Sorry for the bit of blog silence lately – I'm in the midst of trying to find all the cords etc so that I can upload my photos from Leadership (I just got back last evening!).
In the meantime, I'm popping in to ask if you're on my list – please sign up for my email list – because next week I'm starting the 10 Weeks of Sale-a-Bration mailings! I'm trying something new to celebrate Sale-a-Bration this year! Each week, you'll receive an email with a new project featuring Sale-a-Bration product. Each email will have a photo, supply list, and complete instructions to create the project. You'll automatically receive the mailing, with no cost, BUT ONLY IF YOU'RE ON MY LIST!! So – please sign up, if you haven't already! Click on that link, or come to www.yamstamps.com directly and sign up in the box that either pops up or is on the right hand side. App users, I'm in the midst of fixing the feed so that the photos etc will show up in the app, but in the meantime, please click on the link to come to the site!
See you again soon with more photos and news – promise!
I love the Noah's Ark theme of this stamp, appropriately named Two by Two. I think a single stamp like this is a great option – I don't need "baby" stamps as often as I used to these days, so I don't feel the need to invest in a whole baby-themed set. A single stamp like this will do me for a number of baby type events…and I can use just the image and not the word as suits me if I just avoid inking up the "congratulations".
This also gave me a chance to sit down and colour a bit! I wanted a bit of control over the colour in this image, so chose to use my Stampin' Write markers and blender pen on watercolour paper. Since the blender pen will blend the ink but not flood the paper, the colour is a bit more precise. I also then have the option of using the markers directly onto the paper, as I did for the portholes.
I did a different fold on the card to add more interest and added some (retired) Designer Series Paper – this is a piece from the Welcome Neighbour package that was available a few Sale-a-Brations ago (for FREE! LOL).It was too cute not to use here!
If you missed out on the Welcome Neighbor Designer Series Paper, don't worry, there's more fun Designer Series Paper coming up this year for Sale-a-Bration! If you didn't already get your copy of the flyer, let me know & I can get one to you so you can plot your course of action – you get one free Sale-a-Bration item for each $60 merchandise order (before shipping/taxes), starting January 22nd. I'm working on some samples for that, and of course, the new Spring Catalogue items….busy busy busy…
An exclusive stamp set and free product?! What's not to LOVE about this special (except for perhaps the limited time that it's available?!). January 3- 21, purchase the EXCLUSIVE My Little Valentine four piece stamp set, and receive the Sealed With Love Simply Set kit (from the Holiday Catalogue) for FREE! This is pictured above right. OR purchase the exclusive bundle shown on the left – the Happy Valentine Heart single stamp plus a package of 1" x 8" cellophane bags. Simply add ink, paper and you've got a cute Valentine packaging option!
Oh and of course, I couldn't do a post today without linking to the new SPRING CATALOGUE, could I?! (link goes to .pdf download) Lots of new product from Stampin' Up! is available to perk up your winter doldrums and post holiday blahs. Contact me if you need a real life copy to look at….or if you're ready to shop right now, here's the link to my online store – shop from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in Canada! No winter blahs here!! Happy shopping!
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.
