Friends Fur Ever

For my Saturday Sample, I'm sharing one of my daughter's creations using the darling new stamp set Friends Fur Ever.  Now honestly, if you were going through a rough patch in your life, wouldn't this card make your day?!  I just love it!

The Friends Fur Ever stamp set is just so much fun.  For this card, Tiffany kept it clean and simple.  She also used one of our new In Colors, Poppy Parade, which really pops.  Notice also the layer of Tangerine Tango textured card stock.  Although the tangerine is a micro layer (1/16"), the texture comes through and really adds a little something extra and snazzy.  I hope you enjoyed today's sample!

Would you like to make cards like this?  Check out my card class schedule here and also my card club information here.  All my class and club stamping opportunities offer real, hands-on instruction in card-making.  So join me and be on your way to creating your own handmade, heartfelt cards...with a touch of class!

Beautiful Birth Announcement

Today I'm sharing my granddaughter Olivia's birth announcement.  I think it turned out so pretty and not only because Olivia is absolutely gorgeous:) LOL-gramma kudos for Olivia!  I used My Digital Studio (aka MDS) which is super easy to use and produces really nice photo projects like birth announcements and cards, scrapbook pages, calendars, and more.  The possibilities for customization are endless!

For this project, I used Pretty in Pink and Certainly Celery for my color scheme.  I'm a sucker for pink and green anyway, and these colors just happen to complement Olivia's outfit and complexion.  I wanted to keep things pretty simple to stay with my goal of announcing Olivia's entry into our world vs. announcing what great projects I can make!  So I chose soft colors and just enough stamps and embellishments to enhance the beautiful photo of Olivia.  For the stamps, I chose the little elephants from the now retired Nursery Necessities.  I had used this same stamp set for Olivia's shower invitations, and I like to have a theme that I can use again and again.  So the little pink elephant was my recurring theme. 

We sent these out to lots of friends and family, and everyone loved them.  You can make wonderful projects like this with just a few clicks of a mouse.  My Digital Studio is your ticket!  Contact me today to learn more about MDS or just click here to see more, learn more, and even purchase your own My Digital Studio.  You will love it!

Tuesday Techniques-Round 2!

I have added a 2nd round to our Techniques Class.  We've been doing Techniques on the last Tuesday of each month.  Now, that class will repeat the following Tuesday.  That means our July Techniques-Masking-will take place again on Tuesday, August 3rd.  Hope that doesn't confuse you!  You can always check my blog for class dates.  There is a tab at the top that says Card Classes Available.  All current classes will be posted there.

Featured stamp sets are Notably Ornate (shown here) and Autumn Days (scroll down to see photo).

Tuesday, August 3rd
6:30-8:30 p.m.
2 custom-designed cards, 2 of each card plus matching envelopes
Hands-on instruction during class plus written instructions for home use
*$25 includes all supplies plus instructions
Cash, checks, and credit card payments (paypal below) accepted
RSVP with payment by Sunday, August 1st

We scream for ice cream!

This darling card, made by my fellow demonstrator Bobbie, features the Sweet Scoops stamp set.  It looks good enough to eat!  This versatile stamp set is great for anyone who loves ice cream.  It makes cards that appeal to children as well as adults, men as well as women, young as well as old.  You can also make some great scrapbook pages.  After all, who doesn't have a few photographed memories featuring ice cream?  Events ranging from birthdays with cake and ice cream to trips to the zoo with a cone to cool off will seem even sweeter when your scrapbook pages are made with Sweet Scoops!

Sweet Scoops is one of the stamp sets in the Summer Mini Catalog.  That means it is only available through August 30th.  You need to get busy ordering if you want this set!  Time is running out!  Don't delay.  Order today.  Simply click here or go to the Order Online button to your right.

Card Ingredients:

stamps:  Sweet Scoops

Ink:  More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Rich Razzleberry

Paper:  Whisper White, Rich Razzleberry, More Mustard, Bermuda Bay

Accessories:  Big shot, Square Lattice Textured Impressions Folder, Photo Corners Punch, Paper Snips, Crystal Effects

Project Kit for Stars!

The upcoming event, Stamp and Scrap with the Stars at the AT&T Center benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is sure to be an evening to remember.  I mean, stamping and scrapping at the AT&T Center before and during a Silver Stars game is just cool!  And the photo op (5:00-6:00) in the Spurs Locker Room promises to be a really fun time with plenty of laughter and cool poses caught on camera.  Whose locker will you be posing beside?

