Stampin' Up! Summer Mini Catalog

For my first post with Summer Mini Catalog stamps, I wanted to go 60s retro.  This is a fun card my club members will be making in May.  It's a combination of the Color Renovation retiring colors and colors that will remain, featuring the brand new Sentimental Journey stamp set and In a Word stamp set.  I think my card is fun and hip!  It reminds me of childhood and the good, colorful side of the 60s:)

For full information about my card and scrapbook clubs, just click on the Club heading at the top of my blog.  Or call me at 210-492-3218 for more information.  I have a few more spots available, and you can enjoy regular stamping along with hostess benefits by being part of my Hostess Clubs.

Baby Shower Favors

As most of you know, I'm a new grandma.  Baby Olivia is just over a week old, so I thought you might like to see the shower favors I made for her baby shower.  These cute little "sour cream containers" nicely housed a mini Reese's peanut butter cup, a Hershey's Miniature candy bar, and 2 Hershey Kisses.  Lots of chocolate treats for the guests!

These little sour cream containers were made with just 1/4 sheet of card stock each.  Of course, they are dressed up with the Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel.  This is my new favorite stamping wheel as it can create lots of different looks.  It brings the perfect touch of delicate femininity to these favors.  The little yellow chick is from the Nursery Necessities stamp set and keeps the favor from becoming too formal.  We used soft green cloths and pink plates for a truly girly theme for Olivia's shower.  You, too, can make simple favors like this.  Call me at 210-492-3218 to schedule a free lesson!

Kids Involvement Network

I was a recent guest for the KIN (Kids Involvement Network) at Steubing Ranch Elementary School for one of their after-school programs.  I was invited to tell the students what I do for a living and to explain how that works in an effort to educate children on the many varied professions in our community. 

As an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and owner of my Sweet Stamper business, how could I talk about what I do without showing them and then engaging them in the creative process?!  I took my samples board, demonstrated how to make a hand-stamped card, and then turned them loose with bookmark supplies.  Each student made two bookmarks--one to keep and one to give away.  Even with minimal supplies, the students got creative and put their own "stamp" (no pun intended:) on their bookmarks.  Recipe for fun:  kids+stamps+ink+paper!


Since the group was the Kids Involvement Network, I made sure to involve the kids in my presentation, and they came through beautifully!

Prize winning card!

Although I have shared this card before, I wanted to let you know that I entered this winning card in a card contest and won $50 in Stampin' Up! products!  I'm pretty excited, to say the least!  That was first place in its category, Awash With Flowers Cards.

I may sound like a broken record, but I really love the Awash With Flowers stamp set.  It is so versatile and easy to use.  Time is running out to order this set...at least until the new catalog release in July.  Click here to order Awash With Flowers and/or other stamps and supplies now.  It's a great way to start your week!

Survey Said!

I love hearing from you, so here is another survey.  These will be regular features on my blog, so let your voice be heard!

With All My Heart

It's Saturday Sample time, and I'm featuring a card made with stamps and supplies from the Occasions Mini Catalog once again. 

This is a super-simple card that literally comes together in minutes.  You can stamp a set of these in no time at all, thus having All-Occasion cards at the ready.   This card features the With All My Heart stamp set and the sparkly Sending Love Specialty Designer Series Paper. 


Time is running out for the opportunity to purchase these stamps and supplies.Click here to order now.  That will take you to my 24/7 store where you can start shopping!

Mother's Day Gift and Card Class

Today is the last day to RSVP for next week's Mother's Day Gift Class.  Don't miss out!  This is a quality gift to give any special lady for any special occasion!  Change the Happy Mother's Day greeting to Happy Birthday or even Thinking of You if that better suits your gift-giving needs.  I'll have the stamps and supplies ready for you, and it will be a fun evening.  Space is limited, so call today at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.  Or simply use the convenient paypal button (fee added) below.

• Friday, April 30th, 6:30-8:30
• Make all the projects shown
• My Studio
• $28.00 includes all supplies

Congratulations to me!

Congratulations to me!  I'm a grandma!  My daughter Tiffany, also a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, gave birth to Olivia Cathryn last night.  I am so happy!  Mother and daughter are both doing very well as is Dad (although his part was rather easy:).

