Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

NEW!! STAMPIN' UP!'s FIRST ONLINE CLASS!

Learn innovative ways to get the most out of your supplies (from stamps to the Big Shot) with clever tips and all the techniques you need to start creating with success.

CLASS: The Basics     # 133385
Preferred Price (through my online store): $17.95 CAN

Divided into six sections focused on a variety of topics, this class includes videos, step outs, and supply lists for 30+ projects. Order today (it comes as a download to save to your computer) & join the fun!

(You also might be interested in Stampin' Up!s new Paper Pumpkin kits-in-the-mail club ... sign up by March 10th to receive your first kit in March! Click here for more details!

cheers,

YOU GOTTA LOVE A GOOD DEAL

During FEBRUARY & MARCH, 2013 purchase my "Love is in the Air" product bundle for just $75 (includes shipping and taxes) and you'll not only get a FREE Sale-a-Bration item of your choice, but you'll also receive full instruction sheets with colour photos to make:

• 5 different cards, suitable for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, birthdays or just to say hello
• 8 scrapbook pages, 8"x8", use as 4 double page layouts, or frame individually as gifts
• 1 cute & frilly gift box, 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 2-1/2" high

All the projects are made using the products in my featured bundle, and after you've made them all, you'll STILL have supplies left to play with! All you need to provide is your favourite adhesives, a paper trimmer and some scissors.

Email me today to join the club & I'll have your product bundle shipped directly to your door via UPS!

cheers,

 

 

EMAIL: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

PS: Watch for my next online club with product bundle  ... starting in April!

NEW, NEW, NEW!!

It's a NEW year, with a NEW catalogue and 2 NEW specials from Stampin' Up!

VALENTINE TREAT BUNDLE: Jan 3-21, 2013
Just in time for your valentine creating, we're bringing you the Valentine Treat Bundle. This sweet bundle contains the all-new single stamp, Happy Valentine Heart, as well as a package of 1" x 8" cellophane bags. Use it to make treats for your child's classroom or for each of your 50 bestest friends. The possibilities are endless!

MY LITTLE VALENTINE PROMOTION: JAN 3-21
What? A second new stamp set? That's right! From January 3-21, purchase the brand-new My Little Valentine Stamp Set, and you'll get the Sealed with Love Simply Sent kit FREE! That's a $9.95 value for FREE just for buying a new stamp set that you'll definitely want to have anyway. Use the stamp set with the Simply Sent Kit to quickly create gorgeous love notes, or go out on your own and create something new and crazy-it's up to you!


2013 SPRING CATALOGUE: JAN 3-MAR 31
As if two new stamp sets weren't enough to go absolutely gaga over, the 2013 spring catalogue is now available! You can finally see the sensational new products that grace its 40 fabulous pages online through the link below, or contact me to get your own copy. Let the Spring ordering frenzy begin!

To view the new SPRING CATALOGUE online, click here!

To order now, click here!

cheers,

12/14/12

In light of the horrific news coming from Connecticut today, it's easy to feel overwhelming despair in a world gone mad. It's natural to want to reach out and help the victims' families, but sending condolences and prayers from this far away is just not enough. So, my husband and I have decided to trust that the grieving people of that town will help each other in the coming days and we will channel our shock and grief in a more practical direction by reaching out to one family who is closer to home and who are trying to cope this Christmas through their own very tragic circumstances.

For starters, we won't be sending out any Christmas cards to our family and friends this year. Instead, we're donating that money to the Kidd family to help offset their medical expenses. Secondly, we're contributing to their friends' efforts to deliver Christmas gifts & goodies to the Kidds on Christmas Eve, because frankly we don't need a lot of "stuff" under our tree this year, especially when others may be going without.

If you'd like to know more about the Kidd family and the campaign to give them a brighter Christmas, you can read about it here: stampandteastudio.ca or here: mcnairfamily.chipin.com/brigid-kidd

I hope you find a way to help as well, if not this family then someone else who needs some Christmas kindness. Don't despair and dwell on the tragedy ... we can't fix the whole world's problems, but we CAN all help a little, one family at a time.

