CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY WITH STAMPIN' UP!!

Yep, Valentine's Day is just around the corner!  Next to Christmas, Valentine's Day is my next favorite time to make cards.  And let me tell you, Stampin' Up came out with so many awesome stamps and accessories in the Spring Mini Catalog that I had a hard time coming up with just one card design for my class this Saturday.  If you haven't received your catalog, you absolutely must contact me so you can see for yourself. 

Today I am featuring one of my cards for class on Saturday.  I have a lot of Valentine's Day samples but I always seem to end up creating a "me" card.  Don't know why I do that because I could save myself so much time when preparing for my classes.  I do have one card (received as a swap card at leadership) that I plan on copying for class as it was so cheerful.  I'll show pictures of the other cards in my next post.


Yep, had to do a little Shabby Chic for my card.  I'm in love with the new More Amore Speciality Designer Series Paper!!  This card also features the new Hearts A Flutter Framelits Die, Hearts Collection Framelits, Delightful Dozen Stamp Set, Mini Heart Punch, Champagne Shimmer, and new Natural Trim Burlap Ribbon.

 

These other three cards were designed by Ronda Wade, which I made at her Baggie Book event last month:

Designed by Ronda Wade, using the new Hearts a Flutter Stamp Set, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, and new Paper Doilies.

 

Designed by Ronda Wade, showcasing the new Henry Says Stamp Set.

 

Designed by Ronda Wade, using the new Honeycomb Embossing Folder, Hearts A Flutter Stamp Set and Framelits Dies, and Pool Party Core'dinations Card Stock (love all of the Core'dinations Card Stock!!)

Until next time,
Sandi

“At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine as I never experienced Him before. It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying, ‘Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth; and God will be at your side forever.’ Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything.”

 --  Martin Luther King, Jr.

STAMPIN' UP LEADERSHIP!

Yes, I really was at Leadership learning lots of new ideas to share with you!!

Do I work for a great company or what!!  I just got home from Stampin' Up Leadership a couple of hours ago and am filled to the brim with tons of new ideas and new information.  Stay tuned for tomorrow when Stampin' Up unveils some new and awesome product.  Here are a few of the things to look forward to:

• THE PAPER PUMPKIN!!  Check out the website Here: https://mypaperpumpkin.com/  A SURPRISE KIT of supplies delivered to your door every month for only $19.95 (includes shipping and tax!!).

Here are answers to some of the questions you might have: 

Q: What comes in my Paper Pumpkin?

A: It's a surprise each month-anticipation for the surprise is seriously half the fun! No worries, though, you'll have everything you need to complete the project: paper, stamps, ink, accessories, and more! (You will need adhesive.)

Q: Does my Paper Pumpkin project come with instructions?

A: Yes, of course it does. The instructions will tell you everything you need to know. And they are so easy to follow-we promise.

Q: How long will it take to make each Paper Pumpkin project? (Now say that fast three times.)

A: We know you wish you had unlimited creativity time (we all do), but since you probably don't, we designed each Paper Pumpkin to be completed in 30 minutes or less! (We think of it as a spa treatment for your creativity.)

Q: Should I get on the Paper Pumpkin carriage?

A: Definitely, yes.  Just think of it-a Stampin' Up! surprise delivered to your doorstep every month (wahooo!).  Paper Pumpkin offers a simple, creative experience each month. What's more-sometimes, your monthly kit features . . . wait for it . . . some exclusive products you can only get through Paper Pumpkin. Try it and see what you think. You can cancel your membership any time.

Q: How much does a Paper Pumpkin membership cost each month?

A: Paper Pumpkin is $19.95 per month.  Because your Paper Pumpkin ships automatically to you, we have already built in the shipping costs of $5.00 to the cost of each kit.

Q: How do I start my Paper Pumpkin membership?

A: It's so easy - GO HERE https://mypaperpumpkin.com/ AND SIGN UP.

Q: When does my membership expire?

A: Your membership will last until you cancel it.

Q: When do I need to sign up in order to get my Paper Pumpkin?

A: You need to sign up by the 10th of the month in order to receive your Paper Pumpkin for that month. If you sign up after the 10th―no worries! You will get your first kit the following month. You'll know your Paper Pumpkin is on its way when you receive your shipment confirmation e-mail.

Q: Can I skip a month?

A: You sure can! Simply log on to your account on www.mypaperpumpkin.com and click skip a month before the 10th of the month in order to skip the Paper Pumpkin for that month. If you click skip a month on the 11th of the month, you will receive that month's Paper Pumpkin and not receive the following month's Paper Pumpkin.

Q: What if I want to cancel my membership?

A: You must submit a 10-page essay about why you would ever want to do such a crazy thing. (Just kidding.) It's simple. All you need to do is log on to your Paper Pumpkin account on www.mypaperpumpkin.com and choose cancel before the 10th of the month and you will not receive any more Paper Pumpkin kits (how sad). If you cancel on the 11th of the month, you'll receive that month's Paper Pumpkin and will not receive any more Paper Pumpkin kits.

