Demonstrator Perks

Being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator has sooo many perks. I love what I do and would love to introduce YOU to the joys of getting paid to have fun. Here is a photo of one of my recent purchases made with my stamp money. (Click here to see my Brighton Handbag, compliments of Stampin' Up!) I love my Blackberry! I didn't have to dip into household expense monies, and my new phone is a great tax write-off as it is a business expense. With my Blackberry, I will be able to communicate with you all wherever I go!

So how do you become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? Well, there are two fantastic specials right now that enable you to join and save $$$ while doing so! Click here for details. That will take you to my Promotions page. Click on the second promotion listed as "Have Fun Doing What You Love," and then call me at 210-492-3218 with any questions at all. I look forward to having you on my team.

One More Day for the Final Deal of the Week!

There are less than 24 hours left of this final deal of the week! Don't let this great opportunity to save over 30% pass you by. You will use the Heart to Heart punch for projects all year and be especially grateful to have it come Valentine's Day. The Heart to Heart punch coordinates with the Love You Much stamp set. Both the punch and stamp set are featured in these very different cards to showcase their great versatility. You won't find savings like this again on this punch. Buy now, save now! Click here to order today.

Animal Stories

Don't you just love the lush colors in this baby card? This card uses one of our new in colors: Melon Mambo. It's considered a monochromatic card as its only colors are Melon Mambo and Whisper White. Simple, sweet, yet stunning!

Would you like to learn to make cards like this? That's what a Stampin' Up! party is all about! Contact me today at 210-492-3218 to book a date and get started. It doesn't cost you anything to have me come and teach some cardmaking skills and have some fun. If you are already a veteran cardmaker, I'll bring some fresh ideas and new techniques. Let's create!
Stamps: Animal Stories, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad
Paper: Melon Mambo, Whisper White Card Stocks, Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Modern Label and 3/4" Circle Punches, Big Shot, Ovals Die, 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals
Stamped by Bobbie Ganley

Using the Heart to Heart Punch

As the Heart to Heart Punch is on sale at over 30% off this week only, I thought I would give you some ideas for this very versatile punch.

• Use the hearts as bullet points for journaling or list-making on scrapbook pages.
• Create your own confetti, or just leave a trail down the hall to your child's bedroom.
• Add confetti hearts to a lunchbox as a fun expression of love.
• Use the hearts inside a shaker box for a fun card. (Click here to see my Techniques Class--its' near the bottom of the page--for learning how to make these very creative, interactive cards.)
  
• Scatter hearts on your sweetheart's pillow to discover at bedtime.
• Use as a great 3-D element on cards, scrap pages, and favors. You can just stick them down or pop them up on Stampin' Dimensionals.
• Make an appreciation card for a co-worker and put it on her desk with some hearts sprinkled around it as an added expression of thanks.
• Sprinkle some hearts in the driver's seat of a loved one with a note "You've just been given a heart attack!"

As you can see, the possibilities are endless and so much fun. So order your Heart to Heart Punch today, and get punch happy! Use the paypal button below to order the punch only or click here to order the punch and other supplies.

Final Deal of the Week-Sweet One!

This is it, folks! The final Deal of the Week, and it's a sweet one! Look at this fabulous heart punch, and who can resist 30% off? I know I can't! I do not yet own this punch, but I will after this week. This punch has a myriad of uses from cardmaking to scrapbooking to favor making and more.

Once again, I am offering you the opportunity to order this with a 10% shipping rate, just as if you were at a Stampin' Up! party. If this is the ONLY item you wish to order this week and are happy to pick up your order from my house, then use the paypal button below. Tax and shpg. are included in the cost.

If you would like to add this great deal to other items you wish to order, click here and then on Shop Now. The Deal of the Week is in plain view, and then you can just keep shopping! What fun:)

PLEASE NOTE: Unlike other Deals of the Week, this one expires on Friday, July 31st, at 10:50 a.m. So hurry and buy today!

