Seeing Outside the Box!

Hello Stampers!

I have been having a bit of difficulty accessing my blogger account over the past few days. Sorry about the lapse in postings!

I am going to share with you two of my creations today! They are again creations that I have designed for the colour challenge. I am pleased to say that the cards/scrapbook layouts that I have featured lately are all of my original designs. As a demonstrator I have access to thousands of layouts that are so incredible that I can't resist to use them every now and then. But I want to assure everyone that I will always challenge my own talents and share with you my own creations as well!

I made the card to the left with the scrapbook layout that I featured in my previous posting in mind. Scrapbook pages make wonderful gifts for family members. This would make a great card to send along with the scrapbook page. Although this is a simplistic card it serves the purpose to match the scrapbook page. Again, I was focusing on the use of Stampin' Ups! punches to add embellishments to a page. This idea works just as well when used on cards. I added just a touch of Dazzling Diamonds glitter to the butterfly for added interest.


This second card took stamping and punching to a new level. As a Christmas gift to all Stampin' Up! demonstrators, we received the Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set for free from Shelli (the cofounder and CEO of Stampin' Up!) . The Polka Dots & Paisley set will be available to purchase from the Spring Mini Catalogue from March 1 - June 30th, 2007. When I first saw the stamp set, all that I could see was a face. This is the card that I came up with. This is my own creation and an original. I stamped the stem of the flower for the mouth, the flower of the stamp became the eyes and the circle outline of the flower was used to create the nose. I carefully inked the "dot" of the flower stamp using the edge of the Marigold Morning ink pad. I then used the Old Olive Stampin' Write Marker to colour the petals. That is how I achieved the two colours on the one stamp. The cheeks are just sponged on using Rose Red ink and a Stampin' Sponge. I used the Daisy punch to create the hair and I also sponged some Marigold Morning ink on each flower for added dimension. I adhered each flower to the paper using Sticky Strip to ensure a good bond.....wouldn't want her hair to fall out! The little buckle at her neck line is from the Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware kit that I had won for our last group challenge! I am putting my winnings to good use. The ribbons used are white grosgrain and white narrow organdy. All that I see now everytime that I look at this card is Raggedy Ann. I suppose I will be making another creation with this same card in mind.

I would love to hear what you think of these creations! Just let me know by posting in the comment field.

"HAPPY" stamping!

Stacey :)

More for the Colour Challenge

Good evening Stampers!

I continue to work on projects for the colour challenge our demonstrator's group is having. I have started to think "outside the box" a bit! Tonight I am going to post my latest scrapbook page. I have completed this page keeping a focus on Stampin' Ups! punches. The butterflies were all made using the following punches: Large Oval, Small Oval, 1/2 inch round punch, horizontal slot, word window punch, as well as the Daisy punch. I also used the Ticket Corner punch in the title paper. It really adds a nice finished touch to the title. The grass on the bottom of the page was created by taking a strip of paper and using the paper snips to make short little cuts. Once I had all of the grass completed I "cut the grass"...I made little angle cuts into the grass to take away from the bluntness of the grass. The lady bugs and the snail are images from the Winged Things stamp set. A few of them were adhered to the grass using Stampin' Dimensionals to give a bit of depth to the page. I also added to the focus of the butterflies by stamping one individual butterfly from the Beyond the Basics stamp set here and there. A piece from the Hodgepodge Hardware kit(Antique Brass) completes this page.

Keep checking back for more of my projects for the colour challenge! I am always open to your comments. Just click the comment bar.

Happy Stampin'!

Stacey

New Challenge!

Good Morning Stampin', Scrappin', and Paper Craftin' Friends!

Our demonstrator's group has another challenge underway. The new challenge is to come up with projects using a specific colour combination. The combination that we are using is Marigold Morning, Rose Red, Old Olive and Lavendar Lace. All of these colours must be used in each project. Again, for each project we do, our name will be entered the same number of times for a draw of Stampin' Goodies. The challenge goes until our March demonstrator's meeting. Not surprisingly, I like a challenge! The day after the challenge was posted, I started some projects.

