Sweet Stamper

sweetstamper.com

2010-11-16T22:35:00.001-06:00

So my blog changeover is official and complete. You can now find me at sweetstamper.com. To access this blog, the one you are at right now with its 18 months of posts, go to sweetstamper.blogspot.com.

Still waiting...so hop on over!

2010-11-06T22:32:00.000-05:00

I'm still awaiting my quick and easy changeover for you to easily get to my new blog. In the meantime, I've posted there. You can hop on over by clicking on sweetstamper.typepad.com. See you there!

New Blog Platform

2010-11-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

I'm in the process of switching to a different blogging platform. What does that mean for you? It means that to access this blog, you must type in sweetstamper.blogspot.com. My new blog, sweetstamper.com, should be mapped and ready by tomorrow--at least I'm hoping for it to happen that quickly. See you in my new format!

Thoughtful Crafters Gift

2010-11-03T01:30:00.000-05:00

Do you need a thoughtful, practical gift for a crafter in your life? We "crafty" people love to be inspired. Sometimes "writer's block" hits us like a ton of bricks. Part of the nature of crafting and art is the continual need for fresh ideas, inspiration, new color combinations, and different ways of looking at something.

I have the perfect gift for you to give: my Card of the Day program. It's a daily dose of creativity, delivered to your inbox (or the inbox of your choice) for just $4.95 per month. A photo of one of my cards is sent each day, every day, along with a full list of supplies. Not only is this the perfect gift for crafters, you don't have to leave home to do your shopping! I have 3 ways for you to purchase Card of the Day:

Monthly subscription: a monthly charge of just $4.95
3-Month subscription: purchase 3 months all at once for just $14.85
6-Month subscription: purchase 6 months all at once for just $29.70

I've provided convenient paypal buttons for you below. If you prefer to pay by check, you may purchase the 3-month and 6-month option by mailing your check along with the recipient's inbox info to:

Candy Rattray

13246 Trentwood

San Antonio, TX 78231

If this is a gift, I will be happy to supply you with a hand-stamped card with the "gift certificate" inside for Card of the Day. Simply email your request to candy@sweetstamper.com or click the Email Candy button to your right. Easy shopping. Appreciated gift!

Monthly subscription:

3-Month Subscription:

6-Month Subscription:

Christmas Card Class!

2010-11-02T14:01:00.001-05:00

It's the last card class of 2010 and it's a Christmas Stamp-a-Stack! You won't want to miss this wonderful creative session with Christmas music, spiced cider and 6 designs for you to make. That's right--6 designs, 2 cards of each design for loads of creative fun! Whether a veteran card-maker or a beginner, you will enjoy this Christmas card class with hands-on instruction and a group of ladies that will encourage you in your creative journey.

Friday, November 12th

6:30-9:00 PM

Make 12 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 6 designs
$35 covers all supplies* and envelopes

Hands-on instruction during class
Friday, November 12th, 6:30-9:00
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)

RSVP with payment by November 9th

Last Christmas Card Class of 2010!

2010-11-01T01:30:00.000-05:00

In less than 2 weeks, I will have my LAST Christmas Card Class of 2010. Can you believe it? I began a monthly class in July, but we are in November, and the holidays are quickly approaching. You still have time to make it extra special: make it handmade. Whether giving gifts and/or cards, or wrapping and packaging, you can make it handmade and heartfelt. I'll help you get there.

This month we are doing a Stamp-a-Stack. We will make a whole stack of cards--12 to be exact. You will make 2 each of 6 designs with Christmas music playing, spiced cider brewing, and creative fun squeezed into every minute! Join us for the last hurrah of 2010. But hurry! There are only 10 places, and those that sign up first get them. Once this is filled, that's it. So reserve your place now. Your payment reserves your place. You may send me a check or use the convenient paypal button below. This month's class is a little different, so look carefully at the specifics.

Friday, November 12th

6:30-9:00 PM

Make 12 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 6 designs
$35 covers all supplies* and envelopes

Hands-on instruction during class
Friday, November 12th, 6:30-9:00
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)
RSVP with payment by November 9th

12 Weeks of Christmas Inspirational Sunday Post

2010-10-31T01:30:00.002-05:00

We are well into my series of Inspirational Sunday Posts with a Christmas theme. I hope you are enjoying them! I am:) I love sharing some of the reasons behind the many traditions of this important holiday. Sometimes, Christmas images and symbols are used and not explained for the generations that are coming up. And some of us never understood them from our own childhood. But the Christmas season and celebrations are rich in symbolic images, words, messages, songs, people, lands, colors and more. Added to that are the many individual family traditions and cultural distinctions that surround this special time. Although Christmas is an actual holiday (derived from holy day), there is too much to fit into a single day--we now have an entire season! I don't believe that this is due to unnecessary commercialization of this special time. I believe it is so that we can savor, enjoy, and prolong--for as long as possible--the magic of Christmas.

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post, I want to focus on the candy cane. This very cute card was designed by my very talented daughter Tiffany. It uses the Holiday Mini Catalog stamp set A Cute Christmas and puts the candy canes at front and center. Everything else on the card supports the candy canes.

Candy canes have an interesting history and association with Christmas dating back to Germany in 1670. According to legend, the choirmaster of Cologne Cathedral handed out sugar sticks bent into the shape of a shepherd's staff to children during the rather lengthy living creche (nativity) services. The children loved them! The shepherd's staff totally tied in to the pageant and was a great reminder to the children of the shepherds who first heard the good news of Christmas, the "good tidings of great joy." They were also a powerful reminder of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd. The sugar canes became very popular, and the practice of handing them out at creche services spread throughout Europe.

Candy canes made their way to American Christmas trees by the 1800s, but they were plain white. It was not until the early 20th century that the sugar canes received their now-familiar red stripes. Many additional meanings have been ascribed to the candy cane going well beyond the original shepherd's staff. Many say that the candy is hard as a rock, symbolizing the rock of Christ (I Corinthians 10:4) as well as the rock solid foundation of the Church. The peppermint flavor is similar to that of hyssop, another plant of the same family, used in the Old Testament for purification and sacrifice. The white is thought by some to symbolize the purity of Jesus Christ, who knew no sin. The bold red stripe is said to symbolize God the Father's bold love for His children. Traditional candy canes also have three small stripes, said to symbolize the trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some ascribe the symbolism of the beatings of Jesus to the same stripes:
He Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that dying to sins, we might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.
(1Pe 2:24 MKJV) emphasis mine

As you can see, candy canes are rich in history and symbolism in addition to being a wonderful Christmas sweet. The next time you have a candy cane and a child nearby, bring the child to your lap and tell him/her the wonders of the candy cane. You can share much of the true story of Christmas with this simple treat as your visual aid. Then show him/her how to hang one on the tree to add beauty as well as bringing a powerful reminder of what the Christmas season is all about.

Saturday Sample

2010-10-30T01:30:00.001-05:00

For today's sample, I wanted to share something of Halloween (which is my birthday!). This cute treat bag--which I received in a swap--uses the Fancy Favor die. Notice how you can also put your Designer Series Paper on the Fancy Favor Die and cut it to fit your treat bag with a perfect mat. Add a few punched shapes, stamped images, and ribbon, and you have a treat bag sure to please boys and girls of any age.

As my Halloween gift to you, I'm giving away $5 gift certificates for any online orders placed between now and midnight tomorrow (Halloween). So place your order here at my online store and I'll email the gift certificate to you. No need to email me as I will be notified when your order is placed. Just sit back and enjoy the $5 gift! Happy Halloween!

Stamps:
Twick or Tweat
Ink: Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
Paper: Basic Black Card Stock, Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Big Shot, Fancy Favor Die, Pumpkin Pie 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Word Window, Scallop Circle, and 1-3/4" Circle Punches, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin Dimensionals

Halloween Scrapbooking

2010-10-29T01:21:00.004-05:00

This great scrapbook page was created by one of my club members, Sara G, using My Digital Studio. Sara is a working mom with a young child and loves the ease, speed, and style that My Digital Studio affords her when scrapping. Sara is very busy, so time is at a premium in her life. She can just go into her computer when she has a few moments, create a few pages or use one of the templates. Then she just "drops" her photos, from her computer, onto the pages and voila! In a very short period of time, she has been able to scrap some of her family's special moments...and there is no mess to clean up. Are the pictures above cute and scrappable, or what?!

In addition to the ease and speed My Digital Studio affords, there are new downloads available every month. Although My Digital Studio comes with hundreds of images and all the Stampin' Up! colors (retired and current!), as new stamp sets, papers, punches, and more are released, your My Digital Studio can be expanded however you wish. For instance, when the newish 2-Step Bird Punch was added to the My Digital Studio downloads, you could just go over to my website, pay the $.95 for the punch, and download it into your system. You add the images YOU want, the ones that you love best.

Would you like more information about My Digital Studio? I am certified in My Digital Studio and would love to answer any questions you may have. Call me at 210-355-5729 or email me by simply clicking on the Email Candy button to your right.

Price Reduction!

2010-10-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

My Digital Studio professional print products have been REDUCED in price, just in time for your holiday projects! Nearly all the print services are 15-60% off the regular retail price. Want to know the best part about this money-saving holiday gift? It never ends!

Beat the December rush and start creating your holiday photo album books, calendars, and cards today! Give a gift of the heart this year at Christmas--made by your hands, warmed by your heart, produced on your computer! They will be beautiful, stylish, AND cost-effective. Now that's a great way to make everyone happy on your gift list AND stay on budget!

Sweet Centers

2010-10-27T11:26:00.003-05:00

Is this the perfect card for a kid, or what? A card with a Sweet Center! When you can add candy right into a card and even incorporate it in the design, you have a winning combination that is sure to please.

And this is not just for kids. At this month's hostess club meetings (click here for hostess club info), we were making treat bags filled with candy corn. I discovered that candy corn seems to be one of those candies that everyone loves, no matter their age. They are one of those timeless treats of fall, and much less messy than caramel apples! LOL To make us feel better while eating them, we can console ourselves with the fact that they are fat free:) So while we were making our treat bags during club, we were nibbling on candy corn, too!

The card shown uses the Sweet Centers (116521, $29.95) stamp set, a great all-occasion set (shown below).

You can see that it covers Halloween, Valentine's Day (which will be here in no time!), and general designs as well. The petal and leaves enable you to create a flower around the Sweet Treat Cups (116802, 12 for $2.95). You can then fill those cups with sunflower seeds, candies, buttons, you name it! The ornament hanger allows you to create a beautiful Christmas ornament with the same Sweet Treat Cups or even just a punched circle. The hot air balloon basket, of course, enables you to create a hot air balloon filled with your choice of treats. There is such versatility in this stamp set! Click here to visit my online store (candystamps.stampinup.net) and get your Sweet Centers and Sweet Treat Cups today.

Sample, Order, Shop!

2010-10-26T01:30:00.001-05:00

It's here! Help has arrived! I have an awesome shopping opportunity coming to your rescue. It's my second annual SOS: Sample Order Shop! Come by today to see me along with 5 other women business owners. We have lots of goodies for you.

Tuesday, October 26th

4:30-9:00

2600 Fairfield Bend, 78231

map

Susan Mata of TeaZing will be brewing samples for you and offering teas and accoutrements for sale.
I'll have lots of cute, affordable gifts for sale, all handmade using Stampin' Up! products--the best on the market for crafting!
Deb Berger of Pampered Chef will have appetizers in the oven for you as well as lots of cool kitchen things to show and sell.
Joyce Doctor will be sampling BioCe skincare as well as nergy drink and energy bar samples.
Renita Stephen will be booking appointments and doing 15-minute mini facials on site!
Suzanne LePori will be showing and selling Cynthia Bloom's amazing handmade jewelry, inspired by Czech artisans and incorporating rare antique glass beads, crystals, and more.
Maria Gerfers of Avon has donated a stunning door prize valued at $53.

Come and stay a while! I can't wait to show you all we have in store for you:)

Inspiration...delivered daily!

2010-10-25T07:48:00.000-05:00

Do you like to be inspired? I do. Even if I'm not lacking inspiration, I can always use more:) For me, the more ideas, the better! Would you like to have some inspiration delivered to your inbox daily? Then subscribe to my Card of the Day program.

You will never again lack inspiration. Each day, every day, you will have a card delivered to your inbox with a full list of supplies. The card styles vary from clean and simple to elegant to masculine to vintage to shabby chic...there is great variety! Card of the Day makes your card-making simpler, easier, with fresh inspiration at your fingertips every day. And it's only $4.95 per month. Card of the Day is just pennies a day. The inspiration provided: priceless!