Q: What is the return policy?

A: If you are not thrilled with your Paper Pumpkin, please call us at 1-800-STAMP UP, we'll chat and make everything hunky dory.

• SOMETHING FOR THE MAN (DUDE) IN YOUR LIFE!! You are going to love this -- THE DUDE KIT!!  It is designed for men who normally wouldn't be caught dead stamping!  I am ordering 2 of these tomorrow!!  One for me and one for my hubby.  (More info to come.)

Okay, I think that is enough exciting news in one post.  The main thing I want to say is that you have to see this new product in person to understand how awesome and fun it is -- so get to my next card class to see my samples!!  Can't make it to class -- call me to set up an appointment to check it out.  Oh, one more little detail:
My first 8 customers to sign up for membership to the PAPER PUMPKIN will receive a gift from me!!  So check it out!

Time for some more Leadership project pictures:

You might want to right-click on these pictures, select "open link in new tab" to enlarge and see these beautiful boxes.  All of these were made from one kit of the Boutique Boxes Kit.

  

Couldn't get them all in one picture.

 

Pop-Up Posies Designer Kit sample.

 

Artisan Embellishments Kit (bad lighting -- sorry).

 

Artisan Embellishments Kit -- this was so beautiful in person.

Until next time,

 

Sandi

"Peace I leave with you."  -- John 14:27

LEADERSHIP CHECK-IN DAY!

Talk about going from frigid winter weather into 80 degree sunshine!!  Yes, I made it safe and sound to Orlando yesterday.  Had a very nice afternoon and evening doing NOTHING but sitting by the pool and enjoying the weather.  Today was check-in for Stampin' Up's Leadership event.  Had a relaxing morning by the pool, then went to the convention center an hour early to swap and meet up with friends.  Another awesome day with beautiful weather.

Here is a picture of the pool and some samples using the new product from the Stampin' Up Spring Mini Catalog.

This spot is getting to be my home away from home!

 

Samples using the Artisan Embellishments Kit (next 4 pictures) -- so beautiful!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have many more samples, but will post more tomorrow.

 

Until next time,

Sandi

 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." —  Philippians 4:13

BIRTHDAYS AND SWAP CARDS

Don't ask me why I am sitting here at my computer when I have got a 2-page list of "Things to Do" before leaving at 3 a.m. tomorrow for Leadership in Florida!  But it has been a week since I last posted, and I have no idea how much time I will have in Florida to update my blog.  I really feel very blessed to have the opportunity to attend Leadership.  Normally you have to be a Senior Supervisor, or above, to attend Leadership, but this year all demonstrators were allowed to attend.  And, I am doubly blessed because this is Stampin' Up's 25-year celebration!! 

Last night at 11 p.m., I changed my mind and decided to do a few swap cards for Leadership.  I wasn't going to do any because my mojo just isn't clicking in lately, but I couldn't get to sleep so got back up and made this as my swap card:

I love this new Swallowtail Stamp.  This large background butterfly stamp is so beautiful you really don't even need to color.  I did use SU's Sponge Daubers to apply Summer Starfruit and their Water Pen to apply the Marina Mist Classic Inks.  I also used the brand new mini Butterfly Punch and Ticket Duo Punch.

 

I honestly have not seen anybody use this Happy Hour Stamp Set (in current Stampin' Up 2012-2013 Catalog) -- but I think it is so cute.  This was the perfect set to use for my BFF's birthday in a couple of weeks.  So simple, but really a WOW card in person.  I will be doing this card at my next class for sure!!

 

Here is the inside of the card (new Sale-A-Bration stamp set:  Vintage Verses).  Call me to see how you can get this beautiful 4-piece stamp set for free!!

 

Couldn't leave you today without showing you Stampin' Up's semi-truck parked at the Orlando Convention Center with, hopefully, tons of goodies for us!!
I love it, and I bet the drivers had a ton of fun driving this from Salt Lake City to Orlando.

 

I hope I will get some good pictures to post while I am down there!

 

Until next time,

Sandi

"May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all."

-- 1 Thessalonians 3:12





GUYS AND BIRTHDAYS!!

Well the New Year is just around the corner, and I really don't feel any different.  I still feel just as young as I did yesterday -- LOL!!  I have been so lazy this week, just like I am every year the week after Christmas.  Tomorrow it is all going to stop, and I'm going to have to get back on schedule.  The first thing I need to tackle is organizing my studio for all the new Stampin' Up product I just received a week ago.  And before I can do that, I have to pack away all the holiday product and the projects I created.  I am one of those kind of people who likes to get rid of all the Christmas decorations right after Christmas -- my house is really starting to look cluttered right now.  I have a feeling this project will take me all week to complete (in between my regular duties), as I have to label all the product before I find room for it somewhere.  More than likely I will end up having a big box to pass on to my daughter and BFF.

