Peppermint Snowmen

For some reason, I didn't get around to posting these cute ornaments I made last year. They were the most popular item at the last craft fair I attended. I used strictly punches, a little bit of hot glue and string. Aren't they adorable? I charged just 25 cents for each one. What would you have charged?

Christmas Stamp-a-Stack 2009

Stamp-a-stacks are a lot of work, but certainly worth the effort! As I was preparing for this year's Christmas class, I realized I had more than enough stamp sets to work with. Originally, I was going to do 20 cards, 4 designs of 5 cards. Instead, my customers did 20 cards, 5 designs of 4 cards. I love how each of them turned out!!! In fact, one of them will be my personal Christmas card, just using different colors. This card was not made by me. In fact, my upline sent it as a swap last year. I decided to incorporate it into the class for a few reasons: (1) To highlight the use of blender pens with ink or watercolor pencils and (2) I loved the different fold.

This card is so simple, yet so elegant. I couldn't help but CASE (copy and share everything) this from Josee Smuck's blog.

Although there is a Christmas greeting on this card, it really can be used for any occasion.
I have to thank this wonderful demonstrators blog for this CASE.


I sure am glad I ordered this set and punch. Coordinating punches are awesome!

My husband thought this card was too busy, but I liked how it looks.

Super fast birthday cards...

It's been awhile since I've done a birthday card stamp-a-stack and I realized I was running out of kids cards. This week I spent some time creating a few birthday cards using the stamp set Animal Stories. The coordinating 12 x 12 Designer Series Paper matches perfectly!

Quick gift box...

It was a friend's birthday and I needed to come up with a box or bag to hold some gift cards. I quickly covered this wooden box with some retired DSP and voila a gift box was made!!!!

Originally, I bought this wheel (Fall Harvest) to CASE the project on page 26 of the Idea Book & Catalog. Instead, I made a card for a workshop.

Stamp set: Heard from the Heart, Fall Harvest wheel

Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla

Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Chocolate Chip ink cartridge

Accessories: Blender pens, Crushed Curry polka dot ribbon, Gold brads

Halloween goodies

OPTION #1 for workshop (easy): OPTION #2 for workshop (a bit more involved):

Sometimes I need a quick kick to get me started, but once I am motivated I just keep stamping. For an upcoming workshop, I decided to do a Halloween treat...one easy and one a little more tedious. To make these cute treats in mass quantity can be a bit overwhelming, so I wanted to show how something can be altered quickly (the cello bags).

A few more Halloween ideas...

A couple of thank you's

My sister is deployed so I made her some notecards to send to those who sent her care packages. They were real easy & quick to make. I used the Hero jumbo wheel and the Service & Sacrifice stamp set. My son did such a great job of selling popcorn for his Boy Scout troop! He even reached his goal of earning the bow & arrow set. I made these thank you's for him to give out as he delivers the orders. I have to thank Joy for her recent swaps because one of her cards was my inspiration!

I love swaps!

Swaps from Joy, my upline
Stamp set: Circus Circus

If you are able and currently don't do so, I highly recommend you participate in a swap! There are a few reasons I think this is great: (1) You have samples of cards using a stamp set you may or may not own, (2) Since you agreed to be a part of this swap, you get to be creative with a particular set, (3) Each stamper has their own unique style and it's fun to see their work and (4) Mail! You get mail from fellow stampers! That's the best part, for me.
Swaps from Jeanne
Stamp set: Friends Rock

Swapping Wings of Friendship

Finally...my swaps are complete and in the mail! All cards were made using the hostess set, Wings of Friendship.

Technique: Faux Linen and Rock and Roll

Wings of Friendship

I have to admit, I was a little hesitant to order this hostess stamp set. Even though it was pretty, I didn't know if I'd use it that much. Well, after making this birthday card for JOY, I realized I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this set!!! In fact, I chose it to do our swap. Stamp set: Wings of Friendship (hostess set)
Ink: The new In Colors: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry
Paper: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP
Accessories: Flower designer brads, Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon
Inspiration: Crafty Girl Designs

Father's Day card

Stamp set: Cheers to You
Paper: Basic Black, WW, Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Ink: Basic Black, Summer Sun, Versamark pen
Accessories: Blender pen, white embossing powder, Spiral punch

Yes, I am AWFUL at keeping up with this blog! The family blog has top priority these days. Often times I am just not in the mood to stamp. Some of you may not understand that since lots of stampers create daily. I am NOT one of those! Unfortunately, it can be more of a chore sometimes with everything that is going on around me. It's not that I don't enjoy it, it's just that stamping isn't at the top of my "to do" list. Anyway...I quickly created this card last night, which actually got the ball rolling so I made a birthday card for a friend and finished a scrapbook for another friend! Those things I will post soon.

