Nuts For Stampin'

I'M STILL HERE!

Greetings to my readers, especially my subscribers. I just wanted to let you know that I have NOT dropped off the face of the earth and I am still an active Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I still LOVE to stamp and paper-craft as much as I ever have. I've just had a lot keeping me from my hobby and Stampin' Up! business. Some things that have had me distracted have been good and some things have not been so good.

One of the great things that has kept me busy is my fashion accessories business, It's in the Bag. I've been working on my blog (making it more like a website), figuring out Facebook, creating my hand-crafted jewelry, holding purse parties, working my booth at festivals, fairs and boutiques and otherwise trying to get It's in the Bag off the ground - like researching merchandising and marketing options. The business had it's one year anniversary Oct. 31st and my efforts seem to be showing results. Yea! Click here to see my handbags and here to see my jewelry.  I've had a lot of fun creating my jewelry. You can see more pictures and learn more about the line by clicking on the above links. I plan to soon make more jewelry, but I'm hoping to do some paper crafting even sooner!

Something else that kept me from paper crafting is I got to help out some with our friends' daughter's wedding. One of the things I did was create the gift card box for the reception. Here's a picture of the box. Pretty huh? It was fun to make, but a lot of time went into it. I also got to help with the jewelry for the bridesmaids. Shopping for that was fun. Lastly, for the wedding anyway, I did the bouquet for the guest book table and helped with the dinner table arrangements.  
The hydrangeas were leftover from another wedding and a really nice surprise for my friend, the mother of the bride. 
 
The one thing that happened to us since my last post to this blog was quite a huge blow to my husband and myself. On Sept 29th, only 2 days after the joyous wedding, our 4 year old black lab, Max, had both lungs collapse. He had shown no signs of having trouble until he came into my office that day looking for help from his mommy. I took him to the emergency vet where they tried for several days to save his life. After major surgery to repair his lungs, the same thing happened. Even if we had the funds for another surgery, he didn't have the strength to survive it. His spirit was gone too. We finally had to let him go in the early morning October 4th. That was probably the darkest day we have experienced in a really long time. When we lost both our boxers from lymphoma, Harley in June '05 and Matty in June '06, we had several months to prepare for the inevitable. But with Max, it hit so suddenly leaving us no time to prepare. We miss him terribly and so does our boxador, Lilly. Here's a picture of Max and Lilly that shows just how close they were.  

After several weeks of mourning and missing Max and having to watch Lilly go from room to room looking for him, we decided we needed to bring another buddy home for Lilly. After losing Harley and Matty, both pure-bred boxers to cancer, we didn't think we'd ever get another pure-bred dog. But we have had other dogs with serious health issues, mutts and pure-bred alike. So, since we love the breed we chose to risk falling in love with another boxer.
And here's a picture of our new little boxer boy, who we adopted on October 26th, 2 days shy of 8 weeks old and just over 10 pounds. His name is Trevor and we adore him. He's quite a handful and keeps us on our toes. I am so thankful for the nice weather the last few days, as it allows me to put him outside with Lilly for a while so I can get some things done without making sure he doesn't chew on electrical cords or anything that's not his toy. I also have to make sure he doesn't leave any puddles or piles in the house. Eight weeks is way to young to expect instant housebreaking, but he's doing really well. Lilly doesn't like how her routine has been disrupted, but she does seem to enjoy playing with her new little brother. I think once he calms a little and grows a lot, Lilly will really enjoy him and become close to him too.

Now you know just the main things keeping me from my paper crafting hobby and business and my paper-crafting blog. Trevor will continue to be a distraction, but I'm doing OK working around his play/sleep schedule. You also now know the reason why some of my projects to be shared over the next few weeks and months will be not be featuring the latest items from Stampin' Up! I simply cannot make the investment in new products for now. Our vet bills for Max, as well as other pet issues, have us in some deep debt. Not to worry though. I have tons of materials to do a lot of paper crafting. Whew!

If you are on my snail mailing list, watch for something in your mailbox in about a week. If you're on my email list, watch for an email soon. I'm trying out a new email service.

If you have questions about any of the current Stampin' Up! specials or products, please feel free to contact me. Like I said, I am still an active demonstrator.

Want to see any of the above photos enlarged? Simply click on any picture for the enlarged view.

OK, that's it for now. Gotta go have some lunch and check on the puppy. Blessings!

DEAL OF THIS WEEK

 

For the month of July, Stampin' Up! has been offering a "deal of the week". To me, the first couple weeks really weren't that big of a deal. But this week, the deal is really big.

