Christmas Card Class 2012 - new changes

I have always loved my Christmas Card class that I do every year.  It has ALWAYS been such a fun time and I've made lots of friends. This year, I'm changing a few things.

First off... I'm doing it a bit earlier this year. I'd always done it in November... which I think just gets TOOOO crazy for most people to set aside several hours to play.  So I've moved it to September... it takes the Christmas Rush off and for those of you who do a family newsletter, that helps with the planning and scheduling of writing that.

I've always done 4 different designs.  I'm only doing 2 this year, so you'll make 10 of each design.  I sort of felt that sometimes doing SO many designs can be overwhelming for new stampers.  I think this will be a bit easier, plus you get a chance to "master" techniques that I will be using.

Another change... is that for the same price as I've always charged for the class ($25), I'm including a stamp set to take home.  What good is it to make such fun things if you can't go home and do it again? So with this years class, Everyone will receive a wood set of the Scentsational Seasons set, which we will be using in one of our card designs.  I'm doing the wood set instead of the clear because I want everyone to be able to use it right away... as much as I LOVE the clear sets, if you are new to stamping, you then have to buy the clear blocks and for newbies, I don't want for this hobby to be overwhelming. 

The last change that I'm doing... is basically because I've moved... Most of my customers are out of state. I MISS my girls so much.  And I would HATE HATE HATE for them to think I've forgotten them. I certainly haven't!  I know how much they looked forward to classes and clubs. SO I'm setting up kits to send to people who are out of state and therefore can't make it. (Don't get me wrong...I would LOVE to have visitors!!!) So kits will be $30 to cover shipping.  Everything will be pre-cut and ready to go. I would love if my old card club girls got together to play together, just like old times!! I would be there in spirit!!

So here is a picture of my flyer with all the details (minus the kit info, I forgot to add that! ooopsie!!) Click on the picture to enlarge.  I don't have pics of the cards we are doing... the ideas are in my head and I need to order my supplies still to put them together... but if you could see what's in my little head, you would be signing up and getting all your friends to come too!!

I do need prepayment for the class, so I don't order unnecessary supplies and so I can get a head count. So please contact me and prepay by SEPT 1.  Class is at my home on Sept 8 at 10am, until you finish.  Please no kids under 12 (and they must be signed up for the class)  My house is small, so there is limited space... if needed, I may add another time to do a second (or third, or fourth) class.

Well... um, what can I say... its been a while since I last did ANYTHING on my blog... Life has been a bit crazy, to say the least, and the blog was set on the back burner.

My sweet, hardworking crazy husband, David  finished school... for now. He graduated as a Respiratory Therapist in the spring of 2011... to celebrate, we went to Disneyland and Sea World. It was an amazing trip, one to not be forgotten.  Life has been revolving around school for so long, that we really didn't know what to do with ourselves.  I was still stampin' and crafting, but pictures, and blog writing, just weren't on the to do list.

I was also very busy with my sisters... my sister Deb, had lived nearby for years, but my sister Lisa moved to the area, so spending time with my family, spoiling nieces and nephews, having girly time made for lots of fun.

But real life had to take over... and David had to get a big boy grown up job, so the job hunting, state licensing was in our face.  We took a trip to Houston, TX, pounding the pavements to get a job. We LOVED it there... but no one was hiring "new grads". (will someone please tell me HOW new grads are supposed to get jobs if no one wants to hire them???)  My mother in law sent us a link to a job offer in Vernal, UT.  So David applied, interviewed over the phone, flew to UT and interviewed and was offered the job... we had to be there in 2 weeks!

