Snow and stamping don't mix sometimes

If I didn't know better I'd think the snow doesn't want me to stamp. I got together with several friends on Sunday for a crafty day. On my way to my friend's house we were struck by an unexpected snow storm! I'm a die hard stamper though, so I pushed on and made it. It was a blast! A special shout out to Lisa C for hosting and welcoming us into her beautiful home. Thanks Lisa!

I was supposed to get together with my family of demonstrators tonight for some stamping and socializing but we got hit by snow again. 10 inches of snow and ice this time. This little stamper stayed home this time.

So I guess the lesson is if your kids want to go sledding, just invite me over to stamp. :)

Here are a couple of cards I made with Lisa and the gang. Enjoy!

Product used:

Stamps - Polka DotsPunches (Sale-A-Bration), Thank You Kindly

Ink - Basic Black

Paper - Delicate Dots, Certianly Celery, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Basic Black.

Accessories- 5 Petal Punch

Product used:

Stamps - Love You Much

Ink - Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette

Paper - Candy Lane, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red.

Accessories- Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon

A new beginning

What a monumental day in history this is . As we welcome in President Obama and say goodbye to President Bush, I sit here reflecting on the past 8 years and can only wonder what the next four years have in store. President Obama promised change during his campaign and I have no doubt that things will change. Maybe not as much change as some had hoped, maybe more than some would like, but you can't have a changing of the guard, if you will, and not have some kind of greater change as the result. It is with great anticipation, and maybe a little trepidation, that I look forward to whatever change may come. I wish him and his family well as they begin their new life in DC. May he serve our country well.



Speaking of reflecting - all of this talk about looking back, reflecting, etc., reminded me of a scrapbook page I did a long time ago. I'd like to share that page with you now. I'm sorry the picture isn't great - digital cameras have come a long way in the last 4 years! Now brace yourself...there isn't a lick of Stampin' Up stuff on this page. *GASP!* The papers and sticker letters are Basic Grey. I love this layout because it captures an ordinary moment. My two youngest boys would play in front of that mirror everyday! The obsession with mirrors has ceased for the time being - video games and sports rank at the top now - but I'm sure I'll find them spending hours in front of a mirror again once they discover girls. Quick - someone tell me how to stop time!





Don't forget to check out the new Stampin' Up Catalog. The 2009 Spring/Summer edition is live! Now that's a change we can all get excited about!

Until next time - Happy Stamping!

I *heart* Mr. Brown!

Because he always brings me fun stuff! Today he brought me the new Stampin' Up! 2009 Spring/Summer Catalog & Idea Book and let me tell you - it's purty! Demos have been asked not to post pictures of the new catalog until it's released next week (January 19 to be exact) but I promise you it will be worth the short wait. If you would like your own copy of the Idea Book & Catalog please give me a call or drop me an email.

So tomorrow, when it's a whopping 12 degrees outside, you'll find me curled up with a cup of tea and my new Stampin' Up! Idea Book & Catalog. My wish list is gonna be a whopper!

I also want to share with you this card I made tonight. It features the Love You Much stamp set and the Candy Lane paper - both are part of the Love You Much bundle that's on special right now. You can read about the special here.

Product used:
Stamp Set - Love You Much
Cardstock - Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Very Vanilla
Ink - Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette
Paper - Candy Lane
Accessories - Pink Pirouette 1 1/4 inch Grosgrain Ribbon, Blender Pen

Mr. Brown is due back to my house tomorrow. This time he'll be delivering new paper and stamps so I can prepare for an upcoming class! *contented sigh* Watch for details.

Until next time - Happy Stamping!

Blaise

I'm a copycat and that's OK!

When I first starting making cards and scrapbook pages I always stressed over coming up with something completely original. The obsession took all the joy out of the hobby for me. I'm not a naturally artsy person, and some days I don't even feel very creative, but I get a lot of satisfaction making cards and scrapbook pages - especially if I'm giving them as gifts. Over the years I've learned that in this hobby it's perfectly OK to use other people's work as your source of inspiration or quite simply - copy it. There's even a special term for it - CASE. No, no - not nut case or basket case like my husband may think sometimes *chuckle* - CASE stands for Copy And Share Everything.

I spend a lot of my free time online looking at other people's creations. If I find something that I like, I save it as a source of inspiration for a future project. Most of the time I use just a part of the project - the color combination, the layout, the technique, etc. - but occasionally I do CASE the project. If you see something here that inspires you, please feel free to CASE it. I'd be thrilled knowing that I was able to spark your creativity. All that I ask is you give me credit for the inspiration if you post it anywhere.