To make the evening even more special, I have a project kit for you.  The project kit includes all the supplies to make a mini scrapbook or mini journal, 2 cards, and a favor box.  There are 2 design options for the book, cards, and box, so you have lots of choices.  Here is the front of the mini scrapbook.  The inside pages are super-cute with a continuous color scheme and theme throughout the book.  You can see all the pages by clicking on the Scrapbook Classes Available at the top of my blog.  Just look up and click!

You can purchase the kit for $40 by check, cash or paypal (below).  Send your checks to my address noted at the top of this blog.  I can't wait to stamp and scrap with you!

Techniques-Masking

This month's techniques class gives you a hands-on look at masking.  This is an awesome technique that allows you to place multiple images on the same piece of cardstock/element without the images overlapping one another with unsightly lines.  Masking is a must-have technique for your stamping "tool belt" whether you are a beginner or a seasoned stamper.

These are the lovely cards we will be making this month, designed and created by my very talented daughter Tiffany, also a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  You will further appreciate her work knowing that she is nursing a 3-month old infant who wants to feed round the clock!  (That's why we are a bit behind on posting the details of this class:)  Somehow, she managed to squeeze in enough design time to create these beautiful cards.  Our aim this month was to produce one more feminine design and one more masculine design, and I think Tiffany has done that beautifully.  Masculine cards seem to be a greater challenge for our feminine minds!  The feminine design features Notably Ornate, one of the brand new stamp sets in the 2010-11 Idea Book and Catalog.  The masculine card features the Autumn Days stamp set.  As always, you may change the greeting to something more appropriate for your needs if desired. 

Since we got the details for this up rather late, the rsvp is remaining open through noon Tuesday.  Here are the full details:

Tuesday, July 27th 
6:30-8:30 p.m.

2 designs, 2 each, total of 4 cards with matching envelopes

*All supplies included

Hands-on instruction plus written instructions to keep so you can reproduce the techniques you just learned.

$25.00 payable by check, cash, or paypal (below)

RSVP with payment by noon, Tuesday, July 27th

*Please observe normal class protocol and bring your own basic adhesive (SNAIL or Anywhere Glue Stick).  All specialty adhesives provided.

Free stamps and supplies!

YOU can get free stamps and supplies throughout August!  How?  I'm so glad you asked!  Simply host a workshop of $350 or more and receive an EXTRA $25 of hostess dollars to spend any way you like in the catalog.  Woo-hoo!  Free shopping!  So how does this work?

A $350 workshop is very average, so it's easy to do.  With that workshop, you receive $40 in hostess dollars and a Level 1 or Level 2 set of stamps or papers.  In August only, you get an extra $25 totalling $65 in hostess dollars plus the Level 1 or Level 2 set of stamps or papers (for a $350 workshop).  You could make some amazing things with those products!  It's like someone handing you $85.  Personally, I love free stuff.  I especially love free stuff from Stampin' Up!

I have some dates available in August.  So let's talk dates and get the party started!  Hostessing a workshop is so simple. I mail out invitations for you, you make a follow up phone call to your guests, we gather at your place or mine (your choice), I demonstrate how to make something, you and your guests make something to take home with them, your guests have the opportunity to place orders, and then you choose your free stuff!  It is so simple and lots of fun.  Before I became a demonstrator, I had 2 workshops each year.  That's how I built my supplies and learned to stamp!  Email me by clicking the "email me" button to your right, or call 210-492-3218.  Let's get the free shopping started!

Inspirational Sunday Post

Fear not, precious flock, from the cross to the throne
From death into life He went for His own
All power in earth, all power above
Is given to Him for the flock of His love

Only believe,

Only believe,

All things are possible

Only believe.

The words above are from an old gospel song written in the early part of the 20th century and much loved through generations.  The simple chorus is a beautiful melody and speaks of faith in the wonder-working power of the Lord Jesus Christ that has touched my own life and family again and again.

The card above features the brand new stamp set, Just Believe, which I just love.  It has the lovely words seen in the card above as well as a "friends," "thank you," and "just for you," the lovely plant silhouettes as shown above, and four other plant and flower images.  So this set has lots of versatility.  For the card above, I wanted a sort of ethereal look, one of soft beauty.  You can't quite see it in my photo, but the plants and the little Bashful Blue tab have a soft mist of Vanilla Smooch Spritz that gives them a very soft shine, a bit magical, a bit other-worldly.  At least that is the look I was trying to achieve.  I felt that look perfectly matched the words, "Some things have to be believed to be seen."

