Out with the Old, In with the New!

Today is your last opportunity!!

You have until midnight tonight to order anything from the current Idea Book & Catalog and the Holiday Mini catalog. Ink pads and reinkers are both increasing in price starting tomorrow. That's about the only price increase I know about.

The new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog begins tomorrow! Orders can begin being placed starting at noon.

Some things to look forward to in the new catalog:

• All stamps are die cut--does bring a small price increase to the stamp sets, but the time you save is so worth it!


• New BIG SHOT dies---textured plates, clear dies so that you can see what you are cutting, embosslits


• Clear rhinestone brads can be purchased separately from the Pretties kit


• Yummy corduroy buttons--wait for detail about a Button Share! Get a little bit of all the colors--details coming soon.


• Fun textured, heavyweight DESIGNER PAPERS


• 5 new Simply Scrappin' Kits


• Flower brads in Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron


• New border punch that looks like lace


• Button Bouquet button assortment in "Latte" colors


• Jumbo Brads--5/16" and 5/8" in Choc. Chip, White, Vanilla and Silver


• .......and so much more!

Do you need a new Spring Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog? The catalogs retail for $10, but I sell them to my customers at my cost-$5. If you'd like your catalog shipped, please add $5 so that I can send it Priority Mail.

I Love the Little Mermaid!

Isn't this the cutest layout you've ever seen? The seaweed is made using the Big Shot and the Swirly decorative die. The mermaid and crab use various SU punches. I didn't come up with those original ideas, but the layout is all mine! I was so excited when the idea came to me (while taking a shower---seems to be my new source of inspiration). My club girls were going to be using Stampin' Up's fantastic punches to make fun little punch art cards. My downline Christine did a swap while at Convention this year and brought back some of the most amazing ideas.

This was going to be the 2nd club meeting doing the punch art--this was at their request. I wanted to show the ladies how to take their punch art pieces and use the in a card and layout, so that's how this layout came about.

Anyway, two years ago we went to Florida in December and took Kyle to Disney for the first time. The only character we waited in line to see was the Little Mermaid. We waited almost an hour, which I realize isn't that bad, but long enough for us! The Little Mermaid sits in a grotto. When little boys go to see her, she puts lipstick on and gives them a kiss on the cheek. Kyle was a little nervous to see her, but got comfortable. He loved his lipstick kiss, though.

When I get the pictures on this layout, I will be sure to share them with you.

I'm Famous! Well, sort of.

This has been a good month for me! I am part of a group of demonstrators that swap cards when new catalogs come out. When this current catalog was new in July, I made two cards that used new stamp sets from the catalog for our group. JoAnn is in charge of our swaps and sends in our extra cards to Stampin' Up. Each day, SU features 4-6 cards from demonstrators all over on the Stamper's Showcase--which is a gallery located on the demonstrator only website. Two of my cards were featured this month!

You've seen this first card which was part of my Stamp-a-Stack a while backand uses the Inspired by Nature stamp set and Flight of the Butterfly stamp set:


This second card is the first time I used by Big Shot and uses the Eastern Blooms stamp set:

Scrapbooking

This was my swap for my mixed Scrapbooking/Card Making Club that met last night. I just love this tree from the Snow Swirled stamp set. It is so pretty! The green background is actually Old Olive, but it looks horrible in this picture! I had not stamped anything since before Christmas so it was nice to play in my basement again. Although, I ended up being there all day while I worked on making 9 of these pages!

I am so excited about the other great swaps we got tonight. It is so nice to get a great selection of themes and styles. I'm going to start getting my things ready for the Super Stampin' Weekend and having all of these swaps makes it so much easier. I just grab my pictures and see which swaps will work for them and then put the swaps and pictures in a Craft Keeper. When I'm ready to scrapbook, all I have to do is pull out a folder and I'm ready to start.

Are you wondering what swapping is? A swap is where you make the same layout for everyone in your group. Everyone else also makes a layout for everyone in the group. Then we swap--taking home 9 two-page layouts that only need our pictures added to them. It is so much easier to to make 9 of the same layout than to make 9 different layouts. Be sure to read this post for more information about swapping.

