Christmas Bells Are Ringing!

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

OR

 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

Choose your day

Friday PM $25.00 Saturday AM $25.00

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

Possibilities

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!

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

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.

Options:

Love Birds Kit $40.00 Love Birds Kit sent Priority Mail $45.00 2 Love Birds Kits $60.00 2 Love Birds Kits by Mail $65.00

Options:

Sunny Days Kit $30.00 Sunny Days Kit sent Priority Mail $34.95 1 Sunny Days Kit, 1 Love Birds Kit $50.00 1 Sunny Days Kit, 1 Love Birds Kit, sent Priority $54.95

Card of the Day

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!

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!

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!

Inspiration with My Digital Studio

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!

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

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?

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

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!

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!

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

O, Tidings of Comfort and Joy

For my weekly Sunday Inspirational Post, I'm sharing an inspirational card we will be making in next month's Christmas Card Class.  Yes, Christmas is coming!  It's my favorite holiday, and I absolutely love making Christmas cards, Christmas cookies, Christmas decorations, Christmas dinner...you get the picture:)

The words on this card are taken from a very old and famous Christmas carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.   Wikipedia tells us "It is referred to in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, 1843: "...at the first sound of — "God bless you merry, gentlemen! May nothing you dismay!"— Scrooge seized the ruler with such energy of action, that the singer fled in terror, leaving the keyhole to the fog and even more congenial frost." 

So on this card, we have words from one of my favorite carols in one of my all-time favorite stories by one of my favorite authors.  That is a lot of personal favorites, all wrapped up in just a few words!  But those few words capture the magic of Christmas and why it is such a festive and joyful celebration.  God sent His son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to save sinners, to reconcile fallen mankind to Himself, to bring people back into relationship with Him.  From the beginning of the coming of Christ, there were "tidings of comfort and joy" being expressed by angels and then told by shepherds and wise men and common folk and important folk.  The message was for all who had an ear to hear.  And it is still the same today.  The message is for all who have an ear to hear.  Tidings of comfort and joy, not of hostility and judgment, not of anger and separation.  It is well stated in the 3rd verse of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (there are 7 verses!): 

 

"Fear not, then," said the angel, "Let nothing you afright
This day is born a Savior of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might."  

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

 

Now, I'm going to give you a little history lesson because I love the history of the carols and I enjoy sharing what I love!  So if you wish to know a bit more about God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, read on! 

 

Like most of the earliest Christmas songs, this was written as direct reaction to the music of the church. During this period the songs of the church were usually written in Latin and put to melodies that were somber and dark. This type of music offered singers and listeners little joy and happiness. So while the people continued to go to organized worship services, they created their own church music outside the walls of the cathedrals and chapels that were light, lively and penned in common language. Their Christmas folk songs became the foundation of what are now knows as Christmas carols.

"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" was sung for hundreds of years before finally being published in the 1800s. Queen Victoria loved Christmas carols and during her time this song began to find favor in the Anglican Church. Soon the protestant English clergy of that era were even enthusiastically teaching "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" to their congregations. Moving to both Europe and America, the carol became a favorite throughout the Christian world. It is still sung in much the same way as it was five hundred years ago.

The problem is that few of today’s singers fully understand the beginning of the carol. This is because language is dynamic and words change over time. Today, when people say Merry Christmas, they mean “happy.” Five hundred years ago, when "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" was written, “merry” had a very different meaning.

Today we hear of Robin Hood’s "Merry Men." Now, they may have been happy, but in the time of Robin Hood the word “merry” that described them meant “great and mighty.” Thus, in the middle ages a strong army was a merry army, a great singer was a merry singer, and a mighty ruler was a merry ruler.

So when the English carolers of the Victorian era sang, "merry gentlemen," they meant great or mighty men. Even when translated to "God rest you mighty gentlemen," the song still makes very little sense.

This is due to another word that has a much different meaning in today’s world and a punctuation mark that has been lost. The word "rest" in "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" simply means “keep or make.” Yet to completely uncover the final key understanding the meaning, a comma needs to placed after the word “merry.” Therefore, in modern English, the first line of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" should read "God make you mighty, gentlemen." Using this translation the old carol suddenly makes perfect sense, as does the most common saying of the holidays, "Merry Christmas." You just have to know how to translate the words into the language of the day to have a very Mighty Christmas!

from the online source, The Fellowship.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;
To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray.

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Friends Fur Ever

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

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

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

Beautiful Birth Announcement

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

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

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

Tuesday Techniques-Round 2!

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

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

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

We scream for ice cream!

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

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

Card Ingredients:

stamps:  Sweet Scoops

Ink:  More Mustard, Chocolate Chip, Rich Razzleberry

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

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

Project Kit for Stars!

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

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

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

Techniques-Masking

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

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

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

Tuesday, July 27th 
6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

*All supplies included

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

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

RSVP with payment by noon, Tuesday, July 27th

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

Free stamps and supplies!

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

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

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

Inspirational Sunday Post

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

Only believe,

Only believe,

All things are possible

Only believe.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Put on your mask!

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

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

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

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

*All supplies included

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

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

RSVP with payment by noon, Tuesday, July 27th

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

Saturday Sample

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

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

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

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

Are Your Ribbons Ready?

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

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

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

Christmas in July!

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

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

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

RSVP with payment by Thursday, July 22nd

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

Happy Grad!

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

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

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

Stamp and Scrap with the Stars!

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

Friday, August, 13th

2:00-10:00

7:00 Tip Off

AT&T Center, overlooking the court

FREE parking!

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

Bring your projects and enjoy uninterrupted crafting time

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

Come on your own or invite your friends and family!

A night to remember!

*Silver Stars Game only:  $15-link

*Game + Stamp & Scrap:  $20-link

Instructions to use the above links is below

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

Let's stamp and scrap for the cure!

*

How to Order Tickets Online: 5 Easy Steps

1. Click on link above

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

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

4. Pick your seats & location

5. Print tickets at home (No Ticketmaster Fees)

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

Sunday Inspirational Post

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

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

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

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

Stamps:  Wordplay

Ink:  Early Espresso, Peach Parfait Classic Stampin' Pads

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

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

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