Happy New Year! I hope that you had fun ringing in the new last evening. As for me, I didn't quiiiiite make it to midnight (those who have socialized with me in the past will not be surprised) – but my son did wake me up to wish me a happy new year LOL!
Stampin' Up! has a free digital download for everyone today! A free desktop wallpaper featuring a January calendar. It's made using the Let It Snow digital kit – another new digital download today. New items are added to the MDS Download area of the store every Tuesday, so there's always something different available – plus, no shipping charges because it's a download!
I personally love opening a new calendar for the new year – a clean slate and great ambitions of being all organized….I am always hopeful that this will be the year that I feel I've got it all together! LOL. Sending you best wishes for a happy, healthy and crafty new year! Now go get that free download from my online store!!
How time flies! I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and are preparing for a fun New Year's Eve…oh, and managing to catch your breath too! (Or is that just me?!) Seems like the last while has been a whirlwind of activity – but of the best kind. I spent a lot of the holidays travelling to various family functions which I loved. The extended families from both my parents make a point to get together at Christmas, so it's wonderful to catch up with everyone…and sadly, it's sometimes the only time we get to see each other in person (thank goodness for email, phones and facebook!!)
A tradition that I try to keep to (but it's oh so difficult) is one of cleaning the house for the new year. In the spirit, I spent a fair bit of time clearing out my stamping room….but then got so inspired, I got creative, so the room got almost as messy as it had started…I need to learn how to create without making a mess!!
Anyway, as I was sorting through things, I found these cards that I don't think that I'd shared on here! We created these at the Stampin' Up! Regional Training Event a while back. It's a set of notecards using the Clockworks set. I'm not usually a collage-type image person, but when you have samples to copy, it makes it easier – at least it feels easier!
If you also like to create but sometimes get stumped for ideas, I invite you to try one of my stamping classes! I hold monthly classes in Burlington ON – the first Wednesday of every month (unless otherwise noted). If that doesn't work for you, another option is to host your own class – get a group of friends together and I'll come to you! A new, third option coming in 2013 is my ONLINE CLASS option! I'm creating a series of classes that you can purchase a la carte and get inspiration and ideas in the comfort of your own home! I'm looking forward to being able to do these classes for you wherever you are – look out, I'm going global!! LOL. Sign up for my mailing list to be sure to be in the loop as to the firm launch date of the first class (it will be in January, for sure, just not sure of the exact date right now…) Join me and make a new year's resolution to get crafty and get some "me" time in there!!
The last of the 12 Weeks of Christmas mailings went out today. I can't believe it! I once again must admit that despite me preparing the 12 weeks of newsletters, I'm still caught a little off guard at the fact that Christmas is less than a week away!!
Thought I'd share another holiday card. This uses the Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper. I love having this paper on hand because it's a great backdrop for any type of card! The ornaments and sentiment are from the Merry & Type stamp set; the sentiment is cut out using an Apothecary Accents Framelit and accented with Basic Pearls. If you are mass producing and mailing cards like this, I would probably opt to leave off the pearls to make the cards a little more flat.
I am receiving some lovely handmade cards so will be sure to post pictures of them here over the next while! Handmade cards truly are a beautiful way to celebrate the season and greet friends and family, even if they don't arrive before Christmas Day. That's my motto….I think I will get a personalized stamp that says that for the back of my cards….since I'm still working away on them! LOL.
Today is the last day to take advantage of the great Ink-redible special! This is the best way to start your business with a bang – you get to select your choice of $155 worth of product for only $125, PLUS you'll get a FULL SET of ink pads for FREE.
My great group of demonstrators spans Canada – we keep in touch electronically and in person as able. Our next local team get together is this Wednesday in Burlington – so what are you waiting for??? Here's some more information
Here's a video showing these great new format ink pads…some great tips for re-inking and renewing the pads. (If you're reading this in the Yamstamps app or in a reader, click here to come to the post on the blog).
Over 300 new items have been added to the Clearance Rack! Shop for product at up to 80% off while supplies last.
Don't forget that if you shop through the YamStamps online Stampin' Up! store during December and January, you'll earn a spot on my 50/50 board if you purchase $50 merchandise – you could win a $50 gift certificate through me!!