IT'S 2012 HOLIDAY HELPER TIME

Every year I send out 12 brand new Holiday Helpers to all my Newsletter Subscribers .. a little thank you gift from me to you. The first email will be in your inbox on Mon Nov 12 & they will continue for 12 days.

Not a subscriber yet? Just enter your email address in the form up in the top left corner of this blog and you too will receive all 12 holiday projects!

Thank you all for another fun year with Stampin' Up! You make it all worthwhile ... enjoy!

IT'S LAUNCH DAY!

What do you think of my website's new look? I love the colours and that big splash up in the corner! It reminds me that crafters get messy sometimes, and that's ok; means the creativity is flowing!

Why the redesign? I've launched a new line of paper crafting kits called SCRAP IT, and I wanted my internet presence to match my packaging and signs; so I contacted a blog designing friend & fellow demonstrator, Cristena Bagne - showed her one of my kits and VOILA! I'm so happy with the results.

If you're a regular visitor & you came to this page first, be sure to click on my NEW home page on the tab above and check out my SCRAP IT KITS .. enjoy!

A 10 year ANNIVERSARY deserves to be celebrated 10-FOLD, don't you agree?

Since October 2012 marks my 10th year with Stampin' Up!, I want to share the celebration with EVERYONE, so for the NEXT 10 DAYS I'll be posting a new offer on my Face Book Business Page: STAMPING & SCRAPPING WITH DONNA

All of the offers will be active until the end of this month, or until the number is reached; whichever comes first - so check back each day and cash in on as many of the offers as you can!

AUG 24, 2012:

COMING IN OCTOBER: A NEW LOOK AND A NEW LINE OF SCRAP IT! PAPER CRAFTING KITS YOU CAN PURCHASE ONLINE! STAY TUNED ...

THE LAST POST

As some of you know, I lost my father and step-mother this spring, just 10 weeks apart, plus I have my mother and developmentally challenged sister who rely on me. To add some spice to this recipe called life, I have fibromyalgia & arthritis & depression, which I can usually keep all in check but during the last few months my symptoms have been wildly fluctuating and hard to control.

I also have a new-to-us house in a new-to-us community which has been sadly neglected lately, as have my husband, children and grandbaby.

The time has come to re-evaluate what is a) important to me, b) necessary for the good health of my family and myself, and c) what I truly enjoy and want to do more of. Hey, I'm 52 and life doesn't go on forever, kwim?

So here's how it's gonna be from here on out ...

Crafting is a big deal to me - I enjoy it immensely, and it gives me an outlet when I'm stressed too. I've decided to stay on as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, because it provides me with a wonderful set of tools and products to create with (at a discount!) and I can't bear to say goodbye to all the friends I've made these last 10 years. I have cut way back on the number of classes, parties and shows I've been doing and that is going to stay as it is now - one class in Clifford per month, and one in Guelph per month, plus 3-4 craft shows or trade shows a year. Of course, you're all welcome to drop by and hang out with me in my craftin' room anytime you're in the neighbourhood for some casual stamping and scrapbooking fun! <wink>

I have been updating and maintaining this blog, my FaceBook business page, my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website, my Twitter account, AND my team's yahoo group site for many years now, and it's amazing just how much time is spent each day making updates and tweaking posts! So I've decided to trim down my online presence to free up some time for other pursuits. As of today, this blog will stay online, but will not have any new posts added to it. I will be posting personal pictures of my stamping projects, my class announcements and news from Stampin' Up! only to my business FaceBook page, Stamping & Scrapping with Donna - be sure to visit and click on "LIKE" so we can stay in touch on a personal level!

I will continue to update my EVENTS CALENDAR on my business website and Stampin' Up!' will update the PROMOTIONS and the IDEAS GALLERY sections. Plus, if I can figure out how to do it, I'll link my FaceBook posts to show up in the blog section of my business website to make it more convenient for you. My business website is also the place to access my ONLINE STORE.

