Christmas cards using New and Retired Stampin' Up! sets

WOW, it has been over 3 months since I posted on here, you all were probably wondering where I have been????

Wonder no more.    I have been working on this post for a month, then today I started searching for it, and couldn't find it.   I looked on blogger --- no drafts, I looked on my iPad in blogger, no drafts, nothing in notes either.   I checked my email to see if I started something there and NOPE...it's not there either.

I am going to give you the quick version...Just after my last post, we had a Baby Shower in Maryland for my youngest daughter, she was due Nov 12th.    Well, you know how babies will come when they are ready???   She arrived October 16th, via C section, weighing 4 lbs, 15 oz.   She is doing fine at 9 lbs!!!   Here she is, just before Christmas!

We have been up and down 95 so many times this year, our vehicles could probably ride without us, knowing which exits to get off for fuel...food and the restrooms!

I managed to make all of my Christmas cards and get them addressed and in the mail 10 days before Christmas!!!   Like a first!   Even though they were mailed on time, I felt so rushed getting them done, that I was missing the FUN in making them (until the very end, when I said, SO WHAT).   The last 10-12 were actually fun and a goal I have set for myself this coming year, to make 8 Christmas cards each month.....That way, when November rolls around, I can concentrate on making some fun gifts. 

Did you get your cards made and in the mail before the big day?   If not, I am sure you are not alone, if you want to be ready next year, start next week.   Write a list of names you would like to send cards to, divide that amount by 10 months (so you can relax! Ha! November and December).   Who wants to try it?   Let me know, email me, or leave a comment here and I will try and keep you motivated this year.  Let's do this together!

Over the next few days I will post some of my Christmas Cards.   and beginning Jan 1, I will share some cards made with the new items I have in my possession from the Occasions Catalog and Sale a Bration catalog......If you don't own a catalog and would like one, contact me and I will send one out to you.

Check out some of the items that are on sale for the weekly deals, clearance rack and Year end Sale, all on my website.

This card used a retired set from last year.      

These are some treats I made and have been handing out over the Christmas shopping days! They hold 2 Andes mint candies.  I only have just a few left to hand out and I made 25.  I have enjoyed handing them out and I plan on making them next year -  earlier.

STay tuned for more posts

here are the weekly deals for this week., contact me to order any of these,or go to my  website to place your order

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Stampin Up!'s Weekly Deals for this Week and my Wacky Wednesday Tip - a video

How does Stampin' Up! know what I need????   They always have something on the Weekly Deals that I need!   This time it is Gold Glitter.....

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Now for my Wacky Wednesday Tip - It's a video this time, hopefully it turns out OK.

I have tried to edit the video all day and was unable to do it....so here goes

iT won't upload, I know I am doing something wrong...not sure so. I will get some help in the next few days and post it when I learn how to upload it.

In the meantime I will share a photo of Frances and I stamping together at her house.   She is a demonstrator I met several years ago and now we live about 45 minutes from each other!  Notice our "neat and organized" table while stampin'.   

Enjoy and I hope you get sometime to be creative today.

Carol's Wacky Wednesday Tips for Paper Crafting

Today's Tip is with Stampin' Up's Paper Stacks....  You know how you take papers out, trim and use for a project, then you are left with some scraps that you can't just throw away!   Where to keep them? Organized  and where they aren't all over the place.....

Here is my solution!

I took one of the many cello bags I have. This one was the perfect size.  I used my snail on the back of the paper stack and pressed the bag onto the snail.   Make sure you have the bag opening close to the binding of the stack, close and store as usual.   I keep my small stacks on the same shelving as my stamps since they are close to the same size.

I hope this tip helps you with storing your paper scraps from your paper stacks!.

How do you store yours?   Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear your tips.

Enjoy and I hope you get a chance to create something today.

Carol

Weekly Deals this week - World Card Making Day

OMG! The Butterfly thinlits are on the WEEKLY DEALS!!!! They are my most used thinlits!!!!!

IF you do not own these and want to get them now while they are on sale.....Go to my website www.stampergirl.stampinup.net and choose, shop, then Weekly Deals. You can order anything on that site, from any current catalogs as well as the Clearance List. Don't forget to use the Hostess Code, HXKAVGBY before finalizing your order to get in the drawing for FREE Hostess Dollars!

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I am planning a Christmas Card Class for Maryland - on Oct 3rd, World Card Making Day..... - Time and Location will be determined by how many people say they can come....

SO, rsvp if you can make it, vote on a time and/or a location (area of town)

AND

VOTE for the Stamp set you would like me to use for the cards (see below)  Either Comment on this post, text or call me to VOTE.

I need to place my order for anything new!!!! tonight.....SO, if you would like to come, pick a stamp set or accessory (DSP, embossing folder, ribbons, framelits, embellishments) that you want me to use.....The first 4 items I receive will be the ones I will use, so don't put it off , just hit reply and tell me what page (Holiday catalog or regular catalog) and which item(s) - some stamp sets have matching framelits....

It is stormy today, so no beach today!   That is where I was planning on going today....instead I am in my craft room, making cards, and mailing cards.......I have about 60 card kits from past classes and I am turning those into finished cards today and sending them out....not for birthdays, but hopefully just to brighten someone's day.   

Tomorrow Watch for some pics I'll share of some of these.....and I am going to start a  Weekly Post - Carol's Wacky Tips for Paper Crafting....stay tuned...

