Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

ANNOUNCING A NEW TECHNIQUES CLUB

I am so happy to announce that my teammate Diane Hilborne and I have put together a brand new Card-Making Techniques Club ... and the Winter/Spring '12 session is all set to run monthly from February to June 2012 at Crafters Cupboard in Guelph!

Techniques are my favourite thing to learn and to share - this is where you throw all the rules out the window and truly get to be creative! As I'm typing this, it occurs to me that this series of classes is the closest we can get to the fun we had in kindergarten - remember?

Your registration includes 20 fun techniques spread over 4 classes, one class per month. We've actually designed five class dates and 25 techniques, so you have the flexibility to choose which four you'll attend, according to your schedule and needs.

Diane & I have added another new twist - at your first class you'll receive your supply kit (retail value $30) - it's got all the tools that you'll be using throughout this session, and they're yours to keep afterwards so you can continue to create at home! The supply kit also includes a 6x6 album for storage of your samples and instruction pages - with each technique you learn, you'll be building your very own Techniques Album to refer back to, again and again.

Click here to get all the details ... which techniques we'll be teaching and when, what comes in your supply kit, payment options, and more.

You can register in person at Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd in Guelph OR by contacting me via email or phone. NOTE: payment is required when you register - click on the link above to see your options.

COMING SOON: PAYPAL LINK  for online registration.

cheers,

 

GOODIES FROM LEADERSHIP

I have a confession to make - there are sooo many brand new products sitting here on my desk that I don't know what to play with first! What a terrible predicament to be in, eh?

I blame it all on Stampin' Up! - they really spoiled us at the Leadership Conference last week .. just look at this list of loot I brought home with me:

• Totally A-maze-ing stamp set (Occasions Mini)
• pkg of Maze Games (Occasions Mini)
• Sale-a-Bration MDS Downloads CD (SAB)
• Fresh Vintage stamp set (SAB)
• Mixed Bunch stamp set (Occasions Mini)
• Loving Thoughts stamp set (Occasions Mini)
• pkg of Jumbo Pearls (Occasions Mini)
• pkg of regular Pearls (IB&C)
• pkg of Rhinestones (IB&C)
• roll of Pool Party Ruffled Ribbon
• pkg of Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (SAB)
• Blossom Builders designer Printed Kit
• On Board Art Journal (IB&C)

PLUS two sneak peek stamp sets that I can't even talk about until they come out in the new Idea Book & Catalogue - what a great haul, right? Stampin' Up! is the most generous and supportive Direct Sales company I have ever come across and I will always be glad I joined their ranks, that's for sure!

I still have to finish the five make & take projects that we were given - I was too busy talking with folk to get them done in the allotted time; big surprise there!) .. I'll post pics once they're done.

In the meantime, here are some of my favourite swap cards from Leadership ... enjoy! (I neglected to get the creators' names so if you see your work here, let me know and I'll give proper credit!)

And if you'd like to join the fun as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator so you can go to the events and get the freebies too - I'd be honoured to have you on my team, the Artful*Inkers. Now, during Sale-a-Bration you can purchase either of the Demonstrator Starter Kits for only $150 and you'll also receive a free pkg of Designer Series Paper or free My Digital Studio downloads every month for the rest of 2012! YOu can read all about it (and sign up online as an Artful*Inker) by clicking HERE

 

LOTS TO CELEBRATE

Hi everyone - I'm back from Stampin' Up!'s Leadership Conference in San Antonio ... we just flew in last night. It was a week of celebrating our achievements, our friendships, and our survival of North America's economic slump ... things are definitely looking better for 2012! And wait til you see all the terrific things Stampin' Up! has planned for customers AND demonstrators in the upcoming months .. it will blow your mind!

Today kicks off our biggest promotion of the year ... SALE-A-BRATION!! This is the one many of you wait for each year - there are lots of exclusive freebies to choose from if you ...

a) place a $60 order (2 for $120, 3 for $180)

b) host a $200 (free tote) or $525 workshop (free bundle) .. it doesn't have to be a home party/workshop; it can be a catalogue party, single order, group order, etc.

c) purchase either of the Demonstrator Starter Kits for the sale price of $150 CAN during SAB (you'll also get a FREE pkg of Designer Series Paper or a FREE My Digital Studio download EVERY MONTH for the rest of 2012!)