I want to leave you today with the remaining lyrics from Only Believe and hope you enjoy them as they inspire you and help you to look up.

Verse 2
Fear not, precious flock, He goeth ahead,
Your Shepherd selects the path you must tread;
The waters of Mara He'll sweeten for thee
He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane

Verse 3
Fear not, precious flock, whatever your lot;
He enteres all rooms, the doors being shut.
He never forsakes, He never is gone
So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Chorus
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe;
Only believe, only believe;
All things are possible, only believe.

Put on your mask!

Am I having a costume party?  No!  I'm having a Techniques Class where you learn how to mask images so that you can lay other images over them without any lines showing through.  Masking is a wonderful technique that you will use again and again.

These are the lovely cards we will be making this month, designed and created by my very talented daughter Tiffany, also a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  You will further appreciate her work knowing that she is nursing a 3-month old infant who wants to feed round the clock!  Somehow, she managed to squeeze in enough design time to create these beautiful cards.  Our aim this month was to produce one more feminine design and one more masculine design, and I think Tiffany has done that beautifully.  As always, you may change the greeting to something more appropriate for your needs if desired.  Join us for masking!

July Techniques class is this Tuesday, July 27th, 6:30-8:30.  The details are as always for this class:

2 designs, 2 each, total of 4 cards with 
matching envelopes

*All supplies included

Hands-on instruction plus written instructions to keep so you can reproduce the techniques you just learned.

$25.00 payable by check, cash, or paypal (below)

RSVP with payment by noon, Tuesday, July 27th

*Please observe normal class protocol and bring your own basic adhesive (SNAIL or Anywhere Glue Stick).  All specialty adhesives provided.

Saturday Sample

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a card using the new hostess set, Because I Care.  The artwork is gorgeous, the words are perfect, and the whole set is versatile.  I love it!  This card is a simple design and layout.  It's all Basic Black and Very Vanilla with just a touch of Garden Green for emphasis and interest.  The color scheme reminds me of those black and white photos that have just one thing in the photo that is in color.  The Dazzling Diamonds Glitter add just the right touch of brightness and dazzle to my hydrangeas, and the ribbon adds texture.

Can you believe this (Because I Care) is a Level 1 Hostess Set?  You can make gorgeous cards, scrapbook pages, and even gifts in just minutes!  The cherry on top:  the stamp set is free.  That's right.  You CANNOT purchase this stamp set.  But you can earn it by hostessing a workshop.  I'm booking workshops for late August and September.  Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me (just click on the button in the sidebar to your right) to set a date.  I'll tell you all about how to have a successful workshop.  It's super easy and absolutely free.  Even better, it's lots of fun, you learn how to stamp, and you earn free stuff:) 

When I held by first Stampin' Up! workshop (about 7 years ago), I invited everyone I knew.  I hadn't done any crafting in years and didn't know anyone else that was crafting (so I thought!).  But I had gone to a friend's workshop (I had no idea what I was attending, came in late from work, and had NO intention of purchasing anything) and loved it.  A good group came to my workshop (6-12 is an ideal size for a Stampin' Up! workshop) and some of them became my stamping buddies! 

So what are you waiting for?  August/September is a perfect time to start preparing for the rest of the year (translation:  holidays:).  Make it handmade and heartfelt this year!  Make it the best year yet for you and your loved ones!

Are Your Ribbons Ready?

You can organize your ribbons in purpose-made shelves (available at candystamps.stampinup.net) for easy access. But then there are those little scraps. You know, the pieces you cut for a project and then didn't use. I like to store my scraps and pieces in a ribbon "jar." I call it a jar, but it's actually a vase, because I don't want to have to open a lid when I'm looking for/grabbing a piece of ribbon. Remember, you want your organization to work FOR you not against you. You want it to SAVE time not cost you time.  For an extra bit of organization as well as style, I added a one of the Curly Chalkboard Labels from the Summer Mini Catalog ($5.95 for 3 labels).  See the labels below. 

