Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

RETIRING ACCESSORIES LIST IS HERE

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

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

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

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

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

Ready? Set? GO!

RETIRING DEFINITELY DECORATIVE LIST (PDF)

RETIRING ACCESSORIES (PDF)

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

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

RETIRING STAMP SETS (PDF)

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

cheers

DRESDEN PLATE, ANYONE?

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

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

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

Until next time,

 

SAVE 50% & 60% ON DESIGNER FABRICS

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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,

LAST DAY TO ORDER

Remember that tomorrow, Thursday, June 30, 2011, is the last day you can order product from the following Stampin' Up! catalogues: 

• 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue 
• 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative Brochure

 

You can place your orders with me:

• by phone:            519-823-8891  
• by email: [email protected]
• in my Online Store: www.scrappinwithdonna.stampinup.net

I'll be teaching at Crafters Cupboard tonight - drop by with your ordering questions - or reach me at my home all day/evening on Thursday.

And don't forget my NEW CATALOGUE LAUNCH and TENT SALE on Saturday July 9th; 10 am - 1 pm!

cheers

DON'T THROW THAT OUT!

Doesn't excessive packaging just make you burn? It's a pet peeve of mine ... why can't manufacturers keep their product packaging simple so we have less to throw out?

Usually the "GREEN ME" will always choose the product with the least packaging ... but one time I actually bought a package of pens BECAUSE of the package they came in. I knew as soon as I saw this thick plastic base with multi-divided sections - AND wrapped in a clear plastic case - that I wanted to make it into a pretty desk accessory! (I think it was at this point in our shopping expedition that my dear hubby rolled his eyes and walked away)

So, in a photo tutorial - here's what my "inner eye" saw in that store, and how it all turned into a nice little pen holder that I plan to give to my mother. She's having a lot of home support visitors right now, and is always searching for a pen to write down their names and appointments. This one's for you, Ma! (As always, just click on each photo if you want a close-up look)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting at the far left with a photo of the original product in its packaging ... I took it apart and cut off the top of the clear sleeve - then I decided to slip the pen holder base back inside the clear sleeve so I coudl trace a pen line to cut it exactly the same height.

I reassembled it to see how I did (I slipped an envelope in between the two layers so you can see where I'm heading with this idea, wink)

I knew I wanted to use Stampin' Up!'s new "Springtime Vintage" Designer Papers (#121782, pg 15 Occasions Mini) because I thought of my mom the first time I saw these prints; they're sooo "her"!

Through some measuring, some guessing and a lot of trimming, I finally determined what size to make the four patterened squares so that they could have a 1/4" mat of Rose Red card stock showing from behind.

And on the right - the finished project ... easy peasy! I'm tempted to add some "Chantilly Crochet Trim" (#118480, pg 190 IB&C) and maybe a 'Trinket Key or Trinket Crown (#121891 & #121892, pg 24 Occasions Mini) before I deliver it to mom later this week - don't you think it needs a little bling?

Gee, I wish I had a few more of these packages ... I'd love to make one with the "Sweet Stitches" Designer Papers (#121781, pg 32 Occasions Mini) to keep my sewing tools neat & organized! For that matter, "Botanical Gazette" or "First Edition" Designer Papers would make a great pen holder for my hubby's desk - a daily reminder that he should never doubt my "inner eye" (GRIN!)

cheers 

FREE CHALKBOARD

I just installed Stampin' Up!'s newest Chalkboard Decor Elements piece in my office ... take a look! It's made of chalkboard-treated vinyl and it's 16" tall by 8' wide; plenty of room for writing down my to-do list.

I got this for free through Stampin' Up!'s SALE-A-BRATION promotion - just by ordering $60 worth of products, I got to choose one of eight new products in the SAB brochure (or I could have chosen one of 69 different stamp sets from the current 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue - all 69 are listed in the back of the SAB brochure.)

I love me some FREE stuff - don't you? now's the time to stock up on the craft supplies you need, so you can get your freebies too ... SALE-A-BRATION ends March 31st, so call or email me or shop through my online store SOON!

 

cheers

ABC's OF A HANDMADE HOLIDAY: SALE ENDS THURSDAY

 

Last call for all the great holiday bundles at 20% off ... Stampin' Up!'s sale ends Thursday Dec 16th! Just click on the photo above to see the promotion details.

You can order up til midnight tomorrow using my ONLINE STORE, or if you prefer - email me with your order by 9 pm and I'll send it in for you.

I'll be sharing a new promotion with you on Friday December 17th ... mum's the word until then!

cheers

SIZZIX TRIPLE PLAY BLOG HOP: WEEK 6

Ooops, I did it again - I forgot to post the link to the week six of Sizzix' Triple Play blog hop ... which started last Thursday  .. December 9th (I'm so embarrassed, especially since I've been thoroughly enjoying my hop through the 50+ blogs - without sharing it with all of you... how rude of me!)