This darling card was made by my upline, Gail Beezley, and given to Tiffany for her baby shower. I thought it would make a perfect post for today, announcing Olivia's entry into the world.  A future stamper has been born!  And her birth is being marked with cards and gifts made with, of course, Stampin' Up! products!

Sweet Pea Stitched Felt

Only 10 days left to order the enormously popular Sweet Pea Stitched Felt--hurry before it's too late!  They make the cutest, quickest, easiest projects.  From simple cards like the one at right to scrapbook pages to home decor items, to hair clips, the possibilities are endless.  The Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, like all items in the Occasions Mini Catalog, are only available through April 30.  Don't delay!  Order today at candystamps.stampinup.net.  I've given you the link that goes directly to the Occasions Mini Catalog ordering spot on my website to make it super simple for you.  Get Sweet Pea Stitched Felt and be on your way to handmade, heartfelt projects in just minutes!

Summer Mini Catalog Open House

Save the date, May 8th, for my Summer Mini Catalog Open House.  Please note that this is a revised date.  I originally set it for May 7th and then realized I will be out of town that day!  The Open House will be come and go style with Make and Take stations (where you make a free project and take it home with you), snacks, over 30 samples of projects using stamps and products from the new Summer Mini Catalog, door prizes, and lots of fun.  Don't miss out!  Mark your calendars and save the date now.  You will be inspired to create your own handmade, heartfelt summer.

• Saturday, May 8th, 3-6 p.m.
• 13246 Trentwood, San Antonio, TX  78231
• RSVP by Thursday, May 6th

Although this is a FREE EVENT, I must prepare materials for you, so you must RSVP!

Summer Mini Catalog

The Summer Mini Catalogs are in the mail, and you are going to love what you see!  I have sent these to many of you and will be following them up with a phone call.  You could be a winner as a result of that call!  I will be asking you a winning question about the Summer Mini, and correct answers will win a gift certificate.  So take a few minutes to look over your Summer Mini Catalog when you receive it, and win $$$ for stamps!  I love free stamps:)  If you don't receive a Summer Mini Catalog in the mail from me, call me and I will send you one.  You will still be eligible for a gift certificate with a correct answer to the winning question.  Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.

Sunday Post

This inspirational card, made by another stamper using the Refuge and Strength stamp set, is lovely in its simplicity of design as well as its message.  Life is, indeed, precious--each and every day.

If you are having a rough time, take a moment to thank God for your life.  Even when life is difficult, it is precious.  If you are in a sweet season of life, when times are good, and the colors are all brighter, send a hand-stamped card to someone and remind them that life is precious.

Awash With Flowers

My scrapbook club made this 12x12 layout for our April meeting.  It's awash with color and spring!  I really, really love the Awash With Flowers set.  I've made multiple cards (scroll down to see) and love each of them.  But it scrapbooks beautifully, too!  This simple layout comes together quickly and has ample space for 3-4 photos plus journaling. 

Contact me at 210-492-3218 or candy@sweetstamper.com for information about scrapbook club spaces. Click here for full details of my card and scrapbook clubs.  Regular stamping and scrapping are good for your soul!  Start now!

Sweet Stamper

Ever wonder why my business is called Sweet Stamper?  It's because my first name is Candy!  Candy is sweet, and stamping is my business.  So Sweet Stamper was born.  My projects use all Stampin' Up! products--the best on the market.

I hope you enjoy my blog as much as I do!  And I love, love, love my business which is what this blog is all about.  I work hard to consistently bring you fresh, creative projects, the latest stamping news, up-to-date classes, and a place for your soul to be inspired.  Now, let's stamp!

Fancy Folds Class

This is a reminder that the second session of this month's Techniques Class is this Saturday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m.  It's Fancy Folds this month, and we are making a set of Easel Cards and a set of Z Fold Cards using Game Night, Card Games, and Awash With Flowers stamp sets.  Full details are here.  Let's stamp!