Summer Graduation

Many of us have loved ones that graduate from school in months other than May. That is the case for me. My youngest, Alex, just graduated from St. Mary's University. Woo-hoo! That's the last one of my kids! Alex is super-fun, so I made a punch card for his congratulations, using his school colors. Here it is! This little owl is so cute, and he would be just as at home on a scrapbook page. The recipe is:

Ink: Crushed Curry (for sponging)
Paper: Crushed Curry, Brilliant Blue, So Saffron, Dusty Durango, Basic Black, Whisper White
Accessories: Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds Texturz Plates, Scallop Circle, 1 3/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches, Boho Blossoms Punch, 1/16 Punch, Round Tab, Modern Label, Word Window Punches, Chit Chat Rub Ons, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon, Vintage Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click here to order any of these supplies and more. You will also find even more project ideas. Happy Stamping!

Cardmaking 101: Creating Your Base, Part II

Following on from my previous post (just scroll down 2 posts to see), take your two 1/2-sheets of card stock and fold each in half, creasing with your bone folder. This gives you two standard-sized card bases, and you may use them in portrait or landscape format as shown in the photo. Both card bases will fit into any of Stampin' Up!'s medium envelopes. They come in Whisper White, Very Vanilla, Kraft, Natural White, Natural Ivory, and Clear Translucent. Each type of envelope has its own merits, depending on the project you are making. More on envelopes tomorrow! To order card stock, envelopes, and more, click here. Then click on Shop Now and shop while in your jammies:)

Anniversary Card

My older son and daughter-in-law just celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary. Here is the card I made for them. It's very simple and not too frilly or fussy as this card is for the both of them. In real life, the words are brighter--I think my flash was a bit bright. Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Always, Congrats(SAB)
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Whisper White
Paper: Not Quite Navy, Bordering Blue, Whisper White-for inside card
Accessories: Jackpot DSP, Vintage Brads, 1/16" Circle Punch, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

Cardmaking 101: Creating Your Base

This is the first of many posts that will teach you the basics of cardmaking. To start with, you need a card base. So this is how you begin:

Take a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 card stock. (Shown here is Dusty Durango, and our card stock is fabulous. Its 80# weight is perfect for cardmaking and our exclusive color families take the guess work out of coordinating colors.)

Cut the card stock in half, giving you two sheets of 5 1/2 x 4 1/4.


Now you are ready to fold each sheet in half, forming 2 card bases. You will crease them with a bone folder (stay tuned for tomorrow's post on using the bone folder) and be ready to create your card.

Retired Stamp Sale!

• Would you like to purchase beautiful Stampin' Up! stamps at 20+% off? Come to my Retired Stamp Sale!
  
• This Saturday, July 25th, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. there are going to be some great buys in my Stamping Studio.
  
• Retired stamps and supplies will be up for grabs.
  
• Come early for the best selection.
  
• Cash and checks only.

For your convenience, pay here for Deal of the Week

I've established a paypal button to help you purchase the Deal of the Week conveniently and pay only 10% shipping. Price includes the Hodgepodge Hardware, tax, 10% shpg., and Paypal fee. Just click to purchase!

Important:

• This is for purchasing the Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware current Deal of the Week only. If you wish to add other items to your order, click here and then on "Shop Now."

• I will email you when the order arrives and you can pick it up from my house at your convenience.

Deal of the Week July 20-27

It's here! Another great deal from Stampin' Up! as part of the Summer Fun campaign. That means 30% savings for us! The Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware is a fabulous set of hardware to add snazzy embellishments to any project.

• They add an extra-special element to scrapbook pages, cards, even favors.
  
• These high quality embellishments feature etched designs on brads and accents that coordinate with several of our punches.
  
• Each kit contains approximately 100 embellishments and 100 3/16" brads. We used some of the large decorative brads and smaller brads in our last Christmas Card Club. Above is another card using one of the larger "frame" elements.
  
• They also come in a really nifty storage tin.

Regular price: $29.95
Deal of the week price: $18.99

Contact me at 210-492-3218 to find out how you can get 10% shpg.--same as going to a workshop. Hurry! You don't want this deal to pass you by.

Quincenera Favors

These cute favors were made by one of my customers, Becky P, for her niece's 15th birthday party. Becky used the Quincenera stamp set, one of the sets in our Spanish catalog, and the beautiful new Bridesmaid Specialty Paper. These favors are really lovely, and since Becky made them herself, they are a true gift from the heart. (When you have lots of favors or other items to make, just enlist help and have your own work party--stamping fun:)

Would you like a copy of the Spanish catalog? Contact me today at 492-3218 or candy@sweetstamper.com and I'll get a copy into your hands so you can order some of these very special stamp sets.