OK, I just had to highlight that in red because of the frugal stamper in me, lol.

(You gotta love the free stuff!)

If you don't have a Sale-A-Bration brochure, email me your snail-mail addy and I'll add you to my mailing list - my next trip to the Post Office is this Friday, January 27th. Or you can click on the brochure cover here to see it online (not as much fun, but it's instant gratification - no waiting)

Finally, you can place your SAB order in one of three ways:

a) shop through my online store and it will be delivered by UPS direct to your front door

b) phone or email me with your smaller orders and I'll submit them all together this weekend

c) drop by the house or one of my stamping events & place your order in person

Happy Shopping!!

 

Digital Brayering Technique by Julie Leblanc

Hey folks, if you are into digital scrapbooking or card-making at all, and especially if you use Stampin' Up!'s "MY DIGITAL STUDIO" software, please check out my team mate Julie Leblanc's new video on how to achieve a brayered background effect on your computer .. I'm so proud of her and want her to be known as the creator of this technique (at least in the Stampin' Up! world) because I've never seen this method used anywhere else:

 

NEW OCCASIONS MINI CATALOGUE IS HERE!

I've had my hands on a single copy of the new Occasions Mini catalogue from Stampin' Up! since before Christmas, but of course I couldn't share it here online with you all until it actually started ..... and thank goodness, today's the day I get to spill the beans (I'm so terrible at keeping secrets when they're REALLY GOOD ONES like this, lol)

 

There are sooooo many new tools for the Big Shot in this mini ... including new thin dies that nest together so you can cut and mat with ease (just like Nestabilities, but these are designed FOR the Sizzix Big Shot!) Then there's the new Large Sizzlit die ... it cuts a 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" paper doily in any patterned paper or coloured cardstock you want!

Oooh, and we now carry Sizzix Edgelet dies and co-ordinating embossing folders to really make the edges of your cards, tags and pages POP!

Then there's all the very kewl stuff for Valentines Day ... Blushing Bride smooch spritz, scratch & sniff embossing powder, ready-to-stamp cards with intricate laser-cut hears on the front, Dazzling Diamonds in Cherry Cobbler, and BEAUTIFUL new Valentine stamp sets!

Several pages have been devoted to the new "Twitterpated" theme, with Designer Series Papers, fabric, buttons, and - hold onto your hat - pleated satin ribbon! (No more trying to tape down or sew through multiple folds of flat ribbon!) There are two new Bigz dies that work really well with the Twitterpated line, too .. "Elegant Bird" and "Dresden Designs".

There's a new floral stamp set to go with the extra large "Blossoms" punch (I can't remember if the punch is new too?) and on page 19 you'll find the most amazing stamp set called "Tea Shoppe".

OK, I could go on forever here ... new Cookie Press designs, the "Attic Boutique" themed goodies, the Maze Games, new digital downloads, and new stamps for Easter, Mothers' Day & Fathers' Day, weddings, and soooo much more; all in all, 44 pages of crafting goodness ... but I think you'd rather see for yourself, so if you haven't received your own personal copy in the mail yet, just click on the cover photo above and peruse online at your leisure - then swing on over to my online store and place your orders (or email me and I'll do the ordering for you) ... I can't wait to see what you create with your new goodies!

cheers

HOLIDAY MINI: CARRYOVER ITEMS

Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini Catalogue will expire next Tuesday (January 3rd, 2012) and since it is the best Mini they've ever published, be sure to check it out one last time before those awesome products are G-O-N-E!

For your convenience, I've added a link to the online mini - just click on the cover photo to the left.

While you're doing that, keep in mind that a few items from the Holiday Mini will still be available after the catalogue expires ... click HERE to see a flyer of the CARRY-OVER ITEMS

And while you're perusing the soon-to-be-gone items, check out the ONLINE CLEARANCE RACK for some bargains, too!

Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year! Cheers,

 

 

CLEARANCE RACK BLITZ

The CLEARANCE RACK section of my online store is chock full of retired items from Stampin' Up!s warehouse - unused and still in their original packaging - and this week Stampin' Up! has reduced the prices EVEN MORE - as much as 80% in some cases; plus they added a lot more products just for this Boxing Week sale!

TIP: Be sure that you enter the online store through my website so that you will receive the preferred (read: lowest) prices for each and every item ... just use the SHOP NOW link here on this blog ... plus by ordering online, your package will be delivered right to your door (UPS)!!

Here's just one of the fantastic bargains available in the CLEARANCE RACK this week:

Watercolor Wonder - New Color Kit	120949
Regular Price: $17.32
Preferred Price: $15.59
Catalogue Price $51.95 If you already have our Watercolor Wonder Crayons and want to switch out retired colors for new colors, you'll want this kit. It includes new core colors and an updated inlays for your Watercolor Wonder tins. ■ Includes 17 colors: Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Daffodil Delight, Marina Mist, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Basic Gray, Rich Razzleberry, Soft Suede, Melon Mambo, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi, River Rock ■ Water soluble and easy to blend, allowing for an unlimited range of shades ■ Coordinate with Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors ■ Complete color collections available (sold separately) ■ Can also be used without water to color images

FREE SHIPPING DAY DEC 12

If you shop online, you'll be happy to know that Dec 12 is officially FREE SHIPPING DAY in Canada! Click on this link to see a list of participating companies ... and know that I will also give FREE SHIPPING to anyone who orders their Stampin' Up! products on my website on Dec 12th!

Here's how to get your FREE SHIPPING through Scrappin' with Donna:

Just place your online order as usual on Dec 12th, making sure that my name appears in the upper right corner as your demonstrator ... you'll be automatically charged shipping through the online site, but I will personally refund you (in cash or credit, your choice) once your order ships.

And the best news? Online orders are delivered by UPS - right to your door!

Happy Online Shopping on December 12th!

 

'TIS THE SEASON...

Just like you, this week I am surrounded by wrapping paper, ribbon, glue, tags, cards, envelopes and stamps ... putting the last details on our family Christmas. I'm trying this year as always to shop locally, support sole entrepreneurs like myself, and keep Christmas simple, symbolic and home-made as much as possible.

I love this quote, which sums up how I feel about homemade gifts .. it comes from Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek:

"The point of handmade is not just that you did it cheaper or better or faster or cuter, or even that YOU had fun doing it. It's that you took a moment--an irretrievable moment that will never come again--out of your life, to make something heartfelt, for someone you care enough about to make sure they have a tangible reminder that you want them, personally, to have a great Christmas"

cheers and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

2 CHRISTMAS STAMP SETS GOING AT BARGAIN PRICES

Stampin' Up!'s ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA sale continues this week  - but only until Wednesday the 30th. Probably the best of the seasonal bargains to be had are these two Holiday Stamp sets:

                

 

Many Merry Messages - Regular Price: $42.95, Sale Price: $21.48
& Winter Post - Regular Price: $32.95, Sale Price: $16.48

Call or email me to be added to my next order going in this week ... or purchase these sets and a ton of other great EXTRAVAGANZA bargains through my online store - just click here to start shopping & your order will be delivered to your door by UPS! Just remember, the sale ends on Wednesday Nov 30!

cheers

SAVE 50% & 60% ON DESIGNER FABRICS

As part of Stampin' Up!'s current ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA SALE, designer fabrics can be picked up this week for a real bargain! Expand your crafting options with our new Designer Series fabric for a whole new look and range of project possibilities!

All of our fabrics are a perfect medium for creating all kinds of beautiful projects using the Big Shot machine and our large collection of dies.

