The Sunday Post

Today I'm sharing another inspirational sample (created by another stamper) from the Thoughts and Prayers stamp set. This lovely set allows you to create cards and other projects with a masculine or feminine feel. The "Praying for you..." greeting (shown above) is one for which you will find many occasion. Sometimes we don't need to say much, just let someone know they are in our thoughts and prayers. A hand-stamped card sends the message (no pun intended) that you care enough to send handmade, heartfelt.

Contact me at 210-492-3218 or candy@sweetstamper.com to find out more about how you can convey handmade, heartfelt expressions of love and care all year.

Favorite Items in Occasions Mini Catalog

There are so many great new products is the Occasions Mini Catalog. I thought I would give you my Top 5 Favorites. I am really, really enjoying the polish that the Epoxy Brads bring, the bling that comes with the Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper, and the Clear Mount stamps are divine! So here goes:

Top 5 Favorites, Occasions Mini Catalog 2010:

1. Vintage Vogue Stamp Set
2. Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel
3. Epoxy Brads
4. Sending Love Designer Series Paper
5. On Board Books
   

What is your list of Top 5 Favorites in the Occasions Mini Catalog? Whether you already own the items or they are still on your wish list, I would love to hear from you about what has captured your attention. Each person that leaves a comment in the box below listing their Top 5 Favorites will receive a hand-stamped card using products from the Occasions Mini Catalog. (Make sure I have your snail mail address. If you have already placed orders with me, I have it.)

What Tool Can I Not Live Without?

I was asked that very question this week, and it was a hard decision. I view many of my Stampin' Up! tools as essentials. They make creativity fun and easy while delivering consistently great results. But the one tool I go to daily is my Big Shot. When we first began carrying the Big Shot, I thought it was something I would need to have as a demonstrator but never dreamed it would become my favorite tool. I love, love love the die cuts, the gorgeous dry-embossing and textures, the boxes. I said recently that I cannot imagine how I used to stamp without it. Talk about adding pizazz and that "something extra" in record time with no fuss!

In addition, I am now branching out to using non-paper materials in the Big Shot. You can cut a variety of materials with it including card stock, vinyl, aluminum cans, thin metal sheets, rubber, wood, plastic, and more. I made some fabric brooches for the holidays with the lovely Flower Folds die and so enjoyed making them as well as wearing them. The Big Shot has reawakened my enjoyment of sewing. I cut out fabric squares today using the Scallop Square Die to try my hand at the very popular quilted rag bags. I hope to have it finished tomorrow and can't wait to show you photos! And I think I'm just getting started with this wonder tool:)

If you would like to explore the delights of this fabulous tool, call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com. Now is the BEST time to purchase the BIG SHOT. With the Sale-a-bration Promotion you will get the most bang for your buck when purchasing the Big Shot. Remember you get FREE PRODUCT for every $50 you spend! If you are ready to purchase yours, click here to be on your way to crafting fun like you have never known:)

What is the tool YOU can't live without? I would love to know! Just leave a comment below to share your favorite.

Baby Shower Invitations

As I am expecting my first grandbaby (woo-hoo!), I am preparing for showers. My daughter's mother-in-law is having a shower and needed 28 invitations. Tiffany wanted to make them herself but was in the midst of a major head cold/allergy invasion and unable to take much of anything to give her relief. With only 2 days until deadline, Mom/Grandma--ME! came in to the rescue with 28 hand-stamped invitations. They were so much fun to make!

recipe:
stamps: Nursery Necessities
ink: Sahara Sand, Apricot Appeal, Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana, Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pads
paper: Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla Barely Banana, Apricot Appeal card stocks, Pretty in Pink Textured card stock
Accessories: Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Large Star Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Two-Way Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter

Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper to order supplies to make YOUR invitations for an upcoming event. Remember that by calling or emailing this week, you get my gift of FREE SHIPPING!

