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Tuesday 26 September 2017

Changing up the Club for October 1st!

A new round of club starts in October, and I have decided to change things up somewhat.  

Sunday 10 September 2017

From the Stampin' Up! Blog: Supporting Those Devastated by Hurricanes

IN THIS, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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Along with many of you, we are watching with concern as stories unfold about the devastation left behind in Texas and Louisiana by Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey. Though no one knows how many lives have been affected, Harvey is said to be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, and the damage caused by massive flooding will be felt for years to come.
With you, we’re also trying to stay informed on the progress of Hurricane Irma; as we write this, Irma has not yet made landfall but is currently classified as a catastrophic Category 5 storm. It will almost certainly leave as much destruction in its wake as Hurricane Harvey and will affect the lives of tens of thousands of people.
As a Stampin’ Up! family, we invite you to help us give to those who are now (or will soon be) trying to rebuild their lives. From now until the end of October, Stampin’ Up! will match donations made to the American Red Cross, dollar-for-dollar, for up to $50,000. Please click here to donate.
The Stampin’ Up! community is already making a difference through ongoing hurricane relief efforts. Here are some ways people are raising money.
  • Demonstrators are donating a portion of their commissions.
  • Demonstrators are holding dedicated events, including retired product sales, where all proceeds are being donated to hurricane relief.
  • Customers are being invited to donate at events. 
  • Demonstrators are selling unused cards or are mounting past swaps on card bases and selling them (in accordance with the Angel Policy) to raise hurricane relief funds.
If you’re a Stampin’ Up! customer and would like to help, reach out to your demonstrator and see if they are holding any fundraising events you can be a part of, or click here to donate to the American Red Cross.
Together, we can do incredible things! We hope you’ll join us . . . because we truly can make a difference. 

Monday 31 July 2017

Catching up with my crafty friends..

Though I hadn't really made a big announcement, I was pretty sure that by now most had heard my "big news."  Aside from some personal notifications, I'd posted a few things about the tests on social media and had posted on my personal blog.  I was pretty sure most knew.. Until this weekend. 

Thursday 27 July 2017

From the Stampin; Up! Blog: Adorable Piggies

Hi!
Have you noticed the This Little Piggy Stamp Set (item 143922) in the annual catalog (US/CA)? If you are anything like me, it did not take you long to add it to your wish list.
I happen to know lots of people who love pigs, including my brother, who inherited the “piggy” nickname when he was little. My husband also loves them with a passion.
Needless to say, I could not pass up on getting this stamp set. So without further ado, let me show you what I created!
Photo 1
I love the flying pig and the little kisses from this set, so I started by putting together a Cupid-themed card, with a pig in place of the cherub.
If you like background stamps but aren’t sure how to use them, here’s an idea: stamp the image on Vellum 8-1/2" Cardstock using VersaMark ink (item 102283) and heat emboss with the powder of your choice. The patterns really stand out and the Vellum Cardstock adds a wonderful touch to your project. I used the Tree Rings Background Stamp with the wood rings. (I love the circles of various sizes!)
For the circle embellishment, die cut the biggest one from the Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies (item 145372) and use the new Pattern Party Decorative Masks (item 144103) and a Stamping Sponge (item 141337) or a Sponge Dauber (item 133773) to make the clouds. By moving the mask and sponging, you’ll get a sky full of clouds. (Try to make the clouds on top a little darker.)
Photo 2
I wanted a rounded shape for my gift tag, so I used only half of the Stitched Shapes Framelits large oval and ran my cardstock through the Big Shot (item 143263); in keeping with the theme, I added a hole using one of the cloud dies from the Up & Away Thinlits Dies (item 142748). For the background, I used the new Marbled Background Stamp (item 144772).
Do you like the 1/4" Copper Trim (item 144179)? I don’t know if it’s possible to appreciate its true beauty by just looking at the catalog, but the mesh trim gives you all kinds of different options. Here I stretched the wiring to create a little copper net. Fast and easy!
I considered two different types of paper for stamping the pigs: Shimmery White Cardstock (item 101910) or Watercolor Paper (item 122959) (used on the project). In general, I prefer Watercolor Paper, but the shimmer of the cardstock can really add a nice touch to small surfaces like the pigs. It’s just a matter of personal preference.
Here’s another tip for background stamps, which are large and tricky to handle: ink the whole surface (or part of it) with the ink pad, then place the paper on the part of the image you’re interested in. Use your fingers to apply pressure on the whole surface without moving the paper. It’s that simple!
Photo 3
For the gift packaging, I created a Whisper White Cardstock (item 100730) pocket using the Gift Bag Punch Board (item 135862) (size M/ 6" tall). To get more volume, I played with the 1/4" Copper Trim bows to make them wider. I wanted to make the pig look as if he were leaping, so I cut out the grass and placed it all around him.
We should always keep embellishments in mind when finishing projects. I used the new Metallics Sequin Assortment (item 144214) to add shine. As for the small hearts, they come from the Everyday Jars Thinlits Dies (item 141490).
Photo 4
Those little piggies seem so blissful! I hope they will make you as happy as they make me!
Have a nice day!
Aurélie FABRE
2017 Artisan Design Team