The card to the left is the first card that I designed for the challenge using the Winged Things Stamp set and the Print Pattern Background stamp. I pieced the Old Olive, Marigold Morning and Rose Red card stock together and held them together with a few little pieces of tape. The three pieces now became one piece. I then inked up the Print Pattern stamp with the VersaMark Ink Pad. I carefully placed the paper as one unit on top of the background stamp and gently rub over the paper with my fingers. This is the way I use the Background stamps. I can ensure full coverage of ink on my projects. The VersaMark ink leaves a watermarked look on the paper. I used the same sized paper for the Lavendar Lace and the Very Vanilla card stock. I used the paper piercing tool to poke holes along two sides of the Lavendar Lace paper. I stamped the Dragonfly image in Basic Black Classic ink. The image is coloured using blender pens. I accomlished the Marigold Morning colour using the blender pens in the ink that I squeezed from the ink pad onto the cover of the ink pad. The other colours were achieved by gently brushing the blender pens on the Paint Brush end of the Stampin' Write Markers. If you click on the card, it will be enlarged so you can see that I sponged the different colours around the edges where they came in contact with the coloured card stock. The main piece of card stock is Naturals White.

Check back over the next few days for more projects that I have completed for this Challenge!

Happy Inspirations to you all with your Stampin' Creations!

Stacey

Challenge outcome!

Hello Stampers!

Our demonstrator's meeting was absolutely phenomenal last evening! I received many incredible swap cards from the other demonstrators who participated. I even stamped 5 new cards and one 3-D project during the make-and-take session. Here is a picture of the make-and-take cards/project.


As I indicated in my previous post, there was a challenge for all demonstrators within our group to participate in. Each demonstrator's name was entered for each card/project they submitted into a draw for at least $50 worth of Stampin' Up! products. I had entered 16 projects for the SAB challenge. There were 55 entries in total. To my amazement, my name was drawn making me the lucky winner! My prize package (pictured to the left) included the Pewter Hodgepodge Hardware Kit(page 230 value $37.95), 1/4 inch square punch (page 220 value $6.95), and a package of Stampin' Dimensionals (page 226 value $5.50). I am very thrilled about my prize! I already had the opportunity to use each of these products over the past few months and I absolutley have fallen in love with the Hodgepodge Hardware kit. Each piece in the kit adds a wonderful touch to cards and scrapbook pages. I have even used the pieces on some of my 3-D projects. The quality of this kit is outstanding! I am truly lucky to be the winner of such a fabulous prize! I couldn't help but take all of the pieces out of the Hodgepodge Hardware kit. It gives a better perspective of just how many items are actually within the kit. I think you will agree that this kit is a great value and the possibilities are almost endless as are the number of projects you can use them on!

We have a really unique and friendly group of demonstrators. Not only are we a group but we are a team. If you are at all interested in the wonderful opportunity of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, I would be happy to discuss this business opportunity with you. You can e-mail me at staceysstampingstudio@shaw.ca . I will guide you through your business, give you business tips, and provide training. You will also have the opportunity to be enriched in your stamping adventure through a very wonderful team of demonstrators.

Happy Stampin'!

Stacey

(all products and images shown copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2007)

Monthly Demonstrator's Meeting tonight!

Hello Stamping Friends!

I thought that I would share with you my swap card that I made for tonight's Demonstrator's meeting. Each month, we hold a card swap for all of the demonstrators to take part in. Each demonstrator designs/stamps a card and duplicates it for each of demonstrators who is taking part. There are 11 participants in this month's swap with the theme Love, Wedding, Anniversary. I can't wait to see all of the creations. It is amazing to see the differences in each of the cards and just how unique each of us are!

I have also taken part in a challenge that was introduced this month within our demonstator's group. Although we are demonstrator's we are always being challenged and it helps to keep our talents alive! There will be a draw tonight for a prize worth at least $50 in Stampin' Up! products. Since I am always up for a challenge, I took it on! We were to use stamps/products from the Sell-A-Bration catalogue and/or the Winter Mini Catalogue. For as many cards/projects that we come up with our name gets entered into the draw. So if you stamp one card, your name will be entered once. If you stamp 10 cards, you will be entered 10 times. Well, liking a challenge, I managed to come up with 16 different Sell-A-Bration cards which included 2 -12x12 Scrapbook Pages and I also managed to stamp different Winter Mini Catalogue cards which included 2-12x12 Scrapbook Pages. Many other demonstrators have made several cards and I can't wait to see who is the lucky demonstrator to win! There is never a dull moment in a demonstrator's world! Here are pictures of the 4 cards I stamped today.

