CONVENTION WOWS!!!

We had such a great time at the Regional Convention Saturday in Providence! 

There were tons of amazing presenters with some great ideas!!!!

As always at a SU event, there are boards with tons of swaps from previous events!  Check out some of these amazing creations!!!!! 

And I have tons more pics!!!!

Some great punch art this time!!! 

I'm sure you recognize the stamp sets! You may even have one of them! Feel free to CASE any of the cards you see! They were up for viewing with no names! However, you may want to note that the original was designed by a fabulous Stampin' Up! demonstrator!!!!

Happy Stampin'!

REGIONAL SWAP

Well, now that Regionals is behind us :( and the fun is but a memory, I can post the swap I did! Our theme was "Fall & Bling"!!!! Focus on Holiday Mini.

Here's what I came up with!

I ordered this single stamp Tweet Leaves because I loved the sample in the catalog! I wanted to try my own version of it!!! It's a very cool looking card!!! I used markers (Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Old Olive, Early Espresso, Not Quite Navy) to color on the stamp. Then "huffed" a bit, & stamped on the Very Vanilla! Not tough at all, but doing 20 of them became a bit time consuming! lol!!!

I cut the image and the matte out with the new Window Frames Framelits! I love the way they look on a card! Makes a nice presentation!

The background is the Woodgrain Testured Impressions Embossing Folder! I used the new Coordinations paper in Early Espresso with it. Them used the new Stampin' Sanding System to bring out the "core" color in the cardstock.  It looks so cool up close!!! The texture is amazing!

For the bling, I used some Dazzling Details on the leaves, and the Rhinestone Jewels for the little birds eye! But the big bling is the champagne Glimmer Paper used for the sentiment!!!!

It is SOOOOOO sparkly!!! I highly recommend this glimmer paper!!!! It's sooo much prettier in person than you can imagine!!! So pretty!!! The "For You" sentiment comes from the Mixed Medley hostess set.  I used Dimensionals to "puff" it up a bit for added dimension & interest! 

The ribbon is Old Olive 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon.  Very forgiving ribbon!!! Easy to use & very versatile!!!!

So the other gals in "Donna's Daubers" seemed to enjoy it ok!  I'll be posting some of their amazing creations this week!!! You'll get so many great ideas on using all the beautiful stamp sets & tools in the Holiday Mini to create super neat fall creations!!!

While cards is the way we go for swaps, why not try some of these amazing layouts on scrapbook pages! You can either enlarge the design to fit the paper, or use the card as an embellishment on your page!!! Either way, it's a great idea!!!!

And of course, just a reminder that all the products you see above can be purchased from either the Stampin' Up! Annual Catalog or the Holiday Mini Catalog!!! Click the Shop Now button on the right side of the blog to order now!!!

Happy Stampin'!!!

NEW HOLIDAY MINI SWAP

So there's a group of demonstrators that gets a swap together every now & then when something new comes out or when holidays are among us! I've participated several times! It's only a 10+1 swap (meaning I make 11 cards total!), so it's not too daunting!

This one was to use items from the Holiday Mini so the demonstrators can demo different stamp sets they may/may not have. Or techniques they may/may not know or show often.

I chose winter holidays!  Here's my swap:

I think I went a little crazy with new items though! lol I love this card, but would never demo it-especially with newbies!!! It has so many materials & so many steps! But it's great for ideas on what to do with different items from the new (and regular!) catalog!

I used 2 stamp sets here-Greetings of the Season (obvious) and Mixed Medley (not so obvious!).  Both are from the Holiday Mini. Mixed Medley is actually one of the hostess sets.  For the sentiment I heat embossed it using a combination of Pewter Emboss Powder & Irredescant Ice Emboss Powder.  

The center is cut with the Labels Collection Framelits & embossed with the Northern Flurry folder-both from the Big Book!  

