Happy 4th of July, A Reason to Smile

Happy 4th of July to all of my stamping friends. I hope you have a wonderful day with your families as we celebrate America's birthday.

Promotion Details:

Dates: July 1 - 31, 2012

Spend $50 on any current Stampin' Up! productsto get the exclusive Reason to Smile Set for just $5.

Orders may be placed on any order type (customer, workshop guest or online)

There is a limit of one (1) set per customer.

You will not be automatically prompted to enter the $5 Item Number for a qualifying purchase. So be sure to enter one of these item numbers after your order reaches $50 or more:

Wood Mount 131274
Clear Mount 131275

This set is valued up to $20.95

The Reason to Smile Set is exclusive to this promotion and will not be available after July 31, 2012.

Deadline to order: Tuesday, July 31, 2012; 11:50 PM (MT)

It's a Nature Kind of Day

Hello Stamping Friends,

Thanks for coming back again today to see me.  It's another Fabulous Friday at Sisters in Stamping and this week we continue our catalog tour, our stop is the Nature section.  I know you think earthy tones but I changed that up a bit and did a fun, looking birthday card.

I used the Raining Flowers stamp set from the Nature section for my card.  Isn't it a fun card? Pool party and Wisteria Wonder! I love those two colors together. I know I will be sad next year when they retire.  I can use this combo together all year long. Well, maybe not in the Fall but it's great for snowmen and snowflakes.

Here's a close up of the main focal point of the card. I used the labels framelits to emboss the cardstock first and then I used the the next larger framelit to cut it out. I will do a tutorial for you later this week on how to do this technique. It's not difficult at all. You just use the platform on tab 1, clear plate, the texture impressions pad, your cardstock, the framelit (upside down so it doesn't cut the paper), clear plate and then run it through the big shot.

Thanks for stopping by.  Don't forget to run over to the Sisters in Stamping blog to see what the other sisters did using Nature stamps.

Stamping Supplies Used:

Stamps: Raining Flowers, Bring on the Cake

Inks: Pool Party & Wisteria Wonder

Cardstock: Wisteria Wonder & Pool Party, In Color Paper Stack

Accessories: In Color Brads, Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon, Labels Framelits, Big Shot, Texture impressions pad, sticky strip (to hold the ribbon on), dimensionals, and snail adhesive

Beautiful Elements

Hello Stamping Friends,

I'm glad you have decided to join me again today for another Fabulous Friday posting with the Sisters in Stamping.  I know I have been somewhat absent and only posting on Fridays and for that I must apologize. I have been super busy making samples for Stampin' Up! for next month's convention.  I'm honored to be asked but it is a large undertaking and a bit of a challenge.  I've been working outside my comfort zone with some of the stamp sets that I needed to use.  I'll be sure to share them with you next month. Can't unveil them to you before everyone else, sorry!  But I promise once I get these in the mail today, I will be posting more often.

Today's challenge with the sisters is to use something from the Elements section of the catalog.  I used the awesome Hello, Doily for the main image on my card.  I love the way this card turned out. I embossed the doily in white and then sponged over the entire thing with Baja Breeze ink.  It just "pops!"  I decided to make this a sympathy card (even though I really don't enjoy making these because of why you need them).  I am always asked for more sympathy cards, so here is another one.

I also used the labels framelits. These framelits (and all the other ones for that matter) are A-W-E-S-O-M-E You can stamp and then cut so you don't need to worry about centering anything. I love that.  I also make a double fork bow for this card. All I did was use two pieces of ribbon at the same time to make the bow.Then when it was finished I just pulled the two loops on each side apart a little.

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping for even more ideas using stamps from the Element Section of the Catalog.

Stamping Supplies Used:
Stamps: Hello, Doily and Love & Sympathy

Ink: Baja Breeze & Versamark

Cardstock: Baja Breeze, So Saffron, & Whisper White

Accessories: White Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Stampin' Sponge, Baja Breeze Seam Binding Ribbon, Labels Framelits, Big Shot, Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, Glue Dots and a fork

Thanks for stopping by!  See you real soon!

New Accessories

Hello again,

It's Friday again and you know what that means, right?  A great posting over at Sisters in Stamping.  Today we are showcasing new accessories. There are so many to choose from. There's designer paper, punches, ribbons, big shot dies and folders and so much more.

I decided to use two of my favorite things, designer paper and embossing folders.  I used my favorite new designer paper, Polka Dot Parade to make my pinwheel and then I used one of the folders from the Delicate Designs folders to add a fun texture.  I love this card because it was pretty easy to put together.  It looks like a whole lot more but really it's just the layering of the papers and cardstock that add so much to the overall look.

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping for more ideas using the great new accessories.  Come back next Friday to see the next section of the catalog come alive.  Over the next few weeks we are taking section by section of the new catalog and showing you ideas.

Stamping Supplies Used:
Stamps: Sweet Essentials and A Fitting Occasion

Ink: Pacific Point, Daffodil Delight, and Old Olive

Paper: Pacific Point, Old Olive, Real Red, & Whisper White cardstock, Brights paper stack and Polka Dot Parade Designer Series Paper

Other: Big Shot, Delicate Designs Folders, Neutral Brad (not visible but that is what is holding the pinwheel together), dimensionals, 1/16" hold punch and snail adhesive.