On page 178 in your 2009-2010 Idea Book/Catalog you'll find the Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, regularly priced at $29.95. This week only, July 20th through July 26th, it is only $18. 99. That is a really big discount!

Below is a picture of the Hodgepodge hardware, but if you visit page 178 in the online catalog, you can enlarge the page for a better view of this fun and versatile product. Or click here to see it on my SU! website. Not only is it great for cards and scrapbooking and decor items, but you can even use some of the items for jewelry. Oh! And all of these fun hardware pieces come in a super cute tin box you can decorate and reuse.

Here's an adorable pendant made using one of the Raised Dots Designer holders included in the hardware kit. This pendant shows the silver tone style, but it would work equally with the Vanilla hardware. Simply adjust the ribbon, DSP and ink colors to coordinate. Make one and email it to me. I'd love to see your handy work and would be pleased to share it with my blog readers.

QUESTIONS? Contact me anytime!

Thanks for stopping by,

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

. . . POSTED TO MY OTHER BLOG. CLICK HERE.

I just posted a very important message on my purse blog that could make a real difference in your health and hopefully your habits. Please read it and share it with all the women in your life. Thanks,

$85 Gets it All!

Right now is the very best time to join my team by becoming a Stampin’ Up! Independent Demonstrator. Starting day and clear through August 31, ’09, becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator is easier than ever before with the $85 Mini Starter Kit.

The Mini Starter Kit contains the following products:

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

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

Important Details:

• Mini Starter Kit orders may be submitted through my Stampin’ Up! website Independent Demonstrator Application (IDA) (email me for the code) or mailed to Stampin' Up!'s home office.
• The standard Starter Kit ($199) will continue to be available during this promotional period. On the Online IDA, the promotional Mini Starter Kit will appear as an additional option.
• Recruits who join Stampin' Up! by purchasing the Mini Starter Kit are still eligible for any programs available to a new recruit. This includes but is not limited to the Extra 10 Percent Instant Income offer, Stampin' Start, and the opportunity to purchase a Business Booster Kit. ***
• Recruits who purchase the Mini Starter Kit will receive the same business supplies as those who order the standard Starter Kit. ****
• During the promotional period there will also be a standard Starter Kit incentive for new recruits who choose the standard Starter Kit instead of the Mini Starter Kit; new recruits who choose the standard Starter Kit will receive the following, along with the standard Starter Kit supplies:
  • All six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads
  • One pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")

Incentive items have a $43.65 value and are not substitutable.

Mini Starter Kit and standard Starter Kit incentive deadlines:

• Mail-in IDA: Monday, August 31, 2009 (received in the office, not postmarked)
• Online IDA: Monday, August 31, 2009; 11:50 PM (MT)

*** One of the benefits that all demonstrators receive is the monthly Stampin' Up! Stampin' Success magazine, a full color collection of awesome projects and business tips as well as success stories from featured demonstrators. The "SS" magazine has been, from the beginning of my career with Stampin' Up!, one of my most valuable resources. I have kept every single issue since I joined in August of 1996! At the bottom of this post is a picture of the July Stampin' Success magazine cover just to give you an idea of how wonderful the magazine is.

 

**** Also pictured below is page 9 from the 2009-2010 IB&C which shows the contents of the current standard starter kit as well as the scrapbooking add-on kit.

 

OK, I know that's a lot of information, but you may still have questions. If you do, please feel free to ask me. Ready to sign up?! Contact me now!

 

Happy stampin'!

 

Click either picture for the enlarged version.

 

 

 

THE SHAWNA KILBERT PROJECT

 On the evening of June 5th, I had the pleasure of participating as a vendor at a charitable event called "Crop for a Cause". This event was organized by the MOMS club of Central Fresno, CA and it was sponsored by quite a number of various companies from the local area, including myself. This fund raiser was for the Shawna Kilbert Project, a local organization which is in turn for the benefit of the National Cervical Cancer Coalition as well as the National Cancer Institute.

I was invited to participate by the committee head, Rahnell, as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, to demonstrate a product or technique for the scrapbookers who attended this 4 1/2 hour long cropping get together. Since a Stampin' Up! demonstrator friend of mine accepted the invitation a few minutes quicker than I did (Rahnell found us both via the SU! demo finder), I suggested that I set up a vendor booth for my other business, "It's in the Bag". Rahnell was thrilled with the idea since I offer quite a number of great looking tote bags that would work wonderfully for carrying a lot of a scrapbookers "stuff", including the Brighton Style travel case to perfectly carrythe Cricut Expression. Click here to learn more about the travel case. Click here to see some of the tote bags I have to offer. I have more on the way to my home office as well as others I still need to post. Please check back periodically for new additions.