Ribbon is my go-to embellishment. It adds the perfect touch to most any project. I use ribbon on my hand-stamped cards, scrapbook pages, handmade gifts, and more. Of course, they also make for extra-special packaging. When wrapping up a gift, even a small or inexpensive one, I like to make it extra special with nice wrapping or even just some nice ribbon. Stampin' Up! ribbon comes in all our core colors as well as in colors (trendy colors that keep everything fresh) and is very, very nice quality. I like to wrap a stack of hand-stamped cards in a generous length of ribbon for gifting. Super simple, super easy, extra special!

To purchase these neat, tidy, yet stylish organization helps for your crafting, just click here to enter my store.  You can shop and even search to your heart's content.  The ribbon shelves (technically, the name is Ribbon Keepers) are 107634, 2 small (11.95), 107635, 2 medium ($15.95), and 107636, 2 large ($18.95) and the Curly Chalboard Labels (shown above) are 118876, 3 labels ($5.95) and Oval Chalkboard Labels (same as above but oval-shaped) are 121019, 3 labels ($5.95).  Just plug those numbers into the search to find them in seconds.  And while you're there, check out our ribbons!

Christmas in July!

This is the last day to rsvp for this Friday's session of Christmas in July!  Don't miss out!  Join us for creative, Christmas fun in the middle of July!  Have you never before made cards?  Come on and join us.  There will be hands-on instruction to help you get started on this fun, exciting hobby.  Are you a seasoned stamper?  Come and join us for fresh ideas with my custom designs.  The Christmas music will be playing, and we will have a blast stamping together!

Click here to register and see all 3 designs we will be making. 

Make 6 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 3 designs
(1 design is above, scroll down to see the 2 others for July)
$25 covers all supplies* and envelopes 
Hands-on instruction during class
Full color written instructions to take home
Two sessions each month for your convenience
Friday night, July 23rd, 6:30-8:30
Saturday morning, July 24th, 9:30-11:30
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)

RSVP with payment by Thursday, July 22nd

*Please observe normal class protocol and bring your own basic (SNAIL or Anywhere Glue Stick) adhesive.

Happy Grad!

I love the Happy Grad single stamp featured in the Summer Mini Catalog.  It's a lovely, simple design, and the words are just beautiful.  They are appropriate for male or female graduates, and you can even ink up the words without the Happy Graduation greeting to get even more mileage out of these lovely well-written, challenging words.  Click here to see another project using Happy Grad but omitting the Happy Graduation words.

Here, I've added a colored metal sheet, run through the Big Shot with one of the Stampin' Up! Backgrounds Texturz Plates.  It adds a touch of classic elegance that is appropriate for a male or female graduate.  This is a card that stands out from the pack.  It is obvious that it did not come from the card aisle at WalMart or any other store.  It's handmade, heartfelt with a touch of class.

For information about my upcoming card classes, where you can learn to make cards like this, click here.  These classes are for beginners as well as seasoned card makers.  Enjoy hands-on instruction and a creative environment with a great group of ladies!

Stamp and Scrap with the Stars!

I have an awesome upcoming event that you and your friends/family will want to be part of.  On Breast Health Awareness Night, Friday, August 13th, you can stamp and scrap to your heart's content, overlooking the Silver Stars game at the AT&T Center.  Your purchase will benefit the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.  Here are the details of an event you will NOT want to miss:

Friday, August, 13th

2:00-10:00

7:00 Tip Off

AT&T Center, overlooking the court

FREE parking!

1 hour photo op in the Spurs Locker Room (have your pic taken next to Tony's locker!)

Bring your projects and enjoy uninterrupted crafting time

Project kit available to make:  6x6 mini scrapbook, 2 cards, 1 favor box

Come on your own or invite your friends and family!

A night to remember!

*Silver Stars Game only:  $15-link

*Game + Stamp & Scrap:  $20-link

Instructions to use the above links is below

Project Kit:  $40-paypal link below (available to those attending the game as well as those who aren't)

Let's stamp and scrap for the cure!

*

How to Order Tickets Online: 5 Easy Steps

1. Click on link above

2. Enter the Special Offer Code: KOMEN (Do not enter email address here)

3: Create new Account (or use your existing one)

4. Pick your seats & location

5. Print tickets at home (No Ticketmaster Fees)

Contact: Aaron Teer @ 210.444.5707 or ateer@attcenter.com with questions!

