Stampin' & Scrappin' with Donna

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

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

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

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

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

cheers,

OLD MEETS NEW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time,

IT'S HERE, IT'S HERE!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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,

 

ACRYLIC DISTRESS TECHNIQUE

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

SOME STAMPIN' THERAPY

Life is slowly returning to normal after losing my father to Cancer earlier this month. The spring bulbs are blooming this week, which gives us a sense of renewal and a fresh start. I've been edging myself back into my routines, and I thank you all for sticking by me while I find my way back to a creative frame of mind.

Last Monday I got a real boost in the arm when I attended our team's monthly meeting which Samantha Forrest and Diane Hilborn had all planned out (thank you both, and Julie Leblanc too in February for keeping the team going in my absence!) Having friends is always a treasure, but having Crafty Friends just brings an extra special bond and warmth ...  and the Artful*Inkers team are true-blue crafty friends. Thank you all for being there for me on Monday, and over the last few months too.

So, back to getting creative again ... so much has happened while I was absent - I missed sharing my Leadership projects with you in January; Valentines Day has come and gone without a single card from me, and St. Patrick's Day is history too. Now we're all focusing on Spring themes in our creations, along with Easter and Mother's Day - whew! I have a whole pile of cards I received over the last couple of months that I plan to share here with you, as well as some of my Leadership projects. Since the products are still all currently available, I hope you'll bear with me as I play catch-up over the next few weeks with my posts.

For today, I wanted to show you some cards that my team mates and I made for a creative challenge called "white spaces" - which just means keeping the card clean & simple, letting lots of white show through .. you know, the type of stuff we RARELY do when we get out all of our stash and start adding layer after layer of goodness. Well, sometimes CLEAN AND SIMPLE is good too! Enjoy ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#1- by Diane Hilborn, featuring SPRINKLED EXPRESSIONS stamp set, EVERYDAY ENCHANTMENT ribbon, & DESIGNER FRAMES embossing folders from the SALE-A-BRATION brochure (expires March 31, 2012)

#2 - by me, Donna Henley, featuring ADORNING ACCENTS embossing folders & Edgelets dies, LARGE PEARL BASIC JEWELS, MIXED BUNCH stamp set, & BLOSSOM punch  - all from the OCCASIONS MINI CATALOGUE (expires April 30, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#3 - by Samantha Forrest, featuring one of the 2011-2012 In Colours, CONCORD CRUSH, as well as the ELEMENTS OF STYLE stamp set from the current Idea Book & Catalogue (expires May 31, 2012 - NOT June 30th, by the way!). Samantha used the SPOTLIGHT technique, one of my faves.

#4 - by Vanessa Manklow, featuring LOVE & LAUGHTER stamp set (from the Occasions Mini), Basic Black 1/8" TAFFETA RIBBON, the FINIAL PRESS embossing folder & Big Shot, and silver embossing powder to really make the stamped image stand out.

I'll have some more team swap cards to share with you all tomorrow...

NEW OCCASIONS MINI CATALOGUE IS HERE!

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

cheers



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

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

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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

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

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

PLACE: Crafters Cupboard, 430 Laird Rd, Guelph

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

RESERVE YOUR SEAT ONLINE AND PAY AT THE CLASS

cheers,

The Most Wonderful (and Busiest) Time of the Year

The Most Wonderful (and Busiest) Time of the Year

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

Here are some reasons why:

It’s relaxing...

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

It’s personal...

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

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

It’s festive...

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

cheers,

 

 

 

6 SECRETS OF PERFECT STAMPING & A CONTEST!

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

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

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

Enjoy!

IT'S ALL COMING TOGETHER

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

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

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

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

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

See you on Saturday!!

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND!

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

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

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

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

Hope you're enjoying this beautiful Ontario weather!

cheers

COTTAGE DAYS - THIS WEEKEND!

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

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

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

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"Off to the Cottage" Event

~ 2 Days of Interactive Demonstrations ~

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

 

Schedule of Interactive Demos:

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

Saturday 9 - 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                    

Saturday 1 - 4

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

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

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

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

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

 

Sunday 9 - 12

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

 

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

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

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

Sunday 1 - 4

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 PLUS~ Sale on specially created "Cottage Kits" ~

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

RETIRING BIG SHOT GOODIES

One section of Stampin' Up!'s RETIRING ACCESSORIES LIST is devoted to the Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine - here you'll find the dies & Texturz Plates that will be retired June 30th to make room for new product in the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalogue...

If you need any of these dies for your Big Shot collection, better order them quickly, because they are available only while current stock lasts!

