Rachel's Stamping Place

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T12:00:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to drop by and say a quick Happy Valentine's Day to you and share a little card with you. Hope you are having a wonderful day no matter what you are doing.

This card uses many products from the Occasion Mini catalog. Can you tell that I love this mini? It's just jammed packed with so many awesome things. The card base is Calypso Coral. I used the Adoring Accent Edgelits and the coordinating Adorning Accents Textured Impressions Embossing Folders on the bottom front of the card. I then used a piece of the textured hearts calypso coral designer paper from the Sweet Shop designer series paper pack.

The Take it to Heart stamp set is awesome to use with the Heart framelits. I stamped the boy and girl on the bike stamp first onto whisper white cardstock using calypso coral ink. Then I lined up the coordinating heart framelit and ran it through the big shot. I then used the heart one size up to layer the stamped heart onto it. I finished the larger heart off with some doodling along the edges of it with the calypso coral stampin' write marker. Before I attached the hearts to the base I stamped the background with one of the other hearts from the Take it to Heart set.

The greeting is from the Sweet Cake stamp set. And the ribbon is from the Sale-a-bration ribbon and brad bundle. Don't forget Sale-a-bration is through March 31. I still have some openings for a private home class if you are interested.

Have you been bit by the Love Bug?

2012-02-13T12:00:00.002-05:00

It's Valentine's Day week so I'm going to share with you some of the cards I've made this year. These are all cards that I have made at workshops or classes so some of you may have seen these already.

This card is one that I made at January's punch class. It was inspired from another card I have seen. It is so great to get to use punches in ways that are a little different than they may have been intended. There are 8 different punches used on this card. Can you figure out which ones they are?

I used the cherry cobbler dazzling details on the bottom of the love bugs feet and the hearts on the wings. In real life it is so much more sparkly and vibrant. Notice the ends of the ruffled ribbon, the little red dots are also the dazzling details.

I love the "bug" eyes. I used the jumbo pearls for the center of the eyes. Now if you don't have your Valentine's started, time is seriously running out. Tomorrow is the big day, so you better get creating.

Simply Elegant

2012-02-11T12:02:00.000-05:00

It seems to be the most requested card type after Birthday's for my classes are Sympathy cards. I must admit, I really don't like them. Yes, the cards are usually pretty but I don't like the reasoning behind needing them. I guess most of us don't "like" giving them either but they are certainly a necessary card and are truly appreciated when received.

As you can probably tell by looking at some of my most recent posts, I'm really liking the neutral on neutral (white on white, vanilla on vanilla) look. It's so clean and simple. This card is no different. I used very vanilla cardstock for the base and then topped it with a layer that is 1/4" smaller. I then used a piece of the twitterpated designer paper. The flower is from the mixed bunch stamp set. I love this set because I love to cut out flowers but with this one I don't need to. There is a coordinating punch!!!! How awesome is that? And what's even better yet is that you can find all the supplies in the Occasions Mini Catalog.

I finished the flower off with one of the jelly bean brads. The flower is attached using dimensionals. See I can get them on any card. I used the With Sympathy greeting from the Loving Thoughts set also in the Occasions mini catalog.

Thanks for stopping by again. Hope to see you soon.

Oh How Sweet!

2012-02-10T12:00:00.002-05:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are showing projects made using products from the Sweet Shop (page 32 -35) product line in the Occasions Mini Catalog. There are so many great things to choose from: stamps, stickers, desiger series paper, brads, baker's twine, and embossing powder, that, get this, is scented. Three different scents to choose from: vanilla, cherry, and melon. They smell so yummy.

Get your smell-o-vision ready. Yes, my favorite movie is Willy Wonka so I think you should be able to smell how yummy these powders are. LOL

I used so many things from the Sweet Shop product suite on this one little card. I used both the Sweet Cake & the Mouthwatering stamp sets. I used Lucky Limeade baker's twine. Of course, the fun Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper was a must for this card. I also added 2 of the jelly bean brads to the top of the card. And to top the whole thing off, I embossed the cherries with the cherry embossing powder. They smell so yummy. (I guess you will just have to believe me on this one) So if you were counting that was a total of 6 different items from the Sweet Shop line. And if you didn't count, yes, you can go back and count now if you don't believe me.

I honestly can't pick just one item from those 4 pages in the Occasions mini that is my favorite. I think they all work so perfectly together.

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog to see what the other sisters created using products from the Sweet Shop line.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting me today.

Want to Join the Sale-a-bration?

2012-02-06T12:00:00.001-05:00

You can join the Stampin' Up! Family for a discounted price now through the end of March. Join for $125.

Plus you can choose between a FREE package of Designer Series Paper ($10.95 or less) or digital download (any price). This begins the month after you join Stampin' Up! You may alternate between Designer Series Paper and digital download each month. Free paper or digital download does not include tax or shipping. You must redeem your free item on a demonstrator order. If you choose not to add any other items to your order besides the free Designer Series Paper, you will incur the minimum shipping charge (there are no shipping charges for digital downloads). You must remain active during incentive period to be eligible for free items.

Included in the Starter Kit is:

123225 Easy Events (p. 57) $24.95                                                              115360 For All You Do (p. 112) $28.95
121915 Create a Cupcake (p. 68) $22.95                                                     122909 Triple Treat Flower (p.18) $8.95
113121 Cupcakes Stampin' Around® Wheel (p. 235)                             118486 Clear Block C (p. 205)

117155 Patterns Designer Series Paper Stack (p. 177) Brights
120954 Assorted color Smooth Card Stock (8-1/2" x 11") (p. 174)
100730 Card Stock (8-1/2 x 11) (p. 180) Whisper White Card Stock     114616 5/8" Satin Ribbon (p. 195) White
102283 VersaMark® Pad (p. 203) Ink pad $7.50 or less                          101179 Classic Stampin' Pad® (p. 180) Basic Black
102277 Classic Stampin' Pad (p. 177) Old Olive                                       105216 Classic Stampin' Pad (p. 177) Pumpkin Pie
103133 Classic Stampin' Pad (p. 177) Real Red
119677 Stampin' Write® Marker (p. 177) Daffodil Delight                     119679 Stampin' Write Marker (p. 178) Marina Mist
119787 Marina Mist Classic Refill (p. 178)                                                104332 SNAIL Adhesive® (p. 206)
102394 Stampin' Mist® (p. 207) or Stazon Cleaner
121807 Cupcake Punch (p. 213)or Any punch $23.95 or less
114779 Always Bird Décor Elements® (p. 233) or Chocolate Any Décor Elements $9.95 or less
107301 Medium Envelopes (40) (p. 182) White or Any envelopes $7.50 or less
120148 Color Coach (p. 174)

THE FOLLOWING KIT ITEMS HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE SELECTION: Stampin’ Around Self Inking Handle (standard), Uninked Cartridge (standard), Blender Pen (single), Stampin’ Scrub, Stampin’
Dimensionals®, Décor Elements Applicator Tool.

Business Supplies Included: (these items can not be substituted)
* Getting Started DVD                                                     • Getting Started Guide
• Guest Invitation Postcards (100)                                    • Catalogs (8)
• Mini Catalogs (8—when available)                                 • Recruit Folders (5)
• Recruit Brochures (20)                                                   • To My Hostess Envelopes (10)
• Project Sample Sheet                                                     • Customer Order Forms (50)
Let me know if you have any questions! I would love to get together with you and talk about any questions you may have.

Curious about My Digital Studio?

2012-02-04T12:00:00.001-05:00

Are you curious about Stampin' Up! My Digital Studio program? Wanna try it out before you purchase it? Well, now you can download a FREE 30 day trial. Isn't that pretty cool? You can try it out and ask me any questions you may have before you take the plunge and purchase the complete program. This is not a limited time offer. It is an ongoing offer from Stampin' Up! Although the time of your trial is limited to 30 days, you can download the program at any time.

My Digital Studio is not just for creating scrapbooks. You can make cards, calendars, journals, banners, and whatever else you can dream up. I've seen so many talented artists create wonderful projects using the My Digital Studio program.

Want your FREE download? Click HERE to download the program. Click on the Shop Now button. If you haven't placed an online order with me you will need to create an account, if you have placed an online order before you will simply need to sign in under the logo. Then click on the MDS logo on the right hand side of the screen for your FREE 30 day trial.

Here are some things you may be wondering about My Digital Studio:

* My Digital Studio Express includes one stamp brush set, 12 Designer Series Paper patterns, 81 embellishments, 26 punches, and 5 designer templates.

*There is a difference between My Digital Studio Express (which is the free download and My Digital Studio program you can purchase) My Digital Studio Express is My Digital Studio software that you can download directly to yourcomputer without having to wait for discs to be shipped to you. This program can be purchased after the 30 day free trial. The program functionality is exactly the same as the disc version of the software with less digital content.

*You will need to have access to the Internet both to place your "order" for the trial and to download the program.

*When you order the My Digital Studio Express Trial, you will receive the full version of My
Digital Studio Express. The free trial software will function exactly the same as if you had purchased
and installed the paid-for software--you can design, purchase downloads, and print. The only
difference is that you can only use the trial version for 30 days.

*To install the program after you have "purchased" it, you can access the My Digital Studio Express Trial download through the Downloads section of your account. (the one you used to Sign In or Create an Account, when ordering the free trial) Make sure you select Mac or Windows (depending on what you own), and the download and install wizards will walk you through the rest of the process.

*You have full access to everything you can do in My Digital Studio for a full 30 days. This
includes full designing functionality, printing, and the ability to purchase downloads.

*The 30 day trial starts as soon as you launch the program. It does not matter when you
download the program, your 30 days will start as soon as you actually open the program.

*You can order the My Digital Studio Trial at any time. The trial period is not tied to the calendar.
The trial period will begin as soon as you launch the program, and you will be able to use it for the
next 30 days.

*When you launch the software after the 30 day trial period is over, you will be prompted to enter a
product key. You will not be able to use the software again until you have entered a product key. You
can get a product key by purchasing My Digital Studio or My Digital Studio Express.
* If you order My Digital Studio Express, you will not need to reinstall the software. A product key will
be e-mailed to you. After you complete your purchase, just enter that product key when the program
prompts you for it. If you purchase the disc version of My Digital Studio, you will need to use the
installation discs in order to access the included digital content. The installation wizard will walk you
through the process, including entering the product key (which you'll receive with your shipped discs).
You will not lose any downloads or projects purchased or created from your 30-day trial period. Also,
when you purchase the software, you can load it on up to 2 computers, Mac or Windows, or both.

*You can purchase downloads during the 30 day period and you will have continued access to any downloads you purchase during the trial period after you purchase the program. If you choose to purchase the software, you will simply need to enter a product key, and you will be able to use all your downloads like normal. If you do not purchase the software, you will still have access to your downloads through your download manager, and you will be able to load them to the digital design software of your choice.

*The My Digital Studio digital downloads will work with any digital design program, not just My Digital Studio.

* You will not be able to edit any of your projects through My Digital Studio after the trial period has
ended unless you purchase the software. If you do chose to purchase the software, you will be able
to access and edit all your project files. If you choose not to purchase the software, we recommend
you save your projects prior to the end of your 30 day trial as .jpg files. You will then be able to use
them like any jpg (picture) files, after your trial is over.

*The My Digital Studio Express Trial will only work once on your computer. After your 30 days
are over, you need to purchase the software to continue using the program.

*If you don't want to purchase the software for your computer, you can uninstall the software at any time.

*Stampin' Up! occasionally offers free My Digital Studio downloads. These are generally promotions that
run for a short amount of time, and will be announced. Download some of our free digital downloads for the 2010 In Color Card Stock and Designer Series Papers.

*My Digital Studio will not work on an iPad. We do not have a My Digital Studio iPad app at this time.

*Check out MyDigitalStudio.net under the training sections for videos and resources that will help you learn how to use the program. This site is open to anyone (not just demonstrators).

Call me at 570-689-5371 or email me at dryurkanin@comcast.net if you have questions about
the My Digital Studio Trial. If I can’t answer your question myself, I will find the answer for you.

Valentine's Day is around the Corner

2012-02-03T12:37:00.000-05:00

The magical day of love, Valentin'es Day will soon be upon us. Have you made your special loved one a Valentine? This week at Sister's in Stamping we are sharing some great Valentine ideas with you.

I went for a really clean and simple look on my card. It was inspired from a card I saw on Pinterest. This is definitely an easy one for those of you who are like me and will wait until the 11th hour to make your card.

As if you couldn't tell, I'm really loving the look of white space lately. It just looks so clean. I started with a white base and then added a melon mambo layer that was mostly covered by another white layer. I then punched different colored pink hearts (two of each color except the red) from the small heart punch (great use of some scraps). I used pink pirouette, pretty in pink, regal rose, melon mambo and the last heart is real red. Before I attached the hearts, I stamped "got love?" from the Got Treats set in Melon Mambo. I also drew two squiggle lines on the right hand side of this layer so that the hearts look like they are attached by strings.

The hearts are attached to the card using dimensionals. The edges of the dimensional sheets are great for these small hearts. Lay them out on the line before removing the paper backing from the dimensional to be sure you have them in the right spots. Trust me, I've experienced running out of room before. After you layer the melon mambo cardstock and the stamped top layer together, add them to the front of your base using dimensionals.

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog to see what the others have created.

It's time to Sale-a-brate!

2012-01-30T10:44:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again, Sale-a-bration. It is my favorite Stampin' Up! time of year. Everyone wins with Sale-a-bration; customers, hostesses, and even new demonstrators. Which one do you want to be?

Customers earn a FREE item (stamps, cardstock, ribbon & brads combo, embossing folder, fabric, buttons, or designer series paper) from the Sale-a-bration brochure with every $50 order (the amount is before shipping and tax).

Hostesses earn a FREE reusable tote with a qualifying workshop of $150. And they earn a bundle of products with a $400 workshop. The bundle includes items from page 6 & 7 in the Sale-a-bration brochure, the Fresh Vintage stamp set (wood or clear mount), the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper and the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad pack.

New Demonstrators get to join the Stampin' Up! family for only $125 (discount of $50). You can customize your kit to get the items you would use. As a new demonstrator you will also be eligible to get a FREE paper pack or digital download every month for the rest of the year.

Isn't Sale-a-bration awesome? Now you know why it's my favorite time of year. I started my Stampin' Up! business 11 years ago during Sale-a-bration and haven't regretted a moment of it. I've worked and earned money when it was convenient for my family, I've earned sales and recruiting awards, travelled the United States and met so many wonderful demonstrators that I can now call friends from all over the country and Canada. Contact me today and we can discuss this great opportunity more.

Here is a card I made using a few of the items you would get for FREE as hostess with a $400 workshop and another stamp set from the Sale-a-bration brochure. It's a pretty simple card but I like it anyway. It uses the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series paper and the ribbon and brad pack. I also used the Sprinkled Expressions stamp set from the Sale-a-bration offerings.

Contact me today to place your Sale-a-bration qualifying order or to schedule your Sale-a-bration workshop (now through March 31). And if you want the best deal, contact me to join the Stampin' Up! family.

Gettin' Ready for Valentine's

2012-01-27T12:27:00.000-05:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are showing you some Valentine treat ideas. Valentine's Day is only a little over 2 weeks away so it is time to start thinking of what you want to make for your special

Sweetheart(s).Chocolate always comes to my mind for Valentine's day (of course, it comes to mind anytime I want it too, lol)

This week I used a small mason jar as the starting point for my special treat. It is filled with red, pink & white peanut M&M's. I then cut a circle (small cereal bowl size, yes, I put the bowl on the fabric and cut away) from the one design of the twitterpated fabric found in the Occasions Mini Catalog using pinking shears. I placed the metal flat lid on top of the jar then the fabric and then put the metal collar over the fabric to close the treat.