I'm here to make amends right now ... here's the link to week six- all the projects this week feature the Sizzix Bigz XL die called Album, Brackets. I think you're really gonna enjoy this week because I can see a lot of ideas we can adapt to use Stampin' Up!'s Sizzix Top Note Die instead - wahoo!

SIZZIX BLOG HOP, WEEK SIX:  Sizzix Bigz XL Die - Album, Brackets

Be sure to check out week six now so you are fresh and ready to see week seven's tour which starts this coming Thursday, Dec 16th! Week seven will be the final leg of the blog hop: I hope you've enjoyed seeing all the creative ways to use Sizzix dies as much as I have!

And the fun isn't over yet ... I just learned today that the Sizzix designers responsible for this blog hop will be launching a new website to continue the inspiration! Stay tuned for details...

cheers

DAY ELEVEN: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

10 gifts down and 15 to go ... that's right, there are only fifteen days until Christmas Day!

Today's gift is one of my favourites because it looks soooo dificult to make but with a Sizzix Big Shot machine, it's a breeze to whip up a bunch in no time flat!

CORRECTION: Sandra D, near London made these nifty snowflake candle holders for everyone in our team swap - aren't they great looking? These can be cut from any thin metal, from pop cans to aluminum flashing to copper sheets - the Big Shot can handle them all!

If you look in the centre you'll see that Sandra used an eyelet to hold two snowflakes together (rotate a quarter turn to slightly offset the snowflake points) and then gently bent each snowflake point upward, forming a cup to hold the tealight candle in place. Very kewl!

I'll be back tomorrow with December 12th's goody!

SIZZIX BLOG HOP: WEEK 4 IS ALMOST OVER

Hi all,

If you are a frequent visitor here @ Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna, you know that

a) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my SIZZIX BIG SHOT die cutting/embossing machine!!

and

b) I'm thoroughly enjoying the current SIZZIX Triple Play Blog Hop, which has 50-60 different designers & crafters of all ilk (or is that ilks?) using the same featured die each week - talk about variety!

Even though Stampin' Up! doesn't carry the specific dies that have been featured in this blog hop (so far) - it's still a great way to learn to look at dies differently and to see all the different mediums you can use with the Stampin' Up! Sizzix dies that you DO OWN!!

I forgot to post when week FOUR started last Thursday, so I'm giving the link to you today so you all have the chance to hop through the blogs to see this week's projects BEFORE they change it to a new die on Thursday Dec 2nd! Oh, and while I'm at it, here are the links to weeks 1, 2 & 3 - so grab a cuppa your favourite hot beverage, tuck your feet up under your quilt, keep warm, and ENJOY!

Triple Play Blog Hop:

WEEK FOUR - Frame & Frame Back with Stand Scoreboards Pro Die

WEEK THREE -Beauty Bloom Originals Die

WEEK TWO -Twist Cube BigzXL Pop-Up Die

WEEK ONE - 3D House Scoreboards Pro Die

cheers,

 

ISN'T THIS THE KEWL-EST CARD?

Just wrapped up tonight's session of GIRLS NIGHT OUT - lots of laughs and lots of creativity floatin' around the room ... I feel so inspired right now! Some of the gals are returning tomorrow for the 10-10-10 crop, so they just left their stuff here in the studio.

We welcomed a new-to-town stamper who was working on some amazing cards using the "Vintage Ornaments 1" set of decor stencils by Stampin' Up! She was so generous, letting us use her stencils to try it out (I gotta get me some of those stencils now, for sure!) They're in the back of the 2010-2011 Definitely Decorative brochure if you want to check them out for yourself.

Thanks Rhonda; we're sure glad you left Manitoba & that you came out to stamp with us tonight!

cheers,

UPDATE: NOV SPECIALS

Wow, there's a lot going on with Stampin' Up! this month - and it's ALL GOOD NEWS for you!

1) The HOLIDAY BUNDLES SPECIAL continues through the month - however due to quality issues with the Ornament Punch, Stampin' Up! has discontinued the "Tags Til Christmas 2" bundle for the duration of the sale. All the other bundles are still available, including "tags Til Christmas 1" with the Decorative Label punch. Great savings are to be had if you order now! Sale ends DEC 16th.

2) HALF PRICE STARTER KITS - the sale continues, but only until Wednesday Nov 30th ... only five days left to purchase either the STANDARD Starter Kit or the DIGITAL+ Starter Kit at 50% off. Imagine, never paying full price for all of your Stampin' Up! purchases again, introducing your family and friends to your love of stamping, and being a member of the most fabulous bunch of Stampin' Up! demonstrators in all of Canada ... my team, the amazing ARTFUL*INKERS!

