Hi Debbi!

This post is for Debbi, who so gently reminded me that it has been almost 3 months since I've posted.  I think she might be the only one who has noticed :) !  Anyway, for Debbi and anyone else who happens to read this blog, I offer my apologies.  I don't have any good excuses other than just not being in a stamping mood and being on vacation or the pool this summer.

That said, I will let you all know that I am making a comeback!  I have some things to share with you and some classes in the works.  The new catalog came out at the beginning of the month (let me know if you need one!) and it has SO MANY great new things that you will love just as much as I do.  Stay tuned!

Tealight Lollipops

This is the 2nd gift I made for the teachers for Teachers Appreciation Week. I saw this idea on another blog and had to try it. I used my glue gun to attach a 6" lollipop stick to the back of a clear tealight and adhered a 1 3/8 cardstock circle to the back of it. Our small cello bags are perfect for the cover. I actually trimmed mine a little--maybe to around 4 1/2". I used some old cording to tie the bag shut and adhered my blue gingham bow with a mini glue dot. I printed out the saying "Thanks for Lighting the way!" on my computer and punched it out with the small tag punch. The flower stamp is from the set Awash with Flowers. It will be available in the next catalog that comes out in July.

Mini Backpacks

I volunteered to make a couple of gifts for the teachers and staff at Kyle's school for Teacher Appreciation Week last week. I decided to make this adorable mini backpack that uses the Fancy Favor XL die for the Big Shot. This die is a MUST HAVE if you like to make mini boxes. It is SO easy to put together. I filled the mini backpacks with Hershey Kisses.

To make the backpack:

1. Use Big Shot to cut out one fancy favor box. I recommend using the Extended Premium Crease Pad for this! Do not fold or adhere box together, yet.
   
2. Cut a 3x3 piece of cardstock and rounded the edges of two corner. Score the straight edge at 3/4" and 1 1/4". This piece was adhered to the back of the box.
3. I attached my star punches to this piece before I adhered it to the box.
   
4. I used my Crop-a-dile to punch 2 holes through the lid and box-(I folded the lid at the crease so that I could punch through both layers.)
5. Punch 2 holes near the bottom corners.
6. Cut a 16 1/2" piece of ribbon.
   
7. Thread the ribbon through the top 2 holes on the lid. Be sure the ribbon is even on both sides and leave a little handle at the top for the backpack loop. Tie knots so the loop stays put.
8. Thread the ribbon through to the back of the box.
9. Thread the ribbon through the bottom holes.
10. Tie knots and trim.
11. Use Sticky Strip to adhere box.
12. Add Velcro dot underside of lid to close box.

Now, I just realized that you can see the ribbon that comes out of the back to look like the backpack straps! I'll take a picture of the back soon so you can see it.

Pony Party

How fun is this stamp? It is part of the Pony Party stamp set found on page 86 in the catalog. It is a 2-step set that includes a unicorn horn, party hat, and wing images. I love line images like this because Kyle enjoys coloring them in for cards he gives out. This card was made for his friend Olivia for her 6th birthday. Kyle was clearly in a hurry when he colored this card, though!

I like to make a stack of 5 or so simple cards like this and pair them with a pack of crayons as an easy gift. Kids love them!

Simple Paper Flowers

This is a page I did for a club swap a couple months ago. I used the fun paper pad that was available in the Occasions Mini. I sure hope SU! comes out with additional packs like this one. Anyway, I used my Inspired by Nature stamp set for the grass along the bottom. My paper flowers were made from various circle punches. After I punched each circle, I crumbled it up to give it some texture. The leaves were made with the circle punches, too.

It is neat the difference color makes. This next picture is the same layout, but with different designer paper. I had run out of Old Olive and Chocolate Chip, so I used what I had left---Certainly Celery and Close to Cocoa.

New Images for My Digital Studio

Stampin' Up! has come out with some new My Digital Studio images:

Item Number	Name	Price
121061	Vintage Overlay Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download	$5.95
121062	Vintage Vogue Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download	$3.95
121064	Well Scripted Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download	$3.95
121066	Rough Type Stamp Brush Set – Digital Download	$9.95
122131	Extra Large Two-Step Bird punch – Digital Download	$0.95
122132	Extra Large Fancy Flower punch – Digital Download	$0.95
122133	Medium Jewelry Tag punch – Digital Download	$0.95
122134	Pinking Hearts Border punch – Digital Download	$0.95
122135	Pinking Hearts Corner punch – Digital Download	$0.95
122136	Scallop Trim Border punch – Digital Download	$0.95
122137	Scallop Trim Corner punch – Digital Download	$0.95

Shimmer Paint is 2 Cool!

