Relaxing after the holidays

After months of getting Audrey to The Nutcracker rehearsals, she had her last performance on Saturday night. It was bittersweet--she was sad to be leaving the friends she had made and I'm sad to lose some of the time we spent together. So to relax a little, I spent some time in the Stampin' Studio today working on some swap cards and a card for my January Stamp Camp. We will make two cards, three of each card and a set of 3x3 cards on January 12th. I'll post the other card and the 3x3 card when I get them finished.

Hi everyone!
I hope you've had a great Christmas and are ready to ring in the New Year. I'm getting a jump on our Stamp Camp Schedule--if it's already planned, I'll have to stick to it, right?
I'm planning to do a Stamp Camp every other month. I would like to ask that everyone pay $15 or an order of at least $15 of product. I realize that's an increase from the previous years, but I've kept it the same for the past ten years. Shipping costs and increased costs of products have finally caught up with me. I hope that doesn't deter any of you from joining me. That's also the reason I've switched to every other month instead of trying to do it monthly.

If you know of anyone who would like to have an in-home workshop, please let me know and I'll give them a call. If you would like to host a workshop, be sure to let me know, too.
Be sure to put these dates on your calendar so you will have plenty of time to work around it. Feel free to bring a friend!We will meet on the second Sunday of each month:
January 12--Valentine's and birthday cards
March 9--Easter and Thank you cards
May 11--Mother's Day and Father's Day cards
July 13--Christmas in July and tags
September 14--Birthday cards and Halloween cards
November 9--Birthday and Thank you cards

I will also have 3x3 cards at each month's stamp camp.

Please RSVP by Jan 8 for the January Stamp Camp.
I look forward to hanging out with in the Stampin' Studio and I wish you a very safe and Happy New Year!

Cut and Ready Card Bases

Be sure to check out this offer! Click on an item to order but be sure to select me as your demonstrator. What a great idea!

Cut and Ready Card Bases

Through December 31, we're offering a new trial product—our Cut & Ready Card Bases. These pre-scored, pre-cut card bases will make it easy for you to create a stack of cards in no time—or even just a card or two. Think of it . . . holiday cards, thank you cards, party invitations, and more in a snap! (We can hear you breathe a sigh of relief.)
The Perfect Holiday Solution
Here's why these card bases will help you relax and enjoy the season:

1. You'll save work and time not having to cut and score cards—even if you're simply making a card or two.
2. You'll be able to make multiples in no time.

So Many Color Choices!
Our Card Bases are made from Stampin' Up!'s high-quality cardstock! They are available in a variety of colors for any occasion or creative whim. We've chosen these colors to coordinate with the holiday catalog Designer Series Papers—to make it even easier to get those holiday cards done.

The Details
Each Card Base package contains:

• 20 pre-scored, pre-cut cards in one color
• Each card measures 5-1/2" x 8-1/2"-scored at 4-1/4". Finished card size is 4-1/4" x 5-1/2". (Card Bases are packaged flat.)
  
  

Description	Item Number	Price
Whisper White Cut & Ready Card Bases	135804	$4.95
Very Vanilla Cut & Ready Card Bases	135805	$4.95
Crumb Cake Cut & Ready Card Bases	135806	$4.95
Smoky Slate Cut & Ready Card Bases	135807	$4.95
Cherry Cobbler Cut & Ready Card Bases	135808	$4.95
Old Olive Cut & Ready Card Bases	135809	$4.95
Pool Party Cut & Ready Card Bases	135810	$4.95

Coordinating Product
You will definitely want to add a package of envelopes to your Card Bases order. Try any of these:

• Clear Medium Envelopes (item 102619)
• Crumb Cake Medium Envelopes (item 107297)
• Very Vanilla Medium Envelopes (item 107300)
• Whisper White Medium Envelopes (item 107301)
  
  

Do you think I can get better at this?

I sure hope so. I know for the past year I've said over and over again that I'm going to blog more often. Then...
Family obligations get in the way, my Kindergarten classroom gets in the way, Audrey is dancing four nights a week and will be appearing in the Carolina Ballet Nutcracker the month of December. She's been practicing since mid-September so no time for stamping on Saturday afternoons. 
My wonderful Stampin' Studio has been neglected because I haven't had time to get inside. I'm very sad about that. 
However, on Sunday afternoon, I'm having some friends over and we're making a Fall/Thanksgiving card, a Christmas card and a Christmas tag. I'm so excited to get to play in there for an afternoon. I hope they are as excited as I am. Enjoy the rest of your week and Happy Stampin'!

Holidays in July!

Hi everybody!
Well, the school year has finished and a new one is about to begin. Audrey has danced at Walt Disney World last week and I'm ready to get back into my Stampin' Studio! YIPPEE!  
I'm planning a stamp camp on Sunday, July 21st, 1:30-4:30. We'll be doing Holidays in July--Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Let me know if you want to join me. I'll be working on the cards this week and will post as soon as I have them finished.
Happy Stampin'!

My Paper Pumpkin

I got my first My Paper Pumpkin kit this week. I was pleasantly surprised at what was inside. My Paper Pumpkin is delivered to your home each month for $19.95. It's a surprise craft project each month.Let me know if you're interested. I made cards for Audrey's teacher with this month's kit.

Using the Dressed Up Framelits

Hi everybody,
Well, we've been off for a couple of weeks so I've been playing. I got a new set of framelits from the mini catalog called All Dressed Up. I really thought of Audrey when I saw them so I'm sure I'll use them in scrapbooks. However, today, I made the cutest gift for a friend. I hope she likes it. I also made some cards using the framelits. 

The new catalog comes out June 1st so I'm getting ready for that. We're also having a color refresh so look for some fun new colors. I'll have an Open House in early June so look for date. 