Spring Scrapbook Class

WOW! It's been a LONG time since I made any scrapbook pages! It was kinda difficult to sit and come up with these layouts for my scrapbook class, BUT the reason I have these classes is to force myself to get some work done. All in all, I liked how both layouts turned out. I always try to keep them simple and general so any number of pictures can be added later.

Stamp sets: Eastern Blooms, Enjoy Every Moment

Paper: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Piroutte, Baja Breeze, WW

Ink: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Piroutte, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Filigree designer brads, Pacific Point grosgrain ribbon, various punches

Stamp sets: Garden Whimsy, Pure & Simple alphabet, Short Order alphabet

Paper: So Saffron, Riding Hood Red, Bashful Blue, WW, Washington Apple DSP

Ink: So Saffron, Riding Hood Red, Pumpkin Pie, & Bashful Blue

Accessories: Pumpkin Pie grosgrain ribbon, Riding Hood Red Grosgrain ribbon
Inspiration: From splitcoaststampers

First Communion Thank You

This is the thank you card I threw together for my son's First Communion. I love, love, love easy peasy cards and this is one of them! The only "extra" was embossing the words in the corner. Sometimes I stress myself when trying to come up with the perfect card, but I am always happy when I use the K.I.S.S. method!

What? Become a demonstator for ONLY $75?

Yes, you can! To celebrate May as National Scrapbooking Month, Stampin' Up! is having three amazing specials!

1 - Become a demonstrator for only $75 with the limited-time scrapbooking Starter Kit!

2 - Buy three packs of Designer Series paper (including our Specialty Designer Series paper) or 12" x 12" textured card stock, and get one FREE!

3 - Buy a sneak peek stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog--Jumble Alphabet (set of 52; double-mounted)--at a 20% discount. Instead of $43.95, you pay only $35.16!

What is Stampin' Up! doing to "go green?"

In the January edition of Stampin' Success, we learned of Stampin' Up!'s efforts to "go green" during this time of eco-conscious practices. Here is how they contribute:
RUBBER
Rather than dumping our excess rubber in a landfill, we donate itto Courage Reins, a nonprofit organization that provides horsebackriding therapy for physically or mentally challenged children. Theytake our ground rubber and sell it to groups and individuals for usein playgrounds and horse stables. The money they receive from thesale of this rubber goes to fund their programs. You can find more information about Courage Reins at http://www.couragereins.org/

WOOD BLOCKS
Our wood blocks are not only created from a renewable resource,we engage in a sustainable practice to get those wood blocks. We work with a tree farm in which the maple trees are grown specifically for the purpose of harvesting wood!

CARD STOCK & PAPER
You’re probably already aware that the paper we use for shipping is100 percent recycled. But did you know that our card stock includes recycled material? It’s true! Our card stock includes recycled paper that’s left over from other paper runs, which would otherwise end up in a landfill. The darker the color of card stock, the more recycled material is in the card stock. (Who would have thought that Basic Black was our greenest color?) In addition, we work with a paper broker who ensures that the mills we use for our Designer Series paper and card stock engage in environmentally friendly practices. Our broker is even certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), the ForestStewardship Council (FSC), and the Program for the Endorsement ofForestry Certification (PEFC). These certifications help us know thatour paper comes from sustainably managed forests and mills that are taking steps to lessen their carbon footprint. One of our mills even generates its own power.

OUR BUILDINGS
We are very fortunate to have wonderful facilities at Stampin’ Up! that help us reduce our environmental impact. First, systems in both the Riverton and Kanab buildings filter any pollutants that may result from stamp production. Second, our buildings were designed with energy conservation in mind. Both buildings have geothermal wells, which help us maintain building temperature, cutting down on our use of heating oil or natural gas. In addition, all lights are on sensors and timers, so we don’t waste electricity when employees are away from the office. In our desert climate here in Utah, it’s also extremely important that we watch our water use. For this reason, we’ve incorporated native, water-wise plants in our landscaping. If you’ve visited the home office, you may have noticed that we have wildflowers growing in front of our
building instead of grass! Our sprinkler system is timed to minimize evaporation, which helps reduce the amount of water we use to maintain our landscape. Indoors, artificial plants mingle in with the live ones in the area around our atrium water feature. This allows us to have a lush garden while minimizing the amount of water we use.

CARBON FOOTPRINT
At Stampin’ Up!, we strive to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible. This means that we try to engage in shipping practices that will require fewer greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, to be released into the atmosphere. First, UPS picks up shipments from our Distribution Center each day during nonpeak traffic hours. This cuts down the amount of gasoline UPS needs to use to get our orders out the door. You can learn about what UPS is doing to make their practices more eco-friendly at http://sustainability.ups.com/. For stamp shipments from Kanab to Riverton, we “carpool” with companies who are sending shipments from the Salt Lake City area to Kanab. For example, Sysco delivers food to Kanab and surrounding towns and, normally, their trucks would return empty to Salt Lake City. Instead of driving back without cargo, Sysco trucks bring stamps from Kanab to Riverton! As you know, one of our guiding principles at Stampin’ Up! is Change, and with that principle in mind, we are always looking for ways to improve our business practices to do what’s right for our demonstrators, employees, community, and environment.

