Baby boy onesie card

My family has been blessed with two babies this year already, and a third is on her way in July. Of course they're absolutely adorable. I'm so happy for my nieces and nephews. My BFF Kim Becker made a video about making onesie cards like the one shown. You can find it under the tab above.

I'm still working on using up a lot of designer paper I have (those 12" x 12" packs make A LOT of cards!), so this is at least a year old. Of course you may use any paper you have. The combo of circle and scallop punches make this a fun and easy card to pull together quickly.

For you flower card

 

My heart was all aflutter when I opened the mail one day and received this beautiful card. I mean, it's a single card and envelope in its own special plastic card case with a bow of stretchy ribbon. Be still my heart!

 

My friend, Donna in New York, made this gorgeous creation. That woman has skills! From watercolouring to layered shapes and details - this card has it all. To learn what she used, please visit her blog here. And while you're there, check out all that she does!

 

My photos can't do this card justice. I am so appreciative of the fact that she created this beautiful card for me! She's the sweetest. Thanks, Donna! You're the best.

Yummy in My Tummy

 

It was love at first sight when I saw this adorable monster in the 2017 Occasions Catalog. I mean, how could you not love this smiling, furry creature?

The Yummy in My Tummy is the only new item on this Whisper White card. I used a Blushing Bride marker to highlight areas of the monster, punched a scalloped circle out of Pear Pizzazz card stock and added a Marina Mist-stamped HUGS! on white with a circle punch. The small hearts are punched out of red glitter paper.

Here are what all of the stamps in the Yummy in My Tummy stamp set look like. The clear-mount stamps are $17, and the wood-mount are $23.

Hey, Chick - Thank You So Very Much

 

This is a fun card I made for my BFF Kim. We were having lunch and poring over the pages of the Occasions and Sale-a-Bration catalogs. We both really liked the Hey, Chick stamp set. It's one of the free ones you can earn from the Sale-a-Bration Catalog when you order $50 (before tax and shipping).

 

So what does Kim do? She gives me this adorable chick stamp! I love it!!! I think this bird is so much fun. I had to use it many times on the card.

 

Of course I had to stamp a Thank You card for my friend using this chick, so I paired it with another SAB stamp set - So Very Much - and came up with this card.

Stampin' Up!'s Sale-a-Bration Event ends March 31, so if you don't have all of the freebies in the catalog now, you still have just over a month! Shop away (and please choose me as your demonstrator when you order online).

Celebrating 15 years with Stampin' Up!

 

In a way, 15 years seems like a long time; then again, it goes by in the blink of an eye. When I started Stampin' Up!, I partnered up with my next-door neighbor. We enjoyed creating the projects, inviting people to parties and working our "business," which was really just a hobby we loved.

Stampin' Up! was a creative outlet for me, as well as a way to meet other women when I was a stay-at-home mom with two babies. I met and made very good friends through this journey. Women I know I never would've met otherwise.

Working with my neighbor lasted a couple of years. She moved and I decided to work my business. I challenged myself with goals ranging from earning a free hostess set to an incentive trip, earning many of both. Today, I still enjoy stamping. I especially love receiving handmade cards from my friends. They really mean a lot!

I teach an occasional stamping class, but my attention is drawn elsewhere these days - assisting an elderly blind woman with her errands, cooking, bills, etc., and making sure my kids (now both teenagers) are preparing/prepared for college classes. I volunteer regularly through my local Lions Club, and I'm also vice president of my husband's construction company.

 

I'm happy I can say I've been a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for 15 years. And I'm happy you've been along for much of the ride. Thank you!

Join in Sale-a-Bration 2017

During Sale-A- Bration (4 January–31 March), you may earn FREE products just by shopping! For each qualifying order you place, you’ll earn a FREE Sale-A- Bration item—including orders from the new Occasions Catalog.