I cut four little hearts using the framelits dies and 2 hearts from batting. I sewed the hearts together (fabric, batting, fabric) and then sewed them onto a piece of white grosgrain ribbon.

To finish off the treat, I used the cherry cobbler dazzling details to outline the hearts and add some polka dots to the lid of the jar. I also added one dot to the ribbon that hearts are "hanging" from to look like a brad that is holding it on.

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for more Valentine treats ideas. Thanks for stopping by.

Awesome New Framelits

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are sharing some ideas using the great new framelits from the Occasions Mini. I really wasn't kidding when I said it is jam packed with great new products.

I decided to use the heart framelits with the coordinating Take It to Heart stamp set. So you can stamp one of the images and then you can "cut" it out very easily using the framelits. My favorite part of these framelits is that you can place them just where you want on the cardstock because they are just metal frames and not a big bulky die that you can't see through.

I also used the twitterpated Designer Series Paper from the Occasions Mini. As well as, the awesome 3/8" pleated Satin Ribbon in Baja Breeze.

Hope you enjoyed this card but don't forget to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog for even more ideas using the new framelits.

Annual Leadership Sale

2012-01-16T11:06:00.000-05:00

I am again holding my annual Stampin' Up! Leadership Sale. Place your order today, Monday, January 16, 2012 through Monday, January 23, 2012 by emailing it to me (please do not place order onlines because you will not receive the discount, I need to place orders in order for the discount to be applied) and you will receive the following:

10% off an order over $50 plus one Sale-a-bration item

15% off an order over $75 plus one Sale-a-bration item

20% off an order over $100 plus two Sale-a-bration items

orders over $150 will receive 20% off, and $25 in Hostess Dollars to spend on exclusive Hostess sets or catalog merchadise or a combination of the two (the new hostess plan is awesome, you can receive up to three hostess exclusive sets at the $150 level). Plus a reusable tote bag and 3 Sale-a-bration items. And this order (over $150) will be shipped direct to your door.

Don't forget the Occasions Mini catalog is now available to order from as well. It is jam packed with great new stamps, big shot dies, and accessories.

This special is offered by only me, Rachel Yurkanin, and is not a Stampin' Up! special or good through any other demonstrator.

This is just a little thank you for supporting me throughout the year. I appreciate it and want to give you a little something if you order this week. If you don't have the new catalog in hand yet, head on over to my website, www.rachelyurkanin.stampinup.net, to view both the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog and the Occasions Mini Catalog online. If you don't already have a catalog, I will get one to you when you place your order this week.

Book a Sale-a-bration workshop for February or March. Dates are filling quickly. A fun girls night in the middle of winter is a sure fire way to curb those Winter Blues. What are you wating for? Tell me which day works best for you and let's get planning.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sale-a-bration Sneak Peek

2012-01-13T13:00:00.000-05:00

I can't wait for the biggest sale of the Stampin' Up! year to begin. Just a little over a week left before Sale-a-bration begins. If you don't have your event planned yet, what are you waiting for? Contact me today to set your date. I love doing Sale-a-bration workshops, they are so much fun and everyone has the chance to get something for FREE.

Here is how a customer gets her FREE item - with every $50 purchase, you can select one item for FREE from the Sale-A-Bration brochure. This brochure includes exclusive items that are available ONLY during Sale-A-Bration as well as some handpicked items from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. There is no limit to the number of Sale-A-Bration items that you can earn, so get out your wish list and start earning those FREE things!

Here is why you want to hostess a workshop during Sale-a-bration - for a workshop that reaches $150 in sales, you will receive a free reusable shopping tote that is designed from the Sale-A-Bration Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper. And when your workshop sales reach $400, you will also receive a free bundle of Sale-A-Bration products that includes the Fresh Vintage stamp set and the coordinating Everyday Enchantment paper and accessories. You get all of this in addition to the already fabulous Hostess Benefits that you get all year ‘round!

And the icing on the cake, as a new demonstrator that joins the Stampin’ Up! family during Sale-A-Bration, you can start your own stamping business for only $125! It includes the standard Starter Kit and all of the perks and benefits … just at a lower cost to you. And when you join, you’ll get additional benefits for the rest of the year because each month, you will get to choose either a free pack of Designer Series Paper or a free digital download. Isn't it just a great time of year? I started my Stampin' Up! adventure 11 years ago during Sale-a-bration and I have never looked back.

And now onto the sneak peak I promised:

For this card, I used several different Sale-a-bration items. I used the Everyday Enchantment Designer Series Paper (three different patterns were used on the card). I also used the Elementary Elegance stamp set. I love the frame in that set. Notice the inside coordinates with the curly label punch. How cool is that? Then see that cute little bow on the bottom of the frame? The ribbon is from the Everyday Enchantment Ribbon & Brad Pack. I used both colors of ribbon for the bow.

Did I tease you enough? Want your own FREE items? Contact me today and let me know if you would like to place an order, book a workshop, or start your own Stampin' Up! adventure as a demonstrator.

Don't forget to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog for even more sneak peek items.

Sale-A-Bration starts on January 24th, so get your wish lists ready! Call or email me if you'd like to hold a workshop and earn free products, or if you would like more information or would

Rachel's January Stampin' Classes

2012-01-07T16:23:00.000-05:00

January 2012 Classes

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Let’s Get Punchy Class: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 6:30 PM
• Learn how to make 2 different characters/things using punches. You will make 2 cards and 2 6x6 pages. The pages are a great reference for later creating.
• This class will be offered on the second Tuesday of every month.
• Cost: Is $10.00 per person. This fee includes all supplies to complete the pages and cards. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Monday, January 9, 2012

Birthday Bash Class: Sunday, January 15, 2012 – 2:00 PM

• Get ready for all your birthdays for this year. Make 8 birthday cards: 4 designs, 2 of each design. There will be irthday cards for adult males, adult females and young boys and girls. You will also be making a birthday banner that can be used over and over as well as 2 other surprise birthday projects that will be great party favors.
• Cost: $25.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 12, 2012

Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, January 26, 2012 – 6:30 PM

• Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Big Shot Club, Sunday, January 29, 2012 2:00 PM

Do you love the big shot but can’t justify the expense all at once? Well, I have the perfect club for you. Read on for all the details.

• This club will run for 4 months and be $46 a month.
• At the end of the club you will have your own big shot machine, one die (p 222, $21.95), one textured impressions folder (p 218-219, $7.95), one Bigz L Die (p 221, $32.95), one embosslit die (p 216, $11.95), and one sizzlit die (p 224, $5.50).
• This is plenty of supplies to have a lot of fun playing with your new big shot at the end of the club.
• Each month we will meet and I will share 3 projects with you (that you will make as well) using the big shot. By the end of the club you will know how to work all the great tools that are available for the Big Shot. We won’t be using just paper either. I will show you several different materials that work wonderfully with the Big Shot.
• If you are unable to attend the make n take session, you can still join this club. I will make the projects for you and get them to you. So this is a club for everyone.
• Plus as a club member you will also receive $25 in hostess credit that you can use towards exclusive hostess sets and other catalog merchandise. Isn’t this a sweet deal?
• If you already own the Big Shot you are welcome to attend the class for $10 per month.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 26, 2012

Occasions Mini Catalog Favorites

2012-01-06T12:09:00.001-05:00

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday at Sisters in Stamping. This week we are sharing some of our favorite stamp sets from the Occasions Mini Catalog that made the big debut on Wednesday. Don't have your copy yet, let me know and I can get one out to you.

Let me tell you, it WAS NOT easy picking one favorite. There are so many awesome stamps in there that I was tempted to just make a card with a stamp from each one. Just kidding but really it wasn't easy picking.

I finally decided on the Baby Prints set. I do know a few people having babies and thought I would kill two birds with one stone. I just love the little hand prints. I think this set would also be good to use for preschoolers. You know those little sayings about handprints being all over? Now there's another idea for me to work on.

I made this card using pretty in pink and wisteria wonder as my main colors. You can easily change it out to certainly celery and bashful blue for a boy card. The wisteria wonder polka dot designer series paper comes from the awesome pack in the Sweet Shop product suite. The paper is also called Sweet Shop.

I just finished the card off with a little piece of 1/8" pretty in pink taffeta ribbon knotted over the designer paper. The main image (the handprints) is attached using dimensionals. But of course you knew that already, right?

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping to see what the favorite stamp set is for each "sister."

Ready for New

2011-12-30T12:18:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for New? New Year? New mini catalog? There is so many great new stamps and products in the new Occasions Mini Catalog that we (Sisters in Stamping) decided to give you a sneak peek at some of our favorite new items.

I used the Sweet Cake stamp set along with the Sweet Shop Designer Series Paper from the Sweet Shop Product Suite in the Occasions Mini Catalog. This card is what I actually used for my son's birthday invitation. He wanted cupcakes instead of a cake so I couldn't pass up the chance to use some of my new goodies.

I love using Designer Series paper because it makes picking colors to use really easy. They always go together perfectly and I don't have to worry.

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for more peeks.

Merry Christmas to You and Yours

2011-12-25T19:44:00.000-05:00

Just dropping in quickly to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. I'm enjoying a low-key day with my family and I hope your day is exactly what you wanted it to be as well.

This is a quick card that I designed using Stampin' Up!'s My Digital Studio program.

Merry Christmas!

And we are Done! We Did It! Week 12 Tutorial

2011-12-25T18:57:00.000-05:00

And we did it! We have reached the end of the line. So excited to share the last of the 12 weeks of Christmas tutorials with you. Here is the 12th and final tutorial in our "12 Weeks of Christmas" series of projects for 2011 - two fantastic ornaments. You can make these for yourself or have them on hand to give to others as gifts. Or you can do both, make a set for yourself and make a set for a gift.

You can purchase each week's tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95 (a savings of over $10!!).

To purchase just the tutorial for our Week 12 Ornaments for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

If you want to purchase all "12 Weeks of Christmas" tutorials at a discounted price of $24.95, a savings of over $10, click the "buy now" button below. If you choose to purchase the complete set now, I will email them to you as soon as your PayPal payment is processed. You will receive the complete tutorials with pictures and instructions.

Week 11 of 12 Weeks of Christmas - An Altered Organizer

2011-12-25T18:50:00.001-05:00

We're in the home stretch of our 12 week tutorial series! Here is the tutorial for Week 11, an altered organizer - the perfect size to slip in your purse or leave in your car to keep all your important thoughts, receipts and so much more all in one place.

Debbie designed this organizer with the gorgeous Paisley Petals DSP so that it would be great to use any time of year... making it a great gift-giving idea! When you open it up, you have a pen, notepad and pocket (handy for receipts and other slips of paper that you need to keep). See I told you there was so much more it was for.

You can purchase each week's tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95 (a savings of over $10!!). If you choose to purchase the complete set now, I will email you the tutorials as they are released.

To purchase the tutorial for our Week 11 Altered Organizer for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

If you want to purchase all "12 Weeks of Christmas" tutorials at a discounted price of $24.95, a savings of over $10, click the "buy now" button below. Each week as we release the projects, you will be emailed a complete tutorial with pictures and instructions.

Week 10 of 12 Weeks of Christmas Tutorial

2011-12-22T11:55:00.001-05:00

Okay so I'm a bit behind (I do realize that I don't have 2 more weeks before Christmas, even though I wish I did) but here is Week 10 for the 12 weeks of Christmas. Another tutorial will be coming by the end of today too.

This tutorial is a great Holiday decor piece that will last for many years to come. It would be a great addition to your Holiday decor. It is even a wonderful gift to make and give to your family and friends so they can enjoy it for many years as well.

To purchase the tutorial for our Week 10 Shadow Box Holiday Decor for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

If you want to purchase all "12 Weeks of Christmas" tutorials at a discounted price of $24.95, a savings of over $10, click the "buy now" button below. Each week as we release the projects, you will be emailed a complete tutorial with pictures and instructions.

Take some time to enjoy the holidays. Don't let the hustle and bustle take over. It's okay if you DON'T get everything done. That's how I'm approaching the Holiday this year.

Holiday Decor, Stampin' Up! Style

2011-12-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are sharing some Home Decor Ideas with everyone. I decided to share the Snowman that was made at one of my classes back in October. We also made a turkey and a pumpkin. All three use the decor blocks used in the Idea Book & Catalog.

Just sharing the Snowman today because I thought the other two were, well ya know, out of season. So you can purchase one set of decor blocks (4 to a pack) and make the complete set like we did at the class or you can just make 2 snowmen from it. Your choice. Love being able to give you choices.

The big shot was used to give the snowman texture. We used the Snow Burst embossing folder from the Holiday mini (remember it's available until January 3, 2012). The mouth, eyes, and buttons used the little flower type punch from the trio pack (I thought it looked more like coal that way). The nose was just the tip from the pennant punch. Used the poppy parade ribbon for the hat and the scarf. I love the way the snowflake felt accent finishes it off nicely.

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping for more home decor ideas.

Clearance Rack Updated, Go Check It Out

2011-12-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

Stampin' Up! just updated the Clearance rack, you MUST go check it out. There are great deals that you won't want to miss out on. You can place your order through my online store for any of these items. Remember all of these items are limited so don't delay becaus eit may be gone when you finally decide.

Look at some of these fabulous items that you can get for a fraction of the original catalog price!!!

Big Shot Dies (a whole lot of them, great deals!)

Designer Series Paper packs

Buttons

The beautiful Christmas Box Kit

Glitter (My favorite)

Gusseted Envelopes (so fun looking with endless possibilites)

Punches (lot to choose from and they are all the old style design)

Ribbon, Ribbon, and More Ribbon

Simply Scrappin' Kits (get some for great gifts or to make your own scrapbooking easier)

Did I peak your interest? Head over to my online store to see all that is available and to place your order today. Remember if you place a $50 order (prior to shipping and tax) you will earn a block on my 50/50 chart and be entered into the drawing for a $50 Stampin' Up! Gift Certificate from me.

What are you waiting for????? Hurry!

Great little gift ideas!

2011-12-15T10:15:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for some quick and easy gifts to add to a gift basket or have on hand for teachers, colleagues and neighbors? Then you'll love the tutorial for this week! Pick up some fun Christmas earrings, lip balm and giant candy bars and we'll show you how to wrap and present them in a fun way with this step-by-step tutorial, complete with tons of pictures to show you exactly how to recreate them!!

You can purchase each week's tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95 (a savings of over $10!!). If you choose to purchase the complete set now, I will email you the tutorials each week as they are released.

To purchase the tutorial for our Week 9 Quick & Easy Gifts for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

If you want to purchase all "12 Weeks of Christmas" tutorials at a discounted price of $24.95, a savings of over $10, click the "buy now" button below. Each week as we release the projects, you will be emailed a complete tutorial with pictures and instructions.

A pretty way to give a Gift

2011-12-09T12:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to another great week of stamping and creating at Sisters in Stamping. This week we are focusing on gift card holders. We all say they are the perfect gift for those people who are difficult to buy for, right? Well, now we can give them those awesome gifts in a fabulous holder that will be sure to please them just as much as the gift itself.

I used the Stocking die and the big shot to make my gift card holder. I used very vanilla cardstock to cut two of each piece from the die. On the front of the stocking I embossed using the Northern Flurry folder. For the cuff, toe, and heel of the stocking I used the Snow burst folder to carry over the snowflake theme. I used some dazzling diamonds on the large snowflake on the stocking for some added pizzazz. To finish it off I made a bow using baja breeze and very vanilla seam binding and marina mist 1/8" taffeta ribbon. The bow is secured using an Antique brad.