Now for the brand new stuff!!! I used the new Illuminate Glimmer Watermark Stampin' Pad to "wipe" over the embossed snowflakes to give them a "glimmer" per se! Hard to tell, but it actually does glimmer here!! This is where the Mixed Medley comes in! I used the Illuminate to stamp snowflakes all over the Natural White background. It doesn't show here, but it does in person. Adds a nice dimension to the "white" background!

Then I had so much fun with my new Snow Flurry Bigz Die!!! There are 3 images on it, but I only used the 2 smaller ones. The big one was overkill!  

I cut the larger of the 2 here out of the amazing Glimmer Paper (Silver!) I just love this stuff!!! Works nicely just like the cardstock, but packs quite the visual punch!!! Sooo pretty! It also comes in red & champagne.  I wish there were 20 sheets in the pack!!!

The base cardstock is Pacific Point. I thought that was rather "wintery".  This one seems to cover most winter holidays!!!!!

And of course to finish it all off, I used the new Piercing Pack & templates around the sentiment & the die-cut shape.  It's almost impossible to see on the blue, but it's there. Now, you're probably wondering how I "sewed" all the stitching around the sentiment?!?! 

Well, the answer is-I DIDN'T!!! lol I took my Pacific Point marker, & used the fine tip to "connect the dots"!!! Looks pretty interesting, huh?

So I seriously hope that the gals in my swap enjoy this card! I think it gives a lot of examples from the Mini Catalog & lots of different ideas on how to use the tools!!!

For specifics on sizes, etc., feel free to contact me!!!

Happy Stampin'!

MOJO MONDAY 255

So it's been a busy stampin' week for me!!! I've been making swaps for the Regional Convention in Providence, RI, this weekend, plus an organized swap that I do! So that's 30 cards-2 different designs!!! Lots of work, but so much fun!!!!

So when I saw this weeks Mojo Monday, I had hoped to get to it, but wasn't sure I could!

 However, life happens! Here's the design:

Here's my take on it!

Unfortunately, I was in need of a sympathy card this week, so I figured I'd combine the Mojo sketch & that need!  I actually love how this card came out!

I kept it very monochromatic & simple to fit the sympathy theme. I just pulled some scraps out, & the Wisteria Wonder jumped out at me! The DSP comes from one of last year's packets with the doilies in it! Don't even remember the name! But it works perfectly here!

This stamp set, Love & Sympathy, is still available in the catalog (#122797, $11.95 for clear set). It's my total "go-to" set for sympathy cards! So pretty. The saying for the inside is also beautiful.  

The ribbon you might recognize is last year's Crochet Trim Chantilly. I miss that! I love the one we have now, but this is thinner & works for stuff like this!

I've been using the Natural White cardstock almost exclusively for the card bases lately! I just love the way it looks!!! It's a little more interesting & somewhat thicker & heavier than the Whisper White. It definitely doesn't give the same stamp impression though!

Anyway, RIP Sylvia's dad. I hope this little card lets you know that you are loved and in my prayers.

If you'd like more details, please feel free to ask!

 

Happy Stampin'!

And the Treasure Hunt Begins.............

And the Treasure Hunt Begins.............

It’s Treasure Hunt time stampers!

Late Night Stampers a group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators is holding a Treasure Hunt and you’ve been invited to play along! 

There will be 50 demonstrators participating in the Treasure Hunt, and every entry from all 50 demo websites will be combined for one GRAND PRIZE of $150 in Stampin' Up! Product!!  You heard that right - $150 in Stampin' Up! product of your choice!!

 So, let the Treasure Hunt Begin.............Here's how to play:

       1.      Go to the page (listed at the top of my blog) titled "LNS Web Ring" and click on it.

2.       Choose a name & click on it to visit their blog!!!

3.       Search the blog back to posts starting August 20^th to see if the blog you’re visiting is participating in the Treasure Hunt.  (Leave a comment if you can, that’s always nice). 

