Ink & Paper Cafe'

Big Stamping Weekend!

While at Leadership last week in San Antonio, I made just one of the make-n-takes that they gave us and already shared that with you.  Instead of letting my make-n-take packets gather dust (this is a fairly new goal of mine) I made the projects on Saturday.  To my surprise when I was laying out all of the goodies we got at Leadership...I found another make-n-take packet!  So, I'm not yet complete but it's close enough to share all of the serious bounty we brought home.

There are two stamp sets that I've included in this photo, but they are covered for a reason - they will be in the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog available on June 1st.  Yes!!!!  You heard me right...JUNE 1st!!!!  This means that the current Idea Book & Catalog will expire on May 31st.  I am SO excited for the catalog changes coming our way and am looking forward to sharing it all with you!!

As you can see, we got SO many goodies.  Don't you love the fabric bag and notepad holder??  This is a sneak peek at some new Designer Fabric that will be in the NEW Stampin' Up! Catalog. 

I'll be presenting each of the make-n-takes over the next week or so.  Below is the first share.

The theme for this Leadership was "My Way".  I did modify several of the make-n-takes and this is one of them.  I changed up the middle flower on this card to include the Lucky Limeade color instead of the Baja Breeze flower that was on the sample.  What a great card this is!  

As I mentioned during the last post, we received a package of the Blossom Builders, Designer Printed Kit. There are SO many flowers in this kit and I was able to modify several of the projects by using different, or more, flowers.  Love it! 

Most of the items used here are from the Occasions Mini Catalog:  Loving Thoughts and Mixed Bunch stamp sets; Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit; Lucky Limeade Baker's Twine.  The other products used:  Brights Designer Buttons (FREE during Sale-a-Bration!!!); Scallop Edge Border Punch; Very Vanilla and Lucky Limeade Cardstock; Lucky Limeade, Rich Razzleberry and Soft Suede Inks; On Board Merry Medley; Dimensionals; Mini Glue Dots

Enjoy perusing...and have a wonderful day!

Blog Winner(s)!!!!

I've drawn the names for the FREE product give-aways from last week's BLOG SPECIAL while I was away in San Antonio at Leadership.  And....CONGRATS TO JANET L.!!!  Janet won BOTH of the drawings...great mojo, Janet!!!  I'll be sending you $50+ in FREE GOODIES!!!!

How about a project??  We got a TON of goodies from Leadership!  Stamp sets, Designer Paper, accessories...wow!  And we also got a slew of make-n-takes.  I got there late due to my flight getting in later in the afternoon, so Michelle (my travel buddy and roommate) and I grabbed a seat and made the Ronald McDonald House Charities card.  We got to make two - one to keep and one to donate to the charity.  I love this idea!  This is also a delightful card:

I believe there are NINE projects...and you got it...I have 8 more to make!!  I did, however, get the Regional projects made Saturday morning.  I'll be sharing those in the next couple of days. 

The project today features the Mixed Bunch stamp set and Blossom Punch - both from the Occasions Mini Catalog.  It was killing me to wait for this stamp set - we knew we were getting it FREE at Leadership, so I held off and didn't order it.  Now it's in my hot little hands!!!

Want to know how I made the rick-rack (red cardstock)?  Take a strip of cardstock and punch along one edge using the Scalloped Edge Border Punch.  Then, flip it over and punch the other straight side, but offset the scallops.  I KNOW!  Super easy!!! 

To add texture to the flower, we snipped up into each notch giving it ruffled petals.  The cut-out is from the Blossom Builders Designer Printed Kit.  Honestly...I hadn't even looked at this in the Occasions Mini Catalog.  It's awesome!!  SO many flowers that are all die-cut and ready to use.  NO adhesive on the back, either, so they are easier to pop up and layer. 

I'll be sharing some San Antonio pictures soon, too.  What a fun city!! 

Have a blessed Thursday and I hope to see you soon!

 

Welcome, Sale-a-Bration!!!

I got home this weekend from San Antonio...what a great city!!!  Leadership was wonderful and I learned a lot PLUS had a great time.  I'll be posting more pics from the trip in a bit, but gotta run right now...it's back to reality!!

