Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

CHRISTMAS CARD MARATHON UPDATE

Whew - what a rush this Saturday was ... and I mean that in a GOOD way!

Over three sessions we had 15 stampers come to the studio to make 20 cards each - and for a first attempt at the marathon format, I have to say it went pretty well. I have noted a few changes I'll make for the next one (which btw will be a Birthday card Marathon sometime in February).

A big thank you to everyone who came out, and for keeping it upbeat despite the (sometimes) crowded conditions. Next time I'll add some "buffer time" to the schedule between sessions, so that no one feels rushed to give up their seat!

I've got five more gals who want to make these popular"Christmas Jingle" cards, so I've scheduled one more session for Sunday Nov 29th, starting at 7pm. If you couldn't attend last Saturday, email me quick to reserve a seat for the 29th! I'll be ordering the kits very soon, so don't delay!

And for the final announcement, the winner of Saturday's draw for a Stampin' Up! Simply Scrappin' Kit of her choice is:

-

-

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MICHELLE W!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations, Michelle - I'll be emailing you for your choice of SS Kits.

cheers

Donna

Christmas is Coming - No, REALLY!

The big day will be here before you know it; have you started all those hand-crafted projects you want to make this year? LET ME HELP ...

CARDS: Come to the Christmas Card Marathon Day, Sat Nov 14 - make 20 quick and easy cards, plus envelopes, all for $30. Extra kits are available - register now for your preferred start time: 9am, 11am, 1pm or 3pm! Register by Nov 3rd so enough supplies can be ordered in time.

SCRAPBOOKS & CALENDARS: "My Digital Studio" will save you tons of time and give you great looking personalized gifts for long distance family & friends, all at the very reasonable price of only $106.95! Call me for a free demonstration - try before you buy! Or purchase the new Digital Demonstrator Starter Kit which includes the "My Digital Studio" software, ink pads, card stock, embellishments and more for only $239 (retail value over $385)

GIFTS: Need an attractive yet inexpensive gift for your co-workers, Secret Santa, or your kids' teachers and sitters? This desk calendar is perfect! Join me to make a calendar, easel, gift box, bow and coordinating tag - in yummy Chocolate Chip and Rich Espresso colours - all for only $25. Additional dates have been added: Nov 17 & 18.

HOME DECOR: How about a unique table or mantle centrepiece, made with your own hands? create your own family keepsake of Holiday Wood Blocks on your choice of nights - Wed Nov 25 or Thurs Nov 26.

FINISHING TOUCHES: Join me for Girls Night Out to finish up all your holiday projects without the usual household interruptions - now offered twice a month on Fridays! You'll have access to all my stamps, inks and tools; bring your own projects, adhesives and embellishments. Light refreshments provided. RSVP to save your seat; then just pay $5 @ the door.

cheers,

Donna

NEED A TEACHER GIFT?

Or maybe for a co-worker, day care provider, bus driver, crossing guard, neighbour, boss, hair stylist ... the list gets longer every year.

These desk calendars are the perfect answer! I ran this class in October and I've decided to add additional dates in November 'cause they turned out really well & I need to make some more.

I found this great metallic paint in a hobby store in Michigan; the colour is "Rich Espresso" - how tempting is that! Add a bit of stamping to the calendar pages, make a tag, and tie it all up in one of Stampin' Up!'s new gift boxes with a big chocolate striped bow and presto - a homemade gift that's both useful AND attractive!

I'll bet you can think of someone on your list who'd like to receive a calendar like this one - register now for either class date: Tuesday November 17 or Wednesday November 18; all supplies included for only $25.

cheers,

Donna

JUST A QUICKIE...

Just popping in to tell you that ...

1. My NOVEMBER classes are now posted online - check it out HERE!
2. The October STAMPIN' SAMPLES Newsletter went out today - watch for it in your inbox!
3. It's time to sign up for the CHRISTMAS CARD MARATHON on Sat Nov 14!
4. Tune in on the 23rd for the second installment of FAKE IT FRIDAY! (You can see last week's episode HERE)

Hope your day includes a bit of creativity!

cheers

CHRISTMAS CARD MARATHON DAY

OK, folks - we're getting pretty close to C.C.C.T. (Christmas Card Crunch Time) ... admit it; once Hallowe'en is over, we've really got to buckle down if we're gonna follow through on our vow to give out hand-made Christmas cards this year. 

Show of hands, please: how many of you justified buying the stamps, ink & paper by promising to use them to make your own cards; saving money in the long run and showing your friends and family that you care enough to make it yourself? (Believe me, I say that to hubby every time I buy another stamp set!)

Remember last year? We had all the good intentions to make our own, but we let other everyday stuff take up all of our time, and at the last minute we ended up BUYING some mass-produced, run-of-the-mill, ANYBODY can send THESE cards. YUCK! 

What's the solution this year?

The CHRISTMAS CARD MARATHON DAY:

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14th in Guelph

Make 20 cards in 2 hours or less (yes, twenty) - these are super easy designs and super quick to put together, using Stampin' Up!'s "Christmas Jingle" Simply Scrappin' Kit and minimal stamping.

For only $30, you'll receive half a kit, 10-1/2 sheets of 8-1/2x11 Whisper White card stock, 20 envelopes, and 20 easy samples to copy. All you need to bring is your own favourite adhesive and your card stock trimmer with scoring blade. (If you don't have a trimmer, you can use mine - just be prepared to share!)

Here's the best part: you can pick your own start time (9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, or 3 pm) and work at your own pace, following the samples on the board!

You should plan to be here at my studio for approx. 2 hours to complete all 20 cards; if you're a quick stamper, you'll be done sooner; if you're more careful and methodical (and that's a GOOD thing)  - just stay until you've finished all 20 - no one will be kicking you out the door precisely two hours after your start time, lol.

Need MORE than 20 quick cards? Well, when you register you have the option of also ordering a take-home kit  consisting of the other half of the Simply Scrappin' Kit, 10-1/2 more sheets of Whisper White card stock and 20 more envelopes - all for $20. (That's below retail cost, and you don't pay any shipping or taxes!).

This offer is only available if you ATTEND the Christmas Card Marathon Day; card instructions will not be included because you'll already have your first 20 cards as samples - once you're home, you can choose to copy them or branch out and design your own using the supplies in your second kit.

Come on out Sat Nov 14 for a stress-free, easy-peezy card-making Marathon - enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts ... and I'll have the Christmas music playing in the background, and some cider and shortbread to help set the festive mood!

Line up your gal-pals, pick your start time, and call or email me to reserve your spot today!

DONNA HENLEY     519-823-8891     donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

NOTE: payment is due when you register, so that I can order all the kits and card stock in advance. You can pay either by cheque or cash, or I can send you a PayPal invoice - email me for details.

PHOTOS FROM STAMPIN' PALOOZA

Did I mention that Stampin' Palooza (held in Toronto last weekend) was AMAZING!

I had a wonderful time, took lots of photos to upload here, and then realized that I didn't have to go to the trouble 'cause our hostess with the mostest, Caroline Lebel, had a professional photographer at the event - who took over 600 shots and uploaded them all for us to see!

Here's the link; enjoy!

(PS - the next Stampin' Palooza will be in Feb 2010 - Stampin' Up! demonstrators ... be there or be square!)

HERE'S A GREAT TEACHER GIFT!

Here is my "tweaked" version of the Monogrammed Stationery Set that we'll be making in October at my "PAPER JUNKIES" class, featuring Stampin' Up!'s "Night and Day" Designer Series Paper and their "Baroque Motifs" stamp set. I like this version better than the original photo I posted on my business website under "MY FAVOURITE IDEAS"; what do you think?

This set of five full-sized cards, five 3 x 3 note cards, ten stamped envelopes, matching pen and a multi-pocketed folder is the perfect gift for co-workers, sitters or holiday hostesses, especially when you personalize the gift with their own monogrammed medallion!

The assembly of this gift is easy - once you've made your first set at the class, you'll be able to whip up lots more at home, in plenty of time before the holiday rush gets here. Secret Santa gift - done! Teacher gifts - check!