4.       You’ll know you’ve found a Treasure Hunt Player – when you see this picture followed by a clue:  

1.      Look for their clue (hint:  it will be a Stampin’ Up!®. product!)

2.       Make an electronic list of the blogs you’ve visited and their treasure hunt clues.

3.      Once you’ve collected 50 clues, email your list to me at jmets23@yahoo.com – remember I need a listing of 50 blogs and their clues.

4.      The first Treasure Hunter to email me a correct listing of blogs and clues will have their name submitted to Sherrill Graff for inclusion in the Grand Prize drawing on October 31^st.  The Winner will get $150.00 in Stampin’ Up!® products of their choice. 

5.      This contest runs from today August 20^th to Wednesday, October 31st 2012 to collect 50 clues.  Don’t miss out join in today! 

Here’s my clue - you'll want to write this down, and the name of my blog:

Animal Talk clear mount stamp set #126392  $18.95 

Pg. 35, 2012 Catalog

Remember to keep checking back! Not everyone had their clue posted on the 20th!!!!!

Happy Huntin'!!!

MOJO MONDAY 254

Ok, ok! So I know it's Thursday & I'm just posting Mojo Monday, but it's been a busy week! lol

So here's this week's sketch:

 Now here's my card for the challenge:

 I was in a "flowery" mood! I felt like using my Raining Flowers stamp set which I haven't used in awhile! I love to use stamps as a background paper. I think it's so pretty & a lot easier to coordinate!

So going sorta "old school", I pulled out the 2011-2013 DSP & made this card! I love these colors! Pool Party is one of my faves evah!!!! That Bermuda Bay can really pop too! Of course the base is Island Indigo!

So for texture I used the Vintage Wallpaper folder on the BB banner, the Adorning Accents folder & Adorning Accents Edgelit on the PP for the edge.  The 1" & Postage Stamp punches work so with with the Pretty Postage set for this kind of feature on a card! 

Can you see the Wisteria Wonder butterflies? They are cut from the Beautiful Wings Embosslit!

Throw in some Pool Party 3/8" Ruffled Ribbon & some leftover brads from SAB & I think it's a pretty card!

If you need any more details please just ask! I'll be happy to supply!!

More on my cards from my demo luncheon tomorrow!!!

Happy Stampin'!!!

EXPRESS YOURSELF!!!

Still on the fence with digital?? Well, Stampin' Up! has created this fun video to show you just how much fun you can have with digital software!!! It's not just for scrapbooking!!!!  Check it out!!!
  

PERFECTLY PRESERVED!

So here is Day 2 of my demonstrator group "Donna's Daubers" posts!!!  We recently had a demonstrator luncheon at my friend Donna's house! There was a fun shoebox swap, where we all designed a card & brought supplies to create them together! So much fun!!! 

Here's the card Barbara designed!!!

 

I've been back & forth with this stamp set-Perfectly Preserved!!! I like it alot! I especially like that is has the Cannery Set Framelits Dies to go with it!!! 

But I wasn't sure how I would use it! Now I do some canning, so it jumped out at me. But how to use on a card? Well, Barbara schooled me on this one!  

How pretty is this?? She combined patterns from Orchard Harvest DSP with embossing from the Lacy Brocade and Stripes embossing folders!  I love the textures here!!!! 

Throw in a cute Fashionable Hearts Embosslit, a new Window Frames Collection Framelit, a Scallop & Circle punch, & you have a beautiful card!!!!

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!

Happy Stampin'!

SPECIAL PARTY FAVOR!

I recently had the pleasure of a very fun demonstrator luncheon with my new friends, "Donna's Daubers"! It's a group of demonstrators from all over New England! I went down to Brockton for a "rolicking" good time!!!

So our amazing hostess, Donna, put out a very nice luncheon in her beautiful home. Then we all went down to her stamp cellar (amazing!) and participated in a fun shoebox swap! We all designed a card & put all the materials together so we could create together! So much fun! I'd like to share them this week! The work these demonstrators did is amazing!

