Mar 27, 2017 | Announcements, Uncategorized
So yesterday was a significant birthday for me. Think even numbers, think mid life crisis, think half a century…..anyway. I have run the Around the Bay Race a number of times now, and the race date for 2017 was yesterday. I debated about what I was going to do….do I skip it this year? (I had vowed that last year was my last time running it….didn’t need that winter training thank you very much) Do the whole race one more time because of the date? Do a portion of the race?
My friend Kerry settled it for me. As my birthday gift, she paid for our entrance fees and we did the 2 person relay. The race is 30 kilometres around Burlington Bay/Hamilton Harbour….so I “only” had to run 15 km this year. I did request the “glory leg” which meant I was running second, doing the hills along northshore in Burlington, but also getting to cross the finish line. Unfortunately it also meant that I had to cross the Lift Bridge, the portion of the race I really don’t like. It’s a metal grate bridge, meaning you can see through it, and it can be especially slippery if it’s wet. When you don’t like walking across metal grates to start with (I walk around them in the city sidewalks when I can), it’s a bit torturous to face running across them. I did manage to get across (I walked, staring straight ahead the whole time, and trying not to get knocked over by the strong winds!), and then could get on with the rest of the race.
I have to admit, while it wasn’t the easiest run I’ve ever done, it definitely wasn’t the hardest. My friend Kerry met me for the last half kilometer or so to run me in across the finish line. Kerry should have been a party planner or party store owner, she’s got this thing down pat. When she met me, she shoved a tiara onto my hat (it said “50”), threw a banner on me (“Happy Birthday to me”) and ran alongside me, blowing her party noisemaker because we weren’t obvious enough as it was….I think my mother got a photo of us running towards the finish line – she was cheering us on from the side of the road!
My son is part of the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and they were at the finish line waiting to do their thing – they were to play for the last person crossing the finish line – which actually wasn’t me! LOL. (You can see a video of the event on the band’s facebook page here) However, it was great to run down the chute and see a number of them cheering the runners on towards the finish (plus getting a hug from my son who was in the group). Crossing the finish line and then seeing more friends in the stand (complete with signs and balloons) – what more could I ask for?!
Apparently old people aren’t really good at selfies either. Here’s the proof:
Kerry & I en route to the finish line. We may or may not have been moving at this point, and that may or may not be a grimace on my face
Teen Tour Band Members cheering us on. (look how fast I was going! It’s so blurry! hahaha)
Kerry & I – along with Kate holding one of the signs that Kerry made and random strangers smiling (or not) in the background. This was the best attempt at me getting a selfie with one of the signs
Anyway. It was a fun way to do the race. After completing a bunch of marathons, half marathons, Bay races….I think I’m good to stick to shorter distances from now on. (Though it’s been pointed out that in 2 years it will be the 125th anniversary for the Bay Race…..hmmmm).
After that energetic start to the day, the rest of it was spent relaxing and eating. (This would be the main reason I run….so that I can eat a lot afterwards). Today it’s back to work…prepping projects for my presentation at the upcoming Stampin’ Up! event in Toronto, and class projects for April! If you’re still reading….a reminder as well that Sale-a-Bration is ending on Friday, March 31, so if you want to grab a freebie (one with each $60 in product ordered) before they disappear, get shopping now! As well, the starter kit promotion (two additional free stamp sets on top of the $165 product for $135) will be over on Friday – and I HIGHLY recommend that you consider grabbing the kit by Thursday – because the system has historically been incredibly slow on the last day of Sale-a-Bration with everyone trying to get in on the deal before it’s gone. More information on the benefits of buying the starter kit and becoming part of my team HERE. As always, if you need assistance placing your order or have questions, please contact me.
Oh and I feel like I should share something crafty….so here’s a gorgeous card that I received from Stampers Club member and friend Cheryl!
It uses the retired Stampin’ Up! set Flowering Fields, which she’s coloured I think with blender pen and watercolour pencils. Thanks Cheryl!
As part of the celebration of my milestone birthday and my 15 year Anniversary with Stampin’ Up!, I’ll be having a special promotion during April, so be sure to visit back to YamStamps.com, and keep in touch through my email list to hear all about it!
Mar 24, 2017 | cards, Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up!
This simple but striking black and white card is an example of how easy it can be to get a handmade card done and in the mail quickly! It’s good for those of us who sometimes battle our inner (or maybe not so inner…) perfectionists – so that a card can take FOREVER to complete because we keep messing about with it endlessly. I think that the angle of the Designer Series Paper strip makes the card more interesting, and not quite so “stark”. The paper is from the Sale-a-Bration free choice, Inside the Lines (item 143830), which features 12 pages of 12″ x 12″ sheets of black line art on a white background. It’s great for colouring….or not.