Call or email me to reserve your seat for either Tuesday October 13th or Wednesday October 14th @ 7:30 pm. If you'd like to make this project but can't attend those dates, contact me for kit prices.

CLASS COST: $25 (My Stampers' Club members may choose this as their October perk and pay only $5)

Hope to see you out for this one - it looks so classy, yet is so easy to make!

cheers

Donna

NIGHT AND DAY

Here's a peek at the cards we'll be making at this month's 'JUST CARDS" class, featuring Stampin' Up!'s "NIGHT AND DAY" Designer Series Papers from the Holiday Mini (page 11) ..

Of course, being the month for Hallowe'en, there are four cards to help you celebrate in style! I had to do a Hallowe'en theme 'cause I know some folks who really go "over the top" in their Hallowe'en preparations (you should see my hubby!) ...  but at the same time I have friends who just prefer to skip all the hoo-haw on October 31, so I've created four identical cards using non-spooky stamps just for them.

I fell in love with this particular DSP as soon as I opened the package ... there are no skulls, bats or Hallowe'en greetings in the paper patterns, so it lends itself to almost any occasion. And it even comes with two sheets of 12x12 clear acetate, covered wtih tiny black dots - very kewl! (item #116768)

COST for this Class: $25 for 8 cards (My Stampers' Club members may choose this class as their October perk and pay only $5)

Register now to attend this class on either Wednesday October 7th or Thursday October 8th @ 7:30 pm  - give me a call at 519-823-8891 or drop me a line at donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

cheers

Donna

OCTOBER CLASSES ARE UP!

"At last", you cry ... "Donna has posted the October class schedule on her EVENTS CALENDAR! Now I can register to get my stamping fix for another month!"

Sorry for the delay folks - I usually have this done by the 15th of each month, but you know what it's like at this time of year - I had to factor in a lot of other stuff like Thanksgiving Dinner with the family, upcoming craft shows, card classes completed in time for cards to be mailed, not to mention my team stamping day, a family wedding and day surgery for hubby (God Forbid I would fill the house with enthusiastic stampers while he moans and groans upstairs in the bedroom, lol!)

So, the balancing act is done for one more month and the classes are now online.

Here's a quick peek at what we'll be making in October:

• "JUST CARDS" - Black & White (with option of either Hallowe'en or Floral images)
• "ANYTHING BUT" - 2010 Calendars in Gift Boxes
• "PAPER JUNKIES" - Black & White Monogrammed Stationery Sets
• "MOM & ME" - Hallowe'en Day: costumes, crafts & trick or treat!

I'll have pictures up on my business website by Monday - visit www.scrappinwithdonna.stampinup.net and look under IDEAS>MY FAVOURITE IDEAS"

cheers

I'M STILL HERE!

WOW ... what a busy week!

So far: 2 classes, one workshop and a team meeting, and I've only been home a week now. And it's not letting up anytime soon ... I love that you are as passionate about stamping as I am!!

Today I'm in my studio making all kinds of samples for the HOLIDAY MINI Open House on Monday evening  - there's no end to great stuff to make with the products from this new mini; the only problem is finding the time to make them all!

Quick class update: There's still room in the following September classes ...

• SUN SEPT 20: MOM & ME - BULID-A-BEAR CLASS
• WED SEPT 23: PAPER JUNKIES - RECIPE BOX
• TUES SEPT 29: ANYTHING BUT - TILE COASTERS IN DECORATIVE BOX WITH COORDINATING CARD

See my ONLINE EVENT SCHEDULE for class times, cost & other details, then let me know asap if you plan to attend!

And hang in there ... my October/November events are being tweaked a bit, then I'll have them online for you to see VERY SOON!

cheers,

Donna

SCHOOL'S BACK .. CAN CHRISTMAS BE FAR BEHIND?

Ok, so if you follow my blog at all, you know that I am not at home right now - hubby & I are on a road trip to the East Coast; specifically Cape Breton Island. While I visit and catch up with my aunts and cousins, Roy will be snapping new pics for his nature photography business (check him out at: www.walkinthewoodsphotos.blogspot.com )

I didn't want to leave you all high and dry while we're away, so with the magic of post-dated blog posts, I've lined up a few projects to share.

This is a sneak peek of the cards we'll be making in September's "Just Cards" class, featuring Stampin' Up!'s new "Delightful Decorations" stamp set and coordinating punch, wheel and rub-ons.

It's never to early to start making your Christmas cards - counting the cards in this photo, I have a whopping four cards already done! GRIN!

Join me on MON SEPT 14th or TUES SEPT 15th from 7:30 - 9:30 pm to make eight cards (2 of each design). COST: $25  RSVP quickly; only 2 seats are left in the Mon. AND in the Tues. class.

cheers

GET A HEAD START ON THE HOLIDAYS

Did you know ... when we reach August 31, there will be

only 41 days 'til this:     & only 61 days 'til this:    & only 115 days 'til this:

                                   

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

 

Do Not Panic! I Can Help!
Just come to my
HOLIDAY MINI OPEN HOUSE

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21st
from 6-9 pm

• See the Newest Stampin' Up! Products from the Holiday Mini Catalogue!
• Enjoy Making a Card with some of the New Products!
•  Sample Projects on Display!
• Door Prizes!
• Extra tickets when you bring your friends!
• All September Specials will apply at this event
• PLUS Free Shipping on all orders over $50!

PLEASE RSVP:
519-823-8891 or donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

MANY MARVELOUS MARKERS

Have you always coveted Stampin' Up!'s case of 48 markers, but just couldn't come up with that kind of money all at once?

Well, here's your chance to get all the markers and the case and free hostess benefits and four free classes - as a member of my Marker Club!

The club is based on four members and runs for four months.

What do you get as a member?

• Each month you will receive all twelve markers in one of the four colour families (Rich Regals, Earth Elements, Soft Subtles and Bold Brights) - so that by the end of the four months you will have received all four sets of 12, for a total of 48 markers.
• Each month one of the four members will be the hostess and will receive a free level one Hostess set & the Marker Carrying Case, and can choose $20 of free merchandise from any of the current catalogues. 
• Each month the club will meet for a free class to learn kewl new ways to use Stampin' Up!'s Many Marvelous Markers on cards, scrapbook pages and more.

Your commitment: $55.00 per month for four months (this includes shipping and tax) for a total of $220

I already have three participants to start in September ... we need just one more person, so call or email me today to get your name on the list!

cheers

Have you always coveted Stampin' Up!'s case of 48 markers, but just couldn't come up with that kind of money all at once?

Well, here's your chance to get all the markers and the case and free hostess benefits and four free classes - as a member of my Marker Club!

The club is based on four members and runs for four months.

What do you get as a member?

• Each month you will receive all twelve markers in one of the four colour families (Rich Regals, Earth Elements, Soft Subtles and Bold Brights) - so that by the end of the four months you will have received all four sets of 12, for a total of 48 markers.
• Each month one of the four members will be the hostess and will receive a free level one Hostess set & the Marker Carrying Case, and can choose $20 of free merchandise from any of the current catalogues. 
• Each month the club will meet for a free class to learn kewl new ways to use Stampin' Up!'s Many Marvelous Markers on cards, scrapbook pages and more.

Your commitment: $55.00 per month for four months (this includes shipping and tax) for a total of $220

I already have three participants to start in September ... we need just one more person, so call or email me today to get your name on the list!

cheers

THIS ONE'S FOR THE PAPER JUNKIES

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT:
"THE WRITE STUFF" Designer Series Paper by Stampin' Up!
# 115674   Page 163   $15.95

I know, I know ... August's Paper Junkies class was supposed to feature Stampin' Up!'s "Thoroughly Modern" Designer Series Papers, but the paper didn't arrive in time, so luckily I was able to create the same project using leftovers of last month's featured DSP - "The Write Stuff"

*** click on photos for a closer look ***

Join me at 7:30 pm on Monday Aug 17 or Thurs Aug 20 to make this shabby chic box of hand-stamped cards & envelopes!  This box of cards would make a great little gift OR you can use the cards yourself and keep the felt-bottomed box on your desk or dresser to hold little do-dads.

