5 Days of Holiday Happiness!

Customer Appreciation Event

In appreciation for your continued business, I am offering a fantastic special each day for 5 days beginning December 1st. You will need to check back each day to find the special.

Notes of Importance:

• Specials cannot be combined, but you may take advantage of multiple specials.


• Prices listed do not include tax and shipping. Stampin' Up! has a minimum shipping rate of $3.95 or 10%--whichever is greater. Depending on your total, it may be cheaper to have your items shipped to me (where I combine the shipping costs). You can then pick up your items at your convenience when they arrive. If you choose to have your items shipped to you, that's no problem.


• To place an order for any of these specials, email or call me by the evening of the 5th. I will let you know your total. Payment must be received by Saturday, December 8 at 5:00 PM. Cash or check is preferred, but I do accept credit cards. You can drop off or mail your payment to Carrie Clary, 961 Cottage Avenue, Miamisburg, OH 45342


• Orders should arrive by the 17th or 18th. If you have your items delivered to me, I will let you know when they are available for pick-up.

Be sure to check back here tomorrow for the first day's special!

Home Decor--Part 2 Advent Calendar

I am so excited to share this next project with you! This is my Advent Calendar. It's not a difficult project, but a time consuming one. Each letter and number was embossed and cut out, ribbon was wrapped around the bottom of each tin. The tins are adhered to the canvas with Velcro Dots. This is a great project to work on while you're watching TV! See a close up by clicking on the picture.

I plan to fill each tin with a piece of candy or two. Some tins will have strips of paper written with activities that we will do that day--such as bake cookies, look at lights, dinner with friends, etc.

Supplies Used: Baby Jesus is Born stamp set, Big Deal Alphabet and Numbers, Dashing and Wintergreeen Designer Papers, Red Craft Ink, Clear EP, WWC with Aquapainters, Watercolor Paper, River Rock Ribbon, Sticky Strip, Velcro Dots, a 16x20 canvas, and 2 inch Party Favors (found in the Wedding section at Michaels).

Christmas Decor--Part 1

I am working a few different projects for the holiday season and plan on sharing them with you over the next few days. Look forward to a fantastic Advent Calendar, mini trees, and a decorated wreath.

I made this project for my sideline, Kelli, who so generously shared her pictures from the Stampin' Up! regional event we attended in September. My camera batteries died and I could only find 3 of the 4 that my upline brought for me. Kelli took all kinds of pictures and put them on a CD for me. Now, if only I could find it! To view a bigger picture, click on it.


I want to share with you a great product from Stampin' Up that I don't use very often, but really need to use more! It is the Heat & Stick Powder. Usally when I use glitter, I use my 2-Way glue to adhere the glitter. Those of you who do the same thing know that the glitter will come off every single time you touch it. That's okay when you're sending a card because we all know that the card doesn't get handled too much and, truthfully, it most likely ends up in the trash.

For this home decor project, I didn't want to have a naked snowflake, so I used the Heat & Stick Powder. To get the best coverage on my snowflake, I smooshed my Versamark pad on top of the snowflake. Then I added Heat & Stick powder on top of the snowflake, heated it with my heat tool, added my glitter, and heated it again. Now, I have a great snowflake that won't lose it's glitter!

Supplies Used: Real Red and Garden Green cardstock and ink pads, Very Vanilla cardstock, Snowflake from Trimmings chipboard collection in the Holiday mini, Heat & Stick Powder, Silver Glitter, Dashing Designer Paper, Rhinestone Brad from the Pretties Kit, River Rock Double stitched ribbon, Crop-a-Dile, blank coasters.

**If you would like to purchase some blank coasters, I have some left and am selling them 10 for $1. Contact me if you'd like some.

Wrapping Up the Holidays

November 23-December 15, 2007

We're wrapping up the year with great holiday wrapping projects! These projects are the perfect way to give your gifts a one-of-a kind look and style. The spirit of the season isn't just about the gift, it's also the care that goes into the wrapping of it!

Stampin' Up is offering fantastic specials on select items to help make these projects you see here, as well as other projects. After all, it's not just about the present-it's about the presentation!