We made this black and white card in Stampers Club this month. The strips of Designer Series Paper were initially 6″ long, and matted onto Basic Black Cardstock. To keep the construction simple (because my brain can sometimes only manage so much), we simply adhered the strip on an angle that we liked (so each card was slightly different), then trimmed the edges so they aligned with the edges of the card. No measuring, no fuss, no muss. Simple. The cardbase is Thick Whisper White cardstock since there’s not many layers and I wanted the card to still feel substantial.
Keeping with the monochromatic theme, the sentiment from Wild About Flowers is stamped in Basic Black; actually it’s two stamps, but easily lined up as the set is photopolymer so it’s essentially “see through”. The paper is fairly versatile, so by changing the sentiment, you can easily adapt the card for whatever purpose. A simple black and white card could also be used as a sympathy card. Much as I love this black and white card, it can easily be made more colourful by colouring in the Designer Series Paper. Club members had the option of colouring in selected images (or the whole set of images) with Stampin’ Write Markers, or the easy way of adding colour – simply sponging colours randomly directly onto the strip of paper.
If you like the black and white card effect, you might consider the YamStampsMore Online Class – Monochromatic is Marvelous. It features designs and techniques that use a single colour or shade – and shows that monochromatic is not monotonous. Once you purchase the class, you have lifetime access to class materials, so you can watch the videos whenever it is convenient for you. I’m working on my next online class, and working on a big special for APRIL, as I’ll be celebrating 15 years with Stampin’ Up! so you will want to keep an eye here on the YamStamps site!
Mar 22, 2017 | Announcements, Sale-A-Bration, specials, Stampin' Up!
Stampin’ Up! Canada has added some catalogue product as Sale-a-Bration choices until March 31, or while supplies last. Please note that you must use the codes below in order to get the items for free (otherwise they will just show as the regular catalogue pricing). You can shop online 24/7 here. If you need assistance making choices or placing your order, please contact me!
Supplies are limited. The Sale-a-Bration tin and Glimmer Papers are unavailable to order – so don’t miss out on anything else!
|
Item |
Description |
| 147361 |
2016-2018 In Color 8-1/2” x 11” Cardstock |
| 147365 |
Party Animal Designer Series Paper |
| 147363 |
Succulent Garden Designer Series Paper |
| 147364 |
Tasty Treats Specialty Designer Series Paper |
| 147362 |
Party Animal Designer Washi Tape |
| 147360 |
Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder |
| 147356 |
Sparkle Textured Impressions Embossing Folder |
These are all great options! If you’ve been to class or club with me lately, there’s a good chance that you’ve had the chance to use the Seaside Textured Impressions Embossing Folder – it’s one of my new favourites. Happy Shopping!
Mar 20, 2017 | cards, Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up!
I love a good laugh, and food puns are fun! “Let’s taco ’bout how awesome you are!” This card features images and words from the Tasty Trucks stamp set (143300), which is one of the Sale-a-Bration items you can select for free with each $60 (CAD) merchandise order. The patterned paper is from the Urban Underground Specialty Designer Series Paper. I thought it had kind of a southwestern feel to it (though my friends in the southwest might disagree…). A quick bit of colouring with Stampin’ Write markers (yay small images means QUICK) and the card is good to go! These were my February thank you cards for customer orders.
Sale-a-Bration is on for just a bit longer – it ends on March 31st, so if you want to grab any Sale-a-Bration items, best get them while you can, especially since they are as supply lasts. (Bad Food Puns Alert)“I donut want you to miss out!” In fact, the tin and the Glimmer Paper from the second release (featured on this card, which is travelling to its new home in BC…) are already unavailable for ordering. If you are looking to grab the Starter Kit deal, you’ll also want to act sooner rather than later because traditionally, the last day of Sale-a-Bration sees the website for online sign ups bogged down with everyone trying to get in at the last minute – which is stressful! If you have any questions about the starter kit, or having your own Stampin’ Up! business, you can always contact me for a chat, or check out the information on this page.
In other news, I’m (food puns alert) eggcited to announce the winner of the St Patrick’s Day Contest! (OK I promise I will stop with the puns….for now…). The colour of the shamrock was indeed Emerald Envy! Thank you to the people who commented on the blog, even with the tight deadline. The random number generator picked…
and the second commenter was Cheryl! Congratulations Cheryl, I’ll contact you to arrange getting a package of Emerald Envy cardstock to you!
