Nutz about Stamping

Scrapbook in an Evening Class

Tomorrow night is my Scrapbook in an Evening Class and I am excited for my customers to create an entire scrapbook at this class! I love our Simply Scrappin' Kits, especially the Spring Fever kit in the Occasions mini catalog:

 

I used the 12x12 solid and patterned sheets along with the die-cut stickers on each page of the scrapbook that my customers will copy at the class. By having a sample to copy around my stamping table and all card stock cut and ready, each stamper will leave with a completed scrapbook - not bad for a couple hours of stamping fun!

Here's just one of the pages they will make:

 

This kit uses Melon Mambo, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Basic Gray and Whisper White as main colors which means the kit is easily adaptable to be used on Baby pages, Birthday pages, Easter pages and Summer Vacation pages. Any die-cut stickers you have left over can be added to card fronts or other paper projects which adds to its versatility!

If you'd like more information about my scrapbook classes and workshops, please email me at: [email protected] or use the Contact Me button above.

Happy Spring scrappin'!

Last Chance to Sale-a-brate!

Take note! You have only two days remaining to Sale-a-brate with Stampin' Up! All new products in the Sale-a-bration mini catalog will retire forever on March 31st.

What does Sale-a-bration mean to you?

- Host: a workshop and receive FREE products! You, as hostess, can earn a FREE shopping tote and a FREE bundle of three products (see pages 6-7 in Sale-a-bration mini). How can you host with only two days left? Call your friends, pass the catalog around and gather some orders. It's called a "Book Party" and you and your friends can still earn FREE Sale-a-bration products and you, as hostess, can earn FREE hostess benefits too!

- Shop: for every $50 purchase (even for hostesses!) you get FREE Sale-a-bration product! You can call or email me with your order or you can place the order yourself, at my Online Store.

- Join: Start your own business during the Sale-a-bration promotion period and you'll get the Starter Kit for only $125 (reduced from $175) and you can also earn a FREE paper pack or digital download every month for the rest of the year just by placing an order of any amount each month!

So what are you waiting for? If you place an Online Order you will also qualify for my 50/50 Board promotion in addition to earning free products. But don't wait - Sale-a-bration ends on March 31st. 

Bird Punch

This past Monday was our March time at the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill and we each brought a little touch of spring to our card designs this month.

Brenda made the cutest little Easter chick love note! She used the Bird Punch for the chick head and Extra Large Oval punch to create the egg and free-handed the cut line using her scissors:

I liked this card soooo much that I created my own version to send along to my Customer Card Swap participants. You can take Brenda's design and create a larger Easter card too - add a row of chicks and eggs to fill the space and make each egg a different color and design. This is a great way to use up scraps of designer series paper that you may have tucked away and add a smile to the face of someone special!

Ronald McDonald Houses all over the country depend on volunteers to help with all their needs. Whether you donate goods, make meals, help garden or create hand-stamped projects with the families like I do, consider giving back to a Ronald McDonald House in your area. 

Contact me for more information. 

Why there has never been a better time to own a stamping business

Did you know that I have a stamping coach? Someone who pushes, pulls and encourages me to grow, step outside my comfort zone and always learn new ideas to help move my business forward!

Recently John posted an article that I felt was worth reposting for you (with his permission of course!):

The 3 Reasons I Believe There's NEVER Been A Better Time To Own Your Own Stamping Business!

1. Paper Crafting Continues To Grow Annually

According to the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association), paper crafting continues to be the number one craft-related hobby.  In fact, spending on paper crafting supplies has grown by approximately $100 million per year for the last several years... a time-period where the overall economy has not done well AND most discretionary spending has decreased dramatically.

While I wouldn't exactly call the industry 'recession-proof,' it certainly has prospered in an era of adversity.  If you were going to start a business now, THIS is the business to start! 

2. More Ways To Make Money Than Ever Before

As technology evolves, and consumers become more comfortable utilizing it, the number of revenue streams a stamping business owner can open up has steadily increased. 

Selling product, charging for classes and growing your downline have now been joined by online classes and clubs, e-books, DVDs, Etsy stores, custom-cardmaking and more! 

Stamping businesses have never had more flexibility and opportunity.  Frankly, it is a LOT easier to run a stamping business that pays you what you deserve now than it ever has been! 

Truly, whatever your situation, you should be able to find a profitable model that fits your lifestyle! 

3. More Tools To Reach More People Than Ever Before

At one time, you had to spend a great deal of money to get your marketing message out to a handful of people.  Now, the opposite is true!  It costs little or nothing to get your business in front of thousands... even tens of thousands of potential customers!

Again, as technology has advanced, the playing field has been leveled to the point where you, the home-based business owner, have the same tools at your disposal as a large corporation.  You can now tap into the same marketing channels that big businesses do with a minimal investment.

The fact that you can expose your business to more people than has ever been possible before means the growth potential of your stamping business is greater than its ever been before!