TODAY is the official start time for Sale-a-Bration...are you ready to earn fabulous freebies??  I'm going to be offering one hour long (yes...one hour!!!) parties called Petite Parties.  Want to know more about this??  It's a great idea for all of us who are so busy but still want to enjoy the benefits of getting together for a stamping party.  I'll offer a make-n-take plus have displays on hand.  My total set-up/clean-up will be 15 minutes long with the party lasting ONE HOUR.  Consider scheduling YOUR Petite Party during Sale-a-Bration and get even more goodies FREE.

I would also like to set up a Mom/Daughter event that is specifically set up for 18+ year old daughters.  Come make a sweet valentine for your honey (both you and your daughter) and introduce your daughter to the joys of rubber stamping.  This will be a FREE event and it's coming soon...so stay tuned for more details!

Here's a sweet Valentine's Day Card to get you going for the day.  I love the simplicity of this card...enjoy!

This card features some fantastic Big Shot products...Framelits plus the Embossing Folder Strips.  Gotta love the Big Shot!!! 

Chat soon, My Friends!

 

San Antonio, Here I Come!!!

I'm off to our annual Leadership Conference in San Antonio and I'm so excited!  I've never been there - although there isn't usually much time for sight-seeing since I don't usually stay beyond the event time.  However, we do have a free night so I'll be able to visit the River Walk one night.  And it will hopefully be a lot warmer than it is here! 

Monday night, I wasn't sure I'd be able to go.  SO under the weather with a nasty cold-that-won't-go-away that seemed to take a reprieve later last week then flared up again Sunday evening.  Turns out...sinus infection.  My dr. gave me some pretty spectacular antibiotics and I got almost 9 HOURS of sleep...and Tuesday I felt so much better.  I really was worried, so I'm happy those meds did their magic.

You know what it means when I'm away for Stampin' Up!??  SPECIALS!!!!!  And this trip isn't any different.  So, here are the details.

** Time Frame **

Wednesday, January 18 - Sunday, January 22
12:00 am - Midnight
Be sure you order or e-mail during this time frame to take advantage of these Specials.

Catalog Parties!!! 

Schedule a Catalog Party (e-mail me here during this time frame) that will close by March 31st and receive DOUBLE THE FREE MERCHANDISE!!!  That means a minimum of $50 in FREE MERCHANDISE! 

Online Orders!!!

Place an Online Order with me (visit my website here and click on SHOP NOW) of $50+ (subtotal) and receive a coupon toward your next order = to 15% of the order you place between 1/18-1/21.  PLUS, you will be entered into a drawing to receive over $30 worth of product FREE!!!!! 

Subscribe to Ink & Paper Cafe!!!

When you subscribe to my blog (during this time frame) via your e-mail (click here), you will be entered into a drawing for $20 worth of product FREE!!!!!  Are you already a subscriber via your e-mail or a reader (e-mail: new posts come to you via your e-mail  ~  reader: you visit your "online reader" to view recent posts)?  Then simply e-mail me and I'll check my subscriber list.  You will also be entered into this drawing.  Woohoo!

Okay...now for a terrific project! 

This little lovely was one of the projects we made at Marjie's house back in December.  We used Very Vanilla Craft Ink on the Very Vanilla Cardstock for a ghosting effect.  My favorite part was using the Adorning Accents Edgelits Die to make the pretty scallped image on the Marina Mist Cardstock.  I stamped the images and colored them in on the strip of Very Vanilla Cardstock then attached it to a piece of Marina Mist Cardstock.  THEN I used the Edgelit Die.  That way, there was no measuring and it was a perfect cut.  Don't you love it???

So, here are the supplies used:  Big Shot, Adorning Accents Edgelits Die, Bordering on Romance stamps, Petite Pairs stamps, any swirly stamp like Elements of Style, Very Vanilla, Marina Mist and Wild Wasabi Cardstocks, Large Oval Punch, Modern Label Punch, Dimensionals, Marina Mist and Wild Wasabi Ink, Very Vanilla Craft Ink, Blender Pen

Team Shoebox Swap

I've mentioned this before, but one of my favorite team events is our bi-monthly Shoebox Swap.  One must be a demonstrator to attend (those outside of our team are welcome to attend, too).  If fills up SO fast each month - it's such a great event!

