Sale A Bration 2010

For Free Stampin' Up! Stamps Read Below

Sale A Bration is here again. It runs from 30th December to 28th February, so get in there.  Here's how you can join in. 

Customers: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every £45 purchase (no limit!).

Hostesses: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product with a £300 or more workshop, in addition to the regular hostess benefits.

Recruits: Choose any retail stamp set (a value up to £38.95) from the current catalogue when signing up during the promotion.

Email me for further information.

Hugs Debbie x

Candy Winner

Thank you to all those who left comments for the Twelve Blogs Of Christmas Blog Cruise post.  I have drawn a winner using

 Random.Org

So here it is.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

10
Timestamp: 2009-12-05 10:13:26 UTC

And the lucky winner is..

FLEUR

Well done Fleur.  You'll get a surprise Stampin' Up! package from me.  If you would like to email your address I will send it on to you.

Thank you to everyone for taking part, and I hope you'll come back soon.

Lovely As A Christmas Tree

Hi everyone.

Well I've started my bulk Christmas Cards at long last.  And about time.  I thought I'd do two or three easy designs nothing to complex that takes me ages, so I can get them all done on time.  Today I'm going to show you my first design. 

Now I do like traditional, but I also like something a little different and contemporary too.  And after all, I do want my creations to stand out in peoples christmas card displays. Hand made cards deserved to be noticed, and should take pride of place.  They are much more special than factory printed cards that are churned out in their millions, don't you think?

So with this in mind, I thought I'd go for a combination of blue and white.  Not exactly out of the ordinary, however, clearly not the traditional red, green and gold. 

I've used Stampin' Up!s beautiful new Specialty Papers - Bride.  This is a gorgeous heavyweight paper with a shimmery foiled pattern.  The elegant design is perfect for wedding invitations and cards and comes in three colourways: Bride - Whisper White, Bridegroom - Basic Black, Bridesmaid - Very Vanilla, and two designs, with the other design being stripes.  However it can be coloured with ink to suit any occasion too. 

In this case I've used Bashful Blue on the background and Ballet Blue on the circle embellishment.  The easiest way to colour the paper is to use a Stampin' Up! Brayer.  Just roll on the ink until the paper is evenly covered, then rub over with a tissue to take off any excess ink, and polish the foiled pattern up again.  The finished result is stunning.

I've used Ballet Blue cardstock and the group of trees from the Lovely As A Tree stamp set.  They are stamped in Stampin' Up Whisper White Craft ink. I added a few sprinklings of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter for a cold frosty look.

I layered up the punched circles and scallop circle and topped it off with a snowflafke stamp from Season Of Joy and a gold brad (I really wanted a silver brad, but I've mislaid them ooops).  Only a few dozen more to do then I'll be working on my next design. 

If you would like to know more about Stampin' Up! or would like to order any of the products used, please email me at afewstampsmore@btinternet.com for details and I will be pleased to help.

Take care, and happy crafting.

Debbie xx

Twelve Blogs Of Christmas Blog Cruise

Welcome to our

Stampin' Up!

Twelve Blogs Of Christmas Blog Cruise

and thank you to Theresa for her stunning contribution and providing the link to me.

For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, the idea is that you'll join the cruise by visiting one of the participating blogs like mine.  Each blog will provide a link to the next blog in the chain, and by following all twelve links, you will eventually end up back where you started.  You'll see some exciting inspiring projects along the way, all made with Stampin' Up! products.   Just look for the Twelve Blogs Of Christmas logo above.

Some blogs will be offering candy, so by visiting all of the blogs you may pick up some goodies on the way too.

Each person that leaves a comment on my post here, will be entered into a draw to win some fantastic Stampin' Up! goodies from me.

My designs use the fabulous

Stampin' Up!

Winter Post

stamp set.

This vintage look is so versatile and a definate Christmas winner.

My first project is an easel card.  This is my favorite type of card design at the moment.

I have used it with Stampin' Up! cardstock in Kraft, Chocolate Chip and Real Red.

The skaters have been watercoloured in Real Red and Close To Cocoa inks.

I stamped the snowflakes in Whisper White Craft pigment ink and added a little glitter to the centres.  The layers were stamped using Close To Cocoa ink.

Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon has been added along with a couple of Gold Brads to finish off.

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My second project involves white chocolate pennies, yum yum!!

It's real easy to do.  The chocolates are sealed in a plastic bag.  I then wrapped a Kraft cardstock sleeve around it.  I punched a circle in the front so you can see those ymmy goodies inside, and added the decoration to match the card.  Perfect for  that little gift to accompany the card, that's if they last until Christmas, ymmmmmmm.

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Thanks to all the demonstrators involved and a special thanks to Carolynne who is heading another group of twelve, for getting us all together and doing all the behind the scenes work, even though she's been under the weather.

Now I'd like to introduce you to Jo at Stampoholic who's the next stop for the blog cruise.

Thanks for taking the time to visit me, and don't forget to leave a comment to be entered for my
Stampin' Up!
candy draw.
You have two weeks, I will draw a winner on 5th December 2009.

Stampin' Up! have a very special offer this Christmas.

For every £45.00 spent on products from the gift guide below you will receive a free Tag or Small Tag Punch worth £12.50, the choice is yours.  Offer ends 29th December 2009.

If you would like to know more just drop me an email and I will be pleased to help.

Whimsical Wings

Hi everyone and happy Wednesday.

I have a lovely bright and sunny card to showcase today.  It's based on the level two hostess set Whimsical Wings. 

I've used Apricot Appeal cardstock for the card base.  I stamped the flourish in opposing corners using Apricot Appeal ink.  I used a small layer of dotted paper from the Tall Tales Designer Series Paper collection behind the layered image. 

The main bird image was coloured with Earth Elements Stampin' Write Markers, using the direct to rubber technique.  I blended the colours on the rubber, to avoid harsh lines.  After trimming, the image was matted onto Pumpkin Pie cardstock.

The flower was made using Apricot Appeal, Creamy Caramel, and Pumpkin Pie cardstock which had been stamped with the script stamp from the Rustic Rooster hostess set.  A gold brad was added to the centre holding the layers together. 

It's a bright cheery card which could be done in alternative colours.  If you would like to know how you can get this or any other hostess set stamp set for FREE, then just drop me an email and I'll give you more details.

Baroque Thank You

Hi everyone, and thanks for taking the time to visit me today.

The card I'm posting today was inspired by a creation by the very talented Laura Fredrickson of Scrapnextras.   She's a very talented lady, and her blog is well worth a visit.

I loved the combination of Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow and Very Vanilla she used on her Monogram Card , and thought I might create something similar using these colours myself.

I used the Baroque Motifs flourish.  It's one of my favourite, Stampin' Up! stamps, and will cover a multitude of occasions.  It's a very simple, very elegant card, and one that coud be done in any colour combination you choose.  I added a thank you sentiment from the Circle Of Friendship stamp set, but you could add any sentiment you choose. 

The flower was made using the Boho Blossoms Punch, and the detail pricking around the edge of the Very Vanilla layer just finishes it off. 

If you would like to buy any of the products to make this card, or are interested in becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator yourself, then just drop me an email, and I'll be happy to assist.

In the meantime, thanks for visiting and I hope you'll come back soon.

Take care and happy crafting.

Hugs Debbie xx

Trendy Tree Owl

Hi everyone.

Today I'm back to more stamping.  This card was made for my friend and fellow crafter Louise, aka Crafty Lou. She's had one of those milestone birthdays this year, h'hum...   Now I know she loves owls, so I think I'm on the right lines with this card.  I used autumnal colours on a background of Very Vanilla. 

I stamped the background using a leafy stamp from the Fresh Cuts set and So Saffron ink.  The little branch that the owl is sitting on is from the Garden Whimsey set, and is the stem of the tulip stamp.

I layered a strip of stripey paper from the Tall Tales Design Series Paper collection, adhered it to a layer of More Mustard cardstock, and did some decorative zig zag hand-stitching at the edges.

I used the Trendy Trees stamp set and stamped three trees on Very Vanilla, exacty the same, in a row for a bit of formality.  I used the Cutter Kit to distress the edges. (This kit makes it easy work to rough up the edges a little).  I inked the edges with More Mustard, then layered onto Chocolate Chip and Old Olive cardstock.  This was then stuck over my stitched layer.