AHHHHH! 2 weeks? How do you pack up 10 years of living in one city, increasing our family from 3 to 5 during that time, in 2 weeks?  You cram everything in boxes without looking at it, load the U-Haul, and don't count on getting any security deposit back from your apartment because you don't have time to clean!  We got here with 2 days before he started his work.  We lived in a hotel (at $500 per week)... because trying to find an apartment to rent over the internet is not possible here... (only because the common response was "we don't have that fancy internet thing here!" uh, Really?)  Rent prices are astronomical here... its an oil town, and oil companies pay for housing expenses (because who, in their right mind dreams of living here?.... don't get me wrong... I like it, but I wouldn't DREAM of living here).  So landlords can charge A LOT here.  But if you're not an oil worker, you are out of luck.  So we quickly started looking for houses, trying to figure out what school my kids would be in at the same time.  A lot happened in 2 weeks, and we ended up finding a house, that needs some love, that we could move into immediately, that wasn't in short sale, that we could BUY immediately! We rented it, until the closing date, and our mortgage is significantly lower than rent would ever be here.

Since then, we have made some really good friends. My hubby is adjusting, slowly to a healthcare job in a small town, where you bump into patients all the time. He is very cautious about HIPPA laws and does not want to violate anything. We have a great little neighborhood, with a great view of the LDS Vernal Temple and incredible sunsets. My kids can play outside without melting like they did in Arizona and I'm not stressing so much about crime, and horrible neighbors.

Meanwhile, I haven't done a lot of stamping and I miss it.  Our house is much smaller than we are used to, and the room I would use for my stamping and crafting, is also our laundry room, and until very recently, storage.  We built a shed in our back yard (we still need shingles on top), but I can start organizing my Stampin' Up! goodies... Business-wise, I get to find more customers. I still have a few in AZ who order... but now that my club is no longer active, my sales have dropped... (eek!)

BUT... I am so excited because I get to go to Stampin' Up! Convention NEXT WEEK in Salt Lake City!  I've made so many friends with other demonstrators, but never met in person, and that will change next week.  I wanted to do swaps, but I just haven't had the space to organize and get my Stampin' Groove on.  I can't wait for that to change, and I can get pumped at convention.

I'm sure I will come home with convention, with TONS of ideas and lots of inspiration to get things moving here in Vernal.

Stay Tuned...

Holiday Cards

I've been blog-hopping a lot lately.  You know what I mean... you sit in front of your computer, gazing at all types of creative, informative, funny etc, blogs... You jump from one and it links you to another, until you get completely lost and not quite sure what, where, or why you started to begin with.  I love it.  I don't get a chance to blog-hop often.  Life seems to be a distraction... One thing I have noticed tho, is how far behind I am in my own blogging... personal and professional... EEKS!  SO, I guess I need to to get busy, and show you some of my Christmas Card designs. 

So here we go...
This first set of 4 were for my Annual Christmas Card class that I held a few weeks ago.  Being, I think, fairly new to Stampin' Up!, this was my 2nd Christmas Card class.  I really look forward to doing it... and I have some amazing customers who do also...!  My "girls" really are the best!

My customers all set on their holiday cards... Me? Not so much.  So inbetween my kids holiday parties, and school concerts, I have done a few others... that weren't anywhere close to my Christmas Card Class...

I love ornaments... and adore the Ornament Punch. and the amazing stamps  that coordinate with it!

Don'tcha just love the Jolly Holiday Designer Paper.  I do!  Cherry Cobbler, Old Olive, Very Vanilla... classic!

Ahhh, Cute Christmas. stamp set and Designer paper.  One of my customers, ordered the stamp set and asked if I could coordinate something into my Christmas Card Class.  I didn't have the stamp set, so she let me borrow it.  SO CUTE!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one is my favorite.  Comtempo Christmas... and the Jolly Holiday paper... And of course I had to use my FAVORITE Embossing Folder  for my Big Shot - Square Lattice.  The catalog just doesn't do it justice in how amazing it turns out!!

This one was NOT in my Christmas Card class (just the first 4) I found an app for my ipod... (yes... there is an app for that) that showed me how to do an origami Christmas Tree.  Super easy, and SO fun... Kinda Bulky, so I might hand deliver this one, instead of mail.  I loved it.

So I know... 2 pics of the same card.  This one shows the truer colors of the Whisper White and the Marina Mist, but you just can't see the glitter...

So, this one... you see the glitter (OOO - Sparkly!) but the colors are off.  *SIGH*  I just can't win!!

With all the hustle and bustle of holidays, I hope you take time to enjoy the Season, enjoy your family, traditions. 

