Nov 16, 2018 | birthday, cards, Stampin' Up!
Simple Stamping (#simplestamping)
While at Stampin’ Up!’s On Stage event last week, one of the things they talked about was #SimpleStamping. The idea was about getting back to the basics, and they showcased a lot of clean and simple cards. Essentially…..like most of my cards!! LOL. Truly, while I appreciate some intricate and over the top designs, if it’s not easy to make, I don’t want to deal with it…but I still want it to look good.
So with that in mind, I present a recent class card that truly is simple stamping. One colour ink, and a couple of accent colours of cardstock. That’s it. It uses the Big Wishes stamp set which is available in wood mount or red rubber clear mount. The ink is Bermuda Bay and the other accent colour cardstock in the background is Lemon Lime Twist.
To add more interest and depth to this simple stamping card, the splatters from Artisan Textures (available in red rubber wood mount or red rubber clear mount) were stamped in Bermuda Bay in a combination of first, second and third generation images. (First generation = ink the stamp, then stamp on the cardstock; second generation = second stamping onto cardstock without re-inking…etc). The one caution I will give if using a combination of these images is that you need to be aware that if your first generation stamping goes off the edge of your cardstock, you will NOT want to do a second generation image at that time – because the ink will not have been removed from the rubber of the stamp evenly, so you’ll likely end up with an image with a definite demarcation between a lighter and darker image. Ask me how I know… Perhaps that’s a good topic for a future Monday Mistakes Facebook Live on the YamStamps Page?!
If you’re looking to add to your card stash or your card making supplies stash, consider joining my Monthly Stampers Club! We meet in north Burlington on the third Monday of each month, and new members can start at any time! Commitment is a 6 month period, and during that period, at each club class you’ll make 4 different cards and place a $33 order. Once during your 6 month cycle, you’ll also receive a minimum of $20 free product! Contact me to join or if you have any questions. The next club date is this Monday, November 19th, and we meet at 1pm or 7pm. Simple Stamping in this case is being able to have some regular crafting time set aside!
Nov 14, 2018 | Business Opportunity, cards, event, Stampin' Up!
Why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator…
Reason 1 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator: An excuse to travel! I spent last week in Orlando, Florida at Stampin’ Up!’s On Stage Event. I know, you’re feeling sorry for me already. And OK, not the whole week was actually the event. I spent a couple of days preparing for the event by visiting with fellow demonstrators, visiting the parks of Florida (that would be theme parks…), and taking a bit of down time. (if you follow the YamStamps Instagram or Facebook Page you may have seen proof of that). I have noticed lately that my travel tends to be woven in and around Stampin’ Up! or training opportunities, so it’s a nice way to mix business and pleasure. Also, I need to work on my selfie skills….LOL. Visited Universal (the Harry Potter areas!), The Magic Kingdom (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas with fellow Canadians (front to back: Gaile, me, Mary Louise, Jasmine, Carrie, Laurie and Debbie – crowded on Main Street but easy to get onto the rides), and Disney Springs (or Downtown Disney if you’ve been there in the past) with my American friends Debbi and Rebecca .
Reason 2 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator: Sharing Creativity: One of the things that tends to occur when demonstrators get together – SWAPS. Demonstrators will create multiples of a paper crafting project and then trade with other demonstrators. It’s a great way to get ideas and inspiration (no, we don’t think our designs up on our own all the time!). Sometimes these are organized events – where a specific number and theme are mandated. Other times, “general swaps” occur – demonstrators literally walk around trading their creations. It’s a great way to meet people as well! Here’s a lovely swap that was gifted to me by Mary Louise – even though I didn’t have anything to swap with her (and I cut her off in the photo too LOL)! So I’ll share the wealth here.
She used Winter Woods Bundle (available in a red rubber clear mount stamp bundle or red rubber wood mount stamp bundle) to create this beautiful card. The paler areas on the evergreen tree are actually areas she’s added some Frost White Shimmer Paint (sorry, my photo is not really doing it justice!).