Tuesday 25 July 2017

From the Stampin' Up! Blog: July Paper Pumpkin- Positively Pictureesque

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Does summer mean ROAD TRIP to you? Our July Paper Pumpkin kit includes cards that have a distinct vacay vibe, with mountain peaks, summery colors, and warm woodcuts that will have the recipients dreaming of adventure for months to come! Our July kit also includes plenty of gorgeous choices for our all-occasion card fans—with enough woodsy woodcuts to embellish all eight cards.
Remember, Paper Pumpkin is perfectly portable, so wherever you wander this summer, you can take it with you! All the pieces are precut and ready for you to assemble, so you can have cards ready to give to your favorite people in no time at all—with minimal fuss. Check out the video now to get started!
Each Positively Picturesque kit comes with the Positively Picturesque Stamp Set, Soft Sky and Tranquil Tide ink spots, 4 standard card bases (2 ea. of 2 colors), 4 sheets white die cuts (2 ea. of 2 designs), 4 note card bases (2 ea. of 2 designs, 4 printed standard envelopes, 4 printed note card envelopes, 2 printed flower cardstock pieces, 1 sheet of 8 die cut stickers, 3 sheets die cut elements, 12 wood cuts, 5 yds. pink washi tape, 5 yds. blue washi tape, 65 dimensionals, and 100 adhesive dots.
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This kit includes lovely cards ready for you to create with our design recommendations—or you can take a “picturesque” path of your own and make anything you want using the elements we’ve provided for you! Check out this crazy-gorgeous card using the kit’s embellishments, a generous spritz of Berry Burst ink on Whisper White Cardstock, and a textured background made using Embossing Paste and our Pattern Party Decorative Masks.
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Or you can put together this stunning, summery card using the kit’s stamp set, embellishments, and pops of Berry Burst, Flirty Flamingo, Lemon Lime Twist, Peekaboo Peach, and Smoky Slate ink.
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Need perfect treat packaging for a shower or summer party? It doesn’t get much cuter than this. Just add a cellophane bag, some White Baker’s Twine, and a Powder Pink Cardstock bellyband. Stamp “Love” in Flirty Flamingo ink on a Whisper White Cardstock banner and “You friend” in Whisper White Craft ink on Basic Gray Cardstock. Embellish with the adorable “Love” woodcut piece, and you’re done!
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This fresh and pretty card features tone on tone stamping—Soft Sky ink on Soft Sky Cardstock. The card is complete with Pear Pizzazz Cardstock lawn grass, flowers stamped in Pear Pizzazz and Blushing Bride ink, the kit’s “Hooray” woodcut embellishment, and the sentiment stamped in Tranquil Tide ink. We think it’s simply beautiful!
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Paper Pumpkin subscribers, because this kit is “positively picturesque” (and because it contains the ever-popular woodcut embellishments) refills may go fast. Don’t miss out! Click here to get yours now, or add item 145535 to your next order.

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Project: Featuring Sunshines Saying Ensemble

Sunshine Sayings

Here's what you need to create  these projects!  Many of these items might already be in your Crop bag! 

Use the Hostess Code:  QQHN3DH7 when ordering via my website to receive free product from me. 