Tomorrow is also my husband's birthday -- yes, a New Year's Eve birthday boy!!  I always feel sorry for him because he has to share his birthday with millions of other partyers (like the whole world!!).  So today I spent some time making his birthday card.  I actually ended up making 3 cards, but I decided to give him this one:



I am ashamed to say that I used 23 Stampin' Up products to make this card (including inside).  I like to use only one stamp set and maybe a different one for a sentiment, but I just couldn't get the look I wanted without using all this product (which I loved). 
Leave me a comment to see if you can list at least 20 items I used to make this card (include inside of card in next picture).  If somebody guesses at least 20 items with no mistakes, I might have some great blog candy for you!!

Inside of the card.

This was the first card I made, but I didn't think it was as "personal" as the one above -- but I still LOVE, LOVE this card.  It was really fun making it and using the new product.  I love the new metal buttons because they are really thin and much better for mailing.

Okay, this is all I have for today.  I can't show you my other card because I am mailing it to somebody who visits my blog every once in a while -- and with my luck this would be the time!! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Until next time,
Sandi
"Let me know, O Lord, my end and what is the number of my days, that I may learn how frail I am."  -- Psalm 39:5

SANTA BABY BAGS

I don't know why, but I have been humming the "Santa Baby" song all day long.  Maybe it is because I finished all my prep work for Christmas and relaxed half of the day today.  Granted, I still have a little cooking to do when I get up this morning (yes, it is after midnight).  But very little (couple of pecan pies, corn casserole, and roasts on Christmas day).  A few years back, my daughters decided it was time for the next generation to take over the holidays so I am blessed with very relaxed holidays.  And it doesn't hurt that they are all awesome cooks (which they learned on their own).

Today (okay, technically yesterday), we took over all our gifts to my daughter's house (with a lot of help from our son-in-law).  This way we won't have to worry about carting it all in on Christmas day.  I am so proud of myself for getting everything done 2 days ahead of time.  I shopped for 16 family members; made Santa fabric bags for 12 (hubbies shared with wifes); and made stocking decorations for all the bags yesterday.  I hate to shop with a passion; but at Christmas time, I love shopping for the kids.  Always have, always will.  This year was extra special because I have my first great-grandchild -- who doesn't love to shop for babies!!!  I did get a little carried away probably, but they are only babies once (except if you have a daughter named Tricia).

Anyway, I want to show you my Santa fabric bags that I made to go totally "green" this year -- that's right, NO wrapping paper!!  And I can use them every year.  Everything is Stampin' Up but the fabric (as you can see, I didn't have enough SU fabric to make these bags):

It looks a little bare in front of my daughter's tree, but that is because she hasn't put any of her gifts under it yet.

I couldn't get all of the bags in one picture.

A little closer (if you want to see my Stocking Tags, right-click on the pictures and select "open in new tab" to enlarge).  The picture hanging on the wall was done by my grand-daughter, Holly, when she was in 9th grade (she is a Senior now).

Last two Santa Bags.  I can't remember what kind of fabric I purchased but it was like a soft blanket.

Close-up of one of the Stocking tags (gift card is behind the stocking).

Another close-up of Stocking tags (ran out of disk space on my camera so couldn't get pictures of the other stockings).  The red stocking with snowflakes was made out of fleece and all the stockings have chipboard backings that I ran through the Big Shot using the stocking die.

Wishing all of my blogging friends a very Merry Christmas!!

Until Next Time,
Sandi
"For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord."

--  Luke 2:11

STAMPIN' UP SPRING MINI SNEEK PEEK

I can't believe I just typed the word "SPRING."  Normally, I hate to rush into a new season when we are still celebrating winter, but I couldn't resist showing you some of the cards we made at Ronda Wade's Baggie Book Event featuring product from the Sale-A-Bration and Spring Mini.  As usual, we had an awesome time and the samples were gorgeous!!  (Ronda never lets us down at her RubberQueen events!)

However, I hope to post one more time before Christmas with pictures of a project I'm trying to get done before Christmas morning -- so don't even think for a moment that I am done with winter!!

Getting back to these cards, we had the option to make 20 card fronts to put in our baggie books (showing 4-5 different samples in each book, using one stamp set); or we could make 20 whole cards with envelopes (you could still put those in baggie books for displaying at work shops, classes, etc.).  I chose to make full cards because I was in dire need of cards for Project H.O.P.E.* (see below for more information).  So I swapped out the sentiments Ronda provided, when I could, to be appropriate for Project H.O.P.E. recipients.  Here are the first 5 cards (more to come after Christmas):



My very favorite!!

*Project H.O.P.E is designed to help people in need and distress to experience God's love through prayers and cards. Would you like to be a prayer warrior or card warrior?  It's very easy, just click on this link to sign up.

Until next time,
Sandi
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give it to you. . . .

      -- John 14:27