Thanks for sticking by me if you're reading this. I started helping an elderly woman more than a year ago. This fall, she had knee surgery followed by rehab, a week at home and then a heart attack, intensive care unit stay, regular hospital stay and recovery at home. I was charged with her care and scheduling, medications, and more.

I did get in my first Sale-a-Bration order last week and will be receiving it soon, so I hope to share some ideas here soon.

Elegant black and white ornament

 

My good friend Barb made this gorgeous flower ornament for me as a Christmas gift. I wish you could see it in person. It is glorious! And big.

I know first-hand how time-consuming creating each individual flower is, let alone putting them all together like this. 

I'm hoping to give you an idea of the size of this by including part of my hand. I have big hands! lol

Here's a quick origami tutorial as to how to make the Kusudama flowers used to create this ball-shaped ornament - here.

If you're so inclined to make one of these yourself, please send me photos and I'll include them here! Best of luck to you. 

Buy one Paper Pumpkin, get one FREE!

 

For the FIRST time ever, FIRST-time subscribers can buy their FIRST month and get their second month FREE!

Offer Date: Thru October 10, 2016

Offer Details: When you use promo code “BOGO” at PaperPumpkin.com, you’ll pay the regular price of $19.95 and get a second month for FREE! If you subscribe now through October 10, your first kit will be the October kit and you will get the November kit free.

The Fine Print:

• IMPORTANT: Offer invalid if subscription is suspended or cancelled during the first two months. In other words, subscribers cannot cancel or suspend their subscription during their first two months—if they do, the offer is void.
• After the first two months, the subscription will continue for $19.95 + tax per month (shipping included) unless cancelled or suspended.
• This offer is open to first-time subscribers only.
• Not valid on prepaid subscriptions.
• Ends October 10, 2016 (the last day to subscribe and get the October kit).

Forever evergreen project kit

 

Three trees, please! This festive project kit comes complete with decorations.


Forever Evergreen Project Kit

	Item 142994, $32
Decorate your mantlepiece with festive trees and seasonal decorations. This kit makes three trees in two sizes—one 13" (33 cm) tall, two 11" (27.9 cm) tall—each individually trimmed with handmade ornaments. Complete the kit using the Forever Evergreen Stamp Set (item 142184). Stamps, ink, and adhesive sold separately. Instructions included. Here's a YouTube video about this kit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeePSY0SQ-M&feature=youtu.be Kit includes: * Garden Green and Wild Wasabi die-cut cardstock tree pieces * Cardstock ornaments * Kraft, vanilla, and printed gold foil die-cut ornaments * Gold foil and glitter die-cut stars * Gold 1/8" (3.2 mm) Ribbon * Cherry Cobbler 1/4" (6.4 mm) Natural Trim * Cherry Cobbler Pompom Trim * Linen Thread * Cherry Cobbler honeycomb balls * Gold faceted sequin garland * Die-cut wood snowflakes * Ornament hooks * Plastic dowels Coordinating colors: Cherry Cobbler, Early Espresso, Garden Green, gold, Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Wild Wasabi Make these with these additional products: * Forever Evergreen Stamp Set * Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake and Soft Suede Classic Stampin’ Pads * Mini Glue Dots * Multipurpose Liquid Glue * Bone Folder * Paper-Piercing Tool * Hot glue gun

Great time to stock up on designer paper!

 

Through October 31, you can buy 3 packages of Designer Series Paper and get one free! That’s great news since everyone can use more Designer Series Paper. This sale includes Designer Series Paper from both the annual catalog and the recently released holiday catalog (not including Specialty Designer Series Paper or Designer Series Paper Stacks).

The fine print:

• There is no limit to how many times participants can buy three packages of Designer Series Paper and get one free during this promotion.

• Designer Series Paper purchased with Stampin’ Rewards or the Stampin’ Rewards 50%-off perk does not qualify for this promotion.
   
• Designer Series Paper purchased as part of a Starter Kit does not qualify for this promotion.