Please note this offer applicable to orders under $200 Cdn) as this order would count as its own party and would be eligible for its own Stampin' Rewards! Contact me for more information!


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Friday 21 April 2017

Eastern Palace Suite Early Release May 1st - 31st!

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Found this amazing deal in my feed this morning and just had to share to get you thinking about May and of course our upcoming catalog!

This new and colourful bundle found in our new catalog (coming in June) can be yours during the month of May in one of two attractive bundles.  

Would you like to order a bundle?  I have begun taking pre-orders now to be ordered first thing in the morning on May 1st, 2017 when they become availalble.  

Eastern Palace Starter Bundle

Eastern Palace Premier Bundle

Do you want to be among the first to own it? Let me know! 

If you'd like me to add your name to my list of customers who want their's ordered first thing on the morning of May 1st, just let me know!  YOu can also add your order to your club, class or workshop order. 


Of course, you can also shop via my website after May 1st and use the hostess code Use the May Hostess Code: QQHN3DH7 to add your order to the upcoming order in progress. 

Please note this offer applicable to orders under $200 Cdn) as this order would count as its own party and would be eligible for its own Stampin' Rewards! 

Contact me for more information!





Tuesday 11 April 2017

From the Stampin' Up! Blog: SUCCULENT OBSESSION!

Hi stampers! I’m one of those people who is obsessed with succulents right now so I knew I wanted to do something with them for you—but not the same old same old. As I was playing around with my Live, Love, Grow Stamp Set (141905), I thought about spraying them with a Stampin’ Spritzer (126185) and I LOVED the effect! 
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I probably made no less than a million of these! It’s so fun to play around with color combinations and no two will look alike, which I love! I stamped my succulents on our Watercolor Paper (item 122959) in combinations of Mint Macaron (item 138326), Old Olive (item 126953), and Always Artichoke (item 126972) ink.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors and with different levels of saturation. Start off with just a little spray and go from there. I got a little heavy-handed a few times and it didn’t end well. You can always add more water but you can’t take it back! You can see that some of them blended more than others. The look is subtle and soft and I just love it.
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I then cut each one out with our Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies (item 145372). I accented my cards with the Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper (item 142778), Succulent Garden 3/8" Ribbon Combo Pack (item 142781), Classy Designer Buttons (item 138393), and Linen Thread (item 104199). I used my stitched dies again to make a few accents, as well. Finally, I punched out my sentiments with the Classic Label Punch (item 141491) for a fun and modern look.  
Here’s a little tip for cutting banners using the Big Shot (item 143263) and your Layering Squares Framelits Dies (item 141708). Simply take a strip of paper and line a die up with the edges to make your “V” cut. You’ll have a perfect corner every time!
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While I used the Live, Love, Grow Stamp Set from the annual catalog, you could totally use the Oh So Succulent Stamp Set (item 142992) from the occasions catalog as well. Here’s a card I made with it!
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Thanks so much for joining me today, and I hope that you’ll spritz a few succulents of you own!
Happy stamping!
Mindy Bingamon
2017 Artisan Design Team

Use the Hostess Code:
XM4P3XV3 when ordering via my website to receive free product from me. Please note this offer applicable to orders under $200 Cdn) as this order would count as its own party and would be eligible for its own Stampin' Rewards!

Contact me for more information!

Monday 10 April 2017

THE SUN IS SETTING; LAST CHANCE: Favourite Items Going Going -- Get yours before they're GONE!

   

It’s that time again: we’re getting ready to retire products from both the annual and occasions catalogs. Don’t delay! You only have through May 31 to get your favorites. Select retiring products have discounts of up to 50%! Be sure to visit the online store before the sun sets on these items May 31.
Details:
Main Information:
Order Information:
  • All retiring items are available while supplies last and will be discontinued after May 31.
  • Discounts may vary by market depending on inventory levels.
  • Discounts will be applied to select retiring items only.

Here are the retiring items in jpg format.  If you'd like to receive these in PDF or XLS format just let me know and I'll drop a copy to you by e-mail or Facebook. 



For some weird reason, I can't seem to get these to upload properly here.  You can view them on my Facebook page here

I am happy to send them to you by Facebook or e-mail as well if you would like,  just let me know. 


