Shopping Fun!

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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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?

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?

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose Pick Up or Mail

Pick Up $10.00 Mail $11.75

Morning Cup

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!