I know you may be sad about the impending end of Sale-a-Bration, but don’t worry – April will be awesome. I’ll be celebrating 15 years as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator so will be wanting you to share in the fun! You’ll want to be subscribed to the YamStamps Newsletter as well as keeping an eye here on the YamStamps Blog so you don’t miss out! (OK I was really tempted to say so you don’t MISO out…but I figured that might be one food pun too many…)
Mar 17, 2017 | cards, contest, Occasions, punch art, Stampin' Up!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you! This is a really quick St Patrick’s Day card – created with the Sweet & Sassy Framelit Dies, Stitched Shape Framelit Dies, and the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set which is available in clear mount or wood mount.
Do you have the luck of the Irish?? One lucky commenter will win a package of cardstock! To enter, comment below and answer this question: What colour cardstock was used for the shamrock? (HINT: it’s a Stampin’ Up! colour….and like Stampin’ Up! colours coordinate, this colour’s name coordinates with today). Answer by midnight eastern time March 17, 2017 to be included in the draw! Good luck!
Mar 15, 2017 | cards, Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up!
I love large sentiments that can stand on their own. This simple thank you card is a perfect example of this! The sentiment is from So Very Much – a Sale-a-Bration free choice option available in wood or clear mount. The Designer Series Paper, Carried Away, is used on this card as well, and is another option for a free Sale-a-Bration choice. These are available until the end of March, or while supplies last. The gold and white tin is already unavailable as the supply has been depleted.
This may appear as a very simple thank you card, but the design and fold make it a little different. It’s a Z Fold card, so a side fold card where the front panel is folded back on itself. For this design, the Night of Navy background piece covers the “usual” front of card, but is only adhered to the folded back front portion. It just makes it a bit more unusual and eye catching, I think. If you are interested in learning some other interesting folds and tricks to make your cards stand out, consider registering for the Clever Cards Online Class – there are five different patterns in the class, complete with instructions, photos and videos.
This card is currently making its way to customers who placed a product order with me in January of this year. I always make them “reusable” – so my note inside is on a post-it note, which can be removed so that the recipient can “regift” the card! It’s a simple thank you card that simply keeps on giving! If you’re curious to see the March design in person (so am I since I haven’t designed it yet LOL), don’t forget to place an order before the end of the month! If you’re placing an order online, be sure to check off the box that says YES, I’d like to receive updates on products, promotions and upcoming events from Stampin’ Up! when you are creating your account so that your information is passed on to me – that way, I can follow up with you and send your thank you card to you in the mail! If you click no, unfortunately I get absolutely no information, so I have to send a virtual thanks into the atmosphere since I have no clue who has placed the online order. Of course, you can always email me and I can place the order for you. You have just over two weeks left to get a free Sale-a-Bration item with each $60 in product ordered, or an extra two free stamp sets with $165 product for $135 in the Starter Kit – so please don’t delay! The last day of Sale-a-Bration sees the Stampin’ Up! ordering system bogged down with everyone trying to get in at the last minute – so avoid the rush and don’t be disappointed! Contact me if you have any questions.
Mar 14, 2017 | Announcements, Paper Pumpkin, specials
Fun stuff coming up in April! We’ve been told there will be a free gift in April’s edition of Paper Pumpkin – and it will also be a kit designed by the CEO of the company, Sara Douglass! Paper Pumpkin is Stampin’ Up!’s subscription crafting kit. Each kit comes with everything you will need to create that month’s project. In the past, there has been a mini scrapbook, a frameable piece of art, cards, packaging…. Each kit features an exclusive project and stamp set! It’s also a way to build up a stash of Stampin’ Spots – little ink pad cubes that are perfect for travel.
Paper Pumpkin is available in a variety of ways – you can subscribe month to month, you can prepay for a subscription of one month, three months, six months or twelve months. There is a price discount for the six and twelve month prepaid subscriptions, and the three month kit is currently on special. If you subscribe now and prepay for 3 months or more, you’ll qualify for Sale-a-Bration freebies, save some money, AND get the free gift in April with the exclusively designed kit!