It's not too late to sign up for the Super Stampin' Weekend March 20 -22! You can find information by clicking on the link above or by clicking on "Super Stampin' Weekend Registration Form" in the right column under "Special Download Forms." We will be having a scrapbook swap due the Saturday of the weekend, so you will have quite a few pages to get you going through the weekend. There are 3 options for your stay: All Weekend, One Night, or All Day Saturday. This will be our 4th time going to King's Domain and we always have such a fantastic time. You don't want to miss it! Feel free to call my with any questions.

Frolic & Play Layout

I want to share this layout that I did for a class last year. I'm not sure why I never posted it here, but here it is now!

Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

I made this layout at my upline's group meeting and just fell in love with it. The colors are very bright and somewhat of an unusual layout idea, but I think that's why I like it! I love the snowman head peeking out from the corner.

Supplies:
Stamps: Well Worn Alphabet, Heartfelt Thanks (for the little circle eyes)
Cardstock: Ballet Blue, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, Green Galore, Pixie Pink, Whisper White
Ink: Pixie Pink, Basic Black, White Craft
Other: Coluzzle, Circle Punches, Color Spritzer Tool, Crimper, White embossing powder

Dry Embossing Part 3

Here are two cards using a Dry Embossing technique called Dry Debossing. For this technique, you emboss as normal but use the indented side of the cardstock and stamp over it with a background stamp. The background stamps around the indented portions.

Recipes

Happy Together Card
Classy Brass Template: Priceless
Stamp Sets: Priceless, Happy Everything, Canvas
Ink: Real Red
Paper: Pirouette Pink, Real Red, Whisper White
Other: Oval punches, Scallop Punch, 5/8" Real Red Grosgrain, Crop-a-dile

Kindness Card
Classy Brass Template: Priceless
Stamp Set: Heard from the Heart, Canvas
Ink: More Mustard, Chocolate Chip
Paper: More Mustard, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke

Dry Embossing Part 2

Here are two more cards using the Dry Embossing Technique.

Recipes

Pink Card
Classy Brass Template: Priceless
Stamp Set: Hugs & Wishes
Ink: Pixie Pink
Paper: Pixie Pink, Kiwi Kiss, Pumpkin Pie
Other: Gold Brads, Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain ribbon

Anniversary Card
Classy Brass Template: Pick a Petal
Stamp Set: Hugs & Wishes
Ink: Perfect Plum
Paper: Perfect Plum, Pale Plum, Whisper White
Other: Piercing Mat

Dry Embossing Part 1

I was playing around with dry embossing earlier this week and made some cards to show you. If you've never dry embossed before, you will really like the look it gives. Dry Embossing by hand can be a little time consuming depending on how much embossing you do. These cards didn't take too long.

To dry emboss, you need a Brass Template (found on page 191 in the IB&C), Light Box, Wax Paper, and Stylus. Stampin' Up offers two kinds of styluses---the Empressor Stylus ($10.95) and a regular wood stylus ($2.50). I own both of them, but really only use the cheaper wood one. You will need it's smaller ends to get in between the brass templates Stampin' Up offers.

What is the wax paper for? You rub it on the cardstock that you will be embossing on. It helps the stylus to move more smoothly and helps prevent tearing of the cardstock.

It is sometimes hard to see the actual dry embossing on the cards when I photograph them, but in real life, the dry embossing really pops.

Recipes:
Butterfly Card
Classy Brass Template: the one I uses is a retired template, but you would get the same look by using the Punches Plus template.
Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Whisper White, Bella Rose Designer Paper
Other: White Tafetta Ribbon

Blue Card
Class Brass Template: Seeing Spots
Stamp Sets: Seeing Spots, Hugs & Wishes
Ink: Pacific Point, Bravo Burgundy, Creamy Caramel
Paper: Pacific Point, Whisper White, Kraft, Bravo Burgundy
Other: 5/8" Bravo Burgundy Grosgrain, Word Window Punch

Last Christmas Project!

Okay, here is my final project from Christmas. Nothing too exciting, though! I made these little candy holders for Kyle's preschool class using the Pillow Box die and the Big Shot. And, of course, I used the Deer Friends stamp set. I am going to miss this set so much when it retires! But, it will be one of those sets that stay on my retired shelf for a while--I won't be getting rid of this set for a long while! I love adding the little eyes to the reindeer. They are the 4mm size.