Holiday Tag Bundle (item 112409)
This bundle includes several pre-cut pieces from the Holiday Glitz kit and makes 15 quick and easy toppers (shown to the left)for fun gift giving. All you need to add is Medium cello bags, a stamp set of your choice (sample shown uses the Tags for All stamp set) and some yummy treats to make this adorable treat bag! $4.95

110380 Tags for All Stamp Set* (20% off) $24.76

110264 Designer Gift cards* (30% off) $4.55

109862 Chocolate Chip satin ribbon* Buy 1, get 1 free!**mix and match with the pomegranate satin ribbon!

109863 Purely Pomegranate satin ribbon* Buy 1, get 1 free!**mix and match with chocolate satin ribbon!

112410 Empty Accents and Elements Tin-3 Pack (item 112410) A new item chosen just for this promotion! $9.95
-Use the tins to make fantastic mini scrapbooks or decorate them to hold a gift card like shown above.

110147 Celebration wrapping paper* $17.95

110228 Hand Selected Accents & Elements (25% off) $8.21

*This item is from the current Holiday Mini Collection. Only this and other items indicated will be extended through the campaign period while supplies last. All other Holiday Mini items will be available only until November 30.

Event Reminders

Here are some reminders about upcoming events!

• Retirement List: comes out Dec. 1 Find it on my blog www.creativeinks.blogspot.com


• Retirement Celebration: Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 - 12:30
  The cost is $5. Free for Club Members and hostesses from July 2007 - December 2007.


• Accessory Retirement List: comes out Dec. 10


• Last day to order from the Fall/Winter Catalog: Dec. 31


• First day to order from the new Spring/Summer Collection: January 2
  *I’ll email you when I receive my new catalogs!


• First Club meeting for the next round: Monday, January 14
  There are spaces available in this monthly club. This club rotates between card techniques and scrapbooking. They will be swapping sidebars instead of full layouts. If you want more information about my Clubs, check out the link under Forms.


• Sale-a-Bration (new name!)---Feb. 1 – March 17

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Super Stampin’ Weekend---February 29 – March 2

Early Bird Registration and payment is due January 15! Remember to pick your $50 order from the NEW Spring/Summer catalog that starts January 2. Registration form is listed under Forms in the right hand column.

Cost: All Weekend $160
One Night $130
Saturday only $100

**Add $10 to above prices for registrations received January 16-February 2.

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Christmas 6x6 Album Class Monday, January 21 at 6:30
*make 10 two-page layouts using the Winter Bright Simply Scrappin’ Kit. --- I have to wait for the Accessory Retirement List to see if they retire the Simply Scrappin’ Kit I plan on using for the class.

I will need an RSVP by December 9, but money won’t be due until January 7 to give you time to recover from Christmas spending!
If it does not retire, RSVP and Payment due January 7.

The class cost will be $50 with a 6x6 linen ring album (you choose color) or only $35 without the album. We will only use half the kit and you will take home the other half!

Fantastic & Fun Christmas Ornaments

Are you looking for a fun Christmas project for yourself or the kids? These ornaments are made using the On Board Trimmings chipboard found in the Holiday Mini on page 9. It has many different pieces to make up to 40 ornaments. Below is just a sampling of what I have done with this kit.


The two ornaments at the top use Designer Paper--don't forget to take advantage of the November special--purchase 3 packs of Designer Paper, get 1 pack free! The bottom two ornaments are covered with craft ink and embossed with Iridescent Ice Embossing Powder.

Supplies Used:

The Crop-a-dile was used to punch all the holes on these ornaments. It punches through the chipboard so much easier than regular hand punches!

Star Ornament--Holiday Harmony DP, Hand Selected Accents & Elements, Pomegranate Satin Ribbon, Gold Elastic Cord (all from the Holiday Mini), Holiday Wishes stamp set, Chocolate Chip ink, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelet

Nativity Ornament--Fall Flowers DP, A Child is Born stamp set, Shimmery White cardstock, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Black Staz-on ink, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets, Chocolate Chip Tafetta Ribbon, Black ink

Snowflake Ornament: Ballet Blue & Whisper White craft pads, II EP, Snowburst Punch, rhinestone brad from the Pretties Kit, Red Gingham ribbon

Pink Star Ornament: Regal Rose & Pink Passion craft pads, II EP, Silver Elastic Cord (from Holiday Mini)

Holiday Gift Cards

Since, the holiday season is almost upon us, I want to share some ideas for you to use for your holiday gift giving. These are the gift cards that we made at my Christmas Stamp Camp in October using Stampin' Up's Gift Notes. The Gift Notes include 30 cards (10 each of So Saffron, Old Olive, and Sahara Sand) and envelopes for only $9.95! They have slits inside so that you can easily slide in a gift card of your choice.



