Jan 17, 2013 | Announcements, cards, rubber stamping
As part of Stampin' Up!'s 25-year anniversary celebration, they're releasing 12 special sets – 1 per month, over the upcoming year. These sets will feature some favourite stamp images from the last quarter century plus each set will have a never-before-seen image!
All sets will be available until March 31, 2014. Starting in February there will be a collector’s card and 25-year proof of purchase sticker with every Best of set. Collect six stickers, and send it in to redeem a FREE set of your choice valued up to $17.95! Free sets must be redeemed no later than April 30, 2014.
January's "Best of" set has a birthday theme – what a great way to get organized for your birthday card needs this year! Click here to see the flyer.
The card above was shared with us at Stampin' Up!'s recent Leadership Conference. The swirl in the background is from the Everything Eleanor set. More pictures to share from Leadership as I get sorted through everything!! (oh, plus, did I mention I ran a marathon while I was there?!)
Jan 7, 2013 | cards, rubber stamping, Sale-A-Bration
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…
Dec 31, 2012 | cards
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!!
Dec 19, 2012 | cards, Christmas
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.
Dec 11, 2012 | Announcements, cards, Christmas
'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.
I'm looking forward to getting together with demonstrators in my group next Wednesday, December 19th. If you take advantage of the Ink-redible special that is still on for 5 more days, you'll be eligible to join us! Contact me or click here for more information on the starter kit.
Dec 8, 2012 | Announcements, cards
Before I forget….the Ornamental Elegance kit is already sold out! If you are still keen on learning how to make one the ornament on the front of Stampin' Up!'s Holiday catalogue, there are still some openings for my class on Saturday, December 15th. Contact me to register.
Thought I'd share this card that I "CASE"d (Copy and Stamp/Steal/Share Everything) from my friend Karen Duke. I loved the fact that it was a monochromatic card done with one set. Easy to create multiples when needed, and so pretty. Also fits in with my "simple but effective" approach to cardmaking! This card uses Pool Party ink and cardstock, and the Blooming With Kindness stamp set.
When Stampin' Up! demonstrators get together, there's bound to be swapping – everyone will create card samples and then trade them with others so you end up with a whole bunch of different cards, styles and techniques. It's a great way to get creative inspiration.
If you are looking to get some creative inspiration, I hope you'll be as excited as I am when I launch my online classes! Coming in January, you will be able to receive cardmaking inspiration from anywhere in the world that has internet access. I'm in the preparation stages now, so watch for news of the launch. I'll be sharing more information once it's up and running.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!
As part of Stampin' Up!'s 25-year anniversary celebration, they're releasing 12 special sets – 1 per month, over the upcoming year. These sets will feature some favourite stamp images from the last quarter century plus each set will have a never-before-seen image! 
