Stampin' with Kristin

Downline Swaps

My group of demonstrators gather every month to stamp, chat, visit, and have fun!  We talk about the accomplishments during the past month.  We talk about upcoming promotions.  We share ideas - both business and stamping.  But, one of the highlights is swapping cards!  I surprised my downline this month by starting a Swap Contest.  They didn't really know about it (not sure if that's really fair or not).  But, everyone who swapped had their card entered - I'm thinking that I'll make that optional next month!  Everyone voted for their favorite.  This month's card was definitely a favorite (although the others were fantastic as well (and one was really tasty)!  This winning card was designed by Dawn Kifer! 

I met Dawn at work a few years ago.  She came to a couple of classes.  She hosted a workshop.  And, during last year's Sale-a-Bration, she signed up to be a demonstrator!  Happy Anniversary, Dawn!  I've enjoyed watching fall in love with stamping over the past few years.  And, I love seeing her get excited about sharing her love of stamping with her friends and customers! 

The prize for winning was a pack of Red Glimmer Paper out of the Occasions Mini Catalog.  I LOVE this paper.  Why?  Because the glitter does not come off!  There is no mess!  I can be a glitter girl without looking like I'm covered in stripper dust.  Yes, I just said that.  And, I've decided that each month, I'll share the winning swap with YOU!

Who You Callin' Cupcake? - Take Two!

Did you miss this class?  It certainly seems that several people did.  So, I'm offering it AGAIN in February!  The gals who took the class earlier this month LOVED it!  There are only 5 seats left this time around! 

This class is inspired by a couple of Stampin' Up! events - Convention 2010 and Founder's Circle 2010.  One of the SU staff demonstrated an adorable cupcake kit-in-a-box on stage.  I've been wanting to make one ever since!  Six months later, I did!  The cupcake was inspired by one of the pillow gifts we received at Founder's Circle.  The cards were inspired by the Make-and-Takes we created at Founder's Circle.  And now you can make them all AND receive stamp set and punch to make your own at home!  More photos of this awesome project are shown under the registration form....keep reading!

In this class you will receive the Build-a-Cupcake Punch and the Create-a-Cupcake Stamp Set (both are shown on page 22 of the new Occasions Mini Catalog) PLUS you will make a box full of projects using your new goodies. 

Registration will close on February 10th at 11pm ET.  I must receive your payment by that date since I will be ordering the supplies for this class on February 11th. 

Event management for Who You Callin' Cupcake? - Take Two! powered by Eventbrite

 

Bold Blossom Class

I'm working on getting samples for all of my classes posted over the next couple of days!  I heard LOTS of positive comments about this class's projects at my open house last weekend.  In this class you will make four cards (two of which are posted here).  You'll also receive the Bold Blossom Stamp Set as part of your registration fee!  You guys seem to LOVE it when I include the stamp set with the class, so I've added several to my calendar for the next few months.

The Bold Blossom Class is scheduled for the following dates/times:

• Saturday, February 12th - 10am
• Saturday, February 12th - 2pm
• Thursday, February 17th - 2pm
• Thursday, February 17th - 7pm

Materials Fee:  $26 (clear mount) or $30 (wood mount)

You can use the online registration form online (see below).  Or, you can e-mail me and send a check to secure your seat.  All payments and registrations must be received by Wednesday, February 2nd so I can have your supplies ready for you!

Already have the stamp set and want to attend?  No problem!  Let me know that you already own the set and I'll let you swap out the stamp set for any other product(s) of equal value!

Event management for Bold Blossom Card Class powered by Eventbrite

Vintage: Plane and Simple

I'm not sure where you are, but it's a winter wonderland here in Southern New Jersey!  I had a Valentine Card class this morning, but we postponed my afternoon Valentine Class.  So, I have a wonderful, free day to sit and stamp.  I'm excited because I just finished making 96 of these cards as my swaps for the Stampin' Up! Leadership conference next week in Nashville!  I'm relieved that they're all finished!  Two of my demonstrator friends are coming over tomorrow to work on theirs.  I can't wait to swap these cards and get a great variety of samples to share with you at my Open House later this month!

When I sat down to design this card, I wanted to do something a bit different.  Masculine cards are not the most common swap cards at any event!  And, I'm in love with the vintage look.  So, I grabbed one of the stamp sets that I immediately liked when I saw the new catalog - Plane and Simple.  This card was inspired by a card we made in my Very Valentine class.  But the Valentine version used DSP.  I made my own DSP with a variety of stamps from the Plane and Simple Stamp Set and Artistic Etchings.  I stamped in Basic Black, Soft Suede, and Crumb Cake on sheets of 12x12 Very Vanilla Card Stock.  After I had made my own DSP, I cut it into strips of 1.5" x 3.75".  I mounted those strips on Basic Black Card Stock and Crumb Cake Card Stock.

For the sentiment, I chose the "Journey" definition from Define Your Life.  I thought it was appropriate with the images of goggles, airplanes, and a compass.  I stamped the definition in Basic Black on Very Vanilla, punched it out with my Decorative Label punch, and sponged the edges with Crumb Cake with a sponge dauber.

