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STORAGE by Stampin’ Up!

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Storage.1Woo Hoo!  Stampin’ Up! is coming out with a new line of products on Monday called STORAGE by Stampin’ Up!.  Stampin’ Up! is coming out with some modular storage solutions to all of our stamping needs!

Store your ink pads, markers, Stampin’ Blends, ink refills and anything else you can think of!  Keep your crafting area organized!  (Or, if you’re like me,  GET your space organized!).  I can hardly wait!

I had an organizer for my old Stampin’ Up! alcohol markers but it’s not the right size or configuration for all my Stampin’ Blends so I am very excited about the Stampin’ Blends storage.  Woo Hoo!

Check out this fun little video about the storage items:

Here’s a link to a flyer that lists the items, the sizes and the prices.  And here’s a link to a flyer that gives you a little more information on how you can configure the different pieces.

These items will be available for purchase on Monday, April 1st!  Have a great day.  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Invitations & Cookies!

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Apron of Love.0119A few weeks ago I shared with you a bridal shower invitation that I made for my nephew’s fiance.  I had a lot of fun making the cards and I think they turned out pretty darn cute.

The shower was this past weekend and it was in Minneapolis so I wasn’t able to attend.  One of my sisters (not the future MIL) helped plan the shower and she had someone make sugar cookies to go along with the cooking theme of the shower.  This talented person made a cookie that looked almost exactly like my invitation!  Wow!  I couldn’t believe it when my sister texted me a picture.

cookiesWhen I first got the text from my sister I thought that she said that SHE made the cookies and I was more than amazed.  I knew she’s made candy in the past but I didn’t realize she had taken up cookie decorating.  I guess I should read my texts better.  She had said that she had them made by someone.  Whew…I was feeling a little inferior there for a minute!  Ha!

Aren’t these cookies adorable?!  I am amazed at how creative and talented some people are.  I’ve never tried making and decorating cookies like this.  For one thing, my skills in the kitchen aren’t that great.  Ha!  I’m thinking I’ll just stick with cookies.1paper and ink!  😀

A few years ago we had someone make cookies for our customer treat at Stamp Camp.  Aren’t these cookies amazing too?  I was really impressed with the logo.  It looked just like the Stampin’ Up! logo at the time!

When my friends and I go to Stampin’ Up! On Stage events some of us like to bring little treats for each other.  Last November Laura K. had some fun cookies made for us.  These look very similar to Stampin’ Up!’s 30th Anniversary logo.  Again, I am amazed at the talent some people have.  Not Treat.Laura2aonly do these cookies look amazing they taste pretty darn good too!

Have a wonderful day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

It’s All About the GREEN!

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Hello!  Are you ready for St. Patrick’s Day?  Do you like to drink Green Beer or eat Corned Beef & Cabbage?  Even if you’re not Irish you probably at least think about wearing GREEN on St. Patrick’s Day.  I don’t have a lot of green clothes in my closet but I do have a lot of green paper in my craft room!  Do you?

Did you know that this year Stampin’ Up! has 11-13 different greens in there colors?  I didn’t give you an exact amount because it depends on if you count Bermuda Bay and Coastal Cabana as blues or greens.  Personally I say they’re blues which means I think that Stampin’ Up! has 11 different greens.  That’s a lot.

Greens.0319Now the big questions is which green is your favorite?  I have only given you 9 choices here because that is all that would fit in my grid.  Ha!

We’re going to have a contest…I need you to vote for your favorite green.  You can leave a comment here on my blog or you can go over to my Facebook Page to vote.  Let’s see which green gets the most votes!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Sale-a-bration Coordination!

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You all know how much love Stampin’ Up! and COORDINATION.  Well starting today Stampin’ Up! is bring out Sale-a-bration Coordination!  During the month of March you can purchase 6 different products that COORDINATE perfectly with some of the Sale-a-bration offerings.  Woo Hoo!

SABCoordCollage

Four sets of framelits, one punch and one stamp set.  The first set of framelits coordinates with the Hello Cupcake stamp set.  The second set of framelits coordinates with the Lasting Lily stamp set.  The third set of framelits coordinates with the Painted Seasons stamp set and the final set of framelits coordinates with the So Hoppy Together stamp set.  I LOVE the frogs!  The Story Label Punch will work great with many stamp sets, Sale-a-bration or otherwise and the More Than Words stamp set will work with all sorts of images.