I used the tombo multi purpose adhesive (aka green glue) to glue the stocking together (don't put glue on the top) and it was used to glue the pieces on too. I used a dimensional on the back of the brad to attach the bow to the stocking.

Be sure to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for even more great gift card holder ideas.

Updated December Classes

2011-12-06T11:00:00.001-05:00

**Stampin’ Classes**

Gather your friends for a night of fun while you earn free stamps and supplies. These would include ideas for cards, invites, favors, decorations, etc. Book your Sale-a-bration Workshop now. There are some really great new items that you and your guests can get for FREE with any $50 order prior to shipping and tax. Plus the new Occasions Mini Catalog debuts on January 4th and it is jammed packed with many, many great new stamps and products.

December Special Buy:

This is available December 1 through December 15. This sale is only available through Rachel Yurkanin, Independent Demonstrator and is not a Stampin' Up! promotion.

Snail Adhesive - Buy 12 snail adhesive refills for $45. (That's a savings of over 30% off regular cost of $62.96). Must buy 12 refills to get the sale price. You can buy more than the 12 and still get the dicounted price. Each additional refill over 12 would be $3.75 each.

December 2011 Classes

(December Classes are different than the usual monthly classes offered due to the hustle and bustle of the holidays and small amount of time available. Punch class and big shot will be back in January)

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Holiday Shopping & Craft Show – Swiftwater Elementary School Thursday, December 8, 2011, Mt. Pocono 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Come visit me at the craft show. I will have some hand-stamped, hand-crafted items for sale. Tell your friends about it too.

Christmas Gift Giving Class: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:00 PM

• Come and make 4 different small gifts for that you can give this holiday season. The gifts will be great for coworkers, neighbors, friends and family that you want to give a little something to but don't want to spend a lot of money on.
Some of the gift items are:
* a long, skinny notepad magnet for the fridge. The top will be decorated.
* Christmas fudge (which is really just a wrapped giant chocolate bar)
* a mason jar with the top decorated with Designer paper and a poofy flower on top with ribbon around the band filled with some candy.
The last one will be a surprise.
*• Cost: $20.00 This fee includes all supplies to complete the projects. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas/Winter Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, December 15, 2011 – 6:30 PM

• Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Catch up Part 2

2011-12-04T12:00:00.001-05:00

Part 2 of playing catch up. But I thank God that I am now all caught up and not behind. Thanks for understanding and bearing with me. I really appreciate it.

You can purchase each tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95. If you choose to purchase the complete set now, I will email you the tutorials each week as they are released. Our tutorials give you complete directions along with measurements and tons of photos to help you re-create the project with ease.

To purchase the tutorial for our Week 6 Gift Tag Pouch for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

To purchase the complete set of 12 tutorials for $24.95 click the "buy now" button below.

Playing Catch Up Part 1

2011-12-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

I just realized that I didn't post week 6 and week 7 of the 12 weeks of Christmas tutorials. I sent them out to the people that bought the complete set of tutorials but didn't post here. They are really nice projects so I better do it now before you miss out on them.

Obviously life has gotten in the way but it is back on track (just the normal hustle and bustle of the holidays now). Guess that happens to all of us from time to time, right?

I will post week 6 today and then come back tomorrow for week 7.

This week is a set of gift tags and a great holder to store them in. We can always use more gift tags to put on those great gifts we are buying for our loved ones this time of year.

You can purchase each tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95. If you choose to purchase the complete set now, I will email you the tutorials each week as they are released. Our tutorials give you complete directions along with measurements and tons of photos to help you re-create the project with ease.

To purchase the tutorial for our Week 6 Gift Tag Pouch for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

To purchase the complete set of 12 tutorials for $24.95 click the "buy now" button below.

12 Weeks of Christmas - Week 8

2011-12-02T17:00:00.004-05:00

It's the 8th week of Christmas and what do we have for you today? We have the complete tutorials to make a 6x6 scrapbook with 20 pages using the Simply Scrappin kit from the Holiday Mini catalog. It is such a great project to make to keep for yourself or to give away as a gift. And actually you can make 2 albums from one Simply Scrappin' kit so why don't you do both.

This is a teaser I know but you will love the tutorial because you can make the whole album (20 pages included) in about 2 hours.

You can purchase this individual tutorial for $2.95 by clicking on the BUY NOW button below

You can purchase all 12 of the 12 weeks of Christmas tutorials for $24.95 by clicking on the BUY NOW button below.

2011-12-02T15:00:00.001-05:00

**Stampin’ Classes**

By Rachel Yurkanin – Stampin Up! Demonstrator
570-689-5371 Email: dryurkanin@comcast.net
Website: www.rachelyurkanin.stampinup.net

Gather your friends for a night of fun while you earn free stamps and supplies. These would include ideas for cards, invites, favors, decorations, etc. Book your Sale-a-bration Workshop now. There are some really great new items that you and your guests can get for FREE with any $50 order prior to shipping and tax. Plus the new Occasions Mini Catalog debuts on January 4th and it is jammed packed with many, many great new stamps and products.

December Special Buy:
This is available December 1 through December 15. This sale is only available through Rachel Yurkanin, Independent Demonstrator and is not a Stampin' Up! promotion.

Snail Adhesive - Buy 12 snail adhesive refills for $45. (That's a savings of over 30% off regular cost of $62.96). Must buy 12 refills to get the sale price. You can buy more than the 12 and still get the dicounted price. Each additional refill over 12 would be $3.75 each.

And remember if you purchase $50 worth of product (prior to shipping and tax) your name will go in a square on the 50/50 chart for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate or a stamp set.

GIFT CERTIFICATES:
It's that time of year when we are buying gifts for our friends and loved ones. Don't foget I always offer the perfect gift for any stamper, a Stampin' Up! gift certificate. Tell your friends and family you want one too. Give them my number or email for a subtle hint. (wink, wink!)

Or if you want gifts under the tree send me your wish list and a number or two of some people you will be getting gifts from and I will give work with them to get your favorite gift, Stampin' Up! supplies. I will even gift wrap it for them.

December 2011 Classes

(December Classes are different than the usual monthly classes offered due to the hustle and bustle of the holidays and small amount of time available. Punch class and big shot will be back in January)

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Craft Show – Swiftwater Elementary School Thursday, December 8, 2011, Mt. Pocono 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Come visit me at the craft show. I will have some hand-stamped, hand-crafted items for sale. Tell your friends about it too.

Christmas Gift Giving Class: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2:00 PM
* Come and make 4 different small gifts for that you can give this holiday season. The gifts will be great for coworkers, neighbors, friends and family that you want to give a little something to but don't want to spend a lot of money on.

* Cost: $20.00 This fee includes all supplies to complete the projects. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas/Winter Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, December 15, 2011 – 6:30 PM
• Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Winter Wishes

2011-12-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Today at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on Winter/Christmas thank you cards. We can never have too many thank you cards this time of year (or anytime for that matter).

I went for the non-traditional card this time around. I love snowmen so I like to use them as often as possible. The Merry Winter set is so fun (it also isn't the traditional looking snowmen, they look like they should be smore snowmen, what do you think?)

I used some non-traditional Christmas colors but I love the way this card looks. It's soooooo fun. I used the Brights patterns paper pack (tempting turquoise, rich razzleberry, and old olive). Whisper white is the base and then I used the same colors cardstock as the patterned paper for the next layer. Then I used another layer of whisper white before attaching the patterned paper. I like how this card has nice, clean straight lines but has a fun look because of the different directions of the lines and the different sizes of rectangles used.

Of course, I used dimensionals. Didn't want you to think I forgot them. The snowmen are attached to the card with them.

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping to see what the others created today.

Have a great weekend.

Black Friday Gifts from the Comfort of your Home

2011-11-25T11:29:00.000-05:00

Hello Stamping Friends,

Hope you had a Blessed Thanksgiving Day with your family yesterday. And if you were one of those people waiting in lines for awesome Black Friday deals, hope you got what you wanted and are now home resting. This week at Sisters in Stamping we have a few of our own Black Friday gifts for you to make from the Comfort of your Home. No lines, no missing out on that great deal, just great gifts that you can make yourself this holiday season.

I made this adorable little keychains using the Pocketful of Posies Designer Series Paper, On Board (chipboard) Sheets, Tombo Multipurpose Adhesive, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, the butterfly die for the big shot and the Crop-a-dile. See not too many products so that means they really are easy to make. You can make a bunch of these in no time at all.

Step 1: Cut On Board sheets to fit the two whole butterflies on the die (you can't make these using the half butterflies because the chipboard won't fold in half).

Step 2: Cut Designer Series Paper to the same size as the chipboard.

Step 3: Using tombo multipurpose adhesive, glue the DSP to the chipboard.

Step 4: Die cut the butterflies using the Big Shot.

Step 5: Glue the smaller butterfly to the center of the larger butterfly.

Step 6: Punch hole in top of wing using Crop-a-dile

Step 7: Cover the entire surface of the butterfly with Crystal Effects (not too much because it will run off).

Step 8: Sprinkle some Dazzling Diamonds over entire butterfly to make it sparkle.

Step 9: After you let if dry for several hours, put a ball and chain keychain through the hole and your gift if finished.

As you can see, I used all the different papers that come in the Pocketful of Posies pack to make them all individual. It's so easy to make many of these at one time. Just glue all the different papers on, cut out the butterflies, and then arrange them to your liking (don't glue until you are finished cutting all of them, just in case you want to switch some around).

These would make great teachers gifts, co-workers, Sunday School teachers, neighbors or for anyone else you want to give a little gift to but don't want to or simply can't afford to spend too much money. It certainly a gift from the heart.

The keychain can be used just as that or put it on a bag to make it a little more unique.

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for even more hand made gifts that you can make for your family and friends this holiday season.

Tag Time, Christmas Tags, that is!

2011-11-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

Today at Sisters in Stamping we are helping your get a jump start on your Christmas tags. I'm sure many have already started their Christmas shopping and maybe even wrapping, so now some tags would be great. I've started some shopping but definitely no wrapping. I'm sure I'll be wrapping on Christmas Eve like always. There was one year when I didn't do that and that was the year Jonah was born. I had to be ready by December 18 because on December 19th I was headed to the hospital for a c-section to bring my baby boy into the world. That was a great early Christmas present. Not sure if I'll ever be ready before Christmas Eve again because now I have a birthday to plan and celebrate that is only a few days before Christmas. Doesn't matter, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

The tags I created are a miniature version of a card we made at my Stamp a Stash last night. These are super cute (if I do say so myself) and very quick and simple to make a bunch of them. I used the Pennant Parade stamp set to make the tree. Colors used were Early Espresso, Pear Pizzazz, Cherry Cobbler (for the greeting) and Whisper White.

The tree is attached to the tags with dimensionals (didn't want to let anyone down). Maybe I should challenge myself to create some things without using dimensionals. (Maybe not, the stress may be too much for me to handle, LOL).

I finished the tag off with some Dazzling Diamonds glitter. I needed to make the tree sparkle. I think I will definitely be making more of these little guys. Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for even more great tag ideas.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Thanksgiving Treat

2011-11-11T11:54:00.001-05:00

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday. I'm so thankful that you come back and check my blog often and for the support you give me throughout the year.

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are sharing Thanksgiving gift ideas. These ideas can be used for table favors, placecards, or a little gift to give to the hostess of your Thanksgiving dinner.

I used the matchbox die to make a favor box that would be stunning on any Thanksgiving dinner table. If you wanted to you can replace the Happy Thanksgiving greeting with a name and it can easily double as your favor and your placecard for the table. I love when things can do double duty, don't you?

I used the great Gently Falling stamp set for the focal images on my treat box. They are stamped in riding hood red, always artichoke and pumpkin pie. (Two of those colors are foods that you can have on your Thanksgiving dinner, lol) I also embossed some small pieces of sahara sand cardstock with the vintage wallpaper folder to stick on the top and the sides of my box slider. Just wanted some texture on the box. But if I embossed the whole slider piece I would loose my score lines that were done while I cut with the big shot.

Here's the another view of the box. I used cherry cobbler seam binding for some added dimension. I love how easy that stuff is to work with. The leaves are attached with dimensionals (you knew that already, right?) and the greeting tag is as well. You can fill this box with any treat you would like. I course have mine filled with chocolate. This box will hold 2 miniatures, or 4 nuggets. If you use nuggets, remember to stamp some labels for them using the It's a Wrap Holiday stamp set. The thanksgiving one works great with the leaves.

Be sure to head on over to Sisters in Stamping for even more great ideas for your Thanksgiving table.

On Dasher! Ready for Christmas?

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday with the Sisters in Stamping. This week we are giving you some great Christmas ideas to get you started with your Christmas crafting.

I decided to use the good 'ole Dasher stamp. He's been around for a few years but he still makes a great card (and pretty quickly I might add). This card took about a total of 10 minutes from start to finish. It's a pretty easy card to mass produce for your Christmas cards. Especially if you have a large number of recipients you are sending to.

The colors used here are Marina Mist, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White. I used the Snow Burst embossing folder to give some added texture to the card. I really like the simplicity of the ribbon on this card. It's just a strip of ribbon that is cut on each end and layed flat on the card. No tying bows or knotting here. That means anyone can use ribbon. I added dazzling diamonds with the 2 way glue pen to Dasher's antlers as well as the little snowflakes on the embossed white cardstock. I know you can't see it here but honestly, it's there. I promise.

See!!! I told you it was there. This is just a close up of dasher so you can see the glitter better. Of course, it really isn't sparkling the way it does in real life but you will have to trust me on this one, it's really pretty.

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping to see even more Christmas ideas.

Have a great weekend. And if you live in the area, stop by Holy Cross High School in Dunmore on Sunday and visit me at the craft show. I will have some handmade items for sale as well as some retired Stampin' Up! product.

Week 5 - Twelve Weeks of Christmas

2011-11-03T20:28:00.001-04:00

This week's tutorial is a trio of gift card holders. I don't know about you, but we seem to be purchasing more and more gift cards to give to family and friends for Christmas and birthdays. Here are three fun and different ways to package those gift cards so that they are wrapped nice and pretty. One is a pouch, one is a pocket and one is an ornament that you can hang on the tree until it's time to open on Christmas morning!!

You can purchase each tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95. If you choose to purchase the complete set now, I will email you the tutorials each week as they are released. Our tutorials give you complete directions along with measurements and tons of photos to help you re-create the project with ease.

To purchase the tutorial for our Week 5 Gift Card Trio for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

To purchase the complete set of tutorials for $24.95 click the "buy now" button below.

November Stamp Classes: Reserve your Spot today

2011-10-29T17:50:00.001-04:00

November 2011 Classes

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Christmas Card Making Crop: Friday, November 4, 2011 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

This will be held at the Sleep Inn in Dunmore (just off the O’Neill Highway)
• This is the second annual Christmas card crop. Last year was a blast. You bring all your supplies to make your Christmas cards in the company of other fun stampers. We will even help you design your card if you would like some opinions.
• There will be plenty of samples to use for inspiration as well.
• There will be 2 make n takes for you to complete
• Dinner of pizza and salad with dessert is included in the fee for the night.
• You can come when you want and stay until you want. You do not need to be there from beginning to end. The make n takes will be available for the complete time.
• Cost: $20.00 per person
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 3, 2011

Mystery Hostess Party: Saturday, November 5, 2011 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Everyone is invited to this party. Bring a friend and get a gift. (Isn’t that awesome?)
• Place an order of $25.00 and your name will be entered into a drawing for some hostess benefits. Actually you will receive an entry for each $25.00 of products that you order. Great time to buy some Christmas gifts or get your supplies for all your Holiday crafting needs. The 50/50 chart is back so if you spend $50 your name will go in a space on the chart for a chance at winning a $50 gift certificate.
• Specials for that day only. If you are unable to come and want to place an order I will still extend the specials to you. Call me that day to find out what they are.
• Retired products will be waiting for you as well. Special deal for that day is that you will get half of your purchase of retired product in new catalog product. (example: buy $40 in retired product and receive $20 in new catalog goodies).
• There will be 2 make n takes for all attendees to make.
• Light Refreshments will be here as well.
• Please let me know if you are able to come.

