Stampin' With Leslie

I've been gone a long time!!

2010-02-27T20:16:00.003-05:00

Wow! I have not been very good about keeping this up to date at all! I could blame it on lots of things but in all honesty it got to be a bit of a chore. I do not promise to update daily or even every week although I will try to keep you in the know about important Stampin' Up! news. You may have already seen this info on another blog if you are a blog hopper...but I will post it anyway. There are some products that have been carried over from the Holiday Mini Catalog and will be in the new Idea Book and Catalog which will come out on July 1st. To see the list click here I must be very blog challenged because I could not get the list to copy and paste into the post. Anyway, hope the info is helpful.
Until next time...

Join the Stampin' Up! Family Now!

2009-08-05T01:08:00.000-04:00

While anytime is a great time to join the Stampin' Up! family as a demonstrator, joining during July and August is especially sweet!
Starting your own Stampin' Up! business means free and discounted products, plus a little extra cash--and who couldn't use that? Plus, from July 15 - August 31, you can become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $85!
The special, limited-time Mini Starter Kit contains many of the items you need to get started in your new business, including:
For All You Do stamp set
In Color Classic Stampin' Pads (6)
Whisper White card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")
Catalogs, business forms and tools

Or if you want to buy the standard $199 Starter Kit, in addition to the supplies listed below, you'll get all six of the new In Color Classic Stampin' Pads and one pack of In Color assorted card stock (8-1/2" x 11")--a $43 value! The standard Starter Kit includes:
Five stamp sets
A Stampin' Around wheel, handle, and ink cartridge
Stampin' Pastels
Card stock
Eastern Blooms Décor Elements and applicator tool
Five Classic Stampin' Pads
VersaMark Pad
Stampin' Scrub and Mist
Blender pens
SNAIL
Catalogs, business forms and tools
These special offers--the Mini Starter Kit and the In Color add-on to the standard Starter Kit--are only available for a limited time, so you must act fast!
Benefits of Becoming a Demonstrator:
Whether you just love to stamp, or you want to grow a successful, thriving business, the Stampin' Up! opportunity is the right fit for you. Stampin' Up! demonstrators enjoy many benefits, with just a few listed below:
Product discount. Demonstrators get a 20 percent discount on all Stampin' Up! products, including stamp sets, paper, and accessories. It's a great way to support your love of stamping and paper crafting.
Extra income. You'll earn extra income based on your sales and recruiting--how much extra income is up to you. Maybe you just want enough income to pay the electric bill every month, or maybe your goal is bigger--the monthly payment for your new car--it's your decision!
Flexible schedule. This is your business, so you can put in as much (or as little) time as you'd like.
Support from Stampin' Up! We love our demonstrators and it shows through our demonstrator support materials, including a monthly magazine, workshop ideas, and audio and video trainings on all kinds of topics available on our Demonstrator Web Site.

You can click here to go to my Stampin' Up! website and click the Join Now button. You will need my password which is lpstamp03 (that is a zero). If you would like to do this together we can meet and fill the forms out together.

Happy Stamping

Punch cards

2009-08-04T12:16:00.005-04:00

We had so much fun making our most recent punch cards at our class!! Lisa and I do lots of blog searching and such for inspiration...not sure I remember where these all came from but thanks to all the bloggers ad such for the awesome inspiration!!!

The hippo card was one of the favorites...I found a hippo in a group of animals someone had made with punches and did my best to choose punches and recreate it. I got it all made in Bordering Blue and my son said, "You know hippos aren't really gray but more of a pinkish purple." Okay, so I made one with the new In Color Rich Razzleberry and asked him about the color. "Yeah, that's better", was the reply! The balloons are Crushed Curry and Old Olive. We used a sponge dauber and White Craft ink to make the cloud. So very cute!

Another favorite was the guy in his "Speedo" on his inner tube. We made the tube a bit bigger perhaps and so did not add the words on the front. Very inventive way to use the photo corner punch, don't you think?! I love how he is just so relaxed and laid back...that is how summer should be right?

I hope you enjoy these. I will try to photograph the other three we made at class ad add them soon.

Lisa and I just found the inspiration for the 10 card Occasions Card Class we will be offering at the end of this month. If you are local to the Monadnock Region or Brattleboro, VT e-mail me and I can get class information right out to you. It would be great to have you come stamp with us!!

Deal Of The Week!

2009-07-21T19:39:00.004-04:00

Deal of the Week: Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware!!!
The Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware (#112454) adds class to any project. Get it for just $18.99 (over 30% off the regular price of $29.95)—only July 20-26!

Each hardware set contains the following (note that number of pieces is approximate):
Raised Dot Oval holders: 10
Small Rectangle holders: 10
Raised dot designer holder: 10
1" Circle holders: 10
Square holders: 10
1/2" Genuine holders: 10
3/8" Flower brads: 10
3/8" Star brads: 10
1/2" Flower brads: 10
Flowers ribbon slides: 10
3/16" brads: 100

Click here to visit my Stampin' Up! website. You can click on the order now button and the sale price will show up at checkout. Happy shopping!

More Great Samples!

2009-07-21T19:13:00.005-04:00

Janis Cox a friend and member of Dorene's InkAway team designed this as an option for the make and take project she was working on. She ended up simplifying the design to make it more workshop friendly.

This was another version she designed. I will have to share the final one with you at a later date as I didn't take a picture of the final make and take project card. Ooops...sorry.

Dorene Decibus created this pretty card using Pretty in Pink and Chocolate Chip. She used the polka dot texture plate on the background piece. A hint from the new catalog is to lightly mist your card stock before running it through the Big Shot using the texture plates. Doing this helps define the texture and create a beautiful design. I hope you enjoy these samples and I will try to post a few more very soon.

Happy Stamping!

More Fun Samples

2009-07-20T01:00:00.000-04:00

Here I am back again with a few more great samples created by my stamping buddies!

This beautiful one was stamped by my friend Janis using Circle Circus and Crushed Curry ink. The Bermuda Bay card stock accents really make this card pop! Can you see that the Crushed Curry Polka Dot Ribbon is plain on the opposite side?

Jessica used some Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper to accent the top of her card. The Soft Suede ink looks like chocolate frosting...yummy enough to eat! Since markers are available in the In Colors this year adding accent color is so much easier!!

Time to go soak up some vitamin D!! It has been lovely to have the sun shining so much these last couple of days!! I think summer is finally here!

Happy Stamping!

New In Color Samples

2009-07-19T11:40:00.005-04:00

Several stamping friends of mine and I got together yesterday for a "Convention Meeting". None of us are able to attend Stampin' Up! Convention this year so we decided to do a mini convention for ourselves. We had a lot of fun doing 3 make and take projects and dicussing business topics.

We did two separate swaps and one was using the new In Colors. Here are a couple of the great cards I got in the swap.

This one done by Dorene Decibus is a great monochromatic card using Soft Suede and the Circle Circus stamp set! The top panel almost looks like Designer Series Paper, doesn't it?

This one was created by Irina O'Brien using Soft Suede, Dusty Durango and Kraft card stocks. It is a "shaker" card and the little washers in the window really add authenticy to the robot! What a great kid birthday card!!

I will have a couple more tomorrow. Stop back by!

Happy Stamping!

Bling on sale!!

2009-07-13T10:39:00.005-04:00

Today begins the new Deal of the Week from Stampin' Up! Yippee it is a sparkly deal at that!!

The rhinestone brads are a super deal at more than 30% off! When you order online the discount will be applied at checkout...don't worry that it doesn't show up right away.

Some other exciting news to share...The Holiday Mini Catalog is almost 40 pages of terrific new stuff including dies and stamp sets using Build-A-Bear Workshop designs!! The digital scrapbooking and card making software will also be available when the Mini Catalog goes live on September 1, 2009! Wahoo!!! I can hardly wait! In the mean time though there are lots of things I can share with you and friends so book your workshop today!!

I will have a couple of samples for you a bit later. Right now I have to get going and run a few errands.

Happy Stamping!

Deal Of The Week!

2009-07-06T22:48:00.003-04:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday weekend with the ones you love best! I know mine was spent visiting my brother and his family along with my mom and dad who were here from Florida. We shared some small fireworks with neighbors on our street and enjoyed some delightful down time on Sunday.

So now it is Monday and Stampin' Up! has announced a new deal for this week! This deal is only available through your Stampin' Up! demonstrator and only good through Monday, July 13 at 11:50 AM Eastern Time. It is the Sizzix Doctor's Bag! If you need a way to tote your Big Shot with you, you cant' beat this stylish & roomy bag! This marvelous bag can haul other crafting supplies too, so even if you don't have a Big Shot yet (what are you waiting for?) you will love this bag!! Normally priced at $69.95, it's a deal at $49.99!

Just click over to my Stampin' Up! website and click on the shop now button. The discount will display at the end.

High School Graduate!

2009-06-28T12:00:00.003-04:00

Well as of last Friday, June 19th I am the mother of a high school graduate!!! Stephen did a great job! As some of you may know Stephen was correctly diagnossed(after a few mis diagnossses) with Asperger Syndrome (an Autism Spectrum Disorder). He sat with the other 370 graduates in his class and walked across the stage when his name was read!!! It was a very proud moment for Rich and I! Here he is with his diploma standing next to the van.
We had lots of family here and it made for a fun but chaotic time. I still had several days of school t finish and Shannon was off to England as part of the KHS York England Exchange trip. She returns on July 7th.

I have received my 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalogs and will have them bound and ready for all those folks attending the New Catalog Open House in Hinsdale on July 7th. If you are planning to attend please let me know (RSVP) so that I will be sure to have your make and take project materials ready for you!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Leslie

Last Chance Lists

2009-06-05T07:15:00.003-04:00

Okay so you have probably found the lists in a hundred places or more by now but....better late than never is what I've heard!

I have been busy getting ready for the Retirement party my upline Lisa and I are having on Sunday. If you are local to the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire send me an e-mail and I will send you details so you can join in the fun!!!

So Stampin' Up! has a few lists going and I will list links to them. I generally prefer the numerical list that is organized by catalog page number. I find that this is the easiest way for me to mark my catalog (I go through and highlight all the retiring sets).

Last Chance List (Numerical)

I have chosen not to post the Last Chance Accessories List here as it changes so quickly. The best way to check on those products is to CLICK HERE and head over to my SU! website and order online. The last chance items are turned off when they run out so it is easy to know if you can get a product or not.

Have a Fabulous Friday! I know I am planning on having a fantastic day!

Summer Fun on the Way!

2009-05-31T22:18:00.002-04:00

Wow, Stampin' Up! is offering a fabulous special for the month of June!

Promotion Details:
The Summer Fun Hostess Bonus Promotion has two parts:

Hostesses who hold a $250-$399.99 workshop will receive an additional $20 in hostess free merchandise dollars.

Hostesses who hold a $400 or more workshop will receive an additional $40 in hostess free merchandise dollars.
This applies to parties, clubs and single customer orders!

Keep your eyes peeled, first thing tomorrow a.m. for the Last Chance Stamp Sets & Accessories List!!!

Card for my mom

2009-05-13T06:57:00.005-04:00

I think it is safe to share the card I sent to my mom in Florida. She should have gotten her card by now so it is okay if I share it with all of you!

Actually I mailed hers before I took a picture of it but I made a few that were very similar and did take pictures of those. I used the Manhattan Flowers Textured Impressions Die in my Big Shot. Before I put the paper in I put Pretty in Pink Classic ink on both sides of the folder then I put two pieces of Whisper White card stock in and put it through the Big Shot. After I took it out I used a sponge dauber to add Regal Rose to the centers of the flowers. I was very pleased with how they came out! I used the second one to make a card for my mother-in-law.

As you can see when you send two pieces of paper through one has the impressed design and one has the raised design. On this one I used the sponge dauber to add ink to the raised parts of the flower. This adds dimension to the edges of the petals.

Enjoy!

More Birthday Cards

2009-05-12T07:17:00.004-04:00

I have few more birthday cards to share with you from the Birthday Card Class from a few weeks back.

This one uses the All Star and Just Baseball sets. So cute for a little boy or even for a big guy that loves the sport or plays in a summer rec league! This could very easily be converted to a scrapbook page for all you scrapbookers out there!

This beautiful card uses the Branch Out set. I love the simplicity and serenity of this card!!! The greeting is from Sincere Salutations which is a set I use a lot because it has words for nearly every occasion.

I hope you enjoy these cards and hopefully I can continue posting at least a few times every week. Thanks for stopping by today! Enjoy your day whatever it may bring your way!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T10:29:00.005-04:00

So I wish a very Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!! Today is a day for you to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labors the other 364 days a year!! I hope that each of you gets to spend some time today doing what you love best and that you get to feel pampered and special for at least some part of today!