Well, since I was busy as a vendor, I did not get to do any scrapbooking. But I did enjoy meeting the other vendors and some of the croppers. Oh! And the food, all donated by Sal's Mexican Restaurant, was so yummy! They have the best fijoles in the area. Anyway, I did get to see some of the demos and I look forward to having a opportunity to share these techniques with you ASAP.

That's all for now. Please be sure to visit the Shawna Kilbert Project website! It's such a worthy cause an it needs your support. Questions? Contact me anytime.

SUMMER FUN PROMO IN FULL SWING

Happy Summer, everyone! Well, it's almost Summer anyway. At least, it's felt like it here the last couple of weeks. Got a break from the heat today though. Whew!

Just a quick post today. Gotta do it quick 'cuz it's my birthday and my honey, who is actually home today, wants to take me to lunch and help me with some tasks I can't get done on my own.

I know you've probably seen these lists posted all over the internet by now, but I thought I'd post them for you too. I've provided printable versions for you. But first a reminder:

The Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion has two parts: For the month of June, 2009

• Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Last Chance List of Stampin' Up! Stamp Sets.

Click here for the full printable view. It's a lot easier to read enlarged on your screen at this link.

Accessories Last Chance, Spring/Summer 2009

Click here for a printable list updated June 25th.

Notice: Some of these items are on sale and some are already sold out! I will update as much as possible. Availability is changing constantly. Items are available while supplies last.

There will be NO backorders or restocking.