Merry Christmas!!

Birthdays

November and December are packed with birthdays in mine and my hubby's families.

On November 24, my niece turned 18... not sure how that happened. Wasn't she 2 just yesterday? *sigh* She is a senior in high school and due to some crazy job circumstances,  mixed with her being a good kid, she lives in Idaho, with an aunt and uncle, while her mom (my sister) and dad and siblings moved here, to Arizona.  I was an exchange student when I was 16, so I know a lot of what she is going through being away from her immediate family.

November 26 holds 2 birthdays... One for my nephew, who turned 16. And the other for my adorable sister-in-law, Laura (who just happens to be my Stampin' Upline)  This next one was for my nephew...

And this next card was for Laura.  Her adorable hubby (my hubby's little brother) sent out an email to EVERYONE in Laura's contact list, reminding them of her birthday, and her love of cards.  He asked to please remember to send  them, and even sent a reminder email on the day to send them, so they would ALL arrive ON her birthday.  She received 100+ cards!  So fun!  Here is the card I sent.  I cased the idea from my good friend Martha - who is on my team.  (She's got some great ideas)

December has a TON of birthdays too (2 nieces, Mother and father-in-law, that super sneaky Brother- in-law I mentioned above... and I'm already behind on sending the cards (missed getting 2 out on time! - ugh) I guess I better get off the computer and get stampin'!

THIS IS HUGE!!

HOLY MACKEREL! Stampin' Up! is offering the starter kits (both standard and digital) for 

50% off!

I know right! CRAZY! How can anyone resist?  I want to sign up again (but I can't - its for new demo's only).  So here's the deal... 

Something THIS big can only last for a little while...

November 15-30,

For 2 short weeks, you (YES YOU!!) can start your own business for $87.50!!  (its normally $175) and you receive everything you need to start your own business. The kit is worth $310. It's such a huge savings!

The Starter Kits are customizable, so you have your choices of papers and ink and stamps - so you can personalize it to your own taste!

The Decore Elements and Stampin' Memories add- on kits are still available for their regular prices ($40-50)

What are you waiting for??

Click here to go to my website for more information.  

or email me!

(and if you just want all the amazing products for that deal, you can still purchase it, and there are no penalties for dropping your demonstrator-ship- Not that you'd want to do that.  It is seriously such a fun, rewarding job!  Give it a try!)

Holiday Bundles!!

Now is a PERFECT time to purchase some of our beautiful holiday sets... 

and Stampin' Up! is offering it at a GREAT discount... YUP!

I said DISCOUNT!  

A 20% Discount to be exact, 

when you purchase one of these amazing Holiday Bundle!!  

Check this out!

And if you are like me... and want to see what is in those amazing bundles... here are some  pictures of the sets... Aren't they great?  Who can resist? I know you can't!
(click on the images to enlarge them)

 So Hurry, this promotion is from October 19 - December 16

2nd Annual Christmas Card Class

Are the Holidays sneaking up on you? They are sneakin' up on me, that is for sure!  But there is always time to send personal and beautiful cards out for the holidays!

Come to my 2nd Annual Christmas Card Class!

You can make 20 beautiful hand-stamped Christmas Cards to send to your loved ones for $25.  You will make 5 cards each of 4 different designs.

Saturday, November 20, 10am - 4pm

at my home

(Contact me for my address!)

Must Prepay by November 1 to reserve your place.  Space is limited, contact me soon to reserve your place!

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October Card Club

I really say it enough... 

I LOVE MY CARD CLUB!

I meet with the funnest, craziest (in a good way of course) group of women each month to teach and create some cards and just have a great time each month.  

This month, I was feeling very "holiday-ish" and created 3 holiday cards for - 1 for each of the "big" upcoming holidays.  

The girls loved it... After living in New England for my High School years, (Vermont), I HAD to get the WICKED COOL Halloween Stamp Set (IBC page 23 Item # 120600).  Because,  In Vermont "we don't say "Wicked" unless we "wicked" mean it."  If you're from New England, you know what I'm talking about.  