Supplies used:Festive Favorites stamp set, Warm Words (very merry sentiment), Weathered Background stamp, Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainters, Black staz-on, Confetti White, Sahara Sand, More Mustard, and Bravo Burgundy cardstock, Old Olive ink pad, Bravo Burgundy ink pad, Sahara Sand ink pad, Linen Thread, Moss Gingham ribbon

Homemade Bow Directions

Finally, here are the directions for the bows I showed you last week!

1. Take a 6x12 piece of designer paper or wrapping paper.
2. Cut eight 1x6 strips.
3. Cut one 1x4 strip. Be sure to cut this piece before #4.
4. Cut four 1x5 strips.
5. Divide the eight strips into two sets of four. If you're using Double Sided Designer Paper, decide which side you want showing for each set.



6. Use a glue dot to attach the ends of a strip together---something like this:



7. Repeat for each of the 1x5 and 1x6 strips.
8. Take the 1x4 adhere it into a loop.
9. Use your 1/8 punch to punch a hole at the bottom of each strip---I nestle each set inside each other and punch one time. Repeat for other 2 sets.



10. Use a brad to attach each set of 4 together.



11. Use a Pop-Up dot to attach each set together. Add your loop in the center!



Supplies Used: Dashing Double Sided Designer Paper, paper cutter, Mini Glue Dots, Pop Up Glue Dots, 1/8" hand punch, brads

Designer Paper Project #2

See these bows?!!!

Guess what! I made them!! How cool is that?! These are so easy and so fun to make. The first bow uses Stampin' Up's wrapping paper from the Holiday mini and the second bow uses paper from the Rose Red Designer Prints paper. Don't miss out on the fantastic November special--purchase 3 packs of Designer Paper, get one pack free! Call me today to order your beautiful papers. I'll post directions soon!

The wrapping paper is only available until the end of this month--see what it looks like all wrapped up with my bow:

Super Stampin' Weekend 2008

February 29 - March 2
Could you use a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life to catch up on your scrapbooking? How about uninterrupted time to work on your projects--no kids, no cooking? Then you won't want to miss this event.

There are various options for your stay, so be sure to read below to find what works for you!

Place: King's Domain Camp
5778 State Route 350, Oregonia, OH 45054 (near Lebanon-about a half hour from Miamisburg)

Early Bird Registration Cost:

All weekend $160*
One Night $130*
Saturday Only $100*

The weekend includes:

* $50 order!* plus choose a Sell-a-Bration set
* bedding
* 3 meals (breakfast on your own)
* door prizes
* FOUR make and takes (Saturday mid-morning)
* use of stamps, inks, and punches
* lots of fun!

*Early Bird registration is open from now until January 15. After the 15th, add $10 to the listed prices.

Space is limited, so be sure to send in your registration and payment asap! Registration must be received by February 2.

Pack your favorite scrapbooking/stamping supplies, snacks, drinks, and easy breakfast items (or take a short drive out for breakfast on your own).

*When you complete your registration, you will include a $50 order. If you choose to go over the $50, you will just pay the difference. I will bring your order with me to the Lodge or you can pick it up from my house earlier.

Download the Registration Form by clicking here!


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Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to use only Stampin' Up! supplies? No---use whatever you like! While we obviously LOVE our SU stuff, you will find lots of various tools and supplies used by the other ladies. You will be able to use our ink pads, punches, and various stamp sets while you're there, though!

Can I invite friends to join me? Of course, as long as they send in their Registration form and payment by the due date.

What are the sleeping arrangements? Camp style (all in one large room) in single beds. Pillow and bedding provided. I recommend that you bring an extra blanket and pillow!

If I plan to arrive on Saturday, how early can I get there? You can arrive starting at 9:00 am. If you are planning to just come on Saturday and not stay the night, you can arrive at 9:00 am and stay until midnight!

How much table space? You will share a table with one other person.

Will there be items for sales? We are not allowed to have Cash & Carry Sales of current merchandise. There will be retired stamp sets and products for sale--cash or check only!

What other things should I bring? Comfortable clothes, toiletry items, slippers, pajamas, snacks and drinks, easy breakfast items, your own scrapbooking/stamping supplies (cardstock embellishments, stamps, pictures, etc). While we will be providing ink pads and some stamps, you will want to bring specific colors and sets you know you will use. Bring a lot of adhesive and extra cutting blade refills!

Oh, what a night!