3) ONLINE SPECTACULAR SALE - save 30-40-50% on selected items, including Sizzix dies, fabric, My Digital Studio, alphabet stamps, NEW BUNDLES, ribbons, brads, Decor Elements, punches and a whole lot more! Plus, if you place a $200 or more order through my ONLINE STORE you'll get FREE SHIPPING, right to your door via UPS! Hey folks, if you're a frugal stamper like me (and who DOESN'T like to save money, especially at THIS time of year?) then you better check out this sale today! Offer ends Nov 30th.

Placing just a small order? Let me do it for you and save on shipping .. call or email me by Saturday night; that's when I'm sending in my next order. (Canada only)

cheers

12 DAYS OF HOLIDAY HELPERS

I can't believe the holidays are approaching so quickly! As a "THANK YOU" to all my newsletter subscribers, I will be sending out a SPECIAL GIFT ... 12 days of HOLIDAY HELPER PROJECTS on a daily basis, starting on November 1st.

If you would prefer not to receive this gift, please let me know before the start date on Nov. 1st. If you aren't a subscriber yet, just click on the link labelled "SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER" and you will receive the HOLIDAY HELPER PROJECTS too!

I hope you enjoy these projects and that they add some fun to your holiday preparations ... if you have any questions about the projects or would like some help ordering the supplies to make them, just give me a call or email and I'll give you a hand ... that's what I'm here for!

cheers

 

BUNDLES IN DETAIL

So I've been getting questions about what Stampin' Up!'s 20% off Bundles actually have in them (I know, the flyer info is pretty small & it's such a hassle to click on links) - anyway, I don't have the techie skills to put the photos and text together for you, but luckily my downline Michelle does, so I "lifted" the following info from her blog. (hugs and thanks, Michelle!!)

Here are the bundles you can order during the ABCs of Holidays Sale:

_____________________________________________________________

1) Vintage Christmas Card Bundle:

 

 

• Bells & Boughs Set
• Deck the Halls Designer Series Paper

Clear Mount- 124068 $24.36, Wood Mount- 124067 $29.96

_____________________________________________________________

2) Contempo Christmas Card Bundle:

 

 

• Contempo Christmas Set
• Jolly Holiday Designer Series Paper

Clear Mount- 124072 $21.96, Wood Mount- 124071 $25.96
_____________________________________________________________

3) Tags Til Christmas Bundle:

 

 

• Tags til Christmas Set
• Decorative Label Punch

Clear Mount- 124078 $41.52, Wood Mount- 124077 $49.52

_____________________________________________________________

4) Gift Packaging Bundle:

 

 

• Gifted Set
• Mini Lunch Sacks

Clear Mount- 124084 $24.72, Wood Mount- 124083 $31.92

_____________________________________________________________

5) Simply Adorned Gift Bundle:

• Charming Set
• Simply Adorned 1" x 1 1/4" Charm
• Simply Adorned 24" Chain

Wood Mount only- 124076 $52.32

_____________________________________________________________

6) Frame Gift Bundle:

 

 

• Definitely Decorative Chunky Frame
• Small Chocolate Chip Dotted Flourish Decor Elements

124075 $23.12

_____________________________________________________________

Aren't these bundles just GREAT?!! I'm seriously looking at the jewelery bundle for myself (too bad I already have the papers and some of the stamps from the other bundles - I could have saved an additional 20%!)

cheers

 

OK, this is a little SCARY, isn't it?  As of today, there are:

Days Till Christmas: 104, Days Till Hanukkah: 80, Days Till Kwanzaa: 105

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

If you plan to SAVE MONEY this year by MAKING YOUR OWN holiday cards (and maybe even gifts, too!) then NOW is time to plan your projects and order your supplies so that you have plenty of time to design, stamp, create, cut, and play without leaving everything to the last minute.

Don't know where to start? I can help you narrow down your choices and find your own style ... that's what I'm here for!

First of all, check out Stampin' Up!'s Holiday Mini for ideas - do you like the fun & bright look of "Candy Cane Christmas" ... or maybe you prefer the retro, vintage look of "Deck the Halls"?

Do you LOVE embellishments? Then check out the jumbo buttons, the big glittery brads, the tinsel trim and glass glitter - all available in the Holiday Mini!

Want to get the kids involved more this year? Try the Candy Countdown Calendar Kit or the Design-a-House - both offer a great opportunity for some Mom-and-Me crafting time.

And for some fresh new Christmas home decor, there are new vinyl Decor Elements called "Candy Cane Christmas" and a beautiful new Decor Stencil called "Vintage Frames".