I added a couple of buttons from the Earth Elements collection, and made the little owl using a selection of Stampin' Up Punches.  (I cased this owl, but can't remember who from.  Sorry whoever you are, perhaps you can let me know).  He was then added to the card using Dimensionals. 

I love this little card.  It is quite different from my usual style, but I'm happy with the outcome.

Thank you for visiting, and happy crafting.

Hugs Debbie xx

Three In A Row Jackpot

Hi all, and I hope you're all enjoying the weekend so far. 

Today I have a something different to showcase.  No stamping involved...I have just used card, design paper, a couple of punches, basic tools and Crystal Effects glaze.....

I have used Jackpot Designer Series Paper from the new Stampin' Up! catalogue.  There is no matching stamp set available in the UK for this paper, so I had to use my thinking cap before deciding what to do.  

I decided to use the squared paper to my advantage, and design this game based on Tic Tac Toe or Noughts and Crosses.  There's even a bag of home-made popcorn to munch while playing. 

It was so easy to make.  The game board, and chips are glued onto a base of chipboard for strength.  You could sandwich magnetic sheets in there, which woud be perfect for a travel game, but I didn't have any at hand.

The chips were punched using the 1" Circle Punch and the 1¼" Circle Punch, and once glued onto the chipboard base are easily picked up to play with.

The box was made from Basic Black cardstock, and is ony 1/2" deep, which means the game can still be played whist still inside the box.

I used the Crystal Effects glaze (2 layers) on the "3" (which was cut using my MM Slice), just to make it stand out a bit more.  The text comes straight from one of the sheets of design paper, only I cut the "2" off the front.

I'm really pleased with how this turned out, it woud be perfect for a litte stocking filler, fathers day gift, or something to put on your partners desk as one of those little 'executive' toy games.  You could make it more difficult by using four squares across in each direction, or make another game based on squares. 

My son and I have had a few games, and they were very enjoyable.  We didn't eat the popcorn yet though.

Hope this inspires you to use this set, and if not, then I hope you enjoyed looking at my creation.  Thanks for your visit.

Hugs Debbie xx

Baroque Butterfly

Hi everyone.

Today I have a a gorgeous colour combination to showcase. Orchid Opulence with Old Olive. It just works so well together, and is quickly becoming one of my favourites, as is the new Butterfly Punch.

I love stitching too, so I have a hand stitched border around the edge of the Old Olive layer. You need to prick the card first with the Paper-Piercing Tool and Mat Pack so that you have even holes around the card, and the stitching is easily completed once this is done. If you don't like stitching yourself, you could do faux stitching using the Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen.

I used Old Olive and Orchid Opulence (second impression) inks to stamp the Baroque Motifs onto Very Vanilla cardstock. I added a touch of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter around some of the swirls.

The Butterfly Punch was used on Orchid Opulence and Vellum Cardstock. I dotted around the edge of each shape with the Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen, and layered them together at the centre only, leaving the wings free. I finished off with 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon - Old Olive, and a Filigree Designer Brad. Then layered the whole thing together to finish.

If you would like to order any of the products I have used or would like to know more about Stampin' Up! then please email me and I will be pleased to help.

Thank you for your visit.

Debbie xx

Bloomin' With Beauty

Hi all

Well the new Stampin' Up! catalogue has well and truly been launched. I had a fabulous open house weekend for my own personal launch, with a fabulous display, free gifts, a free raffle, and refreshments too.

Congratulations to Chris, your name was drawn for the raffle prize, well done. Thanks to everyone for their orders, and if any further assistance is needed by anyone at all, then just drop me a line. I still have places available in my Stampers Ten. If you want to know more then just click here for further information.

As I've been busy making samples using Stampin' Up! products for my display, I thought I might share a few with you. Todays showcase is a card made with the Bloomin' With Beauty stamp set:

The cardstock I've used is Pale Plum, Perfect Plum and Whisper White, with the corresponding inks. The card fromt was cut a little shorter than the back so that I could stamp the sentiment on the edge of the inside, and it would still show underneath the front. The front of the card was edged with the brand new Eyelet Border Punch.