Page	Item #	Product Description	Price	Discount	Sale Price
153	111352	CARD STOCK BAJA BREEZE 8-12 X 11	5.5
153	111346	CARD STOCK IN COLOR 12 X 12	8.95
153	111347	CARD STOCK IN COLOR 8-1/2 X 11	7.95
153	111353	CARD STOCK KIWI KISS 8-1/2 X 11	5.5
153	108590	CARD STOCK NATURALS ASST 12X12	8.95
153	111350	CARD STOCK PACIFIC POINT 8-1/2 X 11	5.5
153	111351	CARD STOCK PINK PIROUETTE 8-1/2 X 11	5.5
153	111348	CARD STOCK RIDING HOOD RED 8-1/2 X 11	5.5
153	111349	CARD STOCK TANGERINE TANGO 8-1/2 X 11	5.5
153	111345	CARD STOCK TEXTURED IN COLOR 12 X 12	11.95
153	111844	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL BAJA BREEZE	2.95
153	111842	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL KIWI KISS	2.95
153	111840	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PACIFIC POINT	2.95
153	111843	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL PINK PIROUETTE	2.95
153	111839	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL RIDING HOOD RED	2.95
153	111841	CLASSIC STAMPIN INK REFILL TANGEIRNE TANGO	2.95
153	111833	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD BAJA BREEZE	5.95
153	111835	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD KIWI KISS	5.95
153	111837	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PACIFIC POINT	5.95
153	111838	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD PINK PIROUETTE	5.95
153	111836	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD RIDINGHOOD RED	5.95
153	111834	CLASSIC STAMPIN PAD TANGERINE TANGO	5.95
156	110730	DIE CUTS POCKETS & PIECES	8.95	0.25	6.71
156	113991	TASTE OF TEXTILES	9.95	0.25	7.46
157	105143	DAYS TO REMEMBER 6X6 FR	9.95	0.5	4.98
157	107288	ENVELOPE WHISPER WHITE EXTRA LG	5.5
157	100900	GIFT SACKS WHITE	2.95
157	112139	NOTES CAROUSEL II	11.95	0.25	8.96
157	111337	NOTES GIFT ASSORTMENT II	9.95
157	111336	NOTES SCALLOP II	11.95	0.25	8.96
157	111338	NOTES TEXTURED LOVE ASSORTMENT II	12.95	0.25	9.71
158	113993	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY PARISIAN BREEZE	11.95
158	114039	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY ROCKABILLY	11.95
158	114037	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SPECIALTY SWEET SLUMBER	11.95
159	112041	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA ROSE	9.95
159	113980	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER CANDY LANE	9.95	0.25	7.46
159	112157	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS BAJA BREEZE	9.95
159	112161	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS KIWI KISS	9.95
159	112150	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PACIFIC POINT	9.95
159	112156	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS PINK PIROUETTE	9.95
159	112155	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS RIDING HOOD RED	9.95
159	112153	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PATTERNS TANGERINE TANGO	9.95
159	112042	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN GARDEN	9.95
160	113981	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BELLA BIRDS	9.95
160	113966	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE	9.95
160	112464	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MANCHESTER	9.95
160	112471	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RAINBOW SHERBET	9.95
160	113975	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER RASPBERRY TART	9.95
161	112468	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SWEET ALWAYS	9.95
161	113978	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER URBAN OASIS	9.95
161	112461	DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WASHINGTON APPLE	9.95
162	112054	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN BEST EVER	19.95
163	113936	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN HOPPY MEMORIES	19.95
164	112179	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN LOVE STORIES	19.95
164	113911	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUNSHINE GARDEN	19.95
164	113925	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SWEET NOTHINGS	19.95
165	113943	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN 2 SWEET	19.95
165	112172	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE BOY	19.95
165	112165	SIMPLY SCRAPPIN ROCK A BYE GIRL	19.95
170	109231	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT SENDING HAPPY THOUGHTS	54.95
171	114605	SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT MORE THOUGHTS	42.95
172	113887	RUB ONS BRIGHT DELIGHTS	11.95	0.25	8.96
172	111416	RUB ONS CHATEAU BELLA	10.95	0.25	8.21
172	113884	RUB ONS FASHION DISTRICT	10.95	0.25	8.21
172	111414	RUB ONS HIDDEN GARDEN	10.95	0.5	5.48
173	111277	RUB ONS A PERFECT DAY	10.95	0.25	8.21
173	111415	RUB ONS GREATEST MOMENTS	10.95	0.25	8.21
173	113888	RUB ONS MANY OCCASIONS	10.95	0.5	5.48
175	114351	DESIGNER HARDWARE HOORAY	4.95	0.5	2.48
175	114350	DESIGNER HARDWARE SOHO	4.95	0.5	2.48
176	112092	BUTTON BOUQUET	7.95	0.25	5.96
176	114338	COURDUROY BUTTONS KIWI KISS	9.95	0.5	4.98
176	114341	COURDUROY BUTTONS PACIFIC POINT	9.95	0.5	4.98
177	113979	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS CANVAS CUTS	7.95	0.5	3.98
177	114019	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLEURETTES	9.95	0.5	4.98
177	112006	ACCENTS & ELEMENTS FLOWER FUSION II	14.95
178	111847	RIBBON DOUBLE STITICHED BAJA BREEZE 1"	8.95	0.25	6.71
178	111375	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED BAJA BREEZE 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46
178	111370	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PACIFIC POINT 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46
178	111373	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED PINK PIROUETTE 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46
178	111374	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED RIDING HOOD RED 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46
178	111371	RIBBON GROSGRAIN STRIPED TANGERINE TANGO 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46
178	111372	RIBBON GROSGRIAN STRIPED KIWI KISS 5/8"	9.95	0.25	7.46
178	114317	RIBBON ORIGINALS DRESS UP	12.95	0.5	6.48
178	114316	RIBBON ORIGINALS PIG TAILS	13.95	0.5	6.98
178	114318	RIBBON ORIGINALS VALET	12.95	0.25	9.71
179	101259	HEMP TWINE BLACK	2.95	0.5	1.48
179	102875	HEMP TWINE RED	2.95	0.5	1.48
179	111363	RIBBON GROSGRAIN PINK PIROUETTE 1 1/4"	7.95	0.25	5.96
179	111364	RIBBON POLY TWILL SO SAFFRON 7/8"	8.95	0.5	4.48
179	111879	RIBBON SATIN KIWI KISS VERY VANILLA	7.95	0.25	5.96
179	111365	RIBBON TAFFETA RIDING HOOD RED	6.95	0.25	5.21
181	112010	DIE CUTS BLOOMS AGAIN	8.95	0.25	6.71
181	113950	DIE CUTS BUILD-A-FAIRYTALE	8.95
181	105668	TATTOO KIT I	13.95
181	105669	TATTOO KIT II	13.95
184	109044	PUNCH SNOW BLOSSOM	10.95	0.5	5.48
184	107272	PUNCH KEY TAG	15.95	0.25	11.96
188	102264	COLUZZLE STARTER KIT	19.95
188	104310	CRAFTERS TOOL KIT	39.95
190	109123	STAMPIN WRITE JOURNALER BASIC BROWN	3.25
190	106961	STAZON REFILL WHITE	4.95	0.5	2.48
190	101399	STIPPLE BRUSHES	6.95	0.25	5.21
204	109684	Doodle	8.5
204	111257	Happy, Happy Birthday	8.5
204	109687	See You Around	8.5
204	109683	So Swirly	8.5
204	111260	Something Fishy	8.5
204	111262	Stems & Silhouettes	8.5
205	111253	Blooms & Bulbs	6.5
205	109692	Love	6.5
205	109568	My ABCs	6.5
205	109682	Perfectly Pretty	6.5
205	105516	Watercolor Joy	6.5

Watch for my samples featuring some of the new items from the 2009-2010 Idea Book/Catalog. As a demonstrator, I got to pre-order a few items. Woo Hoo!