Open House Extras

I wanted to share with you, today, some of the "extras" from last Friday's Open House. Here is a pic of the bonus project. This is the project-to-go people received if they placed an order of $10 or more. Some of you will recognize this as a direct CASE from page 4 of the Sale-a-Bration brochure. We just changed up the colors and one of the punches to give it extra "heart":)

Recipe:
Stamps: Vintage Label (SAB)
Ink: Rich Razzleberry
Paper: Rich Razzleberry, Sahara Sand, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry, Whisper White card stocks, Rich Razzleberry Patterns Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Rich Razzleberry Polka Dot Ribbon, Silver Brads, Paper Piercing Tool, Curly Label, Trio Flower, and Heart to Heart Punches, Crop-a-dile (circle in center of punched flowers), On Board Essentials (chipboard heart)


And now...the announcement of the Door Prize Drawing winners!
Decor Elements (Dry Goods--those cute ones that go on kitchen canisters:) -Donna (one of Tiffany's customers)
Melon Mambo and Rich Razzleberry Stampin' Write Markers-Natalie L.
Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Paper Pad-Mary R.

Remember that all this week, you get free shipping on orders over $25. Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper to take advantage of this gift from me...to you!

Open House last Friday

We had a great time at the Open House last Friday. If you were unable to come, I wanted you to be able to see some of what we did. I say some because it's impossible to convey, on a blog, all the fun we had and the creative energy we generated:) Here are pics of the Make and Takes. We had 3 stations going, and everyone made all three cards. These are quick and easy and they all feature items from the Sale-a-Bration and Occasions Mini Catalogs.


Recipe:
stamps: Medallion, Vintage Label (SAB)
ink: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pads
Paper: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Confetti White card stocks
Accessories: Gold Brads, Paper Piercing Tool, Scallop Circle and Photo Corners Punches, Stamp-a-ma-Jig



Recipe:
stamps: Whimsical Words (SAB)
ink: Bermuda Bay
paper: Kraft, Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay card stocks, Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Paper (SAB)
Accessories: Full Heart and Heart to Heart Punches, Kraft Taffeta Ribbon







Recipe:
Stamps: With All My Heart (Occasions Mini)
Ink: Real Red, Pretty in Pink Classic Stampin' Pads
Paper: Real Red, Very Vanilla, Pretty in Pink card stocks
Accessories: Scallop Trim Border Punch (SAB), Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper (Occasions Mini), Real Red Satin Ribbon (Occasions Mini)









To order the supplies to make any of these projects, just give me a call at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com to take advantage of my free shipping offer this week (on orders over $25). Make it handmade, heartfelt all year!

Sneak Peeks for Techniques Class!

After a short break over Christmas, Techniques Class is back and better than ever! This month, we will be learning how to stamp with bleach. That's right--ordinary household bleach. Doesn't that sound like fun? Of course, there are a few tricks to this, but you will learn them and be amazed by the gorgeous results you achieve.

This month's designs include 2 all-occasion cards and 2 wedding cards. (The wedding cards can be altered to another occasion card by simply changing the greeting--there are no wedding cakes or bells in the design:) I hope you will join us and gain some new skills and techniques for your creative resume!

Friday, January 29th, 6:30-8:30
My Stamping Studio
2 each of 2 designs with matching, customized envelopes
Hands-on instruction by 2 Stampin' Up! demonstrators
$20 covers all supplies
Bring your own basic adhesive

RSVP with payment by: Thursday, January 28th

Free Shipping!!!

Free shipping on all phone or email orders of $25 or more for the rest of this month!!! Call or email me for this great savings! This offer expires on January 30, 2010, so hurry and start saving.

210-492-3218
candy@sweetstamper.com

Get expert coaching for winning results!

Today I'm highlighting my business coach, John San Pietro. His coaching has made such a difference in my business this past year. If you are already a demonstrator or considering earning money while doing what you love, you should really consider this fabulous resource: group coaching. Because the coaching is done in a largish group, the price is very affordable, and the quality is outstanding. Here are a few salient points from the man himself:

How to you know this Group is for you?:

• If one of your goals is to make a profit, or more of one, with your stamping business, this Group is for you!