I am very sorry for going MIA for so long! I have been working on a couple of personal projects. Our son is graduating from Keene High in just over a month. I have been working on a scrapbook for him and I also stamped the graduation announcements.

If you are one of the people that don't like Sock Monkey you may want to skip down a bit and check out the birthday cards below.

A few weeks ago we had a birthday card class where the participants created 10 birthday cards for all types of birthday recipients including kids, men, and ladies. I shared a couple of the cards the last time I posted. We made a couple cards using the Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set. We also used Eastern Blooms, Embrace Life and Branch Out to create other cards for this class.

This is the card we made using Embrace Life. It was stamped in Stazon ink on vellum and then we used the stylus on the back of the image to rub the flowers which turns the vellum white.

I love this card! What a great guy card, right? We used the Sweet Slumber Specialty DSP. This month Stampin' UP! has a great special on all the Designer Series Paper including the Specialty Paper and also the textured cardstock.

You can click HERE to see the flyer that has information on all three promotions that Stampin' Up! is offering this month in honor of National Scrapbooking Month. In addition to the Buy 3 get 1 FREE promotion on the DSP and textured cardstock you also have the opportunity to pre-order an alphabet that will be in the upcoming 2009-2010 Idea Book and Catalog. The third special is an opportunity for you to start your own business for just $75!! This is a special Scrapbooking Starter Kit that includes all the business materials that are in the Standard Starter Kit.

Have a marvelous Mother's Day! Call or e-mail me today to book a workshop for you and your friends before my calendar is full!! You can order by clicking here to go to my Stampin' Up! website where you can click Shop Now and order products that you need for your projects!

Thanks for stopping by! I will try to get better about posting more regularly!

Crazy for Cupcakes!

2009-04-10T06:54:00.006-04:00

This cute card was on one of the display boards at a demonstrator only event I went to last month. It features the Crazy for Cupcakes stamp set from Stampin' Up! I have found lots of ways to use this really cute stamp set. In fact Lisa and I had two cards in our recent Birthday Card Class that used different parts of the set.

The So Saffron card used the cupcake stack on the tray. We also used several different designer papers from the Sweet Slumber specialty paper pack. Yes, and if you look carefully there is glitter on those cupcakes! Those of you who know me know that for me to create a card using glitter is most unusual, as I have an intense dislike (gasp) of glitter! These cupcakes just cried out for it though!

This card used the fun balloon image from Crazy For Cupcakes and two pieces of the Sweet Slumber specialty DSP. We paper pieced the balloons by first stamping the image on the Whisper White CS and then stamping them again on scraps of coordinating CS and cutting them out. Perhaps I should have made one of my balloons with the red polka dotted paper. Oh well, next time!!

I will try to post more of the birthday cards we made in class soon.
Thanks for checking in today! Leave me a comment about your favorite part of having a birthday!

2009-04-05T12:02:00.003-04:00

Hey stampers!

I think everyone that came to the yard sale yesterday had a good time and was happy with the bargin-priced goodies they went home with! I was very happy to arrive with 3 boxes and go home with just 1!!! Yippee!!

We did not end up doing the "Amazing Dozen" card class as we did not have enough sign-ups. The good news is we had lots of interest and so we will be offering it as part of the Spring/Summer Class List. Lisa and I need to finalize a few dates and will get you more information soon! Lisa, Janis and I did stamp up the cards and I will share a couple of the with you. I have not added the sentiments as I want to do that as I need them.

This new Promotion from Stampin Up! would make a terrific gift to give to someone that wants to try their hand at stamping. The mini note kits are perfect for beginners. The individual stamps, are the best! You can get some great phrases without having to buy a whole stamp set.
Here’s how it works! From now through April 30, 2009, you can choose a free “Under $10″ item on page (p.208) from the Spring & Summer Catalog, for every $40 you spend on products in the Occasions Mini (e.g., If you orders $80 from the Occasions Mini Catalog, you can choose two “Under $10″ items for free). Start connecting today! Contact me to schedule your workshop or simply place your order online at my SU! website. Hurry! sale ends April 30, 2009.

YARD SALE!

2009-03-31T06:47:00.005-04:00

Retired Stampin’ Up! Yard Sale

Yahoo! It is finally here!!! We have a date, time and location!!!

Date: Saturday, April 4th

Time: 8:30 am – 11am (no early birds please)

Location: Marlborough Community House, Marlborough, NH

This is your chance to pick up some great bargains!! Stamp sets start at only $3 and no set will be priced higher than $10. There will also be retired accessories including Designer Series Paper.
Several demonstrators will have merchandise there for you to choose from. This is always a popular event!

If you want to make a day of it, we are also offering a class at 1:00! The class should not take us very long to complete. I am estimating about an hour to an hour and a half. That leaves plenty of time for a walk or some other activity later in the afternoon!! We will use the Fifth Avenue Floral set which I have fallen in love with! Email me to save your spot. The class fee will be $18 for the 12 cards! This class will only be offered in Marlborough at the Marlborough Community House on April 4th.

So here is the info in invitation form

What: "Amazing Dozen" Card Class
Where: Marlborough Community House
When: Saturday, April 4th at 1:00
Class Fee: $18
Things to bring: Scissors, Adhesive & a paper trimmer/paper cutter

Register today so you have a spot!

Please register early so you won’t be disappointed! Your spot in the class is not reserved until I have your registration fee. Class fees can be paid by check and dropped off to me or by PayPal, whichever you prefer.

Children under the age of 14 are not allowed.

Marvelous Monday

2009-03-16T06:37:00.004-04:00

A Marvelous Monday? Many people don't like Mondays but this Monday is one I am very happy about because it is my birthday!! I got to celebrate with stamping friends and my family yesterday. Today I will have fun at school and get to have dinner with a very good friend of mine. Some people don't like getting older and celebrating their birthday but I LOVE it!! The getting older part isn't too bad because I feel that I am so much smarter and more relaxed and confidant than I was 20 years ago! Besides if you didn't have a birthday it would mean you were dead and I sure don't want that!

Anyway, onto some great stamping news!

Over the weekend Stampin' Up! announced a great new way to become a demonstrator...
The 3 Easy Payment Plan!
Fabulous idea if you ask me, since we are all feeling the crunch of the current economic times and REALLY NEED our discount on our stamping supplies!!!
This limited time offer allows you to make a partial initial payment and still receive the Starter Kit right away.
3 PAYMENT DETAIL:
· Payment #1 (charged when you order) -$56.34 (+ sales tax)
· Payment #2 (charged April 15) - $56.33
· Payment #3 (charged May 15) -$56.33
JOIN BEFORE MARCH 31 AND YOU WILL:
· Save 15% OFF the Starter Kit (regular price is $199)
· Choose a FREE stamp set - valued up to $47.95 (get a huge alphabet set or something really cool!)
SIGN UP IS EASY:
· Start by printing the order form and customize your started kit.
· Fill out the 3 Easy Payment form
· Contact Me -paperwork must be mailed to Stampin' Up!. You cannot join online if you want to take advantage of the payment plan.
It's the perfect time to be a Stampin' Up! demonstrator! You can simply enjoy the discount for yourself or start a club by stamping with a few friends each month or make it a full time business. In my nearly 7 years as a demonstrator, I have never had a day where I hated my boss or worried about getting laid off!
Do I look like I'm having fun??? I LOVE this job!
I would love to have you join my team!
If you have any questions please e-mail me. I'm here to help you benefit from doing what you LOVE!

Also over the weekend I went to a demonstrator event in Massachusetts that was offered by Barbara Lash. It was fabulous!!! We stamped 4 great projects and I learned about a wonderful fun and easy class to create 12 cards in about an hour!!! They had some really awesome displays up and I took tons of pictures! Here is a picture of one of the projects we created. We used several Big Shot dies and SU! punches to create the shapes used to put this together. So cute and springy!!

One of the demonstrations was by the very talented Amy Czuba. She showed us how to create 12 cards with just 7 sheets of cardstock and some Designer Series Paper and ribbon! I will be running this class after the yard sale on April 4th at 1:00. Plan to make a girls day of it! Come for the yard sale, have some lunch and come back for class!! The class should not take us very long to complete. I am estimating about an hour to an hour and a half. That leaves plenty of time for a walk or some other activity later in the afternoon!! Here is a sneak peek at what the cards will look like. We will use the Fifth Avenue Floral set which I have fallen in love with! Email me to save your spot. The class fee will be $18 for the 12 cards! This class will only be offered in Marlborough at the Marlborough Community House on April 4th.

I hope you have a Marvelous Monday. It will be what you make it and I plan to make mine Mucho Marvelous!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Spring is coming!!

2009-03-07T14:19:00.004-05:00

Well it sure feels like spring out there today! It was more than 50 degrees at 10 o'clock this morning!! Yippee!

A couple things you may want to know. Before the end of Sale-A-Bration Stampin' Up! is going to offer a 3-payment option for the Starter Kit!! If you have been thinking about it this makes the deal to good to pass up!! They did not release details yet but as soon as I get them you will get them!!!

Also, Lisa and I have set the date for our BIG yard sale!! This is when we sell the retired stamp sets and accessories that we can do longer demonstrate. If you are local to the Monadnock Region this is a NOT TO BE MISSED event!! If you need directions to the Marlborough Community House in Marlborough, NH then please e-mail me. The date is Saturday, April 4th from 8-noon. We sure hope to see you there!!

Now how about the last two samples from the watercolor class?

This darling little whale comes from the Pun Fun set. We used the pastels to color him. You can apply the pastels directly to the image and then blend with the aquapainter or you can pick up the color from the pastel with the aquapainter and add color that way. This next one used the Stampin' Write markers to apply the color. You may want to use the writing tip to get a nice fine line of color right where you want it and then carefully blend with the aquapainter. I will hopefully have pictures of some of the Sale-A-Bration card class samples soon.

Enjoy the spring-y weather!

Terrific Tuesday

2009-03-03T07:01:00.004-05:00

Well the new snow that fell yesterday has everything looking clean and fresh! I really dislike the yucky brown/gray icy mounds along the side of the roads and such!

So I shared a couple of the cute love note cards we made at the Watercolor Class in my previous post. Here are a couple more.

This one used the Fast & Fun notes set and the watercolor pencils. There is a flower as part of the stamp but we used a small flower from the Pretties Kit and also colored it with watercolor pencils and blended the color with the Aquapainter.

This next image is also part of Fast & Fun Notes. We used the Classic Ink Pads for this one. Did you know that if you give your stamp pads a squeeze while they are closed you will get a small amount of ink on the inside cover. You can pick this ink up using a Blender Pen or Aquapainter. We used So Saffron, Regal Rose and Tangerine Tango. I wasn't to sure about pink and orange together but it worked really well!!

Off to school. Take care and stop back again soon!

Great Preorder Opportunity!

2009-03-01T18:13:00.004-05:00

Happy March! Well they say March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb and it certainly seems true here in the northeast! We are preparing for a major Nor'ester tonight and tomorrow.

Stampin' Up! revealed an awesome added promotion for the month of March. Sale-A-Bration will continue through the end of the month and you will be able to order a select group of stamp sets from the Occasions Mini Catalog which has dates from April 1st through June 30th. Usually only demonstrators get to "preorder" sets but for the month of March you get that opportunity! Click on the link above to see the sets that are available for preorder.

I do want to share some exciting news with you. I had two ladies join my team in February! I would like to welcome Sandra and Sarah to my team! If you are looking for a way to pay a bill or two or you just want to pay for your hobby supplies check out the opportunity that Stampin' Up! offers. E-mail me if you live it the United States and would like information about the Starter Kit. Right now during Sale-A-Bration the Starter Kit is 15% off, that's just $169 to start your own business and work when and how much YOU want! You also get to add any stamp set from the Spring/Summer Idea Book & Catalog to the Starter Kit which brings the product value to over $350 dollars!!! This is really a great opportunity!!

Okay so how about a few samples from our recent Watercolor Class? A couple weeks ago my upline Lisa and I offered a class in watercolor techniques. We gave class participants the opportunity to use six (6) different mediums to color in outline images. We used the images from Pun Fun and Fast and Fun Notes. This one is from Pun Fun and used Bashful Blue and Real Red Craft Pads to color this very cute sheep.

This cute hippo is also from Pun Fun and used Watercolor Wonder Crayons to color it. So very cute!!

I will show you a couple more tomorrow.

Thanks for checking in!

Big News from Stampin' Up!