Recognize the box? It's a modified version of the one pictured on the front cover of the 2009-2010 Catalogue! Along with "The Write Stuff" DSP, you'll also get to play with chipboard letters from "On Board Lots of Letters", half pearls from the "Pretties Kit", Twill Tape, several Stampin' Up! punches and the very popular "Medallion" background stamp ... all for only $25! My Stampers Club members may choose this as their August class for just $5. Not in my club yet? Join before Aug 15th & you can take this classs for $5 too!

NOTE: I limit my classes to six participants to finish on time and keep it fun for everyone, so call or email now to reserve your spot for either Aug 17 or Aug 20.

cheers,

2 CUTE CARDS FROM AMANDA'S WORKSHOP

Amanda is an avid stamper & scrapbooker and also belongs to my Stampers Club ... and this past Saturday she hosted a workshop in her own home with some of her family & friends. I had a really good time .. everyone was so enthused & eager to make the projects I brought ... and the jelly beans and chocolates that Amanda provided were just the right treat to keep us stampin' happy!

When everyone heard about the new Hostess Promotion for September, they were eager to book their own workshops - and I'm looking forward to stamping with this group of gals again!

Here are the projects we made at Amanda's workshop:

CARD ON THE LEFT: Soft Suede ink & ribbon looks like antique gold when combined with Whisper White & Brushed Gold card stock ... how kewl is that! Oh, and the brushed gold mat behind the punched greeting was cut on the Big Shot using Stampin' Up!'s Punch Windows & the Magnetic Movers & Shapers die - a perfect fit for the scallop oval punch!

CARD ON THE RIGHT: a touch of Crystal Effects on the glasses makes this simple card POP! Everyone had fun choosing their own greeting for the front of this card.

I'm on holidays the first two weeks of September, so you bet the following two weeks will be uber-busy with classes & workshops - if you want in on this great Hostess Deal (not to mention the new Holiday Mini catalogue that starts Sept 1st) you better call or email me quick to book your date!

cheers,

STAMPIN' UP! PARTNERS WITH BUILD-A-BEAR©

A note from Donna before you read the press release below: I've been waiting for weeks to share this news ... this new product line will be featured in Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini Catalogue, which starts on September 1st, and it is ADORABLE!

Register early for a very special "Mom & Me" workshop featuring our new Build-a-Bear products to be held on Sunday September 20th

PRESS RELEASE:

Stampin’ Up! ^® has partnered with Build-A-Bear Workshop^® to produce the first-ever paper-crafting products featuring the beloved Build-A-Bear Workshop mascot Bearemy^® and other furry friends. The exclusively designed product offering includes stamp sets, Designer Series papers and Sizzix dies, providing young and young-at-heart Build-A-Bear Workshop enthusiast endless hand crafted possibilities for scrapbook pages, cards, invitations, home décor and more. 

 

“I’m excited about the opportunity we have to partner with Build-A-Bear Workshop,” said Shelli Gardner, Stampin’ Up! cofounder and CEO. “The company has a strong reputation for inspiring creativity and encouraging imagination with its products, which is what we have done at Stampin’ Up! for more than 20 years. This is a great partnership that will provide unlimited opportunities for creativity—I know I will be spending hours playing with my grandchildren, making all kinds of Build-A-Bear creations.”

Transforming Build-A-Bear Workshop characters into a crafting line is one of the many ways Stampin’ Up! and its demonstrators plan to excite the next generation of crafters while revitalizing the art of creating and giving handcrafted items. 

 

“Like Build-A-Bear Workshop, Stampin’ Up! is a company that offers a variety of ways to express creativity. We are excited to partner with them to inspire the imagination in kids of all ages and to encourage this great hands-on activity.” said Maxine Clark, founder, chairman, and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

 

ADD SOME EXTRA INCOME TO THE FAMILY..

... and save money while you do it! Being a Stampin' Up! independent demonstrator has many perks, not the least of which is saving at least 20% off your own hobby purchases.

And starting on July 15th, Stampin' UP! is giving crafters like you an even better deal, with the introduction of their Mini Starter Kit. For only $105 you  can get the basics you'll need to earn some extra cash for the household bills, for family outings, or for yourself!

The Mini Starter Kit contains the following products:

Item Code	Page #*	Description	Retail Value**
15360	118	For All You Do stamp set	$38.95
115658	155	Rich Razzleberry Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.95
115656	155	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.95
115659	155	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.95
115654	155	Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.95
115655	155	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.95
115657	155	Soft Suede Classic Stampin' Pad	$7.95
100730	155	Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$9.95
115315	155	In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")	$10.50

*All page numbers refer to the 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue
**All products may be substituted for like items; see Mini Starter Kit order form for details.

Demonstrators who order the Mini Starter Kit will also receive all the same business supplies as those who order the standard Starter Kit.

*** During this promotional period (July 15 - Aug 31) there will also be a standard Starter Kit incentive for new recruits who choose the standard Starter Kit instead of the Mini Starter Kit; new recruits who choose the standard Starter Kit will receive the following, along with the standard Starter Kit supplies:

• All six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads
• One pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")

(Standard Starter Kit Incentive items have a $58.20 value and are not substitutable.)

As of July 1st, Stampin' Up! has updated the stamp sets in the Standard Starter Kit and has included a single stamp priced under $12 to give new demonstrators a chance to showcase one of these stamps at their workshops. In addition, they've also changed the Décor Elements piece in the Standard Starter Kit.

NOTE: Although the "Under $12" stamp chosen is $8.95, a new demonstrator may choose any of the single stamps (valued up to $10.95) found on page 208 of the new 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalogue.

FOR MORE INFO, JUST CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINKS:

• MINI STARTER KIT ORDER FORM
• FAQ ABOUT BECOMING A STAMPIN' UP! DEMONSTRATOR
• INDEPENDENT DEMONSTRATOR AGREEMENT

You can join my team, the Artful*Inkers and receive as much (or as little) support and encouragement as you want while you start your own business or just expand on your hobby. We have regular get-togethers to share both creative and business ideas, stamp together, and have a blast!

TIP: Sign up on my website, using my password (artful_inkers) and your kit will be on it's way to your home uber fast!

Got questions? Ask me; that's what I'm here for!
    PHONE: 519-823-8891
    EMAIL: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

MONDAY MORNING UPDATE:

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who dropped by my Retirement Party on Saturday - I told you there would be great bargains, lol!

The winner of the door prize was drawn by my little friend Emily around 3 pm Saturday (thanks, Em!):
and the winner is ......

Kerry S!!!! (Hey, for once your daughter didn't win - Yeah for You!!!!)  <grin>

This week is full of Stampin' Up! events at my Studio ... there's still room in some, so RSVP ASAP and come on out for some stampin' fun:

TONIGHT (MONDAY): Designer Desk Set - 7:30 to 9:30 pm
THURSDAY NIGHT: "Just Cards" - Masculine Birthdays & Fathers Day cards - 7:30 to 9:30 pm
FRIDAY NIGHT: "Mom & Me" for Fathers Day - 6:30 to 8 pm
SATURDAY AFT: "Mom & Me" for Fathers Day - SORRY THIS CLASS IS FULL
SUNDAY: HAPPY FATHERS' DAY!!

SNEAK PEEK AT JUNE & SAVE!

A NEW SPECIAL, from me to you:

Today I'm giving you a sneak peek look at the projects we'll be making in my June classes ...

Pre-register for your favs by May 31st and I'll knock $5 off the class fee PLUS I'll give you $5 off any orders placed at the class!

"JUST CARDS"

- TUES JUNE 9 or THURS JUNE 18

* June's theme: cards for the guys in your life

* make eight cards (2 of each design)

* CLASS FEE: $25 (all supplies are provided & pre-cut)

"DESIGNER DESK SET"

- MON JUNE 15 or WED JUNE 24

* register by May 31 & choose your own DSP Specialty paper to make this set

* make a three-drawer chest & a three-sectioned card holder (cards not included)

* CLASS FEE: $25 (all supplies are provided, pre-cut & scored)

NOTE: This offer cannot be applied to my Stampers Club June freebie class; offer is only available to those paying the FULL CLASS FEE to attend.