Stamp Sale tomorrow, Viera, FL

Good Afternoon everyone,   Stampin' Up! Sale I have a booth tomorrow, Saturday, September 12th at the Viera Regional Community Center, 2300 Judge Fran jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940. Over 100 stamp sets for sale, punches, BIG SHOT cutting dies, embossing folders and framelits as well as other accessories. Card kits for $1 each (bring your camera or phone camera to take photo of finished card) Cards with envelopes for sale, $2, a simple make and take and more. Freebies for everyone placing an order, or booking a party. 

I will be there from 8a-12noon.  Stop by and say, Hi!

Don't forget only a few more days to take advantage of these great Weekly Deals!   Available until Monday, 1159 pm, mountain time.   To order:   Go to my website  and don't forget to use the Hostess Code:  HXKAVGBY for these or any other items.

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Thank You!

Carol 

Only 2 more Days for Paper Pumpkin at Half Price

Like creating, but sometimes don't have the time?  Creator's block????   Well, Paper Pumpkin is designed for everyone, whether they are a new crafter or have been crafting for years.   Everything you need to make some projects in a cute Pumpkin Orange Box, delivered right to your house every month!

There are only 2 days left to take advantage of Paper Pumpkin at half price for the first 2 months!!!!  Signing up for Paper Pumpkin has some added benefits, you can get past Paper Pumpkin refill Kits as well as  past complete kits  this is exclusive to Paper Pumpkin members   Sign up for your first 2 months at half price each of those 2 months...

Go to this link below and sign up!    I'll have a gift for everyone who signs up for Paper pumpkin
Join Now!

Don't forget to check out the Weekly Deals!   Got to my website to order those.   They are only good for a week!   Don't forget to enter the Hostess Code HXKAVGBY when you place your order to get in on the drawing for Hostess Gifts.

This week another group of great product at a Savings!!!

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Instead of creating tonight, I am organizing my Retired Items for Sale, I will be at the Viera Community Center on Saturday Selling them....Stop by and visit my table...Let me know you saw this post when you come by.

Tomorrow, Downtown Disney with Rachel and Ryan.....Can't Wait

Hershey's Nuggets Treat baggies and Used Stamp Sale change of venue

I am participating in a "Garage Sale" with vendors on this Saturday, September 12th, from 8am-12noon at the Viera Regional Community Center in Viera, Florida.   Originally this sale was going to take place in my garage.....Garage is NOT air conditioned!!!   This center is!!!

I will be selling A LOT of retired stamp sets, mostly clear mount and a few Photopolymer and a few wood sets, as well as accessories, punches, Big Shot Dies and more.  

There will be card kits - you'll be able to purchase the kit for $1 and your get all the card stock and embellishments to take home and make the card....no stamped images, you'll have to use your own stamps.   I have the finished card on display and you can take a picture of it to help your recreate it at home.   Of course you can always contact me for additional information.

I am in the process of making some Hershey's Nuggets treat baggies for Christmas and will have them for sale as well.    Stop by and purchase something your have been wanting or maybe a gift for that crafter friend of yours...

Here is a picture of the finished project, and plans are underway to make a video how to make it.

Here are all the products I used to create these cute little gifts...Some of these products you may own, and others might be on your Wish List and even some might be going on your Wish List....  To purchase these and other Stampin' Up! products, go to my website and Shop right from the comfort of your own home.  Use the Hostess Code :   HXKAVGBY when placing your order for a chance to win the Hostess Dollars.

Thank You,

Hope you get Creative Today!

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Holiday Catalog is LIve and a few cards using Your Presents from thatcatalog

Good Afternoon....I think we have finally stopped traveling (at least for a few weeks)!\

The Holiday Catalog is out and there are so many cute things in there, so I am doing some creating today and will post some pictures later in this post.

I had a class scheduled in Florida today, but was cancelled, will update soon on a rescheduled date.  

Maryland friends.....I will not be holding a class in September since I will not be coming up until the end of the month and I will be there only for a few days to hold Robyn's baby shower.....YEP, I am getting another grandchild in November, a girl.   This is my 5th grandchild and she will be my 2nd granddaughter.

Card Class in the Mail -   Christmas Card Class in the mail for September.....Flurry of Wishes Bundle.

Purchase the Flurry of Wishes Bundle on page 25 of the Holiday Catalog and receive 4 completed projects.  The Bundle is $33.00 saving you $6 that if you would purchase these separately,  Shipping and Tax not is extra.  You must order by September 14th if you want me to bring the bundle to you with the completed projects when I come to Maryland.   If you order thru my website, you need to order  using the Hostess Code HXKAVGBY, the bundle will be sent to you and I will bring your projects to Maryland with me at the end of the month or mail them to you, your choice.  

Anyone placing an order thru me this month will be put in a drawing for the FREE Hostess dollars.   You must place the order thru me, either directly contacting me or attending a class, or thru my website, but you must use the Hostess Code:   HXKAVGBY.

Stampin' Up! Yard Sale -----   When:   Saturday, September 12th,   9am - 12noon - Here in Florida, 859 Parsons Circle, SE, Palm Bay, 32909.   Contact me for directions if you need them.  Cash or check only.