2009-02-22T09:56:00.003-05:00

So by now you may have heard about the changes Stampin' Up! is planning for the upcoming catalog in July. Beginning with the release of the Idea Book and Catalog in July 2009 the catalog will be an annual publication once more! That's right we are going back to just one catalog per year!! There will also be 3 mini catalogs each having order dates of 4 months! The mini catalogs will include new hostess sets as well as awesome seasonal stamp sets and new accessories. The Decor Elements catalog will come out twice a year.

I'm very pleased with Stampin' Up!. I like that they are constantly trying new things, but that they are reflective with everything they do and if it's just not working out, they have no problems changing it again or going back to the "old" way. I like that they listen to demonstrator and customer comments as well. So many times they "hear" what we're saying, whether we're emailing in or giving input via surveys, or speaking to them at events.

I'll be excited to hear more details on this change as the summer draws nearer, and I'll be sure to post updates as I get them!

This is a cute swap I got at convention this summer. The kids in stamp club love to use this fun stamp set called Bugs and Kisses. It is currently on the Dormant List but is still available to order. It is just not featured in the current catalog.

Hope you have a good day! If you live in the Northeast part of the country you may want to get your errands done early today as the weatherman is calling for heavy snow later today. Where I live we are expecting periods of snow with accumulations of 2-3 inches per hour!! Perfect weather for a fire in the fireplace and lots of stamping!!

Thursday Thoughts

2009-02-12T05:31:00.004-05:00

This week has been all about Valentines. A handmade valentine is such a terrific way to let your family and friends know just how much you love them! I have a few more samples to show you.

These two use a stamp set called Happy Heart Day. It is a fun stamp set to color and is great for kids to use for making their valentines. There are also images of a mouse and butterfly, a tag and two word stamps as well.

I have been doing Valentines with my stamp club kids for the last few weeks. They have made some really great cards! Come back tomorrow and check out some of the great cards made by the 6,7 and 8 year olds in my stamp club!

Keep creating!

Leslie

Valentines again!

2009-02-11T05:31:00.004-05:00

Good Wednesday morning!

I told you I would be back! I know you have heard that before and then nothing new for days!! I am trying hard to be better about that! So as promised a couple more Valentine samples.

I like that these two samples are not your typical valentines but they convey the sentiment so nicely! Baroque Motifs is a very versatile stamp set. I have seen it used on cards for many different occasions and though I am not sure the creators of these cards had valentines Day in mind the colors and sentiments worked for me!

This one is by Irina O'Brien, one of my stampin' cousins! We attend the same downline meetings and she is a very talented stamper!

This next one is by Lorna Deloach and I am pretty sure I got it at convention. I like the added scallop for the focal point. Another slightly non-traditional kind of card but it expresses the appropriate feelings so well!

Let me know what you think about these pretty cards by leaving me a comment.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Valentines Day is almost here!

2009-02-10T07:15:00.004-05:00

So, it is only a few short days until Valentines Day...have created something from the heart for those people who are important in your life? It does not have to be fancy or elaborate but it should convey the feelings of caring and love you have for that person. I tell my darling husband, Rich, that I sometimes wish everyday could be Valentines Day. I really do try to let him know often how very important he is in my life.

So here are a couple Valentine samples to jump start your creativity.

This one is a swap I got at Convention this year from Erin Lopez. It uses the One of a Kind stamp set. The Basic Gray and Pretty in Pink look great together!

This next one is one that I created for a swap with some of the demonstrators in our group. This stamp set called A Happy heart was originally seen in the Holiday Mini Catalog and is now in the Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog.

I will share a few more valentine ideas each day this week. Please leave a comment and let me know which ones you like best. Also feel free to leave a link to your creations in your comment!

Have a happy day!

It has been a long time!

2009-02-08T06:53:00.003-05:00

Well it has been quite awhile since I last posted. One reason is that my computer died. Well perhaps it didn't die but it was really sick and had to be repaired. It was gone to the repair shop for almost two weeks! The happy thing is that I now have it back and I didn't lose any files!!! I will be creating a back-up system though as this has taught me a valuable lesson!!

This darling chick was one of the cards we made at the last punch class. It is so cute and easy! Just 3 circles 1 3/8", 1 1/4" and 1". We did use the small star punch and cut off one point for the beak and the horizontal slot punch makes the legs.

I will try to get pictures of the other cards as well as the ones we did at the open house.

Have a happy day...it is a choice we all get to make at the start of each day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog!!

2009-01-19T09:13:00.003-05:00

Yipee!! Today is the day! We can order from the brand new Spring/Summer Idea Book and Catalog!! I showed it off to several customers yesterday at my New Catalog Open House and it was a big hit! There were lots of new stamp sets that got noticed including the Animal Crackers, Hoppy For You and Thoughts & Prayers.

I will be back later with a couple of samples from yesterdays open house.

Remember that today is a day for remembering the great effort and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His dream is coming true through continued work by lots of caring people!!!
Thanks for stopping by.

Happy New Year - a bit late

2009-01-18T10:28:00.007-05:00

Wow...It seems like forever since I posted last. We had some very lovely days between Christmas and New Years. Rich was home and the four of us were able to just be together in a very relaxed way!

Then we were back at school and I was preparing for my new session of stamp club. I offer an after school stamp club for first and second grade students. I have 8 students for 4 weeks and then start a new session with 8 more students. I will photograph some of our projects and share them with you. The kids really seem to enjoy it and I have received lots of positive comments from the teachers at school as well.

Another exciting event of the past couple of weeks is there is a new baby on our street! We had a baby shower for the mommy at the beginning of December. I chose to make her 30 thank you notes as one of my gifts. I found these notes at Michaels for $1.00 per package of 10 notes! Such a deal!! Combine with that the colors they chose are red, black and white and they were a have to buy item!! I liked the size and the shiny red stripe at the bottom but hated the presents in the middle! So it was off to my Stampin' Up! suppies to figure out how to "fix them up". I found Basic Black and Whisper White card stock and my Zoofari stamp set. My daughter helped me color the zebras and then I found the smallest red bows I could and put one on just the center zebra. This is what we ended up with. I was very pleased with the results and so was the mom-to-be! I received a thank you note from her (which I had told her was unnecessary) and so I used the note to create a scrapbook page for her. I did not tape down the bottom edge of the note so that a list of the gifts she received can be centered on the red paper. Shannon got into the scrabooking mood as well and created this cute page for some of the many pictures they have of the new baby sleeping...remember those days?!

I am off to my New Catalog Open House. I will post pictures of the make and take projects soon. Remember that today is the last day to order from the Fall/Winter Idea Book and Catalog! Tomorrow at Noon Mountain Time the Spring/Summer Catalog goes live!! It is lovely and FILLED with Terrific stuff! The accessories section is HUGE because they have added all the Sizzix dies and added some great new ones as well as showing of a selection of the Decor Elements in lots of great shapes and colors!

Sale-A-Bration starts in just a couple short weeks!

Here are the details:
Sale-A-Bration runs from Sunday, February 1st to Tuesday, March 31st.
Customers: Choose 1 FREE Sale-A-Bration product for EVERY $50 you spend on Stampin' Up!® products!
Hostesses: Choose 1 FREE Sale-A-Bration product for hostessing a $300 or more workshop, in addition to the normal hostess benefits!
If you are interested in signing up to become a Stampin' Up!® demonstrator this would be a great time to do it! Recruits get to choose any retail stamp set (a value up to $47.95) from the current catalog when signing up during the promotion!

Happy Sunday! Enjoy this great stamping day...we are getting snow here in the northeast so not much else to do besides watch the NFL Divisional Championship games and stamp!!!

Love You Much Bundle

2008-12-24T05:11:00.003-05:00

So it Probably seems a bit strange to have a Valentine's Day promotion announced just a couple days before Christmas, right?! I tend to agree...but just think of how far ahead you will be on those valentine cards, favors and decorations if you start in January! What better way to spend those long cold nights than stamping in fun pretty colors with new stamps?!

I was able to get the stamp set for FREE as a demonstrator and I bought the Designer Series Paper and the punch. I can hardly wait to crack those open and get stamping but I have to finish the Christmas cards first!

So any way here are the details of the promtion. You can purchase the Love You Much Bundle from now thru January 31, 2009. Get ready for Valentine's Day with the exclusive Love You Much Bundle (item 115405). The Love You Much Bundle includes the following:

Love You Much stamp set $25.95 (retail value)
Candy Lane Designer Series paper (Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Very Vanilla)$9.95
Heart To Heart punch $15.95

Bundle Retail Value $51.85 Your cost for the bundle is just $41.48 saving you 20%!! Hostesses who hold a $150 workshop or more will qualify to use their hostess free dollars for the Love You Much Bundle.

So now you know what to spend you Holiday cash on so that you can keep yourself busy on those dark, cold evenings in January! Call or e-mail me today to place your order or just click here to go to my Stampin' Up! website to order online!

Merry Christmas and may 2009 bring blessings to you and your family!

Retired list and FREE Shipping!!

2008-12-09T07:02:00.002-05:00

Good Tuesday morning!

Today is the day Stampin' Up! released the retiring stamp set list. The other BIG announcement today is that from today, December 9 through December 23, all orders of $70 or more will receive free shipping! This means that those folks buying for you can save even more!!!! Plus ALL retiring sets are 10% off!

You can order directly through my Stampin' Up! website by clicking here and then clicking on the SHOP NOW button at the top of the page. If your order is more than $70 then the ordering system will take off all shipping charges automatically!!

Have a terrific Tuesday!

The Holiday Extravaganza Sale Is Here!!

2008-11-26T09:08:00.005-05:00

So the big announce ment was up on the Stampin' Up! website this morning! The Holiday Extravaganza Sale is HUGE!! Stampin' Up! has bundled together some great products and everyone is sure to find a bundle that suits them or somone on their gift giving list!!

You can click here to view the flyer. As an added incentive to order these amzing bundles I am holding a raffle! EVERYONE that orders either online through my website or by e-mailing their order to me by December 1st will be entered to win one of several stamp sets. These are brand new, previously offered hostess sets that are no longer available! If your order is $150 dollars or more then you will also recieve the hostess benefits on your order! If you go to my SU website and click the SHOP NOW button but want the order shipped to me so I can gift wrap things for you just put my address in as the shipping address.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Big News coming from SU!

2008-11-24T07:00:00.004-05:00

Be sure to check back here Wednesday morning (the 26th)! Stampin' Up! is going to release a special sale, only for November 26-December 1. I don't even know what it is, but I know that supplies will be limited, so you will want to JUMP on ordering online as quickly as you can to make sure you get what you want! You can click here to go directly to my Stampin' Up! website then click on the Shop Now button. I'm going to sweeten that deal too! Everyone that places an online order with me between November 26 and December 1 will be entered into a drawing! I have some great brand new retired sets that I will be giving away. I will announce the winners on December 2nd!

For those of you that want your orders to be holiday gifts and are in my local area, you can have the order shipped to me...no sales tax that way...and I will make arrangements to deliver the gifts all wrapped up pretty to you or the gift giver.

Here is a very easy holday decoration you can make with our Home Decor element called Jingle All the Way. It was on display at the Virginia Beach Regional I attended a couple of weeks ago. Our Decor Elements are sort of like large rub-ons made of sticky back vinyl. They are easy to apply and also easy to remove. This one was applied to a 12x12 tile from a home improvement store (Home Depot or Lowes around here) and then inked with VersaMark ink and sprinkled with Iradescent Ice embossing powder. Heated and displayed on a plate stand or table top easel. A bit of Ribbon tied to the easel finishes the lovely holiday decoration! Click here to see the online video about the application of our Home Decor elements.

Have a super day and check back on Wednesday for the big news!

Way to go Patriots!! Big win over division rival Miami Dolphins!

Happy Thursday

2008-11-19T22:50:00.007-05:00

It has been a while since I last posted. I was in Virginia for part of the time. I went to the Stampin' Up! Regional Event with a good friend of mine. We had a great time! I finally got my picture taken with Shelli...the co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up!, I've been trying for quite sometime.

I took tons of pictures and learned a few new techniques. I was very impressed with a couple of the workshop wows. One demonstrator used sponges and both masking and reverse masking to create gorgeous suns with silouettes! I can't wait to try it!

Another demonstrator showed us how to create fun plaids using the edge of the brayer. It seemed a bit messy looking as just a piece of cardstock but once it was combined with other elements it was beautiful! Check out this piece of framed art!

When you are ready to learn these great techniques let me know so I can do a workshop for you and your family and friends!

Until next time....not so long between posts I hope!

Election Day!!

2008-11-04T07:58:00.003-05:00

Today is the day!! We have had the political ads on TV and radio for months now...it is time to vote! My son will be voting for the first time today!! Remember...If you don't vote you can't complain!