I still love comments, so you can always chat with me on FaceBook, or reach me via email at donna@scrappinwithdonna.com ... with all the travelling back & forth to my Dad's place since Christmas, I've come to rely on my SmartPhone to keep in touch with the world, and now I'm constantly checking my email accounts AND FaceBook on my phone - it's just so much easier to manage everything from one device, no matter where I am.

it's been a pleasure sharing my crafting and my Stampin' Up! experiences here with you on my blog since 2006. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me here! I hope you will join me at Stamping & Scrapping with Donna (on FaceBook) so we can continue this journey together.

cheers

 

June Takes the Cake!

 

Join the Stampin' Up! family during June 2012, and not only will you get to choose up to $155 worth of products from the brand new catalogue for your fully customizable Starter Kit, but you'll also receive select products from our brand-new Patio Party Suite-all for the low price of $125! Plus, it all ships for FREE!

Free products include the following:

Page	Item	Description	Retail Value	For You
44	126740	Make a Cake Set (wood-mount)*	$17.95	FREE
44	126742	Make a Cake Set (clear-mount)*	$14.95	FREE
165	126916	Patio Party Designer Series Paper	$13.50	FREE
199	127215	Patio Party Digital Collection DVD	$28.95	FREE

*Choose wood- or clear-mount

Join my team, the Artful*Inkers to receive support, inspiration, and monthly opportunities to stamp with new friends on the team. With this kind of offer, you can have your cake and eat it too!

OLD MEETS NEW

I need a 50th Anniversary card for a very special couple's party next weekend and a store-bought card just won't do, kwim? (Hey, if you know this couple too, keep this post under your hat until next Saturday, ok?)

It's been a long time since I sat in my craft room and just played, but today I gingerly picked my way around the piles of retiring stuff slated for my crafty yard sale later this month, relocated the wobbly pile of UFOs from my chair, and rummaged around my desk for the last cards I had worked on before the dry spell hit me.

Lo and behold, I found a bunch of black & gold cards I had started, with the intention of using up some retiring Designer Series Papers - a good beginning, I thought. Next, I pulled out my still unused framelits and coordinating stamp sets from the new 2012-2013 Catalogue that I've been dying to play with ... added some gold embossing powder and a jumbo half pearl and voila!

The picture doesn't do this justice as the paper really shimmers irl, but you get the idea.

I like this layout because it's easy to change the feel and occasion without having to rethink the whole card - just swap for a different pkg of Designer Series Papers, change the sentiment and you're done.

Inside I added a second white medalion with the phrase "Happy Anniversary" and room to sign our names.

SUPPLIES USED (100% STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS):

• card stock: basic black, whisper white
• Designer Series Papers: Mocha Morning Specialty (retired May 31, 2012)
• stamp sets: Memorable Moments (#126682, clear mount, NEW*) & Itty Bitty Banners (#126257, clear mount, NEW*)
• Big Shot die cutting machine
• Sizzix Framelits: Bitty Banners (#129267, NEW*) & Labels Collection (#125598)
• Gold embossing powder
• Jumbo Pearls
• Soft Suede ink pad
• Stampin' Dimensionals

It sure felt good to be creating again ... especially when I had the recipients in mind as I was stamping!

Until next time,

We {Heart} Our Hostesses

 

Bask in the extra $60 in FREE products you'll receive when you host a qualifying party* during June and July that celebrates your creativity. With hundreds of innovative products to choose from, there's never been a better time to party!