I didn't want to use adhesive on the flaps, so I used the Silver Elastic Cord (also found in the Holiday Mini) to close it. The Designer Paper is from the Riding Hood Red Patterns pack. I accidentally cut too many of the pillow boxes, so you will be seeing them again for a Valentine project.

Retiring Accessory List and an Inventory Blowout!

January 5 - January 18

Okay, the Retiring Accessory List was just posted. Items on this list are only available while supplies last, so order early for best selection! Items on this list are available from now until January 18 or while supplies last---whichever comes first. Stampin' Up! will update the list daily. I will then post the update here on my blog. Items in red are no longer available.

Stampin' Up! is also offering an Inventory Blowout Promotion from today until January 18 (the last day of this current catalog). This promotion offers a selection of Retired, Retiring, and Current Stampin' Up! products for up to 50% off! Once again, items are limited. You can view the Inventory Blowout items by clicking here.

Retiring Accessory List--updated 1/10 at 9:04 pm

tem #	Product Description	Availability
111377	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
112012	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
112088	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
102782	ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12	Sold Out
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*	Sold Out
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	Sold Out
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	Sold Out
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	Sold Out
104942	PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE	Sold Out
104943	PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
107273	PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
104389	PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
100391	PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE	Sold Out
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	Sold Out
112043	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
112061	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT	Sold Out
112016	SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY	Sold Out
109868	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
103647	STAMPIN STORE MINI
105813	WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II

	Retiring Wheels
107212	MATEYS MAP
106749	BRIGHT BULBS
109672	BRONCO	Sold Out
104100	MAKING TRACKS
108978	SANDY SHELLS
110332	SNOW
101233	SNOWFLAKE
109694	SWEET STARS
111249	TAKE A NUMBER

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

Holiday Decor Elements

Here is the 2nd part to my Season of Thanks decor element project. It uses Holiday Treasures designer paper and the felt ribbon found in the Holiday Mini--last chance to order from the Holiday Mini is January 18! I apologize for the glare on the glass. I tried to take it without using a flash, but it was all blurry. This project is truly one of those that looks so much nicer in real life!

The idea of this project is that you can change out the backgrounds for different seasons. I'll be working on a spring one later. Actually, I'll be working on the whole project because I gave this one as a gift. Luckily, it's pretty easy to put together.

I bought the Shadow Box from Michaels. I believe it was 11 x14. The inside paper measurements are 11 1/4 x 12 for the poinsettia pattern and 11 1/4 x 6 for the bottom paper. I just made sure that the paper covered the velvet insert.

You can see the first picture by clicking here.

Happy New Year

Hi Ladies! I know it has been forever since I've posted. I will begin posting more very soon. I actually still have some Christmas projects that I have to show you!

I will be sending out my January newsletter within the next few days, but wanted to write a short reminder that this current catalog ends January 18. The Retired List is posted here. The Retired Accessory List will be coming out on January 5 at noon. The items on this list will be limited and some will run out quickly. If you see anything you want, I recommend you place your order online right away.

The new Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog will begin on January 19. I can't wait to see what new things SU is coming out with! I have preordered catalogs and expect them to be here around the 15th. That is only a guess, though. I have no real idea when they'll arrive. If you would like to reserve a catalog, let me know. The catalogs retail at $9.95, but I only charge my customers what I pay--$5. Why should you pay for a catalog? Well, it is really much more than a catalog--it is an Idea Book. You'd be hard-pressed to find another stamping publication with as many full color samples, not to mention a recipe supply list in the back for the cost of $5!

From now until January 31, anyone placing an order of $50 or more will receive a new Idea Book & Catalog for free. If you placed a $50 order in December, you also qualify for a free catalog. This will mean that you will have to pick it up from my Miamisburg home. If you'd like to have your catalog shipped, then add $4.60 for Priority Mail.

Clubbers, remember that you receive a free catalog. No need to contact me for one, I already have one saved for you.

To those of you who placed an order with me during the free shipping promotion: The order still has not shipped. I expect it to go out today, hopefully! I will let you know when it arrives.

Love You Much Promotion

I am excited to announce another fabulous promotion that will take place December 23rd - January 31st--the Love You Much bundle!