When I was checking the Stampin' Up! website this morning I saw this card...Susan Swanson is the artist. I think it is a great card!

So no matter what your political views happen to be it is important to employ your constitutional right to vote!

Have a great day!

A few more Christmas cards

2008-11-02T20:57:00.005-05:00

I thought I would share a few of the Christmas cards we did at our 10 card class a couple of weeks ago. It was a lot of fun! We seem to have a Lovely As A Tree card every year! It is such a marvelous set and really lends itself well to Christmas cards...okay it is great for all sorts of cards!! This one uses the Faux Dry Embossing Technique. Stamp with color ink and then use the stamp positioner to stamp the image again in white ink just off the first image.

My friend Dorene Decibus designed this very pretty card. I love the Baroque Motifs stamp set as it is another very versitile stamp set. I was not excited about this set when I first saw it...but it has become one of my favorites. I like the fact that Dorene used non-traditional colors for this holiday card.

This card using the new Christmas Classics stamp set was designed by a fellow SBD (Stampers By Design) stampin' sister. She used the scallop edge punch and embossed the tree in silver. Three Rich Regals brads were added as ornaments on the tree. So cute!

I hope you have enjoyed these cards...to order the supplies for these cards or a project of your own design just head over to my Stampin' Up! Demonstrator Website and put in your order online at anytime of the day or night.

Happy Stamping!

A Favorite Christmas Card

2008-10-22T07:20:00.003-04:00

Hello!

I have done a couple of Christmas card classes recently and have heard lots of positive comments about the cards!

This one used the sanded background stamp in VersaMark ink to add a bit of texture to the card front. The word "joy" is from the great Stampin' Up! exclusive die Join in the Cheer. The other words on the die are peace, love, and cheer. It is a long strip so it could be used as a scrap book title. I only put paper for the words I wanted so as not to wast paper. I used Many Merry Messages to add the Season's Greetings in Always Artichoke ink.

Enjoy!!

Designer Series Paper for sale!

2008-10-18T22:49:00.002-04:00

I have collected lots Fabulous designer paper during my last 5 years with Stampin Up! I have decided to part with all my retired designer paper that I have collected and offer it to YOU!
I have cut all of the DSP I have from over the last 4 years into stacks of 6x6 sheets (all retired from 2003-2007). These stacks are fabulous for quick added elements to your projects , scrapbook pages and this size is also perfect for all kinds of Big shot goodies you make for gifts!!
Each 6x6 stack has 75 sheets with assorted designs of retired Designer Series Paper. The paper from older designer packs have designs on one side and some are double sided designs from the newer packs.
If you’re interested in purchasing a stack for $20.00, Priority shipping is included within the USA ONLY, email me at lpstamp@verizon.net

I also have full unopened packs of Dashing, Flowers For You, Brocade Background, and DSP Prints River Rock. These originally sold for $9.95 and I will sell them for $5 plus shipping. I really need to clear things that I am not using out of my stamp room! These bargins won't be around long!! Please e-mail me soon so as not to be disappointed!!

Super Saturday

2008-10-11T12:30:00.005-04:00

We have a busy weekend planned with Rich home to help with moving the computers to their new locations. We were able to get a new computer through a school district employee purchase program. It was tima as our old computer was running very slow!!

Last night I did a 10 card class with some of my good stamping friends. What a great time we had!! There were 11 ladies there making cards and nibbling on the fantastic treats that Marlene made for us. Some of the cards used retired stamp sets that some of the ladies had and wanted new ideas to use with them. Others used sets from the current catalog.

Loads of Love has been a favorite set of mine for a long time. I just love how many different things you can put in the back of the truck!! Last night somepeople used the gifts and others used the tree. The idea for this one came right from a past Idea Book and Catalog. I had to change the colors slightly as it used retired in colors.

I do need to finish getting ready for the class Lisa and I are doing tomorrow in Hinsdale. I will post other pictures from that class as well very soon.

Have a sunshiney day!

Exciting Month!

2008-10-02T07:04:00.003-04:00

So October has begun and what a month it is shaping up to be! I have several workshops and classes scheduled so I will be doing lots of stamping and that is always exciting for me!! Also, the month of October was the official "start up" date of Stampin' Up! back in 1988. This month in celebration of that great time 20 years ago Stampin' Up! is offering a great selection of birthday stamp sets at 20% off with a $20 purchase. You can click here to check it out. Call or e-mail me with your order today!

Also if you have a Catalog Sampler you will notice awesome promotions offered on the back. The special for this month and through Nov. 30th is that if you host a $350 workshop you get to choose one stamp set from the Fall-Winter Sampler for FREE! Book your workshop now before my calendar is full!!!! Remember that a "catalog show", where you show the catalog to your friends and collect orders, counts and qualifies to earn hostess benefits including the FREE set from the Fall-Winter Sampler when your workshop totals $350 before s/h and taxes.

Just a reminder that NOW is a WONDERFUL time to join the Stampin' Up! family! Click here to find how you can join this great family for just $99! Think about what starting your own business might mean to your family...you get to choose when you work and this job is FUN!! There are not many places you can begin your own business for $99 and have the resources of a great company like Stampin' Up! to help you along in your success!! Call me if you have questions about this exciting opportunity!

All this and Halloween too!! I love Halloween! I love seeing the kiddies all dressed up! i miss making fun costumes for my kids to wear. One year Stephen was a train...not just one car but the whole train! We used a box and put the train along the bottom. I will have to see if I can find that picture. Right now I have to go get ready for school.

Okay one quick picture of the last of the punch cards we did. this one used the Three Blossoms Punch and we made the wreath with the little flowers adhered to a "doughnut" made of scrap paper to keep it round. It was cute and fun to make.

See you again soon!

More Punch Cards

2008-09-25T06:36:00.004-04:00

Good Morning!

Here are a couple more of the fun cards we did at the punch class. I love the Stampin' Up! punches! They are easy to work and there are so many creative ways to use them!!

This cat tails card uses our word window punch. This card also used two stamp sets I got at convention. We used the Inspired by Nature set and also Flight of the Butterfly. I chose to make my cat tails in both Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip card stock. I am not crazy about the word "Thanks" I added. I used the Chocolate Chip stamp pad to add the word from another new set called Thank You Kindly but it does not show up as well as I had hoped. I think if I had chosen to stamp off some of the grass it might have looked better.

This purse card used our oval punches to make the handle and the round tab punch to create the purse. We used the 3/4" square punch to create the flap. A silver brad was added for detail. We chose to use the word "adorable" from the Warm Words stamp set. This would also make a cute birthday card for a teen or a sweet thank you card, just by changing the word stamp used.

Thanks for stopping by! Soon I will have cards using the stamp sets from the Holiday Mini Catalog. You can begin ordering from the Holiday Mini Catalog on October 1st.

Have a great day!

A Very Sad Day in Patriots Nation!!

2008-09-21T17:33:00.004-04:00

I have to say that today is a very sad day in Patriots Nation! The loss today seemed particularly bad because they looked so flat. There didn't seem to be anyone on the field in a Patriots uniform that looked excited to be out there playing!! I am hoping that the two weeks they have will help them regroup and get ready for the rest of the season!!

Okay onto stamping stuff! I am excited about sharing a few of the great punch cards we did at class last week.

They were lots of fun and I hope you enjoy them too! This one with the owl is the first one we did as it seemed like the most difficult. We used the scallop punch to create the body and wings. The rounded tab punch was used for the head and assorted circle punches to make the wide eyes! The background is stamped in Basic Brown using the leafy branch from Embrace Life and coloring the leaves with an Old Olive marker.

So you have probably seen "Frankie" everywhere by now. I am not sure where he started but he is just so cute!! We used a Gable Green card base and Lovely Lilac for his hair. The 1 3/8" circle punch was used to make the circles (that were cut in half) that were used to make his nose and eyelids. We used that same circle punch for the whites of his eyes and then the 1" circle for the pupils. A Basic Black marker was used to add his mouth and scars!

I guess these will have to do for today as it is time to figure out dinner!

Happy Stamping!

More Fun Folds

2008-09-15T16:24:00.008-04:00

How about seeing some more of the cards we made at the 5 Funky Folds class. If you were at the class leave a comment and let us know which was your favorite card!

This one is Cami's Trifold. You can find the tutorial here. We made ours with a rectangular window instead of a circle. We used the new set Inspired by Nature. The card base for this one is Summer Sun...a color I don't use much. We used the slit punch to create the little tab to keep the card closed. I bet you would like to see it open, huh? I think this might have been my favorite card because I LOVE brown-eyed susans!!!!

We also did one called File in the Middle. This was a great card that we found on Dawn Griffith's website! You can click here to check it out. Dawn's tutorial sample uses the now retired Unfroggetable stamp set. It was one of my favorites! Lisa and I used Wild About You. Those animals are just so cute!! The middle is an extra "page" with a frame so you can see the animals in the window from both sides!

I hope you enjoyed these two cards. I will be back soon with some of the great cards we made using the punches at our punch class yesterday. We actually started class at 11:00 in the morning so I could be home to watch the Patriots play the Jets.

Here is my brief summary of the game. I do think the Patriots played well considering the circumstances. I think the defensive unit played very well with a couple of sacks and an interception! I am looking forward to watching Matt Cassel develop as a quarterback. I do think that they will win next week against the Miami Dolphins, who have a LOT of rebuilding to do before they can be a serious threat in the AFC East.

Happy Stamping!

20 Year Anniversary Medallions

2008-09-10T20:38:00.011-04:00

I know this picture is not very clear. I was hoping you would be able to see the embossing on the 20th Anniversary die cuts. I have decided to give you the opportunity to earn these medallions. When you collect 20 of them you will earn a $20 gift certificate from me.

Ways to earn a 20th Anniversary Medallion:
· Host a workshop
· Spend $45 on catalog merchandise (before S/H)
· Attend a class
· Bring a new friend to a workshop or class
Look for other ways to earn medallions throughout the year. I will offer them in conjunction with many of the Stampin’ Up! Promotions.

I told you I would share the cards we made in our 5 Funky Folds class. I will share them a couple at a time.

This one is called the Explosion Card. It uses a piece of 4 x 12 card stock as the base. We used the Bella Rose DSP.

Here is the card opened. It fits in a standard card envelope when folded.

We also created a fun Two Way Open card. For this one we used the Eastern Blooms set that I got at convention and several of the new In Colors. The base is a 4 1/4" square of Kiwi Kiss. The next layer in Ridinghood Red and the innermost layer is Baja Breeze.

This is the card all the way open.

I hope you enjoy these fun cards. Leave me a comment telling me who you are going to send one of these great cards to!

OnLine Ordering!

2008-09-10T06:58:00.003-04:00

Most retailers out there have had an online option for your shopping convenience for some time now. Well, now Stampin' Up! has that same convenient option for you!! Yipee!!

There are a few things you should know about this GREAT option. First, Once you click on the online ordering logo on the customer site stampinup.com you will be asked to pick a demonstrator. Just put in my info, or as much as you can remember, and it will direct you to my demonstrator website. If you choose not to do this step you will pay a higher price, the shipping fee is higher and you will not receive stamping benefits like hostess sets and free merchandise even if your order is of a qualifying amount! So just put in my name, Leslie Percival and the state, NH, and you will be taken to my site where you can begin shopping! The great part of that is I will get an e-mail that tells me you ordered and I will also get credit for the sales. And don't forget I'm still here to do all the things I did before - answer questions, give ideas, send you samples, help you to choose all the right supplies you need for your project and anything else you need. So call me, email me...or better yet come to a class or let's plan your next workshop!!

I have put a link to my demonstrator website on my blog. Did you notice it up there in the right hand corner? You may find it easiest to start your order that way. I am going to work hard to keep the site updated and fun. I also will try to keep the calendar updated (that's tonights project!) so you can see what events are happening.

I will also try to post a few things later including details of my year long 20th Anniversary Celebration. There are several ways you can earn your 20th Anniversary medallions and when you earn and save 20 of them by June 30, 2009 you will earn a $20 gift certificate from me! Watch for the details so you can start earning and saving those medallions!!

Time to get ready for school. Today is the 80th birthday of the "new" Symonds School building and there are several events planned including a walk to the old school which is now an apartment building on Park Avenue in Keene.

Happy Stamping!

Patriots Nation Stunned!!