For monthly subscription:

For 6-months:

Inspirational Sunday Post

2010-10-24T01:30:00.000-05:00

We are on Week 4 of my 12 Weeks of Inspirational Sunday Posts, my 12-week series of inspirational Sunday posts with a Christmas theme. For this post, I'm sharing a card that I remade several times, intending to use it for a Christmas card class. In the end, I had lots of other designs and never used it. The card is all about texture with the use two different embossing folders and the double stitched grosgrain ribbon contrasting with the smooth Brushed Silver Card Stock, bringing several different textures to this card . But all the texture is background to the wonderful greeting: "Tidings of Comfort & Joy" (from the Perfect Punches stamp set). "Tidings of comfort and joy" is the very heart of Christmas.

As the Christmas story unfolds, there are shepherds, simple, humble people who love God and are going about their daily work when...

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Luk 2:9-14 KJV)

Good tidings means good news. The Christmas story, the coming of Christ Jesus, is all about good news! The eagerly-anticipated, long-awaited event of the ages arrived! The Savior is come. The One who will save us, heal us, reconcile us to God, deliver us, befriend us, bring us peace and joy and give us victory: Jesus. Good tidings of great joy, indeed!

Saturday Sample

2010-10-23T01:30:00.000-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm showing a card we made in my card clubs this month. This should get everyone into the mood for fall! This makes a great notecard or thank you card.

In addition, I'm beefing up this sample by making it into a free project. I'm giving you the list of supplies for the card PLUS instructions to create it. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Stamps: Bright Blessings Jumbo Wheel
Ink: Old Olive, Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pads
Paper: Old Olive, So Saffron, Cajun Craze Card Stocks, Regals Prints Designer Series Paper Stack
Accessories: Big Shot, Leaves #2 Die, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, Old Olive 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Stamping Sponges,SNAIL, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

To make card:
1. Take 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" piece of Old Olive card stock (1/2 sheet). Ink up Bright Blessings wheel with Old Olive and roll along one edge (5-1/2" side). Fold in half and crease with bone folder to create card base. Set aside.
2. Take scraps of Cajun Craze and So Saffron card stock. Run through Big Shot with Leaves # 2 die. Now run your leaves through the impressions folder. Sponge leaves with Cajun Craze ink. Set aside.
3. Take 5-1/4" x 1" piece of Cajun Craze card stock and punch with Scallop Trim Border Punch. Attach to 5-1/4" x 2" piece of More Mustard paper from Regals Paper Stack with SNAIL. Take 5-3/4" piece of Old Olive ribbon. Place Mini Glue dot on center front of DSP and stick center of ribbon down. Now place Mini Glue Dots on each end of ribbon and stick down to back of DSP.
4. Attach entire piece of decorated DSP to left side of card using SNAIL. Put dimensionals on back of both leaves. Position as shown. Take small piece of Old Olive ribbon and tie a single knot. Attach to leaf stems with Mini Glue Dot.

Retired Sale!

2010-10-22T22:33:00.001-05:00

Sweet Stamper Retired Stamps and Supplies Sale

Retired stamps and supplies priced to sell.
Some are brand new, never used. All need new homes!
Free Make and Take!
Checks and cash accepted
Saturday, October 23rd, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM
My Studio-13246 Trentwood

One More Bundle of Savings!

2010-10-22T22:26:00.000-05:00

Stampin' Up!'s fabulous Handmade Holiday bundles are providing us with 20% savings. One of those bundles includes the new Decorative Label Punch (in the Holiday Mini Catalog). That punch has been so popular that it is on back order! As a result, Stampin' Up! has added an EXTRA bundle to the mix. Thanks, Stampin' Up! for giving us the best products available AND fantastic savings for our holiday projects. Click here to download the entire list of bundles--all at 20% off.

Autumn Days

2010-10-22T01:30:00.000-05:00

These beautiful pages are my daughter Tiffany's creations. They were for a recent scrapbooking class, and they are so much fun to make. Again, we employed the Broadsheet Alphabet, such a great alphabet for scrapbooking. Running card stock through the Big Shot to create the leaves and then again to emboss them--well, they created touchable, gorgeous autumn leaves! This layout is 8-1/2 x 8-1/2, but I'll show you next week how to change it up a bit for a 12 x 12.

To find out how you can make beautiful pages like this on a monthly basis, check out my club info here. To find out how you can make beautiful pages like this on a monthly basis, check out my club info here.

Scrap Supplies:

Stamps: Broadsheet Alphabet

Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic Stampin' Pad

Paper: Cajun Craze, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake, Very Vanilla card stocks

Accessories: Big Shot, Leaves #2 Die, Vintage Wallpaper Textured Impressions Folder, Kraft Ribbon (retired), Earth Elements Brads (retired)

Women's Small Business Month

2010-10-21T01:30:00.003-05:00

October is Women's Small Business Month. What is a women's small business? It's a small business whose majority owner(s) are women. Did you know that in 2009 three trillion dollars in sales were generated by women's small businesses (according to the Washington Post)? That's a pretty impressive number!

More than 8 million businesses are majority female-owned, and you could be the next woman to own her own business. Join my team of Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, the Southern Sweet Stampers, and let me help you dream big dreams and then make them happen. As a women's small business owner, you can set your own hours, set your own goals, and make your own dreams happen. There is no middle management to get in your way when you are the business owner! And you can make your work life fit around your home life rather than the other way around.

Sound interesting? Would you like more information? Why don't you think about it and then call me at 210-355-5729 or join me at my next Demonstrator Information Night, November 18th, at 7:30 p.m. Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com by November 11th to let me know you are coming, and I'll have a great meeting prepared for you. Or click here to get more information right now.

Groupon-Style Class!

2010-10-20T15:13:00.003-05:00

You will make 2 each of these great Stainless Steel Travel Mugs and embossed metal sheet Christmas Cards for the ultimate in holiday glamor gifts! They are not hard to make when you have the right materials and instruction. I will have everything ready for you and we will have an evening of crafting fun! You will leave with 2 unique, handmade, and fabulous gifts plus 2 coordinating cards.

You will get:

All materials needed to complete
2 Stainless Steel Mugs
2 Embossed Metal Cards and envelopes
Sanding Block
Paper Stump
Hands-on instruction to complete your projects
Written instructions so you can reproduce these fabulous projects!
Dinner

This class is being offered at a 25% discount for 2 days only. That's right. In the next 48 hours, we have to fill this class for it to make. There are 10 spaces, and you have until 3:00 Friday to sign up. When the class "makes," I will send you the paypal link (You can also send a check, but you must do so quickly!). If it doesn't make, I'll let you know, and it just doesn't happen. Tell your friends about it so we can make it happen! I'll give you an update 1/2 way through to let you know how many spaces still need to be filled. Click here to sign up.

Tuesday, November 30th
6:30-9:00
My Studio (13246 Trentwood)
Come straight from work!
$65.00
"groupon" price: $48.75
Sign up here!

Snowman Blues!

2010-10-20T01:30:00.000-05:00

This darling snowman is one of the images in the Jolly Old Saint Nick stamp set (121711 wood, 121321 clear), featured in the Holiday Mini Catalog. He is cute, a bit retro, and oh-so-easy to use!

The rick-rack trim is also made with something from the Holiday Mini Catalog: the Tasteful Trim Die. And the button is from the Candy Cane Collection of Big Designer Buttons, another Holiday Mini Catalog offering.

The glitter on this card is the Fine Cosmo Glitter (108796), a product that I love and think is grossly underused. It comes in a set of 5 different pots of colored glitter: Rose Pink, Orchid, Light Blue, Celery, Turquoise. Here, I've used the Turquoise for my lines of snow. I love the bit of glitzy color the Fine Cosmo Glitter adds.

Many of the products featured in this card are only available in the Holiday Mini Catalog. That means they are only available until January 3rd. So get busy and get your orders placed for Holiday Mini Catalog items. January 3rd will be here before you know it! Plus, you will probably want to use those products for your holiday crafting. You can order anytime from my online store here.

Card Recipe:

Stamps: Jolly Old Saint Nick set

Ink: Baja Breeze, Not Quite Navy Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper: Confetti White, Crumb Cake, Not Quite Navy Card Stocks, Rich Regals Patterns Paper Stack, Baja Breeze Textured Card Stock

Accessories: Big Shot, Tasteful Trim Die, Blender Pens, Fine Cosmo Glitter, Two-Way Glue Pen, Candy Cane Big Designer Buttons, Whisper White 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, SNAIL adhesive

Making Your List....Checking It Twice!

2010-10-19T01:30:00.001-05:00

What is on your Christmas Wish List this year?

Would you like to get some new stamps and supplies? Would you like a Big Shot Die Cutting Machine? How about My Digital Studio--our fabulous software, packed with hundreds of stamp images, retired as well as current colors, punches, ribbons, and more to create scrapbooks, calendars, cards, and more. It's a digital papercrafting solution.

Make your dreams come true this year by sending me your Christmas Wish List. I'll send it to the people you would like to have receive it. The rest is up to me, Santa's Stamping Elf:)

So what do you do to make your crafting dreams come true? Simply click here to download your Christmas Wish List. Fill it out and email it back. I will take care of the rest! This is a simple, fuss-free way to make sure you get what you want for Christmas. In addition, husbands and other family members love this because they are assured they are getting you something you actually want for Christmas. Don't delay! Get me your Christmas Wish List asap!

More Bargains!

2010-10-18T12:57:00.001-05:00

This is the last day to take advantage of these incredible savings. It's the Clearance Rack Blitz! Make your dollars go farther by purchasing from the Clearance Rack in my online store. But don't delay. Today is the last day! Visit candystamps.stampinup.net for up to 80% savings.

Bargains Galore!

2010-10-18T01:30:00.003-05:00

It's time for my Retired Sale! If there are some stamps and accessories that you didn't get to purchase before they retired, now is your chance. My sale is this Saturday, and you will not only get a second chance at some great stamps, etc., they are being sold at a reduced price. So, get ready to save. All stamps are in good condition, some are brand new.

Retired Sale

Saturday, October 23rd

9:30 AM-12:30 PM

Come early for the best selection!

FREE Make & Take

My Studio (13246 Trentwood, San Antonio, TX 78231)

Peace on Earth

2010-10-17T01:30:00.002-05:00

I'm continuing my 12 Weeks of Inspirational Sunday Posts, looking at some of the symbols, songs, and images of Christmas. It's a collection of inspirational Sunday posts that highlight the upcoming season, and I'm so glad you joined me!

The card here, one we made in my Christmas Card Class yesterday, features the Peaceful Season (hostess) stamp set. Front and center on this card is the message "Peace on Earth," one of the oft-repeated phrases of Christmas

It's repeated again and again during the Christmas season in song after song, poems, sermons,Christmas cards, and even lights because it is the message the angel proclaimed upon the birth of Christ Jesus.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
(Luk 2:11-14 KJV)

The peace that God offers through faith in Jesus Christ is not a peace that depends on government or economies or circumstances or significant relationships or any such thing. In fact, all those things can be just the way you want them, and yet you can lack true peace. Jesus said it best when He said:

Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

When we come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, He washes our sins away and pronounces "Peace" over our heart. That is the beginning of a peace that eludes people through their entire life until that point. But it's not the end. As with any peace, it must be maintained and supported. As we grow in relationship with the Lord, as we walk through life with its many challenges, we can be free from a troubled heart; we can truly be at peace. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain or disappointment or sorrow. But peace in the depths of our soul is an incredible work of the Holy Spirit that cannot be produced by pills or substances or food or counseling or shopping or having everything we want (or think we want). It is a work of God that transcends circumstances, and it is priceless.

Jesus was proclaimed by God to be the Prince of Peace. My hope for you during the approaching Christmas season is that He becomes your Prince of Peace. Whether you have not yet trusted Him as your savior, or whether you are walking on the road of life with Him and have lost your peace, my prayer for you is that you will know "Peace on earth, good will toward men" in your own soul.

Saturday Sample

2010-10-16T00:11:00.000-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm featuring another card I received in a swap. Cathy Somody does a beautiful job with Morning Cup, a great stamp set with coffee and tea images along with some cute sayings/greetings. I love her use of the Top Note Die here as well as the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

This is another great example of the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon that I'm offering in my Striped Ribbon Share. Scroll down a few posts for the details of that share. Get in on it and be on your way to making "WOW" cards like this!

Dark & Dreary Matchbox

2010-10-15T01:30:00.002-05:00

This lovely Halloween favor, made by Angela Sylvester, is a beautiful, appropriately spooky use of the Matchbox Die. Here it is all gussied up with images from the Dark & Dreary stamp set, embossed with the Spider Web Textured Impressions Embossing Folder, and tied up with some 1/4" Whisper White Grosgrain Ribbon. The Concord Crush card stock is just a lush color for this. (The lovely label on the box is part of the Matchbox Die--there are actually 3 labels that are part of the die.) Add a little Dazzling Diamonds, and you have a favor that is truly stunning.