■ Combines exclusive designs and colors with high quality fabric
■ Coordinates with other Stampin’ Up! products
■ Extra wide fat quarters
■ 100% cotton
■ Each piece measures approx. 28" x 18"
■ 3 coordinated designs

 

 

 

 

 

DECK THE HALLS, # 121716   regular price: $12.50,  SALE PRICE:  $5.00

CANDY CANE CHRISTMAS, # 121715  regular price: $12.50,  SALE PRICE: $5.00    

SPRINGTIME VINTAGE, # 121817  regular price: $12.50  SALE PRICE: $6.25    

SWEET STITCHES, # 121818  regular price: $12.50  SALE PRICE: $6.25

Sale ends Nov 30th ... order these and many other sale items through my online store, or call/email me with your order... happy shopping!

40% OFF THIS VALENTINE BUNDLE

Here's just one of the exclusive bundles offered during ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA this week ... this one's at 40% OFF regular catalogue prices if you were to buy the stamp set & wheel separately ... what a great gift for the crafty person on your list - or for yourself! Check out the flyer HERE to see the rest of the bundles, plus lots of stamps, embellishments, fabric, Big Shot dies, and much more - all at 20% to 60% off! Sale ends Nov 30th! - Donna

I {Heart} Hearts Clear-Mount Stamp & I {Love} Love Wheel Bundle	129033
Catalogue Price: $33.45
Sale Price: $20.07 The I {Heart} Hearts Stamp Set/Wheel Bundle contains the I {Heart} Heart Stamp Set in clear- or wood-mount and the I {Love} Love Jumbo Stampin’ Around Wheel. Only available during Online Extravaganza, this exclusive bundle is 40 percent off the retail price November 21-30!

A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT...

That's an old saying my father used to say whenever someone didn't follow through on a promise and he had to hire someone else to do the work .... I used it with my kids too, but usually to say that they were too late with their chores so I did the work myself and kept their allowance (what a meanie I was!)

Today I use this old phrase with you to acknowledge that I dropped the ball yesterday - I DIDN'T send out the first of 12 Holiday Helper emails as promised, and I DIDN'T let you all know about Stampin' Up!'s pre-holiday ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA SALE which started yesterday - that was extra-bad of me because one of the items on sale was available only for the first 24 hours - phooey! I wonder how I can make that up to you? Keep reading...

I was totally out of commission due to a whopper of a migraine that conveniently started at the end of the Baby & Bump show on Sunday and finally faded away late last night. I remember all too much of Sunday night - being awake and in pain for most of it, but I really can't remember much about yesterday - I slept, medicated, drank water - then repeated the cycle all day long.

Today, other than some residual stiffness in my shoulders and neck, I'm back on my feet and working once again. You can expect the first TWO HOLIDAY HELPERS to be in your inbox by end of day today, and the rest will follow  - one each morning until they're done.

As for the ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA SALE - there are some pretty amazing specials, running from 20% to 60% savings on selected items, so it's definitely worth checking out!

Here's the link to view the flyer online

This event continues for 10 days - over the American Thanksgiving & Black Monday Sales - so we can enjoy some great savings up here in Canada too! Also included is a special offer for digital crafters: purchase MY DIGITAL STUDIO EXPRESS @ the regular price of $49.95 and you'll get your choice of a FREE Digital Download Bundle worth $42.00!! The bundle options are: 

Bundle #1: My Digital Studio Booster Pack  (item # 124484)

Bundle #2: Holiday Themed Downloads (item #129385)
    -Merry & Type Stamp Brush Set
    -Letters to Santa Designer Series Paper
    -Letters to Santa Embellishments
    -Baker's Twine
    -Dasher Stamp Brush
    -Holiday Harmony II Kit
    -Merry Delightful Digital Tape
    -25 & Counting Stamp Brush Set
    -Deck the Halls Designer Buttons
    -And a Happy New Year Photocard Template  

Bundle #3: Scrapbooking Themed Downloads (item #129386)
    -Day in the Lift Kit
    -Thoughtful Overlays Stamp Brush Set
    -Fun Flowers Shapes
    -Delightful Digital Tape
    -Sweet Details Alphabet & Numbers
    -Word Play Stamp Brush Set

To view a PDF of the images in each bundle, visit my online store and look under My Digital Studio Express.

