Ladybug Birthday

My friend Jennifer threw a first birthday party for her daughter Ansley on Sunday. The party was a lot of fun and Ansley ate her cake like a little lady. Before the party, we had a lot of fun coming up with ideas for her invitations, decorations, and treat boxes.

Jennifer chose Pixie Pink, Lovely Lilac, and Gable Green as her colors. No red and black ladybugs here! Our first project was the ladybug invitations. We cut two large scallop circles from the Big Shot and used the Scallop Circle punch for the head. We used a retired stamp to make the dots, but any circle stamp would do--even a pencil eraser would work.


While we were working on the invitations, we came up with the idea for this name banner. We used the Pennant XL die and the Serif Essentials Alphabet dies.
We used a modified version of the 2-4-6-8 box to make these adorable treat boxes. So cute!

Here are the measurements: Start with an 8 x 11" piece of cardstock. Score along 8" side at 2 1/2, 5, 7 1/2, & 10". Turn the cardstock and score at 2 1/2". We scallThen, just follow the directions for the 2-4-6-8 box found to the right under "Project Directions." The handle is 1" x 8 1/2".

Jennifer did a fantastic job on her projects. I loved helping her come up with the ideas!

Holiday Mini Sneak Peak

The new Holiday Mini begins today. You are just going to LOVE all the wonderful things in it! You should be receiving your Mini Catalog very soon. If you do not receive one by September 8 or are not on my mailing list, let me know if you would like a copy.

Demonstrators are offered a pre-order opportunity from the mini catalogs, so I ordered all kinds of fun stuff (as usual)! I signed up for a demonstrator only swap using stuff from the new mini, so here is one of the two cards I made. I'll share the other card with you another day.

This card uses a beautiful autumn leaf set called Autumn Splendor. I seem to be a sucker for leaf sets (worse than those darn bird sets!). I believe this is my 3rd or 4th leaf set I've purchased from Stampin' Up! I also used the Autumn Meadows designer paper and silver elastic cording found in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The designer paper has this distressed, inky print to it, so I added that same effect using the Direct to Paper technique (simply rub your cardstock against your pad).

At the bottom of the card, I used a strip of the designer paper to make the folded band.

Oh, the Horror!

I am having an extremely hard time writing this post today. I just have to share a shameful, horrible thing that I've done. Okay.......are you ready?



I bought Kyle's birthday invitations! Gasp!! I know, I know!




Okay, it's out. I feel better. Now, let me tell you my pitiful excuses.

1. You may remember that I had planned on Kyle having a PIRATE birthday party this year. After purchasing 3 different Pirate sets, and choosing the most adorable invitation ever to make, I just couldn't get into the BATMAN theme.

2. I couldn't come up with a good enough bat using my punches. Believe me. I tried and tried and tried. They all just looked silly.

3. After purchasing bat die cuts off Ebay, I worked on two different card versions. I wasn't really happy with either. Especially after Kent asked me if I was making a Halloween party invitation or a Batman invitation.

4. So, after throwing both cards at my dear husband and realizing that I really should send out invitations by Monday, I decided to do the unthinkable and buy invitations at the store.


So, if you must find a new demonstrator who won't lead you astray, then I understand. But, just wait until you see the little bat treat boxes that I'm going to make for the party! Maybe then you'll come back to me!

But, I must confess---I think I just might buy the Thank You notes, too!!

Flower Pot Pocket Card

I made this adorable card for my friend Jennifer's daughter's birthday. These are so fun to make. What I like is that you could also just put this straight onto a scrapbook page!

The pot was made by taking a 1/2 sheet of cardstock (hot dog style--4 1/4 x 11) and folding it in half. I used my paper cutter to make the two diagonal cuts that make the flower pot shape. I scored each end at 1 1/2" and then used the Scallop Edge punch on them. Adhere the flaps down with sticky strip. Adhere the sides to make your pocket. I ran my flower pot through my Big Shot with the Manhattan Flower embossing folder.