• If you're willing to be coached and are open to different ideas, this Group is for you!

• If you've been wanting to get some help with your business, but were waiting for a low-cost option, this Group is for you!

• If you're the type of person who benefits from a community of people who feel the same way you do AND support you, this Group is for you!

• If you're looking for a positive environment where the focus is STRICTLY on your stamping business, this Group is for you!

There is a free 7-day trial for stamping business owners. If you would like more information about the group, just scroll down this blog page and look at the right hand column. Click on the large Business Stampers Coaching Group logo, and it will take you to a page where you can learn more. You must be a current demonstrator to become part of this group, but anyone can check out the information.

Explore the possibilities of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in 2010. I am having a team meeting tomorrow night at 6:30 in my Stamping Studio. If you are even thinking about becoming a demonstrator--now or in the future--join us for a great evening of developing our stamping businesses. Come and see what we do...behind the scenes! I can tell you this--we have lots of fun, doing what we love:) Please call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com to let me know you are coming.

The Sunday Post

Today's card share uses the Thoughts and Prayers stamp set. The tree image is simple, and there is also a branch with flowers image in the set. In addition, there are seven different heartfelt sentiments including the "praying for you" pictured here and "Wouldn't you love to receive this card? I would!

card made by another stamper

Bringing Relief to Haiti

From now until February 28, 2010, $2 from every I {Heart} Hearts stamp set sold will be donated American Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The Red Cross is already well-established in Haiti, and this money will be used to provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need.

Product Name	Item #	Price
I {Heart} Hearts – clear-mount (block D recommended)	118571	$18.95
I {Heart} Hearts – wood-mount	117010	$26.95

So how about it? Buy a great stamp set and send a little bit of money to Haiti at the same time. You will feel even better than usual when buying great stamps from Stampin' Up! Click here to buy now. (When you click, make sure you choose the type stamps you want--clear mount or wood mount. And make sure you choose English if you speak English! You may also choose Spanish and French.) Don't forget that for every $50 you spend, you earn a free Sale-a-Bration item. If you have any questions about this, call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.

The lovely card above was made by Michelle, another SU! demonstrator.

3 Things They Won't Teach You at Michael's or Hobby Lobby

There are things you CAN'T get at the big box craft stores. For instance, they won't teach you:

• How to use the tools you purchase from them
• What else you might need to complete the projects you are dreaming of
• How to get a crisp image with your stamps
• How does a beginner get started?
  

These are just a FEW of the things you won't be taught when you shop at a big box store. When you shop at my Stampin' Up! online store or order through clubs, classes, and workshops, you get a lot for your money.

The great thing about Stampin' Up! is that when you buy your craft supplies, you not only get great quality products & a 90 Day Guarantee...you also have access to me - you can pick my brain for ideas & inspiration, I can show you how to use your tools & so much more!! Of course, there are other great aspects about shopping with Stampin' Up! - you don't have to leave home to shop *wink*; I can bring the shop to you in the form of a workshop, or you can browse the catalog at your leisure & order when you like. You get almost endless inspiration through the Idea Book & Catalog, plus you can earn free products.

One great thing about being my customer is that you receive the monthly newsletter, jam-packed with projects & inspiration. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for my newsletter today and be on the road that leads to customer satisfaction and better crafting. The box is in the upper right hand corner of this blog.

Open House--Please Come!

This is the last day to rsvp for the Open House tomorrow. Here are the details:

FREE EVENT!

Friday, January 22nd
My Stamping Studio (13246 Trentwood, 78231)
5:30-7:30 come and go
Light refreshments
3 Make & Take Stations
Great prizes given away
See and touch samples from the the Occasions Mini and Sale-a-Bration catalogs Opportunity to book workshops and place orders
Get inspired!