More Make a Cake for You

Hello Stamping Friends,

Welcome to another Fabulous Friday with the Sisters in Stamping.  This week's theme is our favorite set from the new catalog.  Be sure to head over to the site to see what the other "sisters" made.  This is going to be a quick post today because I just got home from the last day of school (where I've been the permanent sub for a kindergarten class) and now I'm off and running to finish up all the last minute details for my New Catalog Open House tonight. It's from 5-8pm, so stop by if you can.  I still have to get out all of the retired stamps and accessories that will be for sale, bake some yummy cupcakes and of course, tidy up the house.  If you can't come tonight you are welcome to come tomorrow between 11am and 2pm. I absolutely love the special treats I made for anyone who comes tonight that purchases some retired stuff or places an order from the new catalog.  I'll share that with you tomorrow or Sunday.

Anyway more about the card, that's why you came afterall, isn't it?  I used the Make a Cake stamp set. It's such a fun set with some great little stamps, butterflies, heart, flags and pinwheels, to accessorize your cake.  I made this a birthday cake and used the coordinating Patio Party Designer Series Paper.  I love that paper.  I see lots of it in my future. I guess that's your future, too.

Stamping Supplies Used:
Stamps: Make A Cake, Itty Bitty Banners

Paper: Whisper White and Midnight Muse Cardstock, Patio Party Designer Series Paper

Ink: I used Stampin' Write Markers (New In Colors 2012-2014)

Other: Dimensionals

Don't forget to head over to Sisters in Stamping for more ideas. Gotta run, maybe I'll see you tonight or tomorrow for the New Catalog Party.

Pretty Little Notecards

Hello Stamping Friends,

I hope you are planning on joining me on Friday evening or Saturday afternoon for the new catalog open house. It is a highly anticipated event every year. You won't want to miss the make n takes, the retired stamp set and accessory sale and the other special surprises that are in store for all attendees.

I'm working hard on making this a fun event for everyone and I am excited about it. That is, in between being at school everyday. I've been subbing for the past two weeks for a teacher who had a baby. With that said, I guess you can surmise that I've been super busy, and the circle under my eyes are there to prove it. Our last day of school is Friday (and yes, I will be Mrs. Yurkanin until then as well). I have been loving being in the classroom but when you're not used to the rigid schedule that goes along with getting ready for school and trying (although, mostly in vain) to keep up with my housework it sure catches up to you and fast.  Like I said, I love it and I'm grateful for the opportunity, I'm just tired is all. 

But I took a minute (okay, more than that, so you know you are special) out to share this pretty little notecard with you.  I used the awesome new ink pads. They ink up a stamp beautifully. No missing spots at all.  When I showed my sister this card, she thought I made it with My Digital Studio because of complete, solid coverage the pad allows for even on more solid image stamps. But I promise you I inked up some stamps the old fashioned way (without the aid of a computer) and stamped these images on the cardstock.

I think these cards would make a great gift set. I purposely left off words so then the card can be used for anything at all. Or if you prefer, you can add a greeting to the front of the card as well.  That's what I love about stamping, there is no right or wrong way to make a card.  It's homemade and that's what really matters.

Stamping Supplies Used:

Stamps: Besty's Blossoms
Ink: Raspberry Ribble, Gumball Green and Summer Starfruit

Paper: Whisper White Cardstock

Other: Dimensionals, Paper Snips, Snail Ahesive, and Basic Rhinestones

Thanks again for stopping by. Hope to see you Friday or Saturday for the New Catalog Open House.

June Class List

DON'T FORGET:

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. We can customize it for you. June and July Hostesses will receive $50 extra credit when the workshop total is $450 (before shipping and tax). I still have some dates open so book your party today.


For the month of June, join the Stampin' Up! family, to receive the Make a Cake stamp set and coordinating designer series paper (Patio Party) as well as the Patio Party Digital DVD for FREE in addition to the other $125 in product of your choice all for only $99 plus tax.

June 2012 Classes

Classes are held at my home unless otherwise noted.

New Catalog Open House: Friday, June 8, 2012 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

* Come and make 2 different Make n Takes using new stamps and products featured in the 2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalog
* Get your copy of the 2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalog to take home with you
* Purchase retired stamps and accessories at a discount rate
* Specials for attendees only
* Light refreshments will be available
* Plus get to take home some of my samples (lots to choose from)

New Catalog Open House: Saturday, June 9, 2012 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Same as Friday just offering for those who can't make Friday evening)

* Come and make 2 different Make n Takes using new stamps and products featured in the 2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalog
* Get your copy of the 2012-2013 Idea Book & Catalog to take home with you
* Purchase retired stamps and accessories at a discount rate
* Specials for attendees only
* Light refreshments will be available
* Plus get to take home some of my samples (lots to choose from)

Let’s Get Punchy Class: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 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.
• Fee for this class 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: Monday, June 11, 2012

Summer Smooches Class: Thursday, June 21, 2012 6:30 PM

· During this class you will complete a dry erase picture frame and 4 tile coasters all using the summer smooches designer series paper.
· As part of the class you will receive a half pack of the Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper and your own bottle of crystal effects.
· Cost: $25.00 per person
· Includes all supplies to complete both projects with extra designer series paper and crystal effects to take home.. All you need to bring is your own snail adhesive.
· Registration Deadline is: Thursday, June 14, 2012 (I need to be firm on this date because I need to order the supplies so you will have it at class.)

Big Shot Club, Sunday, June 24, 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 ($21.95), one textured impressions folder ($7.95), one Bigz L Die ($32.95), one embosslit die ( $11.95), and one sizzlit die ($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, June 21, 2012

Stamp-A-Stash: Thursday, June 28, 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.
1/2 Price Class fee with a $25.00 order
FREE class with a $50 order
• Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 26, 2012