First sharing is the adorable little party favor Donna designed for us! 

How cute is this?!!! She told us how she used the Paper Doily Sizzlits Die L & only ran it through the Big Shot halfway! Then she used her own template to cut it out! I'm anxious to try this technique!!!

Inside were some yummy goodies and this adorable little 3x3 card:

So simple and yet sooooo affective!!!! Donna does lovely work! I recognize the flower from Everything Eleanor & the butterfly from Papillon Potpourri! Not sure which stamp set the "happy" is from, but you could use just about any one with a sentiment!

Here is a closeup of the flower on the front!

She used the Blossom Punch (one of my faves! Works with Mixed Bunch!)for this! All 3 colors!!! We got a quick tutorial from her on how she did it! Quite easy, but looks so complicated!!!!

This is just one of the advantages to being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! We have a great network of amazing crafters & people!

 If you'd like to be part of this experience, click on the link next to this post! August is a great month to join! Our Spooktacular promotion offers a beautiful project for you for FREE when you join! 

We have so many amazing reasons to be part of the Stampin' Up! family!  I never would have met any of Donna's Daubers (or my new friends from Team CanAm!!!).

More pics this week!!!

Happy Stampin'!

A REAL REASON TO SMILE

This card is so meaningful to me. I know you can no longer get the 

Reason to Smile stamp set! Too bad because it is a really nice one! It was July's special for only $5! Be sure not to miss out on these kinds of specials!!!

Anyway, last weekend I made this card for a friend who is in her last days of a very brave battle with breast cancer. 

The backstory:I would frequently send her cards, but haven't sent one in a few weeks. Too busy. Now, I knew she enjoyed receiving them because she told me so.  I heard she was in the hospital again & kept saying "I need to make her a card," but something always came up.

 Well, to all those people who said that this cardmaking business/hobby/therapy of ours means nothing, they are wrong!  You never know how they touch someone.

Now, I knew she enjoyed my cards, but I didn't know how much. A mutual friend said to me, "You need to make her a card! I just went to her house to see her, & she has all the cards you ever made her all around her room! She feels so special that you took the time to remember her with something special & homemade." Now I have sent her a ton in her 4 years or so of this battle!!! 

So after the tears subsided, I sat down & proceeded to make her a card! Unfortunately, I think this may be her last. She is now in the hospital waiting for God to welcome her home. I hope her family made sure she saw it. I want her to know that I was thinking about her right to the end. She is such a wonderful woman, & I am a better person for knowing her.

So don't EVER hesitate! Your beautiful cards DO means something to someone. You may never know who or what, but they do count! I am just happy that she recognized how much I care for her. And very proud to have brought a smile to her beautiful face during this challenge in her life. It may not seem like much, but to her it was huge. And I never knew until the end.

Stay strong Pam. God will have you singing your beautiful soprano voice in His heavenly choir. You will be missed here on earth. Until we meet again...

Happy Stampin'!

3 IN 1- MOJO MONDAY 253, SUO 51, LNS 185

I have been, so busy crazy since getting back from vacation that I'm trying to catch up on everything!!! I really wanted to do these challenges this week, so I figured it would be best to combine them all into 1!!! 

The LNS 185 challenge was to use an animal in your creation. 

The SUO 51 challenge was to use DSP in your creation! 

The Mojo Monday 253, well, check back a couple of days & you'll see that design!!! 

So here's what I came up with!!!

So the DSP is Floral District. Luv that pack!!! So that covers SUO 51!

The stamp set is Button Buddies! I love that stamp set too, but don't get to use it often! I'm glad I had to use an animal so I could work with this guy again! So that's the animal for LNS 185! Here's a close up of my little buddy!

I did manage to sneak in there the little flower from Summer Silhouettes! 

The design worked well with the Mojo Monday sketch challenge! I used the Bitty Banners stamp set & Itty Bitty Banners Framelits for the sentiment! 