Door prize tickets will be given out thus:

• Bring a friend (new to me) - 1 ticket

• For each $25 merchandise ordered at the Open House - 1 ticket

• Book a workshop - 5 tickets

rsvp: candy@sweetstamper.com or 210-492-3218

Last Day to RSVP for Card Class

This is it! Today is the last day to rsvp for the Occasions Card Class tomorrow night (Thursday, January 21st, 6:30-8:30). So step right up, click on the paypal button, put the class on your calendar, and I'll see you tomorrow night for stamping fun!

6 cards, 2 of each of 3 designs (shown above) with envelopes
All supplies included
Hands-on instruction from 2 Stampin' Up! Demonstrators
(Bring your own basic adhesive)

Incredible Basket of Goodies!

All these goodies can be yours! How, you ask? This is the Starter Kit you get when you become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. All this (you can't even see all the stuff in the basket:)is yours for just $169 plus tax. That is a 15% savings and only lasts through Sale-a-Bration. There is NO SHIPPING on the Starter Kit:) You receive over $335 worth of products as well as business supplies--everything you need to get started!

The Stampin' Success magazine you see in the basket is the incredible publication you receive by mail each month. It is chock-full of ideas, contest winners, stories of ordinary women running their Stampin' Up! businesses, techniques, business tips, projects to copy and so much more. I read mine cover to cover--there are no ads:)

So what happens after you purchase your Starter Kit? There is no obligation to conduct workshops or classes, and there is no penalty if you drop...you get to keep your kit no matter what! If you'd like to continue to receive the following benefits after your first full quarter (and there are SO many more), just reach $300 in customer and/or personal purchases per calendar quarter:

* Product Discount. You'll get 30% off your first order of $150 or more within the first 45 days, then 20% thereafter. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and papercrafting. Plus, if you place your first order during Sale-a-Bration, you'll earn at least 3 free Sale-a-Bration items in that first order!
* Extra Income. It's up to you how much you earn based on your sales and recruiting. Want to pay for your kid's private school? How about the car payment? You can earn up to 40% of your sales!
* Flexible Schedule. You decide how much time you want to put into your Stampin' Up! business. You can work as much or little as you like.
* Support from Stampin' Up! We are treated like royalty at Stampin' Up!, not only at awesome demonstrator events, but through support materials such as our monthly magazine, referenced above, workshop ideas, and audio and video training on all kinds of topics.
* Incentives and Bonuses. You can earn free stamps during your first 6 full months as a demonstrator and through Sale-a-Bration sales & recruiting, earn free hostess sets & catalog products, and qualify for cash and merchandise bonuses, incentive trips including cruises (hello vacation!), and other awards!

The Starter Kit can be customized to fit you. The items included are:

* Five complete stamp sets
* A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
* Stampin' Pastels
* 3 pkgs. of Card stock
* Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
* Five Classic Stampin' Pads
* VersaMark Pad
* Stampin' Scrub and Mist
* Blender pens
* Business forms and tools

Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com. I would love to answer any questions you may have and help you join my team. We have a meeting later this month, and you can come as my guest whether you have signed up or not. Just come to see what we do and how much fun we have! Begin to love what you do...today!

Love What You Do!

Do you love what you do? I mean with your work life? I do! You can earn money as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator. Whether you want to earn enough to make a new car payment, pay for a family vacation (I just treated my hubby and me to a 9 day trip to Disney World:), or make this your full time job, there is room for you on my team. During Sale-a-Bration, the Starter Kit is 15% off. That means it costs only $169 and is a fabulous value for over $335 worth of supplies. The icing on the cake is that, when you join during Sale-a-Bration, you also get to choose ANY stamp set in any of the current catalogs absolutely free! (I would choose the most expensive stamp set--$47.95 for Define Your Life, an extremely versatile and fun set.)

So what are you waiting for? Start loving what you do! Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com and we will talk about loving what you do. I'll answer any questions you may have to see if this is an opportunity that would work for you.