Spring Stamp-a-stack

Having stamp-a-stacks are a lot of work! I know how much time I put into planning, cutting, prepping and organizing the "ingredients" to make each card. I am absolutely POSITIVE I am not alone in this! For me, each card has to be just right...call it being picky. I NEVER want my customers leaving my house feeling as if they got ripped off, that my cards don't look thought out, or the class was just thrown together. SO, below you will find the four designs I created, with one being a repeat from a previous class. Why re-invent the wheel, right? (card from swap minus the twill)
Stamp set: Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Kraft, Sage Shadow
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Gold Brads, Boho Blossoms Punch

(Recycled card from One Sheet Wonder class)

Stamp set: True Friend, Celebrate Everything

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Confetti White, Vellum

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, Garden Green

Accessories: Silver Brads

Stamp set: Say It with Scallops

Paper: Apricot Appeal, Tempting Turquoise, Rainbow Sherbet DSP

Ink: Tempting Turquoise

Accessories: Turquoise Grosgrain, Scallop Punch

Stamp set: Pun Fun

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White

Ink: Basic Black, Versamark

Accessories: Classic Stars Jumbo Wheel, Blender Pen, Pacific Point Striped Ribbon

First Holy Communion Invitation

My son's First Holy Communion is coming up, and I wanted to make the invitations. Unfortunately, I don't have any cross-shaped stamps, so I had to improvise. I just added a little bit of stamping using Baroque Motifs. It's kind of hard to tell, but the card is backed in Night of Navy cardstock and I used the same color organdy ribbon.

Happy 50th anniversary!

Recently, my Aunt and Uncle celebrated 50 years together! They had an anniversary dinner that was equivalent to a wedding reception complete with the original wedding topper and all! It was truly amazing to see their last 50 years together in a scrapbook compiled by their daughter. It sure makes you realize how quickly time goes. The card I made them HAD to incorporate gold since it is the "Golden" anniversary. It was a one take card, which is rare for me! I used Baroque Motifs and embossed in gold. The colors used were, black, gold and white.

No peeking (to the Ladies I swapped with...)

I'm not sure if my fellow swappers received their cards yet, so I hope I am not ruining their surprise! It's been awhile since I've posted something. I thought I could share the swaps I made before heading out-of-town for a few days. The hubby & I are celebrating our 10-year anniversary in Las Vegas! Stamp set: Cheep Talk
Paper: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, WW, Good Morning Sunshine DSP
Ink: Only Orange, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point
Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons
Technique: You can't see it very well, but I did stamp the birds on Only Orange first on WW, then I stamped image again on scratch paper. I cut out the bodies and used dimensionals to pop-up the image.

Stamp set: A Good Egg
Paper: Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise, Barely Banana, Rainbow Sherbert DSP
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Apricot Appeal grosgrain ribbon, slot punch
Technique: I stamped the chick on DSP and cut-out the egg twice (one for the bird in the egg and one near the saying).


FREE STANDING POP-UP CARD
Stamp set: Fifth Avenue Floral
Paper: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, WW, Vellum
Ink: Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss (on vellum), Cameo Coral, Pretty in Pink
Accessories: Filigree designer brads, Pretty in Pink taffeta ribbon, circle punches

Stamp set: Thoughts & Prayers
Paper: Sage Shadow, Always Artichoke, Chocolate Chip, Kraft
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke
Accessories: Boho Blossoms punch, gold brads, Twill tape, Scallop edge punch

Occasions Mini Pre-order

WOW! Usually demonstrators are the only ones who are allowed to pre-order anything from a mini catalog and here YOU get to choose from a select group of stamp sets too! You can view the images HERE and check out the table for a quick list on price.

Item Description Retail Price
113196 An Egg-cellent Easter $21.95
113262 Wagon Full of Fun $34.95
113822 Eight Great Greetings $27.95
115421 Ocho saludos geniales
(Spanish Eight Great Greetings) $27.95
114643 Huit souhaits sympas
(French Eight Great Greetings) $27.95
113833 Egg Hunt Stampin' Around wheel $6.50

Love You Much class

At this weekend's class, guests will be making all the projects on the left. They include a cute Valentine card, nugget tin, sweetheart candy slider and a pizza box filled with 3x3 cards. On the right, you can see some of the samples I came up with. What I love about these classes is seeing how everyone creates their own cards based on my ideas. I hope that YOU can join me make these homemade Valentine gifts to give to your loved ones!

