So this week at As You See It Challenge, it's theme week. Amanda's given us 'Back to Basics.' That's a pretty interesting theme so the first step was to decide just what that meant. I decided it meant that we should get back to stamping basics. Remember those days when you first started stamping and all you had was some inks, some stamps and some paper with maybe a few bits and bobs left from your sewing or other crafts? Those days when all your stamping stuff fitted onto a single trolley or into one plastic bin? Those days before Big Shots, framelits, folders, heat guns, powders and potions, Stamparatus and Stampin' Blends? In fact, some of my new stampers seem to be quite overwhelmed at the amount of STUFF I have. For me, this challenge is about going back to the days of just some stamps, inks and paper. I did not allow myself a Big Shot (and all the associated gear), a heat tool, or any colouring tools. Simple embellishments such as ribbon or rhinestones were allowed because we all usually start with some of those. I even scared myself - could I still do it with just the basics? The answer was 'yes' - but I had to resist the urge to upscale it at times: no pretty scallop edge dies or oval frames; no Subtles texture on the base, no pretty colouring with Blends..... However, I think that it's good to remind ourselves that a good card doesn't always need heaps of expensive gear. How do you see the challenge to go back to basics? Pop over to As You See It and check out how the rest of the team saw this challenge then join in and show us by Wednesday 19 September. If you live anywhere in New Zealand and don't have a Stampin' Up demonstrator, I'd love to help you with ideas and Stampin' Up products. Please message me through my Facebook page, linked in the sidebar of this blog or leave a comment below. And, of course, you can shop with me from anywhere in New Zealand by clicking the SHOP NOW button in the sidebar of this blog or by clicking on any of the products listed below. Product List Love What You Do Photopolymer Stamp Set [148042] $44.00 A Big Thank You Photopolymer Stamp Set [147377] $36.00 Whisper White A4 Card Stock [106549] $20.50 Rich Razzleberry A4 Card Stock [119981] $17.75 Share What You Love Specialty Designer Series Paper [146926] $56.75 Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad [147091] $15.75 Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [147108] $15.75 Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad [147107] $15.75 Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad [147090] $15.75 Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $12.00 Whisper White 5/8" (1.6 Cm) Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon [146912] $15.75 Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $7.25