Reason 3 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator: friends – old and new! Another thing that happens at Stampin’ Up! Events? Getting together with demonstrator friends! My group of demonstrators is called the “Eh” Team, and there were five of us in total this time that were able to make the big journey south. Amazing that we were able to find each other in a sea of 7000 demonstrators! So here we are as a group (from left to right in the photo: Karen, Arlene, Pamela, Mary and myself). Karen and I also were able to attend Centre Stage, which is an event for demonstrators at a certain level of leadership in their business. We were treated to passes to Epcot (it was the Food & Wine Festival as well!), and a dessert reception.(I still haven’t figured out how to take the selfie and look at the right spot on the phone…). Last photo is a reunion of the 2017-2018 Events Council – we are from all over North America and the last time we all saw each other was a year ago so it was great to meet up again, albeit briefly. Not pictured – SO many other friends that I got to see and hug. It truly was so heartwarming to be able to see so many friends that I often only “see” online.
Reason 4 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator: Last (for now) but not least – new product! We get so many goodies at Stampin’ Up! events and one of the fun ways to receive something is Prize Patrol. I hit the jackpot! I won a huge sentiment set that I can’t wait to use in upcoming classes. All the prizes were from the upcoming Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogues, which will be in effect as of January 3, 2019.
We also got a look at the Craft & Carry Tote which is a demonstrator only item. Current demonstrators are able to order this bag until the end of the year only. Not a demonstrator (yet)? Not a problem! You can select this as part of your starter kit right now! Valued at $68, you can select it right now as part of your $165 worth of product for $135 – OR you could select other product in your starter kit and then purchase the bag (before January 2) once you have your demonstrator number! Your other option is to pick one up with your starter kit during Sale-a-Bration in January. There are two starter kit options – the “regular” kit for $135, and the tote kit for $175. During Sale-a-Bration you’ll also get $60 more product of your choice in your kit. Check out my FAQs about joining my team here (or if you like to type, www.yamstamps.com/join).
The next big On Stage event is happening in April in Auckland, New Zealand. While I would LOVE to be able to attend that one…I think I’m going to have to stay a bit closer to home. In Canada, the two local event locations (we get a local event when the main event happens either in the South Pacific or Europe), will be Quebec City and Vancouver. If you would like more information, please contact me, or consider attending my next Information Evening (Thursday December 6, or check the Events Page to see upcoming dates) to find out more about being a demonstrator with my group and find your own reasons why you love being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator!
Nov 5, 2018 | cards, Christmas, online class, Seasonal Catalogue, specials, Stampin' Up!
I’m sharing this easy die cut snowflake card with you today that features the Snowfall Thinlits Dies that are available during November. I love how simple it is to create something so intricate! The most work is rolling it through the Big Shot, I think!
The larger snowflake is die cut from a Silver Foil sheet, and the smaller snowflake is die cut from Sparkle Glimmer Paper. I love how the new Glimmer Papers really hold their glimmer well – no shedding of glitter or glimmer! The snowflakes are mounted onto a piece of Joyous Noel Specialty Designer Series Paper and backed by a piece of Tranquil Tide Cardstock.
I do really like this die cut snowflake card so will be pulling it out for a few classes this month, I think! We did this card in Carolanne’s Private Card Class this past weekend. She got a large group of family and friends together to craft – so much fun! (Thanks for asking me to do this one, Carolanne!).
That Joyous Noel Paper has been very popular – so popular that it’s now unavailable to order! Any backorders already in the system will be honoured, but no more orders can be placed for this item – as there’s no way that the product would arrive before the holidays. Sad but true. Two embellishments have also oversold their projected numbers – Farmhouse Elements and Santa’s Workshop Enamel Accents. Funny how all THREE of these items have been featured in my monthly Christmas Card Classes! So – if you are wanting to join the November 28th Christmas Card Class that uses the Farmhouse Elements, be sure to register with me asap so I can set aside a set of the elements for you. (Don’t worry, I have enough for class registrants).
I do have some good news though, if you were hoping to enroll in the Joyous Noel Online Christmas Card Class. I’ve added a cardstock/paper supplies option to this class! For $30 I will mail you the precut cardstock/Designer Series Paper you’ll need for the cards from the class. You’ll still need to supply your own stamps, ink and adhesives, but if you really want to reproduce the exact cards, you still have that opportunity. Supplies are limited, though, so if you want to choose this option, please don’t wait too long. The Online Class only option (the “regular” option) is still available as well. You could easily substitute other Designer Series Papers for the ones we used – use the card designs as a template and use your own cardstocks and papers. You can get more information on the Joyous Noel Online Card Class here (the live video portions will be done in our group next week). You can get information on all the currently available YamStampsMore Online Classes here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Hope to see you in class – either in person or online, soon!
Nov 1, 2018 | cards, Christmas, Limited Time, specials, Stampin' Up!