I cut, crumped, and adhered strips of Basic Black DSP from the Neutrals DSP stack and strips of DSP from the First Edition DSP collection found in the new mini.  The First Edition DSP is an awesome deal!  You get 24 sheets of "words" for $11.95.  It's a bit thinner than our DSP or card stock - and I like that!!!  It's like using real pages from a book on your projects without having to destroy a book!

Mother's Day Stair Step

Jane was this month's Stamp Club hostess and she LOVES giving me a challenge!  She requested a Mother's Day Stair Step Card using this Occasions Mini stamp set!  You have just a couple more days to purchase it.  I also used the Sweet Pea DSP...also only available until the end of the month!  Place an online order today to get yours!  However, also tucked in this card is a sneak peek!  I used these teeny tiny buttons that you'll LOVE in the new Summer Mini Catalog!  They even have coordinating punches.  Every single person at my stamp club wanted to purchase them....so will you!

What Am I Doing Today?

• We're in St Lucia today!  NOTHING is on the agenda!

Don't forget about my cruise special....

When you do place an order online between NOW and May 2, 2010, I will give you a gift certificate for 10% of your order to use on a future order between May 3rd and May 31st.

So, for example, if you place a $100 order (before tax and shipping), you will earn a $10 gift certificate from me to use in May.  And, yes, you may use these gift certificates on any order...including orders placed at my Open House on May 15th!  There is NO LIMIT to the amount of gift certificates you can earn!

But, that's not all!!!  Everyone who places an online order will be placed in a drawing for a free hostess set of their choice!  The winner will be announced on May 3rd.

Here are a few things you may want to order:
- Stock up on any of your favorite retiring colors of ink, paper, and accessories.  Scroll down to see the previous post for the list of retiring colors.
- April 30th is the last day to order items from the Occasions Mini Catalog!
- May 1st is the first day to order items from the Summer Mini Catalog!

Easter Daffodil Tri-Fold

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

I designed this card for a workshop last month.  It's a bit more complex than I would normally do.  But, they loved it!

I stamped the Daffodil image in Jet Black Stazon Ink.  I then used my Blender Pens and Classic Ink Pads to color and shade the Daffodil.  I believe I used a mixture of Old Olive, Always Artichoke, YoYo Yellow, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, and Really Rust to color the image.

Oh how I wish Stampin' Up! would introduce a Big Shot die that nests nicely inside of the Top Note.  I'm just lazy.  I hate cutting.  Granted, the Top Note Die does have perfect perforated lines so that you can trim and layer the Top Note....which is what I did here.

The card base is So Saffron Card Stock...note, you need a sheet of 5.5" x 12" card stock to make this card.  I layerd over my FAVORITE Sweet Pea DSP.  I'm in LOVE with this paper.  You must be too, because it's currently backordered....but you can still order it!

Glittery Thank You

Well, I might as well post another card from my "stepped up workshop" this week.  Are you jealous of the cool projects they made?  Feel free to contact me (kristinfuller@aol.com) if you'd like to book a "stepped up workshop" for you and your friends, too!

This card is tweaked from a card layout I've been using over and over and over again.  In fact, I used it last night at the Library Stamp-a-Stack.  This card became too busy to add all of the layers I usually add because of the DSP.  But, I love the way it turned out!

Here are the supplies we used to make this card:

• Sending Love Specialty DSP (OM)
• With All My Heart Stamp Set (OM)
• Soft Suede Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink
• Vintage Brads
• Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
• Large Oval Punch
• Scallop Oval Punch
• 1 1/4" Square Punch
• Scallop Square Punch
• 1/16" Circle Punch

Happy Birthday Sweet Pea!

Here's another card we made at the "stepped up workshop" last weekend.  They loved this card!  Guess what?  Just like yesterday's card, today's card uses Sweet Pea DSP!!!  Isn't it amazing how different the styles are in these two?  Okay, well, maybe they both include houndstooth paper.  But, the colors are different!

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• Sweet Pea DSP Stack (OM)
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Whisper White card Stock
• Chocolate Chip Satin Ribbon (OM)
• Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons (OM)
• Scallop Circle Punch
• 1 3/8" Circle Punch
• 1 1/4" Circle Punch
• Think Happy Thoughts Stamp Set
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink

Sweet Pea Bird

Have I mentioned just how much I love the new DSP stack in the Occasions Mini Catalog???  I will be very sad to see this go.  I was really hoping there would be another in the Summer Mini.  But, I'm sorry to say, there isn't.  Did you catch that?  I've seen the new Summer Mini...it was posted last week.  I can't wait to show you all of the cool new stuff!!!  Sometimes I think Stampin' Up! reads my mind when they create their promotions and catalogs.  Some of the stuff I have planned over the next few months fits in PERFECTLY with what's coming up.

ANYWAY, back to today's card.  I designed this for a workshop last week.  The hostess requested a "stepped up workshop".  She wanted to make cards that used a few more layers, more ribbon, and some glitter.  She also wanted to make more than the usual 2 cards.  No problem!  And, I'm happy to report, that my hostess said that these were her favorite cards ever.  However, one of the guests politely reminded her that she always says that!!!