Craft Show – Holy Cross High School on Drinker Street in Dunmore Sunday, November 6, 2011 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Come visit me at the craft show. I will have some hand-stamped, hand-crafted items for sale. Tell your friends about it too.

Let’s Get Punchy Class: Tuesday, November 8, 2011 6:30 PM
• This month is a little different from the usual Punch class. We will me using the owl punch to make different types of owls and other things. We will only be making 6x6 pages so we can make more items. The owl punch is so versatile that I can do a whole series of classes focusing on that individual punch.
• This class will be offered on the second Tuesday of every month. (regular punch class)
• Cost: For the month of November is $15.00 if you bring your owl punch with you. If you do not have the owl punch the cost of the class will be $25.00 (this fee includes your very own owl punch that you will be able to take home and use over and over again). This fee includes all supplies to complete the pages. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 3, 2011

Craft Show – Sunday, November 13, 2011 Jefferson Elementary School on Lions Club Road in Jefferson Twp 10:00 AM – 3:00PM

Come visit me at the craft show. I will have some hand-stamped, hand-crafted items for sale. Tell your friend about it too.

Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, November 17, 2011 – 6:30 PM

• Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Big Shot Club, Sunday, November 20, 2011 2:00 PM

Do you love the big shot but can’t justify the expense all at once? Well, I have the perfect club for you. Read on for all the details.

* This club will run for 4 months and be $46 a month.
• At the end of the club you will have your own big shot machine, one die (p 222, $21.95), one textured impressions folder (p 218-219, $7.95), one Bigz L Die (p 221, $32.95), one embosslit die (p 216, $11.95), and one sizzlit die (p 224, $5.50).
• This is plenty of supplies to have a lot of fun playing with your new big shot at the end of the club.
• Each month we will meet and I will share 3 projects with you (that you will make as well) using the big shot. By the end of the club you will know how to work all the great tools that are available for the Big Shot. We won’t be using just paper either. I will show you several different materials that work wonderfully with the Big Shot.
• If you are unable to attend the make n take session, you can still join this club. I will make the projects for you and get them to you. So this is a club for everyone.
• Plus as a club member you will also receive $25 in hostess credit that you can use towards exclusive hostess sets and other catalog merchandise. Isn’t this a sweet deal?
• If you already own the Big Shot you are welcome to attend the class for $10 per month.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 17, 2011

Craft Show – Saturday, November 19, 2011Fraternal Order of Eagles 493 Meridan Avenue (corner of Meridan and Luzerne, next to Laser Lube) in Scranton 10:00 AM – 3:00PM

Come visit me at the craft show. I will have some hand-stamped, hand-crafted items for sale. Tell your friend about it too.

Time to Make your Christmas Cards

2011-10-28T13:41:00.000-04:00

Friday, November 4, 2011
Sleep Inn, Dunmore (just off O'Neill Highway)
6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
$20 per person (includes pizza, salad, dessert, 2 make n takes, plenty of samples for inspiration)
RSVP: November 2, 2011

Space is limited so reserve today.

(You can click on the picture to see all the details in LARGER print)

Trick or Treat time, right?

2011-10-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are sharing Halloween treat ideas with you. This is definitely a holiday all about the kids and their treats. The more candy the better (at least in the kids eyes).

I used the 1"x8" (I'll call them tall and skinny) cellophane bags that are found in the Holiday Mini Catalog (p11). What a deal, 50 bags for $2.50. I paired it with the awesomely fun set Spooky Bingo Bits, a couple of punches (1", 1 1/4" and 1 3/8" circle punches and the scallop circle punche) some dimensionals and ta-da, look at these adorably cute, "spooky" treats.

Notice I carefully picked out the orange and purple (rich razzleberry) pixie sticks to fill my bag. There are so many things you can fill the bags with: pencils, licorice sticks, skittles, m&m's and so much more. When you are out shopping you will begin to look at candies and treats a little differently while asking will this fit in those bags?

Here's just a close up of the toppers. These came together very quickly and would be a great last minute treat to make for your little ghouls.

Have a great weekend. We are gearing up for some snow tomorrow. Plus we got some last night too. So not ready for winter, it's only October.

Week 4 of 12 Weeks of Christmas - Snow Banner

2011-10-27T12:00:00.003-04:00

This week's project is a sparkly "SNOW" banner perfect for hanging on your mantel. I know you will get a lot of use out of this project, either as a gift for a loved one or holiday decoration for yourself!

You can purchase each tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95. If you choose to purchase the complete set now, I will email you the tutorials each week as they are released (you will get 4 right now). Our tutorials give you complete directions along with measurements and tons of photos to help you re-create the project with ease.

To purchase the tutorial for our Week 4 Snow Banner for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

To purchase the complete set of 12 tutorials for $24.95 click the "buy now" button below.

Time to be Thankful

2011-10-21T12:00:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year when we all need to stop and give thanks for all the wonderful blessings we have in our lives. Here in America we are blessed beyond belief and should not take any of that for granted. Even though times are harder now than they were several years ago, we still have a lot more than many other countries.

So in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving season at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing our efforts on Thanksgiving cards today. I did very little stamping but a whole lot of big shotting (is that a word?) on my card this week. I really like the way it turned out too. Guess that's a good thing. (LOL)

I used 5 different texture impressions embossing folders (stripes, frame, houndstooth, dots, and lattice), one bigz die and 2 different sizzlet dies (leaves and pumpkin) to make this beauty. I simply can't help myself with the embossing folders. I feel the need to texturize every piece that I cut with the big shot. To me, it just finishes it off nicely and brings the whole thing more to life.

The base layer of my card is vanilla and than I cut the next layer from vanilla as well and that's what is embossed with the frame. Only one lonely little stamp on this card and that is the greeting from the Teeny Tiny Wishes set. Love that set, it has everything in it. When I need a particular saying and can't find it in any other set, I know it will be in that set.

Here's a close up of the corner with all the layers of leaves and pumpkins. Wanted you to see the beauty of texturizing up close. Now imagine it without the texture. Not quite the same "wow factor," huh?

Hope you have been inspired to make your own Thanksgiving cards. I think a smaller version of this would also be nice as placecards at your Thanksgiving dinner table. Why don't you give it a try?

Remember to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog to see the other cards created by the rest of the "sisters."

Week 3 Twelve Weeks of Christmas

2011-10-19T15:11:00.002-04:00

This week's project is a fun gift box with matching mini note cards. I know you have someone on your Christmas list that would just love to receive this gift! You could easily make a bunch of these from a single pack of Designer Series paper, several sheets of card stock and a few colors of ink along with your Big Shot and some punches.

You can purchase each tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95. If you choose to purchase the complete set now, I will email you the tutorials each week as they are released. Our tutorials give you complete directions along with measurements and tons of photos to help you re-create the project with ease.

To purchase the tutorial for our Week 3 Gift Box with Mini Notecard Set for $2.95 click the "buy now" button below.

If you want to purchase all "12 Weeks of Christmas" tutorials at a discounted price of $24.95, a savings of over $10, click the "buy now" button below. Each week as we release the projects, you will be emailed a complete tutorial with pictures and instructions.

Lovin' My Digital Studio

2011-10-14T10:37:00.000-04:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are showcasing My Digital Studio scrapbook pages. If you haven't worked with this program what are you waiting for? It is simply awesome. I will admit that I haven't done too much with it but after making the page for this week, I can't wait to play some more and get a ton of downloads. I haven't bought too many yet (and new ones are released EVERY Tuesday) but I think that will be changing (like right now).

I made a Halloween page using some pictures from last year. It would be so easy to create a whole album without much work. I like the fact that I didn't need to pull out my supplies and then realize I forgot something, so up to the stamp room I go to get those missing items. If I forgot something and decided to add it all I needed to do was a click of the mouse to get it. Sooooooo cool!!!!!!!

Look at those adorable kids. Jonah was Officer Jonah and Noah was a skateboarder (don't think he really dressed up since that's what he does on a daily basis). I created a 11 x 8 1/2" page. I like this size and layout and really want to create a whole book like this. Guess I better get started.

Anyway on this page, I used so many things that if it was using traditional methods for scrapbooking I would have to put sooooo many things away. I used stamps, punches, cardstock, ink, ribbon, staples, hodgepodge hardware, designers series paper, and stitching. The only clean up I had was to shut the lid of my laptop and put it away. AWESOME!!!!!!

Here is the most awesome thing.....Stampin' Up! has a website that is exclusive for My Digital Studio and anyone can access it to get tons of ideas. There are tips, discussion boards, samples, videos and so much more. So if you need more inspiration it is only a click away.

Do you have any teens in your life? My Digital Studio would be a great program for them. They are so tech savvy that they would love creating with this program. It would be great for school projects. It's not just for scrapbooking either. There are cards, recipe cards, calendars, banners and so much more that you can make with this program.
Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping site for other samples using My Digital Studio.

Week 2 of the Twelve Weeks of Christmas

2011-10-13T09:34:00.006-04:00

Are you ready for another great project? Here is Week 2's project and tutorial for the Twelve Weeks of Christmas. An organizer/planner to help you get ready and stay organized for the hustle and bustle that awaits us every year at this time.

Remember you can purchase each tutorial individually for $2.95 or buy all 12 of them for only $24.95. You can purchase the complete set now and as each week's project is released, I will email you the tutorial. The tutorials list complete directions along with measurements to re-create the project with ease.

Complete set of 12 Tutorials. One will be emailed to you each week.

Let these tutorials help you have a handmade Christmas a little easier and less stressful.

Fall is Gently Falling Upon Us

2011-10-07T18:12:00.001-04:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on more Fall ideas. Can never have too many, right? Guess, I can't avoid and pretend much longer that it's no longer Summer. The Fall/Halloween stuff must come out this weekend. Gotta get in the spirit of the season, even though I my heart remains in Summer.

The card I'm sharing with you is a card I did this month at my Stamp a Stash class. I love it so much I wanted to share it with even more stampers. I used the Gently Falling set from the Holiday Mini catalog. I got the set FREE as a demonstrator title benefit and I have been using it a lot. If you want to earn free stamps and accessories join my Stampin' Up! team this month and start off with getting a Big Shot for FREE with your starter kit. So for $175.00 you will get over $450 worth of product. I'd love to get together and chat with you about this awesome opportunity.

I also used the houndstooth embossing folder. The base of the card is very vanilla and the embossed layer is 1/2 smaller and also very vanilla. The tone of tone look gives a great frame effect. It's a pretty simple card but it's great because it can serve many purposes. Thank you, thinking of you, Happy Birthday and so much more. The most difficult part of this card is cutting out the leaves that were stamped on the Spice Cake designer series paper. They are attached with dimensionals as well as the punched saying.

Head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog to see more Fall ideas. Next week we will be sharing MDS Halloween pages.

12 Weeks of Christmas

2011-10-04T12:04:00.004-04:00

I am so excited to share the news that I have collaborated with my very dear friend Debbie Naylor to bring you "Get Creative with Rachel and Debbie" - a series of tutorials that we are kicking off with a "12 weeks of Christmas" campaign. You can purchase individual week's project tutorials for $2.95 each or all 12 weeks for $24.95. Each week we will debut a new project for you - perfect for holiday gift-giving. If you would like to purchase the tutorial, simply click on the PayPal "buy it now" button and once your payment is processed I will email you the full color tutorial complete with photos and supply list.

And now, I present to you our Week 1 project - it is a Fold Out photo book featuring the Beau Chateau Designer Series Paper and Elements of Style stamp set. It is sized at 6" x 6" and has seven pages for filling with photos and journaling to capture your memories.

$2.95 For Week 1 Instructions Click Buy Now Button Below

Great Stampin' Up! Specials for October

2011-10-03T22:45:00.000-04:00

You are not going to want to miss out on these great specials for October. There is literally something for everyone. I'm so excited about these specials, I can't stand it. You better just look below to see for yourself.

Here's the first (and I think most awesome) special for anyone who joins the Stampin' Up! family during October. Do you see that? Can you believe it?

Stampin' Up! is giving any person who joins the Stampin' Up! family a FREE Big Shot with the purchase of the starter kit. (Yes, I said FREE!!!!!!!!) Isn't that just the best thing since sliced bread? Don't worry if you already have a big shot and don't need a second one, you can choose $100 worth of product instead. So you can get a ton of great accessories and dies for your big shot or anything else you want from the current catalogs.

During the entire month of October, join my team as either a hobby or business demonstrator for the regular kit price ($175 + tax) and you will get a FREE Big Shot or up to $100 in free Stampin’ Up! products from our current catalogs!!

*Signing up as a demonstrator at the beginning of a quarter is especially beneficial! Your first $300 order will not be due until the end of March 2012! Of course there are benefits of placing an order within 45 days of signing up, like the 30% off your first order of $150 or more instead of the standard 20%!

Details:
When you sign up online you will receive an email (within one hour) with a special item number to order your Big Shot or $100 in free goodies. Shipping is FREE!

You can't go over the $100 for your freebies – get as close to $100 as you can but don't go over because it won't be accepted.

Want to go over any questions or concerns you may have? Contact me and we can schedule some time to chat. It's a great opportunity that you won't want to miss out on. Deadline (via online) is Monday, October 31, 2011.

Next up is the clearance rack. Stampin' Up! has updated the clearance rack with many great items at a deeply discounted rate. Things like the bat punch, large heart punch, several different designer series papers, big shot dies, wheels and so much more. Head over to my store to place your order today.

Here's a fun, new product for all you bakers out there. Cookie stamps. What will Stampin' Up! think of next? The cookies stamps include a smooth, solid wood, fitting in the palm of your hand handle and three interchangeable stamp images, a jack-l-latern, a snowflake and a heart for $16.95 (item number 125152).

Included are two recipes for you to use with the cookie stamps as well as some tips for using. The stamps are food-safe and child-friendly.

And finally we have the Simply Sent Kits on special for October. These make great gifts for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who likes to give cards. Plus these are great for those of you who want a home-made card but find yourself short on time. Buy any two Simply Sent card kits and you get a coordinating stamp set for FREE!!

Buy any two of the following Simply Sent Kits:

Page                           Item                   Description                               Price
192                          122375               Simply Sent Great Day              $12.95
193                          122377               Simply Sent Everyday Elegance $11.95
193                          122376               Simply Sent Sweet Moments     $13.95

And get a FREE coordinating stamp set!

Page                         Item                      Description                               Price
192                         123682                It’s Your Day                            $8.95
192                         124685                Es tu día (Spanish It’s Your day) $8.95
192                         124800                C’est ta fête (French It’s Your Day) $8.95
193                         123686                Everyday Wishes                       $9.95
193                         123684                You’re Cherished                      $8.95

Whew, that was a lot of great things, wasn't it? If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me. I would love to chat and explain any questions or concerns you may have. It certainly is a great month with Stampin' Up! Don't miss out on any of the excitement.

Fall is Upon Us

2011-09-30T11:10:00.000-04:00

And this week at Sisters in Stamping we are showing you some great Fall projects to keep you stamping when it's just a little too chilly outside.