I will post a few of the swap cards later this evening. If time runs short tonight, I will post them tomorrow! I hope that you find inspiration in these creations!

Happy stamping!

Stacey

Card Variations and Scalloped Edge Instructions

Good Morning Stampers!



Here's a variation my upline Bev made of the Like It a Latte card I showed you on January 10th with the scalloped edge. You can check out the Like It a Latte stamp set from the Winter Mini Catalogue. Bev stamped her card in Chocolate Chip and Rose Red. This card would also make a great Valentine's card with the use of the heart on the cup! A cup of cocoa with a friend on Valentine's day...sounds good to me!


Here are more detailed instructions Bev included to make the scalloped edge.




First, CAREFULLY take the guard off the Small Corner Rounder Punch - If the guard is taken off too quickly and without enough care there is a chance that it could break.





Then, line the punch up along the edge of your card stock and continue to move it down and punch until you've made the scalloped edge. You'll want to watch to be sure you're getting the punch lined up in the right spot and are keeping it straight. This is such a great idea to add a bit more interest to your cards and scrapbook layouts. Give it a try. I would love to see your creations!

Happy Stampin' and Punchin'!

Stacey

Exciting Stampin' Up! News

Good Morning Stamping Friends!

One of the aspects I love about being a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator is that I have met so many wonderful people. I absolutely love it when my customers share with me their very own creations! When Lesley B. (the winner of the Open-House door-prize) came to pick up her prize, she also brought along one of her card creations!(pictured to the left) She went home after the Open-House and created it! The Flower Image she used is a set Lesley had earned for free through the Hostess Benefit program. At the time Lesley earned this free set she also earned other free Catalogue Merchandise as well as other benefits only available through me! The Hostess set is called Springtime Stems. She stamped the soild flower image direct to Whisper White Card Stock using Classic Inks(Pink Passion, Ballet Blue, Only Orange and Tempting Tourquoise). She then stamped the outline image using the VersaMark Ink Pad and embossed with Crystal Clear Embossing Powder. Lesley created the stems by drawing dotted lines using the Certainly Celery Stampin' Write Marker. The grass on the bottom of the page was simply created using a strip of Certainly Celery Card Stock and cutting fine little slits in the top portion. She created a little tag and used petite little stamps(source unknown) and non-Stampin' Up! ribbon. Card Stock colours: Tempting Turquoise, Whisper White, and Certainly Celery. A FANTASTIC card Lesley! Thank you so much for sharing!


If you enjoy stamping and meeting wonderful people as I do, you now have the opportunity to become a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for only $137!!

Only until February 28th, you can take advantage of an exciting new Mini Starter Kit for only $137 as an alternate to the $275 Standard Starter Kit! The money-saving Mini Starter Kit is ideal for long-time stampers who already have a collection of Stampin' Up! products and just need business supplies to get going in their own Stampin' Up! business. And, as a special bonus, you will also receive the Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set (a $24.95 value) for FREE!

The new Mini Starter Kit contains the following stamping supplies:

~ Greetings Galore stamp set (page 65 in the Idea Book & Catalogue - or choose any current stamp set valued up to $39.95)
~ the new Polka Dots & Paisley stamp set (will be in the 2007 Spring Mini Catalogue)
~ 1 package of assorted 8-1/2" x 11" card stock (you choose the colour family)
~ 1 package of 8-1/2" x 11" Whisper White card stock
~ 1 Classic Stampin' Pad (you choose the colour)

And, all of the same business supplies contained in our Standard Starter Kit, including:
~ First Impressions DVD
~ Getting Started DVD
~ Getting Started Guide/Folder
~ Guest Invitation Postcard (100)
~ Idea Book & Catalogue (8)
~ Seasonal Mini Catalogue (8)
~ Heartfelt Thanks Inspiration Sheets
~ To My Hostess Envelope (10)
~ Recruit Folders (5)
~ Recruit Brochures (20)
~ Demonstrator Manual CD
~ Independent Demonstrator Agreement and Application (5)
~ Starter Kit Order Form (5)
~ Hostess Benefits Form (10)
~ Customer Order Form (50)
~ Exchange Order Form (3)