This bundle contains a fantastic assortment of supplies to make beautiful Valentine themed cards and gifts. By purchasing the bundle, you are saving 20%!

Plus, if you place your order with me by the 23rd at 9:00 PM, you can get free shipping on the bundle (when you agree to pick it up at my home.) If you don't want to pick it up from me, you just need to add a few more supplies to add up to $70 to earn your FREE SHIPPING and have it delivered to your house.

December 23rd, is the ONLY DAY to receive this bundle at the 20% discount AND receive FREE SHIPPING on the bundle!!!!! After that day, the Free Shipping promotion ends and this bundle will just be available at the 20% off.


Other Items that coordinate with the Bundle:
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, and Very Vanilla
Ribbon: Riding Hood Red taffeta, Pink Pirouette Striped Grosgrain, Riding Hood Red Striped Grosgrain
Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2 Way Glue Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals

Christmas Card, finally!

Well, I finally found time to make my Christmas Cards for this year! I decided to go with another Photo Card. These are a little different from the ones I made last year. Regular photo cards measure 4x8, but I made mine 4 x 9 1/4". I did this so I could fit the Christmas tree image. This card will still fit in a business size envelope. The greeting measurements are: Real Red--3 x 3 3/4", Shimmery White--2 3/4 x 3 1/2"

It's always so hard to get Kyle to smile a "real" smile when I take pictures! He gets so goofy. I decided to use this picture because it's just so "Kyle"! Putting the reindeer on top of your head just makes sense to a 5 year old. He got a kick out of himself!

The card is very simple---no embellishments or anything, which is very hard for me to do. Almost all of my projects have ribbon. I just wanted to make sure I didn't have to pay extra postage and to be sure that the postal machines don't tear apart my cards (this has happened before!). The machines get stuck on the embellishments and before you know it, I get a call from a friend telling me they received a very mangled card!

Ikea Candy Jars

I made each of my clubbers one of these cute little candy jars. I bought them from Ikea--set of 4 for around $3.50, I think. This is a quick and easy gift for co-workers or classroom helpers. Once again, I've used the Deer Friends stamp set paired with the circle punches and scallop circle punch. I'll be so sad when this set retires.

Here's a close up view:

Club Christmas Gift Exchange

This past Monday was my Club meeting with my 8 wonderful clubbers. This month we skipped our regular swap of scrapbook pages and did a stamped gift exchange. We played the "Thief" game--where each person takes a turn opening a present or stealing one from someone else. The ladies came up with some wonderful projects. And, once again, I forgot to take pictures of them. I will show you the gifts I made, though.

I bought this jar from Target and decorated it with the small Jingle All the Way Decor Element in Olive. I wrapped the Riding Hood Red striped ribbon from the Holiday Mini catalog around the mouth of the jar. The red Top Note piece inside was put there so that the image would show up in my photo, but I kind of like having it in there for contrast.

I bought the wreath from Michael's on sale for $3. It also has the fantastic striped ribbon around it. I used pieces from the On Board Trinkets Ornaments kit also found in the Holiday Mini. I painted the words--hope, peace, love with Red Craft ink, let them dry, painted with Tombow, and sprinkled Red Chunky glitter on them. The two ornament pieces were covered with designer paper from the Ski Slope pack found in the Holiday Mini. I'm not crazy about my bow at the top. It was a last minute addition because I needed something there, but I'm not great at making bows!

All of the ladies did a wonderful job with their stamped gifts. We had a wine basket, spa basket, adorable frames, fantastic jar sets using rub-ons, wreaths, and more. I ended up stealing from Pam Jamie's adorable Christmas garland shown below. She used the chipboard pieces from On Board Seasonal Somethings. The pieces were embossed, glittered, and decked out with half-back pearls, ribbons, and rhinestone brads. It's just beautiful!



I want to thank Claudia for making me this fantastic pink blanket with my name. I love it! Thank you also to Pam and Kimberly for the grape spreaders. Kyle and I both like to use them when we ice our cookies. Thanks for thinking of me, ladies. I appreciate it!