We tried out a new technique "the Stained Glass" technique for the Thanksgiving Card, which was really fun and easy and has a great look to it.  Everyone's turned out GREAT, and SO different.  Such a fun technique to try out! Glad I found it. 

 

I hadn't used my adorable little bird punch punch on ANYTHING.  I love it, but it never really worked for any of my projects.  Until, I felt the need for a little Cardinal on a Christmas Card.  It worked nicely with the wood grained DSP series from the Woodland Walk Pack (IBC page  item #117389)

Now, to get ready for my annual Christmas Card Class and my last (for the year at least) Card club).  I can't believe the holiday's are upon us!  Craziness I tell ya, Craziness!

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Raffle Winner

October has totally snuck up on me! I have had so much going on in my personal life - 

good and not so good.  But that is life isn't it?  

So here I am finally blogging who my winner was of my 

My Digital Studio Raffle

Out of 65 entries the winner is.... (drum roll, please)

Deb S

Congrats to Deb and thanks so much for playing!!

Thanks to raffle.org for the third party entry drawing!

Some more samples

I love dying the paper flowers and I just don't do it enough.  PLUS, I love Marina Mist. It is my favorite new color.  I could use it all the time.  This time I dyed 2 flowers... there is a chocolate chip dyed flower under the marina mist one to add some depth.  

Hmph. My camera setting is making My Vanilla card stock look yellow-ish. Disappointing.  

Anyway. I have the coolest sisters in the world.  One of which, is in my card club (if you have any questions about what a card club is, just email me) and she lovingly stores all of her purchases at my home with all of my supplies, giving me full access to her stuff! SUPER FUN! She recently purchased the Seeing Stars stamp set and the coordinating Star punch.  So we made this fun card at Card Club this month.  The girls loved it, (and yes, my sister pointed out to everyone it was her stamp set and punch, not that I wouldn't have given her credit, she just loved to have fun with it!) It was such a fun stamp set. 

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Aviary

I just love the new stamp set Aviary (clear mount item number 120462). It has cute little birds and stunning bird cages!  I couldn't resist getting it. There are so many fun techniques with this set.  My favorite is to heat emboss the bird cage.  Which is what I did with this card.  It made sure to make it look like the bird was INSIDE the cage and gives a shiny texture.

I also used some of the new Designer Paper Series (DSP). This one is called Woodland Walk (item number 117389) When next to the Elegant Eggplant card stock, the  Chocolate Chip polka dots actually look a little purple-ish, (there are actually 2 polka dot colors, Wild Wasabi is in there too) It gave the DSP a whole new look that I wasn't expecting at all!

Hope you enjoy!

Dont forget my Raffle!! Check out my last post for details!

Sarah!

Enter my Raffle to Win My Digital Studio!!

I am holding a raffle for YOU, yes YOU to win My Digital Studio!  Exciting huh! Beginning ... NOW!!

I LOVE, love, LOVE My Digital Studio.  I create albums, scrapbook pages, cards, email invites, flyers for my Stampin' Up biz. I love to play on it and see what I can create!  Very fun!

LOVE IT!!

My Digital Studio comes pre-loaded with over 2000 elements and of course, you can later, (or sooner) download more stamps, papers, ribbons, punches, and emblishments - that are all inexpensive. They range from $.95 to under $15 - for a ton of options. 

I am a My Digital Studio Certified Demonstrator too - MEANING - I am trained to help you learn the program - so should have any questions, I can help answer them!

So I know, you are chopping at the bit to find out how to win My Digital Studio... Here's how...

Email me your favorite things you LOVE about Stampin' Up! = 1 Ticket

Place a $20 order = 2 tickets

Place a $50 order = 4 tickets

Hold a workshop = 5 tickets

Place a $100 order = 7 tickets

Become a Demonstrator = 20 tickets

(all order prices are considered before shipping and taxes)

The winner will be drawn at random October 1, 2010

Oh and looksie - here's a sample of something you can do with My Digital Studio. Of course - you can't wait to see if you win , or want more info about My Digital Studio... contact me!!