Call or email me today to reserve your seats!

519-823-8891        donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

TIME TO BOOK YOUR JUNE WORKSHOP OR VIRTUAL PARTY!

Hey folks - it's that time of year again:

On June 1st Stampin' Up! will release their list of stamps, accessories and Decor Elements that they're retiring to make room for new goodies in the upcoming 2009-2010 Catalogue ...

Which means that June is the IDEAL TIME to host a home workshop or virtual party so that you and your stampin' friends can order all of your favs before they're gone forever!

And to sweeten the deal, Stampin' Up! has just announced a FANTASTIC HOSTESS SPECIAL for the month of June - how would you like $25 or even $50 MORE in FREE PRODUCT? - WAHOO!!

Read all the details below, then call me to book your workshop (your home or mine) or virtual party - don't wait until I'm all booked up!

Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion

Dates: June 1-30, 2009

Promotion Details:

The Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion has two parts:

• Hostesses who hold a $330-$524.99 workshop will receive an additional $25 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
• Hostesses who hold a $525 or more workshop will receive an additional $50 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

I WAS IN KID HEAVEN ...

Hello Stampers!

I had a fantastic time this weekend at the Baby & Toddler Show in Kitchener ON - two of my fellow demonstrators (Samantha & Wilma) and I had our Stampin' Up! booth at the show, and I got to play, stamp, colour & tatoo with the most adorable group of kids while their moms and dads stamped a grown-up card. I was truly in Grandma-Wanna-Be Heaven! <grin>

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by our booth and chatted with us ... we'll be making the draw for the 35 hand stamped cards & envelopes this Thursday, so if you entered at our booth, check back here on Friday - you may be the winner!

Here's a few of my favourite pictures from this year's show (just click on each for a larger view) ... enjoy!

1) Me & my new friends ... 2) Even the dads were stamping! ... 3) TVO's Don't Sit Still performance ...

4) & 5) My partners for the weekend: Samantha with the kids and Wilma with Saturday's Guest of Honour - ELMO!!!

STILL ROOM IN TONIGHT'S CLASS

 Just a quick heads up this morning - if you're free tonight and in the neighbourhood, I still have a few seats available in my "Just Cards" class - we're making kids' cards, from baby to teen.

Add whatever greeting suits your personal needs: congratulations, birthday, graduation, just because ... or add them to your stash so you'll always have a card ready to send!

COST: $25 for 8 cards. My Stampers Club members may choose this as their May freebie, and my Artful*Inkers team members pay only $5 to help cover supplies.
Call or email to reserve your seat!

COME SEE US AT BINGEMANS' IN KITCHENER!

If you're around town on May 23 & 24, be sure to drop by
the Stampin' Up! booth at Bingeman's Convention Centre
to say hi to Wilma, Samantha & myself - we're participating in:

the Kitchener-Waterloo Baby & Toddler Show!

2009 Show dates....
Saturday May 23rd 10am to 5pm
&
Sunday May 24th 10am to 4pm

Oh, and bring the kids (or borrow someone's) - there's lots of fun stuff going on and it's only $5 to get in (kids are free) ...

Show Features...

• Elmo meet & greets Saturday 10-4, this year we have a special backdrop and area

TVO Kids "Don't Sit Still" Tour Sunday at 11am, admission is free till 11am Sunday so everyone in the community can enjoy the show

Regular admission is $5, kids are free

Kids play area by The Little Gym of Guelph

Feeding and changing area by Diapers N More

Breastfeeding Buddies lounge by Oh Baby Fitness

Art area sponsored by Toons for Toddlers

"SWEET" SCRAPBOOK PAGE

I promised in yesterday's post that I'd share the scrapbook page featured on this month's Stampin' Up! magazine for demonstrators called "Stampin' Success" ... be sure to read yesterday's post to find out how you can get your very own copy of this inspiring magazine!

2 Sweet Page (8" x 8")

(Click on the photo for a closer look. All products Stampin' Up!©)

Paper: Whisper White textured card stock (5-1/4" x 1-5/8"); 2 Sweet Simply Scrappin' Kit

Accessories & Tools: Button Bouquet; Stampin' Dimensionals; Crochet thread

Instructions

1. Adhere Designer Series paper (2-1/8" x 8") to Elegant Eggplant textured page. Adhere Kiwi Kiss self-adhesive strip to page, flush with edge of Designer Series paper. Adhere thin Basic Gray self-adhesive strip along right edge of Designer Series paper.
2. Print journaling on Whisper White textured card stock. Adhere to page. Adhere Kiwi Kiss self-adhesive heart to page.
3. Fold Kiwi Kiss self-adhesive tab over top edge of photo. Adhere self-adhesive greeting to tab. Adhere self-adhesive flower to tab using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere photo to page.
4. Layer circle, arrow, row-of-stars, and star self-adhesive die cuts using Stampin' Dimensionals between circle/arrow and arrow/star layers. Adhere to page.
5. Layer flower self-adhesive die cuts. Thread crochet thread through holes in Kiwi Kiss button, and adhere button to center of layered flower. Adhere to page.
6. Layer star and two sizes of heart self-adhesive die cuts. Adhere to page using Stampin' Dimensionals.

2 SWEET A DEAL ...

As if this month's $99 Starter Kit Special isn't enough incentive to join my team and save tons of money on your hobby, here's ANOTHER great reason to sign up:

Every month Stampin' Up! sends us demonstrators a great little magazine called "Stampin' Success" - chock full of projects, ideas, contests and incentives to "Inspire, Create & Share" (that's our new tagline - I like it!)

The cover of May's issue features a easy 8x8 scrapbook page and a cute box full of flowers - all made with Stampin' Up!'s "2 Sweet" Simply Scrappin' Kit (page 165, $23.95, item #113943). I've included the directions to the box at the end of this email & I'll upload the scrapbook page tomorrow.

Imagine getting this magazine delivered to your door each month, PLUS having access to the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website where six new cards are uploaded EVERY DAY for us to try out at home ... and there are lots more perks to being your very own demonstrator & part of my team, too ... call me for more info quick before the Starter Kit Special ends May 31!

Thinking of You Box

Paper: 2 Sweet Simply Scrappin' Kit

Accessories & Tools:Kiwi Kiss 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon; Button Latte; Stampin' Dimensionals; Sticky Strip; Scallop Edge punch; 1-3/4" Circle punch; Crochet thread; Wire

Instructions
1. Cut box from Pale Plum textured card stock using PATTERN (just email me if you want a PDF copy of this pattern)
2. Scallop top edge of box using Scallop Edge punch, and assemble box.
3. Wrap wide Basic Gray self-adhesive strip around box.
4. Tie Kiwi Kiss 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon around box.
5. Punch circle from Elegant Eggplant textured card stock using 1-3/4#" Circle punch. Adhere thinking of you self-adhesive circle to center of card stock circle using Stampin' Dimensionals. Adhere to box.
6. Create flowers by layering self-adhesive die cut pieces, popping up the flower centers using Stampin' Dimensionals.
7. Thread crochet thread through holes of Whisper White button, and adhere button to center of one flower.
8. Adhere flowers to wire stems, using Sticky Strip to secure flowers to wire. Do not peel second piece of backing from Sticky Strip. Tuck flowers inside box.

24 HR SCRAP-A-THON IS ALMOST HERE!

OMGosh ... it's almost here ... are you ready?
It's time to celebrate National Scrapbook Day this weekend, at my 24 hr Scrap-a-thon! Dust off your scrapbooks, print out your photos and let's get busy!

FRIDAY MAY 1ST: 6 PM - MIDNIGHT
SATURDAY MAY 2ND: 9 AM - 9 PM
SUNDAY MAY 3RD: 9 AM - 3 PM

For a grand total of 24 HOURS of scrapbooking fun ...WAHOO!

