Some Changes

A few changes are coming to Stampin' Up! that I want to let you know about.

First, with the rising prices of gas and everything else, Stampin' Up! will be increasing the minimum shipping from $3.95 to $6.95.

How will that effect you? Well, if you place small orders and have them shipped directly to you (Customer Direct order), you will be affected by the change. For example, an order of $30 would pay $3.95 shipping. Beginning April 1, that order will pay $6.95 shipping. Orders over $69.50 will pay 10% shipping.

For those of you who are Workshop Guests or Clubbers, you will continue to pay 10% of your order for shipping, regardless of total.

I've always tried to help people save on shipping by combining their small orders with my own or with my club orders. I will continue to do this. That may mean waiting a little longer for your order to be placed. When I do combine shipping, that will mean you will need to pick your order up from my Miamisburg home. I keep a tub on my patio, so that you can pick up your order at your convenience instead of trying to juggle each of our schedules. But, it's your choice--either Customer Direct or Combined Order (when possible).

On a more positive note, Stampin' Up will start accepting customer credit cards for orders sometime in April. I will let you know when this begins. I have always accepted credit cards, but prefer cash or checks so that I can avoid paying additional fees. But, once Stampin' Up accepts them, I won't have any fees to pay. So, charge all you want! Please remember that I only accept cash or checks for my classes.

I anticipate additional positive changes within the next few months as Stampin' Up! gears up for their 20th anniversary. I'll keep you posted!

Not-So-Mega Swap

Well, ladies, I sent an email about reminders for the Not-So-Mega Swap, but it may have found its way to your spam basket. So, I'll post here.

The due date for the Mega Swap is approaching, so I wanted to send a few reminders about the swap. Please contact me if you have any questions! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

I am going to have an Open Stamp Night for friends and anyone participating in the Mega Swap on Saturday, April 12. If you are interested in coming, please let me know by the 10th. Free event---just bring something for you to drink and maybe a snack to share, if you'd like. Time is 6:00 - midnight. We can order pizza if you want!

Details

TOTAL #: 10
Due Date: Wednesday, April 16
Pick up Date: Saturday, April 19

1. Please put all swaps together so I can easily pick up 2 for a person and move on to the next swap...don't have a stack with the left side of the swap and a stack for the right side of the swap. This confuses things.

2. If you have floaters (pieces not connected), please have them in individual ziplock baggies between the left and right side of the swap.

3. You need to have some sort of layering on the page and some type of embellishment (ribbon, brads, eyelets, embossing, etc.). And of course, ALL Stampin' Up supplies!!

4. Please make sure you do quality work!!! It doesn't have to be super complex, but quality. There needs to be stamping on all pages of the spread.

5. Please, do not plan on making them last minute...make them ahead of time so you have time to deliver them to me by April 16.

French Fry Pouch

Images © 1990-2007 Stampin’ Up!
These little pouches are so easy to make! You can find folding directions for them by clicking here. Just don't fold down the back flap. I also used my finger to push up the bottom to make more room for candy. Practice on a piece of typing paper first. Then break out that Designer Paper you have stashed and get busy! I plan on making these for Kyle's end of school treat. I used Starburst Jelly Beans because that's the only candy I have, but Runts would be perfect!

Recipe
Stamps: Tart & Tangy
Inks: markers--Real Red and Old Olive
Paper: Real Red, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Summer Picnic Designer Paper
Accessories: 1 1/4 & 1 3/8 circle punches, Scallop punch, Small flat cello bags, Striped Ribbon



Images © 1990-2007 Stampin’ Up!

April Card Kit

Cost: $15

* Includes all the consumable supplies needed to make 12 cards, plus envelopes.

* Shown is just 1 example of a card you can make with your kit. Receive 3 additional full color samples for "alternative" cards you can make with the contents of your kit!

* In addition, you'll receive detailed, step by step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 card designs.


Orders for the Card Kits must be received by April 15th. Your kits will be available by the end of the month.

Already have the ink pads and stamp set needed to make the cards in this kit? Just buy the Card Kit! Don't have some (or any) of these items? See the "Add-on Products" list to pick out and order what you need to complete the cards. Just want the Card Kit to make your own designs? Go for it!

Special Offer for April! Purchase the Card Kit and receive the Coordinating Set at "Catalog Price." That's 17% off!

This month's featured set is: Nursery Necessities
You can find the set on page 69 of the Spring/Summer Collection

Click Here to View On-Line

Optional Add-on Products:

* Sage Shadow Classic Inkpad ($5.25)
* River Rock Classic Inkpad ($5.25)
* Barely Banana Classic Inkpad ($5.25)
* Chocolate Chip Classic Inkpad($5.25)
* Ticket Corner Punch ($6.95)

Other Optional Purchases:

* Star Punch ($15.95)
* 1/16" Hole Punch ($8.95)
* Stampin' Dimensionals ($3.95)

*plus shipping and tax

Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! If the kit needs to be shipped, there will be an extra $3 shipping charge.