2008-09-09T06:31:00.002-04:00

I know this is totally NOT stamping related BUT it relates to my other passion in life, the New England Patriots. I am still a bit shocked that Tom Brady is going to be out for the rest of the season! I had hoped since he got up and walked off the field that a few weeks rest and a brace might get him through the season. Oh well, not so! I guess we now just have to wait and see how his back-up, Matt Cassel does in the coming weeks.
Okay enough football for the moment! Tonight Lisa and are having the first of two Punch Classes. Tonight's class is in Marlborough at Lisa's house and then we will hold the class again in Hinsdale on Sunday. I do not want to give away all the cards we are doing but click on over here to Dawn Griffith's blog to check out some of the awesome "Frankie" cards. This is the card we will be doing as our Halloween card.
I will post all the cards very soon.
have a Terrific Tuesday!

Happy Friday!!

2008-09-05T06:55:00.004-04:00

I am so happy that today is Friday! It means the weekend is here and I get to stamp with some friends on Saturday! It also means my wonderful husband will be home tonight! Yeah....what more could a girl ask for? I won't even mind if it rains on Sunday because I will be on the couch watching the Patriots first game of the season!!!

Okay, now for some cute stamping samples...

I just LOVE the Bugs and Kisses set! This is one sample I got at convention. It uses the color blocking background (a great way to use up some scraps!!) and markers to get the different colors on the dragonfly focal point. This set is the perfect set for so many kids cards and invitations!

This next one uses Summer Sun as the card base. I love how those marching ants just march right off the card in Basic Black. Did you start singing the old camp favorite, "The ants go marching one by one Hurrah, Hurrah...."? I remember that from my Girl Scout camp days!

Ooops, it's that time again...time to go pick out the jersey I will wear today (I can't let anyone down at school!) and head off to another fun day in first grade. I'll be back over the weekend with some of the Funky fold cards.
Have a FANTASTIC Friday!!

WOW---It's Been Awhile!

2008-09-04T06:52:00.005-04:00

So sorry to have been away so long! Life got a bit crazy with the start of school. Both kids are at the high school so the day starts early...they are usually gone for the bus by 6:40!

This card using Heartfelt Thanks is a swap I got at Convention. Heartfelt Thanks has been around a couple of years...I got mine FREE when I went to convention in 2005. I often forget about it until I see a great idea like this one. The card to the left uses the Spiral Punch to create the border that looks like film...remember the stuff you used to put in a camera? I have been using my digital for several years and almost never use my 35mm anymore! The card to the right uses one of the detail flowers to create the background in Real Red and then the softer first step stamp for the focal point. I love the simplicity of this card! So pretty but easy to stamp up a couple to have on hand to send to someone who could use a little lift in there spirits!

Time to run off and get ready for school. Have a super Thursday and perhaps it won't take me so long to get back to this again!

Yikes! No Computer Tech future for me!!

2008-08-20T18:49:00.004-04:00

Wow! What a crazy few days trying to trouble shoot the computer problem and then resolve it once the problem was identified! As you can see I have finally got things rolling again!! YEAH!!

Let's see what fun things I can share with you....

These use the Party Hearty stamp set. I love the bright, fun, happy colors! Just perfect for a birthday card!

The row of party hats makes me want to grab one and join in the fun!

How about the glitter on this next one! I am normally not a glitter fan...GASP...I know, but it just winds up EVERYWHERE!!! Even my terrific Dyson vacuum cleaner can't get it under control! I do think on this card however that it is perfect! That cupcake looks good enough to eat. Want to know a crazy little secret about me? I LOVE frosting! Yup the sickly sweet kind from a bakery! I wish there was a way to have a birthday cake that was ALL frosting! YUM! Okay, probably more info than you wanted or needed!

I am teaching the "second session" of the 5 Funky Folds class, that my upline and I put together, on Friday night. On Monday night we are having our Catalog Kick-Off event. We already had our Hostess event which is special for just those wonderful ladies that have hosted workshops for us in the past year. The Catalog Kick-Off is for everyone of the wonderful people we have met through stamping! We try to invite EVERYONE! So if you are reading this and will be in the Keene area on Monday let me know and stop on by!!

I will try, now that the laptop is functioning again, to take pictures of the great projects that the ladies made at the Hostess Event and also the cute little gift we gave the hostesses.

Until next time.

Computer Issues!

2008-08-15T09:33:00.002-04:00

I have been dealing with computer issues all week! I went to get online with my laptop and for some reason, incomprehendable to me, it will not communicate with the wireless router downstairs. I can get online at the desktop computer downstairs but all my stored information, photos, e-mail addresses are all in the laptop!!! Thankfully my personal computer tech, AKA my husband Rich, will be home tonight to help me remedy this horrible situation!!

In the meantime I can enjoy the sunshine...3 days in a row now! Get the hayfield that is our lawn mowed and those kind of outdoor jobs done.

So...please be patient...there will be more photos of projects and swaps very soon!

Enjoy your day whatever it may bring!

More Convention Highlights

2008-08-09T08:47:00.006-04:00

Okay I am not sure I can top the UPS highlight but I do have a few things to share with you! Also a fellow SU demonstrator and blogger was right up front and got a couple GREAT pics of the UPS truck out in front of the stage. Click over to Dannie Graves' Blog and check it out!

So now for the things I want to share with you. I have a wonderful upline! I begins with my first level Lisa Bunce and goes up via Cindy Lawrence, Karen Barber and Tina Rosenkranz. Tina's group is called INKredible and we were able to get together on Friday evening for dinner, swaping and idea sharing!!

Here is a picture of my terrific upline minus Lisa as she was unable to attend convention this year. They are from left to right Karen, Tina and Cindy. You can click over to Tina's blog to see a pictue of the nearly 90 folks from her downline that were at convention and attended this dinner. It was a lot of fun and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this great family!

I am still trying to get pictures taken of all the great swaps I got at convention...it could take a while as I got more than 200 swaps!!

For now how about a few pictures of the 3-D displays that they had set up at convention?

There were so many fabulous creations! I was truely amazed at some of them!

Have a terrific Saturday!

More Convention Goodies

2008-08-07T08:11:00.006-04:00

At convention there is a place called "The Gathering Place", so perfectly named because we gather there for lunch and also to view the many display boards the Stampin' Up! assembles. They organize the samples by color and there are hundreds of samples on the boards! I took lots and lots of pictures of these displays so you may see something at a future class that looks familiar! I am sure these will give me inspiration for project and card ideas.

Here are a couple more display boards I thought you might like.

Don't you just love the scrapbook page titled S'mores?

This board to the right obviously featured red as the main color and there were a lot of Christmas ideas. I hope you enjoy these. You should be able to click on a photo to get a bigger view. Have a Happy day!

Sock Monkey!

2008-08-05T07:09:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I am hooked! I LOVE our new set Sock Monkey! I think I have to get a kit and make myself one of these cute little Monkeys!

This is one great sample I was able to photograph as I was already "swapped out" at this point.

This one uses some of our punches to create a "setting" for the cute little monkey. This card is so cute! I took this picture before a general session when I was all out of the swaps I had brought for the day.

Swapping is such fun! I came home with TONS of great new samples! I will share them with you a few at a time over the coming weeks and months.

Thanks for stopping in today!

Convention surprise!

2008-08-04T21:51:00.007-04:00

So you would think that after announcing the partnership with Sizzix and that we will have exclusive Stampin' Up! dies, that would be it for big announcements...but NO Stampin' Up! had one last surprise for all of us at the last general session on Saturday afternoon! They had a very creative way of presenting that surprise...As Shelli was speaking we heard a doorbell ring and a UPS guy came out on stage with a Stampin' Up! box. Shelli asked if she could help him and he asked if this was the Salt Palace. Shelli replied that it was and said she knew a lot of these people and who was he delivering to. He looks down at the box and says "Well it says I am supposed to delive this to EVERYONE. The room just EXPLODED!! there was confetti and screaming and clapping! It was soooo cool!

I am not sure if you can see the UPS truck just to the left of the support post. The truck drove right into the convention hall and out came numerous UPS employees with shopping bags loaded with the RMHC stamp set, Say It With Scallops. UPS, as a way to thank Stampin' Up! for all their business, purchased enough of the RMHC sets to give them to every demonstrator attending the final session of convention.

This is my friend Janis with one of the people who was handing out the stamp sets to demonstrators. I think the best part of this is that since UPS purchased the sets for all the demonstrators at convention, Stampin' Up! will still be able to donate the $2 for each set to RMHC!!! Since Stampin' Up! began this program they have donated nearly $700,000 to RMHC! This also includes the $100,000 corporate donation that Stampin' Up! makes each year.

Have a terrific Monday!

Home Again!

2008-08-03T22:22:00.003-04:00

Good Evening stamping friends!

It feels so good to be home! I had a BLAST at convention! I went with friends...saw some other friends while I was there and came home with new friends!!

Packing up last night was a bit crazy as I had a lot more stuff than when I went!! Everyone received 3 stamp sets in their convention bag. These sets are used to create your make and take projects. I won a prize during one of the giveaways and also got some goodies for being a helper at convention. I had also done a little shopping at Momento Mall and had some goodies from there as well. It was tough closing the suitcase but I managed somehow!

I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing the great cards people create using Lovely As A Tree! In fact I will probably have a good cry when Stampin' Up! retires this magnificent set! Anyway I thought this one was very nice...Simple and well laid out but very beautiful!

I will try to post some other samples I got during the next few weeks. I do have to get ready for our Hostess Appreciation Event and a class but I will try to fit a bit of blogging in this week as well.

Convention News

2008-08-02T00:51:00.004-04:00

By now you may have heard the BIG news from Stampin' Up! They announced today at our general session that we have partnered with Sizix and will offer a special version of the Big Shot die cut machine and exclusive Stampin' Up! dies! These will be available to order on September 2nd!

I mentioned in the e-mail I sent the other night that we got some new ribbons. There are 4 new colors of 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Sage Shadow, Rose Red, Old Olive and Chocolate Chip.

There are 4 colors of 1" wide Double stiched ribbon; Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue and Chocolate Chip.

Two other new ribbons include 1 1/4" grosgrain in Pink Pirouette and 7/8" Poly-Twill Ribbon in So Saffron!

Here I am on stage celebrating my 5 years with Stampin' Up! I got to walk across the main stage! My friend Janis took this one of me as I came to the front of the stage.

The stage is so gorgeous!!

So far I have taken 162 pictures and purchased a CD with a lot more exclusive art work on it! I have so many ideas for classes and workshops!

I will be home on Sunday evening.

Busy! Busy!Busy!

2008-07-26T05:54:00.002-04:00

I know, I know we are all busy and this makes like the third post in a row with no new pictures....Sorry! There will be lots of pictures when I get home from convention!! I leave in just 3 more days!!! Woohoo!!

So much to do before then though. Today the kids and I are heading up to help Rich move out of his apartment and into a friends house. This will be a big savings every month!!

Tomorrow is laundry day. Everything has to be clean and ready for packing! I already have little piles of things that I need to pack. Packing is always difficult for me...I want to take everything. I guess it is the years of Girl Scout training...Be Prepared! It is also difficult because some things can not go into your carry on luggage namely my papersnips and craft & rubber scissors. There are also things that I won't put in my checked bag, like the nearly 200 swaps I made! Can you just imagine if the airline lost my bag and all those swaps were just gone....or almost worse, showed up when everyone else was "swapped out"?!?!

I leave Tuesday morning for the airport and arrive in Salt Lake City (SLC) around dinner time their time. I am so looking forward to this time with my stamping buddies! It is so fabulous to be with thousands of other people (mostly woman) that love to stamp!! The ideas that get generated are tremendous!!!

I will be updating my blog with pictures and info from convention so be watching and checking in here.

Have a super weekend and stamp something for someone!

Discounted Accessories!

2008-07-21T07:38:00.003-04:00

So here is the deal, Stampin' Up! has listened to all of the comments and questions about why don't they offer a discount on retiring items! They are doing a test to see how this works with a select group of retiring items.You can view the flyer here. Even though this promotion lasts through August 10th, supplies usually run out quickly on the retiring accessories so if you see something you want, you should scoop it up now at a discount while you can. The quantities of each item that you can purchase are not limited so you can order as many of each item at the discount that you would like.

So how do you take advantage of this? E-mail me with your order. If you live close by drop by with a check, otherwise I will need credit card or debit card with CC logo (MC/VISA) so I can charge your order. I will have the order shipped directly to you. There will be a minimum shipping charge of $6.95 or 10%, which ever is larger for orders shipped directly to you. This offer is only good on orders shipped to addresses in the US.

Looking forward to some stamping time!

2008-07-15T00:05:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow night, maybe by the time I am writing this it is actually later today...I am up waaay to late tonight!!! Anyway, tomorrow is the night Ana is coming to stamp! I am excited! I think I will get out my Powder Pal and Heat Tool so we can do some embossing. I am hoping that she has time to play with some of my stamps...it may help her decide which ones she must have and which she can do without for now.
Not sure why but I am having a difficult time posting a picture right now. Sorry...will try to take some of the cards and projects that Ana and I create tomorrow.