Oh, and did you see the new SOUND Cards on page 15? One of them even lets you record your own Holiday message! 

Here are a couple of Swap Cards I received, using products from the Holiday Mini ..

 

 

Yep, there's lots of inspiration in the Holiday Mini Catalogue ... click on the cover to view it online, or contact me to get your own copy for free!

cheers

COUNTDOWN TO HALLOWE'EN

I know, I know .. it's the first day of school and we've just barely started the month of September ... but have you been in the stores lately? There are tons of Hallowe'en decorations, costumes and treats lining the shelves - October 31st will be here before you know it!

Stampin' Up! reported at this summer's Convention that Hallowe'en is the third largest party occasion after New Year's and the Superbowl - AND, get this: 2.5 BILLION DOLLARS are spent each year to celebrate Hallowe'en - can you believe it?

Well, decorating and partying DOESN'T HAVE TO BE expensive. Here's a fun and easy way to celebrate all month long with the kids - a Hallowe'en Countdown Calendar!

This project uses several new products from Stampin' Up!, including our Cork Sheets, Bitty Bat Punch, Petal Card Punch and the very spooky "Wicked Fun" Designer Series papers (pg 172).

I'm offering this as a new addition to my September class schedule so that we can have our calendars ready for October 1st. If you live in Ontario, click here for class details.

For everyone else (in Canada) who may live too far away to attend in person, you can still get the project instructions (complete with measurements, step-by-step instructions & colour photos) FOR FREE just by purchasing the following supplies from me:

• #117400 - WICKED FUN Specialty Designer Series Paper -  $14.95 and either
• #119279 - BITTY BAT Large Punch - $22.95 or
• #119273 - PETAL CARD Extra-Large Punch - $24.95

For maximum convenience, use my online ordering service to place this order and it will be shipped directly to your house. Once your order is processed, you'll receive the project instructions in an email. Just save the attachment to your computer and you'll be ready to go!

cheers,

TODAY IS ALL ABOUT THE HOLIDAY

... the Holiday Mini Catalogue from Stampin' Up!, that is!

Starting today you can all view the Holiday Mini online, you can make your wish list and start to order to your heart's content, and best of all: you can come visit me!

The HOLIDAY MINI OPEN HOUSE is today, from 1-4 pm and 7-10 pm!

I've got the new Glass Glitter,Tinsel Trim, Waffle Paper and lots more for you to see and touch in person, 'cause we all know the catalogues are great but nothing beats holding the real thing in your own hands!

Oh, did I mention that I'm giving away a SIZZIX BIG SHOT DIE CUTTER today too?

You can earn extra draw tickets for all kinds of stuff:

* Placing an order of $25 or more before shipping and taxes (one ballot)

* Joining my 40 Carat Stamp Club (two ballots)

* Bringing new-to-me friends with you (one ballot for every friend you bring)

* Book a Stamp Party of your own (two ballots)

* Sign up as a member of my Artful*Inkers Team of demonstrators (three ballots)

What'cha waiting for? I've got the Air Conditioning on .... come on over!

cheers

YOU WANT THIS BAG

Really! This craft tote is the ultimate! And you can have one for FREE in September if you join my team of Stampin' Up! demonstrators ... the amazing Artful*Inkers!

The gals who attended Convention this summer were the first to get their hands on these bags, and everyone is raving about them! The best feature as far as I'm concerned is that the bag is LONG ENOUGH to hold your 12" paper trimmer, without sticking out the top - can I get a WAHOO!

Details
New recruits who join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator between Sept 1st - Oct 18th*, 2010 will receive a FREE craft tote (valued at $49.95) with the purchase of their Starter Kit. (*while supplies last)

Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote Description

• 100% twill nylon exterior; 100% nylon interior
• Dimensions: 15-3/4" x 7-5/8" x 8-7/8"
• Includes attachable shoulder strap for easy transport
• Centre section fits 12" x 12" card stock, Craft Keepers, and Paper Cutter
• Outside pockets fit extra-large punches perfectly
• Outside flap pockets offer secure spot for accessories
• Back zipper pocket holds up to seven Stampin' Pads

You have two choices of Starter Kits - Standard or Digital+ ... which you can modify to suit your needs - and there are two (optional) add-on packages you can get at the same time - Stampin' Memories or Definitely Decorative - all four are chock full of great products and business tools to help you build your own collection of supplies and to share your passion for stampin' with your family and friends!

Want more information?