Find out more here. I would be happy to talk with you more about this amazing opportunity and the benefits of becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, including saving 30% on your first order as a new demonstrator! This special for new demonstrator's is available if you live in Canada. I would love to welcome anyone from Canada to my downline group(the other wonderful people I have met as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator who also give me much inspiration)! If you are interested and would like to learn more, you may join me this coming Monday Jan 22nd at our monthly Demonstrator's meeting. Just e-mail me at staceysstampingstudio@shaw.ca

Happy stampin'!

Stacey

(All images copyright 1990-2007 Stampin' Up!)

Valentine's Stamp-A-Stack!

Hello Stampers!


With Valentine’s Day just weeks away, this month’s Stamp-A-Stack will feature Valentine’s cards!


Come and stamp 6 cards for $12.00. There will be more than 6 cards to choose from. If you wish to stamp more than 6 cards, each additional card is $2.00 each. All supplies are included. Stamp at your own pace. I will be here to assist where needed. Stamp sets that will be featured at this Stamp-A-Stack are:

Cute as a Bug
Summer by the Sea
Favorite Teddy Bear
Unfrogettable
Much Love
Loads of Love
Love Matters(Winter Mini)


Date: Friday January 19th, 2007
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Stacey’s Stamping Studio
Cost: $12.00 ($2.00 for each additional card over 6)
Please Pre-register by e-mail or phone

Next month’s Stamp-A-Stack date is February 9th. You may pre-register for this date as well.

Happy Stampin’!

Stacey

Open-House Highlights

Hello Stampers!

Thank you to those who came out to my Open-House in support of my Stamping business! I really appreciate your support and interest.

I would like to share with those who could not make it out a few highlights from yesterday. Pictured here on the left is the wall display of the 41 inspiration sheets. They sure did take up wall space!

The picture on the right shows my three display boards featuring cards and scrapbook pages using the Sell-A-Bration stamp sets. There were also 5 other boards on display and other project samples. The table in the middle of the room was set up so my customers could stamp a make and take card. The make and take card is pictured here as well as the details on this card:

Stamp sets: So Very, Very Punny, Fresh Fillers

Paper: Naturals White, Whisper White, Black, Pixie Pink

Ink: Pixie Pink, Pink Passion, Black

Accessories: Blender Pen, Black Gingham Ribbon

Details: The little piggy was coloured using the blender pen dipped into ink that was squished onto the lid of the ink pad. This is a great colouring technique to allow your images to have a bit of shading rather than just a solid colour.

This was the door prize at my Open-House. Included in the door prize was a hand-bag that I made entirely from card stock(mellow moss, cranberry crisp, very vanilla) and scrapbook paper(Recollections Paper), 8 coordinating cards that also featured the Heartfelt Thanks stamp set, 'Too Terrific Tags' stamp set, a black stampin' spot, and three inspiration sheets. And the winner is......Lesley B.! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Here is a close-up view of the paper hand-bag! A few strategic score lines and cuts...and volia....a paper hand-bag! The handles were attached with brads from the Hodgepodge Hardware embellishment kit-Antique Brass. The faux stitching was created by using the white gel pen. The pocket flap has a button from the 'Fresh Favorites I' package attached to it . The hand-bag holds all of the cards. Wouldn't this make a great gift to give to friends and family for any occasion?!

I hope you had a great weekend!

Happy Stampin'!

Stacey

(copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2007)

Open-House reminder!

Hello Friends!

This is just a reminder about my Open-House tomorrow Saturday January 13th at my Stamping Studio. Please e-mail me for directions at staceysstampingstudio@shaw.ca . Please come and go as you wish between 9:30am and 12noon. My Stamping Studio is jam-packed with tons of Stamped samples…ideas for everyone! One of my walls will be covered with sheets that will inspire you that include card and scrapbook samples. There are now 41 stamp sets featured on 41 different inspiration sheets!