Up to 25% off tin, fast fuse, etc. thru Oct. 5

World Card Making Day Offer

World Card Making Day is October 1. Celebrate by making and sending a handmade card to someone who could use a little recognition, love, or just a boost!

In celebration, Stampin' Up! has discounts of up to 25% on the Designer Tin of Cards Project Kit, Fast Fuse, and some other card-making basics, but the deals only last 'til October 5, so make sure to stock up! You may order online - please put Terry Blais as your demonstrator. Thanks!

Look for special offers each week in September!

You can save 25% on select annual catalog products through September 21! Check out the discounted products below. Discounted products will change weekly.

Here are the SPECIAL DISCOUNTS for Sept. 1-7 only:

141678  Metallic Enamel Shapes  $7.00 - discounted to $5.25
141679  Subtles Enamel Shapes   $9.00 - discounted to $6.75
141680  Brights Enamel Shapes   $9.00 - discounted to $6.75
141681  Regals Enamel Shapes    $9.00 - discounted to $6.75
141469  Blossom Builder Punch  $18.00 - discounted to $13.50
141471  Festive Textured Impressions Embossing Folder  $8.50 - discounted to $6.38
141432  Tip Top Taupe 5/8" Mini Striped Ribbon  $8.00 - discounted to $6.00

August Paper Pumpkin kit is here

Stampin' Up! revealed this month's Paper Pumpkin stamp set on its Facebook page. Here it is - it's a  4" x 5" photopolymer stamp set, a $16 value!

There was also an overwhelming response from fans who want to know what type of kit it is. Spoiler alert! It's a card kit!

I hope your August is going well. My son finishes his summer college classes this week with finals Wednesday and Thursday, then he has a 5-week break before fall quarter starts. My daughter is still on summer break till Aug. 31 - the first day of school. We went to see the movie Suicide Squad today. Each day brings new things! I love it.

New bundle goes on sale Aug. 2-31 only

Here's something to make note of - you can get the exclusive Thoughtful Branches bundle between August 2 and 31 (while supplies last). That’s just in time to use your Bonus Days coupons if you have any! And please select me as your Stampin' Up! demonstrator. I appreciate it!

 

I hope you're enjoying July! I've been doing a lot of yard work, enjoying the vegetables and fruits my daughter and I planted, a roadtrip to Yellowstone National Park and a boat trip to Tillicum Village on Blake Island (complete with Native American dancing and storytelling and a delicious salmon buffet). Life is good! I hope yours is too.

First time for Bonus Days!

Hurry! We only have a few weeks of Bonus Days! Stampin’ Up! has never done anything like this before: You’ll get a $5 coupon (via email) by spending $50 July 7-31. You can use the coupons in August on any item you want!

The best part is that you can earn another coupon for every $50 you spend. The sky’s the limit! I recommend using this time to stock up on essentials or splurge on your wish list items. Once August rolls around, you’ll get to have fun shopping again with all your Bonus Days coupons.

New Paper Pumpkin subscribers get $5 kit for ONE DAY ONLY

First-time subscribers can get their first Paper Pumpkin kit for only $5! The “One Day Deal” starts at 4:00 PM (PST) today.

Deals like this don’t last long. Call your family. Text your friends. Shout it from the rooftops and on social media. Tell them to use promo code ONEDAYDEAL at PaperPumpkin.com before Friday, June 10 at 10:50 PM (PST).There will be a teeny tiny sneak peek of the June kit on the Stampin' Up! Facebook page later tonight, so head over there to check it out!

Extra Stampin' Rewards? Sign me up!

With a new Stampin' Up! catalog usually comes a huge Wish List. At least it does for me!

So I usually like to start with my very own Party of One. Basically, this means I order enough to qualify for hostess benefits (aka Stampin' Rewards). If your Wish List reaches $350 or more, you will get an EXTRA $35 Stampin' Rewards during the month of June.

If your list isn't at $350, ask a friend if she might want something from the new catalog. There are fabulous kits, new ink colors and ribbons, and so much more!