I sold a HUGE amount of my Stampin' Up! retired stamp sets and accessories before moving to Florida, but I somehow (shh don't tell Rodney) I have another group of stamp sets and accessories for sale, some of these never used, used very little and a few, well loved.  All priced 30% or more below retail price, mostly clear mount stamps, a few photopolymer and a few wood mount stamps, punches, inks, and a few Big Shot dies too.

I will have card kits from various classes for sale for $1 per kit - these kits are cardstock and embellishments only, no stamped images, no envelopes.   You can take pictures of the finished card to use as a guide to finish the kit.

A Free Make and Take for everyone and Grab bags for anyone make a purchase out of either the Annual Catalog or new Holiday Catalog.

Getting Creative…..

Sometimes this is SO hard to do.   So many interruptions, facebook, twitter, instagram, the kids, work, family, friends, wanting to go outside take a walk……

This afternoon while checking facebook, yep another interruption…..I challenged a fellow demonstrator to avoid another interruption and create something…   We each did.   I will share something from the new catalog, something we made at convention using our convention stamp set we got for free.   It is great for Christmas but also for any gift giving event….

Before I share the cards, let me share another form of interruptions....the craft desk!!!!!

How can anyone be creative in this mess???? Well I did get creative and made a few cards, got some out in the mail. Worked on this blog post and made 2 of the 4 projects for the Card Class I the mail.  I cleaned it up somewhat so that I can get creative again tomorrow.

Here's the cards from the set, Your Presents, Christmas and Birthday, so versatile.

Enjoy and get creative no matter what interruptions you face today.

Carol

Paper Pumpkin Half Off --- Last day to get August Paper Pumpkin

OMG I cannot believe it has been over a month since my last post!   Where has the time gone?   Have been so busy, lets just say, over 12,000 miles driven since then!!! From Florida to Las Vegas, Maryland to Florida and back again!!  It's a wonder I know where I live.

So, Convention was great, got to see lots of friends from all over the country I have met over the years being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, that is one of my favorite perks of being in the Stampin' Up! family.   Meeting other people who love the same thing....Stamping and make a difference.

Getting ready for vacation with my husband to Iowa, taking the computer along, you just might see a post or 2!!!!

Paper Pumpkin, what is it and why you should get it?

It is a kit in the mail, comes in a bright orange box each month, mailed out on the 11th and takes up to 5 or 6 days to get to you.....SO each month you get a box full of crafting fun.   It comes with everything you need except your favorite adhesive.   It comes with stamps! ink! and paper!  and any special adhesives, glue dots, dimensionals....card stock, speciality papers, envelopes (if there are cards in the kit)...sometimes the kit is card making and other times it is a project or a pack of projects. Always a surprise to see what's inside that box.   At convention, we were able to get a sneak peek!!!  Well, I tell you I cannot wait to get August and September's kits.   August is mostly cards - adorable!!!! and September is projects, maybe for the fall, for a party or you could make them into cards, the possibilities are endless.

It's on sale for first timers.....Go to this link to sign up and get half off  the first 2 months!

Join the fun now to get August Paper Pumpkin....But you have until Sept 10 to get the special of half off the first 2 months.     Some perks to being a Paper Pumpkin Subscriber.....Stampin' Up! offers past kit projects...sometimes just the project, sometimes the whole kit - ON SALE, but only Paper Pumpkin Subscribers get a chance to purchase those.

Have questions, Contact Me, Carol Valentine 410.382.4874.


I made 80 3x3 card swaps and about 80 regular size card swaps for convention  I will share a few every couple of days.

 Here is one of my favorites, I love using the 3x3 size card, I leave my servers tip in one when I get good service, I have given them to sales clerks in stores, and other places of business....I wanted to use the Ronald McDonald House stamp set and make a Thank you.   I swapped with 80 people this size card.....My husband helped with cutting and punching....I could not have made them without his help.

  

This next one is from a swap with 50 people, these cards were WOW cards with layers and embellishments.   My hubby cut out all the dragonflies by Hand!!!!! All 50 of them!

Stay tuned for more swap card sharing, my cards as well as others

Stampin' Up! Convention Swaps

Making swaps for convention!   Takes a lot of preparation, especially if making many of same swap.   I was in 2 organized swapsandmade other card fronts to swap too.

I have been in the same 3x3card swap for several years now and always love the cards I receive AND I use these size cards all the time.  I use a lot of this size card for thank you's for a variety of uses...my servers tip at a restaurant, an employee anywhere who helps me. They are great to attach to a gift for a variety of occasions.  I wanted to use the Ronald McDonald House stamp set but for a thank you....

It was a lot of work, but i was happy with it.   My wonderful husband helped cut and punch all the pieces of the card!   I made 80 of them!

Stamp set:  Sprinkles of Life along with coordinating Tree builder punch

Card stock/DSP:  Bermuda Bay, Tip Top Taupe, Whisper  white/Cherry on Top paper stack

Ink:  Tip Top Taupe, Cucumber Crush, Crushed curry

Accessories:  Tree builder and word window punch, dimensionals, deco label framelits,  decorative dots embossing folder and the Big Shot.

This next card, I just knew I would make a collage type card.  I also wanted the card to be in the color, Lost Lagoon.  The dragonfly on the card my hubby cut out all 51 of those!

Stamp set:  Awesomely Artistic

Card stock:  Lost Lagoon, Soft Suede, Whisper White

Ink:  Crumb Cake, Lost Lagoon, Soft Suede, Pear Pizzazz

Accessories:  paper snips, dimensionals, linen thread, pearls, Project Life cards and labels framelits, sponges.   