Sunday Inspirational Post

For my inspirational card share today, I'm sharing a card I made last week for the passing of a very special lady in my life.  Ruth Bell, known as Sister Bell to thousands, impacted my life and that of my family in a way that changed us...forever!  Her passion for the things of God was infectious, and her example of a strong, unwavering woman of God inspired me again and again.  I was privileged to know her and was inspired and challenged all over again at her funeral on Friday.  She passed from this life at the age of 85, having served the Lord wholeheartedly from a young age.  She read her Bible completely through every year, from the age of 10 until her death, as well as reading the Book of Psalms every single month.  That's a lot of scripture!  She used to say, "Mark the Word when you read it, and let it mark you."  What great wisdom!  Needless to say, Sister Bell had a passion for God's Word. 

I wanted to create a sympathy card that was feminine yet simple and unfussy.  That was Ruth.  I heat embossed the hydrangea (from the new hostess set Because I Care) as well as the greeting (from a retired hostess set, Warmest Regards).  I watercolored with an aquapainter using Soft Suede and Pretty in Pink and did lots of sponging with Soft Suede.  The flourish behind the flower is from the new Notably Ornate which has some lovely and very versatile images.  The scripture for the inside is a favorite.  I simply typed it out and ran a sheet of cardstock through my printer.  Then I simply rounded the corners with my 3/16" Corner Rounder Punch to finish it off and give it a polished look and also sponged it with Soft Suede ink to tie it in to the front of the card. 

You, too, can create your own custom sympathy cards.  I think they are one of the most special cards to create and give.  In someone's time of mourning, reflection, sadness, and grief, give some of yourself with a handstamped card...made by you.

For my Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a clean and simple card.  It features two of our new in colors, Blushing Bride and Pear Pizazz, a new core color, Early Espresso, as well as one of the new stamp sets, Wordplay.  And the new design elements don't stop there!  The designer series paper is the absolutely gorgeous Greenhouse Gala.  The little scallop rectangle is the new Scallop Rectangle Clearlit.  What is a Clearlit?  Well, it's like an embosslit with a clear window.  That means you can place your stamped image exactly where you want it. Pretty neat, huh?  And it's only $7.50.

Stamps:  Wordplay

Ink:  Early Espresso, Peach Parfait Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper:  Peach Parfait, Pear Pizazz, Whisper White, Early Espresso Card Stocks, Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper

Accessories:  Big shot, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Subtles Brads, Certainly Celery Satin Ribbon, Stamping Sponges

To purchase any of these supplies, go to candystamps.stampinup.net and then click SHOP NOW!

Christmas in July!

It's time to start thinking about the holidays!  In this heat?  In July?!  Yes!  Early preparation makes for stress-free holidays.  Plus, thinking about Christmas in July makes one feel a bit cooler--that's my theory, anyway:)  Join us next weekend.  I have two sessions for your convenience.  Check out photos of the other cards here. 

Make 6 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 3 designs
(1 design is above, scroll down to see the 2 others for July)
$25 covers all supplies* and envelopes 
Hands-on instruction during class
Full color written instructions to take home
Two sessions each month for your convenience
Friday night, July 23rd, 6:30-8:30
Saturday morning, July 24th, 9:30-11:30
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted 

                 (paypal button below)
RSVP with payment by Wednesday, July 21st for the Friday session OR
       Thursday, July 22nd for the Saturday session

 
 

How Do I Organize My Stamps?

What is the best way to organize your stamps? 

How do I organize mine?

There are 3 basic systems for stamp organization:

1.  Alphabetically
2.  Number system
3. Category

There is not a one-size-fits-all organizational system.  You need to have a system that works for YOU.  So let's look at each system.  

Alphabetical:  This is a great system as it's quick and easy to find things.  In addition, we are used to looking for other things alphabetically.  The major drawback to this system is that you have to really know the names of your stamp sets.  If you're good with names, this is the system for you!

Number system:  For this system, you simply affix a number to your stamp sets and keep a list, sort of like a library system where each book has a number.  You can simply number your sets in the order you purchase them or make a more specific system where nature sets begin with a 1, greetings sets begin with a 2, etc.  This is a great system for the very organized people out there.  God bless you all!

Category:  For this system, you organize your stamps according to the category they are listed under in the Idea Book & Catalog.  So all the Holiday stamps go in one spot, the Occasions stamps go in another, etc.  This is the system I use, and it really helps me.  In addition to keeping my stamps straight, it helps me orient to the catalog.  Since I use my catalog a lot, not only for helping people place orders but also for my own design inspiration, I feel that I kill two birds with one stone.