This is another card using Vintage Vogue stamp set. This stamp set has already proved to be very popular, and it's easy to see why. It is so versatile! You can use it to create looks that run the gamut from boho to tropical to vintage. This is quite a simple card. I didn't want anything too fussy or frilly and was going for a rather understated look. The letter F is cut out and popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. A bit of light sponging keeps it looking soft and a bit antiquey. To me, the Vintage Vogue stamp set begs to be sponged! Tell me what you think! Here's the recipe.

stamps: Vintage Vogue, Textured (background stamp)
ink: Chocolate Chip, Rose Red, Almost Amethyst Classic Inks
paper: Kraft, Rose Red, Chocolate Chip Card Stocks, Very Vanilla Textured Card Stock
accessories: Curly Label Punch, Stamping Sponges, Latte Buttons, Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon, Paper Snips, Stampin' Dimensionals

Call me at 210-492-3218 to talk about making projects with this set or any other. Click here if you wish to order these products to make your own cards with the Vintage Vogue stamp set. Don't forget that for every $50 you spend, you get a free set of stamps, papers, or a punch. If you are unsure how to place an online order or how to access the Sale-a-Bration options, just call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com. I'll be glad to place an order for you, answer questions, or just talk stamping!

The Sunday Post

This is a lovely inspirational card (by Tami D'Amico) that beautifully showcases the Refuge and Strength stamp set. The cross image is beautiful and stands on its own, really. A little taffeta ribbon and a small flower and pearl from the Pretties Kit are the perfect subtle embellishments to keep the focus on the cross and the scripture verse. Simply beautiful!

Workshop Fun!

I have so much fun at the workshops I do with fabulous hostesses! This is one of the Make & Take projects we did today at a workshop hosted by Tara. Friends gathered (along with Tara's two lovely and helpful young daughters) for a fun afternoon of creativity and sharing. Everyone used the Big Shot, tried out the new Clear Mount stamps, and learned how to take one card layout, change it up, and get a totally different look.

The icing on the cake was all the free products Tara and her friends earned at the workshop. It is, after all, Sale-a-Bration--the annual Stampin' Up! event whereby everyone can earn free stuff--hostesses, guests, and recruits. Free stamp sets, papers, and supplies! All in all, a great afternoon for everyone.

Contact me at 210-492-3218 or candy@sweetstamper.com to book your workshop during February, March or April and be on your way to learning a bit more about card-making and/or scrapbooking and filling your craft supply stash with free stuff.

Scrapbook Clubs

This is the two-page layout we created last night in my Scrapbooking Hostess Club. (Click on photo to get an up-close look.) Get your year off to a great start by getting some scrapbooking DONE, too! My new 2nd Friday Hostess Club that is now forming is for scrapbookers. 6 ladies will make a full two-page 12x12 layout each month for 6 months. You get to use lots of different stamp sets, embellishments, tools, and techniques while gaining new skills through hands-on instruction and practice. We use the Big Shot each month, and you will learn how to use many different types of dies.

New club will begin next month. Here are the rest of the details:
2nd Friday of each month, 6:30-8:30
My Stamping Studio
6 month commitment
Full two-page 12x12 layout completed each month
Snacks provided
$25 minimum product purchase each month
1 month of Hostess Benefits (at least a Level 1 Hostess set of stamps or papers a
and $15 free merchandise of your choice)
Free Idea Book & Catalog ($9.95 value)
Invitation to my annual Hostess Appreciation Event

Contact me today at 210-492-3218 or candy@sweetstamper.com to reserve your place and get scrappin'!