This was my club layout for April. It is so much sparkly in real life! I used my Big Shot to cut my letters out of our Sticky Pages and added our fine glitter to it. I them made a glitter spray using alcohol and the Shimmer Paint that was available in the Holiday Mini.

Tip for using Sticky Pages: The Sticky Pages are just like using out Sticky Strip. When you cut peel both sides off the sticky part, it becomes very flimsy. I had a hard time getting my letters where I wanted them. So, for my club girls, I decided to back the letters in cardstock. Cut your sticky sheet to the size you want and peel off the white backing. Adhere the sticky part to cardstock of your choice and cut to size. Then run through your Big Shot. Peel off the red liner and add glitter. Then use your Snail to adhere the letters to your project.

The Shimmer Paint is still available to order. It comes in Champagne Mist (#116806), Frost White (#116854), and Platinum (#116807). I used the Champagne Mist. I bought a little spray bottle from the travel section of a drug store and filled it a little more than half way with rubbing alcohol. Then I poured some of the shimmer paint into it and shook it up. Maybe a teaspoon or two. Experiment with the amount of paint to get the look you want. The shimmer spray really pops on the dark black background.

Mini Items Still Available

Stampin' Up! is still offering some items from the Occasions mini. Here's a list so you can see what is available to order:

Item #	Description	Price
116519	Charming STMP	$19.95
117690	Vintage Vogue WM	$23.95
118598	Vintage Vogue CM	$17.95
118882	Vague vintage WM	$23.95
119109	Vague vintage CM	$17.95
118091	Tiny Tags WM	$22.95
118592	Tiny Tags CM	$16.95
117535	DE F IS FOR FOX CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117536	DE G IS FOR GIRAFFE CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117529	DE IS FOR BLACK	$4.95
117541	DE L IS FOR LION CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117542	DE M IS FOR MONKEY CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117544	DE O IS FOR OWL CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117528	DE SCALLOP FRAME BLACK	$6.95
117549	DE T IS FOR TURTLE CHOCOLATE	$4.95
117552	DE W IS FOR WHALE CHOCOLATE	$4.95
118139	DS FOLK FLOWERS -SHELLI SIGNATURE COLLECTION	$12.95
117597	DS PAISLEY PATTERNS 2-STEP	$14.95
118072	PNCH CRNR PINKING HEARTS	$9.95
118870	PNCH CRNR SCALLOP TRIM	$9.95
117191	PNCH LG 2 STEP BIRD	$15.95
118073	PNCH LG FANCY FLOWER	$15.95
117649	PNCH MD BRDR PINKING HEARTS	$15.95
117190	PNCH MD JEWELRY TAG	$10.95
117193	PNCH SM SMALL HEART	$5.95
117310	SZX BIGZ L MINI MILK CARTON	$32.95
118138	SZX EMBSLTS BEAUTIFUL WINGS	$11.95
117332	SZX EMBSLTS SCALLOPED HEART OF HEARTS	$11.95
117335	SZX TI PERFECT POLKA DOTS	$7.95
116772	RECIPES BY DESIGN	$24.95
120435	HEART TREAT CUPS	$2.95

And, these products from the Holiday Mini are also available! I've been using the Shimmer Paint a lot lately to make a super fun shimmer spray.

Item #	Description	Price
116806	SHIMMER PAINT CHAMPAGNE MIST	$5.95
116854	SHIMMER PAINT FROST WHITE	$5.95
116807	SHIMMER PAINT PLATINUM	$5.95
116519	CHARMING STAMP SET	$19.95
116829	DA DÉCOR BLOCKS	$9.95
116824	TEXTURED IMPRESSIONS PETALS-A-PLENTY	$7.95
116819	BIGZ XL TABLE SETTING	$42.95
116820	EMBOSSLIT MERRY	$11.95
116823	SIZZLIT MERRY DETAILS	$5.50
116822	BIGZ XL POPUP O CHRISTMAS TREE	$42.95
118140	SIZZLIT TREE DECORATIONS	$5.50
116794	ORNAMENT PUNCH	$15.95

March Club Layout

This one was of my recent club layouts. It uses the Things I Love stamp set that I earned for free during Sale-a-Bration as well as the new edge punch. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the punch right now, but if you missed out on earning it for free, it will be available in the new July catalog!