I will have a box of catalogs in my hands soon, so email or text me if you'd like one. If you're local, I'll leave one in my milk box for you on the front porch. If you've recently ordered online through me, you'll receive a catalog via snail mail.

New catalog is live!

It's always exciting when a new catalog is out!

You may now order from the 2016-2017 annual Stampin' Up! Catalog as of today, June 1. When you're ordering online, I'd appreciate you selecting me as your demonstrator!

Just for your information, here's what's up:

Items on Backorder
• 141525: Stamp Set Photopolymer Best Birds (June 6)
• 141549: Stamp Set Photopolymer Foxy Friends (June 6)
• 133735: Big Shot Framelits Baby's First (June 6)
• 137360: Big Shot Thinlits Butterflies (June 6)
• 138281: Big Shot Framelits Lots of Labels (June 6)
• 141648: Pop of Pink Specialty Designer Series Paper (June 13)• 141589: Stamp Set Photopolymer Sitting Here (June 13)
• 141772: Stamp Set Photopolymer Brushwork Alphabet (June 13)
• 138400: Trim Sequin Blushing Bride (June 20)
• 141426: Flirty Flamingo 3/8" Ruched Ribbon (July 11)


Items That Are at Risk of Going on Backorder
• 141578: Pop of Paradise Stamp Set
• 141424: Dapper Denim 3/8" Ruched Ribbon
• 141425: Emerald Envy 3/8" Ruched Ribbon
• 141428: Sweet Sugarplum 3/8" Ruched Ribbon
• 141688: Whisper White Thick Baker’s Twine
• 141689: Melon Mambo Thick Baker’s Twine
• 141897: Wink of Stella Clear Glitter Brush
• 124302: Cardstock 12" x 12" Whisper White
• 131187: Cardstock 12" x 12" Neutrals


Below are a few corrections:

2016-2017 Annual Catalog

Page	Version	Item(s)	Description
159, 206	CA-FR	142543	There is an error on the Parfaitement emballé Stamp Set. The “un grande” image should say “un grand.” We are correcting this now; sets that are shipped will have the correct image.
160	US CA-EN CA-FR	141651	The list of additional products needed to complete the Designer Tin of Cards Project Kit is incorrect. To complete the kit, you’ll need these products: Designer Tin of Cards Stamp Set (p. 161); Crushed Curry, Cucumber Crush, Dapper Denim, Emerald Envy, and Tip Top Taupe Classic Stampin’ Pads (p. 169-170); Fast Fuse Adhesive (p. 182); Mini Glue Dots (p. 182); and Stampin’ Dimensionals (p. 182).
192	US CA-EN	141474	The Cupcake Cutouts Framelits Dies are also available in French.

Last day for 2016 retiring items

It's been an amazing month! Not only in the stamping world, what with the retiring list (ends May 31) and a new catalog soon to be released, but with my personal life, as well.

On the personal front, my daughter is taking drivers ed, which means I take her driving on a regular basis to get her familiar with parallel parking, backing around a corner, highways, on-ramps, etc. Then my son has been needing my help for his technical writing college class this quarter, which ends in a couple of weeks. And I've picked up more hours at my part-time job. Throw in gardening, weeding, catching up with neighbors and family and I've got a more than full plate right now. I'm not complaining, though. I feel very fortunate.

Have you been stamping? I have, though I'm usually in such a rush I fill out the card and mail it before I think to get a photo! Sorry about that. I'll try to be better about getting photos of my projects. And I'd love for you to share yours with me!

Click on this Retiring List to see a PDF of what's leaving!

Last chance for retiring products!

It’s that time again: we’re getting ready to retire stamps and accessories from both the annual and occasions catalogs. As sad as it is to see these products go, there’s still time for you to get them. Plus, retiring products* have discounts up to 50% off! We’re excited to offer this amazing opportunity, so be sure to get these products before they’re gone.

*Retiring products will only be available until May 31 or while supplies last. Place your online order today! Thanks.