Build-a-Roo for Valentine's Day

I just love this kangaroo! This darling card (made by the very talented Cathy Somody) can easily be used for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or a "just because I love you" card. How's that for versatility?! Actually the Build-a-Roo stamp set is just that: versatile. It's just $25.95 for a set of 10 stamps. Click here to buy this set today. Remember that we are in Sale-a-Bration--that means you earn a free set of stamps, papers, or a punch for EVERY $50 you spend. Make your own cards this year and enjoy the wonderful sense of well-being evoked by creating something yourself while saving money. Handmade, heartfelt:)

Another Round--Occasions Card Class

It's another round of the Occasions Card Class! Start your year out right by creating something lovely and at the same time preparing for all the OCCASIONS of your life. This month features 2 Thank You cards, 2 Valentine cards, and 2 Masculine Birthday cards. Here are the rest of the details and paypal button. See you in the Studio!
















Thursday, January 21st, 6:30-8:30
6 cards, 2 of each design, includes envelopes
All supplies provided except basic adhesive
rsvp with payment required by Wednesday, January 20th
$20 (paypal button adds a $.75 fee; you may also mail a check)

Ever been to a Stampin' Up! workshop?

Have you ever been to a Stampin' Up! workshop? If you haven't I'd like to invite you. You may join any of my workshops as my guest. These are held in the homes of various people across San Antonio and beyond. I post the address of the workshop on my calendar at candystamps.stampinup.net. You can click on the various workshops where you will see full details including an address. If the address is near you and you would like to attend as my guest, just contact me at 210-492-3218 or candy@sweetstamper.com by the rsvp date. Then, be my guest!

Workshops are a great time of creativity and fun. Everyone makes something to take home. These are projects that appeal to veterans as well as newbies. You get to see the latest and best in the world of stamping, scrapbooking, and die-cutting as well as demonstrations. There are great door prizes as well as a special gift for the hostess. So what are you waiting for? Start the year out right by doing something you have never done before!

New club forming

A new Hostess Club is forming! This club will meet the 2nd Friday of each month for 6 months and is a great girls night out. Here are the club perks:

Free class each month with 3 great projects, all supplies included, with hands-on instruction. These are greatly enjoyed by both veterans and newbies!
Free Idea Book & Catalog plus any current mini catalogs
Invitation to my annual Hostess Appreciation Event
Hostess Benefits of at least 1 stamp set or set of papers and $15+ merchandise of your choice
Place a minimum $25 product order each month, thus building your supplies in a budget-friendly manner
Make new stamping/crafting friends! You will stamp with the same 6 ladies each month, learning from and supporting one another

We will begin in February, and there are only 6 spots. Contact me at candy@sweetstamper.com or 210-492-3218 with any questions or to reserve your spot.

The Sunday Post

This lovely card by Heather Wachtman showcases the Abundant Hope stamp set from the new Occasions Mini Catalog. You can also see the new Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, also in the new Occasions Mini Catalog. I love the sentiment in this set as it is a perfect expression for Easter. It would also work for an all-occasion card or card for a baptism or other Christian occasion. The daffodils are appropriate in a number of applications, and the detailed artwork on them is exquisite. The set also includes a 2 1/2" long flourish for borders and such, and the greeting "Easter Blessings" in script. The set of 4 stamps in available in our new Clear Mount option for $13.95 (blocks are purchased separately) and Wood Mount for $17.95 from the Occasions Mini Catalog. Click here to order this set and/or look at all the offerings in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

Card Class Coming Up

It's time for the first Occasions Card Class of 2010. By coming to this first class, you will be off to a great start in having hand stamped cards ready for giving/sending for every occasion of your life this year. Be prepared! This week's line up includes:








Saturday, January 16th, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
2 masculine birthday cards
2 valentine cards
2 thank you cards
plus envelopes

(The photos aren't great. They were done on the fly as I've been on vacation and now trying to catch up and get all the info out.) $20 covers all materials except basic adhesive. You may use the convenient paypal button below (which adds $.75 fee) or mail me a check. Your payment reserves your spot at the table. This will be our first chance to stamp together in 2010! See you next Saturday!

It's Perfectly Clear!

Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount stamps. Well, you asked for it, and now you have it! Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin′ Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.

Our new clear-mount stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount stamps.

