Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

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!

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

 

MARCH 31st IS APPROACHING AT WARP SPEED

For all you frugal paper crafters out there (like me)  - who's hobby sometimes takes a hit when the family budget won't budge - take a minute to assess your stash and buy what you need now while SALE-A-BRATION freebies can boost your limited dollars to a whole new level.

Even if you aren't stamping or scrapping right now, the time will come when you have an hour to yourself and it'll be soooo much easier to pick up where you left off if you have the necessary supplies at hand.

SALE-A-BRATION (SAB) works like this:

• Place an order of $60 CAN or more and get a FREE item from the SAB Brochure. Order $120 and get TWO FREE items, and so on.
• If your order is $200 or more, you also get FREE Hostess Benefits of your choice AND a FREE tote.
• If your order is $525 or more, you also get a FREE SAB Hostess Bundle AND one item from the catalogue @ 50% off.
• If you buy either of the Demonstrator Starter Kits (Standard or Digital+) during SAB, you save a bundle of cash (pay $150 instead of the regular $215 AND you'll also receive a FREE pkg of Designer Series Paper OR a FREE Digital Download each month in 2012 that you remain active, PLUS all the regular Demonstrator Benefits from Stampin' Up! and from my team, the Artful*Inkers. You don't have to sell a thing if that's not your thing - just enjoy the Starter Kit and save money on your own purchases from here on in.

So, why the warp speed reference in today's title?

Well, all this SAB goodness ends at midnight, March 31st, 2012 - yep, that's just 3 short days, or roughly 84 hours (as I'm typing this) left to place your order and MAXIMIZE your hard-earned money.

Hey, it's springtime, and you know what's coming up in the next few months: Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, graduations, teacher gifts, maybe even a few showers and weddings ... here's your chance to replenish your stash, give your cards and gifts a more personal touch, and S-T-R-E-T-C-H the dollar.

Sounds good to this Frugal Stamper.

ACRYLIC DISTRESS TECHNIQUE

Stampin' Up! featured this technique in their March issue of Stampin' Success, a kewl monthly magazine they send to all their demonstrators.

It's called Acrylic Distress and the only thing you need besides your Stampin' Up! stash of goodies is a bit of acrylic paint (the kind that is sold everywhere in squeeze bottles for a dollar).

Here's a photo (left) of the card we made at our last team meeting when Samantha Forrest demoed this technique - I put the embossing folder backwards onto the painted card stock, so mine is "de-bossed" by mistake & you don't get the same stand-out effect, but ...

... this second photo (right) is from Stampin' Up! - same colours, different design - but you can see the effect better on this card since the embossing was done right side up (grin).

 

I can see all kinds of uses for this technique with all of Stampin' Up!'s embossing folders and with all kinds of different colours of acrylic paint. Click on this link to download a prointable PDF instruction sheet, and give this one a try!:  Acrylic Distress Technique

PS: The DEMONSTRATOR STARTER KITS (both Standard and Digital+) are on sale right now for $150 CAN (regular $215). With this purchase, you recieve a minimum 20% off all purchases, the Stampin' Success magazine, password-access to Stampin' Connection and the Demonstrator Website, a ton of free and discounted Stampin' Up! products, and lots more. I mean, it has to be a good deal or why else would I still be with this company after 10 years, right? For more information, CLICK HERE. Sale price ends March 31, 2012.

I'll be back on Monday with more paper crafting projects to share - have a great weekend!

 

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,

 

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!

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,

 

 

 

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!

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,

FALL LINEUP OF SCRAPPIN' WITH DONNA'S CLASSES

I think I can answer yes to all three of these questions ... how about you?

• Do you like to stamp "in person" rather than through magazines, internet or all alone?
• Do you need a "gentle push" to get back to using your crafting supplies again?
• Are you looking for some fall activities for yourself, now that summer is coming to an end?

Here's my list of my FALL 2011 paper crafting CLASSES (weeknights; 2 hrs long) and STAMP CAMPS (weekends, 3 hrs or more) - the time to sign up is NOW, so click on the individual DATES for more detailed information and to reserve your seat!

 

1) PAPER CRAFTING KIT CLASSES are on the last Monday of each month from 7-9 pm in Guelph:

• MON SEPT 26 will introduce my NEWEST PAPER CRAFTING KIT: "FRAME IT UP" - MAKE 2 DIFFERENT TRI-FOLD FRAMES; EACH HOLDING UP TO THREE PHOTOS!
• MON OCT 24: ONE WEEK EARLIER TO AVOID A CLASS ON HALLOWE'EN NIGHT; INTRODUCING A BRAND NEW ADDITION TO MY LINE OF KITS; STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS!

 

2) PAPER CRAFTING TECHNIQUES CLASSES are on the 3rd Monday of each month from 7-9 pm in Guelph:

• MON SEPT 19 will be BIRTHDAY CARDS featuring STAMPIN' AROUND BUILDER WHEELS ... CREATE NEW DESIGNS BY COMBINING WHEELS! 
• MON OCT 17: Our project will be a beautiful PAPER MEDALLION WREATH, FEATURING STAMPIN' UP! DESIGNER SERIES PAPERS & THE NEW SIMPLY SCORED SCORING TOOL!

 

3) CARD CLASSES IN CLIFFORD - **NEW**

• THURS SEPT 22, 7 PM - 9 PM - Join me for my first ever card class in Clifford; we'll be making 5 very simple cards @ the Clifford Public Library; if we get enough interest, this will become a monthly event!

 4) GUELPH STAMPERS & SCRAPBOOKERS - through Meetup.com, we meet on the last Friday of each month from 7-10 pm to work on our UFOs (unfinished objects) while we chat & get to know other crafters.

• FRI SEPT 30 - a demonstration of the newest papercrafting craze - ZENTANGLE
• FRI OCT 28 - a demonstration of a tradional paper craft making a comeback - QUILLING

 

~ SPECIAL EVENTS~SPECIAL EVENTS~SPECIAL EVENTS ~

 

5) CARD TECHNIQUES FALL STAMP CAMP - you loved the Spring Techniques Stamp Camp, so here are another 12 cards, each featuring a different technique - in Guelph!

• SAT SEPT 24, 12 NOON TO 4:30 PM - 2 Registration Pkgs are available: $60 Deluxe and $40 Basic. For full details or to register you and your friends for this event, CLICK HERE

 

6) CULTURE DAYS CRAFT SHOW, TRUNK SALE AND SHOP-HOP - be sure to visit my booth @ Crafters Cupboard in Guelph!

• FRI SEPT 30, SAT SEPT 1 & SUN SEPT 2 - Culture Days is a Canada-wide event which encourages Canadians to learn about our culture and arts through interactive events. Crafters Cupboard has organized a 3 day event - click HERE for the details and be sure to drop by my booth to say hi!

 

7) SCRAPBOOKING DAY OUT - help Susan fight ALS ... what could be better than scrapbooking with friends while raising money that can change one person's life forever!

• SAT OCT 22, 9 AM - MIDNIGHT @ the Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre, Gordon St, Guelph
• Register early: $50 for the day; $65 includes supper
• Click on the date above for all the details

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCING: "SIMPLY SCORED" SCORING TOOL & CLASS

I'm so excited about the newest tool in my Stampin' Up! toolbox, and as of today it's available to my customers too - WAHOO!!

What is it, you ask?

Stampin' Up!'s original scoring tool--designed exclusively by and for Stampin' Up! With etched grooves every 1/8", and the ability to score card stock up to 12" x 12", the Simply Scored scoring tool helps you create perfectly measured score marks.  It's great for creating multiple projects or projects with a variety of score marks!

Features of the Simply Scored Scoring Tool

• Comes with a high-quality stylus instead of a plastic bone folder.
  • Stylus is ergonomically shaped and features a comfort grip.
  • The high-quality metal tips on each end of the stylus--they come in two sizes--glide smoothly over your paper.
• Features a unique set of place markers that let you mark your score lines when creating multiple projects with the same score lines.
  • Includes three place markers.
  • Additional place markers can be purchased for flawless scoring.
• Includes a hidden storage compartment in the back of the base to hold your scoring tools.
• Accommodates card stock up to 12" x 12".

