Spring has Sprung - at least on the West Coast!

Hello Stampers,

It's Border Buddy Saturday - Alison here this week to bring a little Spring to your day.  If you live in my neck of the woods then Spring has actually Sprung!  If you are anywhere else you must be thinking where the heck has Spring sprung to? Okay that's a bit of a tongue twister but you get the idea.  So many of you are enduring the longest, coldest Winter on record.  Let's take our minds off of it and look forward to warmer weather and Easter!

I'm really lucky to be in a monthly swap with some of my friends, family and downline.  This month's theme was Spring/Easter.  Here is a card created by my sister, Ellie Blake, using the Blessed Easter Stamp Set from the Occasions Catalogue.

Ellie used our window sheet to create a see through "window" to the inside of the card - so clever!

Another beautiful card I received using the same stamp set was my from my friend and downline Elaine Paget.  WOW is all I can say about this card - it's hard to know what to point out first but I'll try.

Elaine also paired up the Blessed Easter set with the Backyard Basics stamp set and matching framelit.  She attached them to the front of the card so they appeared to belong to the bouquet of tulips on the inside of the card!  Isn't it gorgeous?

 

I hope these talented artists have inspired you to start creating your spring and Easter cards now - soon the snow will be gone and your own tulips will be peeking through the earth (don't want to rub it in but in Vancouver that's already happening). I was skyping with Patsy yesterday and I was telling her my son will be starting his summer job as a grass cutter in 2 weeks and she said "you'll have grass to cut in 2 weeks?". 

 

Backyard Basics Framelits Dies

$24.95

Backyard Basics

$17.95

Blessed Easter

$11.95

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

 

See you on Wednesday for my turn at Step Up Stampin'!

Don't Miss Your Chance

The new catalog is just around the corner and the 2012-2014 In-Colors will soon be saying good-bye.  Don't miss the opportunity to get the refills for you ink pads, stock up on coordinating papers and embellishments.

Saying good-bye is always difficult and I sometimes wonder how I will get by without particular colors.  Summer Starfruit was one color I thought I didn't need and now I am not sure how I will survive without it.

My card today features the soon to retire In-Colors, Midnight Muse, Summer Starfruit, Gumball Green, Raspberry Ripple and Primerose Petals.  I wanted to share them with you so you could decide which one you can't live without.  Here are a few of the things that come in these colors.

Gumball Green 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Gumball Green Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

$2.95

Midnight Muse 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Midnight Muse Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

$2.95

Primrose Petals 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Primrose Petals Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

$2.95

Raspberry Ripple 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Raspberry Ripple Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

$2.95

Summer Starfruit 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock

$6.95

Summer Starfruit Classic Stampin' Ink Refill

$2.95

Midnight Muse 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$8.95

Raspberry Ripple 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$8.95

Gumball Green 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$8.95

Primrose Petals 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$8.95

Summer Starfruit 3/8" Stitched Satin Ribbon

$8.95

Birthday Basics Designer Series Paper

$10.95

2012-2014 In Color Designer Series Paper Stack

$21.95

In Color Dahlias

$7.95

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

Don't forget to order the ink refills to go with your In-Color inkpads making them last forever!  Even after they retire they are a great addition to any stampin collection.

My Top 5 Reasons to Become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, what would yours be?

How would you love to be part of an amazing community of stampers who share ideas and inspiration?  

I have the most amazing group of demonstrators called the Diva & Dude Stampers.  That is the one thing I love about Stampin' Up! there is something for everyone and everyone is born to create!

This card I received from one of my newest Diva's Lana Ellis, from  Tennessee, while miles apart we stay connected and she is doing an amazing job!  She just started a new blog Lana's Paper Trail, so be sure and check it out and leave her a welcome message.  The card was filled with appreciation for helping her get started in Stampin' Up!

 

Just love the days the mail person delivers a Stampin' Up! envelope because you know there is a Stampin' Up! card inside.  This one came from Diva Brenda Sprenger, Brenda often surprises me with a beautiful card and sometimes a little gift inside.  Brenda has been a stamper for several years now and doesn't have a blog.  That is the wonderful part of being a demonstrator, we each can each build our business how we choose. 

 

My Top 5 Reasons to Become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator!

1. Fun & Friendship (this is the number one thing demonstrator say when asked, they love the community of demonstrators and the friendships they have built).
2. You get paid to have fun and make new friends
3. Amazing Stampin' Up! product at a discount
4. A Bi-Monthly Exclusive Magazine called Stampin' Success
5. An exclusive Demonstrator Website with endless Inspiration

Click here to find out more about the amazing Stampin' Up! opportunity.