Clear-Mount Features"

Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin’ Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

The Clear Mount option is available in both the new Occasions Mini Catalog and the Sale-a-Bration brochure. So now the choice is clear! Choose wood mount to have the same great stamps you have grown to love and appreciate from Stampin' Up! Or choose the new clear mount for the same great stamps taking up less storage space. I urge you to at least try the clear mounts.

I will have clear mounts at my Open House on January 22nd. Come by and try them out so you can see for yourself. Or book a workshop so I can demonstrate this new option for you. It's a new year--try something new!

More fresh samples

Here's another card designed for a recent swap I participated in. My daughter Tiffany actually designed it, and we have called it our Vintage Vogue Boho. I think the color scheme and unique details give it that "boho" look. The color scheme is: Creamy Caramel, Dusty Durango, Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Bermuda Bay. I love the look of these in colors mixed in with several neutrals. (Okay, Creamy Caramel is not technically a neutral because it is in the Earth Elements family, but here it works as a neutral:)

You can see the details better in the close-up. The new Very Vintage jumbo wheel was used tone on tone on the Dusty Durango layer. The ribbon is the new 5/8" Satin Ribbon, in Basic Black and frayed for a bit of a rustic look. The ribbon is then cinched with a bit of Linen Thread and then with a Gold Brad.

The Vintage Vogue stamp set is so versatile. You can achieve so many different looks. It can go from vintage to modern to boho with just a change of color scheme and embellishments. I love it! It's quickly become a favorite stamp set. More samples will be coming! Click here to order Vintage Vogue today! (Available in our new clear mount option as well as our traditional wood block mount. I will be giving you more details about this fabulous new option soon.)

Save the Date--Free Stamping!

January 22nd is the date to save! Now that there are new Stampin' Up! mini catalogs to celebrate (no pun intended), I'm having an Open House. Mark your calendars now and save the date. Here are the details of the Open House:




Samples of many of the new stamp sets, papers, punches, and accessories
Free Make & Take using one of the new stamp sets
Bonus project available
Prizes given away (earn tickets, the more tickets you earn, the greater your chance of winning)
Light refreshments served
Come and go: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
13246 Trentwood


So swing by on your way home from work, or leave the kids, dogs, and hubbies behind while you have a little creative time for you. We are going to have so much fun, and I hope you will join us.

RSVP 210-492-3218 or candy@sweetstamper.com by January 19th. I need to prepare for you!

Time to buy those ribbons!

Okay, ladies. Today is the day to buy your ribbons if you are participating in the Ribbon Share. Here are the details once again:

One of the great new items in the Occasions Mini Catalog is 9 new colors of 5/8" Satin Ribbon.

* Basic Black
* Real Red
* Chocolate Chip
* Certainly Celery
* Pretty in Pink
* Bashful Blue
* Very Vanilla
* Old Olive
* Basic Gray

In this Ribbon Share, you will receive:

* 2 yards each of all 9 colors,
* Shipped to you in a bubble envelope - regular mail.
* Total cost $14.95

I will accept payments through midnight Friday this week(January 8th). That will be the last chance for this Occasions Mini Catalog Ribbon Share. Once you make your payment, make sure I have your snail mail address. You can email it to me at candy@sweetstamper.com. Thanks in advance for your participation!

More sneaking and peeking:)

This darling card, created by another stamper, uses the perfectly darling Happy Moments stamp set from the upcoming Sale-a-Bration mini catalog. This is one of many FREE stamp set options available during Sale-a-Bration (January 5-March 31). This card is simple and sweet: a sure winner! To view the entire Sale-a-Bration mini catalog, go to the right side bar and click on the Sale-a-Bration button to see what is available FREE of charge January 5-March 31. Then click on the Order Online button to place your order...tomorrow:)

First-ever blog give-away + sneak peek

Okay, cyber friends. I want to hear from you! I'm doing my first ever blog give-away and am so excited. Here's how it works:

Post a comment about this post. Just follow the prompts to post your comment. Once you do that, your name will be entered into a drawing. The prize: a Bermuda Bay In Color Stampin' Write Marker. If you win and I see you regularly, I will just give you the marker. If you live afar, I will mail it, within the continental United States. So start commenting!