Here are the supplies we used to make this card:

• Sweet Pea DSP Stack (OM)
• Taken with Teal Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Extra Large Two-Step Bird Punch (OM)
• Mat Pack
• Paper Piercer
• Silver Brads
• Whimsical Words Stamp Set (SAB)
• Taken with Teal Classic Ink

March Philly Inkers Swap

Ever since I put together the Go Green Stamp Set, I've been on a roll with St Patrick's Day Cards.  I don't even usually remember that holiday (I'm not Irish).  But, I loved one of the cards we made at my Hot For Hardware class last month, that I had to do a similar version as my March Swap.  I made 14 of these for our Philly Inkers meeting last night.  It was so fun to see everyone.  I feel like I haven't attended a meeting in months (maybe because I haven't).  It felt so good to reconnect with a lot of my stamping friends.

Here are the supplies I used to make this card:

• Go Green Stamp (OM)
• Old Olive Classic Ink
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Kraft Card Stock
• Old Olive DSP
• 1 3/4" Circle Punch
• Circle Scissors Plus
• Old Olive Satin Ribbon (OM)

Buttless Bunny

Thanks to Diana Gibbs' swap card, a lot of hostesses have been requesting a "buttless bunny" card for their workshops.  I tweaked Diana's original card so that it was a bit more affordable to do at a workshop by eliminating the layers of DSP.  I know that quite a few other people have made similar cards, but I remember Diana's as the original.  I was SO thrilled when she gave me a pitty swap of it at Leadership back in January.

Here are the supplies I used on my buttless bunny card:

• Chocolate Bunny Stamp (OM)
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• Scallop Circle Punch
• Shades of Spring DSP (OM)
• Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Certainly Celery Card Stock
• Close to Cocoa Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Word Window Punch
• Modern Label Punch

Wedding Scrapbook Page

I made this scrapbook page a couple of weeks ago for a workshop.  The guests made a page using different colors, but I'm completely stuck on Kraft and Not Quite Navy and I wanted to show them how you could use the same layout various ways.  Does this layout look familiar?  It should.  It looks a lot like the one on page 26 of the Occasions Mini catalog. 

Mike and I fell in love with the 5x7 photo featured on this page so much that it became the photo we included on all of our wedding thank you cards.  And, yes, if you're wondering, Mike and I sent them out last week....only 351 days after the wedding.  I had a year, right?

Here are the supplies I used to create this page:

• Vintage Vogue Stamp Set (OM)
• Like-O-Meter Stamp Set (OM)
• Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel (OM)
• Jumbo Handle
• Kraft Card Stock
• Night of Navy Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Soft Suede Card Stock
• Night of Navy Classic Ink
• Versamark Ink
• Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon (OM)
• Latte Designer Buttons
• Vintage Brads
• Big Shot
• 1" Circle Punch
• Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder (OM)

March Die Cut Diva Projects

OMG!!!  I'm SO excited about this month's Die Cut Diva projects!!!!  Since I'm trying to cover St Patrick's Day AND Easter this month, I had a hard time choosing only three to show.  And, one had to be a card.  The bunny card was inspired by a card I'd seen on a FABULOUS website called "Stampin' Connection" designed by Marlene Caravello.  What's Stampin' Connection?  I'd love to send you the link, but it's a website that only Stampin' Up! Demonstrators can access.  Demonstrators can post project ideas, video tutorials, and there's an online forum as well.  It's a great resource packed full of ideas.  Accessing Stampin' Connection is just one of the benefits I enjoy as a demonstrator.

The leprechaun box is my most recent box-of-the-month designed by BJ Peters.  He was super fun to make.

And, finally, the little bird house arrived in my mailbox today!  Each week I get a newsletter from the SAM department at Stampin' Up! with some ideas.  This birdhouse was inspired by Amanda Caughlin.  Recognize the birdhouse?  It's made using the brand new Milk Carton Die in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Do you want to make these projects for FREE???  You can become a Die Cut Diva too.  Anyone who purchases the Big Shot from me gets to attend a class each month where they get to make three cute projects!  Already own a Big Shot, you may also attend for $10.  Please contact me (kristinfuller@aol.com or 856-503-7459) for more information and to RSVP for my March class!

Sweet Pea!

A friend of mine at work recently asked me if I would hold a card class for her and some of her friends.  Of course I said yes!  They had fun figuring out what occasions they had coming up in the near future where they might need a card.  They requested a baby card and today's card is the one I designed.  You may recognize the layout.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this layout.  It's so flexible.  I've used it over and over and over again.  I know I've posted other cards that use this layout previously.  I got the original idea from a swap card from convention last year.

This card uses the following supplies:

• Fox & Friends Stamp Set
• Little Angel Stamp Set
• Tall Tales DSP
• So Saffron Striped Ribbon
• So Saffron Card Stock
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Old Olive Card Stock
• 1 1/4" Square Punch
• Square Scallop Punch
• Large Oval Punch
• Scallop Oval Punch
• Scallop Edge Punch
• Old Olive Classic Ink
• So Saffron Classic Ink
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink

Brenda's Wedding Card

One of my downline members (demonstrators who have signed up under me) got married on Valentine's Day.  How romantic?  It's starting to be a trend.  I had friends get married last Valentine's Day as well!!!  I had shared her shower card with you last month.

Do you know what hit me when I was making this card?  Stampin' Up! retired most of their Bride and Groom images!  A friend of mine pointed out that there is still one in the Voila to Go set, but it's not something I'd probably use a lot on a wedding card.  So, I pulled out my all-time favorite wedding stamp set...To Have and To Hold.  I used this stamp set on my wedding invitations.