I decided to share with all of you a little box that I have made at the past few workshops and clubs that I have done. All my attendees loved it, so I figured why not share it with you too. I used the Gently Falling stamp set (that I earned for FREE by the way, ask me how) and one of the kraft gift boxes also from the Holiday Mini Catalog. I'm tellin' you, I REALLY love this mini. So many great things in it. If you still don't have your copy, what are you waiting for? Contact me ASAP and I'll get you one. You won't want to miss out on this one.

For the leaves on the box I used the colors from the Spice Cake Suite (also in the Holiday mini, told you there were a lot of great things). To get the mulit-colored leaves I used the baby wipe technique which uses reinkers on a baby wipe to make an ink pad. Then I stamped the outline image in Soft Suede to really define the leaves. Host your own party and you and your friends can try out this technique.

I also used the great Lace Ribbon Boarder punch to accent the tag. The phrase comes from the hostess set, Perfect Words. The leaves are all attached to the tag using dimensionals (one day I think I will challenge myself to make something and (gasp) NOT use dimensionals, lol)

For the side of the box I used the Spice Cake Designer Series Paper and a torn strip of the matching Spice Cake fabric fat quarters. I love how this little box turned out. It would be great to package any gift inside or I think putting a gift card in would be a nice way to give it. I know gift cards are great but they are not that fun because you don't have anything to open, well put that card in this little box and the recipent will get the fun of opening a gift and the pleasure of shopping for whatever he/she wants. The best of both worlds, huh?

Change the theme to Christmas and you will have another adorable package. (Or so I think..... wink, wink)
Don't forget to visit the Sisters in Stamping blog to see what the other sisters created this week. Also, check out who won the blog candy.

Time for Trick & Treats

2011-09-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are showing you some great Halloween Cards. Just in time to start getting your cards ready to send to your favorite little ghosts and goblins.

I sharing with you a card that I made for my September downline meeting swap. I love when one card can do double duty. Who doesn't love a good two for one kind of deal? LOL

Anyway, enough silly talk. On to what you came for.....the card.

I really like how this card turned out. Come on, I don't say that about everything. Aren't there some things that you make that you absolutely love and then others where you say, "Well, it turned out okay?" I used the new Festive & Fun set from the Holiday Mini. Great set, covers all you need from Halloween to Christmas to Valentine. I love the versatile sets that let me use them for a long time.

I used the Frightful Sight Designer Series Paper (DSP) for my color inspiration. I love how easy my job becomes when I use DSP. The base of the card is basic black and the next layer is cajun craze (a very under used color in my collection). Of course, then I used the DSP. I love my polka dots and stripes. I also used a small piece of old olive cardstock. My favorite part of this card is the pizzazz the Silver Glimmer paper adds to the overall finished look.

Yes, I colored. Can you believe it? Those of you who know me well, know I HATE to color. I didn't mind this because I used markers and the images are kind of small so it goes quickly. I used Cajun Craze, Rich Razzleberry, Basic Gray, and Old Olive markers.

I finished the whole image off with some Dazzling Details. If you don't like glitter because of the mess, you will love Dazzling Details. You get the sparkle without any mess at all. I put it on the candy corn, pumpkin and the 2 snakes (or the A,O and the 2 E's) lol

Oh, and I almost forgot. I attached the main image (which is the greeting as well) with dimensionals. You thought I forgot them, didn't you?

Hope you like it and it inspires you for your own Halloween Cards. Need more inspiration, head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog.

Don't forget to leave a comment on the Sisters in Stamping blog for a chance to earn some blog candy.

What can I do with that great Stampin' Up! Fabric??????

2011-09-16T12:04:00.000-04:00

Have you asked that before? Well hopefully after the projects this week on Sisters in Stamping you will have a few ideas to start crafting with the great Stampin' Up! fabric that coordinates with so many other accessories.

I used the Flirtatious Designer Fabric for my project. I made this adorable flower pot that is filled with ink pens. Each flower stem is an ink pen that you can use. Isn't it just an adorable accent for any desk? Don't care for the pink and purple, change out the fabric to whatever your liking.

Each ink pen is wrapped in floral tape and the circle poof flower is attached at the top. I used a piece of 1/2" scallop dots old olive ribbon as the "leaves" on the stem of the flower.

Just a close up of the top of the flowers. The flowers are 16 circles folded in half and then half again and stitched together. You do 8 at a time and then hot glue to "halves" together to make a full round flower.

I finished the flower pot off with the 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon in Melon Mambo tied around the rim and knotted. A great little touch, in my opinion. You can even take it a step further and add a cute tag to the ribbon if you are making it for a gift.

And lastly is this week's blog candy. Remember to leave a comment over on the Sisters in Stamping blog to be entered into the drawing for this month's blog candy. 5 chances to win because there are 5 Friday's in September. Leave a comment under each week's posting for all your chances.

Ready for some Shaker Cards?

2011-09-09T12:10:00.000-04:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are using the shaker frames (page 38) from the Holiday Mini Catalog. Shaker cards are so much fun to make and are an easy way to make your card interactive. The options of what to put inside your shaker frame are limitless. If you can think it, you can do it.

For my card, I used the Delicate Doilies Stamp set. I stamped the doily images using Pool Party and Soft Suede (picked the colors from the Spice cake line in the Holiday Mini). I stamped the distressed dots background on the base layer of Pool Party cardstock.

Then I stamped the doilies all over the very vanilla cardstock. I distressed the edges of that cardstock along with the strips of pool party and soft suede that is found running down the left hand side of the card. I finished that edge off with the delicate Chantilly Crochet Trim, added a little knot of the crochet trim and I was finished.

Want to know what's inside the shaker part of the card? Okay, I used some mica flakes, champagne glass glitter and the chocolate super fine glitter. The picture doesn't do it justice but in real life it's so pretty. I used the largest circle ring in the pack to make my shaker image. To stamp the words, I punched the very vanilla cardstock using the 1 3/4" circle punch, layed it on top of the pool party cardstock and stamped the words. Then I placed the shaker frame around the stamped words, filled it with the glitter and flakes, peeled off the paper protector, placed the window sheet on top of it and attached the very vanilla cardstock with dimensionals to the base of the card.

Don't foget over at the Sisters in Stamping blog we are doing some blog candy to celebrate our 2nd anniversary of blogging together as Sisters. You need to leave a comment under this week's post for a chance to win the above goodies. We are doing this for the entire month of September. If you didn't leave a comment about last week's project go back to last week's posting, leave a comment and you may win last week's blog candy. It's different every week. So be sure to leave your comments each week.

Rachel's September Stampin' Classes

2011-09-03T12:27:00.000-04:00

**Stampin’ Classes**

Gather your friends for a night of fun while you earn free stamps and supplies. These would include ideas for cards, invites, favors, decorations, etc.

September 2011 Classes
Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Turtle & Co. Stamp Camp: Saturday, September 10, 2011, 2011 – 2:00 PM

• This class will involve making 4 cards, 1 card box and 1 3-D (gift type) item using this year’s Ronald McDonald Stamp Set, Turtle & Co.
• As a part of this class you will receive the stamp set as part of the class fee. You can choose either wood or clear mount. Remember $3.00 from every purchase of this set will donated to The Ronald McDonald House Charitites. You can help make a huge difference in such a small way.
• Cost: $30 for wood mounted stamps
o $25 for clear mounted stamps
o Includes all supplies to complete the 6 projects (including envelopes) All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive. Bring your “D” clear block if you are getting the clear mount set.
• Registration Deadline is Wednesday, September 7, 2011 by 11:00 AM (I need to be firm on this date because I need to order the supplies so you will have it at class)

Let’s Get Punchy Class: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 6:30 PM

• Make 2 different 6x6 pages and 2 cards of characters/things using Stampin’ Up! Punches. The pages and cards will use the same characters/things.
• This class will be offered on the second Tuesday of every month.
• Cost: $25.00 for the first month (this includes a 6x6 album to place your pages in for future reference). Every other month after the first will be $10.00. This fee includes all supplies to complete the pages and the cards. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Sunday, September 11, 2011

Crop Circle All Day Crop: Saturday, September 24,2011 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Held at the Dalton United Methodist Church, 125 South Turnpike Road, Dalton, PA
$5.00 for the day or $20.00 for the day with lunch. You will have a table reserved for yourself the entire day.

Crop Circle September meet up is *full* of many things to do, new people to meet, new paper crafting to learn, all while Showing our Patriotic Support and Reuniting with our Scrapping Friends! Here is a list of *just a few things* that will take place on Saturday September 24th, 2011 during our crop meet up… Check out the website: http://www:groupspaces.com/CROPCIRCLE for complete details on the crop and all that will be happening there. I have attended for the past several months and love going. I get a ton of work done, meet new friends and teach new “tricks of the trade” while I’m there. I always offer a small class there. This month will be a Halloween treat class where you will make 2 Halloween treats for $5.00.

Big Shot Club, Sunday, September 25, 2011 2:00 PM

Do you love the big shot but can’t justify the expense all at once? Well, I have the perfect club for you. Read on for all the details.

As a part of this club you are in essence purchasing a big shot and some accessories for it using a layaway type of plan.

• This club will run for 4 months and be $46 a month.
• At the end of the club you will have your own big shot machine, one die (p 222, $21.95), one textured impressions folder (p 218-219, $7.95), one Bigz L Die (p 221, $32.95), one embosslit die (p 216, $11.95), and one sizzlit die (p 224, $5.50).
• This is plenty of supplies to have a lot of fun playing with your new big shot at the end of the club.
• Each month we will meet and I will share 3 projects with you (that you will make as well) using the big shot. By the end of the club you will know how to work all the great tools that are available for the Big Shot. We won’t be using just paper either. I will show you several different materials that work wonderfully with the Big Shot.
• If you are unable to attend the make n take session, you can still join this club. I will make the projects for you and get them to you. So this is a club for everyone.
• Plus as a club member you will also receive $25 in hostess credit that you can use towards exclusive hostess sets and other catalog merchandise. Isn’t this a sweet deal?
• If you already own the Big Shot you are welcome to attend the class for $10 per month.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 22, 2011

Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, September 29, 2011 – 6:30 PM

• Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Just a little inspiration piece from Convention in July. Stampin' Up! had this buckets of flowers all over the place. Now this is my kind of flowers. No need to water, prune, or pay any attention to them at all and they will still thrive.

Have a great Labor Day Weekend.

Annual Labor Day Special

2011-09-02T12:00:00.002-04:00

Hello Stamping Friend,

I am again holding my annual Labor Day Sale. Place your order today, Friday, September 2, 2011 through Monday, September 5, 2011 by calling will or emailing me and you will receive the following:

10% off an order over $50

15% off an order over $75

20% off an order over $100

orders over $150 will receive 20% off, and $25 in Hostess Dollars to spend on exclusive Hostess sets or catalog merchadise or a combination of the two (the new hostess plan is awesome, you can receive up to three hostess exclusive sets at the $150 level).

Don't forget the Holiday Mini catalog is now available to order from as well. Get a jump start on all your holiday crafting needs. Check out this posting from earlier today for an idea to make adorable Christmas Ornaments using several items available in the Holiday mini.

This special is offered by only me, Rachel Yurkanin, and is not a Stampin' Up! special or good through any other demonstrator.

This is just a little thank you for supporting me throughout the year. I appreciate it and want to give you a little something if you order this week. If you don't have the new catalog in hand yet, head on over to my website, to view both the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog and the Holiday Mini Catalog online. If you don't already have a catalog, I will get one to you when you place your order this week.

Book a workshop for September, October or November and you will receive any stamp set ($29.95 or less) at 50% off. Workshop minimum must be $250 in sales (prior to tax and shipping).

What are you wating for? Tell me which day works best for you and let's get planning.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Gotta love that Big Shot!!!!!

2011-09-02T11:45:00.001-04:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on the new Big Shot dies and accessories that are in the great Holiday Mini Catalog.Last week I used the Snow burst textures impressions folder on my card so this week I decided to use the Holiday Stocking Bigz L die. I love the little stocking and I see so many projects using this in my future. Don't forget to think outside the box and see baby booties, or turn it upside down and make a hobby horse (remember the horse's heads on a stick that you would ride???)

Well there was no thinking outside the box for me this week. I wanted to use the die as it was intended, a Christmas stocking. I made ornaments using felt from it. They are just a reverse of each other.

Can't you see your Christmas tree covered in them? Imagine the possibilities. It can be used to make cards, banners, gift card holders and so much more.

I blanket stitched the stockings together using the white Baker's twine. The stockings are then stuffed with a little bit of batting to make them a little more dimensional.

I usedthe Snowflake and Holly Berry felt pieces from the Winter Wishes Stictched Felt pack (also in the Holiday mini). And to finish off the felt pieces, I added the cute little mini jingle bells to the holly berries. (They are a great size and price, 48 bells for $2.95)

The red stocking uses the wreath from the stitched felt pack and I added bells to that too. They are so cute. The white pieces on this stocking are glued on using the Tombo Muti-purpose adhesive.

For the next four weeks each of us will be sharing the blog candy that we will be offering in honor of our 2-year blog anniversary... one lucky winner will get this Holiday Collection stamp set and 5/8" old olive grosgrain ribbon package from me - just in time for your Holiday crafting! In order to enter the drawing you have to leave us a comment on the Sisters in Stamping Site- let us know what you like and what you'd like to see in future posts. Remember, you can leave comments each week to increase your chances to win!! The contest will close on Wednesday, September 28th at Noon EST so be sure and leave your comments before that time to be entered in the drawing. Winners will be announced on our September 30th blog post on the Sisters in Stamping site... be sure and check back to see if you've won!

Time for a little Peak!

2011-08-26T11:28:00.000-04:00

Today at Sisters in Stamping we are giving you a little peak into the new Holiday Mini Catalog. It makes it's big debut on Thursday, September 1, 2011. If you don't have your copy yet, let me know and I can get one to you. It's packed full of great new goodies to create with. You won't want to miss out on it for a moment. But don't forget you still have a few days left of the Occasions Mini Catalog so there's still time to stock up on your favorites from it. Plus, remember the great Buy 3 Get 1 FREE promotion of the Designer Series Paper will be ending on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 too. It's a great way to get some of your favorite papers free.

Okay, now that business is out of the way, onto today's card. It came together rather quickly but I'm loving the final look. (Translation: great card for you to make if you don't have a lot of time but want to send Christmas cards)

Believe it or not, I used 4 new products (ones that are available only in the Holiday Mini Catalog) on this "simple, little" card. The first is the Snow Burst Embossing Folder. Remember, I think you need to have everyone one of these little babies. They pack a lot of punch to any finished project with such ease and little expense. The base of my card is baja breeze. Then I cut a layer (1/4" smaller) of baja breeze and ran it through the big shot with the Snow Burst folder. That layer is attached to the base using (none other than) dimensionals.

The second item I used the new hostess set Warmest of Wishes for the greeting on the lower right hand corner of the card. That is stamped in baja breeze on very vanilla, layered on baja breeze cardstock and attached with dimesionals.

The third item was the very pretty 3/8" Very Vanilla Velvet Stitched Ribbon. Just cut a strip of it and attached it to the lower right of the card. This of course is done prior to placing the greeting on the card.

The fourth item I used is a little hard to see on the picture, but believe me it's there. It the new dazzling details . You ask, "what's that?" Well it's an iridescent glitter glue that will add dazzle to any project with NO mess! All you glitter haters, you can rejoice because now your projects will have pizzazz too.

See, just like I said, a pretty easy card to re-create. Don't forget to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog to see some other great projects using items from the Holiday Mini Catalog.