  (Click to enlarge the photo)

(This Raffle is not open to current Stampin' Up Demonstrators - Sorry.)

So Go NOW, place our orders, set up your workshops, email me, galore, and become a demonstrator and lets see who wins!!

Scrap Sistaz Scrapbook Retreat - Vendor Follow-Up

Yesterday, was my first opportunity to set up as a vendor at a Scrapbook Retreat hosted by Scrap Sistaz. It was held at the Sheraton Resort at Wild Horse Pass - a GORGEOUS resort on the Gila Indian reservation, just south of town.  I got a little lost finding it.  I assumed, it was the hotel right by the main casino. NOPE, luckily, a nice lady saw me struggling with my stuff and told me I was in the wrong place.  It was a just a bit further down the road and I would have NEVER guessed it was there.  

I brought my stuff, got it all set up - and forgot to take a picture. D'OH! I brought my laptop - so that I could show off My Digitial Studio, and my Big Shot, a CUTE make-n-take bookmark all the catalogs. I made "new catalog survival kits" (they have post-it notes, a pen, a wish list, my business card and chocolate in it) I had all the promotional flyers and of course I brought Chocolate.

My table was next to the FUNNEST woman, Bernadette, a jewelry designer. We had so much fun between customers, covering each others tables when it was time for a potty break. She is incredible!  We decided that if we do another one of these retreats, we just have to be Table buddies again!

My experience business-wise, was an interesting one.  I'm chalking a lot up to learning - since I do have a lot to learn.  I gained a few new contacts and had a few sales. I'm already thinking of things to do different/better next time - and I have a ton of questions for my upline and things I need to double check in the Demo Manual. But I had a good time, had a few sales, and I'm learning a lot.  I made some great contacts and made new friends. 

Sounds like a good day to me!

(here's a picture of my cute little bookmark make n take)

Birthday Decor - not Stampin' Up. (am I bad??)

So, this has NOTHING to do with stamping, but it is crafty so I'm posting this. I love it.  One of my sons is turning 6 tomorrow,  another is 3 on the 16, my hubby's birthday on the 25 - so July is a big birthday month for our family  I was shown a cute Balloon Wreath on the internet and was asked for a church activity to make it for ahem...research. (such difficult research I tell you!) I needed to  time it how long it took to make, price it, those sort of things (about an hour and about $15)

The instructions on the site were super helpful... except, I didn't know which sized wreath to get... so I ended up buying a 14 inch wreath... which was too big. SO I needed more balloons. (my sister saved the day, having left over balloons from a recent party)  S0 - I would recommend getting a 10-12 inch wreath.  That way you can really pack in the balloons tighter!

Here is my finished product (sorry for my dusty door - Living in AZ - its a never winning battle!)

Vendor Op

July 17 I have a GREAT opportunity to set up as a vendor at a weekend Scrapbooking Retreat. My friend, Jolee and her friend,  organize weekend retreats at local resorts.  They invite all their friends, get great deals on rooms and scrap till their hearts content!  I've, unfortunately never been able to attend for a few reasons, (scheduling, usually) but THIS year, I am going as a Stampin' Up! Vendor! I just found out about it - so I'm a little stressed out... timing and all.

So All day, Saturday, July 17, I get a 6 foot table and get to do what ever I wish with that space!  This will be the first time I've had this type of opportunity since I've only been a demo since Sept 09, and my brain is racing with what to do for 7 hours during that time --- how to promote my business, get more workshops, attract customers, make sales.  Any suggestions would be great!

In the mean time, I will be scoring idea websites and prepping and stamping till I just can't stay awake each day.  (or my kids get into everything!! - it is summer!!)

Little Mia

My sister's best friend, Laurie, is in the hospital as we I write this giving birth to her first baby, a girl, they will name Mia.  So excited!  She and her husband, Chris, have been together for 10 years, got married 1 1/2 years ago.  This last little bit of her pregnancy has not been too fun, and she went to the hospital for some testing and the doctor admitted her with the plan to start inducing her this morning. They have since scheduled an induction this afternoon.  In my excitement waiting to hear all the fun details... I created this little card...   Welcome little Mia!!