 

Surprises in the mail from special friends!

Hello Stampers,

Patsy here today, why do the days go so fast, but winter doesn't seem to go away fast enough?  Something that has brightened several winter days and the trek to the mailbox, is surprise mail from special friends.  

One thing that makes Stampin' Up! such a wonderful opportunity, is the unique and special friendships that we gain.  This past year I decided to take the plunge and help Stampin' Up! demonstrators from across the world set up their blogs.  I have always loved playing around with the inside of my blog. 

The surprise I didn't expect was the special cards that arrive in the mail from demonstrators that I have helped.  I wanted to share a few I received this past week.  I want all of you to know I have appreciated and loved them all. 

 

I received this card from Demonstrator Susan Elise Morton, She had a great blog design already but she need some house cleaning done!  I love how she stamped the image and then stamped it and cut it out with the Apothecary Accents Framelits to create some great dimension.  The Butterfly added the perfect touch and your eyes follow the movement of a triangle which makes this a great design.  Here is a post on the Principle of Page Design which can be helpful as you create your own cards. 

 

This card was from Val Malkus, she chose a free Typepad template for her blog design, check out how her blog inspired her card.  We can be inspired by many things in life we just need to take the time to look around and notice.

Step Up Stampin' Don't watch the end of the video!

Alison and I are excited to be starting a new series called Step Up Stamping. Twice a month we will share a video and Free PDF Tutorial of a Stepped Up Card.   See how adding a few extra steps to your hand stamped card, can take it from simple to WOW.  And if you are just getting started stamping there are tons of tips in each video teaching you the art of rubber stamping. 

Step up Stampin' from this...

To This...

Today's card features several items from the Sale-a-bration Brochure.  Remember you only have until the end of March to choose some amazing exclusive stamp sets, patterned papers, embossing folders, punches and more.  It's easy to order on-line!  And don't forget you can earn some Free Cards when you place qualifying orders. 

 

If you would like to see me stutter and stammer be sure and catch the end of the video for the bloopers, it even makes me laugh!  That is what happens when you are running out of time and your dead line looms.  We hope you enjoy the coming episodes of Step Up Stampin' We always love to hear from you so be sure and leave a comment!

  Download Episode 1 Step Up Stampin' Free Tutorial

Card designed byt this weeks Mojo Monday (MOJO337)

              

  

See Ya Later Alligator.....

Hello Stampers,

Border Buddy Saturday is here!  Alison reporting in this week with some samples of my favourite cards using the See Ya Later stamp set (#133533 Wood; #133536 Clear Mount) - earn it FREE with your qualifying purchase ($60 Canadian or $50 US) until March 31st.

 

You know that old saying "See Ya Later Aligator", "In a While Crocodile", "Real Soon Raccoon"?  Well I think we all use these expressions all the time so this set is so sweet!

 

 

 

 Here's some fun cards I received from my stamping friends this month.

 

 The first one is from my friend Jenn Tinline.  The little "buckle" element on the front opens up to reveal the rest of the message.  Jenn used part of the sentiment on the front and the rest inside.  The easiest way to accomplish this effect is to use markers to colour right on the rubber and only include the part of the words you want to stamp. 

 

 

 This beautiful card was created by my friend Elaine Paget.  This time the same "omiting technique" in Jenn's card was used on the words.  Elaine used the first part of the stamp "See ya later, Alligator" but she used another sentiment under it.  The cute little alligator in the inside was made using the Petite Pennants Builder Punch (#122361)  Don't forget to run it through the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder (#133520) another FREE reward during Sale-a-bration

 

 

These two cards are so cute!  The one on the left is by Sue Farrant and the one on the right is by my sister Mo Dickie.  I love that Decorative Dots Folder because it looks like real alligator skin.

 

You only have a few weeks left to earn these products for FREE so make sure you place your orders soon.  Remember if you place an online order there are some awesome free gifts from Patsy and I.  Check out how to earn free cards from Patsy here!

Who needs good thoughts sent their way in your life?

Sometimes when someone is battling cancer or something tragic has happened or maybe it is a child's test coming up at school  these 5 little words sent in a hand made card can make all the difference.  I like to make cards that are quick and easy but look like I fussed.  Want to know all the special Stampin' Up! products used intoday's card scroll to th end.  You can click on each image for more details. 

My Goal... 