Back to School, Already??????

2011-08-19T12:00:00.001-04:00

I can't believe it's almost back to school time here in PA. Seems like the kids just got out of school and just started having some good 'ole fashioned summer fun and now here it is one week before school goes back. This week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on Back to School. I had so many different ideas swirling in my head and this wasn't one of them but it's what I ended up with. Funny how that works sometimes, isn't it?

Anyway, I decided to make a scrapbook page for those ever famous back to school pictures that I always take on the first morning back. And yes, some years pictures aren't even on pages yet. Figured if I made it now, I will have it ready for the pictures. It's pictureless because school doesn't begin until August 29.

I used the Designer Series Paper pack, Just Add Cake. Honestly I think the name of this paper is deceiving, to me it should be something with a school theme. Afterall, what does cake have to do with lined loose leaf paper, letters and numbers? Anyway, I digress! I cut the lined sheet of paper to 8 1/2 x 11 and punched some holes along the side of the paper using the circle punch from the itty bitty shapes trio pack of punches.

The base of this page is daffodil delight and the mats for the pictures are wild wasabi.

See those cute tiny little red apples? (Perfect for a school page, right?) They are cut out of a sheet of Designer Series paper from the Berry Blossoms pack. For the "ruffled" ribbon, I pulled a string from the center of the cut marina mist ribbon to "scrunch" it up nicely. It's attached with sticky strip. (I love that stuff.)

At the far left side of the ribbon, I left it straight (didn't pull the string all the way) and added some daffodil delight buttons (hear me say that, Debbie???) I really like how this page turned out. It's not too "kiddish" for my freshman in high school (can't believe he's that old) and not to "grown up" for my second grader.

I even journaled on this page already (now that's seriously impressive if you know me). I used the journaling marker for their names and the Stampin' Write Basic Black marker to write the rest because it is a much finer tip.

So now all I need to do is take those pictures on the first day, print them out, and attach them to this page.

If you like the Designer Series Paper I used, don't forget for the rest of this month, it is Buy 3 Get 1 Free. You can place your order online through my website or you can email me.

Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to head over to the Sisters In Stamping blog for more great Back to School ideas.

It's all about the Elements....

2011-08-12T11:37:00.001-04:00

We always worry about the elements. Usually it's the outside elements, rain, snow, ice, sleet, sun, clouds, etc. But today at Sisters in Stamping we are worrying about the Elements inside the 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog. We are continuing our tour through the catalog and this week's stop is the Elements section. There are a ton of great stamps in this section that you can use to put a finishing touch on a card or to use alone as the main image on your project.

I used the Delicate Doilies set and the Hello, Doily (not Dolly, which I keep wanting to say) background stamp.

Above is the finished card. Lots of lace, ribbon, texture, and doilies going on here. I'm really happy with this finished card. It's been up in my brain for a couple of weeks now and I must admit it came together easier than I thought it would. Plus, I love the finished look. (That's always a bonus.)

This picture shows you what's inside the envelope. Isn't that cute? Sending a kiss, to make it better. And a big pair of rosey lips to do the trick. The lips are stamped in regal rose classic ink. The little piece of lace ribbon is attached to the card using a staple.

Here's the card without the insert (just another look for you). I used chocolate chip, soft suede, and crumb cake inks on crumb cake cardstock. I also used the tulip frame impressions folder on the chocolate chip cardstock and the perfect polka dots impressions folder on the envelope. The large Hello, Doily stamp is stamped with whisper white craft ink and embossed with white embossing powder.

Don't forget to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog to see which Elements the other sisters used.

Buy 3, Get 1 FREE

2011-08-10T12:23:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to quickly remind you of August's (awesome) special. Remember you Buy 3 packs of Designer Series Paper and you will get 1 FREE. It's a great deal. Stock up on all your favorite packs this month so you will save a bundle.

Page #              Item Number                   Description

8                      122343                            Nautical Expedition (Summer Mini)

185                  122367                            Paisley Petals

185                  122357                            Beau Château

185                  122354                            Pocketful of Posies

185                   122355                           Domestic Goddess

185                   124339                           Just Add Cake

185                   122351                           Frightful Sight

185                   122352                           Timeless Portrait

185                   122350                           Berry Blossoms

185                   122342                           Beyond the Garden

185                   122359                           Well Worn

186                   122347                           Nursery Nest

186                   122349                           Letters to Santa

186                   122348                           Big Top Birthday

Note: Specialty DSP, DSP Stacks, and Hostess DSP does not qualify for this promotion

We're going All Natural today!

2011-08-05T11:58:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday posting. This week at Sisters in Stamping we are continuing our catalog tour and focusing on the All Natural section. You weren't thinking something else, were you? All I mean is that there are so many great nature type sets in this section of the catalog. Who doesn't love flowers? I mean, I can't keep them alive but I sure can create pretty projects with my flower stamps.

I decided not to make a card today. I made a cute (if I don't say so myself) little box using the pillow box die and my favorite took, the Big Shot. I used a set that I got for FREE at convention, Raining Flowers, for the outside of the box. When I received my catalog and saw the set, I decided I "needed" to have it (even though I own a lot of flower sets). Boy, what I thrilled when I realized I was getting in my Convention Bag.

I used Lucky Limeade, Pool Party and Melon Mambo for my color combination. I really like the look of these colors together. I also used the circles die for the pool party circle that is the background for my flower. Each layer of the flower is stamped, cut out and layered together with dimensionals. (You figured that one out already, right. Afterall, I am Rachel, and I LOVE using dimensionals any chance I get).

I used the 1 1/4" striped grosgrain in Melon Mambo to tie my box closed. Actually the ribbon is just around the box and I used the white baker's twine to tie the ribbon ends together. This gives it a nice clean look with out the bulk of a knot.

Here's a close up of the box. See the image on the box itself? I stamped polka dot (another favorite thing of mine) stamp from the Borderlines set all over the box while it was still flat. It really adds a lot to the finished look of this project.

Hope you enjoyed the project today. Remember to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for even more ideas using sets from the All Natural section of the catalog. Come back next week to see sets using the Elements section. (Hey, do you think anyone will notice if I use today's project for next week too? I mean, I used a set from the Elements section too. Just kidding, I will have something new for you so be sure to come back.)

Have a great week and thank you for stopping by.

Remember this month's special is Buy 3 Get 1 Free for Designer Series Paper. Order your favorite patterns now and save.

August Classes and Happenings

2011-08-03T17:11:00.001-04:00

**Stampin’ Classes**

By Rachel Yurkanin – Stampin Up! Demonstrator

570-689-5371 Email: dryurkanin@comcast.net

Website: www.rachelyurkanin.stampinup.net

Gather your friends for a night of fun while you earn free stamps and supplies. These would include ideas for cards, invites, favors, decorations, etc.

August 2011 Classes

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Let’s Get Punchy Class: Tuesday, August 9, 2011 6:30 PM

• Make 2 different 6x6 pages and 2 cards of characters/things using Stampin’ Up! Punches. The pages and cards will use the same characters/things.
• This class will be offered on the second Tuesday of every month.
• Cost: $25.00 for the first month (this includes a 6x6 album to place your pages in for future reference). Every other month after the first will be $10.00. This fee includes all supplies to complete the pages and the cards. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 7, 2011

Garage Sale Open House: Friday, August 12, 2011 12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Come and get your favorite retired stamps and accessories at a discounted rate plus you will get 50% of what your purchase in new product that you will pick that day. So if you buy $50 of retired stuff you will get to take all that home plus you get to place an order for $25 in product for brand new stuff from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog
• 1 Make n take will be available for all who come.
• See many new samples that will be on display.
• This is a FREE event. Stop by to say hello. If you haven’t received your copy of the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog yet, this is a great time to get it.

Strength & Hope Stamp Camp: Saturday, August 20, 2011 – 2:00 PM

• This class will involve making 4 cards, 1 card box and 1 3-D (gift type) item using the Strength and Hope Stamp set that is available in the Summer Mini Catalog.
• As a part of this class you will receive the stamp set as part of the class fee. You can choose either wood or clear mount. Remember $2.00 from every purchase of this set will donated to The Breast cancer Research Foundation. You can help make a huge difference in such a small way.
• Cost: $35 for wood mounted stamps
o $30 for clear mounted stamps
o Includes all supplies to complete the 6 projects (including envelopes) All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline is Monday, August 15, 2011 (I need to be firm on this date because I need to order the supplies so you will have it at class)

Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, August 25, 2011 – 6:30 PM

• Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion.
• Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Big Shot Club, Sunday, August 28, 2011 2:00 PM

Do you love the big shot but can’t justify the expense all at once? Well, I have the perfect club for you. Read on for all the details.

As a part of this club you are in essence purchasing a big shot and some accessories for it using a layaway type of plan.

• This club will run for 4 months and be $46 a month.
• At the end of the club you will have your own big shot machine, one die (p 222, $21.95), one textured impressions folder (p 218-219, $7.95), one Bigz L Die (p 221, $32.95), one embosslit die (p 216, $11.95), and one sizzlit die (p 224, $5.50).
• This is plenty of supplies to have a lot of fun playing with your new big shot at the end of the club.
• Each month we will meet and I will share 3 projects with you (that you will make as well) using the big shot. By the end of the club you will know how to work all the great tools that are available for the Big Shot. We won’t be using just paper either. I will show you several different materials that work wonderfully with the Big Shot.
• If you are unable to attend the make n take session, you can still join this club. I will make the projects for you and get them to you. So this is a club for everyone.
• Plus as a club member you will also receive $25 in hostess credit that you can use towards exclusive hostess sets and other catalog merchandise. Isn’t this a sweet deal?
• If you already own the Big Shot you are welcome to attend the class for $10 per month.
• Registration Deadline: Thursday, August 25, 2011

Designer Series Paper Sale

2011-08-01T11:34:00.000-04:00

Stampin' Up! has announced a great speical for the month of August, Designer Series Paper is Buy 3, Get 1 FREE. Isn't that awesome? I think it's a fabulous sale and I can't wait to stock up on all my favorites. (Okay, there's not too many that I won't stock up on, lol).

Designer Series Paper is great to add a little more to your project without doing a whole lot of work. It adds texture and color with minimal effort and the finished result is always fabulous. There are so many great packs to pick from it will be easy to pick 4 to add to your collection.

Click on the picture above to see which packs are included in the special promotion. Remember this promotion is good through the end of August. So don't delay, place your order today.

Join the Stampin' Up! Family

2011-07-30T10:00:00.000-04:00

The time is now to join the Stampin' Up! family. I just wanted to share with you a wonderful opportunity that is quickly coming to a close. You can join the Stampin' Up! family for only $99 until Sunday, July 31st. You will get 2 stamp sets, 4 stamp pads, an assorted pack of cardstock, a pack of notecards and envelopes, a pack of Designer Series Paper, a clear block, snail adhesive and a roll of 1/2" scallop dotted ribbon.

Plus Business Supplies (no alternative selections can be made for business items)

Getting Started DVD
Getting Started Guide
Guest Invitation Postcards (100)
2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog (8)
2011 Summer Mini Catalog (8)
Stampin' Up! logo vinyl
To My Hostess Envelopes (10)
Recruit Folders (5)
Recruit Brochures (20)
Customer Order Forms (50)

It's over $185 in product and supplies for only $99. Whether you join for discount on great product, need a little extra income, or would love to make stamping your career, Stampin' Up! is for you.

Plus you will also get the above Christmas Keepsake box project kit (a $40 value) when you join the team by Sunday, July 31. I will also give you a special gift after you join. What are you waiting for? Head over to my website right now and get started.

Below is a short video from Shelli Gardner, Stampin' Up! co-founder, about this wonderful opportunity. Watch it and you will know why I love what I do and why I love being a part of this great company.

Head over to my website right now so you too can be a part of this special family called Stampin' Up! You won't regret your decision. I know I haven't

There is Always New Growth

2011-07-29T12:00:00.000-04:00

And because of that, this week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on the Growing Up section of the catalog. We are always surrounded by people that are growing, babies, toddlers, young children, tweens, teens, young adults and then adults. I'm sure you can all relate somehow.

The Growing Up section of the 2011-2012 Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog is filled with stamps that will cover you in all of these sections. Yes even the big boy toys are covered with the Need for Speed stamp set.

I had a tough time deciding which set to work with because they are all pretty great (No, of course, I don't have them all. Yet anyway. lol) But alas, I decided to work with a set that I received for FREE at Convention, Best Friends Forever. I'm pretty sure we all have a BFF or know some teen girl that certainly has a BFF that could use this card.

I like the look of this set and can see so many uses for it besides making BFF cards. I used the new Petite Pennants Builder punch to make the banner on the card. (Have I told you how much I love this new punch? It's going to be getting a lot of use.)

The colors are Melon Mambo, Marina Mist, & Old Olive. The base of the card is whisper white. I am loving the clean look of whisper white as the base. I stamped and cut out the hearts from the set and attached them to the bottom of the pennants to make them look like exclamation points, because afterall, a BFF certainly is a strong point to be made.

Then I stamped each letter individually (so I can punch them out) on whisper white cardstock. I used the Stmapin' Write Markers to make this task much easier. I also used the markers to "doodle" around the edges of the white pennants to bring it all together. I then added a rhinestone to each of the letters. All BFF's love bling, don't they?

I strung the pennants together using the natural hemp. I then used the fun, new 1/2" scallop dots ribbon (love my polka dots) to tie around the twine at each end of the banner as well as in between the pennants. I can promise you that you will be seeing lots of this awesome ribbon in the next year.

Hope you enjoy the card and it brings new inspiration to you. Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping for more Growing Up ideas.

Precious Memories

2011-07-26T12:35:00.000-04:00

I know I have talked about Brittney's wedding for months and you have all been patient, so now I am going to share with you a few picutres that Oaktree Photography took that day. It was such a beautiful day that we were blessed with. Couldn't have asked for anything better and if you have ever planned a large event for outdoors you know the stress that comes with not knowing if Mother Nature will cooperate or not. Well she did cooperate and in a big way. Sun was shining bright all day long and all the planning and organizing certainly paid off.

Here is a picture of us (Don and I) at home before the ceremony with Brittney. She looked so beautiful and happy for her special day.

Here is Brittney with her two little brothers. Noah and Jonah were NOT thrilled with wearing some tuxes but look how handsome they are in them. Jonah loved the shiny shoes that he had to wear though. He actually wants a pair of his own. I would have never thought that would come out of his mouth either.

Here is a family shot of all 5 of us. We clean up pretty nicely, don't we? Now family photos will be with 6 of us. Vinny are you ready for the annual family photo? You better start mentally preparing for it. Don't worry Brittney will fill you in on what you need to do, where you need to be, and when it is.

Here a photo showing the inside of the invitations I made. I will have to post a picture of the outside (that is, after I take the picture, lol). Eighty of these babies were made with tender loving care.

The above picture is during the cermony. Brittney and Vinny exchanged vows in a circle of rose petals. You can also see the program that I made for the ceremony. The backside, (I will have to take a picture of that too) has all the attendants names listed. I stamped the center of the program using the large flower image from Wedding Sweet. I used a lot of basic black, pink pirourette and whisper white cardstock in making everything for the wedding. I don't think I will be using those colors for awhile.

And, finally, Mr & Mrs Vinicius Santos. Aren't they a cute, happy couple?

Isn't this a fun picture? I love it. Oaktree Photography does a great job and you should certainly look into them if you are in my local area. You won't be sorry. You will have great photos to last a lifetime.

And I saved this photo for last. It is my ulitmate favorite photo of the morning. Look at the boys sitting back and watching their sister get ready to be married. Look at how beautiful she looks. Am I biased? Probably but I don't care. It's exactly how I feel. I can't believe the little girl I raised has grown into a woman so quickly but she has and I'm very proud of her.