Mother's Day

Join me on Friday, April 30th for a fun-filled night of crafting, creativity, and laughter!  It's my Mother's Day Gift Class, and the projects are amazing.  Don't need a Mother's Day Gift?  Make it for another occasion or even for yourself:)  You can send the card to someone else and keep all the goodies for yourself.  I won't tell!  Here's the card, featuring Fifth Avenue Floral (on sale this month at 20% off). Isn't it lovely?  This is an extra large, deluxe card and would be perfect for Mother's Day or a birthday.

Now let me show you the rest of the projects.  You can click on the photos to get a larger picture.

Here are the details:

• 4 coordinating note cards with envelopes
• Lip balm holder with Avon Moisture Therapy Lip Balm, magnet closure
• Deluxe Mother's Day Card--extra large size, 5 1/4" x 5 1/4" using Fifth Avenue Floral
• Note:  If your mother is no longer in your life or you wish to use these projects for another occasion you may substitute another greeting for the Happy Mother's Day
• Matching purse to hold all the gear 

• Friday, April 30th, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

RSVP with payment by Friday, April 23rd

Make all the projects shown

$28.00 includes all supplies and hands-on instruction
Payment available by check, cash, or the paypal button (includes a paypal fee) below.

Tote-ally Tess

She's back!  I wanted to share another sample of Tote-ally Tess because she is just so cute.  You can give her lots of different looks from sassy to sophisticated.  And changing her wardrobe as well as skin and/or hair color gives you so many options.  I loved playing paper dolls as a girl.  I think stamping with Tote-ally Tess is like grown up paper dolls! 

When I posted a card with Tote-ally Tess card on Friday, she was a brunette; now she's a blond!  

And isn't she cute?  This is a great card for your crafty friends and family.  This is another of Lori's creations and part of a recent swap.

Click on candystamps.stampinup.net to order Tote-ally Tess as well as the wonderful Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper and Sweet Pea Stitched Felt Pieces used to make this card.  And then just have fun with your supplies! 

Enjoy housework?

Do you enjoy housework?  Would you like someone ELSE to do your housework while you stamp?  That sounds like a great plan to me!  Right now, you can become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and earn enough money to pay a housekeeper and then some.

The Starter Kit is already a great value at $199.00 (valued at $335+).  For a limited time, you get 2 awesome DVDs called Workshop Wows along with your Starter Kit absolutely free (value=$42.42).  I own one of these (which I purchased at full price:) and it has some amazing techniques and wows.  Do you know what a wow is?  It's a little something, a special technique you do in the process of making a project that makes people say "Wow!" when they see your project!  The two DVDs have a total of 37 workshop wows, and you will love being able to watch them over and over, pausing them whenever you like, and being able to rewind them wherever you wish for full training benefits.  These are in addition to the training DVD already included in the Starter Kit.  That makes enough techniques and cool ideas to keep you busy and making money while stamping for quite a while!

So call me today at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper for more information.  You can also go directly to my Stampin' Up! website, candystamps.stampinup.net.  Once there, click on Start Your Own Business.  There is a very short video you can watch and lots of other info.  So check it out.  Dream a little about someone ELSE doing your housework while you stamp.  Then contact me, and let's get you started!

Sunday Post

I made this lovely card as part of a class last year, and it was a favorite for everyone even though it is a sympathy card.  Shortly after we had the class, I had need of this card and was so pleased to have something so lovely already made and ready to send.  Not only was I able to send words of comfort that I wrote, but I was able to send a bit of hand-made beauty which was very welcome in a time of great sorrow.

The wheeled images are from Watercolor Vine, now retired, but the stamps are all part of the still-current Close as a Memory.  The soft blue hues, gentle flowers and comforting words work together to effectively bring home the message of hope. Let hope rise in you today, for truly "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal."

Tote-ally Tess

For this week's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a recent swap I received, made by Lori and featuring the Tote-ally Tess stamp set from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  Isn't Tess cute?  She can be customized in so many ways, and I love the way Lori incorporated the butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslit to give this card a carefree look that is season-less.  

If you would like to make projects using this super cute set, Tote-ally Tess, then you must get your order in asap.  This stamp set, as in all the others in the Occasions Mini Catalog, are only available through April 30th.  Click on candystamps.stampinup.net to order today.  Once there, click on Products and then Order Now to order.  And then mosey on over to the projects for free inspiration!