Make your own favors, gifts, and more with ease and speed with our wonderful Big Shot Die Cutting Machine. I use the Big Shot in virtually all my classes, and we use it in every hostess club meeting. That gives you training in its many uses and enables you to try out various bigz dies, embossing folders, sizzlits, texturz plates, and all the wonderful dies for this first-class machine. Check out the Big Shot here, and order yours today.

Club=Free Class

2010-10-14T07:45:00.000-05:00

What is a stamp club, and why should I join one? Because you get so many free things! To start with, you get a free monthly class. Shown at left are the projects we are making in my clubs this month. You also get free stamps and supplies. The new stamping friends you make are the icing on the cake. Here's how it works:

Join a club. They usually last 6 months (6 members=6 months, 8 members=8 months, etc.)
Your club commitment is to make a $25 minimum purchase (excluding shipping and tax) each month.
Club meeting once each month-make 2 cards and a 3D item (favor, gift bag, etc.) or 2-page 12x12 scrapbook layout. If you can't make a meeting, you still place your order and remain a club member.
Be the "hostess" one month whereby you receive a minimum of a free stamp set or set of papers AND $15 shopping spree in any of the current catalogs (includes main catalog, any mini catalogs, specials). PLEASE NOTE: Many people think you get one or the other of the above mentioned free products. You get both: free Level 1 stamp set or papers AND the $15+ to spend anyway you like.
Receive all the Stampin' Up! catalogs free of charge.

So what are you waiting for? Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com or call 210-355-5729. I'll get you into one of my clubs and regular stamping adventures!

Striped Ribbon Share!

2010-10-13T08:05:00.000-05:00

Crafters, you will be happy to know that I'm offering a Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Share for you. This allows you to sample each of the 11 beautiful colors available in the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. Sometimes you don't need the entire 10 yards on a spool. To purchase a full spool of each color would cost you $130.18 (for 110 yards!), so $28 is a bargain any way you look at it. Here are the details of my share:

11 Colors: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Early Espresso and Basic Black
2 yards of each color
22 yards total
$28-pick up here
Add $3 to ship 1 share and $5 to ship 2

I will say that these Striped Grosgrain Ribbons are absolutely scrummy (my English friend Chris uses this shortened version of "scrumptious" and I love it!) on packages. Your holiday packages will look more special than ever! They also are great wrapped around a loaf of bread you are bringing to a neighbor or hostess. The possibilities are endless for packaging with these Striped Grosgrain Ribbons, and that doesn't even count the gorgeous cards you can make with them! Here I've shown a card we made in last year's Hostess Club. This was one of our December projects and perfectly showcases the beautiful Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com (or just click the Email Candy button to your right) with your order (with mailing address if you want yours shipped), and I'll fill the orders with every 5 people signed up. That's how a share works: 5 people sharing 11 spools of ribbon.

Easy Quilting

2010-10-12T01:30:00.001-05:00

Did you know you can do great quilting projects with ease and speed with the Big Shot? The quilt shown here, made by Jill Olsen, shows how you can make a great pattern by simply using the Circles #2 Die with the Big Shot. You can cut 8 layers of regular cotton fabric at one time on the Big Shot. So instead of cutting all these circles out with a rotary cutter, one by one, you can turn the handle on your Big Shot a few times and voila! You have 8 of EACH circle on the die, cut with precision and ease!

Cutting fabric with the Big Shot is a breeze--it cuts out evenly and consistently saving you time and trouble while bringing a greater level of precision to your quilting projects.

Get your Big Shot today and be on your way to fabulous quilting projects made easy! Click here to look at the Big Shot, the many dies, and you can even buy it right now!

Upcoming Christmas Card Class

2010-10-11T01:30:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it? Christmas Card Class is right around the corner--this Saturday! Join us Saturday morning for stamping fun with Christmas trimmings to get you in the mood for the beautiful cards we will be making. Don't miss out! This is the last Christmas Card class in this format for 2010. Next month is a Stamp-a-Stack, and by December we are moving away from cards (which should be complete by then!) and on to stocking stuffers. In addition, this month you will get a bit of a techniques class rolled into Christmas Card Class as you will learn to use Heat & Stick Powder--that's how you get this wonderfully shiny, glitzy ornament. It's a great way to utilize your glitters and has great sticking power. See you Saturday!

Make 6 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 3 designs
$25 covers all supplies and envelopes*
Hands-on instruction during class
Saturday morning, October 16th
9:30-11:30 AM
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)
RSVP with payment by Thursday, October 14th

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

Christmas Trees

2010-10-10T01:30:00.002-05:00

This is the 2nd of my 12 Weeks of Christmas Inspirational Post which I hope to make an annual feature of my regular, weekly Inspirational Sunday Posts. This may seem to be an odd choice for a card to be featured in my Inspirational Sunday Post. But trees trimmed with lights and ornaments are one of the many wonders of Christmas and are, at their heart, a spiritual symbol. Christmas trees are, most often, fir or pine trees-evergreens. The evergreen tree speaks of the eternal nature of Christ Jesus, the birthday child of Christmas. The lights on the tree speak again of Christ Jesus, the Light of the World. Even the ornaments, the added beauty, speak of Christ bringing beauty to the life of all those who trust in Him.

Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. "I am the light of the world," he said. "Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness."
(Joh 8:12 GNB)

It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles. This became popular in Germany by the 16th century and caught on as a tradition when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if trees were scarce.

Most 19th-century Americans found Christmas trees an oddity. The first record of one being on display was in the 1830s by the German settlers of Pennsylvania. They had community trees as early as 1747. Today, the Christmas tree is one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas.

The card above, featuring the raccoons of the Merry Crittermas stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog, perfectly captures one of the great joys of Christmas: trimming a tree. I urge you to trim a tree this year during the holiday season. If you are single or in a small space, trim a small tree. If you are able-bodied and know someone without the ability to put up a tree and trim it, give of yourself and take a small, trimmed tree to them. Whatever your circumstances, put up a tree and decorate it! And help others have a tree. Whether artificial or real, small or large, simple or opulent, humble or snazzy, a Christmas tree carries the message of the Light of Christ, the eternal Son of God, the hope and help for all mankind. Let its message speak to you, again and again, this Christmas season.

Saturday Sample

2010-10-09T01:30:00.000-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing another Halloween Treat using items from the 1800s London Halloween Suite. I cannot take credit for this as it's another of the great swaps I received recently from Angela Sylvester. It uses the new Candy Wrapper die for the Big Shot. It's a Bigz L Die and makes cute or fancy favors come together in a snap.

I love that you can take the Candy Wrapper and by using different colored card stock, ribbons, stamps, and more, totally change the look. Here, Angela has done a great job of bringing a bit of Halloween fun with the stern owl staring down the person getting ready to eat candy! Make your own, unique favors customized for your event and be the life of the party:)

Stamps: Dark & Dreary
Ink: Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad
Paper: More Mustard, Basic Gray, Crumb Cake Card Stocks, Nite Owl Designer Series Paper
Accessories: Big Shot, Candy Wrapper Die, Hemp Twine, Designer Label and 1" Circle Punches, Stamping Sponges, SNAIL Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals

Halloween Scrapbooking

2010-10-08T01:30:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't have Halloween photos of their kids? Halloween costumes are ALWAYS a photo opportunity. These are some old photos of my Alex, now grown and married. They needed to come out of the shoe box and onto a scrapbook page!

This is a super-simple layout and page. A bit of stamping (I love, love, love how easy the Jumble Alphabet is to use for scrapping! If the letters are not lined up and straight, you can't tell because the letters are all different styles.), a few punched shapes, a bit of journaling. That's it! Now, how easy is that?

Page Ingredients:
Stamps: Jumble Alphabet, Family Accessories
Ink: Basic Black, Riding Hood Red Classic Stampin' Pads
Paper: Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake, Basic Black card stocks
Accessories: Round Tab, 1" Circle, and Photo Corners Punches, Basic Eyelets (Clearance Rack only), Kraft Corduroy Buttons (retired), Signo White Gel Pen

Shopping Fun!

2010-10-07T17:12:00.002-05:00

Like to shop? I have a unique shopping opportunity for you this month. I'm hosting my second annual SOS event. Why SOS? Sample Order Shop.

You can sample, order, and shop on Tuesday, Oct. 26th at the Summerfield Clubhouse. You will be right in my neighborhood, at the large community building you pass on your way to my Studio. I've gathered 6 businesswomen who will be helping you get your holiday shopping off to a great start. Buy unique gifts for family, friends, and co-workers. And don't forget to pick up a little something for yourself! You deserve a few rewards:)

SOS-SAMPLE ORDER SHOP

Tuesday, October 26th

4:30-9:00, Come and Go

2600 Fairfield Bend, San Antonio, 78231

Convenient easy shopping in a friendly atmosphere, under one roof, while supporting women in business.
Featured businesses:

Me!-Sweet Stamper handmade cards, gifts, and more for the holidays and beyond
TeaZing-specialty teas and accoutrements by Susan Mata
Skincare by Renita-mini facials on site as well as booking appointments
Pampered Chef-popular kitchen tools, food products, and more by Debbie Berger
Joyce Doctor-neutraceutical skincare products, snacks, and drinks
Cynthia Bloom Jewelry-original pieces inspired by Old World Czech Bohemian and Austrian artisans and infused with antique beads, iridescent glass buttons, and rare crystals.

Perfectly Packaged

2010-10-06T10:33:00.000-05:00

Are you already signed up for my Perfectly Packaged holiday class? If not, you should be! Hurry. There are a few spots left. We are going to be adding beauty and shine via embossed metal sheets to our holiday packages. Make your gifts extra special this year.

You will be covering these tins with embossed metal sheets for the ultimate in holiday packaging. The square tin is perfect for so many things. Whether homemade or store-bought, your goodies will take on an extra special glow in an embossed metal tin!
The rectangular tin has a hinged top with peek-through window. Inside is a lovely set of Hershey Nuggets, all glammed up with embossed metal sheet wrappings!
The cylindrical tin is suitable for many things, from specialty teas to a stack of cookies. Whatever you decide to tuck inside, the wrapping is sure to impress and pave the way for the ultimate enjoyment of your goodies.

Thursday, October 28th

6:30-8:30 @ My Studio

$32.50

All supplies included to create:

3 tins covered with embossed metal sheets, coordinating tags, and ribbons

Hands-on instruction during class

Additional tins and metal sheets available for purchase
RSVP with payment by Tuesday, October 21st
Checks, cash, or credit cards accepted (paypal below)
I have limited supplies=limited spaces
Register now!

12 Free Projects!

2010-10-05T11:46:00.000-05:00

Would you like to receive 12 FREE holiday projects? Simply sign up for my email newsletter (sign up box directly to your right) and you will receive 1 project each Wednesday, starting this week, through Christmas Week, absolutely free. You will love the projects I have for you: cards, gifts, packaging. You will get lots of ideas and inspiration along with supply list, instructions, and photograph of each project.

This is my 12 Weeks of Christmas gift to you. Don't miss any of the projects! Sign up today and receive your first free project tomorrow.

Dazzling Christmas!

2010-10-04T12:31:00.002-05:00

Mark your calendars for this month's Christmas Card Class: Saturday, October 16th. Here's one of our designs to whet your appetite. It's dazzling and glitzy yet still understated. I love the combination of bling and subtlety:)

Please note that this is the last of this year's Christmas Card Classes in the usual format: 6 cards, 2 each of 3 custom designs. Next month, we are doing my first-ever Stamp-a-Stack. It will be 12 cards--like squeezing in 2 months of regular Christmas Card Class but with simpler (but still snazzy:) designs. See full details here.

Christmas Card Class

Saturday, October 16th

9:30-11:30 AM

6 custom-designed cards + envelopes

Make 2 each of 3 different designs

Christmas music to set the mood

Hot cider to whet your whistle!

$25 covers all supplies*

RSVP with payment by Thursday, October 14th
Cash, Checks, and Credit Cards Accepted

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

Inspirational Sunday Posts-12 Weeks of Christmas

2010-10-03T01:30:00.001-05:00

For the next 12 weeks, I will be sharing my take on the 12 Weeks of Inspirational Christmas. Each week, from now through December 19th (the last Sunday before Christmas), I'll be sharing inspirational Sunday posts with a decidedly Christmas theme. I hope you will enjoy them, and be inspired by them, to "Remember the reason for the season." There would be no Christmas without Christ!

Today, I'd like to share with you a little trivia about the poinsettia, the beloved flower of Christmas here in the United States.

Bright, flaming red, star-shaped Poinsettias are known as 'Flower of the Holy Night' or 'Flame Leaf' in the United States. One of the most popular flowers in Central America, it was brought here by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, over a hundred years ago. Still most of the supply of this famous beloved Christmas flower in American cities is said to come from California and the folklore attached to it comes from Mexico. Like Christmas Rose, this flower also represents the deep love for Christ and great devotion of a pure innocent human being to baby Jesus. However, in this instance, the devotees were two beautiful, naïve children who were not so fortunate as their friends to have enough money to do what their heart yearns for.