Plan to attend for as many (or as few) hours as you can spare; it's up to you ... I have only 2 spots left for Friday night; 3 for Saturday morning; 5 for Saturday afternoon & evening and 4 for Sunday! Call or email me now to reserve your seats: 519-823-8891 or donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

Here's the card you'll receive when you arrive - notice the pretty little yellow and blue squares? Stay for 3 hours and I'll give you a gift; stay for 6 hrs and you'll receive a second gift, and so on. The longer you stay, the more gifts you'll take home (and the more scrapbook layouts you'll complete, too!)

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
22	NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY					8
21	23 sample		2 0 0 9	24 not valid		9
20						10
19	24 HOUR CROP-A-THON					11
18	17	16	15	14	13	12

See you this weekend!!!!!

24 HOUR CROP TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK MONTH

Do you wish your scrapbooks were up-to-date, but you can never find the time, energy or motivation to get started?  Well here's your chance to REALLY make a dent in that ever-growing pile of photos and layouts ... join me for my 2009

24 HOUR CROP-A-THON
Friday May 1st, between 6 pm & Midnight - only $5.00
Saturday May 2nd, between 9 am & 9 pm - only $5.00
 & Sunday May 3rd, between 9 am & 3 pm - only $5.00

• attend for as many hours as you like each day for only $5.00 per day!
• receive a punch on your 24 HOUR CROP CARD for each hour you attend!
• prizes awarded at 3, 6, 12, 18 & 24 hour marks on your CROP CARD!
• Stampin' Up! specials on Designer Series Paper & Textured Card Stock - buy 3 & get 1 FREE!
• stash your stuff in my Studio when you head home to sleep, and just continue the next day where you left off!
• use my stamp sets, inks and scrap card stock; Big Shot die cutting machine and punches!
• uninterrupted laughs, support, inspiration and snacks!

... LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE ... CALL OR EMAIL NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE ...

LONDON REGIONALS: MAKE & TAKES

As promised, here are the six projects that we got to make at the Stampin' Up! Regional Seminar, held in London, ON earlier this month.

This cute basket was cut from "So Saffron" card stock using the "Basket and Blooms" die on the Big Shot. The same die was used to make the yellow DSP stripe and the tag.

The card on the right features Stampin' Up!'s new "Eyelet Border" punch - I can't wait 'til mine arrives! Check out the kewl  brown clip with the blue ribbon tied around it - doesn't it just make the stamped image pop?

 
The stamp set used on this card and the previous one will be in the Occasions Mini catalogue, which starts on April 1st. "Soft Summer' is a two step stamp set with four floral images and two phrases, "Thanks so much" and the one used on this card: "Kind people are the best kind of people".

Give me a shout to get your own copy of this terrific mini - it's loaded with lots of great new products!

This Baja Breeze gift pouch uses a really kewl technique to make the flower.

First we used the Embosslit die called "Simple Flower" (#114514, $13.95, page 202) and cut and emboss the flower from a piece of Tangerine Tango Patterns DSP.

Next, we lightly sanded the raised edges of the flower until they were white, then added a Chocolate Chip Corduroy Button to the middle to add a bit of bling.

Here's an 8" x 8" scrapbook page ... if you click on the photo for a closer look, you'll see what looks like embossed circles down the left side. They're actually 1" circles punched from Pacific Point card stock and adhered randomly to the page. The chipboard letters and arrow were coloured with Craft inks using a dauber.

I have the perfect photo to mount above the title; just have to go to Walmart to have it printed in a larger size. Remind me to post this page again once I have the photo.

And finally, my favourite of the Regionals' Make & Take projects: this cute folder on the left is so easy to make, and when it's opened you'll find 3 Scallop Note cards (#111336, $13.95, page 157) with coordinating envelopes!

I like this project so much that I'm offering it as part of a class in April called "What's in YOUR Pocket" .. be sure to check out my Events Calendar for all the details.

TIME TO GET PUNCH HAPPY!

It's here at last ... my first ONLINE CLUB is all set up and I'd LOVE it if you'd join us!

You've heard me mention my Stampers' Club ... a great bunch of gals who sign up for a seven month stretch and get all kinds of freebies along with their membership. They are the mainstay of my business, and I love them dearly. (FYI: new members are always welcome - if you live in the Guelph - Kitchener - Waterloo - Cambridge - Fergus - Rockwood or surrounding area, click here for more info).

Trouble is, many of my blog readers either do not live close enough OR do not have the time/transportation/childcare available in order to participate in Stampers' Club .. and that's not fair.

So, PUNCH HAPPY is my first On-line Club ... yep, now EVERYONE can join and reap the benefits right from the comfort of your own home at any time of day or night, even in your pj's!

WHY did I choose Punch Art? Well, punches are a bit of a passion with me - I already owned over 50 BEFORE I even heard of Stampin' Up! back in 2002, and I have steadily increased that number since then <grin> Thanks to fellow punch enthusiasts, I have collected a HUGE file of projects made with punched images, and I participate in Punch Art swaps as often as I can. Now it's time to share all of that with you!

The Club runs for two months starting April 1st, and by joining you will get tons of new project ideas for using your punches, plus ways to save $$ while you add new punches to your collection!

There are two ways to join, and there's a special bonus to Option One if you join during Sale-a-Bration, which ends March 31st. Membership includes password-restricted access to the PUNCH HAPPY website, where I will be posting new projects every day, along with a photo gallery and punch art contests!

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL THE DETAILS, then email me to join ... it's that EASY!

PRE-ORDER NEW STAMPS IN TIME FOR EASTER!

The all-new Occasions Mini Catalogue begins on April 1st and boy-o-boy, is it chalk full of great new stuff! It's going to be really hard to stick to my newly adopted Frugal Stamper mandate, but I'll do my best to make wise choices, lol.

Some of the stamps are perfect for Easter cards & gifts, so to give us all enough time to create before the holiday arrives, Stampin' Up! is letting EVERYONE pre-order 3 sets and a wheel from the Occasions Mini!(Click here to see all of the pre-order items)

Here's just one of the sets (An Egg-Cellent Easter, #113196, $27.95) that you can buy starting March 1st - I love the egg-balancing chick and the juggling bunny! Watch for a feature of this set in the April issue of Creating Keepsakes, which has already hit the newsstands on February 24.

Another of the sets available on March 1st is called "Wagon Full of Fun" - this is a very versatile set for either card-making and scrapbook pages! I'm offering a very special product-based class featuring this set in March... here's all the details from my Events Calendar:

"WAGON FULL OF FUN" BONUS CLASS: Wednesday March 25th

(Register by March 13th so your products can be ordered in time for the class!)

"This class has it all .. you'll receive your own brand new stamp set called "Wagon Full of Fun"  ... PLUS an entire roll of Stampin' Up!'s new Organza Ribbon (page 179) ... AND a package of 20 Note Cards & Envelopes (page 157) ... AND a FREE package of SALE-A-BRATION Designer Series Papers!

We'll be using all of these supplies to make two lovely springtime boxes filled with hand-stamped cards ... you can keep one for yourself and give the other as a gift!

The stamp set "Wagon Full of Fun" has six whimsical double-line images suitable for any occasion and all ages, plus 4 phrases for a total of 10 stamps. By adding just a splash of colour and a bit of ribbon, you'll have quick and easy cards on hand whenever you need them - a real time-saver!"

COST: $65 (includes a $46.97 stamp set, $7.95 roll of ribbon, $6.95 package of cards & envelopes, package of Designer Series Papers valued at $13.95, and all additional supplies and instruction to make the projects.

FYI, the retail price to buy the first three items alone would cost $76.88 including shipping & tax, so this is A GREAT DEAL for the frugal stamper!

I need to receive your $65 registration fee no later than FRIDAY MARCH 13th so that your supplies can be ordered and delivered in time for the class on the 25th. Call or email now to reserve your spot; limited seating is available.

CALLING ALL SCRAPBOOKERS!

Let's Crop This Saturday!!