I have been asked to be a participant for a fundraiser in Waterdown for Providence Christian School at the end of the month (March 31!), and a couple of the auction items I will be bringing along are past Paper Pumpkin kits. You’ll be able to see them if you stop by my table before the fun starts – and if you want more information about the event, you can contact me! (I have a few tickets!). I thought they’d be perfect prizes – because everything is there in the box! Don’t forget that if you would like to get the exclusive kit and free gift in April, you’ll need to subscribe to Paper Pumpkin by April 10th. (and no, they haven’t even told demonstrators what the gift is….) Don’t miss out!
Mar 12, 2017 | Announcements, Information, Subscribe
Are you on the YamStamps list? Be sure to be registered to receive monthly paper crafting project ideas, information on events and Stampin’ Up! specials, plus more on a regular basis. We’ve had to discontinue the YamStamps App, so if you used that, you will want to be sure to check the mobile friendly YamStamps website, www.yamstamps.com and be on the YamStamps mailing list so you won’t miss anything!
Mar 8, 2017 | cards, Stampin' Up!
Happy International Women’s Day! Thought I’d share this quick Super Hero card with you to celebrate the occasion. This is not just an International Women’s Day Card, it could be a mother’s day card, a “yay for you” card, an encouragement or congratulations card…. It features Stampin’ Up!’s Everyday Hero set. All the character pieces are mix and match – the body, the head (there’s a woman and a man) and the cape, and the set is photopolymer, so you can see through the stamps to line up your images easily.
I chose to use Very Vanilla cardstock for this card, along with Archival Basic Black ink. I coloured the images with the Watercolour Pencils, along with a little use of the Blender Pen. For these images, I chose to colour with them traditionally, and then used the blender pen to smooth out the coloured areas. I was a little impatient so had a bit of bleed because I ran over some stamped areas before they were totally dry…but as I always say….if the person who receives your handmade card criticizes it, they don’t deserve it!! hahaha. Besides, it’s an International Women’s Day Card, what’s not to like?!
I’m looking forward to getting together with some of my favourite women in the next while. There’s my demonstrator group called the “Eh” Team; we’ll be having an online and in person get together in March, and a group of us will be going to the Stampin’ Up! event in Toronto in April. There’s my Stampers Club peeps, who regularly get together the third Monday (usually…those stat holiday Mondays can mess that up at times!), and there’s the Monthly Card Class people who mix and match up each month. A craft night is a great way to get together with other women (and men, though my group right now is mainly women). Do you have a regular group of friends that get together to do things? Why not have a craft night one time? Contact me – there’s lots of variations and options on a crafting event. We can make a superhero card just like this International Women’s Day Card!
To whom would YOU send an International Women’s Day Card? Let me know! I have a few candidates for mine – high on the list – my grandmother and my mother (both teachers, did the grammatical form of the first sentence give it away?)! Guess I’d better make a few more cards…LOL. My mission is also to send more cards – I’m planning on sending a lot of my blog sample cards on to good homes to be reused – hence my encouragement to have people comment here on the YamStamps blog!
Mar 6, 2017 | cards, Occasions, Seasonal Catalogue, Stampin' Up!
This quick negative die cut card features Stampin’ Up! Canada’s Special Reason Bundle (available with wood mount or clear mount stamps) – available in the Occasions Catalogue. When you use a negative image, you can highlight some of the patterned paper you may have in your stash! In this case, it’s the Blooms & Bliss Designer Series Paper. The tough part is picking which side of the paper to show! Keeping the paper and image as the focal points, there’s just a touch of colour on the edge of the Whisper White cardstock – you can achieve this look by running the side of the brush tip of a Stampin’ Write marker along the edge of the cardstock, or a sponge dauber with the coordinating ink. In this case, the colour is Rich Razzleberry.
One tip I can share is that as my plastic cutting pads get older, they tend to curl or bow a bit more – so sometimes running the die and cardstock through the Big Shot a few times ensures that all the little pieces are completely cut through – and the Big Shot Die Brush helps ensure they all come out easily. Another option is to use the Precision Base Plate, which has no “give” and will ensure good contact the entire time. That will ensure that your quick die cut card is truly that!
If you’re interested in learning other techniques, you can attend a card making class in person or online! We created this card during classes in the past week, but I love this quick die cut card effect, so it may make another appearance in the future, in some incarnation! Do you have a favourite set of dies that you like to use for a negative image effect? (future class attendees will appreciate if you share your faves, so they don’t keep seeing a version of this card repeatedly – haha just kidding – but just about the card – I do want to hear if you have a fave!). Feel free to leave a comment below – and don’t panic if it doesn’t show up right away – comments are moderated to avoid spam! In the meantime – be positive about negative die cuts (sorry, couldn’t resist), and contact me if you have any questions.