PG 206, #113472: Circle 3-D Ornament Bigz Die - $26.95
PG 206, #113473: 5-Point 3-D Star Bigz Die - $26.95

PG 207, #114523: Decorative Accents Bigz Die - 25% OFF, NOW $20.21
PG 207, #114532: Telephone & Address Bigz Clear Die - 25% OFF, NOW $20.21             PG 207, #114534: Flower Bigz Clear Die - 25% OFF, NOW $20.21

PG 208, #113483: Pennant Bigz XL Die - 40% OFF, NOW $32.37
PG 208, #116819: Table Setting Bigz XL Die - 40% OFF, NOW $34.77

PG 209, #113484: Baskets & Blooms Bigz XL Die - 25% OFF, NOW $40.46
PG 209, #115961: Perfect Setting Bigz XL Die - 40% OFF, NOW $34.77
PG 209, #115966: Pop-Up Look Here Bigz XL Die - 40% OFF, NOW $34.77
PG 209, #116760: Pop-Up Three Tier Cake Bigz XL Die - 40% OFF, NOW $32.37
PG 209, #116822: O Christmas Tree Pop-Up Bigz XL Die - 40% OFF, NOW $34.77

PG 210, #114530: Flower Blossom Sizzlits Die - $6.95
PG 210, #115973: Joyful Sizzlits Die - 40% OFF, NOW $4.50
PG 210, #115974: Curves Ahead Sizzlits Die - 25% OFF, NOW $5.62
PG 210, #116823: Merry Details Sizzlits Die - 25% OFF, NOW $5.62
PG 210, #118140: Tree Decorations Sizzlits Die - 40% OFF, NOW $4.50

PG 211, #113448: Hearts Set Sizzlits Die Pack - $26.95
PG 211, #113485: Birds & Blooms Sizzlits Die Pack - 40% OFF, NOW $17.97
PG 211, #114509: Big Bold Cupcakes Sizzlits Die Pack - $29.95

PG 212, #113450: Go Go Boots Alphabet Medium Sizzlits Dies - 25% OFF, NOW $70.46
PG 212, #113452: Join in the Cheer Sizzlits Decor. Strip Die - 40% OFF, NOW $17.97
PG 212, #113456: Swirly Sizzlits Decorative Strip Die -$26.95

PG 213, #115955: Hearts & Brackets Originals Die - $23.95

PG 215, #114514: Simple Flower Embosslits Die - 40% OFF, NOW $9.57
PG 215, #114516: Cherry Blossom Embosslits Die - 40% OFF, NOW $9.57
PG 215, #114531: Texturz Plates Kit #4 Texturz Plates - $13.25
PG 215, #115952: Hi Embosslits Die - 40% OFF, NOW $9.57
PG 215, #115957: Thanks Embosslits Die - 40% OFF, NOW $9.57
PG 215, #116820: Merry Embosslits Die - 25% OFF, NOW $11.96

PG 217, #117327: Beary Hoppy Sizzlits Die - 25% OFF, NOW $5.96
PG 217, #117979: Kooky Spooky Originals Die - 25% OFF, NOW $19.46
PG 217, #117980: Beary Merry Orginals Die - $25.95
PG 217, #117981: Beary Boy Sizzlits Die - $7.95
PG 217, #117982: Beary Girl Sizzlits Die - 25% OFF, NOW $5.96
PG 217, #117983: Pawsitively Embosslits Die - $15.95
PG 217, #117984: Li'l Paws Embosslits Die - $15.95
PG 217, #117987: Beary Lovely Sizzlits Die - 25% OFF, NOW $5.96

This list is current as of Saturday June 11 @ 10 pm. Visit my online store to confirm availability of your retiring accessories at the time of your order. If you prefer to place an order with me via phone or email, please list your second and third choices for each retiring die.

cheers

 

BIG CHANGES COMIN' MY WAY, part one

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cheers,

Donna

HOW MANY PROJECTS CAN ONE STAMPER HAVE ON THE GO?

Sounds like the start of a bad joke, like ... how many stampers does it take to ... never mind.

I'm one of those gals who can't finish anything in one sitting ... as a result, I have TOO MANY unfinished projects on the go on any given day (week, month, even year!)

Funny thing, but In the last six days (coincidently the same length of time my dear daughter has gone past her due date to deliver my precious grandbaby) ... I've had the urge to pick up several half finished projects and as they say, "get 'er done"

So I thought I'd share what I've managed to finish this past week or so ... and I'd love to hear your comments: are you a multi-tasker like me, or one of those "must-finish-this-before-I-start-that" type of crafter? (I can't imagine what that lifestyle would even feel like!)

 

First, a quick card I made for my son-in-law's birthday earlier in March ... with a retired set from Stampin' Up! that fits our family's activities so well that I kept it in my stash. SiL is an avid canoer, camper & fisherman ... I tied the bike onto the back of the jeep to represent all the kiddy stuff he's gonna have to start taking along on their camping trips <grin>

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next - here's a super fun and easy pop-up card that I found online and used as one of the make & take projects at my team's March meeting.

It starts with an 8x8" piece of card stock, add some scoring, glue one corner, and decorate to your heart's content - couldn't be easier! We used the "Ice Cream Parlor" designer series papers, self-adhesive die cuts, printed ribbon and buttons - all of which are FREE with purchase during SALE-A-BRATION this month - gotta love the free stuff!!