These poor children from Mexico were known as Maria, the sister and Pablo, her dear little brother. Just like all the other children in the village, they were looking forward to the Christmas festival and the annual Nativity play in which a large manger scene was set up in the village church. The season was full of parades and parties that were mainly centered around this church and all the people, especially children, used to gift presents to the baby child on Christmas Eve. Now, these two children loved Christ and the season of His birth very much but did not have any money to buy something for the baby Jesus. They ardently wished to buy something special for the Christ Child but couldn't even buy the simplest of things for Him.

They were sad at heart and were quite disheartened by their poverty and misery when they set out for church to attend the service. They took the longer route in a vague hope to find some blossoms to give the child but couldn't find any. Finally, they picked up some wild weeds growing along the roadside as a gift for the Baby, squared their shoulders and approached the Church door. But how cruel little children can be, when they start teasing their fellow mates. Yet, Maria and Pablo braved their way to the manger and placed the greenery carefully around the manger. What happened next was the biggest surprise for all that were present! Bright red star-shaped flowers burst forth from the weeds and looked most sparkling of all gifts that the Christ child had received that day.

(written by Christmas World)

A legend was born and another Christmas tradition was added to our celebrations and festivities. All over the United States, we enjoy the beauty of this lovely red flower at Christmas.

Card:

Stamps: A Flower for All Seasons, All Holidays

Ink: Real Red, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel

Paper: Watercolor Paper, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Card Stocks, Merry Moments Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, Aquapainters

World Card Making Day

2010-10-02T01:30:00.000-05:00

Today is World Card Making Day. What is that? It's a holiday for card makers around the world to celebrate the creativity of handmade cards and the personal connection that they create between friends and family. You see, this wonderful, creative, feel-good hobby of card making is something enjoyed on a world-wide scale! There are card makers, just like you, in many countries all over the world! World Card Making Day is celebrated the first Saturday in October and endeavors to bring together card makers around the world at a time that is traditionally the busiest time of year for card- and gift-making.

Since this is World Card Making Day, I thought it would be extra special to make cards that will be sent to other parts of the world. I have some contacts that gather cards to be sent to our troops serving overseas. Those brave men and women have no access to shops with cards to send their loved ones back home. When they want to send birthday cards, just because cards, Christmas cards, and more, they have very few, if any, options. That's where we come in! The cards we make today (I'm donating all the supplies) will be shipped out to our troops serving afar. Our troops will then be able to send their own Christmas wishes to their loved ones back home. How cool is that? If you would like to take part in this World Card Making Day celebration, pop by my Studio today. It's come and go, from noon till 8 p.m.-no RSVP required. Full details are just below. Scroll down two posts. See you later!

Scrapbook Layout

2010-10-01T20:39:00.000-05:00

Friday is my scrapbooking day on this, my Sweet Stamper, blog. Today I'm featuring a layout we did in the Scrapbook Your Way class this month. The design is a collaborative effort between my daughter, Tiffany, and me, and the inspiration was taken from my Scrapbooking Hostess Club which met earlier in the month. To see that layout, click here.

For the Scrapbook Your Way Class, we have been scrapping in 8-1/2 x 8-1/2. That was a new size for us this year, but we have had lots of fun with it. The smaller scale lends itself to just as much creative scrapbook fun; it's just a different look. This particular layout, "Natural Beauty," has no stamping and features lots of Big Shot elements. Personally, I love the color scheme!

I'm still working on the photographing of 2-page layouts. I seem to get a bit of a rounded, convex spot in the middle. In addition, I don't think my colors came out as true as usual on this photo. But I took it while I was in a hurry, packing to leave for vacation. To see it in real life, come by my studio!

Page ingredients:

Paper: Cajun Craze, Tangerine Tango, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Garden Green, Wild Wasabi Card Stocks

Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Timeless Type Junior Alphabet Dies, Two Tags Die, Tasteful Trim Die, Photo Corners, 1" Circle, and Scallop Circle Punches, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Earth Elements Brads (retired)

Check out my Scrapbooking Hostess Club info for details on how YOU can join me for monthly scrapbooking. And stay tuned for new scrapbooking features that will roll out with the new year, 2012!

World Card Making Day

2010-09-30T01:30:00.000-05:00

It's time, once again, for World Card Making Day. For more details of this cool holiday, click here. What's not to like about a holiday that involves stamping?!!! And I have a great event for you to celebrate the day:) It's like no event I've ever done before, and you won't want to miss it!

Saturday, October 2nd,

12 noon - 8:00 PM

Come and Go

Part 1: Make and Take with a twist: Make a Christmas card to donate to our troops. You make, I send. Bring handmade Christmas to our troops serving afar.
Part 2: Work on your own projects in my studio. Use all my supplies including stamps, Big Shot, and card stock. Scrapbook, make cards, do what YOU want. Stay for a little while, stay for the day, it's your choice. I'll have a snack or two. Bring one to share if you like. When you are done, pay what you think the day was worth. An entire stamping session on your terms! Stay tuned as this may become a regular event:)

NO RSVP!

Halloween Treats

2010-09-29T11:07:00.001-05:00

Isn't this box wonderful?! I received it as part of a recent Holiday Mini Catalog swap, and I love the combination of stamped images and great, simple color scheme. And this box is NOT a Big Shot Die! It's a simple box, made with a few cuts and folds of our Pear Pizzazz card stock.

This wonderful little box has a host of possibilities for its use. Here are a few:

Teacher appreciation goodies
Halloween party favors
Office morale boosters
Special goodies for trick or treaters
Little gifts for school friends--any age!

This box features items from the 1800s London Halloween Suite in the Holiday Mini Catalog. The list of fabulously versatile supplies follows.

Stamps: Dark & Dreary, Midnight Musings Jumbo Wheel

Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper: Very Vanilla,. Basic Black, Pear Pizzazz Card Stocks

Accessories: Paper Snips, Bone Folder, Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

To purchase any of these fabulous Halloween supplies and more, check out my online store: candystamps.stampinup.net. You don't have to leave home to shop, and you can shop 24/7. Call me at 210-355-5729 with any questions at all. But hurry! Halloween is right around the corner!

Striped Ribbon Share

2010-09-27T01:30:00.000-05:00

Stampers, you will be happy to know that I'm offering a Striped Grosgrain Ribbon Share for you. This allows you to sample each of the 11 beautiful colors available in the 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. In addition, sometimes you don't need the entire 10 yards on a spool! To purchase a full spool of each color would cost you $130.18, so $28 is a bargain any way you look at it:)

I will say that these Striped Grosgrain Ribbons are absolutely scrummy (my English friend Chris uses this shortened version of "scrumptious" and I love it!) on packages. Your holiday packages will look more special than ever! They also are great wrapped around a loaf of bread you are bringing to a neighbor or hostess. The possibilities are endless for packaging with these Striped Grosgrain Ribbons, and that doesn't even count the gorgeous cards you can make with them! Here I've shown a card we made in last year's Hostess Club. This was one of our December projects and perfectly showcases the beautiful Striped Grosgrain Ribbon.

Sign up now! Here are the details:

11 Colors: Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Real Red, Rich Razzleberry, Night of Navy, Marina Mist, Certainly Celery, Old Olive, Early Espresso and Basic Black
2 yards of each color
22 yards total
$28-pick up here
Add $3 to ship 1 and $5 to ship 2

Email me at candy@sweetstamper.com with your order and I'll send you a paypal with your total.

Wordplay

2010-09-26T01:30:00.001-05:00

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post, I'm sharing an inspirational card I made for the recent marriage of my daughter-in-law's brother. David and Katelyn are young, very much in love, finishing up their last year of college, and just got married. They are a sweet Christian couple and followed the "old-fashioned", time-honored teaching of the Bible to wait until they were married to consummate the marriage. That's a novel idea! Actually, it's a very old idea that is a wonderful way to enter marriage: with no regrets and no shadows of former lovers. In this age of typically having the honeymoon long before the actual marriage takes place, I think this stamp (in the Wordplay set) is a fabulous way to convey our congratulations to a couple for not only their marriage, but for their commitment to walk the "road less traveled" before the marriage.

For David and Katelyn, they are now living the "So worth the wait" life. They had a fabulous time during their eagerly anticipated honeymoon and are now settling into married life as a couple. Although there will be many challenges as well as joys that await them in the years ahead, they will always look back recognizing that it was "so worth the wait."

Stamps: Wordplay

Ink: VersaMark Pad

Paper: Concord Crush, Perfect Plum Card Stocks, Bride Specialty Designer Series Paper (retired)

Accessories: Big Shot, Hearts and Brackets Die, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Clear Rhinestone Brads, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Boho Blossoms Punch, Stampin' Dimensionals

Saturday Sample

2010-09-25T01:30:00.000-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing another card from a recent swap (made by Cathy Somody) featuring the Day of Gratitude stamp set from the Holiday Mini Catalog. This simple layout allows the beautiful array of fall colors to really pop. In addition, the layout, design, and embellishments of this card belie how simple the stamping really is. This card is easy to make, but the person receiving it will think you spent hours on it! Find the full list of card ingredients below.

To learn to make cards like this, join a club and I'll show you how. Full details are here.

Stamps: Day of Gratitude, Sanded

Ink: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, More Mustard, More Mustard Classic Stampin' Pads, Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker

Paper: Early Espresso, Cajun Craze, Soft Suede, More Mustard, Old Olive, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: Victoria Crochet Trim, Neutrals Buttons, Jewelry Tag Punch

Inspired by Nature

2010-09-24T01:30:00.000-05:00

My regular Friday Feature is scrapbooking. Here, I hope to inspire you scrappers with fresh ideas and layouts. And for you non-scrappers, I hope to inspire you to begin scrapping! (You don't have to scrapbook your entire life, just scrapbook something you want to remember/commemorate.)

Last week I showed you the first pass on my 2-page layout for September Scrap Club meeting. This week I'm showing you the final layout. It's a 2-page 12x12, which is what we do each month. Several things were featured in this month's layout. Here's the breakdown:

Emboss Resist: This is one of my favorite techniques, and here we created a little sunset element to coordinate with our nature theme. No one at the meeting had previously done emboss resist, and they all loved it! It's not hard and produces true "Wow!" results:)
Broadsheet Alphabet: I love this new alphabet. It reminds me a bit of Jumble Alphabet in that the letters are many different styles. But Broadsheet Alphabet is a bit dressier and more refined than Jumble Alphabet. Both these alphabets are super easy to use. The various letter styles bring in a bit of a funky feel and look just as good when they are a bit off-kilter or uneven as when they are perfectly straight. That works really well for me as I don't do well with stamping in straight lines!
Inspired by Nature: This stamp set is so very versatile. I especially love it for scrapbooking due to its large-scale images. Here, we used it for the emboss resist piece on the first page as well as the grass on the second page.
Tasteful Trim Die: Do you see the strip of Not Quite Navy Card Stock in a sort of beaded design? That is created with the Tasteful Trim Die and takes just a few cranks of the Big Shot to produce! It's the Tasteful Trim XL Bigz Die in the Holiday Mini Catalog, and it's wonderful for scrapbooking! Each piece of trim is 12" long, perfect for 12x12 pages or trimmed a bit for smaller pages.

This layout has room for 4-5 standard size photos plus journalling. To purchase any of these scrapbook supplies, click here and enter my store for stress-free shopping:)

World Card Making Day

2010-09-23T13:14:00.001-05:00

It's time, once again, for World Card Making Day. For more details of this cool holiday, click here. What's not to like about a holiday that involves stamping?!!! And I have a great event for you to celebrate the day:) It's like no event I've ever done before, and you won't want to miss it!

Saturday, October 2nd

12 noon - 8:00 PM

Come and Go

Part 1: Make and Take with a twist: Make a Christmas card to donate to our troops. You make, I send. Bring handmade Christmas to our troops serving afar, made by your hands, warmed by your heart. Your part in World Card Making Day will truly touch the world!

Part 2: Work on your own projects in my studio. Use all my supplies including stamps, Big Shot, and card stock. Although it's World Card Making Day, scrapbook, make cards, do whatever YOU want. Stay for a little while, stay for the day, it's your choice. I'll have a snack or two. Bring one to share if you like. When you are done, pay what you think the day was worth. An entire stamping session on your terms! Stay tuned as this may become a regular event:)

NO RSVP!