Enjoy:

June 18

Friday, June 18 was my 34th birthday.  My card club was also scheduled for that night.  I had everything prepped and I was really excited to go spend the evening with "my girls". I always have SO much fun with them.  I swear my job as a Stampin Up Demonstrator does NOT feel like work!  It is fun!  Even before I became a "demo" I would scrapbook with people, and ended up teaching techniques and helping them with there projects - so this is a very natural step for me.  

I showed up to Celeste's house, got things set up, helped get the table pulled out, visited while others showed up.  We were already laughing pretty hard.  

So as I got up to go get started, they surprised me by saying that they were taking me out to dinner, that they would still place their orders, but I got the night off from "work" tonight!  My hubby was in on it. My sister, who is in the club, told me that Celeste was going to serve finger sandwiches instead of dessert (which has been what is normally served at our clubs... sweets). I was oblivious.  

Even a few people that aren't part of the club, but are friends, came, and I was still oblivious to what was going on.

I loved it, I love my card club, but I love the ladies that are in it.  There were a few that missed it because of traveling, or other commitments, and I missed them. 

It was a great Stampin' Up kinda Birthday!!

(and PS, My hubby and kids bought me the Big Shot for by Birthday!! YAY!!)

Card Samples

I made these first 2 to go together, the first is a card, and the second is a note card set.  

The next set of samples, I made the cupcake card one evening, and my oldest son (who is 8) wanted to help. So, he came up with his own card.  I liked what he came up with. He was very adamant about doing it all his own way, without help or guidance.  He done good. 

 This last one, I used some left over pieces and changed the stamps up to try out my new colors, card stock and hostess set preorders... (loved the Cajun Craze with this one!!)

ABC Preschool - Update

I recently finished my job with ABC Preschool in Tempe.  They were so fun to work with and I look forward to working with them again.  The entire staff were a pleasure to work with, but the kiddos stole my heart.  The first day, I worked with the school aged kids.  I learned some lessons that day pertaining to my choice in card style (a little too advanced - especially with the number of kids I had. I know better for next time - but they had GREAT cards for Father's Day - Tee Hee) One little boy was SO excited to make this card because he "had the bestest dad in the entire universe".  Another little boy - who struggled with writing, asked me to help him write in the card, and as he thought of things to say, his eyes lit up thinking about how much he loved his dad.  He have me a hug afterward. It was sweet.

The Second day, as I showed up, the kids I worked with before, were leaving on a field trip and half of them had to give me a hug first... (requiring me to set my awkward box of supplies down so I could give proper hugs!!) They were on their way to Home Depot to make Bug houses.  Very Fun.  I worked with the 4-5 year old kids. They were so sweet, and listened SO well.  They loved the little card and had fun making it. Some gave me hugs and thanked me for coming in and didn't want me to leave.  It was AWESOME!!

I really hope I can work with them again.  Now I get to put on my thinking cap to come up with ideas for them!! YAY!!

 Here are some samples of what we made!

This was the card the 4-5 year old kids did. They LOVED the kangaroo, and they loved that the heart popped up off of his hand!

This is the one we did for the older group.  Fun little pocket card.

Macaroni Kids Mesa

My good friend, Lachelle,  started her own in home business, called, Macaroni Kid Mesa. She has a website, and weekly newsletter. In it, she picks out great family centered activities around the area.  I've had the awesome opportunity to advertise on her blog and newsletters.  It has been a great opportunity for me.  I received a phone call from ABC Preschool and have been hired to work on some card making time for the kids there in time for Father's Day! I am SO excited, (a little overwhelmed). My brain is going a million miles a minute.  They are letting advertise there also, not just for the the 75 kids I will be working with over a few days, but with ALL of the students. So I will be super busy prepping for that, and for my monthly club!

So check out Macaroni Kids Mesa and subscribe to her newsletters (they are free!!) and you'll have some great fun (and some free, or super cheap) ideas of what to do come right to your inbox.

And if you aren't local, Macaroni Kids are a growing company, so you'd be able to find someone near you from browsing her site for more info.