Here are some Product Details:

• Item 122334; $38.95
• Simply Scored includes
  • 1 scoring board
  • 1 stylus
  • 3 place markers
• Dimensions of scoring board: 15-1/8" x 13-1/4" x  1"

• Additional products available:
  • Simply Scored Stylus
    • Item  125624; $5.95
    • Dimensions: 5-7/16" (13,8 cm)
  • Simply Scored Place Markers (pack of 6)
    • Item 125625; $3.50
    • Dimensions: 1/4" x 1" (6,4 x 25,4 mm)

I love using mine on projects requiring a lot of score lines .. like box templates & fancy fold cards. It also makes adding background texture to your cards and pages a breeze!

And best of all, take a look at this beautiful wreath made of scored paper medallions designed by Stampin' Up! ... I love this wreath SO much that I'm featuring it in October's Paper Crafting Techniques class on Monday Oct. 17th in Guelph ... come join the fun!

And don't forget to contact me or shop in my online store to order your own Simply Scored scoring tool ... get a close up look on page 6 of the new Holiday Mini catalogue (#122334; $38.95)

cheers,

FALL TECHNIQUES STAMP CAMP

We had so much fun at our Spring Techniques Stamp Camp in Guelph that we just knew we wanted to do it again .... and here are the details!

Join us on SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24th from 12 noon to 4:30 pm to make TWELVE greeting cards, each one featuring a different crafting technique!

We'll demonstrate the first six techniques, then you'll move from station to station, working at your own pace while you make your cards. After a snack break, we'll demo the remaining six techniques, then let you loose again!

When you arrive, you'll receive your goody bag, containing all of the following:

• pre-cut supplies to make 12 cards
• 12 envelopes
• duo-tang with 12 full size technique instruction sheets with step-by-step colour photos
• water bottle
• door prize ticket

Choose from two registration options:

• $60 DELUXE REGISTRATION PKG: in addition to the above, your goody bag will also include a Whisper White Craft Ink Pad, a Blender Pen, a white Signo Gel Pen ... all yours to keep!

• $40 BASIC REGISTRATION PKG: does not include the ink pad, blender pen or gel pen ... please bring your own to make the 12 cards on Saturday.

Registrations are now being accepted ... you can register yourself and up to three friends, all at the same time - just by clicking on the REGISTER NOW button below. Registration closes on Friday September 9th.

Payment can be made online through PayPal (you don't have to have a PayPal account, but you will be asked for your credit card number) or by mailing a cheque. NOTE: your registration will not be confirmed until we receive your payment.

Come on out and get your craftin' mojo going ... Diane Hilborn and I are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday September 24th!

REGISTER NOW

TIME TO GROW

Have you seen the Highlites Video from Stampin' Up!'s Convention, held in Salt Lake City earlier this month? Wow, they sure can put on a party ... I'm making plans to attend next summer with some of the demonstrators on my team, 'cause I don't want to miss out on all this fun!

I'm really happy that three more friends have joined my team this month, taking advantage of the July Mini Starter Kit promotion ... and it only cost them $119, instead of the usual $215! Welcome to Wilma, Linda and Vikki!!!

Want in on the fun and savings? There's still time this weekend to sign up and start saving a minimum of 20% off everything you buy ... offer ends @ midnight on Sunday July 31st!

You can join my team through my online New Demonstrator thingy-ma-bob - you'll need your S.I.N. number, a credit card, and my password, which is artful_inkers

• Here's more info on the July Mini Starter Kit
• Here's a link to sign up online
• Here's what you can do/receive as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

Plus, you'll be a part of the best team of demonstrators in Canada ... the Artful*Inkers!

Go for it!

 

STAMPIN' UP IS GIVING IT AWAY!

So much has happened this month in the stampin' world while I was A.W.O.L - for example, were you aware that Stampin' Up! overhauled their already generous Hostess Rewards Program to give our hostesses EVEN MORE FREE STUFF?!! I keep telling ya' that's why I'm with Stampin' Up! ... it's all about the free stuff!

Now we have Hostess Dollars - earned with workshop totals (or catalogue parties) totalling $200 and up .. the higher your sales total climbs, the more hostess dollars you receive. And get this: there are NO MORE HOSTESS LEVELS for the free stamps - instead, you use your hostess dollars to "buy" as many and whichever hostess stamp sets as you like!

If you don't care for any of the hostess sets (I don't think that's even possible; there are so many great ones to choose from!) - you can use your HOSTESS DOLLARS to "buy" anything in the catalogue or mini - REALLY!!! I almost fell out of my chair when they told us that one, lol.

And if that wasn't enough, when your workshop totals reach $525 - you get to purchase ANY one item from the catalogue at half price! (How would you like to own a Big Shot die cutter for only $61.48? Or My Digital Studio for only $49.98?) Now THAT'S frugal shopping!

It gets better ... $650 in sales gets you TWO half-priced items; $1,000 in sales gets you THREE, and so on. Here's the complete Hostess Rewards chart so you can see for yourself:

 

Now with Stampin' Up!'s new HOSTESS BENEFITS PROGRAM it's even easier to fulfil your entire wishlist, just by hosting a workshop or catalogue party ... or by placing your own online order naming yourself as the hostess - yeah, you can do that! And if you order online, it will be delivered right to your door!

Remember all those great new Hostess stamp sets I was talking about earlier? You know, the ones you can "buy" for FREE with your hostess dollars - wanna see them? Just click here!

Ready to book your workshop? Send an email to reserve your August-September date to: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

We can hold it in your home anywhere in the Guelph/Fergus/Elora/Harriston area ... or if you really want to do something special, pile all your girlfriends in the van and come up to my new place in Clifford ... yeah, it's an hour's drive from Guelph - but if you carpool and all chip in for the gas, I guarantee you'll enjoy the scenery through the Mennonite countryside - and our 100 year old house is a nice setting for an afternoon or evening of stamping and creating with friends!

Let's get to work on that wishlist of yours ... remember, it's all about the FREE STUFF, lol!

cheers,

WOO-HOO, I'M (A)LIVE!

Hubby & I are finally in our new house in our new town of Clifford, Ontario ... and my internet is up and running ... and I'm sitting right now in my new little stamping room (no more grand names like Stampin' Studio for me, lol) ... and you know what? It's really good to be live again; I've missed all of you sooooo much!

I'm a long way from being all set up so I can start creating again, but I'm gradually getting there. I only have a limited amount of hubby's time to help me, as he is also changing the house wiring, making our master bedroom and the main floor bathroom both larger, and hunting for his tools ... and that's just THIS WEEK'S to-do list!

I know he'd really rather be out in his new garage, organizing and building shelves to store all HIS stuff, especially now that the heatwave has moved on and it's tolerably nice outside again. I'm really lucky that he can spare any time at all for me and my stamps, so I don't want to push too much, kwim? <wink>

On the other hand, this Friday is July's Girls Night Out with the Guelph Stampers & Scrapbookers and I need to make some "We've Moved" cards - so the sooner the shelves and punch racks and ribbon holders are installed on my walls, the sooner I can find all the supplies I need to bring on Friday. Somehow I don't think my needs will be a strong motivator for hubby <grin>

If you'd like more info about the Guelph Stampers & Scrapbookers, check us out on www.Meetup.com - we welcome all paper crafters!

cheers

 

IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER

For the last three evenings wehave been busy sorting, pricing and setting up for my big Catalogue Launch and Tent Sale (minus the tent). Here's some things you can expect to see this Saturday:

• Retired Product Sale in the air-conditioned dining room (since the outside temp is an expected 38 degrees celcius on Saturday!!)
• Catalogue Purusing and Order Placing out on the deck (with lots of chairs & ice cold lemonade!!)
• Bake Sale out on the picnic table under the big umbrella (proceeds go to WEEKEND TO END WOMENS CANCERS)
• Select studio fixtures are being sold down in my basement studio (white boards, counter, folding tables, paper rack, etc - see the full list on the wall in the studio)

And here are some of the specials I'm running during the sale:

• Place an order from the new catalogue equal to the value of the retired products you pick out, and the retired stuff goes home with you for FREE! (Hint: shop the retired tables first for best selection, then get a total + order form & catalogue from my assistant, THEN grab a chair outside to write out your catalogue order)
• Single stamp sale (fill a container with the individual   stamps YOU want and pay a flat price for the container - $10, $15, $20 and $25 sizes available to choose from!!)
• Launch of my new line of SCRAP IT papercrafting kits - get an up close and personal look at my latest endeavour!!
• Sign up for any of my Clubs and get a FREE Hostess Set from the new catalogue, in addition to regular club membership perks!! (BIG SHOT CLUB, PUNCH CRAZY CLUB, CHRISTMAS CARD CLUB, or TECHNIQUE CLUB - 4 month committment required; clubs start in September in Guelph)
• Join in my RIBBON & DESIGNER PAPER SHARES - details were emailed earlier this week to everyone on my subscription list; many different product shares are available with five spots per product. As soon a list is filled, I'll order that product & deliver asap! (Mailing service is available for an extra charge if you live too far away to come in person - Canada only, please)

I've probably forgotten to mention something (and I'm sure my helpers will let me know, lol!) - but I think you get the idea ... it's the last Tent Sale I'll ever have here in Guelph, and there's so much going out the door that you can't afford to miss it!! The sale runs from 10 am til 1 pm ...