Contact me anytime to schedule a fun time of a stamping party in Maryland or Florida.  

Want to purchase any of the items to make these projects or more,  go to my website, www,stampergirl.stampinup.net.  Choose shop now and browse thru all the catalogs,  clearance rack specials and weekly deals.

Enjoy! 

New Stamps, colors, papers oh my! Starting on my Convention Swaps

SO, I decided not to buy all the stamps and accessories I wanted and only bought 2 with my pre order.......Then as soon as June 2nd came, I ordered at least half of the stamp sets I really wanted and of course got all the new  In Color cardstock and inks. and markers..

Now to get them inky!  

I am preparing swaps for the Stampin' Up! Convention and every year I join an organized swap for 3x3 cards.   These are cards I use over the course of the year to give to servers at restaurants who give me great service.  I just put their tip in it and leave it on the table.   Other times I have used these for Thank Yous for other reasons.......Someone in a store, whether it is Walmart, Kohl's, a Shoe Store, any store and that special worker comes up to you asks if you need help and helps you or gets the help you need....they get a card!   I carry some of these cards and envelopes in my purse, cause you never know.   I know it brightens their day.  In a store, I usually put it in an envelope and put their name on it, then hunt out a manager and ask them to give it to the person.....and they always ask if everything is ok and I say, yes that person was very helpful and I just wanted to thank them......Lets the Mgr knows the employee is doing good and the person when they get the card.

You can give to the Bank teller,  Hair stylist, nail person, vet, drs office, medical office personnel, dentist office, UPS man,  FEDEX, delivery person.

They are great to attach to a gift.
Attach the 3x3 card to a regular card layer

I have finally designed my 3x3 swap and have 80 to make!!!!  and I am so THANKful to my husband who is going to help me, actually he has been asking when I will have things for him to do...He has done cutting out items for me before, this year....it is going to be doing a lot of punching!

Here are some of my rejects

I really wanted to use the You're Sublime stamp set, but making 82 of these I wasn't looking forward to coloring them all in.   The 2 Thank Yous are ok, but this swap calls for more layers and embellishments and I liked these cards are they are....The one on the left has some crystal effects on it that you can't really see, but everyone loves touching it when I use it.

I am having a class in Florida on Tuesday and since it took 3 emails to invite these ladies (I kept forgetting something with each email), I told them I would have something extra.    I think it will be that card with the crystal effects and instead of giving them each a card, I will let them make one.

I share their cards later this week.

Fathers Day cards

yesterday I sat down to make some Father's Day cards for my Mom's husband, my father in law and my husband...

So, where do you go for inspiration?   I have several places.....the quickest is Pinterest, the most selection for all Stampin' Up! Stamp sets all organized, usually listing great details....Splitcoast Stampers wins hands down.   Being a demonstrator, we have a place for all kinds of sharing, it's called, Stampin' Connection, a great perk of being a demo.   Here I can see some inspiration from fellow demos that may be exclusive and not shared elsewhere.   And of course all those blogs we surf!!!

Last night, I went to Pinterest, entered a stamp set I wanted to use, and as soon as samples showed up,I got some ideas flowing.    I made 3 cards, but none were even close to the cards that inspired me.  BUT, sometimes it's not what you look at,but what you see.

I only took a picture of one of them and I will share that one today, and when I get a chance to take pictures of the other 2, I will post them in another post.

Here is the card I still have and will give to my husband on Sunday,.   I am also using it for a challenge, at Just Add Ink Blog for their challenge.....

Just Add Ink #267....Just Add Typography!

I used the set, Guy Greetings which I bought several months ago and never even opened until yesterday.   The DSP is from the Occasions Mini called Adventure Bound - it was a paper stack and I used Mossy Meadow, Early Expresso, Whisper White and Basic Gray (all colors listed on the paper stack package.   I also used the stamp set, Gorgeous Grunge and some sponging.

ENJOY!

Card Class in Maryland last Saturday and in Florida next Tuesday!!!

WWHEW!  

Yes, we are doing a lot of traveling on Rt 95, both North and South, from  Palm Bay, Florida to Westminster and Baltimore, Maryland.     But it has been worth it.

Get to see family, daughters and grandchildren and friends....some of my friends we have been friends for just a few years to several have been friends for almost 30 years and even 50 years!!!!

I have been doing stamp classes both in Maryland and Florida....and it isn't as hard as it seems....as long as I remember to bring everything to Maryland that I need and things I forget, hopefully one of my stampin' friends has and will let me borrow.

This month's class like most of the monthly classes that I am holding consists of 4 cards with envelopes.   This month, I wanted to make one of my mini 3x3 cards, but the stamp set I had set on using, just wouldn't work, so made it a 4x4 instead and that fits into a regular card envelope!

Reason for visiting Maryland so much.....

Super Baby, Ryan who is my youngest grandchild.....for now!

Rachel and Ryan

Not the greatest picture, but all my grandchildren in one place at the same time.  My husband, Rodney is holding Ryan....this was taken back in January.  

And this is one of the cards from the card class.

If you and some friends want to have a class in Westminster, Baltimore, Baltimore county, Maryland or within in 50 miles of Melbourne, Florida ......contact me and we can set a date.

Enjoy!