The ONLINE EXTRAVAGANZA prices are available whether you place an order with me through a workshop, over the phone or email, or online through my website (use the link above to make sure you're at MY store and get the PREFERRED pricing)

NOTE: Digital items MUST be ordered online through my store as they are delivered to you online immediately after your purchase. This includes the MY DIGITAL STUDIO EXPRESS software with the FREE bundle offer.

Now remember that very special offer that was only on the table for the first 24 hours (like, yesterday)? Here's what we missed:

• 20% off SIMPLY SCORED (Item 122334, pg 7 of Holiday Mini) - reg. price: $38.95
• 20% off SWEET PRESSED COOKIE STAMPS (Item 125152) - reg. price: $20.95

Those are two of our most popular new items right now - and I feel badly that I didn't let you know about the 24 hour sale yesterday, so here's what I'm going to do: Anyone who places an order of $50 or more in the next 9 days (during the Online Extravaganza) can also purchase either of yesterday's items at 20% off and I WILL PAY the difference. If your order is $100 or more, you can purchase BOTH of yesterday's items and I will pay the 20% difference.

Enjoy your holiday shopping, and if you are a newsletter subscriber, watch out for your first two Holiday Helpers to arrive in your inbox later today!

cheers,



I can't believe the holidays are almost here! As a thank you gift to everyone on my email newsletter list, I am sending out a special gift - you will be receiving the 2011 Twelve Days of Holiday Helper projects from me - one each day for 12 days, starting on Monday November 21. If you prefer not to receive this gift, just let me know before the start date. If you aren't on my list yet, you can sign up for my newsletters in the upper left corner of this screen. I hope you like these projects and that they help you enjoy your holidays just a little bit more!

IT'S THE MOST BUSIEST TIME OF THE YEAR!

A little change to the well-known lyrics of a certain holiday song ... but so appropriate!! (I hope I didn't just get that tune stuck in your head for the rest of the day; he,he,he)

Last Saturday's Craft Sale & Open House at ARC Industries in Guelph was a great day - thank you so much to everyone who stopped by! My sister, who many of you know has Downs Syndrome, works at ARC and she loves crafts so we made some gift tags and rustic wooden stars (my, she really liked the hammering part - who knew!) and a few other trinkets and we set up a booth together. It was a real joy to meet all the people from her workplace and to see her excitement each time we sold one of "her'" items - the money went into a separate tin and she happily went off to spend it at the other booths during lunch. We made some good memories that day!

I'm holding another Paper Medallion Wreath class this Thursday, this time at the Clifford Library. I've also been working on a wreath kit for my SCRAP IT paper crafting line ... it should be available to purchase next week.

Saturday the 19th is our 35th wedding anniversary; hubby will be spending the day sleeping and the night working, while I will be setting up a booth with my down-line Joanna at "Christmas in Clifford" to intice you all to buy our ready-made holiday cards, gifts and decorations. It's at the Community Centre from 10 am - 3 pm.

Sunday the 20th I'll be at the "Baby & Bump" show at Bingeman's in Kitchener ... this one's a really great show for moms, prospective moms, grandmas, aunties, babies & toddlers! All the vendors have baby/toddler related products and services, plus there's live entertainment, demonstrations, and a crawling baby race! Being a new grandma myself, I can't wait to do some Christmas shopping when I'm not busy teaching the sweet little mom & me project that I'm prepping today. I got into this show at the last minute; (it's not even on my events calendar yet!) so if you can spread the word to family and friends, I sure would appreciate it! Here's the Baby & Bump link for more information; hope to see you there!

And on Monday November 28 I'll be running my annual 20 Christmas Card Marathon class - make 20 different cards for the holidays using 1/2 a Simply Scrappin' kit - envelopes included; all for only $25. I've booked us lots of space at Crafters Cupboard in Guelph so we won't feel crowded like last year, lol. RSVP quick so I have time to order enough kits for you and your friends!

There are more shows and more classes in November, but I'd better get back to cutting and packaging cardstock right now, lol. Check out my calendar of events - hope to create something with you this month!