Whether you want to run a very traditional stamping business, an entirely online one or any other model, it's never been easier to get in front of your potential customers and make that happen!

The notion that you could run an incredibly profitable stamping business out of your home with no employees and very little overhead has never been more true than it is today!

I've been working with stamping business owners since 2000, and I've always been a huge fan of the business model, but as someone who's job it is to help you be successful, I can honestly say I've never been more enthusiastic about your future!

Want to read more words of wisdom by John? Click here to go over to his blog!

If you'd like information about becoming a Stampin' Up! demonstrator or are ready to join my team as part of the fantastic Sale-a-bration promotion (ending March 31st) contact me at: [email protected]!

 

Card Portfolio

I love to try different stamping ideas and share them with my Techniques Club. At the March meeting I decided to have the club members make a Card Portfolio using the Adorning Accents Edgelits and Bordering on Romance stamp set:

In addition to the Card Portfolio the club members also created two matching cards to pop inside, although we did determine that this Card Portfolio could hold around five cards with envelopes if needed. Tie a Bashful Blue ribbon around the portfolio and you have a beautiful gift idea to give to someone special.

If you'd like to learn how to make unique project ideas like this one, why not join my Techniques Club too? Or if you and your friends wish to start your own club I'd be happy to drop by once a month and show you how to take your stamping (or scrapbooking!) to the next level.

 

Mixed Bunch

I love how the Mixed Bunch stamp set matches the Blossom Punch - having both in my stamping collection makes card making a breeze.

Combine those two products with some Everyday Enchantment designer series paper (which is FREE with a $50 product order) and the Labels Collection Framelits and you can create the most beautiful cards!

Here's one of the cards that my Grab & Go class attendees made a couple weeks ago - it was one of my faves:

Cards do not have to be elaborate to be eye-catching. Try this layout the next time you have a thank you card to make! And keep an eye out for my next Grab & Go class, posting soon. 

 

Sundays with Sizzix: Framelits Hearts Collection

Yesterday I attended an all day event sponsored by the North Carolina Stampin' Up! Demos group. Nineteen of us stamped the day away, sharing creative ideas, demonstrating product tips, swapping cards, sharing delicious snacks and just having a really good time.

One of the demonstrators displayed some of her cards and I saw one that I LOVED! I took her idea for using the Framelits Hearts Collection and adapted it to share with you for today's tutorial. I am also going to have the families at Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill create this card tomorrow evening:

Hearts Collection Easter Card

Stamp set: Teeny Tiny Wishes

Ink: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black Marker

Card stock: Pretty in Pink (5 1/2 x 4 1/4", scrap for circle nose), Whisper White (7 x 4, scraps for punching circles and ovals), Basic Black (scraps for punching 3/4" circles)

Punches: 3/4" circle, Wide Oval, Large Oval, 1 3/8" circle, Modern Label, Word Window

Accessories: Big Shot, Platform, Standard cutting pads, Framelits Hearts Collection, Stampin' Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Snail Adhesive, White Gel Pen

And now for the video tutorial - enjoy!

 

If you would like to add the Hearts Collection Framelits to your Big Shot products, go here to order them at my Online Store or contact me at [email protected] for ordering assistance. 

Simply Scored Diagonal Plate

At the beginning of March, Stampin' Up! released a brand new product: the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate. 

I love my Simply Scored and use it every day so I was quite excited about a corresponding product. And here's why: you can use the Simply Scored Diagonal Plate to make your own envelopes!

Stampin' Up! has created a video tutorial to show you how to make these fun envelopes so I grabbed it to show to you:

 

 

Here are two envelopes I made this week to match some birthday cards I stamped for some friends at work:

 

Such fun! There are many other uses for the new Simply Scored Diagonal Plate and I know you are going to want to purchase one soon. Click here to place your order today or if you'd like me to place your order for you please email me at: [email protected].

 

 

 

How to Make Your Own Luck!

Well I didn't find a rainbow or my pot of gold on St. Patrick's Day and I bet you didn't either. But fret no more because there is a way to make your own luck!

This is a great time to join Stampin' Up! Sale-a-bration is almost over and if you join Stampin' Up! between by March 31st you get the Starter Kit for only $125 (almost $300 worth of Stampin' Up! product plus business supplies too). And if that's not enough you will also get a free pack of designer paper or a digital download (worth up to 10.95) every month that you place an order for the remainder of 2012!

Why Join?

- you get to be your own boss, set your own hours and make as much or as little money as you want

- take your husband to travel the world by earning incentive trips each year - all expenses paid for 2!

- add to your weekly income - pay for your kids' sports, tuition and more!

- it is time to change to a new career (and leave that boss behind!)

- stop renting and buy your first home

There are so many other benefits to joining Stampin' Up! and starting your own business. Go here to learn more and contact me at [email protected] with questions.