We were supposed to have this earlier this month, but I was sick with a horrible cold so it was postponed until this past Sunday.  I wanted to share the project I'm offering with you today and show you how I came up with the project.

I took the project that I had offered this past fall for a workshop make-n-take and changed it up to incorporate new products from the 2011 Occasions Mini Catalog plus a Sale-a-Bration set.  Sale-a-Bration starts January 24th and I'm so excited!  The offereings are GREAT and include stamps AND accessories from the main Idea Book & Catalog as well as exclusive items just for Sale-a-Bration.

It's not showing up well in the photo, but I did spritz the top two layers of cardstock (without the ribbon in place) with the Champagne Shimmer Paint/70% ethyl alcohol solution.  So pretty!!  I used Baja Breeze (ink and Pleated Ribbon) plus Basic Gray ink and cardstock.  The stamp set is an exclusive Sale-a-Bration set (Elementary Elegance), then topped it off with a small Basic Rhinestone.

I added texture by using the Flower Garden Embossing Folder along with the Big Shot.  The Big Shot remains on top of my "favorite tools" list.  It's awesome!  If you don't have one, you should order one from me soon!  During Sale-a-Bration, I'll be offering extra bonuses when you do purchase your Big Shot from me.  Watch for that announcement on January 24th.

Thank you for visiting my blog and I wish you a wonderful day.  Hugs!!

Sale-a-Bration Workshops

Sale-a-Bration is around the corner (January 24 - March 31)!  I wanted to share a project with you that is convertible: 6x6" scrapbook page OR a 3x6" card.  This is one of the options for a make-n-take at my workshops during Sale-a-Bration and it uses some fabulous Sale-a-Bration products.

I used the NEW Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper...LOVE THIS PAPER!!! I also used the Everyday Enchantment Brad/Ribbon Bundle.  It's such a versatile package of products and they may be chosen FREE during Sale-a-Bration.  AND, if you are a hostess during this time, you will receive ALL THREE items absolutely free when your party subtotal reaches $400+. In addition, you will get to chose ANY item at 1/2 Off with our new Hostess Benefits.  Plus, you may choose $65 in free product from any active catalog.  FABULOUS!!!

Let's schedule your workshop or catalog party today so that you and your guests may enjoy some FREEBIES!!  It's a fabulous time of year and I hope to see you soon!

Supplies Used: Big Shot; Top Note; Perfect Polka Dot Embossing Folder; Blossom Punch; BoHo Blossom Punch; 3/4" Circle Punch; Everyday Enchantment Designer Paper and Brad/Ribboon Pack; 1 1/4" Circle Punch; Naturals Ivory Cardstock; Calypso Coral Cardstock; Lucky Limeade Textured Cardstock; Dimensionals, Stamping Sponge; Soft Suede, Lucky Limeade and Calypso Coral Ink; It's Your Day stamps

Drawings are Done!!

Playing "catch up" today and have noted who all receives the goodies that I had available for online orders and the purchase of our new Simply Scored.  Here goes!

Back in October (yes...I am WAY behind - this is an area I will be working on this year), I offered a Bottle Cap Necklace Kit to the first six people who placed an ONLINE order (started October 26th).  I will also be sending you an additional treat for your patience and continued support of my business.  You are great!  Here are those ladies:

• Lou Hayward
• Mary Myers
• Mary Ann Mahoney
• Joli Stoker
• Lisa Smith
• Jerra Sullivan

Congratulations, Ladies!  I'll be mailing these out this week before I leave for Leadership.  Be sure to visit my blog post for the details on this project.

Those that purchased the NEW Simply Scored scoring tool from me between September and December were entered into a drawing for a FREE Spice Cake Fabric bag that holds the Simply Scored perfectly.  Doug drew the name and....SUSAN SWATHWOOD's name was drawn.  CONGRATULATIONS, Susan!!!