Here's the spot I did on TV Cogeco's FYI show, airing this week in the Burlington area. Thanks again to the crew and cast of FYI for including me on the show!! Don't forget that if you'd like to make the ornament that's shown at the front of the table, the class is this Saturday, December 15th at 1pm here in Burlington – there's still some space available, but contact me ASAP. Otherwise, if you're subscribed to my newsletter list, look for your 12/12/12 edition of the 12 Weeks of Christmas at 1pm (Eastern) today!
'Tis the season….where people get short of Christmas cards…. so here's a quick card you can create!
Stampin' Up!'s Be of Good Cheer Designer Series Paper serves as a backdrop for the image from Easy Events. I used the Corner Rounder punch to give a bit of a different look to the papers and tie the background and foreground together.You could "bling" this card up as well with rhinestones or pearls on the berries.
Before I forget….the Ornamental Elegance kit is already sold out! If you are still keen on learning how to make one the ornament on the front of Stampin' Up!'s Holiday catalogue, there are still some openings for my class on Saturday, December 15th. Contact me to register.
Thought I'd share this card that I "CASE"d (Copy and Stamp/Steal/Share Everything) from my friend Karen Duke. I loved the fact that it was a monochromatic card done with one set. Easy to create multiples when needed, and so pretty. Also fits in with my "simple but effective" approach to cardmaking! This card uses Pool Party ink and cardstock, and the Blooming With Kindness stamp set.
When Stampin' Up! demonstrators get together, there's bound to be swapping – everyone will create card samples and then trade them with others so you end up with a whole bunch of different cards, styles and techniques. It's a great way to get creative inspiration.
If you are looking to get some creative inspiration, I hope you'll be as excited as I am when I launch my online classes! Coming in January, you will be able to receive cardmaking inspiration from anywhere in the world that has internet access. I'm in the preparation stages now, so watch for news of the launch. I'll be sharing more information once it's up and running.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!
*Note* I have updated this post to make corrections to the date!!**
This is a shot of the ornament I made in preparation for the Ornament Class on December15th.(*note corrected date, it's the Saturday….) I took it with me when I taped my appearance for Cogeco TV's local "FYI" show, and tweeted a photo of it beforehand….which….of course….guaranteed that we didn't get time to talk about it and I'm not sure if it even got camera time! The jinx continues LOL – every time I show a photo of something in anticipation, I seem to run out of time before getting to show it on air!!
Anyway – if you'd like to make one of these yourself, you now have a few options!
Come in person to my Ornament class in Burlington ON, Saturday, December 15th at 1pm. Registration required, fee is $25 and includes all materials required (and prepped) for you ahead of time. Contact me to reserve your spot. Payment due at time of registration. If you can't make it, you can get a class to go kit for the same amount; you will need adhesive (I used SNAIL), and a liquid adhesive or glue gun is helpful for final assembly.
Or…Stampin' Up! announced they have a number of kits available to make a simplified version of the ornament.
The Ornamental Elegance Kit is $17.95 and includes die cut ornaments – you need to supply a glue gun, adhesive and scissors. Supplies are limited.
Any way you choose to try it, there's really no reason NOT to! Contact me for more information, to reserve your spot or get your kit!
Hi – quick reminder that TODAY is the last day to qualify for extra entries in my 50/50 board by purchasing your starter kit. You'll still get entries if you purchase during December and January, but you get bonus entries by signing up before the end of November….plus you'll get a free set of ink pads, so what are you waiting for??!!
Also – last chance to register for the last Stamp a Stack of the season! TOMORROW, Saturday, December 1st at 1pm is the last chance you'll have to make a stack of cards with me. I still have a couple of openings, so contact me ASAP – registration must be received by today.
Take advantage of the bundle pricing and save! To ensure that your order arrives before Christmas, you will want to place your order by December 5th. If you are ordering print products from My Digital Studio, you will want to place your order by December 3rd. This allows plenty of time for shipping in a busy shipping time frame!!
Any questions? Please contact me! I hope to see you at one of my classes before the end of the year!
Happy New Year! I hope that you had fun ringing in the new last evening. As for me, I didn't quiiiiite make it to midnight (those who have socialized with me in the past will not be surprised) – but my son did wake me up to wish me a happy new year LOL!