Next up is a personal favourite .. this bookmark was our second make & take project at March's Artful*Inkers Team meeting .. designed and presented by Joanna.

I love the bright colours that Joanna used - this also looks great in Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, and Melon Mambo - all from the Brights Collection, which coordinated perfectly with the stack of Brights Patterned Designer Series Papers ... clever girl, our Joanna!

 

We used five different Stampin' Up! punches to make this - can you name them all?

I loved the bookmark project so much that I added it to the roster for my "Mom & Me" March Break class, held last Wednesday afternoon. We all wore hats (for the Mad Hatter Tea Party theme) and decorated them with these flowers, made on the Sizzix Big Shot die-cutting machine:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our final project at the "Mom & Me" class was a Friendship Book .. a mini scrapbook made from plain drink coasters bound together using my little sprial binding machine.

The girls had a grand old time choosing their papers, ink colours and chipboard embellishments to give each book it's own special touches.

Of course, we had to leave room inside to add photos of our best friends later, along with lists of our favourite movies this year, books we've read, and anything else we wanted to remember about 2011!

Then we wrapped up the afternoon with a tea party upstairs in my dining room .. I wish I had gotten photos of everyone who came; but here's one of the person who travelled the farthest to attend!

Thank you all for sharing part of your March Break vacation crafting with me!

Ok, more projects to share tomorrow ... for now, make sure you've ordered all the freebies you want out of the Sale-a-Bration brochure 'cause it ends March 31st.

Also, this Wednesday is the last day to register for our final session of the Techniques Stamp Camp - this time to be held in Waterloo on Sat April 2nd.

And I'm still offering 10% off orders placed before my grandbaby arrives .. something tells me you shouldn't dawdle on this one! <grin>

cheers

 

 

NEW ROUND OF BIG SHOT CLUB IN JANUARY

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

WHY JOIN? HERE ARE THE PERKS:

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

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

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

or

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

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

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

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

cheers

 

SAY GOODBYE

... to Stampin' Up!'s HOLIDAY MINI catalogue; the last day to order is January 3rd (gasp, that's coming up fast!)

Why not take advantage of my ongoing BOXING WEEK SALE to get the last of your favourites from the best HOLIDAY MINI we've had to date - hey, it's a frugal-good time to stock up for next Christmas!

cheers

DAY 19: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Here it is, Sunday already ... and less than a week to go before Christmas arrives ...

OK, true confession time: I'm a fraud. I actually wrote this last Thursday night and I basically haven't been home since I wrote it, what with final exams wrapping up on Friday and travelling on Saturday to the other side of Toronto and then heading north to attend several family functions this weekend including a surprise birthday party AND a Christmas concert .. lately my life is running on as long as this sentence has!

Good thing the next week will be quiet and relaxing - NOT! I still haven't finished my Christmas cards, let alone the shopping, wrapping and baking! I sure hope your pre-holiday days are in better shape than mine, lol!

Thank goodness for all the little gifts I've been opening this month; they remind me of the good friends I have and all that is truly important in life. That and stamping in my studio keeps the holiday stress at bay; without friends and creative outlets ... I'd be a basket case.

Speaking of gifts and good friends, here's today's swap surprise in the Artful*Inkers' Countdown to Christmas swap ... made by the effervescent Eva-Marie (aka Nathalie) waaaay up in Deep River, Ontario:

LOVE this colour combo: Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy and Whisper White. The box you've seen before - it's the very versatile Fancy Favour Box Bigz XL die (made by Sizzix exclusively for Stampin' Up!) and the snowflake embellishment on the front is also cut on the Sizzix Big Shot with the new Northern Frost Decorative Strip die, another Stampin' Up! exclusive.

I've included a pic of the back of the box to show you the all-over snowflake pattern stamped in Not Quite Navy Classic ink, and the punched holes to tie the box closed with ribbon. Once you've cut and scored this box on your Big Shot machine, it practically makes itself!

What's inside, you ask? Eva-Marie gave us all some lovely bath salts and some very unusual candies - I've never seen candy-coated chocolate sea shells before this; they remind me of little hermit crabs! Can't wait to dig into them as soon as we're back home.

I'll post again on Monday (this time in "real time") to share Dec 19th's surprise.

cheers

 

SIZZIX TRIPLE PLAY BLOG HOP: WEEK 7

Here it is ... the link to the 7th and FINAL week of the Sizzix blog hop (I'm sorry to see it end!)

This week features the Treat Toppers die - again, we don't carry this die at Stampin' Up! but I'm sure you'll see how easy it would be to adapt some of these projects using the Sizzix dies that we DO carry ... like the Top Note die, for one!