• STARTER KITS
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• DEMONSTRATOR BENEFITS
  
• HOW TO SIGN UP ONLINE: When you get to this page, click on the JOIN NOW button - you'll need my password (artful_inkers) and your SIN number and a credit card.(Canadians only, please)
• HOW TO SIGN UP THROUGH THE MAIL: Contact me for a paper copy of the Application, Starter Kit order form & Demonstrator Agreement form; I'll help you fill them out and even mail them for you! You can pay by credit card or a certified cheque or money order if you mail in your forms.

Start SAVING money with your hobby TODAY! And don't forget ... the Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote is yours for FREE when you sign up this month!

Contact me at:

519-823-8891 or by email: [email protected]

cheers

BITS AND PIECES

Saturday was a good night in my Stampin' Studio .. hubby was at work, I had the house to myself, & there were no project deadlines bearing down on me - so I rooted around and found some leftover odds and ends ... and I started to play.

Long ago I picked up several three-packs of these white frames on one of my shopping trips in the US and I had used most of them in a class. While cleaning my studio (more of a PURGE, actually) I discovered one last package ...

Frame #1 - I made the silver border using Sticky Strip and Stampin' Up!'s Cosmos Fine silver glitter.

After I attempted to clean up the VERY FINE glitter from everywhere, I found a big chipboard star and four small ones in my stash & embossed them all with silver embossing powder.

Finally, I had a lonely Sticky Shapes star begging to be a part of this project, so I centred it on the larger star (well, I TRIED to centre it), peeled the red covering off, doused it with Dazzling Diamonds glitter, and topped that off with one of the tiny chipboard stars.

It's not rocket science, but I think it turned out pretty cute. And it felt good to be using up some of the bits and pieces that are threatening to take over my studio space. I'll save the other two frames to show you another time.

cheers

QUILT RETREAT UPDATE

I'm home! What a wonderful treat it was to leave everything behind for 48 hours and go to Lesley's beautiful home to work on my quilt! I now see why retreats are so popular; you can get sooo much more done when the usual distractions are removed from the equation.

Each of us worked side-by-side on our own sampler quilts ... each square on the quilts feature different Big Shot dies... yes, you CAN cut fabric on the Sizzix Big Shot; up to eight layers at one time!

Thank you so much Lesley and Ted for your warm hospitality and entertaining stories over dinner; thank you Ruth for driving us up to Lesley's, lugging all my gear in and out of the car, and enjoying the "scenic route" that I navigated on the way home <wink>.

Here are some pics of our quilting bee ... and if this looks like something you'd enjoy, be sure to sign up for my next round of the Big Shot Club, which starts July 2010 - I'll show you all the things a Big Shot can do!

  cheers

QUILTING RETREAT

Feels like I barely got home from our camping trip/family reunion and here I am heading out the door with my suitcase again! Where to this time? Bright & early tomorrow my demo buddy Ruth & I are driving up Barrie way to another demo buddy's home (see you soon, Lesley!) for a 48 hour quilting marathon - Stampin' Up! style!

I can't wait to get started!

We're each going to make our own Big Shot sampler quilt ... each square will feature different appliques cut using our Big Shot die cutting machine - we got the idea from the class we attended in Holland MI last month; the instructor was so inspirational and encouraging that we couldn't resist giving it a try.

I promise photos will be shared on this blog as soon as I can possibly upload them ... and if you want to see the results in person, I'll be home (just) in time for Friday's Girls Night Out; feel free to drop by!

cheers

STENCILLING WITH THE ELEGANT TRIO

Here's a detailed look at one of my June classes:

STEP-IT-UP CLASS on Tues June 15th; from 7:30-9:30 pm

In June's Step-It-Up class you'll be learning four different techniques using one set of stencils to:

• make three cards featuring different stencil techniques
• see a demonstration of a stenciled photo frame
  
• receive a bonus set of Stenciling 101 Instructions

These projects feature the Elegant Trio Décor Stencils and the Thank You Kindly stamp set. The elegant styling and monochromatic colors make this a perfect set to create and use year-round or give as gifts for many occasions.

Once you've mastered these new stencil techniques, you'll be able to create a variety of projects on your own featuring stencils for paper crafting projects like cards and scrapbooks, and also for home décor on frames, vases, walls and furniture!

It's time to register for your June classes! Call or email me now to reserve your seats.

IT'S LIKE BEING IN A CANDY STORE!

OK, so I dragged out my rusty, dusty, old sewing machine last weekend and cleaned her up as best I could.  When it came time to test her out with some ten year old scrap fabrics, I was a bit nervous. This machine was stored in the garage for several years of freezing cold winters, alternating with hot, humid summers; plus I haven't sewn anything in a VERY LONG time ... but you know what? It was just like greeting an old friend!