It's all about those Special Occasions, right?

2011-07-22T12:09:00.000-04:00

We have so many special occasions to celebrate every month, every year. And Stampin' Up! is certainly there to help us create along the way. This week at Sisters in Stamping we are showcasing sets from the Occasions section of the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.

I choose the Patterned Party stamp set for my card this week. We always need a birthday card. Come on, have you ever been caught without a card at the last minute? I thought so. This is a pretty easy card to duplicate and make mulitples of so you won't be in a frantic hurry when you get a last minute invite or you simply forgot that party was tonight. (I know it's happened to me and I'm pretty sure I not alone in this category).

I used 4 of the new 2011-2012 In-Colors, Pool Party, Calypso Coral, Lucky Limeade and Island Indigo (I just love this year's in-colors, a great green, Lucky Limeade and a much needed light purple, Wisteria Wonder. These are my favorite 2, even though I like them all). I also used whisper white and basic black.

I used the In-color markers to ink up the balloon image and the versamark pad was used with the number and banner stamps. It's the easy way when stamping on several colors all at once.

The main image is attached to the card using dimensionals. I also used the fun new 3/8" ruffled ribbon in the Lucky Limeade shade to finish off the card. And I can't forget the fun Designer Printed Brads in the In-Colors that I "tied" the ribbon off with.

I wanted to add some crystal effects to the balloons but it's so stinkin' hot and humid here in PA (there is sweat from just sitting and typing, that's how crazy it is), that I thought it would never dry for me to take a decent picture. Guess I'll have to add that on a cooler day.

Don't forget to visit the Sisters in Stamping blog for more great card ideas using sets from the Occasions section of the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog.

If you don't have your own copy of the catalog yet, let me know and we can arrange for you to get one.

Rachel's July's Stamping Classes

2011-07-19T13:14:00.000-04:00

**Stampin’ Classes**

By Rachel Yurkanin – Stampin Up! Demonstrator

570-689-5371 Email: dryurkanin@comcast.net

Website: www.rachelyurkanin.stampinup.net

Gather your friends for a night of fun while you earn free stamps and supplies. These would include ideas for cards, invites, favors, decorations, etc.

July 2011 Classes
Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, July 28, 2011 – 6:30 PM

Make 12 cards: 3 designs, 4 of each design. Great way to build your card collection so you won’t be caught without a card for the next special occasion.

Cost: $20.00 – Includes all supplies to complete the cards and envelopes. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Big Shot Club, Sunday, July 31, 2011 2:00 PM

Do you love the big shot but can’t justify the expense all at once? Well, I have the perfect club for you. Read on for all the details.

As a part of this club you are in essence purchasing a big shot and some accessories for it using a layaway plan.

This club will run for 4 months and be $46 a month.

At the end of the club you will have your own big shot machine, one die ($21.95), the Stampin’ Up! Texture plates ($11.95), one embosslit ($11.95) and one sizzlit 4 pack ($19.95).

This is plenty of supplies to have a lot of fun playing with your new big shot at the end of the club.

Each month we will meet and I will share 3 projects with you (that you will make as well) using the big shot. By the end of the club you will know how to work all the great tools that are available for the Big Shot. We won’t be using just paper either. I will show you several different materials that work wonderfully with the Big Shot.

If you are unable to attend the make n take session, you can still join this club. I will make the projects for you and get them to you. So this is a club for everyone.

Plus as a club member you will receive $15 credit and a level 1 hostess gift. Isn’t this a sweet deal?

If you already own the Big Shot you are welcome to attend the class for $10 per month.

Registration Deadline: Thursday, July 28, 2011

Hey, hey, Mr Big Shot!

2011-07-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

I love my Big Shot! Just had to get that out. I think many of you know that by now. I use it every chance I get. So I was very excited to work on this week's Sister in Stamping theme, any new Big Shot die/template.

Since it is July, I decided to use a Christmas in July theme. I used the new Houndstooth embossing template. I was very excited to get this one and couldn't wait to use it. I used black and white as my color scheme, very elegant looking (in person anyway). It is a quick card to put together too so it would be an awesome card to mass produce.

Here's another view (different angle) of the card. I had to add some dazzling diamonds to make these pretty ornaments sparkle. You should see them. They sparkle from every angle, just what an ornament should do when the lights or hitting it.

Be sure to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog to see the other Big Shot dies/templates that the rest of the sisters used.

Why should you host a Stampin' Up! workshop?

2011-07-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

You ask, "Why should I host a Stampin' Up! workshop? Well after this week's Sisters in Stamping posting, you will see exactly why. There are great new hostess sets in the new idea book and catalog. Plus, there is a new hostess program that you are going to absolutely love. Gone are the days of level 1, level 2, or level 3 hostess sets. Now each hostess set has a dollar amount attached to it and you can get any one of your choice (as long as you have enough hostess dollars). Isn't that awesome? I just had someone this week place a $150 order and she was able to select 3 sets for FREE, and all 3 of them were hostess exclusive. Before she would have only been able to get one set. Cool, right?

Enough about that, onto today's card. This card was created using the Faith in Nature hostess set. This one is a beauty. There are 5 stamps in this set, 2 words, a flower, a leaf, and a pear.

I went with some fall colors, Cherry Cobbler, More Mustard, and Always Artichoke to create this card. I just did some random stamping on the background in all three colors. And then did direct to paper using the More Mustard pad along the edges of the stamped very vanilla cardstock.

Just a close-up view of the saying on the front. I stamped the leaf image in the 3 colors on scrap paper and cut them out to add to the corner of the greeting. They are attached with dimensionals (but you knew that already, right?)

And because the always artichoke cardstock is so dark, I added a piece of very vanilla cardstock to the inside of the card (stamped with a single leaf image) so you can write in this card and allow the recipient to actually read what you write. (smile)

Hope you enjoyed my card but don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping to see even more great ideas using this year's Hostess Exclusive sets.

And when you're done drooling over the awesome sets, call me to schedule your own workshop. Remember my customer received 3 hostess exclusive sets for her $150 order, way better than the old hostess program of only getting one.

Have a great weekend. I'm busy, busy, busy this weekend. Open house tonight (which you are welcome to attend) at the Sleep Inn in Dunmore (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM), Brittney's and Vinny's wedding rehearsal tomorrow and Brittney and Vinny's big Wedding Day on Sunday.

A Deal that you Shouldn't Let Slip By

2011-07-06T10:28:00.000-04:00

Have you been thinking about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator? Do you need some time away from home? Would you love to work from home? Need a little extra cash? Well, now is a great time to join my team, the Yurinkin' Stamp Addicts! The limited-time (July 2012 only) $99 Starter Kit is the perfect choice for you. This exclusive Starter Kit is a great opportunity to begin getting the products you love at a 20% discount. Also, as a demonstrator, you receive a free monthly magazine, Stampin' Success, which is filled with many creative ideas, business tips, and monthly contests -- more opportunity to WIN free stamps! You'll get to see sneak peeks (and order those sneak peeks before anyone else) of new products and be able to go to SU events (like Regionals and Convention).

Starter Kit contains over $200 in products and business supplies--including new products from the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog! All items in the kit are designed to help you start your business but a new demonstrator can substitute a similar item for equal or lesser value! You can download the flyer right HERE.

Here's what YOU'LL get in this SPECIAL STARTER KIT!!!!

Easy Events Clear Mount*

Pennant Parade Wood Mount*

Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad

Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad

Brights 8 1/2 x 11 Assorted Card Stock

Basic Black Classic Stampin' Pad

Whisper White Note Cards (20)

Just Add Cake Designer Series Paper*

Chocolate Chip 1/2" Scallop Dots Ribbon*

Blender Pen (1)

Clear Mount Block C

Snail Adhesive

* Denotes item is new to the 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog!

To sign up with me, simply visit my online website!

PLUS an added bonus!!!!! YOU will receive a Christmas Keepsake project kit absolutely FREE--a $50 value! This exclusive kit contains everything you need to create a beautiful Christmas Keepsake Box to hold your most treasured Christmas memories.

The Christmas Keepsake Box Project Kit--a $50 value--contains the following products:

Pines & Poinsettias Set (wood-mount)
Keepsake box
Scallop borders (cut from Tasteful Trim Bigz XL Die)
First Edition Designer Series Paper (3)
Holly Berry Designer Series Paper (6)
First Edition Specialty Designer Series Paper strip (2)
Holly Berry Designer Series Paper piece*
Real Red Top Note (cut from Top Note Bigz Die)
Real Red Decorative Label (cut from Matchbook Bigz XL Die)
Wild Wasabi Card Stock strips (3)
Naturals Ivory Card Stock piece
Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Fabric*
Real Red 1-1/4" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon
Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Victoria 5/8" Crochet Trim
Linen Thread
Champagne Fine Galaxy Stampin' Glitter
Vanilla Pearl 1/2" Simply Adorned Bauble
Pearl Basic Jewels (1 pkg.)
Holly Berry Bouquet Designer Buttons*
Large Wild Wasabi
Small Real Red
Mini Vintage Tags

There are some additional supplies needed: (Which if you want we can get together and make this box along side each other. And you are welcome to use my tools)

Early Espresso Stampin' Write Marker
Real Red Stampin' Write Marker
Wild Wasabi Stampin' Write Marker
Adhesives
3/16" Corner Punch
Scallop Circle Punch
Paper Cutter
Paper Snips
Needle
Glue gun

*Denote From the 2011 Holiday Mini Catalogue!

I would LOVE to have you join my team !!! In fact...if you're join my team, the Yurinkin' Stamp Addicts, you will be invited to attend our annual BBQ that will be held later this month. Please contact me if you have more questions.

The time has finally come!

2011-07-01T11:51:00.001-04:00

At long last it's here. The new 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. It's a great new catalog packed full of wonderful ideas, awesome new stamps for every stamping style, and fun new accessories to make your projects even better.

If you don't have your copy of the new catalog, contact me so you can get one. You won't want to wait too long for this great book. Come by the Sleep Inn in Dunmore next Friday, July 8 from 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM to get your own copy and to make a few projects using some of the new items. Plus there will be plenty of retired stamps and accessories you can purchase for a discounted price. Let me know if you are interested.

Today at Sisters in Stamping we are having fun playing with one of the new punches,Lace Ribbon Border. All of our projects feature this punch in some way.

I choose to work with one of the new in-colors, Wisteria Wonder. A great light purple that many of you have missed since the Color Renovation last year. It's a pretty color and I know I'm going to love making many, many more projects to come with it.

This card has a little different fold to it. It's still the same 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of cardstock that you usually begin with, but instead of folding it in half. This is scored at 2 1/8" on each end so it opens in the middle.

For the center focal point on this card, I used the Delicate Doilies stamp set. I LOVE this set. It's so pretty and delicate (guess that's why it's called Delicate Doilies, lol). I stamped them using the Wisteria Wonder ink on either whisper white or wisteria wonder cardstock and punched them out using the 2 1/2", 1 3/4" and 1 1/4" circle punches. I wanted all of my layers to be round. However, the smallest layer could be punched using the doily triple layer punch. I'm thinking you would have to punch first and then stamp, so the clear mount would have to be my set of choice for that method.

I also used the Specialty Designer Series Paper, Flirtatious. It's so much fun. This card was a really quick card to put together and would be wonderful to use if you needed to make a bunch of cards in a short amount of time.

Okay, gotta run, I need to drool over that new catalog a little more. Remember, want one of your own, contact me. Also don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for more ideas using this Lace Ribbon Border punch.

A Little Sneak Peak

2011-06-24T12:00:00.001-04:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are sharing a little sneak peak with all of you of what's to come in the new 2011-2012 Idea Book and Catalog. I personally am so excited about the new catalog. There are so many great new stamp sets, wonderful new In-colors (including a much requested lighter purple), fun new accessories and awesome new Designer Series Papers.

I decided to use one of the new Hostess Exclusive stamp sets called Posy Punch. It works wonderfully with the Fancy Flower, 1" circle, and the 3/4" circle punches. This set is going to be so much fun to work with because of how easy it will be to create great looking cards with minimal effort. You know that's my favorite thing, fast, easy but looks great.

I also used the Flirtatious Specialty Designer Series Paper. It matches on eof the new stamp sets too. Wait until you see taht one. One more sneak peek on my card is one of the new in-colors, Calypso coral. The other color used was Daffodil Delight.

Hope you have enjoyed the sneak peak this week. Don't forget to jump on over to the Sisters in Stamping blog to see a few more sneak peeks. Want your own copy of the new 2011-2012? Book your July or August workshop and come to the my annual new catalog open house on Friday, July 8th from 5:30 Pm - 9:00PM at the Sleep Inn in Dunmore. There will be several make n takes, samples, door prizes and specials for that evening only. Mark you calendar. I'll see you there!

Thanks for stopping by again. See you soon!

Christmas In July

2011-06-18T12:38:00.000-04:00

You are invited to attend the New Catalog Open House event on Friday, July 8th, 2011. All information is below. We will have a great time celebrating Christmas in July. You won't want to miss out on this. All are welcome. Bring a Friend to share the fun.

Click on the image to see a larger view (and be able to read it without a magnifying glass).

A little Pizzazz

2011-06-17T12:00:00.002-04:00

Thanks for stopping by again. It's Fabulous Friday again (one day, hopefully soon, I will post more often than once a week). I just can't believe how fast the weeks go by anymore. Anyway, over at Sisters in Stamping we are showcasing retiring stamp sets again. There are so many great sets that it's really hard to choose which one you want to create with. I want to use all of them. But lo and behold, I narrowed it down to one, Petal Pizzazz this week.

I also used some of the Lap of Luxury Designer Series Paper (DSP) (which is also retiring) on the front of the card. I love using the designer paper as a sounding board for choosing my color palette. This card uses Basic Gray, Pretty in Pink and Concord Crush cardstock because that's what the DSP told me. lol

Not a difficult, extremely technique laden card but it really is pretty in person. I love the look of the striped DSP with the embossed dots on the pink layer. I then used the scallop edge punch for the vanilla strip of cardstock. There really is a lot of texture going on on this card.

The large flower is stamped directly on the vanilla square cardstock. The other two flowers are stamped on scrap vanilla and cut out. They are attached to the large flower using dimensionals. Being that the set is called Petal Pizzazz, I decided to add some final pizzazz to the front of the card by adding a rhinestone to the center of the smallest flower.

I added a layer of vanilla cardstock to the inside of the card because it's difficult to write on the gray cardstock. It is stamped with a couple of flowers just to dress it up a bit and bring the outside to the inside.

Hope you like it. BTW, if you are attending my Retirement Open House this evening (from 5:30 - 8PM) this is one of the two cards you will be making. Have I tempted you??????????

Don't forget to head over to the Sisters in Stamping blog for more ideas using retiring stamp sets. There are a few short weeks left to order your favorite Stampin' Up! sets and accessories that will soon be gone forever. Don't miss out, head over to my store by clicking below to place your order. Or you can always call or email me your order.

Say it Isn't So

2011-06-10T12:00:00.000-04:00

It's time to say goodbye to many of our favorite stamp sets. I know it's hard to believe that it's that time of year again but it's true. Come June 30th, many sets will be retired. This week at Sisters in Stamping we are sharing with you some of our favorite stamp sets that will be leaving us in a few short weeks.

I dedided to work with the nice and easy notes set. I love this set because it's great for new stampers. There's a little something for almost every occasion all in one set. It's a great beginner set. Get the set, black stamp pad, some cardstock and some coloring medium and you are ready to make a ton of cards.

