Jul 12, 2018 | cards, rubber stamping, specials, Stampin' Up!
I love to travel, so Stampin’ Up! stamp sets and papers that are travel themed always catch my eye. This Going Places card features a few travel themed products! The stamp set En Route is available in red rubber wood mount or clear mount options, and the Best Route Designer Series Paper – which is part of the Buy 3 Get 1 Free Special running this month! The adhesive travel-themed embellishments are from the Best Route Enamel Shapes – available in colours that coordinate with the paper – because who needs to think too hard?!
The sentiments are cut with the Stitched Shape Framelits and the Classic Label Punch. The Stitched Shape square of Designer Series Paper is actually cut from the paper used on the card – it’s the flip side of that design! I adhered that square into the hole where it was cut from because I like to be thrifty with my paper – even if it is buy 3 get 1 free…I love the coordination of the Blueberry Bushel cardstock with the Designer Series Paper and the ink. Makes my crafting easy! This Going Places card would be great for a graduate, a traveller, or someone setting off on a new adventure in life.
This was one of the designs I submitted for the Canadian Demonstrator swap that I participated in last month. As part of my goal to blog more regularly, I’ll be sharing a swap card a week here on the YamStamps site. (This card is a “bonus” LOL). If you’re interested in getting more card ideas and samples, be sure to be signed up for my newsletters! Each week I send out paper crafting information and inspiration – including a big projects newsletter at the beginning of each month. Click here to sign up or use the box at the top right of the blog to register.
One last note – I’ve set up a Christmas Card Class for July 25th – consider coming out to get a start on those holiday cards! Contact me to register or check out the YamStamps Events page for all the upcoming dates. Hope to see you soon!
Jul 8, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
As a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, I’m often asked “Do you design all the cards yourself?” The answer = no! One of the ways I get ideas and inspiration is to participate in swaps. These are usually demonstrator organized, and whoever signs up for the swap is given some guidelines – e.g. create a full sized card, use x number of layers and x number of embellishments. Each person creates a specified number of their designs, and then sends them to the organizer, who swaps out the cards so that everyone gets one of each card in return. Lots of ideas and inspiration to be had – like this fun summer card!
This card, created by Selina Merali, features the Stampin’ Up! stamp set Sunny Days, which is available in wood mount or clear mount red rubber stamps. I love the summery feel of this one! It also features some of the new In Colours – Blueberry Bushel (quickly becoming my fave new colour) for the cardbase, and a strip of the Pineapple Punch Designer Series Paper from the In Colo(u)r 2018-2020 6″ x 6″ Designer Series Paper Stack.
I know that there have definitely been some sunny days already! I spent the past week in Rhode Island with the Burlington Teen Tour Band. They had two parades – Bristol, Rhode Island and Warwick, Massachussets on July 4th, after completing a Canada Day performance in Burlington on July 1st. We had some VERY sunny days in Rhode Island, with lots of humidity as well, though I understand that conditions were much the same in Burlington. The band did very well, completing the parades in those challenging weather conditions and enjoying some free time in the area, including a morning of whale watching off the coast of Boston.
This tour was the last one that my son and I will share, as he has now retired from the band and is preparing to go to university in the fall. I’ve watched as many of the teens who joined the band at the same time as my son graduate and leave band this year as well. It’s been a privilege to watch these young people along this part of their journey. as they grow and mature into young adults with fantastic futures ahead of them.
Now that I’m catching up after my time off (and unkinking my neck from falling asleep while on the bus haha), I’m also getting ready for the July Monthly Card Class, happening THIS Wednesday, July 11th at 1pm or 7pm. Postponed due to the holidays and my “vacation” time with the band, it’s happening the second Wednesday of the month this time around. Please contact me to register for the class – $20 includes all supplies required to complete four different projects using a variety of stamps, tools and techniques. Monthly Card Class and Stampers Club continue year round – so schedule some “me” time and join us! If you aren’t local to Burlington, or can’t make class on the scheduled dates, you can always get a group of friends together and schedule a private class, or join one of my online classes! The Scrapbook in a Box is the latest online class, and you can even order the class by mail, which includes the raw basic materials for the project! Check out the YamStamps More Online Class page for more information. Hope to see you in class soon!
Jul 1, 2018 | Business Opportunity, cards, specials, Stampin' Up!
Happy Canada Day! I will be spending part of my day watching the Burlington Teen Tour Band perform in the heat…and then try to cool off by hiding in air conditioned areas or a pool until the temperature hopefully drops a bit…
If you are beating the heat for a while by staying in air conditioned rooms and maybe surfing the internet, surf these specials that Stampin’ Up! is offering in July! Shop and save or sign up and save this month with some colourful specials!