Whatever stamp organization system you choose, get one going.  When you can find what you are looking for, creating hand stamped projects is much more fun.  Stamping is meant to be a time of creativity and enjoyment, not frustration.  So organize your stamps and you will be stamping stress-free!

For monthly tips, ideas, and more, subscribe to my bi-monthly newsletter.  Just go to the pink box at the top of the right sidebar on this blog.  It's easy peasy!

Designer Print Albums available once again!

The darling 6x6 Designer Print Albums, featured in the Summer Mini Catalog, are available once again at the end of the month.  These were so popular that they sold out in just weeks.  But more are being made, and the will once again be available.  I couldn't get an online photo for this post, but click on the Summer Mini Catalog button in my sidebar, download the Summer Mini, and you will see it.  At $10.95, these little albums are a steal!  But several and make mini albums for gifts.  The 6x6 album size is also fantastic for single events like a prom or a trip.  The 6x6 size is also an excellent way to BEGIN scrapbooking.  Many people are intimidated by the amount of open space in a 12x12 sheet of cardstock!  The 6x6 is extremely user-friendly.  So call me to let me know you want one or more of these albums, and I'll let you know when they have been restocked.

Have you never before scrapbooked?  Come to my Scrapbook Your Way class and get started on the most popular craft in America!  Details are here.  Or just scroll down to yesterday's post.  And then let's scrap!

Scrapbook Your Way!

It's summertime.  Are you scrapbooking?  What about trips, vacations, special celebrations?  Don't you want to showcase those photos and preserve those memories?

Come to Scrapbook Your Way!  This class meets every other month, and we do two 2-page layouts each class for a total of 4 pages.  These are photo-ready when you leave.  Simply add your own snapshots, and you have 4 lovely scrapbook pages.  Above is one of the two layouts for this month's class as we make pages ready for summery photos.  Check out the other 2-page layout here under the Scrapbook Classes Available tab at the top of this blog.


Why is this class called "Scrapbook Your Way"?  Because you can create these layouts in 8-1/2x8-1/2 or 8-1/2x11 or 12x12.  The cost is the same; simply indicate your layout size when you register for class.  You can scrapbook your way, using the size that works best for you, in a class environment where the fun and creativity freely flow!

 Friday, July 16th, 6:30-8:30
$40 covers all supplies* and hands-on instruction
RSVP with payment by Thursday, July 15th
Checks, Cash, Credit Cards Accepted (Paypal button below)
Have a fun girls night out!

 Please observe normal class protocol:  bring your own basic adhesive.

 

 

Friends Never Fade

We had a great time at two events this past week: Hostess Appreciation on Tuesday and New Catalog Open House on Saturday.  This is the Make & Take we did at both events, and I'm loving this Daffodil Delight!  It is so fresh and pretty.  It is so aptly named as it reminds me of the fields and gardens full of daffodils in England in the spring (we spent 9 years in England and enjoyed every moment). 

This is a simple Stamps, Ink, and Paper card (with a little Dazzling Diamonds for just a touch of shine).  I love how our Designer Series Papers (in this case, Greenhouse Gala) are such a great way to create a color palette for a project.  Here, I took the Pumpkin Pie, Pear Pizazz, and Daffodil Delight combination directly from the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper. 

And Stampin' Up! has given us another winning combination of Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper and the coordinating stamp set, Friends Never Fade.  The possibilities are endless, with this great duo of products, for projects with coordination, flair, and sophistication.  Stampin' Up! makes it easy for us to look great!

To order any of the projects mentioned above, call me at 210-492-3218 or order directly online in my store:  candystamps.stampinup.net.

Inspirational Sunday Post

Today I'm sharing a sympathy card for my inspirational Sunday post.  This card features the very recently retired stamp set Close as a Memory and its previously retired, coordinating wheel, Watercolor Vine.

I love hand-stamped sympathy cards.  That may sound strange, but death happens every day and will affect each and every one of us numerous times during our own lifetimes.  During a time of someone's grief, I think a hand-stamped card is one of the most appropriate expressions of love, care, and hope that can be offered.

Whether it's for a loved one or someone you know only casually yet wish to express your heartfelt condolences, a hand-stamped card is just right.   Write a few sentences inside the card offering your deepest sympathies, and add a Bible verse.  You may have a favorite one for this purpose or one that is especially meaningful to the person receiving the card.  Psalm 23 is a favorite during times of loss, and its familiarity brings comfort while its timeless words of truth soothe a grieving soul.  The words on this card, (one of two beautiful verses in the stamp set Close as a Memory), are so true.  Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

Almost Artisan Award

This is the last of my Artisan Award entries.  It's my 3rd scrapbook page entry and features my youngest son Alex and his wife.  They are true originals in every sense of the word, and I thought this scrapbook page did a fair job of capturing that. 