I have 7 display boards up. You will definitely want to bring a camera so you can take your favorite ideas home with you! My latest accomplishment will be on display….an altered Lunch Tin. Come see how you can put your Simply Scrappin' Kits to work for you! It is a piece of art in itself.

For those in attendance tomorrow, you will have your name entered in a draw for the door prize. If you place an order tomorrow(in person or by phone) your name will be entered again for a door prize, and if you book your home workshop tomorrow(in person or by phone), you will receive an additional door prize slip! Many chances to win!!!

I do hope that you will all have a chance to drop by. Just a reminder to go to my front door. There is lots of parking in the parking lot across the street. How convenient! Just be careful as there is still some ice on the road.

See you tomorrow!

Stacey

From Pouring Rain to Winter Wonderland!

Good Morning Stampers!

Over the past few days we have had a lot of rainfall. However, this morning we woke up to a Winter Wonderland! I LOVE IT!

I took these pictures of our house this morning. We shovelled a path in the driveway at 7:30am and by 8:15 it was covered in just as much snow again! This morning I am going to finish one of my 12x12 scrapbook layouts. So, the snow came just in time....it gives me time!

Today is also a good day for a hot cup of hot chocolate! Here is a card that I made using the Like It a Latte stamp set in the Winter Mini Catalogue. I stamped the 'steam' several times on the whisper white card stock to create a background. I also had to break down and use a product Stampin' Up! sold last year called Liquid Applique to enhance the foam I stamped on top of the cup. It gives it the look of whipping cream. The scalloped edge was created using the small Corner Rounder punch. I just took the guard off of the punch enabling the paper to be placed further into the punch. I just kept lining up the punch beside the last punched curve and continued punching until I finished an entire edge.

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White.

Classic Inks: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink

Accessories: Small corner Rounder punch, Pink Grosgrain ribbon.

Other: Liquid Applique

(Copyright Stampin' Up! 1990-2007)

Have a warm and cozy day!

Stacey

Open House SAB sample card sneak peak!

Hello Stampin' Friends!

I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 24 swap cards in the mail today. They arrived safely....given all the rain we have had.

Here are two of the swap cards. They were both made by two talented demonstrators in our Stampin' Up! demonstrator's team. The card on the left was designed by Bev. She used the Delight in Life stamp set. She outlined the flower petals and leaves using the Rose Red and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers followed by colouring them in with the Regal Rose and Certainly Celery. The center of the flower was coloured using the markers as well with So Saffron. Bev used the same flower image to make the leaves. She just cut them out and adhered them under the flower. Dazzling Diamonds glitter was added to the center of the flower using the 2-Way Glitter Pen. It adds a wonderful touch a glitz to her card. The two accents of Black Gingham Ribbon anchor the card. Amazing layout and layering!


The 2nd card was stamped by Lucie. She used the Happy Harmony SAB stamp set as well as Fine Lace Background stamp, Linen Background stamp, and French Flair Background stamp. The flower was direct to stamp coloured using Stampin' Write Markers. A bit of a 'huff' on the stamp moistens the ink before it is stamped on the paper. Note the wonderful softened effect Lucie gave to this card by sponging around the different paper layers to this card including the main card stock piece. Lucie also used Moss Gingham Ribbon which really completes her card.

At present there will be 35 different card samples on display during the Open-House using the Sell-A-Bration stamp sets. There are samples using each of the 5 different SAB stamp sets. Many other card samples will be on display, so there should be something of interest to everyone! I hope you will be able to attend. If you are requiring directions, please just send me an e-mail at staceysstampingstudio@shaw.ca and I will forward directions.


Happy Stampin'

Stacey

More Sell-A-Bration cards!

Hello Stampers!

I had the opportunity to stamp some more today during the kid's nap time. Yeah!

Here is a card I just made using the Very Punny stamp set. I cut out each of the fish, coloured them with Stampin' Write Markers in these colours: Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, and Tempting Turquoise. The fish are also mounted using Stampin' Dimensionals to add more depth to this card. The stunning part of this card is the background technique I used. The bubbly background is done using the Heated Pearls technique.

Technique Classes will be posted during my Sell-A-Bration Open House to give those who attend the first chance to sign up! Add some excitment to your cards by using simple but interesting background techniques!