Enjoy your tour through these very creative blogs - and drop by sometime to try out the Sizzix Big Shot die-cutter at my studio! Better yet, consider joining the next round of my Big Shot club which starts in January 2011 - click here for all the details, then send an email to [email protected] to reserve your spot.

cheers

DEC 15: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Guess what ... I have another matchbox card to show you today - I told you it's a versatile project! <grin>

Brenda H had to mail us her swaps all the way from Ottawa (I'm thinking of you gals up there with all the snow you've been getting!!) You may not be able to see by the photo, but the Confetti Cream card front has been embossed using the Sizzix Big Shot and one of Stampin" Up!'s Sizzix Texturz Templates ... or is it an embossing folder? I'm too eager to see what's inside to stop and look it up in my catalogue, lol. The ornament punches are hung with Stampin' Up!'s Linen Thread, and there's some Old Olive Super Nova Stampin' Glitter on one ornament to give it the finishing touch.

Brenda made her matchbook card a little bigger than Karen's from yesterday. Why? Well, to hold a CD, of course! Brenda decorated a CD label with a cute snowman, lots of flakes and a greeting - now I'm not sure if she stamped the labels by hand and coloured them in or if she used the new digital CD Label template that Stampin' Up! just released for MY DIGITAL STUDIO .. I'll have to ask her!

At first I thought the CD was an ornament ... I checked the back; nope, no decorations there ... so for the heck of it I popped it into my computer and ....

Christmas music!!! Wahoo!!! I'm listening right now to a selection of Brenda's favourite carols by Aretha Franklin, Faith Hill, and a whole range of different artists - how kewl is that?!!! Thank you so much, Brenda!!

I'm getting really excited for Christmas now - can't wait to see what the next swap surprise brings! I'll meet you back here tomorrow and we'll open it together, ok?

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 TWELVE: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Why is it that my day off ends up being busier than the rest of the week ... what's up with that? This is the first moment I've had all day to photograph and post December 12th's surprise, so since I've kept you waiting this long ... here goes!

My long time buddy Debbie in Brantford whipped up this package of goodies using her Big Shot die cutter and the Sizzix Pillowbox die in classic red and white Christmas colours.

Classy yet quick: Debbie attached a piece of red satin ribbon to the top side only, letting it drape over the edges. Then ends of the pillow box were held close with a bit of adhesive.

Inside I discovered some ribbons and candies ... yum! Thanks, Debbie!

I'm off to pre-post tomorrow's surprise so that it's here first thing in the morning!

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!

DAY TEN: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Today's surprise in the Artful*Inkers' "Countdown to Christmas" comes from Wilma in Kitchener - another great way to make treat bags with Stampin' Up!'s mini paper bags (featured in the Holiday Mini catalogue).

Wilma added some special touches: the Bashful Blue card stock has been embossed with the Northern Flurry Sizzix embossing folder to give some added texture; a half circle of velcro holds the flap closed & keeps the goodies tucked inside; the petal card punch was used to create the pocket on the front, and a white grosgrain ribbon handle adds the finishing touch. Oh, and don't forget the glitter on Frosty's hat and scarf!

Thanks Wilma for an adorable little gift bag in a really sweet colour combination!

We're almost halfway through the Christmas Countdown - and there have been some amazing hand-crafted creations so far ... wouldn't you agree? I can't wait to see what's still in store!

cheers

 

DAY 8: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

I'm pretty late posting about today's gift in my team's Countdown to Christmas swap, but it's only 10 pm my time ... so technically it's still December 8th!

This little gem was created by Tania of Guelph. I love it because it's easy and inexpensive to recreate ... I think I'll make one for every place setting on Christmas Day! Tania told us she used duct tape from the hardware store - not the Red Green/man's best friend kind of duct tape, but the real thing that's used to seal heating ducts - it's a really thin silver metallic tape that cuts & embosses in the Big Shot like a hot knife through butter, and it's got adhesive on the back so you just need to peel and stick! Don't you think it's perfect for making detailed little snowflakes?

Oh, and I need to correct something from yesterday's gift. Deb explained that the snowflakes on the ornament were cut from Stampin' Up!'s Sizzix Adhesive Sheets, then she stuck them down and then added glitter - much less mess than trying to stamp on little round ornaments (been there, tried that).

Thanks girls for showing me two more things to make with the "Northern Frost" Sizzix Decorative strip die ... now I REALLY NEED to buy that one too! <grin>

I'll be back tomorrow with Day 9's surprise ... it's so heavy and in a plain box so I have no idea what it can be!

cheers

 

DAY FOUR: CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

And the gifts just keep on coming! Here's the adorable treat I received for Dec 4th, made by the talented Vanessa of Mississauga ... isn't he cute?

And he's functional, too! Check out the side view photo to see how he's put together. Inside I discovered some delicious candy canes in not-so-traditional colours - I guess the only way to guess the flavours will be by a taste test ... yummy!

Thanks Vanessa for such a sweet gift idea! I'm thinking he'd be just as cute filled with note cards or gift tags too ... you know, for the non-sweet types on our gift lists <wink>

I'll be back tomorrow with December 5th's surprise in the Artful*Inkers' Countdown to Christmas.

cheers

SIZZIX BLOG HOP, Week 5

It's the first day of this week's Triple Play Blog Hop and I'm giddy with excitement! The featured die this week is their BigzXL 3D Pop-Up Gift Card Holder ... not the one that Stampin' Up! carries, but I'm sure hoping some of the ideas will be re-creatable with ours too!