One of the galleries I check out regularly is Stampin' Kub. He is an uber-talented stamper!! I really like his clean style. A couple of years ago I saw this card in his gallery and just loved the simplicity of it. This year I decided to CASE his card for my Christmas card. Here's my version:

Supplies used:

Stamp set - Home For Christmas

Cardstock - Always Artichoke, Ruby Red, Natural White

Ink - Always Artichoke

Accessories - Vintage Brads, Stampin' Dimentionals

I received these fabulous handmade Christmas cards this year. I'm a lucky, lucky girl! I finally had to take them down today - so sad - but I'll put them in my inspirational stash in my stamping room. Aren't these beautiful!

This one was made by Kim - one of my fantastic downline!

This one was made by Lois. She's my sideline and a dear friend.

This one was made by Pat. She's another one of my sidelines and makes amazing cards.

This one was created by Connie, a friend and customer. Can you believe she just started making cards a few months ago!

This one was made by my absolutely favorite customer - my mom, Rosemary. She rocks!

This is my favorite card of all, made by my 5 year old son, Vaughn. It's a keeper!








Thanks for stopping by today. I hope one of these great cards inspires you. Remember, you don't always have to CASE a card. Change the colors and the stamp set and any of these could be a great birthday card. I have a great example of doing that - but I'll save it for another day.

Gotta love new stuff!!

It's always an exciting time when there's a new Stampin' Up catalog coming out. the new catalog is available on January 19 - but demonstrators had the opportunity to buy a few new stamp sets early. Yay!!! I love getting to play with the new images. When I saw these cute little guys, I just knew they had to come live with me. The set also includes a bee hive, a flower, a honey pot and another sentiment "have a honey of a day." It's an awesome set to watercolor with, or just fill in quickly with your Stampin' Write Markers, like I did here.

I also used yummy, new Designer Series Paper called Candy Lane that came with the Love You Much special going on. Here's a close up so you can see some of the sparkle on the wings.


Here's a list of everything I used on this card:

Stamps - Just Buzzin' By

Cardstock - Barely Banana, Basic Black, Whisper White

Ink - Basic Black, Barely Banana Marker, Blush Blossom

Designer Series Paper - Candy Lane

Accessories - Dazzling Diamond Glitter, Two Way Glue, 1 1/4 Circle Punch, 1 3/8 Circle Punch, Scalloped Edge Punch

You just can't resist that cute little face!

Quick update - Stampin' Up updated the retiring accessories list to include the wheels that are retiring. Here they are:


MATEYS MAP
BRIGHT BULBS
BRONCO
MAKING TRACKS
SANDY SHELLS
SNOW
SNOWFLAKE
SWEET STARS
TAKE A NUMBER

Inventory Blowout!

Two exciting announcements today! First of all, Stampin' Up announced the accessories that they are retiring. These items will not be available in the new catalog (coming January 19!!) and are available only while supplies last. Items have sold out within a few hours in the past, so if there's something you want please purchase it now. It may be gone soon.

Please see the retiring accessories list at the bottom of this post.

Secondly, they also announced an Inventory Blowout special. From January 5-18, get a selection of retired, retiring, and current Stampin’ Up!® products for up to 50% off regular prices! Follow the link on the Shop Now cart to my business website for more information.

