Apr 10, 2017 | Events, Retired List, specials, Stampin' Up!
What a busy weekend it was! Retiring after the weekend seemed like a good idea – but not in the permanent sense – only in the “I shall retire to my bed” thinking! haha. I am not retiring, but some Stampin’ Up! product will be (at the end of May)….read on to find out more.
Stampin’ Up! held Centre Stage and On Stage Events globally – the main event was in Amsterdam, but we had a local event in Toronto as well (there were others – across North America and the South Pacific). I was honoured to be asked to do a presentation on a new stamp set in the upcoming catalogue during the Saturday event….and that meant Friday rehearsal as well. So I trekked into Toronto on Friday afternoon to do a run through with sound and the cameraman while other helpers were busy completing set up for the big event the next day. Here’s a selfie that I shared on Instagram – with my head mic – just like Madonna/Britney/Beyonce…..
Friday Evening was the Centre Stage event for demonstrators at the Silver Elite level and above – basically, demonstrators with a certain number of people in their demonstrator group. We get a lovely meal, some training focusing on business or team building, and, yay, goodies. This year we got a fun apron and a stamp set…..plus a copy of the new catalogue.
Saturday was the main show – On Stage! A busy day full of fun – seeing friends from all around, meeting new friends, getting my presentation done and over with (phew!), making some fun projects….
(me on stage at On Stage) Thanks for this photo, Arlene….and hey, I did actually look up at everyone! (I thought I spent most of the time staring down at what I was doing….which I probably was, just that Arlene caught the one moment I looked up?!).
Members of the “Eh” Team who were able to attend On Stage. Love this photo because we’re obviously having fun!
So many highlights of the weekend, and of course one of (if not THE) biggies = new catalogue sneak peek! It’s a mixed blessing though, because with the upcoming new catalogue (June), there’s LOTS of fun new items….but in order to make room, a bunch of product has to retire. Again, a mixed blessing – some of the retiring product is available at up to 50% off BUT it is while supplies last. What to do?
-
-
Check out what’s retiring, and make a list
-
-
Contact me if you have any questions, or need assistance placing your order.
Apr 4, 2017 | Announcements, contest
Well. That’s pretty self explanatory now, isn’t it? I will be celebrating 15 years as a Stampin’ Up! Canada Demonstrator and I want YOU to win! The big prize will be a Big Shot, awarded to a draw winner based on entries as above. I will have random celebrations throughout the month as well 🙂 because I can!
Earn an entry by making a purchase of $50 or more, being an Online Class student, attending an in person class or club with me, hosting or becoming an “Eh” Team member. Ready….set…..GO!
Apr 3, 2017 | Announcements
The YamStamps Paper Crafting Projects Email will go out tomorrow to subscribers, so be on the list! Subscribers get the first scoop on my special promotion to celebrate my 15 years with Stampin’ Up!
Lots of things coming up – Stampin’ Up!’s Demonstrator Only Event is happening – the main event happens in Amsterdam, and there are numerous local events as well. I’ll be attending the Toronto location with a number of demonstrators from my group – looking forward to it! I’ve been asked to do a stamping presentation as well, so I’m busy with last minute panic preparation for that. Can’t show you any of the projects just yet, since for one thing, I’m using a stamp set from the new catalogue!!! EEEEEE! I’ll be sure to share what I can from the event (we aren’t allowed to share everything…..sorry….some of it is for demonstrator eyes/ears ONLY!) If you’re desperate to hear the scoop….you could always join my “Eh” Team of stampers in the meantime…haha. For sure though, I’ll share some photos on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter as well as here on the YamStamps blog.
Mar 31, 2017 | Announcements, Sale-A-Bration, Stampin' Up!
Alas! It is the last day of Sale-a-Bration 2017! There are only a few more hours to take advantage of the all the freebies! Have you grabbed your free Sale-a-Bration product with each $60 in merchandise ordered? Or the two extra free stamp sets of any value in the already great deal of the Starter Kit? You have until 1150pm Mountain Time tonight. Be warned – the system is going to be VERY busy today, and especially tonight, so you’ll want to grab your starter kit or place your order as soon as possible.
The Paper Pumpkin 3 month subscription special also ends tonight. You can get three months of craft kits, including April’s kit, designed by the CEO of Stampin’ Up! plus a FREE gift, for just $74 (save $5) plus a free Sale-a-Bration item if you purchase TODAY. You have until April 10th to subscribe to get the April kit, but the discount on 3 months and the Sale-a-Bration free item will disappear tonight.
Do NOT worry though – April is not going to be dreary! I will be announcing a promotion from ME for the month of April – to celebrate my 15 years with Stampin’ Up! and my much longer time on the planet. Plus I will start taking names for the mail out of the new annual Stampin’ Up! Catalogue – so there’s no need to despair – April will still be AWESOME. Be sure to be on my mailing list (click the link or use the box at the top right of the page) so that you don’t miss out on any of the upcoming events and announcements!
TONIGHT – I will be part of the Ladies’ Quarter Auction being held at Providence Christian Academy in Waterdown. Look for my table – I’ll have some retired (but still wonderful) Stampin’ Up! product for sale, a make and take, and a free draw, in addition to the FOUR packages I’ll have up for auction!
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.