You can check out this flyer to see the item numbers and prices for these different products.  I am SO excited!  I can’t wait to play with all of these items!

Don’t forget….there’s only 1 month left of Sale-a-bration.  Get those orders placed and don’t forget to add your Sale-a-bration Coordination items!  COORDINATION!  WOO HOO!

*** I had to alter this post before it posted!  I just found out that Stampin’ Up! has added 8 current products to your Sale-a-bration 2019 choices!  You can check them out here.  I LOVE Sale-a-bration!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

SASsy Stampers & Friends Winter Stamp Camp

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camp1Saturday was a busy and exhausting day.  It was the day of my SASsy Stampers & Friends Winter Stamp Camp.  It’s an all day stamping event for our customers.  Our customers really enjoy Stamp Camp.  They come and get to make 8 different projects designed by 8 different designers.  They also get a delicious lunch, snacks and door prizes.  This year things went quite smoothly because we had a couple of helpers to man the kitchen and help out where needed.

camp2My friend Jan (to my right) loves to design the treat packaging for our guest.  All of her projects are SO cute!  This year she was inspired by the Sweetest Thing bundle in the Occasions Catalog.  Not only did she design the bag we hand out to customers for their projects (with more treats inside) but she designed the little treat cups too.  We always have a camp work day a few weeks TicTacsahead of time to help Jan make all of her creations.  We love hanging out together.

Would you like to be a part of our SASsy Stampers & Friends group?  You just need to be a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  Now is the perfect time to join!  With both of the Starter Kit options found in the Sale-a-bration Brochure you get to choose $175 for only $99!  That is $76 of FREE merchandise that you get along with a 20% discount on all future purchases!  WOW!  It’s a deal you don’t want to miss out on!  I would love to have you join my team!  Contact me today with any questions you may have!

TicTacsThis is my favorite treat project that Jan made for camp.  TSC!  Too Stinkin’ Cute!  It’s absolutely adorable!  The box is only 1 1/2″ x 1″ x 3/4″ and has a teeny tiny Tic Tac box in it.  There are only 6-7 Tic Tacs in the box.  Oh….and I like it because it’s PINK!  🙂

This week I’ll be sharing more of the projects that were made during Stamp Camp so check back in!  Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Happy New Year!

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happy-new-year-background-with-golden-confetti_1048-4402Happy New Year!  Sorry these wishes are a few days late.  We headed to the MN Homeland for a short visit after Christmas and have just returned.

I’m excited about 2019.  Are you?  My social calendar is already filling up and now I need to work on my business calendar.

Today is a big day at Stampin’ Up!.  The 2019 Occasions Catalog is now available to order from and Sale-a-bration has begun! Woo Hoo!

During the upcoming weeks I’ll be highlighting some of these fabulous new products so stay tuned!

Are you new to stamping and aren’t sure what Sale-a-bration is?  Well….it’s the most wonderful time of the year for a stamper.  It’s the time of the year when you can earn FREE products from Stampin’ Up!

SHOP:  For every $50 you spend on Stampin’ Up! merchandise and you can choose a FREE product from the Sale-a-bration Brochure!

HOST:  When you host a qualifying party (or place a qualifying order of at least $250) you get to choose an additional $25 in Hostess Rewards.  Would you like to host a Stampin’ Up! party?  I’d love to get together with you and your friends to stamp.  Contact me today to choose a date!

JOIN:  Choose an additional $50 of product when you purchase a Demonstrator Starter Kit.  There are two starter kit options for you to choose from.

Option 1:  Get up to $175 worth of Stampin’ Up! products for just $99

Option 2:  Get up to $175 worth of Stampin’ Up! products AND the exclusive Craft &         Carry Tote (valued at $50) for just $129!  This tote is great!  You can fit tons of Stampin’ Up! products in it.  Check out the details of the tote in this video.

Craft & Carry Tote.blogThis Craft & Carry Tote is only available during Sale-a-bration to those who sign up as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  Please contact me if you have any questions.  I would love to have you join my team!