The image was watercoloured using the Stampin' Pads. The blossom centres are touched with lilac glitter from the new Fine Cosmo Glitter set. The pot has been glazed with Crystal Effects, you can see that beautiful shine when the light catches it. The flourishes are from the Whimsical Wings level two hostess set. I think you'll agree this is a perfectly beautiful feminine set. The image is crisp and detailed. A small piece of knotted grosgrain ribbon completes the picture.

If you would like to know more about Stampin' Up!, or wish to order products, or are interested in becoming a demonstrator yourself, then just drop me an email, and I'll be pleased to help.

Thanks for dropping by.

Debbie xx

Butterfly Bleu Part Two

Hi everyone, and welcome to my blog.

I'd just like to show you how great the new butterfly stamp set, and Butterfly Punch from Stampin' Up! is. I adore it, so much so that in addition to the card and favour, (post below), I also made a picture to go with it. It would make a great gift for somebody, and as it happens the Bella Bleu paper goes with my home decor, so I won't be giving this one away.

If you would like to order the Butterfly Punch, the Bella Bleu paper pack, or the Flight of the Butterfly stamp set, or if you have any other enquiries about Stampin' Up!, then just drop me an email, and I'll be happy to help.

Butterfly Bleu

Hi everyone, and happy Wednesday

It's been a good day for me today, after a lazy birthday day yesterday, I had a rather large delivery of goodies from the brand new Stampin' Up! Catalogue today. Several new punches, several new stamp sets, new design papers, and other lovely bits and bobs.

Now I've had chance for a little play (after the paper stroking I hasten to add) I can show you my first creation.

I just had to use the butterfly punch first. I love butterflies, and the stamp set Flight of the Butterfly is perfectly made to go with this punch.

I've stamped and layered three different styles of the butterfly images with the top layer being white vellum. I just love this set, and can see I will use it many, many times.

The paper is also new. Called Bella Bleu it's very classic in it's style in soft blues and vanilla (although I put the blue with Whisper White here). It's beautiful. The fine cosmo glitter in blue is also from Stampin' Up! and comes in a set of five gorgeous colours.

If you would like to order these or any other products from Stampin' Up! just drop me an email, and I'll do my best to help.

Thank you for looking, and happy crafting.

Take care

Debbie xx

New Catalogue

Hi all

Well here it is....The brand spanking new
Stampin' Up!

Idea Book & Catalogue

2009 - 2010

There's lots of new stuff to tempt you, and some of last years favourites too, as well as all the best basic supplies.

If you want to take a look, and I'm sure you do, then please click on the picture and as if by magic you will be transported to the correct location, where you can browse at your leisure.

Should you wish to order anything or have any questions, then I will be only too happy to help.

Thank you for looking

Debbie xx

Stampers Ten

Hi everyone.

Well you might already know that the brand spanking new full colour glossy Stampin'Up! catalogue launches today. The link to view it on line will be posted on my blog this afternoon. I still have places available in my

STAMPERS TEN

group, and if you love Stampin' Up! products you won't want to miss out on this offer. It's a good way to build up your collection by spreading the cost, and enjoying the FREE hostess benefits. You can join from anywhere in the UK, so what are you waiting for. Click HERE for more details.

Baroque Queue

Hi everyone, hope you are well.

I've got a card to show you today that I made for a very special lady. Bridgette of A Stamp For All Seasons who is my fantastic Upline. It was her birthday last week and I thought she deserved a special Stampin' Up! card. I used a stamp from the new level two hostess stamp set Queue Up. I also used the large flourish stamp from the Baroque Motifs set.

The colours are Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Pretty In Pink, Cameo Coral, and Whisper White.

I added some Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon. I made the flower using the Scallop Punch and the Boho Blossoms Punch. I added a little detail at the bottom of the scallop border with the Uni-ball White Gel Pen.

Thank you for looking.

Debbie xx

Rustic Rooster

Hi everyone, and hope you're having a good day.

I'd like to introduce you to one of the new Stampin' Up! hostess sets for the coming year entitled Rustic Rooster. You can get your hands on is for FREE if you book a workshop/party from October 1st and acheive sales of £300 or more. How cool is that!!