OK, I gotta go for now. Have a great day! Michelle

 

 

SIZZLING "SUMMER FUN" SPECIAL

Beginning June 1st, Stampin' Up! is celebrating one of the most enjoyable times of the year with the Summer Fun Campaign. Spend time this summer doing what you love with family and friends - host a workshop (or several workshops!) during June and July and take advantage of all the great offers that are coming your way.

Among other exciting offers, the Summer Fun Campaign will include:

• Last Chance list (formerly the Retired list) to be released June 1st!
• Release of the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog (back to annual catalog)
• Country Living Summer Cookout Kit (mid-June through August)

The 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog will debut in July, but you can earn extra hostess benefits during June.

June 1-30, 2009, the Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion details:

• Hostesses with a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• Hostesses with a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• These additional hostess benefitsapply to workshop orders, book parties and online orders!
• Use your additional hostess benefitsto order from any current catalog - Spring/Summer '09, Occasions '09, Decor Elements III, Celebrando Creativitdad. Click here to see the awesome collection of current Stampin' Up! catalogs online. Click here to see the dormant list of items not in any catalog, but still available. Or click here to place an order on my Stampin' Up! website.

 

REMINDER: Today and tomorrow - last chance to get a FREE pack of Designer Series papers and/or the sneak peek promo of 20% off the brand new Jumble Alphabet stamp set. Click here for details.

QUESTIONS? Contact me anytime!

 

STAMPIN' UP! ON YOU TUBE!

OK, so you've probably noticed that I have been pretty inactive lately in posting to this blog. That's because I have been so busy with my other business, "It's in the Bag". I got involved in my other business by the prodding of my husband and it has become much more than I ever imagined. I'm having a lot of fun with it. Please check it out! You just might find a handbag or some handmade jewelry you just have to have. The handbags are designer inspired, yet they have KMart prices.  

I have not forgotten about my paper crafting. Far from it. In fact I really miss spending time creating and sharing. For now, I HAVE to share this awesome website with you. It's Stampin' Up!'s videos on YouTube. They currently have 9 videos, in addition to those you'll see on my Stampin' Up! website, and they are all terrific. The videos feature Shelli Garden, owner/CEO of Stampin' Up!, as well as some of the demonstrator trainers from Stampin' Up! corporate. Take a few minutes to visit Stampin' Up!'s videos on YouTube for some inspiration on your next paper crafting projects.

Have questions? Want to order something they demonstrate? Contact me any time!

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

My loyal customer Lee VP is the winner of my latest 50/50 Club!

Every one of my stampin' friends who places an order of $50 or more is entered into my 50/50 Club drawing. Actually, every $50 ordered qualifies for an entry into the 50/50 Club - order $100, earn 2 squares, etc. Lee, like any other 50/50 Club winner, gets to select $50 in FREE merchandise as her gift. I can hardly wait to see what Lee selects for her $50 of FREE Stampin' Up! merchandise!

Want to have the opportunity to win $50 of FREE Stampin' Up! merchandise? Simply place an order of $50 or more and you'll automatically be entered to win - 1 entry per $50 ordered. Click here to see the chart. If you order online, I'll fill in your squares for you. If you order at one of my local parties, you get to fill it in yourself.

Obviously, the more your order, the more chances you have to win. But, even 1 order of $50 qualifies you for the drawing and could win you FREE merchandise. There will be a drawing, by an objective party, for every 50 squares filled in.

Ready to order some wonderful Stampin' Up! products off your wish list? Simply visit my Stampin' Up! website and click on "SHOP NOW" or contact me to place your order.

QUESTIONS? Feel free to contact me anytime!

3 PROMOS 4 NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING MONTH

EXCITING NEWS! Besides the 2 specials announced in this previous post, Stampin' Up! is offering an amazingly special price on a demonstrator starter kit especially for scrapbooking.