Use the Hostess Code:  XM4P3XV3 when ordering via my website to receive free product from me. Please note this offer applicable to orders under $200 Cdn) as this order would count as its own party and would be eligible for its own Stampin' Rewards!Contact me for more information!

























Monday 20 March 2017

Happy Stampiversary! Happy 1st Day of Spring!

I received a lovely card in the mail last week from Stampin' Up! Home Office.

Things have been so busy lately, that I didn't realize that my Stampin' Up! Anniversary is almost here.  

It's a little misleading as I was a demo before I went into hospital in 2008, but part way through that year in hospital someone had told me I could apply for a hardship exception because I was laid up in hospital for an inordinate amount of time.  We did so.   

At the time I couldn't use most of the left side of my body and my left hand was more like a club than a stamping implement.  I had my work set out for me.  I didn't realize that the hardship exception would expire. 

I was back at home and working on getting back on my feet when I realized I hadn't received the new catalog and I'd called.  When we figured out what happened I was dissapointed but realized that I wasn't in a position to get down to my craftroom anyhow.  I decided to leave it for a bit while I got my world in order.. 

I re-joined during Sale-a-Bration in 2010 and have never looked back.  

I have met so many wonderful people through my paper crafting hobby turned business, and have made some fabulous friends that I wouldn't trade for anything in this world. 

We all have good and bad days, and life upheavals.  For me, paper crafting and music are like medicine.  Your enthusiasm fires me up.  I am forever grateful for the creative contacts and friends that I have made over the years and look forward to many more years of colouring your world. 

Friends and new stamping family members are like icing on the cake.  I am blessed. 

I thought I'd kick off this week and the first day of Spring with a virtual hug and my heartfelt thanks for your part in this journey.  I can't imagine it would be the same without each and every one of you. 

Happy Monday! Happy Spring! 
Hope to see your smile around my tables very soon! 





Thursday 2 March 2017

Bad Crafters and stacking up the blog posts..

Do you ever get to feeling like you're a bad crafter?  

I know that sounds like a weird thing to say, but I've been a very bad crafter lately.  Blogging doesn't seem to be my forte either. 

I start out with the best of intentions, of course, but then life gets busy and well you know..?

I call it demos dilemma quite often.  If I've got a class planned, or a swap upcoming then I know I "have" to be in there and doing my thing.  Somehow when it's just little ol' me I look around and see things that need to be sorted, jobs I should be doing, and other guilty to-do lists that I can't help but feeling need to be done before I get to play.  Meat and potatoes before dessert, right?

Sometimes it goes the other way, however,  I'll put together a bunch of things and sometimes I even take photos with the plan of posting to my pages or blog, and then they just sit. Sometimes I forget about them til I scroll back in my phone looking for one thing or another and then it hits me -- OOPS.  

I have made more of an effort to get crafting these past couple of weeks,  the re-org has taken some real leaps and bounds.  I've starting culling more items to purge, sold my paper cart and reclaimed some space.  Baby steps.. baby steps.  

I actually packed a selection of items the other night and took them upstairs with me to watch TV with hubby.  This is one of my favourite ways to challenge myself.  Since I don't want to make a dozen trips up and down the stairs, I am limited to only what I bought up in the bin, bag or tote with me.  Sometimes that's a punch or two, sometimes the big shot, other times it's just a single embossing folder for the Big Shot.  I've done just my markers, or just pencil crayons or a small selection of ink pads.  It forces you to be creative because you can't just go grab something else out of the arsenal to play with.  

I posted a bunch of card fronts to my Facebook page the other day.  I'd stamped a number of images from a retired stamp set that I've had for years and sadly never used.  I spent hours colouring them with my new watercolour pencils.  I stlil have to mount them and embellish them to turn them into cards but before I get there I'm thinking I'd like to do some highlights with my aquapainters. 

I'll post some photos of the completed projects soon. :) 

In the meantime, I'm SO looking forward to Sunday class/club this week.  If you can't find me before then I'll be the one in the corner surrounded by paper and ink giggling like a crazy person.  I've coined the phrase "Forced down-time" these past couple of weeks.  We're certainly due for a slow-down. 

Hope to see your smile at my craft table very soon! 

Happy Thursday everybody!