The colour combination I've used is Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, and Cameo Coral. I've also used Stampin' Emboss Powder in gold, and finished off with a gold brad.

If you'd like to see more or wish to book a workshop/party, then just drop me an email, and I will do my best to help.

Thanks for looking

Debbie xx

Thank You

Hi everyone, I hope you are well.

Well I'd just like to show you the cards I made for the ladies that placed orders during my first workshop as a little thank you.

I used Whisper White cardstock for the base card. Keeping quite a simple colour scheme I chose Sage Shadow and Lavender Lace. The 'Thank You' stamp is from the Seeing Spots stamp set, and the flourish and small flower stamp is from the Season Of Joy stamp set. This just goes to show that there are elements of the Christmas stamp sets that can be used all year round.

I used the Scallop Punch and the 1 3/8" Circle Punch for some detail. The white dots around the scallop circle were made with the Uni-ball Signo Gel Pen. I added an embellishment made with the Boho Blossoms Punch, which is great for making small flowers. I inked the edges, layered two shapes up, and placed a Silver Brad in the centre.

If you wish to order any of the products used, please contact me at afewstampsmore@btinternet.com or see your own local Stampin' Up! demonstrator.

Thank you for your visit.

Debbie xx

Stampin' Up! Clubs - Spread The Cost - Enjoy The Benefits

Hi everyone, I hope you're all well and having fun crafting.

Here's a few questions for you.

Do you love Stampin' Up! products?

Would you like an easy way to spread the cost of building up your collection?

Would you like to earn free Stampin'! Up! products and gifts?

Yes! Well, here's an opportunity you can't afford to miss then.

Join my Stampers Ten or Stampers Six club.

Here's the deal:

Stampers Ten

• Requires ten members and runs for ten months.
• Each member agrees to spend a minimum of £15 per month, plus postage.
• Members will take turns to receive the hostess benefits for one of the ten months, i.e. at least a level one FREE hostess set, and a minimum of £15 to spend on catalogue products.
• Members will get a FREE catalogue plus any suppliments available during the ten months of membership.
• Access to a members only online project club blog.

Stampers Six

• Requires six members and runs for six months.
• Each member agrees to spend a minimum of £25 per month, plus postage.
• Members will take turns to receive the hostess benefits for one of the six months, i.e. at least a level one FREE hostess set, and a minimum of £15 to spend on catalogue products.
• Members will get a FREE catalogue and any suppliments available during the six months of membership.
• Access to a members only online project club blog.

You can join from anywhere in the UK, and you don't have to hold a workshop in your home. The clubs are internet based making joining in easy. Clubs will commence when full.

If you're interested in joining in with this great offer then just drop me an email at afewstampsmore@btinternet.com and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

If you would like any other information about Stampin' Up! products, workshops or wish to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator yourself and want a chat then I can be contacted initially at the same email address above.

Organic Grace Leapfrog.

Hi there

I though I'd show you a 6" x 6" scrapbook layout I have completed using the level one hostess set Organic Grace. This set is only available until the end of September, so if you want a chance to grab it, then you'd better be quick.

The photo was taken of my son and his friend on a visit to our local nature reserve and park. I changed the photo to black & white and feathered the edges in Photoshop. (I caught a bit of glare on the photo when I took it to post the layout unfortunately) However I love the very simple composition of the photo, (hey listen to me!!), And as I'm a girl that's in love with nostalgia, (it reminds me of my childhood days) I just love it. The Organic Grace stamp set fit's perfectly in with the theme. I've used Old Olive and Chocolate Chip inks, whilst using Always Artichoke grosgrain ribbon, and a button from the Earth Elements selection. I added a tab using the tab punch to the side of the photo after mounting onto Chocolate Chip cardstock just to finish it off.

So don't forget now, this set will soon be gone forever, so if you are intested in this or any other current hostess set, and want to get it before it goes, all you have to do is book your workshop during September, and subject to minimum net sales of £150 it could be yours. So why not book right now before you miss out completely.

Take care and happy crafting

Debbie xx

Sample Board

Hi.

Well I had my first workshop yesterday evening. Not a big attendance, which was disappointing, but those that were there, (and you know who you are), seemed to enjoy themselves. Thank you so much for your support ladies. I hope you enjoy playing with your new goodies when they arrive.