Here's the link:

Sizzix Triple Play Blog Hop - Week 5 - Gift Card Holder

Enjoy!

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,

 

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

TRIPLE PLAY SIZZIX BLOG HOP, WEEK 2

"It's Blog Hop Day again! This week the Sizzix guest designers are using the Bigz XL Cube, Twist 3-D (Pop-up) Die by Karen Burniston. Each of the designers received a set of pieces to construct a twist cube. The decoration was completely up to them. Take a spin through the blogs to see amazingly clever ideas for using this versatile pop-up die."

Note from Donna:

Again, I know we don't sell this particular Sizzix die at Stampin' Up! - but holy cow, wouldn't it be kewl if it showed up in an upcoming catalogue? In the meantime, I hope this week's blog hop inspires you to think outside of the box (pun intended) when playing with your own Big Shot dies. Enjoy!

TRIPLE PLAY SIZZIX BLOG HOP, WEEK 2 (3D Twist Cube die)

 

A BLOG HOP FOR BIG SHOTS

If you own a Big Shot, want to own a Big Shot, own a different die cutting machine or love any kind of 3D crafting - you WON'T want to miss the TRIPLE PLAY BLOG HOP, hosted by Sizzix!

Running from Nov 4 to Dec 16, each week the host chooses one of the Sizzix dies and each of the 60 artists (yes, I said SIXTY!) post their design using the die of the week. How kewl is that?!!?

The blog hop changes every Thursday, so if you want to see WEEK ONE'S projects (featuring the pop-up house die) just click here - but you'll have to do it before this coming Thursday the 11th, 'cause that's when they'll be putting up a new week's worth of projects.

Just look for the Triple Play symbol on participating blogs, and use the forward and back links to go from one blog to the next. It couldn't be easier - but remember to bookmark your favourite projects because the links will be gone after Thursday!

Now I realize that you're gonna see lots of dies that we don't carry at Stampin' Up! right now, but who knows what we'll get in the next catalogue! In the meantime, touring the blogs of these talented paper crafters and die designers will hopefully inspire you to experiment with the dies we DO carry - maybe you can submit your project to Sizzix for a future blog tour and I'll be able to say "I knew you when", lol!

Enjoy!

IT'S LATE, BUT I JUST HAD TO SHARE

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

Diane made some gift bags for work,

Lynda played with the owl punch,

 

 

 

 

 

Lori experimented with masking and brayering,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

cheers

SANTA OWL CARD

How cute is this? I followed a CardMaps sketch that uses strips of patterned paper in the background - I thought it was a great way to use up some scraps of retired Designer series papers I have laying around! (click on the weirdly distorted photos for a clear close up look)

The sketch showed an owl sitting on a branch, so I pulled out my Owl Punch and Bird Punch from Stampin' Up! and started to play...

The snowy branches are made with the Bird Punch, the hat is stamped from "Sock Monkey Accessories", and the white fluffy stuff is Liquid Applique, which I still have in the drawer from back in the day when Stampin' Up! sold it.

My Santa Owl is popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals, and the background behind him is embossed on my Sizzix Big Shot with an embossing folder that isn't from Stampin' Up! I tried our new "Northern Flurry" embossing folder first, but it didn't quite give me the all-over coverage that I wanted this time.

Looking at this card reminds me that snow isn't far off .. but not this weekend - the weatherman is promising warm and sunny days for our Canadian Thanksgiving!

cheers

HAPPY "WORLD CARD MAKING DAY"

The first Saturday in October is "WORLD CARD MAKING DAY" - did you know that?

Stampin' Up! and many other companies have supported this day for several years now, and there are many online card-making events happening today. I hope you have the chance to check them out for inspiration .. and I hope you can take a few minutes today to make someone a card!

As for me, I'll be at a stamp party this afternoon with Linda and her friends - I've got four very kewl projects lined up for them to try.

Sorry you and I couldn't be together to stamp today ... but here are more pictures of just a few of the beautiful swap cards I received at Stampin' Up!'s Regional training event last month ... ENJOY!!

 

 

CARD 1: by Mary Rodgers, NY; CARD 2: by Samantha Forrest, ON

 

 

 

 

 

CARD 3: by Ruth Millard, ON (Can you see the shimmer mist on the purple background?)

 

 

 

 

 

CARD 4: by Brenda Lassaline, ON; CARD 5: by Lisa Jewer, ON

 

 

 

Happy World Card Making Day!

MAKE YOUR OWN DESIGNER PAPER

This may be the kewlest idea I brought home from Stampin' Up!'s Hamilton Regionals last weekend: custom-made designer paper, using the Sizzix Big Shot!

No way? WAY!!!