Limited-Time Scrapbooking Starter Kit

Start your own business for as little as $75 with the limited-time Scrapbooking Starter Kit. The Scrapbooking Starter Kit contains the following: Schoolbook Serif Alphabet stamp set Simply Scrappin' Petal Party Earth Elements Assorted textured card stock (12" x 12") Whisper White Craft Stampin' Pad In addition, this specially-priced Starter Kit contains all the business supplies found in the regular-priced Starter Kit. View the National Scrapbooking Month sales flyer for more information on all of these special promotions. Or visit my Online Store to shop now! QUESTIONS? CONTACT ME ANYTIME! CLICK ON BELOW PICTURE TO ENLARGE

Stampin' Up!'s Promo 4 National Scrapbooking Month, 2009

May 1-31, 2009 Stampin' Up! is celebrating National Scrapbooking Month by offering a terrific special on Designers Series papers and 12x12 textured card stock as well as giving a 20% discount on their new Jumble Alphabet, a sneak peek from the upcoming Fall/Winter Idea Book/Catalog.

Here's the details:

1. Buy three packs of Designer Series paper (including our Specialty Designer Series paper) or 12" x 12" textured card stock, and get one FREE!
2. Buy a sneak peek stamp set from the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog--Jumble Alphabet (set of 52; double-mounted)--at a 20 percent discount. Click here to see the new Jumble Alphabet set. It's really fun and funky.

Item #	Description	Regular Price	Sale Price
115199	Jumble Alphabet stamp set	$43.95	$35.16

Things to Remember

• All Designer Series paper, Specialty Designer Series papers and 12" x 12" textured card stock are eligible for this promotion.
• You may mix and match your paper choices.
• You may choose a free pack of Designer Series paper or 12" x 12" textured card stock for every three packs you order.
• Order early to avoid back-orders or out-of-stock items.

TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CONTACT ME TODAY OR VISIT MY STAMPIN' UP! WEBSITE TO ORDER ONLINE 24/7, THEN CLICK ON "SHOP NOW".

QUESTIONS? CONTACT ME ANYTIME!

Occasions Mini-catalog Swap

I made a swap card last night for the 2009 Occasions mini-catalog. I chose to use the new "Sense of Time" stamp set but had now clue what colors to use. The set, in my opinion, doesn't lend itself to the bright cheery colors of Spring. (I am so happy it's Spring!) So I went to my notebook containing all sorts of magazine pictures as shown in this post. I decided to use the colors in this picture.  To me this color combo says rich old world design, which is what I think of when I see the images in the sense of time stamp set shown here.   Click on the picture of the set for the full view. (I can't show you the whole mini-catalog until April 1st, so watch for my post that day.

So want to see my swap card? I'm not sure it's finished, but it will have to do for the swap since it's due at the swap hostess's home in a couple days. Maybe I'll add some accessories to my copy after I finish working on my '08 taxes. (Eeeek!) Here is the card for this swap.   Click on the pictures for the enlarged view.  

Here's the recipe: Ink: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Sets: Sense of Time, Celebrate Everything, Card stock: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, Naturals Ivory, Kraft, Misc: SNAIL, Dimensionals, Circle Cutter, Table top cutter, small and large oval and scalloped oval punches, Big Shot w/ Scallop Circle Die.

The scalloped oval punch is also new in the 2009 Occasions mini-catalog. I think it's something you'll love using.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT ME ANYTIME! 

Best Time to Join My Team? NOW!

While anytime is a great time to join my team and the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining during Sale-A-Bration is especially rewarding! Right now, during the last days of Sale-a-bration (SAB) 2009, not only is the starter kit discounted 15% and you get any free set of your choice, the "Three Easy Payments" options is currently available. That means you can order and receive your starter kit for your first installment and possibly even have the kit paid for with your first couple of workshops before you're even charged the 2nd and 3rd installments. The 15 % off the starter kit promo is good only through March. The "Three Easy Payments" plan is good only through April.

The regular starter kit price = $199 + tax and the SAB starter kit prce = $169 + tax   Your starter kit paperwork must be receivedby Stampin’ Up! (not postmarked) by March 31, 2009, to qualify for Sale-A-Bration pricing. After Sale-A-Bration, Starter Kit paperwork must be received by April 30, 2009, for regular pricing.

Payments Breakdown for the Sale-A-Bration Starter Kit Price (March 13-31, 2009)

Starter Kit Payment	Payment Charged*	Payment with Stampin' Memories Add-On*
Payment 1 (charged at time kit is entered)	$56.34 (+ sales tax)	$106.34 (+ sales tax)
Payment 2 (charged around April 15th)	$56.33	$56.33
Payment 3 (charged around May 15th)	$56.33	$56.33
Total Payment	$169.00	$219.00

*Payments indicated are for the cost of the Starter Kit, and, if selected, the Stampin' Memories add-on, including shipping. They do not include and any applicable state taxes. (Please note that any applicable taxes for the total amount of the Starter Kit and, if selected, Stampin' Memories add-on, price will be added to the first payment.)