Although I created this page in March, all the colors and stamps are still current, having survived the Color Renovation. LOL  And as I've stated before, I like scrapbook pages that really highlight the photos.  That seems to me the main point of scrapbooking!  I like colors, embellishments, stamped images, and everything on a page to highlight rather than overpower the subject of the page.  I also like to use colors and images that are gender neutral or masculine when scrapping the men in my family.  When a couple is the subject as in this page, I go for the gender neutral look.  I think my Alex and Leah look sufficiently highlighted and are the stars of this page in colors and embellishments that suit them as a couple.  I hope you like it better than the judges!

Would you like to learn to scrapbook?  Or do you already scrap and would like to do so in a group environment on a regular basis?  I currently have space available in my 2nd Thursday Scrapbooking Hostess Club.  Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com for more information.

Rejoin Stampin' Up!

Have you been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator in the past?  If so, for the month of July only, you can rejoin for just $35.  That's right!  Now, you don't get a Starter Kit for that price, but if you are a former demonstrator, you already have that.  You will get fresh business supplies, the opportunity to develop a business that suits you and sustains you, and you can join my team!  Sometimes Stampin' Up! Demonstrators come into difficulties that require their attention in such a way that they can't continue their business.  This is YOUR month to get your business back without purchasing another Starter Kit.
So how about it?  Did you start and stop?  I have a growing team of very fun, optimistic, positive, and encouraging ladies who are growing their businesses.  My daughter is part of my downline and is able to stay home with my brand new granddaughter because of her Stampin' Up! business.  Join us, the Southern Sweet Stampers.  I have downline in other states and can give you much of the same support as my San Antonio ladies through the internet and mail service.  If you are in the greater San Antonio area, my support is nearby.

If you are interested or are still just in the asking questions phase of rejoining, call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.  To take advantage of this offer, you must do so by mail.  You cannot rejoin online.  So, let me show you the way to rejoin and make this a great Stampin' Up! year for you.

New Catalog Open House

Today is the last day to rsvp for my Open House on Saturday.  Here are the deets.  I hope you can join us!

New Catalog Open House

Saturday, July 10th

3:00-7:00 Come and Go

Samples made with new catalog products

Pick up a new catalog free!

Door prize drawings

2 Make & Take stations

Snacks

Door prize tickets will be given out thus:

• 1 Ticket for being here
• 1 Ticket for every $10 in product purchases
• 5 Tickets for bringing a friend (new to me)
• 10 Tickets for booking a workshop before November
• 10 Tickets for joining a Hostess Club
• 5 Tickets for every $50 in product purchases
•   (in addition to the ones already given in $10 increments)

Although this is a free event, I must prepare for you.  RSVP to candy@sweetstamper.com today!

Almost Artisan Award

I'm going to finish showing the rest of my Almost Artisan Award entries this week.  Here is the last of the 5 cards I entered.  It's a remake of a card I had done previously in completely different colors for spring.  You can see that card here.  Which one do you like best?  I like them both as they are both such different looks.  It's amazing how just changing the colors in a design can alter the look so completely.  Although the Dusty Durango color in this card is retired, it would look lovely in our new Cajun Craze.  And the stamp sets featured, Fifth Avenue Floral and Leaf Lines, are still current and featured in our brand new Idea Book and Catalog.

Would you like to make cards like this?  Come to one of my classes, and I'll teach you how!  Check out the "Classes Available" tab at the top of my blog to see current classes today and every day.

Free Projects and More!

Are you a subscriber to my monthly newsletter?  If not, you are missing out!  My July newsletter goes out today with 4 free projects, new classes news, a tool tip, answers to your questions, and more.  Sign up today, or any day this week, and you will get this treasure trove of relevant stamping news and information delivered to your inbox absolutely free.  Just go to your right and use the pink sign up box.  Sign up today!

Almost Artisan Award

Today I'm sharing another Almost Artisan Award entry.  I made a lot of projects for this contest!  It seems I have shared them all and then find another to share with you:).  Again, there were 10 projects in all, submitted for Stampin' Up! annual Artisan Awards.  I didn't win:(  But I enjoyed making the projects and have enjoyed sharing them with you.