Karen Long of Amherst, NY showed  us how during her Workshop WOW demonstration, and even Shelli Gardner was wowed by this one ... I tried it out for myself today, and shared it with the gals in my Big Shot club tonight:

Now these are unfinished cards; pretty simple & bold. Don't let that turn you away ... I can see a lot of possibilities using this technique.

HOW-TO-DO-IT: Cut or punch shapes, stripes, or whatever out of card stock in the colours of your choice. Adhere the shapes to a piece of card stock (or in this case, a card front).

Then, run the whole thing through an embossing folder on your Big Shot machine - the shapes will appear as if they're fused to the background .. as if it were printed paper!

 

You can see a bit better in these close-up photos - pretty kewl, eh? And it's a great way to use up your scrap pieces of card stock, too!

I can't wait to try some more - maybe some of the small bat punches to make a Hallowe'en background!

My favourite sample by Karen was just a strip of this technique down one side of the card; I want to C.A.S.E that one too, just as soon as I find a picture of it.(Nope, I didn't think to take pictures during her presentation - I was too busy picking my chin up off the ground, lol)

Try it out for yourself, and let me know how it goes, ok?

cheers

 

 

TINY TEACUP

That's the name of the cutest little stamp by Stampin' Up! - it's one of our "A la Carte" line of single stamps (very frugally priced at $12 & under, by the way)

Tiny Teacup is ALSO the stamp that everyone received at Heather Summers' pre-Regionals event in Hamilton last Friday night, along with all the fixin's to make a whole bunch of coordinating Make & Take projects - check 'em out:

Top Left: shaker card with real coffee beans in the bubble ... and it's a gift card holder on the inside - perfect for a Starbucks or Tim Horton's gift card!

Top Right: quick and easy pouch card - and it's holding a packet of hot chocolate!

Bottom Left: twist treat holder, made on the Big Shot with Stampin' Up!'s "Candy Wrapper" die. (Mine is empty - I ate the chocolate, lol!)

Bottom Right: Heather & her friends hand-dipped a bunch of spoons in yummy chocolate and we decorated them with a Tiny Teacup gift tag - how kewl is that?!

Left: Here's the cute matchbook card we made up in a jiffy

Right: and we made a little 3x3" card to fit inside, along with some tea!

Put them all together in a basket with a mug, and you've got a great "take the chill off" gift set! I'm offering this as a product class (everyone gets a "Tiny Teacup" stamp and a roll of 1/2" seam binding ribbon in Always Artichoke) - let me know if you are interested and we'll book a date!

cheers

I'M NOT REALLY HERE, BUT ...

If you're reading this on Friday morning, I'm out and about with my mom, we each have a dozen different errands to run all in one morning - THAT should be interesting!

If you're reading this on Friday afternoon, I'm on my way to the Hamilton Regionals, hosted by none other than Stampin' Up!'s founder, Shelli Gardner! WAHOOOO!!

It'll be a weekend of swappin, stampin', and catchin' up with old friends; I can't wait!! On Monday, I'll have lots of samples and the latest from Stampin' Up! to share with you here.

In the meantime, I wanted to show you some more cards that my friend Dion & I got from a Canada-wide demonstrator swap we took part in, featuring stamps, papers and embellishments from the Holiday Mini.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

AND THE MADNESS CONTINUES

It feels like I haven't stopped moving since yesterday's post ... though I DO vaguely remember falling into bed at some point late last night ... September is BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!

I want to show you the kewl cards we made at last night's CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY class - all were designed by fellow demonstrator Debbie McNeil and feature Stampin' Up!'s new Waffle Papers, "Tags Til Christmas" stamp set, & the coordinating "Decorative Label" punch. 

 

These were a step up from simple card-making, but oh-so-worth the extra effort!

Photos don't do these cards justice - for example you can't really see that every card has been embossed on the Big Shot using the "Lattice" embossing folder, or that every card had my new FAVE embellishment, Rhinestone Jewels!

For the frugal stamper, all the designer series papers you see come from the same package: "Jolly Holiday" (page 174).

There are two more CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY card classes in the series: Wed Oct 20th and Wed Nov 24 at my stampin' studio. If you're local & want to attend, why not register early to save your seat! Email me today at [email protected]

I'm off to silk-screen some more T-Shirts for my team event this Saturday - I'll post more cards tomorrow!

cheers,

 

HALLOWE'EN HIGHLITES

I've spent a couple of hours today visiting some of my favourite blogs and trying out all kinds of fun Hallowe'en craft projects ... have a look! (Don't forget, you can always click on the pictures for a close-up look!)

Here's a cute Frankenstein Lantern designed by Julie Leblanc - I followed the directions on her blog and had this fellow made up in no time! I've promised the gals at Guelph Lake Commons that we'll make Hallowe'en Lanterns at next month's craft session instead of the usual cards, and I know that Frankie will suit the bill perfectly; all he needs is a battery-operated tea light. Hmm, wonder if I can make this into a witch lantern ...