For the card insert, I cut a piece of 3 1/4 x 3 1/2" Chocolate Chip, and a piece of 3 x 3 1/4" Whisper White cardstock. This size will vary depending on how large your flowers are and how much room you need to write your message. I cut 3 flowers out using 3 different embosslits. Embosslits actually emboss and cut out the shape when you run it through your Big Shot machine. I just love them!

I also used the Little Leaves sizzlit and some rhinestone brads. I stamped the little ladybugs from Garden Whimsy on scrap cardstock and glued them to the flowers. I added a little Crystal Effects to give them some shine and dimension.

To get the flowers just right, insert the card into your pot. Use dimensionals to adhere your flowers on top of the card so they overlap the front of the pot a bit.

Pirate & Princess Parties

One of the cutest things I spotted right away in the new catalog was this adorable Pirate Party Kit (also comes in a Princess theme)! I thought I had Kyle convinced to have a Pirate Party for his 6th birthday in September, but after spending $60 in stamps and stuff, he decided he wanted to have a Batman party. Batman?!! I don't have any Batman stamps! Luckily, I found an idea to use, so I'll be sharing that with you soon!

Anyway, back to Pirates! You can view a short video on what the kits contain by clicking on the picture above. Each kit comes with materials to make a banner, food toppers/picks, 8 invitations with envelopes, treat boxes, and some type of craft. You can find these products on pages 174-175 in the catalog.

Stampin' Up also offers personalized stamps to go with the themes as well as coordinating stamp sets. So, you could have a Captain Kyle Clary stamp or a Princess Allison stamp. Too cute!

Are You Getting the News?

My August N ewsletter went out yesterday. Did you get it? Yes, I know it's a little late. I'm working on that!

You can sign up for my monthly newsletters by entering your email address in the yellow box to the right. In each newsletter you will find my class schedule, information on specials, project ideas, etc.

I don't spam you and rarely send out more than one newsletter a month. You can unsubscribe at any time!

Upcoming Classes

Birthday Cards & Box

Use half of the Happy Bday Simply Scrappin' Kit to make 10 fantastic cards and a fun gift box to hold them in. 10 Small Open Ended envelopes included!

Date: Monday, September 28 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $20 for half kit, $30 for whole kit (use the other half for your own projects)
RSVP & Payment due: September 14

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Dashing Thru Christmas Card Set

Make this beautiful set of 4 cards and a card packet to hold them in (or turn it into a treat bag!). Learn simple folding techniques and use my favorite embossing technique--Faux Diamond Dust!

Class fee includes the Dasher and Merriment stamps found on page 208 in the catalog.

Date: Monday, October 5 at 6:30 PM
Cost: $25, includes two stamps
Add a whole pack of Merry Moments designer paper for an additional $10 (use this for your own projects)
RSVP & Payment due: September 14

Not interested in Christmas Cards? You can choose to make a beautiful set of Autumn cards using the Autumn Splendor stamp set and Autumn Meadows designer paper. Cost is $30 and includes the Autumn Splendor stamp set.

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Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Class
Make 4 two-page layouts using this adorable Simply Scrappin' Kit. Leftover paper and stickers are yours!

Date: Wednesday, October 21 at 6:30
Cost: $30
RSVP & Payment due: October 12

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Fall Scrap Classes

While my clubs take a short break, I am holding two Scrap Classes. Come and make a two-page 12x12 layout for only $12 or place a $25 order. If I get enough people placing orders to receive hostess benefits, I will raffle off the benefits---one person will get the hostess $ and another will get the hostess set(s).

Space is limited to 8 participants, so RSVP early! I am working on the pages for these classes and will post them to my blog as soon as I get them finished.

October Scrap Class--12th at 7:00 PM
RSVP by September 14
***you can sign up for a Holiday page swap (Halloween and Christmas) due on November 9!
Read about swapping here.

November Scrap Class--9th at 7:00 PM
RSVP by October 12

New Round of Clubs!

September is the last month of my current Scrappin' Clubs. We will be taking a "break" from October - December. I will be holding some classes during those months, so you'll still be able to get your stampin' fix! New clubs will begin in January.

I have two nights scheduled and am currently taking sign ups for new members for my 2nd Monday night club and 2nd Tuesday night club. Club begins at 7:00.