I knew (without even a pause) exactly how to insert the bobbin and thread the machine - and when I stepped on the pedal, she responded immediately and gave me perfectly even stitches! A flood of memories rushed through my head as I tested her out ... there were so many baby & toddler clothes, Hallowe'en costumes, curtains and pillows, braided wreathes, sewing caddies, fabric baskets ... and even a few small quilts that I've made with this machine; I kinda got choked up for a moment <grin>

And why the sudden resurrection of my interest in sewing?

Why the BIG SHOT, of course! Seeing all the kewl quilts and runners and banners and adornments and other great things that people are making with fabric & the BIG SHOT dies - it was a no-brainer for me; I just HAD to jump on this particular band wagon!

First I got hubby to drag out the tubs of leftover fabric from my past life and I started to play. It didn't take long for me to realize that my colour & pattern selection was woefully out of date, so off I went (whispering in awe) .... to FABRIC LAND.

(NOW the title of this post is starting to make sense, eh?)

OMG, what a variety; what a rainbow of colours; what a temptation to take it all home with me and sew, sew, sew!

However, I showed admirable restraint - I went in with snips of my fabrics from home and matched them up with materials I need to finish the half-dozen or so projects that are currently floating around in my head.

And I only bought a FEW things from the sale bin - well come on; I DO have to update my fabric stash to bring it into the twenty-first century! <grin>

Now I'm off to my studio, where the stamps and papers are pushed aside and sit forlornly, while the tables are covered with fabric, BIG SHOT dies, and my iron. I'll get back to the rubber & ink creations soon, but not today.

cheers

QUILTING THE EASY WAY!

Today has been a wonderful collage of old (and new) friends, beautiful craft samples and amazing “out-of-the-box” thinking … if I had to go home tomorrow, I’d still be happy with all the wonderful things I’ve learned so far … but luckily I have three more days of training to go!

Though much of the focus is on stamping, imagine my surprise to find an entire display of full-size quilts, clothing and wardrobe accessories, all made using the Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting machine! Take a look at these amazing samples …

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed seeing these photos … although they were even more impressive in real life. I can’t wait to try out some of these patterns myself!

I’ll be back to share more ideas tomorrow …

Cheers,

Donna

HOME MADE ORNAMENTS

Now that the last of my Christmas Bazaar appearances is over for this year, I'm focusing on holiday decorating ideas, specifically hand made ornaments.

I'm prepping for my ORNAMENTS & TAGS class coming up next week, plus my team is doing an ORNAMENT SWAP at our Christmas Dinner on the 17th. And I like to make an ornament for each of my family every year - now that they all have their own trees, it's nice to send a little bit of me home with them. I just tie it onto their present instead of a bow!

So today I'm just surfing the web for new ornament ideas to add to my binder & I found some kewl sites with lots of ideas, so I thought I'd just share with all of you. (Of course, I KNOW that you'll be using your Stampin' Up! supplies to make these, right?)

Enjoy!

• http://familycrafts.about.com/od/treeornaments/Christmas_Tree_Ornaments.htm

• http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/christmas/christmas-crafts.html

• http://www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/christmas_ornaments.shtml

• http://familyfun.go.com/christmas/christmas-decorations/christmas-ornaments/

FAKE IT FRIDAY: VOTIVE CANDLE COVER

Time for another installment of FAKE IT FRIDAY ... where I C.A.S.E. (Copy And Share Everything) from my favourite Stampin' Up! Divas - the creme de la creme of the creative craft blogworld!

Today we visit Jan Tink (actually Janine Tinklenberg) over at her blog: "Stamps, Paper, Scissors". I just love Jan's humour and individualistic approach to stamping ... plus she breaks her projects down to the simplest steps, so that even I can succeed on my very first try - now THAT'S TALENT!  <grin>

By using her Movers & Shapers die with her Big shot, Jan found a super easy way to make a votive candle cover  - get this - with NO MEASURING REQUIRED to get the four windows to align evenly! This woman deserves an award, I tell you ... what's the craft-world-equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize, I wonder?

Anyway, here's the cover I made following Jan's video tutorial, which you can view HERE.

Another great feature of this project is that you can make two of them from a single 8-1/2 x 11 sheet of card stock, with absolutely ZERO wastage. 

You'll need four squares of vellum paper or vellum card stock, each one is only 2-1/2" x 2-1/2", so dig into your scrap bin.

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

Stamps: Medallion, Autumn Days, & French Script (retired).

Inks: Creamy Caramel & Close to Cocoa Classic ink pads; Always Artichoke & More Mustard Markers.

Accessories: Eyelet Border Punch, Movers & Shapers: Curly Label Bigz die, Big Shot die cutter, Chocolate Chip ribbon (retired), Sticky Strip.