Over on Creations by Patti, I discovered a new use for Stampin' Up!'s Petal Card Punch (page 202, IB&C) - I made the mummy character in a matter of minutes by following her instructions, but check out all her other Hallowe'en characters, too! Now to slip a little chocolate into this tiny treat box, and I'm all set.

And of course, a punch-art-lover and scrap-paper-saver like me can spend HOURS on Ellen Kemper's blog .. she is the QUEEN of PUNCH ART in my eyes! Here are a couple of adorable trick-or-treaters that are so easy to make - all the parts are from Stampin' Up!'s owl punch even their little feet peeking from under their costumes. L'IL ONE-EYED MONSTER  or  L'IL GHOST

I found another very kewl project on Ellen's blog - a pair of eyes staring out from the darkness ... creepy! Ellen shows how to use the butterfly punch and the small oval punch from Stampin' Up! to make all kinds of different eyes in this post.

I hope these projects and links help inspire you to get crafty soon ... we all need a little fun in our week! And if you need any of the punches you can always come use mine, or order 'em on my ON-LINE SHOPPING SERVICE.

cheers

AND THE BIG SHOT GOES TO...

Huge hugs to everyone who stopped by my Open House yesterday! The consensus seems to be that the products in Stampin' Up!'s new Holiday Mini are scrumptious - especially the Designer Fabrics, Glass Glitter, Waffle Paper and Tinsel Trim. (It's ALL about the accessories, dontcha know!)

Now to announce the winner of the Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutter - hubby & I drew the lucky ticket at 10 pm last night while we still had some guests here to witness that all was done on the up and up (thanks Diane & Michelle for sticking around that little bit longer!)

Can I have a drum roll, please?

Ticket number: 0195646 - CONGRATULATIONS!

You've won the Big Shot!

Give me a shout and we'll arrange how to get your prize to you.

And for those of you who couldn't make it to my place yesterday, here's a picture of the Make & Take card that everyone got to make:

STAMP SET: Christmas Postcard

INKS & MARKERS: Always Artichoke, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, Certainly Celery, Sahara Sand & Soft Suede

PAPERS: Saraha Sand & Very Vanilla card stock, "Deck the Halls" Designer Series Papers

ACCESSORIES: Narrow Crochet Trim, Blender Pen & Signo Uniball White Gel Pen

I love this single stamp set ... well seriously, there isn't anything I DON'T LOVE in the Holiday Mini, lol.

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

WAITING IS SOOOO HARD

There are only 2 days left of Stampin' Up!'s Summer Mini Catalogue ... and then ... WAHOO!!

I will finally be able to share the brand new Holiday Mini in all its glory ... and believe me, it IS glorious!! Hey, if you're free on Wednesday Sept.1st, why not come see for yourself!

HOLIDAY MIN OPEN HOUSE

WHERE: @ Donna's Stampin' Studio in Guelph, ON

WHEN: Sept 1st, between 1-4 pm & 7-10 pm

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

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• You could win a FREE Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine!!!
• You'll get to see lots of new products and samples from the Holiday Mini Catalogue!!!
• You'll get to make a quick and easy project using products from the Holiday Mini!!!
• You can place your order (min $25)* from the Holiday Mini & get FREE Expedited Shipping!!!
• You can enjoy some refreshments while you check out my new Studio set-up!!!
• You can learn all about my Fall Classes and Clubs - and sign up for your favourites*!!!
• You can bring your friends* and introduce them to your passion for stamping!!!
• You can book your own Stamp Party* & earn Hostess freebies!!!
• You can join the Artful*Inkers* and get a FREE Greenhouse Gala Craft Tote!

*Earn extra tickets for the Big Shot draw by doing any or all of the *starred items

So mark it on your calendar, rearrange your schedule, get the in-laws to watch the kids .. and come on over for some HOLIDAY MINI fun! See you on Wednesday!!!

cheers

A NEW ROUND OF PROJECTS FOR THE BIG SHOT

Hi all, it's time for another round of my BIG SHOT CLUB .. I've modified it a bit so that those of you who already have a Big Shot die-cutting machine can join too (just choose OPTION A if you want to purchase a machine in installment payments, or OPTION B if you have the Big Shot and want to build up on your die collection)

Either way, you get all of the following for joining:

• 4 FREE Big Shot Classes with projects (one class per month)
  
• 4 FREE Sizzlit Dies (pages 210-211; one die per month)
• 1 MONTH of FREE Hostess Benefits (Level One Hostess Gift & $20 in FREE product)

... all for the same price you'd pay if you ordered the Big Shot today!

I've got all new projects designed for this round - using card stock, fabric, wood, cork and more; so if you were in the last round, you won't be making any repeat projects, I promise!

We're running this session from August to November, 2010 during the last week of each month - that way our classes will be all done before the busy Christmas season hits us. You have the choice of attending on Tuesday or Thursday, which ever is more convenient. I have enough people signed up to start this round, but there are a few more spots available for you and your friends.

Your commitment? Just $45 a month for four months if you want to purchase the Big Shot, or a $45 order of dies (or other stuff) for four months if you already own a Big Shot.