Colors used are Rich Razzleberry, Lucky Limeade, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White! The button comes from the Brights Designer Buttons. It's Old Olive, but goes just fine with the Lucky Limeade.  The Lucky Limeade ribbon is some I had leftover from Sale-a-Bration! I wish they'd continue that nice thin ribbon in other colors & permanently in the catalog!!!!

So this is my 3-way challenge card! Hope you like it!!!

Happy Stampin'!

31 DAYS OF MDS SAVINGS!!!!!!

Welcome to August and "31 DAYS OF SAVINGS"!!!

Click HERE for daily details on uploads and for your upload purchases!!!!!!!! 

Don't miss out on a single one!!!!! The new MDS2 is AMAZING!!!! Now you can make it even better!!!!!

Contact me for more information!!!

Happy Stampin'!

MINI CATALOG ORNAMENT!!!

I did it! I did it!!! I recreated (sorta!) the ornament on the cover of the Holiday Mini Catalog! How did I do???  Here's mine:

Here's the one on the catalog cover:

It wasn't difficult. Just time consuming!!! 

Materials used include the stamp set Ornament Keepsakes from the Holiday Mini Catalog, the Holiday Ornaments Framelits Dies, the lovely new Scallop Tulle Ribbon, the Vintage Faceted Designer Buttons, and a dab of Bakers Twine!

Would you like to attend a class on how to make this beautiful ornament plus two smaller ornaments? How about in November? Watch the "Classes" page for details!!!!!

Happy Stampin'!

MDS2-FREE!!

Still on the fence with digital scrapbooking and cardmaking! Well, how about you try it anyway! And how about you try it for FREE!!!! That's right!! You can now try the brand spankin' new My Digital Studio 2 (MDS2) for FREE for 30 days! 

NOW IS THE TIME TO GO DIGITAL!!!

Click HERE TODAY to get your FREE trial!!!!

If you already own MDS, then you definitely want to upgrade NOW!!!!! For only 19.95, you can

upgrade your original My Digital Studio software to our newest

 version—MDS 2.

Software upgrade includes:
* Full software with design tools to create cards, photobooks, calendars, and more
* Some functional content including a few punches, card stock, and photo layouts. (See it all here)

Features:
* Full of new design features for you to enjoy
* A downloadable version of the software that you’ll get right away
* Easy to order professional prints of your designs
* Mac and Windows compatible

MDS 2 is so much more versatile than the old program!!! And so much easier!!!!!

*******************************************

If you don't have MDS but are ready for the digital plunge, there's still a deal for you!!!!

Express yourself and impress your friends when you create projects using 

MDS 2+, My Digital Studio’s digital design software.

Software download includes:
* Full software with design tools to create cards, photobooks, calendars, and more
* $500 in digital content (See it all here)

Features:
* A downloadable version of the software to start designing right away
* Easy to order professional prints of your designs
* Mac and Windows compatible

Not sure which you need, contact me today!!!!! Wait until you see what else we are offering for MDS this month!!!! Check back tomorrow to see some more GREAT deals!!!!!!

Happy Stampin'!!!!

MOJO MONDAY 253

 Ok, so this one will be a bit challenging!!! I'll be home from Maine tomorrow so I think I'll get crack-a-lackin on it!!! Hmmmm??? What will I do for this one?? Let's see yours!!!

Happy Stampin '!!!

FINE FEATHERS INVITATION!

When I first got the new catalog, I noticed a stamp set on pg. 79 that I liked, but wondered what I'd do with it! It is called Fine Feathers! 

Well, shortly after, I was asked to do wedding invitations for a close friend of my DIL.  And guess what she wanted on her invites-feathers!!!! I knew I had to use this stamp set!!!

I absolutely LOVE the image this stamp set makes!!! And the new stamp pad really left a beautiful impression on the Natural White paper!!!