Upcoming Kits:

May-- Just B

June-- Stitched Exotics

Bamboo Spine Album Class

Images © 1990-2007 Stampin’ Up!
Date: Monday, April 28
Time: 6:30 PM
Cost: $18 with half kit or $30 with whole kit
RSVP: April 10

Learn to make this fantastic mini album using half of a Simply Scrappin' Kit. You pick the kit you want to use. Choose to receive a whole kit or just half the kit. The sample to the left uses the Crew Kids Boy Kit. My sample is missing ribbon ties along the spine, but you will have access to my ribbon for your book. The next sample uses a retired Simply Scrappin' Kit. I accidentally finished this book first thinking it was the Crew Kids Boy kit! You can see the ribbon ties along the spine.

April Stamp-a-Stack

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin’ Up!
Don't miss my next Stamp-a-Stack on Wednesday, April 9th at 6:30 pm. Make 10 cards (2 of 5 designs). Envelopes are included. Bring your own adhesive or pre-order one for only $7. Refills are only $5. This month we are going with a Masculine/Sympathy Theme. These always seem to be the type of cards I never have enough of! Of course, as usual, you are able to pick from a variety of greetings for most of the cards.

Date: Wednesday, April 9
Time: 6:30 PM
Cost: $15
RSVP: April 2

Spring Basket

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin’ Up!
I found the idea for this adorable basket on another blog and just had to make one! I used the Itty Bitty Backgrounds stamp set for the white dots on the basket. This set has been around for a while, but if you don't have it, get it! It is such a great set to have to add a little texture to your projects. Of course, the strawberry is from the Tart & Tangy set found in the Occasions Mini.

This would be a fantastic project to make at your next Stampin' Party. Contact me today to schedule a party your friends won't forget!

Recipe
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Whisper White
Ink: Craft White, Real Red and Glorious Green markers
Accessories: 1 1/4, 1 3/8 circle punches, scallop punch, white gel pen, yummy Starburst jelly beans

Easter Projects

Well, I'm cutting it close, but I am going to share a couple of Easter projects. Exams are finally over and I have some time! I used the set "A Good Egg" for both of these projects. I just love it! The first project is a gift I made for Kyle's pre-school teachers. Look at how cute this is!

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin’ Up!
This jar mix makes Bunny Smores! I haven't actually tried them, but I hear they are delicious. All you need is a 1 quart mason jar, graham crackers, bunny peeps, brown sugar, and M&M's. You can find directions for it in my Special Download file in the column to the right. I should have shown you more of the jar in the picture, but I focused too much on the direction card instead! Sorry about that.

This next project is a fun little basket that I made for the kids in Kyle's class. I found cute little Play-doh eggs at Target and put one in each.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin’ Up!
These are super-easy to make and only use a 6x6 piece of cardstock for the box part.

Directions:
1. Cut 6x6” square of cardstock & cut handle 1/2" x 8"

2. Score 6x6 cardstock at 2" & 4", turn and repeat.

3. Trim the corners off each corner square.

4. Cut into the 2 score-lines on one side of the basket. Repeat on the opposite side.

5. Trim end flaps to about 3/4".

6. Now is the time to stamp your box, if you'd like.

7. Fold all score lines. Flip basket over so you're looking at the "outside". Place two rows of adhesive on both of the 3/4" sides flaps. Then press the first half of the criss-cross piece onto the 3/4" flaps on both si des.

8. Place roll on adhesive on the inside of the other criss-cross flaps and press the flaps into place.

9. Attach handle to the inside of the basket. I attached ribbon to mine first.

10. Decorate as you wish!


I hope you all have a very blessed Easter!

Free Wheelin' Promotion

Check out the latest promotion from Stampin Up! Buy one of the 6 pre-selected stamp sets included in the promo and get the coordinating jumbo wheel ($8.95 value) for free!!! There's no limit on how many bundles you can get!! How great is that?

If you haven't experienced the fun, ease, and versatility of our Stampin' Around wheels, now is your chance. From March 18 through April 30, when you buy a pre-selected stamp set, you'll receive the coordinating wheel absolutely FREE!

Wonderful You bundle pg 91 Includes Wonderful You stamp set and free Stems & Silhouettes jumbo wheel $33.95

Life's a Breeze bundle pg 80 Includes Life's a Breeze stamp set and free Something Fishy jumbo wheel $29.95

Pun Fun bundle pg 66 Includes Pun Fun stamp set and free Sweet Stars jumbo wheel $30.95

Year after Year bundle pg 60 Includes Year after Year stamp set and free See You Around jumbo wheel $30.95

Stitched Exotics bundle pg 83 Includes Stitched Exotics stamp set and free It's Beautiful jumbo wheel $33.95

Enjoy Every Moment bundle pg 51 Includes Enjoy Every Moment stamp set and free Daisy Dash jumbo wheel $29.95

Occasions Mini Catalog

The Occasions Collection Mini Catalog ordering period runs from March 1st through May 31st, 2008. Be sure to check out the fresh and fruity new designs and accessories Stampin' Up!® has introduced! You are sure to fall in love with the adorable Tart & Tiny stamp set containing 4 fruit images, as well as the coordinating greeting set and Designer Paper. Click here to view the Occasions Mini catalog!