Your Party Sales*	Regular Hostess Benefits	Additional Hostess Dollars	Total Hostess Benefits
$575	$90 + 1 item at 50% off	$60	$150 + 1 item at 50% off
$650	$110 + 2 items at 50% off	$60	$170 + 2 items at 50% off
$775	$130 + 2 items at 50% off	$60	$190 + 2 items at 50% off
$900	$150 + 3 items at 50% off	$60	$210 + 3 items at 50% off
$1,025	$170 + 3 items at 50% off	$60	$230 + 3 items at 50% off
$1,150	$190 + 4 items at 50% off	$60	$250 + 4 items at 50% off
$1,275+	$210+ 4 items at 50% off	$60	$270 + 4 items at 50% off

*Minimum $575 party; party sales do not include tax and shipping.

No time in your life to have a traditional party in your home? That's ok - collect orders from your friends and submit it as a catalogue party - you'll still get the same great benefits!

NOTE: Regular Hostess Benefits still apply to parties with sales of $200 - $574.99. Check out the Hostess chart and the all-new hostess-exclusive products on pages 200 - 205 of the new 2012-2013 Catalogue for all the details. My favourite Hostess stamp set is "Carry On" ... what's yours?

 

HERE IT IS .....

 

View the new

2012-2013

Catalogue

online NOW!

IT'S HERE, IT'S HERE!!

Finally, the new 2012-2013 Catalogue from Stampin' Up! goes live at 2 pm ET ... TODAY!! Yep, it's a whole month early, part of Stampin' Up!'s changes to their catalogue program, and I LOVE IT!

The catalogue is crisp, bright, organized, and has lots of close-up photos, especially in the Accessories Section, so we can see exactly what each ribbon, button and brad looks like - full marks to Stampin' Up! for giving us a GREAT catalogue!

There are lots of new stamps, plus Designer Series Papers, punches, and new and improved tools (like a heat tool with TWO SETTINGS!) ... and the ribbons and embellies are too scrumptious for words. I'm an accessories junkie, in case you didin't know, lol. I always turn to that part of the catalogue first.

The hostess stamps, etc are in the back of the catalogue now, and all the stamps are now available in clear and wood (except the A La Carte individual stamps and some of the big background stamps - they're still in wood only)

Ok, so how can you see the catalogue TODAY? I'll be posting a link here on this blog which will lead you to an online version just as soon as 2 pm gets here ... then you can browse, make lists, and shop to your heart's content .. that's what I'll be doing this week <wink>

IF you are like me and you'd rather have an actual copy of the new catalogue so you can mark it up, add post-it notes and decorate it with coffee rings and drool - it's easy! I have already given FREE catalogues to all my regular online shoppers @ Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna ... just place an order and you'll get one too! If you prefer to email me your order and have me place it for you, that works just as well, but your order will be delivered by me, not UPS, and your payment is required when you order, not when your products arrive ... but you'll still get your FREE copy of the 2012-2013 Catalogue, with my compliments!

So get your work/errands/must-do-stuff all done up quick, then tune back at 2 pm today for the LIVE LINK and enjoy the rest of the afternoon browsing, planning, and finding new creative inspiration all at the same time!

 

HERE'S THE SCOOP

... on Stampin' Up!'s NEW dye ink pads ... same great exclusive colours, but now in a much-improved style that will change your stampin' experience for the better!

Check out this video, then watch for my June Open House here in Clifford, to come try them in person!

The new ink pads will be available June 1st in the new 2012-2013 Catalogue ... do you have your copy yet? Call me!

MAKE THE SMART MONEY MOVE TODAY

There's good news if you are waiting to join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator ... not only has the Starter Kit been reduced to $125, but YOU get to pick the products you WANT in your kit - choose anything at all that adds up to $155 catalogue price, plus you'll also receive a business supply pack worth $70 ... all for only $125.

Here's more good news: if you are a former demonstrator who wants to re-join under a new upline, the wait period is now shorter. Here's the details from Stampin' Up:

"We have recently reviewed several policies, and would like to announce a change to our rejoin policy that became effective May 1, 2012.