See you on Saturday!!

HAPPY, HAPPY NEWS

There sure is a lot to be happy about these days ...

First off, a BELATED Happy Canada Day to everyone up here in the Great White North, and a BELATED Happy Independence Day to all my friends, family and co-horts in the US! I hope EVERYONE had a relaxing, memory-filled long weekend ... without getting a sunburn!

More Happy News:

• The 2011-2012 IDEA BOOK & CATALOGUE from Stampin' Up! is now in effect, and it is FULL of wonderful new products that I for one can't wait to get my hands on! Well to be truthful, as a demonstrator I ALREADY have my hands on a few choice bits that I'll be showing off at my ....

• NEW CATTY LAUNCH AND ANNUAL TENT SALE (minus the tent) - it's this Saturday, July 9th from 10 am - 1 pm and since hubby & I are moving later this month, I'm throwing everything but the studio sink (wink) into this sale 'cause my new stamping space is about a quarter of the size of my current studio! So to encourage as much as possible to leave my home and go to yours, I'm giving it all away ...

• That's right! Fill your bag with retired embellishments, tools, stamps, card samples, grab bags of UFOs and soooo much more; then my assistants will tally up your total - and as long as you place an order from the new catalogue equal to or more than that total (before taxes and shipping) then you can take your bag of treasure home FOR FREE! And as if that wasn't enough happy news - guess who's coming to Saturday's sale?

• My daughter and granddaughter - WAHOO! Mel will be here with her delicious baking (a recently developed talent that surprised the heck out of her mother - who knew?) to help raise money for her entry fee into the WEEKEND TO END WOMENS' CANCERS ... and baby Norah will be here to delight and charm you all into buying her mommy's baked goods; buy a cookie and you get to hold the baby ... hmmm <wink>

Owl Hoot for Canada!

See you all on Saturday!!

PS: UFOs in my world are "unfinished objects" - and I have a ton of them to give away!

cheers

 

JULY ONLY: STARTER KIT PROMO

SUMMERTIME STAMPING OPPORTUNITIES

Here are my events for the rest of AUGUST ... click on each event title for details or to RSVP your spot ... CLASSES WILL RUN WITH 5 OR MORE RSVPS ... all events are held at CRAFTERS CUPBOARD at their new location on Laird Rd in Guelph ... SCROLL DOWN PAST THIS LIST FOR MORE RECENT BLOG POSTS ... HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

FRI AUG 26: GUELPH STAMPERS & SCRAPBOOKERS MEETUP, 7 pm, COST: $5

WED AUG 31: PAPER CRAFTING KIT KLASS, 7 pm, COST: $25

IT'S THE HAP-HAPPIEST TIME OF THE YEAR!

Hello! Did you miss me?

We're just back from an impromtu camping trip and family reunion (I do love having a flexible job so when hubby says, "Let's go" I can do a quick shuffle and follow him out the door, lol!). I organized some "Baby Triathalon" games at the reunion so that my little grandbaby would be able to participate this year <wink> and it was hilarious to see the adults on "Team Norah" trying to get her to make faces, build a tower out of sponges, and play baby soccer (picture Daddy holding her under her arms and swinging her body & feet at the ball .. it was a hoot!)

But now it's time to get back to work (or play, as hubby insists) ...

So what's up with today's title?

If you've been around me & Stampin' Up! for any length of time, you already know why I LOVE this time of year ... it's NEW CATALOGUE TIME!!!

At the end of June, I get to purge my stampin' space of all the lovelies that Stampin' Up! is retiring ... AND I've been given a demonstrator's sneak peek at the new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalogue ... I even got to pre-order some of the amazing new stuff that will be filling the new catty's pages! (I love my job - I mean PLAY .. hubby's right, lol).

So, what about you ... when can you get your hands on all of these goodies?

Well, for starters, if you pre-ordered your new catalogue through me last month ... they're here, so come and get 'em!!

If you want a catalogue and didn't pre-order ... you'll just have to attend my NEW CATALOGUE LAUNCH on Saturday, July 9th, from 10 am to 1 pm! Yep, the big white tent sale is NOT on Canada Day this year, and actually you won't even see the white tent this year ... but everything else about this annual extravaganza will be in place:

• the first thing you see when you arrive at my house will be tables and tables of retired Stampin' Up! product: stamp sets, designer series papers, inks, wheels, embellishments, ribbons ... as well as misc. "things to stamp on", card stock salad bags, grab bags of retired card samples, old catalogues, a few non-Stampin' Up! stamps (gasp!) and some unfinished paper projects looking for a new home ... and it's all priced to go!
• when you arrive you can shop the tables and bag up your treasures; one of my helpers will total things up for you and hand you your shiny new copy of the 2011-2012 Catalogue and an order form.
• Then, come around the corner, find a seat in the shade and a cold lemonade and peruse the catty to your heart's content. Here's the exciting part: if you place an order on July 9th for the same amount of money as the retired goodies in your bag - then the whole bagful goes home with you FOR FREE!
• When you're ready to place your order, come on inside the house where I'll be waiting to assist you with totalling, taxes and payment options. If we have a line-up, you can do a quick make & take project using some of the brand new goodies from my pre-order while you wait your turn.
• And of course, it wouldn't be a Scrappin' with Donna Open House unless there was a draw, and prizes, and a display of new products and new projects, and a very special treat for those who sign up for one of my Fall clubs or classes, or for those who book an in-home workshop featuring the new catalogue!
• If you are interested, I will also be selling some fixtures from my Stampin' Studio/Classroom on July 9th ... stuff like tables, a counter top, storage containers, white boards, and more ... all the things that won't fit into my much smaller stampin' space in the new house. And since moving day is July 15th, any of these larger items will need to be taken home with you ... the Studio is the last room to be packed up - and I have to start the morning after this sale!
• Lastly, my daughter is participating in the "Weekend to End Women's Cancers" and to help her raise money for her hefty entry fee, we'll be selling individually wrapped baked goods, so please bring your appetite! Pledge sheets will also be on site, if this is a cause you'd like to support without the extra calories <grin>

Excited as I am for July 9th to roll around? It won't be long now ....

cheers,

 

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND!

I had a wonderful time at Crafters Cupboard's first every Open House and Cottage Days Sale this past weekend in Guelph .. I met some really interesting crafters and learned so many new things ... some that I think I can incorporate into my paper crafting world (the wheels have been turning ever since I got home, lol)

Thank you to everyone who stopped by my booth to see all the different objects and materials I've cranked through my Sizzix Big Shot ... I love to experiment!

And a BIG thank you to Shelly who organized and promoted the weekend-long event ... I can't wait til September for your next one!

Don't forget to check out my class schedule for June & July - details & registration links are here on my EVENTS CALENDAR and also on the CRAFTERS CUPBOARD's website.

Hope you're enjoying this beautiful Ontario weather!

cheers

COTTAGE DAYS - THIS WEEKEND!