How would you like to earn free products from the Occasions mini? March 18-April 30 is the perfect time to host a stampin' party! Hostesses with party sales of $350 or more will receive an extra $25 to spend. Call me today to schedule a party your friends won't forget!

Are you too busy to host an in-home workshop? You can always host a "catalog" party. Share your free catalog with friends and family and collect orders. With as little as $150 in sales, you will receive a free level 1 hostess-only stamp set and $15 in hostess dollars. Spend them on anything in our Spring/Summer Collection or Occasions mini.

Sale-a-Bration Samples

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin’ Up!
These are two cards using the fantastic Sale-a-Bration sets Friendship Blooms and Lots of Thoughts. My Clubbers did these last month. Both cards use the Faux Silk technique. You only have until Monday, March 17th to place an order to qualify for one of the super SAB sets.

Recipes
Cheers to You card
Stamp Sets: Lots of Thoughts (SAB), Embrace Life
Cardstock: Old Olive, Soft Sky, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Black Staz-On, Old Olive marker
Accessories: tissue paper, black grosgrain, gold brads, Photo Corners punch, Mat Pack, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive

Friendship Card
Stamp Set: Friendship Blooms (SAB)
Cardstock: Basic Gray, So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Ink: Ruby Red, Certainly Celery, So Saffron, Basic Gray
Accessories: tissue paper, Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Certainly Celery grosgrain.

March Club and Scrap Class

Yes, I'm a little late, but I still wanted to show you the layout my ladies did for the Scrappin' Club and Scrap Class.

Images © 1990-2008 Stampin’ Up!
Isn't it adorable?! I must admit that the giant egg came from an idea from fellow demonstrator Andrea Walford who sent me a fantastic box idea with the egg on front. As soon as I saw it, I knew I would find a way to incorporate it into my club layout!

My next scrap class will be Tuesday, April 15th. I don't have the layout planned, yet, but I will work on something fabulous! The cost of the Scrap Class is $10 or only $5 with a purchase of $25 or more. Monday Scrap Classes are combined with my Monthly Club gals.

Upcoming Scrap Classes:
April: Tuesday, April 15
May: Monday, May 12*
June: Tuesday, June 10

Recipe
Stamp Set: A Good Egg
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, So Saffron, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip
Ink: Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, Black Staz-On
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Blender Pens, Corner Rounder (to make scallops), satin ribbon from the Ribbon Originals Theater pack, Bashful Blue Ribbon, 1/8 hand punch

MOPS Crop Information

I want to share a really fun scrapbooking opportunity with you. The MOPS group from the First Church of God in Miamisburg is holding their 3rd Annual Crop on May 2 -3. This is the first year they are doing a two day event.

Cost: Friday evening only $15
Saturday only $25
Both days $35

I have attended this Crop for the last two years, and believe me, you do not want to miss it! They have fantastic door prizes--things like massages, restaurant gift certificates, various vendor prizes, etc! Meals and snacks, too! You share a table with another person, so you have plenty of room for your stuff.

This is an event in which I am participating. I am not involved with the planning or with the MOPS group. I will be there at a booth. I will have my display samples and a couple of make and takes for everyone to do. I bring all of my ink pads and punches and some stamp sets for everyone to use, also. I will have some retired ribbons, papers, and stamp sets for sale.

If you are interested in attending or want additional information, check out the MOPS Crop Information form found in the right column under Special Download Forms. I hope you can make it!

Retired Sets Need a Good Home!

I have some fantastic retired sets that need a good home! Prices listed do not include shipping to you. You are welcome to pick them up at your convenience and save on shippping! Cash or Checks only, please!

Condition Code:
M = mounted
UM = unmounted
PUM = partially unmounted

Alphabits $14 M
Autumn Fest $20 M
Background Basics $10 M
Background Sampler $14 M
Best Blossoms $8 M
Bold Butterfly and Jumbo Wheel $30 M
Collage Alphabet $22 M
Country Blessings $17 M
Delight in Life $8 M
Fashion Statements $25 UM
Festive Four $8 M
Fun Filled $8 M
Gently Falling $8 M
Happiest of Holidays $12 M
Houndstooth BG $14 M
Hung Up on the Holidays $12 M
Lexicon of Love $8 M
Little Layers Plus $14 M
Looks Like Spring $24 M
Noteworthy $10 M
Paint Prints $8 M
Petal Prints $23 M
Riveting $14 M
Send a Celebration $8 M
Shapes & Shadows $22 M
Simple Sayings II $15 M
Simple Sketches $28 PUM
Spring Gifts $14 M
Stipple Celebrations $22 M
Stipple Rose $12 M
Tag Time $25 UM
Terrific Tulips $20 M
Winged Things $20 M