The card to the right features the brand new Vintage Vogue stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog which will go into effect January 5, 2010. I've called this card Blue Suede Vogue (no shoes:). There are 2 lovely greetings in the stamp set, but for this card, I pulled out the brand new Sale-a-Bration set Vintage Labels. This set(Vintage Labels) is available absolutely free during Sale-a-Bration! I love both these sets as they have amazing versatility. Stay tuned in the days ahead for more samples using these sets and others from the upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog and Sale-a-Bration brochure.

This Blue Suede Vogue card is just one of the original designs I created for a set sampler swap for the Occasions Mini I participated in. If you are in one of my Hostess Clubs (cards), you will be making this card (along with 2 other projects) in our January meeting.

Card recipe:
Vintage Vogue, Vintage Label stamp sets
Soft Suede, Sahara Sand, Night of Navy, Brocade Blue Classic Stampin' Pads
Brocade Blue, Kraft, Vanilla Card Stocks
Thoroughly Modern Designer Series Paper, Pretties Kit(pearl), Large Oval Punch, Stamping Sponges, Sponge Daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals

April Blog Giveaway

The blog giveaway for April is 2 lovely hand-stamped cards.  I will be giving away 2 cards with matching envelopes from one of my Techniques Classes.  How do you win?  Simply send me a picture of something YOU have stamped.  Your picture doesn't have to be of outstanding quality.  I just need to be able to see your project.  Your project may even be featured on my blog.  How fun is that?!  Once you send me a photo, your name will be entered in a drawing.  The winner will receive the lovely cards by mail.  So start uploading those photos and show me what you are up to.  Send to candy@sweetstamper.com.  Deadline for entries is April 15th--tax day!  That will help you remember:)

Got Ribbons?

One of the great new items in the Occasions Mini Catalog is 9 new colors of 5/8" Satin Ribbon.

* Basic Black
* Real Red
* Chocolate Chip
* Certainly Celery
* Pretty in Pink
* Bashful Blue
* Very Vanilla
* Old Olive
* Basic Gray.

Wouldn't you love some of each color? To get all those would cost you $80.55,and you would have 135 yards of ribbon! Most of us don't need quite that much ribbon, although I love, love, love our ribbons:) So I am offering a Ribbon Share! You will receive:

* 2 yards each of all 9 colors,
* Shipped to you in a bubble envelope - regular mail.
* Total cost $14.95

So, how do you get in on this share? Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com to let me know you would like your portion of the share. I will need your snail mail address, and I will start getting the envelopes ready.

I will order the ribbons on January 5th (while I'm at Disney World, thank you very much!), the first day ordering is available for Occasions Mini Catalog items, and send you an email notice of when the shipment arrives here. As soon as I receive shipment, I will get your ribbons ready for mailing and post them. I will send you another email at that point to let you know your ribbons have shipped to you, but I must have payment before shipment. You may send me a check. I will also set up a paypal button here on January 5th. I am not allowed to receive money for items that are not yet available for order--that is why there is not yet a paypal button! But just think--you will open your mail one day and there will be ribbons galore! What a fun thing to add zest to your day:)

Ringing in the New Year!

This lovely card, created by another stamper, features a single stamp, A Brand New Year, from our Under $10 line of mostly single stamps. This card is all gussied up for a glitzy, snazzy New Year's wish. What a lovely way to wish someone a Happy New Year! That is my wish for you--a happy and healthy 2010.

I hope you have made some New Year's Resolutions. If you haven't yet, there is still time. It's a wonderful time of year to take stock and see where you want to be by this time next year. So come on! Make some resolutions and/or goals--whatever you want to call them. And make sure they span the various areas of your life: personal, family, church, business, and community. Make a mark in your world! You can if you determine to do so.