New Stampin'Up! catalog in just a few days

'Just a few more days...

Getting ready for the new catalog to start Tuesday...If there is anything retiring that you gotta have, you need to order it today!   Contact me if you need me to add something to my order I will place tonight, or go to my. Website, www.stampergirl.stampinup.net to place your order..

Here are two of the cards we made at my last class,both here in Florida and in Maryland..

Both cards are using retiring stamp sets, Blooming with Kindness on the first one and Flamingo Lingo on the 2nd one.

My stamps have all been rearranged, and making my Stamps and Accessories for Sale List,to be posted in a week...I will post it on my Facebook pages too.    Stamp with Stampergirl and stampin' with Stampergirl.   

My past club members, card class attendees, and anyone who has purchased for me in the past year will get a email in the next day or 2 with the list and have first choice.   I will answer all emails in the order in which I receive them.   Lots of bargains....not just stamps either.....

now to prepare for my first class with goodies from the new catalog. Will post a few things soon.

Enjoy!

Paper Pumpkin Kits

What is Paper Pumpkin you ask?????   it is a Crafting Kit in the Mail.   Comes in a bright Orange box in your mail box each month......And from now until June 10th, if you have never been a subscriber before, you can sign up and get the first 2 months at HALF OFF the regular price of $19.95...that's right 50% OFF!!  The regular price will start on the 3rd month...

You only need to go to Paperpumpkin.com and sign up.    Please choose me as your demonstrator, Carol Valentine, and put in the Promo Code   SAVE50 when you sign up.   I will send you a gift after you receive your first kit.    Want to know more about Paper Pumpkin, just contact me and I can give you all the details and answer any questions you may have.

Ideas for Paper Pumpkin

1.   A Fun creative outlet that arrives to you, NO gasoline
2.   No added shipping costs, the $19.95 cost includes shipping.
3.   Stamps, ink, paper, embellishments, and instructions included.
4.   Kids bored during summer holiday??? A great project that allows them to be creative.
5.   Out of town guests with children......A great time of creating.
6.   A gift subscription for a creative friend.
7.   Need a last minute gift for a friend?  You can just add a bow to the orange box or place the kit inside a gift bag!!! No shopping time needed!

Benefits of Paper Pumpkin

1.  Can order month to month (only way to save 50% off first 2 months - new subscribers only)
2.   Can order 3, 6 and 12 month subscriptions, prepaying with first month.  SIMPLE
3.   Ships out same time each month.
4.   Option to skip a month (months) anytime, just before the 10th of the month.
5.   Option to cancel at anytime
6.  Opportunity to purchase more than one kit
7.   Paper Pumpkin subscribers get to purchase refill kits from past paper pumkin kits.
8.  Ideas galore on what to make with your kit each month.....
9.  Exclusive stamps not sold in any other kit or stamp set!
10.  Ink spots included in each kit (these are not available for purchase and are a great item to have)


OK, want to see some past kits.????   Here are cards my friend, Phyllis and I made last week from one of her Paper Pumpkin Kits.    Since she wanted all Thank You cards, and wanted them flat for easy mailing and not a true shaker card....We used the word thinlits dies for all Thank You on the front of the card and we didn't use any of the adhesive for the shaker part (long strips of dimensionals)....and there were words of hello and Happy Birthday that were left over too.   Not to mention the stamps (which I love love love) and the ink spot.   All this for $19.95 !!!


Ok, here's the cards.

OH, and there are envelopes included too.   The shaker sequins do move around, just not as freely as true shaker cards do.

ENJOY!

Stampin' with some kits.....

The other day, my friend Phyllis and I did some stampin' with someone her kits she has.....   The first kit we worked on was the  Hooray it's your day kit.   There are 20 cards in the kit, 4 different bases, 5 of each design.   We made 4 of one of the designs and had one card  base left over.   The card base is actually a gift card holder, we made two of those and the other two we cut the front off and put that onto a card stock base.    The base is just like the SAB DSP where you spritz (the kit comes with 2 spritzers) or you can sponge ink on, that is what we did.

Kits are great, they come with everything.   Most kits you need to add your own stamps, some stamps coordinate with a each kit, while others, like Paper Pumpkin, come with stamps and a ink spot".  Kits and Paper pumpkin typically come with. Card bases, sometimes DSP for layering, embellishments, sometimes dimensionally or glue dots and of course if the kit is a card kit, envelopes are included.

What do you think? Like these, well this kit is still available from the Occasions catalog page 16 and there is a coordinating stamp set, Hooray it's your day stamp set, on that page too.   The first person to order the kit from me can get that stamp set for $13 and that includes shipping to you and no tax. Savings of $3.   Must order on or before May 31st.

Tomorrow, I'll share some Paper Pumpkin kits in. The main'

ENJOY!

GOIN' GOIN' GONE! a little late.

This post is about all the Retiring stamps and accessories.   I started this post on April 21st and could never get the list to go on here that day or since.  

To see the list your can go to my website.   wwwstampergirl.stampinup.net and the up to date list is there with any items marked with an x that are no longer available, as well as the Clearance Rack and the Weekly Deals.   The deals are awesome as well as some discounts on the retiring accessories.   Check them out.

Here are some cards I have been working on lately....not many I admit, too much travelling back and forth to Maryland.  


This first card uses Sheltering Tree - yep carrying this one over to the New Catalog.....This is one of the cards we made at the Autism Fundraiser last month.