Quiet around here in Scrapland, eh? That's because I've been burying myself down in the studio, getting ready for a VERY BIG EVENT this weekend ... the Crafters Cupboard is hosting COTTAGE DAYS!

Here are all the details ... I just copied & pasted the info from their website ... take a look at all the kewl demonstrations happening all day Saturday AND Sunday! Come on over to my booth and say hi, ok?

Location/Directions are available @ http://www.crafterscupboard.com

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

"Off to the Cottage" Event

~ 2 Days of Interactive Demonstrations ~

~ Sale Prices on Specially crafted kits designed for the cottage  ~

 

Schedule of Interactive Demos:

The perfect chance for you to try your hand at a new technique with the help of the pros!  These sessions are drop in - no pre-registration necessary!

Saturday 9 - 12

Bead Addict - 1. Right Angle Weave Lazy Daisy Bracelet:  Are you Daisy Chain challenged? If your bracelets come out a little wonky, try this variation of the right angle weave to get a perfect flower pattern every time.  2.  Peyote Ruffle Loop Bracelet:  Create a one-of-a-kind chunky bracelet by embellishing an even-count peyote stitch base with a drop bead ruffle. Once you learn this technique, you can apply a similar design to your own collection of "orphan" beads. *Various Cottage Kits available.

Brenda Franklin - 1. Needle Felting Figures.   Beads add a little sparkle to any knitting project whether it is jewellery, accessories or clothing.  Learn how simple and fun knitting with beads is.  2. Beaded Knits.  Watch raw fleece turn into art as Brenda Franklin demonstrates basic needle felting techniques.  You too can create captivating sculptures with a needle and wool.  *On SALE:  Starter needle felting kits.  Kit contains:  detailed instructions, 2 sizes of felting needles, fleece for making specified project and a foam pad to work on.

Scrappin' with Donna - Sizzix BigShot:  Hour one - adding textures & unusual materials your projects; Hour 2 - fabric projects - hair bands, hand bags & appliqued quilts; and Hour 3 - 3D paper projects - gift boxes, a bouquet of flowers & a few surprises!  *Cottage Kits available.  Make a funky container for the home or cottage from a mini paint can, designer paper and chipboard!  Fill your decorated tin with tools or pencils for the counter; plants for the windowsill; baking or small gifts for a neighbour, friend or new baby! This kit is a great parent & child project too!

Christine Bretherick - 1. Napkin Collage:   2.  Wonderful Watercolours:  De-stress and unwind with this relaxing art project. No fuss- no muss! This inexpensive activity is fun for all.

With Special Guest:  Eiriona MacDonald.  So you want to draw? Learn how to use pencils, charcoal and the tricks of the trade to create a Superhero of your own design.  Perfect for teens!

Sew Fancy - Tools, Tricks and Techniques.  1. So Easy Bow Making:  Are making bows to give your gift the finishing touch a problem for you?  Learn how to make bows to embellish whatever in 3 sizes and different sizes.  Use fabric, ribbon, lace, etc.  *Cottage kit available.   2. The Diva Cord Maker:  Create beautiful cords using this cord maker and your beautiful  threads or fabric.  So easy to do that there is even a child’s version.   This is the perfect thing to do while on a boring drive, while waiting anywhere or sitting on the porch relaxing.  Portable—carry it in your purse or bag.  *Two different cottage kits available.  3.  Kanzashi  Flowers – my New Favourite Tool.  The old fabric folding technique produces gorgeous flowers  but now, there are new tools to make this tedious process so very, very easy and even more fun.  The flowers are perfect for embellishing accessories, jewellery, ready-to-wear, scrapbooking and more.   *Cottage kit available. 4.  Locker Rug Hooking:  Do you have any “wonder” fabrics---the ones that you ‘wonder why you bought them’?  Most of us do.  Well locker rug hooking is the perfect way to use up some of your fabric stash and create something useful and/or artistic.  You can also recycle clothes, sheets and more.  Learn this easy to do revived ‘old art’ which has so many possibilities.  5.  The Wonder Knitter:  Knitting made Quick & Easy.  This easy to use tool is great for beadwork, jewellery, accessories for scarves,  handbags and much more.  Great for children too.  6.  Needle Felting:  Learn how to felt like a pro to embellish clothes, quilts, bags and more.  *Cottage kit available.  7.  Hot Fix Crystals—and glitz and glimmer:  Learn how to embellish using Swarovski hot fix crystals and metals.  *Cottage kit available.  8.  Yo –Yo’s—Such Fun:  So easy to make and so many ways to use these yo-yo’s.  Learn how to make circles, flowers, hearts, butterflies, shamrocks and ovals.  *Cottage kit available.  9.  Rick Rack Flowers:  Learn how to make beautiful roses using Rick Rack, some thread and glue—a great embellishment.  *Cottage kit available.  10.  Flower Frill:  Learn how to make flowers from fabric, tissue paper, wrapping paper and more in different sizes and combinations.  Fun and easy to do.  11.  Colourful Snaps that are Easy to Apply and Stay on!  If you don’t like making buttonholes and you find that most snaps don’t stay on, then this is the demo for you.  These snaps have longer prongs, an easy technique to apply them and they stay on.   *Cottage kit available.  12.  Braiding:  Make bowls, mats, rugs and more using this old art with quick and easy techniques.  *Cottage kit available. 

                                    

Saturday 1 - 4

Gardiner Design - Chain Mail Earrings.  Come and watch while I make chain mail earrings. I’ll have extra pliers so you can try this craft yourself.  Lots of earrings! Bubbles Earrings. Byzantine Earrings. Parallel Weave Earrings. Shaggy Loops Earrings. Mobius Ball Earrings.  *Cottage Kits available.

Flirt - 1.  Basic Tools for Wireworking:  Learn the proper way to work a jumpring, find out how easy it is to make your own ear wires.  From pliers to burr files, everything you need to know to get started!  2.  Viking Knit:  An amazing gadget that creates a nice even mesh look in a variety of sizes.  Simple, beautiful and very versatile.  3.  Coiling Gizmo:  It can't get any easier!  A wonderful way to work in different gauges of wire for a spectacular effect!  *Cottage Kits available.  4.  Heavy Metal creations:  See how one large focal component can add dimension and wow to a basic design.  *Cottage Kits available.  5.  EpoxySculp with Swarovski crystals:  Create beautiful bezelled focal components with a quick setting coloured clay-type medium and the sparkle of strategically placed Swarovskis!  *Cottage Kits available.

Silverdixie Designs - 1.  Textured Metal Demonstration:   Come on out and explore different ways to texture metal! Stamp, dap, smack or roll metal through an embossing machine!  2.  UV Resin Demonstration:  Explore how to make collage pendants using UV Resin.  Learn how to create one of a kind pendants using items such as decorative papers, beads, and embellishments!  *Three Pendant Kits will be available for purchase with a vintage brass theme!  

The Purple Thistle - Sew your own Cloth Diapers from start to finish.  1-2 pm - A One-size pocket diaper.  Learn all the tricks for sewing a one-sized pocket diaper using the Nykibaby pattern.  Test out the snap press/pliers as we put the snap closure and adjustable rise on the PUL (polyurethane laminate) outer.  Learn to make a welt pocket opening in the a stay-dry inner fabric for easy insert stuffing.  2-3 pm - A Fitted diaper with a quick dry soaker.  Watch how to make a fitted diaper with a cute cotton knit outer and a soft organic bamboo velour inner layer.  This will be a quick dry diaper with a snap in soaker using the Little Comet Tails pattern.  3-4 pm - A Cover and a Wet bag.  Learn how to make a cute waterproof PUL cover bound in soft plush FOE (Fold over Elastic).   With a touchtape closure it can be used over prefolds or fitted diapers.  Learn how to make a quick easy wet bag for carrying home your diapers when out and about.  It also makes a great waterproof swimsuit bag for trips to the cottage and splash pad.  *Various Cottage Kits available.