If you’ve been thinking about becoming a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, July is a GREAT time to join! Colourful Special #1 – Select $165 product for just $135, AND get a full set of ink pads in your choice of colour family! Click on the image, or go to www.yamstamps.com/join for more information about becoming a demonstrator with my group, known as the “Eh” Team! If you have any questions, please contact me and we can chat – online, on the phone or in person! OR – if you’re ready for a fun new “side hustle” and want to jump right in, you can sign up with me HERE. Get your new venture off to a colourful special start!
Colourful Special #2 – Buy three, get one free Designer Series Paper offer! Purchase any three of these DSPs and select a fourth one for free! Click on the individual image to see the paper in the YamStamps Online Stampin’ Up! Canada Store, or go here to see all the Designer Series Paper (please note that only the ones shown below are included in this special). While these two specials are both running in July, they cannot be combined. Best option if you want to take advantage of both deals? Sign up as a demonstrator in July, get your free set of ink pads, then on your first demonstrator order, buy 3 get 1 free of the qualifying Designer Series Papers! Contact me for more information or if you need assistance placing your order. Happy shopping!
Animal Expedition
Best Route
Garden Impressions 6×6
Nature’s Poem
Petal Promenade
Tranquil Textures
Tropical Escape 6×6
Twinkle Twinkle
Under the Mistletoe
Wood Textures
Jun 18, 2018 | Big Shot, cards, rubber stamping, Stampin' Up!
One of my past online classes was a Monochromatic Class – where you used one colour in your project. Sounds a little boring, but I promise, it isn’t! Plus it makes crafting a little easier, so what’s wrong with that?! So along those lines, I present a single colour leaf card.
Notice that single colour doesn’t mean you can’t play around with shades of a particular colour! For this single colour leaf card, the base colour is green. In the Stampin’ Up! world, the colours are Garden Green and Pear Pizzazz. You can get further shades by using first, second or third generation images. First generation images mean ink the stamp, then stamp onto the paper. Second generation is inking the stamp, stamping off / stamping onto scrap paper, THEN onto the paper. So guess what third generation is…. Yes, 10 points for you if you said inking the stamp, stamping off twice on scrap paper THEN onto the project paper. Now, I do find that this technique works better with red rubber stamps (in the Stampin’ Up! world those would be the wood mount or clear mount stamps), rather than the photopolymer stamps, which don’t seem to hold onto the ink quite as well, at least when I’ve tried. You can still do this technique, but you want to stamp off with a light hand so there’s still enough ink left on the stamp surface.
The Rooted in Nature stamp set is available in Wood Mount or Clear Mount versions, and also can be bundled with the coordinating Nature’s Roots Framelits Dies.(Wood Mount Bundle / Clear Mount Bundle) For this card, though, I chose to use the Stitched Shapes Framelits to cut out my sentiment. I love this sentiment – perfect for special occasions or just because. In my case, it may end up being a graduation card…(I know I said that about my last card, but I need options…LOL).
If you are interested in trying out an online class, right now I have two current offerings – there’s the Clever Cards class – interactive card designs, and the new Scrapbook in a Box class which has an option to purchase the Class By Mail as well – so pre-cut cardstock/Designer Series Paper is sent to you! Check them out at YamStampsMore – or message me/leave a question below for more information. There’s always the in person options for classes as well – check out the YamStamps Events Page for details. Hope to see you in class soon – whether in person or online!
Jun 15, 2018 | Announcements, online class, Stampin' Up!
Did you miss out on my Scrapbook in a Box Class? Busy that day? Not close to Burlington ON? Good news! I’ve launched the online version of this class!
If you are in Canada, you have the option of purchasing the Class By Mail (which includes access to the online class materials) OR the Online Only version of the Class. If you’re outside of Canada, you can access the Online Version.
You can get all the details here! The Class By Mail will include precut cardstock and Designer Series Paper, plus the doilies. You provide the adhesive and the stamps and ink that you want to use. If you want to purchase materials so that you can recreate the box exactly as per the class sample (well, with your own photos, I hope…), there’s a list of class supplies in the Online Class Group, or you can contact me.
Once you have made one of these, you’ll want to make more! You have lifetime access to class materials, plus there will be online support in the Class Group site. Register here! I’ll be doing a live video for the class before the end of June so if you want to be in on the real time video, you’ll want to be registered for class before then. Of course, there will be lifetime access to the replay of the video as well, plus I’ll be available to answer questions in the group site. Contact me for more information – otherwise, “see” you in class!