Paper Display Board Class Pictures

This post is dedicated to my loyal cyber stalker, Debbi, who let me know that I posted the same project twice! Yes, the box you may have seen on the December 8 post was posted a while back on November 25. I have since deleted it, so let's never speak of it again! :)

Last week, I held my Paper Display Class. This project is designed to hold 3 papers from your child's (or niece's) schoolwork. The class fee included a Designer Paper pack of their choosing as well as a roll of 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon. The picture above was my project, but wait until you see what these ladies came up with! Some used alphabet stamps for their names while others used Big Shot letters. I gave them free use of all of my retired sets---including my two shelves of Retired Sets, so many of the ladies chose retired "kid" sets. I really hope we find some new kid sets in the new catalog in January! Click on each picture for a bigger image.

Michelle--retired dp


Debbi--Bella Rose


Chris (my mom!)---Maine Blueberry


Leslie--Bella Rose


Diane --no name because Leslie and Shane have not decided on a name for the baby boy due in January! Pacific Point Designer Series Paper


Mary #1--Bella Rose


Mary #2--Georgia Peach

Get 10% off Retiring Sets and FREE SHIPPING Promotion

I can't believe it's this time already! The current Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog goes until January 18. January 19 will begin our new Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog.

Each year, Stampin' Up! must retire some stamp sets and accessories to make way for new ones. This time of year always brings a mixture of sadness (as I always seem to lose a ton of my sets to the Retirement list) and excitement (as we await to see what new, wonderful, fantastic things SU has planned for us). What can I say? I'm a stampin' junkie!

This year Stampin' Up is offering a never-before-seen promotion on the Retired List---10% off any sets on the list from today until December 23!

Plus, from now until December 23, you will receive FREE SHIPPING on any orders over $70! Amazing! You can place you order with me or online through my website: www.carrieclary.stampinup.net

I will be placing an order on December 20 and will give any size order free shipping--just in case you have a smaller order to put in. You will need to pick it up from my Miamisburg home when it arrives, however. You will need to have your order and payment to me by the 20th.

You can find the Retired List by page number by clicking here.

Find the list with the 10% off prices by clicking here.

ETA: I just found that you can go here and see the actual sets along with the names.
So much easier than hunting through your catalog!

If you choose to order any of these sets online, be sure to order through my website, not the main Stampin' Up! site listed above. When you order through my site, you pay the price listed in the catalog rather than the "premium" price listed on SU's page.

Accessory Clubs

I am starting a new round of Accessory Clubs! These clubs require a one time payment and get you a share of a specific accessory. Read below for information on the two clubs I have going.

Sign ups for the Accessory Clubs go from now until December 30th. Payments must be made with cash or check. I just ordered a set of each for my club ladies and will have one extra set of the Clips and Designer Brads and 2 sets of Hodgepodge ready to go. If you order this week, you will have your pieces by next week. I can mail the pieces to you for an extra $3.

Clips Assortment and Designer Brads $20
52 pieces total

Includes:

• 4 each of 3 designs of the Clips Assortment = 12 pieces


• 4 each of Designer Brads shown on page 184 plus 8 of the 3/16" brads = 40 pieces

Hodgepodge Hardware $15
80 pieces total

Includes:

• 2 each of the Styled Silver and Styled Vanilla pieces shown on page 185 = 40 pieces


• 40 matching brads (20 silver, 20 vanilla)

Spend $20, Get 20% off!

Starting December 1 (and running through January 18), spend $20 on any Stampin' Up! products and receive 20% off any stamp set in the catalog sampler (the small catalog pictured to the left). Contact me if you need a free catalog sampler! Find a list of eligible stamp sets below.

To Order Stampin' Up! Products On-Line 24/7, CLICK HERE!

Item #	Description	Retail	20% Off
111564	Flight of the Butterfly	$31.95	$25.56
112911	Vuelo de la mariposa (Spanish Flight of the Butterfly)	$31.95	$25.56
111676	Puns from the Past	$27.95	$22.36
111660	Just Jawing	$25.95	$20.76
111624	Dreams du Juor	$18.95	$15.16
111700	Thank You Kindly	$13.95	$11.16
111714	Wow Flowers	$12.95	$10.36
112955	Flores llamativas (Spanish Wow Flowers)	$12.95	$10.36
111600	Bella's Bloom	$12.95	$10.36