Sew Fancy - Tools, Tricks and Techniques.  1. So Easy Bow Making:  Are making bows to give your gift the finishing touch a problem for you?  Learn how to make bows to embellish whatever in 3 sizes and different sizes.  Use fabric, ribbon, lace, etc.  *Cottage kit available.   2. The Diva Cord Maker:  Create beautiful cords using this cord maker and your beautiful  threads or fabric.  So easy to do that there is even a child’s version.   This is the perfect thing to do while on a boring drive, while waiting anywhere or sitting on the porch relaxing.  Portable—carry it in your purse or bag.  *Two different cottage kits available.  3.  Kanzashi  Flowers – my New Favourite Tool.  The old fabric folding technique produces gorgeous flowers  but now, there are new tools to make this tedious process so very, very easy and even more fun.  The flowers are perfect for embellishing accessories, jewellery, ready-to-wear, scrapbooking and more.   *Cottage kit available. 4.  Locker Rug Hooking:  Do you have any “wonder” fabrics---the ones that you ‘wonder why you bought them’?  Most of us do.  Well locker rug hooking is the perfect way to use up some of your fabric stash and create something useful and/or artistic.  You can also recycle clothes, sheets and more.  Learn this easy to do revived ‘old art’ which has so many possibilities.  5.  The Wonder Knitter:  Knitting made Quick & Easy.  This easy to use tool is great for beadwork, jewellery, accessories for scarves,  handbags and much more.  Great for children too.  6.  Needle Felting:  Learn how to felt like a pro to embellish clothes, quilts, bags and more.  *Cottage kit available.  7.  Hot Fix Crystals—and glitz and glimmer:  Learn how to embellish using Swarovski hot fix crystals and metals.  *Cottage kit available.  8.  Yo –Yo’s—Such Fun:  So easy to make and so many ways to use these yo-yo’s.  Learn how to make circles, flowers, hearts, butterflies, shamrocks and ovals.  *Cottage kit available.  9.  Rick Rack Flowers:  Learn how to make beautiful roses using Rick Rack, some thread and glue—a great embellishment.  *Cottage kit available.  10.  Flower Frill:  Learn how to make flowers from fabric, tissue paper, wrapping paper and more in different sizes and combinations.  Fun and easy to do.  11.  Colourful Snaps that are Easy to Apply and Stay on!  If you don’t like making buttonholes and you find that most snaps don’t stay on, then this is the demo for you.  These snaps have longer prongs, an easy technique to apply them and they stay on.   *Cottage kit available.  12.  Braiding:  Make bowls, mats, rugs and more using this old art with quick and easy techniques.  *Cottage kit available.                                     

 

Sunday 9 - 12

Brenda Franklin - 1. Needle Felting Figures.   Beads add a little sparkle to any knitting project whether it is jewellery, accessories or clothing.  Learn how simple and fun knitting with beads is.  2. Beaded Knits.  Watch raw fleece turn into art as Brenda Franklin demonstrates basic needle felting techniques.  You too can create captivating sculptures with a needle and wool.  *On SALE:  Starter needle felting kits.  Kit contains:  detailed instructions, 2 sizes of felting needles, fleece for making specified project and a foam pad to work on.

 

Black Tulip Design - The Native Strawberry Emery:  Native Beaded Strawberry emeries were made in the mid to late 1800s. The emery features raised or embossed beadwork indicative to the Native work of the Victorian era.  A selection of antique Native emeries will be on display.  The Strawberry emery is reborn using traditional materials and techniques. First Nations Artisan Naomi Smith will demonstrate the construction and beadwork methods required. *Kits will be available for purchase.

Silverdixie - Polymer Clay Demonstration:  Polymer clay if fun for all ages!  Learn how to condition, blend, slice and imprint clay using techniques such as mica shift, mokume gane and caning.  

Crafter's Cupboard - 1.  Kits for Kids.  2.  Ukrainian Netted Weave Beading. *Cottage Kits available.

Sunday 1 - 4

Gardiner Design - Chain Mail Earrings.  Come and watch while I make chain mail earrings. I’ll have extra pliers so you can try this craft yourself.  Lots of earrings! Bubbles Earrings. Byzantine Earrings. Parallel Weave Earrings. Shaggy Loops Earrings. Mobius Ball Earrings.  *Cottage Kits available.

Scrappin' with Donna - Sizzix BigShot:  Hour one - adding textures & unusual materials your projects; Hour 2 - fabric projects - hair bands, hand bags & appliqued quilts; and Hour 3 - 3D paper projects - gift boxes, a bouquet of flowers & a few surprises!  *Cottage Kits available.  Make a funky container for the home or cottage from a mini paint can, designer paper and chipboard!  Fill your decorated tin with tools or pencils for the counter; plants for the windowsill; baking or small gifts for a neighbour, friend or new baby! This kit is a great parent & child project too!

The Treasure Chest - Beaded Embroidery Brooch and Pendant, Clothing Accessory and Box Accessory.  A guided tour with a selecion of cabochons pre-glued on fabric, completed examples of what you can do with bead embroidery and books on the subject. *On Sale:  Kits are for both beginners and experienced crafters. Featuring a selection of 3 different cabochons; two are 24K gold handpainted glass vintage flat back cabochons and one is vintage 1960 glass sugared flat back cabochon. all made in West Germany.  

 

 

Helen Breil - Polymer Clay Buttons: Curious about learning more about polymer clay?  Helen will be demoing two unique but simple techniques to make your own custom buttons.  These techniques can also be applied to making other items such as jewellery.  Samples of finished work will be on-hand to showcase the many "looks" that are possible with polymer clay.   

Crafter's Cupboard - 1.  Swedish Weaving.  *Cottage Kits available.  2.  Basic Beading.  *Cottage Kits available.

 PLUS~ Sale on specially created "Cottage Kits" ~

These include everything you need to finish the project, and are straight-foward enough you shouldn't get tangled up half way through when you're miles away from everything.  Perfect for those rainy days or that daily downtime!

WANTED: COPYWRITER

I'm sure there's a famous quote out there that makes the point better than I - but I figure a smart person is someone who admits they can't do it all on their own and seeks help from skilled people to reach their goals.

I'm ready to admit that I need help! Hey, not THAT kind of help, although that might be a good idea at some point too! <grin>

I'm looking for someone with hands-on paper crafting experience who excels at writing clear, concise instructions in English using "My Digital Studio" or similar digital designing software. As a bonus, but not a deal breaker: the ideal candidate is already familiar with Stampin' Up! products.

Working from home with reliable internet access so we can communicate/send files back & forth is a must.

Payment is negotiable but I'm not rich by any means, so if you are an established, professional copywriter I probably can't afford you.

Still interested in this postition? Send me an email cover letter telling me your experience, expectations, and why you'd like the job - and attach a step-by-step instruction sheet (written in your own words) for a craft project that you have made.

Since I'm already behind in my work and need to fill this position quickly the deadline to apply is June 21st, 2011. Job will commence immediately after, with a 3 assignment trial period; after which we'll decide together if we're a good fit. The prospects are very good for this position to continue for at least twelve months.

Email your cover letter and sample work to: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

cheers

LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR "PRINTED PETALS" CLASS

Last call for this Saturday's "Printed Petals" class ... you pick your own start time and whether you want your stamps in wood mount or clear mount; I'll take care of the rest. This is the last class I'll be holding in my stamping studio at home, so if you are at all nostalgic, better give me a shout asap - I need to order all the stamp sets tonight!

For all class details, or to RSVP online, CLICK HERE

cheers,

SNEAK PEEK OF THIS WED'S CLASS

Looking for a few more people to attend this Wednesday's Paper Bag Scrapbook class - I'll be teaching it at the Crafters Cupboard on Southgate Drive in Guelph ... it's my first class at this location and I need an encouraging turnout! <grin>

Here's a sneak peek of this month's project:

You have the choice of two kits - one stripes, one flowers. All the pieces are pre-cut; embellishments will vary slightly from kit to kit.

This project uses a mixture of retired & current Stampin' Up! supplies, demonstrating how easy it is to adapt this project to make more with the supplies you have at home!

CLASS: $25 - includes one complete kit, plus access to my punches and extra embellishments, plus tea/coffee. Bring your own adhesive, scissors & bone folder if you have one.

RSVP NOW to attend this month's Paper Lunchbag Kit Klass on Wed May 25th from 7-9 pm ... email: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com or sign up at the store!