ETA: The Tuesday night club is full. I have 3 spots available in the Monday night club. Contact me asap to reserve your spot!

The first meeting for the Monday club is January 11.
The first meeting for the Tuesday club is January 12.

What is a club?

A club is a group of ladies who join me at my Miamisburg home once a month to complete a two-page 12x12 layout. In order to be in club, you commit to making a purchase of $25 or more each month for the duration of the club (usually 6-8 months) . One of the months, you will be "hostess" and receive the hostess benefits---at least $15 to spend and a level 1 hostess-only stamp set.

ETA: I fixed the link to the Club information listed below!

Click here for information about my clubs!

Just for Kids Promotion

Click on picture for bigger view!

August is here and Stampin' Up! is kicking it off with a fun, new promotion. This month, when you spend $35 on stamp sets from the "Growing Up" section in the catalog, you can choose a free package of Designer Buttons---a $7.95 value! So, fun!

Also, from now until September 30, you can purchase this adorable Decor Element Growth Chart. Isn't it fantastic?! Now, I have to figure out a way to get Kent to paint the part of the basement where I want mine!

Final Deal of the Week!

The final Deal of the Week is the Heart to Heart Punch for only $10.99! The regular price is $15.95.

I will be placing an order on Wednesday and will happily combine your order so that you can save on shipping costs. Shipping would be 10%. Let me know!

The Heart to Heart punch coordinates with the Love You Much stamp set. It has a stamp with the same 3 hears you see in the punch. Here is a picture of a class that I did a while back that used the set and the punch.

Deal of the Week #4

The Deal of the Week is the Vanilla Styled Hodgepodge Hardware for only $18.99. The regular price is $29.95. This deal goes from today at 2:00 pm until next Monday at 1:50 pm.

You can place your order through my website or give me a call and I can place it for you. Keep in mind that minimum shipping is $6.95 or 10%, whichever is greater.

Join Stampin' Up! for only $85!

From now until August 31, you can become a Demonstrator for only $85 with SU!'s new Mini Starter Kit.
Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that?

The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit shown at right contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including:

• For All You Do stamp set
• In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
• Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
• Business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value--for free!

The standard Starter Kit includes:

• Five stamp sets
• A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
• Stampin' Pastels
• Card stock
• Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
• Five Classic Stampin' Pads
• VersaMark Pad
• Stampin' Scrub and Mist
• Blender pens
• SNAIL
• Business forms and tools

These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast!

Click here for my FAQ about becoming a demonstrator!

More Cards

Here are a couple of more cards from my demonstrator
swap:

This card by Andrea uses the Kind and Caring Level 3 Hostess Set found on page 16. It also uses the fun oval frame Big Shot die.


This card by Scheli uses the Christmas Punch Level 2 Hostess stamp set. Isn't that snowman adorable? This stamp set coordinates with many of our punches: Large Tag, Boho Blossom, Scallop Oval, Curly Label, Wide Oval, and Scallop Square.

New Stuff--Part 4

More samples from my swapping group:

Oh, this card by Lynn uses lots of new stuff! The stamp set is my favorite level 2 Hostess only set called Wings of Friendship. It's not my typical style, but it must be because I still have love for Stampin' Up's stupid birds! Let me tell you, in real life, I DO NOT LIKE BIRDS! I actually have a bit of a phobia about them. Ask me to tell you about the times (yes, plural!) we had birds in our house and my little walk through the San Diego Animal Park's Lorikeet Landing.
Anywho---this card uses 3 of the new In Colors--Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, and Crushed Curry. Plus, the Rich Razzleberry polka dot ribbon, love it!


This card by LeeAnn uses the Circle Circus stamp set. I love the colors--Melon Mambo, Basic Black, and Basic Grey. Whisper White. I also like how she used the Jumbo Grommet (page 179) in the middle of the scallop circle and tied the ribbon through it.

