" this week HERE is turquoise I thought I'd join in again! 

The sentiment along with the three Beautiful Blooms are all stamped and embossed in white detail embossing powder. I then coloured the blooms in using three shades of turquoise Copic markers.

If you are not signed up to our newsletter (sign up HERE) you might have missed the news that Stunning Snowflakes is back in stock by popular demand - YES even in April! Get your set HERE on the website while they're hot!

I do hope you will join me tomorrow for the first product introduction, Until then & thank you for stopping by today :)

Supplies
Card Stock: White (Boyes) SU! Basic Black
Ink: Versamark
Stamps: Uniko Studio All Occasion Sentiments #1 and #3, Beautiful Blooms I
Accessories: Detail White Embossing Powder, Foam Adhesive & Corner Chomper

All About Mums...

Today it's all about Mums here at Uniko Studio both the human kind and the floral kind. I have a few cards today & over the next couple of days to share with you using the NEW Pure Florals: Chrysanthemum clear stamp set which was released this month HERE.

One of the reasons I released this set this month was because it was one of my Mums favourite flowers.  But why did I release it this month? I hear you ask...

Well, five years ago today my Mum passed away very suddenly & without any warning. I was concerned that I couldn't get in touch with my Mum, but put it down to the fact she had retired and had time to visit many friends. I asked my brother to check on her 2 days later & thats when our world ended. Being a single Mother my Mum spent a lot of time with us both & that day I'd lost not only my Mum but my best friend too. We shared a passion for crafting & making handmade cards and always talked about starting this business together.

Life has it's challenges in general but a times it's harder when all you want is your Mum, even when your 30+. I always find April a difficult month especially the 19th - 21st and so I thought I'd help ease my grief at this time by remembering my Mum in a good way by releasing Pure Florals: Chrysanthemum containing a flower that she not only loved but I'm sure she would have enjoyed stamping with too! 

How about a cheery card to lighten the mood...

More angles! Normally this trend of angle placement would set my CAS OCD off, in the fact that I usually like everything perfectly aligned! However, I'm really loving this trend at the moment! This card uses simple masking and simple Copic flat colouring.

I've neglected my Copic markers for sometime now as I find colouring time consuming and often don't have the time or patience to sit and colour! The other day I had a little patience to do some simple 'flat' colouring without having to think! It was relaxing, both the colouring & the fussing mask cutting to be able to stamp & overlap the blooms.

That's all I have to share for today, but I will be back tomorrow with more Chrysanthemum creations to share. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Supplies

Happy Everything

Card Stock: PTI Aqua Mist, WPlus9 White

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Stamps: Uniko Studio Pure Florals: Chrysanthemum

Accessories: Copic Markers