Additional kits will be available to purchase at the class or in the store afterwards, while stock lasts - %15 per kit. Some adaptation may be requred to make the kits at home if you don't own the punches & extra embellishments that I'll be bringing to the class.

BIG NEWS: It's official - I'll be holding PAPERCRAFTING KIT KLASSES on a regular basis on the last Wednesday of each month at Crafters Cupboard - with a new kit each month, and additional kits available at the store AFTER each class is held. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of June's Kit Klass, coming soon!

cheers

ANOTHER NEW CLASS IN MAY

I just took another look at May's 30% off sale with Stampin' Up! and got to thinking how the Printed Petals stamp set (2010-2011 IB&C, pg 106) would make a great little product class .. so here goes:

WHEN: Saturday, May 28 - between 9 am & 2 pm

WHERE: My Stampin' Studio - don't mind the packing boxes; I'm still operational! (wink)

WHAT: You'll receive your own "Printed Petals" stamp set, the pre-cut materials to make 5 easy cards, and a baggie of assorted embellishments .. use 'em on your cards or keep 'em for another project at home!

PRICE: All this for only $25 (clear-mount stamp set is included, at the sale price of $12.57. If you prefer wood-mount, there is an extra $5.00 charge)

The cards should take 1-1/2 hours at most to make, so you can pick your own start time (anywhere between 9 am - 2 pm) and still have the rest of the day to fit in your Saturday errands & activities!

Call or email me to book your start time & I'll order your stamp set in advance - my deadline to order for this class is Monday May 23rd.

cheers

 

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE?

The new SUMMER MINI CATALOGUE from Stampin' Up! just came out on May 1st ... have you seen it yet?

I want to know what your favourites are ... leave me a comment on this blog post and let's see if we can predict what the most popular item will be! And everyone who leaves me a comment between now and May 15th will go into a draw for a free stamp from page 11 of the Summer Mini - your choice!

  Here's the online Mini ... just click on the photo to open it up on your computer screen ... or if you're like me and you need the real thing in your own two hands, give me a shout and I'll get a copy to you, pronto! (anywhere in Canada)

PS - don't forget to drop by the STAMP & CROP OUT CANCER event this SATURDAY MAY 7th between 10 am - 4 pm. For a $5 donation at the door, you can shop our crafty clearance table, bid at the Silent Auction, do a FREE Make & Take project, check out our Vendors' tables, and if you're there between 12:30 & 1:30 you can even STREAK FOR CANCER! All proceeds are for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Ontario Division.

cheers

 

BIG CHANGES COMIN' MY WAY, part one

Yep, our family has a lot of major changes in the works right now ... first off, we have a wonderful little granddaughter who lives two hours away, so whenever they're in town EVERYTHING else gets dropped while I get my granny-fix!

At the same time, hubby & I are packing up and moving to the country ... we've wanted to downsize and simplify for ages and since there will never be a PERFECT time or place to do that, we've decided to make those changes NOW, come-what-may.

I DEFINITELY want to continue offering paper crafting classes and workshops and Girls Night Out, so I've found me a new place to hang my crafty hat, so to speak ... it's right here in Guelph, and I know you are gonna love it:

Introducing the CRAFTERS CUPBOARD located at 340 Southgate Drive, Unit 3 in Guelph (N1G 3W6)

They have a retail store in front & a gigantic classroom out back - it's on the city bus route, it's fully accessible (no stairs) with a kitchenette (for coffee & tea) and lots of sturdy tables and comfy chairs .. in short, it's perfect!

I am already on their class schedule for May, and here's something new and exciting: all of my classes will be based on kits that I've put together, and those kits will also be available to purchase in the storefront - so if the class is scheduled on a date you can't attend, you can still buy the kit and make the projects at home!

There's more news ... from now on, my "Girls Night Out" and "Open Studio Days" are going to be combined with the Guelph Stampers & Scrapbookers Group on Meetup.com - on the last Friday of every month from 7-10 pm I've booked the Crafters Cupboard classroom for anyone who wants to come out and work on their UFOs (unfinished projects) while we visit, share crafty ideas, and make new friends!

I'll be collecting $5 from each person who attends to help cover the Meetup website fees, the room rental fee, plus coffee & tea (which is supplied by Crafters Cupboard - that's one less thing to bring in my car, leaving more room to bring my punches and Big Shot and stamps to share with y'all! WAHOO!)

So if you like the informal, crop-til-you-drop type setting, be sure to visit MeetUp.com and join the Guelph Stampers & Scrapbookers group - that way you'll receive emails about upcoming gatherings, meet new members online, and most importantly, you'll be able to RSVP your table for our monthly get-togethers! Our first meeting at our new location is on Friday May 27th, from 7-10 pm.

OK, that's enough about the big changes in my life ... for now <wink> ... I wanted to show you the adorable bag that my downline Diane Hilborn decorated, based on another that Linda Avery showed at last month's team meeting:

All the flowers were cut on the Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine using the Flower Folds Bigz Xl Die (#115970) and a large button or brad was covered with matching material and attached to the center of each flower.

SPOILER ALERT: if you are one of the pre-registered VIP Guests at this Saturday's STAMP & CROP OUT CANCER event ... wait til you see your goody bags, made by Samantha Forrest!

Oh, and if you didn't pre-register for the VIP treatment, you can still drop in to STAMP & CROP OUT CANCER this Saturday anytime between 10 am - 4 pm ... for just a $5 donation at the door, you can visit our Sponsors' tables, bid on their donations at the Silent Auction table, shop at the Crafty Clearance Table, and try your hand at our Make & Take project ... AND if you are there between 12:30 - 1:30 pm, you can STREAK FOR CANCER!

We'll be at 8 Royal Road, off Speedvale Ave West - upstairs in the cafeteria. All proceeds are going to the CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION (CBCF), so come on out and support a great cause while you pamper yourself on Mothers' Day weekend!

cheers,

Donna

FRIDAY APRIL 29TH ...

Time for a GIRLS NIGHT OUT ... or all day, for that matter! The studio's open tomorrow from 10 am - 10 pm, so bring your UFO's and keep me company!

What's a UFO? Why, an Unfinished Object, of course ... bring your own projects to work on while we chat & I show off my collection of new grandbaby pictures, lol.  My stamps, tools, inks and scraps are at your disposal - you supply your own projects and consumables (ie adhesive, card stock, embellies, etc)

$5.00 for up to 3 hours; $10.00 for 4 hrs or more. Last one out turns off the lights!

Let me know if you're coming, so I can save you a seat and have the Tassimo all ready to go, 'kay?

STAMP & CROP OUT CANCER

SATURDAY MAY 7th ... @ 8 Royal Road in the cafeteria ...10 am to 4 pm

The VIP tickets are all sold, but you can still get in on the fun ... for a $5 donation @ the door you'll get a Make & Take project, plus bidding @ the Silent Auction Table, shopping @ the Clearance Table and all our Sponsors' displays and sales too! Come on out for some pampering and to support a very worthy cause:

All proceeds go to the CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION, Ontario Division

PARTICIPATING SPONSORS:

• Stampin' Up! (Donna Henley in Guelph & Samantha Forrest in Carlisle)
• Pampered Chef (DorLisa Loney in Fergus)
• RockPaper Designs (hand-crafted jewelery by Erica Toet in Guelph)
• The Sweet Treat (personalized cupcakes by Dion Pacheco in Cambridge)
• Momma Mar (delicious chocolates, available @ Kokken Village Cafe in St. Jacobs)
• Streak for Cancer - between 12:30 & 1:30 pm

 

CHANGE IN FRIDAY'S PLANS

Sorry folks - tomorrow's Open Studio Day is cancelled. We're heading up to my daughter's for the weekend ... looks like they're going to induce her tomorrow. I'll make it up to all of you when I get back!!!

cheers

NEW MARCH CLASS: "FRIENDLY WORDS"

Grandbaby number one is due in just five days, and the waiting is unbearable ... so I've just added a new class in March to help make the time go faster, lol. And due to my ongoing March madness, I'm giving away lots of extras with this class!

Join me on Tuesday March 22nd @ 7:30 pm for my "FRIENDLY WORDS" class ... featuring the "FRIENDLY WORDS" Stampin' Around Jumbo Wheel!