Scrapbook Every Month!

• Would you like to make 2 full 12x12 scrapbook pages each month?
  
• Do you need a little inspiration to get your photos and memorabilia preserved in scrapbook form?
• Would you like to scrapbook with a small group of ladies on a monthly basis?
• Do you need to stay within your budget but still want to scrapbook with really excellent supplies?
• Do you need a girls' night out that taps into your creativity?
  

My scrapbooking Hostess Club is just for you! We hope to start in August and will meet for 6 months on the 2nd Thursday of each month. You will make a 12x12 layout of 2 pages at each meeting. I have just 2 spots left, so call me today to reserve your spot and start scrapbooking those memories with style! (210) 492-3218.

Razzle Dazzle 4 x 4 Card

Stamps: Razzle Dazzle, Thank You Kindly sets
Ink: Only Orange, Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue Classic Pads
Paper: Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, Only Orange, Whisper White card stocks
Accessories: Big Shot, Sparkle Die, Boho Blossoms and 1/16" Circle Punches, Soft Subtles Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals

This card is one of the projects we made at this month's Hostess Clubs. It uses the brand new Razzle Dazzle set of 5 stamps ($18.95) which is incredibly versatile. This card actually measures 4 1/4" x 4 1/4". To mail this card at the regular postal rate (no additional charge for a square), simply pop into one of our medium envelopes (40 high-quality envelopes with our signature curved flap for $6.50). When you make a card as lovely as this, you don't want to spoil it with a cheap envelope:( Of course, you can also skip the envelope and tuck this into a small gift for the recipient! Contact me today at 210-492-3218 to learn more about making your own cards, the kind that are saved and cherished for years to come.

Butterfly Inspiration

Stamps: Flight of the Butterfly, Sprinkles (background)
Ink: Elegant Eggplant, Almost Amethyst Classic Stampin' Pads
Paper: Elegant, Almost Amethyst, Whisper White Card Stocks
Accessories: Scallop Edge and Butterfly Punches, 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon, Signo White Gel Pel

This lovely card was made by my talented daughter and Stampin' Up! downline, Tiffany. It's just a happy card! The purples are so pretty, and the butterflies look carefree and just make me smile:) I hope you are inspired by the beauty and simplicity of this card. You can, literally, make this card in 5 minutes. Call me today to get signed up for one of my stamping classes, 210-492-3218. This is the best hobby in the world!

Samples to Inspire!

Stamps: The More the Merrier (Level 3 Hostess set)
Ink: Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad, Brocade Blue, Rose Red, and Crushed Curry Stampin Write Markers
Paper: Brocade Blue Rose Red, Crushed Curry Textured, Whisper White Card Stocks
Accessories: Chit Chat Rub-Ons, Rich Regals Brads, Eyelet Border Punch, Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon

This very special card is another sample from my demonstrator group swap, made by my talented upline, Gail Beezley. Aren't those little birds great! And the color combo is rich in beautiful colors. A lovely design that goes together quickly; now that's a winning recipe! The stamps are from The More the Merrier stamp set, a hostess set. That means you cannot purchase this set, but you can earn it free! That's even better than purchasing:)

Contact me today at 210-492-3218 to schedule your stamping party and get the ball rolling on earning free stamps and more. Are you outside San Antonio? I did a party in Nebraska earlier this year while attending a conference and have a stamp club in the Falls City/Floresville area. So I have stamps and will travel:) And if you think you don't have "crafty" friends, I would encourage you to not pre-judge people. When I attended my first stamping party, I had never stamped anything before. Now I'm a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! I will help you put together a guest list that will surprise you. I also offer my Stamping Studio as a venue for the party, so you don't even have to vacuum! My house or yours, it doesn't matter to me. But let's get the party started today:)

Special Payment Option for Deal of the Week

Would you like to purchase the Deal of the Week: Square Fire Rhinestone Brads? If this is the ONLY item you would like, you may do so using the Paypal button below. This will only be available until Wednesday at 10 a.m. I will put your brad order in with an order I am placing this week, thus giving you a 10% shipping rate rather than paying the $6.95 minimum shipping. The Paypal button is for $8.50 which takes care of the shipping, tax, product purchase, and the paypal fee.

I will email you when the order arrives, and you can pick it up at my house at your convenience.