For more information, or to join this round - just phone or email me this week or next .. the sooner you call, the better your chances of getting a seat!

cheers

MORE CARDS FROM OUR SHOEBOX SWAP

I told you in yesterday's blog post all about last Saturday's Stamp-4-Fun event and how a Shoebox Swap works .. now I want to show you more of the cards that were designed by my oh-so-talented demonstrator friends:

The black and yellow beauty was created by Samantha, a demonstrator on my team who lives in Carlyle. Isn't it stunning?

Unfortunately Sam wasn't able to attend our event on Saturday, but she sent her project along, and two of our gals shared the task of stamping doubles of all the projects for her - just so she wouldn't miss out on the fun!

The little box below the card was designed by my good friend Heather of London. Heather & I go way back ... to October 2002 when we were both BRAND new demonstrators in a BRAND new company to Canada ... we quickly learned to lean on each other while we learned all we could about Stampin' Up!

Heather's creation started as a simple black box cut from a Sizzix Big Shot die, then embellished with designer series paper, ribbons, stamps, punches and markers!

And if that wasn't stunning enough, she had us stamp the inside too. And of course, a little chocolate to go in the box was a definite must - she knows us stampers well, lol.

You can't see from this second picture, but there is another square of Stampin' Up!'s new "Newsprint" designer series paper under the chocolate, similar to the outside of the box lid. The paper is all black & white, but Heather had us lightly stamp circles in blues and browns to give it a little pizazz.

I can't wait to try stamping on some of the other designer series papers in my stash - it's a great way to make something old new again!

I had to wait until now to post this particular project as Heather made more for a swap with her Stampin' Up! Convention room-mates ... by now they've held their own shoebox swap so I'm not giving away any secrets <grin>

cheers

IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK ONLINE

Did you miss me? I somehow locked myself out of TypePad, the lovely service that lets me post here on my blog; thankfully their wonderful support team helped me figure out what I had done (and on a beautiful summer weekend, too - TypePad ROCKS!)

OK, back to business .. or pleasure (depends on which side of the computer monitor you're sitting, I guess!)

Here are some photos I wanted to share from my July 1st weekend ..

 

This is the Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 1pm (the crowd started to arrive at 12:30 and by ten to one they were getting pretty restless, so I grabbed my buddy Gabriel, gave him a pair of scissors, and let him do the honours!) I don't think his mom even knows we did this .. she was too busy helping to set up the last of the retired goodies inside the tent! Thanks, Julie!

Things pretty much became a blur after that .. I didn't even get a moment to grab the camera until close to 4 pm! I quickly grabbed a few shots of my WONDERFUL helpers ...

 

Hubby spent the entire time working the Retired Sale Tent - totalling the sales, bagging the goodies and handing out the new 2010-2011 Catalogues. The kids were kept busy at the craft table with Jessica (centre photo, person on the far right) and Scott manned the BBQ all afternoon (he cooks a mean hotdog!) Thanks again guys, for making the whole day run so smoothly; I couldn't have done it without you!

Next post .. some stamping projects; I PROMISE!

And don't forget - I'm accepting names to my next round of the BIG SHOT CLUB - email me for details!

cheers,

Donna

THURSDAY ALREADY? & BIG SHOT NEWS!

Wow, it's already a week since my big CANADA DAY BASH and I don't know where the time has gone! Think I'll blame it on this record heat wave we're having in Ontario <grin>

FIRST THINGS FIRST ... I want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who came out and supported my event on July 1st - your enthusiasm,  encouragement, and well, sheer NUMBERS made me and my team feel that all the hours of preparation were worth it.

We cleared out a lot of retired stamps, card stock, ink pads and Designer Series papers, as well as almost 900 retired card samples - WAHOO! I'm glad that so many things found new homes and now I have space to fill those shelves with NEW PRODUCTS for you to enjoy.

Of course, the main reason for our success were the wonderful helpers I had this year .. thank you, thank you, thank you to my brave hubby for set-up, take-down, and especially for spending all afternoon in the freebie tent with all those bargain-hunting ladies; to Leigh-Ann & Dion for spending HOURS bagging up all the make & takes, card stock and sample cards; to Barbara for sewing together the squares of my Big Shot quilt when I ran out of time to do it myself, and to Jessica and Scott for manning the kids table and BBQ all afternoon - you two were a big hit with the younger crowd!

A lot of customers were interested in the BIG SHOT CLUB, judging by all the flyers that were picked up .. now I need you to email or phone me to sign up - as soon as we have four people registered for either OPTION A (if you don't own a Big Shot machine yet) or OPTION B (if you already have a Big Shot), we can start  - it runs for four months, so July or August is our ideal time to start.

For more information about the Big Shot Club, click here.

Now that everything in the Studio is back in order (well, sort of) I'm back in the office and rarin' to post - products from the new 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalogue should be arriving soon & I can't wait to show you the stuff people are making!

cheers

Donna

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