At this class you'll make a gift bag with tag, and four co-ordinating cards with envelopes to go inside  .. Stampin' Around wheels are a great complement to many stamp sets and projects! Let me show you how you can create 11 different techniques using our Stampin' Around Wheels at this class ... oh, and get this: the $25 class fee includes a "FRIENDLY WORDS" wheel to take home! (pg 138, 2010-2011 IB&C)

OPTIONAL: Bring a Jumbo Handle if you own one, along with your favourite adhesive, bone folder, paper snips or scissors, and paper trimmer with scoring blade. New to paper crafting and you don't own all of these basic tools? No problem - I have some you can use during this class; and if you order any of the above at this class, I'll give you 10% off the regular catalogue price!

PLUS: everyone who attends will receive a FREE surprise bag of 10 hand-stamped cards/card fronts; you can use them to send to friends, or just for ideas & inspiration when you stamp your own.

Call or email me to register for this class ASAP, so that your "FRIENDLY WORDS" wheel will be here in time for class.

cheers

MORE MARCH MADNESS

I'm posting late today ... due to a night of insomnia followed by a day of cat-napping between phone calls and emails ... utter madness, I tell ya!

Sooo, here's my next idea to get me through this MAD MONTH OF MARCH: a Mad Hatter's Tea Party!!

Well, it's actually going to be a very kewl "MOM & ME" crafty class during March Break here in southwestern Ontario ... complete with projects, refreshments, and of course everyone is encouraged to bring their favourite hat!

DATE: WED  MARCH 16TH

TIME: 1 - 4 PM

WHO: CRAFTY KIDS BETWEEN 4-12 (ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT)

COST: $10 PER CHILD (ADULT IS FREE)

SPECIAL NOTES:

• Please pre-register you and your child or children by March 13th at the latest.
• Please provide names and ages of your kids, plus any food allergies I should know about.
• Register by phone or email: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com
• If my grandbaby arrives on time & I have to cancel - the make-up class will tenatively be on Sun March 27th.

I'm tied up the next few days with preparations for this Saturday's Techniques Stamp Camp in Carlisle, but tune in early next week for more installments of my MARCH MADNESS plans!

PS: Stampin' Up! announced two great new promotions for April ... as soon as my pre-order arrives and I get a minute to play with those goodies, I'll be sharing some sneak peek projects here with you too!!

cheers,

ADDICTIVE BEHAVOUR

OK, these "Make It From Scraps" cards are just waaaaay too much fun! I thought I'd make up a second set to display at tonight's class - just to give folks a starting point to work from ... next thing I knew it, the afternoon was gone! Good thing I have a ton of pre-cut kits already prepared, 'cause I think you're gonna want more than just the twelve we'll be making in class!

There are still a few seats available for tonight's class @ 7:30 pm ... or you can catch the second one on Thursday March 10th ... just give me a call or quick email to save your seat. Better yet, get a few friends together and I'll bring this class to your home!

Click here to see my first set of cards (they're totally different; all pink & feminine!)

Click here for full class details ... then register you and your friends!

cheers,

MAKE IT FROM SCRAPS

The frugal stamper is very pleased with this weekend's creations ... I started out with an old issue of Sheetload of Cards from 2007 and I ended up putting together a class that shows you how to make tons of cards while using up your stash of leftover card stock, designer papers, ribbons and embellishments - you know, the stuff that's too small to make anything with but too pretty to throw away? <wink>

For this class you'll get to pick your favourite colours from a large selection of pre-cut pieces. When you go home, you'll have 12 finished cards and envelopes for a variety of occasions, plus the cutting pattern and the know-how to make many more cards with stuff you already have at home!

This class is a more relaxed format than my usual fare ... it's easy because you start with a basic card layout and yet it offers you the chance to try out several ways to step-it-up just a little - and all while you are using up leftovers from other projects!

Oh, and if you have a stash of embellishments you want to use up, feel free to bring that to class - buttons, brads, ribbon bits, rhinestones, whatever you've got on hand! If you don't have a lot of embellishments, don't worry; I have plenty of odds and sods to share. If you do bring your stash, you'll have the opportunity to swap stuff with your classmates so everyone can go home with more of a variety!

I'll supply everything else - pre-cut designer paper and card stock pieces, blank cards & envelopes, stamps & inks, adhesives, punches, sponges, inspiration boards and instruction sheets. Plus, everyone gets 3 metres of 1/8" wide taffeta ribbon & 3 sponge wedges from Stampin' Up! to use during the class and to keep afterwards!

These cards are easy to make, easy to embellish, and easy to re-create at home when you need to make more. I'll show you ways to embellish using what you already have in your stash - and YOU choose whether to keep your cards simple or step-it-up with sponging, corner rounding, distressing, etc, etc... I'll have all kinds of samples to help you decide, so bring your camera.

DATE: Monday Feb 28 or Thursday March 10th

TIME: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

COST: $25 per person or 2/$40 when you bring a friend!

Call me: 519-823-8891 or email me: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com to register for this class - tell me which evening you're coming, who you're bringing with you (if you want the discount price), and how you want to pay for your class ... cheque, cash or credit card (thorugh PayPal) are all accepted.

cheers,

 

 

Register now for our last Technique Stamp Camp until Fall:

WATERLOO: SAT. APR 2; 10:30 - 1:30; $35 ... WATERLOO DETAILS ARE HERE (includes mid-morning snack, prizes, 8 cards & envelopes, technique book)

Registration closes Wednesday March 23rd, so don't delay!

FINAL FIVE SHOEBOX CARDS

Here we go, folks ... the last five projects that I got to make with my demonstrator team & friends at last Saturday's STAMP-4-FUN event .. and to give everyone credit for their wonderfully creative talents, here's a list of ALL seventeen artists:

DION PACHECO, DUSTY WEBER, SANDRA PANIO, BRENDA, CAROLYN HELDER, SAMANTHA FORREST, VANESSA LEAPER, DEB LAINE, DIANE HILBORN, JULIE LEBLANC, PAM LAMONT, RUTH HILL, JOANNA JOHNSON, HEATHER ARSENAULT, CAROLE MOORE, JANESSA BOTT, (and yours truly, DONNA HENLEY).

Thank you ladies for making this quarter's STAMP-4-FUN one of the best ever! (A special thanks to Carolyn Helder and Ruth Millard for their enthusiastic Leadership presentation; we all want to go with you next year in San Antonio!)

Enjoy these cards! (You can see the other twelve by going to my blog posts on Sunday Jan 23 and Monday Jan 24, 2011)

 

 

 

TAKE TWO ON SATURDAY'S SHOEBOX SWAP

It's Monday ... I hope you all have set some time aside to stamp and get creative; it's the best kind of therapy I've found for Mondays <grin>

Here are six more of the wonderful shoebox swap cards we made last Saturday during the Artful*Inkers' quarterly Stamp-4-Fun day. (Check out yesterday's blog post for a full description of our day's activities) I'll be back tomorrow to show you the last five projects and I promise to list ALL of the creative demonstrators' names - they certainly deserve recognition for their beautiful designs!

Enjoy!

 

 

 

SHOEBOX SWAP

I hosted a Stampin' Up! demonstrator event yesterday called Stamp-4-Fun; I do it once every quarter for my downline the Artful*Inkers and assorted demonstrator friends I've gotten to know through attending Regionals, Leadership, Convention, Stampin' Palooza, and through chatting online on demonstrator-only groups. (Hey, if you are a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and would like to be on the mailing list for the next one in April, send me your email address!)

Anyway, back to yesterday ... eighteen of us braved the cold and snowy day to get together for a great presentation by two demos who just got back from the Leadership Conference in Nashville, followed by a delicious lunch catered by the cafeteria staff at ARC Industries (mmmm, that roasted veggie soup was delicious, ladies!) and then we stamped the afternoon away! I can't think of a better way to spend a wintry Saturday, can you?

So where do the shoeboxes come into the picture? Well, each one of us designed a card at home, cut up enough kits for everyone to make, and packed all the necessary tools, stamps and kits into ... you guessed it, a shoebox! (or plastic tub, crate, stack-and-store, basket, whatever) and brought them on Saturday. Then we just moved from shoebox to shoebox to make each card while we chatted and visited with old friends and new!