Join me from 10 am - 6 pm on Saturday Feb 21st ... bring your scrapbook layouts & work on them alongside fellow scrappers - I've been talking about getting back to my scrapbooks and now is the time!

All of my stamps, inks & tools (including the Sizzix Big Shot) will be available, plus I'll even throw in some light refreshments and a give-away or two just to keep us focused on the task at hand.

I have only two spaces left ... I'm keeping the group small this time so we'll all have lots of space to spread out in my Stampin' Studio here in Guelph. If interest grows, I'll rent a church hall for the next crop.

COST: $5 per person

"LOVE YOU MUCH" Class - NEW DATE!

As some of you know, my mom took ill suddenly last week & I had to cancel Saturday's mini stamp camp featuring the "Love You Much" Bundle that Stampin' Up! has on sale in January.

Mom's much better now & back in her own home, and the class is now on for THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 31st from 1-4 pm, here at my stamp pad in Guelph.

We'll be making 3 fun projects suitable for Valentine's Day or other gift giving, including this kewl set of boxes within a bigger box that looks like stair steps when it's opened up ... it's super easy to make but looks sooo difficult that it will definitely WOW whoever you give it to! <grin>

Saturday is also the last day you can order the "Love You Much" bundle at 20% off individually-priced items - it comes with a pkg of Designer Series Paper, a stamp set and a 3 heart punch that lines up perfectly with the coordinating stamp from the set - no more cuttting out tons of hearts! (RELIEF)

Anyone who attends Saturday's class & orders the bundle will receive FREE SHIPPING on their entire order!
Email or phone me asap to reserve your seat - I'm only taking eight stampers for this event.

"LOVE YOU MUCH" CLASS PEEK

Here's just a peek at one of the three projects we'll be making this Saturday at my Mini Stamp Camp for Valentine's Day, featuring the papers, stamps and punch from the "Love You Much" Bundle.

These quick & easy note cards can be slipped into lunch bags or briefcases, tied to flowers or a gift, or left on someone's pillow.

The "Love You Much" bundle is on sale until Jan 31, saving you 20% off the catalogue price if you were to purchase the items individually. Click here to order the bundle online - item #115405 @ $50.28

There are still two spaces for this Saturday's event; the cost is $25 and all supplies are provided. Class attendees can order the "Love You Much" Bundle & receive FREE SHIPPING on their entire order (placed & paid for on Saturday). Call or email me quick to get one of the last two seats available! 519-823-8891

Stamp-4-Fun was a blast today!

I just spend the day stamping, swapping & sharing with 30 Stampin' Up! demonstrators from all over southern Ontario and I'm now so energetic and inspired that I could just float on this feeling for weeks!
It never ceases to amaze me how many friendships I've developed with my "competitors" in this business - everyone is so supportive and helpful ... not at all what you'd expect.

Here are some photos of today's event. If you look REALLY closely, you might just see some sneak peeks of new Stampin' Up! products from the upcoming Spring & Summer catalogue (did I mention that the new catty goes LIVE on Monday at 2 pm? You'll be able to view it online at my website & blog - better yet, contact me this weekend to get your very own copy!

TOP LEFT: Wilma demonstrates the new embossing folder called "Manhattan Flower". The display board behind Wilma is full of new creations shared by everyone in attendance.

RIGHT: Heather taught us the Faux Designer Paper technique using a new Hostess Set called "Rustic Rooster".

BOTTOM LEFT: Yours truly showing the cute box of cards we made at Leadership, using "So Tweet" On Board chipboard pieces. (There's lots more from Leadership on the display table behind me!)

Thanks to everyone who helped make today such a great event! I can't wait for the next one!

STAMPERS CLUB JAN ORDERS ARE DUE

Just a reminder to my Stampers' Club members:

Please drop off or email your club orders to me by the 15th of this month, and let me know which class you'll be choosing for your February freebie. I have your complementary copy of Stampin' Up!'s new Spring & Summer catalogue waiting for you too!!

NOT IN THE CLUB? You should be!

Free catalogues, free hostess benefits and the option of attending a free class each month; all for only a $30 order per month for the next seven months. Call or email me to join & start saving $$ today .. it's the best bargain of 2009!

TAKE A BREAK FROM THE FAMILY ..

You're Invited to a Party!

• DATE: SUNDAY JANUARY 4TH, 2009
• TIME: Either from 2-4 PM OR 7-9 PM; it's your choice (but please RSVP)
• PLACE: Donna's Stampin' Pad in Guelph

I'm hosting a RETIREMENT PARTY for all of the stamp sets that are being retired this month from Stampin' Up!'s product line, and you're invited!

Join me from 2-4 pm or 7-9 pm to make 2 cards and a 3D item featuring some of the more popular stamp sets from the retiring list, PLUS you could WIN A FREE CLASSIC INK PAD OR EVEN YOUR ENTIRE ORDER FOR FREE by playing my Retirement Bingo Game!

Come on, you've been a great hostess; activity planner; decorator, cook, snow shoveller, and chauffeur all through the holidays - let's finish it off together with some stampin' fun .. WE'VE EARNED IT!

Better RSVP soonest, as seats are limited. Call me @ 519-823-8891 for all the details!

'LOVE YOU MUCH" ... NEW VALENTINES BUNDLE!

Put some LOVE into your valentines ... Stampin' Up!'s Love You Much Bundle (item 115405) contains the perfect products to create fun and fanciful Valentine's Day projects that say "I love you" from the heart.

And from December 23, 2008 through January 31, 2009, you can purchase the Love You Much Bundle at 20% off the retail value!

THERE'S MORE TO SAVE! Purchase the Love You Much Bundle from me before December 31, 2008 and you are automatically registered to attend my Valentine Stamp Camp on January 24 for FREE - you save $25! We'll be making projects featuring the stamps, designer paper and punch from this bundle.

Just place your order with me via phone, email, or order it online at www.stampinwithdonna.stampinup.net and I'll email you the details for my Valentine Stamp Camp.

JANUARY'S CLASS SCHEDULE IS UP

Hello Stampers! I'm just poppin' in to say that my class offerings for January 2009 are now online - to see what's coming up, just visit my business website's Events Schedule ... then call or email me to reserve a seat at your favourites!

A Note to my Stampers Club members: all of my January classes are priced at $25, therefore you can choose any one of them as your January freebie.

Not in the Club? You should be - free catalogues, free hostess benefits and the option of attending a free class each month; all for only a $30 order per month for the next seven months. Call or email me to join & start saving $$ today!

"JUST CARDS" ... JUST IN TIME

The snow is drifting down and the Christmas music is rockin' my Stampin' Studio as I design my samples for December's "Just Cards" class. Grab a cuppa, sit back & visit while I tell you a story....

Now my regular attendees have been making Christmas cards at this class since waaaaayyyy back in August, so I knew I'd have to come up with a different theme this month. I thought the most practical idea would be to start on our post-holiday THANK YOU CARDS, so I've come up with two different designs for that. S'OK, but I feel like I'm putting the cart before the horse .. I'm not even ready for Christmas yet, let alone what comes after, lol.

THEN, I got to thinking about the last few presents I still have to get and how much easier it would be to go to Tim Horton's, Canadian Tire, etc, & just pick up some gift cards, and PRESTO! The gears all snapped into place in my head, the lightbulb came on and I sat down & designed three different GIFT CARD HOLDERS to wrap around those plastic (read: impersonal) retail gift cards, giving them a more individual, hand-made look. Hey, don't get me wrong; in this busy world we gotta take the shorts cuts wherever we can - but it only takes a LITTLE BIT of effort to make a time-saving gift look like some loving thought went into it; know what I mean?

So, have I enticed you to join me? Here's a sneak peak of just ONE of the projects for December - there will be five different cards in all - class attendees get to make 2 of each design; one to keep and one to give away - all for only $25 (My Stampers Club members may choose this class as their December freebie)

Like what you see? Give me a call or email to pick your date & save your seat:

FRI DEC 5 @ 7:30 PM or SAT DEC 6 @10 AM
(Class is approx. 2 hrs long)

PS: The credit card in this photo is not only NOT INCLUDED, it's a fake! <grin>

COME TO A CARD BEE!