Jun 6, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
Looking for a card to mark a special occasion? Check out this customized Celebration Card! The colours can be changed out to suite the recipient’s colour scheme – whether it be school colours, wedding colours or favourite colours! The main image in this card is from the new Stampin’ Up! set Big Wishes (available in wood mount or clear mount). I used some new In Colours – Pineapple Punch and Lovely Lipstick – because they’re bright and celebratory! The background cardstock is embossed with the Scattered Sequins Embossing Folder, and I added a few paper spirals to tie in with the ticker tape image. (Obviously this card might be better just sitting on top of a gift or being handed to the recipient rather than travelling a distance through the postal system…).
To get the multicoloured look, I inked a portion of a Stampin’ Sponge with the Pineapple Punch ink, and then dabbed it directly onto the rubber of the stamp, randomly. I then used a sponge inked with Lovely Lipstick and dabbed it randomly onto the rubber stamp as well. Once the rubber was coated, I stamped onto the Whisper White cardstock. Easy peasy! Just be sure that if you’re doing multiples of this card, you clean the stamp in between each use. You can use the Stampin’ Scrub with some Stampin’ Mist, or the new kid on the block, the Simply Shammy with some water. That’s how easy it is to make a customized celebration card!
I confess that I also used these colours because they’re pretty close to my son’s high school colours! (see that title, customized celebration card…it’s customized for him!) We are in the final days of his high school years – I can’t believe it! It’s been final concerts, banquets, prom…and now we’re into final projects and exams. Add in the process of completing the university acceptance (picking a residence, creating shopping lists, starting to cough up the money…LOL) and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind! Thank goodness that I am able to escape into the craft room every once in a while, and I have lots of new things to play with from the new catalogue!
Unlike my son and his friends, however, I will still be having classes over the summer! Monthly card classes will continue in July and August, though please note that the July class will be the SECOND Wednesday of the month, not the first Wednesday. Stampers Club will also continue on the 3rd Monday of each month, and new members are welcome to start at any time. You can find other dates on the YamStamps Events Page. I’m thinking I may have more time on my schedule to have a few more classes come autumn, when my son is away at university?!! (Contact me to book dates so I don’t get too socially isolated come the fall….please….LOL).
Jun 1, 2018 | Announcements, Stampin' Up!
It’s here! The Stampin’ Up! Canada 2018-2019 Annual Catalogue is in effect as of today, June 1st! Happy New Catalogue Year! I’m in the midst of following up with those that should have received a catalogue by mail, and finishing my deliveries to those who are more local to me, if you aren’t able to pick it up on Saturday.
This Saturday, June 2nd is my Annual New Catalogue Open House and Retired Product Sale here in Burlington ON. Please RSVP to ensure I have a copy of the catalogue set aside for you, and that I’ve baked enough cherry pound cake…oh, and to get directions!
You will be able to place orders online as of 2pm Eastern (12 noon Mountain time) (quick link is yamstamps.com/shop ). Please be aware that new colour Stampin’ Blends and the Planner Kit are not yet available to order – likely mid-month (fingers crossed), though existing colour Stampin’ Blends are available to order once again. Somehow I’m sure that between that and all the new product available to order will keep you well stocked for your creative endeavours for the next little while at least!
You can be sure that we will be using some new products in the June Monthly Card Class – Wednesday June 6th at 1pm or 7pm. If you’d like to get in some creative time plus check out some of the new product, be sure to register! Space is limited. Class fee of $20 will cover all supplies required for the four cards we make in class.
Hope to see you very soon! Open House attendees will get the first look at some beautiful samples from the new catalogue – and shop the deals; Monthly Card Class members will get to use some of the new product in class! Please contact me for more information or to register.
May 25, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
During May, Stampin’ Up! is offering three special bundles featuring the new Share What You Love Product Suite. This card uses the “Gotta Have it All” Bundle – which contains (amongst other products) the fantastic Share What You Love Specialty Designer Series Paper. The cardstock is the returning favourite, Mint Macaron – one of the colours in the Share What You Love Cardstock pack, in coordinating colours with the Designer Series Paper. The ends of the Designer Series Paper strips are shaped with the Banner Triple Punch, and the sentiment (from the Love What You Do stamp set) is mounted onto the larger tag from the Share What You Love Embellishment Kit.