And what did we end up with? OMG, what a bunch of talented gals they all are! I LOVE every single project we got to make - seriously! I started to take photos of a few to share here, but I couldn't bring myself to leave a single one out, lol.

Sooo, here are the first six that I randomly pulled from the pile .. I'll post another six tomorrow and the final five on Tuesday. (PS- I can't remember who designed each card, so to be fair and give due credit to everyone, I'll list ALL of the creative gals' names in Tuesday's post)

Enjoy!

 

 

 

QUICK AND EASY VALENTINES

Busy, busy, busy ... why is that phrase always on our lips? Before I tell you WHY I'm so busy, I wanted to share some QUICK AND EASY Valentines I made yesterday - all four of these 3"x3" cards took about 20 minutes total ... which is about all the time I could spare, lol. (PS - I LOVE Stampin' Up!'s new GLIMMER PAPER ... it's so red and sparkly!)

I try to stamp something every day, but this week I've been occupied with getting ready for this Saturday's STAMP-4-FUN day with my team of demonstrators - I LOVE getting together with these gals ... Artful*Inkers, you ROCK!

And of course, there are a lot of details to iron out for the SALE-A-BRATION TECHNIQUE STAMP CAMPS - my team is putting on this event on four different Saturdays in four different towns - how's that for ambitious! What can I say; we just love creating and we want to share the fun with everyone!

Have you registered yet?

• GUELPH: EVENT DAY: Sat Feb 5th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Jan 26th
• CAMBRIDGE: EVENT DAY: Sat Feb 26th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Feb 16th
• CARLISLE: EVENT DAY: Sat Mar 5th, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Feb 23rd
• WATERLOO: EVENT DAY: Sat Apr 2nd, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Wed Mar 23rd

You can check out this blog post to see what we'll be making - it's gonna be a FULL day of stamping!

And you can click on this link to register for Guelph's event, or contact me to register for one of the other three events ... I'll be participating at all of them!

cheers,

TECHNIQUES STAMP CAMP

 TUESDAY JANUARY 25th is the LAST DAY TO REGISTER for this event .... hurry!

My team and I've been working on putting together a major event for you and we're finally ready to announce the details ....

SALE-A-BRATION TECHNIQUES STAMP CAMP

Saturday February 5th

10 am - 4 pm

ARC Industries building @ 8 Royal Rd, Guelph

Come learn 12 stamping techniques to make the most of the stamps you already own! Participants will receive a mini album of all technique instructions, and you'll also make a full card for each technique!

A catered lunch, door prizes & a Sale-a-Bration display are all included in the $40 fee.  

Register by Jan 25th & receive a FREE pkg of rhinestones!

Just click on this link to register yourself and up to eight friends.

If you have any questions about this event or if you'd like to pay your registration through PayPal, please contact me by either phone: 519-823-8891 or email: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

Thanks for your support & enthusiasm in the best hobby ever; I really look forward to seeing you at this stamp camp!

PS - if this date doesn't work for you, we'll also be offering the same event in Waterloo, Cambridge and the Carlisle/Waterdown area ... contact me if you'd like information on those dates!

cheers

 

NEW ROUND OF BIG SHOT CLUB IN JANUARY

I'm starting another 4 month round of the Big Shot club this month and I'm looking  for one more person to fill the last spot.

WHY JOIN? HERE ARE THE PERKS:

• 4 FREE classes/Big Shot projects/handouts/tips and ideas/hands on experience
• 4 FREE Sizzlit dies (one per class)
• 1 month of FREE Hostess Benefits
• membership in the ONLINE CLUBHOUSE, with swaps/free project sheets/photo gallery & more!

HOW MUCH TO JOIN? Choose either option A or B:

a) pay $45 per month (Jan - Apr 2011)and you'll get your own Big Shot die cutting machine

or

b) a $45 min order per month (Jan - Apr 2011) of Big Shot dies or anything else from the current catalogues

Are YOU the person to fill the last spot? Call or email me to grab it!

NOTE: If you are currently in the 40 carat Club and would like to switch, give me a shout and we'll work something out so you don't lose any of your current perks.

Come on, be a Big Shot ... you know you wanna!

cheers

 

OPEN STUDIO DAYS FOR JANUARY

The studio will be wide open on three dates in January, from 10 to 10 ... drop in to get your creative fix for the month, on:

~      Wed Jan 5th     ~      Wed Jan 19th     ~     Friday Jan 28th    ~

• Join me for COFFEE & A CARD (a quick make-and-take, any-occasion card of my design) for just a tooney!

• or purchase this month's CARD KIT and stay awhile to stamp & assemble all eight cards - the kit costs $25 and your studio time is FREE! (eight different cards; supplies are all pre-cut; envelopes are included)

• or BRING YOUR OWN projects to work on, with access to all my tools, coffee machine, stamps & inks; (start when you want and stay as long as you like) - 3 hrs for $5.00, 6 hrs for $10.00

Open Studio Days are pretty flexible on purpose so that you can fit some stampin' & scrappin' therapy into your busy schedule, which makes you a more content person, mom, partner, co-worker, daughter, and pet-owner! <grin>

NOTE: If you are a member of my 40 Carat Club, my Big Shot Club, or the Artful*Inkers demonstrator team, you get my preferred rates for all of the above ... contact me for all the details!

cheers,

SPOTS ARE FILLING FAST...

Dec's Stamp-a-Stack Card Kit is ready! 10 Quick & Easy cards with envies for $25 ($15 for 40 Carat Club members & Artful*Inkers team) ... pick the Open Studio date/time that works best 4 U - call/email me 2 book now!

NEW IN DECEMBER

I've been working on a new concept for my IN-STUDIO card classes that would be more flexible for you and easier for me to prepare... and with December's hectic holiday schedule, NOW is the perfect time to launch my new idea!

It's a two-part plan: first, let me tell you about my new OPEN STUDIO HOURS:

I've blocked off six different dates during December to open my studio to everyone who has holiday cards and gifts to finish making, with full access to my tools, stamps and inks.

Working together with friends and family, nibbling on shortbread while some festive music plays in the background sounds good, doesn't it? You'll enjoy each other's company as well as the creative process at my studio, without the usual distractions from home. It's an opportunity to connect, slow down, and enjoy the true joys of the season.

Now for the second part of my plan, new STAMP-A-STACK CARD KITS:

10 Quick and Easy cards, 2 each of five different designs, all pre-cut and ready to create!

COST: $25

(40 Carat Club members & Artful*Inkers team members will receive a $10 discount - limit one kit)

Some people find making holiday cards a fun tradition and some find the thought a bit overwhelming. I can understand that. As much as I love stamping, the thought of making a bunch of cards during the busy holiday season can seem like a challenge — so I've come up with a solution to help ease the holiday madness.

Purchase December's STAMP-A-STACK Card Kit and come to my studio during any of the OPEN STUDIO dates to work on them at your own pace, using my tools, stamps and inks.

All you have to do is email me to reserve your kit and studio time (48 hrs notice is required). I think in these busy days, this will be a better way to offer classes where you can pick the date and time that suits yoru schedule .. look forward to a new STAMP-A-STACK CARD KIT each month in 2011.

cheers,

IT'S LATE, BUT I JUST HAD TO SHARE

The last of the GIRLS NIGHT OUT stampers just left, and before I turn out the studio lights I wanted to share some of the things we were working on tonight ...

Diane made some gift bags for work,

Lynda played with the owl punch,

 

 

 

 

 

Lori experimented with masking and brayering,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I spent most of the night making this notebook cover, lol.

 

Hope you'll join us for the next GIRLS NIGHT OUT, Friday Oct 29th!

cheers

BOOK-A-THON TODAY

Stampin' Up!'s Booking Marathon is TODAY and our goal in North America is to book 5,000 home workshops by end of day.

I'm on the phone, doing my part - but if you call me to book your home workshop before I call you today, I'll give you a FREE STAMP SET from my stash, just for booking!

You'll also get a fun night with your friends creating some holiday cards and other goodies, AND as hostess, you'll earn all the great Hostess freebies that Stampin' Up! offers!

So call me now, before I call you:   519-823-8891