The previous rejoin policy states that, once a demonstrator drops, she can either sign up again immediately under the same upline (if that upline is active), or wait six months and sign up under a new upline. The change, effective May 1, is that now a demonstrator must only wait 90 days from her effective drop date before signing up under a new upline. The effective drop date is the last day of the month in which she resigns, or the last day of the pending month if she fails to meet her quarterly minimum.

The purpose of this change is to reduce a barrier to returning to Stampin' Up! once a demonstrator has dropped. We recognize that many circumstances can contribute to a demonstrator deciding to drop or resign her business with Stampin' Up!, and there may be legitimate reasons for a demonstrator to join a new downline group.

While we want to accommodate these demonstrators' needs, we still need to protect the stability of an upline's business, therefore in addition to the 90-day waiting period, sales history, downline, and title cannot be restored when a demonstrator is dropped and rejoins, and she will be considered a brand new demonstrator."

I hope you'll consider joining me as a demonstrator - not only will I offer as much (or as little) support as you want, but you'll be a member of my super fun and supportive team, the Artful*Inkers!

Join online today simply by following this link: JOIN THE ARTFUL*INKERS TEAM 

Or if you have questions, please email me at donna@scrappinwithdonna.com and I'll be happy to assist you!

ABSENT

Due to a death in the family yesterday, I will be out of town for a few days and unable to blog. Watch for my sneak-peek projects next week. Hug the ones you love,

Donna

OMG

A nice box of brand new products arrived today from Stampin' Up! ... what a nice turn-around to what was a pretty crappy day around here!

Now, I can't legally show you pics of any of the new goodies, and I can't tell you the names of any of them either ... not until June 1st when the catalogue is officially available to everyone in North America. Awwwwww.

But .. and this is a GREAT BIG but ... I AM allowed to post pics of anything I MAKE with my new products, so I can give you a sneak peek of what June's classes and my OPEN HOUSE will have in store for you!

Soooo, off I go to my stampin' room to play - and I will get those pictures uploaded here for all to see tomorrow ... no really, I will!

I can't play all night; hubby will be home in a few hours looking for some supper, and the American Idol results show will be on tv soon .. but I'm leaving a BIG sticky note on the computer to remind myself to post lots of pics tomorrow!

until then,

 

EXCITING TIMES & FREE CATALOGUES

... if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, that is. If the blog-o-sphere has been quiet lately and your demonstrator seems to have disapeared, it's likely that she/he is online, haunting other demos' sites for the latest and greatest news from Stampin' Up! <grin>

The top demonstrators just got back from their incentive trip at DisneyWorld's Boardwalk Resort ... they were the first to get a copy of the new 2012-2013 Catalogue, the lucky devils. Plus they received some new products - stamps, etc - to play with when they got home. The rest of us just drool on our keyboards.

Next, Stampin' Up! announced big changes to their Starter Kit for new demonstrators, which went into effect on May 1st. Pay only $125 and choose your own contents! Yep, you can now custom-design your own kit, choosing from ANYTHING Stampin' Up! sells ... how kewl is that!?!

And if that wasn't enough, we demonstrators got to see the new catalogue (the online version) as of May 7th while we wait for our paper copy to arrive in the mail. Now the saliva is REALLY making a mess on desks all over North America, because that new catalogue is GOR-GUS!!

I've pre-ordered a few choice goodies so I can get started on samples for my June OPEN HOUSE and classes (deets to follow, never fear) ... and that precious box should arrive before the weekend; I think I'll call it my Mothers' Day present, from me to me <wink>

As for getting YOUR hands on a FREE copy of the new catalogue ... I've already ordered whole cases of 'em, and I'll be handing them out to everyone who has placed an order with me between September 1st, 2011 and May 31, 2012. If you aren't on that preferred customer list yet, there's still time! Either place an order through my online store or email your order to me and I'll place it for you, but do it before May 31st so you'll qualify for your free catalogue.