Happy November! Hope you don’t have too much of a sugar hangover today. We may have the aftereffects of too much sugar around our household for the next while….too much candy bought, not enough trick or treaters….the dreary weather didn’t help that either, I’m sure. I think that when my son was young enough to go out trick or treating, it rained every single Halloween. At least that’s what it felt like!!
ANYWAY. If you were at the Joyous Noel Christmas Card Class, you got a sneak peek at this suite – and for everyone – here it is! Stampin’ Up! is offering the Snowflake Showcase Suite for November – ONLY! So grab it while you can. While it features snowflakes, there are definitely some other elements in there, including some more floral-looking shapes that mean you can use it for more than just the winter season.
Isn’t it beautiful? This suite offers two stamp sets (one winter, one not), coordinating framelits, snowflake embellishments and white flocked/velvet paper. So much fun. You can see the products in the YamStamps Stampin’ Up! Canada online store here, or download the flyer here. Please let me know if you need assistance placing your order. (note that online ordering is not available in Quebec at this time, but you can contact me with your order and I will have it shipped directly to you).
Also – the Joyous Noel Online Christmas Card Class is now available for purchase! You’ll get lifetime access to the materials through access to the exclusive group. All four cards feature the Joyous Noel Designer Series paper – but as with many of my classes, you could easily substitute a different decorative paper or stamps to get a whole new look with the same card designs. You can get access to the class here. I’ll be doing live videos for the projects this weekend, so you can watch live (or watch later when the time suits you). Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
In the meantime, I’m counting down to Stampin’ Up!’s Demonstrator Only Event, On Stage – celebrating 30 years of Stampin’ Up! Can’t wait – and I’ll be posting on the YamStamps Facebook Page and YamStamps Instagram too. If all goes well, I hope to be able to do a Facebook Live from Epcot on Wednesday – so stay tuned!
Oct 29, 2018 | Big Shot, cards, Manic Monday, Stampin' Up!
Sharing a simple handmade sympathy card idea with you. Sympathy cards are often ones we need to have on hand but not ones that we are often inspired to create. This card could be used for any number of purposes by just changing the featured sentiment and/or colour scheme, perfect for a “Manic Monday” project – a project you can create even if you don’t have a lot of time.
I always think that a single colour scheme is very elegant (and very easy). This card features Tranquil Tide (a 2017-2019 In Colour) and Very Vanilla. The splatters are from the Swirly Bird Set, and the die cut is from the coordinating Swirly Scribbles Thinlits Dies. The splatters are stamped in first, second and third generation images to give a variation and depth. A first generation image is where the stamp is inked and then stamped onto the cardstock. Second generation = the next image stamped by the stamp WITHOUT reinking in between. It’s often best to ink the stamp and then stamp onto scrap paper and THEN onto your project if you want a second generation image. I’ve often found that when I am stamping images off the edge of the cardstock and re-stamp right away that my second generation image can be uneven because the ink didn’t get used up evenly on the rubber surface. For this simple sympathy card, the swirl was die cut from Tranquil Tide cardstock and then fed over the sentiment strip. Bonus points if you can figure out what motivated this design choice….
If you guessed (or inspected closely) that it was because I got an ink smudge on my sentiment strip, you are correct!! Somehow, I managed to smudge a spot on the sentiment, and I found that the die cut swirl could be positioned to distract/cover up that little error. In the end, I think it’s much more interesting than if I had used it behind the sentiment strip (which is where I originally thought I would place it…). Simple Fix for a Mistake on a Simple Handmade Sympathy Card! The sentiment is from the Better Together set, which is available in wood mount or red rubber clear mount. That set has a number of different sentiments so you could change out the sentiment and colours on this card design for an easy variation.
Are you a YamStamps Mailing List subscriber? A special exclusive for subscribers is the Annual Twelve Weeks of Christmas. This week brings Week FIVE (can you believe it?!), and the last week of card ideas. We move on next week to gift ideas. Like the “regular” YamStamps emails, each project has a picture, supply list (with links for easy reference), and complete instructions. You can jump in and get the remainder of the project ideas by subscribing now! You can subscribe in the sign up box on the YamStamps site itself, or click here to be on the list. You’ll also get access to a subscribers only free video tutorial. See you in your inbox soon!
Oct 22, 2018 | specials, Stampin' Up!, Uncategorized
Stampin’ Up! is celebrating 30 years by having a FLASH SALE – twenty four hours only, Tuesday, October 23rd. Sale starts at 1201AM Mountain Time (so convert accordingly – e.g. Eastern time equivalent is 201 AM). Selected stamp sets will be offered at 15% off!