 

Home Decor

Recently I showed you the Blossom Builders Kit and a card I created using some flowers but today I want to point out that you can also use this kit for Home Decor:

 

I created this cute Blossom Builders picture using designer series paper for the background layers, several flowers from the Blossom Builders Kit, some In Color printed brads, some Stampin' Dimensionals and two strips of Basic Pearls Jewels. 

This took just minutes to make and is now proudly displayed on a new wall shelf I have in my hallway. Would this picture make a great birthday gift or Mom & Me project on a rainy day? You choose the Blossom Builders Kit flowers that match your decor colors, mood, or creativity. 

So the next time you sit down to craft, think outside that card & scrapbook page box and try this fun Home Decor idea.

To order the Blossom Builders Kit, go here! Remember that this kit will retire forever on April 30th!

Create & Keep Class

Have you seen the new Create & Keep Simply Sent kit on page 42 in the Occasions Mini catalog? And have you wondered what to do with it? Well I have class that will show you!

 

 

 

Create & Keep Class

Date: Sunday, April 15
Time: 7:00 pm
Cost: $25 - class fee includes your very own Create & Keep Kit and a package of Basic Pearls to take home when the class is over.   

I will have everything designed for you to copy at the class. You will take home 10 decorated cards with printed envelopes and a box with dividers to store them in. This kit makes a great gift for someone or provide you a set of cards to use for a variety of upcoming occasions. 

 

Registration Deadline: April 4th (to have time to get your products delivered for my class)

 

Card Maps

Recently I spotted a Card Map that was very unusual (in my mind) so I saved it for a rainy day. Or a sunny day in this case!

Here's the card map:

 

 

I am not used to such a simple design for a card but of course I gave it a go anyway. Here's the card I created. I used Everyday Enchantment designer series paper and my Fresh Vintage stamp set. Boy I am going to miss this stamp set when it retires at the end of March when Sale-a-bration ends. 

 

 

So why don't you try this card map too? It's easy and can create a really cool card!

Only Two Weeks Left!

There are only two weeks left for Stampin' Up!s largest promotion of the year: Sale-a-bration!

 

What does Sale-a-bration mean to you?

- Host: a workshop and receive FREE products! You, as hostess, can earn a FREE shopping tote and a FREE bundle of three products (see pages 6-7 in Sale-a-bration mini). And yes, I have a few open dates left in my calendar so don't worry about that!

- Shop: for every $50 purchase (even for hostesses!) you get FREE Sale-a-bration product!

- Join: Start your own business during the Sale-a-bration promotion period and you'll get the Starter Kit for only $125 (reduced from $175) and you can also earn a FREE paper pack or digital download every month for the rest of the year!

But here's the sad news: Sale-a-bration ends March 31st which means time is running out:

 

 

Don't be like the poor crafter in the photo above. Don't forget to place your Sale-a-bration order - contact me today!

 

Sundays with Sizzix: Beautiful Butterflies

Today I am going to show you how to create embellishments for your cards using Stampin' Up!s Wood Sheets and Beautiful Butterflies die. 

 

 

Beautiful Butterflies Card

Ink: Soft Suede

Paper: Peach Parfait (5 1/2 x 8 1/2), Everyday Enchantment designer series paper (two pieces: 4 x 5 1/4, 1 1/2 x 4), Very Vanilla (3" square), Optional: Soft Suede (two pieces 4 x 1 x 1/2)

Punches: Decorative Label, 2 3/8" Scallop Circle, Scallop Edge Border

Accessories: Big Shot, Standard Cutting Pads, Platform, Beautiful Butterflies die #114507, Square Lattice folder #119976, Elegant Bouquet folder #115964, sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals, Snail Adhesive, Wood Sheets #116309 (5 x 2 1/2)

And now for the video tutorial. Enjoy!

 

If you haven't tried Wood Sheets or don't have the Beautiful Butterflies die yet, go here to place your order at my Online Store. I am also happy to help you place an order so contact me at: [email protected].

And remember: with a $50 product order you can get the Everyday Enchantment designer series paper for FREE! (promotion ends March 31st)

Happy crafting!

 

 

 

 

Get More for Your Green!

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! To celebrate this fun day, I am offering a one day special to help you get more for your green:

Get 17% off any order of $17 or more!

Here's how:

1. Grab your catalogs and wish list and create an email of the products (including item code numbers) that you wish to purchase today.

2. In the subject line of your email type the secret code: GREEN 17

3. Include your phone number in the email so I can call you for payment details.

4. And that's it! I will take care of all the ordering details and you will get more for your green!

And speaking of green, don't forget that Stampin' Up! has a fabulous collection of green as well: Lucky Limeade, Always Artichoke, Garden Green, Old Olive, Wild Wasabi, Pear Pizzazz, and Certainly Celery!

 

Top 'o the morning and happy GREEN to you and your family today!