A special thank-you to Alicia for swapping Sell-A-Bration stamp sets with me, so I could stamp additional cards! Alicia is a friend and fellow demonstrator within the team of demonstrators I belong to. If you are interested in joining my team of demonstrators, please send me an e-mail at staceysstampingstudio@shaw.ca so I can give you further information. There are addtional benefits of signing up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator during the Sell-A-Bration Promotional months not to mention wonderful stamping opportunities and friendships you will make!

Happy Sell-A-Brating!

Stacey

Card Display Boards

Good morning Stampers, Scrapbookers and Papercrafters!

Our 'pond' has finally subsided! Thanks heavens.

I thought that I would share a final look at two of the many display boards in my studio. These two boards will be coming down this week. I do hope that you still find some inspiration from them. I will be displaying cards made with the Sell-A-Bration sets on these boards. The other boards in my studio will also be changing.
To have a close-up and personal look at the boards, please don't hesitate to drop by my Open-House this coming Saturday January 13th between 9:30am-12noon. There will be door prizes, new samples and projects, technique sheets, at least 36 inspiration sheets displaying card ideas & layouts, scrapbook layouts, and colour combinations using at least 36 different stamp sets!... and much more! Be sure to attend!

Happy Stampin', Scrappin', and Paper Craftin'!

Stacey

A Morning Surprise!

Good morning everyone!

Here are some pictures of what we woke up to this morning. Overnight the heavens definitely opened up! As the drains at the street level are higher than where liquid flows to, this is what has happened to our front yard. The city is aware...and has been for 3 years now. Finally they have made some markings this past week on the street where they are going to change the location of the drains. We have put our landscaping of the front yard on hold due to obvious reasons. Poor hubby had to trek out in low boots as we do not own hip-rubbers:) and just walk right into our 'pond'! He placed a sump pump into the water and it is now draining into one of the road drains via a garden hose. Keith's boots are now draining outside our front door.

Oops! The second picture is sideways....just turn your head...sorry!

Hope you all have a fun but 'dry' day!

Stacey

Scrapbook pages!

Scrapbook pages of J'Naya!

I am just about to leave for a Demonstrator's only Stamping Day! Just imagine....am entire day of stamping with no interuptions! My dream come true!

I thought that I would post two of the pages I completed this week. I used the Simply Scrappin' Just Delightful paper/card stock die-cut stickers, So Very stamp set, and the Delight in Life stamp set. These are all available through the Sell-A-Bration Promotional months! You may click on the pictures to enlarge them for a better view.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stacey

Time to Sell-A-Brate!

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope your Christmas and celebrations to ring in the New Year were fabulous!

With ringing in the New Year in the Stampin'UP! world brings an exciting time. It is the start of Sell-A-Bration.

The Sell-A-Bration brochure is now online. You can see it here. There are six different Sell-A-Bration rewards that you can choose this year - five stamp sets and one Simply Scrappin' Kit. Customers select one free Sell-A-Bration reward with every $75 of Stampin' Up! product purchased! Hostesses also benefit, selecting one Sell-A-Bration reward for each $450 in workshop sales - this is above all of the regular hostess benefits! And, if you sign-up as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator during Sell-A-Bration, you can select any stamp set (value up to $57.95) from the 2006-2007 Idea Book & Catalogue free! Contact me (staceysstampingstudio@shaw.ca) for more information or to book a workshop! Sell-A-Bration starts on January 1st and runs until February 26th.

I have spent much of my last week stamping. I have been preparing for these Sell-A-Bration months with many different samples. I used the Delight in Life set in the card featured here. It is of my favorite right now. I have also designed 2 cards specifically for 2 different card swaps that I am in. I was invited in a swap with demonstrators in Vancouver. There are 24 in this swap, so I can't wait for my cards to arrive. I am expecting them by the end of next week! I am also in a smaller swap here in Victoria.

You will be able to view the samples at my upcoming Sell-A-Bration Open-House. Stop by my stamping studio on Saturday January 13th between 9:30am-12pm. If you are not sure where my studio is, please just send me an e-mail.

Check back for further details on the Open-House in the next few days!