Payments Breakdown for the Regular Starter Kit Price (April 1-30, 2009)

Starter Kit Payment	Payment Charged*	Payment with Stampin' Memories Add-On*
Payment 1 (charged at time kit is entered)	$66.34 (+ sales tax)	$116.34 (+ sales tax)
Payment 2 (charged around May 15th)	$66.33	$66.33
Payment 3 (charged around June 15th)	$66.33	$66.33
Total Payment	$199.00	$249.00

*Payments indicated are for the cost of the Starter Kit and, if selected, the Stampin' Memories add-on, including shipping. They do not include any applicable state taxes. (Please note that any applicable taxes for the total amount of the Starter Kit and, if selected, Stampin' Memories add-on, price will be added to the first payment.)

For more information click here for all the details as outlined on the Stampin' Up! customer website or click here to open the payment plan application form. This option is not available when signing up online. The payment plan form must be mailed to Stampin' Up! along with your demonstrator application and starter kit order form. Please contact me for more information or to sign up before the special pricing and payment plan are things of the past.

Questions? Contact me anytime!

"The Stamper" - This May Sound Familiar

I just had to share this clever poem. I got it from my upline's Yahoo group. I wish I could give credit to the author, but it wasn't given in the email I received. This may sound familiar . . .

If this does sound familiar, I suggest you take advantage of the current discount on the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator starter kit. During Sale-A-Bration, through March 2009, anyone who joins as a demonstrator can choose any stamp set—a value of up to $47.95—from the current Idea Book & Catalog! Plus, new recruits get 15% off the Starter Kit—over $350 of Stampin’ Up! products and business supplies for only $169! Contact me to join my team or visit my Stampin' Up! website and click on "JOIN NOW". Then enter "stamps896" when asked for my code.

 

Join my team and get 2, that's right 2 FREE $25 shopping sprees when you join. This special gift is valid through me only. Enjoy the poem!

THE STAMPER

This might sound familiar.

I started out with just one stamp
and when I bought some more
I decided that a shoebox
would make an ideal store.

Then as I added inks and pens
my stamping collection grew
so I bought a roomy plastic crate
it would last for years, I knew.

Embossing then became my thing
with powders and heat gun,
metallics, tinsels, pearls and clear,
I soon had every one.

By now my lovely plastic crate
was spilling everywhere
and my glitter glue collection
lay scattered on a chair

My husband started muttering
and said things had to stop
So I bought a huge old wardrobe
at the local charity shop.

But after just a little while,
I couldn't shut the door
and I put shelves up in the spare room
To accommodate yet more.

Our house is now for sale,
something larger being sought,
By the way, did I show you
the latest stamp I bought . . .

Author Unknown

QUESTIONS? CONTACT ME ANYTIME! 

Three Easy Payments Starter Kit Option Coming Soon

Woohoo! Exciting news! This just announced by Stampin' Up!

"During economically challenging times, most of us tighten our budgets. Some expenditures that were once comfortable might now stretch a budget thin. We don't want anyone's efforts to budget wisely to become a barrier to joining Stampin' Up, especially considering the wonderful benefits--personal and economical--being a demonstrator can bring. This is why we're working on a Three Easy Payments option for the Starter Kit. For a limited time, with a partial initial payment, a new recruit can receive her Starter Kit and get her business running. Two subsequent monthly payments take care of the rest.  
We'll follow up with details soon, but . . . this option is coming before the end of Sale-A-Bration!"

Take a look at all the great product you'll get to start you new Stampin' Up! business!

Click on the picture for the full view. The Stampin' Up! demonstrator starter kit is always discounted from the "retail value", but it's discounted even more during Sale-a-bration. But that's not the most important thing! It's a lot of terrific current Stampin' Up! product to get your new business venture started at full speed.

To see each of the products, look in your copy of the 2009 Spring/Summer Idea Book/Catalog or visit the Stampin' Up! catalog online. BTW some of the products can be exchanged for something else if you already have them.

To see samples, using each of the products visit the awesome Splitcoaststampers gallery. (You need to join the group, but it's free.)

For more information on the benefits of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, click here to open the current "recruit brochure". Ready to join my team? Visit my Stampin' Up! website and click on "JOIN NOW". Enter "stamps896" as the password.

Still have question? Contact me anytime! 

Stampin' Supplies/Recipes Here!

In case you hadn't noticed, the Stampin' Supplies/Recipesare no longer in the back of the Stampin' Up! catalogs. Never fear! I have them here! I have added an icon so that you may download the file to your PC for future reference. You might want to save it to a "thumb drive" 'cuz it's not a small file. It's 26 pages including thumbnail pictures of each of the projects in the catalog, so please be patient when downloading it. It will open.