Using the matching corner punch along with the edge punch is a bit tricky, but I have found some tips from other demonstrators that might help you. First off, the paper you use has to be a specific size. Gretchen Barron figured out these measurements:

• 4 3/4" makes a square that has 10 scallops along each side
• 4 1/4" makes a square that has 9 scallops on each side
• 3 13/16" (just a hair bigger than 3 3/4") makes a square that has 8 scallops along each side. This is the size that fits perfectly into the guide that is printed on the Scallop Trim Border Punch and therefore makes this a great size to practice on. Once you get this size down, it will be easier to branch-off and make your squares smaller or larger.
• 3 1/4" makes a square than has 7 scallops along each side.
• 2 7/8" makes a square that has 6 scallops on each side
• 2 3/8" makes a square that has 5 scallops on each side
• And then, the original smallest square that I described above begins with a square that is 1 15/16" and uses only the corner punch.

You should punch all 4 corners first. Then use the punch upside down to line up the scallops. It can be a bit tricky, but I think the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

This is a little gift I made for Kyle's Faith Formation teacher. I used the new Awash with Flowers stamp set that will be available in the new catalog that comes out in July. It has been a while since SU! came out with such a fantastic 2-step stamp set. I just love this one! It is actually quite a large set with a total of 18 stamps. My club girls will be using it this month on their layout. I will post a picture of that soon.

Change is Coming!

I've been meaning to post this information for a while now, but as you can tell I have been a big slacker in the blogging department.

I wanted to give you a heads up about a new change coming to Stampin' Up with the new catalog that begins in July. Stampin' Up! has decided to totally revamp our color line. This means that quite a few colors will be retiring.

What does this mean to you? Well, nothing unless you want to stock up on some colors that you really like. You are still able to use all of the colors on your swaps even after they retire. I just wanted to give you a heads up so you could have 3 months worth of club to spread out any retiring color purchases you want.

But, on the plus side, you will LOVE the new color lines, especially the brand new colors that will part of our Core Color line. They are gorgeous! We will go to 4 Color Collections that have 10 colors each and these will be known as the Core Colors. Here is a list of the new colors that will be part of the new Core Colors: Daffodil Delight, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Cajun Craze, Cherry Cobbler, Marina Mist.

PLUS, they have brought back some old retired In Colors and keeping some of the current ones: Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, River Rock, Soft Suede, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette (hooray!), Baja Breeze, and Wild Wasabi (double hooray!)

We will still have new In Colors in July--there will be 5 of them and they will last for 2 years! So, yes, I have plenty of favorites that will be retiring, but I think the new colors lines look much more fresh and updated. I'm sure you'll be pleased with the offerings.

Ink will be available in all 40 core colors. However, based on sales history, Craft Stampin’ Pads will only be available in Basic Black, Very Vanilla, and Whisper White. Craft Stampin’ Spots (available in collections) and Craft Stampin’ Ink refills (available individually) will still be available in all of the core colors to use for embossing, coloring chipboard, and scrapbooking. Also, a blank Craft pad will be available in an upcoming mini catalog, so those who regularly use Craft pads can create their own by purchasing the blank pads and Craft ink refills.

Here are the retiring colors:
Okay, take a deep breath! It will all be okay. I know some of you have been working for years on getting the whole collection. Just keep in mind that with fewer colors, there will be more room for additional stamp sets and fantastic accessories!


And, here are the new Color Collections
Remember, you have until June 30 to order any of the retiring colors. I will keep you updated on the status of product--meaning, I'm not sure if SU will have enough inventory to fulfill everyone's retiring color orders or if it will be a "get them while they're available" thing. I suggest not waiting until the last minute to place your order!

I'm back!!!

Hi Everyone! Wow, it has been a looooooong time since I've posted last. I'm sorry! I had every intention of getting back on track for Sale-a-Bration, but just couldn't quite do it. You know how it is when you get out of the habit of doing something?!