 This card (which I can't seem to turn around, even though I took the picture just like all the others!!!!

It is using the sent, Blooming with kindness and it is being retired :{ but I think it is going to stay on my shelves for a little while longer.   I needed to make some cards that were simple stamping, no layers...I saw this somewhere on the internet and copied it.   Then I made a bunch more with lots of colors and greetings.   They all turned out great and so quick.

Stay tuned.........

Stampin' Up! Catalog New catalog coming soon!

It's that I me of year !   The new catalog will be here the end of the month and everyone will be able to order from it on June 1st!!!!

Being a stampin' Up!demo has a bunch of perks and one of them is seeing it first!  Demonstrators around the world were able to view the new catalog online yesterday.   There are so many new things that I can't wait to get and next week I will get a chance to order a few items.    Can I just tell you, I love the new in colors.....OK that's all I ca reveal for now.   Stay tuned.....

Over on my Facebook pages, I'm running a little contest...

Guess how many stamp sets I have that are retiring.   The person who guesses the closest without going over will get to choose a stamp set of their choice from those I am not keeping...and I am not keeping many.....  I might throw in some other retiring items to choose from for the winner.   But the guess is for stamp sets only.
 Place your guess here or on my Facebook page or group,  Stamp with  Stampergirl or Stampin' with Stampergirl .

Here is a little inspiration using the Mother's Day stamp set from the Occasions Catalog..

Don't forget to place your guess for how many stamp sets I have retiring at the end of this post or over on my facebook pages.

ENJOY!

Autism Fundraiser Pictures....

Here are some pictures from the Autism Fundraiser on Saturday.  

Our raffle prize table....We also had a few Silent Auction items for the larger items donated.

Rachel made these ADORABLE trash cans for everyone and we put the card packets in each one!   Aren't they cute?

Here is a group shot of a lot of the ladies stampin'      

Later today we are dropping off the money to the Scott Center for Autism Treatment and the Food to the Second Harvest Food Bank both of Melbourne and actually located just a short distance from each other.

THANK YOU EVERYONE for making this event a success!

Autism Fundraiser a Hit!!!!! Stampin' with Bella and more.

Yesterday a fellow demonstrator and I held a fundraiser for Autism....we were really a part of a larger group of Stampin' Up! demonstrators holding these events.    We had a great time, everyone liked the cards we designed...ummmm. CASEd from various places on the internet.   Rachel Miller really went above and beyond putting this together.    and we raised $630 for the Scott Center for the Treatment of Autism right here in Melbourne, Florida.  

Since I carried my camera to the event, left it in one of my many tote bags......I am awaiting some pictures that she took.   Maybe tomorrow I will be able to post them.

We also have a huge box of food to take to the 2nd Harvest food bank of Melbourne too.   Going to deliver both tomorrow, and I sure hope I remember to take some pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I went to my brother's house after church and did some crafting with his granddaughter, Bella.    We had a good time she created 7 cards and I made 4.   It was a lot of fun and I taught her her masking, which she mastered quite well as well as achieving 2 shades of the same color by stamping off first.

Here is a picture of Bella and her creations.

This is why I do what I do.....She kept telling me, this is fun!!!  and just think how much the people she sends/gives the cards to will feel the love!!!

Bella you were a fantastic student......After your Paper Pumpkin arrives, I'll be over to stamp then.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Autism event, the various local companies that donated Raffle items, purchased the card kits.  Again, it was Awesome!

Autism Fundraiser tomorrow......

The Autism fundraiser is tomorrow,

If you can;t make it for the cards, maybe you could stop by and see what it is all about, this maybe our first fundraiser, but it won't be our last.....that's for sure!!!

If you want to come by and check it out, won't you consider bringing along a non perishable food item for the Second Harvest Food Bank in Melbourne.    Also, we have some great raffle prizes, tickets are $1 a piece or 6 for $5.  

Have questions???????? Just contact me!!!   Hope to see you there.

FREE SHIPPING ENDS TODAY! Butterfly Thinlit Update

Just sending out a little note that FREE SHIPPING ENDS TONIGHT.    If you place an order online at my website,  and use Hostess Code NTXMA7SU, you will get FREEBIES.  If you place the order thru me, you will get FREEBIES, up until 10pm tonight.   FREE SHIPPING on any order no matter the size.

Butterfly thinlit die update!!!   As of this morning, they are still sitting on a ship out west at the dock....They keep updating when they are to arrive and since people didn't get to take advantage of them during most of Sale a bration, they are offering a special when they are back in stock, as of now they should be in stock on the 15th and thru April 30th only.......

The thinlits will be 15% off  if only purchasing the thinlits

Everyone else - Here's the deal - The bundle price is already 15% off.

Anyone ordering the thinlits only, they will be at 15% off
Anyone ordering the bundle you will get a choice of one of these items for FREE  :

Best Year Ever DSP
Irrestibly Yours DSP (the white on white embossed, that you sponge, spritz or brayer color onto)
Best Year Ever Accessory Pack

I am so thrilled to work with this company.....I was really bummed when people couldn't get the bundle or thinlits, and they were missing out on extra sale a bration items too.   and all because of things they couldn't control......dock workers on strike in the West coast ports, Chinese New Year and back ups from back ups.......