I stamped the images in Regal Rose.  I added some Dazzling Diamonds to the bride's veil using my 2-Way Glue Pen.  It's funny...a few months ago (or more) I made a card where I did this and used the brayer technique from yesterday.  Brenda was searching for ideas on Splitcoast and ran across my card without even realizing I'd made it.  She used that as her inspiration for her invitations as well as my wedding invitation.  I loved all of the things that Brenda and her mom made for the wedding.  The escort cards, the stamped candles, the programs...it was all gorgeous...and Pink Pirouette and Riding Hood Red!  Great job!!!

Sorry...went off on a tangent there.  I stamped the "Congratulations" sentiment from Whimsical Words on the bottom.  I LOVE IT!!!  I layered it up with some Sending Love Specialty Paper, Rose Red Card Stock, and Very Vanilla Card Stock.  I punched out the corners of the top layer with my Ticket Corner Punch and added a few Very Vanilla Brads from the Hodgepodge Hardware collection.

With All My Heart Class Reminder

I just wanted to give you a quick reminder that today is the last day to sign up for this class!  The class is just about half-full so there's still plenty of room for you!

Here are the details:

This class will feature the "With All My Heart" stamp set seen on pages 12 and 13 of the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog.  Each participant will receive the With All My Heart stamp set in their choice of Clear Mount (a $13.95 value) or traditional Wood Mount format (a $17.95 value). 

During the class we will make five projects showcasing fun ways to use this cute stamp set!  Two of the projects you will make are pictured over there on the right.

Date:  Thursday, February 11th - 7pm

Location:  Kristin's Classroom in Elmer, NJ

Materials Fee: 
- Clear Mount Option $30:  Includes Clear Mount Stamp set.  BYOB (Bring Your Own Blocks - A, B, C, D, and G are recommended.)
- Wood Mount Option $35:  Includes Wood Mount Stamp set.

Registration Options:
- E-mail me (kristinfuller@aol.com) to register
- Call me (856-503-7459) to register
- Click HERE for online registration or to register and pay with a Credit Card via PayPal

Nancy's Vintage Valentine

Each month I have a group of ladies who get together to stamp.  I'm a little too nice sometimes and let them tell ME what to do.  Each month I'm a bit scared of what they might request.  Well, last night was Nancy's month to host stamp club.  She requested a "Vintage Valentine incorporating the Medallion Background stamp".  Well, at least the Medallion looks vintage!  BUT, after watching Shelli's Vintage demonstrations at Leadership and Regionals, I REALLY wanted to use the Very Vintage wheel.  I was struggling to think up a Valentine's sentiment that was vintage.  Then I remembered the Holiday Best hostess set!

Here's what I came up with.  What do you think?  First, I took some naturals ivory card stock and rolled my Very Vintage wheel this way and that all over using Soft Suede.  I simply inked up the wheel on my Soft Suede ink pad.  But, before I rolled it on my card stock, I rolled off a bit of the excess ink first.  I never reinked the wheel.  I just let portions get lighter and lighter.  I purposefully overlapped the designs.  (Shelli did that on a scrapbook page and it looked great.) 

Next, I had to incorporate the Medallion that Nancy requested.  Well, Shelli showed us how she layered lots of stamped images.  So, I inked up that darn Medallion in Rose Red, stamped off once, and then stamped in the corner.  LOVE IT.  Why did I choose these colors?  Well, at the time I was designing the card, I was packed for a workshop and didn't want to unpack my workshop bag!  I never would have paired these two up, but they WORK!  I'm glad I was too lazy to find another ink pad!

I stamped the Valentine Sentiment on more naturals ivory using my Rose Red ink again.  I punched it out with my Wide Oval Punch.  But, I hate that that punch doesn't have a punch that's a bit larger.  So, I whipped out my Big Shot and cut out my favorite label.  When I think about vintage, I think about distressed.  So, I crumpled my label.  LOVE IT!  I adhered it right in the middle of the medallion.

But, I wasn't done yet.  The card still need something.  Of course I was trying to work in some ribbon, but it just wasn't happening.  I punched out a couple of hearts using my Full Heart Punch, ran my Very Vintage wheel over them inking them up with any remaining Soft Suede residue that might be remaining and then crumpled away!  I also inked the edges just a bit so the popped when layered.

I then distressed all of the edges of the card stock, tore a little, sponged a little, layered a little, and voila...you have Nancy's Vintage Valentine card.  What do you think?

Stamp-a-Stack Reminder

There's still room in this week's stamp-a-stack classes!  I thought I'd post the samples so you could see the projects we'll be making.  In a stamp-a-stack, you'll get to make four of each of the three cards shown here.  I'll have lots of additional sentiments and greetings on the table so you can customize the cards to fit your card-giving needs!  I think I came up with a nice assortment of styles and colors this time around.  What do you think? 

The classes will be held at my house this Friday, January 22nd at 2pm and 7pm or this Sunday, January 24th at 2pm.  Click here for more information and to register!  Or, you can simply call or e-mail me - kristinfuller@aol.com!