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

Paisley Prints Halloween

2010-09-22T11:28:00.001-05:00

Paisley Prints have gone Halloween! I received this cute card (made by Lori Skinner) in a recent Holiday Mini Catalog swap. Paisley Prints is a really nice stamp set with, again, lots of versatility. That is one of the key features I love about Stampin' Up! stamp sets. The design teams and artists really work to give us sets that can be used for many different occasions and in many different settings. For instance, Paisley Prints will make dynamite scrapbook pages as well as cute cards like this. I love shopping Stampin' Up!, as I have confidence that I will receive not only the highest quality rubber stamps available but also designs that will be easy to use to create my own designs. That means my stamp sets won't just be sitting on a shelf gathering dust. They will be put to good use in a host of projects.

Order your Paisley Prints stamp set today, just one of the many terrific offerings in the current Holiday Mini Catalog. Go to candystamps.stampinup.net and click on Products, Shop Now. You will see the Holiday Mini Catalog right there where you can browse all the items or go straight to Paisley Prints.

2010-09-19T01:30:00.000-05:00

For today's inspirational Sunday post, I'm sharing a very simple card (made by another stamper) with a simple yet meaningful message and a very simple layout. The stamp set used is Crosses of Hope, and this card can be made in just minutes. Although it takes only minutes to make, it conveys a timeless message. This is truly an all-occasion card.

When we ask for God to "bless" someone, we are asking Him to empower them to prosper. We truly need God to help us live a life that is worth living, need Him to "prosper" us.

Beloved, in regard to all things I pray that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.
(3Jn 1:2 MKJV)

One of the meanings of the word "prosper" in this verse is "to help on the road." I like that. I need help on the road of life; I think we all do. My prayer for you, my blog readers, is that God will bless YOU, that He will empower you to prosper, that He will help you on the road of life. And as you are blessed, may you pray for others to be blessed.

Dark & Dreary

2010-09-18T01:30:00.000-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a great Halloween card made by Angela Sylvester. It features items from the Holiday Mini Catalog in the 1800s London Halloween Suite. Isn't it a great card?! So many awesome things come together to convey an appropriately "dreary" Halloween message:)

Did you notice the Spider Web Textured Impressions Folder? It's a beautiful design and will successfully segue from Halloween to gardening and nature projects to vintage projects and more. Did you notice the black Waffle Paper surrounding the owl circle? It's one of two colors, Early Espresso and Basic Black, of Waffle Paper, ready to make ruffled accents wherever you want them.

The stamp set is the very aptly named Dark & Dreary. Lovely images! Again, the owl, shown here, as well as the raven in the Dark & Dreary stamp set will move effortlessly from Halloween projects to projects for nature lovers. One of my sons spent many years working with birds of prey, and I'm thinking that these bird stamps will make some great scrapbook pages. How's that for double-duty stamps?!

To purchase stamps and/'or supplies from our awesome Holiday Mini Catalog, simply click candystamps.stampinup.net. Then go to "Products." You can shop 24/7 without leaving home. Browse to your heart's content, make your choices, and then the UPS man will deliver your things in about 7 days. Simple, quick purchase and delivery of the best and latest papercrafting supplies available!

Tasteful Trim Die

2010-09-17T01:30:00.005-05:00

I just love the new Tasteful Trim Die (for use with the Big Shot) for a whole host of reasons. The one I'm sharing today is that you can make 12" long custom embellishments for your scrapbook pages. That's right! With just a few cranks of your Big Shot handle, the Tasteful Trim Die delivers 4 different trims. You can, of course, make those with card stock, fabric, metal sheets, cork, and more since the Big Shot allows you to cut 60 different materials. How is that for versatility and the ultimate in customization! Here are some more features of the Tasteful Trim Die as stated in the Holiday Mini Catalog:

Never be without the perfect trim for fabric and paper projects again! Our Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die allows you to create custom edges and borders with any kind of material any time you need it. Includes scallops, rick rack, and pinking designs--you’ve got a fantastic variety of classic options for all your projects.

■ Bigz XL Die
■ 6"x 13-3/4"
■ Use with Extended Cutting Pads
■ Trim and border shapes for accenting your fabric and other paper crafting projects
■ Designed for use with fabric, paper, card stock, and more

The photo above is a the first run of a 2 page layout I put together for my scrap club this month. This is not the final product, but I'll save that for another post. I'll also show you more photos of the Tasteful Trim Die in action. I love it!

Contact me at 210-492-3218 or at candy@sweetstamper.com to receive your copy of the Holiday Mini Catalog and see, first hand, the Tasteful Trim Die and a host of other great things to help make your holidays more special than ever!

Are your projects in process?

2010-09-16T01:30:00.001-05:00

Many of us have a project(s) in process. What do I mean by "in process"? Not finished! Personally, I have multiple projects going at all times. And I find many crafters work the same way! But having all those different projects going at once can lead to frustration with finding all the various parts, pieces, and bits. What is a crafter to do? Craftkeepers to the rescue! Craftkeepers are simple, inexpensive, see-through and perfect for craft organization, ie. keeping all those projects in their own space. Craftkeepers come in 8-1/2" x 11" size as well as 12" x 12" so that you can store card or scrap projects with ease.

They come in packs of 3 and are just $6.95 for the 8-1/2" x 11" size and $7.95 for the 12" x 12" size. Click here to look at craftkeepers more closely and/or purchase them right now. Then say "goodbye" to frustration and "hello" to craft organization. You will know where all the pieces are for each of your projects in process.

Do you need a quick, easy gift for a crafter?

2010-09-15T01:30:00.002-05:00

Do you need a quick, easy, inexpensive gift for a crafter? Consider my Card of the Day program. You can purchase Card of the Day for just $4.95 per month with a click of your mouse. An example of the posts that you--or your gift recipient--receive each and every day in your/their inbox is shown below . So what are you waiting for? Easy, inexpensive shopping awaits you! This is a truly unique gift that keeps on giving. Give as many months as you like, and be sure to email me at candy@sweetstamper.com for a printable gift notice. You can include that in your card, just like for a magazine subscription, so that your friend/loved one, knows what their gift is. If you prefer, I will send the card (hand-stamped, of course!) for you with subscription notice included. Click here for full details and payment options.

Card of the

day

inspiration, delivered daily

Products used to create this card:

Stamps: Pendant Park set
Ink: Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Pumpkin Pie, Dusty Durango Classic Stampin' Pads
Paper: Very Vanilla, Soft Suede, Pumpkin Pie, Dusty Durango, Card Stocks
Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Big Shot, Ovals Die, Top Note Die, Stampin' Up! Backgrounds Texturz Plates, Hemp Twine, Twill Tape, Metallic Eyelets, Crop-a-dile, Stamping Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wicked Cool

2010-09-14T01:30:00.005-05:00

For today's share, I'm showing a great Halloween Card I received in a recent swap. This lovely card, made by Bobbie Ganley, features the Wicked Cool stamp set in the main Idea Book & Catalog as well as the Wicked Fun Designer Series Paper. Both these items also make great favors for Halloween. Whether you are making something special for trick or treaters coming to your door, Halloween treats for your kids' school friends, or extraordinary tidbits for a grown-up Halloween party, Wicked Cool and Wicked Fun will help you get there with ease and style.

Order yours today at candystamps.stampinup.net.
Simply click on Products and then Order Now.

Stamps: Wicked Cool, All Holidays (greeting) sets

Ink: Basic Black and Sahara Sand Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper: Going Gray, Sahara Sand, Whisper White, Basic Black Card Stocks

Accessories: Wicked Fun Designer Series Paper, Word Window Punch, Rich Razzleberry Satin Ribbon, Rich Razzleberry 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Big Shot, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit Die

(I love Bobbie's combination of the two Rich Razzleberry ribbons!)

Free Tote Bag!

2010-09-13T01:30:00.004-05:00

Free Craft Tote Promotion

Right now, you can get this gorgeous tote bag absolutely free when you sign up as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. It's a $39.95 value and holds 12x12 paper, paper cutter, ink pads, stamps, adhesives, etc. You can have stamps and travel...in style!

This is IN ADDITION to the wonderful opportunities that await you as a Stampin' Up Demonstrator:

Be your own boss
Gain financial security
Set your own hours
Earn extra income for the holidays and beyond
Do what you love while building a solid business

I'm having a Demonstrator Information Night this Thursday, September 16th at La Madeleine-722 NW Loop 410. (It's the La Mad in the previous site of Central Park Mall. Click here for map.) I'll be drinking coffee and talking about this business that still excites me, still makes me happy every time an order arrives (even when it's for someone else!), and affords me the opportunity to fit my job around the rest of my life. Call me at 210-492-3218 to let me know you will be joining me so I know what size table to reserve.

Inspirational Sunday Post-Give Thanks

2010-09-12T01:30:00.000-05:00

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post, I'm sharing another beautiful card (made by Cathy Somody using the Day of Gratitude stamp set) with the theme of gratitude. Did you know that the word gratitude comes from the same root word for the word grace? As a believer, the word grace is so loaded with meaning.

There is the grace of God. My husband (also my pastor!) often gives this definition of grace: God's provision taking the shape of my need. God's grace is truly amazing!

"But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved. "
(Eph 2:4-5 GNB)

His saving grace is just the beginning. As the grace of God works in the life of the believer, our life should reflect that amazing grace. We receive God's mercy and forgiveness, His grace, and that changes us. We are then able to walk in mercy and forgiveness with those around us. Is this automatic? Absolutely not! Is it easy? Most often, not. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to truly walk in grace. But when we live a life of constant gratitude, grace flows. The roots are the same, not only in word, but also in deed. Let today be a Day of Gratitude. It will transform a common day into a Thanksgiving.

Real Hero

2010-09-11T01:30:00.001-05:00

As today is September 11th, I thought it was fitting to share this card for my Saturday Sample. I love the clean and simple layout, colors, and design. Jamie Sanchez created this and it hits all the right notes of appropriateness, dignity, and simplicity in a great card for the heroes in our lives.

The eagle stamp (the eagle is our national bird), comes from the In Wilderness stamp set, and the wonderful message is from the very aptly named stamp set Service & Sacrifice. This is a great combination of stamps for making cards and scrapbook pages for anyone serving in our various branches of the military or public safety.

Today, September 11th, take a moment to thank God for the many men and women who keep watch over and guard our safety as well as our freedoms each and every day. If you know someone serving in active duty, whether at the local level or overseas, take a moment to connect with them and thank them for their enormous sacrifice. And while you are thanking God for the service of these true heroes, pray for their safety as they are keeping watch over ours. It's the best way we can say "Thank you."

Holiday Scrapbooking

2010-09-10T01:30:00.000-05:00

Save the date! Friday, November 19th is my Holiday Mini Scrapbook Class. This darling mini scrapbook is the perfect gift for that special someone who is hard to buy for, filled with photos of Christmases past. You can also make one for yourself, all ready for popping in photos of Christmas 2010. Have the scrapbook ready by coming to my class, pop in your holiday photos a few days after Christmas, and you will have Christmas 2010 scrapbooked and ready to go before the New Year! I have limited supplies for this class, so save the date now, get registered, and let's scrap together...a little closer to Christmas:) It feels great to have it all planned out ahead of time!

Holiday Mini Scrapbook Class

$38 Covers All Supplies*

Friday, November 19th

6:30-8:30

My Stamping Studio

Hands-on Instruction During Class

Written Instructions with Step by Step Directions to Take Home
RSVP with payment by 11/15/10

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

Cute Christmas

2010-09-09T08:30:00.001-05:00

This is the last day to sign up for September's Christmas Card Class! This is one of the designs for this month and features the new A Cute Christmas stamp set and the new Northern Flurry Impressions folder, both items from the Holiday Mini Catalog. I extended the rsvp by one day since I didn't have electricity for 12 hours (due to the storm) and was unable to get to my computer. So hurry and sign up! This is one of the three custom designs we will be making while sipping hot cider (or a cold drink) with Christmas music playing in the background. The holidays are coming, and the better prepared you are, the more fun your holidays will be.

Make 6 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 3 designs
$25 covers all supplies and envelopes*
Hands-on instruction during class
Saturday morning, September 11th, 9:30-11:30 AM
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)
RSVP with payment by Thursday, September 9th

Vintage Share

2010-09-08T01:30:00.000-05:00

There are so many lovely vintage embellishments in the Idea Book & Catalog. Here's a card from my Vintage Techniques class last night featuring the Antique Trinkets, Antique Brads, and Victoria Crochet Trim.

I'm putting together a share so that you can sample them all. Here's what you get:

antique brads (5, 1 each of 5 designs)
antique trinkets (12, 6 each of 2 designs)
crochet trim, Victoria & Chantilly (2 yds of each)
vintage mini tags (3)

To purchase a package of each of these, you would pay $36.58. To purchase a share, it's just $10.00 to pick up at my house or $10.00 + $1.75 postage to be sent directly to you. There are 4 people to a share, so your order will be filled once there are three others, and so on.

My aim is to get some of these great new embellishments into your hands without your having to purchase the entire package of each one. Some of you may not need an entire package of each embellishment, and some of you need a taste before you decide to buy the whole pie:)

As always, you may pay by cash, check, or credit card (paypal button below).