More information

2008-07-13T08:07:00.002-04:00

In a recent e-mail I suggested that you go to my Stampin' Up! web site for a video on how to install our new Home Decor vinyl wall accessories. I guess Stampin' Up! took the video off and I was unable to get it back there so if you want to see the video click here. I hope this helps!
Enjoy your Sunday!

Another Convention Swap!

2008-07-12T19:12:00.004-04:00

Okay, so I have been AWOL for almost a week....that is what happens when mom comes to visit! It was nice to chat and play some fun games...she loves Rummicub. She also was a big help weeding and hanging out some laundry when I had to go to school.

She usually won't stamp or maybe I won't let her stamp on the stuff I am making for convention...but she is AWESOME at putting the labels on the back!!! She did two sets of cards for me while she was here! She did this one which is my third design for convention. I used the ever popular Itty Bitty backgrounds and the newer Sprinkles sets with VersaMark ink for the color blocking background pieces. I used Wild About You for the giraffe and the grass. The grass is just the little flower stamp upside down and only using the stem! The base is So Saffron as is the piece the giraffe is stamped on. I used More Mustard Classic ink for the giraffe and sage Shadow for the grass. The blocks of card stock are Bordering Blue and Sage Shadow.

Have you noticed the counters on various blogs? Mine has football shapes and is up to 998!!! My husband helped be set the counter so it only counts new hits. I wanted to really get a feel for how many people actually have visited the site...not how many people check it daily to see if I have updated it! :-) So while some people are excited to get to 10,000 hits I am ecstatic to get to 1,000!! I am not sure what the Blog Candy will be...I am sure I can come up with something from my stamp room!! Perhaps a ribbon sampler or card stock sampler... Anyway, leave me a comment about what you like about my blog. I am anxious to see what people like and what they would like to see more of.

Happy Stamping!

Having fun!

2008-07-07T22:07:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it is so much fun just to read other stamper's blogs! I get lots of great ideas that way and it is fun to see what kinds of classes other folks are offering and s forth. Well the other night I was reading Tina Rosenkrans' blog. She is several branches up the "family tree" from me in our Stampin' Up! family and she is very funny!!! I love listening to Tina talk and reading her blog is almost like listening to her. Anyway she had an event at her house the other day and her new Decor Elements arrived during the event and so she decided to put hers up immediately....Here is what she says about putting up the Decor Elements...

Friday nite my Stampin' Up! order arrived with the new wall rub-ons we have just released!! I LOVE 'EM!!!
So I utilized the talents and brain power of some of the girls to put one up on the wall immediately!

And, as is my teaching style (and patience level) I will tell you the things NOT to do when you are applying this new and cool product at your own home!!

-Do NOT throw away the directions as soon as you open the package

-After trying on your own and having to retrieve the directions from the garbage do NOT assume that they are only on one side of the paper.

-Do NOT rush the process by whipping the sticky paper off as if you are taking off a band-aid.
After your friends have all jumped in to try and save you, do NOT tell them you know what you are doing if, in fact, you really don't.

-When you are ready to walk over to the wall with the sticky paper and letters all ready to go and holding them so nicely in front of you do NOT walk into a fan blowing on high.

-When the directions clearly state 'Do Not let sticky paper attach onto itself' .... do NOT believe they are lying. (test this theory for yourself with the with the last step....)

-If you find yourself with sticky paper and letters attached to your face because of that stupid fan just consider it like having a mini skin peel.......

After the unintentional laughter died down we did get them up easily and beautifully..... and I am sooooo happy with them!! I can't wait to do the next set- I am just going to ask a few friends over first for backup!!

I do wish I could have been there for this! I think I am going to have Rich help me do mine this coming weekend when he gets home and then I will post a picture here.

For now I am keeping myself busy making card fronts to take to convention to swap. I have done two and am in the middle of the third one. My mom was a big help in getting one set all put together! I will post the one I am working on now soon. I used the In The Wild stamp set and am pleased with the way it came out.

My new downline, Ana, will be coming over to stamp at my house next week. I am looking forward to stamping with her!

Happy 4th!

2008-07-04T10:50:00.002-04:00

So I made this card with pieces I stamped at Ana's workshop last Sunday. One of the stamp sets we ordered as part of her customized starter kit was Independence Day. There are images that can be flexible and used for birthdays or celebrations of any kind!I played a bit with Ana's original design and added stars that I punched with the small star punch. The large star is stamped in Versamark on Not Quite Navy card stock and then cut out. The red card stock and ink is Ruby Red.

Enjoy the day and take a moment to remember how lucky we are to live in a country where we have freedoms that others do not!!

Fresh Cuts in Plum

2008-07-02T08:01:00.005-04:00

Good Wednesday morning! This pretty card was designed by my daughter. She was there when my Fresh Cuts stamp set arrived and loved that it was die cut so she put it together and off she went on her design plan! I stamped enough parts to make 48 of these to take to convention with me! I am hoping to get about 200 swaps made. I want to have plenty of samples so I can share with my down line who can't be at convention!

So back to the card, Shannon used Mellow Moss for the base and stamped everything in Perfect Plum. She used Perfect Plum and Pale Plum card stock.

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Lots of Announcements

2008-07-01T08:05:00.004-04:00

Today is a day of big announcements from Stampin' Up!

One announcement that will make many of you VERY happy is that all new stamp sets in the Fall/Winter Idea Book & Catalog will be die cut! We know you enjoy the flexibility of custom mounting your stamps, and with these die-cut sets, all you'll need to do is pop, peel, and place before you begin stamping. Any hold over sets from previous catalogs will NOT be die cut, but there will be a die cut icon so you will have no problems identifying die-cut sets.

Also today you can begin to order the awesome Home Decore vinyl decorating elements. Click here to check out the brochure. You can also check out my web site to watch a video about how easy it is to put these design elements on your wall. Call or e-mail me to get your copy of the brochure!

The final announcement from Stampin' Up! today involves a special discount on the soon to be retired Hodgepodge Hardware. This great kit includes lots of great pieces! One demonstrator went to a national chain craft store and priced what you would have to spend to get all the elements and pieces in our kit and it came to over $50!! Now you can get the Hodgepodge Hardware for 25% off the catalog price!! There is NO minimum purchase required which means you can order only the hardware and still get the discount!!!! This fabulous accessory comes in three finishes, Antique Brass, Antique Copper and Pewter. Contact me today to place your order!! You can see in the picture that just that small hardware element (picture hanger with ribbon) makes a big impact!

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Never Ending Joy

2008-06-29T11:02:00.003-04:00

This card was created for the Occasions Card Class by my good friend Janis Cox. I love the layout and it is so easy to create with the Stampin' Up! square punches!! She used Wild Wasabi, which is one of the In Colors which will be retiring in August, and Almost Amethyst. If you have not gotten your In Color stamp pads and refills you still have a bit of time. Be sure to contact me soon though because items on the Retiring Accessories list, as these will be, are only available while supplies last!

I got this picture from one of my favorite web sites, Split Coast Stampers. A member caller Squirrelly Shirley created these. One cool thing you can do with these great tulips is to stamp them in a light color ink and then use a marker and add a darker ink to the edges of the tulips! It is a gorgeous look!

I decided to feature this set to remind you about the Retired List from Stampin' Up! You can view the list alphbetically, great if you are going through the index at the back of the catalog, or numerically, by page number in the catalog. These sets are available through August 10th. If there are any on your MUST HAVE List then order them soon!!

Have a Super Sunday!

I've been tagged!

2008-06-28T16:24:00.003-04:00

This is the first time i have been tagged! So I will play along! I was tagged by Jessica Gale-Tanner who is in my friend Janis' downline. I wish Jessica was joining us for convention this year :-( May Be next year!

Anyway her blog is http://www.jessicastamps.typepad.com/ Enjoy!!

7 Random/weird facts about me:

1. My husband and I bought our wedding rings after knowing each other for only 10 weeks! We got married just 10 months after we met!

2. I am a BIG sports fan and like to keep tabs on the Rde Sox, Celtics and Bruins but I LOVE the New England Patriots! My license plate reads IM4PATS.

3. Someday I want to have a football room in my house. It will have astro turf carpet with yard markers, a large flat screen TV with goal posts around it and multi level seating! All my Patriots memoribilia will be displayed here as well.

4. I have 2 fabulous kids (perhaps not a weird fact), a son and a daughter! They are both in high school now.

5. Rich and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this year!

6. I work in the Keene Schools as a tutor in first grade and I LOVE my job!

7. I will celebrate my 6th anniversary with Stampin' Up! in September.

Tagging 7 more Bloggers:

Kirsten http://redvelvetsneakers.blogspot.com/

Avril http://www.cherrystamper.blogspot.com/

Kylah http://stampinlatewithkylah.blogspot.com/

Cheryl http://cliston.typepad.com/

Dawn http://dawnstamps.typepad.com/

Kerin http://kerinstamps.typepad.com/stampin_with_kerin/

Jen http://www.stampbythelightofthemoon.com/

Happy Saturday!

Wild Rose

2008-06-28T16:14:00.003-04:00

This lovely sample was one of the cards we made at our All Occasions Card Class last Sunday. I uses the lovely Wild Rose stamp set. Wild Rose is one of the stamp sets on the retiring list so if it has been on your wish list be sure you get yours before August 10th.

This also uses the Hodge Podge Hardware which we have been told will not be in the next catalog. The olive polytwill ribbon can be found in the Occasions Mini Catalog which expires on Monday, June 30th!

Hope you have a happy Saturday!

Introducing Décor Elements™

2008-06-18T06:56:00.003-04:00

Yesterday Shelli Gardner, co-founder and CEO of Stampin' Up! made a much anticipated announcement about a new product line for Stampin' Up! There had been all sorts of speculation by demonstrators. The announcement was worth the wait! Stampin' Up! is going to offer their own line of vinyl wall decorations! These are vinyl clings to add to your wall. They make giving a room a new look EASY!! Also they are easy to apply and easy to remove! Demonstrators may preorder starting today and they will be available for purchase beginning July 1st!! Have a happy day!

Pretty Peonies

2008-06-15T17:21:00.003-04:00

I used the Pretty Peonies stamp set and Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose and Certainly Celery inks and card stock. The three panal layout was inspired by a sketch challange posted by my upline Cindy Lawrence.

I got this great set as a reward from Stampin' Up! Stampin' Up! gives demonstrators an opportunity to earn stamp sets based on both sales and recruting during Sale-A-Bration. This is just one of the many benefits of being a demonstrator. I went to my friend Janis' house yesterday and got card stock cut and created this card. I cut enough card stock to create 48 card fronts to take to convention. I will make several other swap designs to take with me and bring back lots of great ideas to share with you all. Enjoy this one.

Retired List is here!

2008-06-15T08:41:00.002-04:00

Well, it's here. Stampin' Up! published the retired list today. You can click here to see the list by page number. I personally find this the easiest way to go through the catalog. At first glance I don't think I am losing too many sets this time. I will send out my reserve list a bit later today. Do remember that these sets are only available until August 10th. Be sure you get your "must haves" before they are gone!! Also, just a reminder that you don't have to wait to go to a workshop or class to place an order! I can accept and place orders anytime!!

Enjoy Every Moment

2008-06-05T06:26:00.000-04:00

I was able to get this stamp set for FREE as a demonstrator! Stampin' Up! offers lots of great ways for demonstrators to earn stamp sets for FREE! This is just one great reason to consider joining the Stampin' Up! family!

This great set is called Enjoy Every Moment. This long notes card was featured on the demonstrator part of the Stampin' Up! website. The artist is Janie Cervera. I love the way she used a jumbo eyelet as the center of the flower!

This card was one my daughter and I worked on for a swap with some stamping friends. I used Taken with Teal from the Rich Regals color family. It is not a color I typically reach for so it was fun to step out of my comfort zone a bit!

I hope you are able to "Enjoy Every Moment" of your day today!

Cute Baby Card!

2008-06-04T03:00:00.000-04:00

How cute is this card? This was on the demonstrator website yesterday. The talented artist is Katelyn Costa. She stamped the onsie, from By Ones and Twos in the Occasions Mini Catalog, onto designer series paper and cut them out!! This card would make a very cute new baby card or baby shower invitation. I hope you enjoy this cute card.

I got this one as a swap at our SBD Spring Fling event in April. The creator used punches to shape the card stock to look like a onsie. To make a full card I would cut the card stock vertically at 4 1/4" instead of the more "standard" cut. This will give you two pieces that are 4 1/4 x 11. You would fold the card stock in half and the fold would be at the shoulders. If you need a template you can e-mail me at lpstamp@verizon.net and I will send you a template that you can print, cut and trace.