To help you unleash the creative side you never knew you had.  Being creative can immediately improve your life, by relieving stress and helps to develop a more positive outlook.

In his wonderful TED talk, “You’re a Lot More Creative than You Think,” John Paul Caponigro,  world renowned artist says “The human being is a creative species.”  We are all creative and I have been helping men and women find their creative side for the past 16 years, teaching in person and on-line to customers and Stampin’ Up! Demonstrators across the U.S.

About Me...

Some of you know me well but for those just dropping by, I’m Minnesooota nice born and raised.   I went from the medical field as a nurse to Stamps, Ink and Paper building an amazing business which has changed my world!   As a nurse, they really don’t appreciate you getting creative with patients medicine or treatments LOL.

My Advisory Board Sisters L to R Me, Heather Summers, Desiree Spenst, Amy Storrie, Ronda Wade, Mary Fish and Shelli Gardener Founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!

I have won numerous Sales, Recruiting, and Leadership awards from Stampin’ Up!  as well as Achieved Demonstrator of the Year in 2011.  In 2012-2013 I was honored to have Stampin' Up! appoint me along with 5 others from the U.S. & Canada to serve on the Advisory Board.  It is the highest honor the company bestows.  Advisory Board members provide the company with direction, experience, and opinions from a demonstrator’s point of view.  It was an amazing year!

I have a passion for sharing and teaching the art of rubbers stamping as well as helping others achieve their dreams of building their own business.  Through my blog, videos and workshops I share the art of rubber stamping and paper crafting and hopefully you will discover your creative side and see that the opportunities are endless. 

To see what amazing opportunity awaits for you Click here

Perfect Pennants

$29.95

Perfect Pennants

$21.95

Perfect Pennants Wood-Mount Bundle

$48.50

Perfect Pennants Clear-Mount Bundle

$41.50

Basic Gray 8-1/2X11 Card Stock

$6.95

Whisper White 8-1/2X11 Card Stock

$8.50

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$6.95

Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Basic Gray Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

Banners Framelits Dies

$26.95

Basic Metal Buttons

$7.95

Decorative Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$0.00

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

What makes you happy?

"You make me happy"  is something I sang often to my two nieces when they were small and now I sing it to my grandchildren. It is wonderful that the Perfect Pennants stamp set can provide me with the perfect saying, making this card feel so personal.  Each and every card we create comes from the heart and touches the lives of those we send them to. 

I thought I had enough dots when the Decorative Dots Embossing Folder showed up in the Sale-a-bration Brochure --- wrong --- they are completely different.  Large, random and the perfect accompaniment to almost any stamp set.

Every now and then I like to fold my card so it opens from the top.  I wanted something bright and cherry to bring spring here faster and it worked.  This week we have had 3 days above freezing!

What adhesive do you like to use to put your cards together.  I LOVE snail adhesive and have since the first time I used it.  It can be a love hate relationship when you first use it, but I guarantee once you get the hang of it you won't want to use anything else. 

Don't forget only 3 weeks left to earn FREE Sale-a-bration products click here to check them out!

I started this blog post last night, I always love to have something up for you on Tuesday morning --- but was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open to finish it.  Then I got up this morning and started again --- but one interruption after the other (a hazard to an in home office) and I was almost to tired to finish it tonight.  Anyone else have trouble adjusting to the time change ----  I will adjust and I love when it stays light out longer in the evening!  So I made it, still awake to say goodnight and I hope you enjoy today's card.

Here are the supplies listed that I used for today's card!

Perfect Pennants

$29.95

Perfect Pennants

$21.95

Perfect Pennants Wood-Mount Bundle

$48.50

Perfect Pennants Clear-Mount Bundle

$41.50

Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$6.95

 

 

Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

$6.95

Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper

$10.95

Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad

$5.95

Banners Framelits Dies

$26.95

Basic Metal Buttons

$7.95

Decorative Dots Textured Impressions Embossing Folder

$0.00

 

Table by StampinBuddy. Try it FREE.

 

 

Border Bundles Sneak Peek!

Hello Stampers,

Patsy here this week.  Alison and I have so many exciting things to share with you this month and we can hardly wait.  We want to give you a sneak peak at the March Border Bundles.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to earn April's Border Bundles Free.  

Something I look forward to each month is planning the projects for my Monthly Card Class which I am going to rename "Bundles to Die for Card Class"

So why are they called Bundle classes?  I have partnered with my Border Buddy friend, Alison Solven, to bring you two Bundles each month - each bundle will feature a stamp set, designer paper and coordinating accessory to match.  This class will show you the versatility of a particular stamp set and other Stampin' Up! products.  