Color Renovation Card

There is a second seating for the always-popular Techniques Class.  This month, one of our cards is featuring retiring colors as part of the Fond Farewell aspect of Stampin' Up!'s Color Renovation.   We're making Fancy Folds, the Z card, at left, and an easel card, at right, which stands up by itself.  See if you can spot the retiring colors.  Then check out the details below, and come stamp with me!

Fancy Folds Techniques Class

Saturday, April 17th, 10:00-12:00

$20 covers all supplies including hands-on instruction

Make 4 deluxe, custom-designed cards with matching envelopes

Use the paypal button below (fee added) or check or cash

Bring your own basic adhesive and let's stamp!

Color Renovation

Just like renovating a house, Stampin' Up! is renovating its color palette.  The changes have been made, and retiring colors (those no longer available) will be available for regular order through June 1, 2010.  After that, it's only while supplies last and that, only until June 30th.  On July 1st, when the new Idea Book and Catalog goes live, those colors will be, truly, a thing of the past.

I have live buttons in my sidebar that will direct you to the new color collection ( a mix of existing colors, past in colors, and new in colors and labeled Color Renovation) as well as the retiring collection, labeled Fond Farewell.  Please do click on these to see what is leaving, what is staying, and what is yet to come!  As these are pdf documents, you may print them for your own continued use.  It's a color renovation that is easy to embrace and sure to please.

Although I am super-excited about our new collections and can't wait to use them, I will spend the next few months savoring the beauty of the colors on their way out.  Just as when I do a home color renovation or wardrobe color renovation, parting is such sweet sorrow:)

Are you bored?

Are you bored?  Do you have extra time on your hands?  Boredom is NOT good for you.  You need a hobby!  Papercrafting is soooo much fun.  It just makes you feel good!  Whether you make cards, scrapbook, make gifts, or do a little of it all, you get immeasurably blessed.  The creation of the project itself is fun and rewarding.  When you give away that project, as in sending your card to someone you care about or making a mini scrapbook for a loved one, your heart is warmed by the response you receive.  Jesus said it is better to give than to receive.  How true this is!

Are you already a papercrafter and still bored?  You need a project!  The reason I give so many sample projects on my blog is so that you will always have a ready supply of fresh inspiration.  And if you need supplies, I can help you with that, too!  No need to get in traffic and stand in line to pay.  You can get everything you need right here by simply going to my sidebar (to your right) and clicking on the "Order Now" button.  So what are you waiting for?  Choose a project, get busy, and watch your life improve!

Color Renovation

Stampin' Up! just announced that we are getting a totally revamped color palette with the new Idea Book & Catalog in July.  The new collections are just gorgeous and have some of our present colors, some returning in colors from previous years, plus 5 brand new in colors.  It's like getting a whole new wardrobe!  I am loving the new collections and can't wait to get my hands on them.  It's a color renovation.

To view the colors in the color renovation yourself, just click here.

What does this mean for you?  The retiring colors will be available until June 1st and after that only while supplies last.  So if some of your favorites are going into retirement, you will want to stock up.  Look at your budget and see what you need to do in the next couple of months to ensure that you have the inks and card stocks you need to complete half-finished projects (I have several of those, so I'm thinking you might, too!) and/or have your favorite colors on hand.  Then prepare to fall in love with some new colors!

Click on candystamps.stampinup.net to order your supplies today and start getting ready for the color renovation! Once you are there, simply click on Products and then Shop Now.  Super simple shopping:)

Awash With Flowers

This is a simple, bright and cheery Get Well Card featuring the brand new Awash With Flowers stamp set.  It is really nice to have a stack of hand-stamped get well cards on hand.  They brighten someone's day and give you a chance to offer a few kind words along with a bit of your very own art work.  Contact me today at 210-492-3218 or candy@sweetstamper.com to book a workshop.  You can earn this stamp set, Awash With Flowers, free this month!  I'll teach you and your friends how to make lovely, hand-stamped, heartfelt cards just like this.  For more Awash With Flowers, just scroll down a bit for several more cards using this wonderful set.  Stamping with Awash With Flowers is like planting a garden without getting muddy or hot and sweaty:)