This is the second of my two 3D entries.  It's about the size of a love note (3x3), but when you open it up, it houses a lip balm.  In this case, I used an Avon Moisture Therapy lip balm, all prettied up with some Designer Series Paper.  These make inexpensive gifts that say, "I think you are special."

Once again, I used that lovely combination of Crushed Curry (recently retired) with Very Vanilla and Basic Black.  This is actually a remake of a very similar project I ran as a gift class right before Christmas. 

Check out my full calendar of events here.  I run a number of different classes each month, and I hope you will find one that fits your schedule so you can join me.  Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.  I would love to stamp with you!

Happy 4th of July!

This is my normal  inspirational Sunday post.  You may ask why I don't have a typical inspirational project in my post.  But today is a doubly special Sunday since it's the Lord's Day as well as our national Independence Day.  Since God is the author and originator of freedom, I thought that anything highlighting freedom was worthy of being placed in my inspirational spot this week. 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held with the yoke of bondage.
(Gal 5:1 MKJV)



Every person on the planet longs for freedom and liberty.  It's the way God made us to be.  On this Independence Day, Fourth of July, holiday, I'm counting my blessings of freedom and liberty.  I live in a free country where I am free to worship as I desire, free to work where I want, free to raise my family according to my values, free to disagree with my government and so much more.  So many people around the world do not enjoy these precious freedoms.  I purpose to not take these things for granted.  They cannot be purchased with money as they exceed monetary value.  In addition to national freedom, I have spiritual freedom.  Christ Jesus has set my spirit free, no longer under the hard taskmaster of sin.

Now the Lord is the Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there the heart is free.
(2Co 3:17 BBE)

All freedom is "bought" with blood.  For our nation, our brave men and women in uniform serve us sacrificially, all too often laying down their lives, quite literally, for us to maintain our precious freedoms.  For our souls, the Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood, laying down His own life, that all who desire His freedom, may freely receive it and thereby be truly free.  Free:  the way we are meant to be.

Greenhouse Gala

For my Saturday sample, I have something brand new to show you.  I am loving this new Designer Series Paper, Greenhouse Gala.  It is just gorgeous and reminds me of the lovely William Morris wallpapers that were such a part of the Arts and Crafts movement.  Here, I have paired it with our fabulous new embossing folder, Vintage Wallpaper.  There are two more really new elements to this card.  Can you spot them?  My card base is the new In Color, Pear Pizazz.  And the stamped greeting is from a great new set called Perfect Punches.  What an appropriate name!

This is one of the cards we will be making in our clubs this month.  Would you like to learn more about my clubs?  Email me at candy@sweetstamper, and you can be my guest at one of my club meetings this month.  I can't wait to stamp with you!

Because I Care

I created this card using one of the brand new Level 1 Hostess Sets, Because I Care, in the new Idea Book & Catalog.  That's right, this gorgeous stamp set is a Level 1!  (And I only used 2 of the 5 stamps.)  This card also features one of the beautiful new core colors, Marina Mist.

Would you like to make cards like this?  Book a workshop and I'll teach you how...free!  Contact me at 210-492-3218.  I'm booking late August-October workshops.  Get a date on the calendar, then sit back.  Once we get near the time of our workshop, I'll walk you through the process of getting a good group of guests and helping you earn the most free stamps and supplies possible.  You can earn the Because I Care stamp set and so much more by hostessing a workshop.  Call today!  Or email me at candy@sweetstamper.com.

New Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog!

Today is the FIRST day for the new catalog!  We have loads of gorgeous new ideas, stamp sets, punches, dies, Simply Scrappin' Kits, embellishments...you get the idea:)  Would you like your own copy of the catalog?  It makes wonderful leisure time reading.  Or if you're like me with little leisure time, you can just keep it with you and steal in a peek at a few pages when you are waiting for various things...the kettle to boil, your computer to boot up, dinner to come out of the oven, etc.   

Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com , and I will get one to you FREE.  Now that's a deal!  They sell for $9.95, but I am giving them away so you can be privy to all the new lovelies:)  And if you are in the San Antonio area, save the date:  July 10th for my open house. 

Saturday, July 10th

3:00-7:00 Com and Go

Make & Take Stations

Fun Snacks

Display board full of samples from the new catty

Catalogs to take home!

RSVP by July 8th to candy@sweetstamper.com

Although this is a free event, I must plan for you!