Let me know what you think of my project. 
Happy Stampin'!

The Refresh is here!

Hi everybody!
A few years ago, we had a major color refresh. It was quite an ordeal. We were told that this would happen every two or three years to make sure we are using the most current color combinations. 

Well, the time has come to refresh again! 
You will notice that some of our previous In Colors have been added to the color palette now. 

We all have our favorites and we will miss some colors and will be glad to see some go. Tell me what you think! 

In the meantime, Happy Stampin'!

I'm learning something new

I've been busy! I've been taking a webinar with Jackie Bolhuis on My Digital Studio. This is great for me and what's even better, now is a great time for you to buy My Digital Studio. You can get it for $19.95. What's even better, if you already have the original MDS or MDS 2, the upgrade will be FREE! I don't have the exact date yet, but it's on it's way. I will be glad to help you learn how to use your new software now that I know what I'm doing. 

Stampin' Up! is rolling out all kinds of new things. There's My Paper Pumpkin, a kit that is mailed to your house each month for $19.95/month. Included is everything you need to make that month's project. 

There's also This and That, a new line that will be in the catalog in June. However, you can get a sneak peek now! Now through April 30, you can get a bundle for 15% off. The bundle includes:

• Epic Day This and That Journal
• Designer Series Paper
• Rotary Stamp
• Designer Stickers
• Designer Tape

Just call me if you're interested in finding out more. I'll tell you what I can. 

I've also been in the stampin' studio. Here are some cards I've been working on. I'm sure I've CASEd the cards you're about to see, so if they're yours, please let me know so I can give you credit.

 Happy Stampin'!

Stress Relief

You know how some weeks just seem to be harder than others? Well, there were moments like that this week. I decided to spend some time in the Stampin' Studio tonight. I had some projects to finish and a birthday party to plan for. Here are my 3x3 birthday tags for a swap I've joined.

I also started a webinar for MDS2. I have some homework for that so I'm off to get that done. Happy Stampin'!

The weather here in NC stinks! It's rainy and cold. We had a three hour delay for school this morning due to freezing rain and icy roads/bridges. Needless to say, the kids were a little less than productive this afternoon :) 

We spent last Sunday afternoon using shaving cream to make cards. I thought I had taken pictures, but I can't seem to find them. I'll work on some more and post later. 

Enjoy your weekend! Mine will be busy taking Miss Audrey to Disney Rehearsal. Did I tell you that she'll be dancing at Disney in June? She (ME, too!) is sooo excited! She will be rehearsing frequently over the next few months. I'll keep you posted. 
Happy Stampin'!

Our Technique Class was a success on Sunday afternoon! We had lots of fun giggling while we blew ink across the paper using a straw. Our next class is scheduled for Sunday, February 17, 1:30-4:30. 

This is sample of the card we made on Sunday afternoon. 

Sale-A-Bration began yesterday. For every $50 you spend, you'll get to choose something for free. See me for details. Let me know if you'd like a book a party as well. 

Happy Stampin'!
 

Well, it's finally finished! Marc has worked so hard and it has paid off. The Stampin' Studio is complete and I am working away. I plan to post each Friday night with something I have made during the week. Below are pictures of my fabulous work space. Anyone want to visit?

What do you think?

  

 I didn't get to go to Leadership but this was announced today. What a great idea for those who want to do a little creative work but don't have a lot of room. Let me know if you're interested.

 

It's a Magical Paper Escape Every Month!

Sweep away the mundane-your creativity carriage awaits!

I'm Paper Pumpkin . . .
I come to your door each month (a fully decked-out creativity carriage). I'll help you to escape your life with some paper fun.
I come in a sweet box, but you'll really love what you find on the inside:
All the stamps, ink, paper, and accessories to create pinable projects. Create stuff like cards, journals, décor, and more!
Paper Pumpkin by Stampin' Up! is a new monthly kit program that anyone (even you) can enjoy!

Get Started

It's so easy to get started. Simply sign up for the program starting Monday, January 14 by visiting www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click Get it. Every month a new, surprise project kit arrives at your doorstep. Just think of the anticipation of creating a fun project to pin, showoff, and share with your friends and family-every month!
Of course, you'll want to know more. So here's the nitty gritty:

• Each month we send you a unique, surprise kit with a project-cards, journals, décor, and more! (We've even color-coordinated, measured, and cut everything for you!)
• Each kit includes stamps, ink, paper, and accessories-everything but adhesive.
• Each kit gives you and your customer a 30-minute creativity escape.
• We will ship your Paper Pumpkin on or around the 15th of the month.  
• You need to sign up for a kit by the 10th of the month to get that month's kit. If you sign up on the 11th of the month, your first kit will come the next month. (Let's say you sign up on May 10th, we'll send your kit around May 15th. If you sign up on May 11th, we'll send your first kit around June 15th.)
• A Paper Pumpkin membership is $19.95 per month (and shipping is included!) The commissionable amount is $14.95 for each Paper Pumpkin.  
• There's no commitment, you can cancel your monthly Paper Pumpkin at anytime. You can also skip a month if you want.
• Starting in early March, we'll offer a Try-It kit if you'd like to try Paper Pumpkin for one month.

Happy New Year!
I am getting off to a great start by having my first technique class on Jan 20th. We will be using glossy white paper with ink refills. We will use straws to blow a design on the paper and then stamp an image using black staz-on ink. 

Let me know what you think about the samples. 

The new year has hit pretty hard around here. I got sick the Friday before Christmas and can't seem to shake it. Hopefully, it will be completely gone by the time we track out on Jan. 18th. 

I plan to make lots of cards in the new Studio. I will post pictures as soon as Marc cleans up his tools.
Happy Stampin'!