Stamping for Autism Fundraiser and an inspiration from a store email ad

A few Florida - Brevard county area demonstrators are getting together for a Great Event....Saturday, April 11th.   Check it out!

Want to sign up for the event?   Just send me an email or give me a call or text me to sign up.   Can't make it?   We have card kits to go for the $25.   This is all to benefit the Scott Center for Autism Treatment right here in Brevard County.    Prepay and you will be entered in a drawing for some great Stampin' Up! prizes.

Now for a bit of inspiration.   Do you ever take a picture of something because you like the color combination or how items are displayed?   I have been know to even take a photo of an article of clothing someone is wearing because I know I have a stamp set that looks like the print on the top or dress or whatever.   A few months ago, somehow I started getting emails from a company Joss and Main.....I would look at the ads and really like the color combinations I saw.   Never bought anything from there, but do look thru the ads when they come in my email.   Today, this one shows up.......

It reminded me of stamps sets of flowers, so I pulled out some stamps ink and cardstock and here is my card for the day.   You never know where inspiration will come from.  

Stamp sets used, Hi There and Stippled Blossoms.   Colors used, Smoky Slate and Tangelo Twist.   I colored my pearls with a sharpie marker.    The Tangelo Twist color is darker than the inspiration color, but I wanted to use that color since I haven't used it much.   I am glad I did, it is light than Cajun Craze and sometimes I have wanted a light version, now I have one!

ENJOY!  

Tomorrow is a busy day...we are going to try and capture some photos of the Blue Angels who are in town for the Air Show...Also, Blake Shelton is in town, who knows maybe I'll get a photo of him too!

Some Stampin' Up! news

The BIG NEWS and it's not good, SORRY

Stampin' Up! has discontinued the Blendabilities Line.....

Due to quality issues in this product line, which the manufaturer has not been able to correct the problem in a manner that S/Up could be certain would meet their high quality standards and provide them with a long-term solution, they have discontinued the entire line.

There are several great coloring tools still available....our markers, which coordinate with all of our colors.   Our aqua painters and our blender pens, which can be used with our ink pads, reinkers and markers.   If you need instructions on how to use these tools, I would be happy to show you.   I have been a fan of the aqua painter for years and use it with the ink pads, markers and reinkers.  


Check out the Weekly Deals on my website.   There are some great deals.    


Weekly Deals

  


New Photopolymer Stamp Set

Check out this cute set!!!  15 stamps, and only $15.95!!!!

Paper Pumpkin Special during Sale a bration

During Sale a bration (only until March 31st)  you can order a 3 month paid subscription and get a FREE sale a bration item too.   You can get this Paper Pumpkin for yourself, for a friend or a relative.   Give as a gift for a crafter, a student, a child or an adult..

Contact Me to find out more.

Before I leave you today....not just sharing the news and what's on sale.  

My youngest daughter is visiting from Maryland (escaping the cold and snow) so today we went to the Brevard Zoo.....

 Feeding nectar to the birds!!!!  Glad I wore my hat, just in case.....

Went on a kayak trip around the zoo area .   Great Day!!!

AND something new Stamped!

Dotty Angles stamp set, along with Flower Patch and Yippee Skippee stamp sets

ENJOY!

Stampin' Up! From the Herd and Big Day stamp sets

The first time I saw this set, I knew I had to have it!   The move to Florida was happening and I didn't get a chance to use it, before I knew it, it was now March and I had the stamp set since before New Years and hadn't used it yet!!!

How many times has this happened to you?   I know for me, it seem like the past few years this has happened A LOT!   SO, starting today, I am making a conscious effort to use all of my stamp sets!  At least part of the set anyway.   SO many times I use the same few sets, over and over.   Well, no more.  

Tonight I pulled out this set and one that I received FREE  when I purchased $50.   This is Sale a bration and that is what happens, when you purchase $50 before shipping and tax, you get to choose something from the Sale a bration catalog for FREE.   SO tonight I pulled out these two sets along with some others and began creating.

My first card was for my Stamp friends up in Maryland....I really miss getting together every Wednesday evening and stamping or watching Jean meticulously scrapbook (she is amazing), some others even crochet.   I used From the Herd stamp set and Just Sayin' stamp set.   I didn't want to color the whole image in, so I took the colors from the DSP and started coloring in the eyes, and hair of these guys.   I wanted a stamp to say, Miss you guys, but there wasn't one anywhere in my craft room, so I pulled Just Sayin' from my shelve and used my marker to color the stamp and just omitted the last word which was "already".  I stamped it on whisper white card stock and cut it out with the Word Bubble Frameltis, then I wrote GUYS with Lost Lagoon stampin' write marker.  I even put a little crystal effects on  their noses!   Hope they like it, I am going to send it to one of the gals and she can share it with the gals next Weds night (unless they are snowed in again, I sure hope not).   I could have made a few of these, one for the demo friends in Hanover, one for my Stamp Club ladies....An ecard of this one will have to do...

My next card, I needed for my brother's grandson, whose birthday is tomorrow (I mean today), cause it is after midnight.   I wanted something not girlie, especially for a 12 yr old.   I used Gorgeous Grunge and the freebie set from Sale a bration, Big Day.   I tried to find colors that would go together for a guy and no pinks or yellows really, tried to stick with blues and browns.   What do you think?   Hope he likes it.

Enjoy!   Stay safe and warm my friends up north, hope to see you all soon.