CELEBRATE DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK DAYS WITH FREE DOWNLOADS

Digital Scrapbook Day is officially the first Saturday in November, but Stampin' Up! has a FOUR DAY celebration, starting today - with free digital downloads for everyone, whether you use My Digital Studio software or another company's design program; whether you use a Mac or a PC ... everyone can get the following digital downloads for FREE:

• SO TYPEFELT STAMP BRUSH SET
• NEUTRAL DELIGHTFUL DIGITAL TAPE
• HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ENSEMBLE
• DELIGHT IN THE DAY PHOTOBOOK TEMPLATE

All of these downloads are brand new products, introduced here for the first time. On Nov 8th, they will be added to our regular product line for purchase - so get 'em NOW, while they're FREE!

Just go to MyDigitalStudio.net, fill out a short survey, and you'll get the link to immediately download these four digital designs - easy-peasy!

If this is your first time hearing about My Digital Studio, Stampin' Up!"s digital design software, click here for more information.

If you'd like a personal demonstration from someone who was once a die-hard traditional scrapbooker and is now totally hooked on making digital layouts, calendars, books, tags, cards and so much more ... just ask! I'd love to give you a hands-on tour of My Digital Studio!

cheers

HAPPY HALLOWE'EN COOKIE SLEEVE

Here's a kewl project using our new cookie stamps (they're so much fun I can't stop baking, lol)

Product Highlight:
Stamp Set Sweet Pressed Cookie (#125152)

Take your love of stamping into the kitchen! Create fun and tasty stamped cookies for any occasion. Fit a silicone stamp over the bottom of wooden handle and press into dough—it’s that easy! Let the kids help! Food-safe, easy-to-clean (dishwasher safe). Suggested cookie recipes included. Each includes set of 3 silicone stamps (jack'o'lantern, snowflake & heart) and 1 handle.

For More Details: Visit My Gallery

cheers,

WHAT A WHIRLWIND

The wind has been blowing leaves all around our house for the past week & the trees are almost bare, but at least the sun is finally shining today! This week's activities will be a whirlwind too ... I'm not quite over my cold but there's no more time to nurse it ... my inks, stamps and papers are calling to me, lol!

Tonight in Guelph I'm running my PAPER MEDALLION WREATH CLASS (aka lolly wreath) and we have room for a couple more folk. If you'd like to join the fun, just shoot me a quick email or phone call! COST: $25, TIME: 7-9 PM ... just wait til you see how much easier it is to make this wreath using the Simply Scored tool!

 

Thursday night I'm teaching my TRI-FOLD PHOTO CARD CLASS in Clifford - you'll get to make two different cards, plus have the written instructions to make more at home. These hold three photos and make great holiday cards to mail to far-off family & friends! COST: $15, TIME: 7-9 PM. Call or email me to reserve your seat!

 

And the grand finale of this whirlwind week will be the ALS SCRAPBOOK DAY OUT in Guelph on Saturday, October 22nd from ... are you ready for this ... 9 am til midnight!!!! (Yes, hubby & I will be staying in a hotel room in town afterwards) This event is raising money for a friend's mom who was recently diagnosed with ALS and will need a lot of specialized equipment down the road. The organizers have invited several vendors to be on hand, and have gathered some AMAZING prizes to raffle off throughout the day! I will have my Stampin' Up! booth there all day and night, with a try-it-out table, retired stuff for sale, AND I will personally be scrapbooking with MY DIGITAL STUDIO - you can watch along on the monitor! I'm donating 20% of all retired stuff sales and 10% of all catalogue sales that I make on the 22nd. Let me know if you are going to be there ... and if you haven't registered yet, I'm sure we can get a few more people in even at this late date, so give me a call or email if you want to join in the fun!

That's my week ... I'll need to rest up on Sunday, 'cause I have THREE MORE crafty events on my schedule for the following week ... you can check it all out here on my EVENTS CALENDAR

cheers

SNEAK PEEK @ MY OCTOBER CLASS PROJECTS

Make this festive PAPER MEDALLION WREATH for your own home or as a gift; your choice of Autumn colours as shown, or in Christmas colours.