As you can see, Sale-a-bration has something to offer to everyone!  Whether you want to shop, host or join you can get FREE products!  I LOVE Sale-a-bration, do you?

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays!

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christmas-cute-macro-40541.blogHello!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  Things got a little hectic for me over the weekend as I’m sure it did with many of you.  I sing in the church choir which I’ve done for years and this year I started playing in the bell choir.  We had a fantastic program on Monday morning with an orchestra so there have been a number of rehearsals along with regular services over the weekend.  It was all worth it though.

Of course, after all that was through I needed to actually think about Christmas.  Luckily I had the gifts purchased and wrapped but I need to fill stockings and get going on cooking for Christmas Day.  As things usually do, everything came together and we enjoyed a lovely Christmas.  I watched a Christmas movie on Christmas Eve while I was cooking and another one after dinner on Christmas Day.  I hate to admit which movies I watched because both of them I watched for the very first time if you can believe it.  On Christmas Eve I watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” and on Christmas Day I watched Die Hard.  I know, there is a bit of a controversy on whether Die Hard is actually a Christmas movie…..ha!

Don’t forget that the Year-End Closeout is coming to an end January 2nd.  You can see what’s included in this sale here.  There are still great items for sale on the Clearance Rack including some of my favorite Designer Series Papers.  Don’t miss out.  Get these items while they’re still available.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

Clearance Rack Updated!

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clearanceHave you checked out all of the new items that have been added to Stampin’ Up!’s Clearance Rack?  There are some really great products on it.  You need to get them before they’re gone!

Picture Perfect Party DP.blogMany of the items are from the 2018 Occasions Catalog.  I placed an order yesterday to get some of the gorgeous designer papers that were in that catalog.  I know, I don’t really need any more designer paper but they’re so pretty and the prices are so good!  Who doesn’t love Designer Paper?

Picture Perfect Collage.1The Picture Perfect Designer Paper is SO fun with it’s photographic imagery.  All you need to do with it is add a sentiment!  If you love this paper as much as I do you better place that order ASAP!  It’s only available while supplies last!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Cling Stamps: They’re Coming!

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Woo Hoo!  Stampin’ Up! is getting Cling Stamps!  Look for them in the 2019 Occasions catalog that comes out in January!  Here’s how Stampin’ Up! describes them:

“Our die-cut, cling stamps are made of high-quality red rubber. They come with a strong image label that clings like crazy to our clear blocks or Stamparatus plates for easy stamping. Stamp, then remove the stamp for space-saving storage. (Clear blocks and Stamparatus are sold separately.)”

These amazing stamps were demonstrated at the recent On Stage event that I attended earlier this month and we got to play with them a bit.  They really stick!

There are some important tips to remember when using Cling Stamps.  First of all, when cleaning your Cling Stamps don’t use alcohol based cleaners (StazOn Cleaner) or wipes of any type.  The fibers from the wipes can stick to the sticky label and then it won’t stick to your block.  When removing the stamp from your block don’t just yank it off.  You’ll tear the foam.  You need to grasp the stamp near the label, maybe even get your fingernail under the label a little to pull the stamp off.

I haven’t really had a chance to play with the cling stamps at home yet but I’m looking forward to it!  I just counted and there are 27 Cling Stamp sets in the upcoming 2019 Occasions Catalog and 5 in the 2019 Sale-a-bration Brochure!  Woo Hoo!

I’ll give you more info and my “expert” opinion of these once I really start playing with them.  Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

Photopolymer Stamps

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photopolymer-stampsWhoever invented clear stamps is BRILLIANT!  I love stamping with Stampin’ Up!’s photopolymer stamps.  Put the stamp on your clear block, ink it up and stamp your image straight every time!