Card Supplies:
stamps:  Awash With Flowers
ink:  Basic Brown, Cameo Coral Classic Stampin' Pads
paper:  Cameo Coral, Blush Blossom, Bermuda Bay, Whisper White
accessories:  Big Shot, Stampin Up Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plate, Scallop Edge Punch, Sahara Sand Patterns Pack Designer Series Paper (Hostess, Level 1), Kraft Taffeta Ribbon

April Blog Giveaway

 This month's blog giveaway is 2 hand-stamped cards.  These will be cards made with my hands, warmed by my heart, and guaranteed to be top notch!  To enter this month's blog giveaway drawing, simply send me a photo(s) of what you are stamping.  I want to see what you are creating!  Each photo you send earns you one ticket for the drawing with a limit of 5.  I may even feature one of your creations on my blog.  How fun is that?!  So let's see what you've got!  Show me your stuff!  Send your entries to candy@sweetstamper.com.

Fifth Avenue Floral in Spring

Easter may be past, but spring is just getting under way, and Fifth Avenue Floral is all dressed up in spring colors!  To top that off, the Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set is on sale right now for 20% off.  That is great news as you can save money while adding this incredibly versatile stamp set to your craft supplies.  Whether you are a beginner or a veteran stamper, this set is easy to use, versatile, and has an almost chameleon-like quality.  It will fit in to many environments!  And it is just plain beautiful.  So what are you waiting for?!  Purchase your Fifth Avenue Floral stamp set today by going to my 24/7 store, candystamps.stampinup.net.  I've adjusted the link to take you right to Fifth Avenue Floral.

Card supplies:
Stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Leaf Lines
Ink:  Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Melon Mambo re-inkers, Basic Black StazOn
Paper:  Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black card stocks
Accessories:  Watercolor Paper, Aquapainters, 3/16" Corner Round and Curly Label Punches, Pretty in Pink Satin Ribbon, Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons, Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper

Easter Sunday Post

Happy Easter Sunday to all!  As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we do so with humility.  Our gratefulness, thanksgiving, and joy know no bounds as we rejoice this Easter Sunday.   As you gather with your local church and have friends and family round your dinner table, may you know greater blessings than ever before as we honor the one with whom all things are possible.

More Survey Feedback

It has been wonderful to hear from you about your favorite stamping activities, classes, and times to stamp.  But I want to hear from more of you!  If you have not yet let your voice be heard, please fill out my first-ever survey.  Just click here or scroll down 4 posts.  I want to know more about what YOU like best!

Awash with Flowers Sympathy Card

Since it is Good Friday, I thought an inspirational Sympathy Card would be a good expression of the day.  Good Friday is the day that the earth had true sorrow as the Son of God, the only begotten of the Father, Jesus Christ, was crucified and died.  Thank God that history, His story, does not end there!  But before we go on to the celebration of Easter, let us remember the true grief and sorrow of Good Friday.

As you have occasion to offer comfort in the midst of someone else's sorrow, consider handmade, heartfelt sympathy cards, made with your own hands, warmed by your own heart.

Sympathy card supplies:
stamps:  Awash with Flowers, Close as a Memory, Sanded
ink:  Soft Suede, Barely Banana, Crushed Curry, Dusty Durango, Mellow Moss Stampin Write Markers, Basic Black StazOn
paper:  Kraft, Barely Banana, Soft Suede card stocks, Watercolor Paper
accessories:  Aquapainters, Hemp Twine

Card Games Easel Card-Techniques

As promised earlier in the week, here is the easel card we will be doing in our April Techniques Class-Fancy Folds.  It features the Card Games and Game Night stamp sets with the Jackpot Designer Series Paper.  This is a great manly card, a true masculine birthday card, guaranteed to wow the men and/or boys in your life! To see the other card we will be doing in this Fancy Folds class, just scroll down 3 posts to see the Awash with Flowers Z Fold card.

Techniques Class-Fancy Folds

Tuesday, April 6th, 6:30-8:30

4 cards:  2 each of 2 different designs

2 masculine, 2 feminine birthday cards
$20 covers all supplies

RSVP with payment by Sunday, April 4th