Vintage Embellishments Share

5 Antique Brads

12 Antique Trinkets

2 yards Victoria Crochet Trim

2 yards Chantilly Crochet Trim

3 Mini Vintage Tags

Morning Cup

2010-09-07T01:30:00.000-05:00

I'm bringing you a virtual cup of coffee this morning! This gorgeous card (made by Cathy Somody) uses the new Morning Cup stamp set. Being a big tea drinker myself and having passionate coffee and tea drinkers in the family, this stamp set is on my "must have" list. In fact, I plan to have it be the end of this month:)

In addition to featuring Morning Cup, this card also features the very versatile Love Letter Designer Series Paper. The classic designs and Riding Hood Red, Basic Black, and Very Vanilla color scheme in these papers make for quick "wow" in gender neutral projects. Scrapbook your guys OR your girls using this great set of papers. Make beautiful cards for men OR women using the same paper.

Learn to make great cards like this in one of my card clubs and/or classes. Just click on the page links at the top of this blog for full details. I can't wait to stamp with you!

Christmas Cards

2010-09-06T01:30:00.001-05:00

It's time for September's Christmas Card Class! Don't miss out on this super-fun class. I'll have hot cider and Christmas music to get us in the mood for holiday fun in September. It's this week, so hurry and register.

Make 6 custom-designed, unique cards, 2 each of 3 designs
$25 covers all supplies and envelopes*
Hands-on instruction during class
Saturday morning, September 11th, 9:30-11:30 AM
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)
RSVP with payment by Wednesday, September 8th

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

Inspirational Post

2010-09-05T19:08:00.000-05:00

Better late than never! That is one of my life mottos (much to my husband's chagrin when we are leaving to go someplace:). I've been getting my posts out later in the day than usual. But I am posting! I'll get back on track this week with early morning posts.

Anyway, for today's inspirational Sunday post, I'm sharing a card (made by the very talented Cathy Somody) using the lovely new stamp set Days of Gratitude and other items from the new Holiday Mini Catalog.

I just love the greeting, "Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings." Gratitude is about being grateful, thankful. When we adopt the attitude of gratitude, transformation truly occurs! It is amazing how much the atmosphere of our life changes when gratitude arises...and is expressed. The ordinary becomes so much more because we dare to see much more.

So how about you? Are you grateful? Are you living with gratitude in your life? Did you know that you can choose to be grateful? Our attitudes are truly our own choice. Choose gratitude today, and watch your common days become Thanksgivings!

Saturday Sample

2010-09-04T01:31:00.000-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I wanted to share something from the Holiday Mini Catalog. I think it's the best Holiday Mini Catalog ever! When I first received mine (as demonstrators, we receive ours about a month before actual release), I wanted everything in it. LOL Of course, even us demonstrators have a budget. So then I went through and began marking my "must haves." Then I began the next round of "must have nows"! I'll be using those purchases in my classes, clubs, and workshops over the next several months. Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me at candy@sweetstamper. I'll help you find which event will best suit your interests as well as your schedule.

Okay, now on to the Saturday Sample. This is the Make & Take we are doing at my Holiday Mini Catalog Open House today. (A Make & Take is a simple project, usually a card, that you make and then take home with you.) This snowman is just too cute! He is from the A Cute Christmas stamp set. I'll be showing you several other samples using this set over the next little while. This card also features the Candy Cane Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper (there are sparkles in that striped paper!) and the super-fun Designer Big Buttons, again in the Candy Cane series. Once again, Stampin' Up! has given us a great set of coordinating products that make it quick and easy to come up with fantastic looking projects!

Call me to book a workshop, and I'll bring this darling Make & Take for you and your guests to make...absolutely free! It's a great way to get free mini-lessons in how to stamp while earning free products for yourself. Don't miss the opportunity to make YOUR holidays handmade, heartfelt...with a touch of class:)

Scrapbook with Emboss Resist

2010-09-03T09:41:00.003-05:00

Did you know that you can use cool stamping techniques in your scrapbooks? Emboss Resist is one of my favorite techniques. You can do so much with it. I especially love to create my own, unique, custom embellishments. They bring that truly unique look to my scrapbooks

This is an Emboss Resist border I made for a scrapbook page. I wanted to create something that had the look of marble. Here, I used the Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel--my favorite wheel. I heat embossed it with Whisper White Craft Ink and White Embossing Powder for a very bright white, raised design. Then I got out my sponge daubers and several colors of ink and started sponging and smudging. It's very therapeutic and yields really beautiful results.

Here it is on my page. What do you think? I think it is a perfect border for this photo. I could not have purchased this border. It needed to be made by my hands, warmed by my heart. I think Emboss Resist is the perfect look for this bridal photo of my daughter.

How about you? Would you like to learn new techniques for scrapbooking? Would you like to make your own custom elements? Consider joining my Scrapbooking Hostess Club. Full details are here. I have a great group of ladies in this club, but there is room at the table for YOU. Contact me today at 210-492-3218. Our next meeting is September 9th. You don't want to miss it!

Open House Tomorrow!

2010-09-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

My Holiday Mini Open House is tomorrow, and I have some amazing things to show you! I'm extending by one day the rsvp, so you can still get in on this fun time to get pumped up, excited, and inspired about your own upcoming holidays. Let me know TODAY if you will be joining us tomorrow. There is already a good group coming, but I don't want anyone left out!

Saturday, September 4th

4:00-7:00 PM, Come and Go
40 samples using Holiday Mini Catalog items

Free Make and Take--

a card you make and take home

Snacks

FREE EVENT

rsvp required (so I can prepare for you!)

candy@sweetstamper.com OR

210-492-3218

Bargains Galore!

2010-09-02T01:30:00.002-05:00

Did you know that I have a Clearance Rack in my online store? There are bargains galore to help make your projects come together with beauty, ease, and thrift! Your dollar goes farther when you purchase from my Clearance Rack.

You can get everything from rub-ons to our gorgeous ribbons to card

stock to buttons and more at my Clearance Rack! Simply click on any of the pink highlighted areas in this post. They are each links to my Clearance Rack! Shop today and save. These items are only available while supplies last.

These items are only available as online orders.

More Smooching Tips!

2010-09-01T01:30:00.001-05:00

Tips and Techniques:

For best results, spray Smooch Spritz six to ten inches from project.
For a heavier application of color, spray Smooch Spritz closer to the project.
Before each use, shake Smooch Spritz vigorously until all particles are mixed. The sprayer can clog if particles get sucked up into the tube. Spray in direction of arrow as viewed on nozzle top.
To speed dry time, heat with a heat tool.
If ink dries outside the nozzle, remove the nozzle on the Smooch Spritz and submerge in household cleaner (such as Windex or 409), for 20 minutes. Rinse, replace the nozzle, shake well and spray
Layer colors by spraying a small amount of two different colors of Smooch Spritz onto your project. Start with a lighter color and end with a darker color.
Build color by spraying several thin coats of Smooch Spritz. Allow to dry between coats.
Spray chipboard and embellish with a coordinating Smooch™ color.
Spray a background of Smooch Spritz on cards and/or scrapbook pages. When dry, stamp desired images.

I do recommend using the Color Catcher (121093)--it will help you contain any excess smooching:) Now that you have so many smooching tips, you are ready for action! Click here to purchase your own Smooch Spritz Try several colors, and have fun!

Wicked Cool!

2010-08-31T09:11:00.000-05:00

It's getting to be that time of year! The kids are back at school, and Halloween is right around the corner. So are you ready to get out the pumpkins and start eating candy corn? Here in South Central Texas, we have had just a hint (a very small hint) of the glorious fall weather that awaits us. Personally, I'm ready to pack away the Hawaiian print shirts and flip flops and move on to my favorite season!

So this cute card, made by another demonstrator in my group, is meant to whet your appetite for fall and get you thinking about what is just ahead. It uses the Wicked Cool Stamp Set and Web Stampin' Around Wheel. I really like the ribbon detail with the 3 pieces of 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon tied around the 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon. I think it's a super-cute embellishment! I also really like the way it's right up against the Pinking Hearts Border Punched strip of Basic Black card stock. These little details make a big difference and really set off the witch's hat, spider webs, and bat. The bat is punched out with the brand new Bitty Bat punch. Super easy; super cute!

While you are getting inspired about fall here, why don't you give me a call at 210-492-3218 and let's talk about getting together to stamp. I'll give a free mini-lesson to you and your friends! I can't wait to stamp with you!

Holiday Mini Open House!

2010-08-30T01:30:00.003-05:00

This Saturday, it's a come and go style Open House that you won't want to miss! Come get a copy of the new Holiday Mini Catalog--it's truly amazing! See lots of samples from the Holiday Mini Catalog, munch on some great snacks, visit our Make & Take station, and get inspired for YOUR holidays. Tiffany and I will be hosting this together for double the fun. There is plenty of time to stay a while if you like, or just pop by to pick up a Holiday Mini Catalog and have a quick look at the sample board if you're in a hurry.

Holiday Mini Catalog Open House
Saturday, September 4th

4:00-7:00, Come and Go

RSVP by Thursday, September 2nd

492-3218

candy@sweetstamper.com
This is a free event!

Inspirational Sunday Post

2010-08-29T17:23:00.001-05:00

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post I'm sharing a card created by Julia Bettencourt who does a lot of women's ministry. I thought this card was too cute not to share! This would actually make a really cute mini notice board to put on your fridge or other place you like to post scripture memory verses you are working on.

This card uses the Tart & Tangy stamp set which is very appropriate for scripture memory projects. It makes you think of the Fruits of the Spirit!

When making scripture memory projects, make them pretty to look at. You will look at them more often, enjoy looking at them, and be inspired to make scripture memory a greater part of your life. Strengthen your life by hiding God's word in your heart

By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I've committed myself and I'll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything's falling apart on me, GOD; put me together again with your Word. Festoon me with your finest sayings, GOD; teach me your holy rules. My life is as close as my own hands, but I don't forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don't swerve an inch from your course. I inherited your book on living; it's mine forever-- what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
(Psa 119:105-111 MSG)

Wordplay

2010-08-28T01:30:00.005-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I have a really simple card to share featuring the new stamp set Wordplay. I love the bold greetings in this set and like to make them the central image of the card. This is actually a remake of a card I had previously made. I wasn't totally happy with the previous result, so I did a makeover and am much happier with the new, improved version:)

This is a clean and simple design and comes together in minutes. Learn to make cards like this and more by joining one of my clubs or attending a class. Strapped for cash? Host a workshop. That is absolutely free and a great way to earn free supplies for yourself. That is how I began to gather supplies when I was a customer. Even now as a demonstrator, I really love getting free product! Check out my calendar of events here. Find an event you want to attend and rsvp today. I can't wait to stamp with you!

Stamps: Wordplay

Ink: Early Espresso, Blushing Bride

Paper: Old Olive, Blushing Bride, Early Espresso, Pear Pizazz, Whisper White Card Stocks, Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Pretties Kit (retired), Clear Rhinestone and Subtles Brads, Mat Pack, Paper Piercing Tool, Big Shot, Scallop Rectangle Clearlit, Pinking Hearts Border Punch, Stamping Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

Timeless Vintage

2010-08-27T19:07:00.002-05:00

It's almost time for our long-awaited Vintage Techniques Class. It seems like I made the first project for this class ages ago, but here we are with our class times right around the corner. I have some cards for you that I think you will really enjoy, and we are going to get some ink on our fingers! We are using the Sense of Time, Elements of Style, En Francais, Winter Post, and Many Merry Messages stamp sets.

The vintage look is very popular right now in fashion, home decor, and yes, crafts. But actually, vintage is a timeless look. In this class we will learn a number of elements and techniques that come together to create that timeless, vintage look.

Hurry, because the rsvp date is almost here! You don't want to miss out on this opportunity to learn Vintage Techniques while making gorgeous cards. I can't wait to stamp with you!

Vintage Techniques Class

Tuesday, September 7th, 6:30-8:30 PM

4 Deluxe Cards With Matching Envelopes

Hands-on Instruction During Class

Written Instructions To Take Home

$25 Covers All Supplies*

Checks, Cash, and Credit Cards Accepted (Paypal Below)

RSVP with payment by Saturday, September 4th

Kimono Kids

2010-08-27T01:30:00.001-05:00

Today I'm sharing a card made with the darling new stamp set Kimono Kids. This is bright and cheery and the perfect card for a special friend. I think these Kimono Kids really span the generations with an appeal for all ages. This card would be appropriate for a school-age child to give a special friend. And it would be equally appropriate for a grandma to give a special friend. Now that is versatility!

To order any of the products used in this card, listed below, simply click on candystamps.stampinup.net. Then go to "Shop Now" and get your supplies ordered. They will arrive by UPS in about 7 days. Simple shopping for fabulous stamps and supplies!