Her colors are Perfect Plum, Natural White, and Basic Black! The ribbon is the 3/8" taffeta in Perfect Plum.  

Here's the inside!

I printed out all her info on the computer. The Natural White went through & took the printer's ink like it was made for it! Looks great!!! Then of course there is the RSVP card & envelope that you can see peeking out!

Of course I stamped the envelopes too! That to me makes it complete!!!

She was very pleased with her invitations and is now addressing them to all her friends! All 118 of them!!!  

Best wishes to Judy & Aaron!!!!

Need any invites for your event? Please contact me asap! I will be happy to custom tailor them to your likes & needs!!!! Any occasion!!!! You may need the thank you's also! Let me know!

Happy Stampin'!

 

MOJO MONDAY 252

I finally got a chance to sit down & play with my new toys! Here's the card I made for the Mojo Monday sketch! If you look back to Monday's post, you can see the sketch!

I really love the new DSP "Howlstooth & Scaringbone" from the Holiday Mini! But I wanted to try it for something other than Halloween! It has a lot more uses! 

Well, this chevron pattern really tickles my fancy! This uses one of my stamp sets from convention Daydream Medallions and Summer Silhouettes! The sentiment is the very fun & versatile Sassy Salutations! The colors are Natural White, Tangerine Tango & Midnight Muse!

 The ribbon is some retired Tangerine Tango that I had lying around! Works perfectly for this card!

And lastly, I used the 2-1/2" circle punch & 2-3/8" scallop circle punch. Oh, the little diamonds on the bottom of the Tangerine Tango are made with the 1" square punch! Wonder how I did that?? Hmmm! Think about it!

 I made those crumbled up little flowers too! Kinda fun!

They actually look super cute on the card, and they are easy to make! I think they would be cute with some "bling" in the center. Maybe some of the Rhinestone Basic Jewels. But overall, I like the card! Kinda different!

Next week's Mojo Monday tomorrow!!!

Happy Stampin'!

SPOOOKKKTTAACCUULLAARRR!!!

Got your attention?? Good!!! 

Now, this is the time to join our Stampin' Up! family!!!! You can get this beautiful Spooktacular printers tray & accessories-including stamps-just for joining! 

Demonstrators come in all shapes & sizes! Some like to do what I do. I truly enjoy sharing what I love with others, and make a little extra $ in the process! Some like to make a full-time business of it & bring in a LOT of $!!! Others prefer to be a hobby demonstrator-"collecting" items from our catalogs, maybe with a few friends, and getting a terrific discount on all the amazing products we offer, including specials, access to our amazing "Stampin' Connection", early releases, plus lots more! (Wow-what a run-on sentence that was!!!)

So, it's super easy to join! All you have to do is go to my website & use our Online IDA (Independent Demonstrator Agreement!) Our starter kit is worth the $ alone! Only $99 for over $125 worth of product! Plus all the business tools to get your business up & running! Plus, you have ME to help you out! :)  Or, you can simply click on the link to the left! That will get you there!!!!

So don't wait! This special is available only thru the end of August! Perfect time to join!!!! Contact me with any questions!!!

Happy Stampin'!

HOLIDAY CATALOG!!!

It's FINALLY here!!!! 

It's NOW time to order from the AMAZING 

2012 Holiday Mini Catalog!!!! 

Sooo many fantastic items for all the fall/early winter holidays! Need ideas & supplies for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine's Day, Fall or Winter??? Just check out this baby!!! We've got it ALL!!!!!

Here's a quick link to the catalog!

You can begin shopping online now-24/7!! Or you can call me to place your order! Either way, get your supplies for all your holiday needs!!!!

August is a HUGE month here at Stampin' Up!!! Watch this week for more AMAZING updates!!!! 

Hint-if you've ever thought about joining our team, NOW is the time!!! Got your attention? Good!!! Be sure to check back!!!!

Happy Stampin'!