DATE & TIME: Monday October 17th, 7-9 pm

PLACE: Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd, Guelph

COST: $25 (includes all supplies to make 1 wreath & written instructions so you can make more @ home with your own stash)

RESERVE YOUR SEAT ONLINE & PAY AT THE CLASS

*****************************************************************************************************

Make 2 TRI-FOLD PHOTO CARDS - one in Neutral Masculine colours as shown; the other in Traditional Christmas colours. This card folds to fit in a standard envelope (included), making them ideal mail-away gifts to far-off family & friends.

DATE & TIME: Thursday October 20th; 7-9 pm

PLACE: Wellington County Public Library, Clifford

COST: $15 (includes all supplies to make 2 Photo Cards & written instructions to make more @ home with your own stash)

RESERVE YOUR SEAT ONLINE NOW & PAY AT THE CLASS

***************************************************************************************************

Stamp 6 Monogrammed note cards (letter of your choice) & make a window box to hold all six plus their 3 1/4"x3 1/4" envelopes (included). Holiday Party Season is approaching ... this would be an ideal gift for the hostess ... maybe a Secret Santa gift at the office ... or how about one for your child's teacher or care-giver!

DATE & TIME: Monday October 24th; 7-9 pm

PLACE: Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd, Guelph

COST:$15 (includes all supplies to make 6 cards and 1 box, plus written instructions to make more)

RESERVE YOUR SEAT ONLINE AND PAY AT THE CLASS

cheers,

The Most Wonderful (and Busiest) Time of the Year

The Most Wonderful (and Busiest) Time of the Year

 Ah yes, it is that time of year ... back to school, then Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas ... and then there’s the new year and Valentine’s Day is not too far behind. It’s the time of year when the holidays seem to pile up on each other and our “To Do” List seems to keep growing. But don’t put card making or handmade gifts to the wayside.

Here are some reasons why:

It’s relaxing...

Take time for yourself to enjoy your hobby and check things off of your list of things to do at the same time. A fun gift to create are little treat boxes with the Matchbox Bigz XL Big Shot die (#114890), some labels, and the It’s a Wrap Holidays stamp set (#122770 - wood/#122772 - clear). Stamp the labels, wrap them around mini candy bars and put them into the Matchbox and they are ready to give. Embellish the Matchbox for an added touch. And don’t forget to enjoy some chocolate while you are stamping for some added relaxation.

It’s personal...

You can create cards and gifts that reflect your personality or that are personalized for the recipient. Handmade, stamped cards and gifts are the things that the recipient will hang onto long after the holidays are over. There is just something about the thoughtfulness of a handmade card or gift that makes it that much more special.

The new Stampin’ Card Keeper (#124107) makes a great gift filled with some handmade cards, and also makes a great way to keep organized during the holidays.

It’s festive...

Start a family tradition. Create wreaths for the different seasons or holidays as family and let each member of the family create and add a personal element. You can even incorporate Simply Adorned charms (#116799) into your project and family members can create different inserts to change with the seasons.

My pleated paper wreath class will be in Guelph on Mon Oct 17 and in Clifford on Thurs Oct 20; 7-9 pm. Visit MY EVENTS page to RSVP your seat online!

 

 

 

 

Pull out your catalogues, plan your projects, order your supplies, and then you will be ready for what the holiday season brings you. If you would like personal design assistance for your holiday projects, please contact me and I would be more than happy to help!

cheers,

 

 

 

MY WEEKEND WAS THE BEST!

What was so great about my weekend? Well ....

 

 

 

 

 

 

• I met so many new people - all crafters working in many different mediums; we had fun trying to find ways to cross-over our product lines into each other's speciality!

•  My daughter and my husband each had a booth at the sale too, right along side of me ... I was surrounded by colourful baby tutus and beautiful nature photos ... it was a family affair weekend!

• People really liked my SCRAP IT Paper Crafting Kits, judging by how many they bought! This weekend I launched my newest kit, the Tri-Fold Photo Card, to great reviews!

• I demoed Stampin' Up!'s new Simply Scoring tool, making paper pleated medallions for my upcoming wreath class ... and I received orders for two of the scoring tools AND four people signed up on the spot for my class!