Fabulous Open House

Oh my gosh!  If you weren't here yesterday, you missed out on some fun!  It was a fun day with lots of displays, new friends, and some stamping.  Thank you to every single one of you who stopped by.  I really enjoyed visiting with you - and in several cases, meeting some of you in person finally!

First, I know you're wondering if you won a door prize.  Well, if you didn't get a phone call from me last night, I'm sad to say that you didn't win.  If you're curious, the winners were:

First Place - $50 Gift Certificate - Carol D.

Second Place - Hostess Set of Her Choice - Suzie R.

Third Place - Sale-a-Bration Item of Her Choice - Mary D.

Congrats ladies!  I had to leave a voice message for Carol....she probably hadn't gotten home from the open house yet.  Since it was late, she decided to e-mail me her thanks.  I had to share with you the e-mail Carol sent me last night after she got my voice message.  It was so cute...and colorful! I just have to share parts of it.

"YIKES!!!  I'm NEVER the WINNER!!  WOW!!  What a GREAT way to start the New Year! :-)

SQUEEEAL!!!!!  SCREEEAM!!!  GASP!  FAINT dead away!

I've already spent my winnings in 5 different ways.  So to be fair - since it really is too late to call you anyway - I''ll just wait until my first class to go shopping again.  Maybe I will have played w/my new toys by then.

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much.  It was a fun visit, and it really is WONDERFUL to be the #! WINNER!!!"

Congrats Carol, Mary, and Suzie!  I wish I had taken pictures while everyone was here and stamping, but I was just too busy visiting with everyone.  So, instead, I'll share with you the two projects everyone got to make.  I was a bit rushed for time, so I turned to the swaps I received at Leadership last week for inspiration.  If you've been reading along on my blog recently, you'll notice that I get my inspiration and ideas from a lot of different places.  When you're a demonstrator you don't have to reinvent the wheel.  There are tons of ideas out there!  I'm not embarassed to say that I don't design every card from scratch.  The pink Friend card was inspired by a swap card I received from Chari Brooks from Lincoln, California.  The Love You Much card was inspired by a swap card I received from Terri Gaines. 

If you're jealous of all of the fun, my next Open House will be in May.  I don't have a date picked, yet.  But, you'll be the first to know as soon as I choose!

Occasions Mini Open House - This Saturday!

It's my favorite time of the Stampin' Up! year....Sale-a-Bration and a new Occasions Mini Catalog!  So, I'm holding another Open House.  You won't want to miss this one.  I'll have tons of samples of the new products including TONS of stuff I've brought back from our Leadership Conference last week.  The picture to the right shows just a portion of the swap cards I received at Leadership that will be on display.  You'll get a chance to play with some of our Clear Mount Stamp Sets, the new punches, and more!

Date:  Saturday, January 16th
Time:  1pm - 6pm
Location:  Kristin's House - 20 3rd Street, Elmer, NJ 08318
Phone:  856-503-7459
email:  kristinfuller@aol.com

I'll have lots of fun things for you to do and see:

• A couple of FREE Make & Takes using the new products using the new Clear Mount Stamps! (I'll have wood mount available too if you prefer)
• Lots of samples of projects made using the new products
• Get a chance to see demonstrations and play with My Digital Studio
• Sign-up sheets for my Winter Classes - including project samples
• Door prizes
• Tasty treats

Earn extra door prize entries for the following:

• Receive 1 door prize entry just for attending
• Recieve 2 extra entries if you book a workshop
• Receive 2 extra entries for each friend you bring who is not on my current mailing list
• Receive an extra entry for each $10 in products you order (before tax and shipping)
• Receive 15 extra entries if you sign up to become a demonstrator

There is no limit on the number of door prize entries you can earn!!!  I hope you can attend this super-fun event!

Mega Gift Card Holder!!!

There are about a dozen of us that work together at my client.  I've grown really close to the gang.  I will miss them when my project is over.  Every year they give our supervisor an assortment of gift cards.  Last year they hung them on a small tree.  This year they wanted to frame them.  I was SO excited!  I quickly volunteered to decorate each of the 4x6 spots.  I had just finished my Merry Moments Frame back in December.  Everyone who saw it LOVED it. Did you miss it?  Here's a link to view the post.  No worries, if you want to make your own, all of the supplies are still available for purchase.

Not everyone in our group celebrates Christmas, so I had to keep the gift card holder generic.  I think I used every snowflake and snowman on my shelves!  Here are all of the supplies I used to make the frame:

• Simple Snowflake Stamp
• Merriment Stamp
• Merry & Bright Stamp Set (retired)
• Warm Words Stamp Set
• Four The Holidays (2009 Holiday Mini)
• Two Cool Dudes Stamp Set
• Holiday Lineup Stamp Set
• Serene Snowflaks Stamp Set (2009 Holiday Mini)
• Christmas Punch Hostess Stamp Set
• Bashful Blue Classic Ink
• Night of Navy Classic Ink
• Silver Encore Ink
• Bashful Blue Card Stock
• Night of Navy Card Stock
• Shimmery White Card Stock
• Silver Card Stock
• Big Shot
• #2 Snowflake Die
• Snowflake #9 Sizzlit
• Big Shot
• Night of Navy Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon
• Bashful Blue Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon
• Whisper White Satin Ribbon
• Bashful Blue Satin Ribbon (OccMini)
• Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon
• Small Tag Punch
• Tag Punch
• 1 1/4" Circle Punch
• 1 3/8" Circle Punch
• Scallop Circle Punch
• Large Oval Punch
• Scallop Oval Punch
• Boho Blossoms Punch
• 1/16" Circle Punch
• Snowflake Punch
• Self-Adhesive Rhinestones - Eggcellent Eggs Kit (OccMini)
• Ice Circle Rhinestone Brads

January Die Cut Diva Projects

Each month a group of ladies who have all purchased the Big Shot from me get together and make three adorable projects.  This month was fun because of the new catalog!  I must confess that all three of these projects were inspired from someone else. 