Click here to open the file or look for this icon in my sidebar.  As usual, to order anything you need from this recipe book, simply visit my Stampin' Up! websiteand click on "SHOP NOW" or contact me anytime and I'll be happy to place your order for you. Happy shoppin', 

Don't forget! It's still Sale-a-bration time!

Occasions Mini-Catalog Pre-Ordering for You Too!

Usually, pre-ordering from an upcoming Stampin' Up! catalog is for the SU! demonstrators only. But not this time! You too NOW get to pre-order selected items from the upcoming Occasions Mini-Catalog 2009.

Stampin' Up! wants to give you plenty of time to create your Easter greetings with these sets in the Occasions mini-catalog, so you may order them NOW. Have a look at them! They are so cute! And, you can create lots more than Easter greetings with many of the images in these sets. The "Eight Great Greetings" on page 11 and "Wagon Full of Fun" set on page 13 will be especially versatile. I'm planning a baby card with the darling duck. And of course, the cupcake will make a cute birthday card. Fun! Fun! Simply click on any picture for the enlarged view.        

To order these new Stampin' Up! Occasions 2009 stamp sets or the wheel, or any current Stampin' Up! products for that matter, simply go to my Stampin' Up! website and order online or contact me anytime to place the order for you.

Questions? Please, feel free to contact me anytime.

I'll be getting my pre-order very soon, so watch for samples using these sets! Happy stampin' and paper craftin',

REMINDERS: Sale-a-bration is still on - FREE gift with every $50 ordered through March!

AND you can still get a FREE Spring/Summer 2009 catalog for placing an online order of any size.

More Purse Party Invitations

My friend who is hosting a purse party for me thought of more ladies she'd like to invite. (Please see my other blog for information about my purse party business.) I made 10 more invitations for her, all of them different from the other 30 which I already gave her. I've added photos of them to my Big Shot  and Stampin' Up! photo albums. Here's a couple of the invitations. Cute, huh? Love those rhinestone brads for just a touch of bling!   As before, I used (retired) Stampin' Up! Designer Series Papers and my Big Shot with the Top Note die.

These cards were super fun, quick and easy to create. Give it a try. After cutting the top note, I trimmed the tips of the side points. The scored at 3" from one end and folded it on the score line depending on which DSP pattern I wanted on top or on bottom. Embellish as desired. Really! That's all there is to it.

To order any of the tools/supplies to create some purse cards of your own, visit my Stampin' Up! website to place an online order or contact me anytime.

Happy stampin' and paper craftin',

Big Shot with Top Note Party Invitations - Done!

I finished my 30 purse party invitations. It took me about 2 afternoons and 2  long evenings, figuring out time savers when I was almost done. Making them in so many variations added to the time it took, as compared to doing a swap with all of the cards exactly the same. In these 30 cards, there were very few duplicates so I had to re-figure the embellishments and the background colors virtually for every card to best enhance the Designer Series papers I used - retired scraps.

Visit my Big Shot Samples photo album to see all of the variations. They are all really cute and it's really cool how different they look depending on whether I turn one side of the paper down or the other side for the top flap. BTW I got the idea from a card featured in Mary Brown's blog gallery (currently on page 8, posted Sept 6th). I had to minimalize the card design a bit since I needed to make so many.

Materials and tools used: Big Shot, Top Note die, Designer Series papers, card stock, trims, Flower Fusion 1&2, plain and rhinestone brads, SNAIL, Dimensionals, Glue dots and miscellaneous trims from many years back. Some of the ribbons I saved from our wedding gifts in '94 and even from high school (late 970's) when I wore them in my hair. Yes, I'm a serious pack rat! :-)  I used the Craft & Paper Scissors for cutting all of the trims/ribbons. They are the best thing I have ever used for the purpose. I always get a perfect clean cut with them.

The invitation slip tucked into the pocket of the paper "purse" was computer generated. Click here to open the Word doc of the slip. Next time I have a purse party I may just use cards I already have (from swaps of retired products) and tuck the quarter sheet version inside. I've included the links for the invitation Word docs in case you want to use them as templates for parties of your own for whatever occasion you choose.

To order any materials to create this cute card or any of your paper crafting projects, please visit my website to shop online or contact me anytime.

Have a great weekend, y'all!     

 

My First Big Shot Project

I'm finally using my Big Shot! Woo Hoo! It's so much fun! Below are some pictures of my progression on the invitations I'm making to give to my friend who is hosting a purse party for me. I'll share the finished invitations (lots of variations) and the materials needed to create them ASAP. Click on any picture for the enlarged view.

I'm off to finish the invitations,