Deal of the Week July 13-20

■ Square brads: Approximately 80 per package (4 colors in 2 sizes)
■ Fire assortment (Pink, Red, Pumpkin, and Yellow) coordinates with Stampin’ Up!'s exclusive colors

Another great deal is here! Stampin' Up! is celebrating summer with a deal of the week throughout July. Don't miss saving over 30%, this week only, on the Square Fire Rhinestone Brads.

Brads are a fun addition to any project, and these Rhinestone brads add extra fun and sparkle. Rhinestone brads coordinate with Stampin’ Up!’s exclusive colors, so there's no need to guess about what colors to use your brads with. Your projects will sparkle and shine with beauty and bling with these lovely embellishments, and at this great price, you will want more than one set. Stock up now to be ready for your holiday projects to sparkle and shine!

Click here to Shop Now or call me today at 210-492-3218 to find out how you can purchase and get 10% shipping--the same shipping as if you had a workshop.

Kids Creating

My grandnieces are visiting here from Florida. They came for their great-grandad's surprise 90th birthday party. Of course, they needed a card for Grandpa. Here are their lovely creations! Lindsay, age 7, made the card on the left using the Pun Fun stamp set; Lauren, age 9, made the card on the right using the Fun & Fast Notes stamp set. Grandpa LOVED his cards and was so touched that his very special great-granddaughters made birthday cards just for him. Custom made memories! It doesn't get much sweeter:)

Contact me today at 210-492-3218 to book a workshop where YOU will learn to create your own custom-made memories. Or click here to see ideas and even video tutorials under "Creative Projects" for getting started right away. You can then click on "Shop Now" to order supplies today and be on your way to custom made memories and smiles that last:)

Join Stamp Club!

Are you an avid stamper, wanting to stamp with friends & fellow stampers on a regular basis? Would you like an easy solution to budgeting your hobby? Are you a complete beginner and want to learn to stamp?

Stamp Club is for you!!!

Join my Stamp Club and enjoy hostess benefits, free projects, and the social boost of stamping with other excited stampers!

Members commit to place a minimum $25 merchandise order each month for a minimum of 6 months- one of those months you will receive all of the FREE hostess benefits!!! Fabulous club projects are provided each month which essentially means that members receive a FREE stamp class each month for being a Stamp Club member!!! Stamp Club is my favorite stamping event each month- we have a blast!

Here's a photo of club projects from one month:


I also run regular incentives and offer FREE giveaways- don't miss out:) In addition, there are 2 card clubs, projects pictured above, and 1 scrapbookers club. So there is something for every type of stamper.

I'm currently accepting new members, so hurry and contact me to reserve your spot- seating is limited! 492-3218.

Stamping Art

This is another card from my demonstrator group swap, made by the very artistic Cathy Somody. It looks like one of those beautiful silk panels of Asian artwork. It's amazing how some gold embossing, sponging, Watercolor Pencils and White Gel Pen work together to produce a truly artistic look. Here's the recipe:
Stamps: Asian Artistry Hostess Set
Ink: Basic Black Classic and Gold
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, Soft Suede card stocks
Other: Gold Glory Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Gold Brads, Watercolor Pencils, Signo White Gel Pen, Modern Label Punch, Scallop Oval Punch, Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Click here to order the supplies for creating your own works of art! Or call me at 492-3218 to learn of classes and clubs where you can learn techniques to create your own masterpieces.

Help Me Solve the Mystery!

What is the mystery? It's the identity of the lucky winner of free stamps and supplies! This Saturday, July 11th is my Mystery Hostess Party, and YOU could be the leading lady in this mystery:)

For the unveiling of the 2009/2010 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog, you are invited to my Mystery Hostess Party on Saturday, July 11th, 3-5 p.m.! The mystery is who will receive the hostess benefits! Stampin' Up! parties generate hostess-free merchandise based on sales at that event. Although I am the hostess, I'm giving away the freebies, and YOU could be the winner. It's lots of fun, and here is how you can win. You will receive tickets throughout the event as follows:

1 for attending
5 for bringing a new (to me) friend
1 for every $10 in orders
5 for workshops booked to be held within 60 days

Everyone will make a card using the brand new in-colors and a just-released stamp set plus I will demonstrate a scrapbook page and a 3-D item. There will also be door prizes throughout the event, you will get your own catalog to take home, and you will have lots of fun:) A great way to spend a hot Texas summer afternoon!