Here’s the list in alphabetical order – the ones with a STAR * beside the DISCOUNT PRICE are the ones that are also currently available in a BUNDLE with either framelits or a punch. In these situations, the BUNDLE is still the best price if you are going to be purchasing both the stamps and the accessory. If you have any questions or need assistance placing your order, please contact me. Feel free to do so today – because I can keep track and then enter the orders tomorrow as need be. Otherwise, you can always shop 24/7 in the YamStamps Online Stampin’ Up! Canada store!
Happy Birthday, Stampin’ Up! Happy Shopping!
Oct 19, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!, TV/Video/Web/Tech
Why, hello there! I’m happy to report that I survived Scrapfest and have more or less recovered…LOL. All that lugging stuff around and standing on a hard concrete floor…and I’m not as young as I used to be… Sharing this hello card that you may recognize if you were at Scrapfest and stopped by the YamStamps booth! The make and take we did using the Stamparatus created the main feature of this fun card.
The main element on this hello card uses the Ready to Layer stamp set. I absolutely love this four stamp set that combines to create the above image. For the colour palette, I copied the one in the Stampin’ Up! Catalogue! (why work too hard, I say…). So – Bermuda Bay, Pool Party, Granny Apple Green and Lemon Lime Twist. The Detailed Trio punch adds some interest to the corners. To turn this make and take tag from scrapfest into a card, I simply mounted it onto a piece of Bermuda Bay cardstock, and then onto a piece of Lemon Lime Twist Cardstock that had been embossed with the Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder. I thought the wavy lines in the embossing folder went well with the line art of the image.
I’ll share a Facebook Live this weekend on the YamStamps Facebook page showing how the tag portion was created with the Stamparatus. It’s a fantastic tool for this set! I love this hello card so much you may see it show up in a few upcoming classes…
On a completely different note….
…if you’re in Canada, please tune in to the CBC tonight (Friday, October 19th) at 9pm to watch “Band Geeks”. You can also stream it online at the CBC website. This documentary film follows the Burlington Teen Tour Band in preparation for their Rose Parade appearance. I was a member of this band, and my son just finished his time with the band as well. I’m lucky enough to volunteer as a photographer and chaperone with the band, so was with them during the filming of this show. I think that Suddenly SeeMore Productions did a great job of capturing the incredible work ethic of these teens (and staff) but also the fun and camaraderie that is had when you’re a “band geek”. So take a bit of time out of your crafting (or colour a few images while you watch?!). It’s nice to see a positive story about youth! (End of plug…hahaha). In the meantime, I’m looking forward to getting back into routine around here and sharing some more crafting inspiration. See you online!
Oct 11, 2018 | cards, Seasonal Catalogue, Stampin' Up!
If you are following the YamStamps Instagram or Facebook Page feeds, you’ll know that I have a booth at Scrapfest/CreativFestival right now! I survived day one….and realized I hadn’t shared a post on here in a little while – so I am apologizing with this fun penguin card. I will also amaze you with some fun penguin facts, courtesy of web searches. *ahem* While you may know that a group of penguins is commonly called a colony, it can also be called a rookery, huddle, or a waddle. (Guess which one is my favourite?!). These terms, however, only apply if the group of penguins is on land. If they’re in the water, they’re called a raft of penguins. Who says you can only learn some paper crafting tricks here. Look at me, helping you to increase your vocabulary and trivia. (Let’s see if that shows up as a question on HQ, maybe I’ll win more than $0.30?!)
So with that knowledge in your hands now, I present to you a card featuring a waddle of penguins!!
How cute is this penguin card?! And of course, how easy! The penguins are from the Making Every Day Bright photopolymer stamp set. This set features a number of images that can be punched out with the Christmas Bulb Builder Punch, and i love that there’s some non-winter/non-Christmas images that you can use with the punch! The punch itself can also be bought in a discounted bundle with the Making Christmas Bright photopolymer set (which is definitely all about the holidays). For this card, the penguins were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and then punched out. The snow slopes were cut by hand (that’s about as close as I try to get to “fussy cutting”). The penguins were tucked in behind the slopes and then some snowflakes from the Santa’s Workshop Enamel Shapes were added for a little extra interest.