Stamps: Kimono Kids

Ink: Black StazOn, Regal Rose, Daffodil Delight, Blush Blossom, Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Markers

Paper: Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White Card Stocks, Sweet & Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Big Shot, Kit # 4 Texture Plates Kit #4, 5/8" Daffodil Delight Grosgrain Ribbon, Smoooch Illuminate Top Coat, Stampin' Dimensionals

What I Would Do With An Extra $300

2010-08-26T09:22:00.000-05:00

With an extra $300, I would get someone to clean house for me twice a month and get monthly spa services, alternating between facials and pedicures.

How about you? What would YOU do with an extra $300? That is a great first goal with a new stamping business. And the goals just get bigger from there:) You can earn that extra $300 (or more) each month as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator. Join me at La Madeleine on Thursday, September 16th, at 7:00 for coffee and answers to your questions about making that extra $300 each month. As a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, there are numerous ways to make that extra money.

So I'm going to set a new goal of increasing my profits by an extra $300 so I can get that maid service going and get a little pampering. How about you? Although my Demonstrator Information Night is a free event, I must plan for you. Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me by clicking on the "Email Candy" button to your right to let me know you will be joining me at La Madeleine (722 NW Loop 410--the former site of Central Park Mall, map). Let's get started on putting extra cash into your pocket.

Can't wait until September 16th? Click here to learn about making that extra $300 each month. My password of "candystamps" will get you in and on your way to owning your own stamping business!

Scottie Dogs

2010-08-25T01:30:00.000-05:00

Here's another card created by my very talented daughter and Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Tiffany Mirisoleiman. This is another card using the Friends Fur-Ever stamp set, and I love how she gives us the scotties times three. It's almost a little doggie parade:) Being dog lovers in our family (we all have Welsh Corgis:), the Friends Fur-Ever stamp set is a natural fit.

I'm not sure how much of the detail shows up in this photo, but Tiffany ran the card base through the Big Shot with the Stampin' Up! Backgrounds Texturz Plates. In this card, she used the one with the diamond pattern along with a classic Real Red, Basic Black, and Crumb Cake color scheme for a gender neutral card that is easy to give a man or a woman.

I'm also loving the new Newsprint Designer Series Paper. The varied designs are so versatile and fit in many different applications. They transition from vintage to modern with a simple switch of color scheme and techniques.

And isn't the little "bone" a cute element? Using the Modern Label Punch for the greeting evokes images of dog bones--very clever! To order any of the products used in this card or others, simply go to my online store. There is an "Order Online" button directly to your right. Simply click and be on your way to the easiest shopping you can do. No lines, no packed parking lots, no car sitting in the hot sun. Just unhurried browsing and clicking on your choices.

Friends Fur-ever

2010-08-24T00:00:00.000-05:00

My daughter Tiffany created this darling card featuring the new Friends Fur-ever stamp set, and I just had to share it with you! I love the color combination using two of our new core colors, Marina Mist and Cajun Craze. They make a great gender-neutral color combination here. The little ribbon loops are made with our new 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon.

Would you like to make cards like this? Come to one of my upcoming events and begin learning this fantastic art form/hobby: artistic rubber stamping. You can see my full calendar of events and more here on my website. I'll teach you how to make cards you will enjoy making as much as you enjoy giving. You will give them with pride, knowing that your card is handmade, heartfelt...with a touch of class.

Stamps: Fur-ever Friends

Ink: Black StazOn, Cajun Craze, Marina Mist, Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pads

Paper: Cajun Craze, Marina Mist, Confetti White Card Stocks

Accessories: Big Shot, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Square Scallop Die, Aquapainters, Marina Mist 1/8" Taffeta Ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Vintage Is Hip!

2010-08-23T01:30:00.001-05:00

Vintage is all the rage right now, and you can see lots of it in our current Idea Book & Catalog, our upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog, and even in retail clothing stores. Our Techniques Class (the last one this year, as we must make room in the calendar for special holiday classes) for August is Vintage Techniques. Don't miss it! Here are the details:

Tuesday, August 31, 6:30-8:30 PM

Tuesday, September 7, 6:30-8:30 PM

4 deluxe, custom-designed cards with matching envelopes

*All supplies included

Hands-on instruction during class plus written instructions so you remember what you have learned

RSVP with payment by 8/27/10

Cash, checks and credit cards accepted (paypal button below)

Two sessions for your convenience

Good Enough to Eat!

2010-08-21T13:26:00.000-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a card made by fellow demonstrator Bobbie. This card looks good enough to eat! Click on the photo to see a closer look and you will see many fine details. Notice the dry embossing on the white circle which makes me think of a waffle cone. What a great touch on a card featuring ice cream!

As we approach the last days of summer (please, please!!!), we also approach the last days to order from the Summer Mini Catalog. Today's sample features the Sweet Scoops stamp set from the Summer Mini. Place your order this weekend, and add some items that are available tax-free through Sunday. The complete list of tax-free items available from Stampin' Up! is here. Stock up on our fabulous adhesives, scissors, marker, pastel chalks, and more. Look to your right and click on "Order Online" to place your online order. Or call me at 210-492-3218, and I will place the order for you.

Stamps: Sweet Scoops

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Sahara Sand, Apricot Appeal Card Stocks, Cast-a-Spell Designer Series Paper

Accessories: 3/4", 1", and 1-3/4" Circle Punches, 1" Double Stitched Chocolate Chip Grosgrain Ribbon, Square Lattice Embossing Folder, , Circles #2 Die, Big Shot, Silver Brads, Mat Pack

What Happens in a Scrapbook Club?

2010-08-20T01:30:00.000-05:00

I have a Scrapbooking Hostess Club that meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. So what is the club all about? Well, we make two 12 x 12 scrap pages each month for a total of 1 complete layout. This month, we focused on summer (with daily temperatures hovering around 100F, it's hard not to think of it!) with coordinating items from the Summer Mini Catalog. Here is our layout for August. We used die cut flowers made with the Stampin' Up! Island Floral die, Tropical Party stamp set, and Island Oasis Designer Series paper along with some vivid card stock colors, all taken from the colors in the Island Oasis Designer Series Paper. The large areas of solid card stock are meant to evoke images of striped beach towels in the hot sand and are picture-ready.

In addition to a monthly scrapbook layout, ready to pop in photos to make it complete, we have lots of creative fun. Some of us stamped only palm trees at the bottom of the left page, some of us had very symmetrically arranged palm trees (you know who you are!), some of us added more of the die-cut flowers, some less. You get the picture: although materials are prepped for you, you make the pages YOUR way. And although I design them (or Tiffany does and I copy her!), I oftentimes like what my fellow scrapbookers are creating better than my original creation. Aaah! The joys of stamping together! For complete details about my clubs, click here (it's the club tab at the top of this blog).

I currently have space available in my Scrapbooking Hostess Club. Won't you consider joining us? This is a really fun group of ladies. When I send out the reminder each month, about a week before our meeting, I let everyone know our color scheme and theme. That way, members can bring photos with them, pop them into the layout, and walk out the door with totally complete pages. It's a great girls' night out: fun, scrapbooking, productivity, creativity, great company. Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me by clicking on the "Email Candy" button to your right to sign up, and then...let's scrap!

Make Money for Your Holidays!

2010-08-19T01:30:00.002-05:00

Would you like some extra cash for the holidays? Do you already have money set aside for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas? Could you use a bit more? Did you know that you can make money being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator?

It's all about questions today! If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, I would love to share a business opportunity with you! Now is the perfect time to start your own crafting business. You can help other people get ready for their holiday season while you make money for yours. Don't have a clue how to make that happen? I can help you create the business that meets your goals, that works for you, that fulfills your dreams, or just makes you a bit of extra cash. Call me at 210-492-3218 or email me by clicking the "Email Candy" button to your right. My team is the Southern Sweet Stampers, and there is a spot just waiting for you! I have team members in other states, so you don't have to live close by to benefit from being on my team. Let me help you make money for your holidays!

Christmas Card Class Changes for This Week!

2010-08-18T12:54:00.001-05:00

Wow! I have had so much fun designing cards for this month's class! I had previously thought we would make some other cards I have posted over the past 2 weeks or so. Based on supplies I have here and the number of class participants, I have made some changes. Here are the final 3 we are doing this month! The designs previously shown will be made in September or October Christmas Card Classes. As in previous years of running this class, I sometimes have more ideas and designs than months to accomplish them:) As a result, we sometimes do 4 designs in a month: 2 each of 2 designs, 1 each of 2 designs. I can feel it coming on already! This is the last day to sign up for this weekend's Christmas Card Classes. So don't delay! Sign up today! Here is the link. As always, click on each photo to get a closer look.

Believe in Sunsets

2010-08-18T09:43:00.000-05:00

I created this for a recent swap and am happy with the way it came out. For the main "art piece," I heat embossed the main image from the beautiful new stamp set Just Believe using Basic Black Craft Ink and Clear Embossing Powder on Glossy White Card Stock. Then I used Sponge Daubers to apply the same colors used in my card, Cajun Craze, Not Quite Navy, and Baja Breeze to my Glossy White Card Stock, thus creating my sunset scene. Although the scene was quite pretty, it needed a little something, so I turned to my Beautiful Wings Embosslit to add two small butterflies, one in Cajun Craze and one in Tangerine Tango. Using the two shades of orange adds interest and keeps things from being "too much of the same." Because the art piece on this card is quite large, I kept the greeting small and simple. I did the same Basic Black Craft Ink followed by Clear Embossing Powder on Glossy White Card Stock for my greeting, matted it on Cajun Craze, and added two Gold Brads and a small loop of Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon.

Stamps: Sanded, Just Believe

Ink: Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze Classic Stampin' Pads, Basic Black Craft Stampin' Pad

Paper: Glossy White Card Stock, Night of Navy, Baja Breeze, Cajun Craze Card Stocks

Accessories: Big Shot, Beautiful Wings Embosslit, Embossing Buddy, Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Basic Black 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge Daubers, Gold Brads, 1-3/4" x 7/8" Oval and 1-3/8" x 5/8" Oval Punches, Paper Piercing Tool, Mat Pack, Stampin' Dimensionals

Watercolor Wonder Crayons

2010-08-17T01:30:00.001-05:00

Q: How do I use the Watercolor Wonder Crayons?

A: The Watercolor Wonder Crayons are amazingly versatile; these artistic-quality, highly pigmented crayons coordinate with our exclusive colors and can be used in many different ways.

Color directly on the stamp. Then spray either the stamp or the paper with water before stamping. If you spray the stamp, the color will look more faded. Spraying the paper results in more vivid color. You can also stamp an image, then spray the stamp with water and stamp again. This will create darker and lighter images.
Color directly on a piece of scratch paper to create a palette, and use an Aqua Painter or watercolor brush to color the image.
Color an image with the crayon, then blend with a watercolor brush. The water-soluble crayons make it easy to blend colors.
Color an image without using water. Watercolor Wonder Crayons can be used on any card stock. For best results, use watercolor paper. When stamping and coloring line-art images, the Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad is the best choice when using Very Vanilla or Whisper White card stock. Use a Jet Black StazOnT pad with all other card stock, including watercolor paper.
PLEASE NOTE: The Watercolor Wonder Crayons are one of many items available tax free during tax free weekend here in Texas, August 20-22. Call me today at 210-492-3218 to give me your order, and I will place it during tax free weekend for savings! Here in San Antonio, we will be enjoying 8.125% savings--that's almost 10%! Click here for the complete list of tax-free items available tax free only August 20-22.

Christmas Bells Are Ringing!

2010-08-16T01:30:00.001-05:00

Christmas Card Class is right around the corner--this weekend! Come one, come all! It's fun, it's creative, and it gets YOU ready for Christmas. Join us for hot cider (I'll have iced tea, too, since we are in the midst of stifling heat), Christmas music, and beautiful custom-designed Christmas cards, made by your hands, warmed by your heart.

Friday, August 20th, 6:30-8:30 PM

Saturday, August 21st, 9:30 -11:30 AM

6 custom-designed cards with envelopes, 2 each of 3 designs

*All supplies included

Hands-on instruction during class and written instructions to take home

Fun included at no extra charge!

RSVP with payment by Wednesday, August 18th

Checks, cash, and credit cards accepted--paypal button below

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

Possibilities

2010-08-15T01:30:00.001-05:00

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post, I'm sharing an inspirational card we made in my card clubs this week. I love several things about this card. I love the sunshiny Daffodil Delight color, so aptly named. I love the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper, featured here front and center in all its lovely boldness. And I love the greeting, "Imagine the Possibilities" from the new stamp set Wordplay. It's a bold statement that is perfectly underscored with bold colors and bold designs in this card.