RSVP due Thursday, July 9th so I can prepare for you. Hurry! Call me today at 492-3218 to reserve your spot for this fun event.

Classy New Card Design

Stamps: Circle Circus, Teeny Tiny Wishes
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry card stocks
Other: Big Shot, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds Texturz Plate, Magnetic Movers and Shapers, White Jumbo Grommet, Rich Razzleberry Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Modern Label Punch

Another sample from our demonstrator group swap, this gorgeous card was made by my talented upline, Gail Beezley. I love the simple sophistication and clean lines. It features one of the new in colors: Rich Razzleberry, which I can already tell is my favorite:) I hope you are inspired by what can be done with a single in color and Whisper White! Call me today (492-3218) to attend my Mystery Hostess party on Saturday (scroll up for details) to make a card using the new in colors and be a possible winner of free stamps!

Deal of the Week July 6-13

You'll feel like a big shot carrying around the Big Shot Doctor's Bag! July 6-13 get the Big Shot Doctor's Bag for $49.99. That's nearly 30% off the regular price of $69.95!*

Regular Price: $69.95
Deal of the Week Price: $49.99
S & H: $5.00 when part of an order
*Discount applied at checkout

Don't miss out on this perfect way to transport your Big Shot to open crops, craft days, or just getting together with friends to stamp and scrapbook. And if you don't have a craft-dedicated space, its' the perfect way to keep your Big Shot tucked away when not in use, dust-free. If you haven't yet purchased your Big Shot, get the bag now while it's on sale! Add the Big Shot and get $20 of free merchandise of your choice plus a free stamp set or set of papers. You will be die-cutting in style! Click here to order now. Can't afford to purchase the Big Shot today? Get the Doctors Bag while it's on sale this week, and keep saving those pennies to buy your Big Shot by the end of summer:)

New Card Ideas From My Group Swap

Isn't this a great card?!! Fellow demonstrator, Gail Scandalito, made this with one of the new stamp sets from the just-released 09/10 Idea Book & Catalog. This was a swap that several of us participated in, and you will be seeing many more of the great cards this week. I hope you will enjoy them and be inspired to duplicate many of them.

The versatility of the Lots of Bots set is sure to make it incredibly popular. Guys, gals, kids, adults, who can't appreciate these cute robotic images! Lots of Bots is a set of 5 stamps and is just $19.95. Click here and then click on Shop Now to order your set today.

And isn't the color equally great?!! This is one of the new in colors: Bermuda Bay. Bermuda Bay card stock, classic ink, and polka dotted ribbon work together with Basic Black and Whisper White to create a simple yet unique birthday card. Don't you love that new punch on the bottom? It's the brand new Modern Label Punch, and you will be using it at upcoming events. Click here to see my calendar of events for July and then decide which ones you will be attending. See you soon!

Stampin' Up! bought this handbag for me!

I treated myself to my first-ever Brighton handbag with some of my earned stamping money. Isn't it too cute??? I absolutely love it and I didn't have to dip into family funds for it.

Would you like to earn treats like this? There are two great promotions (July 15-August 31) to help you do just that while doing what you love...stamping! Just click here and then click on promotions to see all the details. You can even sign up online using my code: 3218! I look forward to having you on my team. We can compare notes on what we are buying with our extra money: birthday gifts, treats for ourselves, new stamps, and more!

New and Better Than Ever!

It's here! The brand new 09/10 Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog is here and better than ever! Check it out online to see all the new things--loads of fresh ideas and new products. Scroll down just a bit and click on the catalog in the sidebar. It will give you the entire new catalog in a pdf format. Then just click here to shop! The new incolors, shown on a previous post (just scroll down to find them), are just gorgeous and a sure-fire way to get your creative juices flowing.

Call me today at 210-492-3218 to find out how to get a hard copy of this new catalog (plus a Wish List-to see more about Wish Lists, go to the sidebar and click on the archives for May, the 7th post down is a post about Wish Lists) FREE! It will be in your hands soon and is the best way to decompress after work, to enjoy with a cup of tea or hot bubblebath, or to sit by the pool while you watch your kids. Not only is it a catalog from which you can order all your scrapbooking and card and gift making supplies, it is a fabulous store of creative IDEAS. From color combinations to layouts to creating identical projects, the Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog is the go-to place.