This fall, I had a couple of customers ask if they could bring their families & friends to my Stampin' Studio for a private gathering to get a head start on their Christmas cards while enjoying an afternoon or evening visiting and stamping together.

It went really well! Each person could choose designs from my sample board and made as many cards as they wanted @ $2 per card. ($2.50 with envelopes). Some copied my samples exactly as they appeared on the board, and others used my samples as a launching point to try their own ideas. It didn't matter if they had previous stamping experience or not, because I was wandering around, offering tips and demonstrating tools if the need arose.

We had a really fun & relaxing afternoon. It reminded me of an old-fashioned quilting bee when all the women around the countryside would gather to chat, share home-made goodies and work on a common goal. So, I've given it a name: the CARD BEE!

Do you have a group who would like to do the same? Call me to book a date!

Card bees are also available for a birthday card theme, Valentines, shower thank you cards, baby announcements or any theme of your choice.  I just need  a week's notice to pull together a sample board of card ideas, based on the theme you choose.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

Yep, when the snow lasts all through even a sunny day like yesterday, you KNOW Christmas is just around the corner ... ok, actually it's 37 days away, but that time is just gonna speed by!!

My stampin' space these days is just full of bits of red & green paper ...  silver and gold embellishments ... and lots & lots of glitter!! Today I put the finishing touches on two of my Holiday Classes, and tomorrow I'll be working on two more. I just love making stuff at this time of the year; can you tell by my event calendar? <grin> I can't help it - I just want to share all these kewl ideas with EVERYONE!

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLASSES
Limited seating is available - RSVP soon so you won't miss out!

Holiday Ornaments: Tonight - Tues Nov 18 @ 7:30 pm - only 3 seats left. $25 to make 5 different ornaments; glass, chipboard, designer paper, & card stock are just some of the supplies we'll be using. Extra ornament kits will be available for sale so you can make even more at home. Email me to reserve your seat, then just pay tonight: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com

Snow Flurries Portfolio of Cards: Fri Nov 21 @ 7:30 pm - this is a 2nd running of this popular class; designed by Andrea Walford, using chocolate chip, baja breeze & real red as the primary colours - YUMMY! Five holiday cards liberally sprinkled with Stampin' Up!'s Felt Flurries snowflakes, all stored in clear sleeves in a baja breeze portfolio and tied together with chocolate chip wide grosgrain ribbon ... like I said, it's YUMMY! With all the extra embellishments, this class is $30. Better register soon!

Holiday Planner Class: Thurs Nov 27 @ 7:30 pm - $25 will turn a metal DVD tin into the perfect Christmas planner with pockets to store menu plans, shopping lists, gift receipts and more; plus a 3 month calendar to keep track of all those holiday events. This beautiful & functional project was designed by Andrea Walford for our Demonstrator STAMPFEST last Saturday - I love it!

December's "Just Cards" Class: Fri Dec 5 or Sat Dec 6 - come make Gift Card Holders for stocking stuffers and Thank You Cards for the post-holiday season. 10 cards (five designs x 2 of each) for $25.

December's "Technique" Class: Tues Dec 9 or Wed Dec 10 @ 7:30 pm - need a break from the holiday pandimonium? Join me tonight while we use a BRAYER to make mini card samples (or turn them into gift tags for all those presents you still have to wrap) ... you are overdue for some stamping therapy! $25 class fee.

"Mom & Me" Christmas Class: Sat Dec 13 @ 1 pm - bring your child(ren) for an afternoon of fun Christmas crafts & gifts - projects are for 4-12 year old kids with parent's help. $25 for mom & child, 2nd child for only $5 more.

*** And last but not least, don't forget the HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA: Sat Nov 29 from 10 am to 10 pm; 3 different classes on a rotating schedule so you can pick the class and the time that best suits your day. For more details about the projects, class fees, multi-class discount and Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Extravanganza Specials, CLICK HERE ***

Saturday's Demonstrator STAMPFEST

I had the most amazing time on Friday night and all day Saturday at the first ever Demonstrator Stampfest, held in Cambridge ON. My downline's downline Andrea Walford & I wanted to bring some SUPER-STAR Stampin' Up! demonstrators from the US to come here & share their success stories with our team of demonstrators. Meet Kimberly Van Diessen of Colorado and Glenda Travelstead of Illinois!(photo on the right)

Well that's how it started, but the event soon took on a life of its own and before we knew it, over FIFTY demonstrators from all over Ontario & the States were registered to attend!

On Friday night we gathered at the Future Inn in Cambridge to make 20 different cards - what a marathon! And what beautiful cards, all designed by Andrea - they're simple enough to teach to beginner stampers at a home workshop, yet they all carry Andrea's unique style - clean & classic. Watch throughout the month as I share some of those cards here with you all.

Saturday was the main event: our guest speakers WOWED us, our participants swapped all kinds of hand-stamped creations with each other, and our afternoon Make & Take project was an amazing Holiday Planner made with a metal DVD tin - again, designed by Andrea. I loved it at first sight, and in fact I've already scheduled a class on Thursday November 27th so you can all come over & make one of your own! (I'll be finishing mine tonight & posting pics on my Stampin' Up! website tomorrow, but for now here's a photo of Andrea explaining some finer points to assembling the tin - click on the photo for a closer look)

A huge thank you to our guest speakers, Kimberly and Glenda for taking time away from their families and businesses to share with us all; to members of the Artful*Inkers demonstrator team who created class outlines to share on Saturday, and for all their help with set up, take down, preparing the card kits, staffing the registration table, and the hundred other things that made STAMPFEST so successful - you gals are THE BEST!

Lastly, thank you to Andrea for proposing the idea of a training weekend in the first place, and for all her creative and organizational support while we developed this event - what can I say? We work well together, and that's a blessing to me.

HOLIDAY STAMPIN' KIT NOW AVAILABLE

Stampin' Up! has partnered this Christmas with COUNTRY LIVING© Magazine to offer some amazing deals on a great new Holiday Stampin' Kit, huge savings on a Country Living Subscription, AND a free gift of stamps & ink when you subscribe!

The Holiday Stampin' Kit is perfect for beginner and experienced stampers alike; it would make a terrific gift to another crafter like yourself, or how about a family project to make with the kids leading up to Christmas!

The kit is available only until Dec 31st, 2008 and retails for $58.95. Just look at all the goodies you get inside....

• Holiday Collection stamp set (six stamps)
• Four 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut chipboard
• Eight 12" x 12" sheets of die-cut Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 4 double-sided designs)
• Four 12" x 12" sheets of Designer Series paper (2 ea. of 2 double-sided designs)
• Two 12" x 12" sheets of Whisper White card stock
• 25 yds. Silver Metallic cord
• 10 yds. 3/8" Whisper White taffeta ribbon
• Pretties Kit brads (20)
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter (1/2 oz.)
• Tombow Multi Purpose Adhesive
• Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Spot
• Old Olive Craft Stampin' Spot
• Uninked Stampin' Spot
• Whisper White Craft Ink refill

If you take the time to calculate the retail (catalogue) value of all these supplies, you'll see that you're saving well over $20 when you purchase the kit! Bargains are good at this time of year, right?

Place your order on my website (click on the red SHOP HERE link above) and the holiday stampin' kit will be delivered to your door. Or if you prefer, you can order your kit by contacting me via email or phone, and pick it up in Guelph when it arrives (Allow approximately 10-14 days)

COUNTRY LIVING Magazine:

Subscribe to Country Living at a 75% discount AND receive a bonus mini stamp kit!
Go to: stamp.countryliving.com

ONE LAST CHANCE TO MAKE CHRISTMAS CARDS

If you missed October's "Just Cards" Christmas card class, you've got one more chance coming up in November - this will be the third and final set of Christmas cards for this fall.

Choose from:

Sat Nov 1st at 10 am

or Friday Nov 7th at 1 pm or 7:30 pm.