Happy baby!

Carousel Notes

2008-06-03T03:00:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the beautiful carousel notes in the current mini catalog? They are fabulous!! Back in April a wonderful demonstrator named Lynn Larson demonstrated some great ways to use these very unusual notes. This is a very cute treat holder that uses one carousel note folded in from each side and then up from the bottom. The darling "belly band" hides the edges!

They also can be cut into quarters and used as a pocket on the front of a standard card! This one uses the Afternoon Tea DSP and a Groovy Guava carousel note cut in quarters.

Have fun with these versatile notes!

Tart and Tangy

2008-06-02T22:02:00.000-04:00

This set from the Occasions mini Catalog is just so cute!!! This sample was on the demonstrator part of the website yesterday. The artist is Gwen Kwok. The cute words are from another Occasions Mini set called One Smart Cookie.

This very cute card also uses the Summer Picnic DSP which can once again be found in the Occasions Mini Catalog. I am so glad we have a whole month more to demonstrate with the great sets and accessories in this mini catalog!!

Enjoy!

New Member of my Downline!

2008-05-27T22:24:00.000-04:00

I am so very excited to welcome Ana Drouin to my downline!! Ana found me with the demonstrator locator on the Stampin' Up! website. We got together tonight and did everything online to get her signed up. She already has her demonstrator number and everything!!

I am hoping to post the rest of the birthday cards and swaps from the showbox swap very soon.

Happy Stamping!

Baroque Motifs

2008-05-21T22:53:00.000-04:00

My friend Janis did the cute swap using the Baroque Motifs stamp set and designer series paper. This technique is called colorblocking. It is a relatively easy process almost like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. I have made several cards using this technique and have almost always been pleased with the results. The Stampin' Up! color coach is a great help in choosing colors that look great together!!

This other card uses Pale Plum and Perfect Plum, colors in the Soft Subtles color family. I hadn't used those two colors in quite sometime so I decided to use them for this swap I did for Dorene's downline meeting. I don't think I have seen a card that uses this stamp set that I didn't like.

I hope you enjoy these lovely cards! Friday's coming!!!!

Fabulous Flowers

2008-05-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

I love this stamp set! I have seen so many gorgeous cards done with it. The huge flower just calls out to be cut and layered!! This one also uses the Ginger Blossom DSP. This DSP uses images from the Embrace Life stamp set. I am hoping that Stampin' Up! will bring this paper back in the next catalog...but they will have to change the colors as it uses the In Colors Groovy Guava and River Rock. This card uses the little half pearl from the Pretties Kit...I really need to break out my kit and use some of the pieces!!

Enjoy!! Happy Stamping!

Butterfly and Flowers with Sparkle!

2008-05-19T13:33:00.000-04:00

This cute card was designed by Maurine Henry. Maurine is very talented and so very sweet, too!! This card uses the Garden Whimsey stamp set and the light blue Fine Cosmo Stampin' Glitter. The sparkle on the butterfly wings is such a pretty touch!!

You can also see the Afternoon Tea DSP from the Occasions Mini Catalog. Remember you have until June 30th to order from the mini catalog! Maurine used two of the current In Colors Wild Wasabi and Blue Bayou. Stampin' Up! previewed the In Colors that will be in the next catalog on the cruise. You may have seen them on other blogs...I suggest that if you LOVE these colors you stock up now...We only have a couple more months to order them.

Happy Stamping!

One of a Kind

2008-05-18T21:39:00.000-04:00

So Lisa and I decided to offer a class that uses the chipboard Board Basics, the One of a Kind stamp set and the Boho Blossoms Punch. I stamped these great projects at Amy Czuba's Quarterly meeting back in January. Amy has a great group of stamper's and they came up with these fantastic projects!

The first project uses the scallop notes. Class attendees will create this set of three notes. They use the Boho Blossoms punch and Blue Bayou DSP. So cute!!

This next one is a pocket card. It uses the fun Flower Fusion felt flowers. This one uses the scallop punch, corner rounder and the oval punch to create other accents. A fun project for sure!!!

This last project uses the Board Basics which are part of the On Board Promotion that is going on until May 31st. With any order of $35 you can get as many of the chipboard items at 25% off!!! It is a standing scrapbook page/frame...it is GREAT for displaying a favorite photo! You can see the Ginger Blossoms DSP but it is harder to see the Jumbo Eyelets which were set using the Crop-o-dile. The Crop-o-dile punches through the chipboard VERY easily!

Well I hope you enjoy these great projects. Let me know by Wednesday, May 21st if you can join us for the class in Marlborough, NH.

Enjoy!

Heart Felt Thanks

2008-05-18T13:23:00.000-04:00

I got this stamp set free at convention a couple of years ago...Rich will tell you that since i paid to go to convention it was not free ...but we all know better!!! Anyway, I don't know which of the talented ladies at the SBD shoebox swap created this lovely card but I do love this color combination! The colors are So Saffron and Bordering Blue...so very pretty together! This lovely card also uses the pretty taffeta ribbon and Watercolor Joy stansard wheel. If you were the one or know who designed this lovely card, please let me know so I can give proper credit!

Post # 40!

2008-05-17T13:03:00.000-04:00

So it has been nearly six months since I created my blog and I have had lots of fun sharing stamping and non-stamping stuff with you. I am glad to be able to share with so many readers out there!

I am looking forward to trying some new stuff this summer when I have a bit more time to play. I would love it if you took a minute or two to leave a comment about what you like or about what you would like to see included here.

Last night I was lucky enough to be able to stamp with some very talented ladies! Cindy hosted a Shoebox Swap for the monthly Stampers By Design meeting. I love this type of swap because you get to do your own stamping but the design and preparation is done for you!!! This is the card I design I brought to share. I actually CASE'd the layout from a card on Stamper's Showcase. It was a monochromatic card done in Bashful Blue. I decided that we needed pretty spring colors though so I changed the color sheme. I do love to use the Stampin' Sponges along the edge of the card stock layers! When done on a ripped edge the color becomes a bit more defining.

So leave a comment and I will continue to try to provide fun stapping ideas and techniques!

Happy Stamping!

Leslie

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T10:34:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there! Even if you are not a mother you probably have done some "motherly" something for someone and that counts too in my book!!

I have had a lovely Mother's Day!! My kids created a great book, If You Give a Mom a Cookie... It is so cute and my daughter took all the photos herself with her digital camera! My sweet husband barted a turkey dinner for a Sirius Satelite Radio for me and then used his poker winnings to buy me a year long subscription!!!! There were also lots of other little goodies...my favoite shampoo, aloe socks (sounds crazy but I can't wait to try them out!) and Mint Milano cookies (chocolate and mint together in a cookie), it just doesn't get better than that!!!!

We are having a lovely day here so we are going to do some outside jobs and get my van washed!

Enjoy your day!

Convention!

2008-05-06T18:19:00.000-04:00

Yipee!! My buddies got registered for convention today! I registered on Friday because of being chosen as a Make 'n' Take helper. I have my flights all set and am ready to go!!! This will be my second convention. I was able to go a couple of years ago but this year should be a real blast as it is Stampin' Up!'s 20th anniversary!! I am going to be traveling with a couple of good stampin' buddies and I am so excited!! I guess I better get going on making swaps! Last time I went I took over 100 and was "swapped out" really quickly! I have to run...school work and some other stuff to do around the house.
Happy Stamping!

New Promotion from Stampin' Up!

2008-05-01T22:24:00.001-04:00

Have you ever thought about becoming a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator? Now could be just the right time. Stampin' Up! is offering 20% off the cost of the kit which is regularly $199. The 20% off brings the cost to $159 Plus you can choose a set of Hodge Podge Hardware from the Spring/Summer Collection! Check out the flyer here!

If being a demonstrator isn't your idea of a fun job (I can't imagine that but...) you might want to check out the Chipboard Promotion! Just spend $35 on any catalog merchandise and get any of the Stampin' Up! chipboard at 25% off!!

Here are a few more birthday cards from our class on Sunday. This one uses the Jersey Shore DSP and the large star punch. The Happy Birthday set has so may great ways to wish everyone a wonderful day!

The Celebrate Everything set is the focal point of this great card. This is a very versatile card...it could be a kid card or a teen card, girl or boy.

Birthday Card Class

2008-04-29T22:17:00.000-04:00

So I was finally able to take a few minutes to get pictures of the birthday cards we made at class on Sunday. This was a class where the participants made 10 different birthday cards.

We try to have masculine, kid cards, generic birthday, as well as the pretty type that we all generally find easier to design!

This one uses the Noble Deer set. The main image was stamped twice, once in Blue Bayou on Naturals White CS and then in white craft ink and embossed in the Blue Bayou CS. Each image was cut in half and then lined up on the Sahara Sand layer. This seemed to be a favorite card among the people attending

This great kid card uses the Bugs and Kisses stamp set and the spiral punch. Lisa created this great card! The greeting reads "Sending worm wishes on your bug day!" This set is great for all kinds of kid cards!

We used the Pun Fun set and matching jumbo wheel for this fun kid card. This set has so many great images that Lisa and I are trying to figure out when we offer a class just using this set! The rocket ship is stamped twice, once on the Bashful Blue layer and once again on a scrap of Naturals White CS. We used ink pads and Aquapainters to color the rocket and then cut it out. It is mounted on the Bashful Blue layer using dimensionals to create depth.

Okay, there is a start and I can show you more over the next couple of days. I do need to get some sleep as we have a busy weekend coming up!

Happy Stamping!

Marvelous Monday!

2008-04-28T21:58:00.000-04:00

It was great to be back at school today! The kids seemed happy to be back as well. The GIANT snow mountain is finally gone from the playground!!! All the classes had put in a guess for when that would happen and we will find out who was closest on Thursday.

I had so much fun at my workshop tonight! I LOVE stamping with this group of ladies! They thought the 3 projects in 3 minutes was awesome and one lady thinks the little flat fry box/origami cup would make excellent wedding favors for her daughters wedding.

I was going to try to post the cards from class yesterday but I didn't have time to get them all photographed. Perhaps tomorrow...

Time to get some shut eye...okay, okay I should post at least one card since this is a stamping blog. Let's see what treats I have from the Spring Fling swaps... This one uses one of my favorite sets Unfrogettable! The flowered DSP is from Summer Picnic.

Hey have you heard that Stampin' Up! is extending the order period for the Occasions Mini Catalog until June 30th?! Yipee an extra month to demo (and buy) from this awesome mini!!

Now I really am going to bed!

Happy Stamping!

Fabulous Friday Fun

2008-04-25T08:12:00.000-04:00

This has been quite a week in New Hampshire! The weather has been absolutely FABULOUS!! Sunny and warm...yipee!!

I have a few errands today that will have me out enjoying the lovely weather today. I do have to finish preparing for a class on Sunday and workshop on Monday but perhaps I can do some of that out doors as well!

I am still having fun with all the cool stuff I learned at Spring Fling last week! My friend Dorene Decibus demonstrated all kinds of fun things to do with chipboard. Here she used a circle of chipboard and covered it with craft white ink. When it was dry (you can hurry it along a bit by heat setting it) she stamped the flower on in Stazon black ink and then colored the flower to match the card. It stands out from the rest of the card just enough to highlight the flower!

This one she left the chipboard plain. Did you know that it matches Sahara Sand card stock perfectly? Now you do!! So you can use chipboard pieces as frames and that sort of thing just as it is!

Also, You can use our beautiful Designer Series Papers to cover the chipboard. Our glue stick works great for that!! Just cover one side of the chipboard with glue and then lay it on the "back side" (side you don't want to show) of the DSP. Turn over and rub on the DSP to really get a good hold (the heat from the friction helps the glue set!) You can also sit on it while you finish other elements of your card or scrapbook page! Again it is the heat! Now just use you Papersnips to trim along the edge of the chipboard!

Stampin' Up! is offering a GREAT chipboard promotion for the month of May! You can check it out here. Don't miss out!! Be sure to get your chipboard in the month of MAY!!! Check back here for a Blog special as well!

Well I guess it is time to start my errands. Have a Fabulous Friday! Check back on Monday to see some of the birthday cards we are making at class on Sunday!

Wednesday is Wonderful

2008-04-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Well since the Tuesday test worked I will consider doing that more often, especially when I expect life to get busy!

So I hate to share all the stuff we learned or it won't be new and fun when I demo it at a workshop, but there is so much that I could burst if I don't share some more with you. So I mentioned that there were 8 demonstrations at Spring Fling and one of them was all about rub-ons. One of the Sale-a-Bration items this year was a set of rub-ons. Have you been wondering what to do with them besides make cards? Check out these wonderful ideas by Kathi Hildreth!