First up, the snowman box.  We make an adorable box every month.  This box was designed by fellow demonstrator, BJ Peters.

Next was an adorable card inspired by my sideline, Ilina Crouse.  She is SO very talented.  She made several cute cards where she punched out hearts and put paper or ribbon behind them.  I loved the idea and had to incorporate it.  The Sending Love Specialty DSP is peeking through the hearts on my card.  I also used the brand new Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder for the background.  It's a great addition to our Impressions Folder collection!

Finally, my Die Cut Divas made a card inspired by a MJ Albright card.  She used different colors and the Impressions Folder used above.  But, I cased the idea, layout, and the butterfly idea.  These butterflies were made using the brand new Beautiful Wings Embosslit.  This is a MUST HAVE Embosslit for anyone with a Die-Cutting machine...Big Shot or not!  She layered them with a half pearl on top.  I used the teeny tiny Epoxy brads in the Occasions Mini.  The paper is actually the DSP pack from the SAB catalog!  I love how this one turned out!  And what colors did I use?  Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink, and Chocolate Chip.  I LOVE Melon Mambo and Pretty in Pink together!!!

 

More Sweet Pea!

I'm loving the new Sweet Pea DSP Stack in the Occasions Mini Catalog!  One of the patterns made the perfect background for this adorable card.  Do you recognize some of our favorite stamp sets in the background?  I see a little Fifth Avenue Floral, Bloomin' Beautiful, and that other flower is from something I can't put my finger on.  I cut the label out of the Lots of Tags Label 2 Sizzlit in the pink polka dot - it's the reverse side of the brown.  SO EASY!  I then just stamped a sentiment from Well Scripted in Chocolate Chip, added some whisper white taffeta ribbon, and I was done!  SUPER EASY!

Here are all of the supplies I used:

• Well Scripted Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Sweet Pea DSP Stack (OccMini)
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon
• Lots of Tags Label 2 Sizzlit
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink

Don't forget to check in on me at our Leadership Conference!  I've created a whole section of my blog dedicated to the conference.  Click here to read more.

I'm attending a Stampin' Up! Regional Conference today....you can check out my Leadership/Regional section to see what I've been up to:

Daily Agenda	This Year's Swap:	Wednesday: Day 1 Highlights
Thursday: Day 2 Highlights	Friday: Day 3 Highlights	Saturday (Regional): Day 4 Highlights

Sweet Pea Sympathy

I had to make a sympathy card this week.  Those are the least fun to make.  I turned to my new, favorite designer paper and found a completely different print/color combo yet!  I know you'll just love the Sweet Pea DSP Stack!!! 

This card came together in no time!  I cut out a couple of butterflies and a tag using the Big Shot, stamped a sentiment from the best sympathy card set we offer - Thoughts & Prayers, and assembled!  The hard part was writing the inside!

Here are all of the supplies I used to make this card:

• Thoughts & Prayers Stamp Set
• Sweet Pea DSP Stack (OccMini)
• Lots of Tags Label 2 Sizzlit
• Beautiful Butterlifes Bigz Die
• Linen Thread
• So Saffron Card Stock
• Whisper White card Stock
• Pretty-in-Pink Card Stock
• Wide Oval Punch

I'm at Leadership Today....you can check out my Leadership section to see what I've been up to:

Daily Agenda	This Year's Swap:	Wednesday: Day 1 Highlights
Thursday: Day 2 Highlights	Friday: Day 3 Highlights	Saturday (Regional): Day 4 Highlights

Well Scripted Class Sneak Peek

I thought I'd share one of the cards you can make if you attend my Well Scripted Class....in March.  Yes, I've designed projects that far ahead!!!  I'm SO proud of myself.  Now, if I can remember where I put them, I'll be in great shape!

In the Well Scripted class, you will get to make six different cards using each of the six different sentiments in this FABULOUS stamp set!  As part of your materials fee, you'll also get to take home your own Well Scripted Stamp Set - there are two different prices depending upon which mount you'd prefer:  clear or wood.

I think this will be one of the most popular stamp sets in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Of course, you can also purchase the stamp set without attending the class.  I'm only offering one session of this class.  Click here for more details and to register!

Here are the supplies used on this card:

• Well Scripted Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Vintage Vogue Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Sweet Pea DSP Stack (OccMini)
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Soft Suede Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink
• Soft Suede Classic Ink
• Soft Suede Polka Dot Ribbon
• Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons (OccMini)
• Scallop Trim Border Punch (SAB)

I'm at Leadership Today....you can check out my Leadership section to see what I've been up to:

Daily Agenda	This Year's Swap:	Wednesday: Day 1 Highlights
Thursday: Day 2 Highlights	Friday: Day 3 Highlights	Saturday (Regional): Day 4 Highlights

Tomorrow is the Big Day!!!