Here is the list of retiring accessories.
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS ROOF GARDEN
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS SEASON TO SHARE
ACCENTS & ELEMENTS TRUE ELEGANCE
ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 12X12
ALBUM LEATHER BLACK 6X6
ALBUM LINEN POST MELLOW MOSS 6X6*
ALBUM LINEN POST NAVY 6X6
ALBUM LINEN POST REAL RED 6X6*
BUTTONS BOLD BRIGHTS*
BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS
BUTTONS EARTH ELEMENTS & NEUTRALS
BUTTONS RICH REGALS
BUTTONS SOFT SUBTLES
DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 12X12
DAYS-TO-REMEMBER CALENDAR 8 1/2X11
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER BANBURY
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GEORGIA PEACH
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GHOSTLY GREETINGS
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER GREEN TEA
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAIKU
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HAWAII PAPAYA
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER HOLIDAY TREASURES
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER JUNIOR VARSITY
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MAINE BLUEBERRY
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER MUIRFIELD
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PARISIAN SUMMER
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER PRESTWICK
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER SUMMER PICNIC
DESIGNER SERIES PAPER WINDSOR KNOT
ELEMENTOS PARA TARJETAS DIAS FESTIVOS HECHOS A MANO SIMPLY SENT
ENVELOPE TEMPLATE FIVE-IN-ONE CARD COVER
ENVELOPE TEMPLATE MINI
ENVELOPES CONFETTI WHITE MEDIUM
ENVELOPES OPEN END KRAFT SMALL
ENVELOPES OPEN END VERY VANILLA SMALL
METAL EDGE TAGS ALUMINUM WHITE SQUARE
ON BOARD BITTY BOOK*
ON BOARD CLIPBOARD 9X9*
ON BOARD SIMON UPPER
ON BOARD SOMETHING SEASONAL
PAGE PROTECTORS RING 3.25 X 3.25
PUNCH 1/4 INCH CIRCLE
PUNCH 1/4 INCH SQUARE
PUNCH 3/4 INCH SQUARE
PUNCH DOUBLE CIRCLE*
PUNCH HANDHELD 1/8 INCH CIRCLE
RIBBON GINGHAM CARAMEL
RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT BLUE
RIBBON GINGHAM LIGHT PINK
RIBBON GINGHAM MOSS
RIBBON GROSGRAIN MORE MUSTARD 1/4 INCH
RUB ON ANCHORED
RUB ON CHILLS & THRILLS
RUB ON SCHOOL DAYS
RUB ON WORD FLURRIES
RUB ONS TAKE NOTE
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN I WISH
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN PINA COLADA
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN SUMMER HOME
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN U R SWEET
SIMPLY SCRAPPIN WINTER RETREAT
SIMPLY SENT CARD ELEMENTS HANDMADE HOLIDAY
SIMPLY SENT CARD KIT LIFELONG NOTES
STAMPIN STORE MINI
WRITE ME A MEMORY FONT CD VOL II

*These items are included in the Inventory Blowout Special

Monthly Card Kits

Do you love having cardstock pre-cut for you? Then this is for you - by popular demand I am pleased to offer you monthly card kits!

I am so excited to be offering you these new, monthly, card kits! The kit includes all of the consumable supplies you will need to create 12 cards (6 each of 2 designs), including envelopes. You'll also receive 2 full color samples for alternative cards you can make with the contents of your kit and detailed, step by step instructions on how to complete each of the 4 card designs. All this for just $15.

Each month, the card kit also features both a Stamp Set of the Month and an Accessory of the Month. If you purchase the card kit, you may also purchase these items at 15% off!

Already have the ink pads and stamp set needed to make the cards in this kit? Just buy the Card Kit! Don’t have some (or any) of these items? See the “Add-on Products” list to pick out and order what you need to complete the cards. Just want the Card Kit to make your own designs? Go for it!

Orders for the Card Kits must be received by the stated deadline. You will receive your kits at the end of the month.


So without further ado, I'm pleased to unveil the January Card Kit.

January Featured Products:
· Always Stamp Set
· Filigree Designer Brads

What else will you need? See the list below for items that were used to create the cards in this kit. If you already have everything--just buy the card kit and you are ready to create!

If you don't have everything--place a product order with your kit (don't forget about the discount on the "featured products!")

Or--you can use the card kit to create your own designs using other stamps and inks that you already have--the choice is yours!

Orders for the Card Kits must be received by January 10th. You will receive your kits by the end of the month.

Call or email me today to order:
(513) 965-8172
bhoopes@cinci.rr.com

Please Note: I am glad to ship kits directly to you! If the kit needs to be shipped, there will be an extra $4 shipping charge.

Products you will need to complete cards as shown:

Sage Shadow Stampin’ Write Marker ($3.95)
Sage Shadow Classic Ink Pad ($5.25)
Chocolate Chip Classic Ink Pad ($5.25)
Stampin’ Sponges ($3.50)
½” Circle Punch ($5.95)
1 ¼” Circle Punch ($15.95)
Always Stamp Set ($28.95) $24.60 with the purchase of the Card Kit
Filigree Designer Brad Assortment ($5.95) $5.06 with the purchase of the Card Kit
Stampin’ Dimensionals ($3.95)
SNAIL Adhesive ($6.95)
Paper Snips ($9.95)

Love You Much!

Stampin’ Up!’s® Love You Much Bundle (item 115405) contains the perfect products to create fun and fanciful Valentine’s Day projects that say “I love you” from the heart. And from December 23, 2008, through January 31, 2009, you can purchase the Love You Much Bundle at 20% off the retail value!

It's a begining

I'm making the blogging plunge! I've been a demonstrator for several years and have always had my Stampin' Up business website (http://www.blaise.stampinup.net/) It's a great site, but a blog is the icing on the cake - a chance to share more with you all.

I'll be tweaking this blog for the next few weeks, so please be patient. I think you'll like what you find here. :)

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you here often!