• I received so much positive feedback about Stampin' Up!'s products - high quality, beautiful patterns and designs, clear AND wood mount stamps to choose from ... I can't remember ALL the wonderful comments, but hearing them sure helped reinforce my decision all those years ago to represent such a top-line company! STAMPIN' UP! ROCKS!!

• The other vendors were very friendly (even the ones who weren't into paper crafting) - we shared ideas, tips and sources on everything from displaying to lighting to packing & transporting our booth contents to and from shows.

• My Trunk Sale table was a big hit too ... my tub of retired rubber stamps and misc. crafting stuff was a lot lighter coming home than getting there; YAY!!

I held a draw at my booth for either a free attendance at my MEDALLION WREATH class OR a free kit to make the wreath at home (winner's choice) Hubby closed his eyes, reached in the jar and pulled the winning entry for me ... and the winner is ...................................................................

LESLEY ALLEN of Cambridge!!!! Congrats, Lesley - I'll be in touch asap to give you the good news!

Thank you to everyone who took time from their weekend activities to come to Crafters Cupboard with encouragement, hugs and suggestions ... crafty people are the BEST PEOPLE!

cheers,

GUELPH: CULTURE DAYS & TRUNK SALE

I'm packing up all my retired-and-no-longer-needed stamp sets today ... they'll be at my booth this weekend at Crafters Cupboard's TRUNK SALE and Culture Days Event ... come see me on Friday, Saturday, Sunday 'cause they're PRICED TO GO ... I don't have the space to keep them anymore; my collection is bustin' at the seams, lol!

Check out this link for times and location:

CULTURE DAYS/TRUNK SALE

 

All the Crafters Cupboard vendors (including me!) will also be on hand, demonstrating their skills and you can watch the demonstrations or even get your hands in there and try them out for yourself! Be sure to drop by my booth for the official launch of my SCRAP IT paper crafting kits - and be sure to fill out the survey to tell me which project should be my next kit release!

6 SECRETS OF PERFECT STAMPING & A CONTEST!

Creating Keepsakes magazine is at the top of the heap when it comes to knowing what's on the market and who has the best products to offer ... I wait every year for the results of their Annual Product Awards to see which categories Stampin' Up! will win .... and this year, our wood-mount and clear-mount stamps are in the TOP TEN TOOLS for 2011!!!

Now, you and I already know all about the high quality of Stampin' Up!'s detailed images, rubber and foam - and the wonderful option of choosing either wood-mount or clear-mount - but it is SO REWARDING to receive acknowledgement and praise from such a highly-esteemed magazine as Creating Keepsakes!! Talk about a validation boost to what I do for a living ... hve I mentioned lately to you just how much I love my job? <wink>

Check out this month's Creative Keepsakes magazine article called: "6 Secrets of Perfect Stamping" and why not enter their sweepstakes to win the top ten tools of 2011 ... INCLUDING some stamps from Stampin' Up! AND a Big Shot die cutting machine from Sizzix!

Enjoy!

SNEAK PEEK @ STAMP CAMP PROJECTS

The last day to register for our FALL TECHNIQUE STAMP CAMP in Guelph is coming up this Friday, Sept 9th - that's so we have enough time to order in all the products that you'll receive at the big event - yours to keep!

Here's a peek at some of the twelve different techniques you'll get to play with - a different greeting card for each technique ... PLUS 12 full-colour, fully illustrated, full-size technique instruction sheets to take home, refreshments & prizes!

Register now for SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24's FALL TECHNIQUE STAMP CAMP (12 noon - 4:30 pm) by clicking on this link ... don't delay; registration CLOSES this Friday, Sept 9th!!

BUILD-A-WHEEL BIRTHDAY CARDS

Join me to make these cheerful birthday cards and bag while we experiment with Stampin' Up!s Stampin' Around Build-a-Wheels ... they're small, but they're versatile - you can change the wheel combos & ink colours for a whole new look!

GUELPH CLASS: Mon Sept 19; 7 pm @ Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd

CLIFFORD CLASS: Thurs Sept 22; 7 pm @ Clifford Public Library

COST: $15.00 - RSVP your seat by clicking on the above location of your choice - it's easy!

cheers,