I had to share with all of you the fantastic club meeting we had tonight. I have a great group of ladies who have been clubbing with me for quite a while. We always have a lot of fun at our meetings, but tonight was super fun! This was the last meeting of the club round (they'll be starting again in January), so instead of doing a scrapbook layout, we stamped on silk scarves with craft ink.

Also, instead of doing our normal card swap, we decided to do a gift exchange where each of us made one stamped project. We played the "thief" game where the next person can choose a new gift or steal one from someone else. Let me tell you, these ladies made some fantastic gifts. Let's see. . .we had some great altered lunch tins, a swap box to hold sidebars, some Christmas ornaments, a Bitty Board book for Halloween, a Christmas organizer, and this fantastic frame:



Michelle made this frame and I am the lucky one to get it! Naturally, I forgot to take pictures of the other gifts even though I had my camera sitting on my desk. But, I do have the gift I made.



It's a Christmas Organizer made from the wonderful Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit. Inside it has four pockets for a small planner, Christmas list pad, Gift Guide, and a receipt envelope. I made all of those things to fit inside. The ladies loved it so much, that I plan on offering it as a class, possibly in January--yes, I know that is after Christmas--to make one for next year!

See, we have so much fun at our club meetings! This group has up to 2-3 spots available in their club that meets on the 2nd Mondays of the month beginning in January. Let me know if you would like to take one of the spots. The club is a mixed club. They alternate between making scrapbook pages and learning card techniques. They will be swapping Quickstrips (sidebars) instead of full layouts beginning in January. Contact me if you would like more information!

Super Cute Gift Tag Pouch

I couldn't wait to share this little project with you. It's a great project that uses Stampin' Up's wonderful designer paper. And, now is the time to stock up with SU's November special--Buy 3 packs of Designer Paper, get 1 free! Want to make a quick and easy gift for friends? How about this gift tag pouch?!


Supplies Needed: Cardstock, designer paper (I used Dashing), small flat cello bags, Scallop punch, Corner Rounder, 1 1/4 and 1 3/8" circle punches, Sticky Strip, Velcro dot, stamp set (Merry & Bright and Holiday Tag Team) and inks

1. Cut a piece of cardstock 3 1/8 x 7 1/8. Score it at 5 1/4 and 5 1/2. Fold along score marks to create a flap.
2. Cut a piece of designer paper 1 3/8 x 3 1/8
3. Use our corner rounder to make scalloped edge on the short flap on cs and on one edge of designer paper.
4. Attach designer paper on flap.
5. Use sticky strip or strong adhesive to attach bag to cardstock (put it around the perimeter).
6. Attach velcro dot to underside of flap.
7. Cut an 11" piece of ribbon (mine is Always Artichoke) and tie it in a knot around flap.
8. Make your tags. Stamp off one time to get a lighter image. This will allow your recipient to write clearly on the tag. I also added a small bit of sticky strip to the back of the tag (do not take the red liner off), so that all the recipient needs to do is peel and stick!

Scrap at Home Club

Do you have a hard time coming up with your own layouts?

Do you like the idea of my Scrappin' Club, but can't spend the time coming to the club meeting each month?

Do you just want more time to stamp?!

Then I have an offer for you! I am beginning a Scrap at Home Club. Each club will last three months. You will receive the materials you need to complete 3 layouts---one for each month.

The first month you will receive a stamp set, pack of assorted cardstock, and other supplies (such as ink pads, wheels, etc.), plus a package from me with step-by-step directions and pictures of the 3 layouts and any additional papers and embellishments you need. The next two months you will receive additional supplies that build on what you have to complete two more layouts.

You have two options for this Club:

1. Each month pick up your supplies from my house. This is the cheapest option because we cut down on the shipping charge when we share shipping expenses. SU has a minimum shipping of 3.95 or 10%--whichever is greater.

2. Have everything shipped directly to you.

Round 1 of my Scrappin' By Mail Club goes from November to January.

Round 1 Club Fees:
Pick Up: November $53 December $22 January $22
Direct ship: November $55 December $25 January $25


What do you get?

November: Snowfall Stamp Set, 12x12 In-Color Assorted CS, Whisper White Craft Pad, 3 layout ideas with pictures and step-by-step directions, additional paper and embellishments (ribbon, brads, etc.) for all 3 layouts.

December: Wild Wasabi pad, Purely Pomegranate pad, Soft Sky Pad

January: Snow Burst Punch, White Gel Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals. You will also receive a coupon for $5 off a class of your choice (valid for one class scheduled January - April)


Each month will also have optional add-on products. Choose any or all of these items at catalog price--which is approximately 17% off! Plus, as a Scrap at Home Clubber, you are eligible to receive Clubber prices on any of my classes during the club months.