Take a look at the retiring stamp list, the retiring accessories list, and the retiring Decor Elements list (the links are in THIS POST) so you won't miss out on your faves from 2011-2012 - it's a whole new ball game starting June 1st ... and I KNOW you're gonna love all the surprises coming your way!

cheers

Donna

 

Just a quick post to let you know what I'm up to this weekend ... too busy for my own good - there are 3 freshly-delivered boxes of Stampin' Up! goodies in my front hall and I DON'T HAVE TIME to open them!!

On a brighter note, the piles of hand-stamped cards are almost packed for tomorrow's craft sale ... 10 years worth of samples and swaps are being sold at a toonie a card (envelopes included) to raise money for Breast Cancer Research and Patient Support Programs .. if you're in the Guelph area tomorrow, be sure to drop by CRAFTER'S CUPBOARD on Laird Road and pick up some cards! While you're there, check out my line of SCRAP IT PAPER CRAFTING KITS ... I have 12 different ones now, with more in development - would love to get your feedback!

RETIRING ACCESSORIES LIST IS HERE

Get them before they are gone! The retiring accessories lists are now available and won't stay around for long--these items are only available while supplies last!

When you look at the retired accessories list, you'll note that it's REALLY long this year. That's because of the efforts Stampin' Up! is making to design the new 2012-2013 Annual Catalogue so that it's fresh, trendy, and half the price of the old catalogue - which means a reduced business-cost for me, which means I can afford to give FREE catalogues to more of my customers!

Here's a few of the changes that make this list so long:

• There are actually two lists this year - our Definitely Decorative product line (including Decor Elements) is being discontinued, so that we can focus our efforts on what we do best - paper crafting!
• On the Accessories list, you'll see that all of our Stampin' Pads are listed. This is for two reasons: (1) Craft Stampin' Pads will now only be available in black and white; and (2) we are introducing a new Firm Foam pad in our Classic Stampin' Pads with the 2012-2013 annual catalogue. The Firm Foam pads offer better ink coverage and, in turn, better stamped images. I haven't tried them out yet, but I can't wait to order some!
• Only select Stampin' Write Markers will be available to buy individually in the new catalogue, but don't worry - sets of Stampin' Write Markers in colour collections will still be available!
• 12" x 12" Textured Card Stock will no longer be offered in the new catalogue
• 12" x 12" Smooth Card Stock will only be available in select individual colours (solid packs) and in our colour collections - again, don't worry 'cause the best-sellers are staying!

So, check out the Retiring Accessories Lists today because these items are only available while current stock lasts or until May 31, whichever comes first. To be sure to get what you want, use my on-line store - the system will tell you right away if something is sold out. If you prefer to email me your order, give me a second or even third choice so I can make substitutions for you and submit your order quickly, without a lot of emailing back & forth, ok?

Ready? Set? GO!

RETIRING DEFINITELY DECORATIVE LIST (PDF)

RETIRING ACCESSORIES (PDF)

RETIRING ACCESSORIES (SORTABLE EXCEL FILE): Download Retiredlist-sort_en-CA

And here's the Retiring Stamps List once again - stamps are available until May 31st:

RETIRING STAMP SETS (PDF)

RETIRING STAMP SETS (SORTABLE EXCEL FILE): Download Retired_List_stamps_en-CA

cheers

A DAY FOR DIVAS

I had so much to do in planning and executing my team Diva Day on the weekend that I had to take Sunday AND today to recover .. just kidding!

The truth is that I'm so lucky to know such a great bunch of gals and I enjoy spending time with them so much that it hardly seems like work. The Artful*Inkers rock and I can't wait for the next Diva Day in July!

Thank you everyone who drove all the way to my place just to stamp and visit ... thank you for the great spread at lunchtime (potluck always seems to work out in the end) .. and a special thank you to our two youngest stampers (4 months and almost 1 month) who let their mommies attend and even finish their projects!