Thanks Jan, for another inspirational project! I can't wait to make some more!

cheers,

Donna

CHRISTMAS DECOR ELEMENTS BUNDLE

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PREV | NEXT

PREV | NEXT Christmas Decor Elements Bundle #3 Catalog Price : $100.85 Decorating for the holidays is easy with the Christmas Décor Bundle, containing an Old Olive and Real Red Holly Berry Wreath, and Real Red and Chocolate Vintage Ornaments--all 40% off!

Regular Catalogue Price: $100.85

Holiday Extravaganza Price: $60.51

Decorating for the holidays is easy with the Christmas Décor Bundle, containing a Holly Berry Wreath, and Real Red and Chocolate Vintage Ornaments--all 40% off! Three bundles to choose from - all come with CHOCOLATE CHIP & REAL RED ORNAMENTS, but each bundle has a different colour combo for the wreath, to suit your personal decor! Bundle #1: KRAFT & REAL RED WREATH: 120927 Bundle #2: CHOCOLATE CHIP & REAL RED WREATH: item #120298 Bundle #3: OLD OLIVE & REAL RED WREATH: item #120299 These would look very festive on a mirror, window, wall or door. Or how about a glass vase, picture frame, or on the cover of a Christmas scrapbook? Remember, these bundles are only available until Nov. 30, while supplies last. You can order through me via phone, email, or using my online SHOP NOW link above.

FAKE IT FRIDAY: GLASS ORNAMENTS

I can't believe it's Friday already - I love doing this weekly segment 'cause I get to surf the web for ideas and try out new things, and at the same time tell my hubby that I'm working!

Today I've chosen one of my all-time go-to gals for inspiration, Diana Gibbs of Arizona. Diana and her sister Jacqui are both very talented stampers whom I'm proud to call my friends. Funny thing is that even though Jacqui lives much closer to me (only an hour away) I usually see Diana more often in person - at Stampin' Up!'s Convention and Leadership events; go figure. However, I am part of Jacqui's Yahoo Group for demonstrators, and I love all the kewl things she shares online, too!

For today's post, I decided to try Diana's demo of Embossed Glass Ornaments (link). It probably won't surprise you to hear that I already had a supply of plain glass ornaments in my overstuffed "things-to-stamp-on" cupboard (aka my dollar-store treasure chest), so I pulled out a couple of different shaped ornaments to try today.

Now I have made these before (that is to say, I've stamped on acetate, coloured the image and inserted it into the ornament) but I really liked the added effect of embossing the inside of the glass with "Iridescent Ice" embossing powder - it really adds something to the finished project!

Once again, I can't stress enough how important (and sensible) it is to read the instructions THOROUGHLY before you start. Just wish I could get that message through my own thick skull. (chuckle)

What did I do wrong? Well, let's just say that Diana wasn't kidding when she said the glass gets really hot when you're embossing!!!! So ... after I soaked my burnt little fingers in cold water I tried again, this time holding the ornament with a towel ... that was another bad idea. Towels will start to scorch before the embossing powder has fully set. Plus, my EP just wasn't setting evenly - some spots were fine while others stayed powdery.

I finally admitted defeat and went back to Diana's site for another look-see - let me tell you, things went much easier once a) I switched to holding the ornament by the neck with my tweezers (duh), and b) I pointed my heat tool all over the OUTSIDE of the ornament (I was aiming it inside, through the tiny opening ... double duh!)

I had to guess what size to make the acetate circles, depending on the size of the ornament. One ended up too small and the design was turning upside down once it was inside. I ended up pulling it back out with my tweezers (you'll need three hands to do that!) and instead of stamping all over again on a larger circle, I just glued my small one to a larger one, using a glue dot behind the red bow - it worked fine!

They ended up looking pretty kewl ... my hubby was even impressed, and that's saying something! I think I'll offer these in an ornament and tag class in December - they'd look nice tied onto a gift as a keepsake, don't you think?

PS: Be sure to visit Diana's blog HERE and Jacqui's blog HERE - and tell them I say HI!

cheers,

Donna

PILLOW BOX BASKET

It all started with Lynn Put's adorable Jack O'Lantern basket made from 3 pillow box dies cut with her Big Shot .. kudos to Lynn for thinking outside the box!

Lynn wrote a tutorial for Split Coast Stampers, and Beate added a video with her own take on the idea, and well, now there are patches of pumpkin baskets popping up everywhere in the cyber-stamping world!

Not wanting to be left behind, I gave it a try this morning and I can cheerfully report that making the basket is super easy .. but if you get a little carried away with the decorating (like me, ahem) then time can just slip away while you play, lol.

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away here in Canada, so I decorated my basket for our family dinner table. Now you have to imagine that this little basket is chock full to the rim with chocolate Kisses wrapped in gold, copper and orange.