I picked the birthday cake for several reasons. 1. You can never have enough birthday cards. 2. I'm stamping birthday cards with one the classes at the elementary school today. 3. I'm hosting (and participating) in a shoebox swap later this evening and needed a quick card for everyone to make. How are those reasons. This ended up doing triple duty for me. Gotta love when one card can be used for so many different things. lol

I also used the retiring Sweet & Sour Specialty Designer paper on the card. I'm really going to miss this paper. I've used it a lot. The cake was watercolored using Rose Red and Pumpkin Pie ink pads and a blender pen. To finish it off, I glittered the top of the candles and the icing on the cake.

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping for a few more retiring stamp set ideas.

Fabulous Father's Friday

2011-06-03T12:00:00.001-04:00

Say that three times fast. lol Welcome to another Fabulous Friday posting. This week at Sisters in Stamping we are showcasing Father's Day cards. Any of these cards can easily be turned into a Birthday, thank you, or thinking of you card for any male in your life that you need to give a card to.

I decided to use the single stamp from the Summer Mini Catalog called Sail Away. It's a nice size stamp that you can use alone on a card. I used the retiring (at the end of this month) Sanded background in Baja Breeze to add more of the water look to the card. The sailboat was stamped in Soft Suede on Crumb Cake cardstock. I used a blender pen with crumb cake, baja breeeze and soft suede classic ink pads to color it in. For the greeting I used the Wonerful Favorites set. That has every family member covered. I decided to finish it off with the Early Espresso/White Baker's Twine (also in the Summer Mini Catalog). And of course (but you already know this, right) the whole main image is attached to the base using dimensionals.

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for even more masculine/Father's Day ideas.

If you haven't checked out the retiring lists yet, be sure to do that. The links can be found on the side of the main page of my blog. There is separate links for each list: stamps, accessories, and decor elements.

They're Here!!!!

2011-06-01T17:49:00.000-04:00

It's June 1st and they have arrived. What? you ask. The retiring lists, stamps, accessories and decor elements. Be sure to check out the list and place your order today. The accessories and decor elements are on a first come, first served basis. Once they are gone, they are gone forever.

Last Chance Retiring Stamps     CLICK HERE

Last Chance Retiring Accessories    CLICK HERE

Last Chance Retiring Decor Elements     CLICK HERE

Mark your calendar now for my annual Retirement Party, Friday, June 17, 2011. More details to follow. However, as I mentioned above, don't wait to order your retiring accessories until then because they really DO move FAST.

Easy, Quick Scrapbooking, how can that be?

2011-05-27T12:19:00.000-04:00

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday with the Sisters in Stamping. This week we are focusing on a great, relatively new product Stampin' Up! is carrying, My Digital Studio. It's a great product that allows you to create beautiful, quick, easy scrapbook pages or entire books with the touch of some computer keys. It doesn't take up much space, it portable (with a laptop, of course), and there is no waste. If you don't like the look of something you did, the "undo" button is your best friend.

I created this page in order to gear up for the beach. Our family loves heading out to the beach for the day as often as we can. I started the page from the create your own option. I then used one of the photo layout options that is included in the program. Dropped and cropped my pictures. Addded some "stamps" from the Enjoy Every Moment stamp set for the title of my page and finished it off with some journaling over one of my favorite types of photo (the back shot of a Daddy and his son).

I really like the fact that if I "mess up" I can easily fix that mistake with the "undo" button. It's nice that you can also move page layers forward or backward if you decide to add one after you have already started your page and decide that it needs something more.

It really is a great program. I'd love to show you more options showcasing this great product, so let me know if you are interested. You can create cards, calendars, individuals pages or whole books, and so much more.

Don't forget to check out Sisters in Stamping for other ideas using My Digital Studio.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.

Three for One Week

2011-05-20T12:08:00.001-04:00

This week over at Sisters in Stamping we are highlighting the awesome new Triple Layer Punches available from the Summer Mini Catalog. In essence, when you purchase one of these punches you get three punches. You determine which punched piece you get by switching the little lever between the three images. How cool is that?

I did a very simple card that would be sure to brighten anyone's day. I used both of the punches, the doily and the flower to come up with different combinations. It was quick and fun to put together. Great idea if you are in a pinch and need a card ASAP.

I really love the clean look of white cardstock and have been using a lot of it lately. For this card my base is white, then I used brushed silver cardstock for the next layer and the final layer is white.

I used silver brads in the center of each "flower" to tie in the silver cardstock. The above picture is a close up of the flowers. I made three different designs of them for this card and just repeated it with opposite colors. And guess what, I used dimensionals to attach each one of these babies to the card. (Like you didn't know that already!)

Here's one final look at the card (from a different angle). The punched pieces are from Melon Mambo and Pumpkin Pie cardstock. Love the pink and orange look. Don't forget to hop on over to Sisters in Stamping for even more great ideas using these punches.

Have a fabulous weekend. And as always, thanks for stopping by.

Time to Scrapbook

2011-05-13T12:00:00.000-04:00

This week at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on traditional Scrapbooking in honor of National Scrapbooking Month. Check back later in the month when we will be focusing on Digital Scrapbooking.

I designed a two page spread using only Black and White (both cardstock and ink) in hopes of using it for Brittney' wedding (which is less than 2 months away).

Here is page one (please excuse the photo, not sure what happened). It is a very simple layout but I think it is very elegant and can't wait to see some wedding photos on it.

Here's the second page. Very similar to the first page. Easy and definitely easy to duplicate.

Here are the two pages together. I used the Baroque Motif stamp set and the baroque wheel. Aren't they pretty?

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for more scrapbook pages.

Fab Friday & Teacher Appreciation all Wrapped Up in One

2011-05-06T12:00:00.002-04:00

Hello Stamping Friends,

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday posting. Over at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on our favorite set from the Summer Mini Catalog. BTW, that wasn't an easy thing to do. Picking just one stamp when there are so many great ones in there.

But I did it. I picked just one (and the coordinating wheels, of course). I love the set, Recess. It's such a fun kids set. Besides who doesn't love recess? You get to play hopscotch, slide, swimg, jump rope and just have some good 'ole fashioned fun. I think I like it so much too because I can see using it when I go in to work with Jonah's class (or someday when I have my own classroom). I guess I can get creative and use it when I sub too.

For today's project I paired the set with some fun bright colors to make a cheery notepad holder that any teacher can certainly put to use for one reason or another. The case of the holder is one of our clear stamp cases. And yes, you can buy them. They are in the big catalog for $4.95 for 4 empty cases. Anyway, back to the project. I used melon mambo and pumpkin pie Designer Series paper from the Brights stack. For the stamped image I threw in a little Pacific Point cardstock for even more color.

The center strip is wheeled using the Elementary Alphabet, For Teacher, & School Colors wheels. I created a ink cartridge in the coordingating colors, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, & Pacific Point. It creates a fun little accent for this project and would work great on cards too.

Here's a picture of the open case with the junior legal pad inside. I must tell you that you do need to get the tablets cut down about 3/4" - 1" so they fit nicely inside. They are just a bit too long to fit otherwise. Notice the inside of the case looks decorated. Well that's because Stampin' Up!'s Designer paper is double sided which makes decorating the outside and inside very easy to do. When you finish putting your "wrap" together you just slip it between the case and the clear plastic cover. Easy as that.

Now I know I mentioned that Fab Friday and Teacher Appreciation are all wrapped up in one and you are saying, "How?" right? Well I made one for Jonah's teacher and he was very excited to take it to her today. Hope she enjoys it.

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping to see which sets are the other sisters favorites.

A Sale you won't want to Miss!

2011-05-04T13:29:00.000-04:00

May is National Scrapbooking month and of course Stampin' Up! couldn't resist giving us a wonderful sale to celebrate preserving our lifetime of memories.

There are many digital products and downloads as well as some great stamp sets on sale for 30% off this month.

Check it out HERE to see all that is one sale until May 31. Contact me today to place your order or just click on the link below to place your order on my website.

Summer Mini Catalog is Here!!!!!

2011-05-04T13:24:00.000-04:00

The Summer Mini Catalog is here and it is simply fabulous. If you haven't received your copy, please let me know and I will get one out to you. There are great masculine sets, a patriotic flag stamp, awesome summer themed stamps, great kids playing in the park set, wonderful Designer Series paper, colored embossing powder and exciting new triple layer punches.

If you haven't received it yet you can check it out HERE until you get your copy. You will fall in love with this mini catalog.

Book your workshop for May and June and I will show you some great projects using some of the products.

I'm a Proud Peacock!

2011-04-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

Today at Sisters in Stamping we are giving you a sneak peek at the Summer Mini Catalog that begins in just a mere 2 days. I'm so excited about this mini catalog. Okay, so I say that all the time but I honestly love many of the products in this mini. They are fun and cheerful. They scream Summer to me. Something that I am more than ready for after the neverending Winter we had here in NEPA.

When I saw the Proud Peacock set, I just couldn't wait to get it. It made me immediately think of my Pa-pa. He's been gone about 25 years now but I loved my Pa-pa (I was only 12 when he passed away). He wasn't a fancy man. He wasn't rich, but he made me feel loved every time I saw him. He was fun to be around and I remember him smiling often. He had some very memorable decor pieces in his apartment. Or at least they were memorable to me. I remember the ceramic bull on the coffee table and then there were the peacocks. There they stood in their green and blue glory. I decided to brighten my peacock up a bit but it still makes me smile while remembering my Pa-pa.

Isn't it a fun card? I love it. I picked my colors straight from the Playful Polka Dot Simply Scrappin' Kit in the Summer Mini Catalog. It so fun, festive, bright, and cheerful. If I were to receive this in the mail, I would certainly smile.

Don't forget to check out the Sisters in Stamping blog for more peeks from the Summer Mini Catalog.

Products Used:
Proud Peacock
Cardstock: Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie, & Old Olive
Classic Ink: Old Olive, Rose Red
Stampin' Write Markers: Rose Red, Pumpkin Pie & Daffodil Delight
Big Shot
Perfect Polka Dots Impression Folder
Dimensionals
Eyelet Border Punch

More flowers are bloomin'

2011-04-22T13:04:00.001-04:00

If you read the Sisters in Stamping blog we originally said we were going to take this week off for the Easter Holiday but we just couldn't stay away. : ) We decided to give you one last look at the Occasions Mini Catalog. Remember it is ending next Saturday, April 30, 2011. So if there is something in there that you just need to have give me a call and I'll get it ordered right away for you.

Isn't this flower just gorgeous? I love the Fun Flowers die. I have used it so much. I'm even using it for Brittney's Bridal shower favors (you'll see those after the shower). I used the Springtime Vintage Designer Series Paper for my starting point. Blue usually isn't my color but I must admit that I am loving Baja Breeze. Not even sure where that's coming from. If you know me well enough you know that I am a green kinda gal but this Baja Breeze has taken a fond second.

For the flower, I embossed the three layers using the Perfect Polka Dot impressions folder. I love the added dimension it gives the flower. There are dimensionals between each layer to make the flower come to life. For the leaves of the flower, I just cut an extra large flower in always artichoke while cutting the baja breeze cardstock. I used 3 petals from the flower to make leaves.

This is a card that is pretty simple to make but gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It just took a few minutes to make really. It is a little bulky to mail but just think of how happy the recipient will be when they open it up.

Don't forget to jump over to the Sisters in Stamping blog for other last minute Occasions Mini Catalog ideas.

List of Products Used:

Big Shot

Fun Flowers Bigz L Die

Perfect Polka Dots Impression Folder

Very Vanilla Cardstock

Baja Breeze Cardstock

Always Artichoke Cardstock

Springtime Vintage Designers Series Paper

Always Artichoke Classic Ink

Occasional Quotes Stamp Set

Eyelet Border Punch

Basic Pearls

Dimensionals

Hey, Chickie!

2011-04-15T12:00:00.002-04:00

Hello Stamping Friends,

Are you all ready with your Easter Cards? If not, today at Sisters in Stamping we have some inspiring cards for you to make quickly to get out in next week's mail, just in time for Easter.

I used the Good Egg stamp set. I just love this set. It's so fun! You can design your own Easter eggs or make these cute little chicks like I did. Aren't they just adorable? I also stamped the bottom half of the stamp on designer paper so I could cut that out and give them each a cute little bottom half. Another thing I like to do with this set is to cut 2 shells out and put one on the bottom like I did here and the other tilted on the top of the chicks little head so it looks like they just hatched. I love the one saying, "You crack me up!" that comes in this set. I didn't use it on this card because I wanted it to be an Easter card but isn't it a fun saying?

I love how vibrant my chicks color is. I used daffodil delight reinker and an aqua painter to color them. It's nice and dark but doesn't show any lines that you sometimes see when you use a marker to color a larger area. The colors uses are this year's In-Colors, Blush Blossom, Pear Pizzazz, & Concord Crush. I used the hostess level one paper patterns pack for the shells.

Have a wonderful day! Email me to find out about my special tax day (or weekend) sale if you are interested. It's a good one.

Bring it On

2011-04-08T10:13:00.000-04:00

Today at Sisters in Stamping we are focusing on the great Birthday set in the Occasions mini catalog (which runs through the end of April, in case you were wondering) called Bring on the Cake. It's a great word set with a few images in it as well.

The card I created was a very quick and simple card to make. You can easily make a bunch of these in no time flat.

I used very vanilla, rose red, and pumpkin pie cardstock. I used the Sweet and Sour Specialty Designer Series Paper for a fun, festive look to the card. Besides, you all know I love polka dots. I'll add them to everything if I could.

I stamped the birthday cake image in basic black and watercolored the image using Rose red and Pumpkin pie classic pads with an aqua painter. To finish the card off, I added some bling to the bottom right hand corner as well as the bottom of the cake plate. Oh, one last thing, the main image is attached to the card using dimensionals. You didn't think I would forget them, did you?

Okay, gotta run, got a call to go sub this morning and I told them I'd be there real soon. Just had to post this quickly before I left. Have a great day and an even better weekend.

Remember to head over to Sisters in Stamping for even more ideas using this great set.

Dreaming of Bright, Pretty Butterflies

2011-04-05T12:29:00.000-04:00

Today, as I look out the window and see it snowing again (and it was just raining a few hours ago), I'm dreaming of many bright, pretty butterflies that will one day appear up here on the mountain. Although, there is a poor little beautiful BlueJay looking for some food in the backyard. And since, I won't be seeing any of those outside my windows any time real soon, I decided to share with you a bright, pretty butterfly card I made last week. When I shared it at two classes I held, there were a lot of oooo's and ahhh's, I guess everyone is in the same boat. The boat of wishing Winter would go away and stay away.

There is no stamping on this card. (gasp) But it is entirely made with the big shot. Did I ever tell you how much I love my big shot? The colors of this card comes from the Sunny Days Designer Series Paper, Poppy Parade, Peach Parfait, & Daffodil Delight. I used the Tulip frame embossing folder to frame it all off. Then I used the elegant lines embossing folder for the background (and to make the white pop more). Then I used the Beautiful Butterflies die to die cut the designer series paper for the focal point of the card. I then finished the card off with some fun "ruffled" daffodil delight satin ribbon. And the thing that really makes the card pop is the bling you find in the center of the butterfly and the lone rhinestone on the edge of the ribbon.

Hope this butterfly has cheered up your day. Hang in there, although it seems like we are having a never-ending Winter, Spring really is on it's way. (That was more for me, than for you.)

Have a great day!

Don't forget to check out the Clearance Rack on my website, there are many great new things added recently. Even Grab bags for $5, $10, or $15. Don't miss out on the great deals.