Hello Life Project Kit from the Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog and blog candy

Hi there everyone from Sunny Florida!!!   I am loving these temperatures in the 70s with a slight breeze that is  WONDERFUL!

Something else that is WONDERFUL, the kits that are in the Occasions catalog (and the ones in the regular catalog).   They include almost everything you need.....You will need your favorite adhesive, inks and stamps of your choice.    Some kits coordinate with different stamp sets, while other kits in the regular catalog even have stamps and ink included and all of them included card stock, embellishments, punch out shapes, some adhesive d-back card stock, ribbons, yarns, clips, dimensionals....envelopes (for the card kits).   These kits all have directions on how to complete the projects along with photos of finished projects,  how cool is that????

I have purchased a few kits, and started on the Hello Life kit yesterday.   This is a metal frame that you can hang your pictures and inspirations on, similar to a bulletin board.   The frame is included!!!! I decided to change the colors of the kit, to include colors of the Baltimore Orioles and the Ravens sports teams which I love....Everything else is included for $25.   It took more time to print off the pictures than it did to complete the project once I started.    AND I have tons of items leftover.   I will incorporate those items into other projects and cards...SO when I mention in a later blog post that the items used the make a card or project were from the Hello Life kit, you'll know it was leftovers.   I'll keep a total of how many projects/cards I complete with these extras and when I have a final count, I will link it back to this post.

Here is my "finished" project, it is going to hang above my desk and get updated with new pictures often.   So what do you think?   Leave me a comment below and I will draw a winner from the comments for some Blog Candy of an extra stamp set from the Occasions catalog.

Speaking of kits...How would you like to receive a kit in your mailbox each month?   That is what Paper Pumpkin is all about.    A creative kit, delivered right to your doorstep every month in a bright Orange box.   Everything except adhesive to get creative along with stamps ink and paper, embellishments and photo directions on how to assemble.  Get yours today and right now Stampin' Up! has lowered the price for a 3 month subscription of Paper Pumpkin and you can order it either from my website or contact me and I can get it ordered for you.  In addition you get to pick a FREE item from the Sale a bration catalog, there are stamps, paper and ink.  The  Paper Pumpkin, 3 month subscription is only $53.85, saving you $5. but just til March 31st.

It easy to order, just go to my website, click SHOP, then FIRST browse thru the Sale a bration catalog items and the new items they just added on Monday and write the item number down so you have it.    Then go to search and enter item # 137859 which is a 3 month subscription, add to cart, then enter the item number of the FREE item you want from the Sale a bration catalog, and check out.   Make sure you enter the Hostess code before checking out - VCHEZVSU.   Is that clear as mud???  Any questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

ENJOY! and be Creative

Sheltering tree - without the tree

While surfing......and not in the ocean.... I saw a card using the stamp set The Sheltering Tree, but they didn't use the tree, so I CASEd her card.   So simple and quick!

Want to know how I lined it up so straight??? Anyone who knows me, knows I could never randomly stamp in a straight line this long!    I placed a little temporary adhesive on the back of the Whisper White Cardstock and placed it onto my Stampin' Up! Grid paper and placed my ruler below where I wanted it to be and aligned the bottom of my block with the stamp on it.  See below 

Products used to create this card:

Stamp sets:  The Sheltering Tree

Inks:    Wild Wasabi, Calypso Coral, Basic Gray

Cardstock:  Wild Wasabi, Whisper White

Accessories:   Bermuda Bay 1/8" Taffeta ribbon

Want to purchase products to make this card?   You can do that easy!   Go to my websites; www.stampergirl.stampinup.net....click the Shop now button, and shop from the convience of your own home...choosing times from any of our catalogs, the clearance rack and weekly deals.   At checkout, use the Hostess Code, VCHEZVSU, your order will be shipped to you, and your name will go in for a drawing for some Stampin' Up! Goodies.  if your order is $150 before shipping and tax, you won't need to use the hostess code, you will get "hostess dollars".   

A Challenge, a Share and NEW - More Sale a Bration Goodies coming in March!

First the challenge:

I already started on Feb 1st and started sending cards out, and today, I am up to 25, aiming for 1 per day for Lent..... During Lent a whole lots of people give up something, I am challenging you guys to join me in sending cards to people instead of/in addition to giving up something, to give something instead. Send or Give some cards....Now I know Lent has already begun, but start now, today. I know you guys have some cards sitting around.....if not, this will challenge you to make some......it doesn't have to be for a special occasion, even though it can be.  Send out or hand out as many hand made cards and keep track of how many you send out. Report the total number to me either on my fb page - Stampin' with Stampergirl, or here on my blog or email me @ sbjcarol@yahoo.com and the person reporting the most will win a Stampin' UP! prize from me. A second prize for those of you who send or hand out 40 cards.   April 7th is the Deadline!

Second - the Share:    If you need some inspiration on a card to send.....Here is one, I CASEd it from someone on facebook and changed the colors, because I had a piece of Calypso Coral card stock laying around an worked from there.  This was a quick and easy card, one that will go in the mail and not need any extra postage!!!

Third - More Sale a bration Goodies, starts on March 1st:

There's more too!   in addition to this stamp set and the Accessory pack of twine and buttons, there is another stamp set and some GORGEOUS printed vellum paper stack as an additional choice.   Check my website on March 1st where you can check those items out!!!!

ENJOY! and pass the JOY onto others