More Samples from Training Day--Decor Elements

Okay, I'll admit that I haven't done anything with the new decor elements. I haven't even used the free flower that Stampin' UP! sent all the demonstrators. Mainly because I didn't know what to do with it. I kept telling myself that after my room was done then I would put something up. But here are two samples from training day that made me realize. . .it doesn't have to go on the wall!!! Duh Mandy.


This is a beautiful shadow box, the word faith is on the outside of the glass, it's stunning!

I love this! The decor element is on a 12 x 12 tile and sitting on an easel. What a perfect gift!

One thing I have learned about training day over the last few years is that I always come away with a wish list! I will definitely be ordering something from the decor elements catalog. You can see it on the side of my blog just click it to download.

Bright and Sweet

Talk about a super fast card. . . This one was made with pieces left on my table. I've been trying to be more organized (trying is the key word in that sentence).

The cute flower is from Sweet Stems and colored with markers, the circle is So saffron punched with the big circle punch and the button is from fresh favorites, the sentiment is from Full of Life, it's currently on the dormant list so it's not in the catalog but you can still order it.

Wish lists

This past weekend I went to a local Stampin' UP! training day, there is nothing that can get you more excited that 30-40 Stampin' UP! demonstrators sharing ideas. I can't wait to show you some of the projects!!

On Friday night we had a shoe box swap and this wish list was my project. I had material all cut and so each demonstrator got to make their own wish list.

This is a sneak peak at the new Sale-a-Bration sets, this is called Polka Dot Punches it's a set of four and each image coordinates with a punch. Along with stamp sets this year you will also get to choose a ribbon bundle or Designer Series paper which is used on the front cover of this wish list.

retired stamps for sale

 

Retired Stamp Sets for sale

  polka dots and petals--$8

 

Lots of Thoughts $7

Fine frames $7

so many scallops $7

thoroughly thankful $10

time well spent $15

so much $15

side kick sayings $10

wishing you $10

polka dots and paisley $9

riot of petals $9

 

Merci $7

alphabits $8

birthday whimsy $7

happy harmony $7

Demonstrator Training Day

Oh my goodness is my little mind flooded with ideas!!! This weekend was training day for our stamping group. I have to say this is not put on by Stampin' UP! it's planned and organized by a group of amazing demonstrators, most of which are right here in central Indiana. One of the things I love about our training day is that I can look at these ladies and know that they all have real lives, as well as being a demonstrator, so it helps me realize that I can do as much or as little with my business and still be successful.

One thing I decided when I was there looking as some of the great stuff people made is that I need to do more with home decor. . .check out some of these pictures!

This was part of a valentine place setting. . .it was beautiful!

You can get these little mail boxes at Target for a dollar. . .I want to get one for each of the kids this year.

I actually made this Love frame at the shoebox swap. it's totally not something I would make or come up with but I love it. I have it sitting on top of my TV cabinet and it looks great!!

Funky Colored Petal Pizazz

So this isn't my favorite color combo, but do like the end result. The colors are Orchid opulence (probably one of the least used colors), tangerine tango and baja breeze. I was really trying to make something with colors that I don't use very often. If you are like me, you get a couple favorite colors and use them on everything. I was trying to step outside my comfort zone. I think it might be time to go back in :)

I like the lay out of the card, so I may try it with different colors.

What's your favorite color combo? What colors do you use the most? Leave a comment and I'll send you a coupon for a free class.

Sweet Stems in Oval

I love that the sweet stems images fit in so many of the punches. I used the large oval to punch out the images and the wide oval to punch the red. I love the look. My darling husband said they looked like zeros. I hadn't notice that before, I'm thinking that might be cute in a scrapbook page!

I colored the flowers with markers, the sentiment is from Best Yet, a level one hostess set from the last catalog, as is the designer print paper. The ribbon is satin kraft.

Waiting on my Big shot!

I've ordered my big shot and I can't wait to play with it. Until then I'll play with some of the pieces that I cut with a friends big shot.

The flower is from Petal Pizazz, and the sentiment is from Garden Whimsy. To kick it up a notch I added the green brads to the center of the flower. It was a little boring before that.

kid's valentines class

Here are some samples of the valentines that the kids will make at the upcoming Kid's Only Valentine Class on Feb 3rd at 6:30p.

The cost is $10 and you need to RSVP by Feb 1st!

At this class the kids will be able to make 20 valentines that hold suckers, they should be able to get all the stamping done by 8:30 (they may need to finish coloring at home). The kids will get to work at different stations using different stamps that they like.

If your child needs to make more than 20 valentines let me know and we can work it out so that he/she has enough for the class!

Mom's don't worry I haven't forgotten about your need to stamp Valentines check out this link to my Valentine class on Tuesday.http://paperinklings.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentine-class.html

Eye Pleasing Sweet Stems

Eye Pleasing, that's how my husband Steve described this card. I made several cards with this set and had them all laid out. Steve didn't like most of the, but he did say that this one was eye pleasing. The paper I used is a level one hostess set from the last catalog. There is a new paper pack for level one in the current catalog but the colors are more spring like! I also used the level one hostess set called Best Yet from the last catalog. In the current catalog there is a new sentiment set that I like. I can't wait to get it!!

Stamp Sets: Sweet Stems, Best Yet

Colors: Sahara Sand, Not Quite Navy, Bordering Blue, confetti white, basic black

Accessories: Markers, Square scalloped punch, designer prints paper, kraft satin ribbon

A little Petal Pizzaz

Here is another new set that I received. It's called Pedal Pizazz. It has great bold image flowers that are very easy to use. The sentiment is from Upsy Daisy (I really like the sentiments in that set). I love white cards. I think sometimes we go overboard with layers and colors when white is enough. I added a little punch to this card by adhering the large flower with a dimensional.

Stamp Sets: Pedal Pizazz, Upsy daisy

Colors: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Pacific Point, Basic Black

Accessories: Paper snips, 1 inch circles punch, dimensional

Another Sweet Stem

I have to say this is one of my favorite cards that I've made recently. I used silver hardware and pink brads. I colored the flower with markers. The sentiment is from upsy daisy stamp set. It was a quick and easy card with a lot of punch.

Stamps: Sweet Stems, Upsy Daisy
Colors: Cameo Coral, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: silver hodgepodge hardware, pink brads, designer label punch, raspberry tart designer paper.

New Catalog Begins Today!!

I'm so excited about this catalog. There are several stamp sets that I just fell in love with, and the new pattern paper is to die for. I can't wait to share it with you. The card today uses one of the new sets called sweet stems. It is a set of 4 flowers that can be easily be colored using markers, watercolors or pastels. Pair this set with a simple sentiment set and you have a great starter kit. On the card today I used some new paper called raspberry tart, it's beautiful with rose red, pretty in pink and kiwi kiss!!

I still haven't cut all the material for tomorrow's New Catalog Debut so if you want to come and see of the new stuff in person and get your hands on the catalog call or email me today. This is a free event. Tuesday at 6:30!

If you are one of the many people who have been coming to my classes over the last few years you have also witnessed the remodeling of my dining room. Well it is getting very close. The plaster is complete (my incredible husband replastered the walls, ceiling and made the crown molding himself). We painted and hung lights this weekend. I can actually list what we have left to do. build and install the bookcases, make and install the trim and refinish the floor. Below is a picture but it doesn't do it justice. Another perk of coming tomorrow is you get to ooh and ahh over my dining room (actually we are calling it the dining library)

Hope to see you tomorrow!!

Class Schedule for Jan-March

Here is the list of Classes for the next couple months. There will be more information and pictures to come. Tuesdays seem to be consistently open for me so all these classes are scheduled on tuesday evenings. If tuesdays don't work for you let me know and we can schedule a class to go, or class by mail.

Jan 20th New Catalog--FREE
Jan 27th Valentine's--$10
Feb 3rd Kid's only Valentine class (make 20 simple valentines) $10
Feb 10th Sale-a-bration 10 card stamp-a-stack $15
Feb 17th Scrap in a flash--2 12x12 double layouts $15
Feb 24th With one Stamp Class
March 3rd Boy Birthday Stamp-a-Stack $15
March 10th Girl Birthday Stamp-a-Stack $15
March 17th Scrap in a Flash-- $15


I'd love to hear what classes you'd like to have offered. So leave a comment suggesting a class and I'll email you a coupon for one free class!

Valentine Class

Valentine's class for kids and adults!!
When: Jan 27th at 6:30
Where: My House
Cost: $10
RSVP: by Jan 20th

This is a great class for kids and beginner stampers.

NEW CATALOG!!!

I received my new catalogs yesterday, and let me tell you there is some great stuff in it. I am especially in love with the new accessories, corduroy buttons, jumbo brads, glitter, and new ribbon just to name a few!!

I will be having a new catalog party on Tuesday Jan 20th at 6:30. You can come see the catalog and make a few projects FREE!!

Just RSVP by Monday so I know how many to expect. I will have my retired sets for sale as well. If you bring a guest you get a surprise.

Pockette Sillouette Birthday Cards

I've been using my white embossing powder quite a bit recently. I love the way the white pops on the bold colors. I still don't have my big shot, I plan on it being on my first order of the new catalog. I wanted to wait and see what new dies Stampin' UP is coming out with. I've been hearing lots of buzz from the Leadership training that's going on in Florida. I can't wait until I get my hands on the new catalog.

Oh, sorry I got so excited I got off track. when I was stamping with some friends I used the big shot and cut several pieces and put the in my scrap basket and so I thought I would use them today. The first card uses the top note die, and the second card uses the scalloped circle. The square is one of Stampin' UP's punches.

I used the sentiment from Full of life , honestly after going thru all my current stamp sets it's one of the only birthday sentiments I have that is current. I think I need to put a new Birthday stamp set on my wish list.

I love this last card because it's so simple and beautiful. I stamped happy birthday inside. and the red cardstock is popped up on dimensional.

New Year's Resoulution #1

I'm not great at making one big resolutions so a few years ago I started making a list of goals. I have some personal goals, financial goals and some Stampin' Up! goals. Over the next several days I'm going to share some of my goals or resolutions with you. The first is a continuance from last year. I want to send my family and friends birthday cards. I love my birthday and I love getting cards (my birthday is April 23, feel free to send me a card ). I came up with something that worked most of the time last year. Many of you have seen tins like the one below decorated beautifully. This is my Birthday Card Box.

You'll notice that inside are little dividers with each month listed on them. Then I file envelopes already addressed in the appropriate month (I file to the front but I know some crazy people file to the back so whatever floats your boat). I put the birth date in the upper right hand corner of the envelope so that when I mail it the stamp covers it up.
It takes a little while to address all the envelopes and get the birth dates written down but then all the hard work is done. If you have a surplus of birthday cards go ahead and sign it and put it in the envelope, I wouldn't seal it because you may want to add a note before you send it.

This worked pretty well last year, I have to admit there were two months that I forgot to look at it at all and no one got there cards in those months. Then there were a few cards that made it out of the box and on to my desk, but never saw the mail box. I hope to do better this year.

I've been working on some birthday cards, I'll show you those tomorrow

Christmas Thank You Cards

snow swirled, sincere salutations

Bordering blue, baja breeze and pacific point Ink

Bordering blue and Whisper White cardstock

dazzling diamonds (looks much better in real life)

Lovely as a tree and Sincere Salutations

Handsome Hunter Ink

Sahara Sand, Handsome Hunter and Very vanilla Cardstock

Dazzling Diamonds and Hunter Ribbon and Large oval punch

Merry & Bright

Black Ink, Certainly Celery and Real Red Markers

Confetti White, Real Red and Certainly Celery Cardstock

Wide Red Ribbon, Circle punches and Scalloped Circle punch

(this card is 4inx 4in and fits in a standard envelope)


I told you I was working on thank you cards, well I got them done. When I do Christmas Thank yous I do them just like a Christmas card but with a Thank you sentiment. The snowflake card I cased from myself, changed the colors and the sentiment. A few of you made this card at a Christmas Stamp-a-stack in purple.

The middle card that uses Lovely as a tree was very fun. I've been wanting this set forever and I won it in a drawing that my up-up-up line has. All the demonstrators under her can send her samples of cards and then she does a drawing each month for $75 in free product!! I try to submit every month and I've been lucky enough to win several times. I usually try to pick something that I want, but wouldn't normally buy. That's how I got my crop-o-dile that I'm now in love with. This time I went with things that I needed, but the one fun thing was the Lovely as a Tree stamp set.

The last card couldn't be cuter or easier. I love the snowman from Merry & Bright. It's retiring this year, I Will miss him!!

just one more

This stamp set is called With Gratitude. This stamp set is beautiful, it has several different leaf images as well as two sentiment "with gratitude" and "hope". I love set that come with sentiments because I have a very difficult time buying the sentiment sets. I don't know if anyone else is like that but they don't wow me like the other stamp sets, so anytime I can get beautiful images and words in one I love it!!

retired samples

So cool was one of my favorite sets in the Spring/summer catalog last year. Then it went on the dormant list and now it's retiring. It's not a stamp set for everyone but if you have teens or preteens in your life--it's great. It can be used for both boys and girls and can be used for many different occasions.

I definitely picked to different kinds of stamp sets today. This card was made using the Kind Thoughts stamp set which is very feminine and whimsy. it includes the sentiment "kind thoughts" as well as the beautiful butterfly and flourish and a few other stamps. It really is beautiful.

More samples with retiring sets

If you love florals stamps, Pretty Peony just be on your wish list. It is one of the many two step stampin' sets that Stampin' UP! offers. The great thing about sets like this is that the Stampin' UP! artists have done all the hard work for you. You don't have to do any shading because when you layer the stamps onto each other it is already shaded beautifully.

Ahoy, Matey has got to be one of the cutest stamps ever. clean lines and easy to color (it even has a matching wheel. Of course this stamp set came out the year AFTER Caleb had a pirate themed birthday!

New year's Resoulutions!

Okay we all make them--but did you ever thing that rubber stamping could help you achieve them?

Check out this link to see how. It's pretty good.http://rubberstamping.about.com/od/opportunities/a/PopNewYearRes.htm

I have to admit that I haven't really made any resolutions this year, I'm still pondering them. I'd love to hear what some of yours are. Leave a comment and let me know.

I'm finally getting back into the swing of things

Okay all Christmas decorations are down (except for the two snowmen that I left in the kid's bathroom and the dish towels that were in the laundry when I put away the decorations). All Christmas presents are basically put away. I still have to make and write thank you notes. I hope to have that done by the end of the week. I have a mountain of laundry that has been neglected because I was too busy playing cool games like mouse trap, mancala and the High School Musical DVD game (I know you are jealous). Anyway I don't think I'll be doing much stamping until the weekend so to tide you over I'll be posting some samples from the Stampin' Up! website using some of my favorite retiring sets. Today's card is a sample of Bronc Buster--a great boy stamp set!

Stampin' UP! is also doing an INVENTORY BLOW OUT SALE. For a complete list of retiring stamps and accessories and the inventory sale check out my Stampin' UP! website.