10 cards, 5 designs, $25 - just think ... if you attended the class in August, October AND November, you'd have 30 cards all ready to mail for the holidays!

Here's a look at the cards that we made in October's "Just Cards" class ... FYI: November's cards will NOT be the same as these!

Check your calendar, then call me quick to book your spot so I can have the supplies all pre-cut for you!

Just think of me as your Holiday Stress Reliever, lol.

Mommy, I'm thick ... I mean sick

Yep, I've got that really miserable cold that's going around.

I don't remember much about the last three days; I've spent most of the hours drifting in and out of sleep, with the occasional lucid moment to answer a few emails, submit my stamp club's orders for October, and pull off a very hazy team meeting last night. Oh, and I think I remembered to pay the hydro bill in there somewhere. Hmm ... I better check to confirm that one.

As a result, I've rescheduled this month's Technique Class to Tuesday October 21. We're going to be exploring all the things you can do with Crystal Effects - a definite must in every crafter's toolbox. If you'd like to join us, just drop an email or phone call to reserve your seat. COST: $25 (Stampers' Club members can choose this class as their October freebie. Artful*Inkers team members can attend for a small materials fee)

THE NEXT FIVE CLASSES ON MY SCHEDULE:

1) SIZZIX BIG SHOT INTRO CLASS: Wed Oct 22: 1pm & 7:30 pm; Thurs Oct 23: 7:30 pm COST: $25
2) GIRLS' NIGHT OUT: Fri Oct 24: 7:30 pm (one week earlier due to Hallowe'en on Fri Oct 31) COST: $5
3) MOM & ME HALLOWE'EN CLASS: Sat Oct 25: 1pm COST: $25 for mom & one child (2nd child $5)
4) "KIND THOUGHTS" STAMP-OF-THE-MONTH CLASS: Tues Oct 28 & Wed Oct 29: 7:30 pm - you can still register, but you'll receive your stamp set 10 days AFTER the class. COST: $40
5) "JUST CARDS" CLASS: Sat Nov 1: 10 am; Fri Nov 7: 1 pm & 7:30 pm - this is the final installment of Christmas Cards for this season. COST: $25 (Stampers' Club members can choose this class as their November freebie. Artful*Inkers team members can attend for a small materials fee)

To read the full deets for each of these classes - just click on the "CLASSES & CLUBS" link up there in the top right of your screen.

wishing you and your family a healthy week ...

Donna

FLIP ALBUM: PROJECT #2

Here it is at last ... photos of the second project we'll be making on November 8th at our annual HOLIDAY MEGA STAMP CAMP! I had to wait until the "I Wish" Simply Scrappin' Kit came off the back-order list at Stampin' Up! to make this sample, but it was well worth the wait. I really like this kit - you can do so much with it (the wheels in my head are already turning - I still have half the kit leftover after making this scrapbook!)

Enjoy the sneak peek, and remember to register by Saturday October 18th if you want to make an album just like this, PLUS the clipboard calendar pictured on page 11 of the Fall & Winter Catalogue.

Call me at 519-823-8891 or email me at donna@scrappinwithdonna.com to save your seat!

GUESS WHAT THE BROWN TRUCK DELIVERED TODAY...

As you may remember, I had to postpone our MEGA STAMP CAMP until Nov 8 because a key product that we need to make our flip album was on back order ... namely the Simply Scrappin' Kit called "I Wish"

I love that Stampin' Up! keeps us well informed if their suppliers fall behind in producing enough product for the demand, but it was still oh-so-hard to be patient for this particular item. I guess that there was a LOT of demand, 'cause it took a whole month for me to receive mine .....

.... but it was definitely worth the wait! I ripped open the package almost before the Man in the Brown Truck had left my house, lol. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the colour combo they chose (chocolate chip, real red, old olive & whisper white)! The patterns on the designer series papers are perfect for holiday memories, and the self-adhesive die cuts are adorable!

I'm off to make the sample Flip Album using these fabulous supplies right now ... stay tuned this weekend for photos! And if you haven't signed upo for MEGA STAMP CAMP yet, don't wait too long: the registration deadline is Saturday, October 18th! For al the details on this event, CLICK HERE.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SATURDAY?

This Saturday is World Card-Making Day  - I hope you have plans to stamp a card or two, joining people all over the world in celebrating this great hobby of ours!

I have 3 quick items to share with you regarding WCMD ....

1) YOU'RE INVITED:
I'm hosting a drop-in card-making session on Saturday between 1-4 pm. Come by to make some cards using Stampin' Up!'s Card Kits on page 176-177 of the F&W Catalogue - choose the ones you want to make, and make as many as you need, all for only $2 per card/envelope! Hope you'll drop by!

2) 20% SAVINGS:
Stampin' Up! is celebrating WCMD by offering you all of the five Card Kits on pages 176-177 at 20% off! This sale runs from Oct 4th - Oct 11th, 2008

and 3) BLOG CANDY:
I have an unopened, brand new SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS KIT to give away to one lucky reader ... all you have to do to enter the contest is leave me a comment, answering the question, "What are you doing this Saturday?" (Just click on the word "comments" below this post and write in the spaces provided). Contest closes Saturday October 4th at midnight.

NEW "SNOW FLURRIES" CLASS

Here's another new addition to my 
class schedule; this adorable gift 
was designed by my oh-so-talented 
downline Andrea Walford. As soon 
as I saw her latest class planner, I 
KNEW I had to offer it to you! 
 
"Are you looking for the perfect holiday 
gift for that “hard-to-shop-for” person 
in your life? Everyone loves to give 
cards during the holiday season, so 
why not gift them with this gorgeous 
card portfolio with 5 coordinating cards!" 


(PS - I'm thinking teachers, day care providers, bus drivers, crossing guards, etc would 
love to receive this gift!)

Dates: WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 5TH, or FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21ST
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Cost: $30.00
Location: DONNA'S STAMPIN' PAD, GUELPH, ON

I'm limiting this class to EIGHT participants per date, so please call or email me soon to 
sign up: donna@scrappinwithdonna.com or 519-823-8891 


Supply List - all provided by me!

Stamps: Snow Swirled
Inks: VersaMark pad
Paper: Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, Whisper White, Real Red, Baja Breeze, 
Chocolate Chip card stock & Medium Whisper White envelopes
Accessories: Snail adhesive, sticky strip, mini glue dots, 5/8” Chocolate Chip Grosgrain 
Ribbon, 5/8” Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Silver cord, Antique Brass 
Build-a-Brads, Little Felt Flurries, large cello bags, paper snips, scallop edge punch, 1/16” 
handheld punch, ½” circle punch, horizontal slot punch, 1 ¼” circle punch,1 3/8” circle 
punch, scallop circle punch, ticket corner punch, Stampin’ Scrub, Stampin’ Mist, paper 
trimmer & scoring blade, bone folder, paper piercer and foam mat, pencil & ruler .. WHEW!

SPECIAL ADDITION TO OCTOBER'S CLASS LINE UP

Hello there,

From time to time I find a project that I just have to share, so I add in a special class to the regularly scheduled line up. This particular project features a brand new kit that from Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini Catalogue (which starts on October 1st - that's this Wednesday, gasp! Where did September go?)

The official link to the Holiday Mini won't appear here on my blog until October 1st, as per my agreement with Stampin' Up! - but I CAN give you a sneak peek of the new "Create-a-Calendar '09" kit, with a little adaptation of my own ...   the kit comes with all the pre-printed calendars for 2009, the chocolate chip ribbon and repositionable die cuts, as well as the blue striped pocket to hold the pages until you need them.

In this project (photos show front & back view) I've added an On Board Clipboard, the Kiwi Kiss ribbon and a Stampin' Up! pen, as well as some card stock to cover the clipboard & create a pocket to hold the calendar page & the die cuts to mark special dates. All products are Stampin' Up!

This project is on display in my stampin' pad ... if there's enough interest I will schedule a special class so you can make it too! And if you would like to receive a copy of the new Holiday Mini Catalogue, just let me know & I'll set one aside for you. Tune in on Wednesday for the live link to the Mini.

cheers
Donna