Do you already own the stamp set, punch, or ink pads? Just substitute any item for something of equal or lesser value.

Interested? Click here for more information about this round!

New Class Added!

Okay, I have had a few requests for a Christmas Stamp-a-Stack, so I'm going to do one on Tuesday, November 27 at 6:30 PM. Make 10 cards (2 of 5 designs) for $15, includes envelopes. Need more than 10 cards? Add $7.00 for each additional set of 5. I must receive an RSVP and payment by November 20th so that I can prepare your project supplies. You can drop off or mail your checks to Carrie Clary 961 Cottage Avenue, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Are you already taking my Christmas Photo Card class on the 25th? You will be able to change the greetings on these cards to say "thank you" or "happy birthday" or other various sentiments.

Here are 4 of the cards. I'll keep the 5th one as a surprise!

Modified Photo Cards

I've had a few requests about doing photo cards that you can put wallet size photos on instead of the 4x6. So, here it is:

All the designs are the same. The only difference is that it is about the size of a standard card and fits into our regular envelopes. So, if you are interested in making this size card at my Christmas Photo Card Class on Sunday, November 25 at 1:00 PM, the cost will be $25 (instead of $30). Add an additional set of 4 cards for only $5. Want 8 more, add $10, etc. RSVP and payment for this class is due by November 14.

November Project of the Month

Now that Halloween is over, it is time for a few Thanksgiving projects. This month's project is this adorable banner.



This banner is made using the On Board Garland Greetings and Apple Cider Designer Paper in the Holiday mini catalog and a little coordinating cardstock. The chipboard packet includes pieces to make a JOY banner, as well as additional little snowflakes, leaves, etc.

Working with chipboard is really easy. I use our Anywhere Glue Sticks to adhere the chipboard to my designer paper, cut out the piece, and then use a sanding block to finish the edges. You can also cover your chipboard piece in craft ink (our Craft Spots are perfect for this!) and leave as is, or emboss with clear or Iridescent Ice embossing powder.

Don't miss out, this is the last month to order from the Holiday mini! Click on the catalog below to view the Holiday mini.

Anatomy of a Swap

Tuesday was Trick or Treat. Here's my little boy in his scary vampire costume. Many of you know that I like to go to the Halloween store the day after Halloween to find Kyle's next Halloween costume. You can't beat 50% off! One year I accidentally ended up with a purple girl dinosaur instead of a manly green one. Last year I bought this adorable vampire costume that Kyle decided he liked. Anyway, Kent took Kyle trick or treating while I passed out the treats at my house. So, I decided to work on a mega swap that is due this Friday.

Anatomy of a Swap

What is this?


My Mega Swap layout!


What is a swap? It is when a group of stampers make enough scrapbook pages or cards for everyone in the group. My Stampin' and Scrappin' Clubs swap at each meeting. Some people have asked how I do my swaps, so I thought I'd share my ideas.

The swap you see here is a 12x12 layout for a Mega Swap that my upline is hosting. We need to make 19 layouts and will receive 18 back (one is for her to keep as hostess of the swap). Sounds like a lot, doesn't it?! The trick is to break everything down into steps.

1. Decide your colors, stamp set, etc.
2. Make one layout to start. This allows you to move things around or add elements.
3. Cut everything you need to make all layouts/cards.
4. Get out the correct # of background pages. Stamp or wheel these if needed.
5. Stamp your sidebars or other elements (title bars, tags, journaling box, etc.)
6. Color in line images (if needed).
7. Adhere small pieces together (like tags, matted punches, etc.)
8. Begin adhering pieces to background pages. Sometimes I start with adhering one element at a time and other times I put together the whole page before I go to the next.

When you are doing a swap, it's a good idea to work on these steps over a few days. Day One--do steps 1 - 2. Day 2---step 3. Day 3--setep 4 -5, etc. The idea is to break it up into small, manageable steps!

Why do we swap? It is MUCH easier to make 8 of 1 layout/card than it is to make 8 different layouts/cards. Swapping also gives you a variety of looks without having to purchase all the stamps yourself! Swapping also allows me to get (somewhat) caught up on my scrapbooking. If I had to design all the pages in my scrapbook, I'd be waaay behind! Now, I just grab a swap that goes with the theme of my pictures, add some matting, occasionally a title bar, and maybe an accent or two and I'm finished!