Jesus makes a very bold statement in the book of Luke in the New Testament. I'll give it here in several versions (translations):

But he said, Things which are not possible with man are possible with God.
(Luke 18:27 BBE)
And He said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.
(Luke 18:27 MKJV)
Jesus answered, "What is humanly impossible is possible for God."
(Luke 18:27 GNB)
Jesus replied, "There are some things that people cannot do, but God can do anything."
(Luke 18:27 CEV)

Anyway you look at this verse, in whichever translation, the meaning is unmistakable. With God, all things are possible! So go ahead. Meditate on the words of Jesus today. Think about them. Ponder them. And do what the above card boldly encourages, "Imagine the possibilities!"

Tips for Smooching!

2010-08-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a card I created using some of our new colors, Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, and Pear Pizazz, featuring the newly released Just Believe stamp set and the really fun new product, Smooch Spritz. So what is Smooch Spritz? I'm glad you asked! It's a pearlized accent spray to add just a splash of color. In today's sample, I used the Log Cabin Smooch Spritz which gives a sort of darkish brown/copper-colored accent to my design. Smooch Spritz comes in a ready to use spray applicator. As it's acid free, you may use Smooch Spritz safely and confidently on scrapbook pages as well as other projects. Here are a few tips from Stampin' Up!'s home office to ensure successful use of Smooch Spritz:

Before each use, shake vigorously until the particles are fully mixed. The sprayer can become clogged if particles get sucked up into the tube.
Spray in the direction of the arrow on the nozzle top. For best results, spray six to ten inches from your project. For a heavier application of color, spray closer to the project.
The Smooch Spritz bottles are made of glass. When you demonstrate this product, place the bottles on a towel or cloth to prevent them from rolling and possibly breaking.
If the ink dries outside of the nozzle, remove the nozzle and submerge it in a household cleaner (such as Windex or 409) for 20 minutes. Rinse, replace the nozzle, shake well, and spray.

Scrapbook Kit by Mail

2010-08-13T01:30:00.001-05:00

Would you like to attend a scrapbooking class but can't come to my Studio? You can still make the class...by mail! I have 2 great options for you. Both options create a mini scrapbook that you will want to keep but will be equally happy to give as a gift. In fact, you save on 2 kits, so you can make one for yourself and one as a gift. Both come with full-color, step-by-step instructions.

The photo on the left is the Sunny Days Flip Book, and the kit by mail comes with everything you need to create this darling Flip Book (6x6 scrapbook). Its fun and vibrant color scheme is sure to please! Kit comes with full color, step-by-step instructions. $30.00 to pick up here or $35.00 to be shipped by Priority Mail. Very limited quantities available.

The second kit is for the Love Birds Scrapbook with the added bonus of 2 cards. In the Love birds kit, you receive everything you need to create this 18-page mini scrapbook with full color, step-by-step instructions plus all you need to make the 2 super cute cards. $40.00 to pick up here or $44.95 to be shipped by Priority Mail. Two kits for $60.00, shipping is still $4.95. Buy one of each of these kits for $50 plus $4.95 if you want them mailed.

So place your order today and be on your way to the simplest scrapbooking you will ever do! Use the paypal button below or you may pay by cash or check.

Card of the Day

2010-08-12T01:30:00.000-05:00

Have you clicked on the tab above labeled "Card of the Day"? If not, you should. This program is gaining in popularity, and I want you to be aware of its many benefits. Personally, I love the beauty of hand-stamped cards. They are mini works of art. Receiving one in my inbox through Card of the Day brings beauty, inspiration, and fresh ideas right to my "doorstep" each day, every day. Fresh layouts, color combinations, use of embellishments, and more keep my own creativity energized. So check it out. For just pennies a day, you can be inspired through Card of the Day!

Full of Life!

2010-08-11T01:30:00.006-05:00

This lovely card, made by my upline Gail Beezley, pairs the stamps sets Full of Life (text) with Friends Never Fade and adds the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper with a bit of ribbon to make a card that is stunning in its simplicity and beautiful, bold images.

I love every element of this card and must say that the Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper is so pretty that it doesn't take much more to produce a memorable card. Here are all the ingredients for this card:

stamps: Full of Life, Friends Never Fade

ink: Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip

paper: Daffodil Delight, Whisper White Card Stocks, Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper

Accessories: Real Red 5/8" Satin Ribbon

To purchase any of these products and more, simply visit my online store: candystamps.stampinup.net. You will be on your way to beautiful, handmade cards, made by your hand, warmed by your heart. Happy shopping!

More Money!

2010-08-10T01:30:00.002-05:00

Would you like more money to spend on stamps? Just host a workshop of $350 or more before the end of August, and you receive an EXTRA $25 to spend on anything you want in the Idea Book & Catalog or Summer Mini Catalog!

So how do you host a workshop? Easy peasy:) Just gather a few friends and/or family. You can do that at your place or mine, I'll bring the stamps and supplies along with a mini lesson in how to stamp, and you and your guests will have the chance to make something to take home as well as purchase items from the catalog. That's it! BTW: $350 is a very average workshop. Then start choosing your free items:) You will get to choose a Level 1 or Level 2 item (value up to $23.95) plus $65 to spend anyway you like in any of our current catalogs. Woo-hoo!
And if your workshop totals more than $350, you get even more free stuff!

Alternatively, you can just get orders from a few friends, skip the workshop, and still collect the freebies! So call me at 210-492-3218 or email me by clicking the Email Candy button to your right. I can't wait to hear from you!

So what are you waiting for? Call me at 210-492-3218, and let's book a date. But hurry! August will be over before we know it.

It's time for holiday crafting!

2010-08-09T01:30:00.002-05:00

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Inspiration with My Digital Studio

2010-08-08T01:30:00.001-05:00

For today's Inspirational Sunday Post, I'm sharing an inspirational card I made using My Digital Studio. Yes, you can make cards and many other projects with My Digital Studio and your mouse!

I wanted to make a card conveying that I am praying for the person to whom I am sending this. Sometimes, it's just not enough to tell someone you are praying for them. A handstamped, heartfelt card, sent by mail, received in a mailbox, and opened by someone in need is a very special thing. This clean and simple card could easily be used for a man. I wish my daddy were still alive so I could send this card to him. He would have loved receiving something so special. Once I have created this lovely card, I only need a few simple, comforting words to finish my message that I am here, I am lifting them up in prayer, and they are cared about.

In the Bible, James 5:16 says, "So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you will be healed. Prayers offered by those who have God's approval are effective."

Knowing that someone is praying for you brings comfort as well as a certain knowledge that you are cared for. This week, send a handstamped card to someone you know, standing in the need of prayer, to let them know you are praying for them. Then lift them up in prayer to the throne of grace, "casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." (I Peter 5:17)

Get tropical!

2010-08-07T01:30:00.001-05:00

For today's Saturday Sample, I'm sharing a tropical notecard made by my friend and fellow demonstrator Lori. Here you see the beauty of Stampin' Up!'s coordinated products: Tropical Party stamp set, Island Oasis Designer Series Paper, and Stampin' Up! Island Floral die for the Big Shot. When using these coordinated products, designed to go together and complement one another, you can't help creating cards and other projects with pizazz and panache in mere minutes. Stampin' Up!'s award winning artists work hard to bring us all the elements we need to create stylish projects in a snap.

No time to make your own cards and other papercrafting projects? Just purchase coordinated products like the ones used here. Stampin' Up! has numerous groups of products just like this to help you create handmade projects in a snap. You can create your own projects in just minutes.

Contact me at 210-492-3218 or email me by clicking on the Email Me button to your right. I'll help you find a set of products to create the look you want in the time you have.

Digital Scrapbooking

2010-08-06T01:30:00.000-05:00

I'm having such fun using My Digital Studio to build a scrapbook of my first grandchild's earliest days. Now, Olivia is gorgeous AND photogenic (grandma kudos allowed:). But even really good photos of beautiful babies look better with a little embellishment. Here, I used one of the templates already provided in My Digital Studio, just dropped in my photo, added a few extras, and voila! A scrapbook page created with just a few clicks of the mouse! (And no mess:)

If you would like to learn more about scrapbooking with My Digital Studio, contact me at 210-492-3218. In addition to making scrapbooking a cinch, it's a digital solution to many of your papercrafting needs. Don't stop with scrapbooking when using My Digital Studio. Move on to card making, calendars, and more. Check out the lovely birth announcement I created with My Digital Studio here in last week's post.

Need more income?

2010-08-05T01:30:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a way to supplement your income? I'm looking for team members, and being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator may be your answer and mine. Join me at my Demonstrator Information Night on Thursday, August 19th, 7:30 p.m. at La Madeleine-Park North. (It's in the previous Central Park Mall site.) I'll be sharing just what it's like to be a stamping business owner. I love my job and would love to share my joy and success with you. So save the date, mark your calendar, and rsvp by Wednesday, August 18th. Although this is a free event, I must prepare for you.

Demonstrator Information Night

Thursday, August 19th, 7:30-8:45 p.m

La Madeleine-Park North (Click here for a map.)

rsvp by Wednesday, August 18th (210-492-3218)

Elements of Style

2010-08-04T01:30:00.001-05:00

Today, I'm sharing a card made by my upline, Gail Beezley, using the Elements of Style stamp set. Elements of Style was first featured in our current Summer Mini Catalog but is also in our newly released Idea Book & Catalog. What does all that mean? Just that you will be able to purchase this stamp set throughout this Stampin' Up! year (July 2010-June 2011). Having said that, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it, so I have already purchased Elements of Style:)

This sample really showcases the flower stamp in the set. For a truly 3D effect, the flower image is stamped and watercolored on the card, then stamped on another piece of card stock, watercolored, cut out, and popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals. Do you see all the little Chocolate Chip ink specks? They are made with the Color Spritzer Tool. You can use that tool with any of our Stampin' Write Markers to achieve the same effect with any of our colors. The earthy tones in this card give it a really natural, aged, antiquey look.

Stamps: Elements of Style
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, More Mustard Classic Stampin Pads and Stampin' Write Markers
Paper: Naturals Ivory, More Mustard, Chocolate Chip Card Stocks
Accessories: Aquapainter, Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch, Color Spritzer Tool, Stamping Sponges, Stampin' Dimensionals

To learn to make beautiful cards like this, check out my monthly Techniques Classes. We take an in-depth look at one technique each month to create really special cards like this. My full calendar is here. Once you find an event you would like to attend, simply email me at candy@sweetstamper.com or call me at 210-492-3218. I hope to stamp with you soon!

No More Dead Birds!

2010-08-03T01:30:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had birds flying into your windows? I have. It's not very nice to go outside on the patio and discover a dead bird right outside the door. Of course, our feathered friends often can't see our windows because they are clear (and my hubby keeps ours sparkling clean:). So they fly into them at full speed and end up dead. Solution: Decor Elements.

I love the versatility and practical nature of our Decor Elements as well as their subtle sophistication. Here, you can see where I have applied our Long Stem Silhouette Decor Elements to the window in my back door. The white ones are great on windows as they are subtle yet provide enough image to be attractive for us and a deterrent for the birds. When I apply one of our white Decor Elements, I get double duty from my image. It adds a subtle yet lovely decorative element to my window and thus my room. (It also looks really pretty from the patio looking toward the house.) It also helps my local bird population:) No more dead birds outside my door! Decor Elements have come to the rescue, and my home is, once again, a place of life and beauty!

Shown above: Long Stem Silhouette (114125)-white, medium (5 3/4" x 27 7/8"). Also available in black and chocolate as well as a larger size (12 3/4" x 52 3/4"). Click here to order today from my 24/7 store: candystamps.stampinup.net. While you are there, browse our other decorative vinyl art for affordable, practical, AND beautiful home decor.

Free stamps and supplies!

2010-08-02T01:30:00.005-05:00

Extra! Extra! Stampin' Up! hostesses get extra hostess dollars July 27-August 31, in addition to the already fantastic hostess benefits!

From July 27 to August 31, Stampin' Up! hostesses can earn an EXTRA $25 to use toward Stampin' Up! products of their choice when they host a workshop totaling $350 or more! This extra benefit is included along with the standard hostess benefits they receive when they host a workshop. The standard hostess benefits include:

             A free 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog worth $9.95!
             Free stamp sets only available to hostesses (with qualifying orders; select from the products on pages 10-16 of the Idea Book & Catalog)!
             Free Stampin' Up! products of your choice!

To schedule your next workshop to earn these generous hostess awards, call me at 210-492-3218 or email me by clicking on the email me button to your right. Let's get the party started!

Workshop total (before tax and shipping)	Free Stampin' Up! merchandise		Extra, Extra hostess awards	Free Stampin' Up! merchandise with Extra, Extra hostess awards
$350 – $399	$40	+	$25	$65
$400 – $449	$45	+	$25	$70
$450 – $499	$50	+	$25	$75
$500 – $549	$60	+	$25	$85