But, I wanted to let you know that I am working on a few classes for April. I plan on doing a Simply Scrappin' Class that I ended up not doing from a while back and a class for the fun Build-a-Bear projects I made last month. So, don't give up on me quite yet!

While I'm here, I would like to remind you all that Sale-a-Bration ends on the 31st of this month. Only 8 more days to earn FREE STAMP SETS! Click here for my post about Sale-a-Bration.

I also would like to welcome my new downline, Sheila to my team.

WELCOME, SHEILA!

Sheila took advantage of the special on the starter kit (Regularly $199, until March 31---only $169) PLUS earned a FREE ANY SET for signing up during Sale-a-Bration. That's a great deal!

Did you know that the starter kit contains over $300 in product?
Did you know that you could earn at least 20% off your own purchases from SU?
Did you know that the sales requirement is only $300 every 3 months? Most of you spend that anyway!

If you have any interest in becoming a demonstrator, you can give me a call or send an email and I will happily answer any questions you have!

Impressed with my Big Shot?!

This is a swap I made for a group of Demonstrators I swap with. It is a simple card using the Vintage Labels stamp set found in the Sale-a-Bration catalog. Yes, you can earn it for free when you make a purchase of $50 or more.

I used the Big Shot embossing folder called Elegant Bouquet. I love these embossing folders because they give such a sharp impression. Don't you love the wide striped ribbon? You can get it in 4 different colors---Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Basic Black. This will be another card we make for the SAB Stamp-a-Stack in March. More details will be coming soon!

Melon or Bermuda?

So, I was working on putting together a Stamp-a-Stack for February, but now have to move it to March. This is one of the cards we'll be doing using the Sale-a-Bration set Happy Moments.You can earn this set for FREE when you make a purchase of $50 or more.

The card is a bit bright, but after all these dreary, snowy days I think it's perfect. I had a hard time deciding on whether to use the Melon Mambo ribbon or the Bermuda Bay ribbon. What do you think?

The fun designer paper you see in the background is from the 6x6 Welcome Neighbor paper pad that you can also earn for FREE in the Sale-a-Bration catalog. You can read more about Sale-a-Bration by reading this post.

Valentine Projects

Okay, ladies! I know I have been a total slacker about blogging. My downfall all started around Christmas when I became super lazy and started watching all kinds of Christmas movies. Then I started super couponing and have become completely addicted to it.

What is super couponing? Well, go to this blog and read all about it. I have been saving a TON of money using coupons and matching them up to sales. I have been getting all kinds of things free or nearly free by going to CVS and Walgreens and playing the "Drug Store Game." It really has been amazing.

Anyway, I am working on getting my stamping act together and sharing some projects that I did for Christmas and had planned on showing you as well as newer projects and classes I've been working on.

So, for today, I'll share the Valentine gift I made for Kyle's teacher. Isn't it adorable? I bought these pails at the $1 section at a local craft store. I used my Big Shot and raw Decor Vinyl to decorate it. I am so happy with how this came out.


Kyle and I also made his little valentines to pass out to his class. We bought heart shaped suckers from the Dollar Tree. He used the retired set, Wild About You to decorate the front. Mini Glue dots were used to hold the sucker on the cardstock. Tip: Kyle insisted his valentines have the bow tied around them like the example I showed him. Well, tying 24 ribbons around the little sucker stick was not going to be easy, so I decided to cut a short piece of ribbon and tie it into a know. Then I used a mini glue dot to adhere it to the stick. So much easier!

So, there---2 projects for you! Stay tuned for more posts this week! Happy snow day!

Free Photos

With many of you getting ready for my Super Stampin' Weekend, I know you are going to need to print out some pictures.

I wanted to share a good deal for getting some free prints. Today is the last day to use the PRINTSNEW code to get 100 free prints at www.snapfish.com. You have to make a purchase, but that could be one 9 cent photo. You will pay for shipping. I got 141 prints for $8.40. You can see my order below. I was a new customer, so I got 50 free, then used the 100 free code. I saw an ad that said you got a $10 credit as a new customer, but I didn't get that when I signed up Kent. He only got 20 free prints. Just see what happens.