I’m not sure what a group of Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators is called, though. A gaggle? A hoard? hmmm. Well, I know that _my_ group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators is called the “Eh” Team! I invite you to join us, in any case! On Thursday, October 25, I’m hosting my next Information Evening here in Burlington, where you can find out more about having your own home based business, and how you can work on your own terms and schedule. The only commitment I ask that you make for that evening is that you RSVP to attend! If you can’t attend that evening, or don’t live close enough to Burlington, please contact me anyway, and you can either join us “virtually” online or at a different time, either online or in person. The more the merrier!
Oct 7, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! I add the “Canadian” in there because I know some of my American friends are thinking I’m a little early….and in all honesty, I feel like our Thanksgiving is a little earlier in the month than usual! However, I’m happy for a long weekend, happy to see friends and family and thankful for all the blessings that surround me. This year will be different too, since my son will be home for a week – the longest stretch (and first time home) since he left to go to university back in September.
In the theme of the day, I thought I’d share a Thank You card that I received as a swap. You may recognize the Country Home stamp set – since it was the main set used in the Sunday Swap post that I shared last week! However, you can see that the sentiment is different, and the flowers in the pitcher are different too! I love that you can swap out bits and pieces and come up with a brand new image. I love one of the sentiments in this set – Simply thankful for all the good things. Words to live by, especially today!
This card was created by Christine Dionne. Another great example of colouring with Stampin’ Blends on this image as well! She’s used the coordinating Country Lane Designer Series Paper in the background, and then pulled colours from the paper for the cardstock choices as well. The fun galvanized clip and I think that’s the Fresh Fig Ribbon are the accents.
I love participating in these Demonstrator only swaps – it’s a great way to get inspiration and ideas! If you’re interested in turning your hobby into a Side Hustle to earn a little extra income, consider joining my team of demonstrators – we are known as the “Eh” Team! I invite you to come to my Information Evening on Thursday, October 25th at 7pm. Find out more about the business opportunity and the flexibility and fun it can provide at the same time! RSVP for directions. I hope to see you there! In the meantime, THANK YOU for reading my blog and social media, THANK YOU for supporting my business, and from me and my family to you and yours – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Oct 5, 2018 | Big Shot, birthday, cards, Stampin' Up!
Stampin’ Up! has so many great Designer Series Paper packages. These coordinating patterned papers make paper crafting a snap – and here’s an easy birthday card to share! The main feature is the die cut sentiment, and then you can change up the background paper to suit your need.
The sentiment on this card is created with the Happy Birthday Thinlits Die and Gold Foil Sheets. There’s a couple of tips to share with you with this thinlit and the gold foil to be sure this easy birthday card is…easy. First – when you die cut the Gold Foil sheet and remove it from the die, you may notice some “bumps” on the foil from the thinlit die. You can remove these or smooth them out by running the die cut shape through your Big Shot a second time on its own – just be sure that the Plastic Cutting Plate next to the Foil side/good side is fairly blemish free. I tend to try to use one Plate as the bottom one all the time, and the other Plate as the top one all the time, so that only one gets really scuffed up. A non-scarred Plate will not transfer any marks to the foil sheet. To adhere the die cut shape to your card, there’s two methods I prefer. One is to use the Multipurpose LIquid Glue – use the pointy tip end and just apply dots to the thicker areas on the back of the die cut. The other way I like is to use a Multipurpose Adhesive Sheet. If you want to use an adhesive sheet, adhere the non-cut cardstock or foil sheet to the adhesive sheet BEFORE die cutting. Then after it’s cut, you just peel off the remaining liner paper and adhere it in place.
I like the abstract pattern of this Designer Series Paper – it’s from the Garden Impressions package. If you want a more floral look, you could simply change out the paper – or in this case, flip the paper over! The flipside of this pattern is a random floral design. See? It really is an easy birthday card! You could make a whole bunch of these in advance using different papers and then have them on hand when you need a birthday card. If you are looking to build your stash of cards and want a regular outing, consider joining the Stampers Club! Each month, on the third Monday, the Stampers Club members get together for their class – at 1pm or 7pm (you can see dates on the YamStamps Events Page). Each member commits to 6 months of membership, during which time they place a minimum order at each class. Then, once during their 6 month membership, they’ll also receive a minimum of $20 free product of their choice (or $20 towards a Demonstrator Starter Kit, their choice). It’s a great way to get to know other people who are interested in crafting, and a fun afternoon or evening out! Contact me for more information or to sign up. New members are welcome to start at any time. See you in club soon?!