For some reason, I can't seem to add in any photos to this post, so I'll call it a night and come back tomorrow to show you our projects and our two little cuties.

cheers

Donna

 

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN

In preparation for the upcoming 2012-2013 Annual Catalogue on June 1st, hundreds of stamps and accessories from the 2011-2012 catalogues are retiring, and this is your chance to get them before they're gone. While retiring stamp sets are available until May 31st, products on the Accessories list will only be available while supplies last, so be sure to get your orders in early!

When you view the retiring stamps list, you may notice it's longer than in years past. During this transition to the new annual catalogue, there are a higher number of stamps being refreshed and replaced than usual. While many stamps are going away, most are being replaced so that the breadth of our stamp lines is every bit as broad as ever!

And, starting with the 2012-2013 Annual Catalogue ... aside from the A la Carte single stamps and some of the background stamps, ALL the rest will be available in BOTH Clear Mount AND Wood Mount, to give you more choice!

And when you're placing your order this month, don't forget my EXCLUSIVE APRIL SPECIAL - free stuff to stretch your crafting dollars even further!

Available April 15 - May 31, 2012 PDF Sortable Excel file

Coming Soon! Available April 25 - May 31, 2012, or while supplies last PDF

Coming Soon! Available April 25 - May 31, 2012, or while supplies last PDF Sortable Excel file

DRESDEN PLATE, ANYONE?

Have you checked out the new Dresden Designs die for the Sizzix Big Shot? It's just one of the items featured in Stampin' Up!'s Occasions Mini catalogue, which is about to expire. (April 30th)

I was so excited when this die came out in January - I'm a novice quilter so I recognized this popular pattern, and I love using the Big Shot to cut out multiple layers of fabric all at once - it's a real time saver!

I took these photos at the Leadership Conference in Texas in January - this fabric is called "Twitterpated" and it's also in the Occasions Mini catalogue. But the Dresden Designs die isn't just for fabric - it works great with our Designer Series papers, too! There are some more kewl ideas for this die in the Mini itself - I've already started to make the shadowbox frame shown on page 13 .. remind me to share a picture of it here once I finish it up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: when cutting with the Dresden Designs die, it allows for a 1/4" seam allowance, which is great for sewing the fabric pieces together, but not so great for paper crafters. To get all the paper petals to line up correctly, just overlap each piece until the centre circle looks right, or trim off 1/4" from ONE SIDE ONLY of each petal. Once you have some in your hands, you'll see what I mean.

 

The products featured in this blogpost are from page 12 of the Occasions Mini:

• DRESDEN DESIGNS Bigz L Die, #125597 $40.95
• TWITTERPATED Designer Fabric, #125412 $12.50
• 3/8" PLEATED SATIN RIBBON, Riding Hood Red, #125569 $9.50

Want to check out the rest of the Mini Catalogue before it expires? Just click on the cover to view it online!

Until next time,

 

THIS LAST YEAR HAS FLOWN BY

Yesterday the family gathered to celebrate Miss Norah's very first birthday. We marveled at how one little girl has the power to draw all of us together ... two years ago I didn't even know some of these people, and now I consider them all members of my extended family. She is one lucky girl to be sooo loved by so many.

The guest of honour, meanwhile, marveled at the silly antics we all went through .. fourteen people singing Happy Birthday to her and showering her with gifts ... it was a hoot to watch the puzzlement on her face as she looked from one person to the next.

 

But the best part was watching her "discover" chocolate cake ... when placed in front of her, she daintily poked her fingers into the icing and gingerly tasted the sugary icing for the first time in her life - an instant hit!

I have to confess that I didn't make my grandbaby's birthday card this year, so I can't share that card today ... instead, I have a photo of one of my favourite cards from the Make & Take session at Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference, held back in January in San Antonio, TX.

With a little modification, I think this would make a great kid's birthday card - the rotating wheel could be stamped with numbers instead of kites ... then just twirl the wheel to the right number for a personalized birthday greeting. Oh, and check out the adorable closure on the envelope .. now how cute is that! (Stamp set is "Send Me Soaring", found on pg 37 of the Occasions Mini catalogue).

Until next time,