One more day to wait until the new products are available for purchase!!!  You may have noticed that I posted the catalogs on New Year's Eve!  Scroll down if you missed them.

Today I'm sharing a few more of those new products.  If you haven't heard, Stampin' Up! has redesigned their new punches - starting with the punches in the new catalogs.  There are lots of benefits to the new style.  The punched images can be larger, they provide more leverage making it easier to punch, and they're more compact!  The bird on today's card, the branch, leaves, and wing are all one, big punch that you can purchase starting tomorrow!!!

Next, Stampin' Up! is offering a "Designer Series Paper Stack".  You get 48, 12x12 sheets in total:  2 each of 24 double-sided designs.  The patterns are great!  There are some small patterns and some larger patterns that will be great for scrapbook backgrounds!  It's a fun assortment.  Oh, and it's only $24.95!  That's a huge savings over the regular DSP collections! 

Finally, remember the die-cut "kisses" I posted last week?  This card features a "hug".  It's a 4x2.25 scalloped, whisper white rectangle.  How cute is that???

Let's see....some other details about this card.  I used teeny tiny strips of Pumpkin Pie Card Stock as "thread" through my buttons.  I love this little trick.  I started out using Linen Thread but didn't like the look.  Also, I cut two branches/leaves out of Soft Suede and Old Olive.  I cut the leaves off of the Old Olive branch and glued them (using mini glue dots) overtop of the Soft Suede leaves.  I like the effect...it's more realistic and gives it a 3D effect.  BUT, I don't recommend making too many of these.  I don't have that kind of patience!

Here are all of the supplies I used on today's card:

• Well Scripted Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Extra-Large Two-Step Bird Punch (OccMini)
• Sweet Pea DSP Stack
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Taken with Teal Card Stock
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Pumpkin Pie Card Stock
• Soft Suede Card Stock
• Taken with Teal Classic Ink
• Playground Buttons

Tiny Tag Simplicity

Like many of you, I often turn to Splitcoast for inspiration.  Today was no different.  I felt like I was stuck in a rut and needed a push in a different direction.  That's when I ran across Jacqueline Nimrichter's card.  Mine is just about an exact duplicate of hers.  But, I did punch tiny holes in each of the tags with my 1/16" circle punch.  I thought they needed it.  I also swapped up some of the designs on the tags.  On the Bermuda Bay tag I stamped a flower from the With All My Heart stamp set.  I thought it coordinated with the flower on the sentiment.

Here are the supplies I used on my version (for a simple card it sure used a lot of supplies):

• Tiny Tags Stamp Set (OccMini)
• With All My Heart Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Melon Mambo Card Stock
• Crushed Curry Card Stock
• Bermuda Bay Card Stock
• Dusty Durango Card Stock
• Rich Razzleberry Card Stock
• Melon Mambo Marker
• Basic Black Marker
• Paper Piercing Template
• Melon Mambo Classic Ink
• Crushed Curry Classic Ink
• Bermuda Bay Classic Ink
• Dusty Durango Classic Ink
• Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink
• 1/16" Circle Punch
• Medium Jewelry Tag Punch (OccMini)

Introducing the New Occasions Mini and Sale-a-Bration Catalogs!

Yes!  You heard me right!  For the first time ever, Stampin' Up! is letting us share these two catalogs EARLY!  I guess there were some issues with getting them mailed to you on time, so they decided to post them TODAY!  However, you won't be able to purchase from these catalogs until Tuesday.  You can put together your wish lists now!

There is A LOT to look at!  Tons of new products, clear-mount stamps, new hostess sets...I just know you'll love it.  But, I wanted to get these up and online for you to browse immediately!!!  Stay tuned for more info.

Vintage Vogue Sneak Peek

Oh what fun I'm having this week...playing with all of the new products!!!  I cannot wait to get to Arizona next week and see what Stampin' Up! shares with us at our annual Leadership Conference!  You know me, I'll be blogging away while I'm there.  And, if I can find the charger for my camera, I'll be taking lots of photos, too!

Today's card features the Vintage Vogue Stamp Set.  It's growing on me.  A friend of mine, Claire, says she loves this set.  It's not exactly my style, but I do like it.

Here are the supplies I used on today's card:

• Vintage Vogue Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Bella Bleu DSP
• Not Quite Navy Card Stock
• Very Vanilla Card Stock
• Kraft Card Stock
• Not Quite Navy Classic Ink
• Sahara Sand Classic Ink
• Vintage Brads
• 1/16" Circle Punch
• 1/2" Circle Punch
• Elementary Ribbon Originals

Valentine's Love Notes

Do you see a theme here?  I'm all about Valentine's Day this week!  I pulled out all of my new stuff and just started stamping.  I wanted to use the new "Kisses" in the Occasions Mini catalog.  They're these really cute die-cut notes.  They're TEENY TINY...and inexpensive.  You get 20 for $3.95.  I was struggling to figure out which was was up!  So, I made one of each!  I also love the assortment of "a la carte" stamps in the Occasions Mini.  They're smaller background stamps which were designed with the "kissing technique" in mind, but I thought they were perfectly sized for a 3x3 Love Note as well - and perfectly priced under $10 each!!!