- See more at: http://www.stampstodiefor.com/patstamps/page/2/#sthash.npdHlCCT.dpuf

Something I look forward to each month is planning the projects for my Monthly Card Class which I am going to rename "Bundles to Die for Card Class"

So why are they called Bundle classes?  I have partnered with my Border Buddy friend, Alison Solven, to bring you two Bundles each month - each bundle will feature a stamp set, designer paper and coordinating accessory to match.  This class will show you the versatility of a particular stamp set and other Stampin' Up! products.  

- See more at: http://www.stampstodiefor.com/patstamps/page/2/#sthash.npdHlCCT.dpuf

What exactly is a bundle? 

• 4 cards created with the same Stamp Set, Paper, Ink and Embellishment.  

How many bundles are there each month

• 2

How can I get them Free?

• Click here to find out how you can earn bundles in the U.S.
• Click here ot find out how you can earn bundles in Canada

Bundle A features items from the Occasions Catalog.

• Perfect Pennants Bundle
• Kaleidoscope Designer Series Paper (DSP)
• Basic Metal Buttons. 
• Decorative Dots Embossing Folder one of the Exclusive Sale-a-bration products. 

Bundle B also features items from the Occasions Catalog.

• Happy Congratulations
• Watercolor Wonder Designer Series Paper (DSP)
• Gold Sequin Trim
• Decorative Dots Embossing Folder one of the Exclusive Sale-a-bration products. 

Don’t forget for every $50 you order through March you can choose a free Sale-a-bration product.

With Stampin' Up! products you can create some of the finest hand stamped cards around.  The coordinating colors, designer paper and embellishments make putting it all together a breeze.  With the cards you receive you can use them to create more, send to family & friends or set on a shelf  to just enjoy the beauty.  

We hope you will look forward to seeing the cards featured each month and be inspired to create some cards of your own.  Happy Stampin! 

Something I look forward to each month is planning the projects for my Monthly Card Class which I am going to rename "Bundles to Die for Card Class"

So why are they called Bundle classes?  I have partnered with my Border Buddy friend, Alison Solven, to bring you two Bundles each month - each bundle will feature a stamp set, designer paper and coordinating accessory to match.  This class will show you the versatility of a particular stamp set and other Stampin' Up! products.  

- See more at: http://www.stampstodiefor.com/patstamps/page/2/#sthash.npdHlCCT.dpuf

Something I look forward to each month is planning the projects for my Monthly Card Class which I am going to rename "Bundles to Die for Card Class"

So why are they called Bundle classes?  I have partnered with my Border Buddy friend, Alison Solven, to bring you two Bundles each month - each bundle will feature a stamp set, designer paper and coordinating accessory to match.  This class will show you the versatility of a particular stamp set and other Stampin' Up! products.  

- See more at: http://www.stampstodiefor.com/patstamps/page/2/#sthash.npdHlCCT.dpuf

Something I look forward to each month is planning the projects for my Monthly Card Class which I am going to rename "Bundles to Die for Card Class"

So why are they called Bundle classes?  I have partnered with my Border Buddy friend, Alison Solven, to bring you two Bundles each month - each bundle will feature a stamp set, designer paper and coordinating accessory to match.  This class will show you the versatility of a particular stamp set and other Stampin' Up! products.  

- See more at: http://www.stampstodiefor.com/patstamps/page/2/#sthash.npdHlCCT.dpuf

Week 52 Technique How To, One Sheet Wonder

Want a fun an easy way to create 9 different hand stamped cards with the focal point of all 9 cards coming from a single sheet of 8 1/2" x 11" paper, known as The One Sheet Wonder?

Click here to view entire One Sheet Wonder Gallery.  

 

This week's Technique How To Video will demonstrate how to cut the one sheet to make the 9 different handmade cards.  This is one of the favorite stamping classes I do for customers. Same layouts different paper and stamp set.  I think I could do it every month and they would never be disappointed. Click here for more card samples of a previous One Sheet Wonder Card Class I did.

 

Download One Sheet Wonder Pattern

Download Week 52 One Sheet Wonder

Download Supplies & Measurements Week 52 One Sheet Wonder

While the 52 Week Technique How To Series had come to an end, it doesn't mean the video's and sharing is done.  Stay tuned for some fun and exciting things to come you won't be disappointed!  And if you missed any of the other