Let me tell you, I really had to fight the urge to go right out & buy them for this photo, 'cause I know darn well that I won't be able to leave them alone until Thanksgiving ... come on, it's CHOCOLATE!

Want to make this basket too? Contact me to get the supplies!

You don't own a Big Shot? You can use mine during Girls Night Out

cheers,

Donna

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: GROWTH CHART

This just in from Stampin' Up!: "Demonstrators and customers alike love the Décor Elements Growth Chart special offer so much, it is now the top selling Décor Elements item for the month of August! Lucky for you, this offer is still available until September 30, during the Just for Kids campaign."

Stampin' Up! has received a lot of great photos and tips from demonstrators who have been selling and using this new, limited-time Décor Elements item; let me share a few of them with you...

Ideas for Marking Heights

Alana, a demonstrator from Alberta, uses the Décor Elements sheets (page 158 of the Idea Book & Catalog), the My Way punch (item #110709), and the White Gel pen (item # 105021)to create height markers for her Growth Chart.

Julienne, a demonstrator from Illinois, put her Growth Chart up in her playroom, and uses the cute birds made with the Birds & Blooms Sizzlit die (item #113485) to track her kids' growth. "Since my growth markers are movable," she says, "I plan to take photos of the children at various milestones and then record the date and measurement in a 'Watch me Grow' mini book."

And here's my personal favourite ... all you teachers out there, take note:

Dale, a demonstrator and second-grade teacher from Louisiana reports, "Everyone at my school decorates their classroom doors, so I decided to use the growth chart on mine. This was the first Décor Element I had put up . . . and I'm hooked!"

Here's how Dale plans to use the growth chart at her school:

"On the first day of school, I always take a picture of each student . . . so I will take it in front of the grow chart. At the end of the year, I'll take a second picture and send both of them home with our last writing project which will be a book about how they have grown to be better students during the year. I also plan to use the growth chart during Math and let the students compare the length and height of various objects. I'm going to invite other classes to send their tallest and shortest students to be measured on our door, and we'll compare the differences to the tallest and shortest in our room."

"Since my main focus is getting my students to be better readers, I also plan to use the chart to graph the number of books they have read at home . . . so I will be putting other numbers where the metric ones were and adding student names and small punched shapes to the door to show how many books they read."

"Last but not least, my new door decoration has already had lots of comments and questions about where I got it. It's a great conversation starter!"

Remember, the Décor Elements Growth Chart is only available through September 30, so order yours today!

cheers,

NEW: STAMPIN' UP! CHANNEL ON YOUTUBE!

How kewl is this!!!!
Stampin' Up! has launched their own channel on YouTube ... so far there are eight different videos, each showcasing some of Stampin' Up!'s various product lines including:

• BIG SHOT DIE CUTTING MACHINE
• DECOR ELEMENTS - HOME DECOR
• STENCILS - HOME DECOR
• SCRAPBOOKING, &
• RUBBER STAMPING (naturally!)

There are eight videos so far, with more to be added on a regular basis - WAHOO!!! You may have seen some of these first eight videos on www.stampinup.com or on  my business website's project gallery, but NOW they are soooo much easier to view ...

Just click on the STAMPIN UP! VIDEO link in the right column of this page & it will take you directly to Stampin' Up!'s YouTube channel

... OR ...

Click on the CREATIVE RESOURCES link in the right column of this page & you can watch all the videos right here on my blog

... OR ...

If you are a regular YouTube viewer, you can suscribe to Stampin' Up!s channel by going here: http://www.youtube.com/user/stampinupvideo

So go grab a cuppa your favourite brew, sit back & ENJOY!!

MY LATEST HOME DECOR ATTEMPT

Hi all,

I know, I know, I'm supposed to be posting projects from the Occasions Mini; but...

I finally ordered & received the Decor Elements piece that I've been dieing to put up in my Stampin' Studio's bathroom ...I'm thrilled with how it turned out; what do YOU think?

These photos run from left to right, starting at the edge of the shower, skipping the sink area 'cause we still haven't bought the white framed mirror, turning the corner over the towel bar, and finishing on that wall behind the door. (The walls are painted a VERY pale blue - it looked almost white on the sample swatch)

I was really pleased: one package did roughly 12-14 feet of circles (I'm too lazy to go downstairs to measure the walls). They came in three sheets: one with all the Bashful Blue circles, one for all the Chocolate Chip, and one for all the Certainly Celery. I just cut them apart, taped them up temporarily while I played with the design, then applied them, overlapping as I went.

To see a photo tutorial of this project, look under PAST ARTICLES on the left side of your screen (you may have to scroll up or down)

OK, hubby is working today, so I'm off to the studio to finish some Occasions Mini projects to show you!