    

I will be mailing out this bag to you, Susan, this week before I leave for San Antonio.  Be sure to visit my blog this week for details on another great special while I am away!

Have a wonderful day!

Simple!!

I just love this card.  We made something very similar at one of my teammate's (Marjie!) for a make-n-take.  It's so simple, yet makes a lovely card.  Plus, no extra postage because it's fairly flat.  Woohoooo!

 

Start with a folded Whisper White card and attach a strip of Designer Paper.  We used Twitterpated - love that paper!  Next comes the pleated ribbon.  Ahhhhh.  It's delightful!!  And it's available in four different colors!  Top it all off with a medalian featuring the Bordering on Romance stamp set stamped in Black StazOn.  I colored in the flowers using Stampin' Write Markers and added some Dazzling Details for some sparkle.  Lastly, I poked holes in each scallop and attached it to the card using Dimensionals. 

I hope you enjoy your day...please visit soon!

 

Create

This lovely gem was CASEd (Copy And Share/Steal Everything) from a swap I received (from Yvette).  I changed it up slightly by popping up the square layers and added a Basic Glimmer Brad (black).  Otherwise, it's the same card.

I simply LOVE the fact that we have so many resources as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  Our Ink, Inc. team meets every other month for a Shoebox Swap in my home - we each provide a project (all supplies cut and ready to go) for everyone else to make.  So each stamper brings supplies for 14 people and receives 14 unique projects in exchange.  We laugh, joke, talk about family, stamping, work, and friends.  It's a wonderful evening and I look forward to it each time. 

I swap a few cards at Stampin' Up! events (Leadership, Convention and Regionals), although I've cut WAAAAAY back on the number of swaps that I bring.  Some people bring HUNDREDS...no joke!  My husband with with me to a few Conventions years ago and the first time he witnessed swapping, he was amazed.  It's like sharks during a feeding frenzy.  It's a bit shocking the first time you see it, but we get used to it.  See, this swapper has his belt full of swaps all ready to go!  This is clearly a new swapper.  
 

Finally, I participate in two swaps by mail each quarter.  That's where I got this lovely piece.  Many of the swaps grace my displays and are always available for picture-taking at my events. 

Pictures are great, but the real deal is always better.  Why not sign up for my FIRST Card Cafe' Class and make some of your own beauties?  Click here for the full details.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

 

Supplies Used: Wisteria Wonder, Basic Black and Whisper White Cardstocks; Wisteria Wonder Ruffled Ribbon; Basics Glimmer Brads (black); Black StazOn Ink; Wisteria Wonder Ink; Platinum Shimmer Paint; Dimensionals; Creative Elements stamps

December Card Class Project

A couple of months ago, one of my distance team members (Wanda!!!) sent in a beautiful swap for one of our team events.  Distance ladies may participate in local team events via several different ways.  Wanda is almost always stamping along with us - her work is STUNNING, so I use her ideas for inspiration often.

The card shared today is one of those times.  I offered this card at the December EXPRESS Card Class - it's basically Wanda's card with a different color.  That's it!!! 

 

 

This oval frame is one of my favorites from the Idea Book & Catalog.  The Designer Frames (fancy oval and fancy rectangle) come together.  They are embossing folders, so the impression is deep.  Yea!  Because I used Whisper White (thinner weight cardstock), there are "wrinkles" in the paper.  I didn't care because it adds to the older look.

 

I stamped the image (using Stampin' Write Markers:  Marina Mist and Old Olive) AFTER making the oval.  Add texture and dimension and you have a sweet project!

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Have you signed up for my Card Cafe' on January 11th??  Make 6 beautiful cards for only $15 or FREE IF you place a $25+ order that evening.  The cards we'll make are very simple AND stylish.  I hope to see you there!!!

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Supplies Used:  Big Shot; Designer Frames Embossing Folder (oval); Framed Tulips Embossing Folder; Whisper White and Marina Mist Cardstocks; Marina Mist and Old Olive Stampin' Write Markers; Teeny Tiny Wishes; Pocket Silhouettes; Dimensionals; Word Window Punch; Modern Label Punch; Dotted Scallop Ribbon Punch