SU! Customer Survey

Dear Stampin' Up! customer,

At Stampin' Up!, we are always looking for ways to improve our practices, products, and programs. As we research ways to improve your experience with our company, we are looking for your feedback regarding the in-home workshop. We value your opinions and would love to hear what is most important to you. Please take the time to click on the following link and complete the survey regarding your experience with the in-home workshop. We sincerely appreciate your time and your participation.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=K_2bUFZhVKNzAWE39qxHVVMQ_3d_3d

Sincerely,

Stampin' Up!

New Stuff--Part 3

Here are two more cards from my swapping group:

This card is by Stacey and uses the new Animal Stories stamp set found on page 88. This is a really cute bold image set that has a coordinating pack of Designer Paper call Tall Tales. The stamp set also has a giraffe, elephant, and owl. I saw someone turn the owl into a cute kitty by markering part of the whale's spray to use as a tail. Super cute!

This next card by Tracey uses the new super cute Lots of Bots stamp set found on page 82. It also uses the new In Color Rich Razzleberry. So fun!

Deal of the Week--July 6-12

Here is this week's Deal: almost 30% off the Big Shot Doctor's Bag! Wow! The regular price is $69.95. The sale price is $49.99. I love the Doctor's bag! It holds the Big Shot machine plus some dies. Perfect for storing or taking your Big Shot with you. Remember, you have until 10 minutes until the next deal is announced to order your "deal of the week." So that means 1:50 our time on Monday the 13th.

New Stuff--Part 2

Here are a couple of more cards from my swapping group:

This first card is by Jane and uses the yummy new In Color Soft Suede. Don't you just love the fantastic new polka dotted ribbon?! You can purchase all the In Colors in the polka dotted ribbon. The stamp set used is Asian Artistry which is a level 2 Hostess-only stamp set.


The next card is by Dawn and uses the new Autumn Days stamp set found on page 92 in the new catalog. I love how she used the Top Note die!

New Stuff--Part 1

I've mentioned before that I am part of a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators who swaps cards periodically. The last swap we had was from our Preview orders (before each catalog begins, SU allows us to order a few select items).

I love swapping with other demonstrators because each of us has our own style and supplies we use. For this past swap, the due date snuck up on me and I was working until 1 in the morning getting my swaps ready! Oops! My swap is below and uses the new Circle Circus stamp set found on page 129 and some of the new In-Colors: Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Rich Razzleberry, & Crushed Curry. The card looks a little funky in the picture, but looks much cuter in person!


This next card was made by LeAnn Greff and uses the new For All You Do stamp set found on page 118 in the new catalog. I just love the color combination she used: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, and Garden Green.


I will post a couple of cards each day for the next couple of days. Enjoy!

Summer Fun Continues!

Today is the official start of the new 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog! You can find the links to the new catalogs in the righthand sidebar. New stamp sets, ribbons, designer papers, Big Shot dies . . . I'm in heaven! But the fun doesn't stop there! Stampin' Up! is continuing the Summer Fun with some great new offers:

1. Deal of the Week: Each week in July, SU will offer a new special. The special will be released on my website at 10 am MT, which is NOON our time each Monday. I will try to post as soon as I can here on my blog, but you will be able to find it first on my website. Each deal lasts until the following Monday---10 minutes before the next deal is announced. No minimum order required.

With the exception of the first deal, I will not know the product ahead of time, but I will tell you the first one:

Period	Item #	Page #	Description	Regular Price	Special Price
July 1-5, 2009	112091	187	Scallop Edge punch	$15.95	$10.99

Obviously, this deal begins on a Wednesday! The next deal will be released on Monday, July 6. If you wish to take advantage of this deal, but want to save on shipping costs, I can add it to my order that I will be placing on Friday, July 3. You must email me your order by Friday at 5:oo PM.

2. New Mini Starter Kit: July 15 - August 31

Become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator with the limited-time $85 Mini Starter Kit. The Mini Starter Kit contains the following products:

Item Code	Page #*	Description	Retail Value**
115360	118	For All You Do stamp set	$28.95
115658	155	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115656	155	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115659	155	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115654	155	Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115655	155	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
115657	155	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.95
100730	155	Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.50
115315	155	In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$7.95

*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog
**All products may be substituted for like items; see Mini Starter Kit order form for details.

Contact me with any questions!