These products will be available individually as of June 1st, but the bundles (with bonus items included) will only be available until the end of May. Also ending at the end of the month – the 2017-2018 Annual Catalogue! June 1st means a new catalogue year! Don’t forget that Saturday June 2nd is the YamStamps New Catalogue Open House and Retired Product Sale, so if you’re looking to get a new catalogue, grab some deals and join some upcoming classes, RSVP to get directions and reserve your catalogue!
If you purchase the Gotta Have It All Bundle through me, you’ll automatically receive free access to the Scrapbook in a Box Online Class, which is launching shortly. I’m also offering Class By Mail kits – so watch for that post in the next little while! In the meantime, if you need assistance placing an order, or have any questions, feel free to contact me!
May 16, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
No Layer Notecard for the win! When you need a quick card, go for the clean and simple style. This one features the Love What You Do photopolymer stamp set, coming in the 2018-2019 Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue – and currently available in all three of the Share What You Love Bundle options, available exclusively during May.
This stamp set has a great combination of outline images, sentiments and watercolour wash effects. For this card, the smaller wash shape was used to fill in the colour for the outline flowers. This notecard also features one of the new In Colours, Grapefruit Grove. I think that the clean and simple no layer notecard is perfect for a thank you card – because it’s good to get those cards done and mailed! (I say this in part to coach myself….because I always feel a little behind in the thank you card department!!).
Stampin’ Up! notecards are available in Whisper White, and will be available in Very Vanilla in the new catalogue (orderable in June). During May, though, they are available exclusively as part of the Just Getting Started or Gotta Have it All Bundles. You have a couple more weeks to take advantage of these specials!
One last note about the notecards…they are slightly smaller than the usual half sheet card, but they ARE within Canada Post mailing standards, so you don’t have to worry that way. Plus, a no layer notecard will not have extra bulk or weight, so you know you won’t have to pay extra postage to get the card to its destination.
I’m busy travelling in and out of Toronto this week, cheering on my son as he plays for the last time in the Nelson High School bands at MusicFest Nationals. It’s always great to see how well everyone rises to the occasion at these adjudicated performances. Hard to believe, though, that these will be his last few performances since he will be graduating in a month’s time! Where does the time go? Guess I’d better start working on a grad card….
If you need to build up your stash of cards, (grad or otherwise…) consider attending one of the Monthly Card Classes, or join Stampers Club….or if you can’t make those set dates, get a group of friends together and have a private card class! Check the YamStamps Events Page or contact me for more information/to book a date! And yes, there’s Summer School for Stampers – we run 12 months a year!!
May 9, 2018 | cards, Stampin' Up!
Handmade Cards Made Easy! There is nothing better than getting a handmade card – this one is from Sara Douglass, the CEO of Stampin’ Up! She sent this card to me (and other Events Council Members) to thank us for our work. Honestly, it was hardly like work – it was so much fun being part of the Stampin’ Up! Events Council, giving input and feedback on Demonstrator Events, and being able to present to fellow demonstrators at those events. This card reminded me how nice it is to receive something handmade in the mail. I shared this card on social media last week (I think), but realized I didn’t post it here. What I also realized, as I was tidying up my Craft Room (a never ending task, it seems….), is that this is a previous Paper Pumpkin kit card!
Paper Pumpkin is the monthly subscription crafting kit from Stampin’ Up! Each month subscribers receive a box that contains a photopolymer stamp set, an ink spot (or something to make a mark – there’s also been kits with watercolour pencils or Stampin’ Write markers), and all the supplies required to create that month’s projects. They are great for taking with you – if you’re going on a getaway, heading to the cottage – you’ve got everything there, and there’s usually enough supplies that you can share the experience with a friend! You get the fun of creating something without having to work too hard…perfect for summertime, downtime or….anytime?!
If you’re interested in trying it out, it’s your last chance to get 50% off your first two months! Click on this link and enter the code SAVEFIFTY0418 – by May 10th. Offer is good for new subscribers who purchase a month-by-month subscription. Paper Pumpkin subscribers can also purchase previous kits/refills if they are available, so if you missed a previous kit, or really loved a past kit, you may have the opportunity to grab more supplies! If you’d like more information about Paper Pumpkin, I have an information/FAQ page here.
Another way to have handmade cards made easy is to attend a class with me! Each month, I have a Card Class where you make four different cards using a variety of stamps, tools and supplies. Your class fee covers ALL the needed supplies (including adhesive) and you will walk away with four completed cards plus envelopes to mail them in. It’s great to have a card on hand to send to a friend, or give on a special occasion.You can see upcoming dates on the YamStamps Events Page. If you can’t make a date, get a group of friends or family together, and contact me to organize a private card class! Hope to see you in a class very soon.