So you had a sneak peek at my sample board, well here it is in full...

I went with a colour scheme of Bashfull Blue, Chocolate Chip and Close To Cocoa, whilst using the One Of A Kind stamp set. I made various projects to show how versatile one stamp set can be. Various punches have also been used. I love the vatiations from just a few basic items.

I also finished a 6" x 6" scrapbook layout of my daughter Sophie using the same theme. The photo was taken on Friday when she had her 16th birthday treat. I added a little stitching around two sides of the Bashfull Blue cardstock, which is my 'thing' at the moment. It's a very basic layout, but ended up just how I wanted it to.

Thank you to Chris, who made me a fantastic card to celebrate my Stampin' Up! venture....

(How lovely is that) and bought a bottle of wine.

And thank you to Lisa who bought a lovely bunch of flowers, and I do love flowers, it was lovely to meet you Lisa.

And thank you to Sophie (16), my lovely daughter who joined us for the make and take, bless her.

Well, I'm off to work on another combo and looking forward to the new catalogue launch on October 1st. If you have any questions, or would like to host or attend a workshop, or are interested in Stampin' Up! products and would like to know more, then feel free to contact me by email (address on side bar) or leave a comment on this post.

Thanks for looking and happy crafting

Debbie xx

Workshop Sneak Peek

Hi all.

I've been busy working on a sample board for my very first workshop on 14th September 2009. For those that live in the Peterborough area of Cambridgeshire, there's plenty of space if you wish to join me. Just drop me an email for details.

So here's the peek at what to expect.

Can't let you see too much yet or it'll spoil the surprise. But there'll be plenty to feast your eyes on. You will also be able to see what's on the Stampin' Up! Last Chance List. With the new catalogue coming soon, you'll have the opportunity to get your hands on some of the current products for the last time this month, with many of them reduced.

Hope to see you very soon.

Debbie xx

Stampin' Up! Workshop

Hi Everyone, and happy Friday.

Phew the end of the week at last. My son has gone into hospital today for surgery on his broken arm, which he has had since April 2008....don't ask, some of you will know the saga already. He having to have a plate put in again, as the fracture has slipped whilst healing, and this time they're going to do a bone graft too. He is really worried about it, but I know they'll look after him. Hopefully he should be back home tomorrow.

Anyway I am just letting you know that I will be holding my first

Stampin' Up!

workshop

Monday 14th September at 7.30pm

at my home in

Eye, Peterborough.

So if you live in the Peterborough area, and would like to come along, then just drop me an email and I'll send you the details.

See ya later.

Debbie xx

Pocket Box

Hi everyone.

I hope you're all OK and having a great day.

Well I still have a few things to show you from my inspiration board, but in the meantime I have a colour change for you.

I made this cute little box as a quick make. It's only tiny and would suit a piece of jewellery, some Thorntons chocolates, or another tiny little gift. I adore this colour scheme, although I didn't have the Bashful Blue ink for the stamp that I wanted. It's another thing on my wish list. I used the Brilliant Blue stamp pad instead. Oh, and the brad is not Stampin' Up! as I don't have any of those either yet, so I used one from my stash. I do have a couple of punches though as you can see.

I might make a few more in different colours as I like it so much. Hope you like it too.

Hugs Debbie xx

Still Seeing Spots

Hi everyone.

It's been a lovely day here in Cambridgeshire today, summer again in fact.

My creation for today is on the same theme as yesterday. I'm sticking with that at the moment as I am in the middle of making an inspiration board. You'll be seeing a few more along the same lines yet, so stick with me.

This time I've made a card.
Very simple again, good for beginners, and quick and easy to demonstrate. I've introduced another stamp set too. It's easy to demonstrate how other sets can be used without things getting cluttered. Of course it could be any sentiment, and any stamp set, the concept is the same, it's still quick and easy to replicate.
Thanks for visiting.
Hugs Debbie xx

• Stamp Sets: Seeing Spots, Cheers and Wishes
• Cardstock: GreeGable Green, Pink Passion, Whisper White
• Inks: Green Galore, Pixie Pink, Basic Black
• 
  
  Ribbon: 1/4" Grosgrain Whisper White