Here are the supplies I used on these two, adorable notes:

• Fine Flourish Stamp (OccMini)
• Dot, Dot, Dot Stamp (OccMini)
• I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Well Scripted Stamp Set (OccMini)
• With All My Heart Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Kisses Love Notes (OccMini)
• Real Red Satin Ribbon (OccMini)
• Real Red Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Real Red Classic Ink
• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink

December Philly Inkers Swap

I made this card several weeks ago, but never posted it.  This is the card I designed for our monthly Philly Inker's Downline Meeting Swap.  I wanted to incorporate as much new product as possible.  And, except for the cardstock, I think I succeeded! 

I'm totally in love with the new Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die.  All five of the little butterfly embellishments were cut from one tiny embosslit!  My husband loved the largest one - something about the position of the swirl.  I ask for his opinion on just about every card I design.  On this one I was concerned about the color combo.  Who really would have paired Sahara Sand, Crushed Curry, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, and Rose Red together in one card?  I certainly wouldn't have!  But, those were the colors in the stripes on the DSP!  Strangely enough, it works!

Here are the supplies I used on this card:

• Well Scripted Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Sahara Sand CS
• Crushed Curry CS
• Regal Rose CS
• Pretty in Pink CS
• Welcome Neighbor DSP (SAB)
• Rose Red Narrow Grosgrain Ribbon
• Rose Red Classic Ink
• Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die (OccMini)

On Board Plaques

I ordered a bunch of the new On Board Books from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Since I was in a Valentine's Mood, I used the heart first.  I had intended to make a banner and cut letters with my Sizzix Dies, but they seemed too small.  So, I made a plaque instead.  I simply covered a heart in Sending Love Specialty DSP.  It's hard to tell in the picture, but it's glittery paper!!!  LOVE IT!!!  You get 12 sheets in each pack.  One side of each sheet is glittery.  I can tell this will be a hit!!!  I adhered the DSP to the chipboard using my Anywhere Glue Stick.

Next, I cut letters using my Big Shot out of Real Red Card Stock.  I used Snail to put them on.  I then gathered up some 1 inch strips of DSP and adhered them to the back of the chipboard for a ruffly look.  It reminded me of boxes of chocolate that you receive on Valentine's Day.

Finally, the On Board Books come with a pre-punched hole on one corner.  But I needed two.  So I used a second heart as a template to make sure my second hole was perfectly placed.  I then used my Crop-a-Dile to punch through the DSP and Chipboard.  I used Pewter Eyelets and some Real Red Satin Ribbon to create the hanger.  What do you think?

Here's another close-up of the ruffled edge.

Leadership 2010 Swap

Hello friends!  Did you have a great holiday?  I'm enjoying a much-needed rest!!!  Mike and I had our annual holiday open house the weekend before Christmas...and it never fails, I got sick!  I think I completely wear myself out from all of the stress that my body gives up.  I was hoping to spend all of that weekend stamping, but instead I napped, read, and watched my husband dig us out of 2 feet of snow!!!  I had high expectations of all of the stamping I'd get done between 12/15 and 1/13 (the month I'm taking off from stamping events).  But, it wasn't until yesterday that I sat down and stamped!!!  I made my swaps for our Leadership Conference in Arizona next week!  I made 48 of these.  I may make another batch, but I make far fewer for Leadership.  I used as many new products as possible.  I purchased all of the stamp sets in both wood mount and clear mount versions.  That way I'd have double for my events.  I chose to use the clear mount stamps to make these.  The stamping went SO fast!!!  I love my Stamp-a-ma-Jig, but being able to easily see where the words and images were going saved so much time!

Here are the supplies I used:

• I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set (OccMini)
• Whimsical Words (SAB)
• Chocolate Chip Classic Ink
• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink
• Chocolate Chip Card Stock
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Old Olive Card Stock
• Whisper White Card Stock
• Card Stock Vellum
• Tea Party DSP
• Small Heart Punch (OccMini)
• Pinking Hearts Punch (OccMini)
• Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon (Occ Mini)

Occasions Mini Sneak Peek - With All My Heart

Today's card was the project I created for last week's downline meeting.  I wanted to use as much new product as I could on this card.  First, we HAD to use the new clear-mount stamps.  Second, I'm in love with our new, epoxy brads.  So, I had to use those.  Next, the specialty paper in the new mini is fabulous!  It's glittery on one side of each of the twelve.  Finally, wow wow wow...I LOVE all of the new satin ribbon.  It now comes in 10 colors (if you include the white we have been selling).  It's a nicer option than the wide grosgrain. 

So, if you couldn't keep up, here are the supplies I used:

• With All My Heart Clear Mount Stamp Set (Occasions Mini)
• Clear Block Bundle (Occasions Mini)
• Sending Love Specialty DSP (Occasions Mini)
• Sending Love Epoxy Brads in Pretty in Pink (Occasions Mini)
• Real Red Satin Ribbon (Occasions Mini)
• Pretty in Pink Card Stock
• Real Red Classic Ink
• Pretty in Pink Classic Ink
• 1 3/4" Circle Punch
• 1 1/4" Circle Punch
• 3/4" Circle Punch
• 1/16" Cirle Punch