Quantity	Item	Total
1	4x6 print(s)	$0.09
140	4x5.3 trueDigital print(s)	$12.60
141	matte finish	$0.00
50	Free 4x6 print(s)	-$4.50
cost of prints:		$8.19
PRINTSNEW:		-$8.19
Subtotal:		$0.00
Shipping & Handling:standard:		$7.85
OH Tax:		$0.55
Prints Order Total:		$8.40

Just wanted to share! Get your free pictures!

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set you sell will be donated to the American Red Cross' Haiti Relif and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name	Item #	Price
I {Heart} Hearts - clear-mount (block D recommended)	118571	$18.95
I {Heart} Hearts - wood-mount	117010	$26.95

I just ordered this set, so I plan on making some samples to show you once it arrives next week.

Snowman Box

This is the January project I made for Kyle's teacher. I have been sending her little gifts throughout the year with 3x3 note cards.

The box is made using the Fancy Favor XL die for the Big Shot. Isn't he adorable? The XL dies can be a bit pricey, but if you are looking for just one to invest in, I absolutely recommend the Fancy Favor die. I love it!

The little earmuffs were made using the Scallop Circle punch and some 5/8" Basic Black ribbon. I used the Paper Crimper to give the muffs some texture. I guess I could have used any of my texture plates for the Big Shot, too.
I kept the cards very simple and didn't even add a greeting this time. The snowflakes are from the Snow Swirled stamp set and were stamped in Not Quite Navy, Ballet Blue, and Bordering Blue.

Snowman Box Directions:

1. Cut one box from Confetti White cardstock using the Fancy Favor Die and Big Shot.
2. Use Sticky Strip to put box together.
3. Punch 5 black 3/4" circles. Cut the bottoms off 2 of them to make the eyes.
4. Add eye details using White Gel Pen.
5. Cut a 1 x 1 3/4" piece of Pumpkin Pie cardstock. Cut it at a diagonal to make two noses.
   
6. Crimp nose with Paper Crimper.
7. Adhere face pieces.
   
8. Punch 2 scallop circles in color of your choice (I used Summer Sun). Crimp both pieces.
9. Cut an 8" piece of black ribbon and adhere to sides of box.
10. Place scallop circles on top of ribbon.
    

Sale-a-Brate with Me!

January 5-March 31, 2010

It's the happiest time of the stampin' year---Sale-a-Bration!!! You, yes, YOU can earn free stamps! Here's how:

Customers: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $50 purchase (before tax and shipping).

Hostesses: Receive a free Sale-A-Bration product for every $300 in workshop sales*, in addition to our regular hostess benefits. *Note: Online orders do not qualify for this special but I'd be happy to place the order for you.

Recruits: Choose any retail stamp set (valued up to $47.95) from the current catalogs when signing up during the promotion. Plus, get 15 percent off your Starter Kit (Standard or Digital+)!

Starter Kit	Regular Price	Sale-A-Bration Price (15% off)
Standard Starter Kit	$199	$169
Digital+ Starter Kit	$185	$157

The Stampin' Memories Add-On can be added to these kits, but will not be discounted.

You can view the Sale-a-Bration catalog by clicking here!

Super Stampin' Weekend 2010

It's time to start planning for the Super Stampin' Weekend 2010! Here's the information:

Need a weekend away to catch up on your scrapbooking?! Join me for my 4th annual Super Stampin' Weekend at King's Domain Lodge in Lebanon, Ohio. Uninterrupted time to scrap, use of tools, stamps, etc., games, prizes, chocolate, and LOTS OF FUN! Don't miss out!

Dates: March 12 - 14

Time: 5:00 Friday until 2:00 Sunday

Cost: All Weekend $190 One Night--$160 Saturday Only $115

LAST DAY FOR REGISTRATION IS FEBRUARY 10!

Your weekend includes:
• bedding
• 6 meals (Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, & dinner, Sunday breakfast & lunch)
• door prizes
• two make and takes (Saturday mid-morning—this year we will be doing 2)
• $50 order included in the price!
• use of stamps, inks, punches, Big Shot, and other tools
• lots of fun!

Your Registration Fee includes a $50 order. If you choose to go over the $50, you will just pay the difference. Also, because the order will be placed during Sale-a-Bration, you will get to choose one of the fabulous SAB rewards for free! I will bring your order with me to the Lodge, or you can pick it up earlier from my house.

Click here to download the registration form!