Who loves FREE stuff?

You would be lying to yourself if you didn't answer "ME!" Everyone loves receiving

something FREE and this is the time for it! Sale-a-bration happens once a year and most of us die-hards live for it (okay, just figuritively)!

Here's the rundown:

Customers: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 purchase.

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

Recruits: Choose any retail stamp set (a value up to $47.95) from the current catalog when signing up during the promotion. Plus, get 15% off the regular $199 price of the Starter Kit--that's $335 worth of products for only $169!

To get a better view of the FREE items this year, check out the SALE-A-BRATION BROCHURE! Get in touch me to have an exciting, fun workshop just for you and your friends!

OpenHouseMake&Take

My Open House for the Spring~Summer Idea Book & Catalog is on Saturday. The theme is Cocoa and Catalogs. I am ALL about themes for every celebration, so when I saw Terri's idea, I knew it was perfect for my Open House. Of course, I will be serving cocoa on Saturday, but I thought it'd also be great to have the guests get to take some home! Here is the make and take they will do. Thanks to Kimmie, I made this cute hot cocoa cover. I had the hardest time figuring out everything from colors to covers for this make and take. Having very little, current designer series paper to work with, I had to choose a neutral stamp set to make my own background. The catalog was helpful when choosing a color scheme. I really liked the colors on page 37 of the catalog, so I went with it. I am pleased with the final product, even though I do wish I had some DSP to work with!

Stamp sets: Pun Fun, Seeing Spots; Paper: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango, Pacific Point & WW; Ink: Pacific Point, Only Orange, Chocolate Chip; Accessories: Blender Pen, Only Orange marker, Pacific Point 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon, gold brads

2009 Spring~Summer Idea Book & Catalog

It's here, it's here! The new Idea Book & Catalog is here! There are SO many wonderful new products in this catalog. You won't want to miss out on these great items! To showcase some of them, I am having an Open House on Saturday, January 31st. Here are the details:

OPEN HOUSE

Date: Saturday, January 31st

Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Place: My house
Join me as we browse the catalog together, making our wish list! Snacks, doorprizes AND make and take's will be available. Information about my upcoming classes will also be available. Bring a friend and you will receive something extra special from me!

HUGE BLOW out SALE!!!

Are you ready for this? It's a BIG one! Right now you can purchase certain retiring, retired, and current products up to 50% off! Check out THIS SALE SHEET to see what is specially priced.

Also, it's important to note that the new Idea Book & Catalog is upon us, so items from the current catalog will be retiring. THE LIST BELOW is retiring accessories. You MUST act fast to be sure you will get what you want because these items are while supplies last!*

*This item is discounted and included on the Inventory Blowout.

111377 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088 ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
104188 ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
105384 ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
104516 ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
105381 ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
103977 BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
103978 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
103981 BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
105446 BUTTONS RICH REGALS
105445 BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
103604 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
102174 DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
112465 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
112462 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
112463 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
112040 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
112470 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
112460 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
112469 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
112458 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
112459 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
112466 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
112149 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
112467 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
111355 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
112039 DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
112963 ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
106523 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
104104 ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
107298 ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
110695 ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
109115 ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
103372 METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
107925 ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
109190 ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
109180 ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
112086 ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
107923 PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
104942 PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
104943 PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273 PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389 PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
104830 RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
104829 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
104828 RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
104831 RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
109037 RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
110282 RUB ON ANCHORED
111806 RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
111805 RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
111417 RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
110283 RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
112193 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
112186 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
112068 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
112043 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061 SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
112016 SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
109868 SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647 STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813 WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II
107212 MATEYS MAP
106749 BRIGHT BULBS
109672 BRONCO
104100 MAKING TRACKS
108978 SANDY SHELLS
110332 SNOW
101233 SNOWFLAKE
109694 SWEET STARS
111249 TAKE A NUMBER

Love You Much Promotion

Valentine's Day is always a fun holiday to make gifts for. This promotion will definitely have you busy, but having a good time too! You will receive a stamp set, designer series paper, and a heart punch for one low price of $41.48. Check out THIS PAGE to see the cute promotion!

Birthday invites & thank you's

My son's birthday always surprises me each year now that he is in school. Since it's in early January, I have to get the invitations delivered before winter break begins. It seems a friend is the one who usually reminds me of this, so then I am rushed to whip up something. My son is into fishing right now, but I don't have any stamp sets even remotely close to keep up with that theme. SO, I knew I REALLY, REALLY wanted to keep it simple (and general) this time. I ended up using the Let's Party stamp set and retired DSP. I did get a few compliments, so I must have done a good job!

I just like using the star punches! They are easy & fun and can go with ANY theme!