Rub a lovely design onto a jar candle!

What about jewlery?!

How about a lampshade?

There are a few things to remember when you are using rub-ons...they rub-on and they will rub OFF! If you plan to use an item often you might want to consider sealing the rub-on with a clear sealer. Also, they will wash off so don't put them on your favorite coffee mug! Do have fun with them!!! Let me know how you use your rub-ons. Leave a comment or e-mail me a picture at lpstamp@verizon.net.

Tuesday

2008-04-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

This is a test for Tuesday. I am actually writing this on Monday night and have set the date and time for Tuesday. Let's see if it works!

Okay let me put up a few more pictures of the fabulous swaps I got on Saturday.

This cute kid card was made by my upline Lisa Bunce. It is one of the cards we are making on Sunday at the Bithday Card Class. It uses Pun Fun and the co-ordinating wheel which are part of the Free Wheelin' promotion that Stampin' Up! is offering for the month of April. You can check out the flyer for the special here. Call or E-mail me to take advantage of this great special.

This card uses the Noble Deer set which is great for creating those masculine cards or a card for the outdoorsy person on your list. We will be using this set on Sunday as well, though not to create this card. If you like what you see so far you still have one more day to sign up for the Birthday card class. It will be held at the Marlborough Community House in Marlborough, NH. I am working on figuring out how to add Paypal links so you can pay that way. I know it can be done ...I will try to have it figured out soon.

I do hope that this post goes active when it is supposed to. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

More fun stuff

2008-04-21T20:10:00.000-04:00

So I tried the 3 projects in 3 minutes from Dawn Byers at my workshop today. It was great!! So fast and fun! I think I will do it again on Wednesday at my next workshop!

I also photographed all the swaps I got at Spring Fling on Saturday. I thought I would show you a few of my favorites. Hold onto your hats because these are great!!

This is a gorgeous monochromatic card that uses the Embrace Life set. Very simple yet so elegant! It is done all in Soft Sky and Naturals White cardstock.

I have seen so many cards done using this set that are just terrific. Here is another one that also uses the Ginger Blossom DSP. I hope you enjoy these!

Spring Fling Fun!

2008-04-21T08:50:00.000-04:00

So Saturday was the Stampers By Design annual Spring Fling. What a BLAST!! There were about 60 fabulous demonstrators at this event! There were 8 incredible demonstrations showing how to use rub-ons, chipboard, sticky cuts, Simply Scrappin' Kits, punches, carousel notes, envelopes of all sizes, and accents and elements. I learned so much that I came home just bursting! I can hardly wait to share all the cool things I learned!!

I loved Dawn Byers 3 projects in 3 1/2 minutes so much that I am sharing it at a workshop this afternoon! This is what you need: You need a Simply Scrappin' Kit (actually you can do this 6 times with 1 kit) and 1 piece of co-ordinating 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock. You cut the 12 x 12 DSP at 1" and a 3" piece which will be used on the scrapbook page. Turn the DSP to cut a 4 x 8 piece that you will use on the card. The remaining 8 x 8 piece of DSP will be used to make a 3-D pouch! You will need to cut the 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock in half like you were making a card (you are!) and then turn it and cut it in half again, now you have 1 piece of 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 and two pieces that are 4 1/4 x 5 1/2. The two smaller pieces will be the photo mount pieces or a place to journal. So here are a couple different versions of this great set of projects.

So if you want to see this great set of projects demostrated just call or e-mail me today to set up your workshop for May!
I have tons of other pictures and still need to photograph all the great swaps I got! Since this week is school vacation I should be able to post several times this week.
Have a Marvelous Monday!

Lots of Cards

2008-03-21T10:45:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been a little while since I have made time to post. I was busy with workshops, a weekend away with my wonderful husband and getting a new job. The new job is actually at the same school I have been at for the last 6 and a half years but in a new capacity. I will be an Instructional Paraprofessional instead of a classroom tutor. I will be working in the Primary (k-2) Emotionally Handicapped Collaborative. I am very excited about this change! This position actually has benefits and gets me vested in the NH teacher retirement system!!

Anyway, on to some cards! Lisa and I did a Sale-A-Bration card class a couple weeks ago. We had a very good turn out and people seemed to like the cards a lot. I thought that even though Sale-A-Bration is officially over, I would share the cards with you so you can use those free sets you got to make some great cards.

This first one uses the Friendship Blooms set and the Love and Happiness Rub-ons. The rub-on was applied to a scrap of Old Olive cardstock and then punched out with the 1/2" circle punch. The card base is Kraft cardstock stamped with Chocolate Chip ink. Layers of Chocolate Chip and Old Olive cardstock on top of the base after a length of the Chocolate Chip twill ribbon from the Occasions Mini Catalog is tied around the two layers. The Large flower is stamped on a scrap and then cut out and popped up on Dimensionals.

This next one also uses the Friendship Blooms set. It uses Confetti White cardstock cut 4 1/4 x 11 so that it opens vertically. We decided to do this for a bit of a change but this card could be made on a traditionally cut base as well. The top piece is Blue Bayou cardstock and the bottom piece is Blue Bayou Designer Series Paper. The strip across the middle is Confetti White with Blue Bayou on top of it. We stamped the row of three flowers in Craft White ink and embossed it with white embossing powder. The large flower is stamped on Confetti White and cut out. It was then popped up on dimensionals.

My intention was to post several more cards as well but time has slipped by and I need to get ready to do this very class with my friend Janet. Perhaps later tonight I can get a few more cards from the class posted for you.

Enjoy your day and Happy Stamping!

Black Magic - WOW!

2008-03-14T06:39:00.000-04:00

Many of you at my workshops this weekend were wowed by a gorgeous card made by my friend Lynn Larson. She featured it on her blog and you can see it by clicking here. I hope you enjoy seeing it again and the tips she gives for creating it. I will feature this technique in my April workshops so if you have been thinking about hosting a workshop call me today!
Happy Friday!

More Vacation

2008-03-02T22:17:00.001-05:00

I promised a few pictures of our trip to Florida. The kids and I flew down to see my folks. My dad's 65th birthday was earlier in the month of February. This is a picture of my dad and the gorgeous cake that a co-worker of my mom's made.

We had lots of friends and family to help us celebrate. It was so much fun! Dad loves to have the family together. It was a big surprise for my dad to have my brother, Todd, arrive and spend 5 days in Florida. This next picture is one we took by the new orange tree. Four years ago the hurricanes wiped out the three orange trees that my folks had. Mom had seen some portraits with everyone in white shirts and khaki pants. They were very expensive so this is our version done with my sister's camera on a tripod using the timer! We felt they came out pretty well. We did different arrangements of people. Here is one we did of me and my two great kids!

I hope you enjoy these pictures of my fabulous family! It was so wonderful to spend time with all of them!! I will try to get pictures of the cards we did at the Sale-A-Bration Card Class posted soon. I am using one of them as a make and take for the weekend workshops I am doing. I made a few small changes and am looking forward to the workshops this weekend.

Back from vacation

2008-03-02T08:27:00.001-05:00

So I recover from the Patriots loss to the Giants only to get crazy with other commitments. The kids and I went down to Florida to visit my folks for my dad's 65th birthday. It was lovely to be down where it is warm and green!!!

This one is my daughterfeeding a Cownose sting ray at the Oceanagraphic Society. This one my son took of me on the beach. It was the chilliest day we had down there and it was about 65 and breezy.

I will post some more of the great pictures we took very soon.

Today is the Sale-A-Bration card class and I will post pics of some of the great cards we are doing later today.

Finally Recovering

2008-02-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

I have been MIA since the Superbowl. I was in Mourning and shock after the game. It has taken some great stamping and fun with the kids at school to get me back on track.

I was able to stamp with a friend on Wednesday and we managed to fit two classes worth of cards into one evening of stamping! My friend has some health issues which make it difficult for her to get to my classes so we often do them in a one-on-one session at her house. She is fun to stamp with and we have a great time! This is one of the cards we did as part of the watercolor class. The class featured the Watercolor Wonder Crayons and 5 different techniques for using them.

We also did the Punch class and made five cards using some of the terrific paper punches that Stampin' Up! has to offer. She loved them all but I think this was her favorite. This one used the Rounded Tab Punch to make the darling little fish. We used the leaf stamp from the Embrace Life set to make the seaweed.

My wonderful husband sent me a sweet card for Valentines Day. He did not stamp it but did spend time choosing a card which had a lovely sentiment. I really am so very lucky to have him in my life!

The next class that I am offering is a Sale-A-Bration Card Class. This is a 10 card class that features the Sale-A-Bration stamp sets. Please call or e-mail me if you want to participate in this fun class.

Sale-A-Bration Special

2008-02-01T06:08:00.000-05:00

All I can say is WOW! I logged onto the Stampin' Up! site this morning and they have posted an awesome special on the Starter Kit! The kit is 20% off during Sale-A-Bration AND you can add any stamp set from the Spring/Summer Collection or the Upcoming Occasions Mini Catalog up to a $47.95 value! That means you get up to $375 worth of high quality Stampin' Up! product for just $159!! If you have ever thought about this or just want to get lots of great stamping product for a GREAT deal, NOW is the time!!! In addition to the fabulous stamping products you also get a 20% discount on everything you order, a monthly magazine chock full of great ideas and samples, AND access to the demonstrator part of the website! Even if you don't plan to do even one workshop this is a fabulous deal and you can let you demonstratorship go if you don't want to keep up with the $300 quarterly minimum!

Today begins Sale-A-Bration when you can get a FREE stamp set from the Sale-A-Bration mini catalog for every $50 in product that you order. You can check out my demonstrator website to get more information and even sign up right online!!!

I got so many great samples when I went to the demonstrator meeting last weekend. I took tons of photos and thought I would share a few with you. This one uses the Time Well Spent hostess set.

I do LOVE that white gel pen!!

This one uses the gorgeous set Embrace Life! I have found this to be a very useful set! It is possible to create so many great looks with these stamps!

Okay time to go get ready for Symonds School "football day"! I have nail decals to apply and so forth! It will be really fun to have nearly the whole school dressed in our football finest! Usually it is just me on Fridays during football season.

Have a super day!

Swaps for meeting

2008-01-26T07:16:00.000-05:00

I thought some of you might be interested in seeing the cards I made for the meeting I am attending today. Amy Czuba is a dynamic demonstrator and has created a very large downline.

Four times each year she holds a big meeting that she opens to all members of our group. Her meetings have often rivaled a Stampin' Up! Regional event! I feel so lucky to live close enough to participate! Anyway there will be lots of demonstrators there to swap with and so I created 3 card designs to take with me. I think I made just over 50 cards altoghter so that means I can potentially bring back 50 new ideas to share with you!!

All three are based, at least loosely, on a sketch Challenge by a fellow demonstrator and friend, Lynn Larson. You can check out her blog here. This one uses the Porcelin Prints DSP and the Heartfelt Thanks stamp set.

This next one I used the Baroque Motifs set, I just love that one!!! I also used some of the Designer Prints DSP in Rose Red. I had some Shimmery White tags left over from making samples for the Punch Class I am doing tomorrow.

The last card I did, last night after shopping for 3 hours with Shannon. She is going to the Sadie Hawkins Dance at KHS tonight. Rich has promised to get lots of pictures!! I used my new favorite set called Embrace Life. I love the clean lines and delicate images! I paired it with the new Ginger Blossoms DSP and really like the resulting card. This one doesn't quite match the sketch challenge that Lynn proposed but I like it the best of the three I think. Enjoy these and watch for posts of the punch cards and also samples from Amy's Meeting. Happy Stamping!

GO PATS!!

Happy Friday

2008-01-25T07:32:00.000-05:00

So here it is Friday already! This is going to be a busy weekend for me! Today I will be stamping with my friends at LifeArt in Keene. I am very happy about this as we have not been able to schedule time for me to stamp there in quite awhile. Many of the folks who frequent LifeArt are clients of Monadnock Developmental Services and are a joy to stamp with!
On Saturday I am heading to MA to a big demonstrator meeting with some of my good stamping buddies. My van will be full and it should be an awesome time!! I will have lots of new samples to share when I get back as I am bring lots of swaps with me.
On Sunday I am holding a Punch Class with my upline demonstrator/friend/cousin, Lisa. We will be using some of Stampin' Up!'s great paper punches to make a train, a fish, a beautiful star, an Easter Bunny and some fun hats. I will post pictures of them after class so check back soon.
Time to get ready....Happy Stamping!