Here’s how Stampin’ Up! describes their photopolymer stamps:                         “Our top-quality photopolymer stamps are entirely transparent for perfect image placement, and they adhere well to our clear blocks. They’re flexible and easy to line up, giving you even more creative possibilities with each set. You can mix and match, bend, and layer images easily. You’ll only need one set of blocks for all your photopolymer stamps (blocks sold separately). ”

Pick a Pennant.0618It’s great to be able to bend the stamp so that you can curve a straight line.  On this card that I made using the Pick a Pennant stamp set my banners are fairly straight which works on this card.  But the beauty of the stamp set is that I could have easily curved the banners if I had wanted to.  Talk about versatile!  🙂

In this stamp set, the little banner pieces are separate from the “string” and the decorations for the banner are separate pieces too.  With my photopolymer stamp set though it was SO easy to line everything up because I could see right through the stamp, even when it was inked up.

Photopolymer stamps are jumping to the top of my favorites list.  They stick to the blocks, you can see through them to line things up and the work perfectly with the Stamparatus!

So, after reading about all three types of Stampin’ Up! stamps, which are your favorite?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

 

Clear Block & DistINKtive Stamps

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Healing Hugs.0718Yesterday was all about wood block stamps and today we’re moving on to clear block stamps.  If you watched the video I posted on Monday you know that wood block stamps and clear blocks stamps are exactly the same except for the fact that you don’t permanently mount a clear block  stamp to the block.

Clear block stamps are easy to store since they come in a smaller, DVD-like case.  One of the best things about clear block stamps is that you can use them with your Stamparatus.  You can’t use a Stamparatus with wood block stamps.

I LOVE my Stamparatus.  It makes it so easy to line things up and to make multiple projects.  I won’t go into details about the Stamparatus today.  It deserves it’s own post that I may go into at later date (maybe check back next week….).  Needless to say though….YOU NEED A STAMPARATUS!

But back to clear block stamps….

They do stamp just as well as wood block stamps but I do sometimes have problems with them staying stuck to my block.  This mostly happens if the block isn’t clean or if I’m using a really small stamp.  If I can’t get my stamp to stick to the block I may get out my SNAIL adhesive and put just a bit on the block.  The problem with this is that then your block is all sticky.  I haven’t tried this, but other stampers have said that they spread a small amount of Tombow Liquid Glue on the label of the stamp and let it dry.  It dries a little tacky and therefore sticks better to the block.  If you’ve tried this leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Stampin’ Up! has recently come out with a new type of red rubber stamp called DistINKtive.  The images stamped with these type of stamps are AMAZING!  Check out this short video about this type of stamp.

The card I posted at the beginning of this post is made using the Healing Hugs stamp set.  It’s a DistINKtive stamp set.  I posted this card a month or so ago and you can read about it here.  Isn’t the image amazing?  I’ll be designing another card using this stamp set for my December class.  I can’t wait!  I love this flower image.

Don’t forget that today is the last day of the Online Extravaganza.  It’s your last chance to get a 10% discount on Tools & Inks from the Annual Catalog.  Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Tools & Inks On Sale Now!

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OnlineEx3a.1118The last of this year’s Online Extravaganza’s mini sales is on!  It’s time to purchase your favorite tools and inks.  Don’t miss out!  Order early!  This is a great way to get some more of the new ink pads and the new colors.  I need to figure out which ones I’m going to purchase.

This week is “All About the Stamps” and today we’ll talk about the one and only, original, Wood Block stamps.  If you watched the video I shared yesterday you heard that the wood blocks themselves are made of solid maple.  These blocks are sturdy and easy to hold on to.

Wood Block stamps have always been a favorite of mine because once you mount the stamp on the block you are good to go….always.  Once you stick that stamp on the block it’s there for good.  I like this when I’m designing because I can just open the stamp case, grab my stamp, ink it and stamp!  No messing around with finding the correct block size for the stamp.  I also like the fact that my stamp doesn’t fall off the block when I’m inking it up or stamping an image.  Yes, Wood Block stamps have always been a favorite of mine.

Ok…the joke’s on me right now.  I was all set to tell you that if you’re concerned about lining your image up straight when stamping with the wood blocks you should grab your Stamp-a-ma-jig found on page xxx in the Annual Catalog but it’s not in the current Annual Catalog.  Sheesh!  You’d think I could keep on top of these things!  Luckily you can still find them on Amazon.com if you don’t have one.

What I can tell you for a fact though is that when the new 2019 Annual Catalog comes out in June you won’t be able to purchase Wood Block stamps (except for Background Stamps).  So, if you really like Wood Block stamps you may want to purchase them before June.  We were a little shocked at On Stage in Orlando when they announced this because our CEO and Founder, Shelli Gardner,  always said we’d never get rid of them.  Well, times do change.

Are you wondering if something is replacing Wood Block stamps?  Well….tune back in on Friday…..  🙂

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

Online Extravaganza

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On this busy day of family, friends and giving thanks I want to remind you of Stampin’ Up!’s Online Extravaganza that begins tomorrow.

First, I need to apologize for not posting for almost a week.  My little ‘ole computer wasn’t cooperating and then, you know, life happened.  I’m ready to get back on track though so be sure and join my next week as I get back into the swing of things.

Stampin’ Up!’s Annual Online Extravaganza begins tomorrow.  This year they are actually running three different 48-Hour Sales!  By the end of the three sales ALMOST everything in the Annual Catalog will have been on sale at 10% off.  Yes, there are some items that will NOT be on sale.  You can view those exceptions here.

Here’s what’s on sale when:

Friday November 23rd & Saturday November 24th:  Paper & Embellishments

Sunday November 25th & Monday November 26th:  Stamps & Kits

Tuesday November 27th & Wednesday November 28th:  Tools & Inks

OnlineEx1a.1118Sale #1 begins tomorrow, Friday November 23rd and ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday November 24th.  This sale includes paper and embellishments from the Annual Catalog.  Woo Hoo!  Time to stock up!

There are a couple of things to remember during this sale.  First, only a predetermine amount of product will be available at sale prices.  If there is something you want, order it early!  Secondly, you must remember that sale prices for any specific item are only good during it’s 2-day period.  If you want that package of Basic Black cardstock at 10% off you need to order it Friday or Saturday.  It won’t be available at the sale price on Sunday.  This means that you may need to place three different orders over the course of the Online Extravaganza.

Orders can be placed online or through me.

I will be placing an order early during each mini sale.  If you would like to me to place your order please have it to me by noon the first day of each sale.

Paper & Embellishments:  Noon on Friday, November 23rd

Stamps & Kits:  Noon on Sunday, November 25th

Tools & Inks:  Noon on Tuesday November 27th

Enjoy these great deals and Happy Stamping!

 

 

On Stage Fun

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OnStage Fun.1aStampin’ Up! events are a lot of fun and sometimes we get a little crazy….even our CEO Sara Douglass gets in on the action!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OnStage Fun.3aIt’s always fun watching this Mother/Daughter duo together.  Founder Shelli Gardner and CEO Sara Douglass.

 

 

 

 

 

OnStage Fun.2a

 

The entire Gardner clan celebrates 30 years of Stampin’ Up!.  Mom, Dad, their five daughters along with their families.  Only two members were missing.  Such a beautiful family.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my recap of Stampin’ Up!’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.  Does it make you want to join me at the next event in April?  Think about…..Sale-a-bration is a great time to join the Stampin’ Up! family!

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!

A Walk Down Memory Lane

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Stampin’ Up! had a wonderful timeline display at our On Stage event which showed their journey over 30 years.  It was really fun to check out.

Timeline1Here I am at the 2004 display.  This was the year I joined Stampin’ Up!.  Yes, I have my 15 year anniversary coming up in February!

You’re looking at how I’m dressed in the photo and thinking “wasn’t she in Orlando?”.  I was in Orlando and the weather outside was beautiful and warm but inside of the convention center it was freezing.  In our main stage presentations we were sitting right under a fan blowing extremely cool air on us.  So glad I had a sweater and jeans from the plane ride!

Catalog94.1This is a picture of the first catalog I can remember.  My how things change!  It was 9 years prior to my becoming a demonstrator but I can remember the cover.  I had gone to a party at my aunt’s house and got introduced to Stampin’ Up!  when we lived in Minnesota.  It was then another seven or eight years before I really got addicted to stamping after a three moves and another baby.  The rest is history…  🙂

Let me know what you think of this catalog cover.  Would you